Fingered | Gunsmoke (11-21-52)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode Summary: "Fingered" | Gunsmoke (Original Air Date: 11-21-52)

Podcast Host: Andrew Rhynes
Podcast Air Date: May 7, 2026

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Overview

In this episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, host Andrew Rhynes presents a digitally restored classic episode of Gunsmoke titled "Fingered." The episode, first aired in 1952, brings listeners into Dodge City as Marshal Matt Dillon unravels a mysterious disappearance on the harsh prairie. With themes of loneliness, suspicion, and justice, "Fingered" explores the darker side of frontier life, where rumor and hardship are as dangerous as outlaws or raiding tribes.

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Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

1. Setting the Scene in Dodge City

• Cast Introduction:
  William Conrad stars as Marshal Matt Dillon, with supporting roles including Chester, Jim Cobbit, Hank Lewes, and Lila Cobbit.
  (05:25) “And now gun smoke. Starring William Conrad. The story of the violence that moved west with young America. The story of a man who moved with it.” — Narrator

• Opening Banter at Breakfast:
  Chester complains about overly spicy eggs, setting a casual, domestic tone that quickly turns tense as gossip flows about Jim Cobbit, a reclusive homesteader.
  (06:00) “The cook sure must have had a bad night, Mr. Dillon.” — Chester

2. Jim Cobbit’s Wedding & Town Suspicion

• A Lonely Man Gets Married:
  Jim Cobbit’s wife-to-be, Lila, arrives from back east, and a simple, private wedding is arranged due to local prejudice and gossip about Jim’s past.
  (09:32) “Jim's bride, Lila, turned out to be a handsome, high strung woman... I wondered how she'd ever make out in this crude, raw country she'd chosen to come to.” — Matt Dillon's narration

• Foreshadowing & Rumors:
  Suspicion stems from Jim’s past: his first wife disappeared, and Hank Lewes harbors a long-standing grudge over land and the spring.

• Notable Exchange:
  (07:09) "What about Jim's first wife who disappeared off of that place he had up north on Hackberry Creek? Just plain disappeared, she did." — Hank Lewes
  (07:28) "Except stake his homestead on the only spring south of the Smokey that didn't dry up. Cheated me out of it, that's what." — Hank Lewes

3. Hard Prairie Life and Ominous Warnings

• During a post-wedding celebration, Lila grows anxious about stories of Indian raids and life on the lonely homestead.
  (11:19) "Oh, snakes can't get to you if you're in the wagon, man." — Jim Cobbit
  (12:14) "But still it's a hard life on a white woman suddenly being made a squaw." — Chester

• Community Support & Doubts:
  The townsfolk are pleased Jim has found companionship, but whispers remain about his character and luck.

4. Lila’s Disappearance & Mounting Suspicion

• A Month Passes:
  News surfaces that Lila has disappeared from the Cobbit homestead, reinforcing dark rumors about Jim.
  (14:30) “You think I was lying about Jim Cobbard, don't you? Well, listen to this, Marshall. Lila's disappeared too.” — Hank Lewes

• The Accusation:
  Hank reports Lila missing and insists Marshall Dillon act, implying Jim has murdered another wife.

5. Investigation and the “Indian Raid”

• Jim’s Account:
  Matt and Chester visit Jim, who claims a party of Crow Indians raided the homestead, carried off Lila, and stole all the livestock.
  (18:46) "You mean you were raided here?" — Matt Dillon
  (19:14) [Flashback] "Oh, I saw something up there. Oh, Jim. Jim, he was an Indian." — Lila Cobbit

• Jim’s Despair:
  Jim recounts being knocked out during the raid. By the time he recovered, Lila and the horses were gone. He admits to being helpless and heartbroken.

6. The Body is Found: Truth Unfolds

• Growing Doubt:
  The town, led by Hank Lewes, grows restless, demanding Jim's arrest. Matt promises a fair investigation.
  (23:54) “Go out there and arrest him. And find Lyla's body if you can.” — Merritt

• Discovery & Autopsy:
  With the town doctor, Matt returns to the Cobbit homestead. Lila is discovered buried beneath a row of columbine flowers that Jim planted.
  (26:14) “You want to tell him, Jim? — Over there under that row. Columbine.”

• Cause of Death:
  Doc reveals Lila was killed by a .45 caliber bullet at close range — Jim’s own weapon.

