A Tale of Two Guns (2022) Movie Script
[wind whipping]
[somber haunting guitar music]
You awake?
[sighs] Well, I guess
we better keep moving.
Hey, listen to this.
She appeared at his door,
wearing a Chinese robe
and not a stitch more.
"Mr. Butler," says she, "I'm
in need of your assistance."
- Who-hoo.
- Hey.
[Terrence] Everyone,
throw your hands up.
[sighs] McTeague.
Yep.
This is United States
Marshall Terrence McTeague.
And all of you are under arrest.
They're ain't a
rock to hide under,
so throw down your firearms
and surrender peacefully.
You ain't taking us in alive,
marshal, we both know that.
[sighs] That you McCloskey?
I thought I smelled ya.
Look, I don't really wanna
make a mess here this morning
because I haven't even
had my goddamn coffee yet,
and that makes me cranky.
We heard what you did to
our friends back in Tucson.
Uh-huh. They didn't
come in peacefully.
There's only three of them.
We got more iron than they do.
They got a scatter gun.
Ain't no one out
running a scatter gun.
They got the upper
hand on us, gentlemen.
There ain't no way I'm
goin' out like this, no way.
Dan, you hear me?
[Dan] Uh-huh.
That's Able Cruz
over on the far right.
You get my meaning?
[Dan] Yes, sir.
[tense scary music]
[mug thuds]
[gunshots blasting]
[Able breathing heavily]
[gunshots pinging]
[gunshots blasting]
[McCloskey breathing heavily]
Damn marshals.
Move in our land.
Able, go get the horses.
[gunshots blasting]
[McCloskey groaning]
Go on, get yourself outta here.
[gunshots blasting]
[McCloskey groaning
and grunting]
Don't.
[McCloskey groaning
and grunting]
[gunshot blasts]
[slow haunting music]
[shell casing clinks]
[slow haunting music]
[somber classic Western music]
[horse hooves thudding]
That's it.
That's it.
[somber classic Western music]
[Terrence sighs]
[rifle clicks]
[Terrence sighs]
He better run.
[Dan grunts]
Oh.
[tense suspenseful music]
Did we get 'em, marshal?
We got 'em.
We got 'em, Dan.
[somber classic Western music]
[daunting classic Western music]
[slow somber guitar music]
[Terrence groans]
[Terrence sighs]
You can't put a coat on with
one arm, you stubborn cuss.
I tried not to make any noise.
It took me an hour and
a half to get dressed.
- [Ella laughs]
- I, I didn't wanna
wake you, darling.
[laughs] You're about
as quiet in the morning
as a donkey smackin' away
at his jaws with molasses.
Okay.
There. All dapper and proper.
Just like I found ya
all those years ago.
What is it, Terrence?
I'm shot up, Ella.
And I just, I just,
I can't get moving.
I'm just moving slow right now.
Well, your best
was always better than
most men's, far ahead.
You feel that you have to
do this all on your own?
No, no, but I do feel the
weight of the responsibility,
you know, Ella?
And everyone who
wears this tin badge
bears the same responsibility,
deputy or marshal, all the same.
The bullets coming at you
don't discriminate, Terrence.
Ah, Ella, you always knew
the right thing to say.
[Terrence chuckles]
Here. Let me, let me do it.
Oh yeah, look, well he
oughta be here any minute now,
I better get ready.
You feel this man
is right for the task?
Ah, who knows? But,
he has a reputation.
And, that's it.
So do you. And a
respectable one at that.
But the question isn't
about his reputation.
It is whether you will
be able to trust this man
to be your right hand.
It's going to be okay.
[Terrence sighs]
Everything's gonna
be okay, Terrence.
[knocking at door]
You look fine.
Now go on.
Do what God made you good at.
Go on.
[Terrence] Artemis Hollinger?
Yes, sir.
Terrence McTeague.
Why don't we take a seat
on the porch out here?
[Terrence sighs]
They say uh, you don't
like horses. [laughs]
To be honest with ya,
I don't care much for
the creatures myself.
But, are you fast
with a gun at least?
I've never needed
to be fast, marshal.
Explain.
Well, in my
experience being fast
makes someone less accurate.
And in my occupation,
less accurate
is a death sentence, sir.
Hmm.
Let me ask you,
aside from the money,
why do you like this job?
Well, it sets a precedent.
[Terrence] Uh-huh.
And why do you care?
I care about the
law and the betterment
of this country, sir.
Uh-huh, what?
So did many of the young men
that walked alongside
of me before.
But, what makes you different?
Might I ask you a
question, marshal?
You seem to play against having
someone take on this job.
Might I ask, why?
You think I'm
trying to delay this?
You think I don't wanna
get this job done?
I think it might signal
an end to an era, sir.
Well, yeah.
Let me tell ya, I have seen
this particular bunch of men,
rob, rape, and murder
a lotta good people,
in the new town particularly,
but they have cut deep
wounds into this nation,
that's still trying to heal.
The war between the
states, you understand?
[sighs] I have seen lawmen
die trying to protect those
that can't do unto themselves.
And I have stretched
the necks of many
who didn't believe in justice.
Either way, you are right.
It is the end of an era.
But it will signify
the eradication
of one of the most
dangerous criminal elements
in this country.
So I asked you again,
"Why are you different?"
Well, if I'm to
be honest, marshal,
thrill of the hunt
is what I seek.
You see, the money
allows me to live,
and the hunt allows
me to move forward.
Somethin' I would not expect
you to understand, sir.
And what happens on the day
when there's no
more men to hunt?
Well then I guess
I shall settle myself
into somewhat of a normal
life, for the tasks
that I've been built for
will have come to an end.
Let me let you in
on a little secret.
Men like you and me, that
normal will never happen.
You know, I was just
telling my wife inside
that you come with uh,
quite a reputation.
And I, aside from, you
know, not liking horses,
it's about that little incident
that happened up north.
And I was thinking perhaps
the men who experienced that
could tell me about
his greatest exploit.
You're referring to
Tanner Richmond, I assume.
I am referring
to Tanner Richmond.
He murdered three deputies,
five civilians, and
robbed two banks.
If it wasn't speed that
killed him, pray tell,
Mr. Hollinger, what did do it?
Well you see up north
is timber country,
there are lots of trees.
And if you listen very carefully,
they can tell you things.
Not of the magical
nature, sir, what I mean
is that you can hear the
wind and its changes,
and you can hear the snapping
of twigs and branches.
You see, humans are not
the quietest of creatures.
Well now, I'll vouch
for that. [chuckles]
So, it was his
escape into those woods
which was his undoing, sir.
[insects buzzing and chirping]
[gun cocks]
[insects buzzing]
[birds cawing]
[brush rustling]
[insects buzzing]
[birds cawing]
[gunshots blasting]
[Tanner] I ain't goin' in
alive, Hollinger, you hear me?
[gunshots blasting]
Tanner, you either run
out of bullets or blood.
It's all the same to me.
[gunshot blasts]
Must we keep playing
at this game?
Or will you surrender?
After all, it is gettin'
a bit cold out here.
[Tanner] Don't
make no difference.
Like you said, same outcome.
If I surrender my
neck stretches.
At least this way, I go
out on my own damn terms.
I can respect that.
To the death then.
[Tanner] To the death.
[gunshots blasting]
His soul found another
place to rest after that.
Hm, in the bowels
of hell, I imagine.
That is a good
assumption, indeed.
So, it's fortitude.
Pardon?
Fortitude. You know?
I don't know, you might
call it uh, doggedness.
Like, you're stubborn and
hardheaded like an old bloodhound.
I do not understand
the reference, sir.
Well, a bloodhound
goes on a hunt
and it maintains the scent.
Yeah?
Well not until my
quarry has run aground
or taken a bite of
the bullet, marshal.
Exactly.
And that's why you
are the perfect man
for this job, Mr. Hollinger.
[Artemis] Well, if you
think it's best, sir.
I do, I just, I
wanted you to know
what the job
entails, that's all.
Well, it's uh,
nothing new, right?
It's a basic principle. You
find the man, you track the man.
Offer him the noose and if he
does not accept, kill the man.
