Fall Semester | Gunsmoke (05-30-53)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast
Episode: Fall Semester | Gunsmoke (05-30-53)
Date: August 11, 2026
Host: Andrew Rhynes

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Episode Overview

This episode features a digitally restored classic Gunsmoke radio drama from May 30, 1953, titled "Fall Semester". The story transports listeners to Dodge City, where Marshal Matt Dillon becomes involved in a tense dispute between ranch owner Lee Dargan and his foreman, Jim Salter. Suspicion of cattle theft, pride, and justice in the Wild West all collide in a tale of deception, loyalty, and the complicated code of frontier honor.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Progression

1. Lee Dargan's Trouble (03:30–05:34)

• Lee Dargan, normally upright and sober, staggers into Marshal Dillon’s office, drunk and carrying a gun. He asks to be locked up, confessing he might want to kill his foreman, Jim Salter, but is “sober enough to know I’m too drunk to kill him.” (04:10)
• Quote:
  • Lee Dargan: “I come here to prevent a killer. Oh, I'm drunk enough to want to kill him. And I'm sober enough to know I'm too drunk to kill him, you understand?” (04:10)
• Matt Dillon and Chester wonder what has sparked his anger toward Salter.

2. Suspicions and Instinct (07:38–10:31)

• The next morning, Dargan admits to being suspicious about missing calves from his ranch: “I branded over 300 calves last spring and fall, and more than half of them are missing right now.” (08:29)
• Dargan lacks evidence but has an instinct that Salter is robbing him, even as he cannot bring himself to fire Salter out of pride and a desire to beat him at his own game (09:09).
• He asks Dillon for help investigating the cattle losses.

3. Investigation at the Brand Office (11:03–12:25)

• Dillon and Chester visit the brand office. Jim Salter has a Bar S brand registered in his own name—an unusual detail. They confirm that Salter sold freshly branded calves, raising more suspicion.
• Quote:
  • “Salter’s stealing cattle. All right, I know just how he’s doing it. But the problem now is how to handle Lee Dargan and that code of his. I wouldn’t want to see Lee hung for murder.” (15:09 - Matt Dillon)

4. Cold Branding—The Rustler’s Trick (13:11–18:13)

• Dillon observes the branding operation at the ranch. Salter works at a separate fire with his own two men.
• After watching their technique, Dillon explains Salter’s trick: he uses a “cold brand”—an iron only hot enough to singe hair, not scar the hide. After the calf sheds its hair, the brand disappears, making it easy to steal and rebrand calves (16:52).
• Quote:
  • “You can either put it on through a wet blanket or you can just keep the iron hot enough to burn hair and press it down lightly so it won’t scorch the hide. Looks like a fine brand for a few months...and then the calf’s as unmarked as the day it got dropped.” (16:59 – Matt Dillon explaining to Chester)
• Dillon realizes arresting Salter on such evidence would be risky—it could be blamed on carelessness—and he does not want to tell Lee and risk bloodshed.

5. Marshal Dillon's Plan (20:35–21:37)

• Dillon advises Lee to make all his men brand together at one fire, removing Salter’s ability to work separately and cover his tracks.
• Quote:
  • Lee Dargan: “From now on, we all work from one fire instead of two.” (21:01)
• Salter is angry but has to comply.

6. Climax: Justice and Near-Lynching (22:53–28:32)

• Lee later finds a blanket burned with his brand at the spot where Salter had worked, physical proof of the cold branding scheme (23:18).
• Realizing he’s been discovered, Salter and his men attempt to kill Lee, nearly hanging him in a stable.
• Dillon and Chester arrive in time to save Lee, arrest Adams and Smith, and kill Salter during the standoff (26:05–28:32).
• Quote:
  • Lee Dargan (barely surviving): “Oh, it's good to breathe again, Marshall.” (28:44)

