Print Asper | Gunsmoke (05-23-53)

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns – Print Asper | Gunsmoke (05-23-53)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Date: August 6, 2026
Original Air Date: May 23, 1953
Show: Gunsmoke
Episode Title: Print Asper

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Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features the classic Gunsmoke radio drama “Print Asper,” starring William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon. The story centers on family conflict, deception over land rights, and a cycle of vengeance in the harsh, lawless environment of the Old West. Through the tale of John Asper and his sons, the episode explores themes of trust, justice, and the burden of violence.

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Key Points & Discussion Breakdown

1. Introduction & Setup (03:25–08:30)

• Family Dynamics and Deception:
  John Asper and his responsible son, Will, discuss life on the ranch. John expresses regret over transferring the ranch’s deed, believing he’d signed it over to his boys—but the lawyer, Rab, tricked him and made himself the owner instead due to Asper’s inability to read.

• Confrontation with the Lawyer:
  John confronts Rab about the deceit. Rab admits to tricking Asper, but says it's all legal and not worth fighting. Feeling out of options, Asper threatens Rab with a gun, demanding the deed be put right (06:31).

  • Quote:
    “You cheated me, didn’t you? … Well, Rab, I brought this here gun along, and I’m gonna kill you with it.” — John Asper (06:31)

• Lawyer’s Desperation:
  Facing death, Rab frantically agrees to make it right, amending the deed so Asper gets his ranch back. The tense negotiation reveals the depths of betrayal and desperation in frontier life.

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2. A Shooting & the Investigation Begins (08:30–14:45)

• Rab is Shot:
  Marshal Dillon is informed by Chester that Rab has been shot in his office (09:24). The wounded Rab accuses John Asper of shooting him, though admits he never actually saw his assailant (10:56).

  • Quote:
    “He shot me in the back, Marshall. I never even saw him.” — Rab (10:50)

• Muddled Motive:
  Despite Rab’s claims, the timeline and recent reconciliation over the deeds cast doubt on his story. Dillon dives deeper, consulting the land office clerk, who confirms Asper had been tricked but that the issue was supposedly resolved days earlier (12:37).

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3. Clearing the Asper Family (14:45–16:53)

• Suspicions Rise:
  Matt Dillon questions John Asper, who admits he threatened Rab but claims he wasn’t even in Dodge when Rab was shot (14:28). He insists his sons knew nothing about the events.

  • Quote:
    “I told Rab I’d kill him. And I would have. … But the boys weren’t in on it, and I don’t want anybody thinking they were.” — John Asper (16:34)

• Will Asper’s Account:
  Back at the ranch, Asper’s son Will tells the marshal he’d eavesdropped on the meeting between his father and Rab. Will had told his brother Print what he heard, implicating Print as a possible suspect when Print disappears (21:29).

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4. Escalation: More Violence & Pursuit (23:17–27:56)

• Rab Murdered, Will Shot:
  News arrives that Rab has been fatally shot in Doc’s office by an unknown assailant, escaping out a back window (23:24). Shortly after, John Asper learns that Print has shot his brother Will during an argument at the ranch, then fled (25:36).

  • Quote:
    “Print pulled a gun on Will and shot him. Then he rode away again. I did what I could for Will, and then I come for the doc.” — John Asper (25:43)

• The Pursuit:
  Asper, Marshal Dillon, and Chester set out on a days-long pursuit. Assisted by Asper’s old frontier tracking skills, they follow Print’s trail across the prairie to a remote cabin.

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5. Confrontation & Tragic End (27:56–30:25)

• Final Standoff:
  The posse arrives at the cabin where Print has holed up. Asper proposes burning Print out by setting the dry prairie grass alight (28:12). With the fire raging, Print emerges from the cabin, gun in hand.

  • Quote:
    “Throw down your gun, Print. You’re caught there.” — John Asper (29:24)

• Climactic Shootout:
  Marshal Dillon deliberately wounds Print in the shoulder to try to stop him without killing him, but in the chaos, Print is nonetheless killed (29:54).

