The Brothers | Gunsmoke (09-06-52)

Summary

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Summary of "The Brothers | Gunsmoke (09-06-52)"

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Date: March 31, 2026 (original air date September 6, 1952)
Featured Show: Gunsmoke
Title: The Brothers
Starring: William Conrad as Matt Dillon

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Episode Overview

This episode of Gunsmoke, "The Brothers," is a suspenseful Western tale about deception, law enforcement, and legendary outlaws. Marshal Matt Dillon becomes suspicious of two cattlemen, the Thompson brothers, whose true identities and motives gradually unravel. The story draws listeners into a classic confrontation involving bank robbery, shootouts, and the shadow of infamous criminal legends.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Arrival of the Thompson Brothers (03:11–05:29)

• Two brothers, Jim and Will Thompson, introduce themselves to Marshal Matt Dillon and Chester, asking for advice on selling their cattle.
• Chester finds their approach odd; trail drivers typically visit the bank or saloon, not the marshal.
• Matt senses the brothers are sizing him up:

  “I got an idea they might be sizing me up. I think that’s the kind of information they wanted.”
  — Matt Dillon (05:02)

2. Verification and Rising Suspicion (05:57–07:47)

• Matt and Chester ride out to confirm the brothers' story, finding the cattle herd, branded Circle Bar T.
• Encounter with Houston Jack, a known gunslinger working for the Thompsons. Dillon reasserts his old banishment from Dodge.
• Houston tries to assure Dillon he’s turned over a new leaf — “A man can change. Maybe.” — but Matt remains distrustful.

3. Stranger Recognition (08:21–11:57)

• In the Texas Trail saloon, Miss Kitty characterizes the Thompsons as “pleasant, quiet, real polite.”
• Matt hints at knowing the older brother from somewhere, maintaining his suspicions.
• The brothers successfully sell their cattle to Clem Bates, who vouches for their demeanor.
• Suspense intensifies when Sammy, a local drunk, recognizes the Thompsons, becomes fearful, and abruptly leaves:

  “Them fellas you’re with. You know them, Mr. Dillon? … That’s not their name.”
  — Sammy (11:27–11:37)

4. Unexpected Violence (13:13–15:12)

• Sammy, highly agitated, attempts to shoot the Thompsons in public but is killed when they shoot back in self-defense.
• The brothers express regret, and Dillon confirms it was self-defense, but he's disturbed by Sammy’s earlier recognition of the pair.

5. Houston Jack’s Confrontation & Deception (18:32–21:29)

• News arrives that Houston Jack is back in town, threatening to kill Dillon.
• Dillon confronts Houston in the saloon. Houston tries to provoke a gunfight but runs away instead. Dillon notes, “He’s not the kind of a man to force a gunfight just to show off.”
• Dillon suspects this was a distraction to get law enforcement out of Dodge.

6. The Bank Robbery Unfolds (22:14–27:56)

• Matt and Chester notice multiple horses at the bank at night—one recently ridden hard, suggesting Houston and the Thompsons doubled back.
• Clem Bates is being forced to open the vault. Matt and Chester attempt to thwart the robbery, but the gang escapes after a shootout (Chester is grazed).

7. Houston Jack’s Final Stand (26:12–27:56)

• Houston Jack covers the escape, hiding at an old well.
• Matt takes to the rooftops under bright moonlight:

  “Moonlight night and a bank. So that’s who they are.”
  — Matt Dillon, as realization dawns (27:02)

• After a tense exchange, Dillon shoots Houston from above.