7. Jim’s Confession & Vindication

• Jim’s Emotional Testimony:
  Jim describes the night: amidst the chaos of the Indian raid, Lila panicked and was accidentally shot with the six-gun Jim had given her for protection.
  (28:12) "Lila screamed and screamed. I guess she went kind of crazy. Then I heard a shot... Then I saw her on the floor there." — Jim Cobbit

• Resolution:
  Matt believes Jim’s account, with Chester reinforcing his honesty. Jim is cleared of murder, but the tragic weight of his loss is clear.

• Memorable Moment:
  (29:31) “There's no reason I know of why Jim should stand trial.” — Matt Dillon

8. Conclusion: Prairie Hardships & Moving On

• Jim’s Departure:
  Jim decides to leave. The land has brought him only hardship and suspicion.
  (30:15) "No, I don't. I got bad luck both places. I won't settle down no more." — Jim Cobbit

• Finishing Reflection:
  (31:03) "The prairie had dealt hard with Jim Cobbit, but the man was too tough and dry not to survive... he wouldn't try again to be happy, but he'd live, he'd make his way." — Matt Dillon's narration

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• (09:32) “Jim's bride, Lila, turned out to be a handsome, high strung woman… I wondered how she'd ever make out in this crude, raw country...” — Matt Dillon (narration)
• (14:30) “You think I was lying about Jim Cobbard, don't you? Well, listen to this, Marshall. Lila's disappeared too.” — Hank Lewes
• (28:12) "Lila screamed and screamed. I guess she went kind of crazy. Then I heard a shot... Then I saw her on the floor there. I didn't care after that... They could've done anything they wanted. I didn't care." — Jim Cobbit
• (29:31) “There's no reason I know of why Jim should stand trial.” — Matt Dillon
• (30:15) "No, I don't. I got bad luck both places. I won't settle down no more." — Jim Cobbit

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Important Timestamps

• Wedding & Backstory: 06:00–09:55
• Post-wedding Advice & Rumors: 09:56–13:14
• Lila’s Disappearance Reported: 13:56–15:27
• Jim’s “Indian Raid” Account: 17:29–22:57
• Town’s Suspicion & Demand for Justice: 23:28–24:45
• Discovering Lila’s Grave: 25:00–27:25
• Jim’s Testimony & Resolution: 27:45–30:37
• Jim Leaves the Prairie: 31:00–31:51

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Tone & Atmosphere

The episode blends suspense, melancholy, and loneliness, delivering the authentic grit of the old West. Dialogue is direct, stoic, and marked by dry humor and simmering tension. The cast’s performances evoke empathy for outsiders and skepticism for easy answers in a landscape haunted by fear, gossip, and sorrow.

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Final Thoughts

“Fingered” exemplifies Gunsmoke's nuanced storytelling, grounding frontier mythos in hard questions about justice, isolation, and humanity. The digital restoration showcased by Old Time Radio Westerns reinvigorates the rich ambiance — from creaking saloon doors to the endless prairie wind — making for a haunting, timeless listening experience.

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Transcript

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[Andrew Hines (Podcast Host)]

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 dates November 21, 1952 and the title is Fingered. Hope you enjoy and again, thanks for listening.

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[Gunsmoke Narrator]

And now gun smoke. Starring William Conrad. The story of the violence that moved west with young America. The story of a man who moved with it.

[Matt Dillon]

Matt Dillon, United States Marshall.

[Chester]

The cook sure must have had a bad night, Mr. Dillon.

[Jim Cobbit]

Well, how do you figure that Chester?

[Chester]

Well sir, I never saw so much chili pepper on a couple of poor eggs. You must figure everybody's got a hangover this morning.

[Jim Cobbit]

Almost everybody usually has of a Sunday around here.

[Chester]

Well now I clean up, forgot all about it being Sunday. So that's why Jim Cobbit's all dressed up. Over there, huh? First time I've ever seen him with his hair combed.

[Jim Cobbit]

Why, haven't you heard about Jim, Chester? He's going to get married. He's got his wife to be coming in on the train from back east today.

[Chester]

Jim Cobbit?

[Jim Cobbit]

Yeah.

[Chester]

Now, what sort of a woman would that be, Mr. Dillon? Who'd come clear to Dodge City to marry a fellow like Jim?

