Original subtitles

Good mornin'.Emmett.

Aren't you due in town for that meeting?I'll be there.

Thought it was best to have a look first.Yeah. Same here.

How old is that timber? You got any idea?

Hard to say. I guess some of it goes back hundreds of years.

[ Man ] Timber!

They're really ripping into it.

Well, there's nothing I can do about it.

Nobody said there was.

Come on. Let's get to that meeting.

Isn't that Rogers, the timber foreman?Yeah, that's him.

[ No Audible Dialogue ]

You go on ahead. I'll see you in a couple of minutes.

Forty dollars?

That's pretty steep for some broken glass, Harris.

All I'm askin' is what it cost me in the first place.

Well, the boys were just havin' some fun.Fun?

Throwin' something through a store window?

- No one got hurt. - Except the man they threw through the window.

Well, he was one of us. Just part of the family.

That's why they're not in jail right now.

And let's not have it happen again, huh?

Forty dollars?

Put it on my bill.

Hey, Emmett. You know who's coming into Medicine Bow this afternoon?

- Mr. Daniels. Charles Daniels himself. - Oh?

I just thought you ought to know so you could mention to the ranchers.

I will. I sure hope somethin' gets worked out.

I make good money off this lumber crew, but I can't say I enjoy it.

Why not? Well, there's gonna be a blowup, and you know it.

I tell ya, it's tough on us merchants,

with the ranchers on one side and them lumberjacks on the other.

Emmett, have you got any idea what it's like being caught in the middle?

Well, it's too bad I have to go to that meeting, Mr. Harris.

Uh, I could stay while you told me.

Hey, Dave.

What, are you ducking out before it even gets started, huh?

Oh, Dad doesn't need me. He's the best table pounder in the whole territory.

I may have to do a little table pounding myself, now that the sheriff's out of town.

Oh, and I'm sorry for you. You know, you don't hold a candle to us Fergusons.

[ Chuckles ] Not to mention Barney Wingate.

And Shiloh. They graze in the north valley too.

Well, how about something a little more pleasant?

I'm headed down to the restaurant. Care to join me?

What's the matter? Don't they feed you at home?Oh, yeah. Sure.

I'm a growing boy.[ Chuckles ] Yeah.

There's that new waitress. I hear she's quite a looker.

She's very nice. Yeah.Yeah. That's what I heard,

but I haven't had a chance to meet her yet.

Or maybe a better way to put it would be she hasn't had a chance to meet me.

Yeah. That's what I like about you, Dave. You're modest, boy.

Well, you go ahead, while you can.

Uh, wait-- wait a minute. What do you mean, while I can?

Well, I mean, all these extra men in town now,

you know, it's, uh-- might give you some competition.

Well, I've always been able to hold my own before. I don't think I'll fret now.

[ Chuckles ]It could get rough, couldn't it?

That lumbering operation, what it's doing to the valley.

The idea is not to let it get rough, Dave.

You enjoy your breakfast.Yeah. Enjoy your, uh, meeting.

No, our mistake was letting that lumber crew in in the first place.

We never should have let 'em get started.

Sorry I'm late.Emmett.

John was just saying--Yeah, I heard him, Mr. Wingate,

but they have every right to cut that timber.

It's their land.What does that mean? Are you on their side?

Now hold on, John. There's no reason to blame Emmett here for a fix that we're in.

He doesn't make the laws. All he does is enforce them.

And there's no law that could have kept the Daniels Lumber Company out of here.

Still and all, we have to do something.

Those aren't just trees they're cutting, pretty scenery.

That's valuable watershed.

By the time they're finished, uh, it'll all be gone.

Every tree. And when the rains come, the ground won't hold the water.

It'll turn our range into a sea of mud. My cattle can't live on mud.

Nobody's cattle can. This is open range. We're all in the same fix.

Who did Daniels lease this land from? Maybe we can talk to the owner.

He is the owner. He bought it outright.

Well, what are we gonna do?

Because I'm warnin' you, Emmett. I'm not gonna stand by...

and watch our grazing land wiped out.

Well, Mr. Ferguson, maybe-- maybe we're all yelling...

before we're hurt.

Better to do something now than wait till it's too late.

If there's anything we can do.

Well, if you got any ideas, Emmett, now's the time.

Well, I just heard Daniels himself is coming in.

When?

Today. So maybe we could talk with him,

uh, tell him what the problem is.

Yes. Well, we told Rogers, for all the good that did us.

Rogers is a hired hand, and Daniels is a boss.

That Daniels won't listen to us.

Those lumbermen are all the same.

How do we know he won't, unless we try?

All right. We'll try.

[ Train Whistle Blowing ]

Your dad here yet?Yeah. He's right over there.

