On the May 17th, 1959 episode of Gunsmoke, Cora meadows and her young son Tad are visited by a dying man named Rourke, who is seeking refuge at their home. The man is soon murdered in cold-blood right in front of their eyes. The killer says he will leave them alone if they mind their own business. However, Mrs Meadows is worried when her son goes missing, as she fears the brave little boy may have gone after the man.

(Photo from the private collection of Harry Bartell)