Original subtitles

Declare your intentions!

Well, sure, I could send out a whole cavalry company

for this job.

It's an option.

You were about to ask me that very question, weren't you?

That thought occurred during your verbosity.

It's a good question.

Astute thinking on your part.

But here's my belief.

I believe that sending out a full cavalry company

is the surest way to guarantee

that those supplies will never reach San Carlos.

Beckford...

Merrick, if I may be so familiar.

You and I are old hands out here.

We know how things balance out.

There is not a company at the fort

that can stand against the Apache

in their own backyard. Am I right?

If the Confederacy had hired on some Apache troops,

I believe that war would still be going on right now.

Yes, sir.

Most assuredly.

We don't understand the Apache, and we don't want their company,

but we do respect them.

I'm not going to minimize the terror those people

must be feeling with this epidemic down South.

Sure, there are doctors in San Carlos,

two, maybe three,

who know their hip from their elbow.

But what those people want and truly need right now

are drugs and medical supplies.

It's urgent.

Haven't slept too much this past week,

trying to figure out how to supply them.

Find a solution.

And then you had the notion to ride out.

Correct.

Like a knight from heaven, sent by God Himself.

I had a notion to ride out.

But then, suddenly, the answer came to me.

Merrick Bedford could take that wagon

down to San Carlos by himself.

You could do it.

Alone. Unaccompanied.

You'd cause less commotion than some blundering company.

And you know how to navigate the Apache.

The answer was so simple, so divinely perfect,

that I almost laughed aloud.

The notion of riding alone through Apache country

doesn't make me mirthful, Major.

Well, maybe not,

but it does give a man confidence.

I've already ordered the wagon loaded.

Those folks in San Carlos desperately need those supplies.

And I need sleep almost as badly.

I'll be on my way inside of an hour.

Arm left. Forward.

Plagues and black boils!

Blast them tarnal savages to Hell.

Thunderation, woman. What in the name of God

are you transporting in this wagon

that stinks thatta way?

Are the smells of burning fineries

truly your biggest concern at this time?

You got some sass in you.

I don't abide a woman gettin' contrary.

Oh, Mule.

Allow the woman a moment to gather herself.

We've all been through an ordeal.

Well, since you asked me so polite-like,

I'll allow it.

Ma'am,

may I offer you some assistance?

Have you any medical experience?

Not formally, no,

but I have sliced open a few men in my lifetime.

A man out here chances dying every day, ma'am.

It ain't good for a lady like you to think about,

but that's the way it is.

But you don't have to worry about that too much, ma'am.

Men without women are real plentiful out here.

Ma'am, it might be better if you just let Mr. Butler

bleed out his insides right here.

What do you mean by that?

Your husband, he weren't the bravest critter

I ever laid eyes on when those Apaches attacked.

And that was back when we had a wagon and horses.

Now, it might be better if Mr. Butler weren't breathing

when those Apaches come back.

You didn't think they was through with us, did you?

They'll be back.

And if they saw inside that wagon,

glimpsed what a looker you are,

they'll be back quick.

With intentions.

You have no compunctions whatsoever

about letting my husband die?

Ma'am, we gots to prepare for our next engagement

with those Indians.

Pa, I see dust.

I see a wagon.

There's a red cross painted upon the canvas.

It's a army wagon.

How many soldiers are riding escort?

None.

Whoa, whoa.

How many on the wagon?

One man riding on the boot.

Looks like the time I paid two nickels in church

about to pay off.

You mind your husband

while we converse with this stranger.

But perhaps this wagon will be able to--

Edmund.

I advise you to take care

of that pretty little husband of yours in silence.

Looks like you all had an encounter.

You folks making camp here?

Well, a man camps where he has to.

Where's the rest of the army?

Three days, few hours north of here at Fort Stalwart.

Though it might take you a mite longer afoot.

Why are you riding alone like this?

You dislike the company of others?

Oh, I'm capable on my own.

Where you headed?

South.

San Carlos.

You folks come from that way?

Oh, yeah. We, uh...

we came from that direction.

Ambushed by Apache?

Yeah, and we'd sure appreciate your assistance.

Them braves aren't far off, and we hope to be off and away

before they return for an encore.

Will you help us out?

We'd be beholden.

I've been sent on a mission by the U.S. Army.

You better hold right there, friend.

Something amiss?

A couple things I'd like to say to you men.

Feel free to say anything you like.

Well, first thing's about these here animals the army gave me.

They'll pull far, and they're steady,

but they ain't fast.

In fact, they couldn't outrun a little old lady,

let alone compete with Apache ponies.

The other thing is,

if three men were to draw on me,

all at once,

well, there wouldn't be

but two of you left standing at most.

I'd kill the old one first,

then I'd see who else I could drop.

I'm steady and experienced in such...

situations.

Well, whatever gave you

such inhospitable thoughts about us?

