Stage Smash | Gunsmoke (07-31-60)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: Detailed Summary of "Stage Smash | Gunsmoke (07-31-60)"

Podcast Information

• Title: Old Time Radio Westerns
• Host/Author: Andrew Rhynes
• Episode: Stage Smash | Gunsmoke (07-31-60)
• Release Date: June 28, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rhynes presents a digitally restored rendition of the classic Gunsmoke episode titled "Stage Smash." Originally aired on July 31, 1960, this episode transports listeners to the rugged landscapes of Dodge City, where U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon navigates the perils of the Wild West. The restoration enhances the original audio, bringing clarity and depth to the timeless storytelling of Gunsmoke.

Plot Summary

The episode opens with Matt Dillon (played by William Conrad) overlooking Dodge City, emphasizing his role as the sole authority against outlaws and chaos in the territory. His dedicated yet solitary nature is established early on:

Matt Dillon (02:29): "I'm that man. Matt Dillon, United States Marshal, the first man they look for and the last they want to meet."

A disturbance arises when Chester, Matt's reliable assistant, informs him of a tragic stagecoach wreck north of Dodge City. The wreck involves Miss Kitty, a central female character, whose stagecoach has overturned, resulting in the loss of lives and horses.

Chester (13:01): "Ain't nobody left alive. Bodies and dead horses, that's all they could find."

Matt and Chester promptly respond to the emergency, arriving at the scene to assess the damage and the mysterious circumstances surrounding the accident. During their investigation, they discover that Miss Kitty's stagecoach was sabotaged, leading them to suspect foul play.

Amidst their inquiry, a stranger named North Small (portrayed by William Conrad) emerges, presenting himself as a gambler with ulterior motives. His interactions with Matt are tense, hinting at an underlying conflict:

North Small (06:01): "I'd like to buy you beer, Marshall."

Matt Dillon (06:12): "Oh, I don't know you, do I?"

North Small attempts to negotiate, suggesting a poker game that could influence the outcome of the investigation. Matt remains steadfast, refusing to be swayed by his offers.

As the plot thickens, Chester discovers a crucial clue—a note found in Miss Kitty's purse directing Matt to an abandoned location, which further implicates North Small in the sabotage. The marshal and his team follow the lead, leading to a confrontation that tests Matt's resolve and dedication to justice.

The climax of the episode involves a tense standoff where Matt Dillon must apprehend North Small without compromising the safety of Miss Kitty and maintaining order in Dodge City.

Character Analysis

• Matt Dillon (William Conrad): The embodiment of law and order in Dodge City, Matt's unwavering commitment to justice is evident throughout the episode. His measured responses and strategic thinking highlight his role as a respected marshal.

  Matt Dillon (05:34): "Maybe so, but I wouldn't hold my breath until he got you out, I tell you."

• Chester (Harley Baer): Chester serves as Matt's trustworthy assistant, providing both support and a contrasting perspective. His loyalty and concern for Miss Kitty add depth to his character.

  Chester (13:23): "All right, go on, Doc."

• Miss Kitty (Georgia Ellis): As the central female character, Miss Kitty's disappearance and the circumstances of her stagecoach wreck drive the episode's plot. Her character represents vulnerability and the stakes Matt faces in maintaining safety.

  Miss Kitty (17:17): "Marshall. I'm supposed to give you this."

• North Small (William Conrad): Introduced as a gambler, North Small's ambiguous motives and interactions with Matt create suspense. His eventual confrontation with Matt underscores the themes of trust and deception.

  North Small (24:09): "Yes, Marshall. You got your price too, and I'll find out what it is."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Matt Dillon on Responsibility:

   Matt Dillon (02:29): "I'm that man. Matt Dillon, United States Marshal, the first man they look for and the last they want to meet."

2. Chester on the Wreck:

   Chester (13:01): "Ain't nobody left alive. Bodies and dead horses, that's all they could find."

3. North Small's Proposition:

   North Small (07:06): "I was figuring on changing that."

4. Matt Dillon on Integrity:

   Matt Dillon (07:24): "I wouldn't hold my breath until he got you out, I tell you."

5. Chester's Loyalty:

   Chester (20:35): "I want to take her back to town, Matt. She needs nursing."

6. North Small's Threat:

   North Small (21:14): "You better do it, Matthew."

