Mark Dillon Goes To Gough Eye {Rye Billsbury} | Gunsmoke (06-11-49)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode Summary: “Mark Dillon Goes To Gough Eye {Rye Billsbury}” | Gunsmoke (06-11-49)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Air Date: June 11, 1949
Podcast Release Date: February 3, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns presents a riveting installment of Gunsmoke, “Mark Dillon Goes To Gough Eye,” plunging listeners into a story of corruption, betrayal, and murder in the lawless frontier town of Gouge Eye (Gao Jai). Marshal Mark Dillon is summoned to uncover the mystery behind a possibly rigged roulette wheel and soon finds himself tangled in a deadly web spun by cunning grifters, a beleaguered schoolteacher, and a seductive femme fatale. With vivid sound design and crisp restoration, the story unfolds with atmospheric grit and plenty of hard-boiled dialogue.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. A Woman's Plea and a Crooked Wheel

[03:37–05:14]

• Abigail Contrarius, a stoic schoolteacher, arrives in Dodge City to appeal to Marshal Dillon for help. Her husband owns the White Buffalo saloon in Gouge Eye, where he's accused of running a crooked roulette wheel—a crime punishable by death in the town.

• Abigail’s motive is altruistic; she uses her husband’s winnings to buy books for Indian children, highlighting the shades of morality in the frontier.

  “The money don't just mean money to me. It means books for Indian kids and writin' stuff. Slates and all.”
  – Abigail Contrarius [04:34]

• Dillon is persuaded by her urgency and agrees to investigate.

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2. First Night in Gouge Eye: Violent Welcome

[05:14–07:51]

• Gouge Eye is depicted as “Dodge City’s tougher sister.”

• Before he can even tie his horse, Dillon is ambushed by a mysterious assailant (later identified only by voice) and his mute accomplice, Harold, establishing the deadly and distrustful tone of the town.

  “Like I said, Marshall, you won't like it.”
  – Assailant (Drew, later revealed) [06:27]

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3. Inside the White Buffalo: Suspicion and Swindles

[07:52–11:44]

• Dillon meets the flamboyant Senor Rafael Ramon Jose Contrarius, sole proprietor of the White Buffalo, who claims he’s being swindled and fears for his life.

• Greg Hagen, the croupier (roulette dealer), resents Dillon's probing, especially when Dillon tries to conspire with him as a test of loyalty.

• An unusual scam at the roulette wheel unfolds: two strangers, Pasty Face (Drew) and the Hulk (Harold), use a sleight-of-hand to swindle the house, and Dillon spots the con.

  “He had a hundred dollar bill, with a blue chip underneath it. After the ball drops, you get yourself thrown out. Harold collects thirty-five to one.”
  – Mark Dillon [13:19]

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4. Ambush in the Alley and Deadly Consequences

[11:44–14:52]

• Dillon is lured into a dark alley and wounded in a shootout with Drew and Harold, but manages to kill Harold.
• When Dillon regains consciousness, Contrarius is already dead, murdered with a bullet to the forehead. Tamar, the enigmatic singer, serenely awaits beside the corpse, singing a love song.

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5. The Interplay of Motives: Loyalties and Betrayal

[16:52–20:16]

• Tamar (the singer) tends to Dillon, claims to have saved him, and urges him to leave town.
• Abigail returns with stoic sorrow to collect her husband's body, showing remarkable strength and minimal visible grief:

  “All right, Marshal, get out of the wagon.”
  – Abigail Contrarius [19:59]

• Dillon is tended by Greg Hagen, who turns out to be a disgraced doctor as well as the croupier.

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6. The Doctor and the Wheelman

[20:16–24:25]

• Dillon confronts Greg Hagen about the rigged wheel, to which Greg confesses a bit of his past and his own involvement in the town’s corruption, exacerbated by his relationship with Tamar.

  “First I just wanted to tame the wheel. Then it got out of hand.”
  – Greg Hagen [22:25]

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7. The Final Sting: Betrayal at the Table

[25:20–28:51]

• In a tense showdown at the White Buffalo, Abigail orchestrates a private, high-stakes spin for Tamar and Drew.
• Tamar uses Greg’s skill as a croupier to win big, betting $10,000 on a single number. When Greg refuses to cheat for her, Drew shoots him, and Tamar and Drew flee with the cash.

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8. Climactic Duel in the Clearing

[29:15–31:09]

• Dillon tracks Tamar and Drew to a cottonwood clearing for a final face-off. Despite his wounded arm, he outdraws and kills Drew. Tamar attempts to seduce or persuade Dillon to run away with her, but he resists.

