Original subtitles

Thank you.

The direction he took, yeah. I'd say he's got selling on his mind.

Slave trade's flourishing business out there, Cimarron, ma 'am.

We have to catch up with him somehow.

Well, I've got an idea. Cut right across them flats, meet him at Crazy Man Pass.

It's a real rough ride.

We'll ride both day and night, Mr.

Peasley.

He'll bring us a good price down in the valley.

Something wrong?

Let's get him!

That gal didn't look too old. I hold out for a pant and gripe. Five, maybe six

hundred dollars.

There he is.

You take him from the front.

and the sunset.

Barring murder and mayhem and rape, you can just consider that the law owes you

a favor.

I never saw it necessary to commit any of those crimes, Judge.

Well, the Missouri governor will pardon them. A pardon? The governor of Missouri

would go along with your judgment on that?

Oh, I think he'll trust my instincts that justice is being well served.

I don't see how a judge could be recommended an easy time for a boy

Commits himself half a dozen murders.

You, uh, are taking too kindly to me. Oh, why would I not be taking kindly to

you? All I know about you is that record the judge has me write in my arrest

book. Putting a bullet in the armor of Sheriff Martin Stillman.

Crippling a lawman.

Well, I'll be waiting at the jail for you to turn yourself in.

Hold your fire!

Catch these dogs!

Never mind about that. We go.

We kill. Half a dozen head of cattle is a cheap price to pay for getting across

Apache land.

Get back to her. Get her rounded up.

That makes it easy.

Mr. McCann.

Of course, this will all be a matter of public record at your extradition

hearing. So, have you got any reservations about seeing past actions

We'll forego the interview.

No? Fine with me.

Luke's not with Uncle Zev anymore. He's in jail.

What? In jail? I think maybe I should head on down to New Mexico.

Now, that's a thought.

Luke might need a lawyer.

Yes, perhaps you should take that trip, Josh.

Yes, by all means.

Sheriff's still.

I guess you heard.

He's no longer a sheriff.

You know he's a wealthy man now in the feed and grain business.

But that money don't mean nothing to him.

All he thinks about is some wet -eared kid that got him walking around with an

arm full of pain.

Luke McKay and his freed, I dedicate myself to making him regret he ever left

that jail cell.

So help me, almighty God.

Tiny bits of metal in the roots.

See? I'm afraid to think what this might be. This looks like gold.

Gold! Could very well be.

We've got...

That man Peasley.

Whatever it is, B's home cooking just ain't been invented yet.

I kind of miss you not putting the onions, you know.

I'm not faulting you, you see.

Your woman would taste, Molly. I can see that.

It's a fine eye to see the quality here.

Why, thank you.

You know, I've taken a good deal of pleasure collecting these over the

I want to thank you for all your labor here today.

I can see that you weren't dressed for this kind of work.

It's nothing, Molly. My cordon clothes seem worse than this.

Did you say cordon clothes?

Yeah, I was a keeper set just in case, you know.

You know, Molly, those trail clothes after a while get to smelling like old

leather.

You know, other women just can't abide men smelling like a cured hide.

Yes, I can see some women having objections.

Mr. Peasley, did you feel that this was the time to, well, wear your

cotton clothes?

Look, Molly, I sort of, I know how it must be for you. I

mean, being a widow and all, and you, well, you get a little lonely sometimes.

No, it's hard to talk about.

I mean, modestly.

You know, Mr. Peasley, I have to admit I've never quite met a man like you.

You mean for being frank?

Oh, well, yes, that too.

Well, Molly, I think in this world, man sees something he really wants, you

know, and he's just got to go ahead and take it.

Yes, of course.

Since we're being frank, Mr. Beasley, and since you'll obviously

be leaving us soon, and it's highly unlikely that you and I will be seeing

other again.

Now, I'm trying to be polite, you understand.

Wait a minute, Molly. What are you saying? You're saying that you don't see

yourself tussling in the hay with me?

Tussling in the hay? Saints preserve us. No.

What's bothering you?

I'd kind of like to know where we're going.

Are you a little deaf?

I know you said you're going to see the judge, but... Well, I don't mind telling

you, Marshal, I'm getting a little nervous being around you.

Well, you want me to lock you back in your cell and tell the judge you don't

want to see him?

No, of course not.

Look my boy good to see

What is this, Dave? It's hardly necessary under the circumstances.

Well, the rules judge moving prisoners around.

But you take the responsibility.

Dave likes to play the hard -nosed lawman, but he still bounces a half a

children on his knee.

Now, Dave, why don't you order whatever you like and just sign my name to it?

I'm going to keep Luke here with me for a while.

All right.

Sure glad to see you back in town.

Well, I wish I'd have been in town to advise you against the interview that

gave the Chronicle.

