mailman's coming. why do you wanna kill a man when there's no need to? you close his eyes,

john bascomb? that's right. i'm randall. oh. glad to meet you, mr. randall. this is sam jarvis, one of our riders from up north. hello, jarvis. get here. well, the sooner you go after a man on the run, the sooner you get home. this man might not be on the run. another one of our riders was killed last monday. this telegram arrived just before you did. and the mail pouch was stolen. you think it's the same man who killed your other men? might be. along the same stretch of trail. here, i'll show you. you see, the trail runs north from tucson to flagstaff. there's a mail stop a little over halfway here at tipton, a mining town.

the thief? no, nothing. nobody's seen him. didn't even hear a shot. well, there must be some trail signs here or something. yeah. footprints, plenty of them. men, mules, and moccasins. but both holdups took place on the main trail, and nobody can make anything out of signs like that. you haven't got much to work on. that's why we're willing to pay you to do the job, randall. let me show you something. excuse me. this package contains a 15-carat diamond worth $20,000. now, you can see that it's addressed to rufus teller, tipton, arizona. teller's a crazy miner that struck it rich. the old fool had been drinking and bragging all over town that this ring's coming. and we think his loose talk cost our rider his life. you see, this was supposed to go out on last week's trip, but it got delayed. i wired denver to have sam come down, deliver it on next week's run. i want you to patrol the trail ahead of him. our company is willing to pay $1,000 for that mail robber dead or alive. i might as well tell you, randall, i think it's a waste of money. i never needed a bounty hunter yet

rs? i've never met one you could trust from here to sunday. well, then, maybe we better start over. i'm josh randall. he's probably scouting ahead for the rider. so maybe we ought to fix it

here he comes. well, what's he stopping for? he's checking his bearings. there goes your diamond. he's turning back. no, he's not.

in my side. get some water. there ought to be a canteen on his horse.

i'll take that canteen and go after him. no, frank, let him go. bring the mule and get me out of here. where to, tipton? it's the only place we can make without more water. frank, you gotta go back to the fork, change those trail signs back. i'm not going anywhere without that diamond. you're not going after him without water either. you can't live on that mountain, and i'm keeping that canteen here. throw your gun over, frank. now. ere partners. there's only water for one. i can't ride for more. you can. now you take the cutoff at the forks. you ought to be back to town before anybody knows that rider's lost. you load up on water and get back here. one question: what's to bring me back? the diamond. we're gonna spot the canteen on a rock. when that rider gets thirsty, he'll come down for the water, and i'll finish him. i don't like it, dixon, not at all.

i'll kill you. give me one drink for the road? sorry, frank. you'll ride faster thirsty. now get going. whoa. - you find the express rider? - what happened? where's the mail? i'm afraid the mail won't be coming in tonight, folks. elay station on time. i covered the whole trail, most of it twice. he's just not out there. the horse, the mail, and the rider, they just disappeared. now you listen here, randall. my diamond ring was in that mail pouch. worth $20,000. well, now, i've heard that, teller. and the way you've been talking, so's everybody else within 50 miles, including the mail thief. but the continental express guaranteed delivery. if you hired out to 'em, what are you doing here in town?

tart. you accusing sam jarvis of running off with your diamond? i never knew a horse or a rider to just disappear off a main trail unless it was on purpose. now, you listen. wherever your diamond is, sam jarvis is either protecting it or he's dead. e you ain't gonna head up a posse? mr. randall's getting paid to find that mail pouch. i'm paid to police the town. my budget don't include deputies. then i'll find somebody to ride out with you, randall... if i have to pay him myself. mr. randall? my name's elder boone. i'm leader of the gospel wagon train.

i'm glad to know you, elder. i'd like to have that talk, but i've got a lot to do right now. please listen. it'll only take a moment. in that stolen mail pouch, there's something a great deal more precious to us than diamonds. you see, my congregation has crossed this wild country to settle at sunday springs, and we're building a church and our bishop has us sent holy water from the river jordan to dedicate it. the flask containing that consecrated water was entrusted to the express company. and it was due on this run? yes, it was. you see, we had a telegram. may god have mercy on that thief, mr. randall, and may he grant you the will and the strength to bring that consecrated water home to us. elder, i'll do what i can. randall, i found your man for you. this is frank parish, the smartest mountain goat in these mountains, next to me, that is. he's gonna ride with you as my personal representative

you know this man, sheriff? sure. everybody knows frank parish. he's been prospecting this territory since the apache days. teller: why, he knows every trail and ledge. since i'm too lame to go with you, randall, frank here is the best guide you can get. if you wanna ride along, i got no call to stop you. i'm leaving in a half hour.

beats me, josh. no sign for the whole 30 miles between town and the relay station. you say this is the only side trail there is? that's right. buzzards.

hyah. horse prints, and they're fresh. come on.

- ( rifle shot ) - take cover! throw your gun out. there's two of us here. come on out with your hands up! sorry to do that, old friend. that'll teach you to pull a gun on your partner.

frank, come here! footprints leading from that dead express horse right on up here to this steep pitch. knowing jarvis, i i fire maybe he took that mail pouch on up there with him. pretty steep climb. we can't use the horses. oh, no, no, no. we'll tie them off down here. listen, you better leave that rifle here. why? it weighs about 15 pounds. if jarvis is injured, we're gonna have to pack him down off that mountain. that extra weight won't come in handy. you're taking your gun.

blood. he's been wounded. couldn't get very far. jarvis? hey, the mail pouch. he hung on to it. yeah, you remember that, too. your friend teller called him a thief. when you get back to town, i'll tell him. but what about the diamond? i'm looking. rufus teller, tipton, arizona, from jackson company jewelers, st. louis. $20,000 wrapped up in a little paper box. let's see it. that ring was given to the express company sealed up, and that's exactly how we're gonna give it back to rufus teller.

frank? you better give it up while i still got some water left. water? you've got water? about enough to get me back to town. randall, i'm burning up. just one swallow.

