Original subtitles

[ theme song ]

What's the matter, mister? Got a misery in your back?

How many times have I told you not to play games with guns, Dan?

Every time I do it.

One of these times I won't tell ya.

I might just put a lump on that nose of yours instead.

Anything you do to this face of mine's gotta help it,

but you're gettin' excited over nothin'.

Ain't even loaded.

Just came in on the morning stage.

Haven't even had a chance to get shells for it yet.

Go on, try it.

It's a beauty, isn't it?

It just sort of feels like part of your own hand.

Mm-hmm. Must have cost ya a month's wages.

Tack on about six more months and you come close.

Why, Dan?

Why? 'Cause I wanted it.

A gun like this is pretty fancy for a cowboy.

Maybe so, but I wanted it...

more than anything I ever wanted before.

Well, it's your money. I guess you can spend it any way you want to.

Yeah. You gonna be free for a while?

Well, part of the morning? Why?

Well, I thought maybe we could ride a little way out of town

and you could give me another lesson.

I don't think there's anything more I can teach ya, Dan.

Ah, come on.

Well, I showed you how to use a gun.

I tried to tell you when and when not to use it.

There isn't anything else for ya to learn.

But just ten minutes. I mean, part of this gun belongs to you.

Don't you wanna be there when I try her out?

All right, soon as I finish up in the bank,

we'll go see if that gun can do anything besides look pretty.

Put up your hands.

Over against the counter, both of ya.

Now hold on a minute--

Do as he says!

Come on, come on. Hurry it up!

Look, you tend to your job, we'll handle ours.

Get their guns.

All right, turn around.

Easy.

You first.

With your left hand.

On the floor.

Now you.

Get rid of it.

I said get rid of it!

No, Dan!

You idiot, that shot will bring the whole town!

I didn't want to.

He forced me.

[ locks door ]

Get a doctor!

It wasn't even loaded.

Just rest easy till the doctor comes, Dan.

I'm fine, honest.

No pain, nothin'.

The bullet must have just nicked me.

Sure, Dan. It's just a scratch.

My gun?

It's fine, Dan.

Please. My gun.

Well, they had a 30-minute edge on us,

and I don't figure we shortened it any.

Let's keep movin'.

These horses are just about finished.

So are theirs.

This is it, I guess.

They had a change of animals staked out here.

We'll never catch fresh horses

with horses that have been ridden hard all day.

Only about an hour of daylight left.

Can't track them in the dark.

Whoa.

They say the last man out of town was ridin' a sorrel.

So?

So the last man out of the bank

was the man who killed Dan Grant.

Ever see this brand before, Mark?

Here it is, Mark.

I thought I'd seen it in the Stockman's Registry.

The Rocking D.

What about the brands on the other two horses?

They're not in the book, but one's all we need.

That sorrel horse came out of the Dunsen ranch.

Montana.

I'll put if out on the telegraph.

Wait a minute.

Is that all you're gonna do about it?

What more can I do?

I can't check it out myself. It would take weeks.

What would Medicine Bow do for a lawman?

I guess you're right,

but don't bother with a telegraph.

Medicine Bow doesn't need me.

You're not serious.

Mark, I want the man that killed Dan Grant.

You've got a job here

and an obligation to Judge Garth--Shiloh.

A man can have more than one kind of obligation.

I taught that boy to shoot.

I was the only one in that bank

who knew how he felt about his new gun.

I should have taken it away from him myself.

I don't like it, but I'm not gonna try and stop ya.

Can I take the sorrel?

Yeah.

You know that horse could have been sold ten times over

since that brand was put on him.

All I want is the man who bought him last.

Well, well, well...

what's this, visiting day?

No, not exactly. Just thought we'd drop in and say hello.

Or is it good-bye?

Which one of ya is the mind reader?

Well, actually, it's Trampas.

He saw you stop into the bunkhouse.

And he saw you wrap up a bedroll,

pick up a change of clothes,

and enough ammunition to start a small war.

Now wait a minute.

You mean to tell me you packed a saddlebag before you came in here?

I figured it'd work out this way, Mark.

Rocking D.

Isn't that the mark on the sorrel outside?

That's right.

Montana.

Heard it gets pretty cold up there.

Mark.

Oh, whatever you do,

remember they got laws in Montana... and lawmen.

I don't wanna see a poster come in here one of these days with your picture on it.

I'll remember.

You boys wanna ride to the edge of town with me?