7. Matt on Strategy:

   Matt Dillon (27:23): "You know why old man Craig left this place?"

Insights and Themes

The episode delves into themes of justice, trust, and the complexities of human interactions in the frontier. Matt Dillon's unwavering pursuit of justice, contrasted with North Small's manipulative tendencies, highlights the moral dilemmas faced by lawmen in the Wild West. The dynamic between Matt and Chester underscores the importance of loyalty and teamwork in overcoming challenges.

Additionally, the restoration quality brings new life to the classic dialogue, allowing listeners to fully appreciate the nuanced performances and the atmospheric soundscapes that paint a vivid picture of Dodge City.

Conclusion

"Stage Smash | Gunsmoke (07-31-60)" offers a compelling narrative that captures the essence of the Gunsmoke series. Through meticulous digital restoration, the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast delivers an immersive experience, allowing both long-time fans and new listeners to enjoy the timeless adventures of Matt Dillon. The episode masterfully balances suspense, character development, and classic Western motifs, reaffirming Gunsmoke's enduring legacy in radio drama.

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For those who haven't listened to the episode, this summary provides a comprehensive overview of the story, characters, and key moments that make "Stage Smash" a standout installment in the Gunsmoke series. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to old-time radio westerns, this episode promises an engaging journey into the heart of the Wild West.

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 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 Spoke starring William Conrad. 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 chance, a job, and it makes a man watchful and a little lone.

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[Chester]

I never thought a dodge is a thing of beauty, Mr. Doan, but it's looking kindly pretty to me today.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, it's Been a hot trip.

[Chester]

Sure. I'm glad to be back.

[William Conrad]

You'd have done as good to stay right here.

[Chester]

We picked you up, didn't we?

[William Conrad]

We ain't gonna do you no good.

[Chester]

What do you mean by that?

[Matt Dillon]

Forget it. Jesse, take the horses around the stable, will you, Chester? Ask Monster. Rub them down.

[Chester]

Well, yes, sir, but don't you want me to help you lock this fell up?

[Matt Dillon]

I think I can handle it.

[William Conrad]

It ain't gonna be for long. You see.

[Chester]

Now it's done. There he goes talking.

[Matt Dillon]

Never mind, Chester. Just go along, huh? Yeah, all right. Query. Come on.

[William Conrad]

I just soon tell you, Marshall, huh?

[Matt Dillon]

Tell me what?

[William Conrad]

That you ain't gonna keep me locked up. My brother north, he ain't gonna stand for it.

[Matt Dillon]

I get in there.

[William Conrad]

My brother Norton, you'll come after me for sure. You better listen to me, Marshall. I'm telling you true. He'll get me out.

[Matt Dillon]

You know, I wish I had a dollar for every man I've locked up. Who said that? And who stayed right here until I let him out?

[William Conrad]

Well, no, it's different.

[Matt Dillon]

Maybe so, but I wouldn't hold my breath until he got you out, I tell you. Now, why don't you settle down and shut up?

[William Conrad]

You see?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I'll see.

[William Conrad]

Another beer, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

No, thanks, Sam. On a day like this, I'm afraid it put me to sleep.

[Kitty]

Yeah, all right.

[William Conrad]

I'd like to buy you beer, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, I don't know you, do I?

[William Conrad]

Well, no, Marshall, not yet. I was figuring on changing that.

[Matt Dillon]

What's your name? North.

[William Conrad]

Small. Oh, you know my brother Cleary, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, he's in my jail.

[William Conrad]

I was aiming to talk a little about that backing up on him.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, go on, talk, Marshall.

[William Conrad]

I just figured we could make a deal. A regular business deal, you might say.

[Matt Dillon]

I wouldn't offer a bribe if I were you.

[William Conrad]

I ain't even thinking that way, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I'm glad to hear that. No, sir.

[William Conrad]

No, I'm a gambler, Marshall. Dylan, I'll gamble for anything. Money, horses, a woman or your brother. Well, just let's look at it like this, Marshall. We sit down to a few hands of poker. You could win a lot of money that way.

[Matt Dillon]

And you'd win, Cleary, huh?

[William Conrad]

An accident could happen, couldn't it? He could get out.

[Matt Dillon]

An accident could happen to anybody. Swole.

[William Conrad]

Well, now, listen.

