Mark Corning’s Mail Order Bride | Dr. Sixgun (Unknown)

Summary

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Podcast Summary: “Mark Corning’s Mail Order Bride” | Dr. Sixgun (Old Time Radio Westerns)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode: Mark Corning’s Mail Order Bride | Dr. Sixgun
Original Airdate: Unknown (Podcast Release: February 20, 2026)

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Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns takes listeners through a poignant, character-driven story from the golden era of radio dramas. The tale, "Mark Corning’s Mail Order Bride," follows Dr. Sixgun—frontier physician and gunslinger—as he escorts a young woman, Isa Kitchell, from St. Louis to her intended husband, rancher Mark Corning, across the untamed West. The journey is shadowed by evolving emotions, moral dilemmas, and meditations on love, duty, and the loneliness of frontier life.

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Key Discussion Points & Narrative Arc

1. Introducing the Characters and Setting

[03:13]

• Pablo the Gypsy Peddler opens the story, humorously lamenting the shortage of marriageable women in the territory and introducing his own role as a trader and observer.
• Dr. Sixgun (Dr. Gray Matson) is depicted as both healer and lawman, respected by white settlers and Native Americans alike.
• Mark Corning, a rough but earnest rancher, seeks more than just material prosperity—he yearns for companionship and a family.

2. Mark’s Motivation and Isa’s Arrival

[05:04] – [09:58]

• Mark confides to Dr. Sixgun his decision to marry Isa, a boarding house worker from St. Louis, out of practicality and growing loneliness.
  • “Even a prairie dog gets a notion to settle down to one burrow and raise a herd of young un.” (Mark Corning, [06:34])
• Isa arrives by train, nervous yet determined, expecting Mark but welcomed by Dr. Sixgun instead.
  • “I thought he’d be here.” (Isa Kitchell, [09:47])

3. The Journey: Kindness, Kinship, and Longing

[10:28] – [17:41]

• As Doc and Isa travel, they bond through shared hardship and conversation. Isa’s naivety and hope contrast with the Doc’s reserved wisdom.
  • “You know, I feel as if I’m starting on a trip that will last forever.” (Isa Kitchell, [15:26])
  • “You’d make a fine nurse.” (Dr. Sixgun, [17:36])
• A romantic tension emerges, culminating in an impulsive kiss by the campfire, under the expansive prairie stars.
  • “I’m not...I shouldn’t have kissed you.” (Dr. Sixgun, [18:08])
  • “Are you really sorry?” (Isa, [18:09])
  • “No. Neither am I.” ([18:16])

4. Emotional Conflict and Moral Dilemma

[20:08] – [23:36]

• Over the subsequent days, their growing affection is shadowed by guilt and duty. Isa confesses she was marrying Mark because she had no other path; now, love has complicated her fate.
  • “I was going to marry a man I didn’t love… there is now [another choice].” (Isa Kitchell, [22:13])
• When the pair return to camp, they are met unexpectedly by Mark, who is generous and grateful but oblivious to their secret.
  • “You don’t find a friend too often here in the territory that you can trust.” (Mark Corning, [24:52])

5. Aftermath: Confrontation and Consequence

[26:09] – [30:02]

• Mark later confronts Dr. Sixgun, reveals Isa left him after four weeks, and admits he can't force love. He recognizes Doc's integrity for not betraying his trust further.
  • “You can’t order a wife like a pair of pants.” (Mark Corning, [27:13])
  • “I reckon you didn’t because… I trusted you.” ([27:52])
• Dr. Sixgun seeks out Isa, hoping to start a life together, but Isa rebuffs him, feeling burdened by duty and the reality of her marriage with Mark.
  • “Is it a formality that I lived four weeks with Mark Corning when I didn’t love him?” (Isa Kitchell, [29:20])
  • Isa chooses to leave, contemplating a future as a nurse, but not with the Doc.

