Rawhide (1959) s04e13 Episode Script
The Long Count
Hyahl Rollin', rollin', rollin' Rollin', rollin', rollin' Keep movin', movin', movin' Though they're disapprovin' Keep them dogies movin' Rawhide Don't try to understand 'em Just rope and throw and brand 'em Soon we'll be living high and wide My heart's calculatin' My true love will be waitin' Be waiting at the end of my ride Move 'em on, head 'em up, head 'em up, move 'em on Move 'em on, head 'em up Rawhide Let 'em out, ride 'em in, ride 'em in, let 'em out Cut 'em out, ride 'em in - Rawhide - Rollin', rollin', rollin' Hyahl The boss wouldn't like you killing a customer.
You sure? That's Staley, all right.
There's a kerchief tied to his bridle.
We'll pick him up near the arroyo and take him the rest of the way in.
Cain, wait a minute.
Those ain't customers.
Frank! No.
If you miss, they can make a run for it.
Frank, meet Staley and get him out of sight.
Don't bring him in till we get rid of those two.
You know, the water ain't so bad around here.
Graze will do.
This ain't exactly the garden spot of Texas, though.
As long as there's grass and water, the boss oughta be satisfied.
Might even hold the herd over and let them rest a few days.
How are you? This is private range.
Didn't see any signs posting it.
Everybody around here knows it and keeps off.
But we're just passing through.
We're scouting for a herd trailing to Abilene.
Abilene's north.
You're riding south.
He said we were scouting! We're looking for grass and water.
We're just riding back to the herd to report to the boss.
Find what you want? Yeah.
Anywhere up above there will be fine.
Maybe you're going to tell us that this whole range is private.
- Huh? - No maybe about it.
Well, maybe I don't believe you.
Then I'll let the boss spell it out for you.
No, Rowdy.
Go ahead.
Save us all a lot of talk.
I'd rather see if your boss can spell.
Ohh How are you? You'll wear out before the door will.
We just didn't want you forgetting us, that's all.
When are you gonna get us out of here? When do we see the boss? Right now.
Come on.
I don't know.
I really don't know if I'm ready yet.
I said come on! Stop it, Jess! Did you hear me? Put that gun away! What are you doing here? Trying to keep you out of trouble, but it looks like I'm a little late.
Yeah, well, we were getting pushed around a little.
I figured we were due some pushing back.
We're both due now.
Anytime.
That's enough, Jess.
Get back to work.
These are your men, then, Mr.
Favor, I presume? I'm afraid so, Mrs.
Hastings.
Rowdy Yates, our ramrod, Pete Nolan, our scout.
Yeah.
Pleasure to meet you, Mrs.
Hastings.
I owe you gentlemen a deep apology.
Believe me, I didn't want to keep you locked up like that, but my foreman insisted on it till he could ride back to the herd to check out your story.
I'm sure you can understand running a big ranch like this alone, it's rather difficult for a woman.
Much too often, strangers try to take advantage of me, and my foreman does try to see that I'm not bothered.
There's no two ways about that.
He was devoted to my husband.
When he died two years ago, Jess offered to stay on and help me.
I hope you'll forgive him.
Oh, yeah.
Well, no harm done at all.
Please feel free to use my range, Mr.
Favor.
As a matter of fact, if you'll cut farther east about 3 miles, you'll find much better graze than the flats in the valley.
Oh, no, no.
The flats'll be just fine.
Thank you.
I insist.
You'd be doing me a favor.
The valley's terribly overgrown.
Your cattle would clear it out for me.
Oh, yeah.
They'll do that all right.
Well, thank you, Mrs.
Hasting.
It's been very kind of you.
Not at all.
It was nice to have met you.
Same here.
Hey, what about our guns? Oh, uh, turned over to me.
Come on.
Where are your brains, letting Staley in while the drovers were still here? Frank couldn't keep him holed up.
He was getting spooky.
Anyway, he's an itchy gun.
Oh, is he? Now wait a minute.
Why are you letting them drovers on the range? There are over 20 men out there.
Every one of them would jump at a chance for that reward money.
You shouldn't have let 'em in.
It would've been better to have them camp in the flats? It would have been better to keep 'em off altogether.
Jess, when are you going to learn that to fight trouble makes it bigger? To ride with it makes it disappear completely.
Can you prove you're Tom Staley? My references.
$5,000.
You're a valuable man, Mr.
Staley.
Well, the Bankers Association thinks I'm pretty valuable.
So do I.
That'll be $500 for the first week.
And a hundred a day thereafter.
The longer you stay here, the more dangerous it is for me.
But for what? This dirty little hideout? For excellent accommodations and for the work of getting you in and out of the territory and for the day and night protection of my men.
$500, or start riding alone.
All right.
Jess will take care of you.
You know, for that kinda money, seems like I ought to get a little personal service.
That's the only personal service you'll get from me, Mr.
Staley.
Hoo-ee.
What's wrong, boss? Fella ought to have his brains removed riding a horse like that.
He's doing more hanging on than riding.
Not for long! Take it easy.
You hurt yourself.
Now stay away from me! Keep away! Look, we're only trying to help you out, mister.
No! Now leave me alone! Please, I didn't mean any harm.
I was just trying to do my job.
I don't know what you're talking about.
We just saw you take a spill and come over to find out if you hurt yourself.
Oh.
Sorry.
I I thought that you were It's those men.
They're the ones who were chasing me! Oh, yeah.
That's that foreman Cain.
Yeah, he sure gets around, doesn't he? Please, let me take your horse.
I've got to get away from here.
Take it easy.
Nobody's going to hurt you.
- Thanks, Favor.
We'll take him now.
- Oh, no! Hey, mind telling me what this is all about? Don't see that it's any concern of yours.
True, true, but must be something mighty interesting considering he half killed himself trying to get away.
What'd he do, steal something? He was trespassing.
Mighty persnickety about trespassing, ain't you? I've got my orders.
The boss don't like strangers.
I was only trying to do my job! And what's that? I'm a government census taker.
- Census taker? - That's right.
I'm supposed to find out how many people live in this territory and what they all do.
That's the only reason I went near his ranch.
He wouldn't listen to me.
Accused me of spying.
Sounds reasonable enough to me.
Not to me.
You gonna turn him over? Not if he ain't done nothing wrong.
I'll decide that.
I'll tell you what.
You've got a legitimate complaint against him, we can go in and turn him over to the sheriff for you, huh? The boss did you a favor letting you use this range.
You got a funny way of showing your appreciation.
I'll settle that with her personally.
Guess you got no reason to hang around, have you, Cain? I guess you'll be all right now, Mr.
, uh Gedwell.
Martin Gedwell.
My name's Favor, Gil Favor.
And this is Rowdy Yates, Pete Nolan.
I'm happy to know you, gentlemen, and believe me, I'm most grateful.
I only hope I haven't caused you any trouble.
That kind of trouble we like.
I'm afraid your horse is long gone.
But we can lend you one from our string.
You just leave it in town, we'll pick it up tomorrow morning.
You'll be going into Paso Grande yourself? Some of us.
If it wouldn't be too much trouble, could I wait and go with you? Yeah, sure.
I'd appreciate the company.
Of course.
Come on, you can ride with me.
Oh, thank you.
I'll get my hat.
Well, this is far as I go, Mr.
Gedwell.
Got to get my supplies here.
This is fine, thank you.
Well, don't look like you're gonna have any trouble at all tallying this town.
