The Road to Denver (1955) Movie Script
In the old days of the west,
the big cattle spreads had
spring and fall roundups.
Then the steers to be
sold became a trail herd,
pointed for the
nearest railhead,
often hundreds of miles away.
The trail was sometimes tough
with rain, wind, and snow.
And sometimes pleasant
with good sunlight.
It was that way with the
outfit we worked for,
my younger brother and I.
When we reached the railhead
town we put on a rodeo
for fun, to make a few bets.
Ready?
All right, turn him out.
Hey, what's matter, bud?
You let crow bait
like that throw you?
Listen, up in our outfit
we wouldn't let a dog like
that even pull a wagon.
Shoofly ain't never been rode,
and I figure ain't any of
you man enough to do it.
Anybody thinks he can, put your
money up where your mouth is.
Well now, this is
the sort of thing
that makes me glad I'm here
instead of someplace else.
I got $200 here that says
I can ride that horse.
That is if Mr. Kraft
can count up to ten seconds.
You do a lot of
popping off, don't you?
I can count.
You sure you can ride?
Well, this says I can.
Cover it.
You've over-matched
yourself again, kid.
You can't ride that horse.
You just stick around
and get surprised.
All right, boys,
you want in on this.
Let's see your money.
Twenty dollars for me.
Get your money up.
I'll take ten.
- Ten?
Just ten.
Ten there then.
Here's ten.
I pick.
Okay, turn him loose!
No bet, no bet!
It wasn't a fair ride!
Go ahead and scream.
See how far that'll get ya!
I never got a fair chance.
I caught my spur
on the chute gate.
I get a re-ride.
- That was a legal ride, boys.
Fair and legal, he loses.
Take it easy. You were swindled,
but forget it.
I don't forget that easy!
I'll kill him, I'll kill him!
Better get him to a doctor,
be careful of him.
Hurry!
What happened here?
Sam Mayhew claimed he got
cheated in a ride, and hit him.
You again, eh?
Well, let's go.
No use arguing about it.
I got a big bellyful
of your little brother.
He's a wild one. Every time
he hits town, it's the same
old story, trouble.
This time he was right.
He hooked his foot in the chute.
You saw him, same as I did.
- I don't care.
Your brother's just gotta
stop beatin' up on everybody
he don't agree with.
Kraft isn't hurt bad.
A little bump on the head.
He'll be good as new in a month.
And that's just
the length of time
your little brother's gonna
spend in the pokey cooling off.
How 'bout you, Lawyer Crump?
You could help the
kid if you wanted to.
I wouldn't touch that
boy with a ten-foot pole.
I have to live here.
But it was only a
little slugging match.
Nothing to put a man
in jail for a month.
Exactly where he belongs.
Psst, psst, psst.
I don't know if
this'll work or not,
but I have to
take a chance.
Tie it to the bed.
- What do you figure?
This wall's as
soft as it looks. Hurry up.
Ready.
There's a clump of
bushes about 50 yards out.
Your horse is there, stand back.
Get the key, get the key.
How come you have to
keep this thing locked?
We kept going
until we crossed the border
into New Mexico.
I knew Sheriff Deadrick's
reputation.
He had a long arm.
It's a nice little town, Bill.
My name is Steve, remember?
Steve Webster,
and yours is Tom Blackwood.
I don't see why changing
our names means so much.
The difference of
staying out of jail or not.
Breaking you out was a crime.
All right, all right.
You reckon he's in town?
I don't know, I hope so.
I'd like to settle
down someplace.
I'm tired of having
to change towns
every time you start something.
Look, Bill... Steve.
I told you, I'm cured.
All right, you're cured.
Hey, could you tell me
where I'd find Ben Murdock?
You looking for work?
- That's right.
They told us at his
ranch he was here in town.
Over in the saloon.
Well, that's mighty
thoughtful of him.
We can cut our thirst
at the same time.
We'll do that
after we got the job.
You mind the horses.
- Oh, wait a minute.
You heard me.
I was at Stone's River,
cooked with the Twelfth Indians.
I wasn't at the
battle of Shiloh.
Well, I was at Shiloh,
but that wasn't no battle.
Battle's when two sides fight.
There was only
one side at Shiloh.
Them rebels didn't fight.
Which one of you
gentlemen is Mr. Murdock?
I am.
We hear you're
looking for hands.
We?
- My... partner and myself.
What outfit you with last?
- No outfit particular.
We've been working
around Abilene.
You looking for a
place to fill your belly,
or a place to work?
Place to work, sir.
Place to settle down.
Are you troublemakers?
- No.
Pays 30 a month and found.
If you're interested
get on out to the ranch.
Thanks, Mr. Murdock.
- Yeah.
Got the job, both of us,
30 a month and found.
Thirty a month,
that isn't very much.
Stop kicking, a job's a job.
You saw it, it's a big outfit.
Can I get that drink now?
- Go ahead.
Fill it up.
Shot of whisky, please.
We come up on 'em
early in the morning.
The rebels, they were sleepin'.
They was always sleepin'.
- Hey, whisky!
We jumped 'em and run 'em back
into the Mississippi River.
Them Johnny Rebs ran like
yellow turkeys.
That guy sure loves to flap
his big mouth, doesn't he?
You referring to me?
You're the only one talkin',
aren't ya?
I happened to be
at Shiloh, myself,
and the only ones I saw
running were the Yankees.
You calling me a liar?
Well, you had to be to
get where you are now.
'Cause you're way past
bein' a liar.
Look at here, reb.
Here, get these horses
over to the alley. Hurry up!
What's goin' on here?
This rebel here,
has been kicking up a ruckus.
Let me have him, constable.
I'll show you how we handle
rebels where I come from.
Hey, what's goin' on?
What's the matter?
Hey, you!
They suckered us, boys,
they suckered us! Let's get 'em!
What happened?
Oh, I don't know,
some guy talkin' about Shiloh.
Large man, big mustache?
Yeah.
That was only Murdock.
- It was?
Well, you never
can tell, can ya?
I can tell!
I can tell right now.
You're just a
no-good spoiled brat.
And I'm fed to the teeth
with picking up your chips.
You makin' another
big brother speech?
Nope, I tried to raise you
like I thought Dad would.
Guess I flunked out.
Listen, you've been
havin' the time of your life
wet-nursin' me all these years.
You like to tell
people what to do!
You and your settlin' down.
You and your future.
All right, you take that
bull-head of yours west
and I'll take my future east.
One last sermon, if you
intend to live by that thing
you'll always find a
man who can outdraw you.
An empty head and a loaded
gun are bad partners.
I'm still the fastest draw
you ever saw.
I taught you, remember?
And I've known a fair number
of real fast drawers,
they all got one thing
in common, they're all dead.
And never draw a gun
unless you mean to use it.
Good luck.
I coulda killed you just now.
No, you couldn't.
Can you take care of
my horse for the night?
- Yes, sir.
I want him fed grain
and fresh straw in his stall.
All right.
- How much will that be?
That'll be two dollars.
- Fine.
Decent place to eat around here?
Best in Denver,
Globe Hotel, right there.
Expensive?
- It's the right expensive.
A dollar for supper
and a dollar for a room.
Much obliged.
- Sure thing.
Much obliged, got a light?
Hmm, good dinner.
Best steak I've had
since I left... left the...
Gee I... I can't find my money.
Thought I had it
in my side pocket.
Something wrong?
- Same old game.
I'm afraid I've lost my money.
[man] Another free-loader, huh?
[Bill] No, I had
enough to pay for supper.
You know how old that line is?
You saddle bums are all alike.
Why, I've a mind to beat your
brains out, you cheap tramp!
Oh, I'm... I'm sorry.
I'm sorry uh...
Look, I'll wash the dishes, huh?
All right?
Evening.
Howdy.
I, uh, I saw the fracas.
Are you just passing
through Denver?
Yeah.
What do you do next?
I'll figure that
out tomorrow morning.
You got a room?
No, but my horse has.
I'll tell him to move over.
Would you like for
me to put you up?
Why?
I like the way
you handle yourself.
I like the way
you're washing dishes
when you didn't have
to wash the dishes.
That ain't all there is to it.
I got a proposition.
When you're finished, I'll be
waitin' out on the veranda.
Have a chair.
- Thanks.
My name's, uh, John Sutton.
I'm Bill Mayhew.
You like a job?
That depends.
Good steady work.
Fellow wanted to,
might make something out of it.
Go on.
Well, I live in Central City.
I run a livery stable up there.
With this game leg I don't
get around so good anymore.
I got some plans.
Might take me away from
the stable more and more.
Like a fellow like
you around to help.
You got anything
against totin' water
or heaving grain sacks?
No.
You too proud
to shovel manure?
What's the pay?
Two dollars a day.
I'll feed you and sleep you.
You say the job is steady?
As steady as you
want to make it.
I think I'm gonna like
working for you, Mr. Sutton.
Welcome home.
- Shake hands with Bill Mayhew.
Whipsaw Ellis.
- Howdy.
Howdy.
- Bill's gonna work for us.
Is that a fact?
Yep, he's gonna bunk up
in the loft with you.
You snore?
I don't know,
I don't think so.
If you wake up in the
water trough, you'll know.
I can't even stand
a horse who snores.
Once when...
Elizabeth's got supper waiting.
Oh, uh, well, we'd better
get on over there, Bill.
C'mon.
- [Bill] I'll see you later.
That you will.
Well, hmm!
Come on.
Dad!
- Hey, hello, honey!
Oh, it's time you came home.
Darling, I want you to
meet Bill Mayhew, new hand.
This is my daughter, Elizabeth.
Pleased to meet you, Bill.
- Pleased to meet you, too.
