(cheyenne) rio hondo. quiet now.. ...but maybe it's the quiet before the storm. this is the town i was headed for with two wagonloads of supplies for sale to the highest bidder. wherever you crossed the mexican border there was always the inevitable french patrol.

[guitar music] you see. we have arrived safely. i assured you there was no danger. sure. lined up for another load? we may not have to find another load. yeah. - he gonna pay us? - he owes us. then i'll tell him. just wait till h hcomes out. i'll tell him. since you will not accept the hospitality of my hacienda.. senor bolados, you ought to be more careful of the people you meet on a stagecoach. they might steal your family silver. you do have family silver?

i'll be here. i haven't met anybody in this town yet. [customers chattering] [chattering continues] well, senor bodie! how fortunate! i thought perhaps you had gone back to the united states. we talked last spring in st. louis. i bought the breed stock you wanted, drove them down here and delivered 'em to your hacienda. you weren't there. yes, well, i had to make a short trip to our capital. i expected only to be gone one week. but you were gone three months. i i nt into the transport business to keep eatin'. now, you can pay me, and i'll go home. oh, yes, of course. but naturally, i do not have the money with me.

there. grgrias. cheyenne, there were some people were here for you today. friends of yours? friends of f-friends. they only want to use your wagon for one night. they will pay. i'd like to oblige you, manuel but i'm not getting mixed up in your local politics. one day, when things are different it will be good for you.

(male #1) 'senor bolados.' my foreman. if you will excuse me one moment. some business at the hacienda. of course. it must be this evening. llo. [music continues] alright. look. i just said hello. i didn't expect-- - you didn't think i saw you. - what? bolados' wallet. let's have it.

what are you gonna make me do? you know.. ...i think you would. he droroed it and i picked it up. you were gonna give it back to him. no. i don't like him. that's a reason. and i need the money to get out of here. that's another reason. well, you'll have to pick on somebody that doesn't owe me money. four hundred pesos and some letters of credit on st. louis bank. "i don't have the money with me," he said. "you'll have to come to the hacienda tomorrow aftereron." in case you're interested, he told me he was leaving for st. louis on the morning stage. he wanted me to go with him. - are you? - no. i thought i'd rather steal his wallet. [knocking] cheyenne, those friends of mine--

our business. close the door. - i must talk to you. - i'll see you later. who is she? i asked her in, i didn't ask you. you better get out before the soldiers find you. - we're not afraid. - i am. you got odd scenery in this country. too many dead men hanging from too many trees. i thought all americans were s spathetic to our cause. maximilian is a european usurper. - if he e d invaded your-- - he didn't. we can pay you 200 pesos. you are to go to el maria and pick up two people and deliver them here. why me? you have wagons. you can move about in the curfew. the french think that you are indifferent to our cause. well, maybe they're right. so why don't-- [knocking] yes? it's me, pete. hanging around them wagons. you was right, cheyenne. - and that's him. - yeah, i know about it. oh. it's alright then? well, i'll be going.

- he's in great haste. he doesn't like to stay under a roof anymore than he has to. it makes him nervous. it's alright now, pete. that lamp's turned up too high. you ought to be more careful, cheyenne. - he's also afraid of fire. - what's funny about that? nothing at all. what? a smart man knows the right things to be a aaid of. fire, for instance. [chuckles] you listen to her. you're a smart woman. smart. most smart women aren't ladies. is that better? you look after cheyenne. i can't watch out for him all the time. i won't take my eyes off of him. we'll see you later, pete. senor.. sorry, you made the trip for nothing. i sympathize witityou, but i'm not getting mixed up

make yourselves at home. careful on the way out. - do we give it back to him? - you do. but i'll go along. i wanan see his face when you do it. you're not always so tough on people. - you carry that old man. - pete? we teamed up together. you carry him, but you don't let him know it. now, who else would team up with him? [piano music] until? finally got too old for the trail settled down under a roof. married a mexican woman, had a son. thererwas a fire. he got home too late to save 'em. just in time to hear 'em. i guess i've got no troubles at all. senorita, i've been looking all over for..

she's got something to tell you. here's your wallet. - where e d you get it? - i stole it. - you, you-- - i stole it. better make sure nothing's missing. i'm sure it is all here. four hundred pesos and $1500 in letters of credit. i hear you were taking the morning stage. well, i-i was going to-- you were going to endorse those letters of credit. yes. yes, of course, i-- - manuel. pen and ink. - claro. [speaking foreign language] [gunshots] [customers s seaming] [glass shatterer

couldn't write any faster than he could duck. [dramatic music] [music continues] bolados. this is unfortunate. he was loyal to his majesty, the emperor. a stray shot. are you blaming my soldiers?