Well, I was just considering what I might be tempted to do

if I was stranded in Apache country

with a woman and a wounded man

and somebody happened to come along

with a couple of fresh mules.

All right.

Ma'am?

Are these men your kin, by any chance?

They are strangers to me.

You better keep your distance

if you want to keep this whole thing friendly.

Edmund!

Come on, man.

I see you have a casualty.

Oh, yeah.

Now, he... he's digesting some lead,

though he's better off than our horses.

Hm.

Will you look at my husband's injury?

You'll pardon me while I assist these others.

Yes?

Of course, man.

Of course.

Go right ahead and help them.

Yeah, that's a nasty one.

Deep too.

Have you any experience doctoring such injuries?

Enough to know his chances might improve

if I cut that bullet out.

To hell with that.

We gotta get out of this tarnal valley

before them tarnal savages

come back and take our tarnal scalps.

If we all moved to a safer spot,

we'd be better off, ma'am.

Then let's quit all this jawing and ride.

Well, moving right now might kill this man.

Well, we all gonna be dead 'fore too long.

We need to go.

That ain't your decision to make.

Now, she can get another husband.

Ain't one of us can grow a new scalp.

Move an inch closer to that gun,

I'm gonna be cutting lead out of you too.

Edmund.

Don't increase the number of casualties

we're dealing with here.

Mrs. Butler.

Ma'am.

'Tain't reasonable to stay out here in the open

and to wait to get killed.

Now, once we find some shelter,

we'll get that bullet out your husband.

I swear that to you as a Christian.

If he survives the travel.

We're gonna ride careful, and make sure that he does, hm?

Water.

He wants water.

Got any water?

I'm out.

Watering hole up ahead was a stop I planned to make.

Hey, I have a canteen with some left.

Well, get it in. Bring it in, boy.

Is it far to this waterhole you know?

It ain't far.

It's called Patchee Wells.

It's the only water source I know of in the region

that stays wet during dry spells.

I'm sure glad you know this country so good.

Will we be any safer in your wagon

than we were in ours?

The important thing right now

is getting out of the open, ma'am.

So if you're not opposed to going...

we should be off.

Then let us hurry.

All right.

All right. Let's get him into the wagon.

Raise him gently.

We don't want him bleeding worse.

Edmund. Go gather up our things.

I would like to ride alongside my husband.

That's a good idea, ma'am.

Billy, ride up front.

Edmund, ride in back with these saddlebags.

We sure appreciate

all this assistance you're giving us.

I don't believe I caught your name.

Beckford.

You heard of me?

No, sir, not that I recall.

Uh, there ain't room for a third on that bench,

so I'll ride with my associate,

back of the wagon.

Give me a hand, eh?

All right, mister,

let's launch this wagon like a cannonball.

Watering hole's that way.

Our route's north.

The water and this wagon are going south.

Step up.

Blisters! Can't these critters move any faster?

Like I said, they ain't built for speed.

A slug could beat this pace

in the middle of winter.

There's another name goes in front of Beckford?

Merrick.

Merrick Beckford, my name's Billy McKee.

That old goat in the rear, that's my pa.

"Mule" Charley McKee.

We truly appreciate your help.

That other one,

Edmund.

He been riding with you for a while?

Yeah. Ever since I was a little kid.

But you don't have to worry about him,

he'll mind Pa.

Oh, I'm not worried about him.

You been in Tucson lately?

A few weeks ago.

Man, I miss that place.

Is there anything new up that way?

There was a bank robbery a few weeks ago.

I don't mean like that.

I mean, is there any saloons or parlors?

Any brothel girls, yeah?

There's a lady in this wagon.

You keep those keen eyes looking for Apaches, boy.

Step up.

Easy, easy.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

This place look familiar to you?

No, not at all.

Whew.

Handsome fella.

Explains how he got himself this Mrs. Butler.

Has his condition worsened?

Not noticeably.

There's some antiseptic in the wagon,

gauzes and bandages.

Why don't you go fetch those?

I'll retrieve them.

You and your son should loose these mules,

water them, and stake them in that grass patch over there.

Now, if we stake them there,

they'll have to climb uphill to get out this place.

Not good for leavin' in a hurry.

Yeah, well, if Apaches visit us,

we won't have time to hitch up that wagon.

We definitely can't put those mules on that ridge.

Oh, okay.

Billy, tend these animals.

Edmund, build a fire.

Well, if you would like a fire,

I recommend you build one yourself.

The McKees might take orders from you,

but that doesn't mean I will.

I warned you, man.

Now, you build that fire like the man says,

or I'll give you another toweling like I did in Laredo.

Oh, that incident was a long time ago, old-timer.

You don't walk quite as tall

-as you did in those days. -Thunderation, man.

Don't push it.

I will build your fire as requested, friend.

Are you going to sterilize that blade before operating?

That's why we're risking the fire right now.

How have you stayed alive this long?

Being a little quicker and a little smarter than most.

Lighting a fire out in the open

ain't evidence of that intelligence.

