Buffalo Hunter: A Dark Trail of Betrayal

Gunsmoke: Old West Stories

In this compelling episode of Gunsmoke, a hardened buffalo hunter named Gatliff rides into Dodge City with a wagonload of hides and a grievously injured buffalo skinner named Billy. Billy’s face has been burned with molten lead, and despite Doc’s best efforts, the young skinner doesn’t survive the night. When questioned, Gatliff dismisses Billy as a mere bum, unwilling to even pay for his burial, claiming that Billy’s injuries were an accident from melting lead for bullets.

However, Marshal Matt Dillon has his doubts about Gatliff’s story, suspecting foul play. Dillon’s suspicions are further fueled when a local settler, known as a nester, is found murdered—stabbed to death in a similar brutal manner. As Dillon digs deeper into the mystery, he uncovers the disturbing truth behind the injuries and deaths, realizing that Gatliff is hiding a dark secret that may cost more lives if he isn’t stopped.

This episode is part of a series of re-runs requested by listeners, showcasing a fan-favorite story from earlier broadcasts on May 9, 1953, and October 24, 1953. The atmospheric storytelling and intense character portrayals by William Conrad as Marshal Dillon make this a standout tale of suspense and frontier justice.

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Tune in to Buffalo Hunter to hear the chilling story of a lawman’s quest for justice in a town where danger and deceit lurk just beneath the surface.