All language subtitles for Springfield.Rifle.1952

"4,000 horses lost
to raiders in 3 months.

"Need for more men
to protect herds.

"Desperate.
Repeat -- desperate.

"John Hudson,
Lieutenant Colonel,

U.S. Cavalry."

More men, more men.

There isn't a command
in the army

that doesn't want more men.

He'll have to do
with what he has.

Well, Colonel Sharpe?

General Halleck, Hudson's
tried to reach the railhead

by every route available.

Yet our forces have always been

intercepted and ambushed
by those raiders.

Our whole spring offensive
depends on the strength

of our cavalry units,
and that means horses.

Fort Hedley's in the center

of all the great
Southwestern herds.

It was your idea to establish
a purchasing depot out there.

Now, what are you doing
about it?

We've known for a long time
that the confederacy

has a well-organized spy system,

and they know the importance
of those horses to us.

Their men may be operating even
in our fort, for all we know.

All I was permitted to do
was to send

a private detective
out there, a civilian.

'Course everyone spotted him
right away.

General, as I've told you
many times,

the only answer
to their espionage

is an espionage system
of our own.

I've taken it up three times
with the cabinet.

Don't they want
to win the war?

They won't stand
for our men in uniform

being secret agents.

But they will stand
for enemy agents

knocking the war
out from under us.

They think spying is beneath

the dignity and honor
of an army man.

That settles it.

General, how do you expect me

to get those horses here?

Colonel Sharpe, there's a war

going on a few miles
south of here.

If we are to mount
a successful offensive

in the spring
and end the war

we must have horses --
thousands of them!

That's why Hudson's
out there at Fort Hedley,

and that's why
you're chief of planning.

I don't care how
you handle it,

but don't come to me
with it again.

Just get the horses.

It isn't that they know
the route that's so important.

You can't hide the trail
of hundreds of horses.

But they know in advance what
pass we're going to cross.

That's their advantage.

They don't have to spread
their men so thin.

All this time,
you must have some idea

how the information's
getting out, John.

The whole town's full of people

trying to sell
horses and information.

I can't do it all alone.

George, I know officially

you're here on a routine
inspection.

Unofficially,
you're probably looking

for a chance to replace me.

If they don't send me
enough men to do the job,

let them replace me.

Be much easier leading
a bayonet charge back there.

Mr. Quint,
will you excuse us, please?

I have a confidential matter

to discuss
with Colonel Hudson.

Certainly.

Certainly, sir.

I wasn't able
to get you more men,

but before I came out here,
I stopped at the arsenal

at Springfield, Massachusetts.

Without orders, I may add.

John, some gunsmith
is trying a new idea

with the Springfield rifle.

I saw a demonstration.
It was amazing.

No more muzzleloading.

It operates
with a new breech action.

That rifle can be loaded
and fired so fast,

it'll make each man
equal to five.

When can I get them?

It may be a long time
before they're ready.

The Springfield people
are experimenting in secret.

Then what good
are they to us?

Maybe I can convince them
to let us experiment

with those rifles in action.

If not,

I'll have to wait
until they aren't looking.

Can't get them
any other way.

In the meantime, I'm supposed

to use magic
to get the horses through,

magic and that incompetent
you sent me

who calls himself
a detective.

Now I'll let you in
on a little secret, George.

I think we have the raiders
fooled this time.

I sent the drive out
under Lex Kearney,

the new major
just assigned me.

He's taking a route

those raiders
will never anticipate --

right over the highest peaks
in the range,

snow the year round,
through Gray Rock Pass,

which is 9,000 feet
above sea level.

Major Kearney?

Yes, sergeant.

That's Gray Rock Pass
just ahead.

I told you
we'd make it this time.

What are the orders,
major?

Those raiders
outnumber us at least

four to one, Captain Tennick.

We'll let them have the herd

and make a run for it
back to the Fort.

That's desertion. If you don't
want to fight, give me the men.

I'll delay them while you try
and get the horses through.

Captain, we're leaving the herd.
Form up at the rear now.

Form up at the rear,
sergeant.

If I wanted the sergeant
to carry out the order,

I'd issue it to him.

Get them formed, captain.

Form up at the rear!

Form up at the rear.

Colonel Hudson alone?

No, but you can go in,
Mr. Quint.

Thanks.

Troops back, colonel.

You've got another
no-delivery dispatch

to send to Washington.

Casualties?

Nope.
Just the herd this time.

A great beginning
for the new major.

I thought Kearney
could get the herd through.

They told me you were the best
detective the army could hire.

Why don't you get out there and
find out who the raiders are?

First things come first
with me, colonel.

I don't care
who the raiders are.

I want to know where they
get their information.

I don't like the way
you say that, quint.

That's my plan, colonel.

But if you don't
like it that way,

you can always make a change.

Major Kearney, sir.

Send him in.

Sit down, Lex.

I make my report
in front of him?

Don't be bashful, major.
I already made it for you.

Go ahead, Lex.

