Hinka-Do

Originally Aired: October 4, 1959 Gunsmoke #391, "Hinka-Do," begins when Matt Dillon discovers that the Lady Gay Saloon has suddenly come under new management. A formidable woman named Mamie, lately of Kansas City and St. Louis, announces she's taking over the establishment with a new policy. The peculiar part is that former owner Herman Bleaker, a vain little man known for showing off his fancy vests around town, has vanished without a word to anyone. Mamie claims he sold her the saloon and left for St. Louis, but Matt grows suspicious when he learns Bleeker's horse remains at the livery stable and no one saw him leave on the train or stage. At the Lady Gay's grand opening, Mamie proves herself a force to be reckoned with, laying down strict rules for her patrons and demonstrating her lightning-fast draw by shooting an ace of spades off the back wall. While Doc Adams, Chester, and the townspeople marvel at this imposing newcomer, Matt quietly investigates Bleeker's disappearance. When Manuel reports seeing Mamie in the arroyo behind the saloon before dawn carrying a shovel, Matt and his companions head out with a lantern to investigate what might be buried there.