Home Surgery | Gunsmoke (09-13-52)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns – Episode Summary

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Episode: Home Surgery | Gunsmoke (09-13-52)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date Aired: April 2, 2026 (original drama date: Sept 13, 1952)

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Overview

In this restored classic Gunsmoke episode, “Home Surgery,” Marshal Matt Dillon and his loyal deputy Chester encounter a desperate young woman, Tara Hantree, in the remote prairie. Her father’s life hangs in the balance after a gruesome injury leads to blood poisoning, forcing Dillon to consider performing a life-or-death operation with no doctor in sight. The episode explores frontier hardship, moral dilemmas, and the darkness lurking behind ostensibly helpful neighbors.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Beats

1. Breakfast on the Prairie and a Cry for Help

• [03:46] Matt Dillon and Chester are returning from chasing down a suspect when a girl, Tara Hantree, approaches their camp, seeking urgent help for her father whose leg is badly infected following a horse accident. With Dodge’s doctor away in St. Louis and supplies running low, she is desperate and alone.
  • Quote (Tara, 06:30):
    “I need help, Mr. Marshall. My daddy’s awful sick.”

2. Examining the Situation

• [08:08] Dillon and Chester visit the Hantree homestead and find Mr. Hantree in a dire state, suffering from what they deduce is blood poisoning (gangrene). The only other man, Ben Walling, has left with the only wagon, allegedly to fetch a doctor, but his intentions are immediately suspect.
  • Quote (Chester, 13:35):
    “She’s a plucky girl, Mr. Dillon.”

3. The Dilemma: Should Dillon Attempt Surgery?

• [13:49] Dillon faces an agonizing decision. They realize amputation is the only hope for Hantree's survival, but none of them is a trained doctor. Chester offers support and encouragement, believing Dillon can manage the operation.
  • Quote (Chester, 14:41):
    “You could do it, I know you could—be a doctor long enough to save Mr. Handrey’s life.”

4. Consent, Preparation, and the Grim Task

• [16:06–18:48] Mr. Hantree, resigned and lucid, agrees to the risky operation for his daughter’s sake. They prepare makeshift surgical instruments and sterilize what little they have. Horsehair is suggested to tie off arteries. Corn whiskey is used as anesthetic.
  • Quote (Mr. Hantree, 16:25):
    “If it was just me, I wouldn’t do it. But I can’t leave Tara alone if I can help it. I can’t.”

5. The Operation

• [18:53–20:54] With Chester and Tara assisting, Dillon carries out the amputation. Hantree’s tolerance and determination are highlighted.
  • Quote (Matt Dillon, 19:55):
    “You'll have to clean up in there, Chester. I gotta get outside for some air.”

6. Aftermath and Ben Walling’s Return

• [22:39] Ben Walling returns with the wagon, offering unlikely excuses. Dillon and Chester suspect foul play, especially after noticing the saddle’s cut cinch—likely meant to injure or kill Mr. Hantree, giving Ben unimpeded access to Tara.
  • Quote (Chester, 25:12):
    “I think that Ben is a no good liar.”
  • Quote (Matt Dillon, 25:21):
    “Somebody cut the cinch strap on it... That'd be my guess. He figured the old man would get hurt, maybe killed.”

7. Mr. Hantree’s Final Moments

• [27:07–28:38] Despite their best efforts, Hantree succumbs to infection, after extracting Dillon’s promise to protect Tara from Ben Walling.
  • Quote (Mr. Hantree, 27:35):
    “Don’t leave her here. Ben Walling, he’s no good… It’s a bad way to die, not know. Now, I want you to listen to me. Listen to me now. I promise you something else, too. I’ll take care of Tara…”

8. Confronting Ben Walling

• [29:25–30:44] In a tense confrontation, Ben reveals his true nature, threatening Dillon and Chester with a rifle. Dillon disarms him in a show of nerves and presence.
  • Quote (Matt Dillon, 29:46):
    “You got a curious way of courting the girl, Ben, trying to kill her father.”
  • Quote (Chester, 30:04):
    “Too bad you got here at all, because you’re gonna die for both of you.”

