Original subtitles

♪

- Colonel? - Yeah?

- What is it, Parker? - It's lunch, sir.

I'm afraid the Welsh rarebit's going to spoil

if Miss Lark doesn't return soon, sir.

Parker, we've been cooped up in this car for three days

with that 17-year-old girl,

and it's the first time she's ventured out

to see what the rest of the train looks like.

For heaven's sake, let's enjoy the breather, huh?

I'll try, sir.

If you're worried about lunch spoiling, I won't wait.

I'll take mine now.

Right, sir.

That was Lark Walters.

Her father owns about half of Chicago

and a good share of the Comstock.

- And this train. - And this train.

Who's she riding with back there in the private car?

A rancher from Wyoming by the name of MacKenzie.

Used to be a colonel in the British Army.

That little lady sure has the life, huh?

The life, Edward. The life.

That little lady is the reason why it was so important

that we be on this train, and when we're through...

Grand Island, next stop. Grand Island.

There'll be a 30-minute layover for lunch.

You were saying?

Not just saying, Barton, promising.

Promising each one of you about $50,000 of Mr. Walters' money.

How?

Well, you haven't told us.

Time, gentlemen, time.

Sorry I'm late.

Oh, jolly good, just in time.

Oh, that looks beautiful.

Nothing at all, Miss Lark. Just something I whipped up.

Just like you've been doing ever since we left Chicago.

Honestly, I feel like I've put on 10 pounds.

But very attractively.

Compliments will get you nowhere.

Now, tell me, what new and exciting bit

of gossip have you got to tell me about the other passengers?

Well, let's see.

There's a woman with a baby, a drunk,

four men who look like four men.

Oh, and when we stopped at the last station,

two new passengers got on, and they are both in their 80s.

Nobody your own age, huh?

Darling, I'm sorry you're bored, but you did ask for it.

I suppose so.

I keep thinking how bored I might have been.

I might still be if I go back to Chicago

and marry Daddy's chosen one.

I found him a very attractive young man.

Also, he's very rich.

I'm already rich.

I just don't love him, that's all.

Well, you'll have all summer to decide.

Daddy never would have let me go if it hadn't been for you.

My uncle John knows my every thought.

For three months,

I'll be able to talk to somebody who understands.

Ah. I don't, huh?

No, no.

No, it's just... It's different with you.

You're my friend.

An old and dear friend, and I love you.

But my uncle John?

The first thing he'll say is,

"Let's take you to town and meet your young man,

keep you interested."

And that's exactly what your daddy doesn't want.

You'll meet another man. You've already got one.

Only if I want him. That was the deal.

I... I don't really know what love is yet.

If and when it happens, I... I want it to be real.

Can you understand?

Yes.

Oh, hello.

Is everything all right back here?

Oh, fine, thank you.

Miss Walters, do you remember the first time I saw you?

You were about five or six

right here in this very car with your father.

If I may say so, years have been very kind.

Thank you, Endicott.

We'll be pulling into Grand Island shortly

so the other passengers can have lunch.

You'll have an opportunity to stretch your legs.

Oh, splendid. We'll enjoy that, won't we?

Oh, by the way, Colonel, our engineer has extended

an invitation to you to come to the cab

whenever you like to see the engine first-hand.

Well, thank you, tell him we'll come there after the stop.

Right.

How would you like to go up and see the engine?

Oh, no, thank you. I rode in it when I was three.

Well, a little town.

We have half an hour to pass in this lovely town.

Shall we take a walk down the high street?

That's fine, then what'll we do for the next 25 minutes?

Come along.

♪

Not exactly the highest fashion, I would say.

Well, they're durable and very functional

- for this part of the country. - I suppose.

Come on.

Ah-ha!

I never did like guns.

Well, they have their function too, Lark,

you know, just like those dresses.

For this part of the country.

That's right.

Why, you dirty...

Get him!

We gonna let him get away with it?!

Let's get outta here!

♪

All right!

What'll they do?

Nothing, I think.

