Original subtitles

(calm music)

(sawing)

(grunts)

- Wanna share the joke?

- No joke.

Ed's got Ben working for him twice the size of you,

and don't work half as hard.

- They're not working their own land.

- How does Jack always manage to disappear

when there's work to be done?

- He's gone up north.

Doesn't know when he'll be back.

(ominous music)

What are you looking at?

- Nothing.

- You were too.

(gun fires)

- That sounded pretty close.

Someone hunting.

- Not on my property.

At least nobody that asked.

- Probably just shooting for rabbits.

- Probably.

- [Rob] You're not expecting trouble, are you?

- I think it came from further over there.

- You strapped on that pistol pretty quickly.

- It's just habit.

- Come to think of it, you've kind of been on edge

all morning.

- I have not.

- Well, if you weren't then, you certainly are now.

- Rob, the only thing putting me on edge...

(groaning)

(calm music)

- Bullet's gone clean through.

Must have passed out from the pain.

Ever seen him before?

- No, you?

- No.

You reckon he's still out there?

- Better get him back to the house.

- Easy now, mister.

This is gonna hurt.

(groans)

What's your name?

- Taylor.

Sam Taylor.

- American?

- Yeah.

You got something against Americans?

- No.

Montana's from America.

- [Sam] Yeah, I kinda figured that.

- How'd you get yourself shot?

- Well, I come up across this man,

he was crouching down in the bushes,

staring off at something.

He must not have heard me until I was right up on him.

- Did he say anything?

- No, as soon as he saw me, he just turned and fired.

Blew me clean off my horse.

- Lucky to be alive.

- What'd he look like?

- He was a little bit taller than me,

and he wore a mustache.

And he had on a Stetson.

- American?

- Well now, he didn't say anything,

but very well could have been.

I don't know what he was up to, ma'am,

but the way he was hiding there,

he was definitely watching you.

- So what does Montana think?

- Whatever it is, she isn't telling me.

- Well, there are no sign of any tracks.

He could have headed off in any direction.

(horse cries)

It's the mare.

Must be Taylor's horse.

We'd better take it back to Montana's.

- Well, whoever did it could be miles away by now.

I'd better notify the troopers in Melbourne.

You think he was after Montana?

- Maybe.

Might have been waiting for me to leave.

- (sighs) He's cleaned me out.

- How much?

- About seven pounds.

Guess I'm lucky he didn't take my horse too.

Just have to wire Melbourne, get my company

to send some money to the bank here in town.

- Which company's that?

- US Consolidated Mining.

They hired me to do a geological survey.

I'd had a little experience back at home,

prospecting up in the Rockies out in Colorado.

You know much about Colorado, ma'am?

- Montana comes from...

- I've been there.

- It's beautiful country.

It's good ranching land.

(grunts)

Well, I guess I better head back into town

and rest up this shoulder a bit.

- Well, you're welcome to spend the night at our place.

- Oh no, that's alright.

I'll be fine, thanks.

- Well, you wouldn't be putting us out.

That shoulder needs some attention

and you wouldn't find that in town.

- Well, for one night, I guess.

I sure would appreciate that.

- Well, it might be a bit tough on horseback.

We'll just take it nice and easy.

- I think I'll manage.

Thank you for everything, Miss...

- Hale.

- Hale, alright.

- What's this all about, Montana?

- I don't know.

- You knew enough this morning to be on guard.

- Someone's been watching the house.

Last night, and this morning before you arrived.

- Who?

- I didn't see anything.

I just felt someone out there.

I guess it was whoever shot Taylor.

- Why'd you lie to him about Colorado?

- I said I'd been there.

- You lived there.

- Oh, just leave it, Rob!

- I think I'll stay.

- There's no need for that.

- I think whoever it is is waiting for you to be alone.

- More than likely it was just some drifter

who robbed Taylor.

He's probably halfway to Melbourne.

I'll see you in the morning.

(gun loads)

- You working at Montana's again today?

- Yeah.

She needs to finish those yards.

- Keep your eyes open.

- What, do you think he might come back?

- Hopefully he's got what he was after.

- And if he hasn't?

- Well, she's got me to look after her, hasn't she?

(laughs)

How's our patient this morning?

- Oh, I'm feeling fine.

I'm in good hands here.

- Well, she hasn't lost anyone yet.

- So tell me about this Montana.

Does she live out there all by herself?

- [Rob] Yeah, she does.

- She must get pretty lonely.

- Montana?

No.

- A pretty girl like that, come on, she must have a beau.

- Well, does she have a beau, Rob?

