Episode Details

Originally Aired: July 26, 1959

Gunsmoke #381, "Old Beller,"

Marshal Matt Dillon accompanies Doc Adams to a trail camp after receiving an unusual summons—a drover has threatened to kill Doc if he doesn't cure a patient. When they arrive at trail boss Hobb Waddell's camp, they discover the patient isn't human at all. Old Beller, a legendary lead steer worth more than ten good cowhands, has taken ill. The temperamental animal is famous throughout Texas for his ability to control entire herds, leading cattle across impossible streams and keeping them calm during storms. Doc reluctantly examines the animal and determines Old Beller has cured himself, though he suggests the steer might have eaten something poisonous.

Waddell immediately blames Charlie, the camp cook who's been feeding table scraps to Old Beller, and fires him on the spot despite the old cook's tearful protests that he would never harm his friend. The heartbroken Charlie, with nowhere to go, ends up drinking away his sorrows in Dodge City, where he encounters Ab Slate, a man from a previous trail drive who seems very interested in Charlie's unfortunate situation with the famous lead steer.