As instructed, I didn't
open the sealed orders

till we arrived
at Taos Wells.

The orders said
to take the herd

by way
of the Dundall Flats route.

They were waiting for us

on the other side
of Gray Rock Pass.

Did anyone have access
to the sealed orders

from the time you left here
until you reached Taos Wells?

No, sir.

After you opened the orders,
who saw them besides you?

Captain Tennick
and Sergeant Snow.

After they learned which route
you were going to take,

were they ever
out of your sight?

Here and there, but then,
but then I was out of theirs.

Did you get a look
at any of the raiders?

We didn't put up a fight.

Why not?

Permission
to see the colonel, sir.

Captain Tennick.

I request a court-martial.

Against whom
and on what charges?

Against Major Kearney.

Charges of willful
disobedience of orders

and misconduct
in the presence of the enemy.

Quite some charges from a man

I could arrest
for insubordination.

Sir, the orders were
defend the herd with force

against enemy attack.

Major Kearney ordered us
to desert the herd.

I've known Lex Kearney
for a long time.

I was his duty officer
at West Point.

He couldn't commit
such an act.

I'm sure his reasons for
the retreat were honorable.

I recommend
you withdraw your request.

I respectfully decline
your recommendation, sir.

You're certain you have
sufficient grounds?

I'm certain, sir.

Request granted.

Thank you, sir.

Has he
sufficient grounds, Lex?

Yes, sir.

He wants these gold leaves.

Charge -- violation
of the 52nd Article of War --

neglect of duty and cowardice
in the face of the enemy,

sacrificing war material,

specifically a vitally needed
shipment of horses.

How does the accused plead

to the charge
and specifications?

Not guilty by reason
of circumstances.

This is his official
service record.

"Major Alexander Kearney
was born in Virginia.

"At West Point,
before the declaration of war,

"he openly sympathized
with his home state.

"At the outbreak of the war,

"he submitted his resignation
from the army,

"giving as his reason
his reluctance

"to fight against the south.

"He later withdrew
his submission.

"Kearney led a troop
in three engagements this year.

"He was removed from his command

"because of indecision
in the presence of the enemy.

"Official comment --
'Untrustworthy,

to be transferred
to duty at Fort Hedley.

Our orders were
to defend the herd

and drive them through
to the railroad.

Kearney's action was
in direct violation.

In the face
of a far superior force,

it was my judgment
that it was better

to sacrifice the horses
and save the men.

Then we retreated,
leaving the herd unprotected

without even firing
one shot, sir.

Did you hear Major Kearney
tell Captain Tennick

that he wouldn't fight?

The major said we were
outnumbered four to one

and ordered us to the rear.

That's all, sergeant. Thank you.

May I say
something, sir?

Certainly, sergeant.

I served with Major Kearney.

He was a lieutenant then,

at the First Battle
of Bull Run in '61.

Our troop covered the retreat
that day,

and we were the last
to withdraw.

We didn't have to be the last,

but the lieutenant was
as stubborn as a mule --

Sergeant Snow.

Let him tell it
in his own way.

Well, sir, I never saw
such an ornery s--

cuss in my whole life,

but he's certainly no coward.

The whole troop was cited
for that action, sir.

The action he speaks of was
a retreat, wasn't it, sergeant?

Everybody knows we lost the
First Battle of Bull Run, sir.

It was right
after I enlisted.

We were out on patrol --

Major Kearney, 2 mules,
and 10 more of us.

All of a sudden, about 25 --
maybe it was 50 --

anyway,
they were Stan Waitie's men.

They came charging
out of the rocks,

screaming and hollering
like a pack of Wildcats

and firing as they come.

I've got to admit
I was so scared,

I couldn't fire my gun,
couldn't even move.

Next thing I know,
the major was standing

alongside of me,
firing and loading.

When he was loading,
he talked to me real quiet.

The major saved my life
that day. I know it.

This court finds
Major Alexander Kearney,

5th cavalry,
United States Army,

guilty of gross neglect of duty

by reason of cowardice
in the face of the enemy.

"Alexander Kearney,
you are warned

"that you are liable
to the death penalty

"if you trespass
upon the grounds

"of any United States
military post

or reservation henceforth."

Conduct the prisoner
through the gate.

Sergeant Snow will give you

a receipt for these,
Mr. McCool.

You can bring in more
next time.

My spread's not too big,
General.

I'll buy all you can get me.

How can they buy stock
like that?

That's the sorriest-looking
jackrabbits I ever saw.

You ain't got nothing to say

about what the army buys
anymore, yellow-belly.

Never could understand

why you were so particular
with us ranchers, major,

unless you were making sure

those raiders got
good sound horseflesh.

Sir, Kearney's giving
the army a bad name

hanging around like this.

I know we don't have
jurisdiction over him anymore,

but I wish
there were some way

to get him out of town.

He'll be leaving soon,
lieutenant.

Captain Tennick.

Captain Tennick,

I see you haven't got
my gold leaves yet.

You're mighty brave
with that whip, captain.