- Take care of that shoulder.

You really need to wear that gun?

- One more post to go.

- I thought you said he'd be halfway across the border

by now.

- Yeah, I expect so.

(rustling)

Well, Rob, I really appreciate your help

but if you've got things to do back at Langara.

- No hurry.

- Rob, you don't have to stick around.

- I'm here because I want to be.

Besides, you promised me lunch.

(ominous music)

- Stew.

That was quick.

- It's been simmering all morning.

- Expecting visitors, are you?

- Just you.

- Smells good.

Maybe you better taste it first.

(horse cries)

- Oh gosh.

(spits)

- Poison.

- It's alright, girl.

You're gonna be fine, just fine.

- I drained the water troughs.

How is she?

- Well, I mixed up something to clear it out

of their systems.

I think they'll be alright.

- I found this on the ground.

- What is it?

- Trappers use it to poison rabbits.

Fortunately, there was enough water in there

to dilute it down, otherwise they'd both be dead by now.

I think we'd better check your water tanks.

Might not be just the horses they were after.

What's going on?

Who's after you?

- What makes you think they're after me?

Your horse was poisoned too.

- Whoever shot Taylor's been watching you, not me.

- We don't know that for sure.

- Montana.

If you're in trouble, I can help you.

- There's nothing you can help me with.

- [Rob] It was left by the water trough,

as if we were meant to find it.

- Maybe it's a warning.

What did Montana say?

- Not much.

There's definitely something she's not telling me.

- Perhaps it's someone out for revenge.

- For what?

Montana wouldn't do anyone any harm.

You both know her, she wouldn't lie to us.

- Sure you're right, Rob.

- How's the shoulder?

- Coming along just fine, thank you.

- Hey, Charlie.

- Montana.

Looking for a shave?

- Not today.

Mind if I finish it?

- (laughs) I don't mind.

Yeah, you've got a gentle touch.

- I used to shave my grandfather.

- You're a lot prettier than Charlie.

(laughs)

- The man who shot you tried to poison my horses

this morning.

- Wow, that's terrible.

That's terrible.

Sounds like you've got yourself some real trouble.

It's a good thing you've got your friends here

to look after you.

- Is there anything else you remember about him?

- It happened so quickly.

- How old was he?

- I'd say he was probably 40, 45.

Short dark hair.

That's right, there was something wrong with his ear.

Ow!

- Oh, I'm sorry.

What do you mean?

- Like it had been torn.

There was a piece missing.

Do you think you know him?

Montana, are you alright?

- You sure you couldn't have been mistaken?

- That's what I saw.

You alright?

- Custer gave me a tonic for the horses.

- Good.

- You two seem pretty friendly.

- What's that supposed to mean?

- Oh, nothing, I just thought you looked like...

- Taylor took a shot that was probably meant for me.

He might well have saved my life.

Now did you want to talk to me about something?

- Kathleen's putting a story in the newspaper.

- You told her?

- Well, I think if someone's poisoning the stock,

people have a right to know...

- This is my business, Rob.

Mine and no one else's.

You shouldn't have told her.

- Montana.

Is everything alright?

- Everything's fine, Colin.

- I just heard what happened.

- Rob shouldn't have said anything.

It's my business and no one else's.

- He's worried about you.

We all are.

- Well, there's no need.

I can take care of myself.

- We'd like to believe we can most of the time, but...

- Everything's fine, Colin.

I've got work to do.

- If you change your mind.

(ominous music)

(gunshot)

(gasps)

(hammering)

- Who's out there, girl?

It's alright.

How about we get some breakfast, huh?

Steady, girl, steady.

(ominous music)

(flames crackling)

(coughing)

- I think your friend is back.

Hey.

Look at this.

It's lamp oil.

He must have just spread it around and then set it alight.

You're lucky you didn't lose this barn.

- Did you see him?

- No, no, I was out by the gate.

I just smelled the smoke.

- What brought you out here?

- I guess I was just worried about you

after that talk we had yesterday.

You know who did this, don't you?

- Maybe.

Why were you fixing my gate?

- It was loose.

Thought I'd just fix it while I waited for you.

Swept your porch too.

Figured it was the least I could do.

- I'm grateful.

- Well, I figure I ought a be on my way now.

- [Montana] Guess so.

- Probably see you in town.

- Yeah, thanks again.

Sam?

I got some stew on the stove, if you're hungry.

- Well, I shouldn't have said anything.

Now Montana's all fired up

because she thinks she can't trust me.

- Well, people should know if there's someone around

shooting innocent people and poisoning the water supply.