[Jim Cobbit]

Nah, Jim's a good man, Chester. It's just that, well, living out on that homestead of his year after year has made him grow a little off center. So loneliness will do that to a man sometimes.

[Hank Lewes]

Morning, Marshall Chester.

[Chester]

Morning, Hank.

[Hank Lewes]

Well, what do you think of that old go Jim Cobb at getting himself hitched?

[Jim Cobbit]

It's a fine thing, I'd say.

[Chester]

Well, Jim's no older than you are, Hank Lews.

[Hank Lewes]

No older. Maybe a lot less respectable.

[Jim Cobbit]

Now you're talking your usual nonsense, Hank.

[Hank Lewes]

Am I, Marshal? What about Jim's first wife who disappeared off of that place he had up north on Hackberry Creek? Just plain disappeared, she did. Jim never explained that. And nobody ever saw her again either.

[Chester]

Oh, you're worse than old woman with your gossip, Hank.

[Jim Cobbit]

Jim's never done anything to you, Hank. Nothing.

[Hank Lewes]

Except stake his homestead on the only spring south of the Smokey that didn't dry up. Cheated me out of it, that's what.

[Jim Cobbit]

He filed his claim two weeks before you did, Hank, and everybody knows it.

[Hank Lewes]

Sneaked into town, that's what he did. Sneaked into town behind my back.

[Matt Dillon]

Still telling your lies, ain't you, Hank?

[Jim Cobbit]

Lose?

[Hank Lewes]

No. Now you keep away from me, Jim.

[Plymouth Car Advertiser]

Keep. Keep away.

[Matt Dillon]

I've never bothered you, Hank, but I hear you talking around Lila when she gets here. I'll hurt you. I'll hurt you bad. Well, this is.

[Hank Lewes]

You want to hide from her, Jim? Maybe that business about your first wife.

[Jim Cobbit]

All right. Don't touch that gun, Hank.

[Plymouth Car Advertiser]

Not a move.

[Hank Lewes]

You arrested Marshall. You saw it.

[Matt Dillon]

Get up.

[Hank Lewes]

Put him in jail.

[Plymouth Car Advertiser]

Now.

[Hank Lewes]

I. I didn't touch him.

[Lila Cobbit]

Shut up.

[Jim Cobbit]

Now, you're just lucky you weren't killed. Now you get out of here and stay away from Jim. It's his wedding day. And if I find you bothering him again, I'll throw you in jail.

[Plymouth Car Advertiser]

Now go on, move.

[Hank Lewes]

Fine law we got around here, man.

[Chester]

Nothing happens.

[Matt Dillon]

Sorry to make trouble, Marshall, but I won't hold for his. Making that talk around Lila.

[Jim Cobbit]

Oh, forget it, Jim. Just keep clear of him for a while. What time's the wedding?

[Matt Dillon]

About 3 o'. Clock. least that's when the preacher said he'd come Down.

[Chester]

It'll be at the church, won't it, Jim?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, no. The preacher thought maybe it'd be better to do it somewhere else. It's because of.

[Jim Cobbit]

Yeah, yeah, sure, Jim. You know, Dodge City house would be a fine place, wouldn't it?

[Matt Dillon]

That's just what I'd plan, Marshall. I brought a jug of corn in with me in case anyone came around. Maybe, Jim.

[Jim Cobbit]

I wouldn't miss it for the world. I'm gonna be there for sure.

[Chester]

Yeah, me too, Jim. I certainly do enjoy wedding. I never got married myself, but I sure do like to watch.

[Jim Cobbit]

See you later, Jim.

[Matt Dillon]

Sure, Marshall, we'll be there.

[Chester]

Jim. By.

[Jim Cobbit]

Jim's bride, Lila turned out to be a handsome, high strung woman with nervous black eyes and a manner that bespoke a gentle breeding and background. I watched her and I wondered how she'd ever make out in this crude, raw country she'd chosen to come to. It was never mentioned how she and Jim had got together, but the few friends who gathered for the wedding didn't care. We were all pleased that Jim finally had a wife to break the loneliness that he'd set upon himself for so long. And after the brief ceremony at the Dodge City house, we told him so.

[Chester]

Well, it's about time, Jim. If you don't mind my saying so, ma', am, you should have filed on him long ago.

[Lila Cobbit]

Why, yes, I. I mean, of course.

[Matt Dillon]

Open the jug on the table there.