It's very primal, isn't it?
That's the way it should be.
You don't want emotion
gettin' involved in it.
Hm. Could not have said
that better myself, sir.
What is your uh, weapon
of choice, Mr. Hollinger?
May I?
Huh. Changed the
world, this did.
Probably the reason we were
able to press through the west.
You're not a pistol man?
Not unless times call for me
to be in such close quarters
with a man that it might
make me feel uncomfortable.
Ah, yeah.
Yeah I uh, I, I don't know.
I'm, I'm, I'm not really
able to do my job right now
and that feels very frustrating.
But that's why I'm happy that
a man like you came along,
because your quarry
is extremely fast.
Fast as lightning, and
very, very accurate.
He could stay on
his feet for days.
Keep that handy.
Why don't we go
down to the saloon?
There'll be a few
questions pointed to one of
Abel's old amigos there.
Yes sir.
Vamanos.
[ragtime piano music]
And there was five, five men,
all with the looks
and the reputation
that would curl
the toes of a cat.
Make the hair of a
dog stand on its back.
They had come to collect
ole boy Thaddeus Drake.
Were they lawmen?
No, my dear, they
were gunfighters
who wanted the
glory of killing me.
It was five on one,
that ain't fair, right?
No.
So I says they can each
have a turn one at a time.
By the time five
o'clock rolls around
and that bell sounded
its fifth ring,
all five of them had gone
meet the devil hisself.
[women giggle]
You wanna know what
the best part is?
Tell us, Thaddeus.
I only have five rounds
cause I already shot the dog
with my sixth.
[women laugh]
[Terrence laughs]
Oh, I heard
different. [laughs]
You heard wrong, marshal.
No, I heard there
was only one man.
And I heard that it took you
five shots to bring him down.
Marshal, I ain't never had
much of a problem with you.
Even when you done
killed my friends,
you was just doin' your job.
But you're treadin' on
some dangerous ground
if you're trying to
soil my reputation.
Everyone has one of those.
I'm sorry, sir.
Who the hell are you?
And I heard that that
gunfight was in Texas.
Mm, Amarillo, I believe.
Ain't that right, Thaddeus?
Wasn't that it?
Look here. I need
information from you.
I need to know the
whereabouts of Able Cruz.
And I would bet my last
dollar that you have seen him,
or at least supplied him,
within the last week.
I take your silence as
an act of admission.
Now, I know you rode for decades
with the Cowboys and all that,
but uh, until you decided
to gamble your life away
on those tarot cards.
But everybody here
in Cochise County
knows that you are
still in close contact
with the old brethren.
Marshal asked you a question,
Thaddeus.
I do not like your face, sir.
Therefore, I will feel no
such way about killing you
on the merit that you are
an annoyance in my presence.
And I do not see a
badge on your person.
Hm, I wish to do you harm.
Is it a duel you want?
A duel?
I think it best.
Then marshal, with
your permission,
I shall see this
man outside then.
You have it.
Any of you fellows in
the company of his man?
Now, should I have any
concerns as to threats against
my person or my colleague's?
Thank you.
Thaddeus, after you.
[Thaddeus sighs]
[slow tense music]
That's your colleague,
not a marshal.
And you ain't gonna arrest me
when I put his dick in the dirt.
I give you my word on it.
See ladies, men,
they're always trying to find their fame.
This'll be quick.
And then the three of us'll
find some sheets to ruffle.
[tense suspenseful music]
You ain't really planning
on using that, are you?
[chuckles] I'd feel
horrible killing a man
with a weapon as slow as such.
You just mind your iron.
Suit yourself, stranger.
Say when.
[birds chirping]
[wind whipping]
[gunshot blasts]
[Thaddeus grunts]
[gun cocks]
[Thaddeus breathes heavily]
[gunshot blasts]
[Thaddeus grunts]
[gun cocks]
[Thaddeus grunts]
[gunshot blasts]
Excuse me.
Thaddeus, where is Able Cruz?
Where?
[somber Western music]
[bullets clicking]
He's going to
Contention to buy land.
Well, figure that one out.
Look, just burn him out.
Get rid of his dying
breed of bastards.
Promise me that.
Be relentless,
or the crows and the
wolves in this world
will take your
place, understand?
All right.
Good luck and Godspeed.
Go on, go make history.
[slow somber Western music]
[slow tense music]
Couldn't wait much
longer, I'm afraid.
Afraid?
They've sent someone.
A professional.
Left Tucson over a week ago.
If I waited any longer,
there wouldn't be any chance
that I might collect the reward.
I'm afraid you have me
mistaken for someone else.
No.
No, you wear that
red sash real proud.
There ain't no mistakin'
who you are, mister.
How long you
been following me?
For awhile.
Why didn't you just shoot
me while I was sleeping?
I've been afraid.
That makes good sense.
The times are hard.
Times are hard.
But they ain't worth dying for.
I guess I'd rather risk
that than not risk it at all.
I got mouths to feed.
Those mouths won't be
able to feed themselves
if you're dead, friend.
And there're plenty
of men like you,
all met their fate too soon.
And that was their job.
You doin' this
for a bit of coin?
[coins clatter]
Feed your family.
You're worth a lot
more than that, mister.
Greed don't wear well on you.
[wind whipping]
Hey.
Boy.
[dramatic swishing]
[men laughing]
Now you can bet your
ass they're gonna be
keeping an eye on
that road to Bisbee.
We should go Old Mexico.
[laughs] Old Mexico
ain't that old.
It's old.
In what context would
you consider it old?
It's in the title, Old Mexico.
[sighs] Now that passage
north'll be your better bet.
But then again,
you go that route,
you're gonna have those
boys from back east
- on your ass.
- Pinkertons.
[Bill] Yeah, those sons
of bitches are everywhere.
So, where're you
guys headed to?
Well, wherever it's
hard to find the law,
that's where you'll find us.
Old Mexico.
Come on now, Junior.
Mexico ain't the answer
to all your problems,
besides we can't even get
to that goddamn place.
What about you? What
are you thinking?
Best investment I can think of
is staying right
here in Arizona.
Investment?
Man owns land, he has options.
Well land ain't cheap.
I know where
there's cheap land.
[sighs] I swear to God,
Junior, you mention old Mexico
one more time and I'm
gonna shoot you myself.
McCloskey's got a
place near Tucson.
It's on the way to
where I'm headed.
Now that, that's one one
dangerous path to take.
That's McTeague's territory.
You go there, he's gonna be
on your ass night and day.
So which direction
are you guys goin'?
- South.
- North.
We're goin' north. Gonna
give Colorado a try.
That's a safe bet.
Yeah. Got good farming
land, good hunting land.
And you got all those
people from back east,
goin' west, chasing
their American dream,
carrying all that money.
[both laugh]
And we can take
all that money.
[both laugh heartedly]
You stay safe, Bill.
Ah, you too. Thank you.
Now listen here, you find
yourself a nice little
patch of land that
you can call home,
you make sure you find us.
All right, will do.
Alrighty.
[Junior laughs]
What?
Don't shoot him, Junior.
[laughs] I can't
make that promise,
but you stay safe,
okay? [laughing]
All right.
[dramatic swishing]
[wind whipping]
[gun cocks]
[wind whipping]
[gunshots blast]
[horse whinnying]
[gunshot blasts]
I'm sorry!
[gunshots blasting]
Stupid, stupid man.
[gentle Western guitar music]
Children.
[gentle Western guitar music]
Come on, now. [whistles softly]
[gentle Western guitar music]
[daunting suspenseful music]
[wind whipping strongly]
[daunting suspenseful music]
[horse whinnying]
[animals chittering]
You a thief?
I reckon you might be a thief.
I'm not.
A rustler?
No.
Bounty hunter then?
Oh, a law man.
Who you after?
I can assure you
that your likeness
does not match the
man whom I seek.
If you are indeed a wanted man,
it is not me who has
come to seek you out.
Well I ain't no wanted man.
This here's my property.
What is?
All of it.
Runs from the crook in the river
all the way to Hell's Canyon.
Roughly about 1,200 acre.
That's a lotta
land, especially for...