You think you'll get anyplace?Well, we can't do any worse than you did.

Worse than I did? I've never even talked to the lumber crew.

No, I mean with that waitress.

Oh. Word sure gets around, doesn't it?

- Say, did you know she was married? - Oh, didn't I tell you?

Fine friend. You let me make a fool of myself.

Here she comes.

Paul. How are ya?Fine, Charles. Fine. You?

Never better. You gettin' out that timber?

So fast, even you'll be surprised.Yeah? Well, I won't be alone.

I've got a surprise for you.For me?

Well, it can't be Katy.Hello, Paul.

Oh, Katy.

Gee, it's good to see ya.

Suddenly seems like a lifetime since I last saw you.

Now, it's only been a year.

She gonna stay out at the camp with us?

That's right. You can keep an eye on her.

Yeah. I'd better. Think I want those locals to know about her?

Now you look like you just swallowed the canary.

Well, maybe I did. My two favorite people together--

that's good.Where's the rest of your luggage?

In the baggage car, along with those crosscut saws you ordered.

Good. Wagon's right over here.Okay.

[ Daniels ] Come on, Katy.

Mr. Daniels. Can we, uh, talk with you for a minute?

About what?This is Mr. Ferguson and Mr. Wingate.

We're ranchers, Mr. Daniels,

and we graze the valley right below your timber holding.

- So? - We've got a problem we'd like to discuss with you.

Fine. You know where my camp is.

But, Mr. Daniels--Not now. I've got equipment to get off that train.

You want to talk to me, you come to my lumber camp. Make it tomorrow.

Now hold on a minute.John, Mr. Daniels is probably tired from his trip.

Tomorrow will be just fine, Mr. Daniels.

You wait here a minute, dear.

Let's get those saws off the train.

I won't be able to be there.

I've gotta run some cattle into my south feeding lot.

You'll be there, won't you, Emmett?

I wouldn't miss it.

Let's go, Son.Oh, you go ahead, Dad. I'll be along.

Well, you're looking at Main Street, Medicine Bow,

the pride of the Wyoming Territory.

Well, it's very nice.

Yeah, it's nice. It's, uh, small,

compared to the cities you've seen, I'm sure.

Well, isn't that so?

Of course, size isn't everything. Now, Cheyenne, for instance, is larger,

but when it comes to culture, Cheyenne is rough and uncouth.

Why, do you know they have no appreciation of the fair sex there?

Well, not like here. I'm sure you can see the difference.

- No comment? - No comment.

Well, take me, for instance. Now, here I am, cultured,

charming, witty, unattached.

[ Clears Throat ] My name is Dave Ferguson.

Yours?

Katherine.

Katherine Daniels.

Allow me.

Thank you.

Don't mention it, Katherine Daniels.

Who was that?

Just one of the locals.He seemed very nice.

I wouldn't know. But I'd bet against it.

[ Birds Chirping ]

What do you think of it, Katy?

The house was in pretty good shape when we took it over.Oh, I'm sure it'll be just fine.

Charlie.Ollie, you old woods rat! How are ya?

Charlie, it's sure good to see ya. But you took your time gettin' here. What kept ya?

Oh, it was probably me. Ollie, it's so good to see you again.

Ah, Miss Katy, you're downright beautiful.

- If I were 10 years younger, I'd ask you to marry me. - Ten years?

Ah, 12.[ All Laugh ]

It looks more like an office than a fancy living room, I'm afraid.

[ Chuckles ] If Katy isn't used to a camp headquarters by now, she never will be.

There's a nice bedroom upstairs.Fine. Put her things up there. This'll be fine for me.

Good. That's the way I figured.How's it going, Ollie?

Oh, just fine. Paul's doing a great job.

- [ Daniels ] Why not? He's a good man. - And he had a good teacher.

Sometimes I think too good.I don't follow ya.

Well, he's beginning to act less like Paul Rogers and more like Charlie Daniels every day.

[ Daniels ] And you think that's bad.

[ Ollie ] Two Charlie Daniels? [ Chuckles ]

Can't think of anything worse.[ Chuckles ] I'll remember that.

Sure seemed glad to see you. Can't say I blame him much.

Come on, you two. You'll have me blushing in a minute.You're all set.

Thank you.Ollie tells me you've been doing a pretty fair job.

Fair? [ Daniels ] Well, maybe better than fair.

What was that delegation in town all about?

Ah, you know how they are, always the same.

They were out here once or twice, shouting in my ear.

- And? - It was my, uh, deaf ear.

[ Laughs ] Come on, Ollie. Show me the camp.

I'll come along.No, no, no. You two stay here and get reacquainted.

[ Door Closes ]How was school?

Same as last year-- and the year before that.

I'm glad I'm through with it.

