Original subtitles

We, the jury, find the defendant guilty as charged.

The prisoner will face the court.

Emmett Dalton, you have been tried

before a jury and found guilty.

Have you anything to say

before sentence is passed upon you?

There's nothing I could say now would matter much.

Your Honor, he's wrong.

There's a great deal that might be said.

Emmett was never inherently bad...

The court is interested in no remarks

except the prisoner's.

You owe it to me to tell the whole story

even if you won't do it for yourself.

I guess she's right, Your Honor.

Maybe I better speak my piece.

What I'm gonna say ain't intended to whitewash us Daltons

for what we done in the past,

robbed trains, held up banks...

but what everybody don't know is what led to the shooting

right here in Coffeyville.

The country was getting pretty hot for us.

We were headin' down south

aimin' to do a little ranching in the Argentine.

Well, one day, we rode into a town

called Skeleton Creek.

"The High Hand Saloon."

Here's where we combine business with pleasure.

I don't like the idea of stickin' our nose in no saloon,

not with them reward posters plastered all over the country.

We gotta find out where Tex Walters lives, don't we?

Besides, I'm thirsty.

Hey.

Couldn't we drop in on that bank first, friendly like?

That's an idea. How about it, Bob?

It looks like a cinch, Bob.

We could use a little extra cash for our start in the Argentine.

Nothing doing.

We ain't holding up no banks with tired out horses.

Well, I guess we better find out where Waters' place is,

rest 'em up for a while.

Five dollars says he don't make it.

You got yourself a bet, mister.

- Looks like you lose. - No bet. Somebody tripped him.

Pay up.

- But I, uh-- - Pay up!

Thanks. You're the kind of strangers we like around here.

Three beers, and give me a shot.

Make 'em cold.

Allow me to make you welcome

to Skeleton Creek, gentlemen.

The name's McKenna.

If there's anything I can do for you--

Another beer, bartender.

Oh, you're a man of great vision, sir.

I'm indebted to you further,

and you have the thanks of the entire McKenna family.

Hey, bartender, do you know where the Tex Walters ranch is?

Yeah.

Hey, I asked if you knew where the Tex Walters ranch is.

Something wrong with your ears? He asked you something.

Wait a minute, fella. You're friends of Walters'?

We're looking for his ranch. Know where it is?

Yeah, it's about 2 and a half miles east of here.

But if you're looking for work,

I wouldn't advice Walters' place.

Hey, Bob, remind me to ask him when we need advice.

Let's go.

Emmett, suppose you water the horses.

Suits me.

We better lay in a few supplies.

Are you blind or just plain dumb?

Huh?

Why don't you look where you're riding?

Uh, I'm sorry, miss. I guess I should have.

You're sure worth looking at.

Mud from head to foot. It's ruined.

Oh, it ain't as bad as all that. I can take care of it.

Now leave everything to me.

It will be as good as new in two shakes.

Oh, of all the clumsy. It's ten times worse.

Now just a minute. I said I was sorry.

I'll buy you a new one.

If I weren't a lady, I'd-- I'd slap your face.

If I were a gentleman, I'd probably let you, but I'm not.

Obviously.

I don't know what a gentleman's supposed to do

in a case like this,

but here's trying.

Would $50 buy a dress for this young lady?

Yes. Yes, sir.

Get your duds off.

Behind that screen.

Well, if you think a lady lets strange men

buy her clothes, you're badly mistaken.

I don't know much about ladies,

but I'm gonna be a gentleman if it kills you.

You wouldn't dare.

- Has he gone? - Y-- yes.

Yes, he-- he's gone.

Whoa. This must be it.

- That looks like Walters. - Sure.

Now that's what I call a real ranch.

You know, Ben, you're just a farmer at heart.

I wouldn't come any further.

Didn't you see those No Trespassing signs there?

Yeah. We was lookin' for Tex Walters.

What do you want with him?

When we find him, we'll tell him.

Alright, start tellin'. I'm Walters.

We're sons of an old friend of yours.

- Louis Dalton. - Lou Dalton?

Well, why didn't you say so?

Get off your horses and set a while.

What are you doing in this neck of the woods?

I don't suppose a posse's chasing you?

No, we lost them a week ago. Doubled on our tracks.

No more outlawing for us. We're heading south.

We're aiming to ranch in the Argentine.

We've been riding pretty hard.

We got a couple of loose shoes and some saddle galls.

We was wondering if we could rest up here for a day or so.

Sure, make yourselves at home. You can sleep in the bunkhouse.

I ain't got no hands anyhow. Times ain't been too good.

I don't see why. It looks like a first-rate outfit.

Well, it ought to be, but I got a note to meet.

- Land company, huh? - Yes, and they won't wait.

Same old grab.

Well, they ain't gonna grab this one.

I got a pretty good herd of cattle.

My brother-in-law's coming out today with a buyer.