  • Quote:
    “Is he dead, Marshall?” — John Asper (29:51)
    “Yeah. I’m sorry, Asper. But I was afraid he’d kill one of us if I didn’t get him first.” — Matt Dillon (29:54)

• Aftermath:
  Print is buried on the prairie. John Asper, devastated yet stoic, returns home with his remaining son, speaking only of the land and his life rather than his tragic loss (30:25).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Asper’s Willingness for Justice:
  “Last man I killed was in the spring of ’69. Made up my mind then I wouldn’t be killing any more men. And I sure hate to do it, but I got to now.” — John Asper (06:48)

• On Men and Violence:
  “Arguing doesn’t sell any graves... Maybe someday men will learn that.” — Matt Dillon (08:42)

• On Family and Pride:
  “You boys wasn’t raised that way, and he ain’t gonna start.” — John Asper, trying to keep his sons away from violence (22:29)

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Important Timestamps

• 03:25: Asper confronts Rab about the deed.
• 06:31: Asper threatens Rab with a gun.
• 09:24: Chester informs Dillon that Rab has been shot.
• 10:50: Rab in Doc’s office, blames Asper for the shooting.
• 14:28: Dillon interrogates John Asper about his whereabouts.
• 21:29: Will reveals he told Print about the conflict.
• 23:24: News of Rab's murder at Doc's office.
• 25:36: Print shoots his brother Will and flees.
• 27:56: Posse tracks Print to a cabin; decision to burn him out.
• 29:24-29:54: The shootout; Print is killed.
• 30:25: Print is buried; John Asper copes with his loss.

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Tone and Language

The episode maintains the gritty, direct tone characteristic of Gunsmoke, expressing both the hardships of life on the frontier and the code of rough justice that governs its people. Dialogue is spare, often somber, punctuated by moments of deep moral conflict and tragic inevitability.

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Conclusion

“Print Asper” is a powerful tale of betrayal, reluctant violence, and the heavy price paid for justice in the Old West. Classic radio storytelling is on full display—layering personal drama, frontier law, and the devastating consequences of pride and vengeance. The restored audio quality further enhances the immersive experience for today’s listeners.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

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.

[C]

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 of violence that moved west with young America. The story of a man who moved with it. Matt Dillon, United States Marshal this episode

[D]

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[E]

It's a long time since I've been in Dodge, pa. Just as well you stay out of Dodge, Will. Man's a whole lot better off on a ranch than in a town. He's a whole lot lonelier, too. Then get married. Place needs a woman anyway. I got my eye on the Sutter girl, Pa, but she won't be old enough for another two, three years. You settle down, Will. It's your brother. Prince worries me. He ain't as steady as you, Prince. Head strong, that's all. Now, you go get the wagon and load it up the store. Our stuff's all ready. I got a little business here in the lawyer's office and I'll join you. Okay, Pa. But keep your eyes open with that Rab. I hear he's a sharper. I can handle him. You go along now. Sure, Pa. Well, John Asper, what are you doing in town? I drove in with one of my boys, Rab, after supplies. Not often you get to Dodge. No, it isn't. It's a good thing I came in this time. Why's that? Well, last night I ran into the clerk from the land office. We got to talking about this and that and one thing and another, and then he happened to mention that paper you fixed for me here. The one I signed a few weeks back. Oh, the transfer of title. You mean the one that said my boys own the ranch now. They don't have to wait till I die. What about it? You wrote it out legal and I signed it. That's right, Aspirin. And you said I'd have to wait a while before I could give it to the boys. I did. Well, now, Rab, the clerk told me I didn't have to wait any time at all. The clerk is wrong, Asper. I'm a lawyer. I know the law. Maybe so, Rab. But anyways, the clerk can read. And he told me that paper I signed says that my boys don't own the ranch at all. It says you do. All right. The deed is in my name, Asper. But I don't aim to do anything about it for the moment. So don't you get all upset. You cheated me, didn't you? I should have known better than to trust you, Rab. Everything's perfectly legal, Asper. Sure. Only you own my ranch. Well, I told you, you can go on living there for a while. What if I went to court about it, Rab? It'd take forever, and it'd cost you a lot of money, and you couldn't win anyway. That's just about what I figured. So you might as well just forget about it. Aspirin, I wanted the boys to own that Ranch right now. So as they take a bigger interest working. Seems their old PA went and huddled everything. You got outsmarted, that's all. I sure did. Well, Rab, I brought this here gun

[F]

along

[E]

and I'm gonna kill you with it. Right put that gonna weigh, Asper. You can't do that. Last man I killed was in the spring of 69. Made up my mind then I wouldn't be killing any more men. And I sure hate to do it,

[G]

but I got him.

[E]

Now. Look here, Asper. There just ain't any other way. Rab, like you say, it's all legal and there's nothing I can do about it. So I've got to kill you and get it over with. You're crazy. You'll hang for this. Sure I will. But I'm old and it won't matter much. And it just might learn you a lesson.