[Matt Dillon]

You listen to me. You say you're a gambler. Well, if I were you, I'd bet on a poker game or a woman. But I sure wouldn't bet on getting Cleary out of jail.

[William Conrad]

Every man has his price, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, folks say that.

[William Conrad]

And don't be too high and mighty with me. You got your price too, and I'll find out what it is.

[Matt Dillon]

Get out.

[William Conrad]

You mark my word.

[Matt Dillon]

I said get out.

[William Conrad]

Sure, Marshall. Next time maybe it'll be my play.

[Matt Dillon]

Don't count on it. Oh, Sam, I guess I'll have that beer after all. All right, Marshall.

[Kitty]

I'll get it for you, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, thanks, Kitty.

[Kitty]

Yeah, yeah.

[Matt Dillon]

Giving me pretty quick service.

[Kitty]

That's cause I won't be seeing you for a while.

[Matt Dillon]

Are you that anxious to get away?

[Kitty]

I can't deny a few days away from Dodge won't break my heart.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. You want me to pick up your stage ticket for you?

[Kitty]

Oh, I got that yesterday, Matt. I wasn't taking any chances on missing it.

[Matt Dillon]

You sure weren't. Well, I'll come by and carry your bag down for you.

[Kitty]

Thanks, man.

[William Conrad]

Don't be late.

[Matt Dillon]

Don't worry, I won't. I don't want you to blame me if you miss the stage.

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[William Conrad]

And now here are Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy. Durgy, I think someone's looking for you.

[Kitty]

Oh, Mr. Bean.

[William Conrad]

Well, hello, empty clinker. What's wrong?

[Kitty]

My car battery is run down. I think it's an acid condition.

[William Conrad]

Oh, I see. Well, have you seen a serviceman?

[Kitty]

Well, I had a blind date with a sailor last night, but he got away.

[William Conrad]

No, I mean a mechanic. Seeing you own a General Motors car, you should see your GM dealer for service. His mechanics are GM trained. They have specialized tools and factory approved parts to provide your fine GM car with the GM care it deserves. So if you own a Chevrolet car or truck, a Pontiac, an Oldsmobile, Buick, Cadillac or a GMC truck, you should make a date with a General Motors service man.

[Kitty]

Oh, that sounds exciting. When he have blue eyes.

[William Conrad]

That road don't seem to get no smoother. I'll say that for it certainly doesn't. I heard a doctor once, he said.

[Chester]

It was good for your innards getting.

[William Conrad]

Thrown around like this.

[Kitty]

That may be, but it's harder than the rest of you.

[Matt Dillon]

That Sure, a fact.

[Kitty]

Well, we'll be in Dodge for long.

[Matt Dillon]

I won't be sorry about that.

[Kitty]

I don't think I will either. This time. Climb up here. Find road. It help.

[William Conrad]

You ain't walking very steady, ma' am. You all right?

[Kitty]

Stage. Oh, Bank.

[William Conrad]

Why, it's the marshal.

[Kitty]

Stage. Somebody help here.

[William Conrad]

Now you sit right down there and I'll see to things. I'll take care of you, ma' am. Yes, ma' am. I'll take care of you real good. Marshall, I ain't had no food since this morning.

[Matt Dillon]

The way you're gone, you're not likely to hurry it up any.

[William Conrad]

Now you listen here, Marshall. A man has a right to his dinner.

[Matt Dillon]

You haven't starved yet.

[William Conrad]

Well, it ain't your fault. The stuff that Chester feeds me, you.

[Matt Dillon]

Eat it or you don't. It doesn't make much difference to me one way or the other.

[William Conrad]

I got a lot to get even with you when I get out.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, when you get out, you better be ready. Marsha.

[Chester]

Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Mr. Dillon. Yeah, back here, Chester. Pastor.

[Chester]

Mr. Dylan, it's just awful.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, what's awful?

[Chester]

Ain't nobody left alive. Bodies and dead horses, that's all they could find.

[Matt Dillon]

What are you talking about, Mr. Dun?

[Chester]

There's been a wreck. A terrible bad stage. Wreck.

[Matt Dillon]

Huh? Where?

[Chester]

A few miles north. Stage pitched down off the bank there and turned over.

[Matt Dillon]

Coming from the north?

[Chester]

Yes, sir, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Have you told Doc?

