Billy the Kid | Gunsmoke (04-26-52)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns – Podcast Summary

Episode: Billy the Kid | Gunsmoke (04-26-52)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: February 3, 2026
Featured Drama: Gunsmoke – “Billy the Kid” (Original Air Date: April 26, 1952)

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Episode Overview

In this episode, host Andrew Rhynes presents the very first episode of the iconic radio western, Gunsmoke, originally aired in 1952. The story, titled “Billy the Kid,” delves into the climate of Dodge City and the challenge of justice on the tumultuous frontier. Notably, this pilot episode features some differences from later Gunsmoke, with key characters not yet set in stone—Kitty is called “Francie,” and Matt Dillon’s tone is markedly different.

Rhynes provides historical context for the show and highlights the careful restoration and enhanced audio quality, aiming to immerse listeners in the golden age of radio.

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Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

1. Introduction and Episode Context

• Host Andrew Rhynes sets the stage, explaining the historical significance of Gunsmoke’s first episode.
  • Notable differences: William Conrad’s early portrayal of Matt Dillon, and “Kitty” being called “Francie.”
  • [01:13]: “Now mind you, this is the first episode. William Conrad doesn't sound so much like William Conrad. Or at least the Matt Dillon we're used to. Kitty wasn't called Kitty. Kitty was called Fancy. So there are some changes. Little different. Hope you enjoy and let's get into it.” — Andrew Rhynes

2. Setting the Mood in Dodge City

• Marshal Matt Dillon introduces the lawless environment and the need for a strong lawman’s hand.
  • [03:29]: “Around Dodge City to 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.” — Matt Dillon

3. Aftermath of a Bank Robbery and the Hunt for Clay Richards

• A wanted notice is prepared for Clay Richards, accused of murder and bank robbery.
• The town’s opportunism: locals and the newspaper relish the drama.
  • [03:57]: “A picture like this sure dresses up the front page, don't it?... I'm printing an extra 500 copies of the Weekly and I bet I sell them all.” — Mr. Hightower (newspaper man)
  • Dillon reflects on society’s tendency to exploit violence:
    • [06:42]: “It's the way people use a thing like this. The men riding posse last night, they enjoyed it. As though they were hunting fox or possum.” — Matt Dillon

4. Clay’s Body Returns; Suspicion Falls on Pete Ziegler

• Clay’s body is found slung over a horse, and the townsfolk quickly suspect Pete Ziegler (“the Dutchman”).
• Ziegler protests his innocence amid threats from the mob.
  • [10:26]: “I kill nobody. Not since Gettysburg. Clay is dead already when I find him. I don't even own a pistol.” — Pete Ziegler

5. Mob Mentality and Escalating Tension

• Dillon struggles to keep the peace as Clay’s brother Adam incites violence.
  • [16:32]: “You made a deal with the Dutchman to give him the reward and protect him if he'd kill Clay for you... You had him killed so you could get his wife.” — Adam Richards
  • Dillon’s authority is challenged by Adam and the angry crowd.

6. A Kid Runs from Home: The “Billy the Kid” Parallel

• A runaway boy from Cottonwood, William Bonney, is brought in.
• Matt Dillon interacts with him, revealing a fascination with guns and notoriety.
  • [15:07]: “Not me. Someday I'll be famous like you. And for every feller I kill, I'll put a notch on my gun. People see those notches and they'll know they better not try.” — William Bonney (Billy the Kid)
  • Dillon’s somber reply reflects the burden of violence:
    • [15:02]: “You don't keep score, son. It's something you try to forget.” — Matt Dillon

7. Forensic Twist: New Light on Clay’s Death

• Doc presents forensic findings indicating Clay was shot but later fatally stabbed. The murder weapon matches a Barlow knife, not a gun—casting doubt on Ziegler’s guilt.
  • [21:45]: “Clay was shot, all right. But ... the wound wasn't what killed Clay... what did kill him was the stab in the back, right through the spine, inflicted sometime this morning... it could have been a Barlow knife.” — Doc

8. The Pressure Mounts—Vigilante Justice or Rule of Law?

• Francie (Clay’s wife) begs Dillon to turn Ziegler over to the mob to clear his own name.