[Jim Cobbit]

Sigh.

[Plymouth Car Advertiser]

It's good corn.

[Chester]

Thank you, Jim. My throat is. You might dust it. Help yourselves to the liquor, boys.

[Lila Cobbit]

Thank you.

[Jim Cobbit]

Well, Congratulations, Jim and Ms. Cobbett. My best wishes to you, ma'.

[Matt Dillon]

Am.

[Lila Cobbit]

Thank you, Marshall Dillon.

[Jim Cobbit]

Now, you make Jim bring you to town and see us once in a while. He never came in much when he was alone out there.

[Lila Cobbit]

Oh, I'm sure he will, Marshall.

[Chester]

I sure hope so, ma'.

[Plymouth Car Advertiser]

Am.

[Matt Dillon]

Help yourself to the jug there, Chester.

[Chester]

Well, thank you, Jim. If I can get it away from s long enough, I.

[Jim Cobbit]

Will you stay in here tonight, Jim?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, no, Marshall. I brought the wagon on account of Lila here and it's slow way of traveling. Take a day and a half at best.

[Lila Cobbit]

But where will we sleep tonight, Jim?

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, I've got some blankets, lighter. We'll be fine.

[Lila Cobbit]

You mean out on the prairie?

[Chester]

Sure.

[Matt Dillon]

We'll bed down in the wagon if you're afraid of snakes.

[Jim Cobbit]

Oh, snakes can't get to you if you're in the wagon, man.

[Lila Cobbit]

But. But what about everything else? Indians?

[Matt Dillon]

No Injuns have been seen around here for months, I know.

[Plymouth Car Advertiser]

Oh, no, you're wrong, Jim.

[Chester]

A man from Walnut Creek told me he run into some Pawnees couple weeks ago. Only about a dozen though.

[Lila Cobbit]

Pawnee?

[Jim Cobbit]

Well, they didn't bother him, did they, sir?

[Matt Dillon]

No, no they didn't.

[Chester]

Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. See Lila?

[Chester]

Well, they didn't bother him cause he saw him first. He hid himself under a bank in the Cricket.

[Lila Cobbit]

Are there many Indians around?

[Jim Cobbit]

Oh, no, very few.

[Chester]

The army's been after him pretty steady ever since them crows raided the Gillette place. The engine's been making themselves scarce last few months.

[Lila Cobbit]

What happened at the Gillette place?

[Matt Dillon]

They had a little trouble, that's all.

[Chester]

Little trouble to kill Bob and rode off of Mrs. Gillette and the child, that's all.

[Lila Cobbit]

Oh no.

[Jim Cobbit]

Sigh. Why don't you go get yourself another drink, huh?

[Plymouth Car Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Chester]

Well, I was just thinking about doing that. Well, I suppose it'll be easier than Mrs. Gillette once she learns to talk crow. But still it's a hard life on a white woman suddenly being made a squall.

[Jim Cobbit]

The jug's almost empty. Si. You better hurry, huh?

[Plymouth Car Advertiser]

By golly.

[Chester]

Hey fellers, I got another swallow coming.

[Matt Dillon]

Liquor's worker don't say they don't pay.

[Lila Cobbit]

No, Jim. Is it true what he said about that poem?

[Matt Dillon]

Now Lila, don't you fret about that.

[Lila Cobbit]

Is it true? I want to know. Jim.

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, Jim?

[Jim Cobbit]

If you stayed in Dodge City tonight, well, you could start out before dawn tomorrow.

[Lila Cobbit]

No, Marshall. Jim thinks it's best we leave tonight.

[Matt Dillon]

There's nothing to fear, Lila. But if you'd rather stay, we can.

[Lila Cobbit]

No, we'll go, Jim. If you'll excuse me, I'll go change into something more suitable. Goodbye, Marshall.

[Jim Cobbit]

Goodbye, ma'.

[Lila Cobbit]

Am.

[Jim Cobbit]

We'll see you in Dodge City real soon, I hope.

[Lila Cobbit]

Of course I'll be down shortly, Jo.

[Jim Cobbit]

Maybe it was best that way for Lila to face out her first night on the prairie not far from Dodge. Nothing would bother him that close to town and it'd make it easier for her. On the next night and they left. And that's all we heard about them for a month or so. Dodge City was fairly quiet except for one week when a Texas herd arrived. Two boys were killed the next night and another a few days after. But then things cooled off and became peaceable again.