Yeah, I'm sorry about that, Judge.

I know it came out badly.

That newspaper feller, Walters, he just showed up at the jail.

He said it was all going to be a matter of public record or would be at the

hearing.

Well, I guess we just talked.

Well, the attorneys or the governor didn't think they did you any good.

He's down here. I want to introduce you. Come on.

Mr. Zachary Knight, this is Luke McCain.

You two are going to see a great deal of each other in the next few weeks.

Well, not about finding and giving out any more exclusive interviews on the

making of a killer.

Granted, that was a lack of judgment.

But we've both been burned by the press at one time or another, haven't we,

Zach? I suppose so.

Oh, yes, my dear. I'll have another brandy. What do you prefer, Luke?

Beer, thank you.

You speak to anybody but the judge and me from this point on.

You deserve what you get, which is being sent up to Missouri to stand trial

there.

This act doesn't start to mellow until his stomach starts screaming for mercy.

Oh, by the way, I heard from Missouri.

We shouldn't have any problems as long as Luke turns out to be reasonably

Now, the hearing will take place in a couple of weeks. That should be

notice to anybody who wishes to testify for or against.

Now, we're going to keep it pretty informal and...

Sheriff, I shot in Missouri.

like a sheriff to me.

An outfit he's wearing would cost a sheriff three months' pay.

He already got into the feed business.

Got himself real rich.

Obviously, he's come here to testify at the hearing.

Must have been that newspaper article that brought him here, too.

Sir, I assume you're a judge, Rince.

I am.

May I ask the Honorable Judge a few questions pertaining to this farcical

judicial hearing to be held in this town?

I resent your tone and your implication.

And I resent you permitting that murdering thief, McCahan, to sit at that

a free man.

Now, Stillman, I'm sorry for that arm you're carrying around.

But you got it trying to lynch me instead of carrying out the law.

Gentlemen, you're going to have to take your quarrel elsewhere.

You're a confessed cowardly army deserter.

A thief, a killer.

I'm not suggesting that you cease your unpleasant conduct, sir.

I'm telling you.

May I ask when this extradition proceeding is to start?

Approximately two weeks.

You're not limiting witnesses, I hope?

Not at all.

The hearing will continue until all interested parties are heard from.

Oh, he'd even have the nerve to testify about that day.

He was a sheriff and going to have himself a private hanging party.

Pride could force him into taking the chair and giving his version, but I

think at this point too much can hurt you, Luke.

Unless, of course, there's something from your past, something so

that your testimony up until now would be immediately suspect.

Are you sure that all the charges against you are contained in your

opposing the extradition?

In other words, boy, no surprises at that hearing.

Tonight I give you my word.

There are no other charges against me anywhere.

Everything I've told the judge here is the absolute truth, I swear to God.

Well, you better be right, boy.

Or you're going to need the help of God.

Thank you.

Hello again.

Yeah, I remember you.

Yeah.

You were the girl that was leaning over the railing when we rode in.

That's what you remember?

Why, you know what I mean.

Hey, come on. You want to sit down?

Give you some coffee or something?

Oh, come on, Marshall.

I just want to talk to Miss... Doreen.

Look, we've bent the rules enough.

You've had your meeting with the judge?

Another time.

Tell me something. Who wrote the jail rules?

You?

Instead of the smart talk, let's dive back.

Am I doing this right?

Doing fine, according to the almanac.

It is gold.

Oh, don't be such a pessimist, Aunt Molly.

Well, only...

Indeed it is.

Indeed it is.

I bet you there's enough gold dust in here to buy a fancy carriage.

It's almost too good to be true.

If it is true.

Now, we don't know that that's gold. It could be another metal, or even that

fool's gold that I've read about.

Oh, Aunt Molly, don't say that.

There's probably a lot of people in town who could tell if this is real gold.

They have ways of testing it. Well, we're not going to go asking questions

gold. We're going to keep this a secret until your Uncle Zeb gets back. Keep it

a secret?

It's our gold, and it's on our land, so it belongs to us.

True, it belongs to us, except...

When news of a gold discovery gets out, Jessie, it does strange things to

people. Why, look at that Mr.

Marshall, the first man who found gold in California.

People just overran Mr.

Marshall's land when news of the gold strike leaked out. And they killed his

sheep and his cattle for food while they were digging up his gold.

That's terrible.

And to top it all, the trespassers hired armed guards to keep Marshall off his

own land while they just walked away with as much gold as they could find.

We're going to keep this a secret until Uncle Zeb gets back.

Amen.

Just throw it down there, boy.

I'm going to need another load of wood.

I'm putting on a pile of beans and I'm going to simmer them tonight.

I do, I do.

I see your dang light.

Stop your signaling, you chowderheads.

Let the tap.

