Greater Love

Originally Aired: April 3, 1960 Gunsmoke #417, "Greater Love," finds Marshal Matt Dillon investigating a deadly stagecoach robbery that leaves a shotgun guard dead and two bandits wounded. The trail leads to the homestead of Howard Brandt and his wife, where Matt discovers that the gentle, easy-going young settler he once met has turned outlaw. One of the wounded bandits left for dead at his own doorstep, Howard clings to life while his wife tries desperately to protect him from Matt's questions. She reluctantly reveals that Jeb Butler and a man named Blake lured her husband into the holdup, and that the gang rode off after dumping the dying Howard in the dirt. When Doc Adams mysteriously disappears after being summoned on an emergency call, Kitty becomes alarmed. Days pass with no word, and Matt fears the worst. His suspicions are confirmed when Mrs. Brandt returns to town with her husband's body, her face bruised and battered. She brings devastating news: Jeb Butler has Doc tied up and held captive, and the situation grows more dangerous by the hour as Matt races to find his friend before it's too late.