About Chester – Gunsmoke (09-11-60)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: Episode Summary Title: About Chester – Gunsmoke (09-11-60)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: July 19, 2025

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Introduction

In the compelling episode titled “About Chester” from the iconic Western series Gunsmoke, host Andrew Rhynes transports listeners to the rugged landscapes of Dodge City. This episode delves into the tensions and mysteries surrounding Marshal Matt Dillon and his associates as they navigate challenges in the untamed frontier.

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Plot Overview

Setting the Scene (01:10 - 05:00)

The story begins with a narration that sets the tone for the Wild West, highlighting the relentless effort to maintain peace and order:
“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.” (01:10)

Marshal Matt Dillon introduces himself, emphasizing the solitary and watchful nature of his job:
“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.” (01:48)

Kitty, the owner of the local saloon, expresses concern over their missing associate, Doc Adams:
“This morning I tried to warn him.” (02:46)

Matt decides to investigate, suggesting a joint effort with Kitty to locate Doc:
“Well, at least we'd know something's wrong. Man, I can feel it.” (03:23)

The Search Intensifies (05:00 - 12:00)

Matt and his friend Chester Proudfoot set out to find Doc Adams. Along the way, they encounter Emmett Bowers, who informs them about recent horse thievery:
“Boy went into town this morning to tell the marshal to get out here. I've lost three of my best broodmares.” (08:05)

Chester expresses unease about Doc's absence, hinting at deeper troubles:
“Well, sometimes it's better that way, I suppose.” (06:05)

Unexpected Complications (12:00 - 20:00)

The trio's journey leads them to a secluded cabin where Chester meets Doc Adams. Tensions rise as suspicions emerge about Doc's sudden disappearance:
“I suspect Marshall sent him in here to borrow one of the horses so they'd have proof to hang me.” (15:03)

Emmett Bowers reveals a strained relationship between Doc and the marshal, hinting at betrayal and mistrust:
“Marshall's sneaking in here. If he so much as puts a foot on this ranch, I'll shoot him not to ask.” (19:08)

As conflicts escalate, Chester finds himself tied up by Doc and Emmett, leading to a tense standoff:
“You don't let him leave me tied here. I can't persuade him one way or another.” (20:37)

Climactic Confrontation (20:00 - 24:00)

The situation reaches a boiling point when Matt Dillon arrives at the cabin, seeking Doc Adams:
“Marshall, have you been here all this time?” (17:01)

A heated exchange unfolds as truths are unveiled, revealing that Doc had been manipulated into a trap:
“Marshall sent him in here to borrow one of the horses so they'd have proof to hang me.” (15:03)

The climax intensifies with Chester struggling for freedom and the imminent arrival of Matt Dillon to resolve the conflict.

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Character Highlights

• Matt Dillon (William Conrad): The steadfast U.S. Marshal whose dedication to justice often places him at the center of conflicts. His leadership and intuition drive the narrative forward.

• Kitty (Georgia Ellis): Owner of the local saloon, Kitty serves as Matt’s confidante and partner in maintaining order within Dodge City. Her concern for Doc Adams underscores the tight-knit community.

• Chester Proudfoot (Harley Bear): A loyal friend to Matt, Chester’s involvement introduces layers of friendship and trust that are tested throughout the episode.

• Doc Adams (Howard McNear): Initially perceived as a dependable ally, the revelation of his entanglement in a plot against Matt adds complexity to his character.

• Emmett Bowers (Vic Taran): Represents the archetype of the struggling rancher, whose desperation leads to drastic measures, highlighting themes of survival and morality in the West.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Matt Dillon: “It's a chancy job and it makes a man watchful and a little lonely.” (01:48)

• Kitty: “This morning I tried to warn him.” (02:46)

• Chester Proudfoot: “You think Jester will feel like riding? If he doesn't, he'll go anyway.” (05:00)

• Emmett Bowers: “Jack, please don't. No, Doctor, please.” (21:06)

• Doc Adams: “Marshall sent him in here to borrow one of the horses so they'd have proof to hang me.” (15:03)

• Matt Dillon: “What are you doing, traipsing on my lamp?” (11:52)

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Themes and Insights

“About Chester” delves into themes of trust, betrayal, and the thin line between lawmen and outlaws. The episode explores how desperation can lead individuals to compromise their morals and the profound impact of these choices on personal relationships and community dynamics. Marshal Matt Dillon’s unwavering sense of justice serves as a moral compass amidst the chaos, highlighting the enduring struggle between maintaining order and confronting corruption in the frontier.

