Paid Killer | Gunsmoke (11-22-59)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: Episode Summary

Episode: Paid Killer | Gunsmoke (11-22-59)
Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: February 22, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Gunsmoke, listeners are transported to the dusty streets of Dodge City, where U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon faces a sinister plot against his life. The episode, featuring the iconic voice of William Conrad, masterfully blends suspense, sharp dialogue, and classic Western tropes to deliver a captivating story of loyalty, betrayal, and justice.

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Plot Overview

The episode opens with Matt Dillon, portrayed by William Conrad, reflecting on his role as the steadfast lawman of Dodge City. As the narrative unfolds, Matt becomes aware of a looming threat—a paid killer has been hired to eliminate him for a mere thousand dollars in gold. Determined to uncover the mastermind behind this assassination attempt, Matt embarks on a relentless pursuit to identify and neutralize the threat.

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Key Events and Discussions

1. Discovery of the Threat ([07:00] - [08:14])

   Matt Dillon is approached by his friend Chester (“Chester: Somebody is. I had the same feeling the day...”) who shares unsettling information about the assassination plot. Chester explains that two men were overheard discussing the plan to kill Matt, leading Matt to suspect foul play within the community.

   Chester ([07:00] - [08:14]): "I had the same feeling the day of the butler brother us come back to San Fe... Somebody is around who's been hired to kill you."

2. Confrontation with Mr. Barkin ([08:27] - [10:27])

   Matt visits Mr. Barkin at the local bank to inquire about recent gold withdrawals. Despite Mr. Barkin's reluctance, Matt pressures him for information, uncovering that Lawson Hale withdrew a significant sum, hinting at his possible involvement or motive.

   Matt Dillon ([09:29] - [10:27]): "I want to know whether one of your customers has drawn $1,000 in gold from the bank... Who was it?"

3. Tension Builds in Dodge City ([11:00] - [16:16])

   As night falls, Matt and Chester survey the quiet town, suspecting that the killer is lurking in the shadows. Their vigilance leads to a near encounter with the assassin, who attempts to intimidate Matt but ultimately escapes, heightening the urgency to find the culprit.

   Chester ([16:34] - [16:47]): "Looks like he got away. Took one shot and run for cover."

4. The Critical Confrontation ([22:32] - [25:10])

   The climax occurs when Matt identifies Ed Granger, a trail driver with a notorious reputation, as the hired gunman. In a tense showdown at the bar, Matt confronts Granger, leading to a standoff where Matt exercises his authority to intimidate and expel the threat from Dodge City.

   Matt Dillon ([23:51] - [25:10]): "You got 10 minutes to get out of town. And when you're out, stay up. Don't come back now or ever."

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Character Interactions and Dynamics

• Matt Dillon and Chester: The partnership between Matt and Chester is central to the narrative. Their camaraderie and mutual trust underpin Matt's relentless pursuit of justice. Chester's insights and support play a crucial role in uncovering the plot against Matt.

  Matt Dillon ([05:37] - [05:41]): "You know, Chester, you haven't said three words in the last 20 minutes. That's not like you."

• Lawman vs. Lawbreaker: The episode delves into the classic Western theme of lawmen upholding justice against corrupt elements within the community. Matt's unwavering commitment contrasts sharply with the unscrupulous actions of characters like Lawson Hale and Ed Granger.

  Matt Dillon ([20:33] - [21:19]): "You've hired a man to kill me... He'll try again."

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Climax and Resolution

The tension reaches its peak when Matt confronts Ed Granger, successfully removing the immediate threat. By asserting his authority and demonstrating the futility of continued aggression, Matt ensures the safety of Dodge City and reaffirms his role as its protector.

William Conrad as Matt Dillon ([24:50] - [25:10]): "You got 10 minutes to get out of town. And when you're out, stay up. Don't come back now or ever."