6. Epilogue: Bittersweet Resolutions

[30:19] – [31:04]

• Pablo reflects on Isa’s fate; she works at the Silver Lantern dance hall, retaining her gentleness and kindness. Neither Doc nor Mark sees her again, encapsulating the episode’s themes of longing and roads not taken.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker & Quote | |-----------|------------------| | [06:34] | Mark Corning: “Even a prairie dog gets a notion to settle down to one burrow and raise a herd of young un.” | | [14:17] | Isa Kitchell: “Is it all like this, Doctor?” (About the wild landscape and uncertain future) | | [15:26] | Isa Kitchell: “You know, I feel as if I’m starting on a trip that will last forever.” | | [17:06] | Dr. Sixgun: “Any woman who’s gentle and loving enough to be a nurse, why, she’s a cinch to get married herself before you could train her right.” | | [18:08–18:16] | Dr. Sixgun & Isa Kitchell: “I shouldn’t have kissed you.” / “Are you really sorry?” / “No… Neither am I.” | | [22:13] | Isa Kitchell: “I was going to marry a man I didn’t love. I was going because… there was nothing else to do. There is now.” | | [27:13] | Mark Corning: “You can’t order a wife like a pair of pants.” | | [29:20] | Isa Kitchell: “Is it a formality that I lived four weeks with Mark Corning when I didn’t love him? That you let me go with him that way because your conscience hurt you?” | | [30:02] | Isa Kitchell: “Good night, Gray. And goodbye.” |

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:13] – Pablo’s opening monologue and story framing
• [05:04] – Mark Corning’s frank discussion of loneliness with Doc
• [09:25] – Arrival of Isa; Doc’s first meeting with Isa
• [14:09] – The journey across the plains begins
• [17:39] – Intimate campfire conversation and the first kiss
• [22:24] – Isa confesses her love for Doc; the moral crisis deepens
• [23:49] – Surprise encounter with Mark Corning
• [26:09] – Mark and Doc’s honest showdown in town; Mark’s acceptance
• [28:40] – Dr. Sixgun’s final encounter with Isa and her farewell
• [30:19] – Pablo’s epilogue and Isa’s fate revealed

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Tone & Style

• Poignant, reflective, and naturalistic—dialogue is frank and unvarnished, peppered with wry humor and regret.
• The story balances hope and disappointment, capturing both the romantic allure and the harsh constraints of frontier life.

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Final Thoughts

“Mark Corning’s Mail Order Bride” is a mature, layered Western—part romance, part social study—that uses classic radio storytelling to ask whether duty or love wins out when both can’t be satisfied. The episode is notable for its honest, empathetic portrayal of all three main characters, its bittersweet resolution, and its evocative, atmospheric dialogue.

Listeners will find a rich snapshot not only of frontier romance, but also of the emotional costs and choices experienced by settlers in the untamed West.

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Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode at Absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

Across the rugged Indian territory rides a tall young man on a mission of mercy, his medical bag strapped on one hip, his six shooter on the other. This is Dr. Six Gun. The National Broadcasting Company brings you another transcribed episode in the exciting adventure series Dr. Six Gun. Ray Matson, M.D. was the gun toting frontier doctor who roamed the length and breadth of the old Indian territory. Friend and physician to white and Indian alike, the symbol of justice and mercy in the lawless west of the 1870s, this legendary figure was known to all as Dr. Six Gun.

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[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

A territory is a place of many shortages in vital supplies. Good whiskey, scissors, fence wire and strong boots are all hard to come by and therefore command a very respectable price. It is the mark of Whiskey. In such a situation, to go where such commodities can be easily found and transport them to where they are in demand. This is the secret of my modest success in this world. And who am I? I am Pablo, the gypsy peddler. And this is my friend Midnight.

[Isa Kitchell]

Midnight.

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

True, he is only a raven, but he has invaluable advice for one in my profession.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

100% markup.

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

It's a principle which I invariably follow. Now there is one scarcity in the territory which unfortunately I am unable to exploit. And that is a serious shortage in marriageable women. Oh, if only I could fill my wagon with demure and well behaved young ladies in say, Nashville, Tennessee and transport them to Frenchman's Ford where I could dispose of them by the head or by the pound. Then I could retire to a castle on the Danube. But these are the dreams of an idle hour and I must stick to my needles and pins. My friend Duck6Gon, however, had much better luck than I. It started as so many things do in the Bull Run saloon in Frenchman's Ford where Bach was eating his supper. As he commenced on the pie and coffee, we were joined by Mark Corney, the owner of the Circle, a ranch far to the north.

