Gun Shy | Gunsmoke (11-10-57)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast
Episode: Gun Shy | Gunsmoke (11-10-57), Aired: July 5, 2026
Host: Andrew Rhynes

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Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features the classic "Gunsmoke" radio drama, originally broadcast on November 10, 1957, titled "Gun Shy." The story centers around Tom Wilson, a sensitive, inexperienced youth from Baltimore struggling to adapt to rugged Western ranch life. When Tom is found wounded and ashamed—caught between his fears and the expectations of manhood in the West—Marshal Matt Dillon and others around him grapple with what it really means to be brave and belong.

The episode explores themes of courage, self-worth, and the mythos of the American frontier—placing a spotlight on the often harsh reality behind romanticized tales of the West.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Opening in Dodge: Paranoia and Tension

[02:55-04:40]

• Rafe Mayfield, ranch owner, is convinced someone is lurking near his barn. He blames recent mischief (loose hogs, tipping lanterns) on Tom, a young man he previously chased off his property.
• Ms. Mayfield tries to mediate, expressing sympathy for Tom—"He wasn’t used to living on a ranch. Then he don’t belong on one, especially not mine." (Rafe Mayfield, 04:23)

2. Tom’s Plight and Injury

[05:13-06:43]

• Ms. Mayfield discovers Tom is hiding, wounded and weak. He's been shot in the leg and is ashamed to reveal the real circumstances.
  • "I was just trying to get me some food. I was awful hungry." (Tom/Chester, 05:56)
  • “You’re purely out of place on the prairie. You never should have left Baltimore in the first place.” (Ms. Mayfield, 06:17)
• Ms. Mayfield decides to help Tom quietly, fearing Rafe's anger.

3. Ms. Mayfield Seeks Marshal Dillon’s Help

[11:52-14:04]

• Ms. Mayfield privately approaches Matt Dillon and Chester, requesting they help Tom without Rafe's knowledge.
  • “I found him out in the barn last night with a bullet hole in his leg.” (Ms. Mayfield, 13:33)
  • Dillon and Chester agree to fetch Tom and bring him to town for medical attention.

4. Diagnosis and the Truth Revealed

[14:34-17:47]

• At the doctor’s office, Tom’s wound is examined. Dillon deduces the unusual angle suggests it was self-inflicted.
  • "You did this yourself, didn't you?" (Dillon, 17:02)
• Tom confesses—he accidentally shot himself trying to hunt for food, but also admits his overwhelming fear of guns and his sense of failure.
  • “I done nothing right. Besides, I'm scared of guns.” (Tom, 17:47)
  • “Tom, the man who isn't scared of guns is a fool.” (Dillon, 18:00)

5. Recovery and Purpose

[19:48-22:06]

• Tom recuperates in Dodge, finding work and saving for fare back to Baltimore.
• Conversation at the saloon with Kitty and Matt reflects perceptions of pride, dignity, and the pressure to "be a man."
  • “He won’t take [money]. Says he’s going back on his own the same way he came.” (Dillon, 22:08)

6. Climactic Gunfight: Tom's Moment

[22:12-24:03]

• A robbery occurs at Jonas' store; Tom attempts, uncharacteristically, to intervene, grabbing a gun from the shelf to stop the hold-up. He is shot before he can get off a shot.
  • “But I didn’t get him, Marshal.” (Tom, 23:23)
  • “That doesn’t matter. The thing is… you tried.” (Matt Dillon, 23:26)

7. Resolution: Reflection on Bravery and Ideals

[24:15-24:51]

• Tom, dying, shines with dignity, “Marshal, wasn't afraid when I grabbed that gun. Does that count for anything?” (Tom, 23:46)
  • “Counts for a lot, Tom.” (Dillon, 23:49)
  • "You can face anybody, Tom." (Dillon, 23:59)
  • “I'll tell you what's the real shame, Mr. Jonas. There are a whole lot more Toms back in Baltimore ...growing up with the idea that out here a man's not a man without a gun. I tell you, Mr. Jonas, I hope the rest of them stay home.” (Matt Dillon, 24:31)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Truth and Self-Inflicted Wounds
  • “Why, that bullet angle's nearly straight down. That's a pretty hard shot to make, Marshall… You did this yourself, didn't you?” (Matt Dillon, [17:02])
• On Masculinity and Fear
  • “Tom, the man who isn't scared of guns is a fool.” (Matt Dillon, [18:00])
• On Not Belonging
  • “Well, when you’re so all fired clumsy you shoot yourself in your own leg—where do you belong, Marshal?” (Tom, [17:32])
• Final Reflection
  • “There are a whole lot more Toms back in Baltimore and all through the east. Growing up with the idea that out here a man’s not a man without a gun. I tell you, Mr. Jonas, I hope the rest of them stay home.” (Matt Dillon, [24:27])