Uh, Katy--Paul, I--

[ Chuckles ] Go ahead.It wasn't important.

Uh, and the trip out here?Uneventful.

Except for Father. He talked the whole way.

Mostly about you. And about how much he loved you as if you were his own son.

Well, I'm glad I'm not.

Paul,

do you remember last year, before I left for school from--

Where was it?

Oh, there have been so many camps.Oregon.

It's funny how, after so many years, they all seem alike.

Father was making plans for us. Remember?

Oh, did you think I wouldn't?

Don't give him all the credit. I had something to do with it too, you know.

Well, what I'm trying to say is...

they seemed like good plans at the time.

Katy,

I'm not much for fancy words.

I never was.

But if you're trying to find out if I've changed since last year,

or if I still feel the same about you,

I do.

[ Chuckles ] So put it out of your head.

All right. It's out of my head.

I think I'll go change.

Katy, welcome home.

Thank you, Paul.

Timber!

[ Clopping Hooves Approaching ]

Something I can do for ya?We're looking for Daniels. He around?

Yeah. He's in the house.

I'll be along in a minute.

[ Door Closes ]

Pretty, isn't it?

Hello.I'm sorry if I startled you.

Not startled. Surprised.

Pleasantly, I hope.Of course.

Yeah, it's real pretty.

Ah, every time I see a tree, or a lot of trees,

I wonder what it is that makes 'em so majestic.

It's like God put 'em there to last forever.

Possibly he did.

But he also meant them for lumber and paper and--Now wait a minute. Whoa.

I was just making a comment.

The meeting's back there.

Why don't we let the older generation settle their own problems?

Agreed?

Agreed.Good.

Are you always so defensive about the lumbering industry?

I'm just used to the attitude of the local people...

when my father and his crew move in to a new area.

Well, I'm not the local people. I'm Dave Ferguson.

[ Exhales Deeply ] Look, Miss Daniels. I'm sorry about yesterday.

Yesterday?

I didn't mean to embarrass you at the train station.

You don't have anything to apologize for.

You know, I left out the most important thing about Medicine Bow.

What's that?

That's the Saturday night dance.

This Saturday it's really a big one.

I'll bet you dance like a feather.

Well, thank you, but I'm afraid not.

Why not?

Well-- They may not be true, you know.

What?

Oh, those stories you hear about me--

about, uh, how I chase women.

Of course, even if they were true, uh,

a fella could change from women in general to one woman in particular.

Now how about the dance? Look. I could pick you up here or meet you in town.

Take your choice.

I already have. I'm sorry. I can't.

[ Twig Snaps ]

Hello, Rogers.What are you doing up here?

Oh, I was just admiring the scenery.

Well, I hope you saw enough to last you for a while.

It's not gonna be here much longer.

The scenery I'm referring to is gonna be around quite a while.

[ Rogers ] I hear there's a meetin' going on.

If I were you, I'd join it.

Well, you're not me.

Now listen you--Paul.

It was nice seeing you again, Mr. Ferguson.

I think you better go back.

Well, maybe I better.

I'll see you again, Miss Daniels.

Paul, he just asked me to a dance in town.

- And? - And I refused.

Well, it's a good thing you did. It's a cattlemen's dance, and outsiders aren't welcome.

Well, I don't think he feels that way.

And how do you feel?

Not a chance, mister.

I bought this property so that I could cut the timber on it.

You don't have to strip it bare. You could leave enough to protect our grazing land.

I don't know anything about your grazing land, and I don't care about it.

What I care about is that timber.

Mr. Daniels, this is Dave Ferguson.My son.

Now, uh, let's get this straight.

My profit depends on how many trees I cut.

You're asking me to shave that profit to protect some cows?

If you don't want to cooperate, just say so, and we'll forget it.

Mister, you came to me. I didn't come to you.

Let's not get worked up, Charlie. They got a right to ask.

Is that your decision?[ Chuckles ]

Of course not. It's your outfit.Well, then let me handle 'em.

Well, it's not just the cattle, Daniels. This might make it easier on all of us.

Easier? What's that supposed to mean?

Well, I mean, relieve the tension in town.

You want your crews to be cutting timber, not fighting ranchers.

We're not here to win any popularity contests,

but if it comes to a fight, we can hold our own.

Yeah. That may be. But I'd like to see that it doesn't go that far.

Let's get out of here, Emmett. We're wasting our time.

You're darn right you are!

We're going on cutting trees the same way we always have.

And we're within our rights to do that, and you know it.

[ Ryker ] Well, you think about it, Mr. Daniels,

and while you're at it, remember that the ranchers have some rights too.

They've got just as big a stake in this as you have. Maybe--

Maybe bigger. You cut your timber, you move out.

They've got to go on here grazing their beef.