He had a lot of witnesses. He'll be all right.

Darling, I'm... I'm sorry you had to see this.

Let's go back to the train.

- Have you ever seen a lynching? - Never have.

- I think you're in luck. - What?

He's putting up a pretty good fight.

Too bad we can't stay around for the finish.

Stop the train! Stop it!

- Stop the train! Stop this train! - Got a schedule to keep!

- We can't stop the train to watch a hanging! - Stop it! Stop it!

All right!

Hands up over your heads, all of you!

Untie him!

Take that rope off his neck!

Take it off!

All right, come on now. Come over here.

Fire her up!

All right, come on, climb aboard.

Up there?

Yeah, come on! I won't tell you again!

- What about my horse? - Turn him loose!

I just paid my last $25 for him!

- Turn him loose! - Wow.

This looks like your lucky day, kid.

I hope you're not gonna turn that fugitive loose

among decent people.

I assure you, madam, he will not harm you.

You should have left him right where he was.

You'll find everything you need to clean up in there.

By the way, thanks.

Oh, Parker, do you want to go

and buy him a ticket in the other car?

- Yes, sir. - Right.

Now, young lady, when he comes out,

I want to talk to him in private, hmm?

So I'd appreciate it if you went to your room.

I know, I always get bundled off to my room

when something interesting's going to happen.

- "Interesting" is hardly the word. - Adventurous.

Lark, no.

It's an adventure to me.

It's got nothing to do with you whatever.

It was so wonderful to see.

One minute he was full of pain and despair,

and the next, joy.

Oh, I'll never forget the way he smiled

when he rode towards us.

It's as if he were saying,

"Death, you haven't gotten me yet.

Life's still on my side."

Do you mean to say you saw all that

in that scruffy face?

Oh, yes.

Lark, stop romanticizing.

Sometimes I wonder whether it's possible

for people your age to understand people mine.

Sometimes I wonder

if people your age understand that people my age

have already been your age and grown out of it.

Now go on.

Well.

Good afternoon.

Go on.

Pretty girl.

Sit down.

Oh, I... I think better on my feet.

Uh-huh. What's your name?

Pick one. I probably used it.

I want to know who you are.

Well, let's just say I'm a member

of a vast underprivileged.

Obviously.

All right.

See those tumbleweed out there?

I just blew in with them.

Mm-hmm.

Why'd you save my neck back there?

I saw the shootout.

I didn't want to see an innocent man hanged.

Well, that's fair enough.

I guess I thanked you.

Hey, wait a minute. I haven't finished with you yet.

After the shootout, you ran. Why?

I have my reasons.

Name one.

You wouldn't really expect me to tell you

if there was one, would you?

If you don't, I'll hand you over to the authorities.

You did kill a man, my friend. There has to be a hearing.

That's better. Now we can start all over again.

What's your name?

What's yours?

Alan MacKenzie.

- Of Her Majesty's what? - 17th Lancers.

A colonel.

Lieutenant Col... You're very perceptive.

No, no, not really.

You came on as strong as the light brigade back there.

You with your trusty rifle, why,

you robbed those angry locals of their afternoon sport.

You'd impress anyone, Lieutenant Colonel.

Yeah, I thought I was rather good.

But saving my life doesn't give you

the right to interrogate me.

Who I am is my own private business.

You must be a very solitary man.

Also a very hungry one.

Oh, excuse me.

Parker?

- You called, sir? - Yes, Parker.

What seat did you get this gentleman?

The end seat, right rail, the next car, sir.

There's a pillow and blanket in the rack.

Good, get some food ready

and give it to him there, will you?

Yes, sir.

Oh, what nom de plume to you want to be addressed by?

How does, uh, Roy Williams strike you?

We'll talk later, Mr. Williams.

Kind of liked it myself.

Uh, I don't suppose you'd tell me your name, would you?

No.

Perhaps if you answered my questions,

I might answer yours.

In the meantime, keep away from her.

Yes, sir, Lieutenant Colonel, sir.

- Cards. - Three.

