Cain | Gunsmoke (10-03-52)

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Cain" | Gunsmoke (Original Air Date: 10-03-52)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date on Podcast: April 14, 2026
Restored by: OTRWesterns.com

---

Episode Overview

In this episode, Andrew Rhynes presents a restored broadcast of Gunsmoke, featuring the episode "Cain" (originally aired October 3, 1952). The story centers on themes of revenge, mortality, and the tragic entanglements of the past. Gunsmoke's U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon finds himself mediating a deadly grudge between a dying musician, Kane Vestal, and the powerful landowner Joel Adams. As the episode unfolds, listeners are drawn into a somber narrative exploring loss, accountability, and the code of the Old West.

---

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Meet Kane Vestal (03:43–07:00)

• Kane Vestal arrives in Dodge City en route to Arizona, where he’s seeking a climate better suited for his worsening tuberculosis (consumption).
• In the saloon, Doc introduces Kane to Miss Kitty and Marshal Dillon.
• Quote:
  • "We'll drink to a fella that you don't know. Cain Vestal." (Doc Clancy, 05:47)
  • "Yeah, here's to him. Yes, he'll be dead in a couple of months." (Doc Clancy, 05:58)
• Kane is described as a gentle musician who’s spent years playing guitar on Mississippi River boats.
• The group toasts to Kane, acknowledging both his charm and his grim prognosis.

2. A Man Out of Place and Time (07:00–09:18)

• Kane discusses his life on the riverboats, his melancholy, and his looming mortality.
• He plays music for Miss Kitty and the others, who are touched by the beauty and sadness in his playing and story.
• Quote:
  • "Another girl I knew used to like this one." (Kane, 09:14)

3. A Sudden Change in Purpose (11:20–13:19)

• Chester reveals he’s been teaching Kane to use a six gun, which is odd for a man like Kane.
• Marshal Dillon finds it suspicious, especially since Kane postponed his stagecoach departure and inexplicably bought a gun.
• Miss Kitty tells Matt that Kane seemed upset after seeing Joel Adams in the saloon and asked questions about him—there's a clear tension, though they are strangers.

4. Kane’s Motive: Past Grudges and Revenge (14:49–18:21)

• Dillon visits Kane and learns the truth:
  • Kane intends to kill Joel Adams, though he is not a natural gunman.
  • Kane cryptically refuses to explain his motive at first but admits it’s old, deeply personal, and tied to hatred and loss.
  • Quote:
    • "Does it have anything to do with Joel Adams?" (Dillon, 16:35)
    • "Yes, it does, Marshall. I'm gonna kill him." (Kane, 16:42)
• Kane is resigned to his fate, acknowledging his short life expectancy and lack of fear about dying in the attempt.

5. Dillon Warns Adams (18:46–20:36)

• Dillon confronts Joel Adams, warning him about Kane.
• Adams is initially dismissive, claiming to have never met Kane and scoffing at the idea of being threatened by a stranger.
• Quote:
  • "If Kane's shot in the back, you'll be the first man I take in, Adams." (Dillon, 19:34)

6. Ambush and Aftermath (22:50–26:14)

• Kane is found assaulted just outside of town, beaten but alive after what seems to be an attempted ambush meant to scare or kill him.
• Kane can’t identify his attackers, but it’s clear Adams’ men were involved.
• Dillon insists that the law will now handle it, but Kane stubbornly refuses to press charges and remains obsessed with confronting Adams.

7. Revelation and Final Confrontation (27:28–30:52)

• Kane publicly confronts Adams, and the reason for his vendetta is revealed:
  • Years ago, Adams seduced then abandoned Kane’s beloved, Julie Travis, who later took her own life as a result.
  • Quote:
    • "Julie killed herself, Adams. She committed suicide." (Kane, 28:44)
• Kane’s intentions are clear: he wants a showdown, but rather than drawing his gun, he spits in Adams’ face—a final act of contempt.
• Adams shoots and kills Kane, claiming self-defense, though it’s apparent Kane was not a threat in the traditional sense.