I'll be able to pay off and get started again.

That you, Tex?

Come on out, maw, we got company.

It ain't too often we have visitors around here anymore.

Look, boys, I better not use your real names.

- You see, maw-- - Well, call us the McConnells.

Fine.

Maw, meet the McConnell boys.

Sons of an old friend of mine.

I'm mighty glad to know you boys.

The boys are gonna stay with us for a day or two.

Oh, glad to have you. We love company. Come on in.

- I'll take care of the horses. - Alright.

Can you see who it is, Tex?

It's Mike. Mike Bohannan, my brother-in-law.

Looks like he has that cattle buyer with him too.

Now let's see that land company take my ranch away.

Whoa, hup! Hello, Kate, Tex.

This is Mr. Kittridge and Mr. Gregory, his associate.

- Mr. and Mrs. Walters. - Howdy? How do you do, folks?

My, but you look pretty as a picture.

Your new dress, it sure is beautiful.

It isn't the dress I ordered and I hate it.

Some hoodlum forced it on me at the point of a gun.

Well, if you'll just tell us who it was, ma'am--

I don't know. I never saw him before.

I certainly wish I'd done what I wanted to.

These are my friends, the McConnells.

Uh, Mary Bohannan, Mike Bohannan,

Mr. Kittridge and Mr. Gregory.

- How do you do? - Come on in, folks.

I'll make a whoppin' pitcher of lemonade.

Well, thanks, Mrs. Walters, but we sort of

hoped to see the cattle before sundown.

We'll join you later, maw.

If you men will come with me, we'll saddle up

and go look the cattle over.

Come in, make yourselves at home.

I won't be a moment.

Now wait a minute, there's a McConnell missing.

I remember, he's taking care of the horses.

Mary, you run on down to the barn and get him.

Alright, Aunt Kate.

That's a mighty pretty daughter you have, Mr. Bohannan.

Yes, so they tell me.

You boys look kind of familiar to me.

Is that so? We ain't never been in these parts before.

I'm the editor and publisher of the local paper,

"Skeleton Creek Plainsman."

Seems to me I saw a picture a few weeks ago

of four brothers.

I don't recollect the name being McConnell though.

Seems to me the name was, uh, Dalton.

Oh, th-- that ain't us, mister.

Of course, those fellows were clean-shaven and--

Hey, you made a mistake.

Yeah. More than likely.

- Mike? - Yeah.

Will you pump me some water?

Sure. I'll only be a minute, boys.

Looks like them reward posters is catching up with us.

We better make some excuses and get out of here.

You ain't gonna let his gab scare us off, are you?

It ain't a question of being scared.

It's just that we don't wanna make any trouble for ourselves

or Tex.

Oh!

- You! - Yes, it's me.

- This is getting to be a habit. - A bad habit.

Only this time, I can fix it.

I'll bet you think I'm the clumsiest man in the country.

There.

You still wish you'd slap me this morning?

Well, the notion did appeal to me at the time.

Well, go ahead. You've got a slap coming.

I'm afraid that will have to wait till later.

Aunt Kate has some lemonade ready now.

Alright, I can wait.

Well, I'm all cleaned up and ready to go.

Cleaned up?

Come on, you can do better that that.

I'll pump for you.

You know, you never told me your name.

It's Mary Bohannon.

That's a pretty name. Mine's Emmett, uh--

I know. McConnell.

- Yeah, that's right. McConnell. - Well, that looks better.

Thanks. Now lead me to that lemonade.

We sure enjoyed that lemonade, Mrs. Walters.

You say goodbye to old Tex for us

if he don't get back before we leave.

He's gonna be disappointed. I don't see...

Oh, Emmett, I've explained to Mrs. Walters

we've got to get started before sundown.

- But we, uh-- - Don't you remember?

We told Charlie Bates we'd meet him at Ford's Crossing Saturday.

- Charlie Bates? - Yeah. You remember.

I just turned the horses out.

Well, we gotta round 'em up again.

- Where are you going? - Well, Mary, you see--

Well, we're on our way to the Argentine.

- The Argentine? - We'll be saying goodbye now.

- And thanks, folks. - Goodbye.

You're welcome. Come again.

I hate to say this after just getting acquainted and all.

Anyway...

goodbye.

- I smell smoke. - And I hear cattle.

A prairie fire.

After runnin' off his herd, Walters will have to sell to us.

That's Walters.

Let's see who those men are.

I think I know that cowboy. Let's get him.

Well, I-- I guess I'd better be getting back to the office.

- You'll be alright, Mary? - Yes.

If there's anything I can do, please let me know.

Thanks for everything, Jeff.

Why, it's the McConnells.

Jeff, I want you to meet some old friends of Uncle Tex's.

The McConnells. This is Jeff Colton.

- Hi. - How do you do?

