Original subtitles

From

the archives of the United States

Cavalry, the true stories of Colonel

Randold McKenzie and the cavalrymen he

led. McKenzie's raiders. His secret

orders from the president of the United

States. Clean up the Southwest. Make it

a fit place for Americans to live. Wipe

out the renegades, outlaws, and

murderers. If necessary, cross the Rio

Grand knowing capture means hanging by

the enemy. Discovery court marshal by

the United States Army.

The burning month of August 1875,

Colonel Reynold McKenzie had received

word that killer Pete Lemon and his

murderous band had been cited in the

territory. With a picked group of

raiders, McKenzie headed for the border

and Mexico, where he was certain Lemon

would seek sanctuary. The trail crossed

the Rio Grand and led deep into the

treacherous Palos Negros range. With

each mile covered, the danger of

detection by Mexican Federalis

increased. But the destruction of Lemon

was vital, and it drove McKenzie and the

raiders deep, ever deeper into alien

country. Finally, on August 16th, the

outlaw gang was cited, and the battle

joined.

The price of violence and justice. One

raider dead, three wounded, and all but

two horses killed. Three outlaws were

captured. One of them, the Indian Chief

Redwing.

All right, Sergeant, let's get started.

Check the uh rigs on those Indian ponies

every so often and keep a sharp lookout.

If there Mexican patrols in the area,

let's make sure we see them before they

see us. Carry on.

>> Yes, sir. Now critically short of water

and burdened by his wounded, McKenzie

faced the long march over burning,

hostile land back to Fort Clark. And

trailing him, the killer, Pete Lemon.

So began the first day of one of

history's most challenging marches,

150 m against impossible odds.

Camp's all ready, sir. Everybody be

undercover by nightfall.

>> Do you notice the behavior of our

prisoners today? They keep looking back.

We're being followed, Sergeant.

>> Must be Lemon, sir. He's the only one

that got away.

>> That's right. He'll follow us like a

buzzard trying to pick us off one by

one. Well,

>> there's four of us, sir. Why don't we go

find him and finish him off?

>> Several reasons.

Number one, Lamond might be able to get

behind us, circle around, and free our

prisoners. Number two, I can't afford to

lose any more men. Number three, it

would take time. We'd use up the rest of

our water.

>> So, all we can do is retreat from one

man.

>> Well, a wellorganized retreat sometimes

leads to victory, Sergeant. In the

meantime, we'll continue to travel by

day, keeping well away from any cover

that might conceal a man.

>> That'll make Lemon keep his distance,

sir. Right. At night, we'll camp in the

rocks.

>> That's when he'll make his try after

dark.

>> That's to be our strategy. When he comes

in close enough, we'll try to pick him

off.

>> But sir, uh, Corporal Baker is useless

with his hand. Daily and I have to guard

the prisoners and tend the wounded.

>> That leaves only me.

>> Yes, sir. And to get Lamont, you you'd

have to pin him down. That'll take two

men, sir.

>> That's right, Sergeant. We've got to

recruit one more man to our side.

but who, sir?

>> Chief Redwing,

>> I'm sorry to see you like this, Chief

Redwing. You, a great chief, a leader in

company with cutthroats and killers.

>> They are my friends. I am proud to be

with them.

>> They are not your friends. They're your

enemies. stirring you up like this,

making you lead your people in war. How

many of your braves have died as a

result of these so-called friends?

>> They died in a good cause. I myself am

willing to die for it.

>> You can't believe it's a good cause.

>> You've made bad friends, Chief. If you'd

let me help you. If you'd help me.

>> No.

I'll be sorry to see you stand trial

with those men, chief.

>> We will not stand trial, McKenzie. You

will not take us to your fort.

You will not reach your fort yourself.

>> Colonel.

>> Yes. Baker.

>> My hand, sir. It's hurting pretty bad.

>> Private, watch how you carry that rifle

around. prisoners or you'll have bigger

worries than your hand. Let's have a

look at it.

>> Please, sir, could I have just a little

water to wash my hand?

>> I'm sorry, Baker. We haven't got any

water for washing.

Get back your post.

>> The second day, August 18th. Though

struggling to survive, McKenzie was

engaged in a deadly game of human chess

designed to draw Lemon close enough to

be taken.

Sergeant,

give this to Baker.

>> Your rations, sir?

>> Yeah. Well, don't tell him that. Tell

him it's something we had extra.

That's the boss, McKenzie.

Pete Lamond

Pete's a reasonable man. McKenzie

probably wouldn't make no trouble for

you if you turned us loose.

>> That's real good advice, Colonel.

>> Sergeant, scatter the group out. No

fires, no smoking, no loud talking, and

no shooting.

>> No shooting, sir. We just sit here and

let him pop away at us.

>> If the firing attracts the Mexican

Federalis, let it attract them to Pete

Lemon, not to us. Besides, we're short

of ammunition.

>> Yes, sir.

>> Let him go, Sergeant.

We'll have to get along with one horse.

>> Yes, sir. Haven't got enough food and

water for two anyway.