Hold on, boy. I got something to explain to you.

Them's my friends up there. No need to get worried.

Yeah, I... I

didn't want to do that, son.

You just didn't give me a chance to think.

No need to mention it this end.

Got a bit of misfortune here, Zeb.

Agent Boyd here went and fell off his horse.

Appears he broke his neck.

He's deader than a doornail.

May God rest his soul.

You feeling kind of bad, figuring it was your fault because Otterbelt was doing

your chores and maybe you wouldn't have got killed otherwise?

After he said he'd work the wagon and let me drive the cattle in this place,

well, I just kept thinking of saying sorry to him for the way I acted and for

the way I talked to him.

I never got to say it.

Yeah, that happens a lot of times, son.

Trying to set things right when it's too late.

a ninja.

Well, you know, hating somebody just because they're different than you,

a lack of understanding.

Understanding, that only comes with growing.

Now, everybody don't do that growing, but you know, I thought I had you

right from the start.

Me figured?

Sure. I thought you were kind of like I was when I was your age, wanting to grow

up real fast and be a man and all.

But you know, Jeffrey, boy's got to do a lot of proper thinking if he's going to

grow up to be a man.

I figure you to be the kind of young fella who's gonna do a right fine job of

that.

I didn't think so.

Son, you wouldn't be riding with us.

Sure sorry about losing that young buck, Zeb.

I kind of took the liking to that boy.

Well, so did I, Zeb.

I'd say along here it'd make more sense, northwest corner of section 22.

No, I thought I'd like something further out along this creek here.

Well, that creek is spring -fed. It runs its entire course on the McCann quarter

section. What about this quarter section, right next to the McCann? Is

for homesteading?

Yes, except that it's worthless. There's no water on it. So I'll take it.

Well, you realize you have no right to the McCann creek water, not unless they

allow you to use it. Yeah, I heard you.

Now, how soon can that belong to me?

In a hurry for title?

Always a way of hastening things.

As a matter of fact, I asked around about you, and I heard that you're a

man to do some business with.

Business in what way?

Well, you mean expediting the filing.

No, I got some other business.

That's just talking money.

Well, talking sure never hurt anyone.

Well, it's all the pretty McCain ladies.

Hey, Molly.

I want to thank you for having that money waiting for me at the bank this

morning.

Well, you earned it, Mr. Peasley.

Well, I suppose you'll be moving on now.

So we'd all like to wish you the best of luck wherever you're going.

Well, Molly, I've been sort of thinking of settling down here in Elk Creek, kind

of putting in roots, like they say.

Well, I doubt that our small town would hold very much of interest for you, Mr.

Peasley. Oh, no, no, no. Not the town. Not the town, you know. I got the

spirit, like McCabe.

I filed for a homestead.

You were going to homestead, Mr. Peasley?

Well, I put my name in for a parcel, yeah. As a matter of fact, it was a

section right next to yours.

You? Next to us?

You see, I surprised you, didn't I?

Oh, well, it'll be very nice. Molly will sit around together sharing cups of

sugar.

Whatever it is that neighbors do.

I'll tell you what I'm going to do.

As soon as I'm settled in, I'm going to get a wild turkey for the cooking pot

and we'll all sit around like one big family celebrating.

Some things should not be wished on one's worst enemy.

Surely this is one.

I didn't hear a knock on that door.

I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking, I guess.

My name's Josh McCahan, Sheriff.

Oh, yeah.

You're Luke's brother, huh?

It's Marshall, not Sheriff.

Do you want some coffee?

Don't mind if I do, Sheriff.

Uh, Marshall.

It's been a long day.

How's Luke doing?

Oh, just fine, boy, just fine.

I believe he's napping in there.

Oh, then don't wake him for me, okay? Well, if you say so.

Luke's brother, huh?

Well, I believe you're a pretty grown -up young fella.

Sit down, sit down.

Thank you.

What brings you to town, boy?

Trial?

Trial?

Oh, you mean the hearing.

Well, one turns into the other sometime.

But you're right in Luke's case.

There's no question him getting the best of this.

Thanks. Yeah, that's good to hear, Marshal. Because Luke sure isn't any

outlaw.

Spoken like a faithful kin.

As a matter of record, Luke's pretty handy with a gun.

How'd he pick up that knife?

I guess my Uncle Zeb taught him some.

My Uncle Zeb always said that a man who don't know how to handle a gun in this

country is asking for trouble.

It's true, true.

All too sadly true.

But I think Luke said something in that newspaper story that he met up with a

fellow that was, well, almost a magician with a gun.

I guess that'd be the time Luke was traveling in the Northern Territories.

Yeah. Yeah, I kind of remember him making friends with a sort of fast gun

fellow. Well, Luke traveled with fast gun people, did he?

That's interesting, Josh.