It's my duty to tell them.

- Regardless of how it affects Montana?

- I wouldn't do anything that would put Montana in danger.

I do wonder what there is in her past

that seems to have caught up with her

and why she won't talk about it.

- Didn't she talk to you about it once?

- No, not really.

We shared a few childhood memories, that's all.

It's just...

Well, think of how little we really know about her, Rob.

- I've always been taught to take people as I find them.

Doesn't matter who they are, where they're from.

I think Montana deserves a bit more trust

from the people that call themselves friends.

- I thought it might need a little salt.

Hope you don't mind.

- Yeah, I guess it could do with a bit.

- Other than that, it's mighty fine stew.

Don't you ever get homesick?

Think about going back to the States?

- Yeah, sometimes.

- You got family back there?

- How's your stew now?

- Couldn't be better.

Feel bad leaving you here alone.

- Don't.

- Well, next time it may not be the barn.

- Yeah, well, there won't be a next time.

I'll be ready for him.

- Still think you should ride into town with me.

- Sam, I appreciate your offer,

but I've got things to do here.

- Looks like you got company after all.

Hello, Rob.

- Taylor.

How's the shoulder?

- Shoulder's good.

Was just doing some chores around the house for Montana.

She's a fine woman.

And a good cook.

- Yeah, she's a good cook.

- Yeah, well, I'll see you around.

- What did he want?

- Oh, just passing.

- You invited him in, eh?

- He was hungry.

- What happened?

- It was just a bit of a fire, that's all.

Rob, please!

- He's been back, hasn't he?

Montana, has it ever occurred to you

that this has only been happening since Taylor arrived?

- Oh, you couldn't be more wrong, Rob.

- I think he's mixed up in all of this.

- He's not.

- Oh yeah?

Why not?

- Because I know who it is.

Someone from my past.

Something that doesn't involve you.

- And Montana was very stubborn about accepting my help.

In fact, I bet she just sent Rob packing as well.

- Rob can be pretty stubborn himself.

- I don't mean to pry,

but what do you know about Montana?

- Only what she's told us.

- Well, that's probably not much, right?

I'm sorry, Montana's your friend.

I've spoken out of turn.

- No need to apologize.

- It's just that when I described the man who shot me,

it scared her.

It really shook her.

Like she knows who it is.

- And she didn't say anything?

- No.

- Well, thank you for your concern.

- Thanks.

- Bye.

- Bye bye.

- I'm gonna head out there, see what's going on.

Could have been a lot worse.

- It's bad enough.

- It'll be dark soon.

I think you should come back with Rob and myself.

- Thanks, Matt, but I'm not going anywhere.

- I told her it could be the house next, with her in it.

- And if I'm not here, it'll be burnt down while I'm away.

- You know who it is, don't you?

- Knowing who it is doesn't mean I can stop it.

- Alright, I'll stay the night.

Rob can camp in the shed, I'll stay in the veranda.

- And what about tomorrow night?

And the next night and night after that?

I appreciate what you're trying to do, Matt,

but this is between him and me.

Anyway, Sam Taylor's gonna drop by later,

so I'll be just fine.

- Why can't Dad and Rob just go out and find him?

- Well, Rob thinks he must be camped way out in the bush

somewhere.

They weren't able to find any trace of him.

- Maybe he's gone for good.

- Maybe he has.

Maybe he hasn't.

So I think it might be a good idea if you stayed away

from Montana's place for the time being.

- But it isn't Montana's fault.

- I didn't say it was.

I just think it might be safer if you both stayed away,

alright?

Rob.

- You're doing the right thing.

It's what Montana wants.

She doesn't want me there either.

- I'm sorry.

- It's her life.

I really thought we were getting to know each other.

Like we were...

Just don't know what to believe.

- Believe what you feel.

And nothing else really matters.

- Montana!

Hello?

(ominous music)

(gunshot)

- Rob.

Are you alright?

- What happened?

- You've been shot.

Whoever it was is gone.

Bullet only grazed you.

(gasps)

Oh, Rob.

You could have been killed!

I thought I told you to stay away from here!

- Oh great.

I come out here to see if you're alright,

and I get yelled at.

- What do you think you were doing

sneaking around here anyway?

You can be grateful I didn't shoot you myself.

I wouldn't have missed.

- I don't believe this.

- Rob.

Wait!

- Thanks for nothing, Montana.

- You can't ride like that, I'm going with you.

- Don't bother.

- Alright, you have it your own way.

- Does one of us have to get killed

before you tell us what's going on?

