Original subtitles

[ theme music playing ]

Good morning, Timmy.Hello.

You have quite an apple crop.

Mm-hmm.

Good morning, Laura.

Hello, George. Time for school, Tim.

In a minute.

Those apples can wait.Please, Mom?

Mr. Colton down at the store

said he'd take all I've got if I'd sort 'em.

After school, son.

Just let me finish this one pail.

Now, Timmy, you're not going to be late.

Mom, we need the money.

You need an education, and you're gonna have one.

You're gonna be something when you grow up.

Just a minute.

Now, run along.

Timmy.

Thank you for wanting to help.

He's a good boy, Laura.

He tries to be.

But he needs more than I can give him.

Ever since Paul died--

You're doing a fine job, Laura.

I'm a woman.

A boy should have a man around the house.

I'd consider it a great privilege if--

Well--

Timmy needs a father.

I've wanted to speak to you for a long time, Laura.

I've got to get that dress finished for Mrs. Lester.

Wait!

Please.

I picked them this morning.

They reminded me of you.

Thanks.

Well, supper Saturday?

If you'll have me.

How long have you been having Saturday supper with us?

One year, eight months, and two weeks...

counting last Saturday.

Well, George?

I'll be happy to have supper with you Saturday night.

You'd better go, or you'll be late.

No, I started earlier than usual

so I could pick the flowers. I have plenty of time.

I wish I did. Now, run along, George.

Excuse me, Mr. Colton.

I was wondering, sir--

You're wasting your breath, Len.

Oh, good morning, George.

Good morning, Len.

I was wondering, George--

could I make a very small loan?

You made a very small loan yesterday.

I know. But this-- this is the last one.

You said that yesterday, too.

But I mean it today, George.

Just one? Please, George?

You are a true friend, George.

Morning, George.

Good morning, Mr. Jensen.

Morning, Emmett.

Doesn't make sense.

What doesn't make sense?

What do you make of it?

Doesn't make sense.

Mr. Jensen?Hmm?

You might want to check my figures on the cash total.

Heh. I'm gettin' tired of tryin' to catch you in a mistake, George.

Thank you, sir.

I think I'll go get a cup of coffee.

I've been married 25 years,

and Martha still doesn't know how to make a decent cup of coffee.

Don't take any wooden nickels.

No, sir.

Yeah. Well...

Oh, morning, men.

Good morning.Carl.

Gentlemen.

Morning, George.George.

Can I help you?

I hope so.

Well? Who's first?

I guess you are.

I have a letter here for you, George...

uh, I think.

For me?

Yeah, your name's on it here.

Uh...among other things.

Probably a mistake.

There's no mistake.

Sheriff George Foster?

It's not true.

Secret Service.

No? Oh.

Army Intelligence.

I'm none of those things.

I'm...just me.

What is this, some kind of a joke?

Not exactly.

There is a Sheriff Foster-- retired now in Iowa.

My father.

Foster. Tom Foster.

I've heard of him.

He's one of the best lawmen who ever wore a badge.

I've heard of him, too.

You're Tom Foster's son?

Hard to believe, isn't it?

A bank clerk?

There's nothing wrong with that job, George.

"One of the best lawmen who ever wore a badge."

No, gentlemen. A bank clerk

wouldn't be Tom Foster's idea of a son.

Hmm. So, you decided to tell him you were a sheriff.

Pa's not much for writing letters. I never thought that--

Don't worry about it, George.

Your secret's safe with us.

Yeah, and I'll talk to the postal clerk.

I can't thank you enough.

There's nothin' to thank us for.

But I still think you're underestimating your job.

GEORGE: No!

Bad news, George?

Terrible.

It happens to everyone, George.

He must've lived a full life.

And he's still livin'.

Fuller than ever. Listen to this.

"Dear son George, this is to inform you

"that I'm boarding a train tomorrow--Thursday--

"for San Francisco, to visit my sister, your Aunt Clara.

The train lays over in Medicine Bow for two hours--"

That's next Wednesday.

"10:00 in the morning.

See you at the depot... Sheriff."

He can't!

Well, don't worry about it, George.

It's a long time between now and Wednesday.

Heh. We'll think of something.

I'll send him a telegram.

Tell him I have to go out after an outlaw.

