 Post-Toasties, the heat-good cornflakes, is proud to present Gun Smoke. A hot city and in the territory on West There's just one way to handle the killers and the spoilers That's with a US Marshal and the smell of Gun Smoke. The story of a man who moved with it. Next time you hear a crackling noise in your kitchen, you better get up and investigate. Maybe somebody just couldn't wait for his breakfast of crackling crisp post-toasties. And that's a treat you shouldn't miss. Post-toasties, you know, are the heat-good cornflakes. Why, after one taste, I'll bet anything you'll agree with me. Post-toasties is just the best thing that's happened to corn since the Indians discovered it. There's nothing quite like sweet kernel corn flavor when it's toasted right in. Toasted in the crisp fresh cornflakes. Man, oh man, that's post-toasties, heat-good cornflakes. Better try them. And now, Gun Smoke, starring William Conrad. It'll be too cold to set out here in the evening. Winter's too cold, summer's too hot. How do you like spring, Chester? Oh, spring's all right, up here. But I remember back in Waco, we all got the egg you ever spring. Terrible fever. Makes man feel like a harp with a thousand strings. Yeah, I know, I've had it. That stage is mighty late tonight. You know, my mom had a theory we'd be immune if we had three hard-boiled eggs on good price. But if that didn't work and we got the egg you anyway, she'd tie salt mackerel onto our feet. Well, that ought to toughen up your feet anyway. We all survive. Hey, look, here comes the stage driver. Oh, that's Jim Buck. Oh, yeah. Marshall. Hello, Chester. Hello, Jim. Trouble Jim? I'd call it trouble, Marshall. Not held up. One passenger shot down cold blood. What? There's a meanest thing I ever saw. Where'd this happen? Other side of Wagonbed Springs, between there and Jesse Daggett's. Daggett's? He runs a stage station out there near the Colorado line. And I got a mighty strong feeling Jesse Daggett's in on this, Marshall. What makes you think so, Jim? He knew I was carrying ghoul. After we'd laid over an hour or so at the station, I seen Daggett talking to a man who just rode in. Cussed looking at gunman, as he'd warned. Well, then what happened? Well, the fellow rode off. Left before we did. Was alone? Just him, with his face covered. Never said a word. He took the strong box and robbed the passengers. Then he got on his horse and turned around and shot one of them right through the head. Why would a man do that, Marshall? I don't understand. Maybe he just likes to kill, Jim. But I'll go back with you tomorrow. Maybe we can find out. We made the trip down to the Santa Fe Trail next day. Through wagonbed springs and on to Jesse Daggett's stage station. I sat on the box with Jim Buck while Chester rode inside with the passengers. And by evening everybody was glad when we reached Daggett's. It was a typical road ranch with a large eating room and a row of sleeping quarters for the travelers. Jesse Daggett himself was a tall, angular man. Gaunt and grave. He was quiet, but one could feel the trouble that lay inside him. The first chance I had to talk to him was in the yard after supper. The weather'd be coming soon. I'd have to lay in more whiskey. You, uh, had this station long? Three years come spring. Will it myself? Four knees try to burn it down now, then, but I'm still here. You plan to stay here, Daggett? Man's plans are his own, Marshal. I'm sorry. It was just an idle question. It's all right. Now, I think I'd like it here myself. No neighbors, but lots of company passing through. It ain't all good company. Now, lots of people travel, good and bad. Like, uh, the man who held up Jim Buck's stage yesterday and shot that passenger. What about him? Well, you might call him the bad kind, don't you think? What I think won't raise the dead, Marshal. It might keep more people from dying, though. I figured that's what you're doing here, looking for that fellow. Jim Buck thinks it might have been that gunman you were talking to here the day of the holdup. That was not Pilcher, but I don't care what Jim Buck thinks. Now, everybody expects a stage to get held up once in a while, but it's a different matter to shoot people down for nothing. And I'll figure this man, unless he's just a born killer. He could have a lot of reasons. Men are all different. Yeah, sure. All got different reasons for doing what they do, living the way they live. I guess it's what's happened to him in the past, spells it out. That's true. I'll tell you something, Marshal, but ain't what you want to hear. I believe in letting every man kill his own snakes. Now, this business is between whoever the bandit is and me. Is that it? That's it, exactly. Every man for himself, you might say. I won't interfere, but I won't help. I see. Got to be like that. Even though a man was killed for nothing. Let dog eat dog, I see. I hope you won't regret it, Daggett. One more regret won't break me, Marshal. Trying to get anything out of Jesse Daggett was hopeless, but I still couldn't agree with Jim Buck that he was partners with the Road Agent. Daggett somehow wasn't that kind of man. Anyway, there was nothing to do but wait and let things happen. Two days passed while Chester and I sat in the eating room and played two-handed stud. Now we got mighty restless. Late afternoon of the second day, however, Jim Buck drove back with his stage. The travelers came in first, went to