Snowy River: The McGregor Saga (1993) s01e04 Episode Script
Partnerships
1 [Announcer.]
Previously on Snowy River, the McGregor Saga.
Kathleen stirs up the town when she brings home a strange cow.
It's a Brahman.
I bought it.
It's the first in the country.
We can't let you introduce a foreign breed in the cattle around here.
Let me? Let me? [Announcer.]
Luke dines with the Blackwoods, and discovers Langara on the menu.
You think you can take on Matt McGregor by yourself? I thought we talking about gold mines.
First the mine, and then Langara.
[Announcer.]
When a friend shows interest in Kathleen, Matt denies his true feelings.
You haven't got your eye on her too, have you? Me? Good Lord, no.
Because if I thought you did, I'd back off.
I wouldn't do that to a mate.
Not if she was the last woman in the world, believe me.
[Announcer.]
And Matt attempts to save Luke from his lust for gold.
Luke, there isn't any gold up here.
I've already found some.
Now, we'll see whether my father was stupid, whether this was Alex folly.
(peaceful instrumental music) (adventurous instrumental music) (train roaring) (train roaring) (train whistle blows) (brake squealing) Tracks been washed away, Miss Blackwood.
You can't hold me responsible for an act of God.
I can hold you responsible for impertinence, speaking to me like that.
Cobb and Co are sending coaches, the first one will be here before you know it.
Fine, and I expect, as my father would expect, that my trunks, my chaperone, and I will be on the first coach to arrive.
Yes, Miss Blackwood.
And the inside seat's mine.
Oliver Blackwood's daughter will not ride outside under any circumstances.
(birds twittering) There's always been a bit of alluvial gold in these hills.
No one's ever found a vein of it.
They've just never known where to look, but I do.
I just can't get to it, not with my bare hands.
You've got some nerve, coming and asking us for money.
Hold your tongue, Frank, you might learn something.
Besides, Luke and I are after the same thing.
Gold dust just doesn't grow in the creeks, it's got to come from somewhere.
That's what I'm supposed to learn? Mr.
Blackwood, there's a vein in the hills, and I know I can find it.
It's going to be expensive.
And that's why I've come to you.
Alright, I'll back you.
But I'm going to want a return on my investment.
25 percent of everything you make.
20 percent.
20 percent.
And the share will be in Frank's name, and he will be a working partner.
You expect me to go grubbing in the dirt with him? I'm not a miner.
No, Frank, you're not a miner, you're not much of anything.
But maybe you will be.
I'm looking for backing for my mine, I'm not looking for someone to nursemaid.
When you want to train a pup, you put him with a dog who knows the ropes.
And I suppose I don't got a choice? Sure, you can get your money from Matt McGregor.
Frank.
Now, you work with Luke.
And you make a go of it, or I'll find you a job you're more suited for, like selling ribbons in a shop, eh? Why don't you two partners shake hands on the deal? (reverent organ music) Not the labors of my hands Can fulfill thy law's demands Could my zeal no respite know Could my tears forever flow All for sin could not atone Thou must save, and thou alone Nothing in my hand I bring Simply to thy cross I cling Naked, come to thee for dress Helpless, look to thee for grace Foul, I (organ erupts and plays off-key) (boys laughing) I'm sorry, Colin.
I don't know what gets into him, sometimes.
I just wish he could be good like the others.
Well, there's no harm in Sean, Mrs.
Carney, just a stage he's going through.
The sooner he gets to where he's going, the better off we'll all be.
Get away from that, you little devil.
Don't touch the dog! Get out of that - Morning, friend.
- Morning.
(Mrs.
Carney yelling) Colin, nice sermon.
Thank you.
Pity about the singing.
It might be better to abandon the hymns until we find ourselves a new organ.
Oh, Miss Cornish won't have any excuse to spend so much time in the church, if there's no organ.
[Mrs.
Carney.]
Sean, Sean! Don't know what to do about young Sean.
Mrs.
Carney's quite concerned about him.
Get down from there! Oh, Colin, he's a nice boy, really, he just needs to be encouraged.
Perhaps I might have a little chat with him.
I heard he's been struggling to keep up at school.
Well, his schooling is my responsibility, I'm his teacher.
Well, not everyone's born to be a scholar.
The world needs workers, too.
I believe that every child has a right to an education, and I don't think that Sean Carney is the fool that some people take him for.
No, I'm not saying he is.
Then what are you saying? Perhaps you're implying that he's not being taught properly.
Oh, of course not.
But he does have a problem.
Yes, well.
If you'll excuse us? Come along, Michael.
(soft instrumental music) Stubborn woman.
(upbeat instrumental music) (bags clanging) - There you go.
- Thank you, sir.
(passengers chatting) (upbeat instrumental music) (driver calls to horses) (carriage rattling) Stop! Stop that coach! Stop! This coach just left without me? So it seems.
Well, why didn't you call me? Well, I didn't want to disturb you, and all the inside seats were taken.
But I requested an inside seat.
Well, she did.
So did everyone else.
And when the coach arrived, I couldn't hold them back.
And you did say that you wouldn't ride outside, under any circumstances? - Yes.
- Yes.
Next coach, I'll see what I can do.
(upbeat instrumental music) (horse whinnies) I was just so excited about having it for Colin's Whitsunday service.
But now, with the train held up, I don't know what to do.
Couldn't Colin take a cart and bring it back himself? He could, but I want to make it a surprise for him.
It's the pedal organ I learnt on as a child.
It's been in my parent's home in Adelaide ever since.
And now you want Colin to have it? For the church, of course.
Of course.
Oh, I'm sorry, Emily, I'd like to help, but with the muster coming up, I'm overworked as it is.
I understand.
I thought I'd come and ask before I went to see Mr.
Blackwood.
Why Blackwood? Victoria's coming back from Melbourne.