You two get washed up,
supper's ready.
Oh, good. This way, Bill.
Is this a celebration,
or do you eat this
way all the time?
It's the way
we eat all the time.
Do you like it?
All I can say is,
the next time you hire a man,
don't mention the wages just
carry around samples of food.
You hear that?
- Yes, I heard, thank you.
I meant it, too.
- Well, it isn't often I
get a compliment like that.
You know, this boy
likes food so good
he's even willing
to wash dishes for it.
When he doesn't have to?
- Yep, this'll prove it.
Well.
Well, I'm a little
bushed from that long ride.
I think I'll turn in.
- That's a good idea, Dad.
With Bill around, maybe you can
take it a little easier now.
And if he turns out
to be a good dishwasher,
so can you.
Good night.
- Good night.
I could get to like this.
If I was sure of that,
I might add a few more
courses to the meals.
Seriously, though,
it's fun doing it
because you want to and
not because you have to.
Well, it's not
exactly man's work.
Oh, I don't know.
They say men make
the best cooks.
Why shouldn't they do a
little cleaning up afterwards.
Well, that's pretty
revolutionary talk.
You're gonna hear a lot
more of it if I stick around
here long enough.
I'd like that.
I'll have Dad take that
out of your wages.
As long as you don't
take it out of my hide.
Man's work?
All right,
you wash and I'll dry.
First, the broom over there.
No!
- No?
No.
Hello, Bill.
- Hi. Shindig, huh?
Yeah, we have them around here
every now and then.
Schoolhouse? What do they do,
dance on the desks?
No, the fellows go over
and take all the desks out,
and then on Sunday
they put them all back again.
Guess they need an extra hand?
- No, but, uh, I do.
Well, sure,
I'll help you tack 'em up.
Well, that isn't
exactly what I meant.
This is a one-man job, but,
well, it does take two to polka.
You just got
yourself a dancing man.
Well, I thought
you'd never ask!
Gimme a whisky.
You wanna get rid
of that chicken feed?
What's your game?
You name it, stranger.
Such a piddlin' sum of money,
doesn't seem worth while
sittin' down for.
Doesn't seem worthwhile
my takin' up your time with,
either.
Name it.
Short and sweet.
High card for the nine bucks.
You cut for me,
and I'll cut for you, okay?
Hey, boys,
we got a real sport.
All right, sport.
This house ran out of luck.
You wanna go for the 18?
- Sure.
Hey, sport, you really
been kissed by a bluebird.
That makes 36 bucks.
Try it again.
- All of it.
Now that makes $72, again?
Sure thing.
This is a right nice game,
that's $144.
Yeah, it goes
on and on and on.
Try it again, huh?
That makes $288, you wanna quit?
Pass the deck.
- [man 1] Don't be a sucker!
Why don't you quit
while the quittin's good?
You gotta lose sometime.
That's what I say.
Let's see what he
gets this time.
Go ahead.
Well, it's $576.
One more time.
Once more,
only keep your eyes on me
and don't run your fingers
over the edges of
the cards, understand?
Look, mister,
if you got some idea--
Just do what I tell you
and skip the talk.
Go ahead, take a cut.
Not on that cut. I told you
not to finger the deck.
Wait a...
- Let's not lose our temper.
What's the trouble?
I just didn't like the way this
gent was fingerin' the deck.
You look like an honest man.
You make the cut.
I'm Jim Donovan,
I own this place.
Well, that's all the better.
I'm sure you wouldn't
want any of your customers
doubting the honesty
of your card games.
Put your gun away,
I'll cut for ya.
Well, you cut so well for me,
I'll let you cut for the house,
if you don't object.
Not at all.
Satisfied?
Perfectly.
Well, why don't you
join me in a drink
while Rick
cashes in your winnings?
Wouldn't want you
to go away from here
bearing any hard
feelings towards us.
Well, I'd like to
drink with you.
Always hated leaving
hard feelings behind me.
What's your name?
Tom Blackwell.
That was a pretty
nervy stunt you pulled.
Was it?
You know I couldn't
afford to let you lose.
I was kinda bankin' on that.
Pretty handy with
a gun, too, fast.
Could get you into
trouble someday.
Could get me out, too.
What's your line?
Anything,
most anything at all.
I'd like to have you
folks meet Bill Mayhew.
This is Miss Honeywell,
the school teacher.
How do you do?
- And Sheriff Luke Kimbrough.
Glad to know you, sheriff.
- Bill's working for me.
Well, glad to have
you around, Bill.
Thanks a lot.
Go ahead and dance, Bill.
Just grab yourself a pretty
girl and cut right in on her.
Well, do you have
anybody in mind?
Me.
Hey, you are a good dancing man.
You didn't believe me, huh?
Well, you Texans are always
bragging, I wasn't sure.
When a Texan
tells you something,
just double it and you'll
have it almost up to normal.
Evenin', Elizabeth.
- Evenin', Randy.
Excuse us.
Getting a lot of
competition, Mr. Mayhew.
I guess that's what I get
for bringing the prettiest
girl in the territory,
present company excepted.
Hi, Jim.
Hi, Luke, shake hands
with Tom Blackwell,
a new addition
to my establishment.
Luke Kimbrough, our sheriff.
Kinda unusual seeing you around
these community doings, Jim.
Well, I'll only stay a minute.
I just thought
I'd bring Tom over.
At that, I guess these
school dancing contests
are as much my
affair as anyone's.
Being the biggest
taxpayer in town.
I better be
civic-minded just to see
where my money's going to,
if nothin' else.
Who're those men over there?
I don't know
the younger fellow,
probably a new man
working for Jim.
Jim who?
Jim Donovan,
runs the biggest saloon
and gambling house in town.
Had my way, I'd run him
clean out of the territory.
Looks like they're havin' fun.
Well.
You're new around here,
aren't you?
Oh, I've been here
a couple of days.
My name's Tom Blackwell.
My name's Elizabeth Sutton.
Two very pretty names,
and they belong to a
very beautiful dancer.
Thank you, you're the type
that makes friends easily,
aren't you?
Well, kind of a
methodical man, I am.
Before I start anything,
I always say to myself,
now if the worst thing
happens, will it be worth it?
And if I figure it is,
I go right ahead.
That's the way I figured this.
What do you call the worst?
- Oh, I don't know.
Whatever it is,
it's a small price to pay
for dancing with the
prettiest girl I've seen
since I left Texas.
So soon?
- The rules, I'm afraid.
Bill, this is Tom Blackwell.
Bill Mayhew,
he works for my father.
How do you do?
- Howdy Bill.
Been here long?
- Couple of days, you?
A little longer.
- He's from Texas, too.
Fancy that.
Why don't you show us some of
that famous Sutton hospitality
and get us some punch.
All right, but don't you
two fellows tell too many lies
about Texas while I'm gone.
We'd better talk.
Shoot, you took your
old name back, huh?
It's a good name,
I'm proud of it.
Besides, we're a
long way from Texas.
I'm keepin' mine,
it's been lucky for me.
I got a mighty good job,
stand to make $1,000 a month.
Mr. Sutton was
telling me something
about the guy you work for.
So you finally found
a career for yourself, huh?
Hired gun-hand.
For big money
you gotta take chances.
It's your funeral.
If it is,
it's none of your business.
This town better be big enough
for both of us, Bill,
'cause I'm not giving up
that kind of money.
What are you two talking about?
Oh, like you predicted,
just, uh, wasting time
lying to each other
about little old Texas.
I like it better out here.
It is a pretty night.
Couldn't be prettier.
I think we better go in, hmm?
I wouldn't concern myself
too much about him.
He's a very nice fellow.
In my opinion, he's just
another quick-tempered Texan.
If I were you, I wouldn't
got too mixed up with him.
It's all right,
Bill, he's just a kid.
and bring back
some horses, 18 head.
Where are you gonna put 'em?
Well, that's the problem.
I was hoping Shad would board
'em for another week or so,
but, but he won't.
Well, we can't get back
here afore morning, now.
Better bring your blankets.
I'll get some grub.
Bringin' them horses
back in here, huh?
There's nothing
else to do with 'em.
You call that
keepin' a secret?
C'mon, boy.
What secret,
what's he talkin' about?
You ever get bit
by an armadillo?
No.
- Knowed a fella' once that did.
Nosiest man you ever see'd.
Always askin' questions.
Lost his thumb up to here.
Armadillo snapped it right off.
Hi.
- Hi.
See you recovered all right.
- Didn't you expect me to?
Well, I don't know,
with all the fellas
at the dance trying
to wear you out,
I still think
you should be more careful
about who you go outside with.
I thought we had that
all out at the dance.
Maybe I'm taking
too much for granted.
About what?
About you and me.
Maybe you're trying to make
things move too fast, Bill.
All right, but when a fellow
sees something worth working for
he just likes to win,
that's all.
You've got lots of time.
Stop moonin', let's get going.
What's Sutton gonna do
with all them horses?
Don't you like horses?
Expected him to come
and get 'em last week.
Ain't you never been busy?
Owes me a week's
board bill for 18 head.
Yeah, yeah, I'll tell him.
You know, I'm not by nature
a curious man,
but I can't help wondering
about what Ewing said.
What is Sutton gonna do
with all these horses?
Is it again the law
for a man to like horses?
No, not this many.
He bought some in Denver, too.
Maybe he's gonna start
a stagecoach line.
Stagecoach, huh?
From Central
City to Denver, maybe.
But, that's a
legitimate enterprise.
'Course it is.
- Then why all the secrecy?
He don't want
Jim Donovan to find out.
Oh, Donovan, huh?
Oh, Sutton's headin'
for trouble, all right.
I told him that.