[Mark Corning]

Hiya, Doc. Mind if I sit down?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Pull up a chair and make yourself at home. Mark, you know Pablo.

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

Yes, I met Mr. Corning.

[Mark Corning]

Yeah, he come through last year. Sold me an imported Swedish steel bowie knife. Ah, yes.

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

A fine blade, tempered according to the process handed down from father to son in a lit village outside of Stockholm.

[Mark Corning]

Yeah, well that's funny. I snapped it off short cutting a slice of soft cheese.

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

I think I will retire to the bar, gentlemen. I seem to have picked up a congestion of the throat. A little lubrication is called for.

[Mark Corning]

He's a great one, the peddler. I only bought tonight's those to hear him make up stories about it. Don't he beat the Dutch?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Pablo's an inspired improviser.

[Mark Corning]

Improviser? He's a downright flat footed bare faced l. Swedish steel.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

What brings you down out of the north, Mark?

[Mark Corning]

Well, Doc, it's this way. You know, my place is about 200 miles from nowhere. Well, a feller gets to hankering after, well, putting it bald like duck.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

A woman.

[Mark Corning]

I don't mean the kind of woman you can find in a dance hall. I. I mean a regular biscuits for breakfast woman with her face washed in a poke bonnet. Kind that won't let you smoke in the house or wear your boots to bed.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Mark, if I didn't hear it I wouldn't believe it. Why?

[Mark Corning]

Look, look, Doc, I'm. I'm pushing 40.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Now.

[Mark Corning]

Even a prairie dog gets a notion to settle down to one burrow and raise a herd of young un.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Tell me, Mark, do you have a female prairie dog picked out for this domestic adventure?

[Mark Corning]

Well, as a matter of fact, yes, I do. Last year I went back to St. Louis to settle some business and I stayed at the Borden house. Mrs. Ketchup, great grub, but no liquor allowed. Well, anyways, she had a daughter, name of isa.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Isa?

[Mark Corning]

Her pa was Danish. Well, anyways, Ms. Schitchell died a few months back. Left this here girl kind of on her own, like a maverick. Well, I write to her a couple of times. We've kind of come to an understand.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

You mean she agreed to marry you?

[Mark Corning]

Why not?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

No reason. I just wondered.

[Mark Corning]

Look, Doc, I'm 40 odd, but I'm still hard as nails. And I can outride and out rope any yearling hand on my plates. I ain't bad looking when I shave and I got a place that's. That's worth a pile of cash. I put it to her straight in a letter and she wrote back. Yes.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Well, congratulations, Mark. When does the happy event take place?

[Mark Corning]

Well, that's what I come see you about, Doc. She's coming on from St. Louis in a couple of weeks, but I. I can't meet her.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Why not?

[Mark Corning]

Well, I got to get my herd together and cut out the best of them for army beef contract. About the time her train gets into Chisholm City, I'll be halfway to Fort Harrison eating dust all the way.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Well, what do you want me to do?

[Mark Corning]

You ride circuit about them, don't you?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

That's right.

[Mark Corning]

Well, I wondered if you'd do me a favor. I mean, there ain't nobody else I could trust. Ice is a real lady and I.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Oh, now wait a minute, Mark. I. I figure on getting up to your place eventually, but I'd take a wide circle way up through the Three Forks country.

[Mark Corning]

Yeah, I know, Doc, but I'd rather have her delivered to Mite Lake than trust her to some of the fuzzy headed jackrabbits I got working for me. I figured she'd be safer with you.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Mark. I don't like the idea. Maybe you better.

[Mark Corning]

You're the only one I can trust.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Now.

[Mark Corning]

You can't turn me down. You can call it professional promoting.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

What do you mean?

[Mark Corning]

Well, I. I reckon with any kind of luck we'll average out a young un every other year for quite a spell. You see, Doc, you'll just be drumming up trade for yourself.

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

And so, two weeks later, Doc took the stage over at Chisholm City, stood beside the tracks while the train puffed wearily in from the east. The last passenger off the train was a girl of about 20 who struggled with several boxes, a carpet bag, a parasol and a fashionable hat with a feather bow.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Can I help you with those boxes, miss?