Four.

Oh, that shows a lot of strength.

One.

Dealer takes three.

Check.

Check.

Bet a dollar.

Come on, come on, will you?

- Bet a dollar? - Yeah.

- How many'd you draw? - One.

- Raise you two. - Out.

Out.

I'll just call.

Three lovely ladies.

Aces and eights.

Mmm, little dead man's hand, huh?

Yeah, I hope it isn't prophetic.

Deal me out of this hand, will you?

Come on, move over a little

Hello, Roy.

Beat it.

Same old Roy.

You're disturbing my sleep.

I wouldn't be hasty. You could do with a friend.

Mama told me never to talk to strangers.

I'm not a stranger, Roy.

Never saw you before in my life.

Maybe I should tell Colonel MacKenzie

who you really are.

You can tell him anything you want.

I'd rather do business with you.

You're keeping me awake.

Boy.

I didn't bore you in the old days, Roy.

I don't know who you think I am,

but you're playing with a cold deck.

All right. I'll be back.

We got plenty of time.

Lark.

Yes.

He is not for you.

- Colonel? - Hmm?

Sorry to bother you, but some of the other passengers

are worried about that man you took on board.

- They are? - Yes, sir.

What have you been able to find out about him?

Not very much.

Well, sir, if you tell me

there's nothing to worry about, I'll take your word.

Don't concern yourself with him. I'll take full responsibility.

Thank you, Colonel, that takes a load off my mind.

What are you thinking?

How I thought at his age.

Why?

Well, how else can I get him to trust me?

You could start by trusting him.

Just like that? Wouldn't be right.

I have you to worry about, everybody else on this train.

If he won't talk to me,

I'll have to hand him over to the authorities.

- Let me talk to him. - No.

But maybe he'd tell me about himself.

You'd be with me. What could happen?

The possibilities are staggering.

But I want to help him.

No!

Oh...

I don't want to be a jailer.

It's just that I have to take care of you.

I've had enough care! I've been stifled all my life.

How do you feel?

I could sleep for a week.

Have you decided to tell me about yourself?

Nope.

I just wanted to see if she was real.

Thought maybe I dreamed her.

Now you forget her. She's out of bounds to you.

Ah, Colonel, don't give me orders.

Well, now, when you've decided to give me the facts,

I'll be in the next car.

In the meantime, you stay in your seat

whether you like orders or not.

I may want a little exercise.

All right.

Now, in that case, the conductor may want to lock you up.

That just might be the best thing for both of us.

♪

Parker.

Miss Lark's turned in?

Would you like a nightcap, sir?

No, thank you, Parker.

Are you sleepy?

No, sir. I thought I'd read a while, sir.

Would you mind doing it in there?

I think you and I should split a watch tonight.

Right-o, sir.

Make sure he stays there, huh?

He's a strange one, isn't he, sir?

Yeah. I'll relieve you at 4:00.

You know, sir, there's something very likable about that chap.

I wouldn't trust him further than I can throw a bull.

I don't know what makes you so stubborn at times.

Did you say something, Parker?

No, sir.

Just as well you didn't.

I'm still here, Mr. Parker.

You've got holes in your hat.

That, my friend is a professional secret.

Are you hungry?

Oh, no, thanks. Where are we?

Just crossed the Nebraska border.

You missed some lovely scenery this afternoon.

Yeah.

You got some beautiful scenery in the next car there, too.

You better not let the Colonel hear you

talking about Miss Lark that way.

Lark.

What a perfect name for her.

♪

Lark.

You know my name.

You paying a social call or just passing through?

I...

I wanted to talk to you.

Oh, well, now that's a coincidence.

Is it?

Of course.

Why?

People around here sure ask a lot of questions.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Sit down.

Come on, it's safe.

I only beat ladies on alternate Thursdays.

Oh, well, that's good. Today isn't Thursday.

- You're lucky. - Yeah.

I don't know what's gonna happen if I get caught.

I'm not supposed to talk to you.

You'd better listen to your elders.