Well, if we're gonna bed down
at the river by nightfall,
we better hightail it.
Let's jump 'em now
and get it over with.
They're too close
to the ranch.
We'll wait till morning.
Donovan's men, it has to be.
You reckon he knows already?
He ain't stampeding
horses for the fun of it.
This is sure gonna be
a wallop to Sutton.
- Not if we get 'em back.
Yeah, and how are ya gonna
do that, with bird calls?
We'll round 'em up.
I'm too old
for that kind of foolishness.
You're not that old.
I saw you haul yourself
out from under those covers
with a gun in your hand.
Keep him pinned down.
Drop it!
You know this man?
Yeah, yeah, I know him,
Pecos Larry.
But he ain't exactly what
you'd call a social friend.
Who you working for?
Answer me!
I just like to
play with horses.
Get up.
In there.
Keep him covered.
Take his gun.
There's only one here,
there should be two.
Where is he?
Right here, freeze!
Lose the guns.
On your face, spread-eagle!
Well, now, if you
ain't full of tricks.
Keep on and I'm gonna
wind up liking you.
Get some rope and tie 'em up.
- Yeah.
All of you
work for Jim Donovan?
Yeah.
I told ya we
should've kept goin'.
But you wanna be a hero.
Oh, shut up.
Big George kept going,
he didn't wanna be a hero.
Will you shut up?
We'll tie 'em up nice and neat
and leave 'em here
'til we get back, eh?
Get them together.
Ever tell ya
how I learned to tie knots?
Nope.
- Ever serve in a wind jammer?
No.
I did, never forget
the time in Australia,
tied up the ship so tight
she pulled half
the dock out to sea.
That ain't no story,
it's a fact.
Hm, ain't a fact.
Morning.
Mornin',
anything I can do for ya?
Well, you can settle an argument
between Big George and me.
Loves to argue,
Big George.
He's never right.
- Well, if I can, I--
Well, Big George and
a couple of the boys
were ridin' down
the valley this morning
and they ran into
a horse stampede.
Said they saw
Whipsaw and that, uh,
fellow you brought from
Denver with the herd.
How many horses did you see?
- Eighteen head.
Yeah, and I said
the only reason a man
would want that many horses
would be if he was gonna
start a stagecoach line.
Well, since you're not gonna
start a stagecoach line,
I said those
couldn't be your horses.
Well, who was right,
Big George or me?
Well, I'll be doggoned
if you didn't finally
win an argument.
Drinks are on me, Big George.
Donovan,
he stampeded those horses.
But how did he find out?
Well, how does he
find out anything?
No, Dad!
It's the only
way to handle him.
I don't care about Donovan.
Well, what do you know?
What do you know?
Mr. Donovan.
Did you forget something?
Look kinda silly, don't they?
How did it happen?
- You ever been in a stampede?
How did he get
the horses back?
Can't figure it out neither.
He just stood out
there a snortin'
and they come a runnin'
from everywheres.
I appreciate this,
Bill, I sure do.
It's all right, Mr. Sutton.
- I appreciate it, too, Bill.
I figured Donovan
would find out sooner or later.
He just found out sooner,
that's all.
It means trouble, big trouble.
Why would Donovan want
to stop a stagecoach line?
Because it'd make money.
And anything that makes money,
Donovan wants to run.
And we'd make money, too.
- Lotsa gold back in the hills.
But a stagecoach
is legal property.
A man's got a right to
protect his own property.
If he wants a fight,
let's give it to him.
You want to take on half that
fight for half the profits?
You just got
yourself a partner.
But this one had to
shoot somebody, as usual.
This time he found someone
a little too tough for him.
He came up on me from behind,
two of 'em.
Two of 'em, you shouldn't
feel so bad about it.
He was just too good for you.
I thought you were
a big man around here.
Any doubt in your mind?
Some, you're not thinking
very good for a big man.
Wanting to kill
a man on your side.
On my side?
- Yeah, your side.
He's going to get the stagecoach
line runnin', isn't he?
Well, why don't you
let him get it running
and then take it over?
No fuss, no bother.
You're a bright boy, Tom.
You are for a fact.
Suppose you tell me what
you found out about Garrett.
Well, he's got about
100 head of three-year olds.
They look pretty good.
Well, you're a
bright boy, go buy 'em.
Buy 'em cheap.
- How cheap?
Well, I offered him $30 a head
for some poorer stuff
a couple of months ago.
He only laughed at me.
Said he could get
five times that amount
by taking them to
the mines himself.
Well, he tried that,
lost every steer.
He oughta be in the proper frame
of mind now to do business.
Take Big George
and Pecos Larry with you.
Garrett's got a nasty temper.
- I don't need a bodyguard.
Do what I tell ya
and don't be so cocky.
A man works for me
does what he's told
and don't waste my time arguin'!
The only reason I mentioned it,
it's 'cause three witnesses
are better than one,
in case there's trouble.
All right, I'll take 'em.
Not that they'll be any use.
You figure you can
get those way stations
set up in a week's time?
I hope so,
we've got it laid out.
It shouldn't take much longer.
Well, you've done awful
well with it so far, Bill.
Let's hope it turns out
the way we've got it planned.
Your friend's gettin'
up in the world.
My friend?
I never laid eyes on him
before the other night.
Well, it's funny
how a man will lie
when there isn't
any need for it.
I know a Texas rig
when I see one,
and it's more than a
coincidence when two of 'em
wind up in the same town,
particularly when both horses
have been branded
with the same iron.
What did you and Tom do
that you had to leave
Texas in such a hurry?
Does it matter?
Well, I ain't a pryin' man.
I ain't one to get
this partnership off
on the wrong foot, either.
Whatever you want to tell me,
Bill, it'll stay right with me.
He's my brother,
got quite a temper, Tom has.
Last time he got in trouble,
I broke him outta jail.
Yeah, I figured he was
a wild one, all right.
I'll do all the talkin'.
All right, big man.
Howdy, ma'am,
is your husband home?
Oh howdy, Garrett,
shade cold today.
What do ya want?
Well, I heard you had
some steers to sell.
I came to make a deal.
You buyin' for Jim Donovan?
- Yeah, that's right.
I swore I'd shoot
the next Donovan man
who set foot on my land.
Now, I'm giving you
ten seconds to get off!
Now wait a minute.
- Get!
Come on, Pecos.
I don't scare
that easy, big man.
Oh, Jim. Oh, Jim!
You oughta talk
some sense into your husband.
Get away from here,
and leave us alone.
Oh!
I shoulda killed you.
Come on.
He's gun crazy.
Eight little stitches
they took in his head,
and you shoulda
heard him yelling.
It hurt.
- It hurt.
Did you ever have eight
stitches taken in your head?
I want you to go down to the
jail and give yourselves up.
Give ourselves up?
I'm turning the three
of you in,
swearing out a warrant
and everything.
Now wait a minute, Jim.
Now don't get excited.
Garrett shot at you first,
didn't he?
That's right.
- Well, why not let
the sheriff know
that you shot back
in self-defense?
Well, how long do we
have to stay in jail?
Oh, until he goes
down and talks to Garrett.
A couple of hours, I'd say.
Yeah, what if Garrett
tells a different story?
We'll cross that bridge
when we come to it.
You're learnin'.
You mind tellin' me
what you're doing, Tom?
No, it's a soft wall.
It's a handy thing to know.
But, why? Donovan's
getting us out pretty soon.
Well, for future reference.
Keep the crybaby quiet.
Well, he hurts.
Well, he's going to hurt
some more if he don't shut up.
You heard me, quiet!
Let's go, Tom.
- Sheriff back?
Not yet, Tom here's got
himself a visitor, a lady.
I thought you'd be more,
uh, comfortable in here.
Thanks, Ben.
It was nice of ya
to call on me, Elizabeth.
I just heard about it a few
minutes ago. What happened?
What'd you hear?
That you shot Garrett.
Well, he shot at me first.
I had to protect myself.
He's not hurt bad,
I made sure of that.
But you're in jail, why?
Well, I came here of
my own free will. I was...
It's nice to know
you worried about me.
I was kinda hoping our
little meeting at the dance
would lead to bigger
and better things.
The only reason I'm here
is because Bill's out of town,
or he'd be here himself.
It's sure nice to know that
everybody's worried about me.
Anything that happens to you,
is Bill's concern.
Why, 'cause we're
both from Texas?
No, because you're brothers.
Bill told you that?
No, Dad guessed it,
Bill didn't deny it.
Tom, listen to me, you've got
to pull away from Donovan.
You've just got to.
- Why do I got to?
Because you'll get into trouble,
and then Bill'll
get into trouble.
Look, Bill's Bill, and I'm me.
I worry about me,
and I let him
worry about himself.
There are other
ways to make money.
Not this much.
- Then you
ought to be man enough
to take less somewhere else.
You know, I can't figure out
if you're talking like a sister,
a sister-in-law...
...or just a real true admirer.
Stop it!
When Bill comes
back into town,
you better tell him to send
a woman to do his work.
What'd you find out?
- Garrett admits he threatened
you, and shot first.
You know something,
he was trying to kill you.
He needs some
shootin' lessons.
Now this is the
way it lays out,
our first stop is right
beyond Putnam here.
A woman named, Mrs. Dover, got
two grown boys and a big barn.
Forty dollars a month.
That's good.
What about grub?
Oh, she'll feed us.
The food's good, too.
I can vouch for that.
We ferry Antelope creek here.
It's dry now, but it
fills up in the winter.
A man named Wittenburg,
ten dollars.
Mm-hmm.
A night stop here at Holtsville.
We stay at Mansion House.
You remember that.
We stopped there on the way out.
Yeah, I remember.