I'll be back without my whip
when I get my herd

through the railhead.

There's something
eating that fellow.

I'm not so sure
he's yellow.

Erin.

What in the world
are you doing here?

Hasn't a wife a right
to come and see her husband?

Colonel John wrote me.

I like you
in civilian clothes.

What did Hudson say?

Oh, Lex, I don't care
what happened out here.

You hated this war
in the first place.

You've given enough
of your life to the army.

Let's just be grateful
it's over for you at last

and you can come home.

You've been gone so long,
darling,

your son hardly remembers
what you look like.

What does he look like?

You see?

You don't remember him,
either.

Jamie's grown up.

He's a man.

Yes, and he needs a father.

Erin, I'm not going home
with you.

Why?

Until this war is over,

I have to do
what I think is right,

or else I'll never be able
to look at you again

or Jamie or myself.

Why don't you trust me?

Men have to do
strange things sometimes

that they don't like
to tell their wives about.

It has nothing to do
with not trusting them.

When do you want me
to go back?

A stagecoach leaves
in the morning.

In the morning.

There's another one
in a couple of days.

And, uh,
when you pay your respects

to Colonel John,

you tell him
to mind his own business,

and I'll mind mine.

That new whiskey --
Old Crow.

Pour it.

Pour it yourself,
copperhead.

I'll do the honors.

Another glass, bartender.

I assume you're treating.

- Help yourself.
- Thanks.

To the Union.

He won't drink to that.

I'll bet you $10 he will.

To the Union.

Why didn't you go home
with your wife?

Is that any
of your business?

I've got enough to worry
about here without you.

Well, maybe this drive
will get through,

and then you'll have less
to worry about.

The drive didn't get through.

I guess maybe
you already know that.

The scout brought the word in
about an hour ago.

Over half of them
were killed.

Tennick?

I don't know.

Troops back.

They caught two of the raiders,
and they're bringing them in.

The rest of them got away
with the herd,

but they shot the horses out
from under two of them.

See ya.

Captain Tennick, what's that
on your blouse -- dirt,

or is that the blood
of some of the troopers

who died out there for you?

Are you proud of yourself,
Captain Tennick?

Do you feel
like a brave man now?

Lieutenant Johnson,
take over the detail.

Go for the guard!
Post number one!

Guard detail,
open the gate.

Look out, Mr. Kearney.
Don't come inside.

Arrest him.
He's on military property.

The death penalty
can go with this,

or did you forget?

I did, but you didn't.

Take him to the guardhouse.

Open up, guard.

Was it bad?

We can hold out.

They might not hang you
if you tell them

what they want to know.

They ain't going to
hang us.

Give me your belt, too.

Tie them together.

Nice thoughtful friends
you've got.

You ain't in on this.

Get back there.

Just sit tight,
and you won't get hurt.

This ought to warm
your ivory dome, baldy.

Yeah, thanks.

Feels good
on top of my head,

but it don't penetrate.

My insides are still cold.

I'm about
to bust out crying.

You can have these two tens

if you'll get us
a bottle of whiskey.

What is it,
Confederate money?

U.S. Treasury.
It's the real thing.

Sure. What's he going to do
with it where he's going?

$20.

One $10 now and one $10
when you bring the whiskey.

Give me the money.

Where's the other $10?

- Right here.
- Stick the bottle through first.

Don't break it.
Open the door.

Give me that $10
and get back to your bunks.

And when will you give me
the bottle of whiskey?

Do it my way
or you won't never get it.

Straighten up.

Drop that gun!

Through the main gate.

No.

Kearney,
what are you doing here?

Wait here.

You stay with him.

Good evening. How come?

- He helped us break.
- Let him tell it.

We shared the same cell.

We were going to share the same
appointment in the morning,

so we shared
the same breakout.

- Where's Elm?
- Last time we saw him--

Let him tell it.

I guess he's looking
for a horse.

I borrowed his.

Why did you come out here
with them?

Well, we just naturally all ran
in the same direction.

You didn't
have to run, major.

Once you were
off military property,

they couldn't touch you,
and you know it.

How did you
come out here?

If it hadn't have been for him,
we couldn't have made it.

That's right.

You've got 20 miles
to cover tonight.

Kind of late.
Can't we bunk here?

No. The army's wise
to your little secret now.

This ranch and the town
is off limits to you both.

Water your horses
and get going. Talk.

Well, I came out here
to ask you for a job.

Of course, I didn't know
it was you.

If I had, I'd have asked you
for it in town.

So you want a job?

Well, I wouldn't have gone
to all this trouble if I didn't.

What kind of trouble?

Soon as I heard
they got two raiders,

I got myself arrested and thrown
in the cell with them.

None of them seem to stay
in jail too long before.

Well, if you don't want
to hire me,

just forget all about it,

and I'll mosey on back to town.

You can't go back, major.
Not now.

You're either in
or you're through.

Where's Sims and Mizzell?
I'm going to fix those --

Kearney!