  “This is the first time I've ever held a gun on a woman.”
  – Mark Dillon [31:04]

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9. Denouement: Justice and Loss

[31:09–32:52]

• Dillon determines to turn Tamar in as an accessory to murder, despite her pleas and promises. He ensures Abigail will get the ill-gotten winnings. Tamar hurls a string of curses in multiple languages as she’s arrested, underscoring her complexity and vitality.

• Dillon rides alone back toward Dodge, reflecting sombrely on duty, loss, and the dust that can never be fully left behind.

  “She whispered at me every foul name in the book… She didn’t repeat herself once. Tamar didn’t understand that a marshal had a job to do and that the job got done.”
  – Mark Dillon [31:25]

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• “A dumping ground with odds and ends, beginnings, leftovers… Sometimes it’s a place to die.”
  – Mark Dillon’s description of Dodge City [02:57]
• “If I don’t get help, those kids will go back to their wild ways and I’ll have a dead husband, new coming.”
  – Abigail Contrarius [05:00]
• “We go away together, you and I. Mako, New Orleans. Listen to me, Chico. You and I.”
  – Tamar, pleading with Dillon [31:10]
• “She put her arms around my neck…For a long, long time… First in English and Spanish. Spanish, then in Cherokee, then in a language I couldn't recognize… Tamar didn't understand that a marshal had a job to do, and that the job got done.”
  – Mark Dillon [31:23]
• “He had a great thing with Greg…Only that wasn’t enough for you.”
  – Mark Dillon to Tamar, on her insatiable ambition [31:35]

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Key Timestamps

• Abigail asks for help: 03:37–05:14
• First attack on Dillon: 05:14–07:51
• Roulette wheel scam exposed: 11:44–13:33
• Dillon shot; Contrarius murdered: 14:02–14:52
• Dillon recovers with Greg Hagen: 20:16–24:25
• High-stakes final spin and Greg's murder: 25:20–28:51
• Showdown with Drew and Tamar: 29:15–31:09
• Tamar’s arrest and Dillon’s final reflection: 31:09–32:52

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Final Notes

With its restored audio, shadowy intrigue, and complex characters, this Gunsmoke episode is a classic of radio western drama. Mark Dillon’s unwavering sense of duty, the shades-of-gray morality of the frontier, and the captivating antagonists ensure that “Mark Dillon Goes To Gough Eye” stands as a potent reminder of why these tales continue to enthrall.

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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. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. You can find more western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

Gun smoke. Gun Smoke the story of the violence that moved westward with young America. The story of one man who moved with it. Mark Dillon, United States Marshal if you're.

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[Tamar]

Oh, a man there lives on the.

[Greg Hagen]

Western plains with a ton of fight.

[Tamar]

And an ounce of grain who herds.

[Greg Hagen]

The cows as he robs the train.

[Tamar]

And goes by the name of cowboy.

[Mark Dillon]

He was part of it. A singing saddle bum, A cowboy, a drifter they all drifted here to Dodge City one time or another. It's the end of the trek and the start of the wilderness. A dumping ground with odds and ends, beginnings, leftovers. It's a place to stop and take the kind of pleasure you need. A place to pass through. Sometimes it's a place to die My part of it was a sun charred shack. Rent paid by the United States government and a marshal's badge furnished free. I was at the window watching the heat plump itself with Kansas dust and roll in towards the town when the door opened.

[Abigail Contrarius]

Your name? Dylan. You of the United States Marshal?

[Mark Dillon]

She was about 50. Hat, poke bonnet, grass, gingham. Choose beaded Indian market.

[Abigail Contrarius]

I heard about you in Gouge. He said there was a steady marshal here. Been living for six months running.

[Mark Dillon]

They've been lying to you four months.

[Abigail Contrarius]

They say you can break a man's heart at 50 yards. They say you and your guns already done that.

[Mark Dillon]

What's on your mind?

[Abigail Contrarius]

Want you to saddle up and get down to gi. Why, my husband. Husband owns the White Buffalo who let music drinks. They say the roulette wheels crooked.

[Mark Dillon]

Look, ma', am, half the roulette wheels in the west are probably crooked.

[Abigail Contrarius]

Maybe. But in gauge, they kill a man for running a crooked wheel.

[Mark Dillon]

Well, look, ma', am, I don't.

[Abigail Contrarius]

Abigail Contrarius. That's my name.

[Mark Dillon]

Yeah, well, Mrs. Contuarius, you don't need a marshal.

[Tamar]

You need an honest husband.