[Chester]

No, sir, not yet.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, go get him.

[Chester]

Yes, sir, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Go on, Chester. I'll meet you at delivery stable.

[Chester]

But, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

What is it now?

[Chester]

Ain't that the stage Miss Kitty was coming back on?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, Chester, it is. All right, go on now, get Doc and let's get going.

[Chester]

Yes, sir. Right away. There it is, Mr. Dillon. Right down there.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Chester]

That driver must have really been whipping them horses around that curve.

[Matt Dillon]

Or else they were spooked.

[William Conrad]

Hello, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Hello, Joe.

[William Conrad]

This is the worst mess I ever seen. Yeah, Milton knew we laid him out over here. Done the best we could.

[Matt Dillon]

A doc's on his way.

[William Conrad]

I don't think there's nothing for him to do, Marshall. You can see for yourself. We didn't see no signs of life.

[Matt Dillon]

Uhuh.

[Chester]

D she ain't there.

[William Conrad]

Miss Kitty ain't there, Joe. Yeah, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

That's all you found? There isn't nobody was thrown out anyplace else, huh?

[William Conrad]

Not that we could see when we come on. A marshal and me and Milt looked around pretty good. We wanted to be sure.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Thanks, Joe. You did a good job.

[William Conrad]

Sure, Marcy.

[Matt Dillon]

Come on, Chester, let's look around.

[Chester]

Yes, sir. I sure am glad about Miss Kitty.

[Matt Dillon]

Joe. Did you shoot these horses?

[William Conrad]

No, Marshall. They were shot when we found them.

[Matt Dillon]

Thanks.

[Chester]

Somebody must have been here before, Ms. Dylan.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, somebody sure shot the horses.

[Chester]

It's a good thing they was put out of their misery.

[Matt Dillon]

Whoever did it, his trail has been trampled down by everybody who's been here since.

[Chester]

Well, he done a nice thing, whoever it was. I wonder what made Miss Kitty change her mind about coming home on this stage, I mean.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm wondering about that, too, Chester.

[Chester]

Well, there's probably a message at the telegraph office.

[Kitty]

Yeah, maybe there is, Sam.

[Chester]

I sure am surprised, Mr. Dunn. I was sure there'd be a message. It just ain't like Miss Kitty not letting us know.

[Matt Dillon]

No.

[Chester]

Yeah, of course, it could be that she maybe wanted to surprise us. That could be. I say, that could be, couldn't it, Mr. John?

[Matt Dillon]

What? What's that?

[Chester]

Well, I was just saying it could be that Miss Kitty maybe was wanting to surprise.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, yeah, yeah, maybe so.

[Kitty]

Marshall. Marshall.

[Andrew Rines]

Dylan.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, boy?

[Kitty]

I'm supposed to give you this.

[Chester]

Well, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Where'd you get this?

[Kitty]

I was fishing on Cripple Creek.

[Matt Dillon]

Where?

[Kitty]

Near the big bend.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Go on.

[Kitty]

A man could buy and give me some money to bring this to you.

[Matt Dillon]

What? Did you know him?

[Kitty]

Never seen him before.

[Matt Dillon]

You sure?

[Kitty]

Honest, Marshall, I ain't done nothing.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, all right, you can go along, son.

[Kitty]

I was supposed to tell you there's a note in it.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Thanks.

[Chester]

Mr. Dylan, ain't that Ms. Kitty's purse?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Chester]

She all right?

[Matt Dillon]

I don't know. Chester. The note says to bring Duck. All right, go on, get the horses.

[William Conrad]

Oh, brother.

[Chester]

Hello, Matt. Chester. Well, I came as soon as I got the message. What are you doing out here? Nobody's lived on this place since old man Craig left five years ago.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm not sure, Doc, but I'm hoping we'll find Kitty.

[William Conrad]

Kitty?

[Matt Dillon]

Here, read this note. It was brought to me in Kitty's purse.

[Chester]

Yeah? Let me see. Come to old Craig place, bring Doc. Well, what does it mean?

[Matt Dillon]

I don't know, Doc. Somebody must have Kitty, that's all I know.

[Chester]

Well, did you look around here?

[Matt Dillon]

Of course I looked around.

[Chester]

I was just wondering. Dylan look younger.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, that's nort small.

