This is the first time in the series that we see Marshal Dillon get spooked by threats from a cowpoke that vows on killing him. It all begins when two men from a cattle drive ride into Dodge ready to party by shooting up the place. Matt has to take the gun away from one of the cowboys and then has to shoot the other named Ned Bulow after he tried to kill the Marshal. With Ned dead the other cowboy says that Matt's life is in danger because Ned's brother, Howard Bulow, will be in town to kill him not face to face but shoot him in the back.
Matt actually seems nervous as he starts questioning people in the shadows of buildings. When Howard introduces himself, he tells Matt that he is going to shoot him. Matt places Howard in jail.
The leader of the cattle drive comes into town and demands Howard release or his other men will come in and destroy the town. Matt, fearing for the town, releases a man that is bent on killing him.
This episode, even though more real than most, showed some weaknesses of Dodge that are not regularly seen. From Marshal Dillon's giving in to threats to citizens of Dodge conversing against the Marshal, this episode was different from so many. The episode was not as interesting as some previous plots but a nice watch nevertheless.