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Conclusion

“About Chester” is a quintessential Gunsmoke episode that masterfully weaves intrigue, character development, and moral dilemmas into its narrative. Andrew Rhynes’ expert restoration enhances the rich audio landscape, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in this timeless Western tale. Through sharp dialogues and compelling plot twists, the episode continues to honor the legacy of Gunsmoke, delivering a story that resonates with themes of loyalty, justice, and the complexities of human nature.

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Notable Production Details:

• Produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman McDonald.
• Written by Frank Terrace with editorial supervision by John Meston.
• Featured Cast:
  • William Conrad as Matt Dillon
  • Harley Bear as Chester Proudfoot
  • Howard McNear as Doc Adams
  • Georgia Ellis as Kitty

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Final Note:
This episode exemplifies the enduring appeal of classic Western radio dramas, brought to life with enhanced audio quality by Old Time Radio Westerns. Whether you are a longtime fan or new to the series, “About Chester” offers a captivating journey into the heart of the Wild West.

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.

[Narrator]

Around Dodge City and in the territory on west, there's just one way to handle the killers and the spoilers, and that's with a U.S. marshal and the smell of gun smoke. Gun Smoke 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.

[Kitty]

Matt? Oh, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm back here, Kitty. I'll be right on.

[Kitty]

For a minute I thought you'd left down.

[Matt Dillon]

No, but it's a good idea. I just released a couple of your hangovers from last night. Thought I better get the cells straightened up.

[Kitty]

Where's Chester?

[Matt Dillon]

At Delmonico's. I told him he got some food. He's awful puny.

[Kitty]

This morning I tried to warn him.

[Matt Dillon]

And it wouldn't be so bad, Kitty, if you'd stopped selling that green beer.

[Kitty]

It's all I can get and you know it.

[Matt Dillon]

He wants some coffee. Has Doc come back yet?

[Kitty]

No, and I don't like it. Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Ah, don't worry about it, Kenny. He can take care of himself.

[Kitty]

I know, but this is the fourth day.

[Matt Dillon]

It has been four days, hasn't it?

[Kitty]

Yes. Matt, why don't you and I ride out to Emmett Bower's place? It's find out where Doc was going when he left there.

[Matt Dillon]

How do you know he isn't still there? Bow's boy could have had complications with that broken arm.

[Kitty]

Well, at least we'd know something's wrong. Man, I can feel it.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, Kitty.

[Chester Proudfoot]

All right.

[Matt Dillon]

Look, have you had breakfast?

[Kitty]

No.

[Matt Dillon]

We better eat first. Come on, let's go over and join Chester, huh?

[Kitty]

All right. Max, look. Isn't that Emmett Bowers coming out of the Dodge House?

[Matt Dillon]

That sure is. Hey, Emmett, hold up.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Hello, Marshall. I was just coming over to see you. Morning, Ms. Kennedy.

[Kitty]

Bye.

[Matt Dillon]

We were just talking about you.

[Kitty]

It was Doc out at your place.

[Chester Proudfoot]

No. No, he isn't. As a matter of fact, that's why I was coming out to see you.

[Matt Dillon]

Ah, how's that?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, Doc never did show up that day.

[Kitty]

What?

[Chester Proudfoot]

That's right. I went up to his office this morning, but everything was locked up. I thought maybe you knew where he was.

[Kitty]

I told you, Matt, something's wrong.

[Matt Dillon]

What about your boy, Emmett?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, he's getting along all right. I said he's armed myself, but I want a doc to take a look at it.

