Ep 10. The Boots

In season 5, episode 10 of Gunsmoke titled "The Boots," Matt Dillon and his friend, the blacksmith Quint Asper, take on a group of outlaws who have been robbing and murdering travelers on the prairie. Things take an unexpected turn when they discover the outlaws are being led by an unlikely figure - a young boy named Andy Walker.

As Matt and Quint track down the outlaws, they stumble upon a cabin where Andy is hiding. Andy is a scrawny, wide-eyed kid who looks no more than ten years old. He claims he's been forced into leading the gang out of fear for his life. Matt and Quint are skeptical but they can't help feeling pity for the young boy.

Meanwhile, a group of cattlemen are on their way to Dodge City to sell their cattle. They stop by a saloon where they meet a shady character named Gabe. Gabe takes advantage of the cattlemen's good nature and convinces them to purchase a pair of boots he claims belonged to none other than Jesse James. The cattlemen are thrilled to own a piece of history and eagerly buy the boots for a hefty sum.

Back in Dodge City, Matt discovers that the boots the cattlemen bought were actually stolen from the local blacksmith. He confronts Gabe, who is wearing the boots, and a fight ensues. Gabe pulls out a knife but Matt, with his quick reflexes, manages to disarm him and take him into custody.

As the day progresses, Matt and Quint continue to track down the outlaws and eventually catch up with them. They engage in a shootout that results in several injuries and one fatality. Andy, who had been cowering behind a rock, finally decides to reveal himself and surrender. He tearfully confesses that he was forced into joining the gang after they murdered his father.

In the end, Andy is handed over to the authorities and the outlaws are brought to justice. Matt and Quint return to Dodge City where they find the cattlemen still wearing the Jesse James boots. Matt confiscates the boots and returns them to the rightful owner - the blacksmith.

"The Boots" is a classic episode of Gunsmoke that showcases the show's ability to tell gripping stories with unexpected twists and turns. The episode features strong performances from the cast, particularly from James Arness as the always stoic and level-headed Matt Dillon. The storyline is well-crafted and keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.