Well, we was plannin' on goin' a lot further than that with ya.

We even got our bedrolls packed.

Hmm, I see.

I appreciate the offer. No, thanks.

Judge Garth said it's all right.

Well, it isn't all right.

You're needed at Shiloh.

That's where I expect to find both of ya when I get back.

[ chuckles ]

You boys plannin' on makin' me fight my way out of here?

Steve.

Good luck. Thanks.

And, uh... take care.

Yeah.

Rocking D.

[ howling ]

[ howling continues ]

[ cows mooing ]

[ cowhands yelping ]

Mornin'. Mornin'.

Can you tell me if this is Dunsen range?

Yep, you been on it for the last ten miles.

Foreman around?

He sure is. Fresh coffee on the fire, if you want.

Just the foreman, thanks.

You're talkin' to him.

On second thought, that coffee sounds pretty good.

Come on and help yourself.

You know all the men who are signed on to ya?

Yeah, 'bout as well as I know the calluses on my hands.

What about the stock?

Oh, it's hard to say.

Something special-- I might remember.

Take a look at this little sorrel horse over here.

It carries our mark.

Who rides it?

You're welcome to the coffee.Wait a minute!

And when you're finished with it, get off of Dunsen range.

I only ask--For me to point out one of my boys for you to kill.

It's written all over ya, so you ride out, mister,

and tell your sweet, innocent little kid sister

or the tin-horn card cheat that cut you in on half his action--

First off, it was a man. A dead man.

'Cause one of your boys, or whoever it is that rides that sorrel horse,

rode into Medicine Bow, Wyoming last week

and robbed the bank and killed him.

Stevens.

Over here.

Stevens is our wrangler.

Stevens, you recognize that animal?

Yeah, that's a good little cow pony.

Who rides it?

Shorty used to.

Came up lame about a month ago.

Sold him to Smudge.

Smudge Hinen--a horse trainer who comes around

a couple times a year buyin' up stock we can't use.

Where would I find him?

He's got a little setup in Medford.

Obliged to both of ya.

He lookin' for the man who owns that sorrel?

Yeah, seems like it.

That's one man I wouldn't wanna be.

Mornin'. Mornin'.

I'm lookin' for Smudge Hinen.

Lookin' athim, you mean.

Are you buyin', sellin', or tradin'?

Right now, I'd like to ask a few questions.

I said-- I heard ya, friend.

Questions don't put money in my pocket.

The right answers could.

Well... that's different, friend.

Ask away.

The little sorrel horse there--

you bought him off the Dunsen spread a few weeks back.

Uh... could be.

Who bought him from you?

I said could be, not a definite yes.

Could be I sold this one and two more at the same time about a month ago.

The men who bought them got a real good deal.

Mm-hmm. These men-- what do they look like?

Well, now let me think.

A month's a pretty long time ago.

Uh... [ chuckles ]

Memory seems to be a mite stuck.

Maybe this will jar it loose.

Best thing I know to get anything movin' again.

There were three of them.

Two of them were real hard-cases--

the kind a man would walk a wide circle around.

The other one was different-- soft kinda.

It was him that took that sorrel here.

They mention any names?

The big fella-- he called his buddy-- what was it?

I remember-- Pooch.

He called him Pooch. The name fit.

He looked like a mongrel dog, that's for sure.

Uh... [ chuckles ]

They say anything else?

Well, they did let slip a name of a town.

Now, now where was it?

[ chuckles ]

There goes that memory again, friend.

Stickin' just at the wrong time.

I got something else to jar it loose. You wanna try it?

Uh... it comes back to me.

It better, and those names better check out, or I'll be back.

Now what's the town?

About two day's ride north of here--

a place called Concho.

Take a beer.

[ cards shuffling ]

Thanks.

Ahh.

Tasted better than canteen water.

Most anything would after a long trail.

Long, hot, and dusty.

Concho ain't much of an improvement.

Fact is, hardly any change at all.

That's what Pooch used to say about this town.

Pal of mine. You know him?

Don't think so.

What's the rest of his name?

Big game?

Not if you can afford to lose.

Be there, baby.

[ chuckles ]

And you are there...

just like your daddy ordered.

Mind if I watch?

No, as long as you don't watch with your mouth.

You fill up or runnin' a windy on me?

Well, there's only one way to find out.

But if you cover me, you lose.

Pooch still sit in on this game every once in a while?