[Abigail Contrarius]

That wheel's no more crooked than you are. Leastwise. From all I hear about you, it was. I wouldn't take none of the monies won from it.

[Mark Dillon]

Oh, sure.

[Abigail Contrarius]

Don't show me, Marshal. The money don't just mean money to me. It means books for Indian kids and writin stuff. Slates and all.

[Mark Dillon]

Oh, missionary.

[Abigail Contrarius]

Me with a gambler and a philanderer and a coper for a husband. I teach Indian kids, that's all. Teach him to behave. And a little learning, that's all.

[Mark Dillon]

That's good work, ma'.

[Chico]

Am.

[Mark Dillon]

These towns could use more people like you.

[Abigail Contrarius]

Never mind that. If I don't get help, those kids will go back to their wild ways and I'll have a dead husband new coming. Do I have to ride that mule some more?

[Mark Dillon]

Ride it back to Gauge. I'll be alone.

[Abigail Contrarius]

Make it soon, Marshal. There'll be a convulsion down there if you don't.

[Mark Dillon]

It was night when the town of Gao Jai came out of the wilderness and beckoned to me like a painted skinny hag. If Dodge City had a tougher sister, this was it. I rode up to the White Buffalo and started to tie my horse to a hitching post. Whittled to the shape of a Pawnee girl. When suddenly the gun in my back told me I wasn't alone.

[Tamar]

You won't like it here, Marshall. Pretty as it is, you won't like it no no, indeed. Don't turn around, Marshall. I'm shy and I'm modest. And I embarrass easy. Isn't that so, Harold? See, Harold thinks it's old Harold. Had his tongue clipped. Apaches.

[Mark Dillon]

Maybe it was too long.

[Tamar]

Oh, now, that's not a genteel thing to say to Harold, Marshall. He takes offense.

[Mark Dillon]

I'm new here. Back in Dodge City, the etiquette's a little more formal.

[Tamar]

Then go back to Dodge. We're very happy here in Gao, Jai. Like little birds. You could spoil it.

[Mark Dillon]

I was invited. Special invitation.

[Tamar]

Well, the party's over now. Hell, no.

[Mark Dillon]

Something lashed out across my skull. A bead of glass splitted my brain. From far, far away, I heard some words.

[Tamar]

Like I said, Marshall, you won't like it.

[Mark Dillon]

I wanted to kill him, but I couldn't. I didn't know who he was. I hadn't seen his face. But I knew I'd never forget that voice and that crazy giggle. When I opened my eyes, I was.

[Tamar]

In Gao Jai's dirt.

[Mark Dillon]

I picked myself up and waited till the town stopped its dizzy dance. On its third time round, I spotted a horse trough. I stuck my head in it to get rid of the blood on my face. I finally pushed my bones through the swinging doors of the White Buffalo. It was the usual kind of place, like Mrs. Conqueri said. Roulette, music, drinks. I got halfway across the floor toward the bar. Then I saw and heard it. Slender hair molded black, and something profane and exquisite distilled into her features. She looked at me, and when she spoke, it was as if she hadn't quit singing.

[Chico]

What have you. Oh, a marshal. A marshal with a new scar and a muddy badge. You buy a drink, huh?

[Mark Dillon]

Chico, here's a buck. Buy yourself an egg. Where can I find the owner?

[Chico]

Over there by the poker table. The goatee and pompadour.

[Mark Dillon]

Thanks.

[Chico]

I still love you so much.

[Mark Dillon]

Yeah. Be seeing you. Your name? Cantu, see?

[Tamar]

Oh, the marshal from Dodge City. Oh, you have the look of a large headache, senor. Yeah.

[Mark Dillon]

Someone else besides you and your wife was expecting you.

[Tamar]

Oh, my bad. It wasn't good, I see. But I am glad you are crossing on my throne. Look at that. You see my place, the White Buffalo. Sole proprietor and owner, me, Rafael Ramon Jose Contralias. Magnificent establishment.

[Mark Dillon]

No, Looks like your magnificent establishment takes.

[Tamar]

Plenty for weeks now. I am losing money on the roulette wheel. Still, people say it is crooked. Oh, someone is swindling me. Segior. This someone I swear I will kill unless you find him. For me first. That is why my wife comes to you. Ask you to come to Gaja.

[Mark Dillon]

She had a little difference. She's afraid there's someone might kill you first.

[Tamar]

That might happen. But not so long as he can swim by. Why kill the chicken with the golden egg, senor?

[Mark Dillon]

Well, let's have a look at this wheelie ears.