[Doc Adams]

Yeah.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, Kitty, looks like you and I won't be making that trip today.

[Kitty]

Why not?

[Matt Dillon]

I better ride out with Chester. He and I can cover more ground.

[Kitty]

That's all right with me.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, it's nice seeing you, Emmett.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yeah. Yeah. I hope you find him all right.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm sure we will. So long.

[Friend 1]

Bye.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Come on, Miss Kitty.

[Friend 2]

Bye.

[Kitty]

You think Jester will feel like riding?

[Matt Dillon]

If he doesn't, he'll go anyway. I'll be good for him.

[Friend 1]

Ms. Ketchum sure is a stingy old lady.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, how do you figure that, chester, my man.

[Friend 1]

Mr. Don, you think she would at least offered us a drink of water?

[Emmett Bowers]

Something just to be hospitable?

[Matt Dillon]

If you wanted water, you should have asked her. She'd have given you some.

[Friend 1]

That ain't the idea. It's just polite to offer folks something when they drop in on you.

[Matt Dillon]

You know, Chester, not many prairie people have the time to be polite.

[Doc Adams]

Chester.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, hold up.

[Friend 1]

What's the matter?

[Matt Dillon]

I think we'll split up here.

[Friend 1]

Well, I thought we was going on to Clooney Place.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, we are, but there's a couple of other ranches on the way that Doc could have visited. Now, we can cover more ground if we split up. The trail to the right leads by the Pope ranch. Want you to go by there and I'll meet you at the Clooney place later. All right.

[Friend 1]

Well, how'd I get to the Clunies after I leave the Pope's?

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, man, Pope can tell you. Just follow the trail. The clunies are about 10 miles north of the Pope's.

[Friend 1]

All right. You know, I got me a kindly Funny feeling about Doc, Mr. Jonas, huh?

[Matt Dillon]

How's that?

[Friend 1]

Well, you know how him and old man Clooney are such good checker buddies and they don't hardly ever get to see each other. Well, I just bet you Doc's been at him these past four days. Taking a little time off of playing checkers.

[Matt Dillon]

Ah, Chester, that's not likely.

[Friend 1]

No, I guess I was just wishing.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, well, better get started. It'll be dark by the time we meet at the Clooneys.

[Friend 1]

All right, but what if I find Doc?

[Matt Dillon]

You just bring him out of the Clunies with you. We can spend the night there and then head back to Dodge in the morning.

[Friend 1]

Been an awful long time since I've been out this way, Mr. Jones.

[Matt Dillon]

Just stick close to the trail. You won't get lost. Well, so long.

[Friend 1]

So long.

[Matt Dillon]

And don't waste any time visiting with the folks, huh?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yes, sir.

[Friend 1]

Get out. If I knew I was going to be riding all day, I wouldn't have drunk as much beer last night.

[Emmett Bowers]

How do?

[Narrator]

Howdy.

[Friend 1]

Are you Mr. Pope?

[Emmett Bowers]

That's right.

[Friend 1]

I'm Chester Proudfoot.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, I know that.

[Emmett Bowers]

I seen you in Dodge, Marshall. Couldn't come yourself, huh?

[Friend 2]

Couldn't you?

[Friend 1]

Was you expecting Mr. Ellen?

[Matt Dillon]

Sure I was.

[Friend 1]

Oh, is there something wrong, Mr. Pope?

[Emmett Bowers]

Well, now, didn't my boy tell the marshal?

[Friend 1]

Tell him what?

[Emmett Bowers]

About the horse thieving.

[Friend 1]

Horse thieving?

[Emmett Bowers]

Yeah, Boy went into town this morning to tell the marshal to get out here.

[Matt Dillon]

I've lost three of my best broodmares.

[Emmett Bowers]

Within the last week. Stole right from under my nose.

[Friend 1]

Didn't know nothing about that. We left Dodge earlier this morning. I guess that was before your boy got there.

[Emmett Bowers]

Well, what are you doing out here, then?

