Original subtitles

[theme music]

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[instrumental music]

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- Colonel? - Yeah?

- What is it, Parker? - It's lunch, sir.

I'm afraid the Welsh rarebit's going to spoil

if Miss Lark doesn't return soon, sir.

Parker, we've been cooped up in this car for three days

with that 17-year-old girl, and it's the first time

that she's ventured out to see

what the rest of the train looks like.

For heaven's sake, let's enjoy the breather.

- Huh? - I'll try, sir.

Alan: But if you're worried about lunch spoiling,

I won't wait, I'll take mine now.

Right, sir.

That was Lark Walters,

her father owns about half of Chicago

and a good share of the Comstock.

- And this train. - And this train.

Who is she riding with back there in the private car?

A rancher from Wyoming by the name of MacKenzie.

He used to be a colonel in the British Army.

That little lady sure has the life, huh?

The life, Edward. The life.

That little lady is the reason why

it was so important that we be on this train.

And when we're through...

Endicott: Grand Island, next stop.

Grand Island.

It'll be a 30-minute layover for lunch.

You were saying?

I'm just saying, Barton, promising,

promising each one of you about $50,000

of Mr. Walters' money.

How?

But you haven't told us.

Time, gentlemen, time.

- Sorry, I'm late. - Oh, jolly good, just in time.

Oh, that looks beautiful.

It is nothing at all, Miss Lark, just something I whipped up.

Just like you've been doing ever since we left Chicago.

Honestly, I feel like I've put on ten pounds.

- But very attractively. - Hmm.

The problem is it'll get you nowhere.

Now, tell me.

What new and exciting bit of gossip

have you got to tell me about the other passengers, hmm?

Well, let's see.

There's a woman with a baby, a drunk,

four men who look like four men.

Uh... oh, and when we stopped at the last station,

two new passengers got on, and they are both in their 80s.

Nobody your own age, huh?

Darling, I'm sorry you're bored,

but, you know, you did ask for it.

I suppose so.

Oh, I keep thinking how bored I might have been.

I might still be if I go back to Chicago

and marry daddy's chosen one.

I find him a very attractive young man.

- Also, he's very rich. - I'm already rich.

I just don't love him, that's all.

Well, you'll have all summer to decide.

Daddy never would've let me go if it hadn't been for you.

My Uncle John, knows my every thought.

Lark: For three months, I'll be able to talk

to somebody who understands.

Oh, I don't, huh?

No. No.

[laughter]

No, it's just, it's different with you.

- Yeah? - You're my friend.

An old and dear friend, and I love you.

But my Uncle John...

[chuckles] The first thing he'll say is,

um, "Let's take you to town

and meet you a young man, keep you interested."

Yeah, that's exactly what your daddy doesn't want,

to meet another man, you've already got one.

Only if I want him. That was the deal.

I... I don't really know what love is yet.

If and when it happens, I... I want it to be real.

Can you understand?

Yes.

[chuckles] Oh, hello.

Is everything alright back here?

Oh, fine, thank you.

Miss Walters, do you remember the first time I saw you?

You were about five or six.

Right here, in this very car, with your father.

If I may say so, he's just been very kind.

Thank you, Endicott.

We'll be pulling into Grand Island shortly

so the other passengers can have lunch.

You'll have an opportunity to stretch your legs.

Oh, splendid, we'll enjoy that, won't we?

Oh, by the way, colonel,

our engineer has extended an invitation to you

to come to the cab, whenever you'd like,

to see the engine first-hand.

Well, thank you.

Tell him we'll come there after the stop, huh?

Right.

How would you like to go up and see the engine?

Oh, no, thank you. I rode in it when I was three.

[train whistle blowing]

Well...

A little numb.

We have half an hour to pass in this lovely town.

Shall we take a walk down the high street?

That's fine, then what will we do for the next 25 minutes?

Come along.

[instrumental music]

Not exactly the highest fashion, I would say.

Well, they're durable, and very functional

for this part of the country.

I suppose.

Come on.

Ah-ha!

I never did like guns.

Well, they have their function too, Lark,

you know, just like those dresses.

For this part of the country.

That's right.

[indistinct chatter]

[gunshot]

Why, you dirty...

[gunshot]

Killed him!

We won't let him get away with it.

Let's get outta here.