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don't know what they're entitled to. make sure you have what you need to get the care that's right for you. you have only a few weeks left. if you miss the deadline, yoyomay have to wait another year before enrolling. call a licensed healthmarkets' agent now. call now. call this number by the deadline... ananlet healthmarkets find the right medicare plan for you - without cost or obligation. call now. he done it. he done it. that josh randall done it. he's done brought back my diamond. ah, look at her. by jiminy bee, ain't she a beauty? the lord heard our prayers and brought you safely home, mr. randall. blessed be the name of the lord. where is the water?

ened. there are only a few drops left. yeah, well, you see, sir-- elder boone, i'm john bascomb, inspector for continental express company from tucsoso you, uh, you say thatatou and your congregation was praying for mr. randall? well, of course, but we've-- well, then i reckon the good lord was listening. you see, that robber left mr. randall out at the mountain to die of thirst. he found your flask in the mail pouch. it savededis life. yes, that's real miracle water, elder boone. now those last few drops will doubly consecrate our church. mr. randall, how can we ever-- mr. randall? he figures he's the one who should be thanking you. he asked me to give you this. why, it's a bank grant for $1,000. mm-hmm, randall's reward for bringing in that bandit. but why? he risked his life. surely that's enough. well, he just didn't think he'd enjoy spending it. you see,e,f it hadn't have been for that jordan water of yours,

( horse neighs ) ( horses galloping )

good morning. i see you got logan. yeah. now we'll take him off your hands. afraid not. he's worth $500 to me. are you a bounty hunter? that's right. sure, he's josh randall. i've heard of the gun. your prisoner is a convicted killer. i'm gonna have to take him. i don't think so. no trouble. who told you to do that?

well, randall, i didn't expect to see you again. i'm looking for the sheriff. well, you came to the right place. i saw the sign. where is he? i'm the sheriff. you didn't mention it this morning. i was coming to it. it took you a while, didn't it? well, i'm new at the job. the truth is i'm acting sheriff. chet hallman, our regular, broke his hip and i'm filling in for him. it makes it kinda tough for what i had in mind, doesn't it? i don't know. what did you have in mind? well. when you swore to uphold the law,

sault and robbery legal? out a complaint, what do you mean by that? but then i don't suppose you'd arrest yourself. nobody robbed you. you took my prisoner. now, in my business, mister, that's the same as taking my property. you were paid in full, mr. randall.l. i don't know what i can do about the assault, unless some additional cash will make your head feel better. why should you pay it? my boy hit you, and i'm sorry, if that makes any difference to you. i really chewed his head off, but there's no h hdling damon . since what thing happened? the murder. brace logan killed damon's girl. well, since the law won't take a hand in this, it'll just have to be settled in another way. randall, where are you going? to find your son. all right, so they got him. now whwh happens? well, like i said before, i think we'll just take him out and string him up. whole town's on your side on that, damon.

why don't we just-- you've got anything to say? beer. you better get outta here. gun on me, you listen to me, damon. you be ready to shoot it. now, do you understand? you take care of that gun for a while, and pour me a rye, if you please. yes, sir. sorry i had to chase away your customers like that, but i've got enough trouble withououhaving to worry about every young kid who's old enough to wear a gun skulling me with it. it's all right with me, mister. i was getting kinda tired of the company, anyway. every since they rode into this town, all they can talk ababt is hanging poor old brace logan, damon ring jr. especially.

when does logan see the hangman? next week, thursday. that's what judge cooper said when he sentenced him, but he ain't never gonna make it, mister. young ring's trying to talk up a lynching for tonight. it's a prerey fair-sized town. can't they stop these men? the rings are too big to fight if you want to live around here. and who cares ababt brace logan that much? he's not important, and everybody knows that he killed his own daughter. daughter? well, stepdaughter that is, marlie. pretty as anything you ever seen, too. all the young bucks after her. but the ring kid, he had the inside track with the girl, just like he has with everything else around here. any witnesses to the murder? didn't need them. logan signed a confession. yes, sir, a confession. much obliged.

oh, randall, my son was just here, and he told me what you did. i guess i owe you something, a father's thanks. i think you taught him a lesson he wouldn't take from me. seems that way. it's my fault. he's spoiled rotten. but, that's not why you're here, is it? i wanna see logan. now, did you kill the girl? look, can't you get it through your head, logan? i'm trying to help you. now, logan, did you kill your stepdaughter? i don't know. they say i did. and what do you say? i don't know. maybe i... you signed a confession, logan. out, so i signed it.

rty outside the jail. nothing the sheriff could do. what happened the night that marlie was killed? what do you mean? i mean what led up to it? it didn't start that night. it'd been going on for a long time. what's been going on for a long time? the trouble, the trouble between marlie's ma and me. it was cooking like a vat of mash. it had to blow up. what was wrong? the girl, she was running around and staying out late. she wouldn't say where she was or who she was with. but her ma said to leave her alone. her ma and me, we fought. i called the girl in and we fought again when i found out about the money. money? over $100. marlie had it and she wouldn't say where she got it. i took i iand started to drink the town dry. a couple of days later, i was in the shed back at the house.

n't remember. do you have any idea where marlie got the money? we better try to find out. why? what difference would that make? well, it'll help keep you alive. alive? i ask you again, mr. randall, who cares whether i live or if i die? the person that killed yoururtepdaughter. ( whistles ) sheriff, let me out. judge: what you say about the money is very interesting, mr. randall. i don't recall it being mentioned at logan's trial. however,r, fail to see how this information bears on the question of logan's guilt.