8. Moral Reckoning and Conclusion (30:52–31:37)

• Dillon arrests Adams for murder, pointing out that Kane never touched his gun.
• Adams is shaken, realizing Kane’s revenge went deeper than a shootout.
• Quote:
  • "You're under arrest for murder." (Dillon, 30:36)
  • "I remember the river. Gamblers used to say, don't matter how you win so long as you win. That Kane should have been a gambler. Maybe he was. Come on, let's go." (Dillon, 31:13)

---

Noteworthy Quotes & Moments

• Kane’s Resignation:
  • "No matter what I do, I'm gonna die soon anyway. A month or two isn't gonna make any difference." (Kane, 17:10)
• Revenge and Tragic Irony:
  • "Julie killed herself, Adams. She committed suicide." (Kane, 28:44)
  • "You're under arrest for murder." (Dillon, 30:36)
• Symbolic Gesture:
  • Kane’s act of spitting in Adams’ face, rather than firing a gun, is the pivotal moral moment of the drama (29:23).

---

Important Timestamps for Key Segments

| Time | Segment | |-----------|------------------------------------------------------| | 03:43 | Doc, Kitty, and Dillon meet Kane in the saloon | | 07:01 | Kane’s backstory as a riverboat musician | | 09:14 | Kane plays guitar for the group | | 13:19 | Kane seen learning to shoot—a mystery is set up | | 16:42 | Kane confesses intent to kill Adams | | 18:46 | Dillon warns Adams | | 22:53 | Aftermath of the attack on Kane | | 27:28 | Kane confronts Adams; motive revealed | | 30:36 | Kane is killed; Adams arrested | | 31:13 | Dillon’s final moral reflection |

---

Tone & Atmosphere

• The episode is marked by a melancholic tone, a reflective exploration of justice and personal loss, and the grim fatalism of the post-Civil War West.
• Dialogue is understated, sometimes darkly humorous (especially in Chester’s anecdotes), but always carrying the weight of looming tragedy.

---

Summary

“Cain” stands out as a somber, character-driven tale in the Gunsmoke canon. The narrative blends classic western themes—revenge, grudges, existential resignation, and moral complexity—into a tight, emotionally impactful episode. The performances capture a rare vulnerability, particularly in Kane, whose journey is less about deadly violence than about confronting the ghosts of the past and finding a form of closure, however tragic.

---

For listeners seeking a morally rich, atmospheric Western with classic radio drama craftsmanship, this episode is a must-listen in the Gunsmoke series.

Transcript

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Forget everything you had planned for this weekend because you are sitting on your couch and winning from the comfort of your own home. I'm here with spinquest where you can play hundreds of slot games, all the table games you love, and you could even win real cash Prizes. New users 30 coin packs are on sale for [e-mail] SpinQuest is a free

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[VRBO Announcer]

With Vrbal's last minute deals, you can save over $50 on your spring getaway. So whether it's a mountain escape with friends, a family week at the beach, or sightseeing in a new city, there's still time to get great discounts. Book your next day now. Average savings $72. Select homes only.

[Doc Clancy]

Foreign.

[Andrew Hines]

Welcome to the old time radio westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Hines. And let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Gunsmoke. Original air date is October 3, 1952 and the title is Kane. Hope you enjoy. And again, thanks for listening.

[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 transcribed story of the violence that moved west with young America. The story of a man who moved with it. Matt Dillon, United States Marshal.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

What's up baby?

[SpinQuest Announcer]

It's Bretzky.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

And I'm here to tell you that spinquest.com is giving out free sweeps coins.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

All you got to do is purchase

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

a ten dollar coin pack and guess what? They're gonna give you the coins from a 30 coin pack that lets you play all your favorite games like Blackjack, Wanted, Dead or Wild. And we're talking real cash prizes. B Spinquest.com Spinquest is a free to play social casino. Voidwear prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[VRBO Announcer]

With VRBill's last minute deals, you can save over $50 on your spring getaway. So whether it's a mountain escape city break or a week at the beach, there's still time to get great discounts. Book your next day now. Average savings $72. Select homes only.