  • [23:02]: “Let him have him. It'll prove that story's a lie, that you didn't make a deal with him. Please, Matt.” — Francie

• Matt Dillon refuses mob justice, making a stand for due process.

  • [24:09]: “It's my duty to warn all of you that you're in the breach of the peace. I've killed men in order to do it, and I'm prepared to do so again... you want Peter Ziegler. Well, he's not born 20ft behind me, so come on and get him.” — Matt Dillon
  • Stands alone against the crowd, refusing to let mob rule prevail.

9. Climax: Facing Down the Mob

• Matt calls the vigilantes' bluff, confronting Adam Richards directly and maintaining order.
  • [25:50]: “I'm not wearing it now. Well, come on. Draw, Adam.” — Matt Dillon

10. Resolution: The Boy, the Knife, and the Real “Billy the Kid”

• Young William Bonney’s bundle is opened—inside is the murder weapon and Clay’s gun.

  • [28:31]: “Here, you're better at knots than I am. Open it, will you?... piece of sausage. And this.44, double action. Yes, Mr. Dillon. That's Clay's gun.” — Chester & Matt Dillon

• The boy escapes again, his mother lamenting his fascination with guns despite her attempts to steer him right.

  • [27:44]: “He wanted a real one. That boy's just gun crazy, I swear. Got him a nice Barlow knife instead.” — Mrs. Bonney

• A new wanted poster is issued—for “Billy the Kid,” the notorious outlaw-to-be, William Bonney, age 12.

  • [29:58]: “William Bonney. William Bonney. Age 12. Height about 5ft. Hair light, eyes blue... Also known as Billy the Kid.” — Matt Dillon

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the burden of lawmen:
  • [15:02]: “You don't keep score, son. It's something you try to forget.” — Matt Dillon
• On sensationalizing violence:
  • [06:42]: “It's the way people use a thing like this. The men riding posse last night, they enjoyed it. As though they were hunting fox or possum.” — Matt Dillon
• On facing the mob:
  • [24:09]: “It's my duty to warn all of you that you're in the breach of the peace. I've killed men in order to do it, and I'm prepared to do so again... you want Peter Ziegler. Well, he's not born 20ft behind me, so come on and get him.” — Matt Dillon

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Timestamp Highlights

• [01:13] – Andrew Rhynes introduces the context of Gunsmoke’s pilot episode.
• [03:29] – Matt Dillon opens the story with a reflection on justice in the West.
• [10:26] – Ziegler’s desperate denial before the crowd.
• [15:02] – Matt teaches the boy about the toll of killing.
• [16:32] – Adam Richards accuses Matt in a heated confrontation.
• [21:45] – Doc’s forensic analysis overturns the case, points to stabbing.
• [24:09] – Dillon draws a line against mob justice.
• [28:31] – Discovery of the murder weapon ties young Billy to the crime.
• [29:58] – The legend of “Billy the Kid” is born on a wanted poster.

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Tone & Style

The episode balances suspenseful frontier justice with thoughtful reflections on violence and reputation. The performances are rich, bringing out the psychological stress on Dillon as he must weigh law versus community bloodlust. There’s an undercurrent of melancholy, recognizing both the myth-making of the Old West and its dangerous consequences.

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Conclusion

This classic Gunsmoke story intertwines the origins of notorious outlaw “Billy the Kid” with an exploration of justice, reputation, and the lure of violence in the Old West. The restored audio and historical framing by Andrew Rhynes provide an immersive and thought-provoking return to radio’s golden age, demonstrating why Gunsmoke became an enduring legend.