[Tamar]

See. Follow me. Well, Brad, who's your spinner? Greg Hagen. Base groupie, any territory.

[Mark Dillon]

Suppose you'll let me look around myself.

[Tamar]

As you wish, senor. You'll find that someone who is swindling my wings.

[Mark Dillon]

I'll give it a try, Mr. Contuarius.

[Tamar]

Bueno.

[Mark Dillon]

Antwarius left me alone. I watched the table for a while. Nothing happened. Wheel didn't look crooked. And if it was being swindled, it was done.

[Tamar]

Clever.

[Mark Dillon]

Finally I moved around near the croupier. Hagen. Yeah? See you a minute?

[Tamar]

What for? Oh, marshal.

[Greg Hagen]

Yeah, Bill, take over for a minute. Okay, Marshal. What can I do for you?

[Mark Dillon]

This joint legitimate?

[Greg Hagen]

Why ask me, Quantuarius?

[Mark Dillon]

I know. Sole propriety and owner. Rumor has it the wheel's rigged.

[Narrator]

Is it?

[Greg Hagen]

Because it is.

[Mark Dillon]

Well, then I could win. You could win too. Maybe 25% of what I win. And Contwarius wouldn't know.

[Greg Hagen]

Keep talking.

[Mark Dillon]

We both got to live 50%.

[Greg Hagen]

Now get this contrarius is my friend.

[Mark Dillon]

Sorry, I made a mistake. No hard feelings.

[Greg Hagen]

Plenty hard feelings. I think I like it better back at the table. Look around yourself. Make up your own mind about the wheel.

[Mark Dillon]

So I did. Mostly I hung around the roulette table. As far as I could see, the wheel was given the house and the customers an even break. Just about the time I started to walk away, two new players came up to the crowded table. One, pasty face, handsome, a weak chin sort of way. The other, a big, silent hulk of a man with a drooping lower lip. They didn't seem to be together or even know each other. On the next spin, the ball fell into 29, bounced out, rolled around 13, finally settled in double O. Just as it did, pasty face reached out and put a hundred dollar bill on double O. Greg Hagen, the croupier, looked up and spoke soft but fast.

[Greg Hagen]

Sorry, mister. You placed your bed after the ball settled. The house can't accept it.

[Tamar]

I had that hundred dollars down before you started a spin. Pay me off.

[Greg Hagen]

Sorry, mister. The house says you take back your money.

[Tamar]

Amy, brother, before I make brush out of this joint. You first. Yeah.

[Greg Hagen]

This man faced the bed after the ball dropped.

[Tamar]

Ah, he's crazy. I had to bet down it.

[Mark Dillon]

Plenty of time.

[Tamar]

So sorry, senor. The croupier is always right. Take your bill from the table and if you please, get out.

[Mark Dillon]

He did. Fast, too fast as he went. I started to remember his voice. I'd heard it before, the voice behind my back when I first hit town. And all of a sudden, it made sense. And I knew I'd found out one way The Spaniard was getting rooked. Pasty Face on the Hulk were a team. When Pasty Face picked up the bill, there was a blue chip under it. A double O. And the house paid off to the Hulk. All according to Hoyle. Except for one thing. The Hulk hadn't placed any bets. It was a good stunt. There had to be more to it than that. So I gave Contarius a nod and followed Pasty Face as he left. I got out of the casino just in time to see him disappear around a corner. I took it easy, polite and easy. And a bullet nubbed the dust of my feet. I ducked into the shadows and whipped out my guns. A flash had come from a narrow.

[Tamar]

Passageway between two buildings. I mean this alley, Marshall. Come on in and get me.

[Mark Dillon]

Wait right there, kid. It was in there somewhere. In that long slab of night that was too black to see through. Somewhere in there. I put my back against the wall and slid in.

[Tamar]

Strike a match. I want to see your face when it happens to you.

[Mark Dillon]

Try me.

[Tamar]

No, Marshal. You shoot first. You'll miss, you know that, Marshall. But I won't. Because your gun flash will tell me where you are.

[Mark Dillon]

Real clever, that was clever, what you did back at the White Buffalo.

[Tamar]

Honest Engine. Now tell me about it.

[Mark Dillon]

You and your friend. That was Harold, huh? A giggler with a talent for pistol whipping.

[Tamar]

Tell me some more about it.

[Mark Dillon]

You throw down a hundred dollar bill with a blue chip underneath it. After the ball drops, you get yourself thrown out. Harold collects 35 to 1.

[Tamar]

Did Harold do that? Oh, hell, did you do that?