Victoria's on the train? I don't think we need Oliver Blackwood to handle our family matters.
Well, I suppose it would be, you know, like a service to God.
Well, to the church, at least, and Colin.
I could hire a cart down the track.
Excuse me, I'll see you both later.
I think Rob's just found some spare time.
(peaceful instrumental music) (wheel grinding) We start at sunup.
You're four hours late.
I'm a partner in this mine, I'll decide when I start.
Is that what you're going to wear? I don't intend working like a slave.
Or looking like one.
Okay, how are you with an adge? I can do anything you can.
Good, you cut the timbers, I'll dig.
This is ironbark.
Do you think I'm some sort of idiot? I don't recall actually saying it.
I'll dig, you can cut the timbers.
You didn't really think I'd fall for that, did you? Ironbark's as hard as granite.
Looks like you found me out.
Looks like I have.
(pants heavily) (shovel clanging) This is solid rock.
Only for the first fifty feet or so.
(shovel bangs) Hey, how's your sister feel about you being a mining magnate? My sister shouldn't know or care.
(rock clangs loudly) (grunting and panting) While I'm slaving here, my spoiled brat of a sister is riding home first class from Melbourne with a trainload of dresses and bonnets that my loving father has paid for.
(rock breaks) I'm glad that train's broken down.
Keep digging, Frank.
(rock breaks) (wagon rattling) The bush has friends to meet him, and the gentle voices greet him in the murmur of the breezes and the river on its bars.
Very good, Doreen.
Next? Not Sean, he can't read.
(children groan) That's enough.
Go ahead, Sean.
(children groan) [Jeff.]
Please, miss, anyone but Sean.
I said, that's enough.
There'll be no more reading until you all learn some manners.
(upbeat instrumental music) (bat whacks) (children cheering) (cheering grows louder) [Child.]
Come on, Sean, run! Come on, Sean, show us what you can do, daffy.
[Child.]
Come on, Jeff, throw him out! [Girl.]
Hit it! (children laughing) [Child.]
Come on, Jeff, do it this time! [Children.]
Hit it, hit it! (children laughing) [Child.]
Come on, Jeff, this time! Hit it, Sean, hit it! (children laughing) No luck.
(children chattering) (melancholy instrumental music) (footsteps) Hello, Matt, what brings you here? Oh, I thought I'd ride home with Danni today.
Look, I know we don't agree on this one, but I think Sean would be better off doing a bit of work, rather than being here.
You can't isolate him from the other children.
No, I'm not suggesting that.
I could find him something that would build his confidence and his self-respect.
Admit it, he is having problems with his school work.
Sean, would you come here, please? - Hi, Sean.
- Hi, Mr.
McGregor.
Sean, who was the king who succeeded Edward III to the throne of England.
Richard II.
Very good.
1377 to 1399.
Oh, is that right? Henry IV, 1399 to 1413.
Henry V, 1413 to 1422.
Henry VI, 1422 to 1461.
Well, I'm sure the kings of England will be a great help when he has to earn a living.
Sometimes I think you and I do not have a thought in common.
Come along, Sean.
(peaceful instrumental music) (passengers chatting) You left her there? You fool! You left my daughter out in the bush? I didn't even know she was there.
I'll have your job for this.
Mr.
Blackwood, the conductor was responsible for loading the coach, I had nothing to do with it.
I want her on the very next coach! You hear me? Very well, sir.
(upbeat instrumental music) (wagon rattling) Giddyap, bag of bones! (wagon rattling) Alright, Sean, I'll show you what I want you to do.
Now, as you can see, these saddles need fixing.
It's slow and hard work, but every horseman worth the name looks after his saddle.
Okay, you want to try? - Yeah.
- There you go.
That's it, plenty of elbow grease.
Now, I don't expect you to do this for nothing, you're on a wage, say, a penny an hour? - Yeah! - Alright.
I'll leave you to it.
Now, you just work at your own pace, Sean, I'll give you a call when it's time to knock off, okay? Alright.
(peaceful instrumental music) You found something to eat? Good.
I told cook not to bother.
With Victoria away, there's no need to fuss.
He had me chipping away at rock with a crow bar all day.
There's no sign of rain.
At least she'll be spared that.
And all he did was chop a bit of wood.
Place seems empty without her.
Why are you letting him use me like this? Frank.
Surely, you understand.
Your discomfort is a small price to pay for having a McGregor in our pocket, hm? (soft bang) (insects chirping) (suspenseful instrumental music) (door creaking softly) Sean! Why are you still working? Why didn't your dad come back? (soft instrumental music) I didn't mean you to work all night, lad.
One of the men got gored by a steer, and I had to take him to a doctor.
You said you'd come back.
Oh, Mr.
McGregor didn't get back himself until all hours, Seanny.
Anyway, I'm really sorry.
If it's any consolation, you did a great job.
(peaceful instrumental music) (organ banging) Conductor says your trunks'll be up on the first train through.
I want to get home immediately with my trunks.
I've already spent one night in this wilderness.
You can see the size of the cart, it'll carry the three of us and the organ.
The organ can stay.
I'm sorry, Victoria, the organ goes with me.
My new gowns are in these trunks.
Oh, I can see how important they're going to be, now it's branding time.
One, just one trunk? I suppose one'd be alright.
You'd have to leave Miss Cavill behind, though.
I couldn't possibly leave without my chaperone.
What would people say? Exactly.
Well, whatever you decide.
I'll need an hour to repack the trunk.
Ten minutes.
(bird chirping) (upbeat instrumental music) What is that awful smell? Well, I rented the cart, I think they used it for spreading fertilizer.
Fertilizer? Cow manure.
My dresses will be ruined! The smell'll wash out.
H'yah.
(upbeat instrumental music) (horse hooves beating) (birds chirping) I thought you started work at sunrise? Seemed like you weren't going to need much in the way of timbers for a while.