now, it wasn't just a present. i mean, i don't know. maybe she had something on somebody. blackmail? possibly. well, it would explain the money and the reason she didn't want anybody to know where it came from. there's a certain logic in what you say, mr. randall, but aren't you forgetting logan's confession? no, i'm not forgetting the confession or the circumstances that caused him to sign it: a lynch mob yelling outside of a jailhouse. there was no mob yelling in my court. logan was represented by a fine young attorney of my appointment. repudiating logan's confession. how did he plead? guilty. not much room for testimony there now, is there? execution over until next thursday. there was a lot of feeling for taking logan out and hangininhim then and there. i wanted him to have every chance under the law. it's not easy, mr. randall, for a judge to say the words that hang a man. well, there's something you ought to know, judge.

nging. they're gonna lynch him tonight. we'll see about that. figured you would. if that's the way my fellow citizens want their law, i won't disappoint them. court's now in session, l.l. cooper presiding. - [narratot if you had a medical emergency away from home? - my chest hurts, i can't breathe.

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i believe you've met him, damon. i want this street cleared. all of you, go on home. - ooh. - how about that? is that an order, judge? it is.s. well, now, there's no law against a man buying a drink for his friends, is there, judge? yeah. how about it, judge? how about a drink, judge, huh? in fact, i never heard of a law where evenen judge could order a man around if he wasn't doing anything but minding his own business. that what you're doing? that's right. just minding my own business, right, boys? - yeah. - yeah. right now, i'm gonna go in and mind another glass full.

i'm glad you're here, , dge. i could see what happened in the street. you better talk to your son damon before he gets in so deep he can't turn around. you know how much that girl meant to him. i can't talk to him. you're not just a father now, you know. you're wearing a badge. well, i'm not the man to wear it. and i want you to get one thing straight right now. if they come for logan, i'm not going to shoot my son or my neighbors just t tprotect him. you're protecting the law. i'm not going to trade my son's life that squatter in there was almost your son's father-in-law. damon would have waked up. boys do foolish things, but they grow out of it. well, we're gonna see that he grows out of another one tonight. i'll be here with you to make sure that this lesson takes. randall, why don't you ride out the logan place and talk to the missus?

( knock on door ) ( knocking ) miz logan? yeah? my name is josh randall. i'd like to talk to you about your husband. i don't know where he is. well, the sheriff's got him in jail. good. miz logan, i rode out here to ask you a couple of q qstions about marlie and brace. are you sure in your own mind that he did the killing? yep. that all you wanna know? no. i talked to brace a little while ago. he doesn't remember much about the night that marlie was killed.

. but he does remember a couple of days before when h hfound out that marlie had over $100 in cash. now, miz logan, where would your daughter get that kind of money? you trying to say marlie wasn't a good girl? no, ma'am. i'm just trying to ask a very important queststn. marlie was a good girl, mister. didn't have to answer to me or brace logan. she was a pretty girl. any man around here would've been proud to marry with her. what about young damon ring? he wouldn't leave her be. even his dad couldn't keep him from pestering around. miss logan, where did your daughter get that money? where did she go? who did she see? do you know your daughter that well? she didn't keep nothing from me. nothing that mattered.

d the argument? no place. well, then, somebody must've come by here to see her. now, who was it? she just didn't kick over a rock and find that cash. logan, if you don't wanna tell me, we'll go into town, you can tell judge cooper. now, how's that? damon ring, he come by. he gave her the money? why? that all? just wondering why you didn't mention it at the trial. brace killed my girl. signed a a nfession. there weren't no need for trial. they just give him a sentence. if you'd have mentioned it to the judge, it might have helped, you know? i got no yearning to help him.

what are you gonna do? i'll talk to 'em if they'll listen. and what if they won't? then i'll have to make 'em listen. that's far enough. we came for logan. get t m out here. damon, you knew your way around the law this afternoon when i told you men to go home and cool off. you don't think. don't try to soft-talk me, judge. we want logan.

or we're going in after him. if you do, some of us won't be alive to see it. come on, let's go.. man in crowd: come on, let's go. damon, i was a marshsh a long time before i was a judge. this gun has killed a lot of men who wouldn't listen to reason. now, it's up to you. you can be the next one. you're not gonna shoot me, judge, or anybody else.

( moan ) ( groaning ) what happened? they came. damon ring jr. led them. i tried to hold them off at the sheriff's office. me. they got a real shock in store for them. yeah, what's that? they hung the wrong man.

tulations. how do you feel? you're too late, randall. it is for you. you incited a riot that led to a man's unlawful death. logan was a murderer. was he? ask the man standing behind you. he's the judge who tried him. randall has new evididce which none of us thought to get. if logan were alive, he'd get a new heaeang as a result of it. new evidence? that's a laugh. u know, the best way to keep people from asking too many questions is to make them guilty of murder. whip them into a mob so they'll lynch an innocent man. that way, they've got to believe that logan killed his stepdaughter. he did. brace logan came home that night dead drunk, passed out in the shed where he kept his horse because he couldn't make it up to the house. now, t t man who really killed marlie just shoved the body in the shed and started collecting a lynch mob.

arlie? i lolod her. that'll do for a starter if you decided she was playing you for a sucker, taking your money, laughing at you. i never gave her any money. well, her mother said you did, a lot of it.

as long as your father is acting sheriff of this town,

( knocking ) open up. ( pounding on door ) he's not gonna let you in, mr. randall. what do you mean? it wasn't me that killed marlie. i loved her. ( guguhot ) judge: get the doctor. i knew it was my father back at the saloon. i knew it then. now i know why. he loved her more than i did.

