It's a lazy day in Dodge until the stagecoach comes screaming into town. The driver tells Marshal Dillon that three gunmen tried to rob the stage but the shotgun man was able to injure two of the bandits before being killed. The driver said they did not get another but he believes one of the men was Howard Brant.
Matt, Chester and Doc ride out to the Brant's farm and find Howard hurt badly. His wife advises that ever since he has been hanging around Jed Butler she knew he was in some type of trouble. Matt and Chester ride out to see if they can pick up the trail leaving Doc trying to heal the wounded gunman.
A few days later Matt finds out that Howard Brant had died but that Doc never returned to town. With the help from his Pawnee Indian friend, Matt is able to find that Doc is being held at gunpoint by Jed as he mends the wounds of the other bandit. Matt may have to risk his life in order to save his friend.
A nice story that was entertaining to the very end. The ending is rather sappy but it does not take away from the development of characters of the show or the viewing content. A good look as the actors are molding into their characters that will last for many years. Good watch.