Dutch George is a man Matt Dillon knew as a kid. He lived for a time in the town where Matt grew up. George is a notorious horse thief, but he is extremely careful and clever. Everyone knows what he does, but he has never been successfully prosecuted. He and his men steal horses in Kansas and exchange them with another group of thieves in Colorado. The horses stolen in Colorado are sold in Kansas and vice versa.
About ten miles outside Dodge City, George spots a beautiful bay horse. He discovers the horse is owned by a young man named Jimmy McQueen who is camping nearby. George sneaks into the camp, but McQueen is aware of his presence and draws a gun on the intruder. At first, McQueen is understandably suspicious, but he soon begins to let down his guard. When he turns his back on George, the horse thief knocks him out and steals the horse.
George rides the horse into Dodge and leaves it at Moss Grimmick's stables to be shod. McQueen walks to Dodge and tells Marshal Dillon about the theft. Based on the kid's description, Matt realizes George is the thief. The Marshal finally has the evidence he needs to apprehend George. Matt, Chester Goode, and McQueen go in pursuit of George, but Matt will soon learn McQueen has ideas of his own.
Robert Middleton perfectly portrays the Dutch George character in his second Gunsmoke appearance. His deceptive, smile and jovial demeanor belies his criminal activity. In fact, he is so likable that many others choose to befriend him, despite his chosen profession.
Tom Pittman plays Jimmy McQueen in this story. Pittman was an up-and-coming talent when he made this and his one other Gunsmoke appearance in Season 3. Unfortunately, he was killed shortly following his second series guest role in a horrible traffic accident when he was only 26 years old.
This story features an unusually clever script for writer John Dunkel. It is not often that Matt Dillon is outwitted as he is in this episode. The performances by Middleton and Pittman help make this episode stand out.