(paladin) - i read your name on a wall somewhere... along with a lot of other names of dirty little men. and wherever you are, i'll dig you out.

(paladin) - you all right, ma'am? - oh. yes, i'm quite all right, thank you. - it's hot, isn't it? - i don't think i've ever been so uncomfortable in my life. it must be nearly 100 degrees of heat. - oh, it's at least 120 out there. - oh, my. oh, my. i can see it just shimmering off the ground. - just about there, miss. - just about where? (woman) - three rock. - three? - rock. i'm getting off there. whoa.

wash my face and tidy up. i prprably don't look very neat. - wait a minute. oh, you're not really gettininout here? - well, why not? - well, ma'am, there's nothing out there but sand, cactus, lizards, snakes and three very hot rocks. you better take another look. - it looks fine to me. - oh? well, i'll help you down. oh. now you thought there was a depot of some kind, didn't you? a shelter? and some one person here to meet you? and you're obviously trying to conceal the fact thth you're shortsighted. - i'm not shortsighted. - no? - the person who was to meet me will be here directly. everything is perfectly as it should be. thank you for your kindness. good-bye. - well, what if he doesn't come?

i know he will.. - now, wait a minute-- you just can't leave her here. - the ticket said three rocks. - oh, there are ranches nearby. - not too nearby, miss. the closest one e about 15 to 20 miles. - well, now, how long do you think she'd last out here in this sun? - about t hour, maybe. - if she's lucky. - he's right, miss. if your party is slow in getting here, or... - that's my y ncern, if you please. - now, you'd better get back to the stagecoach. your brother can meet you in the next town. - i'm staying here.. - one way or the other, we got to get rolling. - no! no, i won't permit it. if you're here when he comes for me, it will embarrass me. how will i explain you? - i'll explain me. - you sure you want to do this? - no, i don't want to do this, friend. i've got business in dallas that has to be settled by tomorrow night, and i'd hoped i wouldn't have totoed down on the trail. - why bother? - somebody has to take care of small children and stubborn women. - please don't bother. i don't want you to stay here. - you better go ahead. you'll get behind schedule.

thirsty? i'm sorry, i don't have a cup. - oh. - i hate you for doing this. - well, you won't in about an hour, miss... - smith. - well, that's not very imaginative. my name's paladin. - i wasn't being imaginative. that's my name. - what are you doing? - making us some shade, 'cause we're gonna need it. come on! ??

- i want to look nice when he sees me. - well, he isn't here. he's not about to see you. how far is your brother's place? - it's 17 miles. let's go. - but he said to wait right here. - i'm going after your brother. i can't afford to wait any longer. with this delay and detour, i've already got to ride all through the night and the day. - well, i'll go with you. if i may? - please do. sensible thing you've said today. come on. well, i gather you haven't seen your brother in some time? - oh, no, not in many years. - well, i hope you won't be disappointed. men change in this country. - not louis. he wrote me regularly.

- yes, i believe so. he tells me that he likes to take a drininoccasionally, and he doesn't smoke or swear, or know many women. (g(g fires) ?? (gun fire continues, screaming) what is it? - it sounds like a man with a gun. - well, why? we haven't done anything. - no, but we will now. stay behind those rocks. ??

(crying) christie, what's the matter? can i help you? - i'm not strong enough for this country. - now, don't spoil that pretty face with tears. come on. - - m not pretty. i'm plain.

- wewe, you'll feel better after you've had a rest and some food. down to the stream and fill it. it's empty. christie? christie? did one of those bullets hit you? - no, of course not. - well, if you're e ill alive, will you take this down to the stream and fill it, please? - yes, i will. forgive me. - i forgive you. (chuckling) oh!

- christie! christie, you are shortsighted. - shortsighted? - these fell out of your pocket, or maybe they belong to some passing indian. now if you'd had them on, you wouldn't have missed your footing, and you'd be dry. - all right, i am shortsighted. i'm a lot of things i said i wasn't. i wish you'd gone on in that stagecoach and left me in the sun to die like a... look at my dress. - better change into something else. come on. wouldn't understand. - and my hair is a mess. - i don't have a brother. i'm a mail-order bride. - there. i've said it. - and that's the second sensible thing you've said today, christie. and there's no shame connected with it. - what kind of a woman does that make me? marrying some man i've never even met.

an he is anyway. he won't even come and meet me, and i know why. - oh? why? - i sent him my picture just before i left. he probably hatedd the h that he tried to shoot me. - welllli wish i knew who did that shooting. and i have an idea we're going to find out. you know something, christie? you looked beautiful when you were all wet. like a water nymph. now when did you start corresponding with mr... uh... louiuidrydan. about two years ago, and then when my mother died, he sent me all the money to pay the debts. then he wrote and asked me to come out and marry him. - now that's better. your hair is, too. mr. drydan will like that. - i just finished telling you that i was sure he didn't wawa me. - christie, you owe him a chance to decide for himself. a man can't tell anything about a woman frfr a photograph. he has to see her the way she is.

tter said we just follow the creek from here. let's get something to eat. we'll go on to the ranch. - i guess there isn't any other place i can go. ?? well, there it is. just like he said-- there's the corral between the unpainted barn and the painted one.

i know you're in a hurry to go. - it doesn't look like anybody's home. - maybe he's in bed, asasep. - i smell fresh paint. i guess he's been polishing up the place for you. - you think so?? - there's a broom and a mop. he's probably been tidying up the inside, too. - i would've done that. he didn't have to. he wrote such beautiful letters. beautiful letters. now i'm scared. - christie, don't be scared. he'll be very pleased with you. come on. anybody home?? (knocking)

anybody home? well, look at this. it's a bridal bed. drydan was readying this place for a bride. (screaming) that was awful. well... i guess i shouldn't keep you u y longer. - christie, you sleep in that bridal bed-- it's yours.

worked out very well anyway. - i'm sorry. but i'm glad. i'm afraid here. there's something here to be afraid of. - and that's the third sensible thing you've said today. - well, good night. - good night, christie.

that to make coffee just right is almost an art. - this is perfect. and you didn't sleep last night, did you?