7. Resolution (28:44–29:11)

• Lee survives, and Dillon reassures him that justice has been done and his troubles are over.
• Quote:
  • Lee Dargan: “It's not easy, the way you people educate a man out here.” (28:57)
  • Matt Dillon: “Well, if it was easy, Lee, anyone could manage.” (29:07)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Pride and Proof:
  • Lee: "I'll kill any man that cheats me. That's how I was brought up, and that's how I am. So I guess it's just instinct that tells me I'm being robbed by Marshall. I got no proof at all. None whatsoever." (08:11)
• On the Code of the West:
  • Matt Dillon: “But will you promise me one thing? If Salter does prove to be guilty, you won’t try to kill him?” Lee: “No, I can’t promise that. I respect the law, Marshal, but I got my own code too.” (09:52)
• On Cold Branding:
  • Matt Dillon: "Looks like a fine brand for a few months. That is, until the calf sheds." (17:14)
• Frontier Education:
  • Lee Dargan: “It's not easy, the way you people educate a man out here.” (28:57)

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Important Segments & Timestamps

• Lee Dargan’s Drunken Confession: 03:34–04:40
• Revealing the Cattle Theft: 08:06–09:38
• Visit to the Brand Office: 11:03–12:25
• Marshal Explains Cold Branding: 16:52–17:22
• Dillon’s Branding Plan Implemented: 20:35–21:37
• Climactic Stable Scene: 25:56–28:32
• Aftermath and Resolution: 28:44–29:11

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Summary for New Listeners

“Fall Semester” perfectly evokes the dangers and dilemmas faced in the Old West, combining a mystery plot with hard-boiled Western justice. The episode highlights complexities of proof, custom, and the conflict between personal honor and the law. It’s a fine example of Gunsmoke’s blend of gritty realism, psychological depth, and sharp dialogue, all brought to life with digitally restored audio for a new generation.

To relive more classic western action, 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. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. You can find more western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

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[Chester]

Mr. Dylan, I've been thinking.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah?

[Chester]

We ought to renovate this place.

[Lee Dargan]

What?

[Chester]

Renovate it?

[Matt Dillon]

I'll blast it. Chester, what's the matter? Nothing. Nothing. I was trying to write and listen to you at the same time, that's all. It can't be done.

[Chester]

Well.

[Lee Dargan]

Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. What's the matter, Lee?

[Lee Dargan]

I'm drunk.

[Chester]

When he was walking, I thought he'd been shot.

[Lee Dargan]

No, I'm not shot.

[Matt Dillon]

I never saw you drunk before, Lee. Well, would you like a little coffee or something?

[Lee Dargan]

There's my gun. Now lock me up.

[Matt Dillon]

What?

[Lee Dargan]

Lock me up, I said.

[Matt Dillon]

You mean you want to sleep in jail here?

[Lee Dargan]

I do.

[Doc]

And you keep my gun.

[Matt Dillon]

Are there any blankets out there, Chester?

[Chester]

Well, there's one, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, that's enough. Okay, Lee. Just follow Chester then.

[Lee Dargan]

I will, Marshal. I come here to prevent a killer. Oh, I'm drunk enough to want to kill him. And I'm sober enough to know I'm

[Doc]

too drunk to kill him, you understand?

[Matt Dillon]

To kill who?

[Spinquest Announcer]

Lee.

[Lee Dargan]

Jim Salter, that's my foreman.

[Matt Dillon]

Is he in town, too?

[Lee Dargan]

He is at the Texas Trail. And let him stay there. Keep him out of here. I'm going to bed.

[Chester]

Right in there, mister. I never saw Mr. Dargan like that before, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

No. I wonder what he was fighting with Salter about.

[Chester]

Maybe Salter started it. Maybe he's drunk, too.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, if he is, knowing him, he'll be after someone else to fight with now. I think I'll go take a look, Chester.

[Chester]

All right, you.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, Chester, if Lee wakes up, just give him another drink, huh?

[Chester]

Yes, sir.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, how come you're alone, Kitty?

[Kitty]

Being alone isn't so bad, Matt. Sometimes.

[Matt Dillon]

Buy your drink.