Don't look like enough people to make a good crowd.
I couldn't care less.
I'm finished.
What do you mean, finished? You mean you counted 'em already? No.
I'm quitting.
When I took this job, I didn't agree to being shot at and chased all over the country.
Well, you can't just leave a whole town out.
As far as I'm concerned, the whole state can be left out.
Goodbye.
Thanks again for your trouble.
You know something? He's gonna mess things up to a fare-thee-well.
Mess what up? Well, the census.
He's quitting.
He isn't gonna count the folks in this town.
Be just the same as if they weren't even born.
That ain't gonna bother them none.
We'll be over in the barber shop if you need us for anything.
Not me.
I'll be in the saloon.
- Yeah, but - We'll see you later.
Huh.
Fine bunch of citizens they are.
I got to go pick up the mail, then I think I'll get some lunch.
I got a real hankering for some good restaurant food.
No offense, Wish.
I'm awfully sorry, sir, but I just couldn't do it.
You couldn't find out anything? Whether there were any other buildings on the ranch uh, how many men they had? A whole army as far as I'm concerned.
They all came after me.
I'm sure they would have killed me if those drovers hadn't interceded.
- Drovers.
- Some men with a bunch of cows.
Beeves, please.
Hmm? Oh, whatever.
They saved my life.
They let me spend the night with them and brought me into Paso Grande this morning.
A very interesting group of men, too amusing, especially that cook.
Can you imagine a man with a name of Wishbone? Maybe not.
- Wishbone? - Yeah.
Was the trail boss Gil Favor? Did you meet Rowdy Yates, Pete Nolan? Yes, I believe those were some of the names.
Well, what do you know? In any event, sir, I'm sure you understand why I just can't continue.
I'm just not suited for this kind of work.
Yeah, yeah, sure.
Don't You just forget it.
Here.
Here's your last week's pay.
Oh, but I can't accept it.
I didn't get you the information you wanted Believe me, the information you did get is worth twice that money.
Eh, you'd better let that grow.
A face like that should stay hidden.
- Clay.
Clay Forrester.
- How are you, Rowdy? What are you doing? Hey, Pete! Hey, look who's here.
- Lord, the bad penny.
- Glad to see you too, Pete.
Hey, how come you're not out pushing the herd? Mr.
Favor, he gave us the day off, so we're just messing around town.
I thought you went west somewhere.
Would you please sit down? Oh.
Oh, yeah.
I was heading west, but then I got this job, and, uh Wait a minute.
Look at that.
Rowdy, you won't believe it.
Lookit.
What? You a lawman? Will you sit down and stay put? Oh, boy.
Like trying to shave a man on horseback.
I got this job with the government, and they made me a marshal to give me some authority.
Authority to do what? Well, it's pretty important work collecting information, things like that.
What kind of information? Well, uh, I'm taking the census.
You mean like that fella Gedwell? Yeah.
He works for me.
At least he did.
I'm gonna have to handle this territory by myself now.
You mean you're a nose-counter.
Wait till Mr.
Favor hears about this.
Hey, Rowdy, Pete, I found 23 people Well, what hole did you climb out of? How are you, Wishbone? I never thought I'd see you again, except dangling from a rope.
- How'd you manage? - Same as usual.
That slippery-elm tongue of yours.
You got to be careful now, Wish.
I mean, check the badge there.
You're talking to a marshal.
Marshal? And he's just the feller you want to see about those 23 people you counted.
He's the boss census taker around here.
You? Look, if you boys want to have a meeting, we got a nice town hall down the street.
Come on, tell us how you go about it.
What do you do when you count up to 10, take off your shoes and socks? And how about little kids? Do they count for a half or a whole? Why don't you two find out for yourselves? Huh? I'll give you jobs right now, all three of you.
Us be census takers? That's right.
There's nothing to it.
I'd give each a certain territory, and then you ask everybody the same questions.
Nothing could be easier.
Ah, go on.
Why not? The job pays hard cash.
Since when do you have any objections to that? I got better things to do.
No use talking about it.
Mr.
Favor wouldn't let us do a thing like that.
You leave Favor to me.
Did he come in town with you? Yeah.
He's probably at the restaurant.
All right.
You meet me there in about half an hour.
Your jobs'll be waiting for you.
Absolutely not, Clay.
My men work for me and nobody else, and they work full time.
I'm in a jam if I don't get help.
My orders are to finish up this territory by tomorrow, and I can't do it alone.
Sorry.
That's too bad.
The boys were really counting on that extra money.
Well, let's forget it.
Tell me, how's the herd doing? All right, so far.
How many head you got by now? Mm, a little over 3,000, I figure.
Don't you know exactly? Now, what trail boss does know exactly? Lose a few head one day, pick up a few strays the next.
Impossible to keep exact count.
Uh, that's a shame.
Hmm? I'm really very sorry, Favor.
Sorry about what? Well, I've got to have a tally on that herd, an exact count.
I thought you were supposed to be taking the census on people, not cattle.
On people and their property.
And this herd is your property, isn't it? Expect me to count them now? No, no, that's my job.
I've got to do it personally.
But I may be a little slow, working alone, you know, but I'll be finished up by the weekend.
Weekend? We're pulling out tomorrow.
Sorry, Favor, not until I get an exact count.
It's the law, and don't try to stop me.
I've got all the authority that goes with this star.
Oh, blackmail, huh? Now, where would you get an idea like that? Of course, if I could get the help I need say two or three men I could tally the herd tomorrow.
Rules don't change for anyone.
None of the men hold down two jobs.
That's what I like about you, Favor you stick to your principles.
Hmm.
I'll be out to tally the herd soon as I finish up here in town.
Ought to take me, um, oh, a day or so.
Wait a minute.
If you run into, uh, Rowdy, Pete, Wishbone, you tell them they're fired.
Fired? Yeah.
They can sign back on once they get the herd tallied.
That won't take long, I promise you.
I figured.
You live here alone, Mrs.
Blair? Don't forget Johnny.
Oh, you didn't say anything about anybody else.
Where is he? Uh.
Johnny! Yoo-hoo! Johnny! Johnny Blair.
Now, come on, Mr.
Frazier, you gotta answer these questions.
It's the law.
Government wants to know.
Why? Come on, will you please give me your first name? You already got my last.
Ain't that enough? No, it ain't.
Albert.
This here is your occupation? I own the stable.
- Yeah.
Age? - The stable or me? You, of course.
You want to draft me again, huh? Look How old are you, Mr.
Frazier? Thank you very much, Mr.
Frazier.
Wait a minute.
You sure that's all? Yeah, that's all.
You know something? The government's sure full of busybodies.
L-O-P-E-Z.
Lopez.
Manuel and Conchita.
Now, age? Is me? Um.
And your wife? Eh, 21.
And your occupation? Don't work.
But how do you support yourself? She wash the clothes.
And how many children, if any? Come on, make up your minds, will you? Please, please, we have just lost a little child.
Excuse me, I forgot Miguelito.
And how long have you lived here? We don't live here.
We live in Mexico.
You see, we come here to visit my brother.
You wish to speak to him? He's taking a siesta.
I'll call him.
There is no other question you want to ask, señor? Because we want to help you.
Real good work, boys.
If you kept at it, you'd make fine census takers.
No, thanks.
After this work, droving's a real pleasure.
We get the money now? As soon as the census is complete.
Well, is it? We went everywhere you told us to.
Well, there's one ranch left.
It's a big one.