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Transcript

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[Andrew Rines (Podcast Host)]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines. And let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Gunsmoke and it is the very first episode of Gunsmoke original air dates April 26, 1952 and the title is Billy the Kid. Now mind you, this is the first episode. William Conrad doesn't sound so much like William Conrad. Or at least the Matt Dillon we're used to. Kitty wasn't called Kitty. Kitty was called Fancy. So there are some changes. Little different. Hope you enjoy and let's get into it.

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[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Around Dodge City to 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. Gunsmoke. The story of the violence that moved west with young America. The story of a man who moved with it. Matt Dillon, United States Marshal. Wanted for murder. Wanted murder. Clay Richards. Clay Richards. Age 31. Height, 6ft. Eyes, brown. Hair red. Eyes, brown. Hair, red. Hey, how'd you like me to print his picture on these notices? I got a wood cut. Let me show you. Ernie. That's your marshal. A copy of that front page interviewing Clay's wife. Yesterday I noticed a tintype on the mantel. Their wedding photograph. So first thing you know, I snitched it. It's very thoughtful. Yeah. Oh, I'll take it, Ernie. And then I propped it up in front of me and carved me this woodcut. Ain't she prime? Ain't she just elegant? Real elegant. Good likeness, don't you think? Of course, he was seven or eight years younger with the tentacle. Yeah, it's a good likeness. Doesn't show what makes a law abiding man like him try to rob a bank. Doesn't look like a man who murdered an old cashier and a Chinese cook who just happened to be there. But it's a good likeness. Yes, sir, it is. A picture like this sure dresses up the front page, don't it? Yeah, it's a little masterpiece, Mr. Hightower. A notable contribution to the culture of Dark City. Well, thank you, Marshall. Does fetch the eye, don't it? I'm printing an extra 500 copies of the Weekly and I bet I sell them all. Too bad the cashier shot went wild. If he'd managed to kill Clay or even wing him, why, I bet I could sell a thousand extra copies. We must be thankful for the blessings we do receive, Mr. Hightower. Oh, I am, Marshall. I am. Why, just before it happened yesterday. Yesterday afternoon, I didn't know what I was going to fill my columns with. And then, like Manna from heaven, two murders in the bank robbery. Attempted bank robbery, Mr. Hightower. He turned and ran, for he got his hands on so much as a dollar. Still, as you say, like man, I'm talking business. What is it, Chester? It can wait, I guess, Mr. Dillon. Yeah? Print Clay's picture on those notices, Mr. Hightower. Where were we? Eyes brown, hair red. Oh, yes. Also known as Red, Bricktop and Sorrel. He didn't answer to no other nicknames, did he? No. That's what they called him. All right. Then in big letters, $400 reward, dead or alive. And at the bottom apply Matt Dillon, Marshall, Dodge City. Print 200 copies. How soon can I send Chester over for him? This afternoon. Good morning, Mr. Hightower. Chester. Think those posters will do any good? Richards is probably over the line into Oklahoma or Colorado. But now that strawberry roll of his is the fastest in the county. He has no money. He panicked and ran out of the bank before he got a penny. I think he'll try to get help from his wife or brother or friend the first chance he has. Maybe tonight. I say he's around here somewhere. I. I'm sorry I turned on you like that, Justin. Why, that's all right, Mr. Dillon. Out all night with a posse. No. Sweet. Man's bound get touchy. No, it's not that. It's. It's the way. It's the way people use a thing like this. The men riding posse last night, they enjoyed it. As though they were hunting fox or possum. Hightower back there, he acts like it was a birthday treat specially gotten up for him. Everybody finds a way to use it. What was it you wanted to tell me? Oh, I got a kid, A little boy locked up in the cell, run away from home back in Cottonwood. Ed Slade turned him over to me when he come through on the stagecoach just now. Kid about 12 years old. Who's is he? Widow woman's. Ms. Bonnie. She runs a boarding house in Cottonwood. Ed says kid's always running away. Little wild guess. He flagged Ed for a ride on the road halfway between there and here. Soon as Ed seen him stand there with his bundle on his shoulder, he knowed what he was up to, so he told the kid he'd help him and then turn him over to us when he got here. All right. We'll send a telegram to the mother to come fetch him. Well, come on in, Chester, and shut the door. Mr. Dillon. You're letting in every horse fly in Kansas. Mr. Dillon. I think you better cancel the order for them. Notices what? The Dutchman's coming up the street and he's leading a strawberry roan. And Clay Richards is draped across its back like a sack of wheat across the saddle. Last time I saw him, two days ago, he was standing at the bar laughing his head off. A sack of wheat across the saddle and followed by half the saloon. Buns and loafers and tongue. All right, Chester, make him keep back. All right, now, stand back, you fellas. Come on, now. Back. Stand back. Ziggler, How'd it happen, Ziegler? My goat. My old billy goat. He pushes open the fence last night and runs away. Forget your goat. What about Clay Guy? I tell you, this morning I go to look for the gold. I walk here. There near the river. I see Clay. He sits there. I say, hello, Clay Bight. A dirty Dutchman. You know, the dog. Clay was your best friend. He helped you buy your farm. So you kill him for the. All right, all of you. Keep back, everybody. Clay.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