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Important Segment Timestamps

• [02:55] — Introduction of central conflict at the Mayfield ranch
• [05:13] — Tom is found wounded by Ms. Mayfield
• [11:52] — Ms. Mayfield confides in Marshal Dillon
• [14:34] — Tom's injury examined; truth comes out
• [17:02] — Dillon confronts Tom about self-inflicted gunshot
• [18:00] — Important discussion: fear of guns and belonging
• [22:12] — Tom in Dodge, preparing to return home
• [22:18] — Robbery and Tom's attempted intervention
• [23:46] — Tom’s final words and dying question about courage
• [24:27] — Dillon’s broader societal reflection

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Tone and Atmosphere

The episode maintains the somber, reflective tone typical of Gunsmoke, blending empathy, realism, and frontier pragmatism. The drama navigates the fine line between the legend and the reality of Western life, emphasizing human vulnerability, moral courage, and compassion.

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Summary

"Gun Shy" is not just a tale of gunfire and heroism, but a poignant narrative about expectations, shame, and the true meaning of bravery. Matt Dillon’s final words serve as both a critique of gun culture and a compassionate nod to all those “Toms” who struggle under the burden of Western mythology. The restored audio, vivid performances, and timeless script encapsulate why classic radio westerns still resonate.

Those who haven’t heard the episode will find in "Gun Shy" a moving exploration of identity and courage—one that, in the end, values trying over triumph, and honesty over bravado.

Transcript

[Matt Dillon]

All new drinks are now at McDonald's

[Chester]

with refreshers like the Strawberry Watermelon Refresher

[Matt Dillon]

and the Mango Pineapple Refresher with Popping Boba. To crafted sodas like the Sprite Berry Blast with berry flavors and cold foam.

[Chester]

Who knew ice cold drinks could be so fire six?

[Matt Dillon]

All new drinks are here now at McDonald's. Refreshers contain caffeine.

[Grainger Announcer]

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Gunsmoke Original Air date is November 10, 1957 and the title is Gun Shy. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoy.

[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.

[Rafe Mayfield]

Gun Smoke.

[Narrator]

Starring William Conrad. The story of the violence that moved west with young America and the story of a man who moved with it.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm that man. Matt Dillon, United States Marshal. The first man they look for and the last they want to meet. It's a chancy job, and it makes a man watchful and a little lonely.

[Ms. Mayfield]

Rape. Rape. What are you shooting at?

[Chester]

Something moving near the barn.

[Ms. Mayfield]

I declare rape. I think you're beginning to see things. You were out here shooting about this time yesterday. Come on in and have your supper.

[Chester]

I saw something. I tell you, I'm going down there now.

[Ms. Mayfield]

Rape, Your eyes are playing tricks on you in the twilight. You didn't find anything last night, did you?

[Chester]

I didn't get a good look. You hollered me back here like the

[Rafe Mayfield]

Injuns was after you.

[Ms. Mayfield]

A woman likes her supper ate once she sets it on the table. Come on, Rafe. Your pile be getting cold.

[Chester]

But one of these times I'm gonna

[Rafe Mayfield]

get a good shot at him.

[Ms. Mayfield]

Put that gun down and pull up to the table. You really think you could make somebody out?

[Rafe Mayfield]

Somebody was there, all right. I got me a good idea who it was.

[Chester]

Got me a good idea. It's that worthless dude kid we had around here.

[Ms. Mayfield]

Tom? You mean Tom?

[Matt Dillon]

I sure do.

[Ms. Mayfield]

Now, you wouldn't want to go and shoot him, would you?

[Rafe Mayfield]

I'll shoot him, sure.

[Chester]

If I find him on my land,

[Rafe Mayfield]

he causes nothing but trouble.

[Chester]

Letting the hogs loose, tipping the lantern in the loft, foundering my mare.

[Ms. Mayfield]

He wasn't used to living on a ranch.

[Chester]

Then he don't belong on one, especially not mine.

[Ms. Mayfield]

I reckon he's miles away by now. You threw a bad scare into him the day you sent him packing.

[Chester]

I meant to. And if I see him around here again, I'll send him packing again.