Alright.

What will they do?

Nothing, I think.

Well, he had a lot of witnesses, he'll be alright.

But, darling, I'm... I'm sorry you had to see this.

Let's go back to the train.

- Have you ever seen a lynchin'? - Never have.

- I think you're in luck. - What?

He's puttin' up a pretty good fight,

too bad we can't stay around for the finish.

Stop the train. Stop it!

- Stop the train! - Can't do that!

- Stop this train! - We gotta catch the speed.

We can't stop the train to watch--

Stop it! Stop it!

[gunshot]

Alright, hands up, over your heads.

All of you.

Untie him.

Take that rope off his neck.

Take it off!

Alright, come on now. Come over here.

Fire her up.

Alright, come on, climb aboard.

- Up there? - Yeah, come on.

- I won't tell you again. - What about my horse?

Turn him loose.

But I just paid my last 25 dollars for him.

- Turn him loose. - Well...

[instrumental music]

Oh, this looks like your lucky day, kid.

I hope you're not gonna turn that fugitive loose

among decent people?

I assure you, madam, he will not harm you.

You should have left him right where he was.

Now, you'll find everything you need to clean up in there.

By the way, thanks.

[door closes]

Oh, Parker,

do you wanna go and buy him a ticket in the another car?

- Yes, sir. - Alright.

Now, young lady, when he comes out,

I want to talk to him in private, hmm?

So, I'd appreciate it if you went to your room.

I know, I always get bundled off to my room

when something interesting's gonna happen.

Well, interesting is hardly the word.

- Adventurous? - Lark, no.

It's an adventure to me.

It's got nothing to do with you, whatever.

He was so wonderful to see.

One minute, he was full of pain and despair,

and the next, joy.

I'll never forget the way he smiled

when he rode towards us.

[chuckles] It's as if he were saying,

"Death, you haven't got me yet."

"Life's still on my side."

Do you mean to say you saw all that in that scruffy face?

Oh, yes.

Lark, stop romanticizing.

Sometimes, I wonder

whether it's possible for people your age

to understand people mine?

[chuckles] Sometimes, I wonder

if people your age understand that people my age

have already been your age and grown out of it.

Now, go on.

Well, good afternoon.

Go on.

Pretty girl.

Sit down.

Why, uh... I think better on my feet.

What's your name?

Oh, pick one. I'd probably use it.

I wanna know who you are.

Well, let's just say I'm a member

of a vast underprivilegeds.

Obviously.

Alright.

You see those tumbleweed out there?

Well, I just blew in with them.

Hmm-hmm.

[chuckles]

Why'd you save my neck back there?

I saw the shootout.

I didn't wanna see an innocent man hanged.

Well, that's fair enough, uh...

- I guess I've thanked you. - Hey, wait a minute.

I haven't finished with you yet.

After the shootout, you ran. Why?

- I had my reasons. - Name one.

You wouldn't really expect me to tell you

if there was one, would you?

But if you don't, I'll hand you over to the authorities.

You did kill a man, my friend.

There has to be a hearing.

That's better, now we can start all over again.

What's your name?

What's yours?

[laughs]

- Alan MacKenzie. - Of Her Majesty's, what?

- Seventeenth Lancers. - A colonel?

Lieutenant col... You're very perceptive.

[scoffs] No, not really.

You came on as strong as a Light Brigade back there.

You with your trusty rifle, why,

you robbed those angry locals of their afternoon sport.

[chuckles]

You'd impress anyone, lieutenant colonel.

Yeah, I thought I was rather good.

But saving my life doesn't give you

the right to interrogate me.

Who I am is my own private business.

You must be a very solitary man.

- Also a very hungry one. - Oh, excuse me.

Parker?

- You called, sir? - Yes, Parker.

What seat did you get this gentleman?

The end seat, right rail of the next car, sir.

There's a pillow and blanket in the rack.

Good, uh, get some food ready

and give it to him there, will you?

Yes, sir.

Oh, what, uh, nom de plume,

do you want to be addressed by?

How does, uh, Roy Williams strike you?

We'll talk later, Mr. Williams.

Kinda liked it myself.

Uh, I don't suppose you'd tell me her name, would you?

No.

Perhaps, if you answered my questions, I might answer yours.

In the meantime, keep away from her.