[G]

No, Aspen.

[E]

I'll give you a few seconds to pray, Rab, but that's all. Wait, Hesper, listen to me. You can have the deed back. I'll fix it up right now. I don't want you ranch. That wouldn't be much use, Rab. You just go tell Marshall Dylan I forced you to sign it back and then they wouldn't re record. No, I won't. I swear I won't. Then I just have to find you and shoot you all the same. It's just easier I do it now. No, no, no, no.

[G]

Here.

[E]

Here's the deed. I'll fix it right now and you can go file it yourself. You see? Look, I'll do it now. You know I can't read. Then we'll take it over together and record it. No, the clerk can read it for you. Well, all right, Rab.

[F]

Go ahead.

[E]

Fix it.

[G]

Yes, yes, yes.

[F]

There.

[E]

Are you satisfied? As soon as we get it recorded. Maybe I will be. Come on, then. We'll do it right now. You're a pretty smart lawyer, Rab. I think this is about the last job I'll ask you to do for me. And if you didn't do this right, I'll kill you sure. Now let's go find out.

[F]

Where have you been all week, Matt? We've missed you around here, Dodge.

[G]

Been peaceful enough, Kitty? According to Chester, anyway.

[F]

At least nobody's been shot I know of. They've come close to it a time or two, though.

[G]

Well, arguing doesn't sell any graves. Yeah. Maybe someday men will learn that.

[F]

I doubt it.

[G]

Huh. You don't think very high of men, do you?

[F]

Not very, after what I'VE seen of them.

[G]

Maybe the trouble is you've never seen them when they were working. They aren't so bad, man, that's what

[F]

they're always telling me. Matt, I'd like to go to St. Louis or somewhere for a while. I need a change.

[G]

Why don't you go?

[F]

Oh, I don't know. Wouldn't really be any good alone.

[E]

Mr. Dillon.

[G]

Oh, yeah. Chester.

[E]

Oh, hello, Mr. Kitty.

[F]

How are you, Chester?

[E]

Say, I just come from Doc's, Mr. Dillon. You better get over there right away. Rab's been shot. What?

[G]

Rab, the lawyer?

[E]

Yes, sir. Right in his office. Doc isn't sure how long he'll be conscious. Who shot him? I don't know, sir. Some men heard the shot and they found him there all alone, whoever it was that got out the back way.

[G]

I'll see you later, Kenny.

[F]

Sure, mate.

[G]

Come on, Chester. Can I talk, Chester?

[E]

Yes, sir. But Doc told him not to waste his strength until you got there.

[G]

Oh, good.

[E]

I came right away, Mr. Dillon. Yeah, sure, Sure.

[G]

Now, Doc. Doc. How is he?

[E]

He's alive, Matt, and still conscious. I've done what I can. The Marshall's here, Reb. Feel like talking now? Hello, Marshall.

[G]

Hello, Rab. Who shot you?

[E]

Asper. Oh, John Asper shot me.

[G]

John Asper? What, did you have a fight with him?

[E]

He shot me in the back, Marshall. I never even saw him.

[G]

Well, how do you know who it was if you didn't see him?

[E]

I. I was sitting in my office and he shot me through the window in the back.

[G]

But how do you know it was aspirin?

[E]

A couple of days ago he threatened to shoot me, that's why. Oh, he said he'd killed me.

[G]

Well, why did he threaten you?

[E]

Well, it was about his ranch, marshal. I made a little. Little mistake. Got the title transfer mixed up. But I fixed that. You can ask clerk at the land office. Everything was made okay. Asper was right there with me.

[G]

When was all this? Four days ago, Marshall.

[E]

Man's crazy. That's why he shot me. He's gone crazy. No, no, no, no.

[F]

That's enough.

[E]

That's enough. Now, Rab, You. You better not talk anymore.

[G]

Now, Doc, what do you think? How does he look?

[E]

He might pull through, Matt, but he cannot get excited.

[G]

Okay, we'll go. Let me know how he is, will you?

[E]

Oh, sure, Matt.

[G]

I'd like to talk to him again when he's able. His story doesn't make much sense so far.

[E]

I found him, Mr. Dillon.

[G]

Huh?

[E]

He was just closing up the land

[G]

office for a Clerk. He works pretty late.

[E]

Yes, sir.

[G]

What'd he say?