9. Resolution and Departure

• [30:54–end] Hantree is buried on the prairie, and Dillon promises to find Tara a new home in Dodge, ensuring her safety from Ben. Tara never looks back as they leave the homestead, the West's harsh realities having left their mark on her future.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Tara’s courage:
  “We ran out of meat about three days ago, and I don’t have anything to feed him.” (06:21)

• Matt’s concern for Tara:
  “We’ll see it through, Tara. Don’t you worry.” (11:32)

• Frontier perspective:
  “We won’t worry about Ben now.” (11:18)

• Chester’s homespun wisdom:
  “I never thought much about it before, Mr. Dillon, but seeing Tara, I kind of wish I had a daughter.” (26:49)

• Matt’s promise to a dying man:
  “I promise you something else, too. I’ll take care of Tara. I’ll see she’s cared for now.” (28:17)

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Important Timestamps

| Segment | Description | Timestamp | | ------- | ----------- | --------- | | Chester cooks breakfast and Tara arrives | 04:16–06:12 | | Tara asks for help, reveals her plight | 06:12–07:26 | | Dillon examines Mr. Hantree | 08:08–09:16 | | Ben Walling’s suspicious absence | 09:17–10:32 | | Chester suggests Dillon attempt surgery | 13:37–14:41 | | Hantree consents to surgery for Tara | 16:06–16:44 | | Operation scene | 18:53–19:55 | | Ben Walling’s return and confrontation | 22:39–30:44 | | Hantree’s death and Dillon’s promise | 27:07–28:38 | | Final departure and reflection | 30:54–End |

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Episode Takeaways

• Frontier Hardship: The episode immerses listeners in the stark realities and isolation of prairie life, where help could be miles or weeks away.
• Moral Choices: Dillon’s reluctant, desperate surgery highlights the era’s blend of courage, improvisation, and despair.
• Villainy and Motive: Ben Walling embodies the threat lurking within the community—a man willing to kill for his own ends.
• Enduring Strength: Tara emerges as a figure of resilience, as do Dillon and Chester, whose sense of duty and decency steer the resolution.
• Atmosphere: The enhanced sound brings out every detail of the wind, the tension, and the emotional strain that defines Gunsmoke’s vision of the West.

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For Listeners

This episode stands out for its tension, authentic emotion, and the moral conviction at the heart of Gunsmoke. The production’s enhanced clarity only highlights the intensity and intimacy of each moment—a perfect showcase of classic radio drama at its best.

Transcript

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[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

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[Andrew Rines (Host)]

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 September 13, 1952 and the title is Home Surgery. Do have to say I would love to have lived in the west, but home surgery does not sound fun. I hope you enjoy. And again, thanks for listening.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

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 the U.S. marshal and the smell of gun smoke. Gun Smoke. Starring William Conrad. The story of the violence that moved west with young America. The story of a man who moved with it. Matt Dillon, United States Marsh,

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[Chester Proudfoot]

Hey, sweetie. Your mother showed me this Carvana thing for selling the car. I'm gonna give it a try. Wish me luck. Me again. I put in the license plate. It gave me an offer. Unbelievable. Okay, I accepted the offer. They're picking it up Tuesday from the driveway. I haven't even left my chair. It's done. The car's gone. I'm Holding a check anyway. Carvana, give it a whirl.

[Target/Grainger/Carvana Advertiser]

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[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

They told us a man we'd been looking for a murderer was in a cow camp on the north fork of the Canadian river about 100 miles south of Dodge. So Chester and I rode down to take a look. We found a fellow there with a right name but the wrong face. So we started back. First night we camped in a dry buffalo rutted depression. The next morning, I woke shortly after daybreak to find Chester already cooking Breakfast.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Morning, Mr. Dillon. Meat will be done soon.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

The coffee made, Chester. It's what I need.

[Chester Proudfoot]

It's boiling. I didn't make much, though. I thought I'd better save our water.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

You know, Chester, I'll bet right now the doc's back there in St. Louis, holed up in some fancy hotel, still asleep.