Well, this is a surprise. I thought sure by now

you'd be clear out of the state.

We thought we'd stick around for a couple of days

in case Mrs. Walters needed anything.

- Could we see her now? - Why, of course.

She's inside with mother.

If you'll excuse me.

This Jeff, is he an old friend?

Why, yes. He works with dad on the paper.

- He's his right-hand man. - Oh.

You could have at least come to the funeral

as long as you were staying.

Well, we sort of thought only the family was expected.

Don't you think we better go in?

It's kind of nice out here.

How much is the note for, Mrs. Walters?

More than $4000.

The ranch is worth a lot more than that.

We've paid in 17,000 already.

I can't understand why the bank won't take over

the balance of that note.

I don't know. I think Tex tried.

It's just a plain good business proposition.

- We ought to go talk to 'em. - That's right, let's go talk--

Hold on, Grat. That's for Mrs. Walters to do.

Well, I don't know much about banks.

- Well, we do. - I tell you.

I'll go over there with you and we'll see what's what.

- Oh, I don't know. - He's right, Kate.

You might as well get things settled.

Well-- well, alright, if you'll do the talking.

- Oh, you just leave that to us. - Now wait a minute.

This ain't no convention. You stay here.

Uh, you get your hat, Mrs. Walters.

I'm sorry, but I'm afraid

the bank wouldn't be interested in handling your loan.

But why not, Mr. Haines? It's a good risk.

It's more than three-quarters paid.

I know my business better than you do,

and we're still not interested.

Suppose you tell me why?

Evidently, you don't know much about banks, Mr. McConnell.

Uh, no, I don't.

We're not required to give reasons for not making a loan.

I'm sorry, Mrs. Walters.

I done all I could.

That banker, he just doesn't know

a good business proposition when he sees one.

Maybe you didn't put it to him in the right way.

You've done your talking, now I'll do mine.

But, Bob...

Five thousand dollars?

But my dear Mr. Smith,

you haven't even an account here.

Oh, that's alright. I'll give you my note.

We never make loans except on the very best of security.

You mean you gotta have collateral?

We certainly do.

Well, you've got it right in your lap.

Now call a teller and get me the cash

and a blank note, of course.

I'm kind of in a hurry, Mr. Haines.

- Oh, Jennings. - Yes, sir.

- Come in here, please. - Get a hold of yourself.

Jennings, bring me a blank note and $5000.

I'm making a loan to Mr., uh, Smith.

Yes, sir.

Five thousand?

Pardon me, but shouldn't we have

some collateral or identification?

I know all I need to know about this gentleman, Jennings.

Yes, sir.

Have a cigar.

Thanks.

There's nothing to be nervous about.

Hey, sheriff.

Did you happen to see those four pilgrims

who were at the High Hand the other day?

If I did, I don't recall it. Why?

I seem to have known them someplace before.

Just where I can't recall.

- Ah, lapsus memoriae. - The what?

Lapsus memoriae.

Very irritating. Very irritating.

- That will be all, Jennings. - Yes, sir.

Thanks for the loan, Mr. Haines. I appreciate it.

Help! I've been robbed! Help!

Oh, sheriff, somebody just robbed the bank.

I've been robbed!

Help, Jennings! Do something. Get the sheriff.

He's coming, sir.

Open up. Unlock the door.

I can't. He took the key.

He went west up the alley.

Higher, Emmett.

Yes, ma'am, that Mr. Haines turned out to be real obligin'.

I don't know when I ever did business

with a more understanding banker.

I always did have a weak spot in my heart for bankers.

He gave you all this money

without my signing any papers or anything?

Well, you see, he didn't wanna bother you

with business at a time like this.

So I gave him a sort of IOU for it.

He said to pay off that land company quick

and not to even bother about thanking him for it

until you were back on your feet again.

If-- if I was you, Mrs. Walters, I'd get on over there right now.

Well, I never heard of a bank doing business in this way.

It's like you said.

You just don't understand banking methods.

Sure, that all depends on the banker.

Why, I know one once-- - Someone just held up the bank.

- Where's Mary? - She's out back, Jeff.

Oh, thanks.

I can't take this kind of money.

Oh, but, ma'am, what other kind is there?

You don't think I held up that bank, do you, Mrs. Walters?

I can add two and two, son.

But I tell you, I borrow that money.

I understand. You meant well.

You wanted to help me, but you've done a terrible thing.

Please give it back.

If we can fix this up so it's perfectly legal,

will that be alright?

Why, yes. If it's legal.

We'll be back.

Are you going after that bank robber?

- Well, we, uh-- - Oh, sure, ma'am.

We're right on his trail.

If our timing's right, it ought to work.

We'll make it work.

Come in.

Good afternoon. What can I do for you?

- Uh, my name's Brown-- - Glad to know you, Mr. Brown.

I'm Graham. Pull up a chair and sit down.