You know they're right.

The cat got your tongue?

Oh.

I guess so.

Oh, there were so many things that I wanted to ask you.

I can't remember them.

Well, that's good.

No, that's bad.

It's bad?

People have to be able to communicate.

Well, I like quiet girls.

When you met other girls like... Like this...

what did they talk about?

Well, I've never met another girl like this.

Really?

Mm-hmm.

- That's wonderful. - Oh, it is?

We have something in common.

What?

Were you afraid this afternoon?

Oh, you bet, I was staring right down the devil's tonsils.

Did you really believe you were going to die?

Well, that thought did cross my mind.

Well...

I'm really glad we came along when we did.

Yeah, your timing was perfect.

Say, are you related to the colonel?

Oh, no, no, not really.

He's just my uncle Alan.

Well, I'm sure glad he isn't mine.

- Why? - Well, he's too curious.

Oh, if people weren't curious,

nobody'd ever know anything about anybody.

Mm-hmm.

Did you ever run through a muddy cornfield

with your bare feet and let the mud

just squish up between your toes?

Did you ever or fall down in one of those beautiful dresses

- and skin your knee? - Well, yes, of course.

- Really? - Mm-hmm.

Look who's asking all the questions.

- Well, I guess I did get carried away. - Yeah.

You have a wonderful smile.

You should smile more often.

Well, I can't go around grinning all the time.

Why not? It's very friendly.

But I'm not a friendly man.

You are. You're very friendly.

You're very pretty, but beware of my motives.

Whenever you say something nice, why do you take it back?

Just plain contrariness, I guess.

Are you afraid someone will maybe think you're nice?

Well, I don't care whether they do or not.

Are you married?

What's so funny?

I wouldn't marry any woman who'd have me.

A lot of nice ladies would have you.

Would you?

I might.

When I got to know you better.

I...

I just hate to be laughed at.

You don't know how funny that is.

Are you afraid of being hurt, too?

No one can hurt me.

I guess I've survived every kind of hurt there is.

Maybe...

when I know you better, you'll tell me about it.

You're not gonna get to know me better.

- You're wrong. - Oh?

You and I...

We were meant to meet.

You may be pretty, but you sure are confusing.

And rich, too, and I'm not.

If I told you...

If I told you...

that...

I could love you...

what would you say?

Well, I guess I'd ask you how old you were.

What has age got to do with it?

- How old are you, 15, 16? - I am 17.

- I'm old enough. - Not for me.

How old are you?

Well, I'm at least 150 years old.

Young lady? You get back where you belong.

Go on.

Don't worry, colonel, I didn't damage the merchandise.

You, too.

Oh, I think I'll just stay here with the common folk.

No, you won't, not now.

Come on.

Heaven help the male population when she's 18.

Parker!

Who goes there?

If you were in the Army now,

you'd be shot for dereliction of duty.

- What happened, sir? - Because they were in the other car together!

Oh, my sainted heart.

We were only talking.

You weren't only talking when I saw you.

What were they doing, sir?

Never mind.

As bad as all that, huh?

Parker! Will you get out of here?

Yes, sir.

Uncle Alan...

Don't call me uncle! I'm not your uncle!

You knew she was a young, innocent girl.

She still is, what in blazes you think went on?

And I told you to keep away from him.

I tried to. I really tried to.

Why was staying away from me such a problem?

- Because she's a romantic girl! - Why don't you let her tell me?

When I first saw you riding towards the train,

I thought you were coming for me.

And then later on in here, I felt it even more strongly.

That's why I had to talk to you.

I had to find out if it was my imagination

or if it was something you felt, too.

She was waiting for Prince Charming,

and suddenly, there you were on your $25 horse

with a rope around your neck.

- Still Prince Charming. - Is that how you see yourself?

- Is that how you saw me? - Yes.

And how long is she going to see you like that?

- I don't know. - I know.

Look, I promised your father that I would deliver you

to your uncle in Cheyenne, and I'm going to do it.

- You bet you are. - Why do you hate him?

