Shell Tucker is normally a friendly and peaceful sort of a man. When Shell Tucker's wife swallows a nail, Shell's son (Rufe Tucker) sends for Doc Adams; however, Doc is unable to save Mrs. Tucker from this illness. Since Matt knows that Shell Tucker dislikes Doctors, Matt thinks Shell might try and take the death of his wife out on Doc Adams.. When Doc is shot at on the streets of Dodge, Matt, Chester and Doc ride out to Shell Tucker's farm to talk with Shell. Upon their arrival, they all notice that Shell's horse appears to have a broken leg. Doc believes that it is just a small fracture in the horse's leg and with the placement of a cast, the horse can be saved from being destroyed. Matt tells Shell that he will be arrested for attempted murder unless he agrees to let Doc treat the horse. Several weeks pass when Shell rides into Dodge and confronts Chester. Chester tells Matt and Doc that Shell might be out to get Doc Adams, but when Matt finally confronts Shell Tucker, he finds out (thetvdb.com)