All right, SCATTER HIM UP.

>> COME OUT OF THOSE ROCKS, LEMON. DAILY,

TAKE COVER, DAISY.

Looks like he's given up, sir.

>> Permanently. Let's hope.

>> Yes, sir. You think he might have?

It's possible.

Sir, I could ride on into the fort.

bring back some help. Wouldn't take long

traveling alone.

>> No,

>> you couldn't bring troops into Mexico.

You know that, Sergeant.

>> The fact that the raiders cross the Rio

Grand has got to be kept absolutely

secret.

>> Even if we all die, sir.

>> Even if we all die, Sergeant.

Besides, it's out of the question

anyway.

Lman's still out there somewhere. With

you gone, it'll leave just two of us to

take care of three prisoners and two

wouldn't have men.

>> Try to get some sleep, Sergeant.

Yes, sir.

>> The third day, mile after mile exacted a

toll from tired bodies. The goal still

100 miles off.

>> Short night, huh, Sergeant?

Sir, if that bird comes back tonight,

I'd like to go after him.

>> Let's hope he doesn't come back. Anyway,

if anyone goes after him, it's really a

job for two men. One to sneak up on

either side of him.

>> Let's see how we can do it then, sir.

It's only the three of us.

>> Maybe we can alter that situation. Get

another man on our side.

>> Not Redwing, sir.

Well,

>> he hates us. He'd maybe promise to help

us and then give us a double cross. All

right. All right. All right. Let it go,

Sergeant.

Baker, close up there.

>> Yes, sir.

>> All secure, sir.

Good.

Oh, Sergeant, uh,

you better get your own ration now.

>> Yes, sir. No sign of Lamond yet?

>> No.

Looks like he may have.

>> Sergeant Stanfield.

>> Oh, I'm all right, sir. Just grease me.

>> Good.

Come on. Get covered.

So,

it would appear Lamond is still with us.

>> He's got to be out there someplace.

>> I can't say I like it, but I prefer it

to having the Federaleis on our backs.

>> Sergeant,

think you can manage while I go after

him?

>> Oh, you go after him, sir.

>> That's right. Oh, and Baker,

be sure Baker isn't left alone with

those prisoners a moment more than is

absolutely necessary.

>> Sir, what if you don't come back?

>> Then you're in command, Sergeant.

Hey kid, now's your chance. Come on. I

can't talk to you back there.

Guys better not try nothing.

>> Come on down.

Hello there. Hulk. Stop or I'll shoot.

Come out of there with your hands up.

Colonel McKenzie.

Now only McKenzie and Stanfield remain

to carry out the mission of a full

patrol. Two men against three prisoners

and the murderous sniper Pete Lamont

against the empty Sunbaked Desert and

the everpresent danger of being

discovered on Mexican soil.

>> It all happened so fast, sir. I was

covering you like you said. Next thing I

know,

>> I understand. So you can't say exactly

what did happen? No, sir. I just what I

told you.

>> All right, come with me, Sergeant. Oh,

and uh stand quiet unless I ask you a

direct question.

>> Yes, sir.

>> I have one question

and I will have an answer.

Who killed Private Baker?

Chief Redwing,

did you kill Private Baker?

>> Do your own work. I will not help you.

>> So, you won't speak up for yourself

because you're afraid of hurting your

so-called friends. You'd rather have me

believe that you stabbed a boy whose

only fault was in being too trusting.

>> I did not.

>> I can tell you nothing.

I see.

All right.

You going to tell me now who killed

Private Baker, or are you going to tell

me after you've gone a day without

water?

>> Did NG tell you who killed him?

>> If he had, would I be asking you?

>> Oh, what's the difference? You got

enough on me and Skaggs to hang us even

if we did kill a kid.

Uh-huh.

Now, this may make a great deal of

difference. The difference between your

hanging and going free. Free. That's

what I said.

You tell me on your word of honor that

you're innocent, and you tell me who did

kill Private Baker, and I'll set you

free here and now.

>> You mean that, McKenzie? You won't go

back on your word?

>> Am I in the habit of going back on my

word?

>> He done it. Redwing done it. I mean, me

and Scaggs Square did it. That's right.

We tried to stop him, but he was he was

too fast for us.

>> Sergeant Sanfield.

>> Yes, sir.

>> You were present.

Do you feel that Chief Redwing could

have killed Private Baker?

>> No, sir. I didn't see everything that

happened, but I know he didn't have

anything to do with it. He was laying

down several feet away.

>> I see. Sir, if we're going to survive,

we better kill them both.

>> We're going to survive, Sergeant.

We're going to survive and see them both

hanged

after we get back to Fort Clark.

>> Hey, uh, you ain't sorry, are you,

Redwing? You understand how it was.

>> I understand.

>> And we're still friends, eh? Right. Just

like we was

>> still friends.

Just like we were.

>> The fourth day, August 20th. The

desperate march continued. The precious

water was almost gone. Survival now

depended on taking Leand and turning

Chief Redwing into an ally.

How about some water, McKenzie?

>> Not till tonight.

