Original subtitles

I do hope he's home...

after bringing you clear out here.

I wonder if you'd drive this far to see me...

if you hadn't seen me in almost 30 years.

Hey, Charley, the army's coming. You finish that enlistment?

Or are you on the run? What do you mean on the run?

You're lookin' at a 20-year man.

Whoa.

Good morning. Good morning.

This is the ranch of Mr. Clay Grainger? Yes, it is.

And, uh, he is here, I hope.

Up at the house. Thank you.

Giddap.

Wait. Hand me my purse.

Vanitas vanitatum.

Oh, what do you mean vanity?

After 30 years, you think I'm gonna meet him...

lookin' like a travel-worn squaw?

The day will never dawn...

when that description fits you, Mrs. Carlton.

You don't have to say that, Lieutenant.

Major Carlton's already given you your appointment.

Ah.

- Yes? - Hello, Clay. How are you?

Fine.

Just fine, thank you.

Come in.

Holly!

This is my husband, Major Carlton. Hello, Major.

And Lieutenant O'Hara. Lieutenant.

How you do, sir?

You still don't remember, do you?

What is it, Clay? Ah...

Well, you didn't tell me that we had company.

Excuse us. We were just doing our housecleaning.

Mrs. Carlton, Major Carlton, Lieutenant O'Hara,

that's my wife, Holly, and my niece, Elizabeth.

How do you do? How do you do? Well, won't you come in?

Well, thank you, Mrs. Grainger, but if, uh...

Well, I'm not sure.

I mean, if Clay still doesn't remember.

No-Nora. Nora Mason.

Well, it's about time.

Holly, this is Nora Mason. From New Orleans?

You remember. I told you about her.

Oh, yes. Well, yes, of course.

We were just passing through Medicine Bow, returning from James's leave,

and I heard your name mentioned, Clay.

So I thought we could at least stop by.

Well, I should hope so. We're delighted you did.

And, of course, you'll stay for dinner and the night.

We don't wanna put you out. It was just a spur-of-the-moment idea.

No trouble at all. We'd love to have you.

- Oh, well... James? - Up to you, my dear.

Then it's all settled.

Now, I know you'd like to get rid of some of that Wyoming dust and freshen up.

So, Elizabeth, would you show Major Carlton and Mrs. Carlton the guest room, please?

- Oh, you're very kind. - Not at all.

Come with me.

Uh... Uh, Lieutenant, will the bunkhouse be all right?

Yes, sir. Fine. Well, I'll get somebody to take care of you.

Thank you.

Oh, Charley.

Would you see to Major Carlton's horses here?

Find Lieutenant O'Hara an empty bunk for the night.

Sure.

See you for supper. Thank you, sir.

Hey, the bunkhouse is right down there.

I'll be there in a minute. Thank you.

Hey, was he talking about Major James Carlton? That's right.

Do you know him? Not personally.

Nora Mason from New Orleans.

And so you told me all about her.

Why, sure. Don't you remember? Do I?

Holly, that was three years before I even met you.

Clay Grainger, the next time you have a lady visitor...

Especially an old sweetheart of yours...

And you let me meet her looking like this,

I am going to murder you.

Oh, please, James, darling.

You, uh, sure you won't feel under-dressed for the occasion, Nora?

What do you mean? Well, this dress.

For a simple family dinner?

You know, after all, this is, uh, Shiloh Ranch,

not the governor's mansion.

Is there any reason why I can't look my best?

I want... I want you to be proud of me as I'm proud of you.

Oh, that's the reason.

Oh, darlin', would you hand me my velvet case? I need the earrings.

- How long have you had these? - Hmm?

I wanted to be ready when it happened.

It's bad luck, you know.

I'm sorry.

When did you buy them? Oh, what difference does it make?

Was it three years ago when MacDonald made colonel?

Or was it five years ago when Turner was promoted over me?

James. Injustice can't go on forever, even in your precious army.

We both know that.

Yes? Come in.

Uncle Clay said to join him downstairs for a drink as soon as you're ready.

Supper's in half an hour. Well, thank you.

What a beautiful dress, Mrs. Carlton.

Oh! Thank you, my dear.

Those silver leaves, Nora.

When it happens...

If it happens... not before.

You're a fool, Major Carlton.

A silly superstitious fool.

I sometimes wonder why I love you.

Shall we go down?

What are you doing?

You've got to wear this dress.

But that's my party dress.

Nevertheless, you've got to wear it.

Why, don't be silly. What's gotten into you?

You should see the dress she's wearing.

Like she was going to a military ball.

Well, honey, this is just a family supper. It's not a fashion show.

You wanna bet? Here. Let me help you.

Elizabeth, I am not changing my dress. Now, don't be silly.

Well, you wouldn't say I was being silly if you'd seen her dress.

Of all the nerve. Honey, now, don't be unkind.

