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Chester
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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 December 30, 1956 and the title is Hound Dog.
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Narrator
Gun smoke. Around Dodge City and in the territory on west, there's just one way to handle the killers and the spoilers, and that's with a U.S. marshal. And the smell of gun smoke. Gun Smoke Starring William Conrad. The 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 lone.
Chester
Dog gone. Mr. Dylan, one of these here days, I'm just gonna shake the dust of Dodge City off of my boots for good.
Matt Dillon
Sure, I know, Justin, how much you lose this time?
Chester
$11. 20. Who said anything about losing?
Matt Dillon
Well, every time you sit in on one of those draw games, the boys whipsaw you and you threaten to pull stakes and leave town.
Chester
And one of these times I'm going to do it, too.
Matt Dillon
Sure, and the first thing you look for in the next town will be a draw poker table.
Chester
Well, maybe I ought to change to stud or blackjack.
Matt Dillon
Maybe you ought to just keep your money in your pocket. You ever think?
Chester
No, I. I got a hunch my luck is right on the point of turning, Mr. Dillon. Oh, if I only had, say, $5 or so to get back into the game. No, I could. Well, even if I only had a dollar. Oh. Oh, Miss Kitty. Just one single dollar. You broke, Chester. Well, yes. There you go. Oh, no, no. Now, I just couldn't think of taking money from a lady. Mr. Alone Baby Actor. Excuse me, Mr. Dylan. I'll pay it back in just a few minutes.
Matt Dillon
You know, Kitty, you're a born soft touch.
Chester
Ah, well, if he needs it, Matt.
Matt Dillon
It'S those Sharps over there at the poker table that need it.
Chester
Oh, well, you can't get hurt bad on $1.
Matt Dillon
Chester's hurt bad when he loses 10 cents.
Chester
Yeah, maybe he's lucky, Matt.
Matt Dillon
Ah, how so?
Chester
Forget it, Matt. Just one of those nights, I guess.
Matt Dillon
Dad, would a drink help?
Chester
Maybe. Probably not, but I'll have one anyway. These. It won't do me any harm. Okay. Oh, well, I see the Marshall of Dodge is out crowsing again.
Matt Dillon
Hello, Doc.
Chester
How are you, Doc? Oh, my kitty. You look prettier in a basket full of sunflowers. Thank you. Yes, you do. Yes, you do. Oh, say, Matt, you'll never guess who came to my office for help after.
Matt Dillon
No, but they got my sympathy, Doc.
Chester
It was all Carpus Dag. Carpus? Who's Carpus Dag? Well, he lives in a shack on the river bottom. Kitty hunts a little, traps some. Keeps pretty much to himself.
Matt Dillon
What's wrong with him, Doug?
Chester
Nothing. He brought me a patient. Too late to do any good, of course. He died right on my operating table. Oh, Died of what? A bullet wound.
Matt Dillon
You mean somebody was shot this afternoon? You didn't tell me about it.
Chester
I didn't figure it was important. Was the Carpus, though? Yes. He looked very broken up when he left.
Matt Dillon
Doc, will you please?
Chester
I reckon a man living alone that way, without any human friends, can get pretty fond of an old hound dog. A dog? I guess I did forget to mention it was that old spotted hound dog of his that was shot. How are you, Doc? Miss Kitty? Yeah. Chester, do you think maybe you can get by till payday for that dollar? Forget it, Chester. Yeah. Yes, forget it. No, no. No use looking at me, Chester. Well, I was just thinking, Doc.
Matt Dillon
Did Carpus have any idea who shot his dog?
Chester
If he did, he wasn't saying. But from the look on his face when he walked out, I'm glad it wasn't me. Now, why would anybody do a thing like that? Well, I don't know. It's too bad, but there's nothing much to be done about it.
Matt Dillon
I think maybe I better ride out there in the morning and have a talk with Carvis.
Chester
What for?
Matt Dillon
This wouldn't be the first time that a dog getting killed would finally lead to a man getting killed. Warning.
Chester
Warning. What's the matter?
Narrator
Well, I have a warning for all.
Matt Dillon
Eligible dependents seeking medical care at government expense from civilian sources.
Chester
Mr. Walright already.
Matt Dillon
Be sure the physician and hospital are participating in the Medicare program before beginning treatment.
Chester
Well, so my dependents have checked. Now, what they should make sure they.
Narrator
Use their ID Card to obtain only.
Matt Dillon
That medical care to which they are entitled. Misuse of the ID card is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000.
Chester
Or imprisonment of up to five years for a couple of aspirins. Don't take chances.
Matt Dillon
Read the pamphlet.