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Conclusion

Paid Killer is a testament to the enduring appeal of Gunsmoke, showcasing the timeless struggle between good and evil in the Old West. Through sharp dialogue, compelling character dynamics, and a suspenseful plot, this episode captivates listeners, reaffirming why Gunsmoke remains a beloved classic in radio Westerns.

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Notable Quotes

• Matt Dillon:

  "You know, Chester, you haven't said three words in the last 20 minutes. That's not like you."
  ([05:37])
  "You got 10 minutes to get out of town. And when you're out, stay up. Don't come back now or ever."
  ([25:03])*

• Chester:

  "Somebody is. I had the same feeling the day of the butler brother us come back to San Fe..."
  ([07:00])

• William Conrad as Matt Dillon:

  "You've hired a man to kill me... He'll try again."
  ([20:33])

---

Final Thoughts

Andrew Rines expertly curates episodes that breathe new life into classic Western radio dramas. By enhancing audio quality and preserving the essence of original performances, Old Time Radio Westerns offers both nostalgia and freshness to longtime fans and new listeners alike. Paid Killer | Gunsmoke stands out as a compelling episode that highlights the virtues of courage, integrity, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

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Thank you for tuning into this detailed summary of Paid Killer | Gunsmoke. For more engaging summaries and episodes, be sure to subscribe to the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast.

Transcript

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[Matt Dillon]

Foreign.

[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 a U.S. marshal and the smell of gun smoke. Gun Sport 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 lonely.

[Advertiser]

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[William Conrad]

Hey. Hey, over here. When the boy said you wanted to see me? Yeah, well, it better be important, mister. I don't make a habit of coming running when some saddle punk whistles. Now, maybe you hadn't ought to make a habit of calling people saddle punks. No offense. Just an expression Sure. I came up from the Pecos country. Been here in Dodge about a week. Maybe you've seen me around. I've seen you. I've been talking to people. Oh, Everybody tells me you was a big shot back in Abilene. Had all the games sewed up, three or four saloons, paying off a couple of hotels and so on. Then the boom busted and you come here. Since you've been here, you got nowheres. You know why you're talking? You tell me why, Dylan. Fella named Matt Dillon. You tried to scare him and he wouldn't scare you, so you tried to buy him. You wouldn't buy tried breaking him and he wouldn't break. So be worth a thousand dollars to you if I kill him. It might. All right, get it in gold. Keep it handy. Am I hired? Yeah. Yeah, you're hired.

[Matt Dillon]

You know, Chester, you haven't said three words in the last 20 minutes. That's not like you.

[Chester]

Well, Mr. Dun, did you ever get a funny feeling that somebody was keeping an eye on you? Ah, yeah, but I got one right now.

[Matt Dillon]

You know, Jester, I think you got a touch of the heebie jeebies. As far as I can see, there's nobody in the whole place paying any attention to us.

[Chester]

Somebody is. I had the same feeling the day of the butler brother us come back to San Fe. Yeah, I didn't even know they was in town. But I knew somebody was getting ready to call us. And about 6 o'clock that evening they made their play. You remember?

[William Conrad]

I remember I was one of the Hall Bears.

[Chester]

Next day, well, it's the same doggone thing right now.

[Matt Dillon]

You know, I think you've got the wind up over nothing, Chester. Town's never been quieter. Jail's been empty for two weeks. The only new faces around is that bunch of trail drivers that came up from the Pecos. They're all strangers.

[William Conrad]

Oh, Marshall. Hey, B. Huh? Been looking all over for you.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, hiya, Billy.

[William Conrad]

Waded over to jail for nine hours an hour. I got to talk to you, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

You know, Billy, every time I've given you money, you bought yourself a bottle and stay blind drunk for two days.

[William Conrad]

It ain't money this time. Marshall, I. I got something to tell you. Oh, what Something I heard there's a couple fellas talking old brother Lira's stable. He didn't see me. I was back to the water trough, sort of well, resting, you might say. Well, you know how it is, Marshall. Yeah, I know a man gets dry in his prairie country.