[Chester Proudfoot]

That's quite a thought, sir.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Him right in the middle of St. Louis and U.S. way out here on the prairie.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

I bet he's even got sheets on his bed.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I wouldn't be surprised, Mr. Dillon. Doc said this was one vacation he was going to splurge on. He's riding the Santa Fe both ways. Well, meat's done. I cleaned off this rock here to cut it on.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Oh, good. Well, you got it warm anyway.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, now, meat shouldn't be overcooked, Mr. Dillon. That takes a taste. Clean out of it.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

I didn't. We ought to be able to taste everything about this steer. Egman's disappointment.

[Chester Proudfoot]

How's that, Mr. Dillon?

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Never mind. Chester, how come you woke up so early this morning?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, I always do. Seems as soon as it gets daylight, my feet start to sweat and then I just got to get up.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

That's as good a reason as any, I guess. Well, looks like we got company.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Chester. What?

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Oh, boy. Right out there heading straight for us.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, yeah. Some cowboy, probably.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

I don't know. He doesn't ride quite like a cowboy.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Why, it's just a kid, Mr. Dillon.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Yeah, it sure is.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Sure needs a haircut. Say, Mr. Dillon, it's a girl.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

What could she be doing out here?

[Chester Proudfoot]

I'm carrying a rifle, too.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Well, get on, miss, and have some coffee.

[Tara Hantree]

Who are you, mister?

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Hi. This is Chester Proudfoot and I'm Matt Dillon.

[Chester Proudfoot]

How do you do?

[Tara Hantree]

You rustlers or what?

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Not Exactly. I'm the U.S. marshal out of Dodge, man.

[Tara Hantree]

U.S. marshal? Oh, that's good.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

It is? Why?

[Tara Hantree]

I need help, Mr. Marshall. My daddy's Awful sick.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Sick? Look, where is your daddy?

[Tara Hantree]

We got a homestead about a mile over that rise back there.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Oh. What's he sick with?

[Tara Hantree]

It's his leg, Mr. Marshall. A horse threw him and his saddle both in the corral, and then it stepped on his foot. Now his whole leg's all funny. He's got a fever, too.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Mr. Dillon, that sounds like.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I know, Chester. Tell me, miss, when the horse stepped on him, did it cut his foot, break the skin anywhere?

[Tara Hantree]

Just a scratch. Tore his boot off, though. Please, Mr. Marshall, please come see him. I'm scared, the way his leg is and everything.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Well, sure, sure will. Come your mother with him now.

[Tara Hantree]

I don't have a mother, Mr. Marshall.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Oh. Well, then what are you doing out here if your daddy's sick?

[Tara Hantree]

We ran out of meat about three days ago, and I don't have anything to feed him.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

All right, Chester. I'll write back with. What is your name anyway?

[Tara Hantree]

Tara. Tara Hantree.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Huh?

[Tara Hantree]

I'll be 16 next January.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Well, that's. That's fine. We'll go back to the hantry place. Chester, you scatter around for some meat.

[Chester Proudfoot]

All right.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

And if you don't find any antelope, shoot the first calf you see. Anybody's calf? I'll do it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Mr. Dylan.

[Tara Hantree]

He's in the sleeping room, Mr. Marshall.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Tara Hantree]

Daddy. Daddy, I found a man, and he's going to help us. And, Daddy, he's a marshal. A U.S. marshal.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Matt Dillon, Mr. Hendry. How you feeling, Dylan? I've heard of you. You're from Dodge, aren't you? That's right. Well, Marshall, I ain't feeling so good. My foot don't hurt no more, but it and my leg is all sort of. Well, it ain't pretty. I don't know much about these things, but maybe I better take a look at it anyway. Sure. Sure, Marshall.

[Chester Proudfoot]

There she is.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

All right, you can cover it up. I was in the war, Marshall. I know what gangrene is. Guess you do, too, huh? Yeah. Well, the first thing. A friend of mine is out getting you some meat, and then we'll load you in your wagon again.

[Tara Hantree]

Took the wagon.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

What?

[Tara Hantree]

Ben Walling. He took the wagon when Daddy got hurt. Said he'd find a doctor and bring him back.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Who's been walling?

[Tara Hantree]

Oh, he's been sort of working here, Mr. Marshall.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

I should have run him off long ago, that's what. Well, where is he? What'd he take the wagon for? Where's he going to find a doctor around here anyway? Closest Doctors in Dodge, I know of? Yeah, he's in St. Louis and he won't be back for a couple of weeks. I couldn't get to him anyway. Well, tell me, when did this happen?