I don't hate him. I'm worried about you.

I'm not.

He's right, Lark.

You don't know anything about me.

Maybe I'm a thief.

Maybe... maybe I escaped from prison

when he saved my neck back there.

Maybe I'm a murderer.

No, I don't believe that.

What do you believe?

I believe love has your face.

And your smile.

Would you like me to go back to my car?

No, you stay here.

Night, colonel.

♪

Did you recognize the fellow

the colonel rescued this afternoon?

No. Should I?

Well, I guess old acquaintances mean more to me

than they do you.

He used to be a neighbor of yours.

- Neighbor? - Yeah.

For at least five years,

he was in the cell block next to yours at Lincoln.

That's not Joe Merlin.

No, no, no, Joe Merlin was between you and me.

Who was on the other side of you?

- Roy Evans? - Uh-huh.

- But he was just a kid. - Kids grow up.

Roy Evans?

Now I want you to have a talk with him.

I want you to say...

Enjoying your trip, gentlemen?

What I want you to say...

Like a drink?

Waste of good bourbon.

There's a time when a man needs a drink.

Cheers.

Cheers.

Tell me...

why do find it impossible to believe

that I want to help you?

Oh, I don't find it impossible.

Well, then why don't you tell me the truth about yourself?

You saved my life.

I thought you deserved better than a lie.

But not the truth.

Do you want me to hand you over to the authorities?

That's your decision.

He's testing you so he'll know how much he can tell you.

Lark, will you let me talk to the man alone?

I want to know what's happening, and I can't hear you in there.

Good.

Please talk to him.

You don't have to be afraid.

He's stern, but he's fair.

He'll help you if you'll let him.

You think everyone's against you.

Well, they aren't.

You think everyone is good.

Don't you think anyone is?

I grew up in the world.

I know it takes a tough hide

and a pretty suspicious nature to survive.

What's gonna happen to you?

You're tough and suspicious enough

for both of us.

Lark, will you leave us alone?

I'm going.

Please tell him what he wants to know.

It doesn't matter to me, but it matters to him.

I can see why she's a problem to you.

You listen to me.

If you have any ideas of running off with her, I'll stop you.

One way or another, I'll stop you.

Maybe she's worth the risk.

You don't even know her.

I've known her all my life.

She was the little girl I couldn't sit next to

in Sunday school.

She was the one I couldn't take to the dance.

Or the one that got called in

when her mother saw me talking to her.

Oh, I know her.

Well, you can't expect Lark to pay for all that.

Why not? She can afford it.

What makes you think my love

isn't as good as any other man's?

- Why don't you think it isn't? - I do.

No, you don't.

You don't take pride in your real name, hmm?

A man's a fool if he can't recognize help

when it's being offered to him.

I've been offered help before. Lies, always lies.

Oh, yes, so you're never gonna trust anyone again.

- That's right. - Spend the rest of your life running,

- suspicious of everyone. - Everyone but her.

She's not for you.

What right do you have to say that?

You lived your life, didn't you? Married who you pleased.

Yes.

But I had a home to take her to.

I had a profession. I had an honorable name.

Those are your values. Don't try to inflict them on me.

Listen, my nameless friend.

You keep away from that girl

or I'll take you back to Grand Island myself.

Hi, Roy.

Get out of here.

Is that the way you say hello to an old buddy?

When'd you get out?

Why the cold shoulder?

Wasn't I always nice to you?

Didn't I take care of you

when those two guards worked you over? Hmm?

All right. Let's talk a little business.

How would you like to pick up a nice, easy 10,000?

20.

I said shove off.

Don't fly off the handle. I'll up the ante.

There are four of us. With you, it'll make five.

What would you say to 50,000 apiece, maybe more?

To do what?

For helping a certain young lady off the train.

Who's putting up the cash?

Her millionaire daddy, Mr. Fred Walters.

Why would he pay to get her off the train?

No, no, you got it all backwards.

What he's gonna pay for is to get her back.

You're crazy. You'll never get away with it.