All of us will have to go.
The Hastings Ranch.
Hastings? - Yeah, you know them? - Yeah.
Well, that's where the herd is laying over.
Why do we all have to go? Oh, a ranch that size you got to take an industrial survey, too.
Cattle, properties.
It's a lot more complicated.
Yeah, and they got a foreman out there who don't take kindly to strangers like Gedwell, for instance.
So that's it.
He wants us to pack guns for him.
Well, now wait a minute.
Would I ask you to risk your lives on a job like this? Yeah, you sure would.
Only we're not gonna.
How can you quit on me now? Well, it's the easiest thing in the world, Clay.
You just pay up.
Well, I I don't have the money right now.
What do you mean you don't have the money right now? I mean I don't carry a whole payroll with me.
I knew it! I knew we've been suckered! Now, wait a minute.
Wait a minute.
All I have to do is to wire El Paso, and they'll send a bank order in a couple of hours.
Look, Clay, if this is a trick Honesty.
All right, two hours.
After that we're gonna take it out of your hide.
Listen, um, as long as you have nothing else to do Well, I have.
Like figuring out what I'm gonna do to you if you don't come up with that money.
Two hours.
You better start looking for the telegraph office, you know? Mr.
Forrester? The sheriff told me I'd find you here.
You're the marshal in charge of taking the census in this territory? Yes, ma'am, I am.
Well, I'm Martha Hastings.
I came to offer my apologies.
I understand that one of your men was rather badly treated yesterday.
I hope there won't be any trouble.
Well, taking the census is required by law, ma'am.
If one doesn't cooperate Oh, but I want to.
That's why I'm here.
I'd be more than glad to give you any information you need.
Well, that's very gracious of you, ma'am, but we can't do it here.
I'll have to come out to your ranch myself.
Really? I don't see why.
Well, it's a matter of verification, ma'am.
Oh, not that I wouldn't take your word, Mrs.
Hastings.
But, well, orders are orders.
Of course.
Why don't you come with me right now? I'll show you around myself.
Oh, that wouldn't be necessary.
Ah, but I insist.
It's the only way I can possibly make up for that shabby way your man was treated.
All right.
You'll give me one moment to get my horse? Yes.
Ain't that Mrs.
Hastings? Yeah, what's Clay doing? He going with her? He's trying to beat us out of our money.
Look, you two better go on back to the herd.
I'll stay here and keep an eye on him.
On him or on her? I'm just trying to make sure we get our money.
Oh, yeah.
All right, Mrs.
Hastings, lead the way.
Hey, Clay, wait a minute.
Oh, yeah, Rowdy, what do you want? Well, I was just wondering if Oh, hello, Mrs.
Hastings.
I didn't hardly recognize you sitting there.
- How are you, Mr.
Yates? - Oh, good, good.
Say, you going to be around town for a while? If you are, I'd sure be pleased to - Rowdy.
- Huh? Mrs.
Hastings and I have some business.
We're in a hurry.
Oh, yeah, well, I was thinking, Clay.
It isn't fair of me to leave you in the lurch like this.
I'll stay with you till the job's finished.
Aren't you working for Mr.
Favor anymore? Oh, yeah, yeah, I just took the day off to help out my old friend Clay here.
- Right, Clay? - That's right.
It was after the war.
Things weren't going very well.
We didn't have enough money to pay the taxes.
The collector came out with a foreclosure notice, and my husband got into an argument with him.
There was a fight, and he was shot.
What a shame.
It's a wonder you were able to keep hold of the property.
I felt I had to for his sake.
I managed to find a way to raise money.
I've done pretty well.
Must've been difficult sometimes, though.
Still is, occasionally, but this is his land, and I won't give it up.
Besides, it would be like selling the happiest years of my life.
They must've been very few since there are so many good years ahead of you.
Mr.
Forrester, I begin to understand why you were made a census taker.
You could charm information out of a stone.
Fortunately, I'm not questioning one right now.
Don't you think we should get on with your work? I'm just about finished.
All I have to do is verify the boundaries of your property.
No sooner said than done.
Whoa! The western line runs north over those hills, and down that ridge to the south and east.
I see.
- Hey, I hate to interrupt, Clay.
- Huh? Oh, yeah.
No, that's all right, Rowdy.
What is it? They don't look too friendly out there.
Don't worry.
That's just my foreman and some of the hands.
I'd be less worried if it was the James boys.
You all right, Mrs.
Hastings? This is Marshal Forrester.
He's taking the census.
I've been showing him around.
But I won't take any more of your time, ma'am.
Thank you for your trouble and your courtesy.
You're very welcome.
Please feel free to visit the ranch anytime.
I'll make a point of it.
Good day, Mrs.
Hastings.
Gentlemen.
You never gave us the high-sign.
Wasn't any need to.
Forrester is quite satisfied.
He won't bother us again.
I still don't like the idea of bringing him out here.
He's a Federal Marshal, Jess.
You don't keep people like that off the property without causing trouble.
You don't invite them to snoop around, either.
Oh, yes, you do if you want to make sure that they only see what you want them to.
Well, what do you think, Rowdy? I think I had myself a long ride for nothing.
Well, you asked to come along.
Yeah, I suppose I did.
Now, seriously, how does this place stack up to you? Just another ranch.
Only a couple hundred head of cattle? How does she make it pay? I don't know, unless she keeps the rest of her beeves down in the flats.
Flats? Yeah, that's a couple miles past where we stopped just now.
But she said that her boundaries ended there.
Yeah, she did, but not Cain.
He was He stopped me and Pete there yesterday.
Oh.
Come to think of it, there wasn't any beeves there, either.
- Then that's where it is.
- Where what is? Look, stop stalling, Clay.
When do we get our money? You really ain't such a bad fella.
It's just that you've got to quit this running-around-in-circles type stuff and the census taking and get yourself a good, decent job.
I'll do that some day.
Here, have another drink.
Oh, no, I'll get drunk.
With just a couple of drinks? Here, come on.
You're probably just tired.
Why don't you stretch out a bit.
Hey that's a real good idea.
Now, look, what I'm telling you is that see, Mr.
Favor, he offered you this job, and all you gotta do is take it.
I'm sure the of-offer is still open.
That's good to know.
Yeah, you could do a lot worse than working for the Gil Favor outfit.
Good boss, good crew.
Excellent ramrod.
Good Oh, God.
Hey, where you going? Oh, down to the telegraph office, see if that money order's in yet.
Now, you just stay put.
Don't move till I come back, you hear? Mm, never happen.
Pardon, Señor Boss, Señor Forrester just rode in.
It better be with the money he owes us.
Evening, Clay.
You come to do the tally tonight? No, as a matter of fact, I think we can forget about it.
This is between friends.
I'll take your word for it.
What you mean is you don't need Rowdy and Wishbone and Pete anymore, huh? No, as a matter of fact, I don't.
They finished up this afternoon.
Then where's our money? I gave it to Rowdy.
Ask him.
Well, he's not here yet.
No? Well, he left town a couple of hours ago.
Then he should've been back by now.
No, he said he was headed right back unless Unless what? Well, he was pretty riled up about that foreman out at the Hastings ranch, said he was fed up with the way Cain was pushing him around.
Uh, he might've No, he wouldn't be that loco.
He might've what? Well, he talked mighty big about settling with Cain once and for all.
I tried to cool him off, but you know that temper of his.
And you think he went to the Hastings ranch? You said he wasn't here.