Sure is.

Wait a minute, mister.

I didn't say anything about Luke traveling with any particular kind of

Oh, I thought you did.

It had a real wrong sound to it, the way you put it.

I guess I misunderstood you.

I guess you did.

I figure I can come back later. Hey, let's see if that brother of yours come

awake.

He's awake, boy.

Come on in.

Josh, look.

Hey, what are you doing here?

I came down to be with you.

You're looking good, Luke. Yeah, you're looking good.

Well, I'll leave you boys get acquainted again.

Hey, grab the stool. Let's talk. Yeah, yeah.

How's Laura and Aunt Molly?

All fine.

No, they had a bad time coming back from Clearwater, but while they were there,

Jesse and Aunt Molly really enjoyed themselves.

Now, what do you mean, bad time?

Our stagecoach got wrecked. Jessie was lost in the desert for a while, but

fine now. Just fine.

Luke, that story in the newspaper.

It got us all worried back home.

Yeah, I'll tell you, Josh.

Seeing your own words in a newspaper.

It was like I was bragging about shooting people.

I don't care much for that sheriff or Marshal in there.

Yeah, he's a hard nose, all right.

Look, Josh, I sure appreciate you coming all this way to see me, but, you know,

it wasn't necessary.

The whole family was worried about you, Luke.

Wanted to make sure you didn't need any help.

Now, Aunt Molly gave me $200.

Wanted you to use whatever you needed for expenses.

You know, in case you needed things like a lawyer.

$200?

Well, that was real nice of Aunt Molly, but... Look, I don't think I'll be

needing a lawyer, Josh.

The judge that's running the hearing's a friend of Uncle Zeb's.

He says all I gotta do to get clean in the charges against me is to tell the

truth.

There's, uh, one thing I didn't count on, though.

Stillman's in town.

Sheriff Stillman from Missouri?

Yeah, and he's gonna be in court.

I just hope nobody's gonna be leaving his story of the shooting.

Getting kind of tired of sitting around in this jail cell.

As soon as you get out, Luke, we're going to celebrate.

I mean it. We'll tear the roof off this old town.

Well, I'm glad it's all on a cheerful note, the time being up.

Oh, come on, Marshal. My brother just got here.

I know.

And I let him say his howdies like the rules call for, but a real visit.

You've got to make arrangements ahead.

Marshal Russell.

Writes all the rules.

Can I bring you anything, Luke?

No. You just get cleaned up from the trip and rested, huh?

Right.

I'll see you later, Luke.

Pugsy is a jackass. Get himself into the slot, Tim, by mistake. I am. You're

darn right you are.

Pugsy, it's a what?

Jackass, ma 'am.

Oh, here. Here, let me help you up.

Excuse me.

I don't know why you flew into me like that anyhow. You had to have seen me.

It's no business knocking at all the sights.

Are you hurt, Annie? You sure you ain't hurt? What sights? Is something going

on?

I've never seen a town like this before.

Let me get these for you.

Stranger in town?

I come from Middle Creek Way.

Come down to see my brother Luke.

Maybe you know him. Luke getting sort of famous and all, being in the

newspapers.

You mean Luke McCann? Right, I'm Josh McCann.

I hope I didn't wreck anything here.

Say, could I carry him home for you?

Oh, no, I... Please?

It's the least I can do.

If you like, I'd live down that way.

If I share, we might have a better chance of getting there. Yeah, I guess

This way.

I guess I was always kind of envious of Luke.

No way he gets to travel around at all.

Except I guess it wasn't that much fun for him being wanted by the law at the

same time.

Never knowing what to expect when you ride into a strange town.

He says there's nothing to worry about.

Luke just says it's a matter of telling the truth about what happened.

You know we're going to celebrate right after that hearing's over.

celebrate we have to invite me along hey that'd be great well here's home for me

big place cattleman's club it's very exclusive

i serve tables we get room and board in addition to pay

talking about serving tables you know i haven't had a meal since on the trail

yesterday no good place to eat in town get cleaned up first maybe

Well, we've got the Chinese baths around the back. Oh?

And then we have a private bath service also.

A little bit more expensive.

You get your meals in private, too. You think you can afford to splurge a little

bit?

I got me plenty of money.

My Aunt Molly gave me $200. She said to use whatever I needed for expenses.

$200?

It's mostly for Luke in case he needed a lawyer.

It appears he don't.

It's real exclusive, huh?

Josh, $200.

You're in a very exclusive flat.

Good afternoon, Clara.

Good afternoon, Doreen.

I'd like you to meet a friend of mine, Josh.

Ma 'am.

Pleased to meet you, Josh.

Josh just came in off the trail, so he'll be wanting a bath.

And let's send his clothes out, too, and get everything done at once, right?

