Original subtitles

Starring James Arness as Matt Dillon.

♪♪

♪♪

Just ain't fittin'.

What ain't fittin', Wohaw?

That throw of yours.

Ain't nothin' but just pure luck.

Six in a row.

Just ain't my day, Festus.

Well, no call to feel bad, Wohaw.

Why, I saw a man make 200 straight,

and every one of 'em just clean as a hound's tooth.

Not a one of 'em touched the stake when they dropped.

Now, just a durn minute, Festus.

I ain't in no mood to listen to none of your windy tales today.

My head's giving me the ork orks.

Well, I'm sorry to hear that.

It ain't... it ain't your fault, Festus.

I-I just ain't myself today.

It's on account of that lily-livered

cutback to a ruptured hog.

Fitch Tallman.

How'd you know?

Well, it just sounded like him.

I was in the Long Branch last night,

and that suck-egg coyote come in all smilin'

and rubbin' his hands together

as if they'd been dipped into grease up to his elbow.

"Drinks all around!" he says.

With a special eye for me.

"Drinks all around"?!

Well, that sure don't sound like old Fitch.

It sure don't.

So I just ups to him and I says,

"Fitch Tallman, are you celebrating?

One of your cow-critter horses drop another acorn?"

"No, Mr. Simmons," he says,

"I just got me the biggest deal in this town.

"Big Jim Ponder blew into town,

"and he's coming over to my place tomorrow

to buy a whole bunch of my prize Morgans."

Well, maybe you ought to have a talk with that Big Jim

and have him eyeball your animules.

Already did that; he ain't interested.

Morgans is all he wants to buy.

Well, it sure is a dang pity

that he's a-fixin' to make his fortune...

whilst you just set here

twixt a rock and a hard place a-waitin'.

Dang pity.

♪♪

Good morning, Marshal.

Morning. What can I do for you, young lady?

You don't remember me.

Well, no, I can't say that I do.

Carrie. Carrie Ponder, Matt.

Well, for goodness sake. Carrie.

- How are you, Marshal? - Big Jim.

- Been a long time. - By golly, it has.

What brings you to Dodge?

We're on our way back to Cheyenne.

Just stopped by on a little business.

Ah. Well, uh...

Jim, it seems to me the last time you were in Dodge

we had a little trouble with that business, didn't we?

Now, don't you fret none.

I'm a reformed man. No more trouble for Big Jim Ponder.

No, sir. I'm a, uh, retired financier, you might say.

Well, glad to hear it, Jim.

Yeah, I made mine; my gambling days are over.

Except for a friendly game now and then.

How long you gonna be in Dodge?

Daddy's here to buy some horses to take back with us.

And you just know I wouldn't go through Dodge

without stopping by to say hello.

Jim, it was good to see you.

Carrie, I'm sorry I didn't recognize you,

but you've grown some.

Bye, Matt.

♪♪

Uh, bring 'em right on in, Tom.

That's the way.

Now, I'll tell you, boys, this is a big deal for me.

It ain't every day a man like Big Jim Ponder comes this way.

It wouldn't hurt for you

to put in a word once in a while, you know?

Sure, sort of grease the axle, like.

Oh, that's the way.

Now, you pass out them silver dollars, Tom.

Little something for your trouble, boys.

Buy yourselves a cee-gar.

Oh.

Oh, Mr. Ponder.

- Call me Big Jim. - Big Jim.

Oh, Miss Ponder.

I sure am honored you could make it.

I said I'd be here, didn't I?

I hope you don't mind, but some of the boys was by

- to look over the stock. - Oh. It don't make no never mind.

- Howdy, boys. - Well, that's fine, that's just fine.

Now, uh, take a look, sir.

You won't find better horseflesh in the territory.

Now, that looks like a lot of horse.

- Uh, Stomp? - Yes, sir.

Oh, you can take my word for it, Big Jim,

that's one long horse.

He's got a fast walk and an easy lope.

What are you asking for him, Fitch?

Well, are you talking

for the gentleman here, or your own self, Festus?

Well, I just might have a hankerin' myself.

Well, a hundred dollars.

A hundred...!

Why, I wouldn't give you $20 for that old crow bait.

Well, I ain't asking you, Festus.