Yes, sir, lieutenant colonel. Uh, sir.

- Cards. - Three.

Four.

Oh, that shows a lot of strength.

One.

Dealer takes three.

Check.

Check.

- Bet a dollar. - Come on, come on, will you?

- Betted, huh? - Yeah.

How much did you draw?

- One. - Raise your two.

Out.

Out.

I'll just count.

Three lovely ladies.

- Aces and eights. - Hmm.

Little dead man's hand, huh?

Yeah, I hope it isn't pathetic.

Deal me out this hand, Reed.

Come on, move over left.

Hello, Roy.

Who is it?

Same old Roy.

You're disturbin' my sleep.

I wouldn't be hasty, you can do with a friend.

Mama told me never to talk to strangers.

I'm not a stranger, Roy.

Never saw you before in my life.

Maybe I should tell Colonel MacKenzie

who you really are.

Well, you tell him anything you want.

I'd rather do business with you.

You're keeping me awake.

[chuckles] Oh, boy.

I didn't bore you in the old days, Roy.

I don't know who you think I am

but you're playing with a cold deck.

Alright.

I'll be back. We got plenty of time.

[instrumental music]

- Lark? - Yes?

He is not for you.

- Colonel. - Hmm?

Sorry to bother you.

But some of the other passengers

are worried about that man you took onboard.

- Oh, they are? - Yes, sir.

What have you been able to find out about him?

Not very much.

Well, sir, if you tell me there's nothing to worry about,

I'll take your word.

Oh, don't concern yourself with him,

I'll take full responsibility, huh?

Well, thank you, Colonel.

That takes a load off my mind.

What are you thinking?

- How I thought at his age. - Why?

Oh, how else can I get him to trust me?

You could start by trusting him.

Just like that? No, that wouldn't be right.

I have you to worry about,

everybody else on this train.

If he won't talk to me,

I'll have to hand him over to the authorities.

- Let me talk to him. - No!

But maybe he'd tell me about himself?

You'd be with me, what could happen?

The possibilities are staggering.

But I want to help him.

No!

Oh...

I don't want to be a jailer,

it's just that, I have to take care of you.

I've had enough care!

I've been stifled all my life.

[door opens]

[door closes]

How do you feel?

I could sleep for a week.

Decided to tell me about yourself?

No. I just wanted to see if she was real.

I thought maybe I dreamed her.

Now, you forget her, she's out of bounds to you.

Uh, colonel, don't give me orders.

Well, now, when you've decided

to give me the facts, I'll be in the next car.

In the meantime, you stay in your seat,

whether you like orders or not.

What? I may want a little exercise.

Oh, really?

Well, now, in that case,

the conductor may want to lock you up.

That just might be the best thing for both of us.

[door closes]

Parker.

Miss Lark's turned in.

Would you like a nightcap, sir?

No, thank you, Parker.

Are you sleepy?

No, sir. I thought I'd read a while, sir.

Would you mind doing it in there?

I think you and I should split a watch tonight.

Righto, sir.

Make sure he stays there, huh?

He's a strange one, isn't he, sir?

Yeah. I'll relieve you at four.

You know, sir, there's something very likeable about that chap.

I wouldn't trust him further than I can throw a bull.

I don't know what makes you so stubborn at times.

Did you say something, Parker?

No, sir.

So this is what you didn't know.

I'm still here, Mr. Parker.

You got holes in your hat, eh?

[chuckles]

That, my friend, is a professional secret.

Are you hungry?

Oh, no, thanks.

Where are we?

Just crossed the Nebraska border.

You missed some lovely scenery this afternoon.

Yeah.

You got some beautiful scenery in that next car there, too.

You better not let the colonel hear you

talking about Miss Lark that way.

Lark.

What a perfect name for her.

[sighs]

[sighs]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[train chugging]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

Lark.

You know my name.

Are you paying a social call or just passing through?

I... I wanted to talk to you.

Oh, uh, that's a coincidence.

- Is it? - Of course.

Why?

People around here sure ask a lotta questions.

- Oh, I'm sorry. - Sit down.

Come on, it's safe. I only beat ladies on alternate Thursdays.

Oh. That's good. [chuckles]

Today is a Thursday.

- Then you're lucky. - Yeah.

I don't know what's going to happen if I get caught.

I'm not supposed to talk to you.

