Old Fool – Gunsmoke (08-07-60)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast Summary

Episode: Old Fool – Gunsmoke (08-07-60)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: June 29, 2025

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Introduction: Setting the Scene

The episode opens with a classic Gunsmoke introduction, narrated by William Conrad. Listeners are transported to the rugged landscapes around Dodge City, where law and order are maintained by the steadfast U.S. Marshal, Matt Dillon.

Characters and Relationships

• Matt Dillon (William Conrad): The principled U.S. Marshal of Dodge City, committed to upholding justice.
• Della Bass (Della Bass): A long-married widow struggling with her husband's potential remarriage.
• Hannibal Bass (Hannibal Bass): Della's husband, whose actions drive the central conflict.
• Kitty (Georgia Ellis): A close associate of the Bass family.
• Chester Proudfoot (Chester Proudfoot): A friend of the Bass family.
• Dunk Hezpass (Dunk Hezpass): A young man accused of stealing pigs.
• Charlie McCarthy (Charlie McCarthy): Appears in a humorous advertisement segment.

Rising Tensions

The narrative centers around the Bass family farm, where tensions between Hannibal Bass and Della Bass escalate. Della expresses her frustration with Hannibal's behavior, hinting at his desire to remarry Elsie Hedgepath.

Della Bass [05:02]: "That's good, ain't it? I mean, that's what them powders are for."

Parallel to this personal conflict, Dunk Hezpass arrives at the Bass household, accused of stealing pigs. The interaction highlights the strained relationships and introduces additional stakes.

Kitty [06:27]: "Stealing pigs, huh?"

Confrontation and Conflict

The situation intensifies when Della Bass confronts Elsie Hedgepath, accusing her of attempting to steal her husband. A heated exchange ensues, leading to Della Bass pulling out a rifle in an attempt to intimidate Elsie.

Della Bass [17:48]: "Maybe you'll understand this. You murder."

This confrontation draws the attention of Matt Dillon, who arrives to mediate the escalating conflict.

Matt Dillon [18:19]: "Yeah, from here, anyway."

Climax: The Showdown

Matt Dillon takes charge, seeking to resolve the situation peacefully. He insists that Hannibal Bass accompany him to Dodge City to prevent further violence.

Matt Dillon [22:11]: "You Hannibal Bass?"

Despite Hannibal's resistance, Dillon remains steadfast, leading to a tense negotiation that culminates in the destruction of the Bass farm.

Matt Dillon [23:55]: "Come on."

Resolution and Aftermath

In the aftermath, Hannibal Bass realizes the futility of his actions. The farm is burnt to the ground, symbolizing the collapse of old tensions and the possibility of new beginnings.

Kitty [25:02]: "You was right, Della. I'm just an old fool."

Della Bass and Matt Dillon reconcile the family dynamics, offering a hopeful resolution to the turmoil.

Della Bass [25:32]: "Marshall, if you and Chester care for Bean whole beans, we'd be proud to have you stay for supper."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Matt Dillon [22:11]: "You Hannibal Bass?"
• Della Bass [17:48]: "Maybe you'll understand this. You murder."
• Kitty [25:02]: "You was right, Della. I'm just an old fool."

Conclusion: A Return to Order

The episode concludes with Matt Dillon restoring peace to Dodge City, reaffirming his role as the unwavering protector of justice. The Bass family's turmoil serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the enduring quest for harmony in the Wild West.

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Note: This summary encapsulates the key plot points and character dynamics of the Gunsmoke episode "Old Fool." For an immersive experience, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode on OTRWesterns.com.

Transcript

[Ben]

Ben hadn't had a decent night's sleep in a month, so during one of his restless nights, he booked a package trip abroad on Expedia. When he arrived at his beachside hotel, he discovered a miraculous bed slung between two trees and fell into the best sleep of his life. You were made to be rechargeable. We were made to package flights and hotels and hammocks for less. Expedia Made to travel Packages by Expedia. You were made to be rechargeable. We were made to package flights, hotels and hammocks for less Expedia Made to travel.