- well, now, look who's here. - louis? - for sure. don't i look the way you thought i would? - you look fine. i... i thought you would be older. - that makes one pleasant surprise for you. but what are you doing here so soon? i thought you were arriving on today's stage. - well, it was your error, mr. drydan. - well, i was in town. mister...? - paladin. when you weren't there to meet the stage, mr. paladin was nice enough to go greatly out of his way and bring me here. - that's very kind of you, sir. i deeply appreciate it. i don't know how i got mixed up on what day she was arriving. - by the way, we were shot at riding here. shot at? by who? - don't you have an idea? - no, of coursrsnot. you are all right? mr. paladin drove them off.

it attracts some wild people. but you're here, and you're all right, and thth's all that counts. mr. paladin stayed with me until you came. - and you are here now, so i'll be on my way. - oh, well, uh... couldn't you stay with us for just a day or two? - oh, now, dear. don't you think we've taken up enough of mr. paladin's time? besides we'll be pretty busy ourselves. the man will be here today to buy the cattle. - are you selling your herd? - no, not all of it. about 4040head. i wrote to her about it. how many people in this country know about your impending marriage? - well, to tell you the truth, there aren't too many people in this part of the country. but those who are here knew. - saloon talk in the nearest two or three towns, i suppose? - what are you getting at? - oh, nothing, i was just wondering about the shooting. who might have done it. you are in a remote place here. it'd be difficult to defend yourself in case of trouble. - well, there won't be any trouble. - louis, mr. paladin was so good to me.

name somewhere. that's it. i saw a card once. - like this one? ?? (louis) - - ah, like this. maybe you didn't know, but he's a professional gunfighter. - i don't believe it. - it's close enough. - but you're so gentle. a gunfighter? ??

- he didn't swear, nor smoke. (low moaning) (moaning continues) what happened out here? - dry-gulched us. - who? - nqme is john dart. an. - well, mr. drydan, you talk too much. i think everybody in that town knew you were selling your herd for cash. - theyeylso knew the buyer didn't know me by sight. - i better dig this lead out of you before it does any more damage. get johnny dart first. - this comes first. you could die from this poisoning. close your eyess and h.

- it's going to be nice having a a man around the house. - you will give me time to get used to you, won't you, louis? - whwhnot start right now? - when will the wedding be? oh, the preacher dropopby here every other month or so. - every other month? - you're a real scaredy-cat, ain't you? - well, you said that we'd be married in town. - you believe all you read? big girl like you? - i'll get some more water. - wait a minute. didn't you just get some water? - we need some more. - don't stray too far from the house, woman.

(shrieking) - oh, you're here. you're here. you're still here. listen to me. that man in the house is not louis. louis is genene, like you. louis? - oh, you're b butiful, christie. - put them on, christie. you want to see him, don't you?

we've got to get louis into the house. that man.... (whispering) mr. paladin. ?? - is that you, paladin? (gun fires) - how'd you know my name? - i read it on a wall someplace. (dart) - what did you come back for, your fee? - along with a lot of other dirty names of dirty little men. eh, you're lucky i didn't have a rifle yesterday, paladin. (gun fires)) - come on, johnny dart!

(gun fires) are you finished, mr. dart? ?? - don't shoot, paladin. don't shoot. - i know louis insists he doesn't need a doctor, but if you could just... he'll be fine with just your care. - oh, all right. but you will send the preacher out? - just as soon as i deliver him. louis prodded me about the preacher, too. he won't let you go. - and will you come back and visit us whenever you can? - i will indeed. - i'm awfully sorry you missed your appointment. - christie, i believe in fate. i think you must have been put in my way in order to keep me from tripping when i got off the stage in dallas and breaking my neck. (laughing) - oh, i don't know how i can ever repay you. don't we owe you something? - nothing.

good-bye, christie. - thank you, mr. paladin. let's go, dart.

(paladin) - sit down, gentlemen, and sit still. i've come to order a coffin for the first one of you that makes a move.

- oh, yes. big earthquake in china. - oh, well, that's hardldl in my line. - also, big steamboat blow up on mississippi river. - i'm afraid that's not for me, either. - oh, mr. paladin, all the time you go away, you come back, you bring plentytyf money. you sell maybe insurance? - inin way, yeah. - oh, excuse, please. must go. oh, uh... sorry. all sold out. - oh... i had so hoped. here, you may keep this for trying. - thank you. - oh, i beg your pardon. - not at all-- i couldn't help overhearing your trouble, and i have an opera box reserved for the season if you'd care to be my guest. - oh, thank you, but i could not presume on your courtesy, although we did so want to hear tonight's performance. - we? - my husband and i.