8. The Reveal: Not Just Bank Robbers (29:42–29:51)

• Clem recovers, surprised and ashamed for trusting the Thompsons.
• The brothers vanish into the night; tracking them is futile.
• Dillon’s memory clicks — the “Thompson” brothers are revealed as Frank and Jesse James, legendary outlaws:

  “Just say wanted for attempted bank robbery in Dodge City. Frank and Jesse James.”
  — Matt Dillon (29:51)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Suspicion from the start:

  “You ever know a Texas trail driver to come in and ask me where to sell his cattle?”
  — Matt Dillon (04:53)

• On human nature:

  “The ways of a drunkard and the ways of a woman, Chester, they’re beyond human knowledge.”
  — Matt Dillon (12:41)

• Revelation Moment:

  “Moonlight, night and a bank. So that’s who they are.”
  — Matt Dillon (27:02)

• Identity Unveiled:

  “Just say wanted for attempted bank robbery in Dodge City. Frank and Jesse James.”
  — Matt Dillon (29:51)

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Important Timestamps

• 03:11 — Introduction of the Thompson brothers
• 05:02 — Dillon suspects ulterior motives
• 07:02 — Confrontation with Houston Jack
• 11:27 — Sammy’s fearful recognition
• 13:26 — Sammy’s failed attack results in his death
• 19:27 — Confrontation with Houston Jack in the saloon
• 22:14 — Suspicious horses at the bank
• 25:02–25:56 — Attempted break-in and ensuing shootout
• 27:02 — Dillon recognizes the infamous identities
• 29:51 — Frank and Jesse James revealed

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Tone, Style, and Atmosphere

Maintaining the classic drama and suspense of radio Westerns, the episode is rich in tension, tight dialogue, and immersive soundscapes, now digitally restored for clarity. Voices are measured, tense, and laced with suspicion—a hallmark of Gunsmoke’s approach to law and justice on the frontier.

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Conclusion

"The Brothers" is a tightly-woven classic Western mystery, leading from ordinary cattle business through rising suspicion, violence, and a climactic act of bank robbery. The final twist—that the “Thompsons” are Frank and Jesse James—cements the episode’s status as a standout tale of legend and law in the Wild West.

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Transcript

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[Jim Thompson]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Gunsmoke. Original Air date is September 6, 1952 and the title is the Brothers. Hope you enjoy. And again, thanks for listening.

[Matt Dillon]

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. The story of a man who moved with it. Matt Dillon, United states marshal.

[Jim Thompson]

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[Matt Dillon]

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[Jim Thompson]

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[Matt Dillon]

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[Jim Thompson]

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[Matt Dillon]

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[Chester Broadfoot]

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[Matt Dillon]

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[Chester Broadfoot]

Sam,

[Jim Thompson]

Wonder if he's in? We'll soon find out. Look him over close. Gotta know how he stacks up. Yeah, I know. Hope he doesn't recognize us.

[Chester Broadfoot]

He won't.

[Jim Thompson]

Come on.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Morning, boys.

[Jim Thompson]

Morning, sir. Are you the marshal here in Dodge?

[Chester Broadfoot]

Yeah, that's right. My name is Dylan. Matt Dillon.

[Jim Thompson]

Thompson's our name. I'm Jim. This is my brother, Will.

[Chester Broadfoot]

I'm glad to know you. This is my sidekick, Chester Broadfoot.

[Matt Dillon]

Pleased to meet you. Howdy.

[Jim Thompson]

Howdy, Mr. Dillon. We're after some information.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Huh. What kind of information?

[Jim Thompson]

Well, you see, Will and I just brought a trail herd up from the Pecos country around 2000 head. We're holding them down river a few miles.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Oh, toward Walnut Creek?

[Jim Thompson]

Yeah, I guess that's what they call it. You see, we planned to drive them on up toward Wyoming, put them on grass for a couple of months. We got thinking we might sell them here if we could get a fair price.

[Chester Broadfoot]

You shouldn't have any trouble. The market's good right now.

[Jim Thompson]

So we've heard. The only thing is we. We don't know any buyers here. We're wondering if you might have an idea or two.

[Chester Broadfoot]

I see. Well, I see. I suggest you go talk to Clem Bates. He runs the bank down the west end of Front Street.