those i do not designate will leave immediately. this place then will remain closed for this evening. [dramatic music] i told you..

rr the next time suspicious characters enter your place you will notify us. how would i know who is suspicious?

t?' we are. any reason for leaving us till last? why not? you're both amiable people. - no? - no. senor bolados was carrying no money. 'only some letters of creret.' 'that is hard to believe.' he had 400 pesos. i i ok it. so.. he owed me 800. that will be decided. [snaps] part of this is mine. if your claim is just, it will be returned. next. brown, mary. american. arrived in veracruz six months ago from panama. and since veracruz?

the last? it's on the papers. commandant countersignededt. his name? to me french officers are lili indians. i can't tell them apart. all that gold braid gets in my eyes. it would be wise to modify your tone. believe me, we are not happy to be exiled in these dusty villages. teaching civilization to these people. we do not enjoy your pleasantries. - why did you stop here? - money. i didn't have enough not to. stions. where were you when the shooting occurred? go ahead, slap me. we have no wish to quarrel with you, monsieur bodie. on the contrary, we wish your friendship. unless your sympathies--

in your business you must see many things worthy of observation. the french army would be most appreciative-- i haven't seen a thing you'd be interested in. perhaps when you return to discuss this your memory wiwi be improved. [dramatic music] [slow-paced music] kind of high-handed, weren't they? so were you. oh, i'm sorry, if you didn't t prove. i noticed you were real respectful. they don't like your not helping them. life could be a lot easier for you if-- senor. [dramatic music] aye!

dirty work? picard? i swear to you, senor-- it's not picard. bolados. this is his foreman. so he put you up to this? you killed him. you killed his senor. somebody liked him after all. look, i didn't kill your boss. if i had, i wouldn't have any worries about killing you. - would i?i? - you had a reason. there's no reason to it. it's a stray shot, an accident. i was there. you've made a mistake. now get out of here, you're lucky one of you didn't get kilild. take your friend with you. [dramatic music] thanks. nothing to it. you weren't the only one out of luck when bolados was killed. he w w gonna buy me a dinner. hungry? starved. picard c caned you out, didn't he?

oh, maybe, i could get a meal for myself anyway. maybe. [chuckles] i'm afraid i couldn't get one for you though. go ahead. bonsoir, sergeant. [door opens] i thought picard closed this place. cook's a friend of mine. - male or female? - who? the cook. he'd like you fine. he's still up if, uh-- i've eaten, remember? good dinner?

not hungry nowow [chuckles] oh, no. couldn't eat a bite. is that why you can't take yoyo eyes off this? am i that obvious? didn't have any luck, huh? i didn't stay. where you been? walking. why? - well, so you'd think i stayed. - why? - i thought you might be sore. - well, why should i be? why should i be? but i am. i've been sore ever since i met you. sorry. you had me placed right away. you didn't see me take that wallet. but you knew i had it. i thought maybe i could make you feel cheap too. how long you been away from home? [chuckles] a pretty good idea. this is about the time for it, isn't it? - well, who told you? - the slap you took.

what shall i give you? the beautiful old days in mississippi before the war? the old plantation? only my father was a doctor. he didn't have a plantation. he wasasust as loyal to the old life as if he had. 'he and some friends knew it was going and they..' 'they figured they'd have a better chance' in south america. the brazilian government promised lands and a big welcome. heard some s stherners immigrated. oh, yeah? maybe some of 'em even made it. very practical to begin with. my father's friends weren't very practical about it. the captain wasn't honest. the boat wasn't seaworthy. we wound up stranded and broke in panama. no m mey.

my father lived six months. luckily, he was too sick to know the ways i was suppopoing him. this w w one of 'em. and you've been trying to get home ever since? i'd walk. but they tell me it's a long way between waterholes. here. pick a card. any card. ill give you one of these on credit. maybe you're starting home sooner than you think. [knocking] you always knock like that? no problem. i'm a doctor's daughter, remember?

rting home sooner than i think? for towns like this. you think you are, maybe you should be by now but you're not. you're gonna do that job for manuel and his friends? but don't get the idea that i'm doing it just for you. don't do it at all. you're not the only one who's noticed the scenery. too many dead men on too many trees. when i said that, i had money coming to me. 'is that the only reason?' what else? won't manuel help you, without you having to do this? i owe him money already. i don't want his help. don't do it...please. why don't you go to bed. these are real.

my mother's. i've...i've tried to hang on to them. but you expect me to take 'em? at the way it is with you.. ...you won't take anything from anybody. especially not those. [violin music] why did you do that for? i've been wonderin' if i'd like it. well? i don't know yet. [music continues] i thought you wouldn't take anything from anybody. changed my mind. change your mind about these too? these belong to me, so do my lips i don't see the difference.

you're gonna have a big day tomorrow.