You better listen to your elders, you know, they're right.

What, a cat got your tongue?

[chuckles] Oh, I guess so.

Mm-hm.

Oh, there were so many things

that I wanted to ask you.

I can't remember them. [chuckles]

Well, that's good.

Oh, no, that's bad.

That's bad?

People have to be able to communicate.

Well, I like quiet girls.

When you met other girls,

like-- like this,

what did they talk about?

Well, I've never met another girl like this.

- Really? - Mm-hmm.

- Oh, that's wonderful. - Oh, it is?

We have something in common.

What?

Were you afraid this afternoon?

Well, you bet. I was starin' right down the devil's tonsils.

Did you really believe you were going to die?

[sighs] Well, that thought did cross my mind.

Well, I'm really glad we came along when we did.

Yeah, your timing was perfect.

So, you, uh, are you related to the colonel?

Oh, no, no, not really. He's just my Uncle Alan.

[chuckles] Well, I'm sure glad he isn't mine.

- Why? - Well, he's too curious.

Oh, if people weren't curious,

nobody would ever know anything about anybody.

- Hmm? - Mm-hmm.

- Hmm. - Hmm.

[chuckles]

Did you ever run through a muddy cornfield

with your bare feet, and let the mud

just squish up between the toes?

Did you ever fall down in one of those beautiful dresses

and skinned a knee?

- Well, yes, of course. - Really?

Mm-hmm.

Look who's asking all the questions.

[laughter]

I guess I did get carried away.

Yeah. [laughs]

You have a wonderful smile.

You should smile more often.

Well, I can't go around grinnin' all the time.

Why not? It's very friendly.

Yeah, but I'm not a friendly man.

Well, you are. You're very friendly.

Lark, you're very pretty.

But beware of my motives.

Whenever you say something nice, why do you take it back?

Just plain concerned, I guess.

Are you afraid someone will... maybe think you're not?

Well, I don't care whether they do or not.

Are you married?

[laughs]

What's so funny?

Whoa, I wouldn't marry any woman who'd have me.

Well, there are nice ladies who'd have you.

Uh, wo-- would you?

I might.

Well, when I've got to know you better.

[laughs]

Look, I, I just hate to be laughed at.

'Cause you don't know how funny that is.

I'm afraid of being hurt too.

Well, no one can hurt me.

I guess I've survived every kind of hurt there is.

Maybe, when I know you better,

you'll tell me about it.

You're not gonna get to know me better.

- Oh, you're wrong. - Oh?

You and I...

we were meant to meet.

You may be pretty, but you sure are confusing.

And rich, too, and I'm not.

If I told you...

If I told you...

that...

I could love you...

what would you say?

[chuckles] Well, I guess I'd ask you how old you were.

What does age got to do with it?

Well, I mean, how old are you, 15?

I am 17, I'm old enough.

- Not for me. - How old are you?

Well, I'm at least a hundred and fifty years old.

Young lady, you get back where you belong.

Go on.

Don't worry, colonel, I didn't damage the merchandise.

You too.

Oh, I think I'll just stay here with the common folk, uh...

No, you won't. Not now.

Come on.

Heaven help the male population when she's eighteen.

Parker.

Hold, hold, who goes there?

If you were in the army now, you'll be shot

for dereliction of duty.

What happened, sir?

Because they were in the other car together.

Oh, my sainted aunt!

We were only talking.

You weren't only talking when I saw you.

What were they doing, sir?

Never mind.

Oh! His bed is all that, huh?

Parker, will you get out of here?

- Yes, sir. - Uncle Alan--

Don't call me uncle. I'm not your uncle.

Now, you knew she was a young, innocent girl.

She still is. What in blazes do you think went on--

And I told you to keep away from him.

I tried to, I really tried to.

Why was staying away from me such a problem?

Because she's a romantic girl.

Why don't you let her tell me?

When I first saw you riding towards the train,

I thought you were coming for me.

And then later on, in here,

I felt it even more strongly.

That's why I had to talk to you.

I had to find out if it was my imagination

or if it was something you felt too.

She was waiting for Prince Charming

and suddenly, there you were on your twenty-five-dollar horse

with a rope around your neck.

Still Prince Charming.

Oh, is that how you see yourself?

- Is that how you saw me? - Yes.