[Kitty]

No, thanks.

[Matt Dillon]

I don't see Jim Salter anywhere.

[Kitty]

I wouldn't complain about that.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, then he was here, huh?

[Kitty]

Sitting right where you are. And he'll be back any minute.

[Matt Dillon]

How drunk is he, Kitty?

[Kitty]

He isn't very drunk. It might be an improvement.

[Matt Dillon]

It'd break his heart to hear you talk like that.

[Kitty]

If he has one. Here he comes now. Let's ask him.

[Matt Dillon]

He looks sober enough.

[Chester]

You move in fast, Marsham.

[Matt Dillon]

Sit down, Solder. Sit down.

[Chester]

Seeing as how it's my table, I will.

[Matt Dillon]

I ran into Lee Dorgan. He was pretty mad about something.

[Chester]

Natso.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, but it's all right, as long as you're not looking for trouble.

[Chester]

Me, Marshall, I never look for trouble.

[Matt Dillon]

Neither does Lee.

[Chester]

Now, you know those Southerners, Marshall. They're always getting insulted about something.

[Matt Dillon]

You've been foreman on Lee's ranch for over a year now, Solar. This the first time he's wanted to kill you.

[Chester]

Is that what he said?

[Kitty]

That's what I heard him say.

[Chester]

Yeah. Well, Marshall, Lee's had a little bad luck with his cattle, that's all. When he's had a drink or two, he needs someone to blame it on. You know how it is with these greenhorn.

[Matt Dillon]

No, how is it?

[Chester]

If it weren't for me, he wouldn't have as many cows as he's got now. He's lost a few strays. He's all upset.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, as long as it doesn't end

[Chester]

in gunplay oh, me and Lee get along fine when he's sober.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Kitty]

You have to leave, Matt?

[Matt Dillon]

I'm afraid so, Kitty.

[Kitty]

Then I'm going to bed.

[Chester]

Hey, wait a minute. You can't do that.

[Kitty]

Who says I can't, mister? Good night, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Good night, Kitty.

[Lee Dargan]

Well, I'll be. Mighty nice of you, Chester, to bring me all that coffee.

[Chester]

Oh, don't mention it, Mr. Dargan. I had a hangover once myself.

[Matt Dillon]

Here's your gun, Lee.

[Lee Dargan]

Thank you, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

You still feel like killing Jim Salter?

[Lee Dargan]

I'll kill any man that cheats me. That's how I was brought up, and that's how I am. So I guess it's just instinct that tells me I'm being robbed by Marshall. I got no proof at all. None whatsoever.

[Matt Dillon]

What is it, Lee? Don't your cattle tally up right?

[Lee Dargan]

Look, I came out here from Alabama 18 months ago. I bought a ranch. I'm trying to raise beef. I've learned a little, but I can see it takes years to be a cattleman. Meantime, I'm green and I'm an easy mark, but I'm not so dumb I can't count. Marshall, I branded over 300 calves last spring and fall, and more than half of them are missing right now.

[Matt Dillon]

Stolen.

[Lee Dargan]

I don't know, Marshall. I've asked every rancher and every buyer around here to be on the lookout for my brain that hadn't turned up once.

[Matt Dillon]

Why do you think Salter has anything to do with it?

[Lee Dargan]

Instinct. I told you. I just don't trust him. Nothing more, but it's enough.

[Matt Dillon]

Then why don't you fire him?

[Lee Dargan]

Pride, I suppose. I want to beat him at his own game, whatever it is.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, good luck at it, Lee.

[Lee Dargan]

Well, I need more than luck, Marshall. I need a little help. Just don't know enough about this business.

[Matt Dillon]

You're asking me to help you?

[Doc]

I am.

[Matt Dillon]

But how?

[Lee Dargan]

Come out to the ranch. Take a look around. Maybe you'll see something I can't see.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I don't know, Brandon.

[Lee Dargan]

Again tomorrow. Marshall. Come out then. You gotta help me. I'll be ruined if this goes on anymore.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, Lee, I'll come. But will you promise me one thing?