[Tara Hantree]

About six days ago, Mr. Marshall. Ben left the day after.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Well, you think he's coming back? Did he steal the wagon or what?

[Chester Proudfoot]

He.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

He comes back here and me not able to get around. I. I don't know what I'll do. I ought to take him full with him. Take it easy, Mr. Hans. Take it. He won't cause any trouble. So don't you get all worked up, Tara. We'll let him get some rest, huh?

[Tara Hantree]

All right.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

We'll have some food for you soon, Mr. Hantry. I ain't very hungry, Tara. What's he so riled up about, this Ben Walling for what's between them?

[Tara Hantree]

Oh, it's nothing, Mr. Marshall. Daddy's sick and that's all.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Look, Tara, you asked me to help you, didn't you?

[Tara Hantree]

Yes, but.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

You trust me, don't you?

[Tara Hantree]

All right, Mr. Marshall. Daddy hate Ben. Cause Ben. Well, Ben likes me.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Oh, I see.

[Tara Hantree]

He even wanted to marry me. Said he would.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

How do you feel about Ben, Terry? You like him?

[Tara Hantree]

No. Of course. It's time I had a man and all that. But I'm afraid of Ben, Mr. Marshall. It's like there's something wrong with him. He's always sneaking around when you don't expect him. Makes me uneasy, like.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Well, we won't worry about Ben. Now, you stay here in case your daddy wants anything. I'll go outside and wait for Chester.

[Tara Hantree]

Mr. Marshall. I'm awful glad you're here.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

We'll see it through, Tara. Don't you worry.

[Tara Hantree]

I won't. Now,

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[Chester Proudfoot]

I'm here on the job site with Dale, who's a framing contractor. Hey, good morning. Dale traded up to Geico Commercial Auto Insurance for all his business vehicles. We're here where he needs us most. Yep, they sure are. We make it easy for him to save on all his insurance needs all in one place with coverage that fits his business and bottom Line. Oh, I shouldn't have looked down.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

It's all right.

[Chester Proudfoot]

We're so far up here. Look at me. Take a deep breath. I'm good. So good.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Get a commercial auto insurance quote [e-mail] and see how much you could save. It feels good. To Geico. I went outside and walked over to the small corral that stood nearby. There I rolled a smoke and looked out across the flat distances of the prairie. And I wondered how anyone could survive in all that emptiness. Pantry. Lying on his bed back there in the house. He wouldn't survive. The prairie got to him all right. And its vast loneliness had put him out of reach of any help. And Tara. What could she do out here in this endless land of grass? I was glad to get my mind off it when Chester rode in with an antelope across his saddle. We hung it on the corral, dressed it, took a hind quarter into Terra and we went back outside and sat down. Yes, sir.

[Chester Proudfoot]

She's a plucky girl, Mr. Dillon.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Fine girl.

[Chester Proudfoot]

But this Ben fella, I just don't understand his going off with the wagon like that.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Well, doesn't matter much now. Entry won't last. One of them there too, anyway.

[Chester Proudfoot]

It's that bad, is it?

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Blood poison, Justin. As soon as it reaches his heart, he's done for.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, isn't there any way to stop it?

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Yeah, sure. Cut his leg off.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, too bad Doc isn't here.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Would that stop it, Mr. Dylan cutting his leg off of me?

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

I don't know, Chester. I don't know. Maybe too late anyway.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, I sure wish we could do something for him. I don't take to just sitting around and waiting for a man to die.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Well, nobody does.

[Chester Proudfoot]

It isn't right somehow that. That poor fella and Tara. Why, Mr. Dillon, that girl will go crazy out here all alone.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

All right, Chester, what do you want me to do about it? I'm not a doctor. Now shut up.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, I. Mr. Dillon,

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

you could do

[Chester Proudfoot]

it, I know you could do what? Be a doctor long enough to save Mr. Handrey's life.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Are you out of your head?

[Chester Proudfoot]

No, sir.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Then what are you talking like that for? The most I ever did was doctor a horse for the colic. That's fine training for this.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I know I couldn't do it. I just plain don't have the spirit.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

But you do. Oh, why didn't I leave you back in Dodge?