Jackson says we will.

When's all this gonna take place?

No, not so fast, sonny.

First I want to know...

are you with us?

You got a hideout?

Yeah, we got a good hideout.

Well, I could use a hideout.

Yeah, I figured you could.

What guarantee do I have that you'd cut me in?

My word.

And Jackson's.

That's not much.

Well, we have tonight to trust one another.

Anyhow, nobody's gonna cross you, Roy.

We all remember what you were in for.

What about the girl? Will she be safe?

She'll have you to protect her.

And you say there's four of you.

Five, including you.

What do you say? How about it?

You ready for the big time?

$50,000.

It's got a nice sound, hasn't it, Roy?

Nice figure.

Is it a deal?

I'll let you know.

Look...

you already know.

Now, if you should decide not to join us and squeal...

you'll remember...

there are four of us.

By the way, what made you run back there in Grand Island?

Wouldn't you?

Well, considering, I guess I would.

Considering.

Hey... you've changed, kid.

You've grown up.

That's right.

Don't you get any ideas about crossing me.

I won't.

We'll get in touch with you later,

give you a chance to think about it.

Hey.

I'll let you know.

Sure I can't get you anything?

No.

You don't have to sit up because of me.

I won't go out again tonight, I promise.

Now all I have to worry about is somebody coming in.

He's sleeping.

Isn't it marvelous?

None of us here can sleep, but he drifts up like a baby.

He's had an exhausting day.

So have I.

Isn't it strange how fast the world can change?

Isn't it wonderful?

Lark.. I don't know...

I feel you're in danger.

He wouldn't hurt me.

How do we know what he'll do?

It's something I picked up as a soldier, sixth sense.

But I have a feeling that something's very wrong.

Don't worry.

You're just in time for warm milk.

Never touch it. You wanted to see me?

Yes.

If necessary, I've decided

to hand you over to the sheriff in Cheyenne.

Why the if?

Think about it.

Cheyenne's the end of the line for me, too.

Then I guess we'll be saying goodbye.

Oh, no, I've decided even if it's jail,

I'm going with you.

The colonel won't like that.

It is my life.

Lark, I'd like to talk to you alone,

but I can see the colonel isn't gonna let that happen.

You're right.

If I weren't a man on a $25 horse

with a rope around my neck,

and if I weren't exactly what he says I am, nothing,

no one could keep me from you.

It doesn't matter what you've been.

Oh, yes, it does.

Only a child would say it wouldn't.

I'm not a child.

But you are.

It's one of the many lovely things about you.

And you can't love me?

Sit.

Lark...

Where were you the September you were 15?

I was...

in private school.

September I was 15,

I was in the penitentiary at Lincoln.

I told you, it doesn't matter.

While you were learning music and literature,

I was learning the tricks of thieves and murderers.

Your teachers were professors. Mine were inmates.

I've lived with every filth known to man.

Lark, I'd destroy you.

I wouldn't want to, but I would.

It's all behind you.

All that matters now is what we make of life together.

No.

There is hope for us! Will you stop saying no?

I was put in prison at the age of 15

for killing a man!

Did you do it?

Yes.

- Why? - Didn't you hear what I said?

You said you killed a man. I want to know why.

It doesn't matter why.

It's the only thing that does matter.

All these years, no one ever once said that.

All they ever said was, "You killed a man.

You have to be locked up."

How did you get out?

Did you escape?

No.

I was paroled. Finally.

Five days before I walked into that saloon

at Grand Island.

The last thing I needed was that man

pushing me around, starting a fight.

The judge told me, "I'm letting you out."

Said, "I was gonna give you a chance at life.

One mistake and back you go."

That was why you ran.

What choice did I have, Colonel?

As far as I can see, none.

At your age, I'd have done exactly the same thing.

Thank you.

The first men you...

you killed?

Did you have a choice then?

He killed my mother.

I killed him.

I guess if I had it to do over, I'd still do it.

But it's done.

You don't have it to do over.

Now you know why you mustn't go

flinging yourself at strangers.