[Lee Dargan]

What's that?

[Matt Dillon]

If Salter does prove to be guilty, you won't try to kill him?

[Lee Dargan]

No, I can't promise that. I respect the law, Marshal, but I got my own code too. Thanks. Just.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, wait a minute, Lee. You're stubborn, but I. I don't think you deserve being ruined. All right, I'll come.

[Doc]

Thank you, Marshall.

[Lee Dargan]

Thank you. You know, the reason I got drunk last night was because I just felt so almighty. Helpless. Mad and helpless.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I know the feeling.

[Doc]

See you tomorrow.

[Lee Dargan]

Good morning, Marshall dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Good morning, Mr. Peters.

[Chester]

And what can I do for you this morning?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I'm interested in some brands that you got registered here.

[Lee Dargan]

Oh, you don't mean to tell me that you're going into the cattle business, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

No, not likely. I just want to see what new brands have been registered in the past, oh, 12 or 13 months.

[Lee Dargan]

Well, certainly, certainly, Marshall.

[Doc]

1865. Yeah, here it is. There.

[Lee Dargan]

There you are. That's the official brand book for the last two years.

[Matt Dillon]

Thank you.

[Lee Dargan]

You can start anywhere you like in it.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, Maybe you remember Mr. Peters as Jim Salter. Got a brand registered.

[Chester]

Salter?

[Lee Dargan]

Yeah, Jim Salter, the fellow who works for Lee Dargan?

[Matt Dillon]

That's right.

[Bluff]

Yeah.

[Lee Dargan]

Last summer. July, I believe. Look there. July.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, July. July, July, July. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Sover, James Solar. July 14th. Bar S. That's it.

[Lee Dargan]

Bar S. Yes, indeed. How's he doing?

[Matt Dillon]

Fine, Mr. Peters, fine. Thanks for the help.

[Lee Dargan]

Anytime, Marshall.

[Chester]

Anytime at all.

[Lee Dargan]

That's what I'm paid for.

[Matt Dillon]

Goodbye.

[Lee Dargan]

Goodbye, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

When we weren't working, most of the cattle buyers in town spent their time drinking toddy and telling lies at the Dodge House. And there I learned that a number of bar esque calves had been sold in the fall and some more of them in the spring. They remembered because it wasn't often a man sold only calves and also because the brands were newly burned on. But they said the brands were clean and there was no question of any previous marking having been off. I figured Salter was a whole lot smarter than the ordinary rustler. And the next day I found out just how smart.

[Chester]

They sure got their branding fire set far enough apart, Mr. Dylan.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, they have.

[Chester]

There's Jim Salter.

[Matt Dillon]

Now this first fire, I will stop and say hello, Chester.

[Chester]

All right, let him go, boys.

[Matt Dillon]

That's interesting.

[Chester]

What is?

[Matt Dillon]

I'll tell you later. You don't have to stop work just because we're here, Solder.

[Chester]

That's all right, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, but you didn't brand that one. You just have to cut him out and rope him again.

[Chester]

Iron's cold anyway.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, you got another iron there in the fire?

[Chester]

We'll get him branded.

[Doc]

Marshall.

[Chester]

What are you doing out here anyway?

[Matt Dillon]

We needed a change of scenery, so we thought we'd pay Lee a visit. Where is he?

[Chester]

Working to fire down yonder. You sure do keep your fire separated. Anything else you fellas object to? Well, no, I Wasn't objected. I was just making an entirely impersonal observation, that's all. Well, go do your observing on Lee. You came to see him, Solder. I'd starve plumb to death before I'd ever work around you. You sure would, Chester.

[Matt Dillon]

Wasting time.

[Chester]

See you later, Marsham.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Chester]

Okay, Adams. Bring another one out.

[Lee Dargan]

Okay.

[Matt Dillon]

He's smart, that Solder. To me, he's just mean and downright graceless. At least that, too. Chester.