- We leave there at
seven o'clock in the morning.
We oughta make Denver
one o'clock the same day.
Hmm, well, you've
done a good job, Bill.
A fine job.
- Thanks.
Did ya get the Concord?
Yeah, it's stored in
Bill Norton's barn
a couple of miles out.
Now, we can distribute
the horses to the
relay stations tomorrow,
and on Wednesday, you can pull
out bright and early for Denver.
The sooner the better.
I'll leave now and get a bite.
I saved the best thing
for the last.
- What's that?
I talked to the
United States Commissioner
for the territory.
Put in application
for a mail contract.
Bill, we're gonna get
a government mail contract.
That's great.
That's just great!
I'll see you later.
Hey, that horse of
yours's all tuckered out.
Never seen a horse so tuckered.
I was in kind've a hurry.
He was in a hurry.
He musta'...
Elizabeth?
Well, what do ya know?
Oh! I thought it was Dad.
Good evening, Elizabeth.
- Welcome home.
How was the trip?
Fine. Everything's good.
The stagecoach line
gets started on Wednesday.
Oh, Bill, that's wonderful.
Why don't you get cleaned up,
and I'll fix you some supper.
Oh, that can wait. I brought you
somethin' from Denver, here.
Red silk!
Oh, Bill, it'll make
a beautiful dress.
That was the general idea.
- But why?
Well, lots of reasons.
The first one is,
pretty as the stuff is,
you'll make it
look even prettier.
And the second one is I... I...
well, I just hoped to
catch your eye with it.
Oh, thank you.
It's... it's lovely.
What's the matter?
Don't you like it.
Bill, your brother shot a man.
Who?
- A rancher named Ed Garrett,
argument over cattle buying.
Kill him?
- No.
Where is he now? In jail?
- No.
Donovan got him out.
Come on,
I'll fix your supper.
Whiskey.
What's on your mind?
Hear you shot a man.
Self-defense.
Yeah.
Well, I'm tellin' ya.
It doesn't make
any difference.
The next one'll be
easier, ya know.
You oughta know.
That's why I'm here.
Look, I know you're only
a kid, but you remember
as well as I do.
What you don't remember is
knowing you've killed a man.
Self-defense or not.
They throw you in the cooler
for about a year for that
and let ya think it over.
So don't start preachin' to me.
We're all through with that.
All right.
If I make ya a nice clean deal,
will ya listen?
Well, if it's money,
I'll listen.
Just 'cause blood's thicker
than water, or so they say.
I'm half-partners with Sutton.
Why don't you come
to work for us?
I'll give you half of my half.
D'you think that'd reform me?
Will ya do it?
- Sure!
You don't offer me the deal
'cause you thought I could help.
You're just doin' me
a big favor, like always!
You're just bein' your noble,
big brother self!
Well, I don't like people
who are noble, especially you!
So get this straight! You live
your life, and I'll live mine!
Now get outta here!
Why don't you watch
where you're goin'?
Let's get him to the doctor.
Where was your gun
when he was slugged?
That's my business.
This here the Fourth of July,
or just the day we start
the stagecoach line?
Wow!
Hey! Can I see you a minute?
You Sutton?
- That's right.
You're Mayhew?
- Yes, sir.
I got $20,000 in gold dust
I'd like to get aboard
your stage to Denver.
Yours?
- And some others'.
We heard about your line
and figured it'd be more safe
for you to take it
than for us to
haul it over the mountain.
We'll take it for you,
Mr. McGovern.
Take full responsibility,
of course.
Full responsibility,
all the time,
it's in our charge.
But you better get it
down here in a hurry.
We're leaving pretty quick.
Got it right here, in the
bottom of this grain sack.
Well, pull inside.
We'll help ya unload it.
You realize what that means,
takin' responsibility
for that gold?
We're running a stagecoach line,
responsibility's part of it.
We lose that gold, it'll
cost us everything we've got.
We won't lose it.
- All right.
McGovern turned
the gold over to 'em.
They're unloading it now.
- Get Tom.
When he gets here,
you know what to do?
Yeah.
We'll hit him on
that first trip out.
We'll wreck 'em.
They'll be laughed right
out of the territory.
We've gotta have
some more help.
We can't handle it by ourselves.
Isn't going to be
that kind've a holdup.
Tom. The boss wants you.
Don't tell me you're
goin' to send me out
on another wild goose chase.
Are you tired of bein'
a cattle buyer?
Well, I'm gonna be,
that is if you don't start
givin' me a price I can work on.
Hey, you've been
touchy lately.
Why don't you have a
cigar and cool off?
I just wanted to de-fang you
before we had a little talk.
I know why you didn't draw
when Bill Mayhlugged Pecos.er.
Funny how information
gets around.
Now, I have a proposition
that concerns him.
There's a lotta gold dust
going out on that stage.
I want it. And you're going
to get it for me.
Well, now, I'd be
real happy to help ya.
Should I ask Bill
to drop it off down in front,
or would you like me
to go down and pick it up?
You're going to write him
a little note,
telling him to come and see me.
And if he wants you
to stay alive,
he'll come and talk to me.
What makes you think he
cares what happens to me?
I'm a great judge
of human nature.
Write the note.
"Bill, I've put my foot
in it good this time.
Jim Donovan says if you don't
drop around and see him,
you're going to be
minus a brother.
I'm in a mess I can't get
out of without your help,
and don't get any bright ideas.
Just do what Donovan says.
Tom."
Elizabeth.
Read this.
When'd you get this?
A moment ago,
a kid gave it to me.
Bill, this sounds serious.
Tom'd make it sound that way.
Otherwise, he'd be
afraid I wouldn't come.
Has Tom ever
asked for help before?
Has he ever come right out
and begged for it,
like he's doing here?
No.
Well, then there must be
a good reason for it.
I don't think he's the
type that scares easily.
Maybe I better take a look.
I want to see Donovan.
All right.
I knew you wouldn't
let me down, Bill.
What do you want?
McGovern's gold dust
you're carryin' to Denver.
No dice.
You know, in the short time
he's been with me,
your brother's become a valuable
asset to my organization.
I've become attached to him.
It would grieve me deeply
if he came to any harm.
What if you do get the gold?
Then I'd give ya both 24 hours
to clear outta the territory.
What about you?
Haven't you got anything to say?
Why?
There's no noble blood
in me, not a drop.
That's the way it is, Bill.
How do I know
you'll keep your word?
You don't... but I will.
I don't expect any
trouble from you two
'cause you'll be in it
as deep as I am.
They'll blame you
for the gold's disappearance.
All right,
you can have the gold.
It won't be easy though.
John Sutton's riding gun guard.
It'll be easy,
practically painless.
All you've gotta do
is follow orders.
Oh, there you are.
Is Tom all right?
Did ya ever hear of a
bad penny not turning up?
What was the matter?
- Been gambling heavily,
that's all.
Donovan was holding
a lot of his IOUs.
I promised to make 'em good.
- Oh, Bill.
With all this gold,
I'm gettin' a little worried.
Let's get it aboard,
and get rollin'.
This may be the beginning
of great things, Dad.
I'm proud of you.
Well, I had a lot of help.
- Aww.
Where do I come in?
Goodbye, Bill. Good luck.
- Thanks.
Get up! Hah!
It's a great day
for Central City, sheriff.
Sutton and Mayhew
deserve a lot've credit.
They had enough civic pride
to want to bring the
outside world in to us.
Maybe we'll start booming now.
Yes, sir, they
deserve a lot've credit.
I'll get off here.
You guys go in alone.
You won't have any trouble.
Bill Mayhew's expecting you.
Yep, see ya later.
Get up! Hyah!
That's it, up ahead.
Anybody hungry?
We're all starved.
- Good. We're here.
Whoa.
Whoa. Hello, Mrs. Dover.
You're right on time.
That's our motto:
Right on time.
Can the folks go inside?
- Surely.
This is John Sutton,
Mrs. Dover.
- Howdy.
It's a pleasure, ma'am.
Have you got some grub ready?
Yes, indeed.
- You go and eat, John.
I'll help with the horses
and look after the box.
Good.
You got room for an
express box to Denver?
I might have. Where is it?
- Over there.
You're Joslyn, aren't you?
- Yeah.
Donovan described you.
Bring 'em over here.
By the way, Donovan said
he had special plans
for your brother before you
find him in an alley,
if you don't play it straight.
You goin' back there now?
- Yeah, soon as I pick up Pete.
Load that other box
in the booth.
Son, you got a good horse
I could borrow?
Sure.
- Saddle him up for me, will ya?
Here it is.
- Well, that's good.
You go and eat now.
We gotta keep on schedule.
This is as far as I go.
You know the road
the rest of the way.
You won't have any trouble.
What's the matter with you?
We're partners, John.
You'll have to trust me.
They'll be some men waiting
for you at Big Pine Creek.
They'll be friends.
It's seven o'clock.
They should've been here by now.
Looks like a
double-cross, boss.
I don't think so.
What are you doin' here?
I just came back to see you
kept your part of the bargain.
Did they get the box?
- Just like you planned.
Come on, let's go.
Not 'til I get the box.
They're comin'.
You mean you gave us the gold,
just like that?
Yeah.
That's the price of your life.
You chump. Did you really
think they'd a killed me?
That's what the man said.
Where's the key?
- No key.
You fellas go.
We'll split tomorrow.
Break this open.
What's this?
- Stand easy!
Dealing with such a
smart man, Mr. Donovan,
I couldn't be sure
you wouldn't kill him,
so we've got our stagecoach
line and he's got his life.
And you've got some rocks.
Try the other one.
You were right. I couldn't.
Come on.
We got work to do.
Hyah! Hyah!