(shovel scraping) (panting) I can still see the bottom, Frank.
(shovel clangs) Very funny.
(footsteps) What's this? You conned me, so it's turnabout.
Today, you dig.
I suppose that's fair.
Be careful with that adge, you might take a leg off.
(tool bangs) (whistles loudly) What is that? Dynamite.
You had that all the time, and I could have used it? You could have asked.
I'd really be careful with that thing.
(pleasant instrumental music) (children chattering) [Kathleen.]
Matt, Matt, can I have word with you please? [Matt.]
Yes, Kathleen? How could you have worked the boy so hard? I was trying to give him some sense of achievement.
Now, I assume that understand what that means? I understand that he was so tired after his achievement that he couldn't come to school today.
I was called away to help out an employee Look, the boy has a right to an education, the right to a good night's sleep, and the right not to be exploited.
I said I was called away? Now, I pay him, the same as any other employee.
His mother is also our housekeeper, so I'm helping her out as well as him.
But he's not your employee.
Now, I suggest that you leave his care to those best equipped to handle it.
Oh, meaning you? Yes, meaning me.
Wake up, or you won't sleep tonight! One Sunday morning as I walking By Brisbane waters I chanced to stray (whistling) (folksy instrumental music) Hey, Frank, what happens when your old man dies? He's not going to die.
(laughs) Why, too mean? Come on, everybody dies.
What happens, who gets the money? I do.
You sure? I'm the only son.
But who's his favorite, Frank? Picture this: Oliver dies, and he leaves all of his possessions to his favorite child.
And we know who that is, don't we, Frank? Then, she marries the gold-seeker from Wyoming.
Sure beats digging for it, Frank.
I'd kill you first.
And her.
(laughs) I bet you would, Frank.
(wagon rattling) Can't you go any faster? Well, maybe, if I lightened the load a little bit.
You could throw off that organ.
Uh-uh.
I like that dress.
Thank you.
Make it yourself? (upbeat instrumental music) Are you sure we're going in the right direction? Sure, I'm sure.
It doesn't feel right to me, the sun should be on the other side.
I'm taking a short cut.
I hope you know what you're doing.
Yeah, I know what I'm doing.
Giddy-up! (peaceful instrumental music) An old blacksmith showed me this one.
He used it for tying up his horse when he was shoeing it.
(children laughing) I Don't see young Sean Carney around anywhere? Is he sick? He was polishing saddles last night, and he worked too long.
He didn't have enough brains to stop when it got dark.
Nobody told him.
He's a fool.
Can't even play cricket.
Well, I guess nobody likes to be laughed at, no one.
(peaceful instrumental music) (peaceful instrumental music) Some short cut, Robby.
(water splashing) (water splashing) Come on, boy.
Come on.
Victoria, will you climb down? The horse hasn't got a chance.
Climb down in this swamp? You must be mad.
Alright, I'll help you.
How? I'll carry you, you won't even get your feet wet.
Very well, I suppose I don't have a choice.
(soft instrumental music) Well, what are we waiting for? - I'm stuck.
- What? I'm stuck in the mud.
Well, kindly get us unstuck.
(loud yell and splash) (Victoria gasping) I hate you, Robbie McGregor! (cries and yells) (people chatting) I remember one time, we were playing a little town just outside the Brisbane, I'd just started on my tightrope walking act, when suddenly, a wind took the top right off the tent.
That must have been a sight to see.
Mr.
Fowler saved me from a very nasty fall.
(footsteps) My mother sent me to pick up some golden syrup.
On that box over there, then.
Just under the sign.
Can't you read, boy? Course I can read.
Thanks.
Just put it on Mr.
McGregor's account.
That's alright.
(footsteps) - G'day.
- Bye, Jack.
Robbie, take this.
(footsteps crunching) That's beautiful.
It's a crime wearing it here in this wasteland.
I would appreciate it if you would try to make better time.
I would like to be home before nightfall.
Easy.
I reckon we'll be home well before dinner.
Tomorrow.
(cart squeaking) Robbie McGregor, if you think I intend to spend the night with you with no chaperone, alone, then you are very much mistaken.
Gi'yup.
(can falls) (can falls) Pretty fair shooting, Sean.
Reckon you could do it again? Suppose so.
I'd like to see that.
(can falls) Pretty good.
Hey, do you mind if I see that weapon? My dad made it.
Nice piece of work it is, too.
Hey, catch.
(slingshot falls) You might like to come out with me, one day after school, after rabbits.
Oh, no thanks, Mr.
Kelly, but I don't like to kill things.
Neither do I, lad, neither do I.
(can falls) (spoon scraping) Subterranean chicken.
This is really very good, Rob.
Just like father used to make.
I shot it myself.
I'll give you the skin, if you like.
A couple of dozen would make a nice rug.
The skin? You said it was chicken.
Subterranean chicken.
Rabbit.
I hate rabbit.
(footsteps) Eh, a man tries, Jack, but I can't understand them.
I mean, not even Danni, my own daughter.
They're a mystery, alright.
I mean, you know me, I think I'm a reasonable man.
But women! Everything works from emotions.
You try to help them, they say you're trying to belittle them.
Did you ever find that, Jack? (soft instrumental music) All the time.
You reckon you could hit a tin can off a fence at 30 paces? What the blazes are you talking about? Young Sean Carney.
(can falling) You see what I mean? We must all have been blind, Jack.
Ah, Mrs.
Carney.
Did you know that young Sean's outside? He's not knocking down cans again, is he? I'll put a stop to it at once, Mr.
McGregor.
No, no he's fine.
But if it's alright with you, I'd like Jack to take the boy into town.
Oh, thank you, Jack, I'd really appreciate that.
He's been under my feet all day.
Miss Cavill? Where is she? Speak up, woman, where is my daughter? Mr.