That won't work, George. Today's Friday.

Your father's been on that train since yesterday.

I'll just have to leave town, then.

That's a good idea.

George, uh, could stay all day at Shiloh.

That won't work, either, Emmett.

I want to help George just as much as you do,

but as soon as his father gets off that train,

he's gonna start asking for his son.

Well, yeah, you're right.

Everybody knows George.

I guess you can't hide.

But I can't face him.

I don't see how you can get out of it.

It'd break his heart.

His only son-- a bank clerk.

Your father doesn't know that...

Sheriff.

How about that? Sheriff.

Wha--

Why not?

Oh, I couldn't!

It'd only be for a couple of hours.

You'd probably spend the whole time on the train.

Or your office. I mean, your office.

But I wouldn't know how to act.

You can learn.

It's for your father's sake, George.

What if something happens?

You've got an awful good deputy right here.

Believe me, I'm grateful for your concern, but...

I just couldn't carry it off.

What's your alternative?

Gentlemen...

look at me.

Do you see a sheriff?

Your father will.

I wish I had your confidence.

You got plenty of time to learn.

You have plenty of time.

We'll see you here right after the bank closes.

Don't you worry about a thing.

Everything's gonna be all right.

That's not gonna be as easy as it sounds.

It's just for two hours.

Yeah, but what if someone sees George with a badge on

during those two hours?

They'll say, "Hello, Sheriff."

'Cause every man, woman, and child in Medicine Bow

is gonna be in on this.

That's a pretty big order, isn't it?

Not if you tell everybody you see to spread the word.

You'd better start spreading that word with Jensen.

I'll take this side of the street.

See you later.

Five, six...

A sheriff?

Just until the train leaves.

George?

A sheriff?

Ten...

eleven.

Thank you.

George?

Yeah, that's right.A sheriff?

Just for a couple of hours.

Will you pass the word to your customers?

George?

George. Pass the word.

George?

George? George Foster?

Sheriff Foster.

Poor man. He must be so embarrassed.

I wouldn't say that.

The word I'd use would be "panic".

[ laughs ] I don't blame him.

Will you tell Timmy?

And everybody else I see.

All right, thanks.

Sheriff.

I think this is very nice of you.

Well, we lawmen have to look out for each other.

[ laughs ]

Are you sure the door's locked?

I don't want somebody to come barging in here.

George, the door is locked.

Take off your coat.

There we go.

Here, try this on.

Put it lower. Lower the gun.

It's not to hold your pants up.

It's to carry a gun in.

All right, that's better.

There.

It feels like it's gonna fall off.

Well, it better not.

Do you really think this is gonna work?

George, when we get through with you,

you're gonna fool yourself.

I'm serious.

[ knock on door ]

[ knocking ]

Howdy.

Now, what's this nutty idea I hear about George--

[ laughs ] Oh, hello, George.

Uh...Sheriff.

See? You heard what he said.

He was only joking.

I was only joking, George. I'm always joking.

George, this whole town's behind you.

You don't want to let 'em down, do you?

Well, uh...

Aw, come on.

All right.

That-a-boy...Sheriff.

Sheriff.

EMMETT: Sheriff.

He ain't gonna wear that hat, is he?

[ train whistle blowing ]

Hi, Sheriff.

Well, look at you!

Look at him-- my own son.

With your own badge...

and your own town.

I tell you, it's worth traveling twice this far to see.

Welcome to Medicine Bow, Pa.

You're a sight for sore eyes, George.

It's good to see you.

How are you feeling?

Oh, I've slowed down a bit. Stands to reason.

Father Time won't stop the clock, you know.

But, George-- you're lookin' at a proud father.

You must be tired after your journey, Pa.

No, I reckon I'll recover.

But you still have a long way to go.

You should take care of yourself.

George, you live till you die.

There ain't much you can do about it in between. Ha ha!

Still, we can have a nice visit on the train.

Why don't we go in and sit down-- Wait.

A visit? Listen, I've been five days sittin' in that thing.

In two hours more, I'll be in there sittin' again.

What I'm interested in is seeing the place

that my son calls home.

Very well, Pa.

Fine, boy! You lead the way, Sheriff.

Morning, Sheriff.