[Matt Dillon]

What were they Talking about Billy.

[William Conrad]

About you. One of them offered to kill you for a thousand dollars gold, and the other one took him up on it. You know that that's the only thing that you.

[Matt Dillon]

Who were they, Billy? Do you know them?

[William Conrad]

No, sir. It is dark and I didn't recognize their voices. They was already there when I woke up. And they left right after that.

[Matt Dillon]

Uhhuh. Well, maybe it was some kind of a joke.

[William Conrad]

Didn't sound that way to me.

[Chester]

It ain't no joke, Mr. Dillon. I told you, I felt it. There's somebody around who's been hired to kill you.

[William Conrad]

Can you figure who'd want to do.

[Chester]

Such a thing, Mr. Dylan?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I can figure a dozen or two. Just.

[Chester]

Well, I. I mean.

[Matt Dillon]

Now here we are. Come.

[William Conrad]

Good morning, Marshall. I haven't seen you since the robbery last month.

[Matt Dillon]

Attempted robbery, Mr. Barkin.

[William Conrad]

So it was thanks to you.

[Advertiser]

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[William Conrad]

Marshall, the banks at your service. What can I do for you?

[Matt Dillon]

Give me some information, if you will.

[William Conrad]

Well, if it isn't confidential, it is.

[Matt Dillon]

But I want it anyway.

[William Conrad]

Well, I hardly know what to say. Perhaps we'd better step into my office.

[Matt Dillon]

All right.

[William Conrad]

This way, gentlemen.

[Matt Dillon]

Thank you.

[William Conrad]

Now, just what was it you wanted to know?

[Matt Dillon]

I want to know whether one of your customers has drawn $1,000 in gold from the bank in the last few days.

[William Conrad]

Any particular person in mind?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, that's what I want to find out.

[William Conrad]

Well, I hope this won't go any farther, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Who was it?

[William Conrad]

Mr. Bakken, I certainly wish to make it clear that I don't approve of this man, but after all, he is a good customer. It's not my place.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I know. Who was it?

[William Conrad]

Lawson Hale.

[Chester]

Lawson Hale?

[William Conrad]

He took the gold out just this.

[Matt Dillon]

Morning, as a matter of fact.

[William Conrad]

Said he was working on a cattle deal. Of some sort. I do hope you'll regard this as confidential, gentlemen.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, sure. Well, Chester, we know who one of.

[William Conrad]

Them is now, but who's other?

[Chester]

The one who's actually gonna do it.

[Matt Dillon]

Some punk who wants a thousand dollars bad. Doesn't care much how he gets it.

[Chester]

Make sure don't narrow it down any.

[Matt Dillon]

No, I know.

[Chester]

Sure is quiet tonight, Mr. D. Yeah. Ain't many people out.

[Matt Dillon]

No, not. Not many.

[Chester]

That moon's throwing quite a bit of light.

[William Conrad]

Mm.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I guess it is.

[Chester]

Kinda makes a target out of a man.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, it does, kind of.

[Chester]

If somebody was out to shoot somebody, this would sure be a good night for it.

[Matt Dillon]

I suppose so.

[Chester]

Dylan, would you mind if I make a comment?

[Matt Dillon]

I thought that's what you were doing. Chester.

[Chester]

Let's go on back to jail and stay off the streets. This way you're just asking for it.

[Matt Dillon]

Look, Chester, if it's gonna come, it'll come. I'd rather meet it halfway than to sit and wait for it.

[Chester]

Asking for it. Asking for it, that's what you're doing.

[Matt Dillon]

It's been two days now, Chester, and it gets on your nerves. When you go out to bring a man in, you know, you may have trouble and you're ready for it.

[William Conrad]

But.

[Matt Dillon]

But this way it's.

[Chester]

Well, I understand what you're doing kindly bothers a man.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Let's walk on down to the long branch. Hello, Kitty.

[Chester]

How are you, Matt?

[William Conrad]

It's good to see you, Matt. You've been avoiding us the last couple of days.

