Original subtitles

♪♪

Hold it right where you are!

♪♪

Morning.

You're on private property, mister.

If you ain't here on business, you're trespassing.

Well, maybe I'm here on business.

- Tell me what business. - Well, uh, tell me who's asking.

My name is Hudson. I'm foreman of this ranch.

I got orders to stop everyone. That's who's asking.

Orders from, uh, Jason Crowder?

You know Jason Crowder?

Yeah. That's who I'm planning to see.

Well, you just now had a big change in plans.

What the devil is this all about?

It's all about you getting down off that horse...

and being very slow about it. Why?

To keep on living a little bit longer, if that's what you got a mind to do.

Now look, I don't know who you think I am, but... Hey!

Now wait a minute. Now wait a minute.

Now you had no call to do something like that!

Look, I told you...

Now look, son,

It's a very nice spring day, and I never did like killing people.

So, come on. Get on that horse of yours and ride out of here,

back where you come from,

or any other place on God's green earth except here.

Now if you ever show your face in this town again...

or try to contact Jason Crowder again,

you'll be dead so fast somebody will have to remind you to lay down.

Now git.

Can I help you with something, mister?

Yeah, you the sheriff? No, no. Jabez Cole's the sheriff.

But he ain't due back in town for a couple of weeks yet. What'd you want him for?

You know the Crowder Ranch east of here?

Jason Crowder's? Yeah, yeah, sure. Yeah.

Well, there's something wrong out there. What's wrong?

I don't know. All I know is I went out there, and two men jumped me.

One of 'em said he was the foreman and ran me off.

They said they had orders. Orders? From Mr. Crowder?

That's what I asked. And I got a gun barrel in my stomach for an answer.

- You do know Jason Crowder? - Everybody knows him. You know him?

Yeah. We were friends when we were kids. You know his foreman?

- Yeah. Name's Hudson. - What does he look like?

Mmm. Look like? Well, now let me see.

He looks like that fellow right there would look...

if the fellow next to him looked like Jason Crowder.

Jason!

That's the man, Mr. Crowder. You better light out fast.

Come on! Hah!

Jason!

All right, get those hands up and get 'em up high.

Hold it, Hudson. This isn't Lueders.

Great jumping jackrabbits!

And may I be shriveled on the spot if we don't have here big as life...

and twice as crusty, my childhood partner in perfidy, T-R-ampas!

You old son of a gun!

Boy, am I glad to see you before your foreman put a hole in me and shot me dead.

Mistook you for somebody else... somebody who's out gunning for me.

Gunning for you? Talk about yourself.

What are you doing here? What twister blew the likes of you into River Oaks, Nebraska?

I came looking for you.

You couldn't have come at a better time, right?

Hey, you all right, Mr. Crowder?

Oh, fine, Sam. Just fine.

Fine, everybody.

Here's your hat, mister. Thank you.

Seeing all you, uh, good folks up at the house tonight, aren't I?

The missus is expecting you, so don't go disappointing her,

on account of she's a buzz saw when she doesn't get her way.

We'll all be there. Don't worry, Mr. Crowder. Thank you.

Well, where's your horse?

He's over there by the sheriff's. Over there.

Get it for him, Hudson.

Go on, Hudson. Nobody's looking.

And it'll show Trampas you're not mad at him anymore.

Hey, did I hear you say missus?

Yeah. I'm, uh, almost afraid to introduce her to you.

Sweet-talking, lady-killing lounge lizard like you.

Sweet-talking? Me? You could talk a pailful of milk out of a cow...

without even laying a finger on her.

Comes from Pappy being a preacher.

Here's your horse.

Yeah, thanks.

Look at this land, Trampas. Look at it.

God made it, they say, and doubtless he did.

Doubtless. But he must have done it in bad humor then,

because as an example of his handiwork, it shows a cussedness...

that ain't exactly complimentary to the Almighty.

Why? It looks good to me. And it could be.

By all that's powerful but for this river here.

God might have made the land, but the devil made this river.

Come the spring of the year and she swells,

and she overflows, and then she rampages.

And by the time she's settled back in her banks,

another inch of topsoil's headed downstream for the Missouri.

"Erosion"... that's what it's called. Erosion!

- Which is why I'm here. - What's why you're here?

These are fine folk, Trampas.

And this land is rich in potential.

All they gotta do is to find a way to keep their topsoil from getting away from them,

and they've not only got themselves rich ground for growing,

but they got themselves a river at their doorstep to float their produce to market.

- And I'm gonna do it for them. - What are you gonna do?

I'm gonna build 'em... a dam.

Come on.

Whoo.

I don't know, Jason. I feel like I ought to use the back door.

Let's use the front.

All right.

Ah, not a word.

Oh, lady love, take a breath. Take your time.

Start guessing. How many do you want? Three? 300?

It doesn't matter. You'll never in a year or a dozen of them guess who this is...

standing right here before you.

