Original subtitles

In 1869, the Transcontinental Railroad was finally completed.

But for most Americans, travel in the Old West was still a slow, arduous, and

frequently hazardous adventure.

Wagon trains still faced mud, dirt, blizzards, back -breaking terrain, and

blinding sandstorm.

Cramped and brutally uncomfortable stagecoaches would occasionally be set

Indians, more often by highwaymen, and even more frequently by broken

axles or harness trees, sometimes with horrifying results.

Of all the modes of travel, the paddle wheelers flying the generally placid

inland waterways were perhaps the most comfortable.

But even the river managed to provide occasional surprises.

Darling's almost three.

From Homestead, Colorado, to horse ranching in the territory of Wyoming.

Oh, it's not a big ranch, but we're raising a very special kind of horse.

Appaloosa.

Someday that breed will be known.

Beautiful green hills of Wyoming.

We just fell in love.

Thank you, Mr. Lansing.

Mrs.

Oh, hey, don't you believe that after a week together, Clay would be more

appropriate?

All right.

Clay.

You know, I was just looking at Laura. She's having so much fun.

And she's becoming quite a heartbreaker.

Well, it does seem to run in the family.

I can attest for one you'll be ready.

Now, Clay... All right, I promised.

No more flattery.

Well, maybe just a little.

Now, there.

Aye, a riverboat race was serious in them days.

We crossed the finish line using rails and benches for firewood.

I'd have stoked them boilers with a cabin boy if I thought he'd burn hot

Yeah, I know what you mean, Ian.

Good life out here on this river.

Aye, it used to be.

It seems folks used to relax more.

Today it's all schedules and business.

Aye, it's not the world it once was, Zebulon.

That's the truth.

Still, the work is not without its benefits.

It so happens I'm carrying, among other cargo, a shipment of whiskey.

It's only Irish, but it's still whiskey.

Also happens to be a custom for the broker to make the captain a wee gift of

bottle or two.

Oh, now, that's a nice custom.

So if you'd be interested in a toast to better working conditions.

Always been interested in the working man.

Take over the wheel for a bit. Aye.

Be glad to.

How are your ladies enjoying the trip that you're on?

Oh, mighty fine.

They've been in and out of just about every ladies' store in St. Louis, I can

tell you that.

That must have been great fun for you.

Give me a chance to get out on my own a bit.

You made your own entertainment, eh?

Well, it's a blessing to be an ambassador.

Well, now, I consider it a blessing I'm not.

Here's looking at you.

It's embarrassing tomorrow.

And I want you to reconsider.

Now, my home is quite close to the river. It's very comfortable.

Sure. Now, I want you and your niece to spend a few days visiting before going

on. We'll make a very pleasant break in your journey.

You make it sound so very tempting. Well?

I've already been away from home far too long, haven't I?

Full run, the beginning.

History smiles at that first battle.

Neither side prepared.

The Union army's running almost from the first shot.

But I can tell you the McKayans were in the very middle of it, and that was no

laughing matter.

Have I offended you, Clay?

No.

It's just that I find reminders of the war distressing.

That, too, was through it.

Of course, I'm sorry.

Molly, will you excuse me for a moment? I believe I'll step out on the deck for

a cigar.

She's right on time ready the boats let's shove off

Just picked up the signal.

Get set to go about your business.

Move along, men.

Oh, I quite agree with you.

Traveling by riverboat is very enjoyable.

I'm having the time of my life.

Oh, will you excuse me, please?

Well, you're having a fine old time for yourself.

Oh, I wish this trip would go on forever.

Well, we'll be back home in Wyoming pretty soon, so you had best make the

of this.

Where's Mr. Wesley?

He's been buzzing around you all week.

Well, he stepped out on deck to have a cigar.

Really? I can't believe he could tear himself away from me for so long.

He's a southern gentleman, Laura, and it is the nature of southern gentlemen, so

I am told, to tear themselves away in order to have a cigar.

Lonnie, no!

Oh, he hasn't taken his eyes off you once this entire trip.