Right.

My clothes?

Come on.

I never.

Just never.

You can put your things on the chair, Josh.

What would you like to eat?

Since it's all one price, maybe... Maybe we'll just order the steak and squat.

Steak and... Yeah.

Yeah, that'll be fine.

This here tub.

It's big enough for three people to take a bath at the same time.

Or two.

Comfortably.

I'll see.

There's a kimono hanging in the back of the door.

I'll order dinner.

Kimono?

You use it to wear while your clothes are being cleaned and dried.

They'll do it all in about two hours.

Oh, yeah.

It's really good.

You know, I mean, outside of my ma's cooking, which always had

kind of a flavor of its own, well, this isn't only the best meal I ever had,

but I don't expect to ever eat one as good again.

Oh, I think you will, Josh.

I think you'll eat better.

You know, I bet you're going to be a very successful farmer.

Or is that a ranch that your family has?

Well, actually, it's just a homestead, so I guess you can say we're just

right now.

But we get us some money together and maybe buy more land.

Before you know it, we're going to have us a horse ranch.

Must be nice to have something to look forward to.

I can't see looking more forward to anything other than this.

Except nothing belongs to me.

And I think there's a big difference.

You know, working hard for something and someday being able to say it can never

be taken away from you.

Yeah.

I think my ma once said something like that.

have the brownest eyes I've ever seen.

No, I mean it. I mean, I've never seen a prettier girl.

You say that to all the girls, don't you?

Oh, no.

Well, I don't have a girl.

And I never said that to any girl.

I mean, I don't say things that aren't true.

You never say things that aren't true?

No. Why should I?

I sure can't give you any reason Josh.

I tried locking the door, but there wasn't a lock.

I always have champagne with my bubble bath.

Would you like to try?

Yeah, it's bubbly all right.

Never saw soap make so many bubbles before.

Smells like lilac.

Like springtime in the meadows.

Let's drink to Brother Luke.

Oh, yeah.

Yeah, the hearing.

Kind of tastes like soda pop.

Except you feel happier.

To feeling happier.

Lean forward.

I'll wash your back.

Oh, yeah.

Do you figure on drowning in there?

It tickles.

Does that mean you want me to stop?

I didn't say that.

Smell like lilac.

Like them spring metals I mentioned.

Doreen, I have to tell you something.

I like you.

I like you a whole lot.

I like you too, John.

I figured maybe you did.

I mean, I guess you think I've probably been with a lot of women.

I'm sure you have.

Well, that's what I'm trying to tell you.

See?

I haven't.

You haven't?

You want to know the truth?

I've never even kissed a girl.

I find that hard to believe, Josh.

It's the truth.

Honest.

Do you want to kiss me?

Yes.

I would a lot.

I just don't want to take advantage, like they say.

You don't.

I know that you could never do that.

Take advantage.

It's all right, then?

What?

If I kiss you?

I guess you are, too.

Do you want to go to sleep?

I guess.

You're not going to sleep with your robe on, are you?

You said you wanted to see Luke tonight.

Oh, Luke.

My clothes.

And the chair.

When did these come in here?

You awake, Doreen?

Hey.

I got something to ask you.

Could I be your fella?

Maybe it's something we can think on a while, all right?

I love you, Doreen.

Evening. Well, you sure look like a different man, Josh.

Clothes nice and clean.

Thank you, ma 'am. I sure feel different, too.

I figure I owe you some for the bath water, dinner, champagne,

money.

My $200 is gone.

Here it is.

You left it in your pocket when your clothes went out to be laundered.

Thank you, ma 'am.

You know, this was my Aunt Molly's money.

I would have felt awful bad if I'd lost it.

We'll just charge you for the dinner and the champagne, Josh.

It'll be $3 for the dinner and $7 for the champagne.

Expensive, but sure is worth it.

And $20, of course, for the gratuity.

Gratuity.

Well, let's just call it hospitality.

Yeah.

Yeah, I figure a real fancy place like this costs a lot to keep up.

I'm sorry I didn't come back, but I overslept.

Oh, it's all right. I thought you were probably pretty tired.

Yeah.

Anyway, I didn't want to make the Marshal mad at me in case he was asleep.

Can I bring you anything, Luke?

No, I don't think so.

You've been at the barber.

No.

I got me a bath, though.

You got a bath.

What did you put in it?

A gallon of lilac water?

No. But I guess the smell must stay with you a while, huh?

Yeah.

Is that real perfume in that lilac water?

I heard a fella could do better in this town than the Chinese bats.

Oh, I got me so much to tell you, Luke.

Listen, I met the most wonderful girl. Is that you, boy?

Josh McCann?

Yes, sir.

I kind of only wanted to say goodnight to Luke here.

You got it said?

Goodnight, Luke.