Good morning, Mr. Jensen--

Uh...Carl.

I'd like to introduce my father.

Well, this is a real pleasure.

We think mighty highly of your son around here.

Those are mighty kind words.

I certainly appreciate your sentiment.

No more than we appreciate our sheriff.

[ laughs ] Thank you. Thank you kindly.

You did just fine, Carl.

I hope so.

That old man looks more like a sheriff than George does.

That's because the old man was.

How are you, Sheriff?

Fine.

Uh...mighty fine.

I'd like you to meet my father.

This is Mr.--

I mean... Charlie Colton.

Howdy.Glad to meet you.

Right nice town you have here. Real friendly.

Because George keeps the lid on it.

I can see that.

Here's some apples, Mr. Colton.

Why aren't you in school, Timmy?

Because I'm sick.

In that case, you shouldn't be up and around.

Why don't you leave me alone?

Your mother would be very upset.

You'd better leave my mother out of this...

Sheriff.

I got lots more apples, Mr. Colton.

Uh, let's go, Pa.

Yeah. Nice to meet you.

Likewise.

Times sure have changed.

What kind of a father would allow his son

to talk like that?

His father's dead, Pa.

Oh, that's a shame.

A growing boy needs a man.

It'd appear so.

Hey, George-- is this it?

Oh, it is a beauty.

I said times were changed.

Why, look at this. In my day,

this would be a first class hotel.

Would you like to go inside?

I've been waitin' a long time for that, son.

Pretty as a picture.

How many cells you got?

Uh...I'll show you.

Uh-huh. Uh-huh.

Yeah.

They build them the right way nowadays.

It's too good for 'em, George.

Can't pamper 'em.

Must not pamper them.

How's it going?

Not bad so far. You'd better get in there

before he starts asking George some questions he can't answer.

Give me a minute.

You got a nice eye for weapons, son.

Gotta treat 'em better. That rifle's dusty.

That's my fault, sir.

I'm his deputy-- Emmett Ryker.

Hi. Well, I like loyalty.

I always have.

You think I'm being a little hard on your boss?

Well, you might be pressing him a little bit.

Ha ha! That's a father's privilege, lad.

I've seen you before, mister.

Watchin' us down at the depot.

Well, you've got a good memory.

Helped keep a man alive when I wore a badge.

Son, I know you got your own way of doing things,

but the first thing I always did

was ask a stranger to state his business.

He's hardly a stranger, Pa.

He's a friend.

Of the family, I hope.

Aw, ha ha!

George's friends are my friends--

if they can put up with a gabby old man.

I haven't heard anything I didn't like.

Much obliged for that, young fella.

[ sighs ]

It's like a dream come true.

My own son--

following in his father's footsteps.

Well, gents...

I just hate to leave.

Well, maybe you'll come back someday.

I'm afraid this is Pa's last trip.

Next time, I'll come to Iowa.

I'll be counting on that.

From what I've seen of your deputy here,

your town will be in good hands.

Nice of you to say that, sir.

I never say anything I don't mean.

Pa, I think you'd better get aboard.

Sorry, gents. Afraid there'll be a little delay.

How long?

Eastbound jumped the switch a few miles down the line.

From what I hear, it'll take three days

to clear the track.

TOM: Three days!

Well, what do you know!

Come on, son.

It was your idea.

Three days?

I gave him two hours off.

I can't handle this bank alone for three days.

You can find somebody here in Medicine Bow to help you.

Everybody knows what's goin' on around here, Mr. Jensen.

Somebody would be glad to help.

They can't help.

Working in a bank takes experience.

Mistakes cost money-- real money.

You did all right until you hired George.

Yeah, but I was a much smaller bank then.

I took on George because I'd just started to grow.

The bank's kept growing.

And I think George is responsible.

George?

Yep. The fact of the matter is...

people like George.

He's the most polite man you ever saw.

He certainly is.

And they trust him.

I trust him most of all.

I've almost forgotten how to work back of that counter.

I'm sorry, Mr. Jensen. We, uh--

We didn't expect anything like this to happen.

Yeah.

Well, I'll probably be here all night

posting the day's business in the ledgers.

After George's father goes to sleep,

maybe he'd be willing to come over and give you a hand.

I'd appreciate that.