No. Oh, I can't for the life of me understand why you don't encourage him.

Oh, he's handsome, he's witty, he's refined, and he's a landholder to boot.

Oh, he also dances very well.

Oh, there you see. He's the catcher of the whole ship, and I think you're mad

not to encourage him.

Easy, Captain.

Now just move on back, low and easy.

Everybody over against the wall.

Move on there, you.

Get over there.

Who are you? What do you want?

Get!

Get over there with the others.

Are you ladies all right?

Yes, Clay, but what on earth is going on here? River pirates.

I've heard of this happening before. They loot the vessels and then they get

away as fast as they can.

Where's Uncle Zeb?

As far as I know, he was with the captain.

And the captain's in the pilot house counting out his money.

Which I advise the rest of you to start doing.

No worries about anybody being hurt.

If everybody just does as they're told.

All right, you heard the man.

Start counting.

There's no way on the boat.

I cannot steer her at all.

Stay right at the wheel, Grandpa.

Watch for her, you bloody idiot.

We're going to ground on that bar.

You can't cover two men. That one said McCann. And you heard him.

a few dollars here.

I know you got more.

That's all we have.

I say you're carrying more cash.

She's hiding it.

Zachary!

This little gal, she's hiding her valuables.

I'm gonna take her into one of them state rooms and help her find them.

Wait.

Everything we have is in our steamer trunks.

Doubtless you already have those.

And we have nothing else of value to give you.

Then pearls.

Put them in here.

They're not real?

No, they'll do for openers.

What else you got?

It's everything.

I tell you, I have nothing else.

You got nothing too, I suppose.

I told you what's in the trunk.

Fancy jewelry.

Worth a few dollars at the most.

Valuable only to me. It was my mother's.

Raise another hand to that lady and I'll kill you.

That's enough!

Fancy ladies.

I'm born by the way they act. And all they got is bubbles.

Where are you ladies from?

Wyoming.

What business is the family in?

We're ranchers. We raise horses.

Well, I think you two are worth more than bubbles myself.

You'll come with us.

You mean to abduct us?

Call it what you like, lady.

You're coming with us. You just wait a minute.

I just finished saying nobody was going to get hurt. Long as people mind their

business.

All right.

If it's a ransom you want for these ladies, I am not without means.

That's real impressive.

I can arrange what you require.

All right, fancy man.

You come along, too.

We'll see how much you're worth.

Take him out, Larch. All right, guys.

Ladies.

This one's coming to life. Bear a hand. What are you doing? Over the side with

him. He's hurt, young river. Come, he'll drown.

Moe, let's get them ladies and the gentlemen to camp.

All right.

Start carting them goods.

You people, head on out.

Up that way.

What do you want with us? We are not wealthy ranchers. Why did you take us

that boat?

Oh, maybe you were the prettiest packages there.

Laura, come along.

No, it's nailed.

Surely there's a way.

These shacks have been here forever. They're falling apart.

The thing I don't understand is why us?

Why have they singled us out?

Doubtless they think the McCanns a wealthy family.

Well, that's what comes of acting like gentry. Now we're paying for our vanity.

Molly, how can you joke about something like this?

Poor Mr. Wesley, the way they throw him into that other shack.

Manhandling him like that.

Laura.

Come here, quickly.

I think I can push these apart.

We need something to pry them loose.

Hand me that piece of board.

Watch out the window.

Suppose there's any way of us helping Mr. Wesley?

Not beyond notifying the authorities.

Assuming we can find a town somewhere along the river.

Hey!

How did you two get out?

I believe the same way you did. Now, let's get out of here.

Do you think those pirates will be following us? I wouldn't think so.

Once they discover we're gone, they'll start worrying about the authorities.

I think they'll be scattering as fast as they can.

I hope you're right.

In any case, my home is only a few miles further on. We'll be safe there.

I can taste you already.

This ain't gonna do you no good no more.

I'll fetch the mule cart. You watch over him.

All right.

Now, hold on.

Hold on.

You can hold on.

Whoa, whoa.