Narrator
Dependents medical care program.
Chester
Oh, now that's what I call scare advert. Shack looks deserted, Mr. Dunn. Maybe old crop has gone off somewhere.
Matt Dillon
And there's somebody cutting wood over there in the draw. Leave our horses here in the lean to Chester.
Chester
All right, sir. Man, it'd have to be a little ouchy to want to live out here all alone this way.
Matt Dillon
Maybe it's not a matter of choice.
Chester
No company except for dog. No neighbors for 10 mile or more.
Matt Dillon
That'S not quite that far. Pete Raymer's got a homestead about two miles away, north of here.
Chester
Maybe he shot that hound, Mr. Jones.
Matt Dillon
Oh, why do you say that?
Chester
Well, I don't know, but folks mostly leaves old Carpus to himself.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I know.
Chester
Hold it there right where you are, Mr. Jones.
Matt Dillon
Take it easy, Chester.
Chester
Who is it? Speak up there.
Matt Dillon
It's Matt, Dillon, Carpus and Chester. Now, you better put that rifle down.
Sonny
Oh.
Chester
Well, I didn't recognize you, Marshall. My eyes ain't what they used to be. I thought maybe it was. Whoa.
Matt Dillon
You thought what?
Chester
Well, I. I just didn't know.
Matt Dillon
You mean you thought it might be whoever shot your dog, huh?
Chester
Oh, Doc told you about that.
Matt Dillon
I'm sorry to hear it.
Chester
Covers I'd had Danny boy 11 years marshal. He was goin blind pretty near bad as me. And he sure weren't no use to hunt with no more. But I'll say one thing, Marshall. I'd have given my right arm rather than lose that hound. I reckon folks should call her crazy, but that's how I felt.
Matt Dillon
Well, livin alone, I guess a man learns to appreciate it, Dog.
Chester
Well, he understood every word that was said to him just as good as you or me. By evenings, we'd sit there in my shack and I'd talk to him and, well, we won't be doing that no more.
Matt Dillon
Now, who do you think shot him?
Chester
Let's walk back up to the shack, Marshall. It's getting Mike Cole standing here all right. Here, look yonder. Here goes a rabbit. Look at that fool run. He sure scratching gravel. Danny boy had been after him like a shot. He'd have lost him right off, but he'd sure give it a try. Rabbits, coyotes, prairie chickens. He'd chase anything that moved. Blundering along blind as a bat, baying his lungs out.
Matt Dillon
Carpus, you have any idea why anybody want to shoot him?
Chester
Because they're playing low down. Me, that's why. Ain't no other reason for doing things like that. Come on inside. Ain't nothing fancy, but it keeps the weather off. Have some coffee going here in a couple of minutes, Marshall, if your mind has said a spell.
Matt Dillon
Well, don't go to any bother on our account.
Chester
No, no, it's no bother. Just get a few more logs in here. I ain't sure I can scare up three mugs though. It's kind of unusual having callers here, folks all jackets like I had the plague or something.
Matt Dillon
Well, people get caught up in their own troubles, I guess. Carpeth just get too busy sometimes to be neighborly.
Chester
Yeah, that man can get lonesome, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I know. Pete Ramer and his misses Ever dropped by here?
Chester
No, never.
Matt Dillon
Where'd you find the dog after he'd been shot?
Chester
I didn't find him, he found me. He come dragging himself back here to the cabin. I rushed him right in the dock, but it was too late.
Matt Dillon
And you don't know where it happened then?
Chester
Yes, I know. I followed his trail back this morning. It was on a brushy draw about a mile from here.
Matt Dillon
Toward the Rehmer place?
Chester
No more or less. I'll take care of it, Marshall. You just stay out of it. Law is for people and not for dumb animals.
Matt Dillon
Your dog wasn't shot by a dumb animal, Carpus.
Chester
I'll settle it my own way.
Matt Dillon
And you know who did it.
Chester
I know all right now see, they pay for it too.
Matt Dillon
That kind of paying for it gets out of hand sometimes.
Chester
I'm the one that suffered the loss. It's my concern, not the law. Puss, come out here. Somebody's out there in the yard. You hear me?
Matt Dillon
Get out. Get out on the floor. Well, it seems like one of your neighbors has finally come calling on your Carpus. Another visit with Joe and Daphne Forsyth.
Sonny
Joe. Joe. Joe.
Chester
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm up, I'm up. Forget breakfast. I'll shave at work.
Sonny
Joe, it's not time to go to work.
Chester
Then why'd you wake me up?
Sonny
You were snoring.
Chester
How about that?
Sonny
You were snoring loud.