You know Pooch?

We've met.

Your bet.

Don't rush me... I'm thinkin'.

There's a seat open, if you feel lucky.

No, I don't trust too much in luck.

Thanks just the same.

What do you think?

I think you're runnin' a bluff on me, Pooch.

I call.

Where's he headin'?

Goin' over to the hotel.

You sure this is the right room?

That's what the clerk said.

We drew a blank.

This time.

Town's small, we'll catch up with him.

Here, I'll take that.

Looks like I got real lucky.How do you mean?

I spent the whole day baitin' a trap,

spreadin' Pooch's name all over town.

What I didn't know was I hit the jackpot with the very first try.

All right, on your feet!

All right, come on. Let's go.

Well?

I thought you were gonna go get some breakfast.

Well, I wasn't very hungry, Sheriff.

Well, don't keep me danglin'. What'd you find out from those two?

Nothin' we didn't already know before.

They admitted the bank robbery?

Well, there wasn't much point in their tryin' to deny it

after I told them what you turned up.

Smudge Hinen ties them in with the horses,

and the horses tie them in with the robbery.

And the robbery to the killing of Dan Grant.

Uh, not quite.

See, they both swear it was the other fella that did the shootin'.

Well, it was. They tell ya his name?

That's where the story gets a little fuzzy.

How fuzzy?

Well, they both claim they only knew this other fella

about a week before they cut him in on the robbery.

You believe that?

Comin' from two fellas that could save their necks

by turnin' in their partner, sure I do.

All right, so they only knew him for a week.

If you plan a bank robbery with a man, you know his name and where he lives.

Did they tell you that much?

Yeah, they told me.

Well, let's go get him!

It's not that easy.

See, they only told me where they think he might be,

not where he actually is.

Besides that, it's out of my jurisdiction.

Yeah?

Well, that's one problem I don't have.

Now what's his name?

Look, mister, you did the right thing when you rode into Concho.

Comin' to see me first, I mean.

You didn't know who you were lookin' for then.

I just wonder if you'll be as careful this time,

goin' after the man who pulled the trigger.

What do you want? Some kind of a guarantee?

Yeah, in a way.

All right... I plan to bring him back

to Medicine Bow to stand trial, if it's at all possible.

That's what I'm gonna do.

All right... the man's name is Matthew Raine.

He told them he owns a small scrub ranch

somewhere north of Morgan Flats.

Matthew Raine.

[ thunderclap ]

[ continues thundering ]

[ blows kiss ] Come on.

[ blows kiss ]

[ rifle cocks ]

All right, son, you've got me.

What happens next?

I don't rightly know, but you stand there.

Mom, come out here! Quick, Ma!

Ma!

Tim, what is it?

I seen him from the barn.

What is it you want?

Well, right now, I'd like to take my hands down.

All right.

But don't try anything. I'm watchin' ya.

I'll remember.

That's a good man of the house you got there.

He's not the man of the house.

My husband left a few moments ago to check our fence line.

I expect him back any time now.

The storm looks like it might start up again.

Mind if I stay in your barn till morning?

Yes, I do. That's out of the question.

I'm sorry.

My husband-- he'd have to give you that permission.

Well, then if it's all the same to do, I'll be on my way.

All right, but just you remember--

I'll be at the window... watchin'.

Make sure you clean and oil that rifle good so it won't rust up on ya.

Sure, any dumb bell knows enough to do that.

Sure they do.

Good night.

[ thud ]Mom! Ma!

[ knock at door ]

[ knock at door ]

Come in.

Morning, ma'am.

How are you feeling?

Your fever broke a couple of hours ago.

That ought to be a good sign.

It started up yesterday.

I tried to fight it down--

where's Tim?

He's sleeping.

He stayed awake until I promised him you'd be all right.

It took a lot of promising.

Like a little water?

Yes, please.

He wanted so badly to help me,

but there was nothing he could do.

Thank you.

What you ought to do is get some food in ya.

I am hungry.

That's the first time in three days.

I'll build a fire up.

The storm got bad again last night.

Your husband must have holed up somewhere till it cleared up.

Yes, I suppose so.

Well, he ought to be in some time this morning then.

I'm sure he will be.

His name wouldn't be Matthew Raine, would it?

No, it's Tom Anders. Why do you ask?

It's not important.

Well, good morning.

Thought you were gonna sleep all day.

I could have, but I heard you choppin'.