[Chester]

Chester, do you have to do that?

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

You're just stirring up a lot of dust.

[Chester]

Well, cleanliness is next to godliness, Mr. Dillon.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I know, I know, Chester, but all you're doing is getting it off the floor into the air. You can hardly breathe in here.

[Chester]

All right, Mr. Dillon, I'll do my sweeping later.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Yeah, good.

[Chester]

My mother taught me that, Mr. Dillon.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Taught you what, Chester?

[Chester]

That cleanliness is next to Godliness. She was a fine woman.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Oh, look, Chester, it's a good saying and it's probably true. And I got nothing against your mother, except that she also should have taught you how to sweep.

[Chester]

Well, maybe she just didn't have the time, Mr. Dylan. You see, there was an awful lot of us, and what with chores.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Oh, hello, Doc.

[Doc Clancy]

Come on, I'll buy you a drink.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

What?

[Chester]

Doc said he'd buy you a drink, Mr. Dillon.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

He really said that?

[Doc Clancy]

You coming, Doc?

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

You gotta quit throwing your money around the way you do.

[Doc Clancy]

Maybe you don't need a drink.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Wait a minute, Doc. I'm with you. I'll tell you all about it when I get back, Chester.

[Chester]

I'd be mighty interested, Mr. Dillon.

[Doc Clancy]

Oh, sure. Be glad when it gets winter again.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Why, Doc, you'll just complain about the cold, huh?

[Doc Clancy]

I suppose. You go sit with kitty, matt. I'll bring a bottle of irish.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Okay, doc. Hello, Kitty.

[Miss Kitty]

Hello, mess. What are you and Doc up to?

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

He wants someone to talk to, so he picked me. And you?

[Miss Kitty]

Fine. I'm a good listener.

[Doc Clancy]

Lots of practice. You like Jameson's, don't you?

[Miss Kitty]

Kitty, You're a doc. What are we celebrating?

[Doc Clancy]

Let's see here. We'll drink to a fella that you don't know. Cain Vestor.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Well, here's to him.

[Doc Clancy]

Yeah, here's to him. Yes, he'll be dead in a couple of months.

[Miss Kitty]

What?

[Doc Clancy]

That's what I told him.

[Miss Kitty]

What do you mean, Doc?

[Doc Clancy]

I'm not the only one who's told him that. I'm just the last.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Well, who is this Kane Bestows?

[Doc Clancy]

Huh?

[Miss Kitty]

Oh, he's just a fella.

[Doc Clancy]

Came in on the train last night, leaving for Arizona tomorrow. That's where he's gonna die. In Arizona. He's a musician. He plays the guitar. He tells me.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Well, how's he gonna die?

[Doc Clancy]

Consumption. He's got it bad. I'm the last doctor he's gonna ask about it, he says.

[Miss Kitty]

Poor fella.

[Doc Clancy]

Yeah. Climate out there keep him going for a little while longer. Oh, I don't know. He's such a sad man for some reason.

[Miss Kitty]

Well, who wouldn't be, Doc?

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

No, no, no.

[Doc Clancy]

No kidding. I think Cain's been sad for a long, long time. He's a very nice fellow too.

[Miss Kitty]

Nothing can help him, huh?

[Doc Clancy]

No, nothing.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

You know, it's a funny thing, Doc. I'm just sitting here thinking. Sometimes you have to tell men they're gonna die. Sometimes I have to.

[Doc Clancy]

Yeah, that's right. Oh, see there? You see that fellow with the car there? He just came in. Yeah, I don't think he knows anyone around here. You mind if I ask him over?

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Sure. You're party, Doc.

[Doc Clancy]

Oh, good. Kane. Kane, over here.