Oh, thanks, I won't be here hardly long enough for that.

I just wanna to pay off the note

you hold against the Walters' place.

I'm sorry, I don't believe I can accommodate you, Mr. Brown.

Why not?

Well, you see, I'd have to get Mrs. Walters'

authorization before I can make a transfer.

This ain't no transfer. I'm here to pay it off for her.

Well, even so, I'm sorry, I don't believe I--

Maybe you'd rather I throw you and your office out the window.

- How much is it? - Forty six hundred.

Write paid in full across it.

This could get me into a lot of trouble.

Yeah.

You ain't going no place.

Open that safe.

I, I-- I don't know the combination.

Maybe you better start guessin'.

Now let's see what money you got in there.

- There isn't any. - Get it!

My grandpa warned me about that trick

when I was in short pants.

Drop that gun.

Drop it!

What will I do with him? Turn him over to the sheriff?

There's no law against shooting an outlaw in self-defense.

Look out!

Ride herd on these two, Emmett.

No luck, huh, sheriff?

Ah, took off across country, I guess.

Like looking for a needle in a haystack.

- Got any idea who he was? - Nobody seemed to know him.

Sheriff, you'll be glad to learn

that I've recovered from my lapsus memoriae.

Isn't that fine?

Here I've got a bank robbery on my hands

and you wanna talk about your ailments.

I'm trying to explain, sir.

The men we were discussing earlier

are really the four horsemen of the Western apocalypse,

in a manner of speaking.

Well, why didn't you say so in the first place?

That clears everything up.

In plainer terms, those men are the Dalton gang.

Do you know what you're talking about?

Not always, I admit, sir. But in the present instance, I--

Never mind the speech.

What makes you think they're the Dalton gang?

That portrait you have of 'em.

They don't look much like the men I saw ride into town.

They would if they wore stubble beards.

Look.

Well, that does look like one of 'em.

It's all of them, I assure you.

More than likely, they're behind all those recent ranch killings.

Fine time to learn about it after they've all cleared out.

They haven't. Three of them are up at the land office.

Don't make any noise, Haines.

Don't you think you've taken money enough

away from me for one day?

I'm here to pay back that little loan you made me.

To-- to pay back the loan?

And pick up my note.

I don't understand, I--

Now don't tell me you thought I was stealing it.

That's the trouble with you bankers.

You don't trust anybody.

Here it is, 5000.

Now make out a new note...

for 4600 and I'll have Mrs. Walters sign it.

Oh, I-- I wouldn't dare do that.

Partner, you don't dare not to.

Alright.

Alright.

Why did you say you wouldn't dare take Mrs. Walters' note?

Because I was warned not to.

- Who warned you? - I don't know.

It was anonymous, just like the other time.

- What other time? - When Bill Lennox was killed.

I offered to finance his widow so she wouldn't lose her land.

Then I received a message that I'd better not.

I didn't pay any attention till someone fired a slug

through my hat.

So I didn't finance Mrs. Lennox.

There you are.

Now, remember, you've been paid. You're not out anything.

And if you ever try to collect on this,

I'll appear to you sudden and sure.

I hope you won't spread it around that I did this.

I won't if you won't.

Here you are, Mrs. Walters.

Your land office note all marked "Paid and cancelled."

And the bank's taken over

so if you'll just sign this new note

from Mr. Haines when you get time.

He's in no hurry for the money.

You boys have given me real peace of mind.

I don't see what opportunities there are in the Argentine

that you couldn't find right here in Skeleton Creek.

Everything I want in the world is right here, Mary, but--

I mean, well, you'd have no trouble getting work.

Why, Aunt Kate would be tickled to death

to have you four boys run the ranch.

No, I'm afraid it wouldn't work.

Why not?

I'd rather explain that in my first letter.

- Hey, Mr. Bohannan. - Yeah.

Did you hear the Daltons are in town?

I haven't heard anything else, seems like to me.

Fine state of affairs. Outlaws riding into town.

Broad daylight too. Sheriff sound asleep as...

All I can say is I wish you boys all the luck in the world.

- Thanks, I guess we can use it. - Well, goodbye, ma'am.

- What's going on here? - Lots of things, Mike.

And all of them good.

The McConnells have taken care of my note.

They're a lot better businessmen than you, Mike Bohannon.

They persuaded the bank to take over.

But how in tarnation did--

They just realized it was a good business proposition.

Well, goodbye again.

I'm happy to shake your hand, young fellow,

but I'm not saying goodbye till you've had the best supper

Maggie Bohannon can put together.

- But we're all ready to leave. - Mike's right, for a change.

Come on, Kate, we'll cook them a supper

they won't forget in a hurry.

Thanks, Mr. Bohannon, but, really, I don't think--

It's not safe to leave till after dark.

It seems the Daltons are on the loose.