The Indians know we've come to this place.

Well, there's a chance they don't.

Your mules left tracks.

Yeah.

They'll find those marks for certain,

but only after they revisit the valley.

So in the meantime, there's no sense telling them,

or any other band in this vicinity,

that we are here.

You know, not many white men know Patchee Wells even exists.

You ever been here before?

No.

Go build that fire over there,

and keep it small.

Did he bite you?

No. Just trying to run away.

Should I get McKee to brace your husband?

I'm not squeamish.

He's gonna buck like a bronco.

I can hold him fast. Please.

Hold him tight.

Hold him. Hold him.

Hold him tight. Hold him tight.

It's out.

Please.

Proceed.

Should I bandage his injury at this time?

Yeah. Yeah, go ahead.

Um...

Is there anything else to do for him?

All we can do now is wait.

I'm sorry that a person like you is...

stuck in a situation like this.

Well, it's fortunate that my husband and I

happened upon a decent human being out here.

I'll return the medical supplies to the wagon.

Billy, put that fire out.

Okay. I'll do it, mister.

A keepsake from your misadventures.

Beckford.

Let's chew some words, if you don't mind.

That was a mighty fine little bit

of doctoring you did there.

I bet that weren't the first bullet

you ever dug out a man.

It was not.

Yeah, I figured.

So, now that bullet's out, I think it's time for us

to scuttle north to Fort Stalwart.

I'm not going north.

Just where do you plan to go?

South. Mission at San Carlos.

There's a fever epidemic there, and the people in that town

need the medicine in my wagon.

So if you boys want to come with me,

well, you're more than welcome.

You speak with a lot of confidence, man.

Hell of a lot.

Especially for a lone fella, facing down three.

Wagon and those mules are mine,

and my itinerary is set.

You know, talking like--

What's the matter, boy?

Apaches, Pa.

I smell 'em.

Plagues and black boils.

Your boy right about these things?

Ten times out of ten.

Stay right there.

Don't even breathe.

All right, mister. You know how to handle Indians?

Let's go handle them.

He looks like a scout.

I'm gonna come from out this boulder

so they can see me.

I know some braves and can speak a few words.

While he's distracted, wound him or disarm him,

but no matter what, do not kill him.

You understand me?

Friend.

Ash!

Chalipun?

Merrick Beckford?

Stop!

Red blazes, kid!

You weren't supposed to murder him.

Billy! Billy!

I killed him, Pa.

What you did, you stupid reptile,

is just purchase for us the merciless black wrath

- of the Apache. - Blisters, man,

I ain't letting him report our position to his tribe.

That'd be a fool thing to do.

I knew this man.

Could have arranged safe passage for us all.

The pony!

Grab it.

Hey, hey!

We gotta get out of here.

You now just see what you done?

The red hell you just bought for us?

You're the one that pulled him out in the open.

He had his hands raised friendly.

We were talking. You saw that.

But it ain't buying us anything to worry about that now.

When the Apaches find that pony, they'll be upon us.

Oh, I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to interrupt your sermon.

Well, surely you could see

we need to ride hot hell out of here right now.

You just saw firsthand

how slow our mules are compared to that one.

That's why we need to go. Now.

Get ourselves a big lead before that pony

- gets back-- - No.

Moving right now will kill Mr. Butler.

Put us in the thirsty wide open,

exposed to sun and vengeful Apache.

There's some army spades in the back of that wagon.

Go on and get them.

If we can bury this mistake,

we might have half a chance of fooling those Indians.

Where the hell is Edmund?

I didn't see him.

Man should be helping us dig.

That man is acting more wayward than I'm gonna brook.

All right. All right.

We gonna keep his rifle?

We're trying to hide this mess,

not acquire keepsakes to show everyone what we did.

Okay. I just--

there just ain't been many times in my life

I said, "Damn, I wish I didn't have this gun."

Boy, I'll swat you like I did your mestizo mother.

Go ahead.

You sass me again.

Put the damn rifle in there.

Them Apaches won't much appreciate us

burying their brave like a white man.

It's against their beliefs.

Yeah, you're right about that,

but I'm hoping we're far and away

before they discover him.

Where the hell did you disappear to?

You should have assisted us with that dig.

Cleaning up after your boy isn't my responsibility.

Well, shall we be off?

We need to wait until Mr. Butler

is well enough to travel.

No, we spent enough time in Patchee Wells.

If you choose to remain, you do so on your own.

Don't threaten me.

I welcome any rebuttal you care to offer, friend.

All right, no use you two killing each other

till we know how things are gonna go with the Apache.

We will commandeer that army vehicle

if you don't oblige us.

I've got no desire to stay in this infernal place

one minute longer than I have to.

But we need to let Mr. Butler heal some,

or we will kill him.

Huh.

You breathe too loud, friend.

You telegraph it.

You give yourself away

even to a man you'd shoot in the back.

Get worms, you little bastard.