Where else would he go? I don't know, but I think you're pulling another one of your fast ones.
What? When you really stop to think about it, it don't make much sense that you'd go to all the trouble blackmailing me just to have them help you count the census.
Well, I thought I might need protection.
Since when does a census taker need protection, or is this just another one of your little angles? Well, I I Look, we've put up with you and your little games because we like you, but if anything has happened to Rowdy All right, all right, take it easy.
I'll give it to you straight.
This is the little personal angle.
Outlaws.
Yeah, on Hastings' Ranch, in a hideout near the flats, and I think I have a pretty good idea where they are now.
Have you told Mrs.
Hastings about this? Told her? She's the one who set it up, for them and for anybody else who will pay her price.
What kind of a fairy tale is that? I'm giving it to you straight.
Friend of mine told me about it a couple months ago former tenant, you might say.
He tipped me off in case I might need to hole up.
So you fooled us into doing your dirty work.
I couldn't do it alone, Wishbone.
I would've given you your cut.
Well, Rowdy isn't getting any healthier.
So you figure he's out at the Hastings Ranch? He was mad enough to.
All right, Wishbone, get Quince and Scarlet, some of the other men.
All right, but when we get back, you better find some place to hide, like maybe China.
Anything happens to Rowdy, even that won't be far enough, boy.
So far, so good.
Cain's patrol must've missed us in the dark.
Never looked for us this far in.
Yeah, but we're running out of flats.
They must be guarding the hideout.
Probably right behind them down the road.
It'll be a tough place to take them, though.
They could spot us before we get near enough.
You let them spot me first.
I'll keep 'em busy.
All right.
Pete, Wishbone, Scarlet, Quince, come with me.
The rest of you stay here.
Right there.
Well, you might as well shoot a man as scare him half to death.
- What are you doing here? - Just looking around.
This is all private range.
I know, but I'm the census taker.
Didn't Mrs.
Hastings tell you about me? She sure did.
There's a house back there, all right.
That's where they've got Rowdy.
Pete, Clay and I are going in.
You stay here with the rest.
Why don't we all go in? Still too much chance of being spotted.
We've got to find Rowdy before the shooting starts.
But there aren't any guards left.
I think we ought to rush them.
You've been doing too much thinking for one night.
Let's go.
It's a clear shot from here to that door.
We could be inside before they knew what hit them.
Nothing doing.
We find Rowdy first.
But maybe Rowdy isn't even here.
You said he would be.
Well, uh, maybe I made a mistake.
Maybe he's back at the ranch-house.
Maybe this is all just another trick.
We're wasting time, Favor.
Let's get in there and nail them.
That's all you're concerned about, ain't it? Just to pick them up and then collect that reward and let Rowdy go hang.
No.
Rowdy's nowhere around.
I What? I couldn't stick his neck out like this.
I left him at the hotel.
But I needed your help to back my play here.
So help me, Clay Come on, Favor, there's $15,000 in there.
I don't want any part of it.
And when we're out of here, believe me I'm going to break your I'm sorry, but we're headed in different directions.
Wait.
Real still, all of you.
That's right.
Just sit quiet.
Keep your hands flat on the table.
That's right.
I want a real good look at you.
I've never seen $15,000 on the hoof before.
And what's Mr.
Yates worth? At least as much, I should think.
Put the gun down.
Believe me, the idea of shooting a woman doesn't bother me a bit.
Perhaps not, but I think the idea of losing his friend would bother Mr.
Favor a great deal.
We seem to be at a stalemate.
Not as far as I'm concerned.
Favor and his men are outside.
You don't have a chance.
Neither does Mr.
Yates.
How'd you get him? My foreman thought it would be a good idea to question him and find out what you were really doing.
It seems that you've given us your answer personally.
All I have to do is walk outside and a dozen guns'll rip this place apart.
Got an answer for that, Mrs.
Hastings? Maybe you'll walk outside, but Mr.
Yates will be carried out.
- You're bluffing.
- So are you.
It's a big pot, Mr.
Forrester $15,000 against a man's life.
Now who's going to win? What's going on? Rowdy ain't here.
Clay pulled another one of his angles.
He was just trying to get us to help him round up those outlaws.
I knew it.
I knew I smelled a rat.
- Did he go in there alone? - Hmm.
We're wasting time, Mr.
Forrester.
All right, I'll make a deal with you.
Good.
Two of them for Rowdy.
All of them.
All of them? With an hour's head start.
- Favor! - Yeah? Three men are coming out.
Let them through.
What's going on? Never mind.
Just let them through! Whatever you say.
Pete, get back and tell the men.
What kind of a stunt do you think he's pulling now? All right.
It's clear.
Get out of here and get as far away as you can.
Well, since we have to wait anyway, shall we sit down and be comfortable? Get Rowdy out here.
All right, Jess, bring him out.
Sure took your time getting that money.
I'm sorry, Rowdy.
Yeah, it's all right.
$15,000 is a big day's wages.
They're on their way.
One hour, remember.
All right, Jess, you can put the gun away now.
Oh, I'm sorry you're not gonna collect that bounty money, but really, being a census taker is a much more respectable profession.
And so is being a lady rancher.
After living here, you're going to find it a little cramped in prison.
Oh, but the evidence is gone, so it's only your word against mine, and I'm highly respected in the community.
Clay.
No trouble, Mr.
Forrester.
I warn you.
Clay.
- Oh, hello, uh, there.
- But you said A little angle I didn't figure on, Wishbone.
So help me, Clay Lay off of him, boss.
He's just been kind of wiped out.
They've been bushwhacked.
You lied.
I'm sorry, Mrs.
Hastings.
I prefer you try the accommodations at the prison.
Watch it.
They may be coming back Señor Favor, Pete, Wishbone, you are here.
It's Hey Soos.
Hey Soos, what are you doing here? - I bring the sheriff.
- The sheriff? Everybody all right? Yeah, sure, but what about those men? Did you get them? Cold.
Two dead, the other surrendered.
Your drover here told me that you had gone after the outlaws, so I just got a posse, and they run right into us.
But how did you know they were in the Flats? Señor Wishbone and Señor Pete tell me, just before you leave the camp.
I figured we needed a real sheriff more than any nose-countin' federal marshal.
Yeah, there's almost $15,000 reward on those three fellas.
That's more money than I've made in my whole life.
And you know something? I'm gonna share it with you, young fella, for helping me get 'em.
But Señor Wishbone and Señor Pete, they help too.
- Ahh.
- Then they deserve a share.
- Aw come on - Keep counting, census boy.
Ha ha ha! How's he doing? Oh, pretty good.
So far, he's got 1,424.
He don't count very fast, do he? I can't imagine why anybody ever made him a census taker.
Maybe he'd make a better drover, hmm? How about it, Clay? I'd like to, Mr.
Favor, but, uh, I've got this census job now.
I've got to finish it.
Still gonna look for angles, huh? If one comes along.
But honestly, I will look you up, say, uh, around Red River Station.
It's a deal.
Uh, don't spend all that bounty money in one place.
All right.
Head 'em up! Move 'em out! Rollin', rollin', rollin' Rollin', rollin', rollin' Keep rollin', rollin', rollin' Though the streams are swollen Keep them dogies rollin' Rawhide Through rain and wind and weather Hell-bent for leather Wishin' my gal was by my side All the things I'm missin' Good vittles, love, and kissin' Are waiting at the end of my ride Move 'em on, head 'em up, head 'em up, move 'em on Move 'em on, head 'em up Rawhide Count 'em out, ride 'em in, ride 'em in, let 'em out Count 'em out, ride 'em in Rawhide Rollin', rollin', rollin' Rollin', rollin', rollin' - Hyahl - Rollin' rollin', rollin' Hyahl Rawhide - Hyahl - Rollin', rollin', rollin' Hyahl
You sure? That's Staley, all right.