Maybe that's the only extra dress that she brought with her.

But it isn't. She has a whole suitcase full. I saw them.

Well, nevertheless, I am not changing my dress.

Well, I am.

Well, I'm darned if I will.

Only a very little, Clay. There are few things I can't resist,

and really fine sherry is one of them.

Or have you forgotten that too?

I had it waiting.

Darned if I won't.

You have a charming house, Clay.

Well, that's Holly's department.

She has a knack for making a place comfortable.

Supper's ready as soon as Aunt Holly...

Your mouth is open.

I'm sorry to be late.

I've been admiring your home. Thank you.

May I have my sherry, Clay?

Your what? My sherry.

Certainly.

James.

Didn't you change your dress since I left you upstairs?

Why would I do a thing like that?

And I can't say my father didn't warn me.

He said, "It's at your own risk, Nora.

"He's from Texas. You know what those Texans are.

They even tried to make a country of their own."

Ooh, I should have listened.

I should have listened, but I went out with him anyway, didn't I, Clay?

Do you remember that first evening?

Antoine's? I remember... only too well.

I must say I was impressed.

The finest restaurant in New Orleans.

Oh, he was a dashing figure, Mrs. Grainger, believe me.

Please call me Holly.

Thank you.

Of course there was the slightest problem about that evening, wasn't there, Clay?

What was that, Clay? I know you told me, but I seem to have forgotten.

The bill. Somebody picked my pocket before we got there.

I was the reddest-faced escort ever to come out of Texas.

Oh, it was marvelous. Of course there was no problem.

I mean, Antoine had known my daddy for years, and we just charged it.

Come to think of it, Clay Grainger,

I don't believe you ever did pay Daddy.

Uh, when did you and your husband meet, Mrs. Grainger?

Oh, that was in Tyler,

some time after his conquest of New Orleans.

And it was a conquest, believe me.

The belles were practically fighting over him. Don't you deny it, Clay.

Well, why should he? I'll bet he was handsome and dashing.

Thank you for the "was", my dear. It shows what 30 years could do.

Uncle Clay, you know what I meant.

Oh, don't let him tease you, Miss Grainger.

I'm used to it. You have to be, in this family.

Shall we finish our coffee in the parlor?

Mmm.

Oh, that was a delicious dinner. Thank you.

Oh, uh, Tim, those cigars you got for me in Cheyenne.

I still have them, sir, in my gear. I'll get them for you.

Ah, don't bother. It's no trouble at all.

Nice fellow, that O'Hara. He is that.

And an excellent aide. He's, uh, West Point. He'll go far.

James is prejudiced.

Were you at West Point too, Major Carlton?

Yes, ma'am. Yes. Number three in his class.

I do think it was the only thing that made

poor Daddy forgive me for marryin' a Yankee.

At least he was a smart Yankee.

No, I never served with Carlton.

A cousin of mine, Joe Kelsey, he got three years under him.

Believe me, he could tell you.

Are you in or out? Oh, I'm in.

I remember him telling me about the time at Milk Creek against the Utes.

Major Thornburg was under attack.

He sent a Cheyenne scout to Carlton's outfit, waitin' in reserve,

to ask for help.

And what did old "Wait and See" do?

He held back, afraid the scout was a spy for the Utes.

So what happened?

Half a cavalry troop was cut down.

Mister, you're a liar.

Major Carlton was under orders at Milk Creek to hold his position.

You weren't there, soldier boy. My cousin was.

He said "Old Wait and See" was yellow.

Then your cousin lies. And don't be callin' the major "Old Wait and See" again.

Do you hear me? So you're gonna stop me, you young pup? Why...

Charley. Knock it off.

He isn't stoppin' me. I've had 20 years from the likes of him.

Charley, Major Carlton and his wife and the lieutenant...

are guests of the Graingers.

Now, if you've got any opinions about him, keep 'em to yourself.

Have you got that? All right.

Sit down.

All right, deal.

Lieutenant.

My apologies.

It's all right.

Oh, you must come, by all means.

Well, it all depends on Clay, if he thinks it's practical.

May I? I'd love some.

Well, I don't see why not. I have business in Denver anyway.

We could go on from the fort. It will be the biggest dance of the year.

May I? No, thank you.

Have you ever attended a celebration at an army post, Mrs. Grainger?

No, Major, I never have. Well, it's time you had.

We'll go back together. It's all settled.

Oh, thank you, Tim. You're welcome.

Something wrong? Uh, no. Nothing, sir.

May I give you some more coffee, Lieutenant? No, thank you.

Here. Sit down, Lieutenant. Thank you.

You know, uh, I should warn you...

that our accommodations for guests aren't anything like yours.

There are three things you learn...

when you're married to a career officer and living on army posts.

The three D's, I call them.

Discomfort, dust and dullness.