Pete, I told you never
to run a horse like that.

Look at him.
Where did you get him?

Rented him in town
from the blacksmith.

What's so funny?

That's one thing
we got plenty of is horses,

and you
had to rent one.

What's he doing here?

I don't know yet.

But rub down those animals
and let's hit the bunk.

His, too?

It's your horse unless you're
making him a present of it.

Come along with me,
major.

Alright, Mr. McCool.

Pick yourself a horse,

and use this outfit.

Any one?

Suit yourself.

I'll take the black.

You ain't
giving it to him.

You got one horse
you can ride.

What do you want
with another you can't?

Morning, Mr. McCool.

How do you like it?

What the Yankees wouldn't
give to know about this.

It's a wonderful hideout,

but you can't keep
these horses here forever.

You joined up just in time

to get the answer
to that one, major.

Those horses
represent five raids.

There's close to 1,000 head
down there.

We're going to drive them
over the mountains.

From there on they don't
go north, they go south...

For the right price, too.

Alright, Pete,
stir them up.

Follow me, major.

Come on, rebs,
stir it up!

This ain't no cotillion!

Come on, boys,
pack and saddle up.

We're heading south.
Money in the sock, boys.

Ha ha ha!

When I say move,
I mean move!

He knows how to handle
those kind real well.

They're no-goods, deserters,
and freebooters,

but the boys in gray,

they're patriots like you,
major.

Those southern gentlemen
are great fighters.

There isn't anything
they won't tackle.

What's to keep them
from breaking out

and going it alone?

After all,
there's no corner

on the raiding business
these days.

Maybe not, but there's
knowing where to raid.

They're ready.

Men, this is the major
that got himself cashiered

out of the Yankee army
for having southern sympathy,

which they couldn't prove.

Now you'll have a chance
to prove 'em.

Ha ha ha ha.

Come on, boy.

Right by twos.

Ho!

Major Kearney?

My name is Jim Randolph.

Ex-major, please,
Mr. Randolph.

Nice to have you with us.
You're from Virginia, I hear.

That's right, and you?

South Carolina.

You know, sir, I had you
in my sights once.

Used to ride
with Stan Waitie.

Now I'm right glad
I missed you.

Well, I'm glad you did, too.

How come you left
that outfit for this one?

Some of us were sent
over here to join McCool.

I reckon horses
are almost more important

than men these days.

All the rest of you
from Stan Waitie?

Oh, no, sir. They --
they come from all over.

Some had their command
smashed up,

drifted out here,
but they're all fine folk,

not like Elm's trash.

Aren't there enough of us
to work alone?

Do we need big Pete Elm?

No, but we need McCool.

Without him,
we'd never know which way

the Yankees were sending
their herds.

We ask him
how he gets his information.

He just laughs at us.

McCool likes Elm,
so that's it.

Sims! Mizzell!

You two still here?

I told you to hightail it
over that Hill

and roust out
the commission, boys,

and no drinks.

If they're ready for us,
get back here pronto.

You know we've got
a feeding problem.

The quicker you get back,

the quicker
you'll get rid of it.

We can't sell them dead horses.
Now get going.

Where is he
sending them?

South Fork --- Bear Creek.

Some of our people
are down there.

They pay off McCool
and take the herd from there.

May I, uh,
borrow your mirror

when you're finished
with it?

I'm quite finished,
Mr. Kearney.

It's yours.

I thank you, sir.

McCool, I think I can cut
our feeding problem in half.

See that Hill up there?

Mizzell, hoist yourself
on the top

and wait for Sims' signal.

What signal?

Let him talk.

Sims, when you get
to South Fork,

if everything's alright,
shine your mirror steady

at Mizzell's position like this
for a half a minute.

We'll move the herd
on down.

But if there's something wrong,

flicker it like this,
and we'll stay put

till we get
your go-ahead signal.

Was that clear?

This means come on down.

This means
stay where you are.

Right. Save all that time
riding back and telling us.

Go ahead, men.

Any questions?

What if it snows?

I'll send
the major down.

He can teach you
another trick.

Come on.

Kind of used to
giving orders, aren't you?

What's worse,
I'm used to being obeyed.

Well, don't
overstep yourself, major.

Don't ever ride
that horse again.

Easy, boy, now.

Put it away.

Let them fight.

Make him throw away

that Arkansas toothpick,
Mr. McCool.

I said let them fight.

Uhh!

Aah!

Aah!

Now you won't ride my horse

or any other horse
for a while.

Ha ha ha ha.

Ohh!

It worked, boys.

Mr. Kearney, you're right.
It worked.

He gave me the signal
to go ahead.

Alright, boys,
let's move.

Payday's just around
the corner. Let's go!

Well, they're all yours,
Mr. Commissioner --

1,000 head to take down
to the old Mississippi.

984 by actual count,
Mr. McCool,

and here -- I already have
the money for them.

I was instructed
to tell you gentlemen

that if you keep
these horses coming,

any offensive the Yankees
might try to start

will be smashed.

