Bless Me Till I Die | Gunsmoke (01-24-60)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast Summary

Episode: Bless Me Till I Die | Gunsmoke (01-24-60)
Release Date: March 23, 2025
Host: Andrew Rines

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1. Introduction and Setting

The episode opens in the rugged environs of Dodge City, a quintessential Wild West town teeming with activity and underlying tensions. Matt Dillon (William Conrad), the steadfast United States Marshal, introduces himself as the primary lawman responsible for maintaining order in this burgeoning territory.

William Conrad (Matt Dillon) [01:37]: "I'm Matt Dillon, United States Marshal. The first man they look for and the last they want to meet."

This establishes Matt as a watchful and somewhat solitary figure, grappling with the challenges of his perilous occupation.

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2. Arrival of the Treadwells

The tranquility of Dodge City is disrupted by the arrival of Cole and Bethann Treadwell (Chester Proudfoot and Bethann Treadwell). Cole, presenting himself as a traveling preacher, seeks assistance after his wagon breaks down.

Cole Treadwell [04:00]: "Bethann's a great guest making coffee. The minute we stop, she gets a pot on the fire."

Matt Dillon extends a helping hand, fostering an initial sense of community and hospitality within the town.

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3. Rising Tensions

As the Treadwells settle in, subtle conflicts begin to surface. Nate Bush, a local storekeeper with a troubled past, exhibits antagonistic behavior towards Cole, hinting at deeper grievances.

William Conrad (Matt Dillon) [07:03]: "I got a special hate for smart Alex."

Chester Proudfoot plays the role of a peacemaker, attempting to mediate tensions between Nate and Cole, while Bethann remains a beacon of calm and reason.

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4. The Revelation

The plot thickens when Chester uncovers that Cole is, in fact, Cole Trankin, an escaped convict with a violent history. This revelation is met with skepticism by Matt, who struggles to reconcile this information.

William Conrad (Matt Dillon) [18:10]: "You know I can't."

Cole Trankin [23:15]: "All my life I wanted to be a minister. Ever since I can remember."

Cole's heartfelt confession unveils his internal conflict between his past life as a gunfighter and his desire to embrace a peaceful vocation as a preacher.

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5. Climactic Confrontation

The tension reaches a boiling point when Cole's true identity threatens to unravel the delicate fabric of trust within Dodge City. An accidental discharge of Matt's gun results in Cole's untimely death, a tragic end that underscores the precarious balance between law and personal demons.

William Conrad (Matt Dillon) [26:15]: "Cole's dead. Ms. Treadwell. Oh, no."

Bethann Treadwell [27:54]: "I knew about it before we were married. The only thing Cole ever kept from me."

This pivotal moment not only serves as the emotional climax of the episode but also exposes the vulnerabilities and hidden truths of the characters involved.

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6. Aftermath and Conclusion

In the wake of Cole's death, Bethann confronts Matt with the painful truth of his accidental shooting, revealing her prior knowledge of Cole's past. This confrontation forces Matt to face the consequences of his actions and the complexities of human relationships in the unforgiving frontier.

Bethann Treadwell [27:24]: "Why did he do it, Marshall? Why?"

William Conrad (Matt Dillon) [27:24]: "He didn't want you to know. He took a chance of dying rather than let you know."

The episode concludes on a somber note, reflecting on themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the harsh realities of maintaining justice in a lawless land.

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Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Matt Dillon [07:03]: "I got a special hate for smart Alex."
• Cole Trankin [23:15]: "All my life I wanted to be a minister. Ever since I can remember."
• Bethann Treadwell [27:54]: "I knew about it before we were married. The only thing Cole ever kept from me."
• Matt Dillon [27:24]: "He didn't want you to know. He took a chance of dying rather than let you know."

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Conclusion

"Bless Me Till I Die" masterfully weaves a narrative of deception, redemption, and the enduring human spirit against the backdrop of the Wild West. Through rich character development and compelling dialogue, the episode captures the essence of the golden age of radio Westerns, offering listeners an immersive journey into the untamed frontier.

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This summary is based on the transcript provided from the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast episode "Bless Me Till I Die | Gunsmoke (01-24-60)." For more immersive storytelling and digitally restored classic Western dramas, visit otrwesterns.com.

Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.

[William Conrad]

Around Dodge City and in the territory on west, there's just one way to handle the killers and the spoilers. And that's where 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. And the story of a man who moved with it. I'm that man, Matt Dillon, United States Marshal. The first man they look for and the last they want to meet. It's a chancy job and it makes a man watchful and a little lonely.