>> We got a right to water. You can't hold

us prisoners without taking care of us.

>> Oh,

you want me to shoot you right now and

save the hangman a job?

Now, do you move again

or do you stop moving altogether?

Come on. On your feet, you two. You're

no more tired or hotter or thirstier

than any of the rest of us.

>> Water. I'm sick.

>> Move.

>> Just a half a cup, Mackenzie. You can

take it out of our ration.

>> A half a cup is your ration.

>> A half a cup? He's saving it for

himself. He drinks it at night when the

rest of us are asleep.

>> Smoke from a campfire, sir.

>> Think it might be Lamond.

>> No. No. He wouldn't build a fire.

Whoever it is, though, he wouldn't be

out there without water. Come on.

Just one shot might have been meant as a

warning.

You hold the ground here, Stanfield. I'm

going ahead by myself. by yourself, sir.

But

>> carry on, Stanfield. I'll signal you if

it's safe.

They are of the Rio Grande people. The

old man is sick. The tribe left them

behind. They go down to join the tribe.

>> How far?

>> To the country of the Big Ben. 15

marches across the desert.

>> I see.

Ask him. Uh,

ask him about the water.

Two skins of water is all that they

have. For such a far journey, it is

barely enough. They uh

they can't spare any. Not even just a a

cop around. With less they will die.

Yes.

Tell them a bad man follows us. They

should move their camp well to the east

or he might kill them.

>> Sergeant Stanfield, let's move out.

>> Yes, sir.

>> Okay.

>> How about the water? You going to favor

a couple of stinking Indians over your

own people? We need water as bad as they

do. What right have they got to it?

>> Every right.

It happens to be theirs.

>> Sergeant.

>> Yes. Move.

Chief Redwing,

I asked you once before for your help,

for your friendship.

Now I ask you again.

You'll be risking your life.

>> I know you want my help in getting

Lamond.

I will give it to you.

>> Thank you, Chief. Thank you. With the

two of us working together, I know we

can pull it off.

>> We will work as equals, then as friends.

>> Well, certainly. Of course.

>> What do you mean?

>> I will need a weapon.

>> I give you my word, my promise. It shall

not be used against you.

>> Your promise? What good is that?

>> You'd promise anything,

>> Sergeant.

>> How do you like your new friends,

Redwing? Real trusting, ain't they?

>> You better stick with us, Redwing.

You'll know where you stand then. You be

quiet.

>> I'm sorry, Chief.

Of course, I accept your word. I

withdraw it

since it has no value. If I go, I go

armed and I make no promises.

Perhaps I will help you with Lamond.

Perhaps I will do something else.

Sergeant, give Chief Redwing his choice

of weapons. A knife. Only a knife

on the double.

Thank you, chief.

Soon as it's light, we'll go after

Lamont.

I thought you were Lamont.

>> Yeah,

>> pretty easy to lose him in these rocks.

>> You circle around that way. I'll meet

you from this way.

Come on. Come on.

You all right, Redwing? All right, my

friend.

McKenzie's raiders rode again and again

carrying out the secret orders of the

president of the United States. Do

whatever necessary to clean up the

Southwest. Make it a decent place for

people to live. Ride with McKenzie's

raiders as they relive the blazing pages

of history in the making.

Heat.

Heat.

Heat.

Heat.

From the archives of the United States

Cavalry, the true stories of Colonel

Rand McKenzie and the cavalrymen he led.

McKenzie's raiders. His secret orders

from the president of the United States.

Clean up the Southwest. Make it a fit

place for Americans to live. Wipe out

the renegades, outlaws, and murderers.

If necessary, cross the Rio Grand

knowing capture means hanging by the

enemy. Discovery court marshal by the

United States Army.

September 6th, 1873.

The vast area of the Texas border,

dependent for law and order on Colonel

Ranold McKenzie and his underman,

illequipped fourth cavalry out of Fort

Clark.

Strangling the growth of the region were

border outlaws who ruthlessly moved

against the isolated settlers. Despite

overwhelming odds, the land had to be

made safe.

>> McKenzie is nowhere to be seen.

Use the clippers, bowl, you the rope.

We'll hit hard and run the cattle

through the fence. Beat quickly.

Quickly.

Heat.

Heat.

take up their trail.

>> Not a sign of them.

>> Got my whole herd. Every head.

>> Those thieves ain't getting away this

time. We start them treading our herd

towards Dead Horse Pass. They got to go

right through there. How many men?

>> Just three. We can take them easy, Mr.

Bates. Let's go. Uh,

>> maybe we better wait for McKenzie's

cavalry patrol.

>> We ain't waiting no longer, Ma. We're

going to take those renegades if we have

to cross the border to do it.

>> Otis, you hired Mr. Bates to track them

outlaws. Now, let him decide.

>> All right, Mr. Bates. We can take them

right now. Are you going to sit around

and wait for those army blue bellies to

get here too late again? Or lead us in

like you're getting paid for?

>> Well, I reckon my mind's being made up

for me, isn't it? What's your pleasure,

Mr. Bates?