[Friend 1]

Well, we're out looking for Doc Adams, see nobody. Ain't heard from him in four days, and we've been awful worried.

[Emmett Bowers]

Well, I ain't seen him. Did you say the marshal was out with you?

[Friend 1]

Yeah, he took the other trail at the fork about five mile back. I'm to meet him at the Cooney ranch later on.

[Emmett Bowers]

Well, you tell him about my mares. Something's got to be done.

[Friend 1]

Oh, yes, sir, I sure will. Say, how far is it to the Cluny place?

[Matt Dillon]

Good.

[Emmett Bowers]

Nine or ten miles, right toward them clouds.

[Friend 1]

It is kind of black looking over there, ain't it? But I don't suppose a little rain will hurt me.

[Emmett Bowers]

You can catch a good dose of fever soaking up rain.

[Friend 1]

I got my slicker.

[Emmett Bowers]

You're gonna need it.

[Friend 1]

Well, I ain't making no track standing here Am I? I wish I had time to visit with you a little bit, Mr. Pope.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Don't you forget to tell the marshal.

[Emmett Bowers]

About my H.

[Friend 1]

That limp ain't getting no better, that's for sure. Come on. I don't even see that foot. Easy, boy. Stone brute a bad one. Well, looks like you ain't gonna be no use to me at all if I ride anymore. You'll give out altog I ain't sure how long now. Last I have to walk to the plumies. Be a good five mile here. Well, come on, horse. I can't afford to leave you out here on prairie. Can walk, same as me. H. Me, I'm getting too old for such carrying on as this. Well, I do declare. Look at there. That's a cabin hiding in them trees. Come on, horse. I knew the good Lord wasn't going to leave us for the rain.

[Emmett Bowers]

Hey, get up and walk in here.

[Doc Adams]

Come on, I said.

[Friend 1]

All right, all right, I'm coming. I ain't armed.

[Emmett Bowers]

Don't shoot.

[Doc Adams]

I wanted to shoot you, I'd have hit you in the first place. That's far enough. What are you doing, traipsing on my lamp?

[Friend 1]

I didn't know he wasn't loud, dad.

[Doc Adams]

Yeah.

[Kitty]

What you shooting at?

[Doc Adams]

The stranger. Look, nobody just wanders up here.

[Friend 1]

Well, I did, mister. Why, I. I was on the trail and my horse got a stone bruise about a mile or so back. And when I seen your cabin, I figured I could ask you for cover before the rain started.

[Doc Adams]

I got no sheltered off of a stranger.

[Friend 2]

Now, Dak, that's no way to be.

[Kitty]

Looks tired.

[Friend 2]

Won't hurt us to be friendly.

[Doc Adams]

Sometimes it don't pay to be friendly, Lily May. I don't cotton to a man wandering on to my place aimless like.

[Friend 1]

I ain't aimless, Mister, I'm not here for a good reason. See, I'm supposed to meet Marshall Dillon at the Clooney place. Now, that's about three miles from here, ain't it?

[Doc Adams]

You say Marshal Dillon?

[Friend 1]

Yes, sir, that's right. I work with him. And Dr. See, I'm Chester Proudfoot.

[Doc Adams]

Well, a friend of the marshals ought to be welcome in our place.

[Friend 2]

We ain't used to having visitors, Mr. Proudfoot, but we'd be pleased to have you join us for supper.

[Friend 1]

Why, thank you, ma'.

[Friend 2]

Am.

[Doc Adams]

You're going in the house, Lily May. I'll put your horse in the shed. You'll stay dry.

[Friend 1]

All right. And thank you.

[Friend 2]

Come on, Mr. Proudfoot.

[Friend 1]

Just call me Chester, ma'. Am. Most Folks does all right. Why, you folks sure do have awful big crowd. Such a little ranch.

[Friend 2]

Oh, Dad's in the horse business. He gets them wild off the prairie and gentles them, and then he sells them. Things ain't been going too well lately, though.