A man'd be a dang fool to buy an animule like that.

Don't pay no attention to him, Big Jim.

You can take my word for it,

that critter's a steal at a hundred.

Well, if you figure he's such a good horse,

why are you willing to sell him so cheap?

Well, I'm in the horse-trade business,

not no hotel for broncs.

That's how come.

Well, you sure are a-bustin' to get rid of him.

He got a case of worms, or what?

You, uh, better bite down on that tongue of yours, Festus.

What do you think is the matter with the horse?

Well, you know, ma'am, uh, I won't say that he ain't able

to pull a little ol' buggy or something like that,

but these here Morgans, there ain't ten of 'em

that's worth the tail end of a good quarter horse.

Begging your pardon, ma'am.

You wouldn't be here on account of Wohaw Simmons, would you?

Well, dang my hide, it's funny you'd say that.

He... he sells the best quarter horses,

which is the best anyhow horse in these parts.

Ain't a quarter horse alive will match a Morgan.

Well, then you ain't saw Wohaw Simmons' horses, mister.

Uh, Festus, we don't need your opinions.

I just hate to see a greener get swindle-ized, is all.

Who you callin' a greener!

No offense.

Look, boy, I was judging horses afore you was fryin' size.

Well, if they was any like this bunch,

you was judgin' 'em for bear bait.

Ain't nobody talks to Big Jim Ponder like he does.

- Daddy, no. Please, no. - Ain't nobody!

Uh, Big Jim, about this fine horse...

- Aw... ain't no use. - Daddy, please...

That feller's got me all riled up. Maybe later.

Maybe after lunch. Daddy always feels better after lunch.

I-I'm sure we can make a deal, Big Jim.

I'm a fair man. You'll-you'll find out.

Like I said, maybe later.

And quit hopping up and down like a gall-durned frittery.

You make me nervous.

♪♪

♪♪

- Daddy? - What?

You remember you promised to pick me out a horse

for when we get home?

Oh, sure I did. I will as soon as we get back to Tallman's.

I don't want one of those big Morgans.

I'd like to see some of those quarter horses

that man was talking about.

Oh, no.

- Where are you going? - I'll see you later, Daddy.

Carrie, come back here!

I'm a-fixin' to make a big sale for Wohaw,

so don't you say nothin', you hear me?

Oh, Festus, you can't do that. You don't know nothin' about...

Well, this is sure a big surprise, Miss Ponder, ma'am.

Well, you sounded so convincing,

I thought I'd take a look at some of your quarter horses.

Well, they ain't actual mine.

Wohaw Simmons runs this place, and he's went to have dinner.

I'm just kind of his friend.

Well, Big Jim Ponder! I'm sure glad you dropped by.

The horse is right over yonder.

I got eyes, boy.

Them cutback stump-suckers ain't my thought of a horse.

Well, then you ain't no judge like you claim.

Just step over here.

Now, them right yonder, Mr. Big Jim,

is what you call purely horseflesh.

I ain't plannin' on eatin' 'em.

Riding's my interest.

Well, you just step in here then.

Watch the gate, would you? Don't let the horse get out.

I'm fixin' to show you a horse here

that'll just fairly make your eyes bulge

and pop right out of your head.

This here one I'm fixin' to show you,

she's my very favorite.

What's the matter with you, boy?

That hammerhead's a he.

Or what passes for one.

Well, uh, a-a good horse is like a purty woman.

That's the way I see 'em.

Just-just like Miss Carrie there.

I think you're quite right, Festus.

And I thank you for the compliment.

This here's a horse that'd do anybody proud.

If you don't expect to do

more than a quarter of a mile with him.

Well, golly Bill, I sure like your humor.

Now, you may know all there is to know about Morgan horses,

but this here's a whole different kind of a...

Wohaw. H-Have you met up with Mr. Big Jim Ponder

- and Miss Carrie? - Yes, I met them yesterday.

Howdy, Mr. Ponder. Ma'am.

Your partner here has got my daughter interested

in one of these quarters... But I ain't.

They're a lot of horse.

Like I was saying, Miss Carrie, if I was you or your pa,

I'd-I'd take this here one right here,

the pick of the whole litter.