[Grainger Purchasing Manager Announcer]

Oh, that's all right.

[Isa Kitchell]

I can.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Oh, I. I've got it. There.

[Isa Kitchell]

Oh, thank you.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Imagine. You're Ms. Kitchell.

[Isa Kitchell]

That's right. Did Mr. Corning send you?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Yes, in a way.

[Isa Kitchell]

Do you work for him?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

No, no, I'm Dr. Matson. Mark asked me to meet your train.

[Isa Kitchell]

He isn't here?

[Mark Corning]

Well, no.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

You see, he had to deliver a herd to the north. He'll be gone for several weeks.

[Isa Kitchell]

Oh, well, I thought he'd be here.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

I guess I'm sort of taking his place.

[Isa Kitchell]

Well, it's very kind of you, Dr. Matson. Did Mr. Corning say what I'm to do till he returns?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

General idea was for you to travel with me. I'm going out on circuit in a day or two and I'll be hitting his place in a few weeks.

[Isa Kitchell]

I hope I won't be any trouble to you, Doctor.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

No trouble at, miss. Well, the stage the Frenchman's four doesn't leave for several hours. We better get out of the sun.

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

The coach from Chisholm City to Frenchman's Ford is rather primitive in its spring arrangement, so that half of the ride is spring. Fine shattering. But when the trail finally twists and shakes itself and climbs down from the hills, the road is smooth and level and the coach swings gently in its leather straps. The sun beats hot and the steady pound of the horses feet sings a dusty lullaby to. The riders. Sat trapped in the corner, dozing. His head nodded and then he brushed at his face as if to chase a fly. But his fingers tangled in soft hair and as he opened his eyes he found the girl's head upon his shoulder. He sat there for a while as the girl slept and then he moved his arm to waken her.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Oh,

[Isa Kitchell]

I'm sorry. I was asleep.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

That's all right. So was I. I'm sorry.

[Isa Kitchell]

I didn't mean to.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Oh, everybody falls asleep on this stretch of road, even the driver. If the horses didn't know the way, we'd never get the Frenchman's board.

[Isa Kitchell]

Oh, so hot and drowsy. I'm afraid I didn't get much sleep on the train. It was a whiskey Drummer who kept trying to make my acquaintance.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

I'm afraid a young girl traveling alone has to put up with a lot.

[Isa Kitchell]

Well, I told him I was on my way to get married. I think that scared him off.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

It would be frightening.

[Andrew Rines]

Yes.

[Isa Kitchell]

Yes, it is. What's he like?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Mark Corning?

[Isa Kitchell]

I don't really remember him too well. When he was at the boarding house. I remember he used to talk loud and laugh a lot. And of course, he looked at me. I used to wait tables and all the boarders used to josh me about having boyfriends and all. He didn't. He just looked at me.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

I can understand that. You're quite a pretty young lady.

[Isa Kitchell]

All dusty with my hair. All soot and cinders.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Oh, it shines through.

[Isa Kitchell]

Thank you, Doctor. Is he very old, Mark?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

No, I wouldn't say that.

[Isa Kitchell]

He said in his letters he was in the prime of life. I suppose that's the truth.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

I'd say so.

[Isa Kitchell]

I suppose you think I'm real forward. I mean, writing him that I'd marry him this way.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

No, miss, I wouldn't say that. Fairly common here in territory. Men are too busy making out to have much time for courting in the regular way. They take sending the mail order companies for most everything from saddles to pants. Of course, they take a chance buying that way. You know, taking a poke.

[Isa Kitchell]

I don't think that's very kind at all.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

I'm sorry, Ms. Ketchel. I didn't mean you.

[Isa Kitchell]

Oh, I just can't keep my eyes open.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

You can go back to sleep if you want to. I don't mind.

[Isa Kitchell]

I suppose it's all right if I rest my head the way I did? You being a doctor makes it all right.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Yeah, sure, that makes it all right.

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

The next day, Doctor started out on his circuit with Ms. Isa Kitchell riding a bay mare and three pack horses. And a mule trailing behind, carrying Ms. Kitchell's boxes and box supplies. It was time to replenish the supply of ribbons and stilt fins in the hinterland. So I rode with them.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

You doing all right, Ms. Kitchell?