[Jim Thompson]

Clem Bates?

[Chester Broadfoot]

He'll know of any buyers that happen to be in town. Might even buy the herd himself if it's in good condition.

[Jim Thompson]

Well, we'll go right down see him now, Mr. Dillon. And much obliged to you, sir.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Forget it.

[Jim Thompson]

Coming? Well?

[Chester Broadfoot]

Yeah.

[Jim Thompson]

Been a pleasure talking to you, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Thank you.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Same to you. Goodbye.

[Jim Thompson]

Well, they seem like a couple of nice men, Mr. Dillon.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Yeah, couple of strange ones, Chester. Wonder what they're here for.

[Jim Thompson]

Why, to sell herd cattle. You heard what they said, Chester.

[Chester Broadfoot]

When's the last time a trail driver came in here and asked me where to sell his cattle?

[Jim Thompson]

Well, I don't recollect that one ever did before. But all the same.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Course not. They go to the bank or one of the saloons. They don't come to the jail.

[Jim Thompson]

Then why do you figure the Thompsons did?

[Chester Broadfoot]

Well, I got an idea they might be sizing me up. I think that's the kind of information they wanted.

[Matt Dillon]

But why?

[Chester Broadfoot]

I don't know. Maybe they're planning something they think I might interfere with. What do you say we ride out to Walnut Creek and find out if they really got a herd, huh?

[Jim Thompson]

All right, Mr. Dillon. Whatever you say.

[Chester Broadfoot]

An older one. Jim. You know, there's something familiar. I can't quite place it. Thompson brothers, huh? Well, come on, Chester. Let's ride.

[Jim Thompson]

All right. Well, they got a herd all right, Mr. Dylan.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Yes, so they have, Chester. Well, let's drop in on him, huh?

[Matt Dillon]

Come on.

[Jim Thompson]

Smoke's coming up behind those willows. Must be their camp.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Yeah, I guess so.

[Jim Thompson]

These cattle are carrying a Circle Bar T brand. I never heard of it.

[Chester Broadfoot]

It's like the Thompson brothers, Chester. I never heard of them either. At least not by that name.

[Jim Thompson]

Camp looks deserted, Mr. Gillen.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, right way out.

[Jim Thompson]

Somebody coming out of the wagon?

[Chester Broadfoot]

Yeah, he must have been asleep.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, well, well. You fellas better turn them horses around.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Hello, Houston.

[Matt Dillon]

Dylan. I didn't recognize you.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Well, now that you have, why don't you put the rifle down?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, sure, Marshall, I. I got to a quarrel with you.

[Chester Broadfoot]

You used to figure you did.

[Jim Thompson]

Well, I.

[Chester Broadfoot]

How Long you been working for the Thompsons, Houston?

[Matt Dillon]

Just a couple of months. I ran into them down on the Pecos and hired out for the drive.

[Chester Broadfoot]

You know him before that?

[Matt Dillon]

No, no, I just happened to run into them and I heard they was looking for riders.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Riders? I never knew you to hire out for anything but gunslinging.

[Matt Dillon]

Why don't you let bygones be bygones, Marshal? A man can change. Maybe now you take me. I don't hold no grudges. You run me out of town last year and I was pretty sore about it, but not anymore. I'm willing to forget it if you do.

[Chester Broadfoot]

You'll be making a mistake, Houston. Now, look, I told you to get out of Dodge City and stay out.

[Matt Dillon]

That still goes.

[Chester Broadfoot]

You understand me?

[Matt Dillon]

All right, Marshall. That's the way you want it. I'm not in Dark City. Not yet.

[Jim Thompson]

They don't seem to be in here, Mr. Dillon.

[Chester Broadfoot]

I will wait, Chester. They will be sooner or later.

[Miss Kitty]

Well, it was a real dull day up until now.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Hiya, Kitty.

[Miss Kitty]

Good to see you, Matt.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Chester, you're on your own.