[Chester]

You got something figured out?

[Matt Dillon]

Mr. Dylan, I got it all figured out.

[Spinquest Announcer]

What?

[Matt Dillon]

Salter's stealing cattle. All right, I know just how he's doing it. But the problem now is how to handle Lee Dargan and that code of his. I wouldn't want to see Lee hung for murder.

[Chester]

No, sir. I surely wouldn't neither. Hello.

[Lee Dargan]

Hi, Marshals. Hold it, man. Hold it. How are you, Marshal? Yes, sir.

[Matt Dillon]

Fine lady Bargain.

[Lee Dargan]

We're about through for the day. Why don't you ride on down to hell? Okay. Come along directly.

[Matt Dillon]

We stopped by Salter's fire back there.

[Lee Dargan]

Oh. How are they doing?

[Matt Dillon]

Fine. Tell me something, Lee. Does Salter always work alone with those same two cowboys?

[Lee Dargan]

Yeah, come to think of it, he does. Why?

[Matt Dillon]

I was just curious. We'll see you at the house, Lee.

[Lee Dargan]

Sure, Marshall. Tell the cook I'll string him up. Supper isn't ready when we get there.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, I'll do that.

[Chester]

Well, not a bad house Mr. Dargan's got here, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

That's fine. Let's sit on the porch here, Chester. They'll be along soon.

[Chester]

Yes, sir, Mr. Dillon. Yeah, I give up trying to figure it out about Salter. You'll just have to explain it.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I told you. He sold fresh branded calves under the Bar S mark that he's got registered.

[Chester]

Yes, sir.

[Matt Dillon]

Those were Lee's calves. Did you ever hear of using a cold brand, Chester?

[Lee Dargan]

A cold brand? Yeah.

[Matt Dillon]

You can either put it on through a wet blanket or you can just keep the iron hot enough to burn hair and press it down lightly so it won't scorch the hide. Looks like a fine brand for a few months. That is, until the calf sheds.

[Chester]

Well, I'll be doggone.

[Matt Dillon]

And then the calf's as unmarked as the day it got dropped. You can brand it at leisure with any mark that appeals to you. Like a Bar S, for example.

[Chester]

So that's what Salter's been doing.

[Matt Dillon]

He was about to put a cold iron on that calf a while ago when we rode up.

[Chester]

Sure, sure.

[Matt Dillon]

He works at a distance from Dorgan because the Other cowboys had noticed right away what he's up to. Poorly. He's sure right about being green at this business.

[Chester]

Well, he's gonna learn now, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

No, no, Chester, I can't tell him.

[Chester]

Well, why not?

[Matt Dillon]

Lee meant it when he said he'd kill Salter if he had any proof. And if he did that, he'd be worse off than he is now.

[Chester]

Well, then why don't you just arrest that man?

[Matt Dillon]

The judge would let him off, I'm afraid Cold brine can be laid to carelessness. Of course, we could wait a couple of months and catch him doing his Bar S. Brandon. That's risky too, though.

[Chester]

Well, what are you gonna do, Mr. Dillon?

[Matt Dillon]

I don't know, Chester. But I'll have to figure something out by.

[Narrator]

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

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[Lee Dargan]

I don't understand it, Marshall. It just doesn't make any sense to me. But I asked for help, so. All right, I'll do as you say.

[Matt Dillon]

Then call Salter over here and tell him.

[Lee Dargan]

Okay, Marshal. Salter. Salter.

[Chester]

Yeah.

[Lee Dargan]

Come over here.

[Chester]

What do you want, Lee? We're already late this morning.

[Lee Dargan]

I'm going to make a change in our branding setup. Salter.

[Doc]

What?

[Lee Dargan]

I've decided it'll be faster. From now on, we all work from one fire instead of two.

[Doc]

What for?

[Lee Dargan]

You and Adams and Smith will work alongside the rest of us. That's all.

[Chester]

Whose idea is this anyway?

[Lee Dargan]

Those are my orders.