[Mark Dillon]

And there he was, framed in the entrance of the alley. I was caught between them, Hasty Face and a mute called Harold. The big guns in Harold's hands turned over and over. His face held all the evil in the world. You all right, Harold?

[Tamar]

Take him.

[Mark Dillon]

He was shooting waist high along the wall. And he was getting close. There was only one thing to do, and I couldn't miss.

[Tamar]

You got Harold Marshall. But you made a mistake. Your gun flash gave you way.

[Mark Dillon]

When I opened my eyes, I was in a place I'd never been before. Kind of cottonwood clearing. I eased the wound in my shoulder and across a smoldering campfire, I saw a girl from the White Buffalo. The morning sun lighted up the features of a man at her feet. It was Senor Rafael Ramon Jose.

[Tamar]

Computer.

[Mark Dillon]

And the bullet hole in the middle of his forehead gave him an extra flourish. Now it was Senor Rafael Ramon Jose. Conquorious. Deceased. And the pretty senorita was singing a love song.

[Narrator]

Back to Gunsmoke in just a moment.

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[Narrator]

Combining modern detective methods with secrets of the mysterious east, the Green Llama offers CBS listeners a new thrill. Now on Sundays. Once he has heard of a crime or an injustice. Jethro Dumont, a wealthy young American just returned from 10 years in Tibet, brings into play his quick wit and knowledge of illusion to thwart the evildoers. Join him Sunday as he continues his fight against crime on this side of the Pacific. Wearing green, the color of Tibetan justice. Aided by Tulku, his trusted lieutenant, the Green Llama is a feature presentation of most of these same CBS stations. Now back to Mark Dillon, United States Marshal, and Gunsmoke.

[Chico]

You without wings.

[Mark Dillon]

How do you know there were no twins?

[Chico]

Because I saw Death to be a little piece of themselves. And then right away on a black po.

[Mark Dillon]

Yeah.

[Tamar]

I'm Lucky.

[Mark Dillon]

Who are you?

[Tamar]

How'd you get.

[Chico]

They call me Tomas. I brought you here. The wagon over there in the burrow. You are muy lucky, Chico. The bullet was for your heart. But it then it felt in your shoulder. It was not your time to die.

[Mark Dillon]

But it was contrarious to Andrew.

[Chico]

Perhaps his grave has been empty too long.

[Mark Dillon]

And you knew him well? Si, I know him well Enough to kill him?

[Chico]

I did not kill him. Senor Contrarius was my protector.

[Mark Dillon]

What did he protect you from? Himself.

[Chico]

I like your mouth better when it is gentle, Chico.

[Mark Dillon]

And who did kill him?

[Chico]

How would I know? He was there like that when we arrived.

[Mark Dillon]

Why'd you bring me here?

[Chico]

I like you, Chico. That's why I tell you, if you leave, go back to Dodge City. If you die, die in Dodge City. It is not good here for either one.

[Mark Dillon]

Why didn't Pasty Face finish the job.

[Chico]

Right after you were wounded? I came here. I I persuaded him you were dead.

[Mark Dillon]

He persuades easy, huh?

[Chico]

He persuades easy for tomorrow. The shots were heard, people came. Senior Drew does not like attention.

[Tamar]

Drew? His name's Drew.

[Mark Dillon]

But why here? What'd you bring me here for?

[Chico]

I thought Confious could help you. After all, he was your friend.

[Mark Dillon]

How'd you know that?

[Chico]

I saw you talking together in the White Buffalo. But the night. Out of the darkness, Death found Antwerius.

[Abigail Contrarius]

Antoius. Where is he? Where is he? Answer me, woman. Or I'll horsewhip you within an inch of your life.

[Chico]

There. Senora.

[Abigail Contrarius]

Hello, Marshal. Enjoying yourself? Get up, Contuarius. Get up.

[Mark Dillon]

He's dead, man.

[Abigail Contrarius]

You shouldn't be lying there on the cold ground.

[Chico]

I lift him into the cot. I will help you, senora, if you.

[Abigail Contrarius]

So much as touch him or kill him. Come along.

[Chico]

Come.

[Abigail Contrarius]

Give me that blanket, Marshall.

[Chico]

You won't need it.

[Mark Dillon]

Sure.

[Tamar]

Here, ma'.

[Chico]

Am.

[Mark Dillon]

You're pretty strong to lift him by yourself.

[Abigail Contrarius]

I've done it before. You're hurt, Marshall.

[Mark Dillon]

I'll be all right.

[Chico]

You can come too if you want to, Marshall.

[Abigail Contrarius]

I'll take you back to town.