[William Conrad]

Hello there, Marshall. I see you got my message.

[Matt Dillon]

Where did you take Kitty? North. Why?

[William Conrad]

I rescued her from an awful wreck. Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Dylan, where is she?

[William Conrad]

Now, take it easy.

[Matt Dillon]

She better be all right.

[William Conrad]

Well, now, I'm going to a Lot of trouble about that, Marshall. I told you to bring Doc, didn't I?

[Matt Dillon]

He can't do anything unless he sees her.

[William Conrad]

Oh, I aim for him to see her. That's why I rode all this way.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, let's go, then.

[William Conrad]

Oh, not you, Marshall. Just the doc. And on one condition.

[Matt Dillon]

What's that?

[William Conrad]

That you stay here nice and quiet until Doc comes back. Agreed? Well, now, the little lady's life depends on it.

[Matt Dillon]

All right. Go on, Doc.

[Chester]

Yeah, yeah, sure, man.

[William Conrad]

That's being smart, Marshall. Dylan. Real smart. You better stay that way.

[Chester]

They've been gone awful long time, Mr. Donald.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Chester]

Couldn't we. Mr. Don't. Couldn't we have followed them?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, we could have followed them.

[Chester]

Sure do.

[William Conrad]

With hate.

[Chester]

Just sitting around here while Ms. K's laying there hurt.

[Matt Dillon]

That's why we're sitting here.

[Chester]

How's that?

[Matt Dillon]

To keep her from getting hurt worse.

[William Conrad]

Well.

[Chester]

I guess you're right.

[Matt Dillon]

I better be right. Here they come.

[Chester]

Over there.

[William Conrad]

Where is she?

[Matt Dillon]

To see her doctor.

[Chester]

I saw her, Matt. She's badly hurt. She didn't know me.

[William Conrad]

Yeah, the doc says she's in a bad way, Needs a lot of taking care of.

[Chester]

I want to take her back to town, Matt. She needs nursing.

[Matt Dillon]

Why didn't you bring her with you? Why?

[William Conrad]

You know why, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

You tell me.

[William Conrad]

It's simple. I figure the doc can go right back to her.

[Matt Dillon]

Back where?

[William Conrad]

You're a smart man, but you ain't that smart. You ain't gonna find out where you.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, Doc goes back. It's all right with me.

[William Conrad]

All right with me, too, Marshall. Just as soon as you get back here from Dodge.

[Matt Dillon]

Ah, I see.

[William Conrad]

Sure you see, you bring Clary here and Doc brings Kitty. It's a simple exchange, Marshall.

[Chester]

You better do it, Matthew.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I'll do it.

[William Conrad]

Sure you will, Marshall. I told you, you have your price just like anybody else.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, Just be sure it isn't too high. All right. Come on, Chester. We're riding back to town. Get the really light refreshable. This is where I talk.

[William Conrad]

Hey, get the really light refreshment.

[Matt Dillon]

That's Pepsi Cola. Of course.

[William Conrad]

I just wanted to say be sociable, Charlie.

[Matt Dillon]

Of course, Kay, be sociable.

[William Conrad]

Have a Pepsi. On the road or at home, it always refreshes without filling. Charlie, pick up extra cartons. Now, Pepsi is so delicious, it goes fast. That's why you should keep plenty of Pepsi on hand.

[Chester]

Maybe I'd better sing.

[Matt Dillon]

Be sure to say, keep Pepsi handy.

[Kitty]

Yes, Charlie, but the song says it sociably. Be sociable. Look Smart. Keep up to date with Pepsi. Drink light, refreshing prep food, stay young and sand in my mare. Be sociable. Have a Pepsi.

[Matt Dillon]

What Kay means is, get plenty of Pepsi next time you shop.

[Indeed Advertiser]

Well, yes.

[William Conrad]

What's the matter, Marshall? Might as well sit down, take it easy. First, I guess you can't blame him none for being nervous. Clearly, them big men all get nervous when they ain't got their guns.

[Chester]

Sure is a lot of smart talk going on around here, ain't there, Mr. John?

[Matt Dillon]

Don't worry about it, Chester.

[Chester]

No, I ain't worried.

[William Conrad]

He ain't worried.

[Matt Dillon]

He's.