[Andrew Rines]

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

[William Conrad]

Around Dodge City and in the territory on west, there's just one way to handle the killers and the spoilers, and that's with the U.S. marshal and the smell of gun smoke. Gun Smoke. Starring William Conrad. The story of the violence that moved west with young America 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.

[Ben]

Sasha hated sand, the way it stuck to things for weeks. So when Maddie shared a surf trip on Expedia Trip planner, he hesitated. Then he added a hotel with a cliffside pool to the plan, and they both spent the week in the water. You were made to follow your whims. We were made to help find a place on the beach with a pool and a waterfall and a soaking tub and, of course, a great shower. Expedia. Made to travel.

[Della Bass]

Well.

[Hannibal Bass]

Morning, Doc.

[Kitty]

Kitty.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, you. You finished breakfast?

[Della Bass]

Yeah, but. Sit down.

[Hannibal Bass]

Have some coffee with me.

[Kitty]

Thank you.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Thank you.

[Hannibal Bass]

To what do I owe this honor?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Eh?

[Hannibal Bass]

Why aren't you having breakfast with Matt or Chester?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, I would, but they're out of town.

[Hannibal Bass]

That's flattering.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, not kidding.

[Hannibal Bass]

Where are they?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, they went fishing. They left last night. Said they'd be back this morning sometime.

[Della Bass]

Well, you should have gone with them. Didn't they invite you?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yes, but I couldn't go. I promised Old man Bass I'd have some powders ready for him Last night when he came.

[Hannibal Bass]

Old Man Bass?

[Dunk Hezpass]

Who's he?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, I don't think you know him, Kitty. He lives out near the old Barton place. It was just him and his wife. They don't come into town very often. Oh, they're nice people. Salt of the earth.

[Hannibal Bass]

More coffee?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Don't mind if I do. Thank you. That's good. Thank you. Yes, Hannibal and Della Bass are quite a couple. They've been married about 45 years.

[Hannibal Bass]

Fine people, you selling marriage documents.

[Chester Proudfoot]

There's nothing wrong with it. Is that.

[Hannibal Bass]

I don't know. Never had much chance to find out.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You're not telling me. You. You've never been asked?

[Hannibal Bass]

Yeah, I've been asked all right, but.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Not by the right person.

[Hannibal Bass]

Maybe that's it. Look, this is pretty heavy talk for 8 o' clock in the morning.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yeah, I guess it is.

[Hannibal Bass]

Let's get back to. What were the names?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Bass, Hannibal and Gilla Bass. Oh, you'd like them, Kitty. I tell you what. I'll take you out there one of these days, huh?

[Hannibal Bass]

I'd like that.

[Kitty]

Good.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Then we'll go.

[Dunk Hezpass]

Yeah.

[Della Bass]

What's the matter, Doc?

[Chester Proudfoot]

You know, I was just thinking about those powders I made up for Hannibal. I'm afraid I might have leaned a little heavy on the soda.

[Hannibal Bass]

Well, that won't hurt him, will it?

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, no, no, no, it won't hurt him.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Of course, he might feel a little bubbly for a day or so.

[Hannibal Bass]

Come on, Doc. Take your cock.

[Della Bass]

I heard you come back from Dodge last night, Hannibal. Didn't figure you'd be up in time to do the chores. Late as it was. Here you are.

[Kitty]

Ah, thank you, Della. I ain't missed doing the chores in 20 years.

[Della Bass]

You didn't get to bed till past 10. Did you get your powders from Doc Adams?

[Kitty]

Yeah. Yeah, I got them. Funny thing, ever since I started taking them, I felt kind of bubbly.

[Della Bass]

That's good, ain't it? I mean, that's what them powders are for.

[Kitty]

Sure, that's what them powders are for. You're a good doctor, that Adam Swaller.

[Della Bass]

Hey, sounds like one of the chutes got himself caught up.

[Matt Dillon]

Could be.

[Dunk Hezpass]

Or could be a wolf.

[Della Bass]

Shotgun's loaded. It's right behind the door there.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I got it.

[Kitty]

We'll see you later. All right. Hold on there.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Don't you, mister?