I'll stop by the saloon and tell him.

I'm sure he wouldn't mind.

George--in a saloon?

His father said he waited a long time

to buy George a drink.

Ain't that right, Trampas?

Oh, you're right.

I never saw a braver man

than the sheriff of this town.

That's a fact you cannot argue with.

Would you believe-- one man alone

goin' in after three?

And having them come out with their hands in the air?

Remember what he said, Trampas?

He said, "If you ever set foot in Medicine Bow again,

"you'll stay...

on Boot Hill."

Ha ha ha!

[ laughs ] That's what he said.

No, no. Black Eagle.

Black Eagle. That's where our sheriff was at his peak.

Heh. Black Eagle.

You mean to say that you still have engine trouble around here?

Not since Black Eagle, mm-mm.

Hand-to-hand combat-- he and Black Eagle, all alone.

And his tribe, up on that ridge.

400 of them, all in the war paint.

Yeah, yeah.

Waitin' for Black Eagle to lead 'em on.

Oh...

you should've seen it.

I'd have given everything I got in this world.

Majestic.

Tell me about it, son.

Oh, no. You ain't gonna get it out of him.

Well, it makes me prouder still.

Never liked a man who blew his own horn.

[ laughs ]

I think we ought to go.

No! Wait, son.

All work and no play--

Besides, you've got a good man in that deputy.

Come on, tell me what happened to Black Eagle.

Uh...

well, our sheriff here--

he took that body right back up to that ridge.

400 braves.

"Bury him with honor," he said.

"He fought well."

Well... I'll drink to that.

Set 'em up again.

And don't leave yourself out this time.

Like father, like son.

The apple does not fall far from the tree.

[ laughs ]

Well, my turn to buy.

No, no, no. No offense meant, lad.

But let me have the thought for the dead.

There you are.

Now, this is a day

that was meant for the Fosters.

I'll drink to that.

George?

Oh, I'm--

I'm not very thirsty.

Heh heh. He likes to keep a clear head.

Come on, George. One ain't gonna hurt.

You can break a rule for your father, can't you?

Sounds like an order to me.

Well, George?

Son?

Nobody gets half a drink in my bar.

To our sheriff.

To our sheriff.

Yes.

[ coughing wildly ]

Whoa, whoa. Easy, George. Easy.

Easy, boy.

Take it easy, boy. Take it easy.

I should've known, you know?

It's from his mother's side.

The whole family was that way.

Strong men, but they couldn't handle their whiskey.

Come on. You need some air.

Come on outside.

[ shrieks and coughs ]

Whoa, whoa.

Black Eagle?

Well, I just--

It was off the top of my head.

[ coughing ]Easy. Take it easy.

Sit down.

Breathe deep.

Breathe. That's it.

Why, Geo-- Sheriff!

Are you ill?

[ coughing ] I'm--Something...

went down the wrong way.

You're feeling better now, huh?

You must be George's father.

The same, ma'am.

This is Laura...

Messinger, Pa.

A friend.

I was hoping to meet you, Mr. Foster.

I'm sorry your stay is so brief.

Oh, it's not so brief. You see...

the train's gonna be laid up for a few days.

Well, that's good news, isn't it?

Couldn't be better.

Well, perhaps you could both come over for supper tonight.

Well, now, there's nothing I like better

than to sit across a table from a pretty woman.

Now I know where George gets his gallantry.

6:00?Fine.

If the sheriff isn't busy.

I'm sure the sheriff could arrange something

with his deputy.

See you both this evening.

Say, uh...

how long have you known your--

your friend?

One year, eight months, and two weeks--

counting last Saturday.

I proposed to your mother three hours after I met her.

There are problems, Pa.

There always are.

You don't understand.

No man does.

Especially where a woman is concerned.

Laura, uh, is a widow.

And Tim is her boy, huh?

Precisely.

There's no law against marrying a widow

with a little boy.

Unless you plain don't like the woman.

Don't like?

Oh, Sheriff?

Got a message for you.

Carl Jensen at the bank would like to have a word with you.

Any trouble?

Nothing the sheriff can't handle.

LAURA: Timmy?

No son of mine's gonna play hooky from school.

I had a headache.

Well, I did!

I got to thinkin' about my apples,

and got worried that they might spoil, so I got a headache.