- here he comes. perhaps you could ask him. se?or paladin, my husband, don miguel rojas. - paladin, con mucho gusto. - lo mismo, se?or. - dr. mayhew. - doctor. - sir. - se?or paladin has graciously offered us his box at the opera tonight. there were no more tickets. - that would indeed be kind of him. (paladinin - we don't get many titled visitors from mexico and we like to make them welcome. the newspapers took notice of your arrival and, of course, my invitation includes dr. mayhew. you join us and be our guest for dinner. - i'll cancel my other engagements. - se?or. - doctor. (chatter, orchestra warmininup)

(screaming) (gunshot) - what about him? - he's dead. - less than he deserves. can you move if i help you? - i would like to explain... - there's no time for that. authorities it was a clear case of self-defense. - i've got him. you'll do more harm than good if you pull the wrong way. - it will be easier for you to leave before the police arrive. i'll call you u carriage. - thank you. i shall be grateful. - before you leave, will you look at that man? pleasese have you ever seen him before?

has don miguel ever been attacked like this before? - no. yes, he has-- there's no need to lie about it. - what's behind it all? - a vendetta. an insane blood feud. it has cost many lives already. why doesn't t hurry? - well, i'm sure dr. mayhew is working as fast as he can. - oh, this was bound to happen. if they fail tonight, they will kill him some other timim - perhaps i can be of some help. this is not a tragic opera. in this case, death is very real. oh, here he comes. - he's resting quietly. - you may go up now, maria. - do?a maria... will you give your husband my card? - this is no time for formal courtesy, se?or. - please.

- thank you. - - ll? - the wound itself isn't too serious-- that is, no vital organs were hit-- but i don't like the looks of it. - what's wrong? - there was poison on the blade of the knife. nothing familiar. a plant substance of some sort. - will he live? - yes, perhaps. for a week. ?? now what shakespeare said about mercutio's wounds, se?or paladin? - "tis not so deep as a well "nor so wide as a church door, but 'tis enough, 'twill serve." - it's the same with my wound. not so deep as a well, nor so wide as a church door but it is enough. - don... - do not be surprised.

been wrong before. - not this time. i can feel it. that's why i sent for you after i read your card. - you want revenge? - no. the vendetta is between my family and another ancient line. we do not invite interference. my task for you is much more personal. - name it. to my home in san tomasino and deliver it there to my wife, maria. - isn't your wife here with you? - no, i sent her off this morning. i wanted her safely out of the way. i wish to die unobserved. i will pay whatever price you ask.

gainst my family includes the threat of mutilation or destruction of the body. - do you believe in those traditions? - i'd rather not but it's a part of my heritage i cannot ignore. will you take the job? for $1,000 and expenses? - don miguel, that's fair enough but it's my hope that you'll recover. in. ctions to maria. you will be paid upon safe delivery of my body in san tomasino. - it is a fee i hope not to collect. - you will be notified when your job begins. i will try not to keep you waiting.

- and this is a copy of the death certificate. you'll want that for the border authorities. - thank you-- i've hired a stage and driver. i'll have him come around. - of course. - and i'll complete fastening down... i'll make the final arrangements.

through without inspececon and you'll find out if anybody's here. what's your destination? - san tomasino. - oh... want to look it over, ramon? - what's your name? - paladin. my driver is timmon. - just two passengers? - three. - well, you can't take a dead body across the border.

, obviously, you don't know. page 14, article 8. if y y're looking for a little palm-greasing, you're gonna be disappointed. - you want to open this big box on the top? - that ain't necessary, ramon. - thanks. what's the country like ahead? and rattlers and that's good company for you. inspection's passed on one condition. - what's that? - when you come back, cross at some other station. i've seen enough of you. ??

whoa. - manos arriba! manos arriba! - he said to raise yououhands in case you hadn't guessed. ?que quiere? - usted sabe. - no tenemos mucho dinero. (laughing) - la caja! (grunting) (gun fires) - go! hyah! ?? (guns fire)

hyah! ha! hyah!

??

i must thank you for taking - you're very quick for a corpse. (gun cocking) now that you're here, i suppose you'll want to examine the cargo. - yes. let us satisfy our curiosity on that point therer uh-uh. se?or paladin. yeah.

- that's the shipping payroll robbery. - $250,000 and all of it mine. to commit that robbery in san francisco. - you have already eliminated them when they tried to steal my body. - you plan well. what about doctor mayhew? - he was paid off. along with mr. wilkins, our undertaker. they made my death seem v vy convincing. but not so convincing as yours will be, se?or paladin. - what are you waiting for? - first, you must help me with another burial. this money must be hidden until certain arrangements are made.

- why was i chosen for this job? - you have not completely escaped notice. your talent with a gun, your devotion to duty. we heard of these things. and you did not disappoint us. now, move. and ensure you of a death much more unpleasant unless you cooperate. - what about that man in san francisco when he staged the attack in the opera? what about him? - that man? he was hired to play a part. we changed the ending of his scene. - no wonder he looked surprised. - you can't play chess without sacrificing pawns. - check.

(guns fires) ?? - i don't know just what you're trying to pull, mister, but you won't get away with it. - you don't believe me? - that's the biggest cock-and-bull story i've heard in my whole life. - well, there's a very simple way to prove it. offin.

now, gentlemen, if you believe me, i need your help. i have a fee to collect. - what's that t t to do with me-- or him? - the lady i told you about- the lady in san francisco, she's waiting for me to deliver the body of her husband whereupon shshwill pay me my fee. - i still want to know what's that got to do with us? - i thought you mighghlike the credit for the arrest if she's part of the plan. - hmm. - what are we going to do with all that money? - we are going to turn it over way back. to the colonel and commander of the third cavalry he'll sign for it and take it to san francisco. - in the stagecoach. we'll put the money into the coach and put se?or rojas where he belongs. - wait a minute. i just thought of something. this is in his territory. before hernandez can arrest that woman, 's guilty. how are we going to know that? - i think i know how. - you've got it all figured out, haven't you?