[Dunk Hezpass]

Don't you?

[Kitty]

Stealing pigs, huh?

[Matt Dillon]

Please, mister.

[Kitty]

I'll put him back and. Easy now, young fella. I reckon I got the right to shoot you.

[Della Bass]

What's going on?

[Kitty]

I caught me a pig thief and I aim to shoot him.

[Della Bass]

You do no such thing. Who are you, son? Ain't seen you around here before.

[Dunk Hezpass]

We're nester people about 20 miles north of here.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Huh?

[Kitty]

What's your name?

[Dunk Hezpass]

Dunce Hezpass.

[Kitty]

Suppose your whole family's out and rotting through the countryside instead of working and making out on it.

[Della Bass]

Now, leave him be, Hannibal. Poor boy's half starved.

[Kitty]

He ain't no boy. Nothing gives him the right to steal my pigs.

[Dunk Hezpass]

I'd have paid you back sometime when we were making out. Better maybe, Stephen.

[Kitty]

Ain't no way to make out for no man.

[Della Bass]

Hannibal, you hitch up the wagon, take this boy home. You tell his people what he done. They'll punish him.

[Kitty]

If his people's any good, they'd have brought him up right to begin with.

[Della Bass]

Well, you take him out there and you see.

[Kitty]

Oh, I swear, Della, you're treating him like he was candy.

[Della Bass]

You do what I say, Hannibal. You take him home.

[Kitty]

Oh, well, all right. You know something, boy? You was mighty lucky she come out when she did. All right, let's get walking.

[William Conrad]

And now, here are Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy.

[Charlie McCarthy]

Say, Charlie, isn't that your French girlfriend coming into the service department? Yeah, Bergen. Isn't she a doll?

[Hannibal Bass]

Pardon me, monsieur.

[Della Bass]

I don't wish to bother you.

[Charlie McCarthy]

Oh, think nothing of it. Beautiful women always bother me.

[Hannibal Bass]

This is my automobile.

[Della Bass]

She has a squeak.

[Charlie McCarthy]

Oh, poor thing. It probably needs one of our quality Guardian maintenance lubrications.

[Della Bass]

Fantastic. How did you know that?

[Charlie McCarthy]

Specialized training, ma' am.

[Della Bass]

Specialized training.

[Charlie McCarthy]

We the servicemen at all. Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick, Cadillac, Chevy and GMC truck dealers get special training. That's what makes them Guardian maintenance servicemen. They're trained to know your GM product best.

[Della Bass]

You are so wonderful. Oh, I must kiss you.

[Hannibal Bass]

Gladly.

[Della Bass]

Ooh, la. How did you learn to kiss like that?

[Charlie McCarthy]

Specialized training, ma' am.

[Kitty]

This ain't much of a place you got here, Dunk.

[Dunk Hezpass]

Oh, it's poor, but we only been here a month.

[Kitty]

Well, it won't improve by itself, you know.

[Dunk Hezpass]

Ma. Hey, Ma, we got company.

[Hannibal Bass]

Who is it, Dunk?

[Dunk Hezpass]

Well, this here's Hannibal Bass, Ma.

[Hannibal Bass]

How'd it do?

[Kitty]

Oh, ma' am, is your husband around?

[Hannibal Bass]

He's been dead five years. What is it you want, Mr. Bass?

[Kitty]

Well, I brung Dunk home so's his paw could whoop him for stealing pigs.

[Della Bass]

Dunk?

[Dunk Hezpass]

Well, I didn't figure he'd miss one.

[Hannibal Bass]

Little old pig hunting. Rather st starve than that, my boy. Thief. No, things ain't gone too well with us, Mr. Bass. It's hard being a widow woman all alone, poor.

[Kitty]

Well, I, I I didn't know you was a widow woman.

[Hannibal Bass]

That's what I am, boy.

[Kitty]

Why didn't you tell Me about this.

[Dunk Hezpass]

All you wanted to do was shoot me.

[Kitty]

Oh, no, no, I wasn't going to shoot him. I just wanted to scare him.

[Hannibal Bass]

Oh, well, you could still have the log down on him, though.