[Chester Proudfoot]

It wouldn't have mattered anyway, Mr. Dillon, because you would never just stand by and let a man die.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Now, let's go talk to her. Just.

[Tara Hantree]

Daddy's fever's worse, Mr. Marshall. I'm going to get some more water.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

How do you feel, Mr. Henry? I don't feel much, Marshall, outside of burning up. I've been trying to tell Tara I just can't last long with blood poisoning. She's just got to figure on it. Well, that's what I came to talk to you about. I. I guess you know the only thing that'll give you a chance. I know. I've been thinking about it, but I couldn't ask any man to do that. You didn't ask me. Well, it's up to you, Mr. Hantry. I'll try it, if you're willing. Only thing is, I won't know much about what I'm doing. I seen it done in the Union army, Marshall. I could tell you some things.

[Chester Proudfoot]

All right.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

The only thing is, Marshall, I don't know I'd be much use around here with one leg. Well, you'll have to decide that for yourself. I know.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You could move to town, Mr. Hantree.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

You and Tara. That's it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Tara.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

If it was just me, I wouldn't do it. But I can't leave Tara alone now if I can help it. I can't. All right, Marshall, let's do it. You're a brave man. No, no, Marshall, I just don't have any choice. Come on, let's get it over with. You got any liquor in the house? Here's a jug of corn out in the kitchen. Get it. Chester, you can start drinking it while we're getting everything else ready. Tell Tara to start boiling a lot of water. Yeah, I'll talk to her in a few minutes.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I'll be right back.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

I want you to tell me everything that you know about this, Mr. Handry. First, I'll tell you what you'll need. There's a straight iron out by the corral somewhere. Yeah, you can heat it in the main room fireplace. Right. What else? Tara will find some cloth for bandages and the rest of the stuff you can get in the kitchen. The only thing worrying me is what do we use to tie off the arteries with? Plain thread won't hold. Well, maybe some thin strips of rawhide. No, they. They'd soak through. You got to have something. I know. At least I think it'll work. What about horse hair? Oh, that's it, Marshall. Pull it off the tail. It'll work fine.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Here's the jug, Mr. Hand Tree. And I brought you a cup, too.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Pour me some. When I get Good and drunk.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Here you are, Mr. Hantree, sir.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Brooke, You know, I ain't been drunk in the daytime since we got the news about President Lincoln in the spring of 65. You better have your talk with Tariff or that takes hold. Ask her to come in, will you? Come on, Chester. We got work to do. Yes, sir.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Good luck, Mr. Hantree.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Thanks. Well, Marshall. Yeah, Marshall, I'll try to make it easy for you. Yeah, sure. Shortly after noon, I operated. Whether it was the corn whiskey or his own hard courage, I don't know. But Hantry never whimpered. Chester stood outside the door and brought me whatever I needed. Tara waited in the kitchen, boiling more water and making her own thoughts. Maybe it was harder on her than any of us. Toward the end, Henry mercifully passed out. When I'd finally finished bandaging him, I was kind of faint myself. I'd done everything I could. I just hoped I'd done it right.

[Chester Proudfoot]

How is he, Mr. Dillon?

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

You'll have to clean up in there, Chester. I gotta get outside for some air. Yes, sir. I'll do it. And put that fire out. It's hot enough around here.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I don't know how you did it, Mr. John.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Tara. Tara, will you come on outside for a while?

[Tara Hantree]

Is Daddy all right? Is he all right, Mr. Marshall?

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

It's all over, Tara. We'll just have to wait and see. Now, There now, Terry. He's all right.

[Tara Hantree]

I'm sorry, but it took so long. I thought you'd never finish.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

He didn't feel much, Tara. The corn liquor worked fine. Fine.

[Tara Hantree]

Will he get well now?

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Well, I hope so, Tara. I hope so.

[Tara Hantree]

Mr. Marshall, are you gonna wait and see?

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Now, Tara, you don't have to worry about that. Chester and I'll be here as long as you need us.

[Tara Hantree]

I. I just wanted to be sure. Can I. Can I go see Daddy now?

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Well, as soon as Chester comes out, Tara, then you can.