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[Chester Proudfoot]

I swear, Mr. Dawn, that cussed Haze city kindly reminds me of a puffed up horny toad.

[William Conrad]

Ah, how's that, Chester?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, what I mean is it's all blowed up clean out of proportion. People running around every which way, nobody knowing where they're running to.

[William Conrad]

Well, I guess that's what happens when a town grows fast.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, I'd just soon spend a week in a buffalo war. Hey, Mr. Dillon, look yonder.

[William Conrad]

Yeah, I see them.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Seems like Them folks wagon broke down, don't it?

[William Conrad]

Uh huh. Oh, come on. Maybe we can give him a hand.

[Cole Treadwell]

Hello there.

[William Conrad]

We saw you were having trouble. Came over to see if you could use some help.

[Cole Treadwell]

Let your flag see you for that. Mrs. Treadwell's my name. Cool Treadwell. And this is my missus, Bethan.

[William Conrad]

Hello.

[Bethann Treadwell]

How do you do?

[William Conrad]

Glad to know you. I'm Matt Dillon. This is Chester Proudfield.

[Cole Treadwell]

A real pleasure. Say, you're the marshal in Dodge, aren't you?

[William Conrad]

That's right.

[Cole Treadwell]

Isn't that something? We're headed there, that's all. That wheel hadn't froze up. I expect we'd be there by now.

[William Conrad]

You could still make it before dark if the wheel's all right.

[Cole Treadwell]

Oh, yeah, it's fine now. I cooled it off and greased it up good as new. Trouble is, it's a mite heavy for me to set back on. One man just can't get the job done.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, the three of us won't have no trouble, Mr. Treadwell.

[Bethann Treadwell]

How about a cup of coffee before you men start breaking your bags?

[Cole Treadwell]

Bethann's a great guest making coffee. The minute we stop, she gets a pot on the fire.

[Chester Proudfoot]

It's got a right good smell to it.

[Bethann Treadwell]

Well, there's plenty of it, too.

[William Conrad]

Oh, thank you, ma'am. I sure wouldn't want to pass up a good cup of coffee. I don't get one very often.

[Chester Proudfoot]

What?

[Bethann Treadwell]

There you are, Marshall. Mr. Pal for it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Thank you, ma'am.

[William Conrad]

Thank you. Well, that is good. Are you folks just traveling through?

[Cole Treadwell]

You might say so, Marshall. We do a lot of that traveling. I mean, stopping a town here and a town there.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, you mean you ain't got no home or nothing?

[Cole Treadwell]

Oh, someday we'll find ourselves a place. That seems right. Then I guess we'll settle down for good.

[Bethann Treadwell]

You see, my husband is a parson.

[Cole Treadwell]

Well, I declare, Bethann, you shouldn't have said that.

[William Conrad]

What's wrong with being a parson, Mr. Treadwell?

[Cole Treadwell]

Well, there's nothing wrong with it, Marshall. It's just that I'm not truly a parson. I'm not ordained, never had the proper schooling.

[William Conrad]

Well, Dodge City is one place they could use a parson, ordained or not.

[Bethann Treadwell]

You know, Cole and I have always wanted to see Dodge City.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, there's some mighty nice folks in dodge, ain't there, Mr. John?

[Bethann Treadwell]

Sure, there are nice people everywhere.

[Cole Treadwell]

Hold on now, Bethann. You start lecturing The Marshal and Mr. Proudfoot, they may change their mind about helping me with that blame wheel.

[Bethann Treadwell]

Well, my apologies.

[William Conrad]

Thank you, for the coffee, Ms. Treadwell?

[Bethann Treadwell]

Without pleasure, Martin.

[William Conrad]

Well, come on, let's get to work on that wheel or it'll be dark before we hit Dodge. You go on and let Nate Bush out of jail, Chester. He should be sober by now.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You want me to take care of the horses first, Mr. Doane?

[William Conrad]

No, I'll do it. Want to talk to Moss about a saddle he has down there at the stable.

[Bethann Treadwell]

All right, sir.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, will I give Nate his gun back?

[William Conrad]

Yeah, might as well. I'll see you later.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yes, sir.

[William Conrad]

It's about time you come back and let me out this fleet fan.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You got any fleas, Nate Bush? You had them long before you got throwed in that cell.

[William Conrad]

How come you go that? Could starve to death.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, if you wasn't so orner, you wouldn't be in jail in the first place. And besides, Delmonico's brung your meals while we was.