Oh, we'll keep them coming

as long as this
good hard cash holds out.

The army doesn't approve
of buying horses

from an outfit that hires
a man like Kearney.

I don't care
what the army approves.

I'm a civilian,
a neutral civilian.

I hire who I want.
Come on.

What's going on here,
captain?

That rancher McCool

has hired the escaped
prisoner Kearney.

He oughta be back
in the guardhouse.

I don't approve
of the escaped prisoner

any more than you do,
but neither do I approve

of the way
you had him arrested.

You started the fight.

I would've been forced to
dismiss charges against him.

You tricked him
onto the post.

Certainly was no premeditated
action on his part.

You're lucky I didn't
press charges against you

for brawling with a dishonorably
discharged officer.

How many head
have you got here?

Eight.

I got some more coming
off the range Friday.

$75

and $140.

$225.

$425.

$675.

For all eight?

That's all they're worth.

Looks like the army
made a deal, major.

I'll see you at the barn
in about an hour.

Got a little banking and some
personal business to attend to.

Come on.

Sir, I'm sorry to see you
in a position like this.

Thanks, sergeant.

Kearney...

You made a grave mistake
in not going home, Lex.

Erin has come back.

Did you write her again?

Your boy ran away
from his school.

Mr. Ramsey,
Sergeant Poole.

I'm wondering
if you and Kearney

can still shake hands.

Let's continue
with your report, major.

The raiders are led

by this horse rancher
named McCool,

the one who sells a few horses
to the army as a blind.

He has nearly 100 men --

about a third of them
are Confederate soldiers

on assignment for this work,

and the rest of 'em
are a bunch of jayhawkers

led by man named Elm.

The captured horses
are kept in a canyon

45 miles east of here.

And about once a month
they run them down

to the South Fork of Bear Creek,

where they turn them over

to the Confederate agents.

That's the picture.

Good job, major.

Thank you, colonel,
and now, sir,

I request that I be relieved
of the assignment.

That calls
for an explanation, major.

I consider myself
a bad risk.

It'll take just one mistake
to smoke us out.

Permit me to speak
for the major.

He has a personal problem.
His wife is here.

What's that
got to do with it?

'Cause I had no idea
what the effect

of this would be
on my family.

Kearney, all these men
have problems.

Excuse me, Colonel, but it's a
little different with Lex.

His boy ran away from school

because he couldn't stand
the disgrace of his father.

Why did you volunteer
for this assignment, Lex?

Because I wanted to see
this war ended quick,

and I thought the idea
of counterintelligence

was the best way to help.

Then get on
with this job.

If you don't, you'll spend
the rest of your days

with a brand on you --
traitor and coward.

It's in your service record.
We had it put there.

To reinstate you now
would expose all of us.

I can't change
your record back.

Very, well, sir.
What do you want me to do?

We have to find out how McCool
is getting his information

to intercept the herds.

How do you stand with him?

About as well as anyone,
I think,

but he confides in no one.

If he were removed,
could you work yourself

into a position of authority?

It's possible.

Then McCool must be removed.

So, will you give me permission
to pick a fight with him?

It has to be done so his
contact won't be scared off.

This is the way
these things work.

The southern spy ring
is widespread.

They undoubtedly
have a key man out here.

We must get to him and destroy
him through McCool.

The best way to do that
is on a raid.

Who's leading the detail
on the next drive?

I am, sir.

Good. Then your job is
to kill McCool.

He rides a big pinto.
It's the only one in the outfit.

I'll flash you a signal
before the attack

and maneuver him
into position for you.

Thanks. I'll get him.

Kearney, after you're top dog
with that outfit,

if the key man wants
to continue to do business,

he'll have to get
in touch with you.

When you know your man,
get word to Poole.

Poole will tell Ramsey,
and Ramsey will send for me.

Any questions?

No, sir.

Leave one at a time
at intervals of two minutes.

Dismissed.

Sir, may I be
the first to leave?

Yes, Poole.

Sorry about your boy, Lex.

Wish there was something
I could do.

There is, sir.
Here's his picture.

If you try the recruiting
offices near Philadelphia,

I think
he can be located.

His mother and I
will be very grateful.

If he's in the services,
I'll find him for you, Lex.

Thank you, sir.

What a licking
that man's taking.

He'll stand up.

I'm sure he will
because he has faith,

faith in people,
faith in a strong Union,

and I hope someday
his family will understand

and appreciate what he's doing
for his country.

I found out just after
I got back to Philadelphia.

The news of you was
in all the papers.

I tried to keep it
from Jamie,

but his schoolmates --

you know how cruel
children can be.

His whole world crashed,
I suppose,

and he ran away.

Where?

I don't know.
I've tried everywhere.

I thought he might
have come out here to you

to see if it were true.

Colonel John thinks
he may have joined the army,

but he's too young,
isn't he, Lex?

Drummer, bugler,
dispatch runner --

they take them now
if they pass for 15.

He'd pass.

Colonel John
is tracing enlistments.