Indeed, it is.
And I can't say I
didn't earn every inch.
Now, if the moment
would allow it,
why don't you talk
to me for bit.
[horse shudders]
I had a traveler come through
these parts the other day.
Asked me if I lost a horse.
I told him no.
Asked him why he was asking.
Said the horse was grazing
and went full attack on him,
out yonder near the river.
So, I wandered out,
and I took a looksie.
And there it was.
[clicks tongue]
[whistles]
I don't mean to be rude, sir,
but why are you telling me this?
Several days back,
friend of my wife's
came and asked if
we'd seen her husband.
Said he's been missing
for a few days.
Family fell on hard times.
They're a struggling bunch.
They looked out for
us when we came out,
even after the war and all.
I found that man this
morning, shot full of holes.
Man you looking for a murderer?
He's done his
fair share of it.
Cold-blooded killer?
Or the type that gets wrongly
accused in a gunfight?
Cowboy.
Ah, he wears red.
Yes he does.
Why do you suspect he's
in this part of the county?
It's not this
part of the county,
on your property, I believe.
Oh, and you have
that on good authority?
Back at Rennley Station,
marshal and I asked
a few questions
to a particular
associate of said man.
Said he asked where the quickest
way through the Diablo was.
Trail runs right through this
way through your property.
Hm.
Many people
travel through here?
Nope.
If it is of any concern, well,
the odds of him coming up
against another traveler,
it's just a little
slim out here.
Me and the men that
are in my employ,
they do a good job
of keeping watch.
There's camps posted out
all over the property.
You have men on your employ?
Damn straight.
I worked hard for this.
I ain't gonna let anyone
take my freedom away again.
Which way might he head?
[chuckles] Well, aren't
you a good tracker?
Must be if you're out here.
Judging by where
I found the body,
I'd say he's
following the river.
Now the river will lead him
into the town of Contention.
Now, if he makes it there,
he will surely run into
trappers, traders, miners,
people such as that.
A lotta nefarious folk there.
Logical?
That's correct.
Well, you head west several
miles, you'll run right into it.
Any other ranches
along the river?
Nah, not one close by.
But if he travels by river,
or steals another horse,
well then, several days
of travel downstream
will put him at Fort Minick.
It's a trading post,
soldiers' barracks.
Now there is a small
soldiering post in Contention.
Oh, I think he'd stay
away from the fort.
Contention is as good as guess
as where he might be headed.
Another one thing, deputy.
We've been having a lot of
Apache problems out here.
Same with rustlers and bandits.
I've had two ranch hands killed,
and several herd
of cattle stolen.
So you be careful on
that journey now, sir.
Even in that town.
Thank you.
You see that man
gets what he deserves.
That family was left with
nothing, because of him.
[melancholic Western music]
Whoa, whoa.
[birds cawing]
Let's get you a little
shade, a little rest.
All right?
Come on.
[birds chirping]
[tense suspenseful music]
[birds chirping]
[bag clatters]
[horse whinnying]
[deep suspenseful music]
[Able groans]
[deep suspenseful music]
[backpack thuds]
Brave man.
[Indian grunts]
[men grunting and groaning]
[Indian coughs]
[slow somber Western music]
[Indian coughs]
[Able groaning painfully]
[wind whipping]
[gentle somber
wooden flute music]
[slow haunting music]
[knife scraping]
[horse hooves clicking]
Looks like the Apache
didn't take a liking to ya.
Is there a doctor
in this town?
Around the corner. You
can leave your things here.
Be safe until you return.
Or you can take your
horse up to the livery,
cost you a couple extra coins.
[instrument tapping]
Gonna need you to
take off your shirt
and the like, mister.
Is your money good?
We're all running
from something.
I suppose everyone needs second
chances and new beginnings.
Let's get you fixed up.
[Able groans painfully]
You're gonna wanna
bite down on this.
[slow somber music]
You're a lucky son
of a bitch, you know?
Here you go.
[Able yells in pain]
So, you here looking for
mining work or for land.
[chuckles] Well,
which one is it?
Land.
Tough place, especially
for the ranchers.
I welcome less people.
Should've welcomed
less arrows.
You don't say?
Well, the Injun problem seems
to be gettin' under control,
these parts, at least.
Or at least that's what the
Army wants us to be believing.
What makes it dangerous then?
We do.
Drink.
Bite.
Bite.
[Able groans painfully]
All right. Take your good
hand, apply pressure.
I'm gonna suggest that
you change these daily
so they don't infect.
I'm gonna give you some salts.
That'll help heal 'em quicker.
Keep 'em wrapped
clean, you hear?
Thank you, doc.
Don't mention it.
You're a very kind woman.
Men like me, we
ain't used to that.
I hope I can see
you around here.
Well, you know where I am now.
Yes, I do.
[slow somber music]
[wind whipping]
[slow somber music]
[knocking at door]
Come in.
Artemis Hollinger, sir.
Captain Matthias Granger.
How can I help you?
I was wondering if a
stranger came through here.
You know, we know see
many law men in these parts.
- Really?
- Yeah.
It's like they
expect us Army folk
to do their jobs for them.
So you being out here, you
have earned my respect.
So, has a stranger
come through here?
Strangers always
come through here.
That's who I sell land to.
Apache land, correct?
The land I sell is owned
by the U.S. government,
purchased by President
Thomas Jefferson.
Well captain, it was indeed
theirs before it was ours.
Was it not?
If someone arrived and
set up camp on my home,
raped my women and
pillaged my cupboards,
I too would surely
scalp those individuals.
Well, you're clearly
not from these parts.
Well then I guess
we agree to disagree.
Mm, yeah.
Since we agree to disagree,
I would hope that you would
honor your code as I do mine,
and you would help me by
giving me any information
that you might have that would
help me find the individual
who I'm on the hunt for.
Man came in yesterday,
purchased a parcel.
Okay now, what features do
you want on your parcel?
Anything with water
nearby would be preferable.
Okay, then this is perfect.
Right here.
600 acres, southeast
corner, borders a river
that my scouts tell me
is stocked with fish.
There's also timber,
pine and the like,
and it's only half a
day's ride from town.
This is an exceptional
piece of land,
if I may say so myself.
Why has no one bought it yet?
Well, many people don't
survive the trip out west.
I think the Apache might
have something to do with that.
How many ranchers are
currently in this area?
Well, I don't wanna lie to ya.
You'd be the first.
But, a man with proper
trust in the U.S. Army,
a man who knows his way
around a long rifle,
a man who hires
ranch hands that also
know their way
around a long rifle,
a man who can defend
his own property,
this man becomes a
prominent rancher.
How much?
Well, it's $5 an acre,
600 acres. That's $3,000.
Might you be
interested in a horse?
I might be.
Well there's a
livery next door.
They'll get you outfitted.
Let's get you started on
that paperwork, shall we?
Okay, let's see.
Your John Hancock.
[pen scraping]
Congratulations.
Proud owner, lot 17.
Thank you, captain.
You're very welcome.
[Matthias laughs]
Was he wearing a red sash?
Is that important?
Yes, it is.
I'm sorry, but I don't know.
He was wounded, so he
went to see the doctor
before he came here.
Her name's Henninger, you
might wanna talk with her.
Doctor?
Yeah, he had a
run-in with Apache.
[Artemis chuckles softly]
You think that's funny?
No, captain.
I've just been hunting this
man for a few weeks now,
and every time I think
I might understand him,
he, he does something
to surprise me.
Yeah, sounds like
a dangerous fella.
Yes, it does.
Would you happen to have a
copy of his purchase agreement
on hand?
Is that the man
you're looking for?
Indeed.
Captain, if you'd be so kind,
I'm gonna need directions
on how get to that man's
recently purchased parcel.
Okay, well, if you
go over to the saloon
and have yourself a steak,
by the time you finish,
I'll have everything you need.
Appreciate that, sir.
Thank you very much.
You're welcome.
[ragtime piano music]
Remind me after I take
all these fools' money
to have a go with
you later, honey.
That a promise, Ben?
You can bet your
ass on it, sweetheart.
I just need one.