Mom says I should help.

Glad to have ya.

Ever split kindlin' before?

Sure, my dad taught me.

All right, Mr. Raine, start in anywhere.

Raine? My name's Anders.

I forgot.

I knew a Tom Anders once--

skinny fella, straight yellow hair.

Couldn't be my dad. He's big and strong.

His hair's black.

You know, this was pretty good,

considerin' it was made by a man and all.

Well, thanks.

It wasn't too fancy, but I figured it would fill up the empty spots.

Clear your dishes now. We'll wash them later.

Us? Wash dishes? Pa says that's women's work.

Well, usually it is.

What about rifle cleanin'?

That's man's work.

You didn't seem to get too far with this one.

I didn't have enough time.

You know how to clean a rifle, don't ya?

Take it down? Put it back together?

Sure, my pa showed me.

Well, I'd get at this pretty quick, if I were you.

Come in.

Finished?

Yes, thank you.

Would you like another cup of tea?

Yes, I would please.

It would be a good idea if you drank as much tea as you can today.

I'll try.

I'll chop some more wood before I go.

Thank you, but my husband should be able to do all that when he gets back.

Tim and I are most grateful for what you've done.

I'd offer to pay you,

but I have a feeling that you'd be insulted if I did.

But I've been paid--

good food, warm fire, pleasant company.

Payment enough for any man.

That was nice.

I hope when you're back around here sometime

you'll stop and pay us a visit.

Thanks, I'd like to.

Well, I'll be on my way.

You sure you'll be all right here alone?

I thought I explained all that. My husband will be--

Back at any moment.

Look, Mrs. Anders, let's not try and fool each other.

I've looked around.

You've got a leaky barn, your fences are down,

cutting tools are rusting in the front yard.

Your husband's either a very bad rancher

or he hasn't been around here for some time.

My husband's not a bad rancher.

He has other business, and it takes him away.

Sometimes for a few days, sometimes a week.

And sometimes longer, huh?

I--well, last night, I didn't think it was wise to tell you that.

I understand.

Well, good luck.

Well...

I appreciate what you've done for us.

But, well, I've said that, haven't I?

Yes, ma'am.

Well, your arriving here when you did--it was a godsend.

Are you passing through here on business?

Just drifting.

Lookin' for a job?

I could be.

Look, you said for us not to fool one another.

Well, I don't know when my husband's going to be back.

I don't know if I can manage without him.

Please?

All right.

I don't know much about wages--

whatever you feel is right.

A dollar a day?

A dollar a day.

I'll fix up a place to sleep in the barn then.

Oh, one more thing.

Who's Matthew Raine?

Just a man I used to know.

[ gunshots ]

[ gunshot ]

[ rifle cocks ]

[ rifle cocks ]

[ gunshot ]

Missed.

It's all right. They're not much good eatin' anyway.

I know, I just wanted to hit him.

I never hit anything.

Mister...

I wasn't exactly tellin' you the truth before.

My pa never taught me how to chop wood or clean a rifle.

Not that he didn't want to, he just never had the time.

Cleanin' a rifle's not so hard. I'll show ya.

He never had the time to teach me how to shoot, either.

Let's get those dishes done.

I'll bet ya you could teach me.

I'll bet you're wrong.

All right, bear down, Tim. Bear down.

Little more. Little more.

Little more!

[ grunts ]

Good, let it down slow.

Nice and easy.

All right, ease up.

Put a dab of tallow on it now,

it ought to swing loose and easy.

I tried to lift that gate by myself once,

and I like to split my britches,

but with this timber, it sure was easy.

You had a little help from a principle called leverage.

I don't know what you call it,

but I sure wish I had it when I liked to split my britches.

[ laughs ]

Pick up that wood now.

Hey, Mom, we got that old gate fixed.

Oh, boy!

Broken down like that, they're just a lot of little pieces of metal.

But you clean them and oil them up real good,

and I'll show you how to make a rifle out of them.

You're staring.

I'm sorry.

Should you be out of bed?

Yes, for a few minutes.

I was watching you two today.

I could hardly believe that was my Tim.

He was workin' around here like he was actually enjoyin' himself.

Tim told me you used to work alongside his father.

That's a slight exaggeration.

When he did work, it was more like a chore--

something that he had to do.

That was the same way with everything around here.

But you-- you make it interesting, like it was a game.

That's the way I learned it.

From your father?

Mm-hmm.