I ain't no bastard.

A Mexican priest said the words--

Shut the hell up!

All right. Put away your gun, man.

Edmund's just trying to throw a scare into you, is all.

He'd never shoot a man in the back.

This whole situation's tying knots in our guts, see?

It's got us all a little bit anxious.

Edmund won't kill nobody,

unless he gets the order from me,

and I ain't going to allow him

to flash shots at a man who's helped us out.

You heard that?

Yeah.

If Edmund draws on me again,

there'll be repercussions.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Abner! It's me, your brother.

I came alone. You can show yourself.

"Dear Abner, I'm writing you this letter

because I've got good news if you'll pocket

that stubborn Virginia pride of yours

and admit the war between the Confederacy

and the Union is over, buried for years.

At present, the United States has a list of crimes

charged against you longer than two neckties,

starting with your escape from that Yankee prison in Ohio

and including the robberies you did all along the border.

With all these offenses tallied,

you seem like a very formidable enemy to them."

"I've used all my sway trying to square things

so you can go back home to Virginia a free man."

Whoa.

"That's finally been arranged.

There's a full pardon awaiting you.

I'll meet you in two weeks at Patchee Wells

and escort you to Tucson,

where you can take an oath of loyalty to the United States

and finally be forgiven.

This is your chance to finally go back home,

free and honest.

Your dear brother, Merrick."

Ain't it obvious, boy?

Beckford has that old Southern honor in his blood.

I sure hope he can fend off

them Indians as good as we did.

I need more proof.

Odious, detestable jackal!

Release me!

Don't do it, son.

Ain't we got troubles enough right now?

I don't need any guidance from you.

Look at where your leadership got us!

Billy, take his gun.

You shouldn't handle me that way, old man.

I'm still young enough.

How'd your man get so unraveled?

Well, he got into some of that medicinal alcohol in the wagon.

Didn't increase his intelligent much.

That drink didn't give him

any ideas he didn't have from the first moment he saw me.

You're right about that, ma'am, but the true wonder

is that we only had to intervene once.

You keep him organized.

I'll try.

If I have to discipline him myself,

it'll be severe.

Come on, bud. Come on.

Okay. Wake up.

Get him, boy.

Take him back there.

There we go. Come on.

Mr. Beckford.

Can you come over here for a moment

and make an appraisal?

His temperature has risen, and he's burning up.

Yeah, this is it.

This is the bad time.

Either that fever will burn the poison out of him or...

I understand.

This will help with his fever.

I want to thank you for all that you've done.

Yeah, well, I hope it's enough.

We're in your debt.

Well, we ain't out of this yet.

No matter what happens,

you deserve our gratitude.

You stopped to help us

while you were on your way to somewhere else.

You're troubled by this delay.

There's a fever epidemic at San Carlos.

Medicine I'm transporting in this wagon was for them.

Well, I'm sorry that our follies

will impact you and so many others.

Yeah, well, they should have got these drugs a week ago,

so a couple days' delay won't matter too much.

Well, for some of them, it might matter very, very much.

Do you have family in San Carlos?

A wife?

No.

I don't know anybody down there.

Are you married?

I was.

It's hard to imagine a woman letting go of a man like you.

Yeah, well, she died before she knew me well enough

to break things off, so...

You have my condolences.

No honest man should have to endure

so many trials and indignities.

Ma'am.

Any signs?

None.

We could put a lot of miles

between us and this place tonight.

Push them animals hard, might make Fort Stalwart

in two days rather than three.

I told you when we'd travel.

I also told you where.

I didn't mean to startle you.

Announce yourself when you draw near.

I shall.

Would you come with me to Jeff?

I believe his fever's subsided.

He's steadier than before.

I'll get him some water to drink.

Blisters!

How many cups have you had?

Four?

That there's his fifth cup of coffee.

For some unknown reason,

our friend wants to keep himself from falling asleep all night.

The wind sounds so haunting out here,

so empty and alone.

I don't see why anyone

would ever choose to live in this land.

Well, there are reasons to dwell in these parts.

How about this spot?

You ever hide out here before?

Nope. Never been here before.

Why are you asking?

My brother was killed here.

You have my condolences, Mr. Beckford.

Well, I'm mighty saddened to hear a thing like that.

Are you?

I said I was.

How did your brother pass?

He was murdered in the dark by bushwhacking cowards.

It was a brutal killing. Without sense.

Lot of killings make no sense.

They shot him four times and mutilated his body

in ways I would not describe in front of any woman.

Well, sounds like he got attacked by Indians.

Wasn't Indians.

Well, that's real tragic.

A man would have to be heartless to deny that.

I appreciate your sympathies.

Well, you've got mine, man.

You do.

Let me tell you something.

Mule Charley McKee never had it easy, neither.

And I took to living by the gun.

Now I admit that to you people.

But I never done it from choice.

It all was forced on me

back when my Billy was just a lad.