Louis?

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

No, no, my brother. He was like. We was in the war together. Peter, listen. You killed him for the war. Not so. I kill nobody. Not since Gettysburg. Clay is dead already when I find him. I don't even own a pistol. Ziggler, inside, quick. Chester, give me a hand with Clay. All right, all of you listening. I will not tolerate a disturbance. You know me. I got him, Chester. Take his leg. All right, kick the door shut. Marshall. I don't kill Clay on this table. Chester, What'd you do with Clay's gun? His holster's empty. Gun? Clay's? I ain't got it. I don't even own one. Just to see if it slipped out. His holster was empty. Coming up the street, first thing I noticed. Maybe it's over on the. Another customer. Well, it's three in less than a day. Oh, bountiful harvest. My fees this month will keep me in luxury. In luxury. Doc, I want to have an inquest as soon as possible. As soon as I finish the autopsy. Shouldn't take long with a practice I've had this week. No late afternoon all right with you? I'll take him up to my office right now. No, thank you, Chester. I can carry him all by myself. Here, you just open the door there, like a good fella and me see?

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

Oh, oh, oh, yeah.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Marshall, tell the city fathers I'd like to make a deal. When the corpses are as famous as this one back in 53 in San Francisco. The fellow I knew earned a fortune exhibiting the head of Joaquin Marietta. Tell them if they let me keep the remains, I'll do the autopsies for nothing. Shut the door, Chester. Ziegler. Where is it you met Clay? On the river, by the fort. This side. By the fort. Ride out there, Chester, and see if you can find Clay's gun. Maybe he dropped it when he was shot. I did not shoot Clay. Sure. I did not. I had no reason to. I did not. I did not. Now, you listen to me. Maybe you think Dodge has got so big. I don't know about everything that goes on here. Well, if you do, you're wrong. If you think I don't know about the bank having an overdue mortgage on your farm, you're wrong. $400 is reason enough for a struggling farmer like you. No, couldn't do such a thing. I am a human being. To a peace officer, Ziegler. That's enough grounds for suspicion. But whether you did it or not, we decided it's your trial. In the meantime, you just stop yammering about it. Trial?

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

Me?

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Even when I shoot somebody, I stand trial. If they find it's justifiable homicide, and they probably will, Clay being a wanted man, then he'll let you off. And if not. Please. I am permitted to go now. Go? Are you crazy? I found this stock. I must look after you. Sit right down. You want to be Lynch. You're trying to get yourself murdered. Have you forgotten about Clay's brother Adam? Adam would not believe I shot you. What difference does it make whether he believes it or not? His brother's been killed. Everybody's looking to him to do something about it, and he knows it. You want me to guess where he is right this minute? He's in one of them saloons lapping up courage to come in here and ask me to give you to him for a present. You want to know who's with him? Every loafer, every bum ever slob in town slapping him on the back and telling him what a shame it is taking him on to kill you so that they can have some excitement and some fun. Maybe you deserve killing. But it's my job to uphold the law and I'm not letting you out of here. You must spend your time trying to think up a better story. That is, if you intend to stay in this town. All right, now think back. Didn't Clegg offer His gun before you shot him. I tell you, I didn't. If I'm not under arrest, you have no right to keep me here. I got to look after my farm. I go. All right, Chester, lock him up. Yes, sir, Mr. Dillon. Come on now, Ziggy. Step out, sonny. This cage is bespoke. Who's in there, Chester? That little old runaway from Cottonwood. Oh, come over here, son. Come over here to me.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