[Matt Dillon]

Been busy, Kitty. Want to sit down? I don't think so. Not right now anyway.

[Chester]

Something bothering you, man?

[William Conrad]

Huh?

[Matt Dillon]

Bothering me?

[William Conrad]

Well, yes.

[Chester]

You seem to be on edge about something. What you doing?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, what?

[William Conrad]

Boston.

[Chester]

Hale just come in.

[William Conrad]

Down in the bar there.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Maybe I ought to have a talk with him, Chester.

[Chester]

Well, that's one way.

[Matt Dillon]

That's the one I haven't tried yet. Excuse me, Kitty. Doc.

[William Conrad]

Sure, Matt.

[Chester]

Here, Matt.

[William Conrad]

Now you be careful. Those good days are. And I had it right in the palm of my hand. Bit of the trail drive and hit that town. The boys grab her pay and they'd head straight for one of them. Something I can do for you?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I want to talk to you, Hale.

[William Conrad]

Well, I don't see nothing stopping you.

[Matt Dillon]

Let's move down the borrow ways, huh?

[William Conrad]

Sorry, but I'm fine right here.

[Matt Dillon]

Now why don't we move down the bar ways?

[William Conrad]

Well, if it's that important to you. Pardon me boys, but let's jump back and finish that story. This far Enough?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, it's far enough. I understand you hired yourself a gunman and you sent him out to get me. You've offered him $1,000 in gold.

[William Conrad]

I don't know what you're talking about, Bill.

[Matt Dillon]

You wouldn't care to tell me his name, would you?

[William Conrad]

No, I don't think so. Because, you see, I don't know nothing about him.

[Matt Dillon]

What's he waiting for? He's had two days now and he hasn't made a move.

[William Conrad]

Well, like I said. Why don't you do the job, Hale?

[Matt Dillon]

You're wearing a gun. Maybe you can save yourself some money.

[William Conrad]

I've got no quarrel with you.

[Matt Dillon]

You mean you're yellow, scared to call your own place?

[William Conrad]

I said I've got.

[Matt Dillon]

You're a weaseling, no good coward, Hail.

[William Conrad]

I look that ride for the time being.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. I thought you. Come on, Chester. Let's get some fresh air.

[William Conrad]

All right.

[Matt Dillon]

See you later, Kitty Doc. All right, Ma.

[Chester]

Yeah. Well, I guess he just ain't the kind to take chances, Mr. Jones.

[Matt Dillon]

He doesn't need to, Chester. He's got a higher killer problem somewhere around. If I only knew who he'd hired, I could force the play myself. This business is having to leave it up to the other man over there by the stable. Yeah, I saw the flash.

[Chester]

Reckon you got him, Mr. Dillon?

[Matt Dillon]

I don't know. Let's move in. Now watch yourself. He may be playing possum.

[Chester]

The flash is right here by the corner.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Well, that's that.

[Chester]

Looks like he got away.

[Matt Dillon]

He's gone all right.

[Chester]

Took one shot and run for cover.

[Matt Dillon]

But he'll be back.

[Chester]

I think that fire feels real good. Old jail seems kind of cozy anyways. A lot better than prowling them streets waiting for somebody to put a bullet in your back.

[Matt Dillon]

Chester, will you stop squeaking that chair?

[Chester]

Charm.

[Matt Dillon]

Two more days gone by and he hasn't made another move.

[Chester]

Yes, sir, that Cottonwood shore burns up fast. I guess I better shake down the stove and throw another.

[Matt Dillon]

Wait a minute, wait a minute. Wait a minute. Might be away at that. Chester lost on hail. That's the only fact we're sure of loss on hail.

[Chester]

It'll be kind of hard to put.

[Matt Dillon]

Prove anything, Mr. D. Who said anything about proving it? I got an idea. Come on.

[Chester]

I. I've been thinking, Mr. Dun. You ain't got no evidence to arrest Hail. I mean.

[Matt Dillon]

I know, but I can scare him if I figure him right. I think he'll scare easy.