[guitar music] you'll see she gets the moneyy si, i will put her on the stage myself.

[chuckles] all ready, cheyenne. what's that? something we may get a chance to deliver to the army. well, no point in taking g along if you don't tell me things. i wouldn't remember anyway, cheyenne. alright, pete. it is clear in y yr mind, eh? you will pick up the load. that will give you an excuse if they question you tomorrow. - on the way back-- - i know the canyon, manuel. iver them to us at the meeting place behind the town. i hope you do not fail us, cheyenne. so do i. [dramatic music] (pete) 'giddyup!'

a knife for maximilian. alright, pete. what's the idea? i am ramon santalban, senor. my wife. what kind of a war you fightin'? dragging your women around witityou? it's not your concern. a man is no good if someone he left behind is taken hostage. yeah. rfume you're wearing. you are american. what happened to the men who were to meet us? - they had some trouble. - why did you take their place? - because i'm bein' paid. - i suspected so. [horse neighing] whoa! [dramatic music] - get movin'. - giddyup!

[gunshots] continues] we cannot outrun horses in a wagon. we can try. [gunshot] ramon, this is a signal attempt. stop! we will give ourselves up. [gunshot] ramon! he'll be alright! here, put this under him. i don't want blood on the wagon. [gunshots]

[dramatic music] [horses neighing] rien. well? nothing. what did you expect to find? thererwas a trace of perfume. it reminded me of paris. but i can hardly b bieve.. beauclerc searched the wagon before you did. i've always wondered about his s ir oil. very well. you may go, for the present.

cover today, pete. huh? i mean, get out of sight and stay out of sight. mm-hmm. ? one of these days ? ? and it won't be long ? ? call my name ? ? and i'll be gone ? ? fare thee well oh, honey ? ? fare thee w wl ? ? remember one night a drizizin' rain ? ? around my heart i felt a pain ? ? fare thee well oh, honey ? ? fare thee well ? hello.

? - he's still got your money. i decided to wait for you. i went to a lotta trouble to get you outta here. that's why i didn't go. manuel's gonna give me a job. professor and i have been rehearsing. (manuel) 'cheyenne.' what happened? the soldiers were looking for you. picard's givin' us rope. i don't think it'll stretch too far. any trouble after i turned santalban over to you? no, but his wife refused to let us take him. she said it was too far. he would die. she is a very strong-minded woman. - this country is full of them. - hm. where are you trtrng to get him to? to the united states. you did not know? i didn't ask. he i ivery badly wounded. anyone can see that. you got to get the bullet out. it's not very deep. i looked at it. it would not be safe to get a doctor. will you take out the bullet? 'i know you've handled gunshot wounds before.' the colonel is waiting for a move like that. the minute i stepped outside--

the french will never search there. - cheyenne. - i'm sorry, manuel. maybe she doesn't wanna leavavhere, but i do. 'i'm headin' north first chance i get.' but taking out the bullet would be easy for you. i would be afraid to try. he must be saved. his mission is important to us. i told you i wasn't getting mixed up in your politics. i'm in too deep. i did the job you paid me for, that's enough. look.. i know you can use all the money you can get. if you didn't have to pay y yr bill here. in arrears, cheyenne. - throw in her bill too? - of course. you almost had me figured right, except for one thing. i'll still owe you that bill. better get busy in the kitchen. water? at once. i'll get it. you? my mammy tauaut me every girl should know how to cook.

you. - where is the doctor? - we could not bring one. - it would be too dangerous. - dangerous? am i to watch my husband die because a pack of cowards-- quit yelling. he'll be alright as soon as the bullet is out. you think i would let you touch him? cheyenne has experience in these matters. yes. i saw how he helped ramon last night...brutally. i had to stop the bleeding, we were in a hurry.

- i will bring one myself. - no, no, senora. - don't dare to touch me. - let her go, manuel. let her go? the moment she appears on the street-- she won't. she's not that stupid. she's just acting like an aristocrat. she just stopped acting like one. - she's mad at me. - is she? who are you? just another volunteer. don't slap her, she might slap you back. i thought it migig be less messy than a bowie knife. [piano music] listen, i told him to play that if there were any soldiers lookin' around. how long has he been unconscious? more than an hour. i don't think he'll do any screaming but t he does, stuff that in his mouth. you think you've pulled yourself together enough to be usefulul let's have that light.

[music continues] [gasping] [customers chattering] ? one of these days and it w w't be long ? ? call my name and i'll be gone ? ? fare thee well oh, honey ? ? fare thee well ? ? when i wore my apron low ?