[Jim Thompson]

What?

[Chester Broadfoot]

Stick around, though, huh?

[Jim Thompson]

All right, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

See you later, Miss Kitty.

[Miss Kitty]

All right, Chester, you like a drink?

[Chester Broadfoot]

Not now, thanks, Kitty. I. I was looking for a couple of strangers in town. The Thompson brothers.

[Miss Kitty]

Oh, yeah. They were in earlier. Seem very pleasant, quiet, real polite.

[Chester Broadfoot]

People aren't always what they seem to be. Kidding.

[Miss Kitty]

Well, they mixed up in something.

[Chester Broadfoot]

I don't know. I don't know.

[Miss Kitty]

Then what do you mean?

[Chester Broadfoot]

I don't think their name is Thompson. And I don't think they came here to sell cattle.

[Miss Kitty]

But they brought a herd in.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Yeah, I know. I know that. I'm pretty sure I've seen that older brother somewhere before. Somewhere, sometime.

[Miss Kitty]

You're suspicious of everybody, aren't you, Matt?

[Chester Broadfoot]

Are you gonna start that again?

[Miss Kitty]

All right, all right. But you got the wrong attitude. You know, you miss a lot that way.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Yeah?

[Jim Thompson]

Yeah.

[Miss Kitty]

Someday you're gonna miss.

[Jim Thompson]

Over here.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Oh, there they are now. I came in with Clem Bates. Will you excuse me, Kitty?

[Miss Kitty]

Sure, Matt. Sure. When you're through, come back. I'll be here.

[Chester Broadfoot]

All right, Kitty. I'll see you. Hiya, Clem.

[Jim Thompson]

I just bought myself 2,000 head of the finest cattle that's come north all summer.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Yeah, they are in good shape. I rode out that way this afternoon.

[Jim Thompson]

Marshall, we want to thank you again for putting us in touch with Mr. Bates. We're as satisfied with the deal as he is. How about a drink, Matt?

[Chester Broadfoot]

Thanks, Clem. Later maybe, huh? Mr. Thompson, do you know that you got one of the crookedest gunslingers in this part of the country working for you?

[Jim Thompson]

No, I didn't know it. Who do you mean?

[Chester Broadfoot]

Man who calls himself Houston Jack.

[Jim Thompson]

Houston Jack? Is he back in town?

[Chester Broadfoot]

Not back in town exactly. I ran into him out at the trail camp. I ordered him out of Dodge a year ago. Mr. Thompson. The order still stands.

[Jim Thompson]

That's funny. He didn't tell us he'd ever been

[Chester Broadfoot]

in Dodge, but I thought maybe you didn't. That's why I figured I'd better let you know about it.

[Jim Thompson]

I'm glad you did, Marshall. Of course, with the herd sold, we'll be paying the boys off tomorrow and that'll be that. Then back to Texas. Sooner the better. Meantime, there's nothing to prevent us from having a sociable drink or two. Holly. Set him up over here, Mr. Dillon. What?

[Chester Broadfoot]

Oh, will you boys excuse me? I'm going to. Sure, go right ahead.

[Jim Thompson]

What are you gonna have?

[Chester Broadfoot]

Yeah, what is it, Sammy? Could you spare me a dollar, Mr. Dillon?

[Jim Thompson]

I need a drink off a bed.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Aw, Sammy, you know what always happens. First it's one drink and then it's 10. And I always end up having to run you in. Oh, not this time, Mr. Dillon.

[Jim Thompson]

I.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Well, what's the matter, Sammy?

[Jim Thompson]

Them fellas you're with. You know them, Mr. Dillon?

[Chester Broadfoot]

Their name's Thompson. They're brothers.

[Jim Thompson]

No, that's not their name.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Well, then, what is it?

[Jim Thompson]

Gotta get out of here, Mr. Dillon.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Wait a minute, Sammy. What the devil are you talking about?