And how long is she going to see you like that?

- I don't know. - I know.

Look, I've promised your father

that I would deliver you to your uncle in Cheyenne,

and I'm going to do it.

- You bet you are. - Why do you hate him?

I don't hate him. I'm worried about you.

I'm not.

He's right, Lark. You don't know anything about me.

Maybe I'm a thief.

Maybe, uh, maybe I escaped from prison

when he saved my neck back there.

Maybe I'm a murderer.

No, I don't believe that.

What do you believe?

I believe love has your face.

And your smile.

[sighs]

Would you like me to go back to my car?

No, you stay here.

Goodnight, colonel.

Did you recognize the fellow

the colonel rescued this afternoon?

No. Should I?

Well, I guess all acquaintances

mean more to me than they do you.

He used to be a neighbor of yours.

- Neighbor? - Yeah.

For at least five years,

he was in the cell block next to yours at Lincoln.

- Well, that's not Joe Merlin. - No, no, no.

Joe Merlin was between you and me.

Who was on the other side of you?

- Roy Evans? - Uh-huh.

- But he was just a kid. - Kids grow up.

- Roy Evans? - Mmm.

Now, I want you to have a talk with him.

- What I want you to say-- - Enjoying your trip, gentlemen?

What I want you to say...

[sighs]

Like a drink?

Waste of good bourbon.

There's a time when a man needs a drink.

Cheers.

Cheers.

Tell me,

why do you find it impossible to believe

that I want to help you?

Oh, I don't find it impossible.

Well, then, why don't you tell me the truth about yourself?

You saved my life, I thought you deserved better than a lie.

But not the truth.

Do you want me to hand you over to the authorities?

That's your decision.

He's testing you, so he'll know how much he can tell you.

Lark, would you let me talk to the man alone?

Well, I wanna know what's happening,

and I can't hear you in there.

Good.

Please talk to him.

You don't have to be afraid.

He's stern but he's fair.

He'll help you if you let him.

You think everyone's against you, well, they aren't.

You think everyone is good.

Don't you think anyone is?

I grew up in the world.

I know it takes a tough hide

and a pretty suspicious nature to survive.

What's gonna happen to you?

[chuckles] You're tough

and suspicious enough for both of us.

Lark, will you leave us alone?

I'm going.

Please tell him what he wants to know.

It doesn't matter to me, but it matters to him.

[sighs]

I can see why she's a problem to you.

You listen to me, if you have any ideas

of running off with her, I'll stop you.

One way or another, I'll stop you.

Maybe she's worth the risk.

You don't even know her.

I've known her all my life.

She was the little girl I couldn't sit next to

in Sunday school.

She was the one I couldn't take to the dance,

or the one that got called in when her mother saw me

talking to her.

Do I know her?

Well, you can't expect Lark to pay for all that.

Why not? She can afford it.

What makes you think my love

isn't as good as any other man's?

Why don't you think it isn't?

- I do. - No, you don't.

You don't take pride in your real name.

Hmm?

A man's a fool if he can't

recognize help when it's being offered to him.

Oh, I've been offered help before.

- Lies, always lies. - Oh, yes.

So you're never going to trust anyone again?

That's right.

Spend the rest of your life

running, suspicious of everyone?

Everyone but her.

She's not for you.

What right do you have to say that?

You lived your life, didn't you? Married who you pleased?

Yes.

But I had a home to take her to, I had a profession.

I had an honorable name.

Well, those are your values. Don't try to inflict them on me.

Listen, my nameless friend.

You keep away from that girl

or I'll take you back to Grand Island myself.

Hi, Roy.

Get out of here.

Is that the way you say hello to an old buddy?

When did you get out?

Oh, why the cold shoulder?

Wasn't I always nice to you?

Didn't I take care of you

when those two guards worked you over, hmm?

Alright.

Let's talk a little business.

How would you like to pick up a nice easy ten thousand?

Twenty.

I said shove off.

No, don't-- don't fly off the handle,

I'll look dandy.

Now, there are four of us...

With you, it will make five.

What would you say to fifty thousand a piece?

Maybe more.

To do what?

For helping a certain young lady off the train.

Who's putting up the cash?

A millionaire daddy.

Mr. Fred Walters.

Why will he pay to get her off the train?

No, no. You got it all backwards.