If there's anything left to graze them on.

You gonna do like he said?[ Chuckles ] Are you crazy?

And leave all that good timber standing?

No, I mean that part about thinking about it.[ Scoffs ] Don't be ridiculous.

Well, they're doing it in Europe. We've talked about it before.

You'vetalked about it.In the long run, it might be more profitable.

The trees you leave standing will reseed.

I'm not interested in long-term investments. I'm interested in now.

What do you say, Paul?About what?

The locals here are worried about their watershed.

Ollie thinks I ought to leave some of their trees standing.

I didn't say that, Charlie. I just said it might be worth thinkin' about.

What do you say, Paul?I say it's your timber and your land.

You cut it any way you want.That's more like it. [ Chuckles ]

And I want to see every stick of that stand floating down the river to the mill.

Always a battle.

In every new location, why does there have to be a war?

Because we're the invader. We're the enemy.

They don't like us. Fine. We'll live through it.

And we'll cut our timber.That's right.

You're getting old, Ollie. Old and soft.

Or tired and smart.

Well, how are you and Katy getting on?

I don't know, Charlie. She, uh-- She's different.

As if she's been away a lot longer than a year.

Oh, it'll work out. Just don't rush her.

Give her a lot of loose rein.

[ Chuckles ] Well, you make it sound simple.

It's a good match. You love her. That's all that matters.

Oh. Excuse me.

Wait a minute, Pete. Well, you've gotta do better than that.

When you spill somebody's oats, you've gotta give 'em back!

Pete! Joe!

Come on, Ferguson. I got enough for the three of ya.

[ Hammer Cocks ]

That's enough.

He started it.

That's no way to end it.

[ Hammer Uncocks ]

- How'd that happen? - It was an accident, Emmett.

That right?

Yeah. Yeah, I guess that's right.

You three better move along.

You got any more groceries inside?

Let me give you a hand.

Thank you, Deputy. I'll take care of it myself.

[ Horse Blusters ]

Howdy. You lost?

No. They told me where I could find you.

That's quite an operation. [ Daniels ] It's moving.

So I noticed. Getting to be more bare ground than trees already.

I don't need you to keep tally for me. I keep one of my own.

Now get to it, Ryker. I'm busy.

All right, Mr. Daniels. I'll get to it.

You heard what happened in town yesterday?

Depends on what you mean.

I mean Paul Rogers and Dave Ferguson.

I heard. Young Ferguson went for his gun.

I'm not blaming anybody. I'm just trying to point out how things are in town.

Everybody's so keyed up, you can hear it hum like a-- a bowstring.

Sorry to hear that.

So I'd be obliged if your crew stays out of Medicine Bow as much as possible.

"As much as possible"?

That couldn't be your way of saying not to come into town Saturday night, could it?

Yeah, I know. Saturday's always a big night.

Well, it'd help if they-- they didn't.

Is that an order?It's a suggestion.

My men work hard. They work a full week's work.

And if they want to go into town on Saturday night...

and blow off a little steam, that's their business.

As long as they behave themselves. After that, it's my business.

Then you handle it. Don't come crying to me.

But if you want to keep a lid on that town of yours,

clamp down on those cowhands, not on us.

You suit yourself, Mr. Daniels.

But whoever makes trouble, cowhand or lumberjack,

is gonna end up in jail on the first bounce.

Now you tell that to your men.

Dave.

Got a minute?

I guess so, Dad.

What's on your mind?

Well, that's the question I want to ask you.

At the sheriff's office, you walked out before the meeting ever got started.

You were there. You didn't need me.

At the logging camp, you didn't show up until it was all over.

- Same answer. - Don't you care what happens?

Of course I care.

But what more do you want me to do?

You could show me that you can be serious...

about something besides a saloon girl or a café waitress for once in your life.

You could make me feel less like a fool in front of our friends.

This land is gonna be yours someday.

And if I have to fight to keep it, I'd like to feel that you were fighting too.

You're certain it's gonna come to a fight, aren't you?

Well, we'll try other ways first.

We'll try for an injunction.

We'll reason with Daniels again.

Might even try to buy the land if we have to.

But in the end, we'll fight. It's the only way.

I hope you're wrong. So do I.

But it's the law of the jungle.

You want something, you fight for it. And you win.

Or you die.

Dave.

Stay away from the girl.

- Which girl? - Just stay away from her.

May I come in?

Of course.

Katy, about that afternoon-- I-- I'm sorry.

I shouldn't have behaved like that.

Let's forget it.

No. I mean, well-- Well, you had a right to talk to him,

if you wanted to, but--

But?

Well, he's a rancher.A rancher?

Well, what exactly does that mean?

Do they have horns and breathe fire?

Well, it means I don't understand what's happened to you, Katy.

