Here is a sad tale that will pull at the old heart-strings as we have a rancher that has settled outside Dodge by the name of Obie Tater (Royal Dano). It seems that Obie had been out in California and had mined a little gold before making his way back east to Dodge. He spend the gold on a nice stretch of land and is living out his days as a farmer. But the rumor around town is that Obie still has a large amount of gold hidden around his house.
One afternoon two cowboys ride up to Obie's house and are set to rob him. When Obie tells them that he no longer has any money they decide to tie him up and drag him around the prairie. And all the time Obie is telling them he has no gold left.
Three weeks later Obie rides into Dodge and explains to Matt what has happened. They start walking around Dodge in order to see if Obie can identify anyone in town as the two cowboys. They come into the Long Branch where this saloon girl, Ella Mills, takes a shine to Obie. The assault is long forgotten as Obie and Ella start talking and before long they are married.
Marshal Dillon is suspicious of Ella and tells Obie that she may be mixed up with the cowboys. Obie refuses to believe what Matt is saying and the couple ride off to Obie's farm. It is not long before the two cowboys return.
This is a very entertaining, yet sad, episode that was very well played by all the actors. James Arness is settling down in his role and seems comfortable playing the Marshal. Royal Dano, especially at the end, gives a nice performance as the man that was used and abused. Overall a very nice show.