[Cole Treadwell]

Del Monico?

[William Conrad]

Call that slop food? I wasn't fit for a hog.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I notice you at it. Your concern. Pleasure to get rid of you there.

[William Conrad]

Well, just you. Let me tell you something, Chester Proudfoot. You ain't rid of me. No, sir. Not by long sight you ain't.

[Chester Proudfoot]

And just what's that supposed to mean?

[William Conrad]

I got a special hate for smart Alex.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, if you got such a special hate, you better tell Mr. Dillon about it. He's the one told you in here.

[William Conrad]

And you was the one who told him I was raising a rus. He was the one caused me to be here. What?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, now, that's the craziest piece of thinking I ever.

[William Conrad]

All the same, you just better watch yourself, cuz I might have a score to settle with you next time we meet.

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[William Conrad]

Be Sociable look smart, keep up to date with Pepsi Drink light, refreshing Pepsi Stay young and fair and debonair Be sociable, have a Pepsi. Pepsi.

[Cole Treadwell]

When friends drop in let your hospitality show you're sociable in the modern manner.

[William Conrad]

Pepsi, you know, is the favorite of the smart and young at heart. Be sociable, smarter Keep up to date.

[Bethann Treadwell]

With Pepsi Drink light, refreshing Pepsi Stay.

[William Conrad]

Young and fair and debonair Be sociable, have a Pepsi.

[Cole Treadwell]

Have you tried a Pepsi lately, Chester?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Now that I finished my coffee, I.

[Cole Treadwell]

Think I should tell you something.

[Chester Proudfoot]

What's that, Doc?

[Cole Treadwell]

The bear grease you put on your.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Hair is running down the back of your neck.

[Bethann Treadwell]

I'm afraid he's right, Chester.

[Chester Proudfoot]

That ain't bear grease, Miss Kitty. That's rose pomade from the Tom Sorrel parlor. I paid Mr. Cheaters 15 cents for that bottle.

[William Conrad]

15?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, you were cheating.

[William Conrad]

Besides, why put on so much of the stuff?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, it's my dang cowlick up there. I've been having trouble keeping it down.

[Cole Treadwell]

Well, I think you got it beat now, Justin.

[Bethann Treadwell]

Chester, where in the world are you headed for? All dressed up that way? Black coat, boiled shirt. Must be something pretty special.

[Chester Proudfoot]

As a matter of fact, it is. You know, Mr. Treadwell's been mighty busy, and he asked could I escort Ms. Treadwell to a prayer meeting.

[William Conrad]

Oh.

[Cole Treadwell]

Oh, well, no wonder you're so slicked up.

[Bethann Treadwell]

She's a mighty attractive woman.

[Chester Proudfoot]

And a good cook, too.

[Cole Treadwell]

And he's the best checker player in town. He beat me last night.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, I do declare, I didn't know anybody could do that. Beat you, I mean. Not as sly as you are.

[Cole Treadwell]

Sly? Just what do you mean by that?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Nothing. Well, I better be going. Don't want to keep Ms. Treadwell waiting. Thank you for the breakfast, Doc.

[Cole Treadwell]

You're welcome, Chester.

[Chester Proudfoot]

But next time, no rose pomade.

[Bethann Treadwell]

It's nice of you to escort me, Mr. Proudfoot.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I sure do wish you'd call me Chester, Ms. Treadwell. Everybody else does.

[Bethann Treadwell]

Well, all right. Chester.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I swear, I think the whole town turns out now when they hear that school bell of a Sunday. I never seen nothing like it.

[Bethann Treadwell]

It's wonderful the way everyone's treating us. Letting us use the schoolhouse for a church and all.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, my land, it was just going empty on Sundays.

[Bethann Treadwell]

You know, if. If we could build a home and settle somewhere, Cole could finish his schooling and then truly become a minister.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, you are to settle in Dodge. You've been here more than six weeks already, and folks would be mighty disappointed if you was to up and leave.

[Bethann Treadwell]

Well, we have been thinking about it, Chester. Who in the world is that?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Just keep on walking, Ms. Treadwell. Don't pay no attention to him.

[William Conrad]

I'm talking to you. Now, look at here. I was gonna fix you, and now I'm ready. Think I'll start by pinching your nose off.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Nate, you better just go on alone.

[William Conrad]

Hey, who does you got with you? Well, pretty little thing, ain't she?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Ms. Treadwell, you best go on without me.