Well, I told you that--

That you needed time. Time for what?

Time to make up your mind about something that you've known was gonna happen for years?

Maybe that's exactly what the problem is--

that we've both known about it for years.

That they're not my plans, they're my father's.

And mine,

if that's what you're afraid of.

Well, I'm afraid that--

I just haven't made up my mind yet, Paul.

I'm sorry. I didn't want to tell you like this.

But it's true.

Coming up here on the train, I--

I suddenly realized that my whole life had been decided for me.

That I'd never been able to go to a dance...

or have young men call for me.

At school there were only girls.

And at camp--

Have you any idea what it's like to be the mascot of a lumber camp?

Charlie Daniels's little girl.

Well, I'm not Charlie Daniels's little girl anymore.

But you are. That much hasn't changed.

No matter how old you are or-- or what you feel about me,

you're still his daughter, and-- and he loves you.

He wants to care for you.

Aw, Katy, he wants me to take care of you.

I know that, and I'm very fond of you, Paul.

Fond?

All right. I'll-- I'll settle for that-- for now.

But we're still loggers. That much hasn't changed either.

And we still have our own lives, and-- and we don't get involved with the locals,

because that's the way both sides want it.

You're doing it again.

You're deciding what's best for Katy.

Well, you and my father may as well know that from now on,

Katy is old enough to decide for herself.

[ Door Closes ]

Well, it's a good thing the sheriff isn't here.

Might dock you half a day's pay for loafing on the job.

Can't you tell when a man's thinking?

Sure. Especially when he snores while he's doing it.

[ Coffee Pouring ]

Well, yeah. Maybe you're just resting.

Yeah. Maybe.

Oh.

Yeah. Is that why you stopped in--

interfere with a man's rest, drink his coffee?

Is that what it is? It tastes like boot polish.

No, that's not the only reason I stopped in, Emmett.

How do things look for tonight?

Oh, I think it'll work out. I talked with Ferguson and Daniels both.

They'll keep the lid on.

- Can blow off pretty easy. - Well, that's true.

You have any ideas?

Yeah. I thought you might want to deputize me and some of the boys.

Give you a hand.

Well, thanks for the offer.

I, uh-- I thought about it too.

And? I don't think it's a good idea.

- Why not? - Because you're a cattleman.

The lumberjacks-- they're outsiders.

They're not even certain I'm impartial.

They see a badge on a cattleman, they won't trust anybody.

Instead of preventing trouble, it might-- might start it.

Guess that makes sense.

Any other ideas?

Yeah. One. You could leave town right now.

[ Chuckles ] I'll give it some thought.

Thanks for the boot polish.

[ Chuckles ]

[ Chattering ]

Now, just remember now. Stay out of jail.

You can't cut no timber through the bars of a cell.

[ All Cheering ]

[ Daniels Chuckles ]

Now, don't you buy out that whole store now.

Well, I'll try not to, Father.

♪♪ [ Folk Band: Slow Dance ]

Katy? That's not for us.

Well, what isfor us, Paul?

I'll see you later.

♪♪ [ Continues ]

♪♪ [ Ends ] [ Applause ]

♪♪ [ Folk ]

♪ The wind is kind of chilly

♪ It's blowin' up a storm

♪ It's silly to be chilly when my arms can keep you warm ♪

♪ When we get in the wagon and we sit side by side ♪

♪ We'll whip up the horses and all take a ride ♪

♪ Wait for the wagon Wait for the wagon ♪

♪ Wait for the wagon and we'll all take a ride ♪

♪ The wagon wheels are squeakin' They squawk with every turn ♪

♪ They make the kind of music that anyone can learn ♪

♪ The road of life is bumpy The road of life is long ♪

♪ It won't seem quite so bumpy if we'll all sing along ♪

♪ Oh, wait for the wagon Wait for the wagon ♪

♪ Wait for the wagon and we'll all take a ride ♪

♪ Wait for the wagon

♪ Yeah, wait for the wagon ♪ Wait for the wagon

♪ Wait for the wagon and we'll ride ♪

♪ Side by side ♪

Yeah!

[ Chattering ]

Well, look who's here.

You grabbed up any more ax handles lately, mister?

Well, uh, what are you boys drinkin'?

Our own.Well, how about trying some of mine?

- No, thanks. - No. I mean it. What do you like?

Cattlemen.

[ Ollie Chuckles ] I mean in whiskey.

[ Joe ] Don't matter. It's all rotgut.

[ Ollie ] Oh?

Ah, it smells pretty good.

Bartender,

pour me a shot of that stuff.

[ Glasses Clinking ] [ Liquid Pouring ]

Well?

How is it?

Tastes pretty good. Ah, I'd say it is good.