Then spare me, Jason. It's...

Trampas!

Trampas?

Well, I thought you were someone that Jason just made up. But you are real.

And all those stories about when the two of you were little boys actually happened?

Yes, ma'am, I'm real, but I can't swear to the stories though.

Mighty glad to meet you, Mrs. Crowder.

Oh, call her Anne.

Yes, please call me Anne.

You, uh... You staying here?

Well, it's, uh, kind of you to ask, ma'am, but, uh... Of course he's staying with us.

Well, maybe a day or two. Yeah, and maybe longer.

You know, I'm no big believer in providence,

but you dropping in like this, out of the sky, out of the past,

well, it's got my mind going helter for skelter.

I got something to show you. Come in with me.

Something to do with what we were talking about.

You better get busy, pet. The good folks of River Oaks are coming out in force tonight.

Yes, Jason.

And, uh, I must get a room ready for you too, mustn't I?

Study it well, my friend.

A piece of engineering well beyond its time.

Solid masonry, arch design,

the finest structural steel made,

the newest cement strong enough to hold back the seven seas.

Inside of one year,

this land along the river will be as rich for planting as the hills of heaven itself.

You're gonna build this?

Just as soon as the good people of this town say to me, "Jason, it's a deal."

That's what this, uh, party is for tonight.

There are still a few laggards among the city fathers.

But I'm hoping to soften them up with honeyed words and spiked punch.

Well, Jason, where'd you learn how to do all this?

My boy, you are presently in the company of...

Jason Crowder, Esq.,

graduate of the Boston School of Engineering.

Well, by golly, Jason, you've... you've come a long way.

It ain't no place to where I'm goin', boy.

Jollify, Trampas. Circulate. Enjoy yourself. Make yourself at home.

There are a scattering of daughters here...

who wouldn't complain at a smile or two from you.

Excuse me, darling,

but, uh, there are some guests out there that would like to see you.

I guess I feel a little out of place,

looking like a cowboy who's waiting to go on a roundup.

Nonsense. Forget how you're dressed. Nobody else is going to notice it.

Go on. Enjoy yourself.

You are a beautiful woman.

You're living in the dark ages, Ed. You can't stand in the way of progress.

Gentlemen, you know my wife.

Mrs. Crowder. Sam.

Ma'am. Oh, excuse me.

Mrs. Kedison.

Excuse me.

Come on. Let's take a look at the study.

Ah, just because he can build a toy out of boxwood and paper...

don't mean he can build a real dam out of stone.

Well, I guess it proves that he knows what he's talking about, doesn't it?

Look at all the land that has to be deeded over for it.

Here, here,

and now look, over in here, this is good growing land already without...

Without no dam. Yeah.

What about all this land here that you can't even grow a radish on now?

There's 10 times as much.

Ain't it worth it to lose a few acres here and save the whole valley?

Hmm. I guess so. It's just... I think that...

Well, I see you stumbled on my model, gentlemen.

I was, uh, showing it to my friend but forgot to hide it away again.

I, uh, didn't intend to show it to you people until a meeting tomorrow,

but I, uh... I reckon no harm's been done.

Do you have any questions, Edgar?

Well, Mr. Crowder, you know, the dam is nice...

Well, that's what the meeting's for tomorrow...

To, uh, answer questions and clear up any confusions.

Tonight's for jollification. Come on now.

There are a few ladies out there getting a mite restive looking at each other.

♪♪

Thank you. I would like a little more.

It was very kind of you to ask.

Thank you.

Well, Trampas, has he changed much...

in all the years since you've seen him?

No, he's the same old Jason.

He gets an idea in his head to do something,

well, he won't quit till he gets her done.

And he won't let anything get in the way of getting it done.

You know, he's never told me about when he was a boy,

his parents or any of those things.

Well, his pappy, he, uh... He was a preacher.

And, uh, they were poor.

I reckon they were the poorest folks in town.

But, uh,

well, that, uh... That part sure has changed.

My husband has many faults,

but, uh, he stands acquitted of the charge of modesty.

Well, I guess when you've been poor all your life and you suddenly strike it rich,

it's, uh... it's kind of like a dam bustin'.

What an appropriate expression to use.

Do you know how you prevent a dam from busting, Trampas?

How's that, ma'am?

You keep a little trickle going all the time.

Uh... Ah. Here are the two runaways now.

I was, uh, getting ready to organize a posse.

Trampas, figure on coming to the council meeting with me tomorrow.

There'll be a decision on the dam,

and I want you to share a moment of triumph with your old partner.

You going to the meeting too, ma'am?

No, I, um... I never go to those meetings.

I... I just stay right here and keep the dam from busting.

Well, you know how it is with the ladies, Trampas.

God bless them. Business bores them.

They appreciate what money buys them, but they can't be bothered with how it's made.

That's right. Well, come on now. Let's, uh...