He's a good enough horse, Mr. Ponder,

but, now, here, let me show you something.

Wohaw, wha...

I know how you feel about this old horse and everything,

but tradin's tradin'.

Well, I like him, Daddy, and I want him.

Carrie, if you buy that critter, you'll take the money

out of your own pocket... And don't you come crying to me

if it ain't all the horse he says it is.

Now, wait just a minute, Big Jim.

I want to tell you something.

This little pony can run the socks off

of any animule you want to name.

Do you say! Well, do you say!

Big Jim. Uh, Miss Ponder.

I heard you was here.

Now, I'm mighty glad you come,

so you can see the difference between these...

these puddin' foots and my Morgans.

You miserable scissorbill!

Well, now, you listen here, Wohaw Simmons,

- don't you go calling me... - Wait a minute, wait a minute.

They's ladies present.

I, uh, hear you say that that horse

can, uh, beat any animal I care to name.

That's what I said.

You wouldn't want to make a little bet on it, would you?

Well, I ain't rolling in hard money,

but, uh, I'd bet you two dollars.

I mean, uh, real money.

I'll wager with you, Mr. Tallman.

You're not gonna bet, Carrie.

It's my horse.

You ain't bought him yet.

Mr. Simmons, how much?

Well, uh, I hadn't really

thought about it. Uh, that... How much?

$20 be all right?

Well, you're an honest man, I'll say that for you.

That's about what he's worth.

How much would you care to wager, Mr. Tallman?

Carrie, you ain't gonna bet!

How much, Mr. Tallman?

Oh, uh, how's about, uh, $50?

Make it $100.

You got a bet.

Your horse against any one of mine.

Well, hold... hold on there.

What are you getting my daughter into?

Oh, it's the surest money she'll ever see.

Uh, Mr. Ponder, I...

I never like to take advantage of nobody.

That's a good enough horse, but he ain't no speeder.

Oh.

Oh, fiddle, that don't make no difference.

This ain't no skim milk race.

This here's a real race.

Any distance you say, Festus.

Any distance?

Well, supposing we was to start right here in Dodge City,

and, uh...

and wind up in Mr. Big Jim's hometown

of Cheyenne, Wyoming?

Oh, now, wait. That's more than 300 miles.

It's closer to 350.

A man could kill a horse doing that.

Oh, it might kill some of them goats of yours,

but it ain't gonna kill any real horses like them of mine.

I don't like it. It's-it's too far.

Well, you said any distance.

Now that's my race.

Dodge City to Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Like the sound of it.

Think I'll take some of that bet.

Oh, well, then it suits me.

Dodge to Cheyenne it is.

I'll bet $1,000

that this hammerhead will take your Morgan.

You betting against me, Big Jim? I-I thought...

To make it even better, whoever wins,

I'll take over his entire stock at his price. Fair enough?

Fair enough with me.

Well, uh... it's a deal.

Let's work out the details.

Now, Wohaw, is this all your stock?

What you seen right there.

Festus, you really think my horse can win?

Well, if he 'tain't,

I sure did make a big mistake, didn't we?

Hello, Kitty.

Oh, Matt. How about a beer?

Fine.

Couple of beers, Sam.

- Well, have you heard the news yet? - What's that?

There's gonna be a horse race from here to Cheyenne.

Big Jim Ponder's bet $1,000 with Fitch Tallman

that he can beat Fitch's Morgan

with one of Wohaw Simmons' quarter horses.

Well, now, that's quite a bet, and that's quite a distance.

Festus is gonna ride for Wohaw.

From the way I heard it, Festus started this whole thing.

Oh, I might have known that.

He doesn't know anything about horse racing.

When's this race gonna be?

Three weeks. They got to toughen up the horses first.

Matt, it's the darndest set of rules

you ever heard in your life.

The race starts at 6:00 on a Monday morning

and ends at 6:00 in the evening the next Saturday.

- In Cheyenne? - In Cheyenne.

Well, that's... that's darn near 60 mile a day to ride.

Ain't never yet seen a quarter to do it.

You said Big Jim Ponder's betting on it?

Yeah. But of course now, look,

they won't be riding all out all the time.

From the way I heard it,

each rider takes along a helper with a buckboard,

so they'll be making lots of camp all the way.