What he's gonna pay for...

is to get her back.

Are you crazy? You'll never get away with it.

Jackson says we will.

When is all this going to take place?

No, not so fast, honey.

First, I wanna know...

Are you with us?

You got a hideout?

Yeah, we got a good hideout.

- Well, I could use a hideout. - Yeah, I figured you could.

What guarantee do I have that you'd cut me in?

My word.

And Jackson's.

That's not much.

Well, we have to learn to trust one another.

Anyhow, nobody's going to cross you, Roy.

We all remember what you were in for.

What about the girl, will she be safe?

She'll have you to protect her.

And you say there's four of you?

Five, including you.

What do you say, how about it?

You ready for the big time?

$50,000.

It's got a nice sound, hasn't it, Roy?

Nice figure.

Is it a deal?

I'll let you know.

Look...

You already know.

Now, if you should decide to... not to join us and squeal,

you remember,

there are four of us.

By the way, uh, what made you run back there in Grand Island?

Wouldn't you?

Well, considering, I guess I would.

Considering.

Hey.

You've changed, kid.

You've grown up.

That's right.

Don't you get any ideas about crossing me.

I won't.

I will keep in touch with you later.

Give you a chance to think about it.

Hey.

I'll let you know.

Sure I can't get you anything?

No.

You don't have to sit up because of me.

I won't go out again tonight, I promise.

Now, all I have to worry about is, uh, somebody coming in.

He's sleeping.

Isn't it marvelous?

None of us here can sleep, but he drifts off like a baby.

He's had an exhausting day.

So have I.

Isn't it strange how fast the world can change?

Isn't it wonderful?

Lark...

I don't know...

I feel you're in danger.

[chuckles]

He wouldn't hurt me.

How do we know what he'll do?

It's something I picked up as a soldier, sixth sense.

But I have a feeling that...

something's very wrong.

Don't worry.

[chuckles]

You're just in time for warm milk.

Never touched it.

- You wanted to see me? - Yes.

If necessary,

I've decided to hand you over to the sheriff

at Cheyenne.

Why the "If"?

Think about it.

Cheyenne's the end of the line for me, too.

Then, I guess we'll be saying goodbye.

Oh, no. I've decided even if it's jail, I'm going with you.

Oh, the colonel won't like that.

It is my life.

Lark, I'd like to talk to you alone,

but I can see the colonel isn't gonna let that happen.

You're right.

If I weren't a man on the twenty-five-dollar horse

with a rope around my neck,

and if I weren't exactly what he says I am,

nothing, no one could keep me from you.

It doesn't matter what you've been.

Oh, yes it does.

Only a child would say it wouldn't.

I'm not a child.

But you are.

It's one of the many lovely things about you.

Then you can't love me?

Sit.

Lark...

Where were you the September you were 15?

I was in a private school.

The September I was 15, I was...

in the penitentiary at Lincoln.

I told you it doesn't matter.

While you were learning music and literature,

I was learning the tricks of thieves and murderers.

Your teachers were professors, mine were inmates.

I've lived with every filth known to man.

Lark, I'd destroy you.

I wouldn't want to, but I would.

It's all behind you.

All that matters now is, is what we make of life together.

No.

There is hope for us, will you--

Lark, I was put in prison at the age of 15

for killing a man.

Did you do it?

Yes.

- Why? - Didn't you hear what I said?

You said you killed a man. I want to know why.

It doesn't matter why.

It's the only thing that does matter.

All these years,

no one ever once said that.

All they ever said was,

"You killed a man,

you have to be locked up."

How did you get out?

Did you escape?

No.

I was paroled. Finally.

Five days before I walked into that saloon at Grand Island.

The last thing I needed was that man pushing me around,

starting a fight.

Judge told me,

"I'm letting you out."

He said, "I was gonna give you a chance at life.

One mistake and back you go."

That was why you ran.

What choice did I have, colonel?

As far as I can see, none.

At your age, I'd have done exactly the same thing.

Thank you.

The first man you... you killed...

Did you have a choice then?

He killed my mother.

I killed him.

I guess if I had it to do over, I'd still do it.

But it's done.

You don't have it to do over.

Now, you know why you mustn't go flinging yourself at strangers.

You know exactly who and what I am.

Goodbye, Lark.

No.

Alan, what am I going to do?