Let's have a drink and, uh, talk about old times, huh?

Oh, right after I get rid of all those hayseeds in there.

You go on ahead. I'll wait for you out here.

Hey, Jason!

Brought it, hey? Ah, gentlemen.

Mr. Crowder.

Ah, present, youngster. What's the word?

Says there's a letter come in for you on the morning stage. Says it's urgent.

Well, who says? Over to the hotel, the postmaster.

He wouldn't give it to me. Said it's got to be handed over to you in person.

All right. Thank you, lad.

Step in and convene. I'll, uh, join you in a moment.

Come on.

Stop right there, Crowder!

Tell your man to drop his gun now, or he gets it first, then you!

Obey him, Hudson. Go on.

Uh, let's talk, Lueders.

No, thanks. I've heard your talk before. Now I want to see you shoot.

I'm not a gunfighter.

Look, what happened, I'll make it up to you!

- Uh, let's just talk, Lueders. - I'm doin' my talking with this!

And you better get ready to do the same!

I'm gonna put it away, count to three, then I'm gonna draw.

Hey, mister! Hey, why don't we, uh, calm down here and find out what...

- Now you stop! - Now look. I got my hands up in the air.

I just wanna...

You all right? Are you hit?

Nope.

Here, wait a minute. Let me see that. Give it here. How bad is it?

Well, there ain't nobody gonna complain about

your shooting, mister, except maybe him.

Is there a doctor in this town? Uh-huh.

Is he the fellow that was gunning for you?

That's the one.

Get him over to the hotel. Call Doc Heller.

Tell him I'll take care of all the bills.

I want him to get the best care he can get in this town.

Mr. Crowder, I think maybe we better postpone that meeting till Monday.

No, no. I'm fine. I'm just fine.

That don't make no difference. Some of the rest of us may be not so fine.

Mr. Burmeister, now the longer we delay,

the closer those spring rains are to washing River Oaks...

another couple of miles closer to the Missouri River.

Well, Monday ain't that far away, Mr. Crowder.

I figured maybe I can get Ed Wood and some of those other foot-draggers...

to come around to our way of thinking by that time, huh?

I bow to your superior wisdom and

experience in these matters, Mr. Burmeister.

Monday it is then. Well, all right. Till Monday.

Well, here's for saving my life...

and for steadying my nerves too.

You know, just between you and me and the woodwork,

I'm not heartbroken old Burmeister decided to cancel the meeting.

Gun-play doesn't set well with me.

Me either, Jason.

Now tell me. Why was he gunning for you?

I did. You mean that's all of it?

Just a jealous husband?

"All of it"? My boy, you surprise me. "All of it"?

You have no idea what passions that kind of thing arouses in a man...

when he feels he's been, well, deceived.

This one, this poor fool Lueders, fool that he was,

he worked for me on a construction job.

His wife, lovely young thing,

used to bring him his midday meal.

We became acquainted. He became wildly jealous.

His work deteriorated, and I fired him.

Then she ran away from him at the very time I'd completed my part in the project.

Now the conclusion he inescapably leapt to...

was that we had fled the scene together.

There you have the tale, Trampas.

Unadorned, undecorated, in all of its mere, bare ugliness.

And you didn't run off together?

Where I ran, Trampas, was to St. Louis, Missouri,

where my fiancée, the beautiful and talented Miss Anne Delafield,

was waiting to join me at the altar.

All right?

Because if it is,

I'd like to press on to more stimulating and rewarding matters.

Namely these...

- Come and work for me. - As what?

Sit down. Sit down.

We'll think up a gaudy title later. What do you want me to do?

A spread this size, there's got to be something.

Now look, Jason, just because I managed to wing

this fellow before he blew a hole in you...

Oh, now, Trampas, that'd be a measly reason.

No, I've had this stumblin' and grabbin' ahold of things inside the old noggin...

ever since you came dropping down out of the big blue yesterday.

I'm heading for the moon,

and there's no one else I'd rather have along for the trip.

Well, that's mighty kind of you, Jason, but, uh, what's my job?

I can't quit Shiloh without knowing what I'm supposed to do.

Would you turn down foreman?

Foreman? Of this spread?

Yeah, Hudson's itching to move on.

He's said so more than twice now.

And, uh, I've been keeping him here with sweet talk and cajolery.

And when a man's got the wanderings, you can't hold on to him for long.

I'd be shy a foreman, and if you had a hanker for the job, it's yours.

Whew! Well, by golly.

I guess I'd, uh...

I guess I'd have to at least think about it for a while.

Excuse me, darling, but, uh, if you and

Mr. Trampas would like to have dinner now...

My lady love.

I'm putting you to work for your country.

Tomorrow, take this stubborn cowboy out and beat the boundaries with him.

I want you to show him this ranch...

top to bottom, front to back and side to side.

And maybe he won't be so long in making up his mind.

Will you do that for me?