[Kitty]

No, no, I don't have to do that. Maybe he's learned his lesson.

[Hannibal Bass]

No, you're a good man, Mr. Bass. And kind. I could see that right off.

[Kitty]

Well, I ain't one to hold grudges. I just trying to be fair.

[Hannibal Bass]

What a shame there ain't more men around like you. He's a real gentleman, ain't he, Dunk?

[Dunk Hezpass]

You ought to see their place, Ma. You wouldn't believe it.

[Hannibal Bass]

Nice, huh?

[Kitty]

Oh, I worked hard on that place, Mr. Bass.

[Hannibal Bass]

Won't you stay for a cup of chicory?

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, well, I.

[Kitty]

No, thank you, but I better be getting back.

[Hannibal Bass]

Mr. Bass, if you're ever through this way again, we'd be proud to have you drop in.

[Kitty]

Oh, well, thank you, ma' am. Yes, I'll do that.

[Hannibal Bass]

Oh, it gets awful lonesome out here, especially for a woman.

[Kitty]

Oh, yes, ma' am, It. It surely must. Well, goodbye.

[Hannibal Bass]

Goodbye, Mr. Bath, ma' am.

[Kitty]

Dunk.

[Dunk Hezpass]

You sure calmed him down, Ma. Yeah, I think he's forgot about the pigs.

[Hannibal Bass]

Yeah, and he'll be.

[Kitty]

Hello there, Mr. Bass.

[Dunk Hezpass]

What you got there?

[Kitty]

Got a surprise for you, Dunk.

[Dunk Hezpass]

For me?

[Kitty]

Yeah, you and your mall.

[Dunk Hezpass]

This is for us. All this stuff in the wagon, all for you.

[Kitty]

Now, where's your ma?

[Dunk Hezpass]

The inside pretty enough. We seen you coming.

[Kitty]

She didn't have to go to no fuss.

[Dunk Hezpass]

She said you'd be back.

[Kitty]

Oh, did she?

[Dunk Hezpass]

I told her what a fine place she got. The house and the barn and all.

[Hannibal Bass]

Oh, Mr. Bass.

[Dunk Hezpass]

Molly, look where he brung.

[Hannibal Bass]

Oh, now, Mr. Bass, you shouldn't have done that.

[Kitty]

Nothing, ma' am.

[Hannibal Bass]

My gracious, my. Oh, my goodness, gracious, my. Oh, we couldn't accept all that.

[Kitty]

Just a few little things.

[Hannibal Bass]

Few little things? Chickens and pigs and corn and coffee and. Oh, goodness knows what.

[Kitty]

All the way I figured. Them that's more fortunate ought to share what they got.

[Hannibal Bass]

You're too good.

[Kitty]

I'm just doing what I see is right. Like I told Della when I loaded up this morning.

[Hannibal Bass]

You're a fine man.

[Dunk Hezpass]

Maybe I should start unloading.

[Kitty]

Look at there.

[Hannibal Bass]

Pure coffee. Why, we ain't had coffee in over a month. Oh, my, you've sure made US Happy today, Mr. Bass. Now, you come on in the house and I'll fix you c. Oh, well.

[Kitty]

There ain't hardly time.

[Hannibal Bass]

Please stay. It'd be good to talk to Someone I need a man to talk with. Mr. Bas.

[Kitty]

Now, just for a little while. And maybe.

[Hannibal Bass]

You get that stuff unloaded now, Duncan. We'll be inside.

[Dunk Hezpass]

Okay, Mr. Bass.

[Hannibal Bass]

You've got to remember, we ain't very fancy here. But it's what's in the heart that counts. You come along now.

[Kitty]

God, Della, where are all my shirts? I can't find a wolf.

[Della Bass]

There's plenty in the bedroom.

[Kitty]

Not good ones.

[Della Bass]

Your good ones is all dirty, Hannibal.

[Kitty]

Doggone it anyway.

[Della Bass]

You're forgetting we had six Sundays this past two weeks.

[Kitty]

What?

[Della Bass]

The way you've been dressing.

[Kitty]

Well, what's wrong with a man cleaning up once in a while?