[Isa Kitchell]

I've never ridden a stride before.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

We'll take it easy for the first few days.

[Isa Kitchell]

Is it all like this, Doctor?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Mean, the territory?

[Mark Corning]

No.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Oh, up the north, Saw Mountains, out to the west.

[Isa Kitchell]

The Badlands, I mean, where I'm going.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Oh, it's very nice country, miss. Little wild sometimes, but very nice. Excuse me. Hey, Pablo. We'll camp for the night by Cottonwood Springs. We'll be there soon. You'll get a Chance to rest. More coffee? Ah, this fine, Pablo. How about you, Ms.

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

Kitchen?

[Isa Kitchell]

No, thank you.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Oh. Legs stiff?

[Isa Kitchell]

Yes. I'm afraid it isn't very ladylike.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

You'll get used to it in a day or two.

[Isa Kitchell]

Oh, it seems so much bigger. I mean, the sky. I don't think there are half this many stars over St. Louis.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Well, take a big city with modern gas lights, smoke from all those chimneys. Sort of gets between a man and the stars.

[Isa Kitchell]

You think we're closer to the sky out here?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

In a way.

[Isa Kitchell]

You know, I feel as if I'm starting on a. Well, a trip that will last forever.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

You get that kind of ideas, Night with the stars overhead, do you, Doctor? Sure.

[Isa Kitchell]

Oh, it is beautiful, isn't it? I mean, it's. It's just like floating. It seems a shame you have to land somewhere. I mean, of course, I'm anxious to get to Mr. Corning's place as soon as I can, of course, but it is beautiful.

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

And so for a week, we rode and visited the homesteads, the little crossroad settlements, the trading posts. And docs had broken arms and dosed fevers and even pulled a tooth. And in the evenings, we would sit around the campfire. And I, wise one that I am, would soon crawl off into my blankets to leave the others to watch the embers, to sleep.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Tired?

[Isa Kitchell]

A little.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

You were a real help this afternoon, Isa.

[Isa Kitchell]

Was I? I've never seen a baby born before.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

I suppose I shouldn't have had you in. I mean, the young girl.

[Isa Kitchell]

That girl having the baby was only 17. I'm 20.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

It was good to have a woman there. Or I do what I can, but somehow it comforts them. If there's a woman, they don't feel so alone.

[Isa Kitchell]

I think I can understand that.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Sometimes I think it'd be a good idea for me to have a woman nurse the way they did in the army during the war.

[Isa Kitchell]

Why don't you?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

I don't know. There just aren't any around these parts, I guess. Any woman who's gentle and loving enough to be a nurse, why, she's a cinch to get married herself before you could train her right.

[Isa Kitchell]

Oh, I'd like that. I mean, being a nurse, it was wonderful the way that girl just calmed so when I talked to her and held her hand that way. It gives you a wonderful feeling to be able to help somebody who's in pain. I suppose it's kind of silly, my telling you that.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

No, it isn't. You'd make a fine nurse.

[Isa Kitchell]

I think I Would.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

But of course you'll be marrying Mark Corning.

[Isa Kitchell]

Yes. The fire's going out.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Oh, yeah. Okay. That.

[Isa Kitchell]

No.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

What's the matter?

[Isa Kitchell]

Nothing.

[Mark Corning]

I said what is it?

[Isa Kitchell]

Nothing. Please don't touch me.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

You're crying.

[Isa Kitchell]

I'm not.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Your cheeks are wet.

[Isa Kitchell]

What is it?

[Andrew Rines]

Look at me.

[Isa Kitchell]

No.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

No. I don't know why I. I'm sorry.

[Isa Kitchell]

Are you?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

I shouldn't have kissed you.

[Isa Kitchell]

I mean, are you really sorry?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

No. No, I'm not.

[Isa Kitchell]

Neither am I. Dying out.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Let it die.