Bartender, pour me a couple of drinks for my friends here.

There you are. Drink up, boys.

[ Murmuring ]

Well, that wasn't so tough, was it?

[ Chuckles ] The question is, was it worth it?

[ Chuckles ] You're trying so hard to be just like him, aren't you?

Tough, drivin', ready to fight at the drop of a hat.

Just like he is.That's the way he wants it.

What about you?Can you think of anybody any better to take after?

Well, I've been with him for nearly 20 years.

I know some things you don't.

He's got his good qualities and his bad ones.

If you're gonna imitate him,

you better learn the difference.

♪♪ [ Folk ]

♪♪ [ Continues ] [ Chattering ]

♪♪ [ Continues ]

Oh, Mr. Ferguson, I-- I was just, uh--

Listening. I know.

Well, sometimes music does that to me too.

But, uh, why stay out here and listen? You know, we could go inside.

Oh, well, I'm not dressed for it.

You're dressed beautifully.

And even if you weren't, no one would notice.

Well, if we can't go in, why not right here?

- Here? - Why not?

Miss Daniels, may I?

You leavin'?Time to pick up Katy.

Want me to come with ya?Nah. Enjoy yourself.

♪♪ [ Continues ]

♪♪ [ Ends ] [ Applause ]

[ Gasps ] Paul!

[ Groans ]

What is it?Dave. Dave Ferguson and Paul.

[ Gunshot ]

Come on.

Get the doctor.Don't bother.

He's dead.

Young Ferguson killed him.

Dave?

Tell him what happened, Katy.

Well, they were fighting, and I--

And our people don't even carry guns.

- Where is he, Ryker? - He won't get far.

[ Carriage Approaching ]

[ Sighs ]

Father, do you want some coffee?

[ Sighs ] No, thanks.Drink maybe?

No. Nothing.

Good man.

A real good man.

Like to get my hands on that Ferguson boy.

The law will take care of him.

You sure? This is his town.

These are his people.

They won't hang one of their own.

Hang him?

Well, why should they hang him?

He's a murderer, isn't he?

Well, no. He didn't murder Paul. He didn't kill him on purpose.

How do you know that?

Oh. Well, I just-- How do you know what he'd do...

or what he wouldn't do?

How do you know anything about him at all?

What happened, Katy?

I told you. There was a fight.

I ran for help. That's all.

[ Exhales ] Then you don't know whether Paul was murdered or not.

I think you'd better start from the beginning.

We were dancing.

You went to the dance.

No. We were outside.

I was listening to the music.

We couldn't go in, so--

It seemed perfectly natural.

We started to dance.

And then he kissed me.

And then Ferguson came along.

No. I was dancing with Dave Ferguson.

Paul came along.

Paul hit Dave, and he tried to get his gun.

Then I ran.

You'll be questioned. You'll say nothing about any of this.

Charlie.You never danced with him.

Paul never tried to take his gun.Father, I can't do that.

You don't know how they'll talk about you, how they'll laugh and sneer.

My daughter dancing in the streets, kissing in dark alleys.

But it wasn't like that.Well, who's to know what it was like?

Well, then I don't care.Well, I do!

They'll confuse it. They'll be looking for an excuse...

to get Paul's murderer off, and you'll give it to them.

Well, Charlie, she'll have to tell the truth.Oh, shut up, Ollie!

She'll have to tell the truth.Well, what truth?

She was frightened. It was dark in that alley.

She-- She couldn't see anything very clearly.

Father, I'm sure about--The only thing you can be sure of is that Paul's dead,

and I'm gonna see to it that his killer hangs.

Well, you're up early this morning, Emmett.

It's been a long night.

Is he inside, Mr. Ferguson?

Emmett, it was self-defense.

How do you know, unless he told you?

Emmett. Mr. Ferguson.

This is the best way. Believe me.

Emmett, I'm sorry to put you to all this trouble,

but when nobody was around to back up my story, I panicked.

Tell him what happened, Dave. Tell him it was self-defense.

You both know it doesn't make any difference what you tell me.

What happens next is for the judge to decide.

Let's go, Dave.

Afternoon.

Have a seat.

Can we make this short? The less time I spend in this town, the better I like it.

I'm sorry to inconvenience you. There's some questions I have to ask.

You mind if I ask you one first? What are you doing about Dave Ferguson?

- A man was killed last night. - And this morning,

the man who shot him rode in with me, nice as you please.

He's back there in the cell.

Now,

can you tell me what happened, Miss Daniels?

Didn't Ferguson tell ya?

Miss Daniels.

Well, I'd gone to the general store to do some shopping, and...

when I came out, I heard music from the hotel.

Ah. Then what?

Well, I went toward the hotel, and--

You, uh, were waiting for Paul Rogers.