That kid can't drive
any better than he can shoot.
the big cattle spreads had
spring and fall roundups.
Then the steers to be
sold became a trail herd,
pointed for the
nearest railhead,
often hundreds of miles away.
The trail was sometimes tough
with rain, wind, and snow.
And sometimes pleasant
with good sunlight.
It was that way with the
outfit we worked for,
my younger brother and I.
When we reached the railhead
town we put on a rodeo
for fun, to make a few bets.
Ready?
All right, turn him out.
Hey, what's matter, bud?
You let crow bait
like that throw you?
Listen, up in our outfit
we wouldn't let a dog like
that even pull a wagon.
Shoofly ain't never been rode,
and I figure ain't any of
you man enough to do it.
Anybody thinks he can, put your
money up where your mouth is.
Well now, this is
the sort of thing
that makes me glad I'm here
instead of someplace else.
I got $200 here that says
I can ride that horse.
That is if Mr. Kraft
can count up to ten seconds.
You do a lot of
popping off, don't you?
I can count.
You sure you can ride?
Well, this says I can.
Cover it.
You've over-matched
yourself again, kid.
You can't ride that horse.
You just stick around
and get surprised.
All right, boys,
you want in on this.
Let's see your money.
Twenty dollars for me.
Get your money up.
I'll take ten.
- Ten?
Just ten.
Ten there then.
Here's ten.
I pick.
Okay, turn him loose!
No bet, no bet!
It wasn't a fair ride!
Go ahead and scream.
See how far that'll get ya!
I never got a fair chance.
I caught my spur
on the chute gate.
I get a re-ride.
- That was a legal ride, boys.
Fair and legal, he loses.
Take it easy. You were swindled,
but forget it.
I don't forget that easy!
I'll kill him, I'll kill him!
Better get him to a doctor,
be careful of him.
Hurry!
What happened here?
Sam Mayhew claimed he got
cheated in a ride, and hit him.
You again, eh?
Well, let's go.
No use arguing about it.
I got a big bellyful
of your little brother.
He's a wild one. Every time
he hits town, it's the same
old story, trouble.
This time he was right.
He hooked his foot in the chute.
You saw him, same as I did.
- I don't care.
Your brother's just gotta
stop beatin' up on everybody
he don't agree with.
Kraft isn't hurt bad.
A little bump on the head.
He'll be good as new in a month.
And that's just
the length of time
your little brother's gonna
spend in the pokey cooling off.
How 'bout you, Lawyer Crump?
You could help the
kid if you wanted to.
I wouldn't touch that
boy with a ten-foot pole.
I have to live here.
But it was only a
little slugging match.
Nothing to put a man
in jail for a month.
Exactly where he belongs.
Psst, psst, psst.
I don't know if
this'll work or not,
but I have to
take a chance.
Tie it to the bed.
- What do you figure?
This wall's as
soft as it looks. Hurry up.
Ready.
There's a clump of
bushes about 50 yards out.
Your horse is there, stand back.
Get the key, get the key.
How come you have to
keep this thing locked?
We kept going
until we crossed the border
into New Mexico.
I knew Sheriff Deadrick's
reputation.
He had a long arm.
It's a nice little town, Bill.
My name is Steve, remember?
Steve Webster,
and yours is Tom Blackwood.
I don't see why changing
our names means so much.
The difference of
staying out of jail or not.
Breaking you out was a crime.
All right, all right.
You reckon he's in town?
I don't know, I hope so.
I'd like to settle
down someplace.
I'm tired of having
to change towns
every time you start something.
Look, Bill... Steve.
I told you, I'm cured.
All right, you're cured.
Hey, could you tell me
where I'd find Ben Murdock?
You looking for work?
- That's right.
They told us at his
ranch he was here in town.
Over in the saloon.
Well, that's mighty
thoughtful of him.
We can cut our thirst
at the same time.
We'll do that
after we got the job.
You mind the horses.
- Oh, wait a minute.
You heard me.
I was at Stone's River,
cooked with the Twelfth Indians.
I wasn't at the
battle of Shiloh.
Well, I was at Shiloh,
but that wasn't no battle.
Battle's when two sides fight.
There was only
one side at Shiloh.
Them rebels didn't fight.
Which one of you
gentlemen is Mr. Murdock?
I am.
We hear you're
looking for hands.
We?
- My... partner and myself.
What outfit you with last?
- No outfit particular.
We've been working
around Abilene.
You looking for a
place to fill your belly,
or a place to work?
Place to work, sir.
Place to settle down.
Are you troublemakers?
- No.
Pays 30 a month and found.
If you're interested
get on out to the ranch.
Thanks, Mr. Murdock.
- Yeah.
Got the job, both of us,
30 a month and found.
Thirty a month,
that isn't very much.
Stop kicking, a job's a job.
You saw it, it's a big outfit.
Can I get that drink now?
- Go ahead.
Fill it up.
Shot of whisky, please.
We come up on 'em
early in the morning.
The rebels, they were sleepin'.
They was always sleepin'.
- Hey, whisky!
We jumped 'em and run 'em back
into the Mississippi River.
Them Johnny Rebs ran like
yellow turkeys.
That guy sure loves to flap
his big mouth, doesn't he?
You referring to me?
You're the only one talkin',
aren't ya?
I happened to be
at Shiloh, myself,
and the only ones I saw
running were the Yankees.
You calling me a liar?
Well, you had to be to
get where you are now.
'Cause you're way past
bein' a liar.
Look at here, reb.
Here, get these horses
over to the alley. Hurry up!
What's goin' on here?
This rebel here,
has been kicking up a ruckus.
Let me have him, constable.
I'll show you how we handle
rebels where I come from.
Hey, what's goin' on?
What's the matter?
Hey, you!
They suckered us, boys,
they suckered us! Let's get 'em!
What happened?
Oh, I don't know,
some guy talkin' about Shiloh.
Large man, big mustache?
Yeah.
That was only Murdock.
- It was?
Well, you never
can tell, can ya?
I can tell!
I can tell right now.
You're just a
no-good spoiled brat.
And I'm fed to the teeth
with picking up your chips.
You makin' another
big brother speech?
Nope, I tried to raise you
like I thought Dad would.
Guess I flunked out.
Listen, you've been
havin' the time of your life
wet-nursin' me all these years.
You like to tell
people what to do!
You and your settlin' down.
You and your future.
All right, you take that
bull-head of yours west
and I'll take my future east.
One last sermon, if you
intend to live by that thing
you'll always find a
man who can outdraw you.
An empty head and a loaded
gun are bad partners.
I'm still the fastest draw
you ever saw.
I taught you, remember?
And I've known a fair number
of real fast drawers,
they all got one thing
in common, they're all dead.
And never draw a gun
unless you mean to use it.
Good luck.
I coulda killed you just now.
No, you couldn't.
Can you take care of
my horse for the night?
- Yes, sir.
I want him fed grain
and fresh straw in his stall.
All right.
- How much will that be?
That'll be two dollars.
- Fine.
Decent place to eat around here?
Best in Denver,
Globe Hotel, right there.
Expensive?
- It's the right expensive.
A dollar for supper
and a dollar for a room.
Much obliged.
- Sure thing.
Much obliged, got a light?
Hmm, good dinner.
Best steak I've had
since I left... left the...
Gee I... I can't find my money.
Thought I had it
in my side pocket.
Something wrong?
- Same old game.
I'm afraid I've lost my money.
[man] Another free-loader, huh?
[Bill] No, I had
enough to pay for supper.
You know how old that line is?
You saddle bums are all alike.
Why, I've a mind to beat your
brains out, you cheap tramp!
Oh, I'm... I'm sorry.
I'm sorry uh...
Look, I'll wash the dishes, huh?
All right?
Evening.
Howdy.
I, uh, I saw the fracas.
Are you just passing
through Denver?
Yeah.
What do you do next?
I'll figure that
out tomorrow morning.
You got a room?
No, but my horse has.
I'll tell him to move over.
Would you like for
me to put you up?
Why?
I like the way
you handle yourself.
I like the way
you're washing dishes
when you didn't have
to wash the dishes.
That ain't all there is to it.
I got a proposition.
When you're finished, I'll be
waitin' out on the veranda.
Have a chair.
- Thanks.
My name's, uh, John Sutton.
I'm Bill Mayhew.
You like a job?
That depends.
Good steady work.
Fellow wanted to,
might make something out of it.
Go on.
Well, I live in Central City.
I run a livery stable up there.
With this game leg I don't
get around so good anymore.
I got some plans.
Might take me away from
the stable more and more.
Like a fellow like
you around to help.
You got anything
against totin' water
or heaving grain sacks?
No.
You too proud
to shovel manure?
What's the pay?
Two dollars a day.
I'll feed you and sleep you.
You say the job is steady?
As steady as you
want to make it.
I think I'm gonna like
working for you, Mr. Sutton.
Welcome home.
- Shake hands with Bill Mayhew.
Whipsaw Ellis.
- Howdy.
Howdy.
- Bill's gonna work for us.
Is that a fact?
Yep, he's gonna bunk up
in the loft with you.
You snore?
I don't know,
I don't think so.
If you wake up in the
water trough, you'll know.
I can't even stand
a horse who snores.
Once when...
Elizabeth's got supper waiting.
Oh, uh, well, we'd better
get on over there, Bill.
C'mon.
- [Bill] I'll see you later.
That you will.
Well, hmm!
Come on.
Dad!
- Hey, hello, honey!
Oh, it's time you came home.
Darling, I want you to
meet Bill Mayhew, new hand.
This is my daughter, Elizabeth.
Pleased to meet you, Bill.
- Pleased to meet you, too.
You two get washed up,
supper's ready.