? fare thee well oh, honey ? ? fare thee well ? ? i got a man and he's long and tall ? ? moves his body like a cannonball ? ney ? ? fare thee well ? ? if i had wings like norahah doves ? ? i'd fly up in the blue.. ? seen pete around? no. did you expect him? told him to keep out of sight. he's doing too good a job of it.

the customers like her. for her voice? [chuckles] ? if i had listened to what my mammy said ? ? i'd be at home in my mammy's bed ? ? fare thee well oh, honey ? ? fare thee well ? [applause] you didi't applaud. where did you learn to do that? same place i learned everything else i know. like card tricks? there is no end to my accomplishments. how's yoyo patient? i knew this conversation was going too well. he's much better.

why, you won't be able to move him for a week. this town's hotter than a bonfire in july.. picard's up to something. how long will it take you to pack? - you pullin' out? - soon as pete shows up. you might as well come along. - well, if you really want me. - why not? they say there's safety in numbers. go on. you can't make me sore anymore. or do you like me sore? - go on upstairs and pack. - i can't. why? i packed six hours ago. [chuckles] [clicking]

what are you doing here? had to s s you. do you realize what a chance you're takin'? manuel brought me up the back way. if therereas trouble, i had this. that'd be a big help holding off an army. - i had to see you. - you u id that. to apologize and, and to thank you. you haha saved my husband's life. that's not excuse enough for takin' a risk like this. my husband is not a coward, senor bodie. it is for me he is s raid.

he's not used to violence. and now he's afraid that they've chosen the wrong man and he will fail in what he has to do. of arms in the united states what is this great mission he's on? and bring it back across the border to our men in the mountains. you take my advice, when you get to the states you'll thank your r tron saints and sit tight. you've got as much a chance in getting guns by the border as a rabbit in a snake pit. don't bother to say it. you, you are a physical man. if you would help us-- will you get it through your head once and f f all? i don't want any part of this. i don't like picard and his toy soldiers but why should i stick my neck out for you? i cannot offer you more money. it is needed for guns.

i.. i would do anything for my husband. anything. [knocking] - picard's on his way up here. - did he see you come up? - no, i don't think so. - take her out there. [dramatic music] hello. monsieur bodie. i was on my way downstairs. it's cooler belolo but more private here. thought you wanted to be friends. no. sorry, i don't have an armchair for you. that elusive perfume. sorry, if i interrupted anything.

well...your acquaintance has ripened. you took a journey in monsieur bodie's wawan? smart girl is always interested in a man's work. i just looked it over, that's all. so, now we're all here. uh.. except the old man, your friend. so that's where he is. what are you doing to him? nothing. his cell is quite comfortable. small perhaps, but, uh, comfortable. what do you do when you're not torturing people? give lessons to snakes? we even brought him straw to sleep on. there's a lantern on the floor just outside his cell 't'tmake the night more cheerful.' 'he seems to feel some apprehension' that the lantern is too near the straw. why, if you keep him locked up like that he'll be out of f s mind before morning.

decide to be cooperative.' and i wowodn't hesitate too long. who can judge the moment when a mind will finally give way f fever? [gunshot] don't move. don't even breathe. you won't be breathing long anyway. you won't do any good by this. it won't help the old man. maybe not. maybe it's too late to help him anyway. but at least i'll get a little satisfaction. you are not the type to kill in cold blood. cold blood? look at that. how far do you think you can push people? who do you think you are coming over here to teach civilization? slapping women around, torturing old men.

the dona isabella santalban. she doesn't like frenchmen. she'll be glad to see one die. you wouldn't. mississippi. tell the piano player to play loud. real loud. i'll even sing. [gun cocks] wait. wait. what do you want from me? tell the officer in commanan that the colonel could not spare a soldier to deliver the message. and bring pete back as soon as they let him out. put two more names on that safe conduct. ramon santalban and wife.

gracias. yeah? [chuckles] what the well-dressed girl will not wear crossing the border. pete. hello, cheyenne. we going somewhere? - that's right. - that's good. - she going with us? - that's right. - you alright,t,ete? - you bet. i didn't like that place, cheyenne. they wanted me to remember. i was awful tempted to remember. - but i didn't. - you did real fine. [chuckles] your wagon is in the back and the passengers are there. good.

word. you know he'll come back and burn this place down. my friends and i are of no further use here. it is time we join the others in the mountains. maybe i'll see you there. i've got one more transport trip to make. cheyenne, i.. bye, professor. thanks. adios, mississippi. i would be very sorry not to see you again, senorita. well, now, don't be too sure. shake? shake. it's an american term. slang, you know. [piano music] (mississippi) 'who started that rumor that the south lost the war?'