Well, I'd be delighted if Mr. Trampas would.

Well, I'm sure glad I need all this persuading.

Good. Then let's go to dinner.

Well, this where Jason's gonna build the dam?

I don't know. I never asked.

Are you gonna work for him?

Uh, I don't know.

- That's how most people end up. - Working for Jason?

Until they're no more use to him.

Well, I'm no use to him to begin with.

Everybody's some use to him... to begin with.

Well, we better head back before this storm breaks.

Just a spring shower.

Well, they can get you wet too.

Well, then we'll take shelter for a while until it's over.

You're the boss, ma'am.

Oh, no. Jason's the boss.

I'm just working for him like everybody else.

Whoa. Whoa.

Go on in there, Buck. Go on. Go on in there.

Now there's a spring shower that's got a little

too big for its britches, don't you think?

It won't last long. I don't know.

I've listened to a lot of rainstorms in my time.

This one sounds like an all-nighter.

You know, they never got much silver out of these hills,

but they certainly dug some splendid mines, don't you think?

Look, dry as a bone in here.

I think we ought to make a run for it while it's still light.

Isn't that... That's wood back there. Why don't we make a fire?

Jason's gonna get worried if we don't get back before dark,

especially in weather like this.

The horses could never keep their footing. The ground's too wet now.

We'd have to keep 'em at a walk, that's for sure.

That'd take us almost three hours from here.

I know 'cause I had to do it once.

We would make it by nightfall. Yeah, if we made it at all.

What is it, Trampas?

Are you, uh, afraid to stay here with me, just the two of us?

Fear wasn't what was going through my mind.

Well, then, why don't you see if you can build us a fire so I can get dry.

'Cause I certainly don't want to walk back to the ranch in weather like this.

All right, ma'am.

What was going through your mind, Trampas?

I said, what was going through your mind?

See them anywhere?

One of the men did, earlier this afternoon.

They were heading for the old Wolverine workings.

They, uh... They could be sheltering there until the storm blows over.

Which is what any person or persons in their right minds...

would do in weather like this, wouldn't you say so?

Oh, yes, sir. Yes, sir.

I could get out a search party now if you want me to. No.

You go on to bed, Hudson.

All right, Mr. Crowder.

Now you turn me out now if you need me.

I will, thank you.

Good night, Hudson.

Good night, sir.

Don't worry. The dam's holding.

Can I...

Can I ask you something?

Well, there really isn't anything else to do until the rain stops, is there?

What do you want to know?

What did you mean when you said everybody ended up working for Jason?

Well, I think I said most people.

All right. Most people.

I didn't mean anything against him.

It's just... his personality. It's so strong.

Even... Even the people that he goes to work for end up working for him.

And most of the time they don't even know it... until afterwards.

Then it's too late, isn't it?

I'm not sure I understand what you're talking about.

I'm not sure that's not best.

Well, he's telling the truth, isn't he?

I mean, he means what he says about building them the dam, doesn't he?

Yes, he means it.

Jason always means what he says.

He's done it before then?

- Done what before? - What he's doing now.

Yes. He's doing what he's done before.

Why do I get the feeling that...

you don't somehow like any of this?

I like everything Jason does.

Even the things that he and I used to do...

there isn't much time for anymore.

Why ever did you think otherwise?

I mean, you, uh...

You sound sort of bitter when you talk about Jason and his work.

Then you're a bad judge of relationships, Mr. Trampas.

'Cause without Jason, I'm nothing. Absolutely nothing.

I have complete faith in him and complete loyalty to him.

Whatever he does, whatever he wants to do...

He can count on me for complete assistance.

Not that Jason needs any help from anybody to get where he's going.

Where is he going?

Wherever he wants to go.

Well...

Now I think it's time to get a little sleep.

You're right. It does sound like an all-night rain.

I'll tell you what was going through my mind now,

if you still want to know.

But it's too late now, isn't it?

Jason's here now.

Well, good morning.

Well, we were just turning out a dozen hands and horses.

Well, we were of a few minds as to whether to call it a search party or a posse.

Your good name is unsmirched, darling. Trampas is the soul of honor.

We spent the night in the old Wolverine Mine and we, uh, talked only of you.

Well, in that case, I suggest you get yourselves dried off and changed...

while I order up a few breakfasts.

Well, I'm sorry for your discomfort, Trampas, but, uh,

the same rain that soaked you penetrated to some of the bone-dry brains in this area,

and I think we'll get a unanimous decision for the dam.

Now all that's needed for me is a large "Yes, sir" from you...

on the subject of taking over the duties of foreman of this far-flung establishment.

Excuse me I'll go change. Of course.

Well, do I hear it?

Not yet. Not yet?

What's needed to get an answer out of you, Trampas?

Well, like I said before, Jason, just a little time.

Even if I do say yes, I still got to get back to Shiloh.

Telegraph them. There's a place in town.

Well, I... Come on, Trampas.