He must have been quite a man.

Yes, he was.

I think your few minutes are about up.

Cleaned up good?

Sure, my neck and everything.

We sure did put a hard day's work in, didn't we?

We earned our pay.

Shh.

What is it?

Quiet, don't make any noise.

Well, for gosh sakes, what is it?

I don't see anything.

Be careful.

I'm careful. What is it?

Gotta watch those water beetles.

They'll do it every time.

Water beetles, my eye.

Don't scold, I'm feeling much better,

and I think it's time you men had some decent cooking.

That's a pretty dress.

Thank you.

Tim's cookin' up some special revenge for a squirt in the eye.

[ laughs ]

He's really fallen under your spell, hasn't he?

I didn't know I was casting a spell.

You seem to be.

You like Tim, don't you? I mean, really like him?

Well, of course I do.

I mean, you're not just being nice to him

for some reason he and I don't understand.

When you came here, you said you were just driftin'.

You don't seem like a drifter.

You asked me a question about my husband.

You answered that question, Mrs. Anders.

What other reason could I have?

All right, Tim, put your staple in and drive it home.

[ bird chirping ]

Hey!

Tim, it's only a bird!

I hit it!

Did ya see that?

With one shot!

Did ya see that shot?

It was a fine shot, Tim.

Wait till I tell Mom!

Oh, I'm sorry,

but with one shot!

I'm ready.

That's your kill, Tim. You just gonna leave it there?

Well, what should I do with it?

That's up to you.

Can I bring it home to Ma?

If you want.

What do you plan to do with it after you show it to your mother, Tim?

I mean, you must have had some plans when you shot it.

A boy like you wouldn't just kill something for no reason.

You're late.

Fences had to get mended.

Where is he?

In his room.

Sit down.

I'll put your supper back on the stove.

Did he tell you what happened?

After he stopped crying.

You were right, though.

I thought so at the time.

I was right, but I didn't have the right.

What I did was a father's job.

What's he like, Mrs. Anders?

My husband?

Mm-hmm.

It's funny.

I think I only remember what he used to be like when we were first married.

He was confident, sure of himself and what he could do.

He used to say that the world was like a ripe tree

and all a man had to do was to shake it, stand back,

and pick up all the good things that lay around him.

I guess it works out that way for some.

Not for many. Not for him.

When the good things didn't fall right off,

he'd rush away and look for another tree.

If he could stay here and work his land,

this could be the tree he's lookin' for.

I used to think so, too, and it started out that way.

Another beautiful dream--

own our own land, raise prime beef, and grow wealthy.

What happened?

What always happens.

When he found out how hard the work was...

the beautiful dream died.

What's he doin' now?

I don't know.

He just rode off one mornin'.

All he said was, when he came back,

all our troubles would be over.

Maybe they will.

Where are you going?

The barn.

But you haven't had supper.

I'm not very hungry.

Well, then just stay and talk a while.

It's been so long since I've just talked.

I'm sorry, Karen.

What?

That's the first time you've called me that--Karen.

Please?

I can't.

[ door closes ]

TIM: Mom!

Yes, Tim, I'll be there in a minute.

Don't get up.

Should you be out tonight? The air's got a bite to it.

I like the night air.

You know, I never realized you wear a gun.

With most men, it seems to stand out.

On you, it seems to belong.

What were you thinking of?

I don't know.

It's funny. I'd think you would.

I was watching you from the doorway.

You seemed so... intense.

You had to know what you were thinking about.

[ spins revolver ]

Trees.

Trees?

And shakin' them... until the good things fall.

Wealth...

and how a man could have found it here,

if he only stopped runnin' long enough to look for it.

You mean you were thinking about Tom.

Tom Anders.

Tim's father.

Your husband.

Well, it is getting chilly.

Good night.

Good night.

Anything you need before we leave?

No, nothing.

I'm still not used to havin' such a fuss made over me.

Makes me not wanna get better.

Well, you are getting better,

and we want it to stay that way,

but if you'd like us to stay close to the cabin,

we don't have to do this today. It can wait.

No, it can't wait.

That's all Tim's talked about all mornin' long

is goin' with you to round up our strays.

That's like goin' on a picnic for Tim.

Yeah.

Something wrong?

Karen, when the strays are rounded up

and Tim and I get back here...

I'm leaving.

I--I don't understand.

Well, I'm leaving, Karen.

Quitting. Ridin' out.