>> Otis, you just remember one thing. I'm

riding point, and you boys make sure to

trail behind.

>> What for?

>> Well, we don't know whether there's

three or 30. Three guns is all they need

if they're waiting for us.

>> All right, Mr. Bates, let's go.

Sergeant.

Sergeant.

>> Yes, sir.

>> Any of those patrols reported in yet?

>> Not yet, sir.

>> I want you to set up another patrol.

Give him three days rations. Have them

scour that Devil's Horn Fort area. We've

got to turn something up.

>> Yes, sir. Beg your pardon, sir.

>> Our job would be a lot easier if those

ranch owners hadn't turned against us.

>> Well, you can't really blame them. They

feel they're entitled to protection.

They're not getting it.

>> Oh, we know that's not true, sir.

>> Whether it's true or not doesn't matter.

It's what they want to believe. So, it

makes this whole situation dangerous.

>> Yes, sir.

>> Now, this Matthews thing, Matthews ranch

was hit by rustlers early this morning.

All the cattle stolen. The rustlers have

completely vanished.

>> Well, we have a patrol in the Matthews

area now, sir. They should come up with

something. Now,

I don't know who we're up against,

Sergeant, but whoever it is has got to

be stopped before they throw this whole

territory into panic. Let's take a ride

over and see what Mrs. Matthews has to

say.

We waited for you and what happens? They

take my whole herd.

Well, Colonel McKenzie, my boys have

hired a scout, Sam Bates. He'll do what

your US cavalry ain't been able to do,

and that is catch them outlaws before

they finish us.

>> That must have been their trail we

passed back at Dead Horse Creek.

Thank you for your time, Mrs. Matthews.

Nice work. Let's get out of here. What's

your hurry?

>> If they find these fellas, the whole

territory will be after us.

>> This is just the beginning.

>> Yeah, well, if McKenzie catches us,

it'll be the end. McKenzie won't catch

you. Not as long as you operate from

across the river. He won't go into

Mexico. Meanwhile, I'll stay here and

take over the Matthew spread. We're

going to be big in this territory.

You're forgetting McKenzie has sharp

claws. Well, I'm making it my job to

pull them. I hope you can

>> just remember the Matthews ranch has got

the best grass and sweet water rights in

this territory.

Now you and the boys better hightail it

across the river and set up camp in

Origo.

>> They give you better hightail it also.

>> Better do as I tell you.

>> Hope you know what you're doing.

Don't I always

Hey, wait.

Wow. Bless my eyeballs if it ain't the

US Army.

Who are you?

The name is Bates. Scout Sam Bates. I

thought you were those outlaws come to

finish the job.

>> What happened?

>> Ambush. The Matthew boys hired me to

catch those cattle rustlers. Looks like

they caught you.

They both dead.

You well enough to ride? Just a flesh

wound. I'm a bit shy on sleep and blood,

that's all.

>> Sergeant,

>> leave a man here. I'll send a detail

from the fort. Also send another trooper

by Mrs. Matthew's place to tell her what

happened. Help her with any arrangement

she wants to make. Mr. Bates will ride

double.

>> Please sit down, Mr. Bates.

I know you must be suffering some pain,

but before I send you over to the

infirmary, I want to make one thing

clear to you.

>> Yes, sir.

>> The protection of the civilian

inhabitants of this area is the province

of the military, not of vigilantes.

>> Well, all I was doing was what the

Matthews boys hired me for, trying to

help them.

>> Help them by getting them ambushed.

>> Do you think I did that on purpose?

>> It happened, Mr. Bates.

Now, I want to talk further with you to

get patched up. Sergeant Wells, take Mr.

Bates over to the infirmary, then bring

him back to my office.

>> All I need is some fresh water and clean

bandages. I don't want to put you out,

Colonel.

>> You already have, Mr. Bates. You already

have.

Come in.

>> Miss Matthews outside, sir. She's just

spilling over with trouble. Shall I

handle it?

>> No. I'm afraid she'll be looking for me.

Well, Colonel McKenzie, you want me to

hide their graves someplace where you

won't have to see the results of your

law and order?

This is how you protected us. How you

protected my boys?

Look at my sons

before I bury your shame in the ground.

Hey, Sergeant.

>> Sergeant, I'd like to talk to Mr. Bates,

please.

>> He's sleeping, sir.

>> The man who killed those boys aren't

sleeping.

>> Yes, sir.

>> Mr. Bates, I sent for you in the hopes

that you could give me some information.

I'll do my best. Colonel,

>> how'd you get these powder burns on your

shirt? Well,

>> you saw my shoulder. I was shot

>> from ambush.

>> Why, sure.

>> Well, a man have to be standing right

next to you to do this.

>> Why don't you come right out and say

what you want to, Colonel?

>> I'm trying to get out the facts, Mr.

Bates.

>> You'll get them.

>> You must have been close enough to see

them then.

>> Sure, I seen them. I've been watching

them for several days. I trail them

across the river to where they're

camped.

>> Well, then why in Thunder wasn't I

informed? Everybody knew I've been

patrolling that river for weeks trying

to find out where they operate from.