Of course, not when there's a party.

Everything's different then.

I should have thought it would be a very adventurous life.

Oh, don't misunderstand me.

I wouldn't have traded places with any woman alive.

Of course, I wouldn't have minded...

if all of it had been like the first two years in Paris.

In Paris?

Yes. James was aide to Colonel Val Devereaux,

the ambassador's military attaché.

Oh. He was marvelous to James.

He was a marvelous man.

Uncle Clay was a colonel.

Well, A... I was a brevet-colonel. B... it was wartime.

And C... it wasn't the same army.

What was your outfit, Grainger?

Texas Volunteers, 2nd Cavalry.

Oh, for heaven's sake. Let's not start talking about the war.

If we're going to remember, let's remember pleasant things.

Like that mad trip of ours to Barataria, Clay.

Now, you couldn't have forgotten that.

It was so crazy, I don't think Daddy ever did believe us.

Oh, come on, Clay. You tell 'em.

Well, I'm not sure I remember it that well.

Well, if you try, dear, I think it'll come back to you.

Well, um,

as I recall, there were, uh, four of us?

Mm-hmm. Two couples.

The other couple was married.

Oh, as a matter of fact, it was their honeymoon.

And the four of us took a boat and sailed across to Barataria.

That was Lafitte's old headquarters. The pirate, you know.

Yes, I know.

Ah. It was so colorful.

It was a marvelous place.

Well...

The newlyweds decided to stay on,

so Nora and I started back in the skiff alone.

And that's where you proved what a pirate sailor you were.

You know, he capsized us five miles from home.

And we ended up on...

Oh, Clay, what was the name of that island?

That I have forgotten.

Well, anyway, it was nothing more than a sand bar.

And the two of us spent the whole night huddled up over a driftwood fire...

tryin' to keep from freezing to death.

Oh, I can tell you, Elizabeth.

Your uncle didn't look very gallant or dashing then.

"And the two of us had to spend the whole night together...

"huddled up over a driftwood fire...

tryin' to keep from freezing to death."

It was a cold night. It was cold and long.

You should have been there. I've always heard that three was a crowd.

- Holly, I've got to get this written. - I'm sorry. I couldn't resist.

Written and off to Denver by tomorrow morning if we're gonna make that trip.

You do wanna go?

- Do you? - We might as well.

I've got to see Parker in Denver about the contract.

The fort's more or less on the way.

Besides, I think it's time we got away for a while.

Well, of course, there won't be any dinner at Antoine's,

and I doubt that there'll be very much sailing into pirate coves.

It's a funny thing.

I didn't know that you were such a poor sailor.

It must have been terrible for you...

Just the two of you on that small island.

You wouldn't be jealous, would you?

Don't be ridiculous.

As you keep saying, I didn't even know you.

What you did then is certainly none of my business.

That's right. And what do you mean, "What I did then"?

All I did was take her to dinner a few times.

- And get stranded on a desert island. - It was not a desert island.

All right. A lush, green island then.

I don't know what the difference is.

You are jealous. All right, I'll tell you what we'll do.

We'll forget all about the fort.

We'll go directly to Denver, just the two of us.

Well, I wouldn't think of it.

That would be rude. We've already accepted.

Well, they won't mind.

Besides, I'm getting a little fed up...

with all this reminiscing too.

Well, I... I really would like to see what life is in-in an army fort.

And besides, I like her.

I'm not sure I trust her, but I do like her.

Does that make sense?

To a woman.

And what was that for?

That was for being in Tyler, Texas, three years later.

B-Y...

O-R-

D-E-R...

Did you get the word? Just finishing, Captain.

C-O-M-M-

Commanding.

Your handwriting leaves a lot to be desired, Sergeant.

You better read it to me. Sorry, sir. I was in a hurry.

"For Major Carlton. Comanche Nakona broke treaty.

"Fled reservation with other hostiles.

"Reported heading Canadian border.

"Alert civil authorities and take appropriate action to intercept.

"By order General Gayle, Commanding." Nakona?

Do you want me to send a messenger to find Major Carlton, sir?

No. There's no reason to cut his leave short.

I want you to alert Troops "A," "C" and "D" and prepare to ride out.

Get the word to every sheriff north of this area.

Right, sir.

Nakona.

I'm afraid Holly and Elizabeth are gonna have to do the Shiloh honors.

You may be on leave, Major.

My foreman left for Cheyenne this morning,

so I'm afraid I'm trapped here.

The Clay I knew never would have let that stop him.

Well, I didn't have a ranch then.

You're gonna make the falls for lunch, I suppose, huh?

I hope so. I'll try to make it out there.

Oh, goodness. What a beautiful horse.

You better ride Laurie here, ma'am.

Caesar isn't exactly a lady's horse.

Did you hear that? Huh?

So you don't like the ladies.