[ laughs ] Not a bad story.

Timmy doesn't lie.

If you had such a headache, how could you carry those apples?

It went away.

You'll have an ache that doesn't go away, young man.

And it won't be in your head.

I'd like to buy you a drink.

Not for me. I'd better see what Mr...

uh, Jensen-- uh, Carl--wants.

That's right, son. Business before pleasure.

I'm just sorry his mother didn't live to see this day.

He's a fine man, sir.

Thank you, thank you kindly.

Did you say you were buying?

You bet.

You know, George...

a woman who looks like that

and can cook like that--

what are you waitin' for?

Pa! Please.

[ softly ] This any better?

What are you waitin' for?

You can't make up another person's mind.

Oh, you can't, huh? Heh heh.

Please. Sit down.

Sorry I had to leave you alone.

But I had to get the table cleared

so Timmy could get started on his lessons.

I imagine it's real hard

raising a boy all by yourself.

Harder than I ever imagined.

Well, seems to me that...

Pa.

I'll have to leave you two now.

Nonsense. You just finished dinner.

Sit down, George.

No, I really must go.

Business before pleasure.

If you must.

Timmy?

George is leaving.

Good-bye, Timmy.

Bye.

Thank you for a delicious meal.

I still can't see why you have to run off.

I've gotta check the town.

Well, maybe I'd better run along, too.

Oh, no. Please stay.

May I get you some more coffee?

No, thanks.

I'm--

You know, uh, sometimes it helps to talk.

It's Timmy.

He's really such a good boy.

Most of them are.

He only wants to help.

And because I won't let him,

he's hurt, angry.

Yeah. Young folks work up a fever

about as fast as it takes to say it.

But it usually passes just as fast.

I hope so.

Sure.

[ knocks on door ]

Well, am I glad to see you.

It's my job, Mr. Jensen.

I know. But you've got enough on your mind already.

[ laughs ]

Oh. Thanks, George.

It's good to be back, sir.

I'm afraid you'll find everything messy.

I wouldn't worry about it, sir.

Didn't even have a chance to get to the barber.

I'm sorry.

You don't have to be. We're all in this together.

I can, uh, shave myself, I guess.

[ laughs ]

Oh, oh, oh.

You'll, um...

want to lock up when you finish.

You want me to have the keys, sir?

Should've done it a long time ago.

Good night, George.

[ clatter ]

[ door opens ]

LAURA: George?

Tim's gone.Huh?

I said, Tim's gone.

Where? I mean, when?

He was gone when I woke up.

He left a note saying he'd gone to seek his fortune--

that when he came back,

I'd never have to work again.

Now, where's the sheriff?

Shh! You mean my deputy?

This is no time for games.

I mean, somebody who can find my son.

I'll do the best I can, Laura.

Then get Ryker!

[ door opens ]

Hey, what's the matter?

Timmy ran away.

And you're standing there?

Ryker.

I'll rouse Ryker. You get a move on, son!

Everything will be all right.

[ coughing ]

George!

George.

[ coughing ]

Thank heaven you're safe.

How come you fell off your horse?

I must've been scared by a rattler.

You'd better not move for a while.

I have to.

Your mother's very worried about you.

I can take care of myself.

Aren't you a little young for that?

I'll be all right.

Sure you're all right?

We'd better start back.

I'm not going back.

You must, Tim.

Just get me my hat.

Thank you.

Come alone.

Tim!

You've got to go home!

I could've left you there!

Then you never would've found me!

Yes, I would. You can't leave your mother.

I'm just tryin' to help her.

There's only one way you can do that, Timmy.

Stay away from me!

You don't have any right over me!

But your mother has.

She asked me to help.

I don't want to use force.

This is the end of the road, Tim.

Don't you have anything better to do?

I can't think of anything better

than bringing a boy back to his mother.

Thank you.

We'd better be gettin' back.

Come along, Timmy.

Tim.

You'd better ride with me.

All right.

Well, good morning, Deputy.

Morning.How's it going?

I think I can stand it for one more day.

[ laughs ] How's the sheriff?

See for yourself.

I will, just as soon as I finish by business.

There was I, with no place to go,

facing three of the most feared guns

on the face of the earth.