[Jim Thompson]

Nothing, Mr. Dylan, honest.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Just remember something. I. I gotta go right now. Well, how about that drink? Some other time, Mr. Dillon. Thanks a lot. I'll remember it though. Goodbye, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Here.

[Jim Thompson]

What's wrong with Sammy, Matt? Did he smell a drink somewhere?

[Chester Broadfoot]

Yeah, he must have.

[Jim Thompson]

I don't know what you said to him, Marshall, but he sure went out of here looking like he'd seen a ghost.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Well, Sammy's seen a lot of different things at different times. Maybe he did see a ghost.

[Jim Thompson]

I can't figure where he got to, Mr. Dillon. I looked in all the places he usually hangs out, but there wasn't any sign of him.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Well, the ways of a drunkard and the ways of a woman, Chester, they're beyond all human knowledge.

[Jim Thompson]

Yes, sir, I guess they are, Mr. Dillon.

[Chester Broadfoot]

There's one thing certain, though. As blurry eyed as he is, Sammy recognized those Thompson brothers. That's more than I can do.

[Jim Thompson]

Well, maybe there's nothing to recognize. Maybe you just think you've seen him Before?

[Chester Broadfoot]

Yeah, maybe. Well, there's no use going back to Texas Trail. That's one saloon Sammy will stay clear of.

[Jim Thompson]

I just don't know where to look, Mr. Dylan. I'll swear.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Wait a minute.

[Jim Thompson]

Justin Thompson's coming out of the saloon.

[Chester Broadfoot]

No, I mean across the street. There's somebody by the corner. By heaven, that's Sammy.

[Jim Thompson]

Yes, and he's got a rifle. I got you boys.

[Matt Dillon]

Sammy, you fool.

[Jim Thompson]

Over there for the corner.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Come on, Chester.

[Jim Thompson]

He must have been crazy, Mr. Dylan. He must have been out of his mind.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Yeah, I guess one side. Let me through here. Please.

[Jim Thompson]

Help me through.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Where you, Sammy? Mr. Dillon?

[Jim Thompson]

I.

[Chester Broadfoot]

They used could use that drink now. Thought I'd get the reward. Sammy.

[Jim Thompson]

Is he dead?

[Chester Broadfoot]

Yeah.

[Jim Thompson]

We sure hated to do it, Marshall. We had nothing against this man. Didn't even know him in fact. But I guess you saw what happened.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Yeah, I saw it. He threw a rifle on you, tried to kill you. You couldn't do anything else.

[Jim Thompson]

I can't figure it, Marshall. My brother and me didn't have no

[Chester Broadfoot]

quarrel with this fella. Well, Sammy drank a lot. He wasn't always in his right mind. But you won't be held. It was out and out self defense.

[Jim Thompson]

Thanks, Marshall. Thanks a lot. Come on, Will, let's get out of here.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Yeah.

[Jim Thompson]

Well, it's too bad, Mr. Dillon. Sammy never meant no harm to anybody.

[Chester Broadfoot]

He did to the Thompsons. Gesture.

[Jim Thompson]

I can't figure it. Why did he do it?

[Chester Broadfoot]

Because he recognized him, I guess.

[Matt Dillon]

Sam.

[Jim Thompson]

Say, did you see them draw after he fired?

[Chester Broadfoot]

Yeah. Yeah, I saw him.

[Jim Thompson]

They're fast, Mr. Dylan.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Oh, Kelly.

[Miss Kitty]

I heard him down the street call him for. Doc was hurt.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Sammy got himself killed. Oh, poor little guy.

[Miss Kitty]

Yeah, Matt, you got trouble too.

[Chester Broadfoot]

What do you mean?

[Miss Kitty]

Houston, Jackson town.

[Jim Thompson]

What?

[Miss Kitty]

He's over at the saloon now looking for you, Matt. He says he's gonna kill you.