Yeah, but even so...

one horse, 350 miles in six days.

I know them Morgans would be hard to beat,

but... Big Jim ain't no fool.

I lost a pile of money to him a while back.

I'd sure like to get even.

Jack...

why don't you go find Fitch Tallman?

Tell him I'd like to see him.

I got a hunch Big Jim might be holding a dead man's hand.

All right, Mr. Deggers.

But, uh, the race has already been set up.

Why should there be another horse?

More excitement, more benefits all around.

And more insurance.

I got a cinch against that old pudding foot.

I can't lose.

It's a long way from here to Cheyenne.

Supposing your Morgan tripped in a gopher hole?

Well...

Think of the insurance another entry'd give you.

What exactly you got in mind?

You mount a Morgan for me.

We'll enter it, Jack'll ride it,

and you'll get the purse no matter which one wins.

- You'll let me keep the purse? - Sure.

Sure. I'll make my money betting against Big Jim Ponder.

Well, that sure sounds fair enough.

You got yourself a deal.

Okay.

So, when I hear that Big Jim Ponder's in town,

I... I figure there's something in the wind.

The only thing windy in this town is you, Deggers.

What's on your mind?

About this race.

Word I hear is that there's some betting on who will win.

How'd you like to lay a little money on with me?

How much?

Ah, we can make it friendly or worthwhile.

Ain't nothing friendly between you and me, Deggers.

Name a figure.

$10,000.

You got a bet.

$10,000 the quarter horse will beat Tallman's Morgan?

Dodge to Cheyenne.

Right.

I'll get it written down all legal, Big Jim.

Rules and everything.

You can read it before you sign.

You're doggone right I'll read it.

I'll get it to this afternoon.

Thank you.

That's a pretty big piece of change, Mr. Ponder.

Well, ain't the money so much, as I hate losing to Deggers.

You seem pleased enough to bet with Fitch Tallman

when Festus set up the race.

Listen, Simmons, that was only $1,000

and to please my daughter.

With Deggers, I got a reputation to keep up.

Now I'm worried.

- Matthew. - Hello, Festus.

You want to see me, did you?

Yeah, yeah. It's, uh... it's about this race.

Oh, it's gonna be a pearl button bangle Billy,

Matthew.

Well, it's one way of looking at it.

Festus, do you know how much money's bet on this race?

Over $50,000, and it doesn't even start till Monday.

Well, I heared it was a heap of money.

Well, not only that, but there's a lot of talk

going around town that isn't exactly healthy.

What kind of talk's that?

Well, that the race isn't square,

and that you're riding to lose for gamblers.

Well, that's a dang lie, Matthew, and you know it is!

I'm a-riding to win.

I know it, Festus.

Best of luck to you.

Much obliged.

Glad you said one decent thing to me.

Accusing me of cheating. Who...

All right.

Texas Best.

Mm-hmm. $2,000 on Texas Best.

To win?

Well, that's the way I play 'em.

To win.

Uh, who holds the money?

Dodge Bank, that's who.

Armed escort takes it over.

All bets clean and on the table.

- All right. - Who's next?

Reckon I'll take that Morgan.

Uh, Rattlesnake Joe, huh?

Well, you got the best horse, mister.

This here's his owner.

Other two ain't got a chance.

Oh. I thought there were only supposed

to be two horses in this race.

Ah, we got another one entered.

A friend of mine.

Yeah, there's Texas Best, Rattlesnake Joe

and that critter that ain't got no name 'cept "Hammerhead."

Well, I think I'd like to see him before I bet on him.

Well, you just get over to my stable, mister.

Of course, that, uh, quarter critter ain't there.

I don't want him giving the epizootic to the other two.

I heared what you said, Fitch Tallman,

you gotch-eared mutton-puncher.

It don't make me no never mind

that you and your pal run another horse in on me.

But this race is private between you and me.

You want a real bet? Winner take all?

If my horse beats yours,

I get your stable and everything's in it.

If yours beats mine, the same thing goes.

Well, that's a real good bet, Wohaw. You heard.

You all heard. It's a bet.

Maybe I'll give you a job sweeping, Wohaw.

All right. Who's next?