Blackwood, I tried to tell her, I Miss Cavill, stop gibbering.
Where is Victoria? Well, she made her own arrangements.
She's traveling with Mr.
McGregor.
I begged her.
Matt McGregor? Rob, Rob McGregor.
She is traveling with Rob McGregor, alone? [Cavill.]
Mmhm.
(knock on door) Kathleen, can we declare a truce? Just talk to each other like normal human beings? After I say what I have to say.
I've been working very hard with Sean Carney, and I've been making some progress until you interfered.
Now, I understand that you sent him off to town with Jack Kelly, when he should have been in class.
Well, he can't have missed much.
If that's your attitude, I wouldn't be surprised if you sent them off on some other errand without consulting me.
I'm only trying to help.
Well, please don't.
(wagon rattling) Why are we stopping? We're going to camp here for the night.
We certainly are not.
I want to go home, we should have been there hours ago.
Well, we would have been, but the shortcut I took I think we're lost.
I don't think you took the shortcut, at all.
I think you took the long way around, and all of this is part of your deceitful plan to I'm not getting out of this cart.
Suit yourself.
(footsteps) (horse whinnies) I hate you, Robbie McGregor.
(gear rattling) You're only doing this to try and take advantage of me.
Ha, no one could take advantage of you, Victoria.
Then where am I expected to sleep, may I ask? How about the cart? You know as well as I do, there's not enough room on the cart.
Well, then, I guess you're stuck with the ground.
And me.
(pleasant instrumental music) (pleasant instrumental music) (footsteps) Sure you won't have some? I told you, I don't like rabbit.
And I'm cold.
(silverware clanks) (insects buzzing) Perhaps I might try a spoonful.
(silverware clanks) You know, this isn't bad.
Better than the sleeping arrangements, anyhow.
(footsteps) You wanted me? Your sister's spending the night with the McGregor boy.
But I just left him at the mine.
Rob McGregor? You're going to go out and get her.
But I've been working all day.
You'll go out and get her, and you'll bring her home, you hear me? Any way you can.
I will not see my daughter compromised by a McGregor.
[Frank.]
No, sir.
(crickets chirping) (fire crackling) (insects buzzing) (bird squawking) What was that? Nothing, just a night bird.
(insects buzzing) (animal howling) Dingo.
(leaves rustling) I hear something.
Well, there's lots of snakes around here.
You've got nothing to worry about.
Robby, get your hands off me.
We're not sleeping like this.
(somber instrumental music) (birds squawking) (peaceful instrumental music) (birds squawking) (water splashing) (hoof-beats pounding) (suspenseful instrumental music) (sighs) Gi'yup.
(gasps) How dare you, you knew I was bathing! You were in bed.
Liar, you're nothing but a liar, Robbie Mc (soft instrumental music) What the heck do you think you're doing? (rifle cocking) Victoria.
(hand slaps) You'd better but the gun down Frank, I'd hate to see an accident.
Won't be any accident, McGregor.
I've been riding all night to catch up to you.
And I'm too late.
What are you suggesting, Frank Blackwood? Too late for what? You assaulted my sister, I saw you.
Assaulted her? It was her that did the assaulting.
Her in her things! I'm perfectly decent, Frank.
You're compromised! Father said you're compromised with this McGregor.
And I have to fix it.
I have to show him I can handle it.
You, you can't do anything wrong as far as he's concerned.
But me? I've got to prove myself.
I've always got to prove myself.
Now, his spoiled, pampered daughter has slept with a McGregor! [Victoria.]
I did not! Oh, I'm going to show him.
There's one Blackwood that cares about the family honor.
Hey, Frank, don't do anything that you're going to regret.
You're imagining things, alright? Aw, you're lying, I saw you kissing her! No, Frank, no.
It was me.
I kissed Robbie.
Why would you kiss him? Because there was no one else.
(suspenseful instrumental music) (Frank panting) (bell ringing) (peaceful instrumental music) Sean's working for me a couple of afternoons a week, after school.
We're going to teach him the cattle business.
So we thought we'd better fit him out.
The cattle business? Mm-hm.
Oh, he's got something else, too.
(children exclaiming) And at night, the wondrous glories of the everlasting stars.
And I somehow rather fancy that I'd like to change with Clancy, like to take a turn at droving where the western drovers go.
While he faced the round eternal of the cashbook and the journal, but I doubt if he'd suit the office, Clancy of the Overflow.
(children cheering and clapping) (horse hooves clopping) (suspenseful instrumental music) How long have you known me, Robbie? I don't know, all my life? Then why haven't you tried to kiss me before? Why would I? (laughs) Because, when you did, I enjoyed it.
Giddy yap.
(peaceful instrumental music) I'm just glad we got the whole thing sorted out.
You see, we didn't realize that his eyesight was so bad.
I bet he kisses her.
I bet a penny he kisses her.
He will not.
He better not.
Bet, then.
A penny.
Shut your mouth, Jeff.
Who cares, anyway? Oh, it was Jack, really.
He realized the boy was long-sighted when he could hit a can off a fence at 30 paces, but he couldn't catch anything thrown to him.
Couldn't see it.
Any more than he could see the poems.
Or the hymnbook.
I feel so stupid.
I should have realized.
(laughs) Kathleen, I hope that What do you hope, Matt? Well, every time we meet, we seem to end up arguing.
We do, don't we.
(laughs) Yeah.
And I just wish we wouldn't, that's all.
Well what would you like to happen, Matt? (romantic instrumental music) (children cheering and clapping) Rock of ages, cleft for me Let me hide myself in thee Let the water and the blood From thy riven side which flowed Be of sin the double cure Cleanse me of its guilt and power Not the labors of my hands Can fulfill thy law's demands Could my zeal no respite know Could my tears forever flow All for sin could not atone Thou must save, and thou alone (reverent instrumental music) (peaceful instrumental music)
Previously on Snowy River, the McGregor Saga.