There's a kerchief tied to his bridle.
We'll pick him up near the arroyo and take him the rest of the way in.
Cain, wait a minute.
Those ain't customers.
Frank! No.
If you miss, they can make a run for it.
Frank, meet Staley and get him out of sight.
Don't bring him in till we get rid of those two.
You know, the water ain't so bad around here.
Graze will do.
This ain't exactly the garden spot of Texas, though.
As long as there's grass and water, the boss oughta be satisfied.
Might even hold the herd over and let them rest a few days.
How are you? This is private range.
Didn't see any signs posting it.
Everybody around here knows it and keeps off.
But we're just passing through.
We're scouting for a herd trailing to Abilene.
Abilene's north.
You're riding south.
He said we were scouting! We're looking for grass and water.
We're just riding back to the herd to report to the boss.
Find what you want? Yeah.
Anywhere up above there will be fine.
Maybe you're going to tell us that this whole range is private.
- Huh? - No maybe about it.
Well, maybe I don't believe you.
Then I'll let the boss spell it out for you.
No, Rowdy.
Go ahead.
Save us all a lot of talk.
I'd rather see if your boss can spell.
Ohh How are you? You'll wear out before the door will.
We just didn't want you forgetting us, that's all.
When are you gonna get us out of here? When do we see the boss? Right now.
Come on.
I don't know.
I really don't know if I'm ready yet.
I said come on! Stop it, Jess! Did you hear me? Put that gun away! What are you doing here? Trying to keep you out of trouble, but it looks like I'm a little late.
Yeah, well, we were getting pushed around a little.
I figured we were due some pushing back.
We're both due now.
Anytime.
That's enough, Jess.
Get back to work.
These are your men, then, Mr.
Favor, I presume? I'm afraid so, Mrs.
Hastings.
Rowdy Yates, our ramrod, Pete Nolan, our scout.
Yeah.
Pleasure to meet you, Mrs.
Hastings.
I owe you gentlemen a deep apology.
Believe me, I didn't want to keep you locked up like that, but my foreman insisted on it till he could ride back to the herd to check out your story.
I'm sure you can understand running a big ranch like this alone, it's rather difficult for a woman.
Much too often, strangers try to take advantage of me, and my foreman does try to see that I'm not bothered.
There's no two ways about that.
He was devoted to my husband.
When he died two years ago, Jess offered to stay on and help me.
I hope you'll forgive him.
Oh, yeah.
Well, no harm done at all.
Please feel free to use my range, Mr.
Favor.
As a matter of fact, if you'll cut farther east about 3 miles, you'll find much better graze than the flats in the valley.
Oh, no, no.
The flats'll be just fine.
Thank you.
I insist.
You'd be doing me a favor.
The valley's terribly overgrown.
Your cattle would clear it out for me.
Oh, yeah.
They'll do that all right.
Well, thank you, Mrs.
Hasting.
It's been very kind of you.
Not at all.
It was nice to have met you.
Same here.
Hey, what about our guns? Oh, uh, turned over to me.
Come on.
Where are your brains, letting Staley in while the drovers were still here? Frank couldn't keep him holed up.
He was getting spooky.
Anyway, he's an itchy gun.
Oh, is he? Now wait a minute.
Why are you letting them drovers on the range? There are over 20 men out there.
Every one of them would jump at a chance for that reward money.
You shouldn't have let 'em in.
It would've been better to have them camp in the flats? It would have been better to keep 'em off altogether.
Jess, when are you going to learn that to fight trouble makes it bigger? To ride with it makes it disappear completely.
Can you prove you're Tom Staley? My references.
$5,000.
You're a valuable man, Mr.
Staley.
Well, the Bankers Association thinks I'm pretty valuable.
So do I.
That'll be $500 for the first week.
And a hundred a day thereafter.
The longer you stay here, the more dangerous it is for me.
But for what? This dirty little hideout? For excellent accommodations and for the work of getting you in and out of the territory and for the day and night protection of my men.
$500, or start riding alone.
All right.
Jess will take care of you.
You know, for that kinda money, seems like I ought to get a little personal service.
That's the only personal service you'll get from me, Mr.
Staley.
Hoo-ee.
What's wrong, boss? Fella ought to have his brains removed riding a horse like that.
He's doing more hanging on than riding.
Not for long! Take it easy.
You hurt yourself.
Now stay away from me! Keep away! Look, we're only trying to help you out, mister.
No! Now leave me alone! Please, I didn't mean any harm.
I was just trying to do my job.
I don't know what you're talking about.
We just saw you take a spill and come over to find out if you hurt yourself.
Oh.
Sorry.
I I thought that you were It's those men.
They're the ones who were chasing me! Oh, yeah.
That's that foreman Cain.
Yeah, he sure gets around, doesn't he? Please, let me take your horse.
I've got to get away from here.
Take it easy.
Nobody's going to hurt you.
- Thanks, Favor.
We'll take him now.
- Oh, no! Hey, mind telling me what this is all about? Don't see that it's any concern of yours.
True, true, but must be something mighty interesting considering he half killed himself trying to get away.
What'd he do, steal something? He was trespassing.
Mighty persnickety about trespassing, ain't you? I've got my orders.
The boss don't like strangers.
I was only trying to do my job! And what's that? I'm a government census taker.
- Census taker? - That's right.
I'm supposed to find out how many people live in this territory and what they all do.
That's the only reason I went near his ranch.
He wouldn't listen to me.
Accused me of spying.
Sounds reasonable enough to me.
Not to me.
You gonna turn him over? Not if he ain't done nothing wrong.
I'll decide that.
I'll tell you what.
You've got a legitimate complaint against him, we can go in and turn him over to the sheriff for you, huh? The boss did you a favor letting you use this range.
You got a funny way of showing your appreciation.
I'll settle that with her personally.
Guess you got no reason to hang around, have you, Cain? I guess you'll be all right now, Mr.
, uh Gedwell.
Martin Gedwell.
My name's Favor, Gil Favor.
And this is Rowdy Yates, Pete Nolan.
I'm happy to know you, gentlemen, and believe me, I'm most grateful.
I only hope I haven't caused you any trouble.
That kind of trouble we like.
I'm afraid your horse is long gone.
But we can lend you one from our string.
You just leave it in town, we'll pick it up tomorrow morning.
You'll be going into Paso Grande yourself? Some of us.
If it wouldn't be too much trouble, could I wait and go with you? Yeah, sure.
I'd appreciate the company.
Of course.
Come on, you can ride with me.
Oh, thank you.
I'll get my hat.
Well, this is far as I go, Mr.
Gedwell.
Got to get my supplies here.
This is fine, thank you.
Well, don't look like you're gonna have any trouble at all tallying this town.
Don't look like enough people to make a good crowd.
I couldn't care less.
I'm finished.
What do you mean, finished? You mean you counted 'em already? No.
I'm quitting.
When I took this job, I didn't agree to being shot at and chased all over the country.
Well, you can't just leave a whole town out.
As far as I'm concerned, the whole state can be left out.
Goodbye.
Thanks again for your trouble.