But why?

The job's finished, that's all.

But that's not true.

There's lots more that can be done around the place.

Your hus--

you and Tim can handle whatever else there is that needs to be done.

Yes, I suppose we could.

And then Tom will be coming back soon.

Yes, he should be back soon.

I wish you'd stay. I know he'll wanna meet you.

It seems strange to think about Tom

doin' the rest of the work around here.

You've done more in the short time

you've been here to fix things up...

I'm tryin' to think of a different way to ask you to stay.

I know.

I'm sorry.

[ horse whinnies ]

Good morning.

[ chuckles ] I didn't hear you come up.

Do you want water?

Help yourself.

Oh, I see you wanna sell your pony.

Well, my husband is the only one that can buy horses.

He's inside, and I'll send him right out.

How long have they been here?

Just a few minutes. Where's Tim?

Tending the stock.

He says they wanna trade.

I wouldn't put too much stock in it.

No trade. We have nothing.

Ever see them before?

No.

They were so cruel-looking.

Not cruel, just desperate.

They find themselves starving on the reservation.

So they break out and find themselves starving outside.

How awful.

Yeah, they form into little bands.

Foraging.

Stealin' their clothes from any clothesline left unprotected,

food--anywhere they can.

Shouldn't we have given them something?

No, that would make us seem frightened.

They'd feel powerful.

Let's stop talking about it now.

All right. I made you some sandwiches.

What?

For tonight--your trip. You were leavin', remember?

Oh, yeah. Well, uh, I got back a lot later than I expected.

It'll be dark soon. I can just as easily leave in the morning.

All right.

[ whistle ]

[ whistle ]

[ whistle ]

[ thud ]

Who's there?

[ door handle jiggling ]

[ screams ]

[ continues screaming ]

[ gunshot ]

The others are gone.

Maybe they'll be back.

Their kind want it to be easy.

They know now it won't be.

But what if-- Tim.

Tim, I want you to go to bed now.

But Mom-- Come on. Never mind.

I'll take care of this. I won't be far.

Now I know why you decided to stay till morning.

I had a hunch they might come back.

Why didn't you tell us?

What good would that have done?

You all right?

Perfectly.

I just can't help thinking...

if you hadn't been here.

But I was here.

They're gone now, and you should try to forget it.

I will try.

I'll--I'll think of something pretty.

I'll think of the full moon.

Or a new dress.

In the morning, stop in and say good-bye to Tim before you leave.

Yes, I will.

Karen, I--

That's the best thing... for all of us.

[ door opens and closes ]

TIM: He's here! He's here! My Pa--he's come home!

He came home early this morning,

But Ma wouldn't let me tell ya till you were up.

That's fine, Tim. I'm glad for ya.

He brought me all sorts of swell things--

new clothes, a knife, and lots of things!

And you ought to see the dresses and stuff he got for Ma.

That's good, Tim. You ought to be real happy.

I did some braggin' on ya. I hope you don't mind.

No, I don't mind.

TOM: Tim, you in the barn?

We're in here, Pa!

Pa, this is him. This here's my Pa.

Hello. Tim and my wife told me all you've done. I'm obliged.

That's all right. I happened to be ridin' along.

Glad I could be of some help.

Pa, you ought to see the way he chased away the Indians

and the way he rounded up our steers

and the way he fixed the fence.

You've already told me, Tim. About a dozen times.

You've made quite an impression on my son.

He's a fine boy.

I know.

Uh, my wife says breakfast is ready.

If you're as hungry as I--

Run along and eat, son.

And bring your father with you.

I've made breakfast for four.

With all the excitement, you haven't had a chance to tell us how your trip went.

Did it go all right?

It's a little early to tell.

A few things might need workin' out.

Then it didn't go well.

Well, there's always some little hitch

in a business deal-- something unexpected.

The unexpected happens sometimes.

Yeah. Yeah, you don't plan it-- don't even think about it--

then suddenly... bang.

Like a rifle shot... in the belly.

Yeah...

and who knows what happens to a man that gets gut shot.

Usually, he dies.

What's going on? Have you two met before?

In a town called Medicine Bow.

Medicine Bow-- where's that?

In Wyoming.

Most the time, it's a nice, peaceful little town.

And what happened?

Pa, you wanna come see--

KAREN: Go outside, Tim.

But I want--I said outside, Tim!

TIM: I only wanted-- Tim!