Oh, good. This way, Bill.
Is this a celebration,
or do you eat this
way all the time?
It's the way
we eat all the time.
Do you like it?
All I can say is,
the next time you hire a man,
don't mention the wages just
carry around samples of food.
You hear that?
- Yes, I heard, thank you.
I meant it, too.
- Well, it isn't often I
get a compliment like that.
You know, this boy
likes food so good
he's even willing
to wash dishes for it.
When he doesn't have to?
- Yep, this'll prove it.
Well.
Well, I'm a little
bushed from that long ride.
I think I'll turn in.
- That's a good idea, Dad.
With Bill around, maybe you can
take it a little easier now.
And if he turns out
to be a good dishwasher,
so can you.
Good night.
- Good night.
I could get to like this.
If I was sure of that,
I might add a few more
courses to the meals.
Seriously, though,
it's fun doing it
because you want to and
not because you have to.
Well, it's not
exactly man's work.
Oh, I don't know.
They say men make
the best cooks.
Why shouldn't they do a
little cleaning up afterwards.
Well, that's pretty
revolutionary talk.
You're gonna hear a lot
more of it if I stick around
here long enough.
I'd like that.
I'll have Dad take that
out of your wages.
As long as you don't
take it out of my hide.
Man's work?
All right,
you wash and I'll dry.
First, the broom over there.
No!
- No?
No.
Hello, Bill.
- Hi. Shindig, huh?
Yeah, we have them around here
every now and then.
Schoolhouse? What do they do,
dance on the desks?
No, the fellows go over
and take all the desks out,
and then on Sunday
they put them all back again.
Guess they need an extra hand?
- No, but, uh, I do.
Well, sure,
I'll help you tack 'em up.
Well, that isn't
exactly what I meant.
This is a one-man job, but,
well, it does take two to polka.
You just got
yourself a dancing man.
Well, I thought
you'd never ask!
Gimme a whisky.
You wanna get rid
of that chicken feed?
What's your game?
You name it, stranger.
Such a piddlin' sum of money,
doesn't seem worth while
sittin' down for.
Doesn't seem worthwhile
my takin' up your time with,
either.
Name it.
Short and sweet.
High card for the nine bucks.
You cut for me,
and I'll cut for you, okay?
Hey, boys,
we got a real sport.
All right, sport.
This house ran out of luck.
You wanna go for the 18?
- Sure.
Hey, sport, you really
been kissed by a bluebird.
That makes 36 bucks.
Try it again.
- All of it.
Now that makes $72, again?
Sure thing.
This is a right nice game,
that's $144.
Yeah, it goes
on and on and on.
Try it again, huh?
That makes $288, you wanna quit?
Pass the deck.
- [man 1] Don't be a sucker!
Why don't you quit
while the quittin's good?
You gotta lose sometime.
That's what I say.
Let's see what he
gets this time.
Go ahead.
Well, it's $576.
One more time.
Once more,
only keep your eyes on me
and don't run your fingers
over the edges of
the cards, understand?
Look, mister,
if you got some idea--
Just do what I tell you
and skip the talk.
Go ahead, take a cut.
Not on that cut. I told you
not to finger the deck.
Wait a...
- Let's not lose our temper.
What's the trouble?
I just didn't like the way this
gent was fingerin' the deck.
You look like an honest man.
You make the cut.
I'm Jim Donovan,
I own this place.
Well, that's all the better.
I'm sure you wouldn't
want any of your customers
doubting the honesty
of your card games.
Put your gun away,
I'll cut for ya.
Well, you cut so well for me,
I'll let you cut for the house,
if you don't object.
Not at all.
Satisfied?
Perfectly.
Well, why don't you
join me in a drink
while Rick
cashes in your winnings?
Wouldn't want you
to go away from here
bearing any hard
feelings towards us.
Well, I'd like to
drink with you.
Always hated leaving
hard feelings behind me.
What's your name?
Tom Blackwell.
That was a pretty
nervy stunt you pulled.
Was it?
You know I couldn't
afford to let you lose.
I was kinda bankin' on that.
Pretty handy with
a gun, too, fast.
Could get you into
trouble someday.
Could get me out, too.
What's your line?
Anything,
most anything at all.
I'd like to have you
folks meet Bill Mayhew.
This is Miss Honeywell,
the school teacher.
How do you do?
- And Sheriff Luke Kimbrough.
Glad to know you, sheriff.
- Bill's working for me.
Well, glad to have
you around, Bill.
Thanks a lot.
Go ahead and dance, Bill.
Just grab yourself a pretty
girl and cut right in on her.
Well, do you have
anybody in mind?
Me.
Hey, you are a good dancing man.
You didn't believe me, huh?
Well, you Texans are always
bragging, I wasn't sure.
When a Texan
tells you something,
just double it and you'll
have it almost up to normal.
Evenin', Elizabeth.
- Evenin', Randy.
Excuse us.
Getting a lot of
competition, Mr. Mayhew.
I guess that's what I get
for bringing the prettiest
girl in the territory,
present company excepted.
Hi, Jim.
Hi, Luke, shake hands
with Tom Blackwell,
a new addition
to my establishment.
Luke Kimbrough, our sheriff.
Kinda unusual seeing you around
these community doings, Jim.
Well, I'll only stay a minute.
I just thought
I'd bring Tom over.
At that, I guess these
school dancing contests
are as much my
affair as anyone's.
Being the biggest
taxpayer in town.
I better be
civic-minded just to see
where my money's going to,
if nothin' else.
Who're those men over there?
I don't know
the younger fellow,
probably a new man
working for Jim.
Jim who?
Jim Donovan,
runs the biggest saloon
and gambling house in town.
Had my way, I'd run him
clean out of the territory.
Looks like they're havin' fun.
Well.
You're new around here,
aren't you?
Oh, I've been here
a couple of days.
My name's Tom Blackwell.
My name's Elizabeth Sutton.
Two very pretty names,
and they belong to a
very beautiful dancer.
Thank you, you're the type
that makes friends easily,
aren't you?
Well, kind of a
methodical man, I am.
Before I start anything,
I always say to myself,
now if the worst thing
happens, will it be worth it?
And if I figure it is,
I go right ahead.
That's the way I figured this.
What do you call the worst?
- Oh, I don't know.
Whatever it is,
it's a small price to pay
for dancing with the
prettiest girl I've seen
since I left Texas.
So soon?
- The rules, I'm afraid.
Bill, this is Tom Blackwell.
Bill Mayhew,
he works for my father.
How do you do?
- Howdy Bill.
Been here long?
- Couple of days, you?
A little longer.
- He's from Texas, too.
Fancy that.
Why don't you show us some of
that famous Sutton hospitality
and get us some punch.
All right, but don't you
two fellows tell too many lies
about Texas while I'm gone.
We'd better talk.
Shoot, you took your
old name back, huh?
It's a good name,
I'm proud of it.
Besides, we're a
long way from Texas.
I'm keepin' mine,
it's been lucky for me.
I got a mighty good job,
stand to make $1,000 a month.
Mr. Sutton was
telling me something
about the guy you work for.
So you finally found
a career for yourself, huh?
Hired gun-hand.
For big money
you gotta take chances.
It's your funeral.
If it is,
it's none of your business.
This town better be big enough
for both of us, Bill,
'cause I'm not giving up
that kind of money.
What are you two talking about?
Oh, like you predicted,
just, uh, wasting time
lying to each other
about little old Texas.
I like it better out here.
It is a pretty night.
Couldn't be prettier.
I think we better go in, hmm?
I wouldn't concern myself
too much about him.
He's a very nice fellow.
In my opinion, he's just
another quick-tempered Texan.
If I were you, I wouldn't
got too mixed up with him.
It's all right,
Bill, he's just a kid.
and bring back
some horses, 18 head.
Where are you gonna put 'em?
Well, that's the problem.
I was hoping Shad would board
'em for another week or so,
but, but he won't.
Well, we can't get back
here afore morning, now.
Better bring your blankets.
I'll get some grub.
Bringin' them horses
back in here, huh?
There's nothing
else to do with 'em.
You call that
keepin' a secret?
C'mon, boy.
What secret,
what's he talkin' about?
You ever get bit
by an armadillo?
No.
- Knowed a fella' once that did.
Nosiest man you ever see'd.
Always askin' questions.
Lost his thumb up to here.
Armadillo snapped it right off.
Hi.
- Hi.
See you recovered all right.
- Didn't you expect me to?
Well, I don't know,
with all the fellas
at the dance trying
to wear you out,
I still think
you should be more careful
about who you go outside with.
I thought we had that
all out at the dance.
Maybe I'm taking
too much for granted.
About what?
About you and me.
Maybe you're trying to make
things move too fast, Bill.
All right, but when a fellow
sees something worth working for
he just likes to win,
that's all.
You've got lots of time.
Stop moonin', let's get going.
What's Sutton gonna do
with all them horses?
Don't you like horses?
Expected him to come
and get 'em last week.
Ain't you never been busy?
Owes me a week's
board bill for 18 head.
Yeah, yeah, I'll tell him.
You know, I'm not by nature
a curious man,
but I can't help wondering
about what Ewing said.
What is Sutton gonna do
with all these horses?
Is it again the law
for a man to like horses?
No, not this many.
He bought some in Denver, too.
Maybe he's gonna start
a stagecoach line.
Stagecoach, huh?
From Central
City to Denver, maybe.
But, that's a
legitimate enterprise.
'Course it is.
- Then why all the secrecy?
He don't want
Jim Donovan to find out.
Oh, Donovan, huh?
Oh, Sutton's headin'
for trouble, all right.
I told him that.
Well, if we're gonna bed down
at the river by nightfall,
we better hightail it.