[William Conrad]

Oh, ain't you brave? Now, you're gonna send the lady away so she won't see no blood, is that it?

[Chester Proudfoot]

You're a bully, Nate. And you're drunk too. And you don't scare me one bit. But this is a lady I'm with. And you keep talking like you are and I'm gonna kick your belly right out through your back.

[Bethann Treadwell]

Please, Jasper. So don't fight on my account. Let's walk on.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, I'm not going to stand by. All right.

[William Conrad]

Man, you sure might a big talker, Chester, but that's all you are, just a talker.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Feller sure does need a lesson.

[Bethann Treadwell]

Don't you pay any attention to him, Chester. A fight doesn't prove a thing.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Maybe not, but it sure would make me feel better.

[William Conrad]

There you are.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Will there be Anything else now, Ms. Treadwell? Got some real nice calico here.

[Bethann Treadwell]

Oh, my, that is pretty. But no, I don't think so.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Give you a real good price on it. Five cents a yard.

[Bethann Treadwell]

Well, maybe just two yards.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You won't be sorry. Oh, be with you in just a minute, Sir.

[William Conrad]

I want some.44 shells.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yeah, as soon as I finish here.

[William Conrad]

I want them now.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You'll have to wait till I finish waiting on Mrs. Treadwell.

[William Conrad]

Mrs. Treadwell. Ain't I seen you somewhere before?

[Bethann Treadwell]

I'll take my packages now, Mr. Jones.

[William Conrad]

Yes. Oh, yeah, now I remember. You was with Chester the other day.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Now, listen here, boy.

[William Conrad]

Shut up.

[Bethann Treadwell]

Storekeeper, may I get by, please?

[William Conrad]

Oh, now, you ain't gonna run off to leave me, are you?

[Bethann Treadwell]

Ma'am, please move out of the way and Let me buy Mr. Bush.

[William Conrad]

Why for? You ain't got no Chester with you now. Ain't nobody else around fool enough to tell me what I can do.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Man, there's me.

[William Conrad]

Is you? Just what do you think you could do, storekeeper?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Nobody talks to Ms. Treadwell that way, Bush. Not in my store or anywhere else attract.

[William Conrad]

You know, Ms. Treadwell, you are beginning to interest me. You really are. Seems like most everybody want to protect you all the time. Now, maybe there's A good reason for that.

[Cole Treadwell]

Hello, Mr. Jonas.

[William Conrad]

Hello, Cole.

[Cole Treadwell]

Is something wrong?

[Bethann Treadwell]

Take me home, Cole.

[Cole Treadwell]

What is it?

[Bethann Treadwell]

Nothing. Please, Cole.

[William Conrad]

Hey, hold up there, Cole. Is the first half of your name. What's the last half?

[Cole Treadwell]

Who are you?

[William Conrad]

Bush. Nate Bush. I asked you, what's your last name? Treadwell. Treadwell. You her husband?

[Cole Treadwell]

That's right.

[William Conrad]

Huh. You dressed like. Maybe you're a preacher. That what you are?

[Cole Treadwell]

That's right.

[William Conrad]

Ain't that something? You better watch his little wife for yours, preacher. I seen her out running around with a man the other day.

[Cole Treadwell]

Be careful, Mr. Benson.

[William Conrad]

And you know, I was even thinking buying her a drink just now myself. I bet she'd have took me up on it, too, you hadn't come in.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You ought to be running out of town, Bush.

[William Conrad]

Just who's gonna do that, storekeeper? You? Hmm? Or the preaching man? Now, you know, I got me a notion to take little Miss Uppity out here with me right now, just so I can see which one of you peacemakers gonna stop me.

[Cole Treadwell]

Come on, Bethann. We're leaving.

[William Conrad]

Hold up.

[Cole Treadwell]

Take your hand off.

[William Conrad]

I ain't finished talking to you.

[Cole Treadwell]

Yes, you are, Mr. Bush. You're through. Sorry you made me do that, Mr. Bush. But I want you to understand something. Nobody mistreats my wife. Nobody insults her. Mr. Jonas, I'll pay for any damage.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Nah, you forget about Parson. We're worth it just seeing that.

[Cole Treadwell]

Come on, Beth.

[William Conrad]

Hold it right there, preacher.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Come.

[Cole Treadwell]

I don't carry a gun, Mr. Bush.