I had 'steaded me a ranch,

lived on it with my boy and his mestizo old mother,

but, uh,

she was killed, and then... the land office took the place.

I know all about your "honest" homesteading days, old-timer.

You were pretty generous with that running iron of yours.

We all did that back then.

-Uh-huh. -He's rounding up.

You can't stop to count out a man's strays.

I reckon I lost just as many beeves as I gained.

I doubt that.

Well, a man got to look out for hisself

and his own, right?

Do business the way he sees fit.

A man's gotta be able to stand behind what he does at night

when the noontime sun is shining down on him.

That's well said, man.

Well said.

You know, I've admired you plenty since meeting you.

Mucho, like my wife used to say.

You're the sort of hombre that makes a fine friend...

and a muy malo enemy. Hm?

Now the boys and me understand you're determined

to drive south to San Carlos,

and we figure, well,

maybe there's some money in it for you.

And never once in my entire life

did I meet a man

who wouldn't change his plans if the price was right.

To show you I'm a Christian trustworthy,

I wanna tell you right out.

Them saddlebags we got,

they're bursting full of spending money.

Yours?

It is now.

And so that's what me and the boys been talking over.

We're willing to offer you...

a thousand dollars federal money

to point that team north right now

and gallop to Fort Stalwart.

Oh, that's a mighty generous offer you're making.

It's simple, friend.

Go north. Get rich.

Stay alive.

Shh. Hush, Edmund.

Now, all of us got to stay reasonable

about this thing.

All right?

Now, the boys and me, we just come up from the south,

and between here and to San Carlos, there ain't nothing

but godforsaken country and the hostiles.

We seen it ourselves, ain't we, son?

Yep.

It's just like Pa says.

See, you'd never survive going down that way,

and ain't nobody hold it against you if you turn back.

If we head north, chances are much better.

Might even meet a army patrol 'fore too long,

if we lathered them animals.

Yeah, racing those mules wouldn't get you very far.

Though it would kill them...

and Mr. Butler.

I'm sorry, McKee.

But I have obligations that a thousand dollars

could never wash away.

Mrs. Butler.

You're welcome to remain here with us.

I fear the smells in this area might affect my constitution.

Beckford.

McKee?

I want no trouble with you.

Well, that's fine.

But I'll tell it to you direct.

We'll take them animals from you by force

if that's the only option you give us.

Think it over.

Well, I'll be waiting on this side of the pool

washing that wagon, ready and armed

whenever you want, McKee.

After you, ma'am.

You boys sleep well.

Beckford.

Were you asleep?

I drifted for a moment.

I won't let that happen again.

I came to tell you that Jeff is awake.

I want to thank you.

Jefferson Calhoun Butler, third.

Merrick Beckford.

You would have done the same for me.

Oh, I don't know that I could have done what you did.

It is a certainty that you saved my life, Mr. Beckford.

I am grateful for your ministrations.

I suppose that I don't have to point this out to you, but...

well, my wife and I weren't...

were not made for frontier living.

You know, I was on the...

the general's staff...

in the war.

We dodged cannonballs and gunshots, bayonets,

just as any other infantryman.

I never ran from the enemy, not once.

After the war, I came back home, and I figured,

you know, I'm just as good as the next man

and better than many.

But I don't feel that way out here.

Well, the frontier is a challenging place.

Oh, well, you're kind to say that.

Look, it hurts my pride to say this aloud.

I'm afraid that we still need your help.

Right now, I... I know that you're gonna do

what's best for all of us, aren't you?

Mr. Beckford?

I'll do what I have to do.

Hey.

All I ask is that you consider the welfare of this...

fine young lady just as well as your odds

against those Yankee brigands when you make your decision.

No matter the situation,

a man's got to be able to live with the choices he makes.

Sorry, amigo--

I've staked this claim.

Homestead somewhere else.

Can't fall asleep.

I ain't falling for that.

Edmund! Watch out!

Blisters.

Beckford!

Keep your skirts behind that wagon, Miss Butler.

Billy boy!

Edmund, what's happening over there?

You hold it right there, McKee.

Go on and fling that gun a distance from you.

Billy? You answer me now.

I said fling that gun.

Boy?

I said hold it right there, McKee.

I got to get my boy.

He's past helping.

It can't be.

It is.

Not Billy.

I'm looking at you, Beckford.

And I'm looking at you with ire

and a burning, boiling wrath.

And I swear...

I swear a fiery black oath to God right now,

that if I get the chance, I'm gonna end your life.

And if I get the chance, I'll do it with my bare hands.

Hm?

You drag Edmund to the overhang.

Do what you want with him there, if anything.

I cracked his skull pretty hard.

And drag your boy over there so you can bury him.

You don't want the buzzards catching his scent.

Is it time to leave?

If your husband feels well enough to travel,

we should be off.

You're...

you're still heading south?

Yes, ma'am, I am.

Jeff insists that we can't go in that direction.

He is adamant on the matter.