[Matt Dillon]

Load of buckshot.

[Ms. Mayfield]

Here, hold your cup. I'll pour you some more coffee.

[Narrator]

Boy.

[Ms. Mayfield]

You here, boy?

[Chester]

Yes, I'm here.

[Ms. Mayfield]

But why ever did you come back? You know how riled he gets at the sight of you. Come on out here where I can see you. Come on out, boy. I can't stand here all night. He might wake up.

[Chester]

I can't move too good.

[Ms. Mayfield]

Ma', am, you hurt?

[Chester]

It's my leg.

[Ms. Mayfield]

Well, land sakes, I should say it is. It's all over.

[Matt Dillon]

Blood.

[Chester]

Yes, ma'.

[Matt Dillon]

Am.

[Ms. Mayfield]

You've been shot.

[Chester]

You've been up to, well, nothing, ma'. Am.

[Ms. Mayfield]

Come on, boy. Tell me the truth.

[Chester]

I was just trying to get me some food. I was awful hungry.

[Ms. Mayfield]

So you tried to steal somebody's chicken?

[Chester]

Oh, no, ma'. Am, I wasn't trying to steal nothing.

[Ms. Mayfield]

Well, why would anybody shoot you then?

[Chester]

Well, ma', am, I don't rightly know. Well, I didn't exactly see.

[Ms. Mayfield]

Never mind that. Right now your leg needs binding up. Turn your head, boy. Ma'? Am, Turn your head. Oh, this nightgown will have to do for a binding. I declare, Rafe's right about one thing. You don't bring nothing but trouble. I swear, I don't know what to do about you. You're purely out of place on the prairie. You never should have left Baltimore in the first place. You hear me, boy?

[Chester]

Yes'm. I ain't much good out here.

[Ms. Mayfield]

Well, don't fret. We'll just fix you up somehow. Now, let me see that leg.

[Rafe Mayfield]

Now, just listen a minute, if you will. I've got a little story to tell you. Well, it's not so little. It's sort of a tall tale. It's about a legendary hero. A logging hero. You know, logging is a pretty important business. And this hero, Tony Beaver was his name. Well, he gets most of the credit for making it what it is today. Now, Tony came From the Eel river country. It's kind of hard to figure out just where that is because Georgia claims him and so does North Carolina and then West Virginia. Says he's from there. But wherever it was, well, that's where they raise the greatest logger of them all. Seems Tony used to raise watermelons for he started lumbering. Biggest melons there ever was, too. Why, they were so big they used the shells for bunk houses. That's where the army got the idea for Quonset huts. Yes, sir. Well, it seems Tony was bringing in a load of these melons by flat car one day and he was clipping along pretty fast when he hit a curve and dumped the whole load into the Eel River. Bouncing down the hill broke them all to smithereens. And the seeds, which were big enough to sit on, floated downstream and jammed up against a sawmill dam. Old Tony, he wasn't short on brains. He made a deal with a mill owner who took the seeds off his hands and sold them for hardwood. And that's how Tony got started in the logging business. First thing you knowed, everybody was floating their logs down rivers to the sawmills. Same as Tony done with the melon seeds. Tony was inventive. He was the two man saw was his idea, you know. Course, he made that big saw with a handle on both ends just for his own use so he could clear more acreage of trees during a day's work. But a couple of his men got into a fight over his saw one day and while he was a tugging back and forth trying to get the saw away from one another, why, they sawed clean through a big tree. Yes, sir. At2handle saw work real good for two men. Bloggers are still teaming up with it today. At Tony Beaver, he was the heart and spirit of the logging country. Many's the tale I could tell you and you'd believe me too when you say, isn't it nice being citizens of a country where you can laugh and talk about things free as a breeze and write and read and worship too? Yes, sir. Maybe you don't think about it much, but you should.

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[Chester]

My Claire. That must be the sixth one I saw today. I said that Must be the sixth one. Oh, excuse me, Mr. Delna. I didn't mean to disturb your reading of the paper.

[Matt Dillon]

No, that's all right, Chester. How do you count them anyway?

[Chester]

Ladies.

[Matt Dillon]

You keeping track of the ladies all of a sudden?

[Chester]

Well, no, sir, but seems like today there's a lot of extra ones driving into town. I must have counted six at least.

[Matt Dillon]

And what do you make of it?

[Chester]

Oh, I know why they're here all right. Is that doings that the church are getting ready for doing? Yes, sir. Supper or sociable? Something like that. Anyway, they're bringing in all sorts of home cooked food.