[E]

Well, sir, he said the same thing Rab did. Only it wasn't no mistake. What? Rab didn't make any mistake. Somehow he got old Asper to sign the deed to his ranch over to him, all clear and legal. Then four days ago, they came in again and signed it back to Asper. The clerk thinks Rab fooled the old man somehow on the first one. He can't read, you know.

[G]

Then maybe Asper did threaten him after all.

[E]

Yes, but if everything was made okay, why would Asper shoot him? I don't know.

[G]

Maybe we better ask him.

[E]

We going to ride out there tonight, Mr. Dillon?

[G]

No, no. I know John Asper. He's not going to run. Anyway, I'd like to talk to Rab again first.

[E]

Yes, sir.

[G]

How are the eggs this morning, Chester?

[E]

They've gone up, both in price and age. How's Rab, Mr. Dillon?

[G]

Yeah, he's still alive. Couldn't talk very long, though.

[E]

Did you find out anything?

[G]

Oh, same story.

[E]

Oh, say, I nearly forgot. Old man Asper was in here a few minutes ago.

[G]

Huh? Well, where is he now?

[E]

He said he'd be right back. I told him you'd like to see him.

[G]

Yeah. Yeah, I would. Thanks, Jeff.

[E]

Well, that's all right, sir. Oh, I ordered some eggs for you, too.

[G]

Oh, good.

[E]

And coffee.

[G]

Here's Aspir now.

[E]

Hi. Morning, Marshall. Hello, Esper. You wanted to see me? Yeah.

[G]

Yeah, I did. Won't you sit down?

[E]

All right, but I can't stay long. I just rode in from Coldwater and I want to get on out the ranch before noon.

[G]

Oh, then you weren't in Dodge last night.

[E]

Now, I'd had to ride mighty fast to be in Dodge last night, Marshall. Seen as how I didn't leave Cold Water till after supper, maybe I should have waited till morning. But I figured it'd be easier on my horse to travel at night in this hot weather.

[G]

Yeah, yeah. Who did you see in Coldwater?

[E]

Shanghai Pierce himself. Made a deal with him for some cows, too. When he comes up with his next herd, won't be for two, three months, though.

[F]

I see.

[G]

Asper told me something. Did you threaten to shoot that lawyer, Rab?

[E]

How'd you know about that, Marshall?

[G]

What? Did you?

[E]

Yes, I did. Why?

[G]

Well, somebody shot him last night.

[E]

They kill him?

[G]

He's still alive. You got any idea who might have done it?

[E]

Yeah, I might have.

[G]

But you didn't.

[E]

No, but I would have. He's a crook, Marshal. I thought I was signing the ranch over to my boys and he put his name in instead. He changed his mind about it, though, once I got him freed.

[G]

Do your boys know about this?

[E]

Nary a word. No. Now, they didn't do it.

[G]

Marshall isn't your younger son, Print. Isn't he the wild one?

[E]

Prince of Mike Wild, you could say. His mother didn't live long enough to have a hand raising him. That's why. But he didn't know about Rab, Marshall. He knew nothing at all.

[G]

Found out somehow.

[E]

I sure don't know how. I never told him. And he ain't even been to town since this started.

[G]

Neither of the boys been here.

[E]

Will he come in with me? The other day. But he didn't talk to Rabbit.

[G]

Yeah, I see.

[E]

Look, Marshall, I don't want any suspicions about them boys. Now, you just ride out with me and we'll clear this up once and for all. I told Rab I'd kill him. And I would have. And then I'd come down and told you all about it. And you could have got me hung. I expected that. But the boys weren't in on it. And I don't want anybody thinking they were. Now you come talk to him.

[G]

All right, Esper. All right. I'll ride out with you.

[E]

Sure you will. And I'll tell you about Rab. If he pulls through this time, somebody will just shoot him again. That man's no good at all, Marshall.

[C]

We will return for the second act of Gunsmoke in just a moment.

[H]

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[C]

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[E]

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[I]

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[C]

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[E]

You've done a lot of work on

[G]

this place since I was here, Asper.

[E]

It's coming, Marshall. It's coming.

[G]

I don't blame you for not wanting to be cheated out of it.

[E]

Well, life's always uncertain. Full of boils, Marshall. Never did have it easy on this ranch. Well, I don't see the boys around. Maybe they're in the house. Come on, we'll have a look. All right, Boy. Will prince? That's you, pa. Come on out, will. We got company. Hello, Will. Marshall. Where's Print? I want both of you here. He'll be around later.

[G]

Maybe.