You know exactly who and what I am.

- Goodbye, Lark. - No.

Alan, what am I going to do?

What are you going to do?

I don't know.

I don't know.

I, uh... was hoping you'd be here.

I was wishing you were.

He's sleeping.

I couldn't sleep.

I just wanted to say I...

I was a little rough telling you about myself.

I'm sorry.

What I was trying to say was that, uh...

you couldn't possibly love anyone like me.

But I do.

I mean, he's... He's right, you know.

I'm nobody's Prince Charming.

You're mine.

You'd really come with me and share my life?

Yes.

- Live on what I could make. - Yes.

Go hungry when I couldn't make it?

I have money.

And you'd give it to me?

Of course.

And love me when I took it?

Yes.

But life doesn't work that way.

A man has to provide.

All right, I'll live on what you provide.

Wouldn't be much. A cowhand's wages.

My grandmother raised nine children

on a cowhand's wages.

With hands like these?

I'll learn to use them.

I'll cook and clean and sew and garden.

I'll be in the doorway mornings to see you ride off.

I'll be waiting there at night.

I'll be a good wife.

I'll tell you something, I...

I'd love to see you standing in my doorway.

Then you shall.

I'd love to ride beside you into town.

Without a quarter in my pocket, I'd feel wealthy.

I'd feel complete.

I'd be yours.

You'll take me and love me as I am?

Forever.

All right.

Why not?

Now I gotta make plans. You'll do as I say.

Of course. Anything you say.

Maybe I can make better than a cowhand's wages after all.

Roy, suppose I hadn't taken the train.

I've got to figure this thing out.

- Now don't say anything to him. - Okay, I promise.

♪

Your memory return, did it, Roy?

$50,000 has a way of helping.

I don't know if you know Rex or remember him.

You might recall my having spoken of him.

Is it true you can shoot the eye out of the needle?

Not without ruining the needle.

That's too bad. Is he the other one?

Mm-hmm.

Can't be gone too long. What's your plan?

Now when the train stops here for water,

my cousin Harry will meet us here with horses.

Harry and Ed will start fires here,

under the observation platform, and there,

at the end of this car underneath the window.

Rex will take this side road, cut over here,

join Harry with the horses and be prepared to back us up.

Barton and I will be standing here

on either side of the private car entrance.

When you hear us yell "fire,"

you pick it up inside and hustle her out.

Barton and I will help you get her to the horses.

About a quarter of a mile up,

there's a fork near Boulder Creek.

We'll wait there, the rest of them will join us later.

What about the colonel and his men?

Harry and Rex will take care of him.

Or the fire will.

I promise you the girl will not be harmed.

She's the golden goose.

What do you think of the plan?

It's as good as any, I guess. I don't see any problem.

I'm glad you finally decided to join us.

You haven't had many good breaks lately.

Well, it was nice of you to ask me.

Oh, well, you've had possibilities

ever since you were a boy.

I'm just sorry that up until today,

I couldn't do anything about it.

You're trying to make me feel obligated.

- Never. - Well, you succeeded.

Do you have any obligations to the colonel?

- What do you mean, like gratitude? - Yes.

I didn't ask him to stick his nose in my business.

He did save your life.

That was his decision.

Then you're not burdened by any sense of loyalty.

The colonel's already told me

he's turning me over to the authorities.

No. He's not as smart as I thought he was.

You satisfied?

Yeah.

So am I.

- We have a deal. - Good, I better get back.

Now don't come up here anymore. We'll be in touch.

Right.

Oh, I'm sorry. I...

Is... is that the observation platform out there?

No, it's a private car.

Well, guess I'll get a little air.

Would you care to join me?

You want to waste some more bourbon?

Well, it wasn't entirely wasted.

There's some men running around outside.

They're throwing brush under the car, sir.

- The carriage is on fire. - Come on, let's get outta here.

Don't go out.

What's the meaning of this?

Trust me, please.

All right, I do.

Quick. Get down.