[Matt Dillon]

No wonder you're so interested.

[Chester]

I sure would like to sink my teeth into some of it.

[Ms. Mayfield]

And that's a fact.

[Matt Dillon]

Maybe you can talk yourself into some. Looks like one of the ladies is heading this way.

[Chester]

Oh, that's Rafe Mayfield's wife, ain't it?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I think it is.

[Ms. Mayfield]

Hello, Marshall. This is Captain.

[Chester]

How do, ma'?

[Ms. Mayfield]

Am?

[Matt Dillon]

Hello, Ms. Mayfield. Well, how are you and Rafe making out these days?

[Ms. Mayfield]

Tolerable, I guess. Marshall, can I speak to you for a few minutes in private life?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, sure, Ms. Mayfield. Here, let me help you down.

[Ms. Mayfield]

Oh, thank you.

[Matt Dillon]

There you are. Yeah, come on inside.

[Chester]

Well, guess I'll be going along.

[Ms. Mayfield]

Oh, I don't mind you, Chester. You might even help.

[Chester]

Well, now, thank you, ma'. Am.

[Matt Dillon]

Chester, pull up that chair for Ms. Mayfield, will you?

[Chester]

Yes, sir. Here you are, ma'. Am.

[Matt Dillon]

Now then, what's on your mind? Ma'?

[Chester]

Am?

[Ms. Mayfield]

Well, Marshall, we've known each other for a long time, haven't we?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, yes, ma'.

[Maintenance Engineer Announcer]

Am.

[Ms. Mayfield]

I guess you know me well enough to know I wouldn't go behind Rafe's back as an ordinary way of doing things.

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, ma', am. I think I know that.

[Ms. Mayfield]

I can't let him find out about this, though. Why, he'd drive that boy right off, hurt as he Is boy?

[Chester]

What boy?

[Ms. Mayfield]

Well, that boy from Baltimore. The one we took on as a hand a few months ago.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, you mean that Wilson kid, huh? With Tom, isn't it?

[Ms. Mayfield]

That's his name. Rafe ran him off the place two weeks ago.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, What'd he do?

[Ms. Mayfield]

It's not so much what he done wrong. It's more that he never done nothing right. He surely wasn't cut out to be on a ranch. Ray says he's worthless clean through, but I don't believe it. He's a nice boy.

[Matt Dillon]

He's come back, huh?

[Ms. Mayfield]

I found him out in the barn last night with a bullet hole in his leg.

[Matt Dillon]

Bullet hole? Well, who shot him?

[Ms. Mayfield]

I can't get it out of him. He just don't talk straight whenever I ask him about it. But he can't stay out there, Marshal. Rafe's sure to find out, and he won't stand for it.

[Matt Dillon]

We better go out there and bring him into town.

[Ms. Mayfield]

I'd be much obliged. Raced away picking up a new mayor. If he could come today, he wouldn't have to know about it.

[Matt Dillon]

I would do that, Ms. Mayfield.

[Chester]

That Chester. Yes, sir.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, go down and get the loan of Moss Grimmig's wagon, will you? And we'll bring him in the docks.

[Chester]

All right?

[Ms. Mayfield]

Well, sure. Thank you, Martin.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, don't thank me, Ms. Mayfield. I'm kind of curious about that bullet hole.

[Chester]

Now, don't you think a doctor's office could be a little handier to get to sit all these stairs? Oh, I'll make it all right.

[Matt Dillon]

You hold the door, Justin. I'll get him in.

[Chester]

Well, what do we got here?

[Matt Dillon]

Why don't you take a look at this leg, will you, Doc?

[Chester]

Certainly. May I get him up on the table there?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah,

[Chester]

easy.

[Matt Dillon]

That's fine.

[Chester]

Well, I'll go see the wagon, Mr. Johnson.

[Rafe Mayfield]

All right.

[Chester]

Let me see you now. Oh, yes. A bullet caused that, didn't it? Yes, sure did. You're lucky, though. It's not too deep. Must have bled a lot there, didn't it? Sure did bleed. Yes, sir.

[Matt Dillon]

That's a good thing.

[Chester]

Cleans itself out for you. Probably kept you from getting locked, John.

[Matt Dillon]

There's a bullet still in there, Doc.

[Chester]

No, no, it isn't. It just creased down top of his leg. Funny thing, Doc. Oh, Doc, that's Ben Tolliver. You up there? Tell him to hold his horses.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, Doc.