Now you saved my life in River Oaks day before yesterday,

and you probably saved Anne's life last night in the storm.

Now don't you think you owe me something after that?

By golly, Jason, it's true. You haven't changed a bit.

Some change, please.

Thank you.

Uh... I'll buy.

Well, thanks. What'll it be?

Oh, something out of a bottle with a label on it.

So, uh, you figure on staying around a while, huh?

Well, now I never said that, uh...

Oh, I saw you coming out of the telegraph office.

Oh. You read the telegram too?

Don't have to.

Well, just might be my pappy's birthday.

I figure you're stayin'.

Well, you're figurin' a lot closer than I am. What'd Jason offer you?

I don't think that...

I'll bet it was something big.

Was it foreman? Did he offer you foreman?

Listen, whatever Jason and I talked about...

Don't tell me it was private between the two of you.

If I'm about to be paid off and sent packing,

that ain't private between two other people.

Jason said you had a hankering to move west.

Oh. Oh, did he now?

Well, I guess I figured right after all, didn't I?

You mean, you don't want to leave?

Look, boy, I've been foreman of that spread ever since Old Man Montague had it.

And when he went bust and the bank in Kansas City took it over,

I stayed on for over a year and a half as a caretaker.

Then when Jason Crowder bought it, I went along with the sale.

Hankering to move west.

Why would I have a hankering to move anywhere?

I've got 14 years of my life behind me on that ranch.

Well, I'm sorry. I not aimin' to take anybody's job away from him.

I guess Jason misunderstood what you said to him about leaving.

I guess Jason just wanted to sign you up so bad, he was ready to say anything.

You know what puzzles me?

Why the two of you are so all-fired up to pretend...

- you ain't what everybody knows you are. - What's that supposed to mean?

Well, it's not against the law,

but it's a little unusual in these parts to have a hired gun on your payroll.

Hired gun? What are you talking about?

You. Nobody hires my gun.

- No? - No. Nobody.

Well, do you, uh... you get pleasure out of shooting people then,

so you just do it for nothing? What people?

Well, like that man across the street that's dying.

He was gonna kill Jason.

And you never gave any thought to the fact maybe

he had a good reason to kill Jason. Did you?

Yes?

Uh, are you the doctor? Yes. What is it?

Well, I want to see how he is, that, uh, Lueders fellow.

He doesn't look any better, but at least he's conscious.

Do you think I can see him for a minute? Absolutely not.

He's in no shape.

Besides, my orders are no one is to be let in.

Well, I see.

Who are you anyway?

I'm the man who shot him. Oh. Then you work for Mr. Crowder.

I guess you can say that.

Well, I suppose in that case, but I don't want him upset.

Well, I won't upset him. He may not have much chance,

but I want him to have what's left.

I'll be careful, Doctor.

How you feelin'? Ohh.

That's all right. I just wanted to see how you are.

Oh. You, uh, tell your boss...

that I'm glad I tried.

Now look, uh, let's not talk about that.

You just tell him.

I've known Jason since we were kids,

and, uh, there's one thing he ain't and that's a liar,

especially about something like that.

Now, uh, I don't know if your wife ran off with somebody else or alone,

but I know she didn't run off with Jason.

I'm willing to swear to that. What are you talking about?

About your wife.

She ran away from you. I mean, back on that construction job.

Jason... I ain't got no wife.

I never been married.

Jason?

Jason?

Trampas.

Something the matter? Where's Jason?

Well, he's out with Sam Burmeister inspecting the storm damage.

When is he coming back?

They said that they might go all the way to the end of the valley.

And if he did, that he'd stop overnight at the Burmeisters'...

and come back early in the morning.

Trampas, something wrong?

Can I ask you something?

Seems to be our favorite pastime.

What is it you want to know?

Why did you and Jason leave Kansas?

I'm his wife. I live where he wants to live.

That's not what I asked.

Jason figured we'd be happier here.

But why then? I mean, just wake up one morning, decide to leave?

No. He had finished some business deal or other...

and, uh, figured that was a good time.

What sort of business deal? Do you know?

I feel as if I'm being asked to defend myself.

I really don't know anything about my husband's business.

Is that because you don't want to know?

Perhaps.

You know he did something dishonest, don't you?

I don't know that. And it's gonna happen again.

I don't believe you.

Anne, you're his wife.

What do you want of me, Trampas?

I want you to talk to him.

Well, I can't.

You're his wife and you can't talk to him? Not about that I can't.

Trampas,

I love Jason,

but that doesn't even begin to explain it.

I need him. Literally, for my life, I need him.

It might seem strange to you that a...

That a child could have every conceivable material possession...

and still have nothing.

But to my father, love was a new dress.

I got expensive schools, all the proper trappings,

and the effect was that, uh, I had things.

But by the time I was 18, I... I was ready to die. I wanted to die.

Why, Anne?