[Chester]

Thank lose is in town, Mr. Dillon.

[Jim Cobbit]

Oh no, Chester. Well, there ought to be a law against it, that's all.

[Chester]

He said he was coming here to see you in few minutes.

[Jim Cobbit]

Look, you talk to him, Chester. I think I'll go upstairs and pick on the doc for a while.

[Chester]

Oh, he doesn't want to see me, Mr. Dylan. I'll send him up when he comes.

[Jim Cobbit]

Chester, no.

[Chester]

Yes, sir. But he'll ask me where you are, sir. Now, what am I going to tell

[Hank Lewes]

him if I want to talk to you?

[Jim Cobbit]

All right, Hank, go ahead, talk.

[Hank Lewes]

You think I was lying about Jim Cobbard, don't you? Well, listen to this, Marshall. Lila's disappeared too.

[Matt Dillon]

What?

[Hank Lewes]

I saw it with my own eyes. I mean, I saw. She isn't there.

[Jim Cobbit]

What are you talking about, Hank?

[Hank Lewes]

I'm telling you, Marshall, Lila's gone. Just like Jim's first wife up on Hackberry Creek. She's plain disappeared.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, go on.

[Hank Lewes]

Well, I got a runty bay mare that's always running off and I rode by Jim's place to see if he'd seen her. Jim was just sitting there and he hardly pay me any mind at all. He was all alone. And when I asked him about Lila, he. He just walked off, wouldn't say a word.

[Chester]

Well, maybe she was just out on the prairie somewhere.

[Hank Lewes]

Then she stayed a long time. I was back next day and still didn't see her. Stock's gone too.

[Jim Cobbit]

When was this, Hank? About a week ago.

[Hank Lewes]

Now, Marshall, I think you ought to get out.

[Jim Cobbit]

I do my own thinking, Hank.

[Hank Lewes]

Well, all right, but you better get out there, Marshall. I've told you now.

[Jim Cobbit]

You told me and you can forget it. Just stay away from the Cobbard place, you understand?

[Hank Lewes]

All right, Marshall. I've done my duty, you better do yours.

[Jim Cobbit]

Goodbye, Hank.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I. Goodbye.

[Chester]

What are you gonna do, Mr. Dillon?

[Jim Cobbit]

Only thing we can do, Chester. Go saddle our horses, will you? I got some things to clean up around here.

[Chester]

Yes, Mr. D.

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[Gunsmoke Narrator]

Now the second act of Gunsmoke.

[Chester]

Sure looks quiet around here, Mr. Dylan.

[Plymouth Car Advertiser]

Yeah,

[Jim Cobbit]

Yeah, come on. They're probably inside.

[Chester]

You think Lyle is here, don't you, sir?

[Jim Cobbit]

I will soon find out. Chester. Hello, jim.

[Matt Dillon]

Hello, marshall. Chester.

[Chester]

Hello, jim.

[Matt Dillon]

Come in.

[Jim Cobbit]

How have you been, Jim?

[Matt Dillon]

Hank Lewes told you, didn't he, Marshall?

[Jim Cobbit]

Where is she, Jim?

[Matt Dillon]

Hank Lou said I killed her, didn't he, Marshall?

[Jim Cobbit]

Now, Jim, you know I don't pay any attention to what Hank Lou says.

[Matt Dillon]

Then why'd you come here, Marshall?

[Jim Cobbit]

To help you. You're in trouble.

[Matt Dillon]

Lila isn't here. I'm in trouble all right.

[Jim Cobbit]

Well, what happened, Jim? Where is she? I don't know. What?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, Injuns. Party of crows. They took her. They took her?

[Chester]

Indians. My goodness.

[Jim Cobbit]

You mean you were raided here?

[Matt Dillon]

Maybe 10 days ago. A war party about 12 crows.

[Jim Cobbit]

Well, what happened?

[Matt Dillon]

Little Isla was out there by the spring. It was just getting dark. I was setting on the floor right there. Men in the saddle I'd torn the stirrup off of when I heard her come running up the path out back. Own sweat, yelling

[Plymouth Car Advertiser]

hello.

[Chester]

What is.

[Lila Cobbit]

Oh, I saw something up there. Oh, Jim. Jim, he was an Indian.

[Jim Cobbit]

Come inside.