[Friend 1]

You've been living out here long?

[Friend 2]

Not long. Come on in. Now, you sit down there at that table, and I'll pour you a cup of coffee.

[Friend 1]

Well, thank you. I sure do appreciate you being so kind and all. Man, when I first walked up here, I thought I got into a hornet's nest.

[Friend 2]

Well, dad don't trust people as easy as he should.

[Friend 1]

Well, sometimes it's better that way, I suppose.

[Friend 2]

Not for me, it ain't. I like to visit with people, have them around to talk to. I don't think I'll ever get used to living out here.

[Friend 1]

Do you, by any chance know Doc Adams from Dodge?

[Friend 2]

Doc Adams? Yup.

[Emmett Bowers]

Never heard of him.

[Friend 2]

Why?

[Friend 1]

Oh, I was just wondering.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Your horse will be all right.

[Doc Adams]

I gave him some grain.

[Friend 1]

Well, thank you, Jerry. Say, I've been thinking. It's gonna take a few days for him to get over that bruise. Would you be willing to loan me one of your horses so that I can go on and meet Mr. Dillon tonight? I'll bring you back to you first thing in the morning.

[Doc Adams]

Well, sure, sure. We can talk about it after supper. I better stoke up that fire a little, man.

[Friend 2]

Thank you, dad. Looks like it's starting to rain. Maybe you ought to stay here with us tonight, Chester.

[Friend 1]

Well, no, thank you. I guess not, ma'.

[Doc Adams]

Am.

[Friend 1]

Mr. Dillon will get worried about me if I don't.

[Friend 2]

Dick, you killed him.

[Doc Adams]

He ain't dead.

[Friend 2]

What got into you? Why'd you hit him?

[Doc Adams]

It's a trap, Lily Mae.

[Friend 2]

What do you mean, a trap?

[Doc Adams]

Just that I suspected when he told.

[Matt Dillon]

Us who he was.

[Doc Adams]

Marshall sent him in here to borrow one of the horses so they'd have proof to hang me. They're on to us.

[Friend 2]

What are we gonna do?

[Doc Adams]

Move out first thing in the morning. Take us most of the night to pack.

[Friend 2]

We've been moving steady for three years. When does it start?

[Doc Adams]

When I get enough money saved up to buy a decent farm.

[Friend 2]

How many times have I heard that? What are you gonna do with him?

[Doc Adams]

Tie him up and leave him here to rot?

[Friend 2]

That's murder, Dick. Nobody ever comes around here.

[Doc Adams]

Serve him right.

[Friend 2]

You losing your senses? You gonna gonna start killing, and I'll be a murderer too.

[Emmett Bowers]

Shut up.

[Doc Adams]

I'll do what I.

[Friend 2]

Sa.

[Matt Dillon]

Hello, Mrs. Malloy.

[Emmett Bowers]

Come in.

[Friend 1]

Come in.

[Emmett Bowers]

Hey, What a nice drive.

[Matt Dillon]

Is Chester here yet?

[Emmett Bowers]

No. Is he coming too?

[Matt Dillon]

He's supposed to meet me here.

[Kitty]

Oh.

[Emmett Bowers]

Hang your slicker there.

[Narrator]

Ah, thanks.

[Emmett Bowers]

Say, what brings you out in this weather?

[Matt Dillon]

Doc Adams. Have you seen him?

[Emmett Bowers]

Well, I reckon I have. Come on back the kitchen where it's warm.

[Matt Dillon]

All right.

[Emmett Bowers]

Well, Matt.

[Chester Proudfoot]

What?

[Narrator]

Doc.

[Matt Dillon]

There he is.

[Emmett Bowers]

Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Doc, have you been here all this time?

[Emmett Bowers]

Ever since Monday.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, what happened to you?

[Emmett Bowers]

Sit down, Marshall. Yeah. Get the load off. You think?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, Chester was right.

[Emmett Bowers]

Chester was that?

[Matt Dillon]

He said you probably decided to take a few days off and come out here to play checkers with clowny.