Because I hadn't found anything to make me want to live.

In a very real sense, I was crippled.

I guess without love, it can do that.

But then Jason came along.

And it was as if I had been untwisted.

So you see, I mean it when I say I really need him, Trampas.

If he keeps on going on like this, you may not have him.

Yes.

I know that.

Then you have to talk to him.

I'm afraid to.

So it doesn't matter to you if he goes ahead with this?

Of course it matters.

Stop him, Trampas.

Don't hurt him, but stop him.

Where are you going?

Back to town.

Well, good morning. You've been out early.

Jason, I'd like to talk to you.

About the job? Good.

What's the real reason you want me to work for you?

We'll come to that part later. I want to

collect some things for the meeting tonight.

What you really want to hire is my gun, isn't it?

What kind of a thing is that to say? Straight, Jason!

- Is it my gun? - Yes, your gun.

Why?

Because you're as good as they come.

Why do you need my gun? Why does a respected

man in a peaceful town need my gun?

- Protection, man. - From who, Jason?

Who do you need protection from?

- From people like Lueders. - How many people like Lueders are there?

Child, as a man moves through life...

Who needs to make people think he runs off with his wife. Is that it?

Well, now, you've... Or...

Or, Jason,

are they gunning for him because he promised to build them a dam...

and they deeded a lot of valuable land over to him...

and he ran off with the titles and he never built them the dam?

- I got the whole story from Lueders. - Lueders?

Oh, then he pulled through it.

Not quite.

He died about an hour ago.

Why did you lie to me about him?

Because I figured the real story would only bore you.

Oh, you mean telling the folks you were going to St. Louis...

to consult with that construction company,

and then selling the land deeds to that railroad for a small fortune...

and never going back to the place where you promised to build the dam?

- You mean that story, Jason? - That's the one.

Now if I'd told you that story, would you have believed me?

You see?

But the one I told you... about his wife and

him thinking we were running away together...

You swallowed that one whole.

You know, it's amazing how people really

prefer to be lied to most of the time. Amazing.

Jason,

you're not planning to do the same thing here in River Oaks?

You're not planning on running off with those title deeds...

and never building that dam?

You come on into the study.

I've got something to show you.

Look here, Trampas.

A railroad is coming right along that river.

In another couple of years, they'll be ready to move in through here.

And when they're ready, guess who else is going to be ready.

That land along the river will go for a gold mine an acre.

And what about Burmeister and the others?

They can go whistle for their dam?

And their farms can stay underwater till hell freezes over. Is that it?

If they want their dam after this is all over, I'll build it for them.

I can build dams with my left hand, Trampas. Build 'em good, real good.

I'd have built those other folk a fine dam, but all they were interested in...

was hunting me up and shooting me down.

That's because you stole their land.

You're trying to do the same thing here.

Trampas, when you walk over an anthill, do ants come hunting you?

No, they don't. They go somewhere else and build themselves another anthill.

These aren't ants. They're people.

It's the same thing.

There are two kinds of folk in this world: the scratchers and the dreamers.

You're stealing, Jason, and you can go to jail for it.

Well, then first they'll have to catch up with me.

And by the time they do that, I'll be rich.

I know this country I live in, and when you're rich, you don't go to jail.

No, sir.

Now,

you want to be rich too?

Not like this.

Not like this?

What way then? Cowboyin'?

I reckon that's the only way I know how.

I'm just now offering you another way.

No, thanks.

Too bad. Can't say I didn't try.

It would have been nice to have you along for the journey, Trampas.

- But I guess... - Jason...

What, lad?

That journey's off.

- What? - The journey's off.

Do you mean you're going to do something?

I guess I'm gonna have to, Jason.

I can't stand by and watch a bank being robbed without trying to stop it.

What do you plan to do?

Start out by asking you to forget the whole thing.

Don't be a fool. Do you know how long... I'm asking you!

No!

All right, Jason.

Then there's only one thing I can do.

I'm gonna tell Burmeister and the others what you're planning to do to them.

Why, Trampas?

You've been poor. You know what it's like.

And I guess I still am.

Well, I've had enough of being poor,

and I'm not gonna be ever again.

I got my chest full of that, Trampas, living

off charities handed out to my father.

Your father was one of the finest men I ever met! And one of the poorest!

Yes, sir! One of the grim, gray poorest.

Well, now, he tried to teach me a lot of things,

but what I learned best was not to scratch, not to be poor.

And I taught myself how not to. Yes, sir. I know how!

And if you think I'm gonna stand by and let you stop me,

you better start looking for another thought in that empty head of yours.

Jason, what more do you want? This ranch is bigger... Trampas!

You know, that shows why you're a 30-dollar cowboy.

You don't even understand how money is made.

That whole thing in Kansas was just to get a stake for something big... this!

I used everything to set this up.

The ranch? A bank in K.C. owns it.

Now why, Trampas? You don't even know these men!