I'm going south.

If you all want to come with me, that's entirely up to you.

You're gonna leave me and my injured husband

in the Apache country?

Oh, I'd hate to do so.

That is, again, your choice.

You know what they're gonna do to us if they find us here

with a murdered Apache.

You aren't as noble as I earlier imagined

if you'd allow such a thing to happen.

Look, I have a heap of miles between here and San Carlos,

and I have enough to do than battle my own passengers.

Well, then, perhaps this conflict

should be settled beforehand.

My husband and I decided to challenge your autocracy.

Put that thing down.

If you're to shoot me, you better point that

at my heart, not my shoulder like you're doing.

Because you ain't takin' these mules

unless you kill me.

I'd rather tie you up than hurt you,

so don't do anything underhanded.

You're the one being underhanded.

Coming at me with a sweet, friendly tone

and pulling a gun on me.

Go on.

Shoot me.

Right here.

Then ride north through Apache country.

We can try it.

Sure you can.

Did it once before, didn't you?

Only you had one more man back then.

Edmund over there has a cracked skull,

so he won't do much, being dizzy--

Be quiet.

Of course, you folks will panic

and lather up these mules full out,

which will kill them, make your husband bleed--

Shut up!

Ah!

You hold it right there.

Slither back to your cave.

Now, if nobody else intends to attack me,

I think I'll have some breakfast.

Mrs. Butler!

You care to join me?

Look, I don't want you to feel too badly now.

I know you were put up to doing what you did.

Ma'am, I've got more than I can eat.

Please. Come join me.

Thank you.

Billy's dead.

Just cut down in the night.

There's a patch of soil on the incline over here,

where I buried my brother.

Probably a good place for you to put Billy.

I left the shovels over there.

If you intend to ride south with me,

I'd start digging.

You'll have us in your wagon as passengers?

Unarmed. Bound up firm with rope,

you two won't be too much trouble.

I'll be leaving soon.

Edmund.

It's nearly time to go.

Mr. Beckford.

Can I speak with you for a moment, please?

I am feeling...

...much better now after that meal,

much more my... myself.

Thank you.

So you and Mrs. Butler are gonna join me then, huh?

Oh, I'd much rather chance

bleeding to death in a moving wagon

than remain in this watering hole,

weaponless, without horses, awaiting Apaches.

So you have no issue against going south?

Is that right?

I have everything against riding in that direction,

but the wagon is yours, and...

you've claimed my two-shot.

I suppose that does change things, doesn't it?

Yeah, but I'm never gonna survive a journey

in that direction with so many hostiles.

And you were a soldier once, weren't you?

I mean, sometimes the smartest course

is to retreat.

I wasn't on the general's staff.

Look, I've got things to do before we clear out,

and those two are nearly done digging, so...

Hold on. Wait, wait, wait.

I've got one final offer to make.

Don't you waste one more syllable

on the subject of going north.

I--I've seen the way that you look at Valerie.

What are you talking about?

I've been sick, my good host, not blind.

I haven't done anything.

Do you deny that you want her?

Look, I don't see the sense of talking

about this kind of thing. She's your wife.

I know my wife, and I can tell without asking

that she sees in you the kind of man she thought that I was

when she married me.

I have work to do.

I brought my wife out here with a bouquet of hopes

and dreams and promises

that have all just withered in the sun.

All right, as a husband, I'm a failure.

Well, there ain't nothing I can do about that.

Yes, there is.

I'm not following you.

If we survive this ordeal

and Valerie goes back east with me,

it's only gonna be out of a sense of loyalty

and obligation.

Okay, it is obvious that her feelings of affection

have already found a new, far more worthy subject.

You should really sleep this off.

Listen to me, please.

Take us to Tucson, okay?

And I swear, hand to God,

I will step out of this marriage.

Valerie will be free.

Does she know you're offering to leave her like this?

No, she doesn't know.

But I have a feeling she won't have any problem stepping aside

after all that's gone on.

That was...

that was not an easy thing to say, so...

please, sir, I'll have your decision at this time.

A yellow serpent who'd offer what you just did

doesn't deserve a woman like that...

but none of that changes the fact

that this medicine needs to reach San Carlos.

Mr. Beckford...

I just wanted to let you know that we're ready.

Good. It's past time we hit the trail.

Me and Ed can take care of the rest.

All right?

You sure you're up to travel?

Yes.

Sorry to break up the conclave.

We'll go gather the last of our possessions

from the overhang.

Be quick.

We will.

Please forgive me for my behavior moments ago.

I, uh...

There ain't nothing to forgive.

I was startled when I saw those scars.

You're wasting time.

Get your husband in the wagon.

There's something I must tell you.

They intend to take the wagon from you.

I know. And you should be glad,

McKee and Edmund are going your way.

They discussed their plan with us.

Well, I didn't think you folks were exchanging recipes.

Jeff told them that he's willing to endure the mules

being run full out all the way to Fort Stalwart.