[Grainger HVAC Technician Announcer]

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[Grainger Purchasing Manager Announcer]

If you're the purchasing manager at a manufacturing plant, you know having a trusted partner makes all the difference. That's why hands down, you count on Grainger for auto reordering. With on time restocks, your trip team will have the cut resistant gloves they need at the start of their shift and you can end your day knowing they've got safety well in hand. Call 1-800-GRAINGER click granger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.

[Grainger HVAC Technician Announcer]

If you're an H Vac technician and a call comes in, Grainger knows that you need a partner that helps you find the right product fast and hassle free. And you know that when the first problem of the day is a clanking blower motor, there's no need to break a sweat. With Grainger's easy to use website and product details, you're confident you'll soon have everything humming right along. Call 1-800-GRAINGER Click grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

I suppose the territory north to the three fourths country is something like a voyage across the ocean. There is no beginning and no end. No past and no future. Only the present. We continued on the circuit and the girl wearing a shirt of darks with the sleeves rolled up was tanned by the sun, her hair bleached to the golden streak. And she was. If I am a drawer of women at which I am very happy.

[Isa Kitchell]

Get out. Come on.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

I win.

[Isa Kitchell]

I Win. Whoa, boy. Whoa.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Oh.

[Isa Kitchell]

Now.

[Grainger Purchasing Manager Announcer]

Ready?

[Isa Kitchell]

Oh. Well, Dr. Six Gun, what kind of a rider are you? Beaten by a girl?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

I held my horse in.

[Isa Kitchell]

You're a liar.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Well, yes. Matter of fact, my horse wasn't half as interested in catching you as I was. Wait a minute.

[Isa Kitchell]

I'll help you down. Oh, I can do it. Oh. There.

[Mark Corning]

Oh, boy.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Now. Man tired. No.

[Isa Kitchell]

No. I could ride like that all day.

[Mark Corning]

A horse couldn't.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Sit down.

[Isa Kitchell]

Where's Pablo?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Back with the pack mule.

[Isa Kitchell]

Well, I won the race. Do I get a prize?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

What, this? Hey, let me take my hat off. I. I always remove my hat when kissing a lady.

[Isa Kitchell]

Don't. I'd like to stay in the shade.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

There isn't much shade from a hat brim.

[Isa Kitchell]

There is if you're close enough. See?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Yeah, you're right.

[Isa Kitchell]

Oh, Gray. Gray, what are we going to do?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

I don't know.

[Isa Kitchell]

We don't talk about it. And we've got to.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

I suppose so. We're. We're about two days ride from the Circle A.

[Isa Kitchell]

That close?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Yeah.

[Mark Corning]

I didn't.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Well, I didn't want to think about it.

[Isa Kitchell]

Can't we forget it?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

No, we can't.

[Mark Corning]

Here.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Sit down.

[Isa Kitchell]

Gray. Are you angry with me?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

No.

[Isa Kitchell]

You're angry about something. I can tell.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

For four days now, I've been asking myself, why did Mark Corning have to ask me to bring you north? Why did he send me to meet you?

[Isa Kitchell]

Are you sorry he did?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

No.

[Isa Kitchell]

Then what's the difference?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

You don't understand.

[Isa Kitchell]

I understand one thing. I was going to marry a man I didn't love. I was going to him because. Because there was nothing else to do. There is now.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Is there, Gray?

[Isa Kitchell]

What are you thinking about?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Mark Conan.

[Isa Kitchell]

Not about me.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Mark told me he trusted me because I was the doctor. He trusted me to bring you to him safe.

[Isa Kitchell]

You couldn't help it.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Gray, that's not it. You came here to marry Mark Coney.

[Isa Kitchell]

But I told you that was because there wasn't anything else for me to do. One of the drummers made an offer, but I just couldn't take that. When Mark Corning's letter came, I just couldn't see anything else to do. I wanted to get away from there, from that drummer and from all the people that Ma owed money to. That's why I came. That's all changed now, isn't it? I mean, I suppose it isn't fair to Mr. Corning, but. I don't love him. I love you.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

You don't understand. He trusted me.

[Isa Kitchell]

Gray.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Kiss me.

[Isa Kitchell]

No.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Maybe I.

[Isa Kitchell]

Do. You love me, Cray, do you?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Yes.

[Isa Kitchell]

Then nothing else matters, does it?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Not now.