Well, I guess you said it yourself.

I'm just a dumb cowboy.

Well, maybe I'm dumb enough to believe that people should be honest.

And dumb enough to try to stop them when they're not.

Dumb! That doesn't say it!

You are nothing.

You've been my friend, Jason.

But you're a thief.

And I'm not gonna ride outta here...

and turn my back on your stealin'.

I can't.

Promise you, if you don't, you'll go to your grave wishing you had.

Maybe.

But I guess I'll find that out for myself.

Charlie.

Hi, Mrs. Matthews.

Uh, I guess everybody's here now, yeah.

Let me have your... Attention, fellas.

Seems like Mr. Trampas here has got a message for us from Mr. Crowder.

Well, it's not exactly that, Sam.

Well, in the first place, I don't think Jason will be here tonight.

Now, look. Look, your deal with Jason... you can forget all about that.

Now wait a minute.

The truth is, I don't think you'll be seein' Jason Crowder again.

Wait a minute. All right, wait a minute.

Now listen. Settle down. Hold it!

I'd say that you owe us an explanation.

I'd say you do too, Sam.

I was hopin' you wouldn't come, Jason.

I'll just bet you were hoping that.

What's this all about, Jason?

All right. I'll tell 'em. Since you insist it's gonna be that way.

No, I'll tell you, Sam. After this excuse for a dog puts his gun on the floor.

You know I'm not gonna do that.

Oh, yes, you are.

Jason, you're not gonna make me believe

you're gonna kill me over something like this.

We've been friends too long.

Friends? After what you did to my wife!

I don't know what you folks call "friends,"

but I'm willing to wager it's not someone...

who will take your wife to the old Wolverine diggings...

and force her to stay the whole night with you.

That's a lie and you know it.

You're saying to these good people that you didn't stay the night with her up there?

We stayed there. We had to on account of the storm.

Naturally, you wouldn't say you held her at gunpoint and threatened to kill her...

if she didn't lie with you as to why you had to stay there.

Well, the truth is out now, Trampas,

and I'm saying to you clear and cold,

put down that gun, or I'll kill you on the spot.

All right, Jason. My gun's on the floor.

What are you gonna do now?

I tell you to step outside onto the street.

For what? I said for what?

You think I'm gonna let you gun me down on the street with no way to protect myself?

Did Mrs. Crowder have any way to protect herself?

Your wife didn't need protection and you know that.

If she were here to speak for herself, she'd come forward and say so.

- Would she? - I swear she would.

Save your swearin'. You're already close enough to your maker...

without adding profanity to the bill of particulars against you.

She'd say I'm lying, would she?

Let's just see if she would.

I'm being called a liar about what happened at the Wolverine Mine the other night.

I'm telling what was told to me by you. It's being said it's a lie. Is it?

My husband never lies.

What he said is absolutely true.

Gentlemen, wait, please. You must let me handle this.

No, gentlemen. Now wait, please. You must let me handle it.

I'm the injured party. It's my right.

Hyah! Come on, Buck!

He was gone too fast. Couldn't get a shot at him.

I didn't even see him there.

Now listen, men.

What I want is a posse to get together. There any volunteers here?

No, sir!

No, sirree.

Gentlemen, I'm touched by your sympathy,

but when a husband's been dishonored,

there ain't a posse big enough or fast enough

in the whole wide world that can help him.

This is one job that's got to be done alone.

Can you do it alone?

If I can't, I give you all permission to spit on my grave.

Jason, no! I didn't agree to that. I didn't agree to murder.

Well, you got here, Hudson. Now what about our friend? Any sign of him?

Yeah. He's taken the trail past the Wolverine.

I figure he's gonna skirt the east slope and head for O'Connor's Crossing.

We could head him off there at Cook's Bend if we forded the river.

But it's running kind of high, and he's got a pretty good start.

No. I... I think not, Hudson.

Trampas may be on the run, but he's not running away.

He's got unfinished business in this town, you see, Hudson,

and he's far too much a man of honor to let it remain unfinished.

Make camp here, Hudson.

If anybody got a notion to follow us, they'd come along this way.

- Where you going? - Wolverine.

- Don't you think I'd better come with you? - No, I don't.

How many people do you think it takes to swat a fly? Hoh!

In addition to my other talents, Trampas, I also read minds.

Did you know that? Shall I read yours for you?

Shall I tell you what you're thinking right now?

You're saying to yourself, "He's got one bullet left. Then he'll have to reload."

"If I can get him to fire that last shot by, uh, making a noise,

"by throwing something, by diverting his attention in some way,

then I can rush out at him."

Am I right, Trampas?

Here I come, old friend.

Hold it right there, Mrs. Crowder. Let go of my horse.

I'm sorry, ma'am. Mr. Crowder's orders.

Nobody goes past here till he's finished with that Trampas fellow.

My orders are to let go of this horse. I'm not working for you, ma'am.