[Matt Dillon]

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

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[Chester Broadfoot]

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[Matt Dillon]

21/ Terms and Conditions apply. Adventure on your mind. Then keep tuned. The Gene Autry show is straight ahead and most of these same CBS radio stations bringing you the Melody Ranch Gang and Gene Autry songs. Tarzan straight ahead too, tonight, involved with some fanatic headhunters in darkest Africa. There's another true police case on gangbusters this evening. And Broadway Is My Beat offers mystery fiction that's packed with excitement. They're all ahead tonight on CBS Radio. Now the second act of gun smoke.

[Jim Thompson]

I just can't figure it, Mr. Dylan. I never thought Houston would have the nerves.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Well, it's like a lot of things tonight, Chester, none of them figure.

[Jim Thompson]

Mr. Dillon, you don't suppose he's gonna set you up for the Thompsons?

[Chester Broadfoot]

No, no, they got their horses and left. They're not in here. Well, we'll soon find out.

[Jim Thompson]

Come on.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Watch the boys on the table. Stress. And keep him off my back, huh?

[Jim Thompson]

Yes, sir, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

I wanted to leave town just at that time. I'll tell you one thing for sure. It wasn't that tin horn marshall that made me do it. You notice he's staying plenty clear of me.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Hello, Houston.

[Jim Thompson]

Dylan.

[Matt Dillon]

You got nothing on me.

[Chester Broadfoot]

I told you to get out of town, didn't I?

[Matt Dillon]

I know, but you, you, you still got.

[Chester Broadfoot]

I told you to stay out, didn't I?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, yeah, but you had no right. What do you think you are?

[Chester Broadfoot]

Why'd you come back?

[Matt Dillon]

That's my business.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Mine too maybe. You're under arrest.

[Jim Thompson]

Stay back.

[Matt Dillon]

Dylan, I'm warning you.

[Chester Broadfoot]

You can't keep backing off forever. Houston. You'll have to stop sometime. I said you're under arrest.

[Matt Dillon]

I heard what you said. I got ears, Dylan, and I know how to get. He pulled it out the door, Mr. Dillon. He's getting away.

[Miss Kitty]

Camper Matt. He could be waiting outside.

[Jim Thompson]

You drew, Mr. Dillon. Why didn't you shoot?

[Chester Broadfoot]

Because you didn't draw. You can't.

[Jim Thompson]

There he goes.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Well, come on, Chester.

[Jim Thompson]

He can't be far ahead of us, Mr. Dillon.

[Chester Broadfoot]

He's heading for the range camp.

[Jim Thompson]

I still can't figure it, Mr. Dillon. It just don't add up.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Justice, help me. If you say that once more, I'm.

[Jim Thompson]

What's the matter, Mr. Dylan? Pull up. Hold, hold. What are we stopping for, Mr. Dylan? He's getting farther away every minute.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Chester, I owe you an apology. You're right. It don't add up.

[Jim Thompson]

Well, it's just a way of talking I have. I didn't intend.

[Chester Broadfoot]

No, no, I mean it just. Everything Houston Jack did tonight, it doesn't add up at all. He knew I'd jump him if he came into town. He's tough, but he's not that tough. He's not the kind of a man to force a gunfight just for a chance to show off.

[Jim Thompson]

Yeah, but there wasn't any gun fight, Mr. Dillon.

[Chester Broadfoot]

No, he turned tail and ran. That's not like Houston either. You'll be a laughing stock from here to the Pecos.

[Jim Thompson]

Well, it's like I said, it just don't add. I forget what I was gonna say.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Just to suppose the Thompsons wanted to get us out of town for a while, huh?

[Jim Thompson]

You mean they put Houston up to that Dai do so's we chase off after him?

[Chester Broadfoot]

Well, there's only one way I know to find out. Come on.

[Jim Thompson]

Dodge is kind of spooky this time of night, Mr. Dillon. Pretty, though. All shadows and moonlight.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Yeah. Man could do a fair job of shooting tonight.