Well, I guess he'd agree to anything at this point.

They want me to take that gun

from your holster as we board the wagon.

Why're you telling me this?

I know what type of men McKee and Edmund are,

and I can't abide putting you at their mercy.

I'll pretend...

as if I still intend to disarm you,

and when the time comes,

stop my efforts

with a convincing display of force.

I'll make sure not to harm you.

I've seen how gentle you can be.

Thank you.

What is it?

Drums.

Go to your husband. Now.

Red blazes.

Where the hell is he?

These guns are unloaded,

but I will still shoot anyone who tries for them.

You hear that sound, man?

That's Indian drums pounding out there, now.

It's time for all of us to throw in together.

They found and dug up that brave we buried.

Thunderation.

Sounds like they're consigning him to their gods.

-Come on. -We got to go quick

while they're distracted with their ritual.

Yeah, I doubt they'll let us ride free,

but only one way to find out. Are you ready?

I'm too scared to feel any pain right now.

You two get him in the wagon.

Be gentle.

Over in there, bud.

Go on.

What do you think, they're setting up a boutique?

Well, if we survive this day, I plan on enjoying myself.

You get back there with the Butlers

and your hard-earned money.

Edmund, wait.

- There's a matter to discuss. - Be concise.

Now, we've thrown in with you, and we'll abide your say-so,

and I swear that to you as a Christian

directly into the radiant ears of Christ Himself.

Now you give us back them guns,

so we have a chance of surviving this engagement.

I admire you, McKee, I really do.

Especially how you let those absurd notions

exit your mouth.

You won't arm us?

Not now, maybe not ever. But I tell you what.

If I see a host of galloping braves

riding towards us with dire intentions,

I will revisit the notion. Now get in!

You rotten...

You reptiles stay to the rear of the wagon.

If you approach me or molest the Butlers,

you will learn firsthand

that Christ ain't ever gonna call you up to Heaven.

What is there to see at present?

Nothing. But it's a meaningful nothing.

When're you gonna let out them mules?

As soon--

Whoa, whoa, whoa!

What the hell are you doing?

That shot meant stop, and they will not ask twice.

Man, you run them animals now!

If we've any chance of surviving,

it'll be from talking.

Plagues and black boils, you are a fool!

Three Apaches are approaching.

Stay calm and quiet.

Are you friends with any of these?

I've never seen them before.

Thunderation, man.

I told you yesterday afternoon we ought to run.

Yesterday!

Run where? North?

Right to 'em?

Yesterday, we had a chance.

Small, maybe tiny,

but at least we had some kinda chance.

What the hell have we got now, huh?

Same chance we had yesterday,

except this time we're meeting them here

instead of the open.

Out.

He is hurt.

Wounded. We have to help him.

Stay.

Out.

He's hurt.

-Can't you see that? -Val. Val. Val.

Just don't ask for anything, okay?

Stand up.

Okay.

-Your wounds have reopened. -Shh.

You know that one?

No.

But you don't have to be acquainted with him

to know his lineage.

You are the leader of this group?

I speak for them. Yes.

What does that cross mean?

It means that that wagon is carrying medicine.

I took on these passengers when I met them in the valley.

And then you killed an Apache.

I deeply regret that.

Such a thing did come to pass, yes.

I knew Chalipun,

and I was speaking peaceably with him

when another white man, who is now dead,

shot him in a cowardly manner.

Pleading with me will not keep you alive.

I do not plead.

Still, I am ashamed

to have played a part in that noble brave's death.

Men should die proud of their deeds,

not begging.

His death was not my doing.

And never in my life have I begged for anything.

A coyote bays very loudly until the bear is upon him.

My warriors and I shall see how bravely you die, white man.

Chief Victorio has spoken.

Hey, keep your hands off my wife!

Shaa!

If that brave has his way,

Mrs. Butler'll have a new husband before too long.

Shut your mouth.

Why?

The lady might as well know what's a-gonna happen to her.

Focus your thoughts upon your own fate,

which isn't much brighter than my own.

I been staring at death for many years.

I am used to his gaze.

You say you are the Apache leader

known as Chief Victorio, yes?

Is my name familiar to you, fearless white man?

Yes.

Your name is very big in these parts,

but I was not aware that you preyed

upon women and injured men.

We are simply travelers, crossing your land in peace.

We're not soldiers.

That wagon back there, it's carrying medicine.

Must strong Apache warriors really steal treatments

from the sick women and children?

And what have your kind taken from my people?

How do the lives of a few white women and children

compare to your vast desecration?

It's time for the crucible.

Butler, you swallow your agony all the way down.

Apaches hate admissions of pain,

and there's no surer way to get your throat cut.

Who buried Chalipun in a white man's grave?

Then you are all guilty of crimes against the Apache.

The injured man behind me,

he was unconscious when it happened

and is innocent.

You are wrong.

That man fired bullets at the Apache in the valley

and is not innocent.