>> Look, Colonel, I'm a civilian scout. I

make my living scouting. Right now, I've

got a personal score to settle with

those rustlers. Nobody shoots at Sam

Bates without me shooting back.

>> All right, Sam Bates, you'll get your

chance to shoot back just as soon as

you're fit. That's all.

The next morning, with Colonel

McKenzie's consent, Bates left with the

berieved Mrs. Matthews for her ranch.

>> Come in,

>> sir.

>> Patrol ready.

>> Standing by, sir.

>> Let's go. His

suspicions aroused, McKenzie left with a

patrol to inspect the ambush site.

Perfect ambush. Those Matthews boys were

dead the minute they went into this

draw.

>> I don't see anybody ever got through

that crossfire.

>> Sam Bates did.

>> Well, you can't blame a man for not

getting killed. I

>> just wonder how he escaped.

>> I don't know. Unless they left him for

dead

>> with a shot in the shoulder. Point

blank. Sam Bates either shot himself or

one of those Matthews boys did it.

>> You think Bates are lying?

>> It's just one way to find out. Sergeant,

beat out the men. I'll rejoin you at the

fort.

With a plan to expose the ruthless

slayer of the boys, McKenzie rode to the

Matthews Ranch for a meeting with Sam

Bates.

that flag means something special. Mrs.

Matthews,

>> my husband laid out the men of Camp

Verie under that flag.

They come back wrapped in it.

You know, I dreamed of places like this.

Over a thousand campfires.

>> Mr. Matthews always said this place made

life worth living for and dying for

like your sons.

McKenzie riding up. Probably getting

around to offering to help finally.

>> Well, you sound like you hate the man.

No, just his uniform.

Come in.

>> I'm sorry to intrude, Mrs. Matthews.

>> It's necessary for me to know when

you'll feel up to leading us to the

hideout.

>> It's across the river.

>> When can we leave?

>> Well, I I reckon I can make it in 2 or 3

days.

>> Very well, Mr. Bates. Let's say 3 days.

I'll meet you at the spot where the boys

were

where the boys were ambushed.

I'll be there. Thank you, Mr. Bates.

I'll see you later, Mrs. Matthews.

Having baited his trap, McKenzie waited

for the result he was sure would follow.

confident that he had outsmarted

McKenzie. Bates rode to a rendevous

across the border.

>> Hey, anything wrong?

>> No, everything's working just fine.

>> Looks like we have to set up another

ambush. More boys to kill?

>> No, just McKenzie himself.

>> September 10th, sundown. Three pic

troopers pledged to secrecy waited for

McKenzie's command to ride out. Their

secret orders cross the Mexican border.

Their mission, justice.

>> Now, Sergeant,

everything set? Hakamores, buoy knives?

>> Yes, sir.

>> All right. I want to go over my plans

with you once more just so we're

absolutely sure there can't be any slip

on it.

>> Yes, sir.

>> Now, I've agreed to meet Sam Bates in

the area where those Matthews boys were

kidnapped.

>> I understand, sir.

>> That's tonight. Bates is supposed to

lead me across the river to the camp of

those cattle wrestlers. However, I can't

be sure what's going to happen. That's

where you come in, Sergeant. Now, I want

you and another man to cross that river

ahead of Bates and myself. Take up a

concealed position in that area where

you can survey anything that might go

on. You understand?

>> Yes, sir.

>> Be ready for anything. All right, let's

go.

>> If it's revenge you're going for, I'm

past that. And I wish you'd forget it,

too. Mr. Bates, do you have to go?

>> It's for justice, Mrs. Matthews.

>> You better take good care of that

Arkansas toothpick, son. That's the only

weapon you're going to have.

Good luck, Sergeant.

>> Good luck, sir.

This untamed frontier had spawned few

men as treacherous as Sam Bates. His law

was the law of violence. Only Colonel

McKenzie stood between him and his

prize, the Matthews Ranch.

>> You fellas move awful quiet, McKenzie.

>> We live longer that way.

>> And you travel awful life, too. In my

opinion, we have all the weapons we

need.

>> Well, that's just fine. Where are the

rest of the men?

>> Each extra man adds to the danger of

being seen.

>> Then all we have is three men and no

legal protection.

>> And surprise. Surprise is worth much

more than legal protection in my book.

How about yours?

>> I reckon you're the trail boss.

>> No, you are. Lead on.

>> Cross.

>> I said lead on.

The Rio Grand, more than a boundary

separating two countries. To cross it,

McKenzie risked court marshall or death.

The price necessary to bring Sam Bates

to justice.

Here

they are. That tall critter is the one

who shot me. If you don't mind, Colonel,

he's mine.

On your feet. You're covered.

You have all the weapons you need, huh?

Surprise. You live longer that way, huh?

Drop it.

You added one element, Mr. Bates.

Treachery.

You're very good at sighting ambushes.

>> Now, if you fellas just back up against

that rock,

>> just a minute, Mr. Bates.

Sergeant Wells,

>> drop those guns.

>> Take over here, Sergeant.