His head's bad, it looks like.

Mister?

Hey!

You better wake up if you can.

I can't carry you, so you're gonna have to get some effort up.

Get a hold of him.

Mr.

Mr.

Hey, Mr.

My home, New Morseman.

Such a large house, Clay.

Well, as long as it has a bath.

Oh, it has.

And anything else you might want.

We laid the foundation just three years ago. The house completed this past

spring. I keep on three retainers. They're dear friends rather than

The land amounts to some 4 ,000 acres. Most of it along the river.

We plan to set aside some of the acreage to cotton as an experiment. But I think

cattle and horses will be our main interest.

In time to come, the plantation should be self -sufficient in every aspect.

At least that is my plan.

Mr. Clay!

Hattie!

Mr. Clay, well, look at you, muddy and all.

And you ladies.

My dear Lord, what happened to you?

We had a bit of trouble on the river.

Hattie, Douglas, this is Miss Molly and Miss Laura.

Bless you, ladies.

Pleasure to meet you all. Yes, it is.

You sure you all right, sir? You ain't hurt or nothing. Oh, fine, Douglas.

Well, nothing that a bath and fresh clothes wouldn't cure anyway.

Hattie, would you see to the ladies? I'll get rooms made up right away.

Thank you. And I'll be getting yours ready.

Mr. Wesley, welcome home.

Good to see you, sir.

Good to see you, David.

Lady Earl's in full, and too soon.

Wonderful.

Wonderful.

Ladies, won't you go on inside? I want to have a look at the expectant mother.

Of course. Come along, Laura.

This is love. To say the least.

Ladies, got rooms made up, and bears will be ready in notice.

Thank you, Hattie.

This is exquisite.

Well, you see, on top of everything else, he's rich.

Clay, I had to say the lady's all taken care of, sir. Well, thank you, Douglas.

They're asking about sending a telegram to their kin.

We'll get to that by and by.

The most important thing is to make sure that our guests are comfortable.

I could send David downriver, have a telegraph sent off.

I'll see to that.

And, Douglas, I don't want anyone to know the ladies are in this house.

Thank you, Douglas. That'll be all.

You dead?

I think I might be.

Can't be dead if you're talking.

Well, if I'm alive, little lady, I reckon I got you to thank for it.

And Mama.

I'm Nettie.

Nettie, you come away from there.

Oh, it's all right, ma 'am. I was just thanking your daughter there for you all

helping me.

Who are you, mister?

My name's Zeb McCahan, ma 'am.

You're not from around here.

No. No, I was on a riverboat. Something went wrong. Next thing I know, I was in

the water.

I heard about that.

Pirates taking over a paddle wheel.

Did you hear anything about any other passengers being hurt?

No. It's enough, Nettie.

The man I'm with, don't take to strangers.

You best be getting quit of here when you can.

Don't mean to be no trouble to you, ma 'am.

Who's he?

Oh, uh, Nettie found him on the riverbank.

He carrying a pouch?

What?

Money.

You think?

I never looked.

You two starved to death in a smokehouse.

You go fetch some more river wood for the stove.

It's all got.

We got lots of wood.

Well, go find some more.

There's things I got to be doing.

I brought you some.

Oh, it's a pretty thing.

Put it on.

Too pretty to be wearing like this. Put it on.

Want anyone looking, know I treat you good.

There now.

Let's get inside.

Like I said there's things I need to be doing.

Do as you're told to be wishing you had.

I tell you, if you're going to be rescued by someone, Mr. Wesley is

the one.

And Molly, how lovely.

I think we're just supposed to take our pick.

They're all so beautiful.

Look at this.

Cinderella becomes a princess. Oh, it's beautiful. And you're beautiful, too,

Cinderella.

Oh, this one's a scandal.

Do you think I could get away with something like this?

What takes me aback is where on earth do they come from?

I mean, Mr. Wesley isn't married.

At least, so he says.

No, it's not too scandalous.

Thank you.

Both of you. Thank you.

He must be famished.

That too.

More?