We already told you--

And you being four brothers,

somebody might mistake you for the Daltons.

Suppose the posse did?

There'd be shooting. Maybe some innocent men killed.

- That makes sense. - Sure, it does.

Now you boys get your horses out of the barn,

take 'em over and hide 'em back of the cottonwoods

so as not to cause any curiosity.

He's right. We better wait.

Of course, the question is purely hypothetical, sheriff,

but if you had succeeded in apprehending the fugitives,

to what extend would I have shared in the remuneration?

Well, just what would that mean

if you were to talk in plain English?

Well, in simpler terms, if you'd caught the Daltons,

how much of the reward would I have received?

What difference does it make? I didn't catch them.

Oh, true, but it would give me such a sense of prosperity

if I knew how much money I'd lost.

Get yourself a beer.

What a comedown.

Thank you very kindly, sir. I can take a hint, I assure you.

How'd you like to round up the Dalton brothers?

- The Dalton brothers? - Yep.

- Where are they? - Bohannon's house.

- Are you sure? - Yeah.

I was ridin' down the alley and saw 'em.

Well, don't say anything until I round up some of the boys.

You ought to have your head examined

offering to do the dishes.

Well, I'd rather be doing dishes than consoling Mrs. Walters.

- That's woman's work. - What do you call this?

Wait a minute. Wait a minute!

Shut the door. Shut the door quickly.

Alright, alright.

Now, what's the matter, Mr. McKenna?

The sheriff...

- You're the Daltons! - Daltons?

What have you got on your mind? Talk, and talk fast.

You were kind to me the other day, sir.

- I'm here to reciprocate. - Reciprocate.

- What does that mean? Spying? - No, no, my dear sir.

The sheriff is coming with a posse.

- We better get out of here. - It's too late.

The house will be surrounded in a minute.

- Mary's outside. - Yeah, she's out with Emmett.

- He's saddling the horses. - Turn out those lights.

Ah, this no place for a gunfight.

Innocent people are bound to be hurt.

He's right, boys. We must think of the women.

If you think we're gonna give up without a fight, you're crazy.

Ah, the situation calls for a strategy.

You can fight later if that fails.

Do you play the organ, Mrs. Bohannan?

- Some. Why? - Excellent. Then start playin'.

And sing something, too, if you can manage it.

Something sentimental.

You four take the back of the house and the barn.

Emmett, what is it?

Posse. You stay here.

Pray, resume your editorial duties, sir,

and let us hope that the pen is mightier than a horse pistol.

I'll take you home again Kathleen

Across the ocean wild and wide

To where your heart has ever been

Since first you were...

What's the meaning of this, busting into a man's home?

I've got to search your house, Mike.

Search? Tarnation, sheriff. What'd you lose?

The Daltons.

Wilkins said he saw 'em in your backyard.

And you think they're in my house?

Go ahead and search.

If you find them, it will make a good story for my paper.

Take a look upstairs.

Your voice is sad

When ere you speak

And years...

If you've got any decency, you won't disturb the women.

Maw's in there with Mrs. Walters

trying to to take her mind off Tex's death.

Although how that caterwauling could take

anybody's mind off anything is beyond me.

Kathleen

To where your heart

Will feel no pain

And when...

- Any sign of 'em? - No.

Searched the barn?

Nothing there but Bohannan's team.

That was a great tip you gave me, Wilkins.

Well, I thought I saw 'em.

Find anything, sheriff?

- Nothing yet. - Fine.

That will make a good story for my paper too.

Will take you back Kathleen

To where your heart

Will feel no pain

And when the fields

Are fresh and green

I'll take you

To your home again

You find anything upstairs?

There's nobody up there.

If the Dalton brothers are hid out here,

it must me in the woodwork.

Dalton.

Stay out of this, Mary.

Emmett Dalton.

I was hoping you wouldn't find out.

At least until after we'd gone.

Makes a difference, doesn't it?

Yes, I-- I guess it does.

I don't know everything's so mixed up that...

Oh, I beg your pardon, Mary. I...

Who was it?

Jeff Colton courtin' Mary.

Come on.

Haven't you got any romance in your soul?

I couldn't think of any other way to keep you from...

I'm sorry.

- I'm not. - Please don't go, Emmett.

I've got to.

There's a price on my head.

I'm sure you've never done anything really bad.

I've done plenty except killin'

and that was just plumb luck.

You could give yourself up?

- And go to jail? - It wouldn't be forever.

They take your voluntary surrender

into consideration and...

I'd wait for you, Emmett.

You would?

- We sure wanna thank you, Mac. - Oh, don't mention it.

I'm peace-loving man.

Never could stand the thought of bloodshed.

Well, good fortune ride with you.

Emmett.

Let's go.

I don't know who warned them Daltons,

but if I ever get my hands on 'em,

I'd take that $4000 reward money

right out of his hide.