I know who you are.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

You do, do you?

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

You bet. You're Matt Dillon.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Guilty.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

I knowed you right off. You just pointed out to me one day back home. Diller says you was the fastest gun thrower in Kansas.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Wyatt Earp. Wouldn't be awful interested to hear that, I'm afraid.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

Filler says you was faster than older. Faster than Wild Bill Hickok in Hays City and Bat Masterson or any of them. How many fellows have you killed?

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

You don't keep score, son. It's something you try to forget.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

Not me. Someday I'll be famous like you. And for every feller I kill, I'll put a notch on my gun. People see those notches and they'll know they better not try.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Why'd you run away from home, Bubba? Don't you know your mother's likely to worry about you?

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

Oh, she won't worry. She's too busy working. You ain't gonna make me go back, are you? Wouldn't do that, would you? Well, because it wouldn't stop me for long. I'd only run away again.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Where you off to in such a sweat?

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

Oh, Texas, California, Mexico. Fella can accomplish things there. Not like living in old Cottonwood. If you let me go someday when I'm famous, you can tell people you helped get me started.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Well, that's a pretty strong inducement. I'll have to think about it for a while. And look, while I'm making up my mind, I want you to give me your word. Word of a man who'll be famous someday that he won't try to run away from me. Otherwise, I'll have to have Chester lock you up again.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

I'll shake on that.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Good. Good. Chester, I want you to go look for Clay's gun. Yes, Mr. Dillon. And on the way, stop off and send that telegram you know. Oh, that telegram. Yes, Mr. Dylan, I'll. Where's England? It's all right, Chester. Go ahead. Yes, Mr. Dillon. Where's that murdering dog? Oh, there you are.

[Andrew Rines (Podcast Host)]

You.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Not a single step further, Adam. I want him, Dylan. He murdered Clay. Shot him down without giving him a chance. How do you know? Because Clay wouldn't have let anyone catch him off guard. Except a friend. Not Dylan. Give me that Dutchman. Try to take him just like that. It's like that. It's true what the fellas say. You made a deal with the Dutchman to give him the reward and protect him if he'd kill Clay for you. At was the deal, was it? Yeah. The fellows say why I'd make such a deal. Dylan, it ain't no longer a secret around town that you and Francie want each other. But Clay was in the way. You had him killed so you could get his wife. Do you deny it? No. No. It'll serve as well as any other crazy story to work you up. You think you're safe behind that star, don't you? Well, Clay have friends, lots of them. I'm coming back with them friends. And we'll get the Dutchman and you and anyone else who tries to us. All right, Adam. I'll be waiting. Yeah, you wait.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

I almost seen something pretty just then, didn't I, Mr. Dylan?

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Yeah, almost. I don't know. That pint of whiskey ought to do it. We will return for the second act of Gunsmoke in just a moment. But first, many radio shows win high popularity with the prizes and cash they give away. But there's one show that stops because the head man gives away as little as possible. What other radio program could it be but the Jack Benny Show? So be listening. Here's the second act of Gunsmok, Son.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

You say something, Mr. Dillon?

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Yeah. Open that drawer in front of you there. You'll find a small bottle of oil in there. No, no, the one to the right. Yeah, that's it. Now, bring a little brush too, huh?