Just as I said, Mr. Bates, all the

weapons we need.

If my boys had trusted you, McKenzie,

they'd still be alive.

I'd like to say I'm sorry, but I never

learned how.

I just learned to trust you too late,

McKenzie. I could have taught them to

trust you, too.

>> Come in.

Stage coach ready, sir.

Let it be me, I reckon.

Well, McKenzie, I guess you're a real

native Texan after all.

Well, I consider that a compliment,

although I happen to have been born in

New York.

McKenzie's raiders rode again and again,

carrying out the secret orders of the

President of the United States. Do

whatever necessary to clean up the

Southwest. Make it a decent place for

people to live. Ride with McKenzie's

Raiders as they relive the blazing pages

of History in the Making.

Heat. Heat.

From the archives of the United States

Cavalry. The true stories of Colonel

Rand McKenzie and the cavalrymen he led.

McKenzie's raiders. his secret orders

from the president of the United States.

Clean up the Southwest. Make it a fit

place for Americans to live. Wipe out

the renegades, outlaws, and murderers.

If necessary, cross the Rio Grand,

knowing capture means hanging by the

enemy. Discovery court marshal by the

United States Army.

Summer 1874,

Texas border. Endless miles of refuge

for 5,000 wanted criminals. Against

them, Colonel Ranold McKenzie out of

underman, badly equipped Fort Clark.

McKenzie's orders, stabilize the border,

ensure the safety of settlers. Despite

incredible odds, McKenzie was doing the

job.

But now a brilliant strategist

threatened the peace of the territory,

leading marauders with superb military

skill and full knowledge of McKenzie's

own operations.

This was the fourth patrol sent in

pursuit, like the others, dead in

ambush. The main objective of these

attacks was now starkly evident. Destroy

McKenzie by discrediting his command.

The epolettes torn from the dead major's

blouse and the scrolled words, "I have

not forgotten told McKenzie it could be

only one man. Ex Major Howard Duncan,

former officer under McKenzie's

command."

>> Something bothering you, son? An easy.

Oh no.

>> Are you sorry you joined me?

>> Of course I'm not hard.

>> You must always address me as major.

>> Yes, major.

By rights. You should be a colonel by

now.

>> By right. Yes.

15 years in the field. And what did it

get me? A stand in the sun in front of

my own men while McKenzie stripped my

brass, broke my saber, and drummed me

off the post.

There was only one way McKenzie could

stop this threat to his difficult task

of governing the area and that was rise

to Duncan's challenge himself. On the

night of July 18th, the patrol out of

Fort Clark was under his personal

command.

See down there? Bullets, fresh horses.

>> Just sitting and waiting like you

planned.

>> Beats me why you wasn't Mackenzie on our

tail.

>> I owe him something

and I want to pay him back.

>> It was up to me. I'd give him wide

birth.

>> As I'm in command, it isn't up to you.

>> What if he keeps tailing us?

>> That's just what I want him to do. I'll

lead him right into the trap. Sun, sand,

and death from thirst.

>> Then we attack again. Waste no time.

Destroy everything that might help the

enemy. We take no prisoners, carry no

wounded.

You will look at me when I'm giving

orders. Mr. Cloud,

>> this isn't the army, Mr. Duncan.

>> Major Duncan,

any questions about my orders, Mr.

Cloud?

>> Whatever you say, Major Duncan.

and follow me.

>> On July 22nd, 1874, 4 days out of Fort

Clark, McKenzie's Indian scout, Corporal

Kill Eagle, picked up Duncan's trail

while riding point for the patrol. This

lonely way station, squatting in the

burning sun, was the first real chance

for water and further evidence that

Duncan had learned his tactics. Well,

they here maybe 1 2 hours ago. They got

horses, guns, and bullets from in there.

>> Anything left?

>> All dead.

>> Water.

>> Destroyed.

>> Duncan's thorough.

>> Rest now.

>> No. He'll expect us to do that.

>> Well, Duncan moving towards the border.

>> Yeah. If he doesn't head for the Rio

Grand, where's the nearest water? Lost

Angel Mine.

>> Last water. After that, nothing. This

side of border.

>> If he's leading us into a trap, he'll

head for the mine and destroy the water.

If not, he'll make a run for the border.

Which one?

>> Only one way to find out. Sergeant,

we're closing the gap. Let's move out.

On the fifth day, the gap between them

was closed. Contact was made.

>> McKenzie still tailing us. He's coming

through there.

>> Good.

My tactics are working out just as

planned. Now, when we hit the Lost Angel

Mine, I will accomplish a twofold

objective. First, we take the gold.

Second, destroy the water and watch

McKenzie die of thirst.

>> I say let's cut and run for the border.

>> Cloud is a tactician. You're a fool.

McKenzie's moving into total

destruction.

>> This was the ex- major's chance to prove

himself a superior tactician using the

very methods he had learned from

McKenzie himself.

His plan, fainting the army patrol out

of position by a flank attack. Two men

were dispatched to the opposite side of

the trail. Their task, fire on the

patrol, show themselves, and run. The

chase would divert McKenzie, giving

Duncan and the other men time to strike

the mine.