You better take an extra keg of water along.

The weather's been kind of dry.

How's the hammerhead?

That's three times today

you've asked me that same thing, Big Jim.

I'm asking again.

Well, then, I'll answer you again.

He's fit as a fiddle and feeling fine

and just hard as a dang rock.

Evening, Miss Carrie.

Everything all right?

What is that?

My things. I'm riding the buckboard tomorrow.

No, you ain't. Squatty Reynolds is driving helper.

You and me's going to Cheyenne to be in at the finish.

Daddy, it's my horse.

Now, I either go along to help,

or I take my horse out of the race.

You can't do that, ma'am.

Yes, I can!

Festus, I'm a good cook, and I can help with lots of things.

Ain't fit for a woman.

You ain't gonna get much sleep, Miss Carrie.

Well, neither will you.

Now, I don't want to hear any more arguments.

I'm riding the buckboard.

Well, that being the case,

I reckon you'd ought to take a squint

at these maps we've drew up.

Now, this here ain't gonna be no running race, like we said.

It's gonna be slow and easy.

We're gonna lope for a while, and then walk a little bit, and

jog a little bit, and then stop, and then walk some more,

and jog some more, and lope a little more

and like that.

Main thing, we've got to follow this trail

just the way it's marked here.

The mainest thing is to make that night camp,

so that old horse'll get plenty of feed and rest.

You get there first, you wait for me.

I get there first, I'll wait for you.

And if I feel like

ol' Hammerhead's got more left in him,

well, then, I'll just go ahead on.

And I'll leave word where I've went.

Now these marks here is where you'll get new horses.

A fresh team every day. You understand?

Yes.

Say, you're gonna need a hat.

Oh, here's one of mine.

That sun out there gets mighty hot.

You go on and get some sleep.

I'll take care of things for morning.

Festus, tell you, I admire your guts.

You win this one, there's 500 extra in it for you.

Dollars?

Yeah, dollars.

Well, much obliged to you, Big Jim.

I'll see you all directly.

Put horns them on them Morgans,

you couldn't tell 'em from bald-faced cattle.

- Uh, we'll see, we'll see. - That's what you say.

Is it about time, Doc?

Yes, just a minute now. I'm watching it.

Riders, get ready!

Get set!

What happened, Festus?

I don't know. Reckon I fell off my horse.

- Festus, are you all right? - Of course I'm all right.

- Well, what are you gonna do? - Well, I'm fixing to get me

another saddle and get goin'.

You get back on the buckboard. It won't take me but a minute.

If this is dirty work, Fitch Tallman did it.

I'm gonna cut out his heart and feed it to him!

It's been cut.

Tough luck, Festus.

It wasn't luck, Matthew.

Ha! Get goin'!

Sam, could, uh, we have a coffeepot over here?

Sure.

You know, Matt, I...

I think this is just the beginning.

I don't like it at all what happened to Festus.

- I just don't like the smell of it. - Why?

Well, I think there's too much money involved, for one thing.

Well, Doc, I'm gonna take the train to Cheyenne,

be there for the finish...

I figure that's about all I can do.

When will you be leaving?

Well, I'm gonna take the Wednesday train.

That should get me there in time.

Before you go, you better have a talk with Wohaw Simmons.

He's-he's about ready to blow out Tallman's lamp.

I've already talked to him, Doc.

Well, if you hear anything around, let me know.

Wait a minute.

What chance do you think the hammerhead's got in this race?

Not much. Why?

I bet five dollars on him.

So did I.

Let's slow down there, boys.

- Whoa now. Let's slow down. - Why are you slowing down?

Well, ma'am, these old horses weren't built for speed

like that. Besides, we've only come ten miles.

We got a fair piece to go before we change teams.

But we got to catch up with Festus for the first camp.

Well, the way he took off,

ma'am, we're gonna be a mite late.

Now, you wouldn't want this old team to go lame on you,

would you?

How far behind the others do you think he is?

Oh, I reckon we lost about 15 minutes.

But in a six-day race, that ain't hurting us too much.

I sure hope that Festus knows what he's a-doin'

whippin' up that old hammerhead right at the start.

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

Well, if it ain't ol' Hammerhead, huh?