? think of your fellow man. ? ? lend him a helping hand. ? ? put a little love in your heart. ? ? take a good look around... ? ? ...and if you're lookin' down, ? ? put a little love in your heart. ? ?put a little love in your heart.? ? in your heart. ?

million dollars to help real people like these. (rattling) - surprised to see me? - no, but i thought... - i came in this way because i didn't want to disturb the serernts. my errand is highly personal. - yes, my husband sent word before he... - i've hired a couple of workmen. would you like them to bring it in here? - very well.

ay, vaja. - i will get your money. - wait, first you'd better see if i fulfilled my bargain. - you are right. open it. - abra la caja. - yes, this is my husband. i will get your money.

hernandez says he won't make the arrest. no woman could be that calm if she thought her husband was alive and then saw him dead. - all right-- thank you very much for your help, gentlemen. i'll be with you in just a few moments. - where are your men? - i've paid them. they've all ready left. do you often write letters to dead men? - then you know? - you hid your grief very well. - grief? i had no grief. my life with that man was a ninitmare. i do not know how my husband died, se?or, but i cacaot thank you enough for giving me my freedom. - de nada, do?a maria.

your money. - did he leaea you enough? - he left me nothing. he only took, but fortunately my family is not poor. please, se?or. - i'd rather not. - it gives me pleasure to pay for my errors. especially since this is my last payment. please. - do?a maria... should you come again to san francisco, i hope you'll come to the opera with me. ?? - i still don't know why you sent for me, mr. paladin. after all, i'm a busy man. - ah, here you are, mr. paladin.

i'd like to order a coffin. - a coffin? for whom? - for the first one of you gentlemen that makes a move. hey boy. something i do for you, mr. paladin? get me a policeman. on second thought, hey boy, get two policemen. one apiece.

>> uncle buck.

>> will i expect every waterhole in there all down. >> this is not the first dry summer we have had. >> it is just getting started, think of what it will be like in august. >> we still got sandy creek. >> it is dry. >> i was thinking. cuts through? if we were to knock off the downstream and, the water would fill up and make a lake. >> if we dammann up, we shut off his water. >> then you better start

paterson's plac >> that's right. >> come on. you and i will finish checking. i will see you back at chaparral. >> he thinks he's smarter than everybody elel. >> people do not own all the land and cattle.e. the land and cattle owned the people.

own anything that man is truly free. >> the man who owns nothing. mano, you are looking at the man who is closer to being free than

nobody is j jt passing by here. there is nowhere. >> i came appppr to see if i could find a cool breeze of these hills. >> hey jeff, do you know as sandy creek? >> there is not much know in the mountains. it will be a dryum >> i was thinking $10,000. >> you can stop looking. i would t sell.

finish the job. do you want to drink? >> no thanks. >> are you still mad? >> we been using that land for 15 years. that don't mean i like it. he is not the easisit man to get along with. >> i don't exactly work for him. chaparral? >> no i don't. >> then you are just a hired hand. >> i am not exactly a hired hand. >> what are you? >> now that i think about it,

with either. [gunshot]

tucson? what is he doing there? >> checking the herd. >> >> they look at me and i look so much better by comparison. >> yes you do. i'm used to it. can i talk to you about something? what do you think of old paterson's place?

how joint to go in with mee and buy it? >> for what? >> i already have a big ranch. >> that is someday. what about right now? >> i have other things on my mind. why ot >> you want me to put the money. what you going to put up? what? >> that is a rock.

>> i used to work in the silver mines. he would know. what is this? >> silver. >> what is this? >> silver. >> he wants 1000 now and the rest in a year. >> all right. i will loan you the money.

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$1000. for how long? >> until i pay it back. >> had i know you will pay it back. >> i say that i will. you cannot take my word? >> don't gege your feathers ruffled. this is not my money. it belongs to the people who put it here and i'm responsible to it.

does my father have $1000 in his bank? then i will have $1000 of his money. >> i think i can do that. here is a check. $1000. just have your father sign it and brit >> thank you anyway. >> just a minute. i know your word is good and i know you are a man of integrity and honor. this is business. this is different.

there is no place for integrity and honor in business. >> it's all right. just forget it. >> wait a minute. you don't want my help now? >> i get the feeling that you aren't interested in my piece of land. >> i am becoming interested. >> we grew up together. i would trust you with my life.

i have worked very hard to make this money. very hard. if ever you are hungry or cold, my house is your house and that his friendship. but, you come to ask me for $1000, that is business. i must refuse. >> you understand my position? >> i am beginning to understand

>> buck, i have changed my mind. i want to be a partner in your ranch. >> a partner? >> that means we start even. [l[lghter] >> how much do you have? >> $22.87. >> we need just a little over

>> shall be flipped? >> you call. >> you win. >> you've got room for one more? >> room for one more. sit down. >> i am the second best poker player in the entire world did there must be somebody better than me and i haven't met them. >> who is he?

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long time. i am sorry. this gives us one step closer to being truly free. >> will you love him the $1000? >> why is not important. i want the land. i need $1000 to get it. >> you are asking others? what have they said it? >> they said no.

have $1000. i trust you. >> i don't want someone to just trust me. i want somebody to trust me with $1000. >> the necklace.

>> take it. >> i cannot. >> promise me you'll take it. please. >> thank you. >> he was right. i was asking for more thth money.

>> there is enough sececity. >> it is more than enough. >> man have the money now? >> there are a few details. when we you pay it back? >> when i have it. >> there must be a time limit. one month? six >> six months. $1000 for six months plus interest. sign here, please. if you do not pay the money back in six months, the necklace along to me. >> that necklace is worth $1000 many times over.

it for what it is worth. >> you will get to make a lot of money? >> that is why i do this. to make money. that is why you want the $1000. >> that is right. there is just one more detail. we are not really friends. we are just doing business together. >> what can i do for you? >>, on in. -- come on in. >> i was thinking about what you said, jeff.