What are you gonna do?

I don't know.

I don't know.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

I, uh, I was hoping you'd be here.

I was wishing you were.

He's sleeping.

I couldn't sleep.

I just wanted to say I...

I was a little rough telling you about myself.

I'm sorry.

What I was trying to say was that, uh,

you couldn't possibly love anyone like me.

Well, I do.

I mean, he's, he's right, you know.

I'm nobody's Prince Charming.

You're mine.

You'd really come with me and share my life?

Yes.

Live on what I could make?

Yes.

Go hungry when I couldn't make it?

I have money.

And you'd give it to me?

Of course.

You'd love me when I took it?

Yes.

But life doesn't work that way, a... a man has to provide.

Alright. I'll live on what you provide.

Wouldn't be much.

A cowhand's wages?

My grandmother raised nine children

on a cowhand's wages.

With hands like these?

I'll learn to use them.

I'll cook, and clean, and sew, garden.

I'll be in the doorway, mornings, to see you ride off.

I'll be waiting there at night.

I'll be a good wife.

I'll tell you something , I...

I'd love to see you standing in my doorway.

Then you shall.

I'd love to ride beside you into town.

Without a quarter in my pocket, I, I'd feel wealthy.

I'd feel complete.

I'd be yours.

You'll take me, uh,

love me as I am?

Forever.

[chuckles]

Okay.

Why not?

Now, I gotta make plans. You'll do as I say?

- Of course. Anything you say. - You'll trust me?

Maybe I can make better than a cowhand's wages after all.

Oh, Roy, suppose I hadn't taken the train.

I've got to figure this thing out.

Now, don't say anything to him.

Okay, I promise.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

Your memory returned, did it, Roy?

$50,000 has a way of helping.

I don't know if you know Rex or remember him.

You might recall my having spoken of him.

Is it true you can shoot the eye out of a needle?

Not without ruining the needle.

That's too bad.

- Is he the other one? - Mm-hmm.

I can't be gone too long. What's your plan?

Now, when the train stops here for water,

my cousin Harry will meet us here with horses.

Harry and Ned will start fires here

under the observation platform.

Reed: There, at the end of this car, underneath the window.

Reed: Rex will take the side road.

Cut over here, join here with the horses

and be prepared to back us up.

Barton and I will be standing here on either side

at the private car entrance.

When you hear us yell, "Fire," you pick it up inside.

Reed: Hustle her up.

Barton and I will help you get her to the horses.

About a quarter of a mile up, there's a fort

near Boulder Creek.

We'll wait there, and the rest of 'em will join us later.

What about the colonel, his men?

Harry and Rex will take care of him.

Or the fire will.

I promise you, the girl will not be harmed.

She's the golden goose.

What do you think of the plan?

It's as good as any, I guess. I don't see any problem.

Well, I'm glad you finally decided to join us.

You haven't had many good breaks lately.

Well, it was nice of you to ask me.

Oh, well, you've had possibilities

ever since you were a boy.

I'm just sorry that up till today,

I couldn't do anything about it.

You're tryin' to make me feel obligated.

- Never. - Oh, you've succeeded.

Do you have any obligations to the colonel?

What, you mean, like gratitude?

Yes.

Why? I didn't ask him to stick his nose in my business.

He did save your life.

That was his decision.

Then you're not burdened by any... sense of loyalty?

The colonel's already told me he's turning me over

to the authorities.

No. He's not as smart as I thought he was.

You're satisfied?

- Yeah. - So am I.

- We have a deal. - Good, I better get back.

Now, don't come up here anymore. We'll be in touch.

Right.

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]

Oh, I'm sorry, I...

[laughs]

Is, uh...

Is that the observation platform out there?

No, it's a private car.

Well, guess I'll get a little air.

[intense music]

Would you care to join me?

You wanna waste some more bourbon?

Well, it wasn't entirely wasted.

[instrumental music]

[whistle blows]

[instrumental music]

There's some men running around outside.

- What? - They're throwing brush.

Under the car, sir.

The carriage is on fire.

Come on. Let's get outta here.

Don't go out.

What's the meaning of this?

Trust me, please.

Alright, I do.

Quick. Just get down.

Five men out there. They're dangerous and armed.

It's an attempt to kidnap Lark.

- What? - You stay with her.