[Chester]

Maybe so, with all scenes.

[Matt Dillon]

There he is now. Just. Just came out with A long branch.

[Chester]

Wonder who them two women is hanging.

[Matt Dillon]

Around for the free drinks. There's not an ounce of nerve in a dozen like that.

[William Conrad]

Come on.

[Matt Dillon]

Hold it, Hale. Right where you are.

[William Conrad]

What? What? Seems to be trouble now.

[Matt Dillon]

No trouble. Unless you want to make some. You're under arrest.

[William Conrad]

I. What for?

[Matt Dillon]

I'll think of something.

[William Conrad]

You take him in without even making a charge. I'll remind you there's witnesses here.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, so I notice. When they're not hanging around you, they're after somebody else. What have you done, Hale? Hired them, too.

[William Conrad]

Asked you what the charge was, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Vagrancy.

[William Conrad]

Vagrancy.

[Matt Dillon]

As far as I know, you've never had any visible means of support. As long as you've been advice, I'll.

[William Conrad]

Match any dollar of yours. A hundred better ones.

[Matt Dillon]

Fine. That'll help pass the time.

[William Conrad]

Now look at here. Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Shut up. All right, boys, break it up. The party's over. You had your last free drink out of this pump. Now let's go to jail. Keep walking. It's the last cell on the lot.

[William Conrad]

Oh, Dylan, Dylan. I'll break break you for this, so help me.

[Matt Dillon]

You've been trying it for a year and I'm still around.

[William Conrad]

You won't be after this.

[Matt Dillon]

Chester. Unlock the door. All right, get inside. Make yourself at home.

[William Conrad]

Nothing to hold me on. Nothing at all. I'll be out of here by tomorrow noon.

[Matt Dillon]

I doubt that. In fact, there's a pretty good chance you'll never get out of that cell. Not alive, at least.

[William Conrad]

What are you talking about? According to the law, I've got the law.

[Matt Dillon]

You've broken out every chance you've got. Tried to break the men who serve you.

[Advertiser]

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[Matt Dillon]

But when your own neck gets caught, you start hiding behind the law. Nevertheless. All right, fine. Right now, the law out here Is kind of sketchy. Now, this little affair between you and me is one of the things the law doesn't quite cover. So I'm gonna run it my way.

[William Conrad]

Kind of talk isn't gonna help you.

[Matt Dillon]

You've hired a man to kill me. Offered him $1,000 to get me out of the way. You can't prove he's made one try and missed. He's still around dark somewhere, waiting. He'll try again.

[William Conrad]

That's your problem, it's not mine. I don't know anything about it.

[Matt Dillon]

You know what'll happen, though, if he does get me? The first thing Chester's gonna do is to come straight back here to the jail and pump a couple of bullets through these bars, huh? Your boy may kill me, Hale, but you're not gonna live to profit by it.

[William Conrad]

He wouldn't. He wouldn't do that? Shoot down a helpless prisoner? No. Neither one of you would do it.

[Matt Dillon]

Chester and I've been friends for a long time. Why don't you ask him whether he'd do it or not?

[Chester]

You bet I'd do it.

[William Conrad]

No. No, you wouldn't do it.

[Chester]

You hired somebody to shoot Mr. Dillon in the back. I don't see where you got any kick coming.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, there's your answer, Hale.

[William Conrad]

No, he wouldn't.

[Matt Dillon]

Come on, Chester, let's go look the town over.

[William Conrad]

No.

[Matt Dillon]

No.

[William Conrad]

Well, it's tonight that he's gonna.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, tonight. Who's gonna do what?

[William Conrad]

I don't know. I don't know anything about it.

[Matt Dillon]

I don't know. That's too bad. If I knew his name, I'd have a lot better chance. And so would you. Well, see you later. Or anyway, Chester will.