[Chester]

Yeah,

[Doc Clancy]

Sit down.

[Miss Kitty]

Sit down.

[Doc Clancy]

Kane, this is Kitty. Hello. Kane. This is Marshall.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Dylan.

[Doc Clancy]

Hello, Marshall.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Pleasure to meet you. Nice to meet you.

[Doc Clancy]

There we are.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Have a drink.

[Doc Clancy]

Well, thank you, Doc.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

This your first trip west, Kane?

[Doc Clancy]

Yes, Marshall, it is.

[Miss Kitty]

Where are you from?

[Doc Clancy]

No place in particular, Miss Kitty. I seem to spend most of my life on the Mississippi River.

[Miss Kitty]

I thought you were a musician.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

I am.

[Doc Clancy]

I was hired to ride the riverboats and play my guitar for the passengers.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Well, at least you've had a constant change of scenery.

[Doc Clancy]

After 20 years of going up and down that river, it got pretty familiar. Marshall Kane. I knew a young fellow back in St. Louis for the war and he was learning to be a river pilot, see? I wonder if you ever ran into him. Name of Clemens. Sam Clemens. No, Doc, I don't believe I did. Oh, he was a very amusing fella. He was just chock full of stories.

[Miss Kitty]

You leaving Dodge tomorrow, King?

[Doc Clancy]

I'm headed for Arizona, Miss Kitty. No reflection on Dodge, though.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

If you hit a place out there called Tombstone, I wish you'd look up Virgil Earp for me. Tell him I sent you, huh?

[Doc Clancy]

Thanks, Marshall. I'll do that.

[Miss Kitty]

Say, Kane, I wonder, could I ask you a favor?

[Doc Clancy]

Certainly, Miss Kitty. Anything all.

[Miss Kitty]

Would you play something for us?

[Doc Clancy]

I had an idea that's what it'd be. Anything in particular?

[Miss Kitty]

Oh, play something you like, Kane.

[Doc Clancy]

Another girl I knew used to like this one. Thank you, Miss Kitty.

[Miss Kitty]

I wish you were gonna stay here a while. Maybe you could teach me to play like that, huh?

[Doc Clancy]

It'd be a pleasure, Miss Kitty, but I'm afraid I won't be around for long.

[Chester]

Morning, Mr. Dillon.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

It's noon, Chester.

[Chester]

Yes, sir, I know, but you went off with Doc yesterday, so I figured I had a little time coming today.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Well, that depends on how you spent it. Now, if you've been gambling, I Now missed it.

[Chester]

Mr. Dillon, you know I never gamble. No, sire. I was out helping a fellow learn to shoot a six gun, that's all.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

You mean there's a man in Dodge who doesn't know how?

[Chester]

This fellow don't. Never had one in his hand before. He's a musician what plays the guitar. He told me.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

You mean Cain Kane Vestal?

[Chester]

Yes, sir, that's his name. Nice a fellow you'd ever want to meet.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Yeah, but he was supposed to leave on the stage this morning. What's he done with his six gun anyway?

[Chester]

Well, I don't know, Mr. Dillon. He just come by here early this morning and asked me if I'd teach him.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Now, where'd he get the gun?

[Chester]

Said he just bought it. Anything wrong, Mr. Dillon?

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

No, no. It just doesn't add up somehow.

[Chester]

Well, he won't cause any trouble. He's not the sort.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

You never know. Chester?

[Doc Clancy]

No, sir.

[Chester]

My Kitty looks pretty this morning. She's got a yellow parasol, Mr. Dillon.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Kitty? All right. I think I'll go see her for a minute. I'll be right back, Chester.

[Chester]

Yes, Mr. Dillon.

[Miss Kitty]

Kitty. Hello, Matt.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Kitty, I'd like to talk to you for a minute.

[Miss Kitty]

Sure. What is it?

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

I'm curious about something, Kitty. Maybe you can help me.