Do you know what, Caesar?

You just met Cleopatra.

Nora, I wouldn't...

All right.

Hyah! Here we go.

Ha! You're right. You've got a real horse here.

James, why can't our quartermaster buy stock like this?

He's marvelous.

Well, are we ready? Yes.

Ride mine, sir.

No, thanks, Tim. It's all right.

Bye, bye.

Oh, Holly.

You don't know how really lucky you are.

The peace of this life. The quiet.

I know that.

Of course, every day at Shiloh, Nora,

isn't pleasure-riding and picnicking.

Oh, I know that. I'm sure it's hard at times.

But, I mean, having your own place, staying in it,

knowing your husband's life belongs to him and to you...

and the future doesn't depend on what some fools higher up happen to decide.

Nora!

Oh, I don't mean just you or us.

It's the whole army system.

Men moved around like pawns for half their lives. It's ridiculous.

I'd say you found that out a little late, my dear.

I found it out within a year.

No. Three years.

The first two in Paris don't count.

Mrs. Carlton.

Maybe when your husband retires, you could have a ranch.

Near Paris.

Not a bad idea.

It's Clay.

Afraid we'll have to cut the picnic short.

Why? What's wrong? Plenty. Nakona's on the loose.

- Nakona. The Comanche? - That's right.

Major and Mrs. Carlton, this is Sheriff Abbott from Medicine Bow.

How do you do? How are you, sir?

Ma'am. And that's Lieutenant O'Hara.

Lieutenant. Mark just got word.

Nakona and a band of hostiles broke out of the reservation.

A trooper scout was killed last night down by Cold Spring.

There's an army troop due in town tomorrow.

Telegram said to notify all the ranchers in the area.

What telegram? From where?

Fort Scott, ma'am. Uh, Captain Harris.

Oh, Harris is my executive officer.

He also asked you to get in touch with me, I presume.

No, sir, he didn't mention that.

I see. Well, that's, uh, understandable.

Technically, I'm still on leave. He wouldn't know where to reach me.

- You say one troop's on its way here now. - To Medicine Bow.

Lieutenant, we'll ride right in.

Nora...

Well, she can stay at the house with us, of course.

- Thank you. I think that'd be best. - I'll ride in with 'em,

join you in town later.

Mark, you can count on four Shiloh hands besides myself.

- Four men for what duty? - We're forming a civilian posse, Major.

I thought Indian raiding parties came under the army's jurisdiction.

That's right, ma'am.

But folks hereabouts haven't forgotten those Comanche raids four years ago...

down around Cedar Valley.

We don't blame the army. They had a lot of territory to cover.

But if Nakona and those braves of his hit those outlying spreads this time,

those ranchers aren't gonna have to face 'em alone.

You may be right. We'll discuss it in town.

- Grainger, may I? - Certainly. Take him.

James.

You know what this could mean, don't you?

Don't let this one pass, James. Find him and take him.

I intend to.

Command, halt!

Major. You, uh... You got the word about Nakona.

I did. I appreciate your trying to reach me, Captain.

Where were you headed?

We got a report the hostiles were seen around Miller's Falls.

You know that area, Mr. Abbott?

A family in town used to live out that way.

Jeb Kendall can guide you. Very good.

I'm gonna take the posse on out south.

I still think those Indians may double back and hit the ranches along the river.

Major, since when were we working with civilians?

Take the troop back, Captain. We'll

coordinate the search with Mr. Abbott's posse.

He'll have it organized within the hour.

Command, forward!

Clay?

- Clay... - Oh. I-I'm sorry.

I... I was taking a walk, and the wind caught the door as I came in.

Nora, you haven't been to bed yet.

Oh, I can't seem to get sleepy.

But, please, don't let me keep you up.

Well, I haven't been doing so well with sleep myself.

Why don't we go and have a glass of milk?

It might be good for both of us. Come on. All right.

You really should try to get some rest, Nora.

I don't believe that you have slept eight hours...

in the three days that they've been gone.

I know. Isn't it ridiculous?

After so many years of it.

Somewhere along the line, I should have gotten the army wife's philosophy.

"Your husband lives with risks; therefore you live with risks.

"A certain number of times a year, he must ride out and face dying.

"The odds are long he'll come back.

But you must be ready for the day when the odds are short."

I don't think I could have taken it.

You could. You could if you'd had to.

Besides, very few missions have been so important.

To my husband, I mean.

Oh, I meant to ask you.

Elizabeth found these when she was cleaning your bedroom.

Did you mean to throw those away?

Oh. Of course not. Thank you.

Mrs. Carlton! Mrs. Grainger!

Tim. Tim, what happened?

Everything's all right. They caught Nakona.

Is my husband all right? "They"?

Everybody's all right. Yes. That's what they sent me back to tell you.

Well, but-but-but you said "they" caught him.