[Jim Thompson]

My, sometimes I think Kitty is right about you, Mr. Dillon.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Meaning no heart, maybe not, Chester.

[Jim Thompson]

No offense, Mr. Dillon.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Oh, forget it, Forget it. You know, Chester, there's something about moonlight connected with those Thompson brothers. I wish I could remember what. Chester, Don't. Don't look. Just ride straight ahead. Keep riding. There are four horses tied over there by the bank.

[Jim Thompson]

Uh huh. So that's it.

[Chester Broadfoot]

One of them's been run. He's wet. I can see it in the moonlight. Houston must have circled back.

[Jim Thompson]

Him and the Thompsons. Yes, but what about that fourth horse, Mr. Dillon?

[Chester Broadfoot]

It's probably Clem Bates. They'd have to have him. The vault's locked at night. All right, around the corner now. They may be watching from the front windows.

[Jim Thompson]

Thompson Brothers. I wouldn't never have figured them for a bank. Hold up.

[Chester Broadfoot]

All right, we'll leave the horses here, slip back to the side address. Yeah.

[Jim Thompson]

Ho, ho.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Well, what about that moonlight now, Chester?

[Jim Thompson]

Well, I guess it's bright enough. A man could. A man could do a fair job of shooting tonight. No sign of life, Mr. Dillon.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Yeah. They're in there, though. Side doors open.

[Jim Thompson]

Maybe one. I was short of time.

[Chester Broadfoot]

I came from the door. Come on, Justin. All right, get fight against the wall. They'll have to show themselves to fire at us.

[Jim Thompson]

Same, Mr. Dillon. I think they shut that door.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Chester Broadfoot]

All right, let's move in. Easy.

[Jim Thompson]

Yes, It shut.

[Chester Broadfoot]

All right, I'm gonna try the door. If it opens, flip a couple of shots in.

[Jim Thompson]

Yes, sir.

[Chester Broadfoot]

It's bolded. All right, cover me, Chester. Here goes.

[Jim Thompson]

I think I hear him running inside. Yeah.

[Chester Broadfoot]

One more.

[Jim Thompson]

They crashed out through the front wind, Mr. Dillon.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Yeah. Come on. Oh, there's Clem on the floor. They must have laid him out. Easy, Chester. Maybe waiting outside for us.

[Jim Thompson]

There they go. They're making a run for it.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Yeah. Come on. Let's get out through this window.

[Jim Thompson]

Mr. Dillon. Mr. Dillon.

[Chester Broadfoot]

It's all right, Chester. Lecture rib. I think I'm. I'm all right, sir.

[Jim Thompson]

I thought for a minute there that they'd.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Yeah, yeah, I know. Looks like one of them stayed behind. That shot came from the corner of the livery stable over there. Maybe I can.

[Matt Dillon]

What's the matter, Dylan? You're supposed to be good.

[Chester Broadfoot]

It's Houston, all right.

[Jim Thompson]

He's back at that old stone well.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Yeah, Stay here and keep him pinned down. Chester. I'm going up on the roof through the trap door back here.

[Jim Thompson]

All right, Mr. Dylan. Watch yourselves.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Yeah. Throw a shot or two at him. Keep him busy, huh?

[Matt Dillon]

Yes. You got to do better than that, Dylan.

[Chester Broadfoot]

I will, Houston. Don't worry about that now. If I can just get this open without. There now.

[Matt Dillon]

You're not getting lily, are you, Dylan?

[Chester Broadfoot]

South corner there oughta put me right over him, and then I. Wait a minute. Moonlight, night and a bank. So that's who they are.

[Matt Dillon]

Houston. Dylan, where are you? Up here. You're under arrest.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Drop your gun.

[Matt Dillon]

I'll drop it.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Last chance, Houston.

[Matt Dillon]

Your last chance.