There are five men out there. They're dangerous and armed.

It's an attempt to kidnap Lark.

What?

You stay with her. Don't let her go outside.

I'll be as quick as I can.

- You got your gun? - Right here, sir.

- Then you go cover the door. - Yes, sir.

Okay.

The train's on fire!

Come on out or you'll be burned alive!

Come on out or you'll all be cremated!

You stay down. Stay down. Stay there.

All right, you better come out.

All right, raise your hands.

Way up, come on.

Now come on down here. Come on, over there.

Come on.

Over there. Drop your guns.

Alan, where's Roy?

- Get back in the car! - Alan!

Fine. You look absolutely respectable.

We were fortunate to find those duds.

Dry goods store at Potter Station

only had three shirts, and one was for a midget.

I seem to be a pretty good doctor.

- How's the shoulder? - Feels pretty good.

Oh, you're beautiful.

Men aren't beautiful.

Well, you are.

Tell her.

No, I've given up telling you two anything.

We are going to be the most handsome couple in Cheyenne.

Lark...

you and I are gonna say goodbye on the train.

Goodbye?

Yes.

He made you say that.

I make my own decisions.

Then you don't love me?

When Jackson made that offer, I almost took it.

But you didn't take it.

I knew if I threw in with him, I could have money.

Then I realized I could still have money because...

Because I could have you.

I see.

But you don't want a man who'd take you

for that kind of reason.

I wish everyone would just stop telling me what I want.

You want a man that's got something to give,

a home, a profession, an honorable name.

I don't know where I'm going

or what I'm gonna be when I get there.

I...

I just don't know what to say to you anymore.

Well, I'll tell you what to say.

Say it's been a pleasant journey,

nice knowing you, and goodbye.

Roy...

why must it end this way?

'Cause it never really began.

We haven't been involved with each other.

We've been involved with ourselves.

- That's not true. - Oh, yes, it is.

I've been at war with myself.

You've been at war with your absent father,

your uncle Alan and me.

You just wanted to convince us you were a woman.

Well, you did.

I thought it was happiness to love.

But it hurts.

Darling, I know what you're feeling.

Shh.

Lark...

darling, you're 17.

You have everything ahead of you,

a world full of new and exciting things.

You understand?

Well, of course.

All along, I thought you didn't.

Yes.

It's so funny.

It's all over, and...

the trip seemed so short.

Oh...

Hey.

Why don't you go and get ready, hmm?

Okay. Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Thank you.

Go on.

Well, we'll be in Cheyenne in a few minutes.

If the penitentiary has gotten in touch with the sheriff,

the name will be Roy Evans.

Well, your real name at last, huh?

Well, not really.

If you must know, I was christened Tate.

Mr. Tate?

It's been interesting.

♪

- Hello, sheriff. - Morning, Colonel MacKenzie.

I hear you had a little trouble up the line.

Yes, just a little,

but it helped relieve the boredom of a long journey.

They picked up the men who attacked your car,

but there's been no word on a murderer named Evans,

Roy Evans.

You didn't happen to run across him.

Roy Evans.

Could that have been the chap

who ran off at the watering stop?

Yeah, yeah, that could be.

Yes.

Well, I'll notify them.

What I'm really here for is to escort

Miss Walters to her uncle's ranch.

He was held up by a washout.

Well, here she is right now.

Thank you.

Wasn't so bad, was it?

I just aged a hundred years.

What you said to Lark, I want to thank you.

I know what it must have cost you.

Well.

Hey, I owe you a horse.

For what?

I made you turn your horse loose.

The least I can do is to outfit you.

No, no, no. Thanks, colonel.

But I'd say we're even.

You'll never make an outlaw.

You just don't have the temperament.

Look, my ranch, Shiloh,

is outside a little town called Medicine Bow.

I've been through Medicine Bow.

Would you like a job there?

I don't think I'm ready to settle down, colonel.

Well, you have to settle down sometime.

You can't keep running forever.

How far did you say it was to Shiloh?

Not very far. Come on!

♪

♪