[Miss Kitty]

Maybe.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

How long was Kane vessel with you yesterday?

[Miss Kitty]

Kane? Oh, well, he didn't leave till the evening. Why?

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Well, he didn't go out on the stage this morning and he's bought himself a six gun. You any idea why?

[Miss Kitty]

Sound like Cain.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Anything happen yesterday, Kitty, or did he tell you anything?

[Miss Kitty]

Oh, yeah, there was one thing, Matt. Joel Adams and a couple of his men came in.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Yeah?

[Miss Kitty]

Kane got pretty upset when he saw him. Had a bad coughing spell.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Oh.

[Miss Kitty]

Later he asked a lot of questions about Adams.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Well, what'd you tell him?

[Miss Kitty]

Just that Adams is a big landowner around here. That nobody who isn't working for him likes him very much. That's all I know.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Anyway, they didn't talk. Adamson, Kane?

[Miss Kitty]

No. I don't think they even know each other.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Well, anyway, he sure isn't the sort to be packing a gun.

[Miss Kitty]

You'll just get into trouble, Matt.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Where's he staying, do you say?

[Miss Kitty]

Dodge House, I think.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Thanks, Kitty.

[Doc Clancy]

I'll see you later, Sam. Come in.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Hello, kane.

[Doc Clancy]

I'm marshall. Dylan. Come in, come in.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Ah, thank you.

[Doc Clancy]

What can I do for you, Marshall?

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

I. I thought you were leaving Dodge on the stage this morning.

[Doc Clancy]

Well, I was, Marshall, but I changed my mind. You know how it is.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Sure, Kate. Sure. Now, we're glad to have you around. I'm just curious, though. Your staying have anything to do with that gun you bought this morning?

[Doc Clancy]

Oh, Chester told you? I thought he would. He's a good teacher, Marshall.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Yeah, but that doesn't answer my question.

[Doc Clancy]

Do I have to answer it?

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

I'm just trying to help you, that's all.

[Doc Clancy]

I appreciate that, Marshall, but I'm afraid there's nothing you can do.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Look, Kane, you're new in this country a Man like you just can't pick up a six gun and call himself a fighting man. Not and expect to live through it.

[Doc Clancy]

I certainly lay no claim to be a fighting man.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Then why did you buy that gun?

[Doc Clancy]

There's no law out here against a man having a gun, is there, Marshall?

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

No, but any man who carries one is expected to use it when the time comes. You'd be a lot safer without one.

[Doc Clancy]

Being safe doesn't mean a whole lot to me, Marshall.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Not now. Yeah, I know. Doc told me. What's it all about?

[Doc Clancy]

It's a long story and an old one, I suppose. I'd really rather not talk about it.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

I can't force you to, but. But tell me this. Does it have anything to do with Joel Adams?

[Doc Clancy]

Yes, it does, Marshall. I'm gonna kill him.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

When?

[Doc Clancy]

I don't know. Anytime.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Well, why?

[Doc Clancy]

That's a long story I mentioned.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

All right, Kane. But if you try to face him, he'll kill you before you got that gun halfway out of your belt. And if you shoot him any other way, you'll hang for it.

[Doc Clancy]

You've forgotten something, Marshall.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

What?

[Doc Clancy]

No matter what I do, I'm gonna die soon anyway. A month or two isn't gonna make any difference.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

You hate Adams that much?

[Doc Clancy]

I wouldn't kill a man I didn't hate, would I?

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

I didn't think you were the sort of man who'd kill anyone.

[Doc Clancy]

Only Joel Adams, Marshall.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Then I gotta warn him about you.

[Doc Clancy]

I understand, Marshall. It's all right. He doesn't know me anyway. Never even saw me before.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

But you wanna kill him.

[Doc Clancy]

Yes, sir.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Well, I'll take your gun away from you. But you just find another one. And I can't arrest you unless I catch you trying to bushwhack him.