I'd sure like to see that.

Put me down for a ringside seat.

- Yeah. - Wilkins, you're a fool.

- Why, you cadging old barfly-- - Put that away.

You heard him, Wilkins, put it away.

I think you'd better explain to 'em just who I am, Graham.

Boys, Mr. McKenna is from the Eastern Office

with authority to take charge whenever he sees fit.

The boss? I gave him a nickel for a beer.

Shut up!

There's work to do.

Work very nearly complicated by your stupidity, Wilkins.

A moment ago, you expressed a desire

to get your hand on the man who I warned the Daltons.

- That's right. - I warned them.

Setting the sheriff on them wasn't very bright, Wilkins.

- Well, I thought-- - You thought, did you?

They're no good to us dead or in jail

but alive and on the run, they're just what we need.

You follow me?

You mean, you're gonna blame

the Daltons for everything we've done?

Exactly.

Shorty, tomorrow your men take over the Rocker-J.

The next night Red's men hold up the westbound

and make it look like a Dalton job.

- Right. - Then we raid the Samson place.

Well, it looks like we're gonna be in shape to ride on tonight.

Suits me. Gettin' kind of restless.

Well, anyhow, we caught up on our sleep.

Hey, Emmett, quit trying to wear a hole in your pants

and give me a hand, will you?

I'm not leavin'.

- What did you say? - You heard me.

- I'm not leaving. - He's gone loco.

He's jokin'.

I'm not jokin' and I'm not loco.

I think I'm doing the smartest thing of my life.

Well, you can't hang around here.

I'm not gonna hang around.

I'm gonna ride into Skeleton Creek

and give myself up.

You ain't gonna hang around,

you're gonna hang.

I was never mixed up in any killings, you know that.

- That's right. - I've thought it all out.

I'm gonna take my medicine and start clean.

You mean you aim to go to jail?

It won't be forever.

Maybe the fact I gave myself up--

A Dalton could never live cooped up like that.

I don't say I'm gonna like it, but I'm gonna do it.

And when I get out, I'm gonna get married.

Married? Who's gonna marry you if you go to jail?

Mary Bohannon.

Why, she'd forget all about you

before you'd served half your time.

She'll wait for me.

You are out of your mind, Emmett.

Women ain't like that. Well, I had a gal once--

- That wasn't Mary Bohannon. - Maybe he's right.

Thanks, Ben.

Emmett.

If that's the way you want it, it's alright with me.

Me too.

I'm sure gonna miss all of you. I...

Good luck.

Well, I guess I'd better get started before I change my mind.

I guess he's being smart at that.

We might have done the same thing

if we'd ever stopped to think about it.

It was sure nice of you to drive out with me, Mary.

And I'm going to stay until you get some hands workin'.

Don't you worry about a thing.

You go on in, I'll put the horse up.

Good heavens. What are you doing here?

We've been holed up here a few days.

- We were just leaving. - Where's Emmett?

He rode for town a while ago. Funny you didn't meet him.

- Rode for town? - Yeah.

- He went in to give himself up. - Now?

He's doing it on account of you.

- But they'll hang him. - It ain't that bad.

You see, Emmett's never been mixed up in any killings.

- Then you don't know? - Know what?

Of course, you don't. You haven't seen the papers.

They're blaming the Daltons

for all these ranch raids and murders.

But we ain't been a foot off this place.

I believe you, but...

Well, there are posters all over the county

offering $5000 reward for any Dalton dead or alive.

You've gotta stop Emmett! You've got to.

- Ain't that one of the Daltons? - Sure looks like it.

Wilkins ought to know about this.

Hello?

Anybody here?

Well, what's all the excitement about?

One of the Daltons is in town.

- Dalton? Where? - In your office.

Well, I call that mighty accommodating.

We'll take care of him.

Not while I'm sheriff, you won't.

Come on, gang.

Looks like a lynch mob.

Headed for the sheriff's office.

- Runaway! Runaway! - Runaway!

- Stop them. Catch them. - Runaway!

- Runaway! - Look out! Runaway.

Runaway! Catch 'em.

I hope this is the last of the Dalton story.

Well, I reckon there can't be no doubt about it.

- Here, get busy on those ads. - Yes, sir.

If I had a few more helpers like you,

I'd never get the paper out.

Why, when I was your age--

You...

pull those blinds.

Lock that front door.

- You two here alone? - Yes.

Good.

We're going to have a little heart-to-heart talk.

Why don't you get out of town and stay out?

We aim to, just as soon as we tend

to a little family business.

Where's Emmett?

We got him holed up for a while

until we can prove that we ain't had no hand

in these ranch raids or killings.

But half a dozen of those witnesses said--

Sure, but did you notice

that all of them witnesses were land company men?

That's right. Shorty Rogers, Red Kimberly.

And Wilkins.

They lied, Bohannon.