(crying)

- Stop squirming.

- You think he might have mistaken you for Montana?

- Broad daylight, Dad.

It wasn't a mistake.

- Well, maybe it was a warning for you to keep away from...

- Montana knows who this is, she's just not telling us.

- Kathleen has a theory...

- I know, revenge.

But for what?

- Well, could be anything.

I'm gonna head out there, see what I can find...

- Dad, I've already looked.

He was on foot.

I followed him as far as I could and I lost him at the rise.

Could have hid his horse anywhere.

- Help if we knew who we were looking for.

- Yeah, well, Montana's not about to tell us, is she?

Look, if you're going into town to pick up those supplies,

I might ride in with you.

I want to send a telegram.

- Rob, I think...

- Alright.

- Rob.

- Dad, I'm alright.

Maybe this wasn't a warning.

Maybe he's just a really bad shot.

- [Danni] Kathleen said I wasn't to come here.

- You should have listened to her.

- Well, now that I'm here, I'm not going.

Not unless you come with me.

Please, Montana.

- Come on, Danni, git.

I don't want you hanging around here.

- Well, you shouldn't be hanging around here either.

What are you trying to prove?

You'll be safe at Langara.

We both will.

- I thought I'd be safe here.

I was wrong.

Off you go.

- Not unless you come too.

- Alright.

I'll come with you.

- Good.

(calm music)

- Good timing.

Just about finished.

- [Rob] Sorry, took a while.

- [Matt] Sam's been giving me a hand.

- Matt was telling me about you getting shot at?

- Yeah, I'm alright.

You seem to have healed up pretty quickly.

- Advantages of clean living.

- Hello, Montana.

- Oh, hello.

I get the feeling I'm not exactly welcome in town.

- People don't mean anything by it, it's just...

- Just that they're frightened to come near me.

Scared that their barn's gonna burn down?

I don't blame them.

I seem to have a knack for putting my friends in danger.

- You're putting yourself in danger.

This person doesn't give any warning.

Sam Taylor, Rob, they didn't have a chance

to defend themselves.

- He's not gonna give up on me.

Not until he gets what he wants.

- What does he want?

- Just me, I guess.

- But why?

- You've both been good friends to me.

I'll never forget that.

- Well, of course the money is available

but have you considered the alternatives?

- Look, I'll take it in gold.

- Bank notes are negotiable anywhere in the country.

I strongly recommend you take them.

- Gold.

Please, Herbert.

And I want you to sell Shoshoni Hills.

- Sell?

But...

- Rob McGregor should be interested.

I'd like him to have first refusal.

- But you need to get an appraisal.

You should have some idea what your property's worth.

- Whatever he's prepared to pay.

You can send the money from the sale to this address.

I'd like you to keep it confidential.

- Of course.

Montana.

- [Montana] I have to leave town.

- I cannot help thinking you're making a terrible mistake.

If you're in some sort of financial difficulty,

if you need money quickly, I can help.

- No, you can help by just doing what I've asked.

Thanks, Herbert.

I'll be back later for the gold.

- You know, if Montana Hale was up for auction in this town,

I don't think there'd be too many takers.

- Well, I can't blame them.

I wouldn't bid on myself either.

I'm pulling out.

- Oh, is that so?

You headed back to Colorado?

- No, Sydney.

- Well, that's where I was headed.

- Well, maybe we could travel together.

Safety in numbers.

You know, if you wanna say no, just say it.

I'll understand.

- No, that would be my pleasure.

- Thanks.

Got some people to say goodbye to.

- Sure.

I'll meet you right back here.

- [Danni] You can't leave.

- It's for the best.

- Does Rob know?

- Not yet.

- Montana, you don't have to do this.

The troopers arrive tomorrow,

and if they can find this man, then it's all over.

- No.

It's not gonna be over, Matt.

It's never gonna be over.

- (laughs) Well, everything comes to an end.

- That's what I'm trying to avoid.

- Look, we don't know what's happened in your past

but whatever your trouble is, we can help.

- I can't stay.

Believe me.

You just have to accept my word for it.

- Well, you take care of yourself.

(kisses)

You know, for a while there,

I thought the two of them might...

- How are you feeling?

- I'll live.

You're leaving, aren't you?

Montana, we've always been friends,

and I really thought given the time...

- No, Rob.

- No what?

- If you felt that there was anything between us,

I'm sorry I made you think that.

It's not the way I feel.

- I don't believe you.

- You know, the point is I've just had enough.

It's time for me to move on.

You've always wanted my property.

Make me an offer for it and it's yours.