[William Conrad]

That's the only reason you ain't gonna die now. But you're gonna get a bullet in both your legs. Maybe it'll keep you from standing up preaching for a while.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You better think real careful before you pull that trigger, Bush. Cause the second you pull it, I'm gonna blow you in two with your shotgun. Now, you put that gun back in your holster real easy.

[William Conrad]

I sure ain't gonna argue with no scatter gun, storekeeper.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Now you get out of here. When you walk out that door, you better just keep right on going. Because if anything happened to the Treadwells, you might find yourself hanging from a tree.

[William Conrad]

I got me something to say to Mr. Treadwell now. You just did. Out.

[Cole Treadwell]

That's all right, Mr. Jonas. Let him speak.

[William Conrad]

There's something about you. I seen you somewhere before. I can't remember where, but I don't think you was no preacher.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You want some of this miserable coffee I make, Mr. Dillon? At least it's hot.

[William Conrad]

Oh, thanks, Chester.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Say, did you hear about the fracas, Parson? Treadwell and Nate Bush had Mr. Jonas store yesterday.

[William Conrad]

Mm, I heard.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I sure would like to have saw that.

[William Conrad]

I guess Bush got what was coming to him.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You ought to be run out of town.

[William Conrad]

Hey, Marshall.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Speak of the Neville.

[William Conrad]

What's on your mind? Bush tell you what's on my mind.

[Cole Treadwell]

That preacher Treadwell.

[William Conrad]

What about it? Well, he ain't no preacher, Is what? And his name ain't Treadwell. His name is Trank. And Cole Trank. And he's a wanted man, Marshall. He's a gunfighter.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, if that ain't the craziest thing I ever heard.

[William Conrad]

You've been nothing but trouble ever since you came to Dodge. Why don't you get out of here? Well, now, it's true, I tell you. I've been thinking on it all night till it finally come to me. Look, Marshall, I served time once. Long time ago. Arizona Territorial prisoners come.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I ain't surprised to hear that.

[William Conrad]

And Cole Trankin was there, and he busted out of that prison. And this is him, Marshall. It's your Colt Treadwell. He's the one. Get out of here, Bush. Huh? All right, Marshall. But you ought to check on what I told you.

[Cole Treadwell]

Cause it's sure enough true.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, I declare, I never heard such a tale in all my life.

[William Conrad]

He's mad, Chester. Because of that beating Coe gave him.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yes, sir. But they sure ain't no truth in what he says, are they, Mr. Dillon? You sure don't believe him, do you?

[William Conrad]

I don't know.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, I sure wouldn't believe nothing Nate Bush told me.

[William Conrad]

No, but would you believe what the Arizona Territorial Prison told you?

[Chester Proudfoot]

I guess you do have to check, don't you, Mr. D?

[William Conrad]

Yeah. Yeah, I have to check.

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[Chester Proudfoot]

There he is. Mr. John. Not working in the yard.

[William Conrad]

Yeah.

[Cole Treadwell]

Hello, Matt. Chester. What are you two doing out here?

[William Conrad]

We came out to see you, Cole.

[Cole Treadwell]

Come on inside. I'll have Bethan make some coffee.

[William Conrad]

Maybe you better read this first telegram. Mm.

[Cole Treadwell]

Cole Trankin escaped from his prison eight years ago. Still at large as date. Her description, Cole Treadwell, fits.

[William Conrad]

Nate Bush said that he's seen you in prison.

[Cole Treadwell]

I guess I shouldn't have hit Nate like I did. He said he'd get me.

[William Conrad]

You.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You mean you are crankin and you did escape from prison.

[Cole Treadwell]

Do you have to take me in?

[William Conrad]

I'm sorry, Cole.

[Cole Treadwell]

I didn't do what they said. I was innocent.

[William Conrad]

I'm not the judge of that.

[Cole Treadwell]

No, no, of course not, Matt. What about Bethann?

[William Conrad]

You mean she doesn't know about this? But you're being dragon?

[Cole Treadwell]

She came from gentle people. She's never known me as anything but a traveling preacher. I couldn't tell her. I just couldn't.

[William Conrad]

Well, you're gonna have to now, Cole.

[Cole Treadwell]

I know. But please let me do it alone. If it came any other way, it would kill her. I know it.

[William Conrad]

Would you come down to the office afterwards?

[Cole Treadwell]

As soon as I talk to Beth. I promise you I'll come.

[William Conrad]

All right, Cole. Come on, Ch, Matt. Now. Come on in, Col.

[Cole Treadwell]

I couldn't tell her. I just couldn't do it.

[William Conrad]

She has to find out. You know that. No.

