How to Kill a Friend: A Gunman’s Ultimatum and a Marshal’s Resolve

In Gunsmoke #076, “How to Kill a Friend,” two crooked gamblers—Ben Corder and Harry Duggan—try to buy Marshal Matt Dillon’s favor, then send a rifle shot through his office window when he won’t bend. Run out of Dodge, they slink back with hired gun Tolk Marlin—an old trail partner of Matt’s, twisted by a past mob beating in Silver City. Tolk gives Matt 24 hours to quit or die, but a crooked card deal and a killing force the final showdown. In the street, friend faces friend; Matt is faster, and the gamblers are driven out for good.