[ragtime piano
music in background]
Man who don't talk
much can make a table
full of card players
mighty nervous.
Gonna sit there and
gawk all day, mister,
or actually play the game?
[laughs] You got
some balls, friend.
You fancy yourself
a good card player?
I just like the game, is all.
Skilled or not, it relaxes me.
No one just likes the game.
Everyone is in this
to make money, mister.
Oh, you saying you
don't like making money?
[glass thuds]
I like money just fine.
The thrill of the game,
the excitement of decision,
that's why I play.
Wouldn't you agree, gentlemen?
Excitement?
Excitement is something
you get when another man
draws down on you, and you're
steering cold hard steel
directly in the face.
[laughs] Game of cards,
just a game of cards.
[door creaks]
Whiskey, please.
Your bet, Ben.
$2. Feeling lucky.
Too rich for my blood. That's
a lotta paper I'm holdin'.
I'll call.
Goddamn right you will.
Still got one more
barrel to shoot there.
We still talking about cards?
Better watch
your tone, friend.
I was just saying, you get
one more draw on these cards
to beat this here
hand that I got,
because make no mistake,
it is a winning hand.
That's what I was saying.
The excitement of the decision,
with everything on the line.
That's why I love
to play this game.
Well then Chauncey, I
guess there's no reason
to deal another card.
The man is fine with his hand.
True, but there should be
another round of betting.
It is tradition to the game.
Correct.
$5. You can't afford it,
you could always fold.
You know, Ben, I
believe he purchased
one of the largest
parcels in the area.
Well, I can
afford it just fine.
Besides, I've never
folded on a winning hand.
A winning hand, he says.
What makes you so sure you
have a winning combination
of cards there?
You did not ask for
another card either,
which would have a normal man
think that you're playing one
of several hands.
A flush, a straight, full
house, or four of a kind.
Now with four of a kind,
you'd still draw another card
to throw your opponents off
to what you already had.
At least, a normal
player might do that.
Nah, you don't seem like the
kind that would wanna win
with a sprawling
hand of mixed numbers
with only a matching symbol.
No.
You like a rock-solid hand.
Either be a straight
or a full house.
And I bet you're probably
sitting on a full house.
Your arrogance does a good
job of proclaiming that.
Shall we up the bet?
[ragtime piano
music in background]
That's the rest of my money,
and I still need supplies
to start getting my
new property in line.
Hell I haven't even
visited it yet. [chuckles]
I'm willing to wager
the rest of my sum
because you don't
seem like a man
who would back down from a bet.
[laughs] Sure are
talking a lot now.
In my experience,
someone in a hand
starts running their mouth,
means they're trying to talk
their way outta somethin'.
I call.
[relaxed piano
music in background]
Did you cheat me, boy?
Gentlemen, you do
not wanna do this.
I asked you a question!
I played a fair game. There
was no cheating involved.
[gunshot blasts]
It was a fair
game, I was watching.
The man did nothing of
a dishonest variety.
Who the hell are you?
No one of concern.
Just someone who does not
like being interrupted
while he's trying to drink
his whiskey in peace.
[tense music]
[gun cocks]
Next one finds you.
Now, I believe you
owe the man some money.
[tense music]
Thank you, sir. I agree.
Best you move along now, sir.
Someone like me
will not be around
next time these men decide to
try and get the better of you.
[deep tense music]
[Artemis sighs]
[slow tense music]
Gentlemen.
That'll be $37.
Be careful out there.
[gun cocks]
I said thank you, didn't I?
Something else I can do for ya?
You can come
with me peacefully.
[bag clunks]
Say it again.
I'm a peace officer from
Tucson and you are a criminal.
I ask that you come
with me peacefully
as to avoid any bloodshed.
More importantly, so I
don't have to drag your body
through miles and
miles of hard terrain.
The stink on you alone is
gonna attract every wolf,
mountain cat, and fly
for over a hundred miles.
You came all the way
out here just for me?
That is correct.
Why didn't you just
shoot me in the saloon?
I wanted to give you
a chance to surrender.
That was a mistake.
What was a mistake was
killing a man a ways back.
That was self-defense.
That's what all your kind say.
He wanted a bounty.
Rightfully so.
Most men would be
on the look for ya.
So,
what is it to be?
I will not be taken in alive.
Why you still wear that?
It is a brotherhood.
Time of the Cowboys
has come to an end.
[tense music]
[gunshots blasting]
I do not wish to kill you.
I wish there was a more
peaceful way to this solution.
Either way, it ends
with me being dead.
Do not make me kill you.
Deputy.
Call me Artemis.
Where do we go from here?
We both ride back to Tucson.
Hell of a journey.
Lotta land to cover.
If you run, I'll shoot you.
Fair enough.
So what was your plan anyhow?
I saved up everything I had.
No, you stole
everything you had.
Some of it.
To what end?
Land.
Around here would've
been a new start for me.
Away from the law, and life
that had been so violent.
Even a murder is a choice.
Ain't never killed anyone
who didn't deserve it.
You killed a deputy a bit
back, he didn't deserve it.
McTeague and his
deputies ambushed us,
they were shooting and
killed my brothers.
Like I told ya,
it's a brotherhood.
What do you think this
is? Just a piece of tin?
It's a moral code, and those
who wear it and abide by,
those are brothers.
Half the men that ever
donned that tin star
have found themselves
thievin' and cattle rustling,
or committing murder.
Hickok was wanted for the
murder of a man down in Abilene.
The Kid, deputized,
and then sought after
by his own government.
No,
in this land,
you're one quick draw away
from either being a lawman,
or an outlaw.
What happens, deputy, if
you ever make a mistake
and you find yourself
wanted for murder?
I do not make mistakes.
Pride is the greatest
mistake we ever make.
So, land, you
came and bought it.
I was gonna try
my hand at ranching.
Proper.
Dangerous in these parts.
So I've been told.
What do you know of it,
other than stealing
cattle and horses?
Only from crooked
ranchers and cattle barons.
[Artemis] Get up.
Doesn't chasing down
men like me get tiresome?
It does.
Well, why not
try something else?
No other occupation
would have me.
Well, a man can change.
Don't you ever get tired
and wanna put down the gun?
Some day.
[gun cocks]
Some day there may no longer
be a need for men like me.
Some day.
Some day.
[tense adventurous
orchestral music]
[gunshots blast]
[tense adventurous music]
[gunshots blast]
[deep slow somber music]
[tense foreboding music]
[rifle clicks]
[tense foreboding music]
[music intensifies]
[gunshots blasting]
[deep tentative strings music]
You saved my life.
You'd have done
the same for me.
I don't think I would have.
You didn't shoot
me in the saloon.
You had honor. You waited
till I was alone to arrest me.
You seem like a good man.
[wind whipping]
Some men's pride gets
the better of 'em.
[wind whipping]
Your sash, give it to me.
I will not ask again.
[classic somber Western music]
You died here today. Get it?
Your belief in this
brotherhood, your criminal ways,
everything you once stood
for dies here, right now.
Now go.
Go, before I change my mind.
[slow classic Western music]
How much was I worth?
Hundred dollars.
[slow classic Western music]
Thank you, Artemis.
[wind whipping]
[slow classic Western music]
[Artemis inhales deeply]
[slow classic Western music]
[Artemis spits]
[knocking at door]
Ah, Artemis Hollinger.
Praise the Lord.
Uh, please, come in.
Uh, I uh, only wanna
make this brief, marshal,
I have a stage to
catch in 10 minutes.
Oh, uh, you have another job?
Back up in Oregon country.
Oh.
Good.
The organization known as
the Cowboys has come to an end.
You will no longer
find another red sash
on anyone ever again.
Well, what about Abel Cruz?
His reputation is dead, sir.
Oh, thank God.
And thank God you're,
you're safe and sound
and back in one piece.
Come on, let's walk
down to my office
and we'll fetch that hundred
dollar bounty I owe you.
I do not want
your currency, sir.
It turns out the hunt
was all that I needed.
Our time has ended, marshal.
And now we must figure
out what men like us
are gonna do in this life.
Good-bye, marshal.