>> i am not selling this land to big john. >> i am not buying this land for big john cannon. >> your word is good with me. i don't understand why you are mad at him. >> i thought i was right. still say i am right. what do you want with this land? >> it is a fair price. >> i am only charge me for the ran. >> how many? >> i am not charge me for them. anything you find on this land

some people spend their lives trying to avoid it. you to act like you can't wait to get into it. >> we are going to make this ranch payoff. >> you are both young and strong and it is good land. plenty of grass and water. even a deposit of silver or down there.

>> defendant silver didn't you? >> for years. i figured that was what the ruru was all about. >> it is good low-grade silver. there are no mills around here. it costs more than it is worth to dig it up and haul it. >> why didn't you tell us that??

me $9,000. you can keep the yearlings through the winter, you will be able to makeke drive in next spring and be able to pay me. no one has been cheated. you are getting the best of it. you're not going to get rich quick. i will have these registered as i pastor town. >> won't you unpack? >> lock stock barrel.

wiest sure don't believe in hanging ararnd. >> and he decided 20 years was long enough. >> it keeps a man so busy he is not >> maybe i should not have dragged you into this. >> this is dirt. >> this is our dirt. it may not be pure silver, but

what the you say we take a look? >> i own this land. >> let's see whls >> there is one good stock on this land. >> we kept them in a bunch.

what is that you are doing? >> we have an extent of the idea of our holding. >> i am going to stretch my legs. >> k's a. >> tracks. maybe 10 or 15. >> they must've come from the pass up there. they went down on through.

no one that old coot did not wantnto pay. >> we will make another tally. >> what you going to do with me?

i did not see her boss. >> his course came down lame. >> it's got to be him. >> they are to have to wait their turn. they say everyryrop of water is going to drive. i patterson. >> we went to santa fe. you just a left the ranch? >> no he did not leave the ranch. he sold.

, do you have a cup of coffee? you know what it means. so you took the necklace that belonged to my wife? >> sister. >> it's the same thing. why did you come to me? >> would you give me some money? >> do you know how l lg i've been trying to get my hands on this place? >> we wanted the land for us. the silver i ipart of the land. >> we still oh $10,000.

can hold onto it. >> you just operate their print every time somebody says to start being realistic that means i wind up with nothing. >> you started with nothing. you know get something for nothing. >> we started with $1000. now look. you know that i have to get my hand on this lan dollars for it. you can pay off everybody and have $1000 between you. >> we don't know. >> 12,000, and that is as far as i'll go. >> we are not trying to hold you appeared we just want time to think about it. >> a a right.

>> i will be a long later. >> i will give a $100 reward for that stallion that, no questions asked. >> $12,000. what do you think? >> what do you >> it may not be a bad offer. victoria gets the necklace and john guns the land. >> we are back for we started. you promisedou would not sell the land to john cannon. >> you promised she would get her necklace back.

it is one thing after another. >> he makes it look easy. >> problems like potatoes. the champion potato peeler only peels one at a time. >> the herd. >> them.

[gunshsh] [gunshot] [gunshot] [gunshot] [gunshot]

[gunshot] >> get the horses.

>> how many of them? >> 20, including the stallions. >> what we going to do? >> i do know. turn them loose or give them back they took them from. >> this is the only one the brand on it. >> the only one? >> they were on our land. with no brand. >> they belong to us. >> they were trying to steal our horses. it is a good thing we caught up with them when we did. >> what is the going price for a good horse?

>> $50. >> i think i'm going to like being in business for myself. >> as long a ait last. they are going to be back and be very mad. they will take everything we handle this. >> lawyer said you wanted to talk to me. >> we took it back to the ranch. >> i appreciate that. >> there is a little matter of

>> you want me to give you $100? >> you said no questions asked. >> what about the land? >> we talked it over we decided not to sell. >> i need that. >> i know you will need it and we will need yours when the snow

it's more than fair. you've got 10 times the size that we have. i thought we might makes the two herds together. i am not finished. anything in that heard belongs to us. >> you knonothere is going to be cattle that have not been ranted. that they are brendan for you mix it in the herd. >> you don't like to deal? >> i didn't say that. what about the unbranded calves? >> they will get the brand the mother carries. >> are you finish now?

yep. i suppose you'll want all thisis in writing. >> a contract t just a piece of paper between two men who don't trust each other. >> we need to do a line check. maybe you could see your way clear to rent that cabin. >> i could let you have it free. >> chaparral. free, of course. >> come on. let's get out of here. >> bartender, let me have a drink of the best you've got of the house. >> this was a long time coming.

do -- a pleasure to do business with a man who pays properly. >> i heard about the deal you made with jeff patterson. if you find yourself short, i will be happy to loan you the money. >> thank you. >> oh yes. >> you come see the land. >> as a friend or as a businessman? >> as a friend. >> i cannot makes business and friendship.

os. >> the you have any cash on you? >> your credit is good here. >> we did it. >> friend a drink. my credit is good. >> table number three. >> we've got some business that

flint, hey! flint: aah! come on, wake up! get up! what is it? come on, get up! i wawa to show you something! you are the roughest soul. come on. want you to look in this water barrelel get me up in the middle of the night to look in a water barrel? just look in the barrel, will you? ice?! yeah, ice! woke up cold, decided to make myself some coffee. charlie's got the watch. looked at the thermometer-- 30 above right now. doesn't feel that cold. by golly, i'll tell you, it is. ow what that means, don't you? that means it could snow any day from now on. that'd be nice, right in the middle of these mountains. we've been pretty lucky so far. only a few flurries.