Thank you, Emily.

You believe in good living, Mr. Britton?

That's what one works for, isn't it, Mr. Stoneman?

Have a seat.

Would you care for a drink?

No, thanks. Too early.

Don't mind my having you up.

I asked to see you because I heard nothing goes on in town you don't know

Very little goes on unless you approve.

In St. Louis, we have a somewhat similar situation.

Anything can be done if you know the proper person and pay the proper price.

You're a very forthright man, Mr. Stoneman.

I believe in coming directly to the point.

Hmm.

Always coming directly to the point is not something I consider an admirable

trait.

I believe in the case of young Luke McCann, you came directly to the point

a rope.

They tell me you're rude today ever since.

Yeah, mistakes are made.

Unless that piece of baggage in there is death.

Shouldn't we close the door?

Wouldn't occur to you, Mr. Silliman, that that baggage, as you put it, might

my wife.

I apologize.

I just assumed that... I think we'd better come directly to the point.

We'll shorten this meeting.

Mr. Britton, you know why I'm in town.

You named me fast to see that I leave this town a happy man when I came in.

You talking about a consulting fee?

Whenever you want to call it.

It's what you're going to call it, Mr. Stillman.

As a consultant, I'll advise.

I'll speak to certain people that you should know.

What use you make of them, that's your own business.

Let's see how the hearing works out.

Then... Say $5 ,000?

Then $5 ,000?

No, Mr. Silverman.

Now $5 ,000.

Well, if McCahan is expedited, he'll go to Missouri prison.

And you'll be richer $5 ,000 for doing nothing for him.

And you'll be the richer having had the satisfaction of knowing that my

advice... What's ready is needed.

Take a check?

Cash, Mr. Sturman.

As the director of the Missouri Stockman Association, you'll have no problem

with our bank in town.

It's an additional $5 ,000 for when you have that happy smile on your face that

you speak of.

$10 ,000.

That's right.

$10 ,000 for my services.

Well, 10 ,000.

I think I will have that drink you offer.

Whiskey.

Can't say I blame you, Mr. Simmons.

You know, I was told there's as much power under this roof as there is at the

territorial capital.

I've made many friends down for the years.

Sorry again about your missus. That's all right.

She isn't.

But I'll accept your apologies.

I'd be interested to know how you're going to go about doing this.

How you operate.

If you knew that much about me, Mr. Sturman, you'd have a problem on your

How's that?

Because instead of worrying about you talking someday, I'd find it...

Much simpler.

Having you killed.

Your continued health.

Mr. Peasley!

Peasley, what are you doing?

Morning. Just putting up a little shelter here, and I'm doing myself a

Here, hold on to this thing right there. Don't push. Well, this is our land, Mr.

Peasley. The McCahan homestead.

I don't think so, Laura. I think if I'm in McCahan land, it stops about 50 feet

short of that creek there.

Short? Mm -hmm.

No, no, you're mistaken, Mr. Peasley. Even the land running along the other

of the creek is ours.

The other side?

Well, I don't think you'd find me making a mistake like that, Laura.

Well, you could check with the land office, if you like.

Well, you are making a mistake.

This is our land.

I mean, you just can't, uh... Okay, that's good. You can let it go now.

Oh.

It's easy to make this kind of error.

I'd say that Mrs. Kate McCann, when she filed...

misread southeast or southwest.

But this means that the creek is definitely on Mr. Peasley's land.

As you can see.

It's just a matter of a hundred feet or so, but it would definitely be his

creek. Well, I just don't understand how Kay could have made such a mistake.

Well, isn't there another map? Isn't there a record somewhere of the files

Well, the general land office has it on file.

But it's not in map form.

It says to sign, name, and grid number.

Well, I just think that's a very shoddy way of keeping a record of homestead

deeds.

Yes, ma 'am. I don't agree with the way the land office runs their system

either.

Aunt Molly, what are we going to do?

If I were you, I'd... I'd make some sort of arrangement with Mr. Peasley to

share that water.

Cricks never run dry.

I'm sure there's enough water there for both families.

But it's not the water we're worried about.

It's the privacy.

Privacy? Well, I don't see what that's worth.

If I were you, I'd talk to Mr. Peasley about sharing that creek.

Well, except we have no wish to share anything in common with that man.

Well, if you don't make some sort of arrangement to share that creek, and

well should ever run dry, You'd have to abandon your homestead.

Abandon?

Well, look, let's run along, girls, and it looks like perhaps we will have to

talk to Mr. Peasley.

Thank you, Mr. Ed.

Keep moving north.

I'll see Tapp on the way back.

Come on, son.

You're taking it too hard.

You know, if a feller's gonna make it through this life, he's gotta take

as they come.

Now, a body in the ground is worth a prayer and nothing more.