Oh, Lenny, what a lovely room.

I've never seen such a table. Such beautiful things.

They're family heirlooms, most of them.

Some of the few things left after the war.

My goodness, Clare. If I never knew the meaning of pampered, I certainly know it

now. I second that.

To your arrival.

Hot bath and clean clothes.

Speaking of which...

Whose are they?

Yours, if they please you.

They're with me in partial payment of a debt.

Very exquisitely.

All this and champagne, too.

It's a far cry from being wet and cold and in the hands of those pirates.

We do owe you a great debt of thanks.

You owe me nothing.

Your presence makes my home complete.

Now, I know this is very unsettling for you ladies, but... to reassure you, the

stage stops once a week.

So you'll be home pretty much on schedule.

And until then, we'll try to make your stay comfortable.

Excuse me, sir.

Lady Earl seems comfortable. You wanted me to let you know?

That's fine.

You keep an eye on her.

She's in delicate condition, you know.

Well, you won't be needing anything else, then.

Oh, David, there is something else.

Miss Laura here has a fondness for horses. Perhaps you could show her our

I'd like that.

Of course.

It would be my pleasure to show you our stock.

Clay, your home is so lovely.

The art treasures, the paintings.

Yeah, some are old masters, others family portraits.

It's kind of a Wesley rogues gallery.

But enough of Clay Wesley.

I want to know more of Mrs. Molly Culhane.

Now, I know you're a widow.

Yes, for some years now.

I've made a new life for myself with my sister's family in Wyoming.

New life?

Yes, I used to live in Chicago.

How does your city background square with Wyoming?

Don't you find ranch life a bit... confining?

Well... Now, you haven't seen, um...

Molly Coleen, milk a cow.

Oh, Molly, you... You are a breath of fresh air.

They are pretty.

They're Morgan horses.

Pound for pound, the finest horse flesh there is.

Mr. Wesley, he means to breed the best.

And when he means to do something, you can just about count it done.

That's high praise.

I don't know a better man.

He was my commanding officer during the war.

I got hurt.

Well, after the war, I had no place to go, so you brought me home with him.

Except when we got back here, the people were all gone.

The plantation was burned to the ground.

Only old Douglas and Hattie were left.

Yeah, I remember Mr.

Wesley got this look on his face.

It scares me still when I think about it.

My parents.

Wonderful people.

I wish they were here now to see what I'm doing.

There's something else I'd like you to see.

Mike.

Goodness, Clay, it's this house.

It was called New Moorsland because my father had been gamekeeper to a nobleman

who lived on the moors in England.

But like most immigrants who came to this country, he was not content to keep

another man's game.

So he built this.

How it's magnificent, Clay.

It's what was.

And will be again.

Right here.

Right here, when I was five years old, my father took me by the hand and said,

this is yours, let no man take it away.

It was more than the land.

It was a way of life.

There was a gentility which...

belied the strength that it took to create it.

It was a whole world unto itself.

It took a whole lifetime to create.

They destroyed it in a day.

This house is a replica of the one they destroyed.

In time, I shall duplicate the rest.

I'm building it all back.

All exactly as it was.

Now, I should think that will take a lifetime.

No. It only takes money.

You should know all of it.

Because I want you to marry me.

You can't be serious.

Oh, but I am.

From the first moment I saw you on the boat, I knew I love you, Molly.

Well, this is all very sudden. I hate to say the least.

I know none of this makes any sense, but would it make more sense if I sent you

home without telling you how I feel?

I wouldn't want to lose you.

There's certainly a man who speaks his mind.

I sense you have some feeling for me.

Of course, you are a very attractive man, Glenn.

You know I'm terribly grateful. I believe it's more than that.

Well, if it's time you need, I understand that.

I respect that.

Here.

I want you to have this.

My father gave it to my mother.

I've kept it all these years, hoping that one day I'd find the woman that I

wanted to give it to.

I found her.

I ought to take a stick to you.

You had other things on your mind.

It's like, how am I supposed to know you care what his name was?

He's in no condition to cause any trouble anyway.