[Chester]

Hey, Doc. Yeah?

[Matt Dillon]

Doc's up here, Ben, but he's busy right now. He'll be with you in a minute.

[Chester]

Oh, he can't be busy. Marshall, it's Lucy. It's her time, I bet. Calm down. I'll do this, Doc.

[Matt Dillon]

You know how. How she is. She don't waste no time once she gets started.

[Chester]

All right, Ben.

[Ms. Mayfield]

All right.

[Chester]

This boy's okay, man. I've cleaned his leg out good. Just needs binding up again, I guess.

[Matt Dillon]

I can do that, Doc.

[Chester]

Why, sure you can. But I better be moving in. This is Lucy's sixth, and like Ben says, she doesn't waste any time. But after this, Minnie, I don't know why she needs a doctor at all.

[Rafe Mayfield]

Come on.

[Chester]

Wait a. Doc. All right, you, boy, better take it kind of easy for a day or two, and then you'll be as good as new. Thank you, Doc. Yeah.

[Matt Dillon]

It's kind of painful, I guess.

[Chester]

Oh, no, Marshall. It don't hurt hardly at all no more.

[Matt Dillon]

I wasn't thinking about you. I was thinking about Ben being a father.

[Chester]

Oh, yeah, I guess so.

[Matt Dillon]

You hold still now while I bind you up, huh? That sure must have been a trick shot that got you.

[Chester]

What do you mean, Marshal?

[Matt Dillon]

Or else the gunman must have been 10ft straight up above you. Why, that bullet angle's nearly straight down. That's a pretty hard shot to make, Marshall. Seems to me that you couldn't help seeing who it was that got that close enough to shoot you like that. Well, but you didn't see anybody, did you, Tom?

[Chester]

All right, Marshall, I guess you know.

[Matt Dillon]

You did this yourself, didn't you?

[Chester]

Yeah, Marshall, I did.

[Matt Dillon]

Did you do it on purpose?

[Chester]

Oh, no. I was trying to shoot me a rabbit. I was awful hungry and I guess I shot a mite too soon.

[Matt Dillon]

It's usually a good idea to get your gun up before you pull the trigger. You. You know, you should have spoken right out about this, Tom.

[Chester]

I couldn't, Marshall. I just couldn't. But then I haven't done anything right since I run off from Baltimore.

[Matt Dillon]

Maybe that was your first mistake. Here.

[Chester]

Now, I sure don't belong in the west, and that's a fact. But, well, when you're so all fired clumsy you shoot yourself in your own leg. Where do you belong, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

There's lots of accidents with guns, Tom. That's no disgrace.

[Chester]

You don't understand, Marshall. I done nothing right. Besides, I'm scared of guns.

[Matt Dillon]

Tom, the man who isn't scared of guns is a fool.

[Chester]

I tell you, Marshall, I never thought it would be like this. I didn't get scared when I was reading them stories and hearing folks tell their tales about the West. But once I got out here, well, nothing's been right. I shouldn't have come.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, you can always go back, I guess.

[Chester]

No, I can't. Leastways, not like this. You.

[Matt Dillon]

You got any folks? Would they send you any money?

[Chester]

Oh, yes, sir, they'd send it, but I just can't ask for it. I can't go back with my tail between my legs. I can't go home while I'm yellow, while I'm afraid of a gun.

[Matt Dillon]

There you are. All right, you can climb down off the table now. Can you bear any weight on that leg?

[Chester]

Yes, sir, I think so.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, if you do think so, I may be able to walk down as far as Delmonico's and get something to eat.

[Chester]

Huh? Oh. Oh, sure, Marshall. Thank you.

[Grainger Announcer]

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[Matt Dillon]

This land is your land this land

[Chester]

is my land this land was made

[Matt Dillon]

for you and me When I was

[Ms. Mayfield]

a child, I used a little spelling game to remember Mrs. Mississippi. M I, S S I S S I P P I remember now. Of course, I remember Mississippi in other ways, for other things. I remember Faulkner and Yokna, Patautha county, the aristocratic old plantations of Natchez. Shrimp boats setting out from Biloxi. Many of you, too, must remember watching the oystermen off the shores of Pass Christian or cotton pickers in Greenville attending the Delta Staple Cotton Festival in Clarksdale, patting the Spanish moss on the giant oaks. Mississippi stirs remembrances in most people, even those who have never visited the Magnolia State for the history and the name of the state and, yes, even the spelling game, make us stop to think and to ponder the wisdom behind the state motto by valor and Arms.