[Chester]

Oh, you still talk like a Confederate colonel, don't you?

[Lee Dargan]

That'll do, Salter.

[Doc]

Sure.

[Chester]

As for you, Marshall, I never did like you anyway.

[Matt Dillon]

It must have been pretty hard on Salter that day, having to put a permanent brand on Lee Dorgan's calves with a good hot iron. But he had no choice, and he did it. About noon, Chester and I said goodbye and rode back to Dodge. I figured that'd be the end of Lee's trouble. But two nights later, while Doc and I were taking our ease at the Alla Fraganza, I found out I was wrong.

[Kitty]

Yeah. It's like that ignorant cowboy got a

[Chester]

letter from his sweet girlfriend in St. Louis.

[Grainger Maintenance Engineer Announcer]

Mad.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, Doc. What did the letter say?

[Kitty]

Oh, well, she mentioned that she'd found

[Matt Dillon]

a nice room with running water.

[Doc]

Yeah, running water.

[Matt Dillon]

And so this uncivilized Son of the Prairie wrote her back to get rid

[Kitty]

of that Indian at once, or our engagement is off.

[Doc]

You see, he thought that. You understand that now, don't you mad for that?

[Matt Dillon]

The next drink's on you. Sure, man, sure. And when you get it as the bartender for a couple of good signs, as soon as I finish, I would say that was a funny.

[Doc]

I thought you left Lee Doggan out at his ring.

[Chester]

What?

[Doc]

Just came in the door. Must be looking for you. He's coming this way, man. Yeah. What's that under his arm? Oh, looks like a blanket.

[Lee Dargan]

Hello, Lee.

[Doc]

Sit down, Marshall.

[Lee Dargan]

Doc.

[Doc]

How are you, Lee?

[Matt Dillon]

What are you doing in town? You all through, Brandon?

[Lee Dargan]

We're through.

[Matt Dillon]

How'd it go?

[Doc]

Yeah.

[Lee Dargan]

Take a look at this blanket, Marshall.

[Doc]

Huh?

[Matt Dillon]

It's all marked up, isn't it?

[Lee Dargan]

It sure is. And it's burned with my brand all over.

[Matt Dillon]

Where'd you find this, Lee?

[Lee Dargan]

One of my men was riding by the place where Salter and his had his Brandon.

[Doc]

Fire marshal his horse kicked it up.

[Lee Dargan]

They'd half buried it there.

[Matt Dillon]

He showed it to you. Is that it?

[Lee Dargan]

That's it. And he explained all about Coal Brandon to me at the same time.

[Doc]

I see.

[Matt Dillon]

Where's Salter now, Lee?

[Lee Dargan]

He Got wind I was on to him and left Marshall. I think he can dodge those two worked with him, Adams and Smith.

[Matt Dillon]

And you're looking for him.

[Lee Dargan]

And I'm looking for him. But I'm telling you so you can look too. That blanket's enough evidence, even for the law.

[Matt Dillon]

I figure along with the witnesses that'd convict him.

[Doc]

But

[Matt Dillon]

I'll find him, Lee.

[Lee Dargan]

Better hurry, Marshall. I might find him first.

[Matt Dillon]

Lee, you'll stand trial if you kill him.

[Lee Dargan]

I'm not worried about that.

[Doc]

Along, Marshall. Why didn't you take his gun, Matt? Shows he couldn't get in any trouble.

[Matt Dillon]

He just find another one, Doc. He's a mighty determined man.

[Doc]

Yes, I can see that.

[Matt Dillon]

I'll take that drink another, Doc. I got work to do.

[Chester]

Sure, man.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, do me a favor, will you? Drop this blanket off at the office for me.

[Doc]

Oh, you bet your life I will. Good luck.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Thanks.

[Doc]

Mr. Dylan.

[Chester]

Mr. Dylan.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, what is it, Chester?

[Chester]

There's something wrong, sir. I just saw Salter and two men walk up behind Lee, dogging over and grab his gun.

[Matt Dillon]

What? Where are they?