What does it matter, him being here?

His name is Zed McCahan, that's why.

Why should that name be a worry to you?

He told you his name.

What else did he tell you?

Nothing.

Nothing I remember.

There was some trouble on the river... Woman, you get this one underway as fast

as you can do it, or you'll be wishing you had.

I'm awake. Come in, dear.

Tired?

Bed is going to be heaven tonight.

Well, it has been an eventful day.

I tell you, after being chased through swamps and... Oh,

at my...

I knew it was something special.

Aunt Molly, are you going to?

Well, I certainly know what you think I should do.

Well, I know it's awfully fast, but from everything I've seen, Mr. Wesley seems

like such a wonderful man.

Aunt Molly, do you love him?

He certainly seems like a wonderful man, Laura. I like him. I

like him a lot.

It is a very big decision, and I do think I ought to think about it.

Well, we'll see.

This is too much for me.

My head is spinning.

I'm going to bed.

Good night.

Good night.

You're leaving us.

I'm trying to think what it would be like without you.

What it would have been like after Ma died if you hadn't been there.

Our family wouldn't be the same without you.

But I want you to know something.

If it makes you happy, it'll make us happy.

Thank you, Laura.

Good night.

Good night.

Just lay it all out to me. Why not?

I ain't afraid to talk up to Wesley.

And I say the less he knows, the better.

Now, you let me do all the talking.

Come to my home.

I have the McKeon women here as my guests.

Wait a minute, Mr. Wesley.

The men took a vote.

We have to talk to you.

Follow me.

We waited till dark, Mr. Wesley, so no one would see us.

Believe me, Mr. Wesley, we didn't want to come here. But the men themselves

if we didn't come, they would.

And you know we got a few hotheads among that bunch, Mr. Wesley.

And the men are asking questions.

Like how much money you gonna get for them women?

We're not asking for a ransom.

No ransom?

And what are they doing here?

I told you before, the women are my guests and they shall remain so.

You mean we went through playing them games on that boat just so you could

pieces of fluff to yourself here?

Don't you ever use that tone with me again.

It's dangerous having them here.

The women know nothing of our operation.

I still say the men aren't going to like losing the cash we could get for them.

I'll take that up with them later. Now, is there anything else?

Yeah.

What were to do about Zeb McCahan?

McCahan? Turns out he floated downriver.

Ended up at Barrel Point.

What are you talking about?

There was a little scuffle in the pilot house.

Had to dump him in the river.

No one was to be hurt.

He couldn't be helped. He went for Beard.

Anyway, McCann's alive.

A woman found him.

She's tended to him. What condition is he in?

All right.

He's coming around.

You tell that woman to see to it that McCann is well taken care of.

Once the cargo is disposed of, we'll meet at Hastings Bend so the men can get

their shares.

Tell them I'll be scouting a new riverboat within a week.

Don't forget what I said.

Never come here again.

I say we go back and get the others.

And we tell Mr. Wesley what we want to do.

Except Wesley's been awful good for us.

I'm not so sure we could do so well without him.

Them gals.

Don't you still figure they could fetch a fancy price?

I said it before and I'll say it again.

I wouldn't want Seb McCahan running around looking for me when it's all

I could take care of that part.

He's hardly moving around good yet.

You take care of that sign.

And let me do some thinking on the rest of it.

You mean we're prisoners here?

No, I'm only sure of one thing, dear, and that is...

I don't think I could look Mr. Wesley in the face without him suspecting

something.

I'm thinking now about your Uncle Seb.

They did say he was all right.

Oh, yes, he's being tended by some woman downriver at a place called Barrow

Point. Now, it can't be too far from here if that man is able to come back

forth.

Now, listen, Laura.

I'll play a game of my own tomorrow morning.

I'll ask to go riding across the fields.

Won't Mr. Wesley want to come with you?

Oh, I'm sure he will.

And somehow I'll try to slip away from him and get to this barrel point where

your Uncle Zeb is.

Aunt Molly, maybe I should be the one to try and slip away.