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

Here it is.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Thanks, bub.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

It's the right. Nice gun you have.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

That's not bad, but a little stiff. Just a little stiff.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

Don't it have a trigger? I never seen no gun without a trigger before. Oh.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

You remove a trigger or tie it back against the guard and all you have to do is thumb a hammer. Hey, like that. It's faster. Yeah, that's better.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

Now remove the trigger. I remember that.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

What in the world for?

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

Well, I remember everything you told me about the Texas holster and the spring holster and the double roll and filing off the site.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

It's just me, Mr. Dillon. Oh. Any luck, Chester? No, sir, not any. I went to the store first and asked Mr. Denton what kind of ammunition Clay Richard used to buy. And he told me Clay had a double action. 44. I scarred that river bank a half mile each way from the ford and not a sign of it. I got that telegram off. You know who ought to be here pretty soon. Only seven, eight miles from is that fire in town. Funeral services from Mr. Grinnell, the cashier. So soon? It's awful hot weather. Yeah. Any of your guns need oiling, Justin? I don't think so. You sure? When Adam left, he said he'd be coming back with some friends. I know. I stopped at the olive organza just now to rinse out my mouth. Adam was there talking mighty ugly and mighty big. He's got a sizeable following. When do you think? Any minute now. Mr. Dillon. Want me to take Bob out of here to one of the hotels? Maybe.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

I want to see.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

I think you'll be safer here, Chester, behind stone walls than dodging about the streets rubber naked. You keep your head down, sonny, you hear? There's a Matt. Matt, I gotta talk to you. She ought to be in mourning. If she cared for Clay at all anymore, she ought to be in Black, Matt. Oh, Lord. I find her more beautiful all the time.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

Matt, have you heard what they're saying?

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

What are they saying, Francie?

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

You and me. That. That you made Pete Ziegler kill him.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Because I'm sorry that got back to you, Francie.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

It's all over, Dodge. Adam almost strangled me before they dragged him off.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Francie, I didn't shoot Flav. Francie, I beg you, believe me. Shut up, Ziggler. Shut up, or I'll put you to death. Francie is just one of those crazy stories. They needed one and they made one.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

But, Matt, everyone believes it. On my way down here, people were pointing, whispering old women clucking their tongues at me. They believe it.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

They'll forget it as soon as this is over. They'll remember that even if we once did go with each other. It was finished and done with even before the war ended. Before you even met Clay.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

No, they won't forget it. For the rest of my life. As long as I stay here.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Hold it a minute, Francie. Yeah, Doc, what is it? Oh, am I interrupting? What is it, Doc? Autopsy's finished. I examined his liver and lights. This is Mrs. Richards, Doc. Oh, I beg your pardon, ma'. Am, I'm sure I have met. No disrespect for the departed. Well, Clay was shot, all right. But from the nature of the wound and the coagulation of the blood, I'd say it happened sometime yesterday. I'd say the cashier's bullet didn't go wild. After all, how could a dead man gallop away? Well, the wound wasn't what killed Clay. The ball hit the ribcage and bounced off.22 caliber. It was what did kill him was the stab in the back, right through the spine, inflicted sometime this morning. Now, near as I can judge by a small blade, oh, two, three inches long, it could have been a Barlow knife. Thanks, Doc. Please accept my condolences. Mr. Richard, you call the inquest. Anytime you're ready, Marshal. Chester, close the door.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

You see?

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

You see? I didn't do it. I didn't shoot him. All right, then you stabbed him. Maybe. You said you never carried a gun. Look, Francie, go home and give matters a chance to simmer.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

Dad, I'm going to ask you for something.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Yeah?

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

Turn Pete Ziggler out into the street.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

What? Francie, they're itching to get their hands on him.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

Let him have him. It'll prove that story's a lie, that you didn't make a deal with him. Please, Matt. I have to live here, Jimmy. I have to live here. Matt. Matt, don't look at me like that.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Go home, Francie. Go home or leave town or hang yourself or anything you like. Just go. Wait. No way. Right now. I bought me a bottle at the alphaganza. Mr. Dylan, would you care for a drink? No. Guess the funeral's over. Help the others. Funny. Now, miss that bell. Awful quiet, ain't it? It's just. What? Just about on schedule. Are you ready, chester? Yes, sir, Mr. Dillon. I'd use a shotgun if I were you. It's more effective when there's a mob to be dealt with. Oh, yes. Ryan Ziggler. And you too, son. If trouble starts, lie down flat on the floor and keep your head down all the time. Don't gawk to see what's happening. You understand me?