Yes.Mmm.

Paul was supposed to pick me up at the store.

I stood there listening to the music for a while, and--

The next thing I knew, Paul and Dave were in a fight.

I went for help.

When we got back--

She was very close to Paul.

I understand. Can you tell me anything about the fight?For instance?

How it started, uh, why.

No, she can't. It all happened too fast.

Anybody could figure it out. Ferguson got Paul into a fight and then shot him.

He drew on him once before. Remember?

I understand you broke that one up.That's right.

[ Daniels ] Well, it doesn't look too good for Ferguson, does it?

[ Ryker ] No.

No, it doesn't.

You sure you didn't see any part of the fight itself?

It was dark.

I was frightened.

When does the trial take place?

There'll be a preliminary hearing first.

In a couple of days, I guess.

Miss Daniels probably will be asked to testify.

You let us know. She'll be there.

Come on, Katy. I've gotta see about the funeral.

[ Sighs ] I've got to admit,

I was surprised you brought Ferguson in so quickly.

I just hope your judge is as efficient as you are.

Father,

do you mind if I wait here?

All right, Katy. I understand.

You stay by the wagon. I won't be long.

Did you remember something?

No, I, uh--

I just didn't want to go with my father when he made the arrangements.

But I felt a little foolish standing outside.

Oh. Well, sit down.

Mr. Ryker--Huh?

You said it looked bad for Dave. Why is that?

Well, a shooting. Unarmed man. History of bad blood between them. You know.

Then there's Dave's story.

It sounded foolish to me.In what way?

Well, he said Paul tried to get his gun.

Now, Paul Rogers didn't strike me as the type of man who would need a gun in a fair fight.

Unless he just didn't want Dave to use it either.

Wouldn't that be possible? Anything's possible, but, uh,

without a witness, how would a judge know what to believe?

There was no witness. Not even a good reason for the fight.

Mr. Ryker, may I see Dave?

Yeah, I suppose it'd be all right.

Dave, you in the mood for company?Thanks, Emmett.

[ Door Closes ]

You shouldn't come here.

My father wants to see you punished.

Your father's gonna be disappointed.

- They'll believe me. - Dave, I want to help.

I saw Paul reach for your gun. I know it was his fault.

Now, there's no reason for you to get involved.

I left my daughter outside by the wagon. Have you seen her?

Yeah. She's in there.

- What are you doing here? - I had to see him. I had to make sure.

Katy. No.

I don't know how much this will help, but I've got to tell.

Paul started the argument. I saw him reach for Dave's gun.

Dave was just protecting himself.

[ Sighs ]

You didn't see the shooting?

No. It happened the way I told you.

I ran for help.

But I did see Paul reach for his gun.

And there was a reason for the fight.

You want to tell me what it was?

Yes.

Father.

I was-- I was wrong about you and Paul. It wouldn't have worked out.

You wouldn't have been good enough for him.

I'll have Ollie bring your things in.

Don't let me see you in camp again.

[ Door Closes ]

Charlie, you ought to have something. Something to eat.

Least a cup of coffee.

It's quiet out there, isn't it?

You don't realize that during the day when the saws are goin' and the...

timber's comin' down, but at night--

Charlie, you've been doin' Paul's work as well as your own for the last two days.

You ought to have somethin'.

Yeah. I should.

I should have a timber boss...

and a daughter who would have married him,

given me grandsons.

[ Sighs ] Maybe that's why it's so quiet out there.

It's the sound of being alone.

You're the one that told her not to come back.

- Or don't you remember that? - I remember.

Charlie, why don't you go into town, talk to her, tell her you're sorry?

Forget it, Ollie.

Well, then let me do it.I said no!

You said it didn't have to be a choice. I said it did and always will.

Every time we come into a man's town to cut our timber, that makes us the enemy.

That's why we've gotta stick together, be strong, protect ourselves.

That's why we can't let them get away with killing one of us.

My daughter doesn't even understand what Paul Rogers did.

She's gotta stand with us or stand against us.

Now, if you want to tell her something for me,

tell her that.

All right. I will.

And when I've finished, I'll tell her that...

you're sorry... and you want her to come home.

Those are your words, not mine.

Sure.

Katherine.

I just wanted you to know that--

Thank you.

I only told them what I saw.

Yeah, I know that.

And I know how hard it was for you.

Let's go, Miss Katy.

I'm glad I was able to help.

Katherine, when am I gonna see you?

You won't. She thinks it's best that way.

Uh, look. Do you mind if we--

Katherine, I don't understand.

It's not very complicated.

We are on opposite sides.

I won't be coming into town much, and...

you won't be going out to camp.

I thought you were staying at the hotel.

Oh, Father was just upset.

He doesn't know how to apologize.