their rooms, and then Jim came over to say hello. I wish I had a job like yours. Nothing to do but sit around and play cards and drink whiskey. Well, we do a lot of thinking, Jim. That's what makes up for it. You do, huh? Uh-huh. Well, you done any about finding Jesse Daggett's friend, Nat Pilcher? Well, if we did find him, Jim, we couldn't prove anything. No, neither could I, I guess. But you might just shoot him for a look. You're too suspicious, Jim. He was probably just some cowboy riding through. Maybe. There's another pilgrim for supper. It was Daggett anyway. Well, he went outside just after you pulled in, didn't you see him? I was busy with the horses. And I still got work to do. I'll see you at supper. You know, that's a hard life, driving a stage, Mr. Dillon. I don't think I'd want to do that. Now, you might give it a try for us, Chester. Yeah, that's right. What can I do for you? Me? You can't do nothing for me, Marshal. Well, then what do you want? I just want to see what a Marshal looks like. A live one. Satisfied? Touchy, Marshal. Real touchy. Well, I want you to start no trouble. I want to come in to say hello, friendly life. What's your name? Pilcher. Nat Pilcher. I thought so. Sure. I'm a friend of Jesse Daggett's, an old friend. Where do you live, Pilcher? You got a job around here. I'm a cowboy, Marshal. Know anybody who needs a good hand? Well, what do you do besides riding? Funny. You have sense. Is it? You being a lawman, dear. Ever hear of Charlie Hall, sheriff over in the Mexico? I have. They say Clay Allison shot him. That's what they say, Marshal. But I know for a fact it wasn't Clay. Nice meeting you, Marshal. See you later. How are morning appetites at your house? Well, if they're pretty drowsy, here's a real good way to wake them up. Set a bowl full of post-toasties, the heap-good corn flakes at everybody's place. Just watch your folks take notice when they see how crisp post-toasties are. And wait until they taste that sweet, kernel corn flavor toasted in. Bet your whole tribe will agree with you. Post-toasties are the best thing that's happened to corn since the Indians discovered it. And here's a thought if you'd like to make a good thing even better. Try topping post-toasties with your favorite fruit. You'll find that's a mighty good way to start the day. Fact is, it's a downright delicious way. So next time you shop, be sure to ask for post-toasties. They're the heap-good corn flakes. You'll see. Post-toasties heap-good corn flakes. The best thing that's happened to corn since the Indians discovered it. Heap-good corn flakes. Post-toasties heap-good corn flakes. Now back to gun smoke. Jesse Daggett's state station lay on the prairie miles from anywhere. It would be an easy thing for a man like Nat Pilcher to ride in long enough to check on a stagecoach and the value of its cargo and then ride up the road a few miles and wait for it. But I still didn't believe Daggett was in on the deep even though he and Pilcher had obviously known each other somewhere before. The next morning at dawn, Jim Buck loaded his passengers aboard and pulled on. Daggett and I stood there and watched the little cloud of dust as it moved up the Santa Fe trail toward Wagon Bed Springs. Make dodge tonight and you'll be back here tomorrow. I, uh, met your friend Nat Pilcher last night, Daggett. Pilcher rode out before supper. Yeah, I know. Seems like he only came in to tell me what a hard case he is. He warned me about it. Didn't have much effect. You're still here. You don't think I scare that easy. All right, Marshal. Things will work out here without you. Daggett, I don't know what's going on down here even if I'm meddling in your affairs. I'm sorry, but, uh, a stage has been robbed and a man's been killed and that makes it my affair too. I want to thank you for not thinking I got anything to do with all that, Marshal. Well, I wasn't sure at first, but I am now. Even so, I'm not going back to dodge without a man. No, no, I suppose you won't. Well, let's go inside. Sure. You, uh, ought to plant some trees there, Daggett. Sure, improve the place. Not enough water. Now dig for it then. You'll never get a woman to come out here and marry you unless you've at least got some trees. How's that? There's no offense, I was just remarking that women like things growing around the place. Let's say I met it, uh, generally. No, thank you. I thought to have a woman here once when I first planned about running a stage station. That was over in New Mexico. It seemed like a long time ago. I think it's not always worked out. Yeah, it was mighty fond of her, Marshal. But I lost her. Been a little lonely ever since. You came close, that's better than some men do. I don't know about that. It is funny how a man goes right on a living even when his luck's about run out. Yeah. Come on inside. I'll heat up some coffee. Good. Mr. Dillon, do you mind if we don't play anymore? I'm beginning to see things. It's okay with me. The stage ought to be here soon anyway. I just think Jim Buck's been all the way to dodging back and we've just been sat in here another two days. Well, waiting's always the hardest part. Well, there's a stage now. At least there'll be some people around here. Yeah. Come out here, Marshal. What? More trouble, Jim? Of course she's dead. You've got a bullet in her. Or your other passenger. There ain't any. She's the only one this trip. Look at her, Marshal. He killed