[Matt Dillon]

Get on the floor in the corner there. How many? How many did you see?

[Lila Cobbit]

Oh, just him. I saw his skin behind that little rise. Oh, dam, don't let him get me now.

[Matt Dillon]

I don't see a thing out of this one. Look over here. Nothing. Must have heard you yell.

[Lila Cobbit]

Oh, Jim, what do we do?

[Matt Dillon]

Stand them off, that's all.

[Chester]

Wait a minute.

[Matt Dillon]

There's one.

[Lila Cobbit]

Oh, no.

[Matt Dillon]

Getting hard to see, Jim.

[Lila Cobbit]

The other side. They'll sneak up on the other side.

[Matt Dillon]

Be one behind that log out there. Oh, no, but we just wait.

[Jim Cobbit]

You get bolder in the dark.

[Matt Dillon]

I can pick him off easy.

[Lila Cobbit]

Oh, Jim, Jim, they'll carry me off like they did that other woman. I can't stand it, Jim.

[Plymouth Car Advertiser]

Here, take that six year old.

[Lila Cobbit]

Yes, yes, I will, I will.

[Matt Dillon]

You won't take you while I'm alive, I promise you that. Lila. Wait a minute. They're down at the corral. They're after horses. That'll show them. There he goes. There was one behind that log.

[Lila Cobbit]

Oh, dear, my God, Dan.

[Matt Dillon]

Sneaking up on us. We'll just wait. Let them get in the open. Wait a little more. Then when they jump and run on us, I. Well, go on, Jim.

[Jim Cobbit]

What happened then?

[Chester]

Yeah, what'd they do when they rushed you?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, one of them must have got in the window behind me when Ryla screamed, I was knocked out, and when I come to, the engines was gone. Ryla was gone, too.

[Chester]

Were you shot, Jim, or what? No.

[Matt Dillon]

Injun must have got behind me somehow and clubbed me, that's all.

[Jim Cobbit]

Did you try to follow him?

[Matt Dillon]

How could I, Marshall? They run off the horses, stole them.

[Jim Cobbit]

I see.

[Matt Dillon]

Anyway, I was out a long time. It wasn't a sign of anybody. Want to come to?

[Jim Cobbit]

Well, they could be in the Rocky Mountains by now. We'd never find them. I'll report this to Colonel Jenkins of Fort Dodge and he can spread the word through the army post.

[Matt Dillon]

Thanks, Marshall.

[Jim Cobbit]

I. I'm sorry, Jim, but I guess that's all I can do for you.

[Matt Dillon]

Sure, Marshall.

[Jim Cobbit]

Come on, Chester. Let's take a look around outside and then get back to Dodge City. Yes, sir.

[Chester]

So long, Jim. I Sure, I am sorry it happened for long. Jim's pretty broke up, Mr. Dillon. Yeah, that's terrible. Her a squaw now?

[Jim Cobbit]

Yeah.

[Chester]

My, aren't those pretty, Mr. Dillon. What is that bunch of columbine there growing right in a row? I think I'll just put one in my hat.

[Jim Cobbit]

No, wait a minute, Chester. I wouldn't pick them, Chester. They're too pretty to pick, huh?

[Chester]

Well, all right, sir. Jim Stock is gone. All right. You know, Mr. Dillon, Jim Cobb ain't the luckiest man in the world, is he?

[Jim Cobbit]

No, he sure isn't, Chester. Come on, let's get out of here. It was the day after we got back to Dodge City that the trouble started, as I expected it would. Chester spread the story about the Indians kidnapping Lilac, and it wasn't long before some of the men began to question it. A group of them, headed of course, by Hank Lewes, came to see me.

[Hank Lewes]

Marshall, we want to know when you're

[Gunsmoke Narrator]

going to arrest him.

[Jim Cobbit]

Hank, it'd be better if you'd let somebody else do the talking. Your record against Jim Cobbett's pretty strong.

[Hank Lewes]

Marshall's right, Hank. You always did talk too much. Anyway, I want justice done, that's all. And I mean to get it. Oh, shut up, Hank.

[Jim Cobbit]

Marshall, Hanks sort of talked us into thinking you don't need to do anything about Jim Covey. Is that true? What's your idea, Merritt?

[Hank Lewes]

Go out there and arrest him. And find Lyla's body if you can.