Kathleen stirs up the town when she brings home a strange cow.
It's a Brahman.
I bought it.
It's the first in the country.
We can't let you introduce a foreign breed in the cattle around here.
Let me? Let me? [Announcer.]
Luke dines with the Blackwoods, and discovers Langara on the menu.
You think you can take on Matt McGregor by yourself? I thought we talking about gold mines.
First the mine, and then Langara.
[Announcer.]
When a friend shows interest in Kathleen, Matt denies his true feelings.
You haven't got your eye on her too, have you? Me? Good Lord, no.
Because if I thought you did, I'd back off.
I wouldn't do that to a mate.
Not if she was the last woman in the world, believe me.
[Announcer.]
And Matt attempts to save Luke from his lust for gold.
Luke, there isn't any gold up here.
I've already found some.
Now, we'll see whether my father was stupid, whether this was Alex folly.
(peaceful instrumental music) (adventurous instrumental music) (train roaring) (train roaring) (train whistle blows) (brake squealing) Tracks been washed away, Miss Blackwood.
You can't hold me responsible for an act of God.
I can hold you responsible for impertinence, speaking to me like that.
Cobb and Co are sending coaches, the first one will be here before you know it.
Fine, and I expect, as my father would expect, that my trunks, my chaperone, and I will be on the first coach to arrive.
Yes, Miss Blackwood.
And the inside seat's mine.
Oliver Blackwood's daughter will not ride outside under any circumstances.
(birds twittering) There's always been a bit of alluvial gold in these hills.
No one's ever found a vein of it.
They've just never known where to look, but I do.
I just can't get to it, not with my bare hands.
You've got some nerve, coming and asking us for money.
Hold your tongue, Frank, you might learn something.
Besides, Luke and I are after the same thing.
Gold dust just doesn't grow in the creeks, it's got to come from somewhere.
That's what I'm supposed to learn? Mr.
Blackwood, there's a vein in the hills, and I know I can find it.
It's going to be expensive.
And that's why I've come to you.
Alright, I'll back you.
But I'm going to want a return on my investment.
25 percent of everything you make.
20 percent.
20 percent.
And the share will be in Frank's name, and he will be a working partner.
You expect me to go grubbing in the dirt with him? I'm not a miner.
No, Frank, you're not a miner, you're not much of anything.
But maybe you will be.
I'm looking for backing for my mine, I'm not looking for someone to nursemaid.
When you want to train a pup, you put him with a dog who knows the ropes.
And I suppose I don't got a choice? Sure, you can get your money from Matt McGregor.
Frank.
Now, you work with Luke.
And you make a go of it, or I'll find you a job you're more suited for, like selling ribbons in a shop, eh? Why don't you two partners shake hands on the deal? (reverent organ music) Not the labors of my hands Can fulfill thy law's demands Could my zeal no respite know Could my tears forever flow All for sin could not atone Thou must save, and thou alone Nothing in my hand I bring Simply to thy cross I cling Naked, come to thee for dress Helpless, look to thee for grace Foul, I (organ erupts and plays off-key) (boys laughing) I'm sorry, Colin.
I don't know what gets into him, sometimes.
I just wish he could be good like the others.
Well, there's no harm in Sean, Mrs.
Carney, just a stage he's going through.
The sooner he gets to where he's going, the better off we'll all be.
Get away from that, you little devil.
Don't touch the dog! Get out of that - Morning, friend.
- Morning.
(Mrs.
Carney yelling) Colin, nice sermon.
Thank you.
Pity about the singing.
It might be better to abandon the hymns until we find ourselves a new organ.
Oh, Miss Cornish won't have any excuse to spend so much time in the church, if there's no organ.
[Mrs.
Carney.]
Sean, Sean! Don't know what to do about young Sean.
Mrs.
Carney's quite concerned about him.
Get down from there! Oh, Colin, he's a nice boy, really, he just needs to be encouraged.
Perhaps I might have a little chat with him.
I heard he's been struggling to keep up at school.
Well, his schooling is my responsibility, I'm his teacher.
Well, not everyone's born to be a scholar.
The world needs workers, too.
I believe that every child has a right to an education, and I don't think that Sean Carney is the fool that some people take him for.
No, I'm not saying he is.
Then what are you saying? Perhaps you're implying that he's not being taught properly.
Oh, of course not.
But he does have a problem.
Yes, well.
If you'll excuse us? Come along, Michael.
(soft instrumental music) Stubborn woman.
(upbeat instrumental music) (bags clanging) - There you go.
- Thank you, sir.
(passengers chatting) (upbeat instrumental music) (driver calls to horses) (carriage rattling) Stop! Stop that coach! Stop! This coach just left without me? So it seems.
Well, why didn't you call me? Well, I didn't want to disturb you, and all the inside seats were taken.
But I requested an inside seat.
Well, she did.
So did everyone else.
And when the coach arrived, I couldn't hold them back.
And you did say that you wouldn't ride outside, under any circumstances? - Yes.
- Yes.
Next coach, I'll see what I can do.
(upbeat instrumental music) (horse whinnies) I was just so excited about having it for Colin's Whitsunday service.
But now, with the train held up, I don't know what to do.
Couldn't Colin take a cart and bring it back himself? He could, but I want to make it a surprise for him.
It's the pedal organ I learnt on as a child.
It's been in my parent's home in Adelaide ever since.
And now you want Colin to have it? For the church, of course.
Of course.
Oh, I'm sorry, Emily, I'd like to help, but with the muster coming up, I'm overworked as it is.
I understand.
I thought I'd come and ask before I went to see Mr.
Blackwood.
Why Blackwood? Victoria's coming back from Melbourne.
Victoria's on the train? I don't think we need Oliver Blackwood to handle our family matters.