[melancholic classic Western music]
[mallet tapping]
[adventurous classic Western music]
[curious Western music]
[somber haunting guitar music]
You awake?
[sighs] Well, I guess
we better keep moving.
Hey, listen to this.
She appeared at his door,
wearing a Chinese robe
and not a stitch more.
"Mr. Butler," says she, "I'm
in need of your assistance."
- Who-hoo.
- Hey.
[Terrence] Everyone,
throw your hands up.
[sighs] McTeague.
Yep.
This is United States
Marshall Terrence McTeague.
And all of you are under arrest.
They're ain't a
rock to hide under,
so throw down your firearms
and surrender peacefully.
You ain't taking us in alive,
marshal, we both know that.
[sighs] That you McCloskey?
I thought I smelled ya.
Look, I don't really wanna
make a mess here this morning
because I haven't even
had my goddamn coffee yet,
and that makes me cranky.
We heard what you did to
our friends back in Tucson.
Uh-huh. They didn't
come in peacefully.
There's only three of them.
We got more iron than they do.
They got a scatter gun.
Ain't no one out
running a scatter gun.
They got the upper
hand on us, gentlemen.
There ain't no way I'm
goin' out like this, no way.
Dan, you hear me?
[Dan] Uh-huh.
That's Able Cruz
over on the far right.
You get my meaning?
[Dan] Yes, sir.
[tense scary music]
[mug thuds]
[gunshots blasting]
[Able breathing heavily]
[gunshots pinging]
[gunshots blasting]
[McCloskey breathing heavily]
Damn marshals.
Move in our land.
Able, go get the horses.
[gunshots blasting]
[McCloskey groaning]
Go on, get yourself outta here.
[gunshots blasting]
[McCloskey groaning
and grunting]
Don't.
[McCloskey groaning
and grunting]
[gunshot blasts]
[slow haunting music]
[shell casing clinks]
[slow haunting music]
[somber classic Western music]
[horse hooves thudding]
That's it.
That's it.
[somber classic Western music]
[Terrence sighs]
[rifle clicks]
[Terrence sighs]
He better run.
[Dan grunts]
Oh.
[tense suspenseful music]
Did we get 'em, marshal?
We got 'em.
We got 'em, Dan.
[somber classic Western music]
[daunting classic Western music]
[slow somber guitar music]
[Terrence groans]
[Terrence sighs]
You can't put a coat on with
one arm, you stubborn cuss.
I tried not to make any noise.
It took me an hour and
a half to get dressed.
- [Ella laughs]
- I, I didn't wanna
wake you, darling.
[laughs] You're about
as quiet in the morning
as a donkey smackin' away
at his jaws with molasses.
Okay.
There. All dapper and proper.
Just like I found ya
all those years ago.
What is it, Terrence?
I'm shot up, Ella.
And I just, I just,
I can't get moving.
I'm just moving slow right now.
Well, your best
was always better than
most men's, far ahead.
You feel that you have to
do this all on your own?
No, no, but I do feel the
weight of the responsibility,
you know, Ella?
And everyone who
wears this tin badge
bears the same responsibility,
deputy or marshal, all the same.
The bullets coming at you
don't discriminate, Terrence.
Ah, Ella, you always knew
the right thing to say.
[Terrence chuckles]
Here. Let me, let me do it.
Oh yeah, look, well he
oughta be here any minute now,
I better get ready.
You feel this man
is right for the task?
Ah, who knows? But,
he has a reputation.
And, that's it.
So do you. And a
respectable one at that.
But the question isn't
about his reputation.
It is whether you will
be able to trust this man
to be your right hand.
It's going to be okay.
[Terrence sighs]
Everything's gonna
be okay, Terrence.
[knocking at door]
You look fine.
Now go on.
Do what God made you good at.
Go on.
[Terrence] Artemis Hollinger?
Yes, sir.
Terrence McTeague.
Why don't we take a seat
on the porch out here?
[Terrence sighs]
They say uh, you don't
like horses. [laughs]
To be honest with ya,
I don't care much for
the creatures myself.
But, are you fast
with a gun at least?
I've never needed
to be fast, marshal.
Explain.
Well, in my
experience being fast
makes someone less accurate.
And in my occupation,
less accurate
is a death sentence, sir.
Hmm.
Let me ask you,
aside from the money,
why do you like this job?
Well, it sets a precedent.
[Terrence] Uh-huh.
And why do you care?
I care about the
law and the betterment
of this country, sir.
Uh-huh, what?
So did many of the young men
that walked alongside
of me before.
But, what makes you different?
Might I ask you a
question, marshal?
You seem to play against having
someone take on this job.
Might I ask, why?
You think I'm
trying to delay this?
You think I don't wanna
get this job done?
I think it might signal
an end to an era, sir.
Well, yeah.
Let me tell ya, I have seen
this particular bunch of men,
rob, rape, and murder
a lotta good people,
in the new town particularly,
but they have cut deep
wounds into this nation,
that's still trying to heal.
The war between the
states, you understand?
[sighs] I have seen lawmen
die trying to protect those
that can't do unto themselves.
And I have stretched
the necks of many
who didn't believe in justice.
Either way, you are right.
It is the end of an era.
But it will signify
the eradication
of one of the most
dangerous criminal elements
in this country.
So I asked you again,
"Why are you different?"
Well, if I'm to
be honest, marshal,
thrill of the hunt
is what I seek.
You see, the money
allows me to live,
and the hunt allows
me to move forward.
Somethin' I would not expect
you to understand, sir.
And what happens on the day
when there's no
more men to hunt?
Well then I guess
I shall settle myself
into somewhat of a normal
life, for the tasks
that I've been built for
will have come to an end.
Let me let you in
on a little secret.
Men like you and me, that
normal will never happen.
You know, I was just
telling my wife inside
that you come with uh,
quite a reputation.
And I, aside from, you
know, not liking horses,
it's about that little incident
that happened up north.
And I was thinking perhaps
the men who experienced that
could tell me about
his greatest exploit.
You're referring to
Tanner Richmond, I assume.
I am referring
to Tanner Richmond.
He murdered three deputies,
five civilians, and
robbed two banks.
If it wasn't speed that
killed him, pray tell,
Mr. Hollinger, what did do it?
Well you see up north
is timber country,
there are lots of trees.
And if you listen very carefully,
they can tell you things.
Not of the magical
nature, sir, what I mean
is that you can hear the
wind and its changes,
and you can hear the snapping
of twigs and branches.
You see, humans are not
the quietest of creatures.
Well now, I'll vouch
for that. [chuckles]
So, it was his
escape into those woods
which was his undoing, sir.
[insects buzzing and chirping]
[gun cocks]
[insects buzzing]
[birds cawing]
[brush rustling]
[insects buzzing]
[birds cawing]
[gunshots blasting]
[Tanner] I ain't goin' in
alive, Hollinger, you hear me?
[gunshots blasting]
Tanner, you either run
out of bullets or blood.
It's all the same to me.
[gunshot blasts]
Must we keep playing
at this game?
Or will you surrender?
After all, it is gettin'
a bit cold out here.
[Tanner] Don't
make no difference.
Like you said, same outcome.
If I surrender my
neck stretches.
At least this way, I go
out on my own damn terms.
I can respect that.
To the death then.
[Tanner] To the death.
[gunshots blasting]
His soul found another
place to rest after that.
Hm, in the bowels
of hell, I imagine.
That is a good
assumption, indeed.
So, it's fortitude.
Pardon?
Fortitude. You know?
I don't know, you might
call it uh, doggedness.
Like, you're stubborn and
hardheaded like an old bloodhound.
I do not understand
the reference, sir.
Well, a bloodhound
goes on a hunt
and it maintains the scent.
Yeah?
Well not until my
quarry has run aground
or taken a bite of
the bullet, marshal.
Exactly.
And that's why you
are the perfect man
for this job, Mr. Hollinger.
[Artemis] Well, if you
think it's best, sir.
I do, I just, I
wanted you to know
what the job
entails, that's all.
Well, it's uh,
nothing new, right?
It's a basic principle. You
find the man, you track the man.
Offer him the noose and if he
does not accept, kill the man.
It's very primal, isn't it?