You know something? He's gonna mess things up to a fare-thee-well.
Mess what up? Well, the census.
He's quitting.
He isn't gonna count the folks in this town.
Be just the same as if they weren't even born.
That ain't gonna bother them none.
We'll be over in the barber shop if you need us for anything.
Not me.
I'll be in the saloon.
- Yeah, but - We'll see you later.
Huh.
Fine bunch of citizens they are.
I got to go pick up the mail, then I think I'll get some lunch.
I got a real hankering for some good restaurant food.
No offense, Wish.
I'm awfully sorry, sir, but I just couldn't do it.
You couldn't find out anything? Whether there were any other buildings on the ranch uh, how many men they had? A whole army as far as I'm concerned.
They all came after me.
I'm sure they would have killed me if those drovers hadn't interceded.
- Drovers.
- Some men with a bunch of cows.
Beeves, please.
Hmm? Oh, whatever.
They saved my life.
They let me spend the night with them and brought me into Paso Grande this morning.
A very interesting group of men, too amusing, especially that cook.
Can you imagine a man with a name of Wishbone? Maybe not.
- Wishbone? - Yeah.
Was the trail boss Gil Favor? Did you meet Rowdy Yates, Pete Nolan? Yes, I believe those were some of the names.
Well, what do you know? In any event, sir, I'm sure you understand why I just can't continue.
I'm just not suited for this kind of work.
Yeah, yeah, sure.
Don't You just forget it.
Here.
Here's your last week's pay.
Oh, but I can't accept it.
I didn't get you the information you wanted Believe me, the information you did get is worth twice that money.
Eh, you'd better let that grow.
A face like that should stay hidden.
- Clay.
Clay Forrester.
- How are you, Rowdy? What are you doing? Hey, Pete! Hey, look who's here.
- Lord, the bad penny.
- Glad to see you too, Pete.
Hey, how come you're not out pushing the herd? Mr.
Favor, he gave us the day off, so we're just messing around town.
I thought you went west somewhere.
Would you please sit down? Oh.
Oh, yeah.
I was heading west, but then I got this job, and, uh Wait a minute.
Look at that.
Rowdy, you won't believe it.
Lookit.
What? You a lawman? Will you sit down and stay put? Oh, boy.
Like trying to shave a man on horseback.
I got this job with the government, and they made me a marshal to give me some authority.
Authority to do what? Well, it's pretty important work collecting information, things like that.
What kind of information? Well, uh, I'm taking the census.
You mean like that fella Gedwell? Yeah.
He works for me.
At least he did.
I'm gonna have to handle this territory by myself now.
You mean you're a nose-counter.
Wait till Mr.
Favor hears about this.
Hey, Rowdy, Pete, I found 23 people Well, what hole did you climb out of? How are you, Wishbone? I never thought I'd see you again, except dangling from a rope.
- How'd you manage? - Same as usual.
That slippery-elm tongue of yours.
You got to be careful now, Wish.
I mean, check the badge there.
You're talking to a marshal.
Marshal? And he's just the feller you want to see about those 23 people you counted.
He's the boss census taker around here.
You? Look, if you boys want to have a meeting, we got a nice town hall down the street.
Come on, tell us how you go about it.
What do you do when you count up to 10, take off your shoes and socks? And how about little kids? Do they count for a half or a whole? Why don't you two find out for yourselves? Huh? I'll give you jobs right now, all three of you.
Us be census takers? That's right.
There's nothing to it.
I'd give each a certain territory, and then you ask everybody the same questions.
Nothing could be easier.
Ah, go on.
Why not? The job pays hard cash.
Since when do you have any objections to that? I got better things to do.
No use talking about it.
Mr.
Favor wouldn't let us do a thing like that.
You leave Favor to me.
Did he come in town with you? Yeah.
He's probably at the restaurant.
All right.
You meet me there in about half an hour.
Your jobs'll be waiting for you.
Absolutely not, Clay.
My men work for me and nobody else, and they work full time.
I'm in a jam if I don't get help.
My orders are to finish up this territory by tomorrow, and I can't do it alone.
Sorry.
That's too bad.
The boys were really counting on that extra money.
Well, let's forget it.
Tell me, how's the herd doing? All right, so far.
How many head you got by now? Mm, a little over 3,000, I figure.
Don't you know exactly? Now, what trail boss does know exactly? Lose a few head one day, pick up a few strays the next.
Impossible to keep exact count.
Uh, that's a shame.
Hmm? I'm really very sorry, Favor.
Sorry about what? Well, I've got to have a tally on that herd, an exact count.
I thought you were supposed to be taking the census on people, not cattle.
On people and their property.
And this herd is your property, isn't it? Expect me to count them now? No, no, that's my job.
I've got to do it personally.
But I may be a little slow, working alone, you know, but I'll be finished up by the weekend.
Weekend? We're pulling out tomorrow.
Sorry, Favor, not until I get an exact count.
It's the law, and don't try to stop me.
I've got all the authority that goes with this star.
Oh, blackmail, huh? Now, where would you get an idea like that? Of course, if I could get the help I need say two or three men I could tally the herd tomorrow.
Rules don't change for anyone.
None of the men hold down two jobs.
That's what I like about you, Favor you stick to your principles.
Hmm.
I'll be out to tally the herd soon as I finish up here in town.
Ought to take me, um, oh, a day or so.
Wait a minute.
If you run into, uh, Rowdy, Pete, Wishbone, you tell them they're fired.
Fired? Yeah.
They can sign back on once they get the herd tallied.
That won't take long, I promise you.
I figured.
You live here alone, Mrs.
Blair? Don't forget Johnny.
Oh, you didn't say anything about anybody else.
Where is he? Uh.
Johnny! Yoo-hoo! Johnny! Johnny Blair.
Now, come on, Mr.
Frazier, you gotta answer these questions.
It's the law.
Government wants to know.
Why? Come on, will you please give me your first name? You already got my last.
Ain't that enough? No, it ain't.
Albert.
This here is your occupation? I own the stable.
- Yeah.
Age? - The stable or me? You, of course.
You want to draft me again, huh? Look How old are you, Mr.
Frazier? Thank you very much, Mr.
Frazier.
Wait a minute.
You sure that's all? Yeah, that's all.
You know something? The government's sure full of busybodies.
L-O-P-E-Z.
Lopez.
Manuel and Conchita.
Now, age? Is me? Um.
And your wife? Eh, 21.
And your occupation? Don't work.
But how do you support yourself? She wash the clothes.
And how many children, if any? Come on, make up your minds, will you? Please, please, we have just lost a little child.
Excuse me, I forgot Miguelito.
And how long have you lived here? We don't live here.
We live in Mexico.
You see, we come here to visit my brother.
You wish to speak to him? He's taking a siesta.
I'll call him.
There is no other question you want to ask, señor? Because we want to help you.
Real good work, boys.
If you kept at it, you'd make fine census takers.
No, thanks.
After this work, droving's a real pleasure.
We get the money now? As soon as the census is complete.
Well, is it? We went everywhere you told us to.
Well, there's one ranch left.
It's a big one.
All of us will have to go.
The Hastings Ranch.
Hastings? - Yeah, you know them? - Yeah.
Well, that's where the herd is laying over.
Why do we all have to go? Oh, a ranch that size you got to take an industrial survey, too.
Cattle, properties.
It's a lot more complicated.
Yeah, and they got a foreman out there who don't take kindly to strangers like Gedwell, for instance.