[William Conrad]

Well, he ought to be worried. Ain't that so, North? Well, now, Cleary, I don't know about that. If he behaves himself until the dog gets back with a woman, he might come off all right. Well, what are we waiting for? Why don't we just go now? No, we can't. We sort of made a bargain about it, Cleary. I figure we ought to show the Marshall. When the small boys make a deal, they keep their word.

[Chester]

Well, that surprises me some.

[William Conrad]

I got a notion to fix you. No, Chester, there's too old for you to pick up.

[Chester]

I ain't neither. Too old, by Jim, I'll show you. Right this way. Well, he's just plain asking for it. Mr. Dylan, I don't rightly feel like.

[Matt Dillon]

I said.

[William Conrad]

Sit down. All right. And Marshall sure is a big man ordering folks around, ain't he, Cleary? I'd like to order him around.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[William Conrad]

Yeah, I bet you would. All right, then, Clary, you take a crack at it. Order him around a little bit. Why, sure I will.

[Matt Dillon]

Not sure I will. Let's see now, Chester, before we get out of here, I want you to fill our canteen.

[Chester]

That's it.

[William Conrad]

That's it. Marshall, you fill our canteen.

[Chester]

I'll go do it, mister.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, never mind, Chester. I'll do it.

[William Conrad]

Bet your life he'll do it with my gun on him. Bring him here, Marshall. Now empty him. All right, now go fill them nice and cold. Now.

[Chester]

Some folks explain. Gotta be a smart aleck.

[William Conrad]

You shut up there or I'll crack your head with this gun. I'll leave em be, Clary. We ain't never had to pick on puny fellows like him. Sure not just a big one.

[Chester]

Well, I'm plenty big for the likes of you.

[William Conrad]

I ain't gonna hear much more talk.

[Chester]

Ain't gonna be no more talk, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

I said never mind.

[William Conrad]

That's right smart of you, Marshall. Now, go put them canteens back on our saddles.

[Chester]

Ms. Dun. Here they come.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I see him.

[William Conrad]

You see, Marshall, when I make a deal, I stick to it.

[Matt Dillon]

How is she, Doc?

[Chester]

She's better, Matt. She'll make it.

[Kitty]

Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah? Kidding.

[Kitty]

My purse. Doc says you have my purse.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, it's back at the office.

[William Conrad]

Don't.

[Kitty]

Don't lose anything out of it.

[Chester]

You see, man, when a woman starts worrying about things like that, she.

[William Conrad]

She's gonna be all right.

[Matt Dillon]

Good. That's fine, Doc. All right, take her on in, huh?

[Chester]

All right.

[William Conrad]

I guess we'll be on our way too, Marshall. We got a long ride.

[Matt Dillon]

That'll seem long.

[William Conrad]

Maybe you'll remember, Marshall, about a man and his price.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I think maybe we'll both remember, Mr. John, huh?

[Chester]

I swear, you just stick in my craw.

[Matt Dillon]

Ah, how's that?

[Chester]

Well, you having to be meek and nice and let them two fellas off scot free.

[Matt Dillon]

Don't worry about it.

[Chester]

I ain't exactly worrying about it. I'd do anything to make sure Ms. K was all right. But seeing them ride off bold as brass, and seeing you even have to fill their canteens for them, well, they just don't set right, Mr. Gentleman.

[Matt Dillon]

It's not going to set right with them either, Chester.

[Chester]

How's that?

[Matt Dillon]

You know why old man Craig left this place?

[Chester]

I'm sure I don't.

[Matt Dillon]

Because that pond is full of bad water. His stock kept dying off on him.

[Chester]

Mr. John, you mean.

[Matt Dillon]

That's a hot day, Chester, swelling that water all day. They'll either be dead or sick enough to come along peaceable. We'll wait a day and then ride out and pick them up. Okay?

[Chester]

Okay, Mr. Dylan.

[William Conrad]

Gunsmoke, produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman Macdonald. Stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshall. The story was specially written for Gunsmoke by Marion Clark with editorial supervision by John Meston. Featured in the cast were Vic Perrin, Barney Phillips, James Nuthur and Richard Beale. Harley Baer is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc, and Georgia Ellis as Kitty. This is George Walsh inviting you to join us again next week when CBS Radio presents another story on Gun Smoke.

[Matt Dillon]

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 Like Copyright for more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright right. Have a great day and thanks for listening.