- I don't want it.

Not like this.

I don't know why he's after you, but you can't let him win.

- Suit yourself.

Let go of me.

- No, you listen to me.

He's trying to drive you away from your friends.

He's trying to isolate you.

Now if you turn your back on us,

you're doing exactly what he wants.

- This time it was you, Rob.

Next time it could be Danni or Kathleen.

I can't let that happen.

- Whatever it is you've done,

you can't just walk away from it.

- Rob.

Goodbye.

(grunts)

- I really think you'd be safer on the train.

- I hate trains.

- Good luck, Montana.

- Goodbye.

- Any word?

- Sorry, Rob.

- I'll see you there.

(kisses)

- Matt, have you seen Rob?

There's a telegram for him.

- Rob's gone.

I think he was heading back to Langara.

- But Mr. Plunkard said he was waiting for this.

It is about Sam Taylor.

- What is it?

- It's from US Consolidated Mining.

They've never heard of a Sam Taylor.

- Matt.

- I have to find Montana.

Where was she heading?

- She specifically requested...

- Tell me.

Where were they heading?

- They've gone east.

To Sydney.

- It's a nice place.

- Yeah.

Rob and I used to come here sometimes.

(gun loads)

- Hello, Hetti.

Took me quite a while to get you away from your friends.

- What are you talking about?

- Had to be absolutely sure you were who I thought you were.

Hetti Lewis.

- You a bounty hunter?

- Oh no.

It's kinda more personal than that.

- Who are you?

- See, you knew my father.

Ted Collin, the man you murdered?

- You don't understand.

I had no choice.

- Really shook you when I described that US Marshal to you,

didn't it?

(laughs) The one you got away from?

You thought he was back on your trail again, didn't you?

- How'd you find me?

- That wasn't that hard, you see.

Once I knew that you were in Australia,

I just had to keep my eyes and ears open.

They told me an American girl had settled

somewhere around here.

Her name wasn't Hetti Lewis of course.

But then again, I figured you had good enough reason

to change it.

(grunts)

Montana Hale?

(laughs) I like that.

You like the way I shot myself?

It was kind of convincing, don't you think?

- Why did you shoot at Rob?

- I just wanted to scare him.

See, I don't kill innocent people.

Hetti.

I didn't even want to have to kill you.

- That's nice.

- But you see, I wanted to see that justice was served.

I want a trial.

And a hanging.

- But you have to get me back to the States first, right?

- That's right.

So I guess I'm just going to have to settle

for that hanging.

It's been a long time coming, Hetti.

You're a hard woman to convince.

- I'm a little hard to convince myself.

(gun loads)

Put the gun down, Taylor.

- Alright, Rob.

Who's gonna be first, huh?

Me or her?

You put the gun down.

Throw the rifle away!

(grunts)

(gunshot)

(gun loads)

- You had a clean shot!

You gonna tell me about this?

- What do you need to know?

- Is your real name Hetti Lewis?

- Well, he seemed to think so.

- Don't do this.

- Yes, that was my name once.

Now I'm Montana Hale.

- You said you killed his father.

- I did it to survive, Rob.

- So you did do it.

- I had no choice.

I had to protect my family.

- What do you mean?

- It's a long story.

If you believe in me at all, please believe in me now.

(horse whinnies)

- Telegram just arrived about Taylor.

- He's gone.

- You know, he's not who he claims to be.

- Yeah.

- Everything's alright.

- Thanks for coming out, Matt.

- Well, I suppose I better be getting back then.

- Thanks.

- Take care now.

- [Rob] What are you doing?

- Going to Sydney.

After that, who knows?

- Montana.

- I can't stay, Rob.

- Well, you can't go.

You can't just run forever.

- He'll be back.

- We'll fight him together.

- [Montana] Rob.

- You've got friends here.

You've got me.

And Dad and Kathleen, everyone else.

- They don't know Hetti Lewis.

- Well, they know Montana Hale.

That's all that matters.

Montana.

(peaceful music)

(kissing)

- [Narrator] Next on Snowy River, the McGregor saga.

- I'm placing you under arrest, Miss Lewis.

- What do you mean it's not my problem?

- It's not your concern, it's mine.

- No.

No, not this time.

We fight this one together.

- I hope you're happy with what you've done.

(punches)

- Rob?

- You can't save her this time.

- They'll never believe me.

- Neither will the jury.

- They'll still hang her, won't they?

- No they won't.

Not if I've got anything to do with it.

- Alright.

You can have your (mumbles).

On one condition, Matt.

I want you to represent me.

(calm music)