Gunsmoke – Man Hunter. 560527.

Image of a cowboy on horseback herding cattle in a field, with a Herding Dog.
Cowboy Herding Cattle with Herding Dog. "Used with permission from Microsoft."

On a quiet day in Dodge City, Chester tries to pull a friendly prank on one of the citezens, but gets his own surprise. Hank’s a little jumpy, and after he rides off, the appearance of a bounty hunting deputy from Arizona could explain why. Will Matt be extending a professional courtesy in bringing Hank back to town?

Confronting Hank face to face, Matt smells a rat in the story somewhere. Hank may have a shady past, but there’s something not quite right as the events have developed. For now, he and Chester ride back to Dodge empty handed. Might there be some gunplay in the deputy trying to bring in his man? Will Matt offer any help in the matter? Hank has made friends in Dodge, and they’re willing to stick up for his new reputation of honesty. Has Matt figured a peaceful way out of this mess?

Matt has bought enough time to wire for a telegraph message. The pieces are put together, and Matt exposes a secret or two about the aledged deputy and his motives.