[Friend 2]

Play?

[Emmett Bowers]

Oh, he did?

[Doc Adams]

Yeah.

[Emmett Bowers]

That ain't it exactly, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Looks pretty clear to me.

[Emmett Bowers]

Don't be too hasty. I didn't get these circles under my eyes just sitting here staring at this checkerboard for four days. Now.

[Matt Dillon]

Tell me you've been sick, Doc. You never been sick a day in your life.

[Emmett Bowers]

He sure was this time, Marshall. I seen it. He had the fever. If it hadn't been for the good care Clooney gave me, I'd still be late.

[Matt Dillon]

How did you end up out here anyway? You left to go to the bar's place, didn't you?

[Emmett Bowers]

I know, but I got caught in a thunderstorm. I got on the wrong trail. Next thing I knew, I was here. He was awful pitiful. Did you hear from Bowers, man?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. The boy will be all right. Bowers set the arm himself. Must not have been too bad.

[Emmett Bowers]

Thank goodness for that. I was going back to dark this afternoon, but when those clouds came up, I figured I'd best wait till morning. And I guess it's a good thing you did.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Emmett Bowers]

Oh, Marshall, you say Chester is going to meet you here? Chester come out with you?

[Matt Dillon]

Uh huh. We've been scanning the whole countryside for you, Doc. Yeah, he took the east trail. He ought to be along anytime now as he decided to stay at the moors because of the rain.

[Friend 1]

Oh, my head.

[Friend 2]

Well, I'm glad to see you come out of it, and that's a fact.

[Friend 1]

What? What happened to my head? Why am I all tied up like this?

[Friend 2]

Dak hit you on the head and he tied you up.

[Emmett Bowers]

Why?

[Friend 1]

Why in the world did he do that?

[Friend 2]

Got you figured the marshal sent you in here to borrow one of our horses, didn't he?

[Doc Adams]

No.

[Friend 1]

What are you talking about?

[Friend 2]

Don't lie to me, mister. I'm being nice to you. Almost got myself bruised up for being so nice.

[Friend 1]

I ain't lying. I don't know what you're saying.

[Friend 2]

The marshal Knows about Dax. Knows he's wanted for horse thief and he wanted proof, so he sent you here.

[Friend 1]

No, no, no, that ain't so. But if your husband is a horse thief, Mr. Dillon will catch up with.

[Emmett Bowers]

Him sooner or later.

[Friend 2]

No, he won't. We're gonna move on away from here.

[Friend 1]

So what's he gonna do with me?

[Friend 2]

He's gonna leave you here tied up.

[Doc Adams]

It ain't let up, honey. Oh, he'd come too, huh?

[Friend 2]

Yeah, maybe. I'd give him something to eat.

[Doc Adams]

Forget that. We got work to do. I finished up in the bar. Now let's get started in here.

[Friend 2]

You were gonna get any sleep tonight?

[Doc Adams]

When we finish packing, we can take turns sleeping. I ain't gonna take a chance on that. Marshall's sneaking in here. If he so much as puts a foot on this ranch, I'll shoot him not to ask. It's him or me, Lily May. And it ain't going to be me.

[Friend 2]

Yeah. What you want?

[Friend 1]

Could I have drink of water?

[Friend 2]

I guess so.

[Friend 1]

Whereat your husband?

[Friend 2]

He's outside loading the wagon.

[Emmett Bowers]

Here you are.

[Friend 2]

Good. I'll hold it for you.

[Friend 1]

Thank you. How long has it been?

[Friend 2]

Daylight, about a half an hour.

[Friend 1]

I had heard something fierce.

[Friend 2]

You want any more?

[Friend 1]

No, thank you.

[Emmett Bowers]

You don't let him leave me tied here.

[Friend 2]

I can't persuade him one way or another. If he makes up his mind, he never changes it.

[Emmett Bowers]

What about you?

[Friend 2]

There's nothing I can do about it.

[Emmett Bowers]

Yes, there are.