So that's it.
He wants us to pack guns for him.
Well, now wait a minute.
Would I ask you to risk your lives on a job like this? Yeah, you sure would.
Only we're not gonna.
How can you quit on me now? Well, it's the easiest thing in the world, Clay.
You just pay up.
Well, I I don't have the money right now.
What do you mean you don't have the money right now? I mean I don't carry a whole payroll with me.
I knew it! I knew we've been suckered! Now, wait a minute.
Wait a minute.
All I have to do is to wire El Paso, and they'll send a bank order in a couple of hours.
Look, Clay, if this is a trick Honesty.
All right, two hours.
After that we're gonna take it out of your hide.
Listen, um, as long as you have nothing else to do Well, I have.
Like figuring out what I'm gonna do to you if you don't come up with that money.
Two hours.
You better start looking for the telegraph office, you know? Mr.
Forrester? The sheriff told me I'd find you here.
You're the marshal in charge of taking the census in this territory? Yes, ma'am, I am.
Well, I'm Martha Hastings.
I came to offer my apologies.
I understand that one of your men was rather badly treated yesterday.
I hope there won't be any trouble.
Well, taking the census is required by law, ma'am.
If one doesn't cooperate Oh, but I want to.
That's why I'm here.
I'd be more than glad to give you any information you need.
Well, that's very gracious of you, ma'am, but we can't do it here.
I'll have to come out to your ranch myself.
Really? I don't see why.
Well, it's a matter of verification, ma'am.
Oh, not that I wouldn't take your word, Mrs.
Hastings.
But, well, orders are orders.
Of course.
Why don't you come with me right now? I'll show you around myself.
Oh, that wouldn't be necessary.
Ah, but I insist.
It's the only way I can possibly make up for that shabby way your man was treated.
All right.
You'll give me one moment to get my horse? Yes.
Ain't that Mrs.
Hastings? Yeah, what's Clay doing? He going with her? He's trying to beat us out of our money.
Look, you two better go on back to the herd.
I'll stay here and keep an eye on him.
On him or on her? I'm just trying to make sure we get our money.
Oh, yeah.
All right, Mrs.
Hastings, lead the way.
Hey, Clay, wait a minute.
Oh, yeah, Rowdy, what do you want? Well, I was just wondering if Oh, hello, Mrs.
Hastings.
I didn't hardly recognize you sitting there.
- How are you, Mr.
Yates? - Oh, good, good.
Say, you going to be around town for a while? If you are, I'd sure be pleased to - Rowdy.
- Huh? Mrs.
Hastings and I have some business.
We're in a hurry.
Oh, yeah, well, I was thinking, Clay.
It isn't fair of me to leave you in the lurch like this.
I'll stay with you till the job's finished.
Aren't you working for Mr.
Favor anymore? Oh, yeah, yeah, I just took the day off to help out my old friend Clay here.
- Right, Clay? - That's right.
It was after the war.
Things weren't going very well.
We didn't have enough money to pay the taxes.
The collector came out with a foreclosure notice, and my husband got into an argument with him.
There was a fight, and he was shot.
What a shame.
It's a wonder you were able to keep hold of the property.
I felt I had to for his sake.
I managed to find a way to raise money.
I've done pretty well.
Must've been difficult sometimes, though.
Still is, occasionally, but this is his land, and I won't give it up.
Besides, it would be like selling the happiest years of my life.
They must've been very few since there are so many good years ahead of you.
Mr.
Forrester, I begin to understand why you were made a census taker.
You could charm information out of a stone.
Fortunately, I'm not questioning one right now.
Don't you think we should get on with your work? I'm just about finished.
All I have to do is verify the boundaries of your property.
No sooner said than done.
Whoa! The western line runs north over those hills, and down that ridge to the south and east.
I see.
- Hey, I hate to interrupt, Clay.
- Huh? Oh, yeah.
No, that's all right, Rowdy.
What is it? They don't look too friendly out there.
Don't worry.
That's just my foreman and some of the hands.
I'd be less worried if it was the James boys.
You all right, Mrs.
Hastings? This is Marshal Forrester.
He's taking the census.
I've been showing him around.
But I won't take any more of your time, ma'am.
Thank you for your trouble and your courtesy.
You're very welcome.
Please feel free to visit the ranch anytime.
I'll make a point of it.
Good day, Mrs.
Hastings.
Gentlemen.
You never gave us the high-sign.
Wasn't any need to.
Forrester is quite satisfied.
He won't bother us again.
I still don't like the idea of bringing him out here.
He's a Federal Marshal, Jess.
You don't keep people like that off the property without causing trouble.
You don't invite them to snoop around, either.
Oh, yes, you do if you want to make sure that they only see what you want them to.
Well, what do you think, Rowdy? I think I had myself a long ride for nothing.
Well, you asked to come along.
Yeah, I suppose I did.
Now, seriously, how does this place stack up to you? Just another ranch.
Only a couple hundred head of cattle? How does she make it pay? I don't know, unless she keeps the rest of her beeves down in the flats.
Flats? Yeah, that's a couple miles past where we stopped just now.
But she said that her boundaries ended there.
Yeah, she did, but not Cain.
He was He stopped me and Pete there yesterday.
Oh.
Come to think of it, there wasn't any beeves there, either.
- Then that's where it is.
- Where what is? Look, stop stalling, Clay.
When do we get our money? You really ain't such a bad fella.
It's just that you've got to quit this running-around-in-circles type stuff and the census taking and get yourself a good, decent job.
I'll do that some day.
Here, have another drink.
Oh, no, I'll get drunk.
With just a couple of drinks? Here, come on.
You're probably just tired.
Why don't you stretch out a bit.
Hey that's a real good idea.
Now, look, what I'm telling you is that see, Mr.
Favor, he offered you this job, and all you gotta do is take it.
I'm sure the of-offer is still open.
That's good to know.
Yeah, you could do a lot worse than working for the Gil Favor outfit.
Good boss, good crew.
Excellent ramrod.
Good Oh, God.
Hey, where you going? Oh, down to the telegraph office, see if that money order's in yet.
Now, you just stay put.
Don't move till I come back, you hear? Mm, never happen.
Pardon, Señor Boss, Señor Forrester just rode in.
It better be with the money he owes us.
Evening, Clay.
You come to do the tally tonight? No, as a matter of fact, I think we can forget about it.
This is between friends.
I'll take your word for it.
What you mean is you don't need Rowdy and Wishbone and Pete anymore, huh? No, as a matter of fact, I don't.
They finished up this afternoon.
Then where's our money? I gave it to Rowdy.
Ask him.
Well, he's not here yet.
No? Well, he left town a couple of hours ago.
Then he should've been back by now.
No, he said he was headed right back unless Unless what? Well, he was pretty riled up about that foreman out at the Hastings ranch, said he was fed up with the way Cain was pushing him around.
Uh, he might've No, he wouldn't be that loco.
He might've what? Well, he talked mighty big about settling with Cain once and for all.
I tried to cool him off, but you know that temper of his.
And you think he went to the Hastings ranch? You said he wasn't here.
Where else would he go? I don't know, but I think you're pulling another one of your fast ones.
What? When you really stop to think about it, it don't make much sense that you'd go to all the trouble blackmailing me just to have them help you count the census.
Well, I thought I might need protection.
Since when does a census taker need protection, or is this just another one of your little angles? Well, I I Look, we've put up with you and your little games because we like you, but if anything has happened to Rowdy All right, all right, take it easy.