[Chester Broadfoot]

All right, then. So long, gunslinger.

[Jim Thompson]

I reckon that did it, Mr. Dylan.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Yeah. Moonlight's real bright up here, Chester. All right, Chester. I'm coming down.

[Jim Thompson]

You fellas don't. No, no, no. Mr. Bates is coming, too, Mr. Dylan.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Yeah, he's not bad off. They must have slapped him with a gun barrel on the way out. Clem. Clem. Clem, can you hear me?

[Jim Thompson]

Matt who? Oh, Matt.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Thank you, Chester. Get that chair over there. Yes.

[Jim Thompson]

Here you are.

[Chester Broadfoot]

All right, give me a hand with it. Easy, girl. Come on, Mr. B. Now, what happened, Clem? Are they trying to make you open the vault?

[Jim Thompson]

That's right. It was those Thompson brothers, man.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Yeah, I know.

[Jim Thompson]

They fooled me plenty. Thought they were fine fellas. I've been drinking with them all evening.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Well, you never know, Clem. They get away with anything?

[Jim Thompson]

No. I was about to give in and open the vault when you rode by. That got him kind of upset.

[Chester Broadfoot]

Well, there's no harm done then. Houston Jack was long overdue for killing.

[Jim Thompson]

We gonna go after the Thompsons, Mr. Dillon?

[Chester Broadfoot]

Where, Chester? They could have gone in any one of a dozen directions. There'll be no chance of trying to track him till morning. Somehow I don't think we'll get him even then.

[Jim Thompson]

I think I ought to get something done about this head of mine, Matt.

[Chester Broadfoot]

It's.

[Jim Thompson]

It's giving me fits. Yeah.

[Chester Broadfoot]

I'll go with you, Clem. I gotta tell the doc about Houston Chester. I guess you better go over to the depot and wake up Mr. Hightower. Have him put a wanted bulletin on

[Jim Thompson]

the wire for the Thompson brothers, huh?

[Chester Broadfoot]

No, Chester. I recognize them. Finally. Their name isn't Thompson.

[Jim Thompson]

Well, what name do I put in the bulletin, Mr. Dillon?

[Chester Broadfoot]

Just say wanted for attempted bank robbery in Dodge City. Frank and Jesse James.

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[Chester Broadfoot]

You.

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[Tyler Redick]

Tyler Redick here from 2311 Racing Victory Lane yeah, it's even better with Chumba by my side. Race to chumbacasino.com let's Chumba. No purchase necessary. VTW Group void where prohibited by law. CTNCS21+ sponsored by Chumba Casino Gun Smoke

[Matt Dillon]

under the direction of Norman McDonnell stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon. U S Marshall Tonight's story was specially written for Gunsmoke by Les Crutchfield with music composed and conducted by Rex Corey. Featured in the cast were Harry Bartel and Vic Perrin with Paul Dub, Joe Duvall and Lou Krugman. Parley Bear is Chester. Georgia Ellis is Kitty. Join us again next week as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal fights to bring law and order out of the wild violence of the west in Gun Smok. Sundays in the daytime, CBS Radio brings you a unique series of political debates, a program called Pick the Winner, on which the major parties select their highest authorities to discuss important election issues. Tomorrow on most of these same CBS Radio stations hear another major election issue debated here. Pick the Winner. And don't forget to make the full use of what these programs tell you. Register so you may vote this fall. This is Roy Rowan speaking. Remember, every Sunday we extend a cordial invitation to great music on the CBS Rock Radio Network.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate our shows in your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube and send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com youm can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739 this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information Click go to otrwesterns.com Copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Tyler Redick]

Tyler redick here from 2311 Racing Victory Lane. Yeah, it's even better with Chumba by my side. Race to chumbacasino. Com let's Chumba. No purchase necessary. VTW Group Void where prohibited by law. CTNCs 21/plus sponsored by Chumba Casino.