Do you suppose that we'd have let Emmett

give himself up if we would have thought that--

- Give himself up? - Yes.

He went in peaceable like,

and if Mary hadn't told us that things--

Oh, so that's what all that hullaballoo was about, huh?

We come back to see that Emmett gets a chance

to finish what he set out to do.

But you're crazy to come here. If someone sees you--

It would be just too bad for someone.

There's something big behind all these raids

and somebody is blaming us.

We aim to find out who it is and why.

All those witnesses, land company men...

it could be.

The banker told me he was warned not to loan money

to Lennox's widow or Mrs. Walters.

Now who do you think would do a thing like that?

Graham or some of those hoodlums of his.

Well, that's what we suspicioned, but why?

Maybe I can give you a little hint.

Here. Look here.

Now these were all the raided properties.

Do you notice how they all hook together?

Yeah. Well, what's this line? A creek?

No, that's the stage line to Cooksville.

Big lead deposits there. Too far to freight by team.

Well, can't they get a railroad in?

Yes, there's an opening in the hills here and the...

Say, that's funny.

That's what I was thinking.

An opening in the hills at one end

and the railroad at the other.

You know, they've talked so much about that road,

I figured that's all it was. Talk.

I'll give you three to one, it's the land company.

It's beginning to make sense, Bohannon.

They wouldn't take the land for its own sake,

but a railroad right-of-way, that's worth shooting at.

And all theses ranches except the Walters'

have been sold under the hammer.

I'll bet they were sold to dummies.

Who could turn them over to the land company.

Well, there's your story, Bohannon.

No, I print facts, not theories.

- Of course, if I had proof. - Like what?

Like deeds to those properties in the name of the land company.

And if we get them for you?

If you get me those deeds, I'll blast the land company

right out of the west.

That sure would clear things up for Emmett, wouldn't it?

How'd they get the safe open?

Well, they came to my house and dragged me out of bed.

- They threatened to kill me. - Ah. What did they take?

Everything. Letters, records, accounts, the ranch deeds.

Enough to hang us all higher than a kite. Ah.

Well, where are you going?

Something tells me I know

where they took that stuff.

Well, don't leave me tied here like this.

I'll catch pneumonia!

"Lennox, Carter, Kirk, Hartman."

Boys, this is proof.

When will this come out in your paper?

Before sunup.

Good, Emmett will be here in the morning.

Boys, you've given the "Plainsmen"

the biggest story it ever carried.

Jeff, we got a full night's work here.

You better run over to the house

and get a big pot of black coffee.

I'll go through all this stuff.

- I'll be right back. - Tell maw we're working late.

Yes, sir.

By all that's holy.

McKenna.

Working unusually late tonight, are you not, Mr. Bohannon?

Oh, fairly so.

Ah, you're up pretty late yourself, professor.

Ah, touch of insomnia.

Saw your light and thought I'd drop in to help you

while away the weary hours.

I shan't disturb you.

Ah! I enjoy the smell of printer's ink.

Used to be a newspaperman myself once.

If you don't mind, I-- I'll get on with my work.

Oh, by all means.

I wonder have seen anything of our friends,

the Daltons, lately?

Oh, they're well on their way by now.

Oh, indeed.

Rumor has it that they robbed the land company office tonight.

Got away with some very valuable papers.

I hadn't heard about that.

I doubt that statement, Mr. Bohannon.

In fact, these look like the very papers.

They are, McKenna,

and tomorrow they'll be public property.

So as manager of the Prairie Development Company,

I've been authorized by my public-spirited superiors

to double the reward already offered for the Daltons.

I asked the sheriff to call this meeting

so we could deputize every man in these parts.

We're gonna organize the greatest manhunt

in the state's history.

We'll search every canyon and every coyote den.

And remember, men,

the reward is for the Daltons, dead or alive.

It's up to us to protect our own.

And if we don't want the Daltons riding roughshod...

What was that?

Old Granny Hancock blasting stumps out of her woodlot

back in the tannery more than likely.

And if we don't want the Daltons riding roughshod over us,

it's up to us to avenge our own.

So when one of you gets a Dalton in his trigger sights,

remember Lennox and Carter and Ethan Kirk

and all our other friends and neighbors.

And poor old Mike Bohannon shot down in cold blood

by these cowardly murdering--

That's a lie.

The Daltons didn't kill Mike Bohannon

and they haven't raided a single ranch.

How do you know so much about the Daltons?

You talk as though they were bosom friends of yours?

They're not bosom friends of mine,

but they're not cowardly murderers either.

Oh, just innocent lambs, I suppose.

- I guess they did plenty-- - Better start explaining, son.

How do you know so much about what the Daltons did?

I know because I was with my boss last night

when they dumped the proof right in our laps.

We're gonna print the whole thing on the front page,

but somebody shot Mike Bohannon

before he could put the story up in type.