Well, I suppose it would be, you know, like a service to God.
Well, to the church, at least, and Colin.
I could hire a cart down the track.
Excuse me, I'll see you both later.
I think Rob's just found some spare time.
(peaceful instrumental music) (wheel grinding) We start at sunup.
You're four hours late.
I'm a partner in this mine, I'll decide when I start.
Is that what you're going to wear? I don't intend working like a slave.
Or looking like one.
Okay, how are you with an adge? I can do anything you can.
Good, you cut the timbers, I'll dig.
This is ironbark.
Do you think I'm some sort of idiot? I don't recall actually saying it.
I'll dig, you can cut the timbers.
You didn't really think I'd fall for that, did you? Ironbark's as hard as granite.
Looks like you found me out.
Looks like I have.
(pants heavily) (shovel clanging) This is solid rock.
Only for the first fifty feet or so.
(shovel bangs) Hey, how's your sister feel about you being a mining magnate? My sister shouldn't know or care.
(rock clangs loudly) (grunting and panting) While I'm slaving here, my spoiled brat of a sister is riding home first class from Melbourne with a trainload of dresses and bonnets that my loving father has paid for.
(rock breaks) I'm glad that train's broken down.
Keep digging, Frank.
(rock breaks) (wagon rattling) The bush has friends to meet him, and the gentle voices greet him in the murmur of the breezes and the river on its bars.
Very good, Doreen.
Next? Not Sean, he can't read.
(children groan) That's enough.
Go ahead, Sean.
(children groan) [Jeff.]
Please, miss, anyone but Sean.
I said, that's enough.
There'll be no more reading until you all learn some manners.
(upbeat instrumental music) (bat whacks) (children cheering) (cheering grows louder) [Child.]
Come on, Sean, run! Come on, Sean, show us what you can do, daffy.
[Child.]
Come on, Jeff, throw him out! [Girl.]
Hit it! (children laughing) [Child.]
Come on, Jeff, do it this time! [Children.]
Hit it, hit it! (children laughing) [Child.]
Come on, Jeff, this time! Hit it, Sean, hit it! (children laughing) No luck.
(children chattering) (melancholy instrumental music) (footsteps) Hello, Matt, what brings you here? Oh, I thought I'd ride home with Danni today.
Look, I know we don't agree on this one, but I think Sean would be better off doing a bit of work, rather than being here.
You can't isolate him from the other children.
No, I'm not suggesting that.
I could find him something that would build his confidence and his self-respect.
Admit it, he is having problems with his school work.
Sean, would you come here, please? - Hi, Sean.
- Hi, Mr.
McGregor.
Sean, who was the king who succeeded Edward III to the throne of England.
Richard II.
Very good.
1377 to 1399.
Oh, is that right? Henry IV, 1399 to 1413.
Henry V, 1413 to 1422.
Henry VI, 1422 to 1461.
Well, I'm sure the kings of England will be a great help when he has to earn a living.
Sometimes I think you and I do not have a thought in common.
Come along, Sean.
(peaceful instrumental music) (passengers chatting) You left her there? You fool! You left my daughter out in the bush? I didn't even know she was there.
I'll have your job for this.
Mr.
Blackwood, the conductor was responsible for loading the coach, I had nothing to do with it.
I want her on the very next coach! You hear me? Very well, sir.
(upbeat instrumental music) (wagon rattling) Giddyap, bag of bones! (wagon rattling) Alright, Sean, I'll show you what I want you to do.
Now, as you can see, these saddles need fixing.
It's slow and hard work, but every horseman worth the name looks after his saddle.
Okay, you want to try? - Yeah.
- There you go.
That's it, plenty of elbow grease.
Now, I don't expect you to do this for nothing, you're on a wage, say, a penny an hour? - Yeah! - Alright.
I'll leave you to it.
Now, you just work at your own pace, Sean, I'll give you a call when it's time to knock off, okay? Alright.
(peaceful instrumental music) You found something to eat? Good.
I told cook not to bother.
With Victoria away, there's no need to fuss.
He had me chipping away at rock with a crow bar all day.
There's no sign of rain.
At least she'll be spared that.
And all he did was chop a bit of wood.
Place seems empty without her.
Why are you letting him use me like this? Frank.
Surely, you understand.
Your discomfort is a small price to pay for having a McGregor in our pocket, hm? (soft bang) (insects chirping) (suspenseful instrumental music) (door creaking softly) Sean! Why are you still working? Why didn't your dad come back? (soft instrumental music) I didn't mean you to work all night, lad.
One of the men got gored by a steer, and I had to take him to a doctor.
You said you'd come back.
Oh, Mr.
McGregor didn't get back himself until all hours, Seanny.
Anyway, I'm really sorry.
If it's any consolation, you did a great job.
(peaceful instrumental music) (organ banging) Conductor says your trunks'll be up on the first train through.
I want to get home immediately with my trunks.
I've already spent one night in this wilderness.
You can see the size of the cart, it'll carry the three of us and the organ.
The organ can stay.
I'm sorry, Victoria, the organ goes with me.
My new gowns are in these trunks.
Oh, I can see how important they're going to be, now it's branding time.
One, just one trunk? I suppose one'd be alright.
You'd have to leave Miss Cavill behind, though.
I couldn't possibly leave without my chaperone.
What would people say? Exactly.
Well, whatever you decide.
I'll need an hour to repack the trunk.
Ten minutes.
(bird chirping) (upbeat instrumental music) What is that awful smell? Well, I rented the cart, I think they used it for spreading fertilizer.
Fertilizer? Cow manure.
My dresses will be ruined! The smell'll wash out.
H'yah.
(upbeat instrumental music) (horse hooves beating) (birds chirping) I thought you started work at sunrise? Seemed like you weren't going to need much in the way of timbers for a while.