[Mark Dillon]

Yes, ma'. Am. I didn't think she'd make it. But she did. Somewhere on that long wagon ride back to town. She squeezed, squeezed a tear onto her cheek. Just one tear. But for Mrs. Contuarius, it was a major emotion. The sun was doing its best to char the wood frame buildings when we hid Gaga.

[Abigail Contrarius]

All right, Marshall, get out of the wagon.

[Mark Dillon]

Why bring me back to Gao Jai just so I could pick my own gutter?

[Abigail Contrarius]

That door. Check door. Right over there. Try it. Get up.

[Mark Dillon]

Come on, Dylan. All you have to do is lift your arm and knock on the door. Yeah. Wow.

[Tamar]

Marshall.

[Greg Hagen]

What's the offer this time? 150%.

[Tamar]

Hey, you're hurt.

[Greg Hagen]

Come on in.

[Mark Dillon]

Thanks.

[Greg Hagen]

Who sent you here?

[Mark Dillon]

Mrs. Contwarius.

[Greg Hagen]

Oh, I better cut away that shirt.

[Mark Dillon]

Why'd she send me here, Greg?

[Greg Hagen]

Not neat, Marshall. Not neat at all.

[Mark Dillon]

Why here, Greg? You a duck?

[Tamar]

Lie still.

[Greg Hagen]

Get some things.

[Mark Dillon]

You haven't answered my question.

[Tamar]

I do things with my hand, Marshal. Spin the left wheels and extract bullets between spins.

[Mark Dillon]

You would duck?

[Greg Hagen]

Yeah.

[Tamar]

I'm a doctor.

[Greg Hagen]

Was. Had a shingle. Shiny one. And they said I couldn't have it anymore. They had a word for it. Malpractice. They said I did something. What are you looking at?

[Mark Dillon]

That roulette wheel on the table over there. Samantha.

[Tamar]

Greg.

[Mark Dillon]

Don't you get enough practice at the White Buffalo?

[Greg Hagen]

You want this wound fixed or not?

[Mark Dillon]

Yeah, yeah. Sure. Say, Greg.

[Greg Hagen]

Yeah?

[Mark Dillon]

I once heard about a croupier clever enough to spin a wheel and drop a ball into any slot he wanted. Hit it about once out of five times. Not bad.

[Greg Hagen]

Once in four is better. What about it?

[Mark Dillon]

I could mention it to Mrs. Contwarius. Round up you and Drew and go.

[Tamar]

Back to Dodge City.

[Mark Dillon]

Pasty face guy. The guy who pulled the fast trick with a chip and a hundred dollar bill last night.

[Greg Hagen]

I didn't know. I refused the bet, didn't I?

[Mark Dillon]

Yeah, that's what doesn't fit.

[Greg Hagen]

I'd stop worrying about it if I were you, Marshall. I could keep this wound open and let it bleed.

[Mark Dillon]

On the other hand, you could take the bullet out.

[Greg Hagen]

Yeah, I could do that.

[Mark Dillon]

And I'd owe you something. I wouldn't have to remember you there. This is contarious.

[Greg Hagen]

Like this, Marshall. First I just wanted to tame the wheel. Then it got out of hand.

[Mark Dillon]

Tamar have anything to do with it getting out of hand?

[Greg Hagen]

What do you know about. I'm ready to take the bullet out, Marshall. You gonna keep what you know to yourself?

[Mark Dillon]

Take the bullet out. I'll bite my lip.

[Greg Hagen]

Yeah, do that, Marshall.

[Tamar]

A nice pose.

[Mark Dillon]

I bit my lip, but all I got was pain in my mouth. I didn't need that. There was enough pain. There's a pain that was painted in red. And it couldn't decide whether it was a flame or an icicle. When I woke up, Greg was talking to someone. It didn't take long to recognize the voice.

[Chico]

You should have let him die, chico. He will only cause trouble.

[Greg Hagen]

He's got nothing on me. Only trouble I got is you. Every man in town. You couldn't even leave the marshal alone.

[Abigail Contrarius]

You are crazy.

[Chico]

I found the marshal in the Cottonwood clearing like I told you. He was there when I came.

[Greg Hagen]

Yeah, keeping your little rendezvous with Contuerius.

[Tamar]

I warned you, Tamar.

[Greg Hagen]

I told you if I ever caught you with Contrarius again, I'd kill him.

[Mark Dillon]

And I did. I'm sorry. I heard you say that, Greg.

[Greg Hagen]

Don't be sorry. Just leave town. I could have let you die, Marshall.