I'm working for Mr. Crowder. You do as she says, Hudson!

Don't be a fool. You've been workin' for a thief,

but you haven't done any thievin' yourself.

You want to turn killer now just because that's what your boss is aimin' to do?

Why don't you throw your gun away now, Jason?

And we'll settle it man-to-man and everything equal.

Settle what, Trampas? Did you think this was an Independence Day picnic...

with turkey shoots and three-legged races?

Don't you understand? I'm a dishonored husband,

out to kill the scoundrel who attacked my wife.

You know I didn't do that, Jason.

Oh, yes, I know it, Trampas. I know it.

But the good folk of River Oaks don't.

I got to avenge my honor,

or they won't respect me anymore and let me build their dam for them.

You're not gonna build them a dam. Yes, I know that too, Trampas.

Trouble is, so do you.

I got a plan, boy!

But you're trying to throw a switch on me and shunt me off on a siding.

A plan for what?

A plan for money in the bank. That's what!

A plan for hearing a whole chorus of...

"Yes, sir, Mr. Crowder!" when I say go fetch.

And you figure you got to kill people to make sure it works out?

I figure I gotta do whatever's got to be done...

to see nobody gets in the way of it working.

No matter what, huh? No matter who you hurt?

I'm sure glad your pappy ain't alive, Jason,

to see how serious you took to his preaching.

My pappy spent all his life preaching the Golden Rule,

and now I'm practicin' what he preached,

only I'm dropping the rule and sticking with the gold.

Now I've spent enough time making palaver with you, Trampas.

You're holding up progress.

You come out of there, or I'm coming in.

Jason? Jason!

Don't come in here, Anne!

Then come out here.

- Before you know it, pet. - No, right now.

Jason, what you're doing now... it wasn't part of it.

You never said this was in your mind.

I didn't want to burden you with the details.

You call murder a detail?

Aw, don't be sentimental. Now don't come in here, Anne!

Trampas! I'm a-comin'!

I ain't interested in spendin' any more of my life in a cave!

Jason?

If you kill him, Jason, then you're a murderer for nothing.

I told them.

I told them what happened in Kansas,

and what you're planning to do here.

I told them, Jason. They know!

That's a stupid and unconvincing lie.

If you expect to save his life, you better think of a better story than that.

She's not lying, Mr. Crowder. She told us.

Told you what?

'Bout Kansas. 'Bout Lueders.

'Bout sellin' the land to the railroad.

'Bout you gonna do the same thing here.

'Bout how nothin' happened between her and that fella that night up at the mine.

She told us, Mr. Crowder. Told us everything.

I pretended I didn't know, Jason. Please don't be angry with me. I...

I-I just never had the courage to... to face what was going on.

Trip's just been unavoidably delayed.

Road just got washed out.

You know how long I've been working on this?

Do you know how many years of thinking have gone into this?

Any of you?

With your measly little lives and stupid little aspirations?

And you back there, Trampas, with your dumb cowboy honesty, and...

you with your spineless little slither-through life.

How dare you?

How dare you... any of you... coming in here and spoiling it, wrecking it?

I could've owned every mountain from St. Louis to the moon.

And all you wanted to do is to grow radishes.

You got no right.

I'm telling you here and now... You got no living right!

Trampas!

Jason, darling, li...

Darling, listen to me. Please.

No matter what's happened,

it-it... it'll be all right, darling.

I don't know you.

I don't have any idea who you are.

Just like Pappy always predicted!

The meek have gone and inherited the earth again.

All the king's horses and all the king's men...

couldn't put a busted dam back together again.

Where's Jason?

He's gone.

Without you?

Without me.

I betrayed him. I committed the unforgivable.

I interfered with the plan. So I'm no use to him anymore.

I'm just one of the ants now.

Well, what are you gonna do now?

Oh, go back to St. Louis, I guess.

The bank will send somebody to take back all of this,

and then I'll ride out of here.

Alone?

Not quite.

There was a good side to Jason, too,

and I've got the best of him... here.

Does he know?

Well, for a while, I was afraid to tell him, and now I'm glad I didn't.

I guess he was so busy tryin' to figure out schemes to be the richest man in the world,

he... he didn't realize he already was.

Anne, if there's anything I can do.

No, Trampas. It's very kind of you,

but, uh, now I have to have time for...

For just me.

Anne, it's been a long time since you've been alone.

I'm not alone anymore.

And in a way, I'm less alone now than I have been for the past few years.

Alone or not, people need to help each other through life.

Trampas, I'm deeply indebted to people...

Most all the people I've ever met.

But, uh, now I'm beginning to learn... learn how to help myself...

and my child.

And soon I can... I can ask favors from people again.

Well, good-bye, Anne.

Bye, Trampas.

Uh...

Good luck.

Or, maybe someday, a long time from now,

there'll be someone who'll know how to put the pieces back together again,

put all of us back together again.