I'll give it to you straight.
This is the little personal angle.
Outlaws.
Yeah, on Hastings' Ranch, in a hideout near the flats, and I think I have a pretty good idea where they are now.
Have you told Mrs.
Hastings about this? Told her? She's the one who set it up, for them and for anybody else who will pay her price.
What kind of a fairy tale is that? I'm giving it to you straight.
Friend of mine told me about it a couple months ago former tenant, you might say.
He tipped me off in case I might need to hole up.
So you fooled us into doing your dirty work.
I couldn't do it alone, Wishbone.
I would've given you your cut.
Well, Rowdy isn't getting any healthier.
So you figure he's out at the Hastings Ranch? He was mad enough to.
All right, Wishbone, get Quince and Scarlet, some of the other men.
All right, but when we get back, you better find some place to hide, like maybe China.
Anything happens to Rowdy, even that won't be far enough, boy.
So far, so good.
Cain's patrol must've missed us in the dark.
Never looked for us this far in.
Yeah, but we're running out of flats.
They must be guarding the hideout.
Probably right behind them down the road.
It'll be a tough place to take them, though.
They could spot us before we get near enough.
You let them spot me first.
I'll keep 'em busy.
All right.
Pete, Wishbone, Scarlet, Quince, come with me.
The rest of you stay here.
Right there.
Well, you might as well shoot a man as scare him half to death.
- What are you doing here? - Just looking around.
This is all private range.
I know, but I'm the census taker.
Didn't Mrs.
Hastings tell you about me? She sure did.
There's a house back there, all right.
That's where they've got Rowdy.
Pete, Clay and I are going in.
You stay here with the rest.
Why don't we all go in? Still too much chance of being spotted.
We've got to find Rowdy before the shooting starts.
But there aren't any guards left.
I think we ought to rush them.
You've been doing too much thinking for one night.
Let's go.
It's a clear shot from here to that door.
We could be inside before they knew what hit them.
Nothing doing.
We find Rowdy first.
But maybe Rowdy isn't even here.
You said he would be.
Well, uh, maybe I made a mistake.
Maybe he's back at the ranch-house.
Maybe this is all just another trick.
We're wasting time, Favor.
Let's get in there and nail them.
That's all you're concerned about, ain't it? Just to pick them up and then collect that reward and let Rowdy go hang.
No.
Rowdy's nowhere around.
I What? I couldn't stick his neck out like this.
I left him at the hotel.
But I needed your help to back my play here.
So help me, Clay Come on, Favor, there's $15,000 in there.
I don't want any part of it.
And when we're out of here, believe me I'm going to break your I'm sorry, but we're headed in different directions.
Wait.
Real still, all of you.
That's right.
Just sit quiet.
Keep your hands flat on the table.
That's right.
I want a real good look at you.
I've never seen $15,000 on the hoof before.
And what's Mr.
Yates worth? At least as much, I should think.
Put the gun down.
Believe me, the idea of shooting a woman doesn't bother me a bit.
Perhaps not, but I think the idea of losing his friend would bother Mr.
Favor a great deal.
We seem to be at a stalemate.
Not as far as I'm concerned.
Favor and his men are outside.
You don't have a chance.
Neither does Mr.
Yates.
How'd you get him? My foreman thought it would be a good idea to question him and find out what you were really doing.
It seems that you've given us your answer personally.
All I have to do is walk outside and a dozen guns'll rip this place apart.
Got an answer for that, Mrs.
Hastings? Maybe you'll walk outside, but Mr.
Yates will be carried out.
- You're bluffing.
- So are you.
It's a big pot, Mr.
Forrester $15,000 against a man's life.
Now who's going to win? What's going on? Rowdy ain't here.
Clay pulled another one of his angles.
He was just trying to get us to help him round up those outlaws.
I knew it.
I knew I smelled a rat.
- Did he go in there alone? - Hmm.
We're wasting time, Mr.
Forrester.
All right, I'll make a deal with you.
Good.
Two of them for Rowdy.
All of them.
All of them? With an hour's head start.
- Favor! - Yeah? Three men are coming out.
Let them through.
What's going on? Never mind.
Just let them through! Whatever you say.
Pete, get back and tell the men.
What kind of a stunt do you think he's pulling now? All right.
It's clear.
Get out of here and get as far away as you can.
Well, since we have to wait anyway, shall we sit down and be comfortable? Get Rowdy out here.
All right, Jess, bring him out.
Sure took your time getting that money.
I'm sorry, Rowdy.
Yeah, it's all right.
$15,000 is a big day's wages.
They're on their way.
One hour, remember.
All right, Jess, you can put the gun away now.
Oh, I'm sorry you're not gonna collect that bounty money, but really, being a census taker is a much more respectable profession.
And so is being a lady rancher.
After living here, you're going to find it a little cramped in prison.
Oh, but the evidence is gone, so it's only your word against mine, and I'm highly respected in the community.
Clay.
No trouble, Mr.
Forrester.
I warn you.
Clay.
- Oh, hello, uh, there.
- But you said A little angle I didn't figure on, Wishbone.
So help me, Clay Lay off of him, boss.
He's just been kind of wiped out.
They've been bushwhacked.
You lied.
I'm sorry, Mrs.
Hastings.
I prefer you try the accommodations at the prison.
Watch it.
They may be coming back Señor Favor, Pete, Wishbone, you are here.
It's Hey Soos.
Hey Soos, what are you doing here? - I bring the sheriff.
- The sheriff? Everybody all right? Yeah, sure, but what about those men? Did you get them? Cold.
Two dead, the other surrendered.
Your drover here told me that you had gone after the outlaws, so I just got a posse, and they run right into us.
But how did you know they were in the Flats? Señor Wishbone and Señor Pete tell me, just before you leave the camp.
I figured we needed a real sheriff more than any nose-countin' federal marshal.
Yeah, there's almost $15,000 reward on those three fellas.
That's more money than I've made in my whole life.
And you know something? I'm gonna share it with you, young fella, for helping me get 'em.
But Señor Wishbone and Señor Pete, they help too.
- Ahh.
- Then they deserve a share.
- Aw come on - Keep counting, census boy.
Ha ha ha! How's he doing? Oh, pretty good.
So far, he's got 1,424.
He don't count very fast, do he? I can't imagine why anybody ever made him a census taker.
Maybe he'd make a better drover, hmm? How about it, Clay? I'd like to, Mr.
Favor, but, uh, I've got this census job now.
I've got to finish it.
Still gonna look for angles, huh? If one comes along.
But honestly, I will look you up, say, uh, around Red River Station.
It's a deal.
Uh, don't spend all that bounty money in one place.
All right.
Head 'em up! Move 'em out! Rollin', rollin', rollin' Rollin', rollin', rollin' Keep rollin', rollin', rollin' Though the streams are swollen Keep them dogies rollin' Rawhide Through rain and wind and weather Hell-bent for leather Wishin' my gal was by my side All the things I'm missin' Good vittles, love, and kissin' Are waiting at the end of my ride Move 'em on, head 'em up, head 'em up, move 'em on Move 'em on, head 'em up Rawhide Count 'em out, ride 'em in, ride 'em in, let 'em out Count 'em out, ride 'em in Rawhide Rollin', rollin', rollin' Rollin', rollin', rollin' - Hyahl - Rollin' rollin', rollin' Hyahl Rawhide - Hyahl - Rollin', rollin', rollin' Hyahl