[Friend 1]

You could cut me loose before he comes back in here. He won't know the difference. I'll make like I'm still tied up.

[Friend 2]

He'd kill me and you too.

[Friend 1]

But he won't know the difference. I'll make sure he don't.

[Friend 2]

No. No. I know I can't do it.

[Friend 1]

You gotta do it. You gotta.

[Friend 2]

I'll die.

[Matt Dillon]

Sure.

[Friend 2]

You won't try to leave before we get out of here?

[Friend 1]

No, I won't. I give you my word.

[Friend 2]

He'd kill you if you did.

[Friend 1]

I know that.

[Friend 2]

Oh, I'll get mine. Cut your arms. You can untie your feet after we leave.

[Friend 1]

That'll be fine.

[Emmett Bowers]

There.

[Friend 2]

Now you keep them behind you, or.

[Emmett Bowers]

We'Ll both be together.

[Doc Adams]

There's a buggy down on the trail. Looks like that fool Marshall riding behind it. Come here after his friend. Get that rifle.

[Friend 1]

Wait a minute.

[Doc Adams]

What do you got in your hand?

[Friend 2]

Nothing.

[Matt Dillon]

I see that.

[Doc Adams]

A knife.

[Emmett Bowers]

Why?

[Doc Adams]

You was gonna cut him loose. You little winch.

[Friend 2]

Don't, Jack.

[Emmett Bowers]

Stop it.

[Matt Dillon]

Come to you later.

[Doc Adams]

Right now there's A marshal we gotta take care of. Grab that rifle over there and cover that window, you hear?

[Friend 2]

No. No, I ain't gonna do it.

[Friend 1]

What?

[Friend 2]

I ain't gonna do it. I'm tired of running, living like an animal. Let that marshal come in.

[Doc Adams]

What kind of talk is that?

[Emmett Bowers]

You're in this as deep as I am.

[Friend 2]

I didn't steal any horses. They won't hang me.

[Matt Dillon]

All right.

[Friend 2]

No, Jack. Jack, please don't. No, Doctor, please.

[Emmett Bowers]

Go. Leave her alone.

[Friend 1]

I got your rifle.

[Chester Proudfoot]

What?

[Emmett Bowers]

I'll shoot you if you hit her again.

[Doc Adams]

So she did cut you loose. You really done it this time. Lily May.

[Friend 1]

Back over towards the door. What for? Suppose you'll be there when Mr. Jones comes in.

[Friend 2]

Go on.

[Emmett Bowers]

All right, sure. Hello.

[Friend 2]

Jack.

[Friend 1]

See, he tried to grab the rifle. I didn't want to shoot him. I'm sorry, ma'. Am.

[Friend 2]

You don't have to be sorry, Chester. There's no reason for you to apologize. Suddenly it don't seem to matter.

[Friend 1]

Yes, ma'.

[Emmett Bowers]

Am. Anybody in there?

[Doc Adams]

It's me, Mr. John.

[Emmett Bowers]

Chester.

[Doc Adams]

Chester, what in the world?

[Matt Dillon]

What's going on here?

[Friend 1]

Who's this?

[Emmett Bowers]

Well, see, I saw him, but he's.

[Friend 2]

Going to be all right.

[Emmett Bowers]

Mr. Young, you.

[Friend 1]

You just won't believe it.

[Doc Adams]

Maybe you better try me, huh?

[Friend 1]

Yes, sir. Well, see, I was riding along down the trail towards this place, and it seemed to me that my horse was getting kind of gimpy. So I got off, and sure enough.

[Emmett Bowers]

He had a real bad. That.

[Narrator]

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 Frank Terrace with editorial supervision by John Meston. Featured in the cast were Harry Bartel, Lynn Allen, Vic Taran and Bartlett Robinson. Harley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc, and Georgia Ellis is Kitty. This is George Walsh inviting you to join us again next week when CBS Radio presents another story on gun smoke.

[Doc Adams]

Foreign.

[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 Become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate 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 Like Copyright for more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Emmett Bowers]

Sam.