Oh. We met Captain Harris and a detachment of troops,

and, uh, we joined up with a civilian posse so we'd cover more ground.

And... Well, it paid off this morning.

We surprised Nakona out foraging with some other braves,

and... well, the rest of 'em got away, but we got the one we wanted.

And some of the posse took him into jail in Medicine Bow...

while the troopers round up the rest of the tribe.

You must be hungry. Come on into the kitchen.

Tell us the rest of it while I get you something to eat.

Ah, thank you, ma'am. I haven't eaten in a while.

Well, they-they don't think they're gonna have any trouble with the others,

'cause they got women and children with them,

and they're not really in any position to put up a fight.

It's probably all over by now.

Here. Oh, thank you very much.

Well, did they say when they would return?

Ah, it tastes good. That's the other message I was supposed to deliver.

Uh, Mr. Grainger and the major said...

that I should escort you ladies to the fort, if that's agreeable,

and that they'll go directly there with the other prisoners.

But-But that's wonderful. Is that all right with you, Holly?

Well, yes, I guess so.

Well, we could leave first thing in the morning.

That is if anybody gets any sleep tonight.

You know that, uh... that little package you retrieved from the wastebasket?

It's lucky you found them.

I think...

we'll be needing them very soon.

I'll drink to that.

Well, I don't know what you're talking about, but I will too.

Not a one of 'em up there, Major.

But they was there, all right. Plenty of signs.

I told you we should have taken 'em last night.

I was at Sand Creek. Were you? No, sir.

We attacked before dawn... Colonel Chivington's orders.

120 Indians were killed. Over 80 of them were women

and children. Do you want that to happen here?

I was more concerned with how many troopers may be killed by the Comanches...

while we were chasing them down.

Captain. Yes, sir?

Take Troops "C" and "D" and cover the area to the north of here and west.

Yes, sir.

Contact me at the crossing by tomorrow at dawn. That's all, Captain.

Yes, sir.

Jensen.

Ride into Medicine Bow. Get directions to Shiloh Ranch.

Inform Mrs. Carlton that plans have been changed.

She's to remain there until further orders.

Yes, sir.

Nakona never admitted anything about the trooper that was killed...

even though he was riding McKelvey's horse when he was captured.

Well, how did he explain that?

Oh, he said he found the horse running free.

Well, what else would you expect him to say?

Well, if you didn't know how many scalpings he'd been responsible for...

before they finally caught him the last time,

I swear you could almost believe him now.

They should have hanged him before.

A proven murderer promises to stay on the reservation,

makes a mark on a treaty, and all is forgiven.

The whole policy's too soft,

and good men are payin' for it.

I suppose it does seem ridiculous for the Indians to be so unreasonable.

After all, who do they think this country belongs to?

Clay hasn't been fighting Indians for 20 years.

If he had, you'd never talk like that.

Possibly.

On the other hand, you didn't teach Indian children...

in a missionary school.

You did that, Mrs. Grainger?

Yes, when Clay and I were first married.

Makes you see it all a little differently.

Hold! Whoa!

What do you think they're gonna do with us?

I don't know, ma'am.

I think we're just about to find out.

Who do these belong to?

They belong to my husband, Major Carlton.

In your army, these are worn by a colonel.

My husband will be a colonel very soon.

As a reward for capturing my son?

- Nakona is your son? - Yes.

I hope you know that if any harm comes to these ladies,

you're gonna have the whole army down on you,

and your people will have no place to hide.

Your army took my son prisoner. Do you forget that?

Your son killed a United States soldier.

Who saw him do this? Tell me.

He was riding the trooper's horse when he was captured.

The trooper's rifle was in his scabbard.

He told me how he came to have them.

My son does not lie.

- The army will have to decide that. - I will decide.

Their lives for his life. Their freedom for his freedom.

You will tell them that.

I think you're right, Major.

The odds are they headed north from Latigo.

Yeah, but just in case they do double back again, I want you to cover this area.

You'll be responsible for the section south of the river. Yes, sir.

They're not a war party, not with women and children. I'm...

Tim, what are you doing here? Where's Nora? Captured. Your wife too, sir.

Are they hurt? No. They're all right.

- You sure? - Yes, sir.

How did you manage to escape?

I didn't escape. They sent me to say that they'd make a trade.

Nakona for the two women.

Well, how many were there?

Oh, not many. There's eight or 10 braves.

About the same number of women and children.

- Tell me exactly what they said. - Grey Feather did the talking.

He's Nakona's father. He said that his son was innocent...

and that he'd let the women go if Nakona was returned to the tribe.

His exact words were, "Their lives for his life.

Their freedom for his freedom." He... He meant it.

Well, where are they? Could you find the place again?

Yes, sir.

But he said that only one man should return Nakona... one civilian.

He said if any soldiers come along, they'd be killed.