[Mark Dillon]

I'm gonna take you, Greg. But first I'm gonna give you some advice. Yeah. Get rid of Tamar. One of her stories is bad. Either the one she told you or the one she told me.

[Chico]

Don't listen to him, Chico.

[Mark Dillon]

She told me she brought me to the Cottonwood clearing. Persuaded Drew that I was dead. If that's true, then it follows that Drew's cutting your time the same as Kantwarius. Was. You can't kill everybody.

[Tamar]

Tamar takes up with the marshal, talking through his wound.

[Greg Hagen]

Tamar?

[Chico]

He's delirious. He's lying, Greg. I found him in the clearing, as I told you.

[Mark Dillon]

Well, Greg, who do you believe? Me or Tamar?

[Greg Hagen]

Get out, Marshal. Get out and leave town.

[Mark Dillon]

Can't, Greg. Not yet. Gotta take you. Also, there's a personal matter to attend.

[Greg Hagen]

I could have let you die, Marshall. Remember?

[Tamar]

Yeah.

[Mark Dillon]

I'll testify at your trial.

[Chico]

Kill him, Greg.

[Abigail Contrarius]

Kill him now.

[Mark Dillon]

Shut up.

[Greg Hagen]

You know, Tamar, you've got too many friends.

[Chico]

It's a lie. Everything he says is a lie.

[Greg Hagen]

Maybe we'll stay one more night in Gao Jai. Just one more night. That's all we'll need.

[Mark Dillon]

No good, Greg. I'll have to take you with your.

[Greg Hagen]

Shooting arm and a sling.

[Mark Dillon]

I don't think so. I'll gamble on it. Greg want odds. I got up and left Greg shack. He didn't try to stop me. One thing about Greg, he wasn't afraid of me or anybody else. I went back to the White Buffalo and waited. About an hour later, Mrs. Contwarius drove up. She was wearing black. She just come from her husband's funeral.

[Abigail Contrarius]

And me. You're good on, Marshall. I don't want to rip this dress.

[Mark Dillon]

Yes, ma'.

[Abigail Contrarius]

Am.

[Mark Dillon]

Hey, guy. Was it a nice funeral, ma'?

[Chico]

Am?

[Abigail Contrarius]

Yes, Marshall. The kids behaved real nice.

[Mark Dillon]

You've done a good job on them, ma'.

[Tamar]

Am.

[Abigail Contrarius]

Thanks. Come in and have a drink, Marshall. You look peeking.

[Mark Dillon]

I followed her into the casino. Then an hour began to fill up. I hid myself behind the stairs where I had a clear view of the roulette table and waited. About 8. Tamar walked through the door. Tamar in a dress of red. Tamar buckled with silver. She strolled over to the table and put some chips on the black. As Greg spun, there was no sign of recognition between them.

[Greg Hagen]

Seven black. Seven pays. Black pays. Place your bets.

[Mark Dillon]

On the next spin. Tamar won again. Then she lost. She doubled her bets and won more times than she lost. After a while, she stopped playing colors and switched to single numbers, 35 to 1. She kept on winning, but one out of four like Greg said, in an hour. There was roughly $20,000 stacked in front of her. Just before she bid number 13, I saw Greg fold his thumb under his palm and rub the side of his face.

[Greg Hagen]

13 black. 13 pays. Black pays.

[Abigail Contrarius]

Lucky. You're very lucky tonight, Tamar. Tonight, senora.

[Chico]

But I'm always lucky at your tables.

[Abigail Contrarius]

Not as lucky as tonight. Sorry, man. This is a Private cable. From now on, you can all move to the second wheel right over there. Private table, senora? Yes. Just you and this gentleman.

[Mark Dillon]

A man Abigail thumbed at over his shoulder was Mr. Drew in person. I put my good hand on my gun and prepared to finish my unfinished business. And I decided to wait for the piece to play itself out. I didn't know what Mrs. Contarius had in mind, but this show was too good to spoil. Tamar, Greg and Drew.

[Chico]

I don't know.

[Abigail Contrarius]

This is my last spin. That's all right, Tamar. All Mr. Drew wants is just one spin. Right, Mr. Drew?

[Tamar]

Yeah, just one spin with the little lady.

[Greg Hagen]

But I. Mr. Drew.

[Chico]

Yeah, but I do not feel like betting.

[Greg Hagen]

We'll spin once more.

[Chico]

Bueno. All of my chips on number one.

[Tamar]

Number one, huh? And that's a good number. Number one. I'll take 10,000 in gold. Number one.

[Greg Hagen]

Three red. Three pace. Red pace.