Andrew Rines
Oh really?
Sonny
I just wanted to quiet you.
Chester
I thought I was quiet.
Sonny
You sounded like a buzzsaw going through a pine knot.
Chester
Pretty good. Pretty good. I wish I could be with you at 2:30 in the morning.
Sonny
You can go back to sleep now.
Chester
Oh, gee, thanks.
Sonny
You can Get a good night's sleep, too. Our savings bonds will protect us, huh? They protect us. The money we invest is used to protect our country and its freedoms. Why, all around us, we can see the safeguards that our bonds have paid for.
Chester
How about that?
Sonny
So you see, when you buy that savings bond with every paycheck, you're really investing in a secure night's sleep.
Chester
Not in this house, I'm not. What? Good night, Daphne.
Sonny
Good night, Joe.
Chester
That's Pete Ramer out there, Marshall. You heard me, you mangy old weasel. Come on out here. He's aiming to kill me.
Matt Dillon
But why?
Chester
Well, I. I don't rightly know, but he fired a bullet through the window, didn't he?
Matt Dillon
All right, Carp, as you stay away from the door. You too, Chester.
Chester
Yes, sir.
Matt Dillon
Raymer, It's Matt Dillon. You hold your fire. I'm coming out.
Chester
I didn't know you was in there, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
No, I guess you didn't.
Chester
Understand. I. I wasn't aiming to shoot nobody.
Matt Dillon
Is that so?
Chester
No, he's trying to throw a scare into him. Into old Karpus, I mean, bring him to his senses maybe.
Matt Dillon
Has he been out of his senses?
Chester
Well, he sure act like it. Marshall. You know what he done this morning? He tried to shoot my kid's dog. Snuck up through the brush, took a shot at her son. He seen him do it.
Matt Dillon
Any idea what had caused him to do a thing like that?
Chester
Dang if I know. He's just crazy, Eric. He always been the might touch. You know that. That's why folks around here just stay shy of him.
Matt Dillon
That might work both ways, Remy.
Chester
How's that?
Matt Dillon
Being lonesome, acting strange. They kind of go together sometimes.
Chester
Yeah, maybe.
Matt Dillon
Are you the one who shot his dog?
Chester
What? If he says that, he's a liar? I ain't even seen that old hound for a week. Didn't know he was shot till you told me. Anybody says I done that is a liar. Well, I. I say you done it, Ramer. You. You calling me a liar? Calling you anything, you are. Liar. Listen to Marshall. Is that what he told you? That I killed his dog?
Matt Dillon
No, he didn't tell me anything. He said he'd take care of it himself.
Chester
Yes, and I will, too. That's what you was doing, sneaking around my place and eye for an eye, tooth for it. It's the law, the scripture. All right, you just take warning from me right now. If I catch you around my place one more time, I'm gonna put a bullet in here. Ain't too bad you shot myself you better be a good shot. All right, shut up.
Narrator
Both of you.
Matt Dillon
Shut up. It's like I told you, Carpus. This way of paying for things comes high sometimes.
Chester
Danny boy was the only thing I had in the world. Well, then you ought to find out who killed him instead of coming around and scaring my kid after death. I know who killed him. Sonny come running home like.
Narrator
Like.
Chester
Like old Scratch yourself was after him, yelling. It's Mr. Daggy's yelling. He just took a shot at my dog. Oh, Carpus, if I could have got my hands on you.
Matt Dillon
Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Is that really what he said?
Chester
I ain't known to be a liar, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
The exact words, honey.
Chester
Well, that's the gospel. Saw if lightning was to strike me.
Matt Dillon
I suppose we all ride over to your place, Remy.
Chester
My place?
Matt Dillon
Yeah. I want to talk to Sonny.
Chester
What for? It might help to prevent a murder. There. Well, there's the kid, Marshall. Right there, front of the barn. Sonny. Sonny.
Sonny
Yeah, Pop?
Chester
Come on over here a minute, Sonny, will you? Marshall wants to talk to you.
Sonny
Marshall.
Chester
Yeah. Come on hitting here, Doc. Sonny come back. He run into barn, Mr. Dillon. Yeah. I can't figure what come over that boy, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
I will soon find out. Maybe it'd be better if you and Carpus stayed here with the horses, Bremer, you say so. Keep an eye on him, Chester. Don't let him get into an argument.
Chester
All right, sir. Can't figure why Sonny run into that barn just like you see the ghost. Bigger white.
Matt Dillon
Sonny.
Sonny
What do you want?
Matt Dillon
I want to talk to you. I want you to open the door.
Chester
Go away.
Matt Dillon
You can't get away from a thing by hiding from it, Sonny.