He said he'd do
everything he could.

Jamie would change his name.
He wouldn't use Kearney.

Then we'll never find him.
Lex, you've got to do something.

Staying here
whatever you're trying to prove

is not worth our son's life.
Nothing is.

If you hadn't come here,
you might have stopped him.

If you were a good mother,
that's where you'd be

at home now.

Kids get scared when
they go out on their own.

He might come creeping back,

and you ought to be there
to help him.

What good does it do
to come wailing to me?

With Jamie gone,

I thought I belonged
with my husband.

You can't be with me.

I've got things
to do right now

which you're
interfering with.

Lex, I'm afraid.

Please let me stay.

I've said everything
I can say.

I wish you'd go back,
but I can't make you.

Just think, Mr. Kearney,

I might have plugged you
that time.

Been a downright sin.

We ought to be
up on the ridge

where we can see
the herd coming.

Why be up on that ridge
freezing?

The lookouts will signal us
in plenty of time.

I don't like all this

looking-glass
monkey business.

It worked before,
didn't it?

It's working now, too.

On your horses, men.

Not yet. They're still
too far away.

Who says so?

It's a code, Pete.
It spells out words.

I'll ride on up there

to make sure
of Sims and Mizzell.

Alright, stay put,
but be ready to move out.

Alright, major,
go ahead.

You go back
and signal McCool

to get the men
in position.

Sims will flash you
when to attack.

Halt!

This is it.

Assemble at the rear.

Yes, sir.
Assemble at the rear!

Assemble at the rear!

They must have seen

them stinking
looking glasses.

Well, it's a perfect spot
for an ambush.

After all, they've had
some experience.

They're getting cagey,
aren't they?

Well, if this
is what they want,

we'll give it to them.

Come on.

Drive them.
Move them fast.

Get after that herd!

Catch me a horse.

You dirty double-Grosser.

You sure got even
with that fella.

Ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha ha!

They got Mac because
of your looking glasses.

I ought to put a bullet
through your head.

Be careful you don't
get one in yours.

Now get after your men.

They're scattering the herd
all over the mountain.

Aah!

- Poole, are you alright?
- Yes, sir.

Can you make it?

Look, pick up a stray horse
as soon as we've left.

McCool is dead
and so is Tennick.

Retreat!

There you are.
Count it up quick. Next.

Yankee dollars, Jim.

Better send them home
to your family.

May come a time
when they'll be useful.

If you're smart,
you'll take them home, boy.

- This outfit's finished.
- We're not finished, Mr. Sims.

As long as the Yankees
try to get horses

over these mountains,
we'll try to stop them.

Do you know who
Mac's friend was in town?

No, but we'll follow
the herds to the hills

and take our chances.

We'll get picked off
like flies, brother.

You got to know
where they're heading.

You got to be there first
with the most.

That's the only way it'll work.

Just a minute, men.

Captain Spencer here
has the right idea,

but I believe he's going
about it the wrong way.

If we sit tight here
and have patience,

McCool's friend
will let himself

be known to us.

Whoever he is,

he must know
that Mac trusts us,

especially Pete here, and he'll
get in touch with him.

In the meantime,
Pete and I will continue on

at the ranch near town and sell
a few horses to the army,

but keep quiet
about McCool being dead.

Informers scare easy,

and he may never
show his nose here again,

and I think we ought
to give it a try.

That's right, men.

Me and the major
got the same ideas.

We ain't quitting.

You can't make money like this
no place else.

All we can lose
is a little time, boys.

Thank you, Mr. Kearney.

We're with you,
of course.

Alright, come on.
Step up here and get your money.

Count it out.

Sir, will you take
a look over there?

Where's McCool?

He's down in Texas

bringing back
a string of mustangs.

Yeah, we're kind of
taking care of things

while Mac's gone.

I see. How many?

Dozen head.

$420...

$480... $560...

$720...

$840... $900...

$950...

$1,065.

Alright.

Sergeant Snow,

give the receipt
to Mr. Elm.

Anybody talk to you?

Mnh-mnh.

Me neither.

This idea of yours
ain't working.

Give it a chance.

We already lost one herd.

First thing you know,
we'll be losing another.

May be alright for you
la-di-da boys from the south

to be hibernating around camp
like a bunch of she-bears,

but it ain't easy
for me to keep my men

from high-tailing
out of there.

Hey, what are you
doing in there?

I found
one of McCool's maps.

He's made pencil crosses
where he intercepted

every one of the herds.

Ain't that nice?

The army's coming.

If they think they've got
something on us,

we'll give them a welcome.

Put those guns away.

Let me handle it.

How do you do, sir?

Sit down.

So, McCool's dead.

Where'd you find out
about that?

McCool would never
go to Texas.

His business
is all here.

Listen, Mr. Army,
if you're trying to --

Wait a minute, Pete.

I thought McCool
had taken you two

into his confidence
before he was killed.

Maybe he did.

If he had,
about 500 more horses

would be
in Confederate hands.