Let's jump 'em now
and get it over with.
They're too close
to the ranch.
We'll wait till morning.
Donovan's men, it has to be.
You reckon he knows already?
He ain't stampeding
horses for the fun of it.
This is sure gonna be
a wallop to Sutton.
- Not if we get 'em back.
Yeah, and how are ya gonna
do that, with bird calls?
We'll round 'em up.
I'm too old
for that kind of foolishness.
You're not that old.
I saw you haul yourself
out from under those covers
with a gun in your hand.
Keep him pinned down.
Drop it!
You know this man?
Yeah, yeah, I know him,
Pecos Larry.
But he ain't exactly what
you'd call a social friend.
Who you working for?
Answer me!
I just like to
play with horses.
Get up.
In there.
Keep him covered.
Take his gun.
There's only one here,
there should be two.
Where is he?
Right here, freeze!
Lose the guns.
On your face, spread-eagle!
Well, now, if you
ain't full of tricks.
Keep on and I'm gonna
wind up liking you.
Get some rope and tie 'em up.
- Yeah.
All of you
work for Jim Donovan?
Yeah.
I told ya we
should've kept goin'.
But you wanna be a hero.
Oh, shut up.
Big George kept going,
he didn't wanna be a hero.
Will you shut up?
We'll tie 'em up nice and neat
and leave 'em here
'til we get back, eh?
Get them together.
Ever tell ya
how I learned to tie knots?
Nope.
- Ever serve in a wind jammer?
No.
I did, never forget
the time in Australia,
tied up the ship so tight
she pulled half
the dock out to sea.
That ain't no story,
it's a fact.
Hm, ain't a fact.
Morning.
Mornin',
anything I can do for ya?
Well, you can settle an argument
between Big George and me.
Loves to argue,
Big George.
He's never right.
- Well, if I can, I--
Well, Big George and
a couple of the boys
were ridin' down
the valley this morning
and they ran into
a horse stampede.
Said they saw
Whipsaw and that, uh,
fellow you brought from
Denver with the herd.
How many horses did you see?
- Eighteen head.
Yeah, and I said
the only reason a man
would want that many horses
would be if he was gonna
start a stagecoach line.
Well, since you're not gonna
start a stagecoach line,
I said those
couldn't be your horses.
Well, who was right,
Big George or me?
Well, I'll be doggoned
if you didn't finally
win an argument.
Drinks are on me, Big George.
Donovan,
he stampeded those horses.
But how did he find out?
Well, how does he
find out anything?
No, Dad!
It's the only
way to handle him.
I don't care about Donovan.
Well, what do you know?
What do you know?
Mr. Donovan.
Did you forget something?
Look kinda silly, don't they?
How did it happen?
- You ever been in a stampede?
How did he get
the horses back?
Can't figure it out neither.
He just stood out
there a snortin'
and they come a runnin'
from everywheres.
I appreciate this,
Bill, I sure do.
It's all right, Mr. Sutton.
- I appreciate it, too, Bill.
I figured Donovan
would find out sooner or later.
He just found out sooner,
that's all.
It means trouble, big trouble.
Why would Donovan want
to stop a stagecoach line?
Because it'd make money.
And anything that makes money,
Donovan wants to run.
And we'd make money, too.
- Lotsa gold back in the hills.
But a stagecoach
is legal property.
A man's got a right to
protect his own property.
If he wants a fight,
let's give it to him.
You want to take on half that
fight for half the profits?
You just got
yourself a partner.
But this one had to
shoot somebody, as usual.
This time he found someone
a little too tough for him.
He came up on me from behind,
two of 'em.
Two of 'em, you shouldn't
feel so bad about it.
He was just too good for you.
I thought you were
a big man around here.
Any doubt in your mind?
Some, you're not thinking
very good for a big man.
Wanting to kill
a man on your side.
On my side?
- Yeah, your side.
He's going to get the stagecoach
line runnin', isn't he?
Well, why don't you
let him get it running
and then take it over?
No fuss, no bother.
You're a bright boy, Tom.
You are for a fact.
Suppose you tell me what
you found out about Garrett.
Well, he's got about
100 head of three-year olds.
They look pretty good.
Well, you're a
bright boy, go buy 'em.
Buy 'em cheap.
- How cheap?
Well, I offered him $30 a head
for some poorer stuff
a couple of months ago.
He only laughed at me.
Said he could get
five times that amount
by taking them to
the mines himself.
Well, he tried that,
lost every steer.
He oughta be in the proper frame
of mind now to do business.
Take Big George
and Pecos Larry with you.
Garrett's got a nasty temper.
- I don't need a bodyguard.
Do what I tell ya
and don't be so cocky.
A man works for me
does what he's told
and don't waste my time arguin'!
The only reason I mentioned it,
it's 'cause three witnesses
are better than one,
in case there's trouble.
All right, I'll take 'em.
Not that they'll be any use.
You figure you can
get those way stations
set up in a week's time?
I hope so,
we've got it laid out.
It shouldn't take much longer.
Well, you've done awful
well with it so far, Bill.
Let's hope it turns out
the way we've got it planned.
Your friend's gettin'
up in the world.
My friend?
I never laid eyes on him
before the other night.
Well, it's funny
how a man will lie
when there isn't
any need for it.
I know a Texas rig
when I see one,
and it's more than a
coincidence when two of 'em
wind up in the same town,
particularly when both horses
have been branded
with the same iron.
What did you and Tom do
that you had to leave
Texas in such a hurry?
Does it matter?
Well, I ain't a pryin' man.
I ain't one to get
this partnership off
on the wrong foot, either.
Whatever you want to tell me,
Bill, it'll stay right with me.
He's my brother,
got quite a temper, Tom has.
Last time he got in trouble,
I broke him outta jail.
Yeah, I figured he was
a wild one, all right.
I'll do all the talkin'.
All right, big man.
Howdy, ma'am,
is your husband home?
Oh howdy, Garrett,
shade cold today.
What do ya want?
Well, I heard you had
some steers to sell.
I came to make a deal.
You buyin' for Jim Donovan?
- Yeah, that's right.
I swore I'd shoot
the next Donovan man
who set foot on my land.
Now, I'm giving you
ten seconds to get off!
Now wait a minute.
- Get!
Come on, Pecos.
I don't scare
that easy, big man.
Oh, Jim. Oh, Jim!
You oughta talk
some sense into your husband.
Get away from here,
and leave us alone.
Oh!
I shoulda killed you.
Come on.
He's gun crazy.
Eight little stitches
they took in his head,
and you shoulda
heard him yelling.
It hurt.
- It hurt.
Did you ever have eight
stitches taken in your head?
I want you to go down to the
jail and give yourselves up.
Give ourselves up?
I'm turning the three
of you in,
swearing out a warrant
and everything.
Now wait a minute, Jim.
Now don't get excited.
Garrett shot at you first,
didn't he?
That's right.
- Well, why not let
the sheriff know
that you shot back
in self-defense?
Well, how long do we
have to stay in jail?
Oh, until he goes
down and talks to Garrett.
A couple of hours, I'd say.
Yeah, what if Garrett
tells a different story?
We'll cross that bridge
when we come to it.
You're learnin'.
You mind tellin' me
what you're doing, Tom?
No, it's a soft wall.
It's a handy thing to know.
But, why? Donovan's
getting us out pretty soon.
Well, for future reference.
Keep the crybaby quiet.
Well, he hurts.
Well, he's going to hurt
some more if he don't shut up.
You heard me, quiet!
Let's go, Tom.
- Sheriff back?
Not yet, Tom here's got
himself a visitor, a lady.
I thought you'd be more,
uh, comfortable in here.
Thanks, Ben.
It was nice of ya
to call on me, Elizabeth.
I just heard about it a few
minutes ago. What happened?
What'd you hear?
That you shot Garrett.
Well, he shot at me first.
I had to protect myself.
He's not hurt bad,
I made sure of that.
But you're in jail, why?
Well, I came here of
my own free will. I was...
It's nice to know
you worried about me.
I was kinda hoping our
little meeting at the dance
would lead to bigger
and better things.
The only reason I'm here
is because Bill's out of town,
or he'd be here himself.
It's sure nice to know that
everybody's worried about me.
Anything that happens to you,
is Bill's concern.
Why, 'cause we're
both from Texas?
No, because you're brothers.
Bill told you that?
No, Dad guessed it,
Bill didn't deny it.
Tom, listen to me, you've got
to pull away from Donovan.
You've just got to.
- Why do I got to?
Because you'll get into trouble,
and then Bill'll
get into trouble.
Look, Bill's Bill, and I'm me.
I worry about me,
and I let him
worry about himself.
There are other
ways to make money.
Not this much.
- Then you
ought to be man enough
to take less somewhere else.
You know, I can't figure out
if you're talking like a sister,
a sister-in-law...
...or just a real true admirer.
Stop it!
When Bill comes
back into town,
you better tell him to send
a woman to do his work.
What'd you find out?
- Garrett admits he threatened
you, and shot first.
You know something,
he was trying to kill you.
He needs some
shootin' lessons.
Now this is the
way it lays out,
our first stop is right
beyond Putnam here.
A woman named, Mrs. Dover, got
two grown boys and a big barn.
Forty dollars a month.
That's good.
What about grub?
Oh, she'll feed us.
The food's good, too.
I can vouch for that.
We ferry Antelope creek here.
It's dry now, but it
fills up in the winter.
A man named Wittenburg,
ten dollars.
Mm-hmm.
A night stop here at Holtsville.
We stay at Mansion House.
You remember that.
We stopped there on the way out.
Yeah, I remember.
- We leave there at
seven o'clock in the morning.