[Tara Hantree]

All right, I'll wait. Mr. Marsh.

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[Chester Proudfoot]

It beats me, Mr. Dylan, how he can just lay there so quiet and peaceful.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

It's only been four or five hours, Chester. The liquor hasn't worn off yet.

[Chester Proudfoot]

He drank nearly the whole jug.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Oh, he needed it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Say, Mr. Dylan, look yonder.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Huh?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Somebody coming with a wagon.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Oh, yeah. It's probably that Ben Walling they were talking about.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I'll bet that's who it is, all right. Wonder what he'll have to say for himself.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Ah, you'll think of something, Chester. He's kind always, too. You recognize him?

[Chester Proudfoot]

No, sir. Do you?

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

No, I never saw him before. Hello. What are you doing here? You've been Walling. How'd you know? The hand trees. They've been wondering about you. Oh, yeah, sure. He's old Hantry. Anyway, he's all right. He is, huh? You've been gone a long time, Ben. Where were you? I don't know you, mister, but you sure ask a lot of questions. You can answer them one at a time. Now, where were you? Who are you anyway, mister? I'm a U.S. marshal. Ain't no U.S. marshals around here. There is now, generally. I'm in Dodge. Is your name Dylan? It is. What are you doing here, Marshall? Tara ran into us, asked us to help. Seems the only able bodied man around here took off in a wagon. I went to fetch a doctor. Anything wrong in that? Not at all. Where is he? Oh, first night the horses ran away and I've been chasing them ever since. I didn't catch him till this morning. And then I've been gone so long, I thought I better get back to you right away. I was worried about Tara and old Han Tree, of course. I see. Well, you better get your horses unhitched, Ben. You can see Tara later. She's in with her father now. Gonna be all right, huh? I was kind of worried about that foot. Looked to me like it might have poison in. Did. What do you mean it did? I took his leg off about noon today. You what?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Mr. Dillon did it all by himself,

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

just like a regular doctor. How'd you know? What? You might have killed him. Somebody had to do it, Ben. It's a sure thing Tara couldn't. You're blaming me, ain't you? Well, I did everything I could. Didn't. My fault those blasted horses run off. And Trey's pretty sick, Ben. I wouldn't bother him for a day or two if I were you. Oh, I won't bother him. Oh, now look, Marshall, you can leave now. I'll handle everything here. We'll leave as soon as Hantree's able to take care of himself again. All right. Stay as long as you like. I don't care.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Mr. Dylan.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Yeah?

[Chester Proudfoot]

I think that Ben is a no good liar.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

You're right on both counts, Chester. I'll tell you something else. You see that saddle over there?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, that belongs to Mr. Handtree.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I know. I looked at it this noon. Somebody cut the cinch strap on it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Cut the cinch strap?

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Mm.

[Chester Proudfoot]

No wonder that bronc bucked him in

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

the saddle off Bull. Well, do you think Tara did it?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, my Goodness Gracious, no, Mr. Dillon. Tara never do a thing like that to her own. It was Ben, wasn't it?

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

That'd be my guess. He figured the old man would get hurt, maybe killed.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Why, sir?

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

So he'd have a free hand with Tara.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Why is that low down? Mr. Dylan, let me arrest him.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Not yet, Chester. There's plenty of time.

[Chester Proudfoot]

All right, you. I'll wait.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

There wasn't as much time as I figured. And Tree had a bad night. And by morning he was so weak he couldn't lift his head. I tried to take his pulse, but I could hardly find it. Maybe. Maybe I'd operated too late. Maybe the poison had already moved up into his body. I didn't know. I had no way of knowing. So there was nothing to do now but wait.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Want some more coffee, Mr. Dillon?

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Yeah, thank you, Chester. We'll fill it up.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Tara won't eat anything at all. She just sat there by his bed. Hasn't slept a wink I know of.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Well, it's her father, Chester. He's all she's got.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I never thought much about it before, Mr. Dylan, but seeing Tara, I kind of wish I had a daughter.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

You'd have to change your profession if you were going to take care of a daughter, Chester. Why?

[Chester Proudfoot]

I don't have any profession, Mr. Dillon.