[Jim Cobbit]

You think Jim murdered her, is that it? Looks that way.

[Hank Lewes]

You sure don't believe his story, do you, Marshall?

[Jim Cobbit]

No, not all of it.

[Hank Lewes]

Jim did her in just like his first wife. That's what it's a sure thing Marshall, no. Injuns would have stolen the woman, left

[Jim Cobbit]

Jim lying there without scalping the engines.

[Plymouth Car Advertiser]

Just being made.

[Jim Cobbit]

That Merritt. I don't know what happened out there, but I'm gonna find out.

[Hank Lewes]

Then what are you waiting for? Marshall, the doc.

[Chester]

The doc?

[Hank Lewes]

What's he got to do with this?

[Jim Cobbit]

Ms. Prillif, you had a baby this morning. The doc was up all night and he's sleeping today. We're gonna ride out to Jim's tomorrow.

[Hank Lewes]

Well, I don't know what you need the dock for, but we'll wait and ride out with you.

[Jim Cobbit]

You won't ride anywhere, Hank. When I need a posse, I'll ask for it. I don't want a single man of you anywhere near the Cobbett place. Is that clear?

[Plymouth Car Advertiser]

All right.

[Jim Cobbit]

Now get out of here. I got work to do.

[Chester]

It's a mighty lonely looking place, Matt.

[Jim Cobbit]

I wonder what Lila Cobbit thought when she first saw it.

[Chester]

She must have been mighty fond of Jim to come here at all, seems to me.

[Jim Cobbit]

Yeah, but I hope Jim's still there.

[Chester]

Isn't that him there down by the corral, isn't it?

[Jim Cobbit]

Oh, yeah. Yeah. He's got a new horse.

[Matt Dillon]

Hello, Jim. What are you doing here, Doc?

[Jim Cobbit]

I had to bring the doc, Jim, to perform a sort of autopsy.

[Matt Dillon]

Autopsy?

[Jim Cobbit]

On Ms. Carbett? It's necessary, Jim, or I wouldn't do it.

[Matt Dillon]

Marshall.

[Jim Cobbit]

Now, don't do it, Jim. You wouldn't have a chance.

[Matt Dillon]

No.

[Jim Cobbit]

Take his gun, Chester. Yes. All right, Jim. Let you and me go on into the house, huh? I don't imagine you want to watch this.

[Chester]

Where is it, man?

[Jim Cobbit]

You want to tell him, Jim?

[Matt Dillon]

Over there under that roll. Columbine.

[Chester]

Well, I'll. So that's why you wouldn't let me pick any, Mr. Nellen.

[Matt Dillon]

I watered the ground a lot to make it hard. It was a good job, Jim.

[Jim Cobbit]

Come on, let's go in the house.

[Matt Dillon]

Shovels out back of the corral.

[Chester]

I'll get it. All that water didn't do any good.

[Matt Dillon]

In the house.

[Jim Cobbit]

Jim sat with his back to the wall, his hands clasped tightly across his knees. He was so gaunt and leathery that I wondered if he'd bothered to eat anything at all since this had happened. He just sat there as if waiting to be sentenced and not caring very much one way or the other. Finally, Doc and Chester were finished and they came into the house.

[Chester]

We put her back, Jim, right where you had her. And it wasn't easy, Matt.

[Jim Cobbit]

Yeah, I know, but what did you find?

[Chester]

Well, she was killed by 45. Fired at close range. Bullet entered her head just under.

[Jim Cobbit]

Never mind, Doc.

[Chester]

Jim's gun here is at.45, Mr. Dillon.

[Jim Cobbit]

You want to tell us about it, Jim?

[Matt Dillon]

You think I killed her, Marshall?

[Jim Cobbit]

It looks that way, Jim. But I still can't believe it. Thank you, Marshall. If you did it, Jim, you're gonna hang for it.

[Matt Dillon]

The crows didn't attack the house, Marshall. They never aimed to. They just dodged around out there, some of them, to cover for the ones that ran the Stockholm. They didn't want to fight, just the stock.

[Jim Cobbit]

It's happened before.

[Matt Dillon]

Lila screamed and screamed. I guess she went kind of crazy. Then I heard a shot. First I thought she was shooting at the engines. Then I saw her on the floor there. I didn't care after that. They could have come right in there. They could have done anything they wanted. I didn't care.