We oughta make Denver
one o'clock the same day.
Hmm, well, you've
done a good job, Bill.
A fine job.
- Thanks.
Did ya get the Concord?
Yeah, it's stored in
Bill Norton's barn
a couple of miles out.
Now, we can distribute
the horses to the
relay stations tomorrow,
and on Wednesday, you can pull
out bright and early for Denver.
The sooner the better.
I'll leave now and get a bite.
I saved the best thing
for the last.
- What's that?
I talked to the
United States Commissioner
for the territory.
Put in application
for a mail contract.
Bill, we're gonna get
a government mail contract.
That's great.
That's just great!
I'll see you later.
Hey, that horse of
yours's all tuckered out.
Never seen a horse so tuckered.
I was in kind've a hurry.
He was in a hurry.
He musta'...
Elizabeth?
Well, what do ya know?
Oh! I thought it was Dad.
Good evening, Elizabeth.
- Welcome home.
How was the trip?
Fine. Everything's good.
The stagecoach line
gets started on Wednesday.
Oh, Bill, that's wonderful.
Why don't you get cleaned up,
and I'll fix you some supper.
Oh, that can wait. I brought you
somethin' from Denver, here.
Red silk!
Oh, Bill, it'll make
a beautiful dress.
That was the general idea.
- But why?
Well, lots of reasons.
The first one is,
pretty as the stuff is,
you'll make it
look even prettier.
And the second one is I... I...
well, I just hoped to
catch your eye with it.
Oh, thank you.
It's... it's lovely.
What's the matter?
Don't you like it.
Bill, your brother shot a man.
Who?
- A rancher named Ed Garrett,
argument over cattle buying.
Kill him?
- No.
Where is he now? In jail?
- No.
Donovan got him out.
Come on,
I'll fix your supper.
Whiskey.
What's on your mind?
Hear you shot a man.
Self-defense.
Yeah.
Well, I'm tellin' ya.
It doesn't make
any difference.
The next one'll be
easier, ya know.
You oughta know.
That's why I'm here.
Look, I know you're only
a kid, but you remember
as well as I do.
What you don't remember is
knowing you've killed a man.
Self-defense or not.
They throw you in the cooler
for about a year for that
and let ya think it over.
So don't start preachin' to me.
We're all through with that.
All right.
If I make ya a nice clean deal,
will ya listen?
Well, if it's money,
I'll listen.
Just 'cause blood's thicker
than water, or so they say.
I'm half-partners with Sutton.
Why don't you come
to work for us?
I'll give you half of my half.
D'you think that'd reform me?
Will ya do it?
- Sure!
You don't offer me the deal
'cause you thought I could help.
You're just doin' me
a big favor, like always!
You're just bein' your noble,
big brother self!
Well, I don't like people
who are noble, especially you!
So get this straight! You live
your life, and I'll live mine!
Now get outta here!
Why don't you watch
where you're goin'?
Let's get him to the doctor.
Where was your gun
when he was slugged?
That's my business.
This here the Fourth of July,
or just the day we start
the stagecoach line?
Wow!
Hey! Can I see you a minute?
You Sutton?
- That's right.
You're Mayhew?
- Yes, sir.
I got $20,000 in gold dust
I'd like to get aboard
your stage to Denver.
Yours?
- And some others'.
We heard about your line
and figured it'd be more safe
for you to take it
than for us to
haul it over the mountain.
We'll take it for you,
Mr. McGovern.
Take full responsibility,
of course.
Full responsibility,
all the time,
it's in our charge.
But you better get it
down here in a hurry.
We're leaving pretty quick.
Got it right here, in the
bottom of this grain sack.
Well, pull inside.
We'll help ya unload it.
You realize what that means,
takin' responsibility
for that gold?
We're running a stagecoach line,
responsibility's part of it.
We lose that gold, it'll
cost us everything we've got.
We won't lose it.
- All right.
McGovern turned
the gold over to 'em.
They're unloading it now.
- Get Tom.
When he gets here,
you know what to do?
Yeah.
We'll hit him on
that first trip out.
We'll wreck 'em.
They'll be laughed right
out of the territory.
We've gotta have
some more help.
We can't handle it by ourselves.
Isn't going to be
that kind've a holdup.
Tom. The boss wants you.
Don't tell me you're
goin' to send me out
on another wild goose chase.
Are you tired of bein'
a cattle buyer?
Well, I'm gonna be,
that is if you don't start
givin' me a price I can work on.
Hey, you've been
touchy lately.
Why don't you have a
cigar and cool off?
I just wanted to de-fang you
before we had a little talk.
I know why you didn't draw
when Bill Mayhlugged Pecos.er.
Funny how information
gets around.
Now, I have a proposition
that concerns him.
There's a lotta gold dust
going out on that stage.
I want it. And you're going
to get it for me.
Well, now, I'd be
real happy to help ya.
Should I ask Bill
to drop it off down in front,
or would you like me
to go down and pick it up?
You're going to write him
a little note,
telling him to come and see me.
And if he wants you
to stay alive,
he'll come and talk to me.
What makes you think he
cares what happens to me?
I'm a great judge
of human nature.
Write the note.
"Bill, I've put my foot
in it good this time.
Jim Donovan says if you don't
drop around and see him,
you're going to be
minus a brother.
I'm in a mess I can't get
out of without your help,
and don't get any bright ideas.
Just do what Donovan says.
Tom."
Elizabeth.
Read this.
When'd you get this?
A moment ago,
a kid gave it to me.
Bill, this sounds serious.
Tom'd make it sound that way.
Otherwise, he'd be
afraid I wouldn't come.
Has Tom ever
asked for help before?
Has he ever come right out
and begged for it,
like he's doing here?
No.
Well, then there must be
a good reason for it.
I don't think he's the
type that scares easily.
Maybe I better take a look.
I want to see Donovan.
All right.
I knew you wouldn't
let me down, Bill.
What do you want?
McGovern's gold dust
you're carryin' to Denver.
No dice.
You know, in the short time
he's been with me,
your brother's become a valuable
asset to my organization.
I've become attached to him.
It would grieve me deeply
if he came to any harm.
What if you do get the gold?
Then I'd give ya both 24 hours
to clear outta the territory.
What about you?
Haven't you got anything to say?
Why?
There's no noble blood
in me, not a drop.
That's the way it is, Bill.
How do I know
you'll keep your word?
You don't... but I will.
I don't expect any
trouble from you two
'cause you'll be in it
as deep as I am.
They'll blame you
for the gold's disappearance.
All right,
you can have the gold.
It won't be easy though.
John Sutton's riding gun guard.
It'll be easy,
practically painless.
All you've gotta do
is follow orders.
Oh, there you are.
Is Tom all right?
Did ya ever hear of a
bad penny not turning up?
What was the matter?
- Been gambling heavily,
that's all.
Donovan was holding
a lot of his IOUs.
I promised to make 'em good.
- Oh, Bill.
With all this gold,
I'm gettin' a little worried.
Let's get it aboard,
and get rollin'.
This may be the beginning
of great things, Dad.
I'm proud of you.
Well, I had a lot of help.
- Aww.
Where do I come in?
Goodbye, Bill. Good luck.
- Thanks.
Get up! Hah!
It's a great day
for Central City, sheriff.
Sutton and Mayhew
deserve a lot've credit.
They had enough civic pride
to want to bring the
outside world in to us.
Maybe we'll start booming now.
Yes, sir, they
deserve a lot've credit.
I'll get off here.
You guys go in alone.
You won't have any trouble.
Bill Mayhew's expecting you.
Yep, see ya later.
Get up! Hyah!
That's it, up ahead.
Anybody hungry?
We're all starved.
- Good. We're here.
Whoa.
Whoa. Hello, Mrs. Dover.
You're right on time.
That's our motto:
Right on time.
Can the folks go inside?
- Surely.
This is John Sutton,
Mrs. Dover.
- Howdy.
It's a pleasure, ma'am.
Have you got some grub ready?
Yes, indeed.
- You go and eat, John.
I'll help with the horses
and look after the box.
Good.
You got room for an
express box to Denver?
I might have. Where is it?
- Over there.
You're Joslyn, aren't you?
- Yeah.
Donovan described you.
Bring 'em over here.
By the way, Donovan said
he had special plans
for your brother before you
find him in an alley,
if you don't play it straight.
You goin' back there now?
- Yeah, soon as I pick up Pete.
Load that other box
in the booth.
Son, you got a good horse
I could borrow?
Sure.
- Saddle him up for me, will ya?
Here it is.
- Well, that's good.
You go and eat now.
We gotta keep on schedule.
This is as far as I go.
You know the road
the rest of the way.
You won't have any trouble.
What's the matter with you?
We're partners, John.
You'll have to trust me.
They'll be some men waiting
for you at Big Pine Creek.
They'll be friends.
It's seven o'clock.
They should've been here by now.
Looks like a
double-cross, boss.
I don't think so.
What are you doin' here?
I just came back to see you
kept your part of the bargain.
Did they get the box?
- Just like you planned.
Come on, let's go.
Not 'til I get the box.
They're comin'.
You mean you gave us the gold,
just like that?
Yeah.
That's the price of your life.
You chump. Did you really
think they'd a killed me?
That's what the man said.
Where's the key?
- No key.
You fellas go.
We'll split tomorrow.
Break this open.
What's this?
- Stand easy!
Dealing with such a
smart man, Mr. Donovan,
I couldn't be sure
you wouldn't kill him,
so we've got our stagecoach
line and he's got his life.
And you've got some rocks.
Try the other one.
You were right. I couldn't.
Come on.
We got work to do.
Hyah! Hyah!
That kid can't drive
any better than he can shoot.