[Chester]

They were headed toward Kelly's stable. I thought I'd better find you first.

[Matt Dillon]

Come on.

[Chester]

What are they doing in Dodge anyway?

[Matt Dillon]

Lee's on to him, Chester. He knows the whole story now, and they know he knows it.

[Chester]

Well, then somebody's gonna get killed.

[Matt Dillon]

Sure, it looks that way. All right. Stay behind me, Chester.

[Chester]

That's the only door to the stable. They'll have to come out there, sir.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I know, but we're going in after him. Easy now. The entrance to Kelly's stable was open, but there was no light showing. Chester and I stepped quickly around the frame of the door and we stopped just inside, waiting for our eyes to get used to the darkness. We could hear voices in the back where the men were saddlin up. And then suddenly we both saw it at the same time.

[Doc]

The first doll. Mr. Dillon, look.

[Chester]

Yeah, it's Mr. Dargan. They hung him.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, they just did it. He can't be dead yet. Here, take my knife and cut him down. You can climb up on the feed box. I'll cover you from here. Now hurry.

[Doc]

Yes, sir. I'll hurry. What was that? Something felt. Maybe Darken got loose somehow. Get up front there and take a look at both of you. Okay, so watch me.

[Matt Dillon]

Stay in here, chester. Don't move.

[Chester]

Mr. Darkin's breathing.

[Matt Dillon]

When they come up, we'll jump em. I'll take Adams.

[Doc]

Not quiet now. I'll see broke. Mr. Brook. Let's hit him on the head and have done with it. You do it, Smith. I'll wait here. Yeah, okay.

[Matt Dillon]

You all right, Chester?

[Doc]

Yes, sir. Good. Now keep low.

[Chester]

What's going on up there,

[Doc]

Adams,

[Kitty]

man.

[Doc]

Mr. Dargan's coming too. Now he's breathing easier.

[Matt Dillon]

Keep him quiet. Hold him down if he tries to get up. Solder will be along in a minute.

[Doc]

Yes, sir. What are you two doing?

[Chester]

Answer me. Plaster. Who's in there?

[Matt Dillon]

Throw down your gun, Solder.

[Doc]

Who is that?

[Matt Dillon]

It's Matt Dillon. Now do as I say.

[Doc]

Sure, marshall. Here it is.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, Chester. Get the guns off of Adams and Smith. We don't have to worry about Salter.

[Chester]

All right, sir.

[Lee Dargan]

Lee.

[Matt Dillon]

Lee, how are you?

[Lee Dargan]

Oh, it's good to breathe again, Marshall.

[Doc]

I was about gone. Well, you're all right.

[Matt Dillon]

We got him and Salter's dead. You won't have any trouble now.

[Doc]

No, no, but it's not easy the

[Lee Dargan]

way you people educate a man out here.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, if it was easy, Lee, anyone could manage.

[Doc]

Well, thanks, Marshall. Yeah, sure.

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[Narrator]

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 John Meston, with music composed and conducted by Rex Corey. Featured in the cast were John McIntyre as Lee, Harry Bartel as Salter, and John Dana as Peters parley bears. Chester, Georgia Ellis is Kitty and Howard McNair is Doc. Gunsmoke has been selected by the Armed Forces Radio Service to be heard by our troops overseas. 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. A flirtation that leads to a killing interests Mr. And Mrs. North this coming Tuesday night on CBS Radio.

[Lee Dargan]

Don't miss Kiss of Death when Pam

[Narrator]

and Jerry north go into action against the murderer. Also Tuesday night on most of these same CBS radio stations, John Lund as yours truly Johnny Dollar brings us his latest adventure in probing fraudulent insurance claims. Mr. And Mrs. North and yours truly, Johnny Dollar. They're both thrilling Tuesday nighters at the Stars address. This is Roy Rowan speaking and this

[Doc]

is the CBS Radio Sam.

[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 our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Tom who joined us recently. You too can join by going to okay. OTRwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739. This episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Doc]

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