That's the way it should be.
You don't want emotion
gettin' involved in it.
Hm. Could not have said
that better myself, sir.
What is your uh, weapon
of choice, Mr. Hollinger?
May I?
Huh. Changed the
world, this did.
Probably the reason we were
able to press through the west.
You're not a pistol man?
Not unless times call for me
to be in such close quarters
with a man that it might
make me feel uncomfortable.
Ah, yeah.
Yeah I uh, I, I don't know.
I'm, I'm, I'm not really
able to do my job right now
and that feels very frustrating.
But that's why I'm happy that
a man like you came along,
because your quarry
is extremely fast.
Fast as lightning, and
very, very accurate.
He could stay on
his feet for days.
Keep that handy.
Why don't we go
down to the saloon?
There'll be a few
questions pointed to one of
Abel's old amigos there.
Yes sir.
Vamanos.
[ragtime piano music]
And there was five, five men,
all with the looks
and the reputation
that would curl
the toes of a cat.
Make the hair of a
dog stand on its back.
They had come to collect
ole boy Thaddeus Drake.
Were they lawmen?
No, my dear, they
were gunfighters
who wanted the
glory of killing me.
It was five on one,
that ain't fair, right?
No.
So I says they can each
have a turn one at a time.
By the time five
o'clock rolls around
and that bell sounded
its fifth ring,
all five of them had gone
meet the devil hisself.
[women giggle]
You wanna know what
the best part is?
Tell us, Thaddeus.
I only have five rounds
cause I already shot the dog
with my sixth.
[women laugh]
[Terrence laughs]
Oh, I heard
different. [laughs]
You heard wrong, marshal.
No, I heard there
was only one man.
And I heard that it took you
five shots to bring him down.
Marshal, I ain't never had
much of a problem with you.
Even when you done
killed my friends,
you was just doin' your job.
But you're treadin' on
some dangerous ground
if you're trying to
soil my reputation.
Everyone has one of those.
I'm sorry, sir.
Who the hell are you?
And I heard that that
gunfight was in Texas.
Mm, Amarillo, I believe.
Ain't that right, Thaddeus?
Wasn't that it?
Look here. I need
information from you.
I need to know the
whereabouts of Able Cruz.
And I would bet my last
dollar that you have seen him,
or at least supplied him,
within the last week.
I take your silence as
an act of admission.
Now, I know you rode for decades
with the Cowboys and all that,
but uh, until you decided
to gamble your life away
on those tarot cards.
But everybody here
in Cochise County
knows that you are
still in close contact
with the old brethren.
Marshal asked you a question,
Thaddeus.
I do not like your face, sir.
Therefore, I will feel no
such way about killing you
on the merit that you are
an annoyance in my presence.
And I do not see a
badge on your person.
Hm, I wish to do you harm.
Is it a duel you want?
A duel?
I think it best.
Then marshal, with
your permission,
I shall see this
man outside then.
You have it.
Any of you fellows in
the company of his man?
Now, should I have any
concerns as to threats against
my person or my colleague's?
Thank you.
Thaddeus, after you.
[Thaddeus sighs]
[slow tense music]
That's your colleague,
not a marshal.
And you ain't gonna arrest me
when I put his dick in the dirt.
I give you my word on it.
See ladies, men,
they're always trying to find their fame.
This'll be quick.
And then the three of us'll
find some sheets to ruffle.
[tense suspenseful music]
You ain't really planning
on using that, are you?
[chuckles] I'd feel
horrible killing a man
with a weapon as slow as such.
You just mind your iron.
Suit yourself, stranger.
Say when.
[birds chirping]
[wind whipping]
[gunshot blasts]
[Thaddeus grunts]
[gun cocks]
[Thaddeus breathes heavily]
[gunshot blasts]
[Thaddeus grunts]
[gun cocks]
[Thaddeus grunts]
[gunshot blasts]
Excuse me.
Thaddeus, where is Able Cruz?
Where?
[somber Western music]
[bullets clicking]
He's going to
Contention to buy land.
Well, figure that one out.
Look, just burn him out.
Get rid of his dying
breed of bastards.
Promise me that.
Be relentless,
or the crows and the
wolves in this world
will take your
place, understand?
All right.
Good luck and Godspeed.
Go on, go make history.
[slow somber Western music]
[slow tense music]
Couldn't wait much
longer, I'm afraid.
Afraid?
They've sent someone.
A professional.
Left Tucson over a week ago.
If I waited any longer,
there wouldn't be any chance
that I might collect the reward.
I'm afraid you have me
mistaken for someone else.
No.
No, you wear that
red sash real proud.
There ain't no mistakin'
who you are, mister.
How long you
been following me?
For awhile.
Why didn't you just shoot
me while I was sleeping?
I've been afraid.
That makes good sense.
The times are hard.
Times are hard.
But they ain't worth dying for.
I guess I'd rather risk
that than not risk it at all.
I got mouths to feed.
Those mouths won't be
able to feed themselves
if you're dead, friend.
And there're plenty
of men like you,
all met their fate too soon.
And that was their job.
You doin' this
for a bit of coin?
[coins clatter]
Feed your family.
You're worth a lot
more than that, mister.
Greed don't wear well on you.
[wind whipping]
Hey.
Boy.
[dramatic swishing]
[men laughing]
Now you can bet your
ass they're gonna be
keeping an eye on
that road to Bisbee.
We should go Old Mexico.
[laughs] Old Mexico
ain't that old.
It's old.
In what context would
you consider it old?
It's in the title, Old Mexico.
[sighs] Now that passage
north'll be your better bet.
But then again,
you go that route,
you're gonna have those
boys from back east
- on your ass.
- Pinkertons.
[Bill] Yeah, those sons
of bitches are everywhere.
So, where're you
guys headed to?
Well, wherever it's
hard to find the law,
that's where you'll find us.
Old Mexico.
Come on now, Junior.
Mexico ain't the answer
to all your problems,
besides we can't even get
to that goddamn place.
What about you? What
are you thinking?
Best investment I can think of
is staying right
here in Arizona.
Investment?
Man owns land, he has options.
Well land ain't cheap.
I know where
there's cheap land.
[sighs] I swear to God,
Junior, you mention old Mexico
one more time and I'm
gonna shoot you myself.
McCloskey's got a
place near Tucson.
It's on the way to
where I'm headed.
Now that, that's one one
dangerous path to take.
That's McTeague's territory.
You go there, he's gonna be
on your ass night and day.
So which direction
are you guys goin'?
- South.
- North.
We're goin' north. Gonna
give Colorado a try.
That's a safe bet.
Yeah. Got good farming
land, good hunting land.
And you got all those
people from back east,
goin' west, chasing
their American dream,
carrying all that money.
[both laugh]
And we can take
all that money.
[both laugh heartedly]
You stay safe, Bill.
Ah, you too. Thank you.
Now listen here, you find
yourself a nice little
patch of land that
you can call home,
you make sure you find us.
All right, will do.
Alrighty.
[Junior laughs]
What?
Don't shoot him, Junior.
[laughs] I can't
make that promise,
but you stay safe,
okay? [laughing]
All right.
[dramatic swishing]
[wind whipping]
[gun cocks]
[wind whipping]
[gunshots blast]
[horse whinnying]
[gunshot blasts]
I'm sorry!
[gunshots blasting]
Stupid, stupid man.
[gentle Western guitar music]
Children.
[gentle Western guitar music]
Come on, now. [whistles softly]
[gentle Western guitar music]
[daunting suspenseful music]
[wind whipping strongly]
[daunting suspenseful music]
[horse whinnying]
[animals chittering]
You a thief?
I reckon you might be a thief.
I'm not.
A rustler?
No.
Bounty hunter then?
Oh, a law man.
Who you after?
I can assure you
that your likeness
does not match the
man whom I seek.
If you are indeed a wanted man,
it is not me who has
come to seek you out.
Well I ain't no wanted man.
This here's my property.
What is?
All of it.
Runs from the crook in the river
all the way to Hell's Canyon.
Roughly about 1,200 acre.
That's a lotta
land, especially for...
Indeed, it is.