I could get David to take me for a carriage ride along the river. No,

it's much too dangerous.

You must stay here.

Now, I have to think this through.

further in the morning.

Anyone for more hot coffee?

Sounds good, Nettie.

Thank you.

You know, I sure wish there was some way that I could pay you folks back for the

good care you've been taking of me here, but it seems like I lost my money when

I fell into the water.

You don't need to pay.

You know, Chesley, that's a mighty good -looking brooch you're wearing there.

It belongs on a lady.

Well, it's right at home where it is.

Well, thank you for saying it.

Nettie was telling me that your man give it to you.

He ain't my man.

At least, Wade, he ain't my children.

Why, I don't follow you.

Neddy's pa drowned in the river a few years back.

A week later, Larch come by, saying how sorry he was.

He just stayed on.

Did you never tell him to leave?

Once.

It wasn't worth the bruises.

But...

It's hard here.

A woman needs a man to get by.

About the brooch.

Yeah, he'd give it to me.

Don't ask me where he got such a thing.

Out of the river waters?

Maybe at cards.

There sure ain't no place hereabouts to buy a piece like it.

I just want you ladies to know how much I appreciate you. You're taking such

good care of me.

Nettie, give me a hand. Help me get back to the shed.

I think I'd better just stay here and clean up the table.

You go.

Well, I'll be all right.

I got this far. I reckon I can get back.

I don't want to hear any of that man talk.

Anyway, see how you can walk at all.

Not letting my doctrine work up a knot.

You've been nice to the girl.

Yeah, I kind of figured it was the other way around. She seems like a real nice

little girl.

Well, I do the best I can by her.

But here, it's... I don't know.

Yeah, she is a good girl.

You know, it's a funny thing when you look at your child, how they seem always

to be babes.

But she's getting there.

She's at a good age.

I remember.

You weren't born along the river here, were you?

My mother was a traveling show lady.

And when she died, a preacher took me in.

Why, he used to rant on about the sins of the fathers and driving the devil

He swung a mean switch.

I finally run off.

Ended up here.

And married Nettie's pa.

Cassidy.

Woman?

Where's your ma?

I don't want no sass.

What sort of things?

Hand it to that man we found by the river.

We'll sort him out later.

No, Nettie.

We never get enough time, it seems, to get acquainted.

Time to get to know each other.

I know all I want to know about you.

Looking at you grow.

Throwing out that dress.

How old are you, girl?

Simple question.

Too much to ask from the man that treated you?

Come here.

Give your Uncle Arch a nice big kiss.

Well, my chance has come and gone.

I've had my go around.

But Nettie now...

Where'd you get it?

I gripped her upriver, selling trinkets.

Mister, one more wrong answer like that, you're not gonna have any tongue to lie

with. I know.

Them ladies on the boat, kin to you.

No harm comes to them.

Tell it all.

I swear they're all right.

Where are they?

She lived on the river trail.

Big house, sits by itself.

And then Wesley owns it.

He took it.

Wesley? You mean Clay Wesley?

You mean the man from that riverboat?

What I told you.

Chastity. You know the places where he's talked about?

Nanny knows the trail. It comes out at the road that leads to that big house.

But she'd lose her way at night. It's bad enough in the day.

Gonna have to wait till sunset.

I say, if you'll hitch up the mule, I'll bury him down river.

Mom?

Yes, child?

Couldn't we keep him here?

Couldn't Mr. McCahan be your man?

He's so nice.

Go to sleep, child.

Come in.

I just came by to make sure you're all right.

Oh, I reckon I'm all right. Got a few aches and pains here and there.

And, uh, to bring you that.

Oh.

Yeah, that's, uh...

Kind of a family heirloom.

Well, I sure couldn't wear nothing stolen.

Well, I thank you, Chesty.

You'll be heading out in the morning, I expect.

Yeah, I reckon it's time to head back home.

You spoke to Larch about a female kid.

You married?

No, no. That there was my niece. She's traveling with her aunt.

I was bringing them back from St. Louis.