Sonny
You go on away. Marshall, I got a gun in here.
Chester
Oh, good.
Matt Dillon
I'd like to see it.
Chester
No.
Matt Dillon
All right, Sonny. I'll give you just three seconds to open this door and I'll move.
Sonny
All right, Marshall. Go ahead and arrest me if you want to, but. But please don't let Mr. Dake shoot Nelly.
Chester
He won't.
Sonny
He tried to this morning. That's why I got her tied up here in a barn.
Matt Dillon
Why do you suppose he did it, Sonny?
Sonny
Why'd he get even? Because I. I guess you know about it, don't you?
Matt Dillon
About what?
Sonny
It was an accident, Marshall. Cross my heart, it was. I was after old coyote and he run in his sad brush patch. And I went in after him and seen something moving. I thought it was him, so I fired. Only it wasn't. It was that old hound dog of Mr. Deg's oh.
Matt Dillon
A man should never pull a trigger unless he's sure what he's got in his sights.
Sonny
Yes, sir, I know. Papa always told me that, but I just forgot. Now I have to go to jail.
Matt Dillon
Now, you stop that kind of talk. You're not going to jail. Hey, Carpus. Come over here, William. You too, Raymer.
Sonny
I was scared to tell what happened because I knew Pop would be mad and I didn't think anyone would believe me.
Chester
What is it?
Matt Dillon
Marshall Garpa's. It was the boy here who shot your dog.
Chester
It was?
Sonny
I didn't mean to do it, Mr. Dagg. I thought it was a coyote, but it was old Danny Boy. I know how you like that old hound. I sure feel awful about it.
Chester
Are you sure it was an accident?
Sonny
Yes, sir, it was. Honest. It was. Well, Nellie's gonna have pups in a couple of weeks, Mr. Digg. And I'll let you have your choice of the litter. Any one of them you want.
Chester
Well, that hound of mine was a trained hunter, sonny. Takes a lot of work to train a young pup.
Sonny
I'll help you. I'll come over every day as soon as my chores is done and help you train him.
Chester
Well, it sounds like a pretty fair offer. This Nellie's a good dog, is she?
Sonny
She's the best dog in the world. You just take a look at her. Come on, I'll show you.
Chester
Oh, I'm mighty sorry about this, Carpus. Yeah, that's all right. He couldn't be helped.
Sonny
Come on, Mr. Dick.
Chester
Yeah, all right, Sonny, I'm coming. Yeah. Looks like old Carpus has finally got himself a friend, Mr. Jones. Yeah.
Matt Dillon
Looks like two, though, Chester.
Chester
Counting the puppy.
Narrator
According to Thomas Jefferson, equal justice to all men, regardless of their political or religious beliefs, is an essential principle of our political philosophy. The amendments to our Constitution spell out what we mean by justice. For example, no one can conduct an unreasonable search of our homes or businesses or seize any of our belongings. We can't be held for a capital or infamous crime unless we are first indicted by a grand jury. And we are entitled to a speedy and a public trial by an impartial jury. The accused has a right to confront the witnesses against him. And he can force witnesses who could aid his case to testify. Of course, he cannot be made to testify against himself. He is entitled to the help of a lawyer. And he cannot be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law. These are definitions in our dictionary of freedom. GUN SMOKE Produced and Directed by Norman McDonnell Stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon U S Marshal. The script was specially written for Gunsmoke by Les Crutchfield with editorial supervision by John Meston. The music was composed of and conducted by Rex Corey. Sound patterns were by Ray Kemper and Bill James. Featured in the cast were Parley Bear As Chester, Howard McNear as Doc and Georgia Ellis as Kitty. George Walsh speaking. Join us again next week for another specially transcribed story on gun smoke. This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.
T-Mobile Advertiser
Everyone deserves to be connected. That's why T Mobile and US Cellular are joining forces. Switch to T Mobile and save up to 20% versus Verizon by getting built in benefits they leave out. Check the math@t mobile.com switch and now T mobile is in US cellular stores.
T-Mobile Legal Disclaimer
Savings versus Comparable Verizon plans plus the cost of optional benefits, plan features and taxes and fees vary. Savings with three plus lines include third line free via monthly bill Click Credits Credit Stop if you cancel any lines. Qualifying credit required.
Valpak Advertiser
It's the most wonderful time of the year, and Valpak is here to make it even better this month as you sip through holiday mail, don't miss the blue Valpak envelope. From dining to holiday shopping, there's a slate full of savings in your mailbox, plus a chance to instantly win $100. That's right, you can find $100 Christmas cash inside. Want to save even more money on what you love? Go to valpak.com for local coupons and offers. It pays to open Valpak. No purchase necessary for instant win. Void war prohibited. Prices are randomly inserted. See Specially Mark Valpak Envelopes for details.