I'll go. How do you get there?

Well, it's about a mile from the south river fork.

Uh, I could draw you a map. Here. Use this desk.

Good.

Well? What are your orders, Major?

What do you mean?

You can't let them get away with this. You know that.

Well, I'm not going to jeopardize my wife or Mrs. Grainger,

if that's what you mean. Well, of course not. I meant after the exchange.

We can surround them, and when the women are safe in our hands, we can...

I'm agreeing to Grey Feather's terms. I'll keep my word.

Well, you can't let that Comanche go free to kill more troopers.

How do you think it'll look?

I'm not interested in the way things look. Oh, but I am.

It'd reflect upon the whole command, and I'm part of that command.

And I'm the commanding officer.

The troop remains here until the women are returned. Is that understood?

Yes, sir.

Past the ridge. All right, that's clear enough.

- All set, Major. - Bring out the prisoner.

Come on out.

They are going to kill me?

Nah. It didn't work out that way.

- Soldiers. - I knew it.

Go back! Go back!

Holly, now! Now! No!

Hah! Hah!

Hah! Hah!

You fools! Who ordered you here?

I thought you were in trouble.

Where'd you come from? We've been on patrol for three days.

I saw those Indians. I thought you were being captured.

- The other way around. - What do you mean?

They're holding my wife and Mrs. Carlton hostage for Nakona.

I was about to make the trade when you came along and chased them off.

I'm sorry, sir. I didn't know.

Our horses are pretty well spent, but we can go after them.

No. I couldn't be sure what they'd do to

the women if they saw soldiers chasing them.

Now, you saw what happened.

You know there was no intent to go back on our word.

Now, you say Comanches don't lie.

If I let you go right now, will you give me your word... Just a minute, mister.

He's a military prisoner. You can't set him free.

Well, that's what the major sent me out here to do.

You said you were supposed to exchange him for the women.

Now, they're gone. Unless you want us to give chase...

No. That's one thing I don't want you to do.

Well, I'm afraid, sir, he'll have to go back with us.

They are not following.

What do we do with the women?

We'll see what they do with Nakona.

We've been out of touch for three days, Major.

I had no possible way of knowing about the exchange.

I haven't said you did, Lieutenant.

What happened is unfortunate, but no one's blaming you for it.

It's also unfortunate you couldn't have followed the suggestion of Mr. Grainger.

But you couldn't do that either. I know. Not and go by the book.

Not and go by good sense either.

Well, I think that's a matter of opinion, Captain.

I happen to believe Nakona would have let our wives go if we'd let him go.

Well, you believe what you want to, mister.

Have your men get what sleep they can,

Lieutenant. We'll be moving out in the morning.

Yes, sir. What about now, Major?

Oh, begging your pardon for the presumption.

But those hostiles could already be on the

move. They could have made 10 miles by sunup.

So they may. But in what direction?

Do you know, Captain?

You think we can track them by starlight?

All right. You have your orders, gentlemen. Good night.

Good night. Good night.

Well, I'll keep Nakona with us so we can

make the exchange as soon as we make contact.

All of this could have been prevented.

You know that, don't you, Grainger?

If I'd moved in that first night right after we caught Nakona.

We had him trapped.

Well, Major, just now you told that lieutenant that nobody blamed him,

that he went by the book.

Well, the other night, you went against the book.

Neither of you was wrong. It just... didn't work out.

This child can't go on.

My son, son of Nakona, sometimes no breathe.

We must go on.

This baby is very sick. He can't go on. He needs help.

He's your grandson.

Don't you care what happens to him?

You can make him well?

Yes. If you'll give me a chance.

We will make camp soon.

What about the soldiers?

Acari is sick. She will help him. It is a trick.

She will delay us so the soldiers can catch us.

That's not true.

I only want to help him.

You make him well.

More? Yes.

You think his breathing is any easier?

I don't know.

The steam should have made it clear by now.

I think it's taking effect.

Oh. Thank goodness.

Tela not understand.

You save life of my son. You help too.

But your men would kill my husband. Why?

They have no choice. Your husband killed a soldier.

But that was many moons ago, before treaty.

No. Four days ago, right in this area.

Because soldier die, Nakona is not free?

That's right, Tela.

You wait.

Three nights ago, I see Sapewa hide these.

That's an army knife.

That trooper's name was McKelvey, wasn't it?

Yes.

Tela. Grey Feather must know this.

Now. Go now.

Show him. Show these to him.

Nora.

You realize this changes everything.

Yes. I suppose it does.

Sapewa?

You kill for these. You kill soldier.

No. Not Sapewa. It is a lie.

Sapewa have to kill soldier. He is a scout.

He will bring many soldiers on Comanche brothers if Sapewa not kill.

You lie. You kill for these.

Nakona has told all Comanches no brave shall kill.