[Doc Clancy]

I'm sorry for the trouble I'm causing you, Marshall.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

You know, I've never had to deal with a man like you before, King. Maybe he ought to just tie you up and throw you on that stage.

[Doc Clancy]

You could, but I'd just come right back.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

I guess you would.

[Doc Clancy]

I'm sorry this has to happen here in Dodge, Marshall.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Then why don't you leave?

[Doc Clancy]

I guess I hate Joel Adams too much.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

All right, Kane. I'm through trying to convince you. So long.

[Doc Clancy]

Goodbye, Marsh.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

I never heard of Kane. Vestal Marshall. I never saw him before last night. You must have known him somewhere. Adams, you're trying to make me out a liar. Marshall, I'm trying to save Kane's life. And yours, maybe. No, he ain't gonna shoot me. I'll Kill him. First time he looks sideways, maybe you won't see him. Oh, shoot me in the back, eh? Well, in that case, it. In that case what? Why, nothing, Dylan, nothing. Forget it. If Kane's shot in the back, you'll be the first man I take in. Adams, I don't even know him. Why should I shoot him? I'm only warning you. Well, just leave me be, Marshall. I can take care of myself. See that you do, Adams, and only yourself. Why, sure, Marshall. I don't much like the idea of some stranger gunning for me. Makes me sort of uneasy. There must be some reason for it. Don't start it again, Marshall. There ain't no reason. I know you've led a blameless life. You never hurt anyone. I told you twice. There are many around here who'd shoot you on sight if they thought they could get by with it. I don't think you were ever any good, Adam. So don't tell me Kane's got no reason. I don't believe. Pushing me now. I'm tired of your talk, that's all. Maybe it's true you don't know him, but he sure knows something about you. Well, then he'll wish you didn't. That's all I got to say. Just keep out of his way. Give it a little time and maybe there won't be any killing at all. Why, sure, sure. All the time in the world. All right, Adams. I've done all I can. Just don't worry about me. I'm not. Then goodbye, Marshall. Goodbye.

[Narrator]

We will return for the second act of Gunsmoke in just a moment.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

I'm here with Spinquest, where you can play and win from the comfort of your own home with hundreds of slot games and all of the table games you love with real cash prizes. Right now, thirty dollar coin packs are on sale for $10. For new users, it's [e-mail] that's S P I n Q U E S T. Spinquest is a free to play

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[VRBO Announcer]

Early birds always rise to the occasion for summer vacation planning because early gets

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

you closer to the action.

[VRBO Announcer]

So don't be late. Book your next vacation early on VRBO and save over $120.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Rise and shine.

[VRBO Announcer]

Average savings $141 select homes only day or night. VRBO care is here 24. 7 to help make every part of your stay seamless. If anything comes up or you simply need a little guidance, support is ready whenever you reach out from the moment you book to the moment you head home. We're here to help things run smoothly because a great trip starts with the right support. And, hey, a good playlist doesn't hurt either.

[Narrator]

But first, back tomorrow night. Pull up your chair, or better still, roll back your rug. It's the Vaughn Monroe show. Returning to the star's address. Listen for Vaughn, the Moon Maids, the Moon Men and their wonderful way with popular music and songs once again at their old familiar Saturday night time on CBS Radio. Remember, they're coming back tomorrow night. You and the whole family are invited to this season's scintillating premiere of the Vaughn Monroe show on most of these same stations. Now, the second act of Gun Smoke.

[Chester]

Sure is quiet around town tonight, Mr. Dylan.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Yeah, there's a trail herd due in a couple of days. I suppose business will pick up then.

[Chester]

You'd think those cowboys be too tuckered out after a ride like that to have any juice left in them at all, Mr. Dillon.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

They're too poor to cut loose any other time.

[Chester]

Well, that don't stop them down in Texas, Mr. Dillon. No, it's just like an uncle of mine back in Waco. He was poor. Oh, he was mean poor. But he always said the only good money was was to have fun with.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Or did he have fun?

[Doc Clancy]

No, sir.

