A man with a shotgun is threatening to kill everyone that walks downhis sidewalk in his neighborhood. Joe Friday goes to see what it’s all about.

The old timer is waiting in ambush to shoot the person who poisoned his dog. He swears he knows who did it, and he’ll let them have it when they come bak. Friday tries to appeal to the man, and if he has enough evidence to stop threatening his neighbors, and make a proper police report.

The man’s crazy tone leaves his voice, and turns warm and loving when Friday listens to him talk about his former pet. The man recounts how he first got the dog, and some of his exploits in play, and bravery. The dogs friendly and faithful nature. After eight years of a close relationship with his constant companion,the final days of the dog is related.

Back to reality, the man still insists on shooting the man who poisoned his dog. Joe’s partner Frank finds out the man is something of a hermit, as they try to do some crowd control, and keep the crowd away. A neighbor lady verifies that there have been several dogs in the area that have been poisoned. A man with what appears to be tainted meat admits to the crime.

Though the poisoner is hauled off downtown, the gunman refuses to give up his gun, and faces a standoff. Will the riot squad need to shoot the man? Gas him out?

A little boy might have the answer that breaks the tension, and brings a peaceable end for Joe Friday. .