[E]

Go get him, Will. I got some coffee on the stove. Would you sit down for a cup, Marshall? Will? Yes, Pa? You know where Print is? No. When did you see him last? Yesterday morning. All right, we'll find him later. Will, Rab got shot last night. And the marshal here is looking for the man who shot him. Did you do it?

[G]

No, I didn't shoot him.

[E]

You're telling the truth. I been off the ranch. That's the truth. Satisfied, Marshall?

[G]

Yeah, I'm satisfied. What about Print?

[E]

Think Print might have done it? Well, ask him. You know more than you're telling me, don't you? Yeah, well, I'll be. Now, what do you know about me and Rab? Tell me now, Will. I know what I heard. I was curious, so I went around back and listened at the window while you and Rab was talking. I heard you say you went and fuddled everything. And then I left. I told Brent about it, too. And why didn't you listen some more since you were snooping around? I was going to shoot him all right. But he fixed everything up. This is your ranch now. Yours and Prince. You understand that so? But now it looks like Print got hot headed and rode to town, doesn't it, Marshall? That could be.

[G]

Anyway, I think we better find him.

[E]

I'll find him. No, son of mine's gonna go around shooting people. You just said you were gonna shoot that lawyer yourself, Pa. Sure I was. It wouldn't have been the first time I've killed. But that's different. You boys wasn't raised that way, and he ain't gonna start. Now, wait a minute. As for wait a minute, we don't

[G]

know that Print did it.

[E]

I know dang well he did. Now that if he shows up, I'd

[G]

like to talk to him. But I'm not gonna go on a hunt for him unless. Well, unless Rab dies, you. You can find me in Dodge.

[E]

I'll bring him in if he comes back, Marshall.

[G]

All right. All right. Well, so long, Will.

[E]

Bye, Marshall.

[G]

Ah, hello, Chester. Zach.

[E]

You're about a half hour late, Matt. Yes, I was just going to ride out after you, Mr. Dillon.

[G]

Why, what's happened?

[E]

Rab got shot all over again. Why, he's dead for sure now. Yeah, right in Doc's office. Mr. Dillon. We were sitting down here, me and Doc, when we heard it, but by the time we got upstairs, he'd gone. Whoever done it and Rab was dead, shot him right on the couch and jumped out Doc's back window. Nobody saw him that I could find him.

[G]

And he sure was determined, wasn't he? Chester, go see if you can find out if Print Asper's been in Dodge in the last couple of days.

[E]

Old Asperger youngman?

[G]

Well, he's 18, Doc.

[E]

Oh, well, yes. Yes, you're right. Oh, yeah, he's old.

[G]

Now get going, will you, Chester?

[E]

Yes, sir.

[G]

And, Chester, I'll be at the Texas Trail.

[E]

All right, Doc.

[G]

You've known John Asper for a long time.

[E]

Ever since I've been in Dodge, man.

[G]

Yeah, well, so have I. I just hope for his sake Trent didn't do this.

[E]

Oh, yes, Matt. Asp is a crusty old buzzard, but he's straight as a come.

[G]

Yeah, sure is. Well, I'll see you later, Doc.

[E]

Yeah, sure.

[G]

You alone, Kitty?

[F]

Sure. Sit down, Matt.

[G]

Thank you. The place looks kind of deserted tonight.

[F]

Surely most of the boys haven't slept off last night yet.

[E]

Kenny told me something. You know Trent Asper?

[F]

He's been in a couple of times.

[G]

When?

[F]

Oh, not for a couple of months, man. Why?

[G]

Uh, I'm looking for him, that's all.

[F]

Is he in trouble?

[G]

Yeah, I think so.

[E]

Yeah, Charlie at the stage office saw him this morning. It was the first place to stop.

[G]

Was he sure?

[E]

Yes, sir. He said Print walked right down the street, but wouldn't even say hello to him. Went right past him.

[G]

All right.

[E]

Just a minute, Matt.

[F]

Over there by the door. Isn't that old man Esther?

[G]

Yeah, it sure is.

[E]

Here he comes. Mr. John. Doc told me I'd find you here, Marshall.

[G]

Yeah.

[E]

He's gonna ride out to take care of Will. I want you to go after Print with me. Take care of Will.

[G]

But what's happened?

[E]

Just about a half hour after you left, Marshall, I was out at the barn. And then I heard Print and Will arguing. And I started for the house. But before I got there, Print pulled a gun on Will and shot him. Then he rode away again. I did what I could for Will, and then I come for the doc.