I don't mind tellin' you, boy-- I was scared.

You, sir?Me, sir.

When was that?

Ah, more years ago

than I'd care to remember...

or George here wants to hear about.

On the contrary, Pa-- I find it most interesting.

You're too polite to say different.

That's the trouble with gettin' old-- you get gabby.

Well, I guess you wish tomorrow was here

so that you could be on your way.

Much as I enjoy being with George,

I can't say it's very exciting around here.

[ laughs ] Well, we're neighborly people, Mr. Foster.

That's just the way I--and the sheriff here-- like it.

Don't we, George?

Oh. To be sure.

Well, I got to admit--

I'd like a little bit less

of this peace and quiet.

Wish we had more to offer you in the way of entertainment.

But we--

Excuse me, gents!

I hope I'm not intruding on a private matter.

Sheriff, Deputy, sir.

My name is Bill Manders.

Gun salesman.

There you are, Sheriff. Just feel that balance.

Deputy.

Well...mm-hmm.

Are you interested in guns, sir?

Oh, most of my life.

Then see if this doesn't fit your hand

like a glove.

Hmm.

It's awful pretty.

And we're in production on that number.

I can promise delivery in 30 days.

No, thanks. Don't have much use for 'em anymore.

Feels real good, but we're not in the market for guns.

Are we, Sheriff?

Uh, no.

I don't want to tell any man his business.

But I do think it'd be worth your while

to look over the rest of my samples.

MANDERS: Finest rifles in the country, Sheriff.

We, uh...

Rifles?

We got enough, Sheriff.

I can't argue with that.

But I am speaking of the most modern weapons available, gents.

Mm-mm. We're not buyin'.

You'll have to admit, Deputy--

I haven't asked you to buy.

But I would appreciate your tryin' some of my stock.

Tryin'?

The proof is in the pudding.

We can go out to the creek.

I took the liberty of setting up a target

before I came to see you. Most people like to try 'em out first.

Say, you know, that might be fun, George.

And educational.

I sure would like to see you handle a gun

before I go home.

The pleasure would be mine, gents.

Just a minute.

I don't think the town will explode while we're gone.

Oh, no, it's not that.What is it?

I'm, uh...

Certainly would enjoy it, son.

What do you say, Sheriff?

Can't know for sure till you try.

George?

Well--That-a-boy!

We'll have a great time!

Come on, let's go.

I've never fired a gun in my life.

Have you ever pointed one?

Well, you're going to.

Come on, son.

I'm coming.

Don't do anything until I get out there.

Right.

I'll follow you out there. Right.

I haven't shot much lately.

Neither have I.

[ chuckles ] I'll bet.

Gentlemen...

the finest line I've ever handled.

You know, son...

I'm gonna do my best to beat you.

Of course, I'll feel better if you beat me.

I'd like to recommend this hand-crafted model to begin.

Feels like it was just made for your hand, doesn't it?

Yeah, suits me.

Well, Sheriff?

On to the firing line.

MANDERS: Whenever you're ready, Sheriff.

So, each man will fire five rounds

at intervals of his own choosing. Agreed?

That's fine.

Well, I was beginning to think you weren't interested.

I wouldn't miss it, Mr. Manders.

Right over here.

There you are. Take your pick.

Uh...maybe later.

Well, all right.

All right, sir.

[ gunshot ]

[ gunshot ]

[ gunshot ]

[ gunshot ]

MANDERS: That's good shooting, mister.

Well...heh heh.

Just point the gun.

Fire on the count of three.

Suppose I hit it?

You won't.

Not bad, son, if I do say so myself.

You have the same type gun, Sheriff.

[ gunshot ]

Let's have a look.

Well...

Sheriff?

I ought to pay you to use our guns.

You know, you--

You know, I always figured

I was a good man with a gun.

I gotta admit-- you're better.

Some met are just born with it, I guess.

Sheriff, suppose we talk business.

I'm willing to make a good price.

Sheriff! This just came in, Sheriff.

I mean, uh...Sheriff.

"Jamison Brothers broke jail.

Believed heading for hideout in your area."

Jamison Brothers? I don't believe I--

They killed three men in a payroll robbery.

Go down to the saloon. Tell anybody you find I need a posse.

You know where to look for 'em?