How's everything?

Oh, fine, fine. Just fine.

Last I saw of Tallman's Morgans, they were ahead of you.

How far?

Oh, a good ten minutes.

Kind of lathered up, ain't he?

Well, he likes to sweat.

See you again.

Got her done?

- All set. - Okay.

Much obliged. Hyah!

Giddyup!

Come on. Come on.

Squatty, don't let him get away!

- Well, why don't you help him? - Well, it ain't my job

to go chasin' the horses, ma'am. He-He'll catch him. Maybe.

Oh, hold this. I'll get him.

Squatty, don't let him get away!

I ain't!

May be enough here for a swallow or two.

That creek's about dry.

You old scutter you.

For a horse, you ain't a bad animule.

I ain't saying you'd stand up beside no mule,

but you sure have did yourself proud today.

Wished I had some good feed for ya.

Well, Miss Carrie and Squatty will be along directly,

and, when they do, I'm a-fixin' to give you a rubdown

that'll make you feel so good

you'll just want to faunch and bellow like a bull.

There they are now.

- Whoa there, boys. - Where you been?

Oh, Festus, I'm so sorry. We had nothing but trouble.

That's sure a fact, Festus.

Squatty took the wrong trail,

and we had to go all the way back.

Well, don't fret now. You get the feed bag for Hammerhead.

I'll take care of that, Squatty. You get the wood for the fire.

Yes, ma'am.

- Festus. Festus? - Here, hold that, will you?

I don't trust that man.

Squatty?

I think he deliberately tried to get us lost.

I showed him the map, and...

he said he knew a shortcut.

That's how come we're so late.

Oh, don't get picky now.

Squatty's all right.

We-We've made up the time today.

We must've did pretty near 60 miles.

Soon as we have some grub, I'm gonna get a few hours

of shut-eye, and I'm gonna get back at 'em again.

- And you better do the same thing. - Yes.

Get that grub started 'cause my backbone's a-snatchin'

at my belt buckle.

Don't forget the feed bag for Hammerhead.

All right, Festus.

♪♪

- Whoa. - How you making out?

Fair.

Feeney's still up ahead, is he?

Yep. I figure we lost a little ground today.

Maybe you're coming up.

Well, I'm doing the best I can.

Good luck to you.

Yeah.

The best I could do.

That old skinflint wanted $200.

I finally gave him $150.

Well, you did right and well, Miss Carrie.

Well, it's better than nothing.

Start getting these things out of here.

Yes, ma'am.

Sure was lucky we broke down close to a ranch.

I can't understand how the wheel came off.

Oh, loose nut. Probably come off way back yonder.

Hurry up, Squatty. We got to catch up with Festus.

Yes, ma'am. I'm coming.

I'll be right there.

♪♪

- Whoa there. - It's about time.

I got me a thirst that won't quit.

Where'd you get that wagon at?

Buckboard broke down.

Did you hear me? I said the buckboard broke down.

And Squatty did it.

You're just a-bustin' to hang up his hide, ain'tcha?

The wheel came off the buckboard.

And he must have done it,

because I saw the wheel nut fall out of his pocket.

Ask him.

Squatty?

Miss Carrie there says you had a accident with the buckboard.

Oh, there sure was, Festus.

But Miss Carrie wasn't hurt none.

Well, how'd it come about?

Well, lost wheel nut, I guess.

I hate to insult a man without no proof,

but maybe you ought to turn your pockets out.

Oh, no, I ain't a-gonna do that.

Why, you dang dumbbell!

He didn't even have the brains to throw it away.

Festus!

Get up here.

How come you is doing this?

- You working for Fitch Tallman? - Don't hit me, Festus!

You better talk to me, or I'm fixin'

to whittle your ears off... And I mean it!

Well, he offered me a hundred dollars

and a... a better job if I do like he said.

And you've been a-workin' for Wohaw Simmons for four years.

You sure are a boggy dang yahoo!

Now, you haul tail out of here,

or I'm fixin' to turn you every way but loose!

And don't you show up in Dodge, neither, you understand?

Now, get going!

♪♪

Sure am plumb sorry, Miss Carrie.

I... I ought to have listened to you.

It's all right, Festus.

We're gonna win anyway.