But he is my father, and we love each other.

And he's alone.Because he wants to be.

I'm going back to him.

All right. I'll go out there with you. We'll get this straightened out.

That would only cause more trouble.

I'm sorry, Dave.

I've done what I had to do at the hearing, and that's the end of it.

Ollie.You mean just like that?

Just like that.

Well, Dave, looks like Emmett was right when he arrested you.

Everything worked out for the best, didn't it?

[ Wagon Departing ]

Thought we had an agreement.

Father.You were gonna stay in town.

I belong here, with you.

- I suppose it's over. - The hearing? Yes.

And you testified.

- Yes. - And?

He was released.

Oh, you must understand, Father. No matter what you wanted or what people might say,

I had to do what I thought was right.

I understand.

I want her to stay here, and I want you to see to it.

Father, what are you going to do?

I'm gonna do what I think is right.

- Father, you can't. Ollie. - Wait a minute, Charlie.

Paul was one of us.

Ollie, you've got to stop him.

Then I will.

I'm sorry, Miss Katy. I tried.

But I'm still taking orders from your father.

I've never gone against him, Miss Katy. Not in 20 years.

But he's wrong.

Wrong or right, I've never gone against him.

So that's the end of it.

You say a few words, and he does what he pleases.

But then your conscience is clear, isn't it?

I'll try to catch him. You go for the deputy.

What are you doing here?

Where's Katy?Turn around. Go back.

- Where's Katy, you old fool? - It ain't me that's the fool, Charlie,

not if you go ahead with this thing.

You stood there by me at Paul's grave, and you can say that to me?

Yeah. And a lot more, if I have to.

You keep out of this, Ollie.And let you kill a man?

What kind of a friend would that make me?

All right.

You're so all-fired anxious to kill somebody, go ahead and practice on me.

[ Ollie ] Go on back to camp.

- You men want to be a part of this thing? - They'll do what I tell 'em.

They'll do what's best for you, just like they always have.

And I'm telling ya. You go back to camp,

or else you'll help make Charlie Daniels a murderer.

See, Charlie? Even they understand.

Well, let's go back to camp.

[ Groans ]

You never told me what to do.

You'll never tell me again.

Dave Ferguson!

Come out.

Come out!

Come on, Ferguson. I can't wait all day.

Well?

You tryin' to get yourself killed?

No, but I'm not gonna kill him either.

You're not going out there without a gun.Yes, I am.

And let him cut you down like one of his trees?

Look. I don't know that man out there, but I've got a feeling he's a lot like you.

He believes in the law of the jungle. If you want something, fight for it.

And if you fight, make sure you win.

There's nothing the matter with that.

All right. I want something, and I'm gonna fight for it. But I'm gonna fight my own way.

Now please stay out of it.

Where's your gun?

It's in the house.Get it.

Go back in the house and get it. Do you hear?

I don't need a gun, Mr. Daniels, and neither do you.

That's right. I don't.

I could kill you with my bare hands, but that wouldn't be fair.

I want to give you a chance.

That's more than you gave Paul.

Shooting Paul Rogers was an accident. If he were here, he'd tell you that.

If he were here, I wouldn't be.

Well, I'm sorry, Mr. Daniels, but there are a lot of reasons I can't fight you.

One of them is I'm better with a gun than you'll ever be.

Especially against an unarmed man.

Paul had a gun. Mine. He tried to take it away from me.

That's what you say.

I've got a feeling you believe it.

But another reason is I don't have anything against you,

except you're a stubborn, pigheaded,

idiotic old timber rat with more backbone than brains.

Of course, some people say that's what it takes to be a lumberman.

But the best reason...

is I'm gonna marry your daughter.

Course, she doesn't know it yet.

'Cause she thinks she owes her loyalty to you.

And because I haven't asked her.

But I will.

So, if we expect to get your blessing, we've gotta keep you around, haven't we?

[ Rifle Uncocks ]

[ Galloping Hooves Approaching ]

[ Nickers ]

Hmm.

Well, I'll say one thing for him.

We could teach him how to swing an ax, we might be able to make something of him.

[ Man ] Timber!

[ Tree Thuds ]

[ Virginian ] Ah, I hate to see that stand of trees come down.

You won't-- least not all of 'em.

I think that's a wise decision.

Just good business. In the long run, I'll make more money.

Besides, if my daughter's gonna live here, I don't want her land gettin' flooded out.

[ Chuckles ] Who knows?

Maybe Ollie and I will decide to retire and settle down here ourselves.

Well, I don't know if we could take that, Mr. Daniels.

What does that mean?

Well, lumberjacks and cattlemen-- sometimes they don't mix.

Yeah? Well, sometimes they do. Now you just remember that, Ryker. Sometimes they do.