And where is this proof you're talking about?

- I don't know, but you do. - That's enough.

I wanna charge this man with criminal libel.

- Sheriff, arrest him. - Take it easy, Mr. Graham.

Mike Bohannon's murderer stole the records

proving who was behind all those raids.

You're insane.

Who did this supposed proof point to, Jeff?

The land company, that's who.

Quiet, everybody!

Pretty serious charge, son. If you can't back it up,

I'll have to act to Mr. Graham's complaint.

I saw the deeds to the Lennox, Carter

and Kirk properties with my own eyes.

The Daltons took 'em from the land company safe.

I ought to horsewhip you.

You can't handle me alone, Graham.

Why don't you call in your hired hoodlums?

I do beg your pardon, sir,

but this unseemly uproar makes sleep impossible.

Shut up, you're making a nuisance of yourself.

I, a nuisance? Why, I assure you--

Who cares? Shut up or get out!

That I should do, sir.

I always said I could take a hint, no matter how subtle.

Gentleman, I came here to offer a generous reward

for the apprehension of criminals

and I don't propose to stand here

and be treated like one.

That's all I've got to say

until that young fool's brought to trial.

That's right, sneak off and get rid of those records.

Nobody's gonna make charges like that against me.

Well, I'm making them, and if you want proof,

I've got a hunch the deeds are back

in the land company safe right now.

Get a search warrant, sheriff, and you'll--

You ain't gonna need no warrant.

Now turn around here, all of you.

We wanna keep an eye on you.

I wouldn't try, sheriff.

Take your gun out easy like.

Put it over in front of Jeff Colton.

I can shoot a hole in your gun hand

if you'd rather.

Take him down front, Emmett. Read his death warrant.

Don't any of you make any quick moves.

We might not understand.

So that noise we heard was you Daltons

blowing up the land company safe?

That's right.

I told Grat he was using too much powder,

but he said he didn't believe in sending a boy

to do a man's work.

There's your proof, sheriff.

You can arrest the professor here.

He's the brains of the whole murdering swindle.

Better read that top letter, sheriff.

Kind of interesting.

Face front, everybody, and listen.

It's from the Eastern headquarters of the land company

addressed to Mr. Graham.

"This will introduce our best troubleshooter,

Mr. J.K. McKenna, who will work undercover

on the matter of the railroad right-of-way

which we must have at all cost.

McKenna's orders as to methods of acquiring title

to appended list of key ranches are official.

Frank Baker, Vice President."

"Lennox, Carter, Kirk."

Well, boys, Jeff was right and here's the proof.

Well, I must say I'm glad to have the matter cleared up.

But it's kind of galling to have it done by a bunch of outlaws.

And don't forget, you're still outlaws to me.

When you ride out of town, you can bet your bottom dollar

I'll be riding out after you.

Us three ain't asking no favors.

- But Emmett-- - I'll speak for myself, Grat.

I rode into town yesterday intending to give myself up.

I didn't know we'd been accused by lying witnesses

of all these raids and killings.

I wanted to pay off for what I'd done in the past.

Start fresh.

Well, I still want to.

I'm on my way out.

If you're a friend of this man, don't try to stop me.

- Let him have it, Emmett. - I can't.

- He's got me hogtied. - I'll take a chance.

Put your foot on the step

and we both go up together.

Once more.

Good luck, Emmett.

Coffeyville.

I hear they got a mighty pretty bank over there.

Then maybe we ought to sort of drop in on them like,

just in passing.

Why not?

If Doc Peters does as good a job on McKenna and Graham

as he did on me, we'll have a double hanging

as soon as they're up and around.

There's nobody I'd rather see stretched.

Hey, sheriff!

Sheriff!

What is it?

I seen the Daltons

turn onto the road for Coffeyville.

Get over to the telegraph office

and notify the Coffeyville sheriff.

Get in here, sheriff, and keep your back to me.

Give me the key.

Give me the key, sheriff. I mean business.

Alright, but you're making a great mistake.

I thought you said you wanted to go straight, son.

I do, but I guess blood is thicker than water.

Keep your back to me.

This one will live to stand trial.

As you know, I got into Coffeyville too late.

I rode square into the middle of the gunfight.

If I could have headed them off,

things might have been different.

Well, I-- I guess that's all, Your Honor.

The prisoner's attempt to reform, however belated,

does him great credit, but it does not alter the fact

that he owes a debt to society which must be paid.

Are you ready for sentence?

Yes, Your Honor.

It is the judgment of this court

that you, Emmett Dalton,

be imprisoned in the Kansas State Penitentiary

for the term of your natural life.

There is, of course, always the possibility

of an eventual parole.

Prisoner is remanded to the custody of the sheriff.

Adjourned.

You'll be paroled, Emmett. I know, you will.

It won't be forever, but no matter how long it is,

I'll still be waiting.