'Course we will.

Let's get some supper.

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

What's wrong?

What's wrong?

No! Let go!

What do you say, Festus?

I figured you was up ahead.

I... took the wrong turnoff this morning.

Must have gone about ten miles out of my way.

- You quittin'? - No, not on your old tintype.

I'm a-waiting for my wagon.

You got a long wait... we passed it a couple miles back.

- Broke down? - Don't know.

- Nobody around it, that's for sure. - Festus!

Wait a minute, no cause to get worried.

Well, not for you, there ain't!

Aw, nobody's gonna hurt that gal, that's for sure.

And how do you know that?

What else do you know?

I-I'm just figuring, that's all.

I mean, well, now, take it easy.

Well, if the girl doesn't show up,

maybe somebody's telling you that if you drop out of the race

then... nobody gets hurt.

Are you working for Fitch Tallman, too?

Never heard of him.

Hold it!

All right, that's enough.

All right, take the gun belt off.

Well, this feller jumped us. We was just taking care of him.

Yeah, I know.

- Where is she? - She? Who?

The girl that's gonna get you hung

if anything's happened to her.

Wait a minute, we didn't have nothin' to do with that.

No. We just did as we were told.

They didn't want this fella to win the race, that's all.

Deggers?

We didn't take the girl.

- No, it was two other boys, I swear. - Where is she now?

At a line check.

About a mile off the road.

You can see it from the rise of the hill.

Get over there.

Festus... how are you?

I have felt a heap better, but...

All right, we're gonna ride up to that shack.

Suppose they start shooting.

Then you're gonna get shot at.

How come you here, Matthew?

Well, I heard Deggers was trying to do

everything he could to keep you from winning this race,

so I got on a train and went to Cheyenne

and came back this way looking for you.

You see Rattlesnake Joe?

Yeah, he's only about three miles ahead of you.

We gotta get Miss Carrie.

Well, now, wait a minute. I'll take care of that.

You may need some help.

Festus, there's a lot of money

ridin' on you in this race.

If you're a mind to finish it,

I think that's what you ought to do.

Reckon so, but...

I ain't got no feed for the horse nor nothing.

You just take what you need right off of here.

I'll catch up with you as soon as I can.

You've only got 20 miles to Cheyenne.

Yeah.

All right.

Get up there.

Rattlesnake Joe's gone by.

He's got five minutes on you.

Much obliged! How far to go?

About five miles.

Come on, men, let's go to town.

♪♪

- See you in town! - I'll be there!

They're on your tail, partner.

The old quarter's coming up fast.

Thanks!

They're coming, about a mile out!

- Who's ahead? - The Morgan.

The quarter's right behind him.

I knowed he'd do it! I knowed it.

He's still got a chance!

Move over, boy!

I'm gonna show you how the cow eat the cabbage!

Festus! Ha!

We got it! Ha!

That's the greatest horse ever!

That's the greatest...!

Carrie! Carrie...

- Who won? Who won? - We won!

We did, we did!

Old Hammerhead did!

Darn right he did!

You all right?

Oh, yes! Yes!

There ain't no need to cry. We won.

I know, I'm so happy.

Here, you got a big smudge on your nose and everything.

I'll get it.

You will come back and see us sometime, won't you, Festus?

I just can't tell, Miss Carrie.

I... I might do that.

Anytime, boy.

Anytime.

I'm sorry to see you go, Festus.

Well, I'd purely admire to stay for a spell,

but, uh, plain truth is I just ain't man enough

to put up with no more of your pa's celebrating.

A little hurrah never hurt anybody.

Besides, a man don't win a race like that

every day.

No, sir, I reckon he don't.

We kind of dogged it around last night, didn't we, boy?

Oh, we sure did.

Cheyenne knows we was here, all right.

Thank you again for everything, Festus.

You're welcome, Miss Carrie.

And you take good care of ol' Hammerhead.

She ain't no mule,

but she sure is a lot of horse, ain't he?

She sure is, Festus.

Say, uh, Festus, uh...

I think the stage is waiting.

So long.

Hey, Festus, you sure you want to come back with us?

Looks like you might be better off staying right here.

I'll study about it all the way back, Matthew.

Hyah!