[William Conrad]

No. No, Dylan, you can't do it. Dylan, you can't go out in the street. He'll get you. Sure. Dylan. No, wait a minute. I'll tell you his name.

[Matt Dillon]

All right.

[William Conrad]

He's a trail driver. He came up from the Fakers last week. His name is. His name is Ed. Ed Granger.

[Matt Dillon]

Ed Granger?

[William Conrad]

Yeah. You've. You've seen him around the bars? These dark haired, surly looking fellas. He's got a scar across the cheek.

[Matt Dillon]

Come on, Chester, let's go get him.

[Chester]

He's here all right, mister. Over there at the end of the bar.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Looks like he's by himself.

[Chester]

What are you going to do, arrest him?

[Matt Dillon]

There's no evidence, Chester. Only one way I see is to make it personal. You stay out of it. Just cover me, that's all. Your name, Ed Granger. Might Be you know who I am?

[William Conrad]

Judging by the star, I reckon you're a U.S. marshal.

[Matt Dillon]

You ought to do better than that. After all, I'm worth a thousand dollars to you.

[William Conrad]

Who says so?

[Matt Dillon]

Loss on hail. Hail. Your memory's getting better, huh?

[William Conrad]

I don't know what you're talking about, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Sure you do. That deal you made with Hale. He told me all about it after I threw him in jail and persuaded him a little.

[William Conrad]

I told you, I don't know any.

[Matt Dillon]

You're wearing a gun there, Granger. Why don't you draw it and go for the thousand dollars? Why don't you take a chance?

[William Conrad]

If this fellow you're talking about's in jail, I reckon he wouldn't have anybody working for him now, would he?

[Matt Dillon]

You tell me.

[William Conrad]

I got no reason to draw on you, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Not unless my back's turned. Huh?

[William Conrad]

I ain't drawing.

[Matt Dillon]

Granger, you tried to kill me night before last.

[William Conrad]

Can you prove that?

[Matt Dillon]

If I could, you'd either be in jail or dead right now.

[William Conrad]

Well, since you can't prove it, what's the argument?

[Matt Dillon]

Just that I don't like the idea of somebody trying to shoot me in the back. If you're any man at all, we'll settle this right here and now.

[William Conrad]

You leave me alone, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

You still figure you got no reason to draw on me?

[William Conrad]

I ain't drawing.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, granger. You got 10 minutes to get out of town. And when you're out, stay up. Don't come back now or ever. You understand?

[William Conrad]

Yes, sir.

[Matt Dillon]

You can start right now.

[Chester]

Must be nearly midnight, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, about that.

[Chester]

I guess you clear this ashore one day. I'm glad is over.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, so am I. At least I can breathe a little easier now.

[Chester]

I'll just get the fire built up a little.

[Matt Dillon]

No, leave it, Chester. Take care of the prisoner first.

[Chester]

You still ain't got no evidence. What are we gonna do about him?

[Matt Dillon]

Same as with Granger. Turn him loose, Run him out of town. I should have done it months ago. Go on, get him.

[Chester]

Huh? Oh, my. Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, Granger must have stopped by here on his way out of town.

[Chester]

Looks like he got Hale over at the window for talk and grabbed him and cut his throat right there.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Figured Hale had sold him out. Get a bulletin on the wire, Chester. Wanted for murder. Right, granger.

[Chester]

All right, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

I guess Hale got pretty much what he bargained for. He hired himself a killer in order to kill him. He got it.

[William Conrad]

Gun Smoke Produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman McDonald. Stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, US Marshal the story was specially written for Gunsmoke by Les Crutchfield with editorial supervision by John Meston. Featured in the cast were Lawrence Dobkin, Vic Karen, Ralph Moody and Joseph Kern. Harley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc, and Georgia Hawkins as Kidding this is George Walsh inviting you to join us again next week when CBS Radio presents another story on Gun Smoke.

[Chester]

Amx.

[William Conrad]

AM and FM CBS Radio in Los Angeles.

[Andrew Rines]

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