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

They came riding back to the camp and Doc piled off his horse and lifted the girl down before he saw the big paint horse behind the brush and Mark Corning sitting with me at the fire.

[Mark Corning]

Well, well, Doc. How are you?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Hello, Corning.

[Mark Corning]

I got back a mite early. I figured I'd ride down trail and surprise you. Well, miss Isa.

[Isa Kitchell]

Hello, Mr. Corning.

[Mark Corning]

You look real pretty. Real pretty.

[Isa Kitchell]

Thank you.

[Mark Corning]

I know I should have met you at the train.

[Isa Kitchell]

Yes, you should have.

[Mark Corning]

I just had to drive that beef herd over the fort. You gotta deliver on a contract. Ain't that right, Doc?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

I suppose so.

[Mark Corning]

Well, anyways, I didn't waste no time. Once I got done, I near killed two horses riding back. I was that anxious to see you, I bought you something. Yeah, It's Indian, but it's real pretty. At least I thought so. Cost me a price of a good saddle. Go ahead, put it on.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

It's a necklace.

[Isa Kitchell]

It's very beautiful.

[Mark Corning]

Here, let me put it on for you.

[Isa Kitchell]

No, no, I'll get it.

[Mark Corning]

All right. Well, what's the matter? You both look like a shadow went over the sun.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

We've had a hard ride, that's all.

[Mark Corning]

Well, I sure want to thank you, Doc. You see, Miss Isa, I know that next to my coming for you myself, the best thing I could do was ask Doc to stand in for me. I owe you a lot, Doc, for seeing my. My bride do me this way, safe and sound and all.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Listen, Mark.

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

Now, don't be shy about it, Doc.

[Mark Corning]

You don't find a friend too often here in the territory that you can trust.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

No, you don't.

[Mark Corning]

So I felt real safe all the time I was away.

[Isa Kitchell]

Craig.

[Mark Corning]

Well, I reckon we ought to turn in, Miss Isa. You and I got a long trail for the morning.

[Isa Kitchell]

Cray.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

There's nothing to say.

[Isa Kitchell]

Is that it? Is that what you decided?

[Mark Corning]

What is all this?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Nothing.

[Isa Kitchell]

Nothing, Mr. Cord. I just want to thank Dr. Matson for delivering me just as safe as if I were a mail order saddle or a. And for making the trip, entertaining the test.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Well, what.

[Mark Corning]

What's got into her? Well, I reckon women get flighty when they're going to get married. You think so, Doc? I. I don't know.

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

And in the morning, Mark Corning and the girl rolled off to the north, and Doc and I swung to the east, and then in a few weeks, south to Frenchman's Ford. It was a few days later that I had beaten Doc at chess, which is not usual. And we sat together in silence as the lamp flickered.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Who's there? Matson. Come in.

[Mark Corning]

I've been looking for you all over town.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Why didn't you try my house first?

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

Tony?

[Mark Corning]

Well, I found you. Now, what happened? What do you mean? I want to know what happened on that circuit.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Nothing.

[Mark Corning]

I said what happened between you and her? I ain't in much of a mood to trifle, Doc.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

I want the truth. What do you think happened, Corning?

[Mark Corning]

I don't have to think, Doc. I know. Do you? Well, I reckon she tried. She lived in my house after the wedding for four weeks. Not I reckon she tried. I didn't figure to be easy, Doc. I ain't no fool. You can't order a wife like a pair of pants. I knew that. And I didn't want no woman like a slave before the war just for washing and cooking and all that. But, you know, I figured. I figured I ain't a bad man, Doc. I figured giving a chance to that girl and I could. Well, this is hard for me to say, Doc, but I figured we could be married first and then get to love each other. There ain't no chance, Doc. There ain't no chance.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Why not?

[Mark Corning]

You tell me, Gray Matson. You tell me. She come to me last week and she told me the truth. She said she didn't care. I could shoot her if I wanted, but she didn't care. She couldn't live with me no more.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

What did you do?

[Mark Corning]

I meant to shoot her, then come looking for you. Listen, Corny don't go for your gun, Doc. You don't have to do that. I didn't touch her. I ain't gonna touch you, neither. I figured this all out, Doc. You could have had her. You could have taken her right away. I reckon you didn't because. Because I trusted you. I ain't got no cause to gun you, Doc. Not the way I figured.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Where is she?