her. Now there's some blood sucking through your jacket, Jim. You hit the bat. They're in the shoulder. Knock me off the box. I wasn't going to stop at all. And then he just rode up and put a bullet in her and rode off and never said a word. You think it was culture? Now let's ask Jesse Daggett here who it was. No. Take a look in the coach, Daggett. Take a good look. Do you think you're killing women? I told you. You ever see a gildier looking man? You're wrong, Jim. It doesn't even make sense. Well, he didn't do it. No. But he's in on it somehow. Jester, I'll help you bring the woman inside and then we'll see what we can do about your shoulder, Jim. Come on. Doesn't make sense. None at all. But I figured it would soon. And after I did what I could for Jim Buck's shoulder, Jester and I buried the woman. Put a cross over her grave. We'd find out later who she was. The rest of the night we took turns watching for a move from Jesse Daggett. And sure enough an hour before dawn he saddled up and rode out into the prairie. We let him get a little start and then took a couple of his horses and followed him. You think he's going to meet Pilcher? I can't find him. He must have come ten miles already. Yeah, about that. We shouldn't have let him get so far ahead of us, so. Well, we're right on his trail. Yeah, I know. Hey, what's that up there? Look. What's the man? Yeah, come on. He's been shot. Yeah, how about it? You hurt Daggett. Pretty bad. Pilcher? Killed him but my gun didn't go off. Then he got me easy then. Luck left it all. Right? Any idea where Pilcher is now, Daggett? Said he was going back to the station to get you. Took my horse with him. I'd have come with you this morning. It wasn't your business. This was between me and Pilcher. I'm here looking for a fight. I didn't want to kill anybody no more. Not even him. So he drove me to it. Only that woman yesterday. Knew I couldn't stand that. You mean he shot her and the other passenger, just to prod you into a fight? Marshall, I'll tell you now. I had a woman out in New Mexico. And that Pilcher tried to run off with her. I didn't shoot him, though. I shot her instead. I figured it made more sense. You killed her? I don't think he'd have minded so much if I'd have killed him. But I figured he wasn't doing nothing. I didn't want to do myself. I didn't blame him. I blamed her. Pilcher's been after me ever since. I could have stopped all this if you'd told me sooner. Every man's got to kill his own snakes, Marshall. I tried. You can have him now. I ain't gonna live long. I'm sorry, Daggett. Chester will stay with you. I'm going back to the station. We both go. I can die alone. I ain't afraid. No. Goodbye, Daggett. Goodbye, Marshall. Chester. Yes, sir. Do what you can for him. Poor fellow. I'll send somebody out to help you bring him in. Later. Yes, sir. Where's Pilcher, Jim? He's out back looking for whiskey. Where's everybody else? He's been a busy morning. How's your shoulder? It hurts. I got to get up to dodge some haunts, too. You been riding? So have you. A man like me rides a lot, Marshall. You should have kept going. I wanted to see you again before I left. That's what Jesse Daggett told me. I'm gonna kill you. And then Jim here. Wait and shut up, Jim. Pilcher, you can drop your gun belt and take your chances in court. If you like. Now chances are better right here, Marshall. Short choice. It's always been my choice. But for the night, Jesse Daggett shot his wife. Did he tell you about that? It doesn't matter now. What's this all about? A woman chopped the stage and drove you into dodge. I'd be grateful for that. We'll have to go out of our way, son. Why? Daggett's luck ran all the way out this morning, that's why. In just a moment, we'll tell you about next week's adventure on gun smoke. Say, mother, want to see your small fry eat up better breakfast than ever? Well, may I suggest that you dish him up some sugar crinkles to start with? Sugar crinkles should now make breakfast more fun than a circus. Sugar crinkles is the sugar rice treat that's just right sweet. It's high time to forget these sugar coated cereals that seem too sweet to you and those others that don't seem sweet enough to the kids. Just pour out crisp, golden sugar crinkles and see how just right sweet a sugar coated cereal can be. Just right sweet. Be sure to get several packages of sugar crinkles because they're great for snacks. Kids love them that way. Kids love them anyway. Try sugar crinkles and you'll love them too. Remember, new sugar crinkles is the sugar rice treat that's just right sweet. Gun smoke under the direction of Norman McDonnell stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. Marshall. Tonight's story was specially written for gun smoke by John Meston with music composed and conducted by Rex Corey. Featured in the cast were Jack Edwards, Lawrence Dobkin and John Daener. Parley Bearer is Chester. Ken Peters speaking. Our freedom to worship God is a precious national heritage. Attend the church or synagogue of your choice with your family and support it actively. Light your children's life with faith. Bring them to worship this week. Join us again next week as Matt Dillon, U.S. Marshall tracks a renegade during his fight to bring law and order out of the wild violence of the West in gun smoke. Listen next week at this time when gun smoke will be brought to you by sugar crinkles, the sugar rice treat that's just right sweet.