Then you gotta move along.

You mean you don't feel much about Otterbelt getting killed?

Oh, I feel, son.

I feel a plenty.

But that don't change my advice to you.

You got to just be thankful that it weren't you and go right on breathing

another day.

You know, you got to grow yourself a hard shell and learn to wear it.

Maybe cry a little bit along the way, but it ain't going to help a man none to

look back.

You know, I just wish that I was strong enough to practice what I preach.

I wish that I knew more about the reason that I was put here on the Lord's

earth.

I think about that a lot.

I just hope that sometime before I die, that reason comes to me.

Well, sort of.

You know, I was married sometime back when the woman died.

But she left me with the prettiest little old girl baby you've ever seen.

She's grown up to be a lady now.

Big brown eyes and a way of laughing.

Where is she now?

Oh, she's down in Norway.

We ride back and forth.

Right? You don't see her?

Well... I'd kind of like to, Jeffrey, but it seems like the older I get, well,

the more I get the feeling that, well, maybe I just ain't a fitting sight for a

youngster like her.

That little gal of mine's, well, sweet just ain't the proper word for her.

I guess I figure that I just ain't a man to maze yourself.

Mr. Henry?

What, son?

I sort of like you.

A lot.

I feel the same way towards you, Jeffrey.

Hey, looks like old Zeb's got himself another problem.

This creek's dried up, Tap.

We're gonna have to drive him right on through the night and tomorrow.

We might be leaving more than a few head dead along the way.

We got no choice.

Once we get past Redstone Canyon, we'll be up onto the mudflats.

There's always been water there.

Pack her up and drive her right on through the night. We'll stop just

first light for a meal.

All right.

Sure hope old Zeb was right about there being water at the mudflat.

Oh, Mr.

McCann's right.

He was an Army scout in these parts during the war.

I know that, son.

But this old world's full of miscalculations.

I ought to know.

I've made my share of them.

I'll tell you.

You guys are spoiling me, so I'd like to stop by every time I see cooking smell

coming out of the chimney.

Well, Mr.

Peasley, you do know the reason, I mean, the principal reason you were invited

here for supper tonight.

Well, you are causing quite a problem to the McCann family.

What do you mean, with the creek being on my land?

The creek's been ours for years.

Well, you don't think I'm going to stop the McCanns from getting down using the

creek water, do you?

Listen, Mr.

Peasley.

I'm in a, well, very embarrassing and awkward position here with the McCann

away. I have to look out for the McCann interest.

Well, I don't see any problem, Molly, with the men away or not.

If you like, I'll just share that creek with you. We'll cut it right down the

middle. How's that?

Then our land would come clear to the creek.

I'll move my things back to the other side.

That sounds like a fine temporary solution, Mr. Peasley.

And then if you will wait for Zeb McCann and my... No, no.

No waiting, Molly.

I'm trying to be fair with you, and you've got to do the same to me. And

means being fair to me. Not waiting until they get back.

I'm willing to share that creek with you right down the middle right now.

And I'm not waiting. Otherwise, I take the whole thing back and take what's

mine. And that means a land on both sides of the creek.

I hope I'm doing the right thing, but...

I would advise both of you to accept Mr. Peasley's proposition.

We'd have half the creek.

Well, honey, you can just use the whole creek. Anytime you want, you can even

come over to my side and pick onions if you've got a mind.

Aunt Molly, I don't know what to say.

You decide.

Mr. Peasley, I think we are going to have to accept your offer.

We will share the creek in common. But before you yourself decide, however...

Aunt Molly!

Now, Laura, I think it would be dishonest of us to share ownership of

with Mr. Peasley without showing him what we have found there.

It's very pretty, Ma.

Open it.

You found out

the creek?

Indeed we did.

We think it's real gold.

You think?

You found out the creek?

Mm -hmm.

That is gold, Nani.

That is gold.

Now, we haven't had it tested. You don't have to have it tested. I worked on the

gold claims of my time to know plaster dust when I see it. And that's it.

That's it.

That's gold, Molly. And it's on my property, Molly.

It's gold.

Oh, I mean... I mean, it's on property.

Share, Molly. Share and share a life.

Molly.

Now, you haven't told anybody about this, have you?

No, no, I thought it best not to let them know. That's right, Molly. You see,

that is absolutely right.

Until the McKay and men get back, nobody knows about this, and they have a full

-time job of patrolling that creek.

Not a word to anybody.

Not a word to anybody in town. No, no. All right, now, I've got a lot of things

to do, so I'm going to go now.

So I'll see you later.

And I'll see you at breakfast, and then we'll make our plans. So don't worry,

Molly, nothing fancy, just some bacon, fried eggs, grits, coffee.

See you tomorrow.

I wonder if he knew there was gold in the creek all along.