[Mark Corning]

In town. I rode in with her. I give her a hundred dollars for living for a while. She wouldn't take no more. And I. I told her I wished her luck. I surely do, Doc. I ain't gonna find nobody pretty and gentle like her no more. You know, it's funny, Doc. I suppose I'd a big gun mad, but I. I just kind of figure I'm four weeks ahead. Crazy, ain't it?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Isa? Isa, Open the door. Ay, sir.

[Isa Kitchell]

What do you want?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Don't come in, Isa. Mark Corning just came to my place. He said you left. Yes. Why? Didn't you let me know? Why didn't you come to me?

[Isa Kitchell]

I didn't think I should.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

But it's all right now.

[Mark Corning]

It's the only way it could be.

[Isa Kitchell]

Oh, it's all right now.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

I couldn't tell him then. Not when he trusted me that way. But now that doesn't matter anymore. The only thing that matters is that we love each other. I don't.

[Isa Kitchell]

Gray, don't.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Why not?

[Isa Kitchell]

It's all right now. Your conscience is clear. Your sense of duty is satisfied.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Of course.

[Isa Kitchell]

And now I suppose we can be together.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Have to be a divorce.

[Mark Corning]

But that's a formality.

[Isa Kitchell]

Oh, tell me, Gray. Is it a formality that I lived for four weeks with Mark Corney when I didn't love him? That you let me go with him that way because your conscience hurt you?

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

I said it's over now.

[Isa Kitchell]

Yes, it is. It's over.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

You love me. You said you did.

[Isa Kitchell]

I did. Gray, I've been thinking of what I should do. You remember how I wanted to be a nurse? To ride with you and bring people relief from pain? Maybe I'll do that. But not with you.

[Dr. Gray Matson (Dr. Six Gun)]

Isa, you don't understand. I love you.

[Isa Kitchell]

Good night, Gray. And goodbye.

[Pablo the Gypsy Peddler]

Of course, she did not become a nurse in stories. Perhaps it works that way and not here in the Territory. Neither Doc nor Mark Corning saw her again, but I could have quite easily. I've seen her myself many times. She works at the Silver Lantern Dance hall at Chisholm City where she is very gentle and kind to cowboys, punchers and whiskey drummers. And simple folk like me. Pablo the Gypsy Peddler.

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[Narrator]

You have been listening to Dr. Six Gun. Doc6 gun is played by Carl Weber and Pablo by William Griffith. Today's script was written written by Ernest Ganoy. Heard in the cast were Peggy Lobbin as Isa and Wendell holmes as Mark. Dr. Six Gun is directed by Fred Way. This is Roger Tuttle Spe.

[Mark Corning]

Sa.

[Narrator]

Doctor 6 gun starring Carl Weber as the frontier doctor with William Griffiths as Pablo. The Wandering Gypsy has come to you through the worldwide facilities of the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739. This episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright for more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Grainger HVAC Technician Announcer]

If you're an H Vac technician and a call comes in, Grainger knows that you need a partner that helps you find the right product fast and hassle free. And you know that when the first problem of the day is a clanking blower motor, there's no need to break a sweat. With Grainger's easy to use website and product details, you're confident you'll soon have everything humming right along. Call 1-800-GRAINGER clickgrainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done

[Grainger Purchasing Manager Announcer]

if you're the purchasing manager at a manufacturing plant, you know having a trusted partner makes all the difference. That's why hands down, you count on Grainger for auto reordering. With on time restocks. Your team will have the cut resistant gloves they need at the start of their shift and you can end your day knowing they've got safety well in hand. Call 1-800-GRAINGER clickgrainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.

[Grainger HVAC Technician Announcer]

If you're an H Vac technician and a call comes in, Grainger knows that you need a partner that helps you find the right product fast and hassle free. And you know that when the first problem of the day is a clanking blower motor, there's no need to break a sweat. With Grainger's easy to use website and product details, you're confident you'll soon have everything humming right along. Call 1-800-GRAINGER Click grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.