Shopify Advertiser
It's 2025, a new year, and the perfect time to turn your business dreams into reality. Maybe you've been tossing around a great idea but haven't acted yet. Well, Shopify is how you're going to make it happen. Shopify makes it simple to create your brand open for business and make your first sale with thousands of customizable templates. You don't need coding or design skill, just drag, drop and go. Plus, Shopify's social media tools help you connect all your channels and create shoppable posts so you can sell everywhere your customers scroll. Managing your business is easy too. From shipping to taxes to payments, Shopify handles the details on a single dashboard, letting you focus on what really matters. Growing your business established in 2025 has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? Sign up for your $1 per month trial period at shopify.comdax all lowercase go to shopify.comdax to start selling with Shopify today shopify.comdax.
Andrew Rines
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.
T-Mobile Advertiser
Everyone deserves to be connected. That's why T Mobile and US Cellular are joining forces. Switch to T Mobile and save up to 20% versus Verizon by getting built in benefits they leave out. Check the math@t mobile.com switch and now T mobile is in US cellular stores.
T-Mobile Legal Disclaimer
Savings versus Comparable Verizon plans plus the cost of optional benefits, plan features and taxes and fees vary. Savings with three plus lines include third line free via monthly bill credits. Credit stop if you cancel any lines. Qualifying credit required.
Valpak Advertiser
It's the most wonderful time of the year and Valpak is here to make it even better this month as you sip through holiday mail, don't miss the blue Valpak envelope. From dining to holiday shopping, there's a slate full of savings in your mailbox, plus a cheaper chance to instantly win $100. That's right, you can find $100 Christmas cash inside. Want to save even more money on what you love? Go to valpak.com for local coupons and offers. It pays to open Valpak. No purchase necessary for instant Win voip where prohibited prices are randomly inserted. See specially marked Valpak envelopes for details.
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Podcast Host: Andrew Rhynes
Show: Old Time Radio Westerns
Episode Title: Hound Dog
Original Air Date: December 30, 1956
This episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast features the classic "Gunsmoke" drama “Hound Dog.” Digitally restored for clarity, the episode transports listeners to Dodge City, following U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon as he untangles a simmering conflict on the prairie. The heart of the story is a dispute between reclusive trapper Carpus Dagg and his neighbor, Pete Raymer—sparked by the shooting of Carpus’s beloved old hound. The episode explores loneliness, neighborly suspicion, and how a simple act can threaten to escalate into violence, only to be resolved through humility, honesty, and empathy.
Introduction of Carpus Dagg (07:03)
Matt’s Instinct for Trouble (08:22)
Tensions Explode (16:45–19:06)
Matt’s Intervention
The Real Shooter (20:34–23:00)
Resolution and Reconciliation
| Timestamp | Segment | Description | |:----------:|---------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------| | 05:07 | Chester’s bad luck at poker | Shows the daily rhythms and relationships in Dodge | | 07:03 | The news of the dog’s death | Doc explains Carpus’s loss and isolation | | 08:27 | Matt decides to investigate | Signals potential for escalating trouble | | 10:14–13:09| Matt and Chester meet Carpus | Grief and suspicion explored; dynamics of isolation | | 16:45 | Pete Raymer appears, shots exchanged | Conflict heightens; themes of anger and revenge | | 19:06 | Matt warns both men | Attempts to avert vigilantism and further violence | | 20:34 | Sonny introduced | Pivotal moment shifts to the next generation | | 22:17 | Sonny confesses | The truth untangles the conflict | | 23:29 | Sonny’s offer to Carpus | Conflict shifts to healing and hope | | 24:04 | Chester observes a new friendship forming | Quiet resolution and restoration of community ties |
The episode remains true to Gunsmoke’s signature mix of suspense, empathy, and realism. The dusty western setting is vividly evoked through sound, dialogue, and the emotional cadence of the performances. The core theme is the potential for misunderstanding and isolation to breed conflict—and the healing possible through honesty, kindness, and the forging of unexpected friendships.
“Hound Dog” stands out as a touching exploration of alienation, the pain of unexpected loss, and the incremental steps toward reconciliation. Marshal Dillon’s firm but compassionate “law-keeping,” a child’s nervous honesty, and a neighborly gesture combine to resolve a potentially tragic feud. By the end, listeners are reminded of the importance of connection, forgiveness, and community—even on the lonely prairies of Gunsmoke’s frontier.