First signs. Dunk them close, maybe in

rocks.

>> How do we stand, Sergeant?

>> Well, the horses will hold out till the

end of the day, sir. As long as the men

can move, they can shoot.

>> Continue the march. McKenzie despised

Duncan, but he never underrated him.

With Kill Eagle, the colonel rode out to

scout the area from a higher position.

The trap McKenzie suspected was already

snapping closed. As Duncan planned, the

gunman suddenly broke cover, firing

wide.

>> Perfect. The perfect maneuver. I got to

hand it to you, major.

>> Let's get mounted.

There were two men up there, not five.

Yet you went bucketing after them. Don't

you see that's just what Duncan wanted?

>> Yes, sir. I I see that now.

>> That was a faint. We know now they're

headed for the mine. They've got fresh

horses and a good start. If we follow

that trail, he'll have plenty of time to

destroy the water.

>> I know short way.

>> We do. Lead out.

Hey

We'll

take the shark. Cloud Dennis, you

destroy the water tank.

>> Yes, sir. Let's go.

>> One more sack and the last.

>> Take your time. I'd rather hurry. I'd

hate to get caught after all you and

I've been through.

>> You won't get caught, Mr. Cloud.

>> Come on. Hurry up, sir. Dennis.

Major.

Major.

It's McKenzie. He's coming in with his

patrol. LET'S GET OUT OF HERE.

>> MAJOR.

MAJOR, HELP ME.

>> NO. NO. PLEASE.

>> You said no prisoners.

Get up.

The night of July 23rd, 5 days out of

Fort Clark, the first chance to rest for

all but McKenzie and his scout. With the

prisoner alive in McKenzie's hands, the

deadly chess game had shifted. McKenzie

knew that now Duncan had to wait for his

opponent to move. Did you locate them?

>> Behind rocks, high up, open sands below.

>> Mhm.

>> Sergeant,

how's the ammunition?

>> About uh seven, eight rounds each man.

Sir,

>> our prisoner patched up.

>> Yes, sir. Rest and easy.

>> I'll talk with him.

>> Stand easy, trooper.

>> You're a little young to be running with

a wolfpack like Duncan, aren't you?

You're going to die, McKenzie.

Slow and thirsty.

When and where Major Duncan decide you

will.

He gave his life to the army, but he

made one mistake, McKenzie. He proved he

was a better soldier than you are. So,

you trumped up charges and drumed him

out of the army.

>> So, that's the way he's telling it.

>> I suppose you want to tell me it's all a

bunch of lies.

I'll do better than that. Kill Eagle.

>> I am Churikawa, Elk family. My father

was chief, not hostile, but scout like

me. Major Duncan ordered whole tribe

move out for new reservation.

>> Major Duncan fought you at Churikawa.

>> No fight, just walk. Men, women,

children into desert. You know what

devil trap is?

Sunburn like fire. No water. Slow death.

>> I know the story of that battle. The

real one. 300 of you red devils against

Major Duncan and one patrol.

He told me about it.

>> You listen. My father was chief. He

begged for his people one drop water.

But your major lead them into devil

trap. All die but one. All but one.

Indian lies. Killigle. Kill Eco.

>> Shall I put him under guard, sir?

>> No,

that won't be necessary.

They're not lies, son. Kill Eagle was

that one survivor. I found him and

brought him back to the fort.

>> Makes no difference what you say,

McKenzie.

You won't get out of this alive.

A

>> lot of hard Duncan has rubbed off on

you, hasn't it?

>> Yes, and I'm proud of it. Well, that's

natural. I remember the picture Howard

Duncan carried when we were on patrols

together.

He was real proud of you.

Real proud of his kid brother.

>> Kill Eagle.

Kil Eagle, I'm going to put you on your

honor to guard this man.

>> You can't leave me here alone with him.

>> Gilagle, I have a plan, but your anger

can destroy it. Don't think of this man

as Duncan's brother. Think of him as the

Judas goat that's going to lead his

brother to slaughter.

Sergeant

>> Colonel

Stand easy, boys.

You check the entire area?

>> Yes, sir. Nothing much around but some

coal oil for their lamps.

>> What's in there?

>> Bags, sir?

>> Bags?

>> Yes, sir. Empty water bags.

Water bags.

>> Sergeant, have each man fill two of

these water bags and conceal them in his

bed roll so nobody will know we're

carrying them.

>> We're going to continue to follow him,

sir?

>> Yes.

Yes, we're going to follow him. right

into his devil trap.

Morning July 24th, 6 days out of Fort

Clark, McKenzie was ready for his

counter move against the renegade ex

Major Duncan.

>> Everything in order, sir. Each man has

two filled water bags in Federal.

They've been instructed to drink from

their cantens at will.

>> Yes, sir. They'll throw them away on the

trail as you ordered.

>> Destroy the water tank,

>> sir.

>> From this point on, there's no retreat

for us or for Duncan. Destroy it.

>> Forward.

>> McKenzie's pulling out.