[Chester]

He was too poor, like I said.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

All right, Chester, all right. All I ask is that you don't try to explain it to me.

[Chester]

Well, but there's Nothing to explain, Mr. Dillon. It's just. It's just that he was the one poorest.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Chester Marshall.

[Doc Clancy]

Say, you want to talk to Cain Bestel?

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

What?

[Doc Clancy]

Kane is upstairs in my office.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

He been shot?

[Doc Clancy]

No, you're not shot. Beat up.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Well, how is he, Doc?

[Doc Clancy]

Well, he's not too bad. A couple of cowboys found him just outside of town. They heard a shot and said two men rode off before they could stop them. Yeah, and I guess whoever it was, they didn't have time to finish the job. They just got started working on him.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

So Adams made the first move, huh? I'll be back soon, chester.

[Chester]

Yes, sir, Mr. Dillon.

[Doc Clancy]

They hit him on the head with a gun butt. Scratched him up some.

[Miss Kitty]

Outside of that, he's fine.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

That's still a saw, even if they didn't kill him, Doc.

[Doc Clancy]

Yeah, I suppose it is. Anyway, they took a shot at him when they heard those riders coming along. Went right through his coat.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Yeah, they probably think he's dead.

[Doc Clancy]

So that's where you went, Doc. I might have known.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Didn't even give you a Chance to use that gun, did he, Kane?

[Doc Clancy]

I didn't have a gun on me, Marshall. But it wasn't he. It was they, huh?

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Do you recognize them?

[Doc Clancy]

Well, I don't know many people around here.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

You know Joel Adams. So you told me.

[Doc Clancy]

He wasn't Adam.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Could you pick him out if you saw him again?

[Doc Clancy]

No, Mar. Marshall, I don't believe I could.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Where were you when they grabbed you, Kane?

[Doc Clancy]

Into Front Street. I was taking a walk after supper. They rode up behind me, one on each side. Lifted me up and carried me out of town a ways.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

You must have got a good look at them. At least when they got off their

[Doc Clancy]

horses, it was too dark. Marshall. Yeah, Doc.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

How long has he been here?

[Doc Clancy]

Oh, about half an hour, Marshall.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Why? Those cowboys who saw you, Kane, they brought you right in here, didn't they?

[Doc Clancy]

Yeah.

[Miss Kitty]

So?

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

It was maybe an hour ago when those two men hauled you out of town. It was plenty light enough then, was it, Marshall? You're gonna fight it yourself, aren't you?

[Doc Clancy]

Yes, Marshall. It's my affair.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

It was Cain. But you've been assaulted and shot at, so it's the law's business now.

[Doc Clancy]

I won't prefer any charges, Marshall.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

You don't have to. I've seen you, and I know who did it or who hired it. Done as well as you do.

[Doc Clancy]

Please, Marshall, I got to handle this my own way.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

There's a law that says you can't murder a man, Cain. And the same law says he can't murder you. Are you so full of hate you can't get that through your head?

[Doc Clancy]

I guess that's it, Marshall.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

All right, King. You do what you have to do. So will I. Hello, Adams. I've been looking for you. That's late, Dylan. Can't you see me tomorrow? It's not even midnight. That's early for you. You see how this marshal's always trying to get me on the proud, boys? These boys of yours play pretty rough themselves, Adams. Meaning? Didn't they tell you? Tell me what? What they did to Cain Vestal. They did not kill Cain Vestal. And you can't prove it. No, Adams, I can't. Kane isn't even dead. What? You know, I'm curious, Adams. Why'd you think he might be? Why? Why? Somebody said he got himself hurt.

[Doc Clancy]

Joel Adams.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

You arranged this, Marshall. You know I didn't. Who is he? What does he want?

[Doc Clancy]

Hello, Joel Adams. Don't strain yourself so. You don't know me.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Who are you?

[Doc Clancy]

Kane, Vestal. But my name doesn't matter.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

What are you haunting me for? I never saw you before in my life.