And I can't say I
didn't earn every inch.
Now, if the moment
would allow it,
why don't you talk
to me for bit.
[horse shudders]
I had a traveler come through
these parts the other day.
Asked me if I lost a horse.
I told him no.
Asked him why he was asking.
Said the horse was grazing
and went full attack on him,
out yonder near the river.
So, I wandered out,
and I took a looksie.
And there it was.
[clicks tongue]
[whistles]
I don't mean to be rude, sir,
but why are you telling me this?
Several days back,
friend of my wife's
came and asked if
we'd seen her husband.
Said he's been missing
for a few days.
Family fell on hard times.
They're a struggling bunch.
They looked out for
us when we came out,
even after the war and all.
I found that man this
morning, shot full of holes.
Man you looking for a murderer?
He's done his
fair share of it.
Cold-blooded killer?
Or the type that gets wrongly
accused in a gunfight?
Cowboy.
Ah, he wears red.
Yes he does.
Why do you suspect he's
in this part of the county?
It's not this
part of the county,
on your property, I believe.
Oh, and you have
that on good authority?
Back at Rennley Station,
marshal and I asked
a few questions
to a particular
associate of said man.
Said he asked where the quickest
way through the Diablo was.
Trail runs right through this
way through your property.
Hm.
Many people
travel through here?
Nope.
If it is of any concern, well,
the odds of him coming up
against another traveler,
it's just a little
slim out here.
Me and the men that
are in my employ,
they do a good job
of keeping watch.
There's camps posted out
all over the property.
You have men on your employ?
Damn straight.
I worked hard for this.
I ain't gonna let anyone
take my freedom away again.
Which way might he head?
[chuckles] Well, aren't
you a good tracker?
Must be if you're out here.
Judging by where
I found the body,
I'd say he's
following the river.
Now the river will lead him
into the town of Contention.
Now, if he makes it there,
he will surely run into
trappers, traders, miners,
people such as that.
A lotta nefarious folk there.
Logical?
That's correct.
Well, you head west several
miles, you'll run right into it.
Any other ranches
along the river?
Nah, not one close by.
But if he travels by river,
or steals another horse,
well then, several days
of travel downstream
will put him at Fort Minick.
It's a trading post,
soldiers' barracks.
Now there is a small
soldiering post in Contention.
Oh, I think he'd stay
away from the fort.
Contention is as good as guess
as where he might be headed.
Another one thing, deputy.
We've been having a lot of
Apache problems out here.
Same with rustlers and bandits.
I've had two ranch hands killed,
and several herd
of cattle stolen.
So you be careful on
that journey now, sir.
Even in that town.
Thank you.
You see that man
gets what he deserves.
That family was left with
nothing, because of him.
[melancholic Western music]
Whoa, whoa.
[birds cawing]
Let's get you a little
shade, a little rest.
All right?
Come on.
[birds chirping]
[tense suspenseful music]
[birds chirping]
[bag clatters]
[horse whinnying]
[deep suspenseful music]
[Able groans]
[deep suspenseful music]
[backpack thuds]
Brave man.
[Indian grunts]
[men grunting and groaning]
[Indian coughs]
[slow somber Western music]
[Indian coughs]
[Able groaning painfully]
[wind whipping]
[gentle somber
wooden flute music]
[slow haunting music]
[knife scraping]
[horse hooves clicking]
Looks like the Apache
didn't take a liking to ya.
Is there a doctor
in this town?
Around the corner. You
can leave your things here.
Be safe until you return.
Or you can take your
horse up to the livery,
cost you a couple extra coins.
[instrument tapping]
Gonna need you to
take off your shirt
and the like, mister.
Is your money good?
We're all running
from something.
I suppose everyone needs second
chances and new beginnings.
Let's get you fixed up.
[Able groans painfully]
You're gonna wanna
bite down on this.
[slow somber music]
You're a lucky son
of a bitch, you know?
Here you go.
[Able yells in pain]
So, you here looking for
mining work or for land.
[chuckles] Well,
which one is it?
Land.
Tough place, especially
for the ranchers.
I welcome less people.
Should've welcomed
less arrows.
You don't say?
Well, the Injun problem seems
to be gettin' under control,
these parts, at least.
Or at least that's what the
Army wants us to be believing.
What makes it dangerous then?
We do.
Drink.
Bite.
Bite.
[Able groans painfully]
All right. Take your good
hand, apply pressure.
I'm gonna suggest that
you change these daily
so they don't infect.
I'm gonna give you some salts.
That'll help heal 'em quicker.
Keep 'em wrapped
clean, you hear?
Thank you, doc.
Don't mention it.
You're a very kind woman.
Men like me, we
ain't used to that.
I hope I can see
you around here.
Well, you know where I am now.
Yes, I do.
[slow somber music]
[wind whipping]
[slow somber music]
[knocking at door]
Come in.
Artemis Hollinger, sir.
Captain Matthias Granger.
How can I help you?
I was wondering if a
stranger came through here.
You know, we know see
many law men in these parts.
- Really?
- Yeah.
It's like they
expect us Army folk
to do their jobs for them.
So you being out here, you
have earned my respect.
So, has a stranger
come through here?
Strangers always
come through here.
That's who I sell land to.
Apache land, correct?
The land I sell is owned
by the U.S. government,
purchased by President
Thomas Jefferson.
Well captain, it was indeed
theirs before it was ours.
Was it not?
If someone arrived and
set up camp on my home,
raped my women and
pillaged my cupboards,
I too would surely
scalp those individuals.
Well, you're clearly
not from these parts.
Well then I guess
we agree to disagree.
Mm, yeah.
Since we agree to disagree,
I would hope that you would
honor your code as I do mine,
and you would help me by
giving me any information
that you might have that would
help me find the individual
who I'm on the hunt for.
Man came in yesterday,
purchased a parcel.
Okay now, what features do
you want on your parcel?
Anything with water
nearby would be preferable.
Okay, then this is perfect.
Right here.
600 acres, southeast
corner, borders a river
that my scouts tell me
is stocked with fish.
There's also timber,
pine and the like,
and it's only half a
day's ride from town.
This is an exceptional
piece of land,
if I may say so myself.
Why has no one bought it yet?
Well, many people don't
survive the trip out west.
I think the Apache might
have something to do with that.
How many ranchers are
currently in this area?
Well, I don't wanna lie to ya.
You'd be the first.
But, a man with proper
trust in the U.S. Army,
a man who knows his way
around a long rifle,
a man who hires
ranch hands that also
know their way
around a long rifle,
a man who can defend
his own property,
this man becomes a
prominent rancher.
How much?
Well, it's $5 an acre,
600 acres. That's $3,000.
Might you be
interested in a horse?
I might be.
Well there's a
livery next door.
They'll get you outfitted.
Let's get you started on
that paperwork, shall we?
Okay, let's see.
Your John Hancock.
[pen scraping]
Congratulations.
Proud owner, lot 17.
Thank you, captain.
You're very welcome.
[Matthias laughs]
Was he wearing a red sash?
Is that important?
Yes, it is.
I'm sorry, but I don't know.
He was wounded, so he
went to see the doctor
before he came here.
Her name's Henninger, you
might wanna talk with her.
Doctor?
Yeah, he had a
run-in with Apache.
[Artemis chuckles softly]
You think that's funny?
No, captain.
I've just been hunting this
man for a few weeks now,
and every time I think
I might understand him,
he, he does something
to surprise me.
Yeah, sounds like
a dangerous fella.
Yes, it does.
Would you happen to have a
copy of his purchase agreement
on hand?
Is that the man
you're looking for?
Indeed.
Captain, if you'd be so kind,
I'm gonna need directions
on how get to that man's
recently purchased parcel.
Okay, well, if you
go over to the saloon
and have yourself a steak,
by the time you finish,
I'll have everything you need.
Appreciate that, sir.
Thank you very much.
You're welcome.
[ragtime piano music]
Remind me after I take
all these fools' money
to have a go with
you later, honey.
That a promise, Ben?
You can bet your
ass on it, sweetheart.
I just need one.
[ragtime piano
music in background]
Man who don't talk
much can make a table
full of card players
mighty nervous.