If there is a man among you

who can endure the torments without tears,

prove yourself strong and brave as an Apache,

then I will let you all go

in peace from this place.

Even the woman shall be released.

Build a fire.

Damnation.

Horse manure.

This is very unusual medicine.

That money's yours.

That's a gift from us to the exalted Chief Victorio,

yeah, if'n you'll... you'll let us go.

It'll buy you plenty of rifles and whiskey.

Chief Victorio has already explained

how you may earn your freedom.

This is Apache money now.

You didn't have too much leverage there.

As long as I'm alive, I'm gonna explore every option.

Now, is that money from the bank that got robbed in San Carlos?

Well. No use lying 'bout it now,

staked out here like we are.

Yeah, Merrick Beckford,

I am pleased and proud to tell you that it was.

Well, I can understand

why you were against riding south, then.

Damn right.

I heard stories about that job.

How neat, expert-like it was done.

Now, were you men also behind that job

in Tucson two years ago?

Well... as a matter of fact--

Would you hush, you dumb braggart?

Beckford's trying to find out

if we were working this territory two years ago

when his brother was killed.

How'd you know he died two years ago?

You keep away from me.

We must test this one first,

lest he escape our crucible by dying.

Leave my husband--

Ma'am. I know you mean well,

but pleading for him is only gonna make things worse.

I understand.

Butler, you ball up your guts and ready your reserves, okay?

This one's as weak as a woman.

No!

Mercy! Please, please, please.

Mercy, mercy, please.

Ah.

Mercy. Mercy.

An Apache child can endure more than this one.

Christ, help me endure.

Cry out, and your crucible will be over.

You'll... you'll let us go now?

The crucible of a man who steals from his own kind

and desecrates a dead Apache is not so quickly ended.

Mercy! Mercy!

Many Apache braves

have endured as much or more.

Return the rifle barrel to the fire

for the final crucible.

Fetch me a burning log.

You seem to recognize the handiwork of your tribesmen.

Why didn't you name yourself earlier?

Oh, I didn't know my name had any value with the Apache.

The name Merrick Beckford

is well known amongst my people,

and to this day, still spoken of in our lodges.

Our Creator saw what happened to you and your wife.

It was angry.

Trust Chief Victorio when he tells you

that not one of those Apache renegades

who committed those crimes walks this earth any longer.

You'll leave us, then?

We will.

And the word shall be sent forth

that no Apache will harm you on your journey.

What about me?

Release me.

I'll handle him and the other.

Very well, Merrick Beckford.

May your medicine save many.

I appreciate your forbearance.

Beckford, what are your intentions?

Is Mr. Butler all right?

He needs more bandages.

-Hey, are you gonna-- -You shut your mouth.

I'll let the sun murder both of you.

Far kinder treatment than you showed my brother.

I'm sorry about what happened to your wife.

Yeah, it was a long time ago.

Not to you.

No... not to me.

Um...

I-I understand why they sent you alone

with all this medicine.

Yeah. They thought I could make it.

Well, you would have if you hadn't encountered us.

You...

you gonna let us roast out here

just 'cause we-- you think we killed your tarnal brother?

I know you killed my brother.

'Cause Edmund guessed that he died two years ago?

I knew for certain three men had killed him,

and I felt you might be the ones the first time

I smelt your godforsaken odor.

And then, when I saw Edmund

dismantling that spider the other night,

I was certain.

Not many take pleasure in pointless cruelty...

and my brother got the same treatment.

But yeah,

Edmund knowing Abner died two years ago

was the fact that pulled the noose tight.

Man, all that is just coincidences--

If you deny what you did,

200 yards from where Abner's buried,

I swear to God, I will unearth your son

and let the buzzards rip him apart.

Do you intend to just leave us staked out here?

Nope. Tie you up, good and firm,

and take you back to San Carlos to get hanged.

Should get Mr. Butler in the wagon.

Yeah.

It's about time we quit this place.

Val? What hap--

Try not to talk just yet.

We're safe.

Hurry, man. Hurry, hurry.

Hurry, hurry. Go, Ed, go.

I'll give you some water.

I'll go tie up McKee and Edmund.

Won't even have to squint to aim true.

North it is.

You give my best to your brother.

Come here.

Yeah! Yeah!

You can't overpower me.

My bare hands.

I swore I'd kill you with my bare hands!

Black boils!

Thank you very much.

McKee.

Beckford.

Do you wanna live out the rest of your days

as a blind man in a San Carlos jail, waiting to get hanged...

or do you wanna go see your son right now?

It's entirely up to you.

Send me to Billy.

I'm sorry, ma'am.

At least Jeff

regained himself before he left us.

Yes, ma'am, he did.

That is an indisputable fact.

Ma'am.

You ready to go?

I am.

I have one thing to ask of you before we go.

Yes, ma'am?

I'd prefer it very much if you called me Valerie.

Well, that is a difficult request,

but I think I can manage that.