[Della Bass]

Nothing. Nothing at all.

[Kitty]

You know, you're getting mighty sour, Della. You're always on me about something. Matter of fact, I don't know as I ever pleased you. Not from the day we got married. I don't think I could ever please you.

[Della Bass]

Don't you try to turn this around on me, Hannibal Bass.

[Kitty]

Oh, you just don't understand me, Della. You never did.

[Della Bass]

That's it. That's what I've been waiting to hear you say.

[Kitty]

What?

[Della Bass]

I bet the widow Hedgepeth understands you fine, don't she? I bet she even told you she did.

[Kitty]

Now you leave her out.

[Della Bass]

Not likely I'll leave her out, Hannibal. I've been mighty patient with you these past two weeks. But my patience is gone.

[Kitty]

Well, so is mine. I'm through, Della.

[Della Bass]

Through.

[Kitty]

I'm going to marry Elsie Hedgepath.

[Della Bass]

Why, you old fool.

[Kitty]

Now, don't you call me that, you poor old fool. Now, Della.

[Della Bass]

I love you, Hannibal. I always have. But my gracious, you can be ignorant.

[Kitty]

I don't have to stay here and listen to that.

[Della Bass]

Yes, you do. Don't you dare budge out of this house.

[Kitty]

Why not?

[Chester Proudfoot]

What are you going to do?

[Della Bass]

I'm going over to talk to Elsie Hedgepin.

[Dunk Hezpass]

Your what?

[Della Bass]

That woman may be too smart for you, Hannibal, but she ain't too smart for me.

[Kitty]

Looky here.

[Hannibal Bass]

I won't stand for you.

[Della Bass]

You stand for it, all right. There ain't nothing else you can do.

[Kitty]

Just go to make a fool out of yourself.

[Della Bass]

We will see who the f. Hello? Anybody home?

[Hannibal Bass]

Yes.

[Della Bass]

You Elsie Hedgepell?

[Hannibal Bass]

That's right.

[Della Bass]

I'm Mrs. Hannibal Bass.

[Hannibal Bass]

Yeah, I kind of figured that. You gonna get down out of that wagon?

[Della Bass]

I'll say what I have to say from here.

[Hannibal Bass]

Go ahead.

[Della Bass]

I just wanted to see what a husband stealer looks like.

[Hannibal Bass]

I ain't stole your husband.

[Della Bass]

No, and you ain't going to. Not that you ain't trying.

[Hannibal Bass]

He's a growed man. He can do what he wants.

[Della Bass]

You're a bigger fool than he is.

[Hannibal Bass]

Is that all you come here to say?

[Della Bass]

I've been married to Hannibal Bass for 45 years. And I've loved him that long, too. I ain't about to quit now.

[Hannibal Bass]

Well, maybe you ain't got much choice. I bet Hannibal told you he's gonna marry me.

[Della Bass]

He also told me I didn't understand him.

[Hannibal Bass]

Well, that's sure true enough.

[Della Bass]

Mrs. Hedgepath. I didn't come here to ask nothing of you. I came here to tell you something.

[Hannibal Bass]

Go ahead, talk all you want. It won't change nothing.

[Della Bass]

You don't want my husband. All you want is his house and his worldly goods. You admit that.

[Hannibal Bass]

I ain't saying nothing.

[Della Bass]

Well, I want him. And I don't care if he's rich or poor. Now, there's a difference there, ain't there?

[Hannibal Bass]

Just jealous cause you can't hold him no more.

[Della Bass]

All right. Ain't no use talking to you. I'm gonna have to show you.

[Kitty]

Here.

[Della Bass]

Now.

[Hannibal Bass]

What are you doing? You put down that rifle.

[Della Bass]

Maybe you'll understand this. You murder.

[Hannibal Bass]

You shot the heel off of my shoe.

[Della Bass]

Maybe you understand. Don't shoot. Don't shoot again. Next time it won't be your heel. You think about that widow Hedgepass.

[Dunk Hezpass]

That's peaceful enough looking, ain't it?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, from here, anyway.

[Dunk Hezpass]

You reckon that's her standing up there?