All right, that narrows it down to the

supply we carry in our cantens. Collect

all the cantens, Mr. Cloud. I will

personally ration the water supply. Get

ready to follow them.

>> Follow them.

>> It's a 20-m ride to the border. Let's

get the goal there.

>> We're not leaving, my brother. Look, you

made the roof. He took his chances like

the rest of us. It could have been me.

Anybody.

>> Mr. Claude, if my brother dies, you die

with McKenzie.

>> And I say kill him now and get it over

with.

>> You're stupid, Cloud. You're saddle

trash. What would you know of pride? Of

the shame of being made to wallow in the

dirt before your own officers and your

men. That's why I want to see Mackenzie

tortured in the burning sun. Now, do you

understand?

>> Lead on, Major Duncan.

July 25th, the seventh day of broiling

desert wasteland. McKenzie led out,

knowing Duncan would have to follow,

into this furnace where every drop of

water was worth its weight in diamonds.

Ordinarily, a trooper could be shot for

wasting water, but this was a special

patrol under special orders.

That's the third empty canteen. I never

figured McKenzie to be a fool about

water.

>> Colonel McKenzie is anything but a fool.

Sergeant, you sure those cantens were

dropped in the trail where they can be

seen?

>> Yes, sir. I don't think Duncan can miss

spotting them.

>> Duncan will be holding back to conserve

his water while we use ours up. On the

other hand, he's got to make his move

pretty soon to rescue his brother. Kill

Eagle, double back and check for us. All

right, Sergeant,

we've got to go into that canyon and

make it look as though we're going

through it.

Look, another canteen. I was sure there

was no water this side of the mine, but

Mackenzie must know there is some. From

now on, we force march so we catch up

with him. Go on. Yeah.

Late morning, July 25th, saw McKenzie

carefully setting his trap. While Kill

Eagle back trailed to scout the oncoming

Duncan, McKenzie positioned his men in

the scanty shade behind the rocks.

Duncan coming fast.

When I give the signal, fire one volley,

no more. Just enough to make him take

cover. If I fire again, shoot to kill.

You won't have a second chance. All

right, Sergeant, take your position.

>> Trooper, guard him with your sidearm.

I'll take the rifle.

tracks are all scrambled. I can't read

the signs.

>> The signs were obvious to Duncan.

McKenzie must have rested here while his

scouts searched ahead for water. The

only logical place would be the floor of

the canyon ahead.

McKenzie was ready to spring the trap.

And his major weapon was in position

two, the burning sun.

We're on a ledge. LET'S MAKE A RUN FOR

IT.

>> MR. CLER, KILL YOU IF YOU deserve the

face of the enemy. Take cover.

>> The deadly waiting game went on.

McKenzie depended on the heat to drive

Duncan out of cover. And the sun was

slowly but surely doing its merciless

job.

>> We've got water and he hasn't.

>> Russell up one of our water bags and

let's relax.

>> Fred,

without food, a man could hold out for

days. Without water, his lifespan

becomes a few seemingly endless agonized

hours.

Let's find some shade. Keep low.

1 hour passed. Another 2:00.

Everything seemed to move in the

undulating waves of heat. Everything but

the sun.

3:00. Now the angled sunray shriveled

the last inch of shadow from Duncan's

Rock Barricade.

McKenzie knew the outlaw's only hope was

night. And to Duncan and his men, that

sundown might as well be a 100 years

away.

McKenzie had seen the scorching desert

do its work before. The outlaw's hopes

narrowed to three chances. Die behind

the rocks, surrender, or make a wild run

for the canyon mouth. They would have to

decide soon

and McKenzie was ready.

>> Duncan,

why don't you come out? You haven't got

a chance.

>> Look, we're rope meet anyway you look at

it. So why not make a run for it? You

want to play soldier Duncan? Play it

yourself. I'm still in command. Mr.

Cloud,

>> you just lost your command again, Mr.

Duncan,

>> they're getting set.

Remember, we've only got a few rounds of

ammunition left. If they come out, every

shot's got to count.

>> Let's make a run for it. I'll cover you.

All right, FIRE.

>> Duncan's horse bolted, sir. He's trapped

behind that boulder. I take, sergeant.

We circle around.

>> No,

>> he's my responsibility.

Duncan.

Duncan, you're all alone. What's your

choice? Die of thirst or surrender?

Toss out your gun first, then come out

with your hands up.

For the last time, Duncan faced his

former commanding officer as a prisoner.

And McKenzie was ready for anything but

Duncan's almost pathetic demand to

receive every military courtesy accorded

an officer of his rank.

The end of the day, the end of a hunt,

the end of a career.

Duncan escaped from Devil Trap after

all.

>> Yes, I guess he did.

But he didn't reckon with the trap he

set for himself.

McKenzie's raiders rode again and again

carrying out the secret orders of the

president of the United States. Do

whatever necessary to clean up the

Southwest. Make it a decent place for

people to live. Ride with McKenzie's

Raiders as they relive the blazing pages

of history in the making.

Heat.

Heat.

Heat.

Heat.