[Jim Cobbit]

You. You've given her your six gun, is that it?

[Matt Dillon]

Yes.

[Chester]

The crows didn't bother you after that? They just took the horses and left?

[Matt Dillon]

I didn't care about them. I buried Lila out there right away. And I sat there on the ground all night. Everything had been all right, Marshall. But when Hank Lewes came by, I got scared. I didn't want to talk to him, but I knew what. So I put water on the grave and tried to hide it. Except for the flowers I planted. I just couldn't not have planted flowers there.

[Chester]

He's telling the truth, Matt. Jim isn't lying.

[Matt Dillon]

No.

[Chester]

No, sir, he certainly isn't.

[Jim Cobbit]

There's no reason I know of why Jim should stand trial.

[Chester]

What about Hank? Lose Mr. Dillon. He'll make trouble.

[Jim Cobbit]

The three of us here have heard the story and seen the evidence. Hank's talk doesn't mean a thing. I have no cause to arrest Jim.

[Matt Dillon]

Then I can go, Marshall. Go? Go where? I don't want to live here anymore. It's like the other place up north. After my first wife rode off, she just said goodbye and rode off one day. I was ashamed of that. So I never told nobody what happened. I left the place like I'm leaving this one.

[Chester]

Well, you gotta settle down sometime, Jim.

[Jim Cobbit]

No.

[Matt Dillon]

No, I don't. I got bad luck both places. I won't settle down no more.

[Jim Cobbit]

We won't stop you, Jim.

[Matt Dillon]

I think I'll go now, Marshall. I don't want to spend another night here. I'll get my things together.

[Jim Cobbit]

Yeah, we'll wait outside. Come on, Chester. Doc. A half hour later, Jim was packed and ready to go. Silently, he shook hands with each one of us and then mounted and rode

[Chester]

off

[Jim Cobbit]

the prairie had dealt hard with Jim Covet, but the man was too tough and dry not to survive. Somehow he wouldn't try again to be happy, but he'd live, he'd make his way. We watched him disappear while the sun went and the land cooled and became still and quiet.

[Plymouth Car Advertiser]

Hey, hurry. The big Plymouth contest closes Monday midnight. Your last chance to win a new 53 Plymouth free or a big cash prize. Go to your nearby Plymouth dealers tomorrow. Meet the new Plymouth, look it over stem to stern, ask questions, find out all about this new kind of low priced car.

[Jim Cobbit]

Then on an official entry blank in 50 words or less, tell what you

[Plymouth Car Advertiser]

like most about this great new beauty. But remember, entries must be mailed by Monday midnight. So be sure to visit your Plymouth dealers tomorrow to pick up your contest entry blank and meet the new 53 Plymouth.

[Gunsmoke Narrator]

Gun Smoke under the direction of Norman McDonald stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal. Tonight's story was specially written for Gunsmoke by John Maston with music composed and conducted by Rex Corey. Featured in the cast were John McIntyre and Jeanette Nolan with Paul Duvall, Jack Crucian and Harry Bartel. Harley Baer is chester and Howard McNear is DOC. Gunsmoke was brought to you by Plymouth along with a reminder that you visit your Plymouth dealer tomorrow and enter the Meet the New Plymouth contest. Remember, entries must be mailed before Monday midnight. Clancy Cassell speaking.

[Matt Dillon]

Foreign

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[Andrew Hines (Podcast Host)]

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

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[SpinQuest Disclaimer Announcer]

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[Safeway/Albertsons Advertiser]

Save on Family Essentials at Safeway and Albertsons this week at Safeway and Albertsons, Fresh cut cantaloupe, watermelon, pineapple or Melon Medley Bowls 24 ounces are $5 each and Wild Caught Lobster Tails are $4.99 each. Limit eight member price plus selected sizes and varieties of Doritos Lays, Cheetos salad, Sun chips and Kettle cook chips are $1.99 each. Limit for member price. Hurry in. These deals won't last. Visit safewayoralbertsons.com for more deals and ways to save.

[Grainger University Maintenance Advertiser]

If you work in university maintenance, Grainger considers you an MVP because your playbook ensures your arena is always ready for tip off and Grainger is your trusted partner offering the products you need all in one place, from H Vac and plumbing supplies to lighting and more. And all delivered with plenty of time left on the clock so your team always gets the win. Call 1-800-granger. Visit grainger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.