[Mark Dillon]

Greg didn't have a chance. The knife he tried to draw was hammered back by the bullets that tore through his hand and across his chest. Suddenly his face changed. He looked young and hurt and ashamed of the blood that he couldn't hold back.

[Tamar]

It'll make me happy if no one tries to follow us. Let's go, Tamar.

[Mark Dillon]

He held his guns like they were dogs on a leash that could snap easy. He waited for Tamar to scoop up the money. And they backed out of the casino.

[Abigail Contrarius]

You let him get away, Marshall?

[Mark Dillon]

I don't think so, ma'.

[Chico]

Am.

[Mark Dillon]

He knows I'll come and get him. He'll be waiting for. He'll be wanting to finish me off if he can. And I'm gonna give him his chance. I figured there was only one place to look. And there they were, restin easy in the cottonwood clearing.

[Tamar]

I knew you'd have to come after me, Marshall. You're funnier than an actor. I saw one once in Dodge. You're funny.

[Mark Dillon]

Maybe you laugh too easy. Drool like you kill too easy.

[Tamar]

Marshall with a gun arm and a sling, chasing a killer.

[Chico]

Go away, Marshall. Go away while there's still time.

[Mark Dillon]

I got nothing but time. I'll wait.

[Tamar]

You're on, Marshall. You've got no time at all. Yeah.

[Chico]

Chico. Chico. Lisa, do not believe it is impossible that someone could shoot faster than Senor Drew. Or with your left hand. Oh, Chico, you're so very quick with your gun. I like that about a man.

[Mark Dillon]

Take it easy, Tamara. Come on, let's go.

[Chico]

Go. Not no mercy. There's time. Sit here. Sit here next to the law.

[Mark Dillon]

Like this. See, you know what I think? I think he had a great thing with Greg. He could put that ball in any number you bet on. Only that wasn't enough for you.

[Chico]

But it doesn't matter.

[Abigail Contrarius]

No, darling.

[Mark Dillon]

You thought you could double your profits by throwing in with Drew. Maybe you were going to double cross him too. I don't know.

[Chico]

Don't worry about it, Chico. The money is yours too.

[Mark Dillon]

It belongs to Mrs. Cantuarius.

[Tamar]

That's who's gonna get it.

[Chico]

What? What are you talking about?

[Mark Dillon]

Make your choice. Come back with me to the jail in GI or I'll turn you over to Mrs. Canto.

[Tamar]

I don't think she could stand having you alive.

[Chico]

You.

[Mark Dillon]

Come on.

[Tamar]

This is the first time I've ever.

[Mark Dillon]

Held a gun on a woman.

[Chico]

Surely, surely, surely. You are playing with me.

[Mark Dillon]

You're an accessory to murder. Tamara.

[Chico]

We go away together, you and I. Mako New Orleans. Listen to me, Chico. You and I.

[Mark Dillon]

Let's go.

[Chico]

Tamara, listen. Listen to me. There's plenty money, yours and mine. Listen to me, please.

[Tamar]

She put her arms around my neck.

[Mark Dillon]

And her lips close to my ear. And for a long time. For a long, long time. First in English and in Spanish. Spanish. Then in Cherokee. Then in a language I couldn't recognize. She whispered at me every foul name in the book. She was talented. She didn't repeat herself once. Tamar didn't understand that a marshal had a job to do and that the job got done. On the way back to Dodge, I came across a cottonwood clearing I'd never noticed before. I rode down into it. A small animal scurried off a log and lost itself in the shadows. And I was alone for a time after that. For a long time after that. I thought about Tamara. He'd given her her guitar, but I knew she wouldn't be singing much longer. The rest of the way home, the country was. Dust got inside of my mouth. It stayed there.

[Andrew Rines]

Back in the old west, folks didn't run to the pharmacy every time trouble hit. They relied on the know how and natural remedies. Kind of like how Tonto always seems to have a special mixture ready for whatever came next. If you want to learn how to do that today, check out the Beginner's Guide to Herbal Remedies. Easy steps for teas, tinctures and salves. Even if you've never tried herbs before, visit otrwesterns.com herbs to learn more again. Otrwesterns.com herbs.

[Narrator]

Gun Smoke Music was composed and conducted by Del Castillo. The original story by Morton Klein and David Friedkin was directed by Richard Sanville. This is Alan Botzer, who Gun Smoke and another thrilling adventure with Mark Dillon, United States Marshal. There's the cbs the columbia broadcasting system.

[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 Facebook 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 who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com 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.

[Abigail Contrarius]

Sam.