I suppose when you see to them, you'll be keeping on going.

Yeah, be heading back.

If it's your choosing.

I want you to know you'd be welcome here.

I mean, there's a room in the house.

And we'd make you comfortable, me and Nettie.

Well, Chastity, I thank you.

It's a mighty kind offer.

But it's time for me to be moving on.

Well, good night to you, Seb McCann.

Good night, Chastity.

Are you sure you won't come riding with us, Laura?

The river bluffs should be beautiful this morning.

Yes, Laura, please.

Please do join us.

No, thank you. I think I'll just stay here and relax today.

We'll talk to David about raising horses.

Seems to be our favorite subject.

Home in time for dinner, Douglas. Very well, sir.

You all enjoy yourselves now.

Are you all ready?

After you.

Have a nice ride.

You know, it is a fine day for riding.

Maybe I should have gone with him.

Well, just say the word. I'll saddle a horse for you. You can catch up with

them.

No, I think they'd rather be alone.

You know what would be rather nice?

Is a ride along the river road.

Yeah, it's always nice along the river in the morning.

Well, good.

Just the two of us.

Uh, except it'd be against Mr. Wesley's orders.

Well, why is that?

Well, he told me never to let you ladies leave here without him being along.

He made it clear to me.

Well, I'm sure that he meant he didn't want us leaving without protection.

Now, that protection would be you, wouldn't it, David?

Yeah, I'll bet that's what he meant.

I'll get the carriage.

Good.

This here's the road. Be seeing the fancy house up ahead.

Thank you, Nettie.

I'll find it from here.

You're not coming back, are you?

Well, now, I wouldn't say that.

I figure our paths will be crossing here and there.

This belongs to you.

of keeping it safe for you.

You must be real rich.

I've never seen that much money before.

I stole it from you.

You didn't steal it, honey.

Let's just say that we'll let you borrow the house.

Thank you for that kindness.

Nettie, I want to tell you something.

You're a real special person, Nettie.

One of these days, you're going to realize that.

Thank you.

You could have had my mom, you know.

She's real pretty.

When she cares to be honest.

When she has someone to be pretty for.

When my pa was alive, there wasn't a prettier woman on the whole river.

Well, she's still pretty, Nettie.

And I wouldn't be any bother to you, honest.

Now, look, that don't have nothing to do with it anyway.

I'd like to be able to spend time with you and your ma and all, but see, I

already got me a ready -built -in family.

And they're back there waiting for me now. Now, they're not going to take to

too kindly if I don't show up like they're expecting me to.

Don't you see?

Now, look. Here.

I want you to take this.

I want you to look at this as ticket money.

Ticket money?

Yes, sir.

That's going to buy you and your Ma two steamboat tickets up to Encetus Landing.

Now, when you get up there, I want you to look up Father Ramirez.

He runs the mission school up there.

I'm going to write him a letter in the meantime and tell him that you're

And he's going to reserve you a seat right up at the head of the class.

Now, you better study hard, because it just so happens that every spring I come

by that school there.

And when I check in, I'm going to expect you to be able to tell me everything

you've learned during the year.

Thank you.

Well, goodbye.

It's not goodbye, Nettie.

Just so long.

along, Mr. McCann?

Well, now, I ain't gonna be polite no more.

If you're not gonna tell me, I'm just gonna have to come out and ask.

Is Miss Molly gonna do it?

Do what?

Marry Mr. Wesley.

I'm... Sure, I don't know.

Oh, this is... Well, it's caught her and me by complete surprise.

Well, I hope she does.

Nice having you.

Wonderful view.

I come up here often.

It's difficult to describe the feeling I have when I'm here.

The burdens disappear here.

I'm overwhelmed by a very...

Peaceful feeling.

Clay, what burdens do you have besides recreating

New Morseland?

Is it the past?

Yes.

All those people who died.

My family, my friends.

than that.

Clay, why not try living in the present, not in the past?

That can become an obsession.

Obsession?

There is a difference between living in the past and recreating that which was

good in one's early life.