Help me get it!

What you don't eat gets thrown out!

The keyboard's just half your stuff.

Well, Jeffrey, looks like you're holding down two jobs. Helping tap.

Standing night watch, too, huh?

Oh, I don't mind, Mr. McCann. I kind of like riding around the herd at night.

Well, you're doing a good job, too, but better get some sleep.

We're gonna be heading out again for a first light.

Yes, sir. Mr. McCann

You followed us north to take over the herd?

Hell, Brent, them cattle ain't worth nothing way out here in the desert.

Be worth taking when the herd gets to the hob range.

Then we take over.

Cut into the Indian territory with them.

You think the four of you can handle that herd?

When the time comes, we'll get no men.

Just can't do it.

Brent, I just can't.

You owe us, Buckle.

And we're collecting.

Hey, look.

I just can't double -cross my can.

You think we rode up here for our health?

What kind of Indians he got with him?

Arapaho. How many?

Eight. No, seven. We had to bury one.

I've sure gotten touched.

Who was the damn fool that went and segled me with that mirror?

I'm the damn fool.

You want to say it again?

You could have found some other way to get my attention.

I had to kill the Indian boy on account of that damn signaling. You said you

were going to tell him about the master.

Easy. To get that herb into the hob range, you have to pass through them

canyons. That's where you set up your chuck wagon.

I won't do it, Brandy.

You want us to ride south?

He's talking about Santa Rosa.

Do we pay that place a visit, or do you make our job easier by meeting us in

them sand canyons?

Has anybody got a bottle?

You and your friends decide, Tep.

Looks like nothing much needs to be said here.

I bet all the stories you've been telling me are lies.

You're just an outlaw.

I'd say, son, that there's a bit of truth in all of us.

Just like there's a little bit of good in the most of us.

Why, Tab?

The why don't matter.

The only thing that matters here is that I killed that Indian boy.

I didn't mean to, but he damn sure died by my hands.

But I asked you why.

I'm saying again that the why don't matter.

Want some answers?

Zip,

I can't give you any answers. These Indians aren't passing judgment on you

because they figured that you saved our lives when you shot that Apache.

I don't want answers.

There ain't no way that you can hang on to that herd, Zip.

They're going to stampede them in them sand canyons and then they'll kill

anybody that comes after them.

When they mentioned Santa Rosa, you acted scared. Why, you wanted Santa

I know that bunch, Zip.

Why, they...

If they knew I was just talking to you, they'd... But you are going to do some

talking, aren't you, Tab?

Her mama died when she was born.

That was 16 years ago.

San Rosa's where she's living.

She's been raised by some good people I know down yonder.

Somehow or other, Brant and that bunch of his found out she's living down

Still can't figure out how you ever got mixed up with that bunch, Tep?

He used to ride with them, rustling.

It was a much poorer day then, and I needed the money to send to my little

And I found out I didn't have no stomach for stealing, and so I quit the gang.

I heard them say something about you owing them.

Yeah. Trouble was, I quit them at the wrong time.

They was planning on running off a herd of ranch horses south the border.

Well, I didn't show up, left them shorthanded. They figured I cost them

and I had to admit that I owed it to them.

Now, you figure they're going to live up in these hills and follow us?

No, there's a trading post west of here called Dobie Town.

They're going to hole up in the saloon there until they figure you're getting

near the hob.

Zeb, you can't head out there all alone.

Hell, I can.

But it's only a small herd of cattle you'd be a -losing.

Small herd of cattle?

That's the scum that's responsible for burying this Arapahoe brave and

threatening to abuse your daughter, and they're gonna kill all of us off just

for the price they can get for them cattle.

Dad, you're sure not the same man I once knew.

Quirman, you'd be in for misery.

Hey, don't you be letting them teeth -squeezers slide down Ben Willie's

now, huh?

a minute, fella. You here for a drink?

All right.

I'll help myself.

Fellas, I kind of tell you, you got business around these parts?

Yeah.

Ours. I kind of got the idea you was maybe figuring a mix into my business.

Cattle.

You got any complaints, go see the nearest law.

Hazard ain't here.

I have to do a better job of counting, Zip.

Remember me from the old days.

I was a much better man.

Easy to remember, Tab.

I'll tell you something else, Pard.

That little girl of yours, we'll see if she's still here.

Maybe this is the reason I was put here.

What?

It don't make no difference now.

Sam, forgive me.

Forgive me.

You got a visitor.

Who?

I don't know.

Said he wanted to see you, and I felt an obliging move.

Oh, you ever met before, mister?

Look, do I know you?

We... We did meet before, didn't we?

Who was that man?

Well, he didn't give me his name.

But I'd say looking at him, he's a fellow who wants to shovel dirt in your

Is Frankie that way, too?