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

Yes, sir, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

All right, Dylan. Come on, Dylan. Chester, I want you to stand here in the doorway after I go out where you can cover the back door and me at the same time? Yes, you just will. All right, Chester, open the door. Come on out. It's my duty to warn all of you that you're in the breach of the peace. I've sworn to uphold the law. I've killed men in order to do it, and I'm prepared to do so again. Give us a Dutchman. Dylan. I ask you to be sensible and to leave quietly. But if you refuse to listen to reason, if you insist upon being fools, if you've already decided to act like wolves instead of humans, then there's nothing I can say to make you change your mind, see? All right, you want Peter Ziegler. Well, he's not born 20ft behind me, so come on and get him. Any of you, one at a time are all at once.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

Come on.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Which one of you wants to die first? You? You? You? Adam. Well, what do you say, Adam? You let him. Here. Don't let this snarl my coat stop you. Come on.

[Andrew Rines (Podcast Host)]

There.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

I'm not wearing it now. Well, come on. Draw, Adam.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

Draw.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

You all right, Mr. Dillon? Yeah. Get his gun, man. A lil. I couldn't even see your hand move. Am I Shell? Oh, don't tell me. Don't tell Doc. You make one single funny remark and I'll knock you down. You just take him to your office and get to work. Well, I never do mean to offend, Marshall. In my line of work, well, bodies, they're just so much lumber. Make all the jokes about him you please, but not to me and not in my hearing. In my line of work, there's nothing humorous about death. Give him a hand, Chester. You know I can handle the Marshall. Thank you. Thank you just the same.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

Can you direct me to the marshal's office?

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Yes, ma'.

[Andrew Rines (Podcast Host)]

Am.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Right here. I'm Marshal Dillon.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

Well, I left Cottonwood as soon as I got your telegram. I'm Miss Barney. Where's my boy?

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Oh, we have him, ma'. Am. Satan's son. Here, let me help you down. Hitch that horse, Chester. Right this way, ma'. Am.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

Oh, I'm so sorry he put you in all that trouble, Marshall. The truth of the matter is he is a wild one and no mistake. Takes after his father. One scrape after another.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

He was no trouble at all. I enjoy children. I like to have them around. Bob. Bob. Your ma's here, son. Chester, where's the boy? Did you let him slip past you? No, sir, Mr. Dillon. He never got past me. Look, the back door is open.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

He seen me and he hightailed it. The devil.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

We'll round him up for you, man. Don't worry.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

Oh, I don't know why I bother hauling him back if he's run away once. He's run away a thousand times. This time he ran cause I wouldn't.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Buy him a gun.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

He wanted a real one. That boy's just gun crazy, I swear. Got him a nice Barlow knife instead.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Barlow knife?

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

I reckon it didn't signify and off he runs.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Barlow knife? A kid. Chester finds a kid.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

Marshall. Has he done something bad with it? Told him to use it. Careful. He promised he'd Use it.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Care. No, never mind, Chester. He's got Clay's strawberry ruin would never catch up to. I try to bring him up right. I tell him to be good, but he don't listen.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

He just don't listen.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Now, calm yourself, ma'. Am. Just calm yourself. Here's your little bundle, Mr. D. Well, yeah, give it to me. That's pretty heavy. Here. You're better at knots than I am. Open it, will you?