Did McCool have a map
around here?

- Well --
- Not that I know of.

Well, he had one
like this someplace.

How much did I pay you
for that last string?

$1,065.

Forget the 10.

Let's just deal
with the last two digits,

6 and 5.

You notice on the map
the longitudinal sides

are all numbered
from 1 to 9,

the latitudinal the same.

Now let's take our numbers,

the longitudinal 6
and the latitudinal 5,

as coordinates
and see where we cross.

Right about here, isn't it?
And where are we?

Yellow Rock Pass.

Exactly.

That was the route taken
by the last herd.

I'll be. You been
telling us all the time.

Remember when
I bought your horses,

the price never came out
in round numbers?

That was because
the last two digits

had to indicate
the route of the drive.

Simple but effective.

I advised McCool to take
someone into his confidence

in case anything
happened to him,

but he wanted
to play it alone.

Well, partner,
we're in business again.

Yes. You better
get up the canyon

and tell the men
we've made contact,

but no names.

This is our deal.

Right, major.
You and me's the brains.

He has his uses.

Yes, so I understand.

I didn't like telling him,

but I couldn't very well
ask to speak to you alone

without making him suspicious
and my own men, too.

What are they thinking now?

Oh, that I'm stirring you up

to bring in more horses.

I was careful to visit

several other ranches today.

Lex, I can't tell you

how glad I am
to have you with us.

I wasn't sure of you
at the court-martial,

and I was afraid that Erin
might influence you,

but when you refused
to go home

and stayed on with McCool...

I feel for you with Erin.

I know what she means
to you.

Is she still in town?

Yes, but don't worry.

I put out a tracer
for your boy.

When he's been located,

at least Erin won't be
staying close by,

and after the war,

well, bitterness
loses its taste.

Many things are forgotten.

I hope so.

Yeah. I must go.

Can't stay too long.

We'll work well
together, Lex.

Oh, by the way,

there's a shipment coming in
of a new kind of rifle.

The south could make
good use of them.

When the time comes,
I want you to organize

a little raid
on our supply wagons.

I'll be glad to, sir.

John Hudson their key man.
It's hard to believe, isn't it?

I might be able
to get his ledger.

It'll have entries
of all his purchases.

And they'll correspond with
the locations on that map.

Yeah. There's a better way
to do it, I think.

Kearney, get some horses and
bring 'em in for Hudson to buy.

I'll be at the corrals
when he names his price.

When you have the receipt,
I'll place him under arrest.

Of course, if he
does have a ledger,

that'll be so much the better.

We'll take him
to Washington

and confront the general staff
with the living proof

that the only way
to fight espionage

is with counterespionage.

I'll bring some horses
down tomorrow with Elm,

and you can arrest him
along with Hudson.

Right.

Just before
I left Washington,

General Halleck gave me
the latest high command opinion

on organizing
a group like ours.

They laughed
at the general.

Said that since
the word counterespionage

wasn't even in the dictionary,

it seemed ridiculous
to try to create something

that couldn't
even be defined.

Well, we're defining it
for them

and in great big
capital letters.

- Any questions?
- Yes, sir.

What about those rifles
you said you had brought in

in the hardtack boxes, sir?

I packed them that way

in case the wrong man
got to snooping.

Lucky, isn't it?

I was supposed to
steal those when they arrived.

That's how I got them, but we'll
have to set you a little plan.

Thank goodness they're here.

The firepower
in these Springfield rifles

will multiply the strength
of our little garrison by five.

It'll give us
the equivalent of 250 men.

We'll outnumber the raiders
and outfire them.

Any further questions?

The major won't be
the first to leave today.

Your son's been found, Lex,
safe and sound.

He'd enlisted under
the unusual name John Smith.

Being held at the Chestnut Hill
recruiting station.

You want to tell your wife,
I know.

Yes.

Erin.

- Erin.
- Lex?

Yes.

Honey, Jamie's been found,
and he's safe.

And he's well.

How do you know?

Uh... I can't tell you that,
but he was

at the Chestnut Hill
recruiting station

just a few miles from home.

Did Colonel John
tell you this?

No. Please don't ask me any
more, but it's true, believe me.

What do you think
I ought to do?

Well, go home to him,
of course.

The stagecoach leaves
in the morning.

You'll be home
within a week.

That's what I thought.

You'd do anything
to get rid of me,

wouldn't you?

Erin, you don't think --

Yes, I do. I wouldn't put
anything past you.

After the way you've acted,
none of your friends

understand you anymore.

Even Colonel John
won't talk about you.

Erin, listen to me --

Let go of me.

Now get out, and don't come
creeping back to me

with any of your tricks.

I'm staying here
until Colonel John tells me

my son's been found.

I hope it'll be soon.

I hope many things
will be soon.

Get out.

Get out!

Mrs. Kearney
to see you, sir.

Oh, send her in,
sergeant.

Yes, sir. Mrs. Kearney.

I was thinking about you
this moment, my dear.