Only wish to go in peace to join Arapaho cousins.

Sapewa defy word of Nakona. He will die.

Grey Feather.

This means that Nakona will be free.

Do you understand?

Let us take these and show our husbands...

what we have seen and heard,

and they will free Nakona.

Let us go tonight. Now.

You can trust us.

I give you my word.

White men give word before.

"No soldiers will come to crossing."

Soldiers come.

I cannot explain that.

This time, it will be different. I promise.

We will both tell. There will be no attack.

Holly. The child. A doctor.

And there is another reason.

Come. See.

Acari is very sick.

I can do no more. He needs a doctor.

If we leave,

take Tela and Acari,

he will be under a doctor's care by morning.

It will mean his life, Grey Feather.

The son of your son.

Go.

Aunt Holly. Where's Clay?

Well, he isn't back yet. What happened? Honey, I'll explain later.

Go down to the bunkhouse and get me one of the hands. I want a man to ride to town.

No. Holly, wait a moment. I'll go.

Just let me change my clothes.

But, Nora, you're worn out.

No. I wanna see James. He must be worried to death.

They'll tell him you're all right.

You need your rest. You shouldn't go on any further alone.

It's only a little farther.

I won't rest anyway until I see James. I'm too keyed up.

Besides, I think they ought to hear about what happened out there firsthand.

Oh.

Well, then, you take these with you.

All right. I'll send the doctor right out.

And tell Clay I'm all right.

Don't worry. And don't you worry about your baby.

Your baby's gonna be all right.

Oh. Oh.

Nora.

Where's Holly? How did you...

Holly's at Shiloh. She's all right.

Well, how did you escape? Oh, I'll tell you about that later.

Lieutenant, ride after the posse.

Tell Clay Grainger his wife is at Shiloh and that she's all right.

Yes, sir. They're out looking for Grey Feather now,

trying to arrange for your release.

You haven't let Nakona go, have you?

Oh, not until an exchange was made.

Oh, well, you don't have to worry about that now.

It's a great relief to see you, Mrs. Carlton. Oh, thank you.

Oh, would you go find the doctor and ask him to ride out to Shiloh?

Certainly. Nora, I thought you said Holly was all right.

No, no. She is. It's for someone else.

I told 'em I'd take care of it.

Oh, Nora, I've been so worried.

I knew you would be.

Especially after the first exchange attempt fell through.

We didn't know what Grey Feather was going to do.

We were afraid to attack. Well, it's lucky you didn't make the exchange.

That would have been hard to explain to Washington.

Now, you don't think I give a hoot what Washington thinks...

when my wife's safety is at stake, do you?

That's the trouble with you, James.

You just never care what anybody else thinks.

Not when I know I'm right.

Well, at least you're free to try Nakona for murder now.

And the sooner the better.

Colonel Carlton.

Just keep him absolutely quiet for about a week or so...

till that congestion clears up.

Give him the medicine once a day. He'll be fine.

Thank you, Doctor. Oh, Holly.

Clay! I was never so worried in all my life.

Are you all right? Did they hurt you?

Why, I'm fine. Don't I look it?

Well, then what's he doing here? Honey, he's not here to see me.

He's here to see Tela's baby.

This is Nakona's wife.

And her baby was so sick that Grey Feather let us bring him here to see the doctor.

You mean Grey Feather let you go?

Well, yes. How else do you think we would be here?

Well, they said that you and Nora escaped.

Escaped? Who said that?

Well, an officer. He was there when Nora came into Medicine Bow.

That's what she said to him.

- You gave your word. - And I meant it.

There must be some mistake. Are you sure that's what she said?

Well, there'd be no reason for the lieutenant to make it up.

He was only repeating what he heard Nora say.

But I-I... I don't understand it.

I do.

She was to set my husband free. She lied. They will kill him.

Oh, no. Nora wouldn't do a thing like that.

There's got to be some explanation.

- Clay, maybe Tela's right. - That's unfair.

Clay, she insisted on riding into town alone...

even though I wanted to send a hand, as tired as she was.

Now I know the reason why.

Tela, you stay here.

Elizabeth will give you everything you need for the baby.

- You will tell them the truth? - I certainly will.

Attagirl, Holly. I'm not sure I know what's going on here,

but it sounds like somebody got double-crossed.

Clay, remember that first night they got here...

when I told you that I didn't trust her?

Whoa.

Welcome back, Mrs. Grainger. I've heard about your escape.

Yes, I bet you did. Where is she? Who?

Nora Carlton... the lady who made up that story.

I don't believe I follow you.

There's been some kind of misunderstanding. Is Nakona still in jail?

No. The army took him on to Fort Scott for trial.

Technically, he was their prisoner.

What's this all about, Clay? We'll tell you when we get back.

Now do you believe me? I'll get a fresh team at the stable.