[Matt Dillon]

Hello, Max. Hello, Kitty. I was just on my way down to see you.

[Ms. Mayfield]

Huh?

[Matt Dillon]

Thought I might have a glass of beer.

[Chester]

Oh, come on, then.

[Ms. Mayfield]

It'll be a pleasure.

[Matt Dillon]

Okay.

[Ms. Mayfield]

Also a novelty, huh?

[Matt Dillon]

What do you mean?

[Ms. Mayfield]

You haven't exactly been making a habit of coming around lately.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I've been kind of busy, Kitty.

[Chester]

That's what I hear.

[Ms. Mayfield]

I understand you've adopted a boy.

[Matt Dillon]

No. Who told you that.

[Ms. Mayfield]

Isn't it true. Isn't that Wolfman boy staying with you?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, just till he gets himself enough money to go back to Baltimore.

[Ms. Mayfield]

I never heard of you taking such an interest before, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Ah, Kitty, he's. He's got things pretty mixed up.

[Chester]

Poor kid.

[Matt Dillon]

Thinks he's no good, huh?

[Ms. Mayfield]

And you think you'll figure he's not so bad if the Marshall will put up with him.

[Matt Dillon]

Not kidding.

[Ms. Mayfield]

All right, Matt. I don't blame you. He seems like a nice boy. He waited on me yesterday at Mr. Jonas store.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, another month and he'll have earned his train fare back home.

[Ms. Mayfield]

Couldn't somebody lend it to him?

[Matt Dillon]

No, he won't take it. Says he's going back on his own the same way he came.

[Ms. Mayfield]

Sounds kind of proud and foolish to me.

[Matt Dillon]

Well.

[Chester]

Marshall. Marshall Dillon?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Mr. Jonas, you better come quick. What's happened?

[Chester]

That boy, Tom, he tried to shoot it out with a hold up man. I'm afraid he's dying.

[Matt Dillon]

Kitty, go get Doc, will you?

[Ms. Mayfield]

Oh, sure.

[Matt Dillon]

Come on. Mr. Jonas.

[Chester]

Yes, sir.

[Matt Dillon]

Where is he?

[Chester]

I carried him into the storeroom.

[Matt Dillon]

Exactly what happened?

[Chester]

Well, I was behind the counter. This man came in, held a gun on me.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah? You tried to do anything about it?

[Chester]

Oh no, Marshall. I just put my hands up. Here's enough money in Dodge worth getting shot over.

[Matt Dillon]

Then the boy rushed in, huh?

[Chester]

He must have grabbed a gun off of the shelf, he stuck it in the man's back and the fellow whirled and shot him. Boy didn't even get a chance to pull the trigger.

[Matt Dillon]

The man got away, Marshall.

[Ms. Mayfield]

He.

[Matt Dillon]

He got away and I'll find him. All right.

[Narrator]

Right back here.

[Chester]

Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Tom, it's Matt Dillon.

[Chester]

Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

You did fine, Tom.

[Chester]

But I didn't get him, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, that doesn't matter. The thing is. You tried.

[Chester]

Yes, sir, I sure tried.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm Nobody can do more than that.

[Chester]

Marshall wasn't afraid when I grabbed that gun. Does that count for anything?

[Matt Dillon]

Counts for a lot, Tom.

[Chester]

I don't have to be ashamed anymore.

[Matt Dillon]

No, of course you don't.

[Chester]

I can go home and face folks.

[Matt Dillon]

You can face anybody, Tom.

[Chester]

Then I guess I'm glad I come west after all.

[Ms. Mayfield]

Tom.

[Chester]

Is he dead, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, he's dead.

[Chester]

It's a shame. Just a shame.

[Matt Dillon]

I'll tell you what's the real shame, Mr. Jonas. There are a whole lot more Toms back in Baltimore and all through the east. Growing up with the idea that out here a man's not a man without a gun. I tell you, Mr. Jonas, I hope the rest of them stay home.

[Chester]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Gun Smoke, produced and directed by Norman McDonald, stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal the music was composed and conducted by Rex Corey. Sound patterns were composed by Ray Kemper and Bill James. Featured in the cast were Parley Baer As Chester, Howard McNear as Doc and Georgia Ellis as Kitty. George Wolf speaking. Join us again next week for another story of the Western frontier of America in the 1870s on gun smoke. This is the united states armed forces radio and television service.

[Andrew Rines]

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