Gonna sit there and
gawk all day, mister,
or actually play the game?
[laughs] You got
some balls, friend.
You fancy yourself
a good card player?
I just like the game, is all.
Skilled or not, it relaxes me.
No one just likes the game.
Everyone is in this
to make money, mister.
Oh, you saying you
don't like making money?
[glass thuds]
I like money just fine.
The thrill of the game,
the excitement of decision,
that's why I play.
Wouldn't you agree, gentlemen?
Excitement?
Excitement is something
you get when another man
draws down on you, and you're
steering cold hard steel
directly in the face.
[laughs] Game of cards,
just a game of cards.
[door creaks]
Whiskey, please.
Your bet, Ben.
$2. Feeling lucky.
Too rich for my blood. That's
a lotta paper I'm holdin'.
I'll call.
Goddamn right you will.
Still got one more
barrel to shoot there.
We still talking about cards?
Better watch
your tone, friend.
I was just saying, you get
one more draw on these cards
to beat this here
hand that I got,
because make no mistake,
it is a winning hand.
That's what I was saying.
The excitement of the decision,
with everything on the line.
That's why I love
to play this game.
Well then Chauncey, I
guess there's no reason
to deal another card.
The man is fine with his hand.
True, but there should be
another round of betting.
It is tradition to the game.
Correct.
$5. You can't afford it,
you could always fold.
You know, Ben, I
believe he purchased
one of the largest
parcels in the area.
Well, I can
afford it just fine.
Besides, I've never
folded on a winning hand.
A winning hand, he says.
What makes you so sure you
have a winning combination
of cards there?
You did not ask for
another card either,
which would have a normal man
think that you're playing one
of several hands.
A flush, a straight, full
house, or four of a kind.
Now with four of a kind,
you'd still draw another card
to throw your opponents off
to what you already had.
At least, a normal
player might do that.
Nah, you don't seem like the
kind that would wanna win
with a sprawling
hand of mixed numbers
with only a matching symbol.
No.
You like a rock-solid hand.
Either be a straight
or a full house.
And I bet you're probably
sitting on a full house.
Your arrogance does a good
job of proclaiming that.
Shall we up the bet?
[ragtime piano
music in background]
That's the rest of my money,
and I still need supplies
to start getting my
new property in line.
Hell I haven't even
visited it yet. [chuckles]
I'm willing to wager
the rest of my sum
because you don't
seem like a man
who would back down from a bet.
[laughs] Sure are
talking a lot now.
In my experience,
someone in a hand
starts running their mouth,
means they're trying to talk
their way outta somethin'.
I call.
[relaxed piano
music in background]
Did you cheat me, boy?
Gentlemen, you do
not wanna do this.
I asked you a question!
I played a fair game. There
was no cheating involved.
[gunshot blasts]
It was a fair
game, I was watching.
The man did nothing of
a dishonest variety.
Who the hell are you?
No one of concern.
Just someone who does not
like being interrupted
while he's trying to drink
his whiskey in peace.
[tense music]
[gun cocks]
Next one finds you.
Now, I believe you
owe the man some money.
[tense music]
Thank you, sir. I agree.
Best you move along now, sir.
Someone like me
will not be around
next time these men decide to
try and get the better of you.
[deep tense music]
[Artemis sighs]
[slow tense music]
Gentlemen.
That'll be $37.
Be careful out there.
[gun cocks]
I said thank you, didn't I?
Something else I can do for ya?
You can come
with me peacefully.
[bag clunks]
Say it again.
I'm a peace officer from
Tucson and you are a criminal.
I ask that you come
with me peacefully
as to avoid any bloodshed.
More importantly, so I
don't have to drag your body
through miles and
miles of hard terrain.
The stink on you alone is
gonna attract every wolf,
mountain cat, and fly
for over a hundred miles.
You came all the way
out here just for me?
That is correct.
Why didn't you just
shoot me in the saloon?
I wanted to give you
a chance to surrender.
That was a mistake.
What was a mistake was
killing a man a ways back.
That was self-defense.
That's what all your kind say.
He wanted a bounty.
Rightfully so.
Most men would be
on the look for ya.
So,
what is it to be?
I will not be taken in alive.
Why you still wear that?
It is a brotherhood.
Time of the Cowboys
has come to an end.
[tense music]
[gunshots blasting]
I do not wish to kill you.
I wish there was a more
peaceful way to this solution.
Either way, it ends
with me being dead.
Do not make me kill you.
Deputy.
Call me Artemis.
Where do we go from here?
We both ride back to Tucson.
Hell of a journey.
Lotta land to cover.
If you run, I'll shoot you.
Fair enough.
So what was your plan anyhow?
I saved up everything I had.
No, you stole
everything you had.
Some of it.
To what end?
Land.
Around here would've
been a new start for me.
Away from the law, and life
that had been so violent.
Even a murder is a choice.
Ain't never killed anyone
who didn't deserve it.
You killed a deputy a bit
back, he didn't deserve it.
McTeague and his
deputies ambushed us,
they were shooting and
killed my brothers.
Like I told ya,
it's a brotherhood.
What do you think this
is? Just a piece of tin?
It's a moral code, and those
who wear it and abide by,
those are brothers.
Half the men that ever
donned that tin star
have found themselves
thievin' and cattle rustling,
or committing murder.
Hickok was wanted for the
murder of a man down in Abilene.
The Kid, deputized,
and then sought after
by his own government.
No,
in this land,
you're one quick draw away
from either being a lawman,
or an outlaw.
What happens, deputy, if
you ever make a mistake
and you find yourself
wanted for murder?
I do not make mistakes.
Pride is the greatest
mistake we ever make.
So, land, you
came and bought it.
I was gonna try
my hand at ranching.
Proper.
Dangerous in these parts.
So I've been told.
What do you know of it,
other than stealing
cattle and horses?
Only from crooked
ranchers and cattle barons.
[Artemis] Get up.
Doesn't chasing down
men like me get tiresome?
It does.
Well, why not
try something else?
No other occupation
would have me.
Well, a man can change.
Don't you ever get tired
and wanna put down the gun?
Some day.
[gun cocks]
Some day there may no longer
be a need for men like me.
Some day.
Some day.
[tense adventurous
orchestral music]
[gunshots blast]
[tense adventurous music]
[gunshots blast]
[deep slow somber music]
[tense foreboding music]
[rifle clicks]
[tense foreboding music]
[music intensifies]
[gunshots blasting]
[deep tentative strings music]
You saved my life.
You'd have done
the same for me.
I don't think I would have.
You didn't shoot
me in the saloon.
You had honor. You waited
till I was alone to arrest me.
You seem like a good man.
[wind whipping]
Some men's pride gets
the better of 'em.
[wind whipping]
Your sash, give it to me.
I will not ask again.
[classic somber Western music]
You died here today. Get it?
Your belief in this
brotherhood, your criminal ways,
everything you once stood
for dies here, right now.
Now go.
Go, before I change my mind.
[slow classic Western music]
How much was I worth?
Hundred dollars.
[slow classic Western music]
Thank you, Artemis.
[wind whipping]
[slow classic Western music]
[Artemis inhales deeply]
[slow classic Western music]
[Artemis spits]
[knocking at door]
Ah, Artemis Hollinger.
Praise the Lord.
Uh, please, come in.
Uh, I uh, only wanna
make this brief, marshal,
I have a stage to
catch in 10 minutes.
Oh, uh, you have another job?
Back up in Oregon country.
Oh.
Good.
The organization known as
the Cowboys has come to an end.
You will no longer
find another red sash
on anyone ever again.
Well, what about Abel Cruz?
His reputation is dead, sir.
Oh, thank God.
And thank God you're,
you're safe and sound
and back in one piece.
Come on, let's walk
down to my office
and we'll fetch that hundred
dollar bounty I owe you.
I do not want
your currency, sir.
It turns out the hunt
was all that I needed.
Our time has ended, marshal.
And now we must figure
out what men like us
are gonna do in this life.
Good-bye, marshal.
[melancholic classic Western music]
[mallet tapping]
[adventurous classic Western music]
[curious Western music]