[Cole Treadwell]

It'll kill her if she knows.

[William Conrad]

Don't make it worse than it already is, Cole.

[Cole Treadwell]

All my life I wanted to be a minister. Ever since I can remember. But my PA and brother, they didn't hold with preaching. So they taught me to use a gun. Soon as I was old enough to hold one, they taught me.

[William Conrad]

Did they teach you good?

[Cole Treadwell]

Too good, maybe. I got in some scrapes later on. And then I was put in prison for killing a man. Only I didn't do it.

[William Conrad]

After you broke out, you turned to preaching, huh?

[Cole Treadwell]

That's right. For the first time in my life, I started doing what I really wanted to. And it's been that way ever since. I've done a little good, I think.

[William Conrad]

You have? In this town. A lot of people are gonna be disappointed, Matt.

[Cole Treadwell]

Do they have to know? Does anybody? Can't you send a telegram to Arizona and tell them I'm not trying?

[William Conrad]

You know I can't.

[Cole Treadwell]

I only came back here to your office because I promised you I would. Now I'm gonna ask you just one favor. Let me get Bethann and leave Dodge. Give us a head start. That's all I ask. Just that one favor.

[William Conrad]

Please. I'm sorry, Cole.

[Cole Treadwell]

Beth. Ann's not gonna know. I won't let her know.

[William Conrad]

There's no way to keep it from her. Not now.

[Cole Treadwell]

There's one way.

[William Conrad]

Now. Don't be a fool.

[Cole Treadwell]

I'm good with the gun, Matt. Don't try to stop me.

[William Conrad]

Even if you kill me, do you think Bethann won't find out?

[Cole Treadwell]

I'll keep it from her somehow.

[William Conrad]

Don't do it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I'm sorry, Matt.

[Cole Treadwell]

Been a long time since I used a gun, Matt.

[William Conrad]

Yeah.

[Cole Treadwell]

Don't tell him, Matt, please. You can make up a story, anything. Only don't tell.

[William Conrad]

I'll try, Cole. I'll try real hard.

[Cole Treadwell]

You're funny. All my life, I could face anything, anything at all.

[Chester Proudfoot]

But.

[William Conrad]

What am I gonna say to her? Cole? You didn't tell me.

[Bethann Treadwell]

Why, hello, Marshall. Cole's gone into town for a while, but he should be back soon. You just come right on in and I'll make you some coffee.

[William Conrad]

Ms. Treadwell, I.

[Bethann Treadwell]

What is it? Something wrong?

[William Conrad]

There was an accident.

[Bethann Treadwell]

Accident?

[William Conrad]

Cole's dead. Ms. Treadmill. Oh, no. Cole was with me. I was cleaning my gun. I went off.

[Bethann Treadwell]

Cole.

[William Conrad]

Cole, how can I tell you how sorry I am?

[Bethann Treadwell]

Marshall, how long have you been using a gun? What, 10 years? 20. And you left a bullet in the chamber while you was cleaning it?

[William Conrad]

I lied. Yes. That's what happened.

[Bethann Treadwell]

You're lying to me, Marshall.

[William Conrad]

Ms. Treadwell.

[Bethann Treadwell]

You found out, didn't you? About Coal breaking out of prison?

[William Conrad]

You mean. You mean you knew all about it?

[Bethann Treadwell]

That's what happened, isn't it? You had to shoot it out with him. Why did he do it, Marshall? Why?

[William Conrad]

He didn't want you to know. He took a chance of dying rather than let you know. That's.

[Bethann Treadwell]

That's kind of funny. I knew about it before we were married. The only thing Cole ever kept from me. And it was the only one thing I wanted him to tell me. I hoped, I prayed he'd tell me. Then everything would have been all right.

[William Conrad]

Yes, ma'am. I guess so.

[Bethann Treadwell]

But now he'll never be able to tell me. Really, Marshall?

[Indeed Spokesperson]

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[William Conrad]

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 Ray Kemper with editorial supervision by John Messon. Featured in the cast were Harry Bartel, Virginia Christine, Lawrence Dobkin and Ralph Moody. 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.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank the following ranch hand Steve 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 copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com/copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Indeed Spokesperson]

You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy. Just use Indeed. Stop struggling to get your job post seen on other job sites with Indeed sponsored Jobs. Your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. According to Indeed data, Sponsored Jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored Jobs. Don't wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed and listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit. To get your jobs more visibility@ Indeed.com Arts, just go to Indeed.com Arts right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need.