I know where they used to hang out.

Oh, boy, this is my lucky day.

I've got just the rifles for a posse.

Later, mister. I never thought it'd come true.

A chance for me to ride with my own son.

You don't know what you're gettin' into, Pa.

I never did.

You might have to spend hours in the saddle.

I can always get off if I get winded.

This'll do me fine.

We'll be moving along, Sheriff.

Think you can handle things while we're gone?

Oh, yes. Certainly.

While they're gone?

So, you may as well stay with me.

A sheriff leads a posse.

He doesn't send them off to do his job.

We'd better get started, Pa.

Sheriff--

You got your orders, Deputy.

Ain't gonna be any paper targets out there, George.

George, wait. Where do you think you're going?

With them.

Better not go.Be quiet.

We're wasting time, George.

Tell him you can't go. Do you hear me?

I appreciate your concern, Laura.

But I have a job to do.

He'll get killed.

You be quiet.

EMMETT: Ridge trail.

THE VIRGINIAN: We'll have to go single file.

You take the point, son.

He's always that way.

Yeah, I know that type--

always lookin' for glory.

[ horse neighs ]

We got a hostage!

You come any farther, we'll kill him!

That's Tod Jamison's voice, all right.

Think he's on the level about that hostage?

I don't know. But we can't take a chance.

You know...

it was always my experience

that once an outlaw has a price on his head,

he don't care how much is added onto it.

That means that if they do have a hostage up there,

they're gonna kill him sooner or later anyway.

We still can't rush 'em.

Maybe somebody can sneak around behind 'em.

Hey, son, that's a good idea.

You men keep 'em busy.

Wait a minute, Pa. I didn't mean you.

I know you didn't.

I figure that I got a little seniority on the rest of you.

Hold it. You stay here, Mr. Foster.

You giving me an order, son?

EMMETT: If I have to.

If I remember rightly, when I was sheriff,

my deputy didn't go around giving people orders.

George.

Oh.

I always wondered how he'd act

when the chips were down.

You don't think a man could be sheriff as long as I was

and not know a civilian when he sees one, do you?

You knew all the time, and you let him go up there?

Relax, I'll take care of him.

You keep them busy.

And don't you let on to him that I know.

You understand?

They go for it?I guess so.

They're stayin 'down there.

[ gunshots continue ]

We'll keep 'em pinned down till it gets dark.

Then we'll pull out.

[ gunshots continue ]

GEORGE: Hands up!

They're all yours, Sheriff.

Hey, there's George!

Thank God.

I should be angry with you.

That's a woman's lot in life, Laura.

They also serve who only stand and wait.

We'll talk about that at supper.

Where?

Well, let's not go through that again, George.

Where we always eat-- at my house.

We're dining out.

Nonsense. I have a lovely roast.

We are dining out.

Yes, George.

Well, that means I have to get all dressed up.

And I don't want to.

In that case, you can stay home.

I'll call for you at 6:00.

Yes, George.

Come along, Tim.

[ train whistle blowing ]

Well, it's been a pleasure.

The pleasure was ours.

And you're a good man, Deputy.

Coming from you, that's real praise.

Laura.

If I was 30 years younger, I wouldn't be leaving.

Come back soon.

Sure will.

Son...come here.

You know, son, it's been wonderful

having this get-together with you.

It's great to know you're doing so well.

A fine girl, a good job.

I have got a good job, Pa.

It isn't being sheriff.

What do you mean?

I just pretended to be a lawman

so you wouldn't be... disappointed in me.

Well--

well, you sure fooled me.

I'm a bank clerk.

I work for Mr. Jensen.

I can't shoot a gun worth a dime.

And I don't want to.

You're a bank clerk?

You mean you handle all that money?

That's right.

Well...you know me.

I could never add two and two.

I always envied people who could use their brains.

You mean...

you don't mind?

Look, son...

when a real sheriff goes after outlaws,

he's just doing his job.

But when a bank clerk does it,

he's a brave man.

He's foolish maybe, but...

he's brave.

What kind of a father would be disappointed

in a son who has both guts and brains, huh?

So long, son.

[ train whistle blows ]

Oh. Don't take any wooden nickels.

[ train whistle blowing ]

[ theme music playing ]