[Tara Hantree]

Mr. Marshall.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Yeah, what is it? Tara, please.

[Tara Hantree]

Please. Daddy wants you. I. I think he.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

He. You better come too, Chester. Yes, you. It's Matt Dillon, Mr. Hantry. Can you hear me? Marshall, I can't hold out no more. Now, don't say that. Keep fighting, man. You'll pull through. No, Marshall. I'm gonna die.

[Tara Hantree]

Oh, Daddy. Daddy.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Tara. It's about Tara, Marshall. Don't leave her here. Ben Walling, he's no good. He'll try to keep her. Now, don't you worry about Ben Walling, Mr. Henry. I promise you he won't get anywhere near Tara now or ever. Thanks, Marshall. He's a bad one. Tara can't stay here alone. She can't work this place. It's a bad way to die. Not know. Now, I want you to listen to me. Listen to me now. I promise you something else, tool. I'll take care of Tara. I'll see she's all right. I'll see she's cared for now. I promise that. I thank you.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Marshall.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Are you sure? Where's Tara?

[Tara Hantree]

Daddy? I'm right here, Daddy.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Tara. Come on, Chester.

[Tara Hantree]

Daddy. Daddy.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I don't know, Mr. Dylan. I don't think they'd have made out on this place anyway.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Why not, Chester?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, there just isn't enough water. That one little old spring is all I've got.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Well, if they had a lake, it'd still be too much for Tara.

[Chester Proudfoot]

What are we gonna do with her, Mr. Dillon?

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

I don't know, Chester. We'll have to think of something wrong.

[Chester Proudfoot]

My, I wish she'd come out of that house. I don't like it. Her in there breaking her heart.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Give her a little time, Chester. She. She'll be all right. Don't you move her finger, either one of you. Now, you're mighty careless with that rifle. Then don't get smart with me, Marshall. I know what I'm doing. And what would that be? I heard you in there. Heard you promise to take Tara away.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I was right by the window.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

I heard it all. You got a curious way of courting the girl, Ben, trying to kill her father. Yeah, and I saw you yesterday looking at that saddle. But I didn't kill him, Marshall.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You did. That's a lie, Ben Walling, and you know it. I won't shut up. We'd have just got here sooner. Mr. Dillon would have saved him, that's all.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Too bad you got here at all, because you're gonna die for both of you. Put the gun down, Ben. You're under arrest for attempted murder.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You stay right where you are, Marshall.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

You know, I have an idea you've smelled powder before, Ben, and that you're afraid of it. Marshall, I have an idea that's why you tried to get hand tree like you did instead of facing him. And right now, you wish you didn't have that rifle at all, don't you, Ben? Cause I might have to shoot. You all right? Huh?

[Chester Proudfoot]

No, don't push him. You all right, Mr. Dylan?

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

He didn't even try, Chester. Rifle went off when I knocked it aside, that's all. He was scared to death.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, I. I didn't feel exactly comfortable.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Well, tie him up and keep an eye on him. I'll go see Tara.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yes, sir. Mr. Dillon.

[Narrator/Matt Dillon]

Late that evening, we buried Han Tree out on the prairie out in back of the little homestead. They would die now too, fall apart without him. The next morning we loaded everything we could get into the wagon. With Tara beside me, we started off for Dodge. Ben Wallen never said a word. Chester led his horse and they rode along ahead of us. I had plenty of time to tell Tara all about Dodge and how there were some good people there and how we'd find her a home and family. She sat there tight lipped. She didn't say much, but she never once looked back. Foreign. Smoke Transcribed 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 Meston with music composed and conducted by Rex Corey. Featured in the cast were John Dana, Sammy Hill and Larry Dobkin. Harley Bear is Chester 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. In case you didn't know, Jack Benny and his gang begin their new season tomorrow night. Tonight, Jack, Mary, Don, Dennis and Rochester welcome a new member to the team, the headman of CBS Radio's Club 15 show, Bob Crosby Roy Rowan speaking. Remember, the top dramatic show of them all, the Lux Radio Theater is heard Monday nights on the CBS Radio Network. Sam.

[Andrew Rines (Host)]

This has been a presentation of OTR Western's 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.