[Matt Dillon]

That must be. Come on. Is this the Hannibal Bass place, ma' am?

[Della Bass]

It is.

[Matt Dillon]

Then you must be Ms. Bass.

[Della Bass]

That's right.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I'm Marshall Dillon from Dodge. You mind if we get on?

[Della Bass]

You're welcome, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Thank you. Who's Chester Proudfoot?

[Della Bass]

Ms. Batts, I do proud to have you here, both of you. Come inside and I'll fix you some coffee.

[Matt Dillon]

I think I better tell you what we came here for first.

[Della Bass]

Oh, Hannibal ain't in some sort of trouble, is he?

[Matt Dillon]

No, ma' am. I'm afraid you are.

[Della Bass]

Me?

[Matt Dillon]

Judge Blint issued a warrant for you. The complaint says you tried to shoot a Miss Hedgepin.

[Della Bass]

That Marshall. I'm too good a shot to try and shoot somebody.

[Matt Dillon]

You sure convinced her. She wrote all the way to Dodge to tell the judge about it.

[Della Bass]

Did she say anything to him about how she's been trying to steal my husband to run off with him?

[Matt Dillon]

No, ma' am.

[Della Bass]

Well, she is. Now, if you'll excuse me, I gotta get this milk inside out of the sun.

[Matt Dillon]

Can I help you, ma' Am.

[Della Bass]

No, thank you. I can manage.

[Dunk Hezpass]

How come you let her go like that, miss? Don't you most likely be back out.

[Kitty]

Of that house with a gun?

[Matt Dillon]

I don't think so.

[Dunk Hezpass]

Why on earth not? She's a pretty strong minded lady.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, but I don't think she's a murderer. Maybe the judge got taken in by that Ms. Hedgepath a little bit.

[Charlie McCarthy]

Here she comes.

[Matt Dillon]

Ms. Bass. Where's your husband?

[Della Bass]

Over to the widow. Woman's like he's been every day lately.

[Matt Dillon]

Ah, I see.

[Della Bass]

Marshall, let me tell you something. This is a good farm. Took Hannibal and me a long time and a lot of hard work to get that house and barn up. Five years, in fact.

[Kitty]

You've got some good stock out here too.

[Dunk Hezpass]

Hogs and all.

[Della Bass]

We do for a fact. And that's why the widow Hedgepest is after Hannibal. This place, she wants it.

[Matt Dillon]

But it's still against the law to go around shooting at people, man.

[Della Bass]

I guess you're right. It don't seem to have made no difference anyway. I just wish there was some way to bring Hannibal to his senses.

[Matt Dillon]

Ms. Bass, you said your husband was over at the Hedgepath place, huh?

[Della Bass]

Yes.

[Matt Dillon]

How do you get there?

[Della Bass]

Straight north. Just follow the trail you come here on. Why?

[Matt Dillon]

Maybe Chester and I will ride up there. I'd like to have a talk with your husband.

[Della Bass]

That's kind of you, Marshall, but it won't do no good.

[Matt Dillon]

We'll try anyway.

[Della Bass]

He's going to marry that woman, Marshall, and so far I haven't been able to think the thing to stop it.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, let's see what we can do, Ms. Bess. We'll see you later. That must be Hannibal Bass sitting on the stoop there.

[Dunk Hezpass]

Looks kind of like an old turkey, don't he?

[Matt Dillon]

I wouldn't let him hear you say that. Hello.

[Kitty]

Hello.

[Matt Dillon]

You Hannibal Bass?

[Kitty]

Yeah. How'd you know my name?

[Hannibal Bass]

Who you talking to, Hannibal?

[Matt Dillon]

I'm Marshall Dillon, Ms. Hedgepet.

[Hannibal Bass]

Oh, Dodge. Well, I'm afraid you come to the wrong place, Marshall. You must have rode right by the Bass farm.

[Kitty]

What are you talking about?

[Chester Proudfoot]

What is this?

[Hannibal Bass]

I went into Dodge the other day, Hannibal, and I got the judge to issue a warrant for her arrest.