[Doc Clancy]

That's true, you did. But we had a friend in common once.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

A friend?

[Doc Clancy]

Who? Julie Travis.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

What about Julie?

[Doc Clancy]

You were a riverboat gambler then, Adams. And you had money and fine clothes and away with women, especially young girls. Julie was only 16 at the time.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Never mind all that.

[Doc Clancy]

So she went away with you to be married. You told her.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Oh, I think I guessed the rest. You wanted to marry her. But I got her instead. Is that it?

[Doc Clancy]

That's it, Adams. That's exactly it.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Oh, now, I thought you really had something on your mind, Vestal.

[Doc Clancy]

Well, all right.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Why don't you get out of here and quit bothering people while you can still walk?

[Doc Clancy]

Julie killed herself, Adam. She committed suicide.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

What?

[Doc Clancy]

You didn't know that, did you?

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

It's got nothing to do with me.

[Doc Clancy]

Because you never married her. After all, it was just a year after you abandoned her in New Orleans. I think it has a lot to do with you, Joel Adams.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

What are your plans, mister? I see you got a gun in your belt.

[Doc Clancy]

Gonna kill you.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

So when? Now.

[Doc Clancy]

Right now.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

All right, Vestal. Draw. Leave the gun where it is, Kane.

[Doc Clancy]

One thing I always promised myself, Adams. Someday I'd spit in your face.

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

Why you. Give me the gun, Adams. He's dead. Well, he was going to kill me. You heard him. He wanted you dead, Adams. Any way he could manage. I know it. That's what I say. You're under arrest for murder. What? It was a gun fight. Kay never even moved for his gun. Well, then I'll hang for this. He couldn't have got me any other way. No. Don't suppose he could have. I remember the river. Gamblers used to say, don't matter how you win so long as you win. That Kane should have been a gambler. Maybe he was. Come on, let's go.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Whether it's slots or live dealers, Spinquest.com has the fun and action you're looking for with Spin Quest exclusives. Blackjack, roulette, baccarat and even live dice with craps and bubble craps. The games never stop so you don't have to. And right now, new users get $30 coin packs for just 10 bucks. Play [e-mail] SpinQuest is a free to

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details

[VRBO Announcer]

with verbo care. Help is always ready before, during and after your stay. We've planned for the plot twists, so support is always available. Because a great trip starts with peace of mind.

[Narrator]

Gun Smoke Transcribed under the direction of Norman Macdonald stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal. Tonight's story was especially written for Gunsmoke by John Meston with music composed and conducted by Rex Corey. Featured in the cast were Harry Bartel with Georgia Ellis and Larry Dobkins. Parley Bayer is Chester. Howard McNear is Doc Clancy Cassell speaking. 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 Smoke. Both back this Sunday night, Edgar Bergen Co. And Eve Arden is our Ms. Brooks. Yes, it's the Bergen McCarthy show with Mortimer Snurd, Podine, Puffington, Effie Clinker, Ray Noble's orchestra and guest stars. Back Sunday nights at the Star's address starting this weekend. Returning the same night is our Miss Brooks, starring Eve Arden as an English teacher ever seeking her special degree in romance. For comedy galore. Enjoy Bergen and McCarthy and our Ms. Brooks on most of these same stations back this Sunday night presented by CBS Radio. This is Amos, but my real name is Freeman Gosden.

[Doc Clancy]

I urge you to vote and as

[Narrator]

Amos would say, follow the election returns on the CBS Radio Network.

[Andrew Hines]

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 podcast trwesterns.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.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Whether it's slots or live dealers, Spinquest.com has the fun and action you're looking for with Spin Quest exclusives. Blackjack, roulette, baccarat and even live dice with craps and bubble craps. The games never stop so you don't have to and right now new users get $30 coin packs for just 10 bucks. Play [e-mail] Spin Quest is a free

[Marshall Matt Dillon]

to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details.