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

The moment he was born, he'd been.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Nothing but tribulation to now. Please, ma'. Am. What's he got in it, Chester? Shirt, stockings, piece of sausage. And this.44, double action. Yes, Mr. Dillon. That's Clay's gun. Sonny didn't manage to keep it long, did he? Well, if he wants a gun that bad, he's bound to get hold of another one somewhere, somehow. Chester, call Mr. Hightower. Over. Hey. Hey, Mr. Hightower. Come on over. Mr. Dillon wants you. Marshall, could I have this? A drink of water? What? Ziegler? I forgot all about you, Chester. Where are the keys? Right there on the desk. There we are. It'll be safe for you to go home now. I can go back by the farm. Yeah, that's right. I'll send for you for the trial. Watch where you're going, you dumb. Excuse me. Yes, Marshall? Mr. Hightower, it appears that we can do business after all. Get some paper and a pencil. I want some notices printed. Fire away. I want it for murder. Wanted for murder. What's the boy's name?

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

Bonnet? William Bonney.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

William Bonney. William Bonney. Age 12. Height about 5ft. Hair light, eyes blue. I don't suppose he's known by any other name.

[Billy the Kid (William Bonney)]

No, everybody just called him Billy or the Kid.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Also known as Billy the Kid. 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 Walter Newman, with music composed and conducted by Rex Corey. Featured in tonight's cast were Don Diamond, Parley Bear, Harry Bartel and Howard McNear with Richard Beals, Paul Dubov, Georgia Ellis and Mary Lansing. 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, Those longtime favorites Amos and Andy are rising to new heights in their CBS radio series. On Sunday nights, heard on most of these same stations, Amos and Andy find trouble as constantly as ever and make it just as funny and as human as they have for more than 20 years. Be sure to hear Amos and Andy this Sunday, won't you? Right after the Jack Benny Show. This is Roy Rowan speaking. And remember, there's fast, funny quizzing on the Bob Hawk show every Monday evening. This is the CBS Radio Network.

[Grainger Purchasing Manager Announcer]

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[Grainger HVAC Technician Announcer]

If you're an H Vac technician and a call comes in, Grainger knows that you need a partner that helps you find the right product fast and hassle free. And you know that when the first problem of the day is a clanking blower motor, there's no need to break a sweat. With Grainger's easy to use website and product details, you're confident you'll soon have everything humming right along. Call 1-800-GRAINGER Click grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Carvana is so easy. Just a click and we've got ourselves a car.

[Grainger HVAC Technician Announcer]

See so many cars. That's a clicktastic inventory.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

And check out the financing options payments to fit our budget.

[Grainger Purchasing Manager Announcer]

I mean that's Clickonomics 101 delivery to our door.

[Grainger HVAC Technician Announcer]

Just a hop, skip and a click away and bought. No better feeling than when everything just clicks. Buy your car today on Carvana. Delivery fees may apply.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines (Podcast Host)]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate our shows in your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube and send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739 this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright for more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Hello, I'm here during the lunch rush with Janice who owns her own food truck.

[Grainger HVAC Technician Announcer]

Best cheesesteaks in town.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Janice traded up to Geico Commercial Auto Insurance for a food truck business. We're here where she needs us most.

[Grainger HVAC Technician Announcer]

They sure are we make it so.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Easy for her to save with customized coverage that grows with her business. Sorry, I just get so emotional talking about saving folks money. Not this onion I'm jabbing. It's just so beautiful. Oh yeah, nice.

[Andrew Rines (Podcast Host)]

The onion.

[Matt Dillon (Marshal, Gunsmoke)]

Get a commercial auto insurance quote [e-mail] and see how much you could save.

[Grainger Purchasing Manager Announcer]

It feels good to Geico.

[Andrew Rines (Podcast Host)]

Back in the Old west, folks didn't run to the pharmacy every time trouble hit. They relied on the know how and natural remedies. Kind of like how Tonto always seems to have a special mixture ready for whatever came next. If you want to learn how to do that today, check out the Beginner's Guide to Herbal Remedies. Easy steps for Teas, tinctures, and salves. Even if you've never tried herbs before, visit otrwesterns.comherbs to learn more. Again, otrwesterns.com herbs.