Your father thought I was foolin'

when I told him how good you could chop wood.

Why don't you go prove it to him?

Yes, sir.

Very nice.

I can see you haven't spent all your time here mendin' fence posts.

That's not important now.

I want some questions answered from both of you.

Does this have something to do with that Matthew Raine you were looking for?

There probably isn't any Matthew Raine.

That's a name you made up, right?

It was as good as any.

What happened in Medicine Bow?

Leave us, Karen.

No.

I want you to--

I'm not a child, Tom.

Look, I said leave us, Karen!

Or does he have to tell ya also?

What happened in Medicine Bow?

I killed a man.

Now what happens?

We saddle the horses.

I don't think so.

You want a gunfight right here?

It's as good a place as any.

With your wife in the next room

and your boy right outside the door?

Would that bother you?

It would, wouldn't it?

I don't wanna kill you, Anders,

but you're comin' back to Medicine Bow with me.

You can't make a charge against me stick!

I can't, but Pooch and Tolliver can.

They're in jail at Concho.

Don't try it!

Take it out real slow and lay it on the table.

With your left hand, remember?

I--I didn't mean to shoot him.

A man carries a gun, he means to use it.

You used one, and you killed with it.

They said it would be so easy.

I never did a thing like that before--

not ever before.

You gotta believe that.

We're leavin' now. I'll take the gun, Anders.

And what happens to me--

a trial, a jail cell, and then a rope?

That's what's ahead for me if I go out that door with you.

You have no choice.

Yes, I have. I have one choice--you.

You and Tim got to be real tight since you've been here.

Fact is, he puts you just about one small step

below the All-Mighty, and he's reached you--deep.

I can tell.

Tim's not involved in this at all.

Oh, but he is-- him and his mother.

You used them to get to me. Karen knows that now.

The boy will know it soon enough.

Let's go, Anders.

They'll look at you and know that everything

you ever said to them was just a lie,

that you came here for just one reason--

to kill his father, and you made him help.

You say you're gonna take me in.

All right, but I'll be wrapped in a poncho

and strapped facedown on the back of my horse.

You're gonna have to kill me right here in my own home.

You made a mistake, mister.

You tried to use my wife and my boy,

but then you let them get to you.

So there it is.

Use your gun or ride out.

I'll give ya 30 seconds to decide.

If you're still here... I'll use mine.

Tom, listen--

No, Karen. He's not gonna take us all--

not you and me and the boy.

He's gonna have to make a choice.

You're givin' me no choice.

Suit yourself.

No, Tom.

Yes, Karen, but we're missin' one witness.

Tim. Tim, come in here a minute.

Please, no.

You called me, Pa?

Pa?

Yes, Tim.

How's the wood chopping going?

Swell, I'll bet I'll have enough to last all year soon.

Good boy. You keep at it.

Karen, I wanna talk to you.

About what? Being a thief and a murderer?

I did it for you and for Tim.

For us? No.

I love you, Karen.

I need ya-- need ya badly.

You can't reach me like that anymore, Tom.

All right, I don't wanna argue about it.

Pack what things you and Tim need.

I want us gone from here in an hour.

Up till a few moments ago,

I would have gone any place you wanted

or done anything you asked, but no more.

This is ourhouse-- Tim's and mine,

and we're not leavin'.

But there's $10,000 in a San Francisco bank.

It means a new start for us.

There's nothin' for us.

You sold all that.

You sold it for a man's life and $10,000,

and now all you can do is just keep runnin'.

That's all you got time to do.

What are you doin'?

What I have to do.

He isn't gonna let it end here.

It's gonna work on him, and he'll come after me again.

One killing-- isn't that enough, Tom?

Go away. Please, go far away.

You'd like that, wouldn't you?

You'd like that just fine.

All right, I'll do like you say.

I'll go away, and I'll start that new life just like I planned.

But first, I make sure he don't ride my back anymore.

Tom!

Karen: Tom, please!

Get away from him, Karen!

Move away from him, Karen.

I said move away--

Pa.

You sure this is what you want?

Yes, at least until the ranch is sold.

I've had a good offer.

You think he'll come out and say good-bye?

The hurt's too new.

One day when he's older, I'll tell him the reason for what happened.

I'd appreciate that...

but it'll be up to you.

Good-bye, Karen.

Good-bye.

When you tell him...

if you tell him...

remember that invitation to visit Wyoming is always open.

I'll remember.

Adios.