The episode opens up in Redwater, Texas 1858, a man named Sage and his men are planning to rob the local bank. Before leaving one of the new guys in the gang is nervous about the robbery, Sage kills him. They ride into Redwater rob the bank and take a hostage with them. Later Sage tells Dan York, one of the gang members, to kill the hostage. York refuses and has to kill Sage in order to keep the hostage alive. The hostage rides off and is none other than a man named Matt Dillon. York had been a mentor to Matt in early life and sent Matt on the straight and narrow.
Seventeen years later in the town of Dodge, York and a man named Baca come riding into town. York hears that Matt Dillon is the Marshal and goes over to talk with him about the time in Redwater. Matt remembers and is very grateful for York saving his life.
During his time in Dodge, York causes problems but Matt feels like he owes York and does not arrest him. It ends with York robbing the bank and Matt could have stopped York but failed to shoot. Now the townsfolk are upset with Matt for not protecting them.
Matt gets some luck about where York may be heading but first he goes to the telegraph office and sends his resignation from the Marshal service to the proper authorities. He then rides to Oklahoma where he believes York is staying. Since he is no longer the Marshal he is now able to joining York and Baca on their wave of robbing banks. But will Matt be able to live a life of crime.
Very interesting story and well acted especially by Edgar Buchanan. The only problem I had was the ending of the show. Without giving the ending away- I was confused exactly how the circumstance of the Marshal's job worked out. It just seemed to simple and nice and did not go with the rest of the story. With that said it was still a good watch.