Don't let her go outside.

I'll be as quick as I can.

- You got your gun? - Right here, sir.

Now, you go cover the door.

- Yes, sir. - Okay.

The train's on fire. Come on out or you'll be burned alive.

[gunshot]

[gunshot]

[gunshot]

[gunshot]

Come on out, or you'll all be cremated.

[gunshot]

You stay down. Stay down. Stay there, alright?

[glass shattering]

[gunshot]

Alright, you better come out.

[gunshot]

Alright, raise your hands!

Way up. Come on.

Now, come on down here.

Come on, over there. Come on.

Over there. Drop your guns!

Alan, where's Roy?

Now, get back in the car.

- Roy, get back! - Alan...

[gunshot]

You look fine. You look absolutely respectable.

We were fortunate to find those duds.

Dry goods store in Porter Station

only had three shirts and one was for a midget.

[laughter]

Horace seemed to be a pretty doctor.

- How's the shoulder? - Feels pretty good.

Oh, you're beautiful!

- Men aren't beautiful. - Well, you are.

Tell her.

No.

I've given up telling you two anything.

We are going to be the most handsome couple in Cheyenne.

Lark, you and I are gonna

say goodbye on the train.

Goodbye?

Yes.

He made you say that.

I make my own decisions.

And you don't love me?

When Jackson made that offer, I almost took it.

But you didn't take it.

I knew if I threw in with him, I could have money.

Then, I realized I could still have money because...

because I could have you.

I see.

But you don't want a man who'd take you

for that kind of reason.

I wish everyone would just stop telling me what I want.

You want a man that's got something to give.

A home, a profession, a honorable name.

I don't know where I'm going or what I'm gonna be

when I get there.

I...

I just don't know what to say to you anymore.

Well, I'll tell you what to say.

Say, "It's been a pleasant journey,

nice knowing you and goodbye."

Roy...

Why must it end this way?

Because it never really began.

We haven't been involved with each other.

We've been involved with ourselves.

No, that's not true.

Oh, yes, it is.

I've been at war with myself.

You've been at war with, with your absent father,

your-- your Uncle Alan and me.

You just wanted to convince us you were a woman.

Well, you did.

I thought it was happiness to love.

But it hurts.

Darling, I know what you're feeling.

[sobbing]

Lark.

Darling, you're 17.

You have everything ahead of you.

A world full of new and exciting things.

- You understand. - Oh, of course.

All along, I thought you didn't.

Yes.

It's so funny.

It's all over and...

the trip seemed so short.

Oh.

Hey, why don't you go and get ready, hmm?

Okay.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye.

Thank you.

Go on.

Well, we'll be in Cheyenne in a few minutes.

If the penitentiary has gotten in touch with the sheriff,

the name will be Roy Evans.

Well, your real name at last, huh?

Well, not really, uh...

If you must know, I was Christian Tate.

Mr. Tate, it's been interesting.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

- Hello, Sheriff. - Good morning, Col. MacKenzie.

I hear you had a little trouble up the line.

Yes, just a little.

But it helped relieve the boredom of a long journey.

Oh, they've picked up the men who attacked your car.

But there's been no word on a murderer named Evans.

Roy Evans. You didn't happen to run across him?

Roy Evans.

Could that have been the chap who ran off

at the watering stop?

Uh, yeah, yeah, that could be.

- Yes. - Well, I'll notify them.

What I'm really here for is to escort Ms. Walters

to her uncle's ranch.

He was held up by a wash-out.

- Well, here she is right now. - Thank you.

That wasn't so bad, was it?

I just aged a 100 years.

What you said to Lark. I want to thank you.

I know what it must've cost you.

Yeah.

- Hey, I owe you a horse. - For what?

Well, I made you turn your horse loose.

The least I can do is to outfit you.

No, no, no, no.

Thanks, Colonel, but... I'd say we're even.

You'll never make an outlaw.

You just don't have the temperament.

Look, my ranch Shiloh's outside

a little town called Medicine Bow.

I've been through Medicine Bow.

Would you like a job there?

[train whistle blows]

I don't think I'm ready to settle down, colonel.

Well, you have to settle down sometime.

You can't keep running forever.

How far did you say it was to Shiloh?

Not very far, come on.

[instrumental music]

[theme music]

[music continues]