This is gonna be quite a ride.

"that said Nakona did on or about 7 April of this year...

"attack and kill Trooper Sam McKelvey...

"in the general area of Medicine Bow, Territory of Wyoming.

"And that for such crime, the defendant should be found guilty by the court...

and sentenced to be hanged."

Lieutenant, do you have an opening statement?

Um... Mr. President,

gentlemen.

I'm sure there isn't a man here...

who believes that I wouldn't want to see the

man who killed Sam McKelvey brought to justice.

And as for defending this man,

well, I guess you know I didn't ask for the job.

But since it is my job...

- Make your point, O'Hara. - I move for dismissal, sir.

On the grounds that this tribunal has no jurisdiction in the case.

It's a matter for civil court.

Mr. President, apparently, Lieutenant O'Hara never saw this.

It's Nakona's enlistment as an army scout two years ago...

after he signed this treaty.

Now, technically, that puts him under military discipline...

and under military law.

Motion denied, Lieutenant O'Hara.

Do you have anything further?

Not at this time.

Proceed with your case, Captain Harris.

Is that as fast as you can drive?

Take it easy, Holly. We'll get there.

Preferably before they can hang him.

Yes, sir. He was carrying that rifle. Corporal McKelvey's.

That's when we took him. Mm-hmm.

Now, uh, was Nakona afoot?

No, sir. He was riding McKelvey's horse. He darned near got away.

Major Carlton... is he here? He's here, sir, but he's busy.

Has the trial started? Yes, ma'am. Been on all morning.

Well, where is it? In there? That's right.

But you can't go in. We can't?

No, ma'am. That's military business. Young man, don't try to stop...

- So he... - Sorry, Major.

I told these people... He says we're not wanted here.

I certainly hope that's not true.

Well, this is a military operation, Mr. Grainger.

It's not exactly customary for civilians to force their way into a court-martial.

Well, Major, I admit my experience wasn't in the same army.

But I guess the basic rules...

are pretty much the same here as they were with us.

Even civilian evidence is admissible if it basically concerns the accused.

James, they have no right in this.

Haven't we, Nora?

Shall I tell what right I have here and now?

Or do you want to discuss it first alone?

Nora?

This tribunal stands in temporary recess.

All remain here.

Uh, in my office.

Nora?

All right, what is all this?

Nora, do you tell him, or do I?

Tell him what? That an Indian girl trumped up a lie to save her husband?

A lie, Nora?

What about the knife and the wallet?

Or did those get lost somewhere while you were busy forgetting other things?

Nora, what's she saying? James, get them out of here.

What did she tell you, Major, about their leaving the Indian camp?

They escaped.

Nothing about Grey Feather letting 'em go?

All right, he did let us go, but only to get his grandchild to the doctor.

Was that the only reason?

Nothing about our promise to him?

What promise?

Our promise to tell our husbands what we had seen.

The proof that another Comanche brave had killed the trooper,

that Nakona was innocent.

Nora.

All right, James, believe her.

Believe all of it.

And suppose it's true? If I have kept silent, why?

Why?

For you. For what all this means to you, to your career.

And is my silence such a lie?

Even if Nakona didn't kill McKelvey,

how many other white men has he killed?

And how many other Indians has he led to killing?

Who organized the Comanche raids at Silver Cliffs...

or at Puma Pass where women and children were killed?

That was war, Nora.

Before the treaty. Before the amnesty.

Treaty. A treaty wipes out the blood a man spilled?

Oh, James, don't be a fool. This is the chance you can't afford to lose...

To be the officer that brought Nakona to the justice he deserves.

I won't let you lose it, not this time.

You've been cheated too long. You let the trial go on.

You let her testify to anything she wants to.

It's still my word against hers.

A woman who admits she's on their side.

The only evidence the defense has is hearsay.

Nakona can be convicted...

Convicted and hanged...

And the credit will go to you.

James, no! James, you can't lose it all now. James!

Attention!

On the basis of further evidence received,

the charge of murder against the prisoner is dismissed.

Wait a minute, Major. This is a court-martial.

You just can't take it upon...

This court stands adjourned.

It's yours, compliments of Major Carlton.

You'll find your people up around Platte Canyon.

Tela and your son might be back with them by the time you get there.

I owe you my life. I will not forget.

Thank you.

Whoa.

I wanted to say good-bye...

and to thank you for preventing a very serious miscarriage of justice.

When people love each other...

and want to help,

sometimes they make mistakes.

We understand.

- Leaving so soon? - I'm afraid we have to.

Oh.

Well, I'm, uh... I'm sorry you can't stay for the party.

It was nice to see you again, Clay, after so many years.

James and I hope you'll pay us a visit again soon.

- Both of you. - Thank you, Nora.

- Good-bye. - Good-bye.

That, my dear, was for being Mrs. Clay Grainger.