[Kitty]

Who's arrest?

[Hannibal Bass]

Your wife, Della. You didn't expect me to do nothing about her trying to murder me, did you?

[Kitty]

You ain't gonna put Dell in jail, are you, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

No, I'm not.

[Kitty]

What's this all about?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I'll make This real simple, Mr. Bass. This business has gone far enough. It's got to Stop before somebody gets hurt. You're coming back to your place with me right now.

[Hannibal Bass]

Oh, no, he ain't, Marshall. He's staying right here.

[Matt Dillon]

You're going along, too, Ms. Hedge. Pass.

[Chester Proudfoot]

What?

[Matt Dillon]

And once we get there, everybody's going to lay their cards on the table. And I'm going to be there to see that they do. Now, let's get ready.

[Hannibal Bass]

I ain't going alone. I'm going to take my boy Dunk.

[Matt Dillon]

I don't care who you take. But we're starting back. As soon as you get your team, hitch. Now, let's get going.

[Dunk Hezpass]

You know, the Bass place will be right around that bend, Mr. John.

[Matt Dillon]

Huh?

[Dunk Hezpass]

It'll be good to get in out.

[Kitty]

Of this hot spot.

[Dunk Hezpass]

Looky there.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I see it.

[Kitty]

Burnt to the ground, the whole place.

[Matt Dillon]

Come on.

[Della Bass]

Hello there.

[Hannibal Bass]

Marshall.

[Della Bass]

Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

What happened here? You all right?

[Della Bass]

I'm fine, Marshall. That Hannibal coming?

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, they're right behind us in the wagon.

[Della Bass]

Good.

[Dunk Hezpass]

But your house, the barn.

[Kitty]

How'd it happen?

[Dunk Hezpass]

Both of them at the same time? I swear I don't understand it.

[Matt Dillon]

I think I do, Chester.

[Kitty]

Just wait. Dalla.

[Della Bass]

Evening, Hannibal.

[Kitty]

Oh, Stella.

[Della Bass]

You brought her home a little too late, didn't you?

[Kitty]

I didn't bring her. The marshal did.

[Della Bass]

Ask her what she thinks. Now, Hannibal, you.

[Kitty]

You done this, didn't you? You set fire to the whole place.

[Della Bass]

I said ask her what she thinks.

[Hannibal Bass]

I think you're crazy. I think you're both crazy.

[Della Bass]

You still want to marry Dunk?

[Hannibal Bass]

Turn this wagon around and drive me home.

[Dunk Hezpass]

Sure, Mom.

[Hannibal Bass]

Well, what are you waiting for?

[Della Bass]

Let's go. Well, Hannibal.

[Kitty]

You was right, Della. I'm just an old fool.

[Della Bass]

We're gonna have to start from scratch again.

[Kitty]

Well, we done it before.

[Della Bass]

Hannibal. I fixed your favorite supper, Bean whole beans.

[Kitty]

Oh, Della. Oh, you're some woman.

[Della Bass]

Now, Hannibal, you stop this. You got gas?

[Kitty]

Oh, yes.

[Della Bass]

Marshall, if you and Chester care for Bean whole beans, we'd be proud to have you stay for supper.

[Kitty]

My goodness.

[Dunk Hezpass]

I ain't at none of them in years.

[Matt Dillon]

Be mighty pleased, ma' am.

[Della Bass]

You'll have to sit on the ground to eat them. I saved a few plates and things out of the house. I'll get them.

[Kitty]

Oh, no, you won't. I'll get them. You've done enough work today, Della.

[Matt Dillon]

Bash.

[William Conrad]

Gun Smoke, produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman McDonald. Stars William Conrad as Matt Dylan, U.S. marshal. The story was specially written for Gunsmoke by John Meston and adapted by Mr. McDonald. Featured in the cast were Joseph Kearns, Virginia Greg, Peggy Weber and Sam Edwards, Harley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc and Georgia Ellis is Kitty. This is George Walsh inviting you to join us again next week when CBS Radio presents another story on Gun Smoke.

[Della Bass]

SA.

[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 and Technogod 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 Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Della Bass]

Sam.