I'm not so sure there is a difference, Clay.

I find it very difficult to quarrel with you.

No.

Molly.

It's not possible, Clay. It's just not possible.

Molly, are you all right?

Don't touch me, Clay.

You know about me.

Molly, I have done nothing wrong.

You disable a vessel.

You rob its passengers, you carry me off into the night, and you dare to stand

there and tell me you've done nothing wrong.

I was only taking back what was owed to me.

Was I on the list of what's owed?

Oh, Molly.

It was far less wrong than what was done to me.

You believe that that justifies your actions?

We have a whole life ahead.

I love you, Molly.

Stay with me. Stay with me.

Do I have any choice?

I'm your prisoner.

What the hell's that girl doing out of Wesley's sight?

Looks like her head downriver.

You get a hold of them two.

I'm seeing Wesley, and he's listening to common sense this time or else.

What do we do with the girl?

Suit yourself.

It'll take a few years, but Mr. Wesley will be doing it.

Making New Moors land just like it was.

I'm sure.

Is there a place along the river called Barrow Point?

Yeah, a piece ahead of us.

Some shack folk live in the woods there.

Yes, I've heard of it.

Do you think we could drive that far?

I don't mind the drive.

Somebody there you want to see?

Molly, can't we talk about this? What is there to talk about?

You're a thief, Claire.

But in all of this, no one was ever hurt.

No one?

Are you so insensitive you can't even recognize what you've done to me?

So much for your ladies being just guests.

We figured the women might get on to you.

I tell you to stay away from here.

Except I talked with the others.

We reached an understanding.

Giving you a choice.

You are giving me a choice.

I don't want to use this.

It's just that every man amongst us wants things the same.

You stay an honest thinker.

But they all voted the women know too much about us.

Now you can figure what the choice is.

off with me if you don't want to do it yourself you

called me the thinker but

i haven't done such a good job here have i well anybody can make a mistake

let's get it set straight

I'm sorry, Molly.

Truly sorry.

I don't believe you, Rachel.

There's too much at stake.

Too much.

Recreating of the past.

You just couldn't understand that.

Said it was your choice.

turn to thank you.

No.

No.

Let's get him in the house, Douglas.

Gently now.

I'm not sure.

Laura!

Laura, now hold on a minute, son. What's your name? Who are you?

It's all my fault.

Mr. Wesley told me never to ride along the river without permission.

Now, wait a minute. My name's McKay Henn. This Laura that you're talking

she's my niece. Now, I want to know what happened. Laura and me was riding, and

river pirates grabbed her.

I tried to stop them, but one of them hit me over the head.

Well, look at this sign here.

They took her upriver.

Come on.

you see in front of you i figure we got done out our share when wesley took all

the fluff off the boat for his sale but one fancy come back

to us now then let's auction miss pretty off

Maybe buy her shoes.

My men would fancy them shoes.

Not here anymore for the shoes?

That's all.

Thank you.

Do believe we could have loved each other.

Do you like talking about it?

I don't know, Zeb.

It's so hard to believe it all happened.

Yeah, it is in a way, but that sure makes it real.

Yes.

Somehow I feel that maybe this should have been destroyed in the fire, too,

along with everything else belonging to Clay Wesley.

Well, I don't know about that, Molly.

Whoever he was or wherever he is right now.

I got the feeling he'd want you to have that.

It was so like a fairy tale, wasn't it?

Except, unlike most fairy tales, this didn't have a happy ending.

More like life.

There aren't many happy endings.

Fine.

You know, it's strange, Zeb.

I know that what Clay did was terribly wrong, but somehow I can't seem to

condemn him.

I keep thinking that the war injured him dreadfully, far more deeply than it did

any of us.

I know what you're saying, Molly.

But look at it this way. Those scars of his weren't about to heal up by

themselves.

You know, he was lucky once in his life.

He had a very beautiful and special lady that loved him.

It's her I'm thinking about.

I hope she's not carrying any scars that won't heal.

They'll heal, Zebulon.

It just takes a little time, that's all.