[G]

Well, is Will hurt bad?

[E]

I don't know, Marshall. But Doc can fix him if anyone can. Let's go now. We'll get fresh horses at the ranch.

[G]

Yeah, all right. All right, Chester, go get our horses, huh?

[E]

I taught Print everything I know about the prairie, Marshal. It's gonna be a long ride.

[G]

Asper was right. It was sure enough a long ride. We cut Prince Trail just beyond the ranch and followed it west. For two days. The old man tracked like an Indian to determine how fresh the trail was. He'd spend a long time at certain places just looking at grass blades or scrutinizing the fine little marks made on bare ground by insects. Or calculating on the age of a doodlebug home. He was slow, but as certain as death. And we never lost the trail. Once, on the fourth day, he announced that the tracks were just a few hours old, and we rode faster. About noon, we stopped behind a small hummock and walked forward to where we could see a cabin a hundred or so yards off, surrounded by high brown prairie grass.

[E]

He's in there, Marshall.

[G]

Are you sure?

[E]

Yes. He's decided to make his stand from there. It's a good spot. It sure is. He's got a clear field all the way around.

[G]

Well, let's surround him and wait it out. Oh, no. That's too slow.

[E]

And I'm in a hurry to get back to Will.

[G]

He's still alive. I'll put a couple of shots in there. Maybe he's ready to give up.

[E]

I doubt it, but go ahead. He'll never give up.

[G]

All right, let's spread out and rush him.

[E]

No, Marshall, that'll just mean more bloodshed. He'd get one of ashore. I got a better idea how? We'll burn him out. What? Look at that grass. It's as dry as tinder. All we have to do is fire it and take him when he comes

[G]

out, he'll come out shooting.

[E]

I know.

[G]

I'll be waiting. Look, as for Chester and I will stay here and starve him out, huh? Why don't you ride on back?

[E]

No, I don't figure that way, Marshall. Thank you just the same. All right, the cabin's downwind. We can fire it from right here.

[G]

Okay. You and I'll move out a little, Chester, and let go anytime. Look, Aspert, I'll do the shooting, huh? I can knock him down without killing him.

[E]

He'd only hang. We'll all shoot, Marshall.

[G]

Okay. I bunched up a handful of brown grass and lit it, and the wind did the rest and carried the flame spring and higher and higher toward the cabin. It started down from Chester to and from where the old man lay. It was 4 or 5ft high when it reached the cabin, which caught fire at once and was soon burning fast. No man could live in there for long. And after a minute or two, Print ran out the door and came toward us past the flames.

[E]

Throw down your gun, Print. You're caught there. All right, Marshall. Chester.

[C]

All right.

[E]

Come on, Chester. Now watch him.

[G]

He may not be dead. Is he.

[E]

Is he dead, Marshall?

[G]

Yeah. I'm sorry, Asper. But I was afraid he'd kill one of us if I didn't get him first.

[E]

I saw your shot, Marshall. You hit him in the shoulder on purpose. I figure I killed him. I had to. Now let's get him buried. I want to get back to Will.

[G]

We buried Print near the charred ruins of the cabin and then started the long ride back to the ranch. On the way, the old man never mentioned Print, but talked endlessly of the prairie and his long life on it. He knew the land the way a preacher knows the Bible. And he accepted it and its ways with the same mixture of faith and fear. When we finally reached the ranch, Chester and I waited outside the house while the old man went in alone. After a moment, Doc appeared on the porch smiling, and then the three of us rode back to Dodge.

[I]

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[C]

Gunsmoke, under the direction of Norman McDonald, stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal. Tonight's story was especially written for Gunsmoke by John Meston, with the music composed and conducted by Rex Corey. Featured in the cast were Joseph Kearns, John Dana and Sam Edwards. Harley bear is Chester, Georgia Ellis is Kitty and Howard McNear is Doc. Gunsmoke is heard by our troops overseas through the facilities of the Armed Forces Radio Service. Join us again next week when Matt Dillon, US Marshal, fights to bring law and order out of the wild violence of the west in gun smoke. Next Monday night, the Lure of the Wilderness will be your Lux Radio Theater feature attraction, starring Gene Peters and Jeffrey Hunter in their original screen role. And remember too, radio's outstanding theater of thrills, the Fence is heard Monday evenings on the CBS Radio Network.

[F]

Sam.

[C]

Sa.

[G]

Foreign.

[B]

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 Tom 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.

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