(shovel scraping) (panting) I can still see the bottom, Frank.
(shovel clangs) Very funny.
(footsteps) What's this? You conned me, so it's turnabout.
Today, you dig.
I suppose that's fair.
Be careful with that adge, you might take a leg off.
(tool bangs) (whistles loudly) What is that? Dynamite.
You had that all the time, and I could have used it? You could have asked.
I'd really be careful with that thing.
(pleasant instrumental music) (children chattering) [Kathleen.]
Matt, Matt, can I have word with you please? [Matt.]
Yes, Kathleen? How could you have worked the boy so hard? I was trying to give him some sense of achievement.
Now, I assume that understand what that means? I understand that he was so tired after his achievement that he couldn't come to school today.
I was called away to help out an employee Look, the boy has a right to an education, the right to a good night's sleep, and the right not to be exploited.
I said I was called away? Now, I pay him, the same as any other employee.
His mother is also our housekeeper, so I'm helping her out as well as him.
But he's not your employee.
Now, I suggest that you leave his care to those best equipped to handle it.
Oh, meaning you? Yes, meaning me.
Wake up, or you won't sleep tonight! One Sunday morning as I walking By Brisbane waters I chanced to stray (whistling) (folksy instrumental music) Hey, Frank, what happens when your old man dies? He's not going to die.
(laughs) Why, too mean? Come on, everybody dies.
What happens, who gets the money? I do.
You sure? I'm the only son.
But who's his favorite, Frank? Picture this: Oliver dies, and he leaves all of his possessions to his favorite child.
And we know who that is, don't we, Frank? Then, she marries the gold-seeker from Wyoming.
Sure beats digging for it, Frank.
I'd kill you first.
And her.
(laughs) I bet you would, Frank.
(wagon rattling) Can't you go any faster? Well, maybe, if I lightened the load a little bit.
You could throw off that organ.
Uh-uh.
I like that dress.
Thank you.
Make it yourself? (upbeat instrumental music) Are you sure we're going in the right direction? Sure, I'm sure.
It doesn't feel right to me, the sun should be on the other side.
I'm taking a short cut.
I hope you know what you're doing.
Yeah, I know what I'm doing.
Giddy-up! (peaceful instrumental music) An old blacksmith showed me this one.
He used it for tying up his horse when he was shoeing it.
(children laughing) I Don't see young Sean Carney around anywhere? Is he sick? He was polishing saddles last night, and he worked too long.
He didn't have enough brains to stop when it got dark.
Nobody told him.
He's a fool.
Can't even play cricket.
Well, I guess nobody likes to be laughed at, no one.
(peaceful instrumental music) (peaceful instrumental music) Some short cut, Robby.
(water splashing) (water splashing) Come on, boy.
Come on.
Victoria, will you climb down? The horse hasn't got a chance.
Climb down in this swamp? You must be mad.
Alright, I'll help you.
How? I'll carry you, you won't even get your feet wet.
Very well, I suppose I don't have a choice.
(soft instrumental music) Well, what are we waiting for? - I'm stuck.
- What? I'm stuck in the mud.
Well, kindly get us unstuck.
(loud yell and splash) (Victoria gasping) I hate you, Robbie McGregor! (cries and yells) (people chatting) I remember one time, we were playing a little town just outside the Brisbane, I'd just started on my tightrope walking act, when suddenly, a wind took the top right off the tent.
That must have been a sight to see.
Mr.
Fowler saved me from a very nasty fall.
(footsteps) My mother sent me to pick up some golden syrup.
On that box over there, then.
Just under the sign.
Can't you read, boy? Course I can read.
Thanks.
Just put it on Mr.
McGregor's account.
That's alright.
(footsteps) - G'day.
- Bye, Jack.
Robbie, take this.
(footsteps crunching) That's beautiful.
It's a crime wearing it here in this wasteland.
I would appreciate it if you would try to make better time.
I would like to be home before nightfall.
Easy.
I reckon we'll be home well before dinner.
Tomorrow.
(cart squeaking) Robbie McGregor, if you think I intend to spend the night with you with no chaperone, alone, then you are very much mistaken.
Gi'yup.
(can falls) (can falls) Pretty fair shooting, Sean.
Reckon you could do it again? Suppose so.
I'd like to see that.
(can falls) Pretty good.
Hey, do you mind if I see that weapon? My dad made it.
Nice piece of work it is, too.
Hey, catch.
(slingshot falls) You might like to come out with me, one day after school, after rabbits.
Oh, no thanks, Mr.
Kelly, but I don't like to kill things.
Neither do I, lad, neither do I.
(can falls) (spoon scraping) Subterranean chicken.
This is really very good, Rob.
Just like father used to make.
I shot it myself.
I'll give you the skin, if you like.
A couple of dozen would make a nice rug.
The skin? You said it was chicken.
Subterranean chicken.
Rabbit.
I hate rabbit.
(footsteps) Eh, a man tries, Jack, but I can't understand them.
I mean, not even Danni, my own daughter.
They're a mystery, alright.
I mean, you know me, I think I'm a reasonable man.
But women! Everything works from emotions.
You try to help them, they say you're trying to belittle them.
Did you ever find that, Jack? (soft instrumental music) All the time.
You reckon you could hit a tin can off a fence at 30 paces? What the blazes are you talking about? Young Sean Carney.
(can falling) You see what I mean? We must all have been blind, Jack.
Ah, Mrs.
Carney.
Did you know that young Sean's outside? He's not knocking down cans again, is he? I'll put a stop to it at once, Mr.
McGregor.
No, no he's fine.
But if it's alright with you, I'd like Jack to take the boy into town.
Oh, thank you, Jack, I'd really appreciate that.
He's been under my feet all day.
Miss Cavill? Where is she? Speak up, woman, where is my daughter? Mr.
Blackwood, I tried to tell her, I Miss Cavill, stop gibbering.
Where is Victoria? Well, she made her own arrangements.
She's traveling with Mr.
McGregor.
I begged her.
Matt McGregor? Rob, Rob McGregor.
She is traveling with Rob McGregor, alone? [Cavill.]
Mmhm.
(knock on door) Kathleen, can we declare a truce? Just talk to each other like normal human beings? After I say what I have to say.
I've been working very hard with Sean Carney, and I've been making some progress until you interfered.
Now, I understand that you sent him off to town with Jack Kelly, when he should have been in class.
Well, he can't have missed much.
If that's your attitude, I wouldn't be surprised if you sent them off on some other errand without consulting me.
I'm only trying to help.
Well, please don't.
(wagon rattling) Why are we stopping? We're going to camp here for the night.
We certainly are not.
I want to go home, we should have been there hours ago.
Well, we would have been, but the shortcut I took I think we're lost.
I don't think you took the shortcut, at all.
I think you took the long way around, and all of this is part of your deceitful plan to I'm not getting out of this cart.
Suit yourself.
(footsteps) (horse whinnies) I hate you, Robbie McGregor.
(gear rattling) You're only doing this to try and take advantage of me.
Ha, no one could take advantage of you, Victoria.
Then where am I expected to sleep, may I ask? How about the cart? You know as well as I do, there's not enough room on the cart.
Well, then, I guess you're stuck with the ground.
And me.
(pleasant instrumental music) (pleasant instrumental music) (footsteps) Sure you won't have some? I told you, I don't like rabbit.
And I'm cold.
(silverware clanks) (insects buzzing) Perhaps I might try a spoonful.
(silverware clanks) You know, this isn't bad.
Better than the sleeping arrangements, anyhow.
(footsteps) You wanted me? Your sister's spending the night with the McGregor boy.
But I just left him at the mine.
Rob McGregor? You're going to go out and get her.
But I've been working all day.
You'll go out and get her, and you'll bring her home, you hear me? Any way you can.
I will not see my daughter compromised by a McGregor.
[Frank.]
No, sir.
(crickets chirping) (fire crackling) (insects buzzing) (bird squawking) What was that? Nothing, just a night bird.
(insects buzzing) (animal howling) Dingo.
(leaves rustling) I hear something.
Well, there's lots of snakes around here.
You've got nothing to worry about.
Robby, get your hands off me.
We're not sleeping like this.
(somber instrumental music) (birds squawking) (peaceful instrumental music) (birds squawking) (water splashing) (hoof-beats pounding) (suspenseful instrumental music) (sighs) Gi'yup.
(gasps) How dare you, you knew I was bathing! You were in bed.
Liar, you're nothing but a liar, Robbie Mc (soft instrumental music) What the heck do you think you're doing? (rifle cocking) Victoria.
(hand slaps) You'd better but the gun down Frank, I'd hate to see an accident.
Won't be any accident, McGregor.
I've been riding all night to catch up to you.
And I'm too late.
What are you suggesting, Frank Blackwood? Too late for what? You assaulted my sister, I saw you.
Assaulted her? It was her that did the assaulting.
Her in her things! I'm perfectly decent, Frank.
You're compromised! Father said you're compromised with this McGregor.
And I have to fix it.
I have to show him I can handle it.
You, you can't do anything wrong as far as he's concerned.
But me? I've got to prove myself.
I've always got to prove myself.
Now, his spoiled, pampered daughter has slept with a McGregor! [Victoria.]
I did not! Oh, I'm going to show him.
There's one Blackwood that cares about the family honor.
Hey, Frank, don't do anything that you're going to regret.
You're imagining things, alright? Aw, you're lying, I saw you kissing her! No, Frank, no.
It was me.
I kissed Robbie.
Why would you kiss him? Because there was no one else.
(suspenseful instrumental music) (Frank panting) (bell ringing) (peaceful instrumental music) Sean's working for me a couple of afternoons a week, after school.
We're going to teach him the cattle business.
So we thought we'd better fit him out.
The cattle business? Mm-hm.
Oh, he's got something else, too.
(children exclaiming) And at night, the wondrous glories of the everlasting stars.
And I somehow rather fancy that I'd like to change with Clancy, like to take a turn at droving where the western drovers go.
While he faced the round eternal of the cashbook and the journal, but I doubt if he'd suit the office, Clancy of the Overflow.
(children cheering and clapping) (horse hooves clopping) (suspenseful instrumental music) How long have you known me, Robbie? I don't know, all my life? Then why haven't you tried to kiss me before? Why would I? (laughs) Because, when you did, I enjoyed it.
Giddy yap.
(peaceful instrumental music) I'm just glad we got the whole thing sorted out.
You see, we didn't realize that his eyesight was so bad.
I bet he kisses her.
I bet a penny he kisses her.
He will not.
He better not.
Bet, then.
A penny.
Shut your mouth, Jeff.
Who cares, anyway? Oh, it was Jack, really.
He realized the boy was long-sighted when he could hit a can off a fence at 30 paces, but he couldn't catch anything thrown to him.
Couldn't see it.
Any more than he could see the poems.
Or the hymnbook.
I feel so stupid.
I should have realized.
(laughs) Kathleen, I hope that What do you hope, Matt? Well, every time we meet, we seem to end up arguing.
We do, don't we.
(laughs) Yeah.
And I just wish we wouldn't, that's all.
Well what would you like to happen, Matt? (romantic instrumental music) (children cheering and clapping) Rock of ages, cleft for me Let me hide myself in thee Let the water and the blood From thy riven side which flowed Be of sin the double cure Cleanse me of its guilt and power Not the labors of my hands Can fulfill thy law's demands Could my zeal no respite know Could my tears forever flow All for sin could not atone Thou must save, and thou alone (reverent instrumental music) (peaceful instrumental music)