I just received
a long official document

from Washington,

which, translated
into one brief sentence,

says young James Kearney
has been found.

Oh, Colonel John...

Oh, he's in
the best of health.

Army grub seems
to agree with him.

So it's true.

Now what's the matter, Erin?

Lex came to see me
last night

to tell me
Jamie had been found.

I didn't believe him.
I sent him away.

How did Lex know
about Jamie?

I don't know.
He wouldn't tell me.

That's one of the reasons
I wouldn't believe him.

He acted so strange,
so mysterious about everything.

That's why I came
to you this morning.

I thought maybe you could
see him and talk to him

and get him to stop this thing
he's doing, whatever it is.

Erin, you worried for weeks
about Jamie, didn't you?

Didn't help matters any, did it?

He was found, and all your
worries were for nothing.

Now, you know what I'd do
if I were you?

I think you ought
to go home to your son.

This is a man's world out here,
and you don't belong,

but just remember this --

people don't always act
the way you expect them to.

Doesn't mean that they
aren't fond of you

or they don't love you.

Simply means they may have
a star to follow

that's stronger
than any personal tie.

Colonel John,
I don't know

what I would have done
without you.

Now run along, my dear.

Good morning, John.

Good morning, George.
When did you get back?

Last night. But it was late.
I didn't want to must you out.

I want to congratulate you

on that herd
getting through.

Everyone in Washington
is elated.

It was a surprise,
wasn't it?

It certainly was.

Do you mind if I use
your telegrapher?

I'd like to wire General Halleck
that I've arrived.

Help yourself.

Ramsey.

Yes, sir.

Colonel,
I was just getting ready

to bring you some horses.

Yes, I know.

You almost had me,
didn't you, Lex?

I'm afraid
I don't understand.

You're out to get me,

but by a rare stroke of fortune,
I got you first.

It's the little
accidental things

that sometimes change the course
of history, isn't it?

For instance,
if you hadn't told Erin

that young Jamie
had been found,

our positions
might be reversed.

I still don't understand.

You made a mistake.

Your information
about Jamie

could only have come
from George Sharpe.

And he made a mistake, too.

He called Ramsey by name
when, by all odds,

he should never
have known it.

What does all this prove,
colonel?

Nothing,
but I got curious.

I took Ramsey riding
with me yesterday.

We happened to run
onto Pete Elm.

As you said,
he has his uses.

Ramsey talked.

One of the things
he admitted was that

they know nothing about you
back in Washington.

You're doing this thing alone,
against orders.

All you've got to do
is get rid of me,

and you're in the clear,
is that it?

Yes. Raise your hands.

Stand up.

Face that wall.

Open that door.

Colonel Sharpe.

Yes, and that
gin-pot bartender

and your trooper friend
Ferguson

are pushing up daisies,

just like
you're going to be if --

Hold it, Elm.

I'm sorry this had to happen,
Lex.

Good men fall
when mistakes are made.

Nothing gained,
and all of them dead now.

You're in
an unusual predicament,

one that can be
of great service to me.

You're a northern agent,

but nobody's alive
to prove it.

With your record,
everyone believes you

to be a southern agent.

I'll have to hang you for that
in the morning.

That, and the murder
of Colonel Sharpe.

Then our clever Mr. Quint
can report to Washington

that the rebel spy ring
has been smashed,

and its leader --
you -- executed.

That will leave me free
to go on taking your horses.

And when the spring comes,

instead of the north
mounting an offensive,

it'll be the south.

I'm sorry, Lex.

Get going.

Are they starting
the drive today?

Kind of wish you were
in them hills to stop it,

don't you, copperhead?

Open up the door,
guard!

I'm supposed to ask you

if there's
anything you want.

Is there anything
you want?

Let's get at it.

Turn around.
Hands behind you.

Sweet dreams,
copperhead.

Right, left, face.

Forward ho!

Detail, halt!

We'll have to go in
with you, sir.

You know, you'll all be
court-martialed for this.

Yes, sir.

Follow me.

In the wagon.

Ho!

- Go to the warehouse.
- But, sir --

Our plans were to go north
into the hills. Quint --

First, we got to stop the drive
before it gets shot up.

- Follow trail of the herd.
- But, Major Kearney --

There's a shipment
of new Springfield rifles

in the warehouse,
enough for the whole troop.

If we get them in time,
we'll have a chance.

Hyah'. Hyah'.!

Ho!

I never exactly
doubted you, sir.

And that raw deal they gave you
at your court-martial

gave us a pain
in the collar.

Where do you suppose
it gave me a pain?

What's going on
around here, major?

We can't figure it out.

It's lucky for me
you figured out what you did.

There's no time
to go into details,

but I've been working
to uncover the rebel spy leader.

And the trouble is,
it turned out to be

our own commanding officer
Colonel Hudson.

Colonel Hudson?

Yes, but he'll be
taken care of.

Right now we've got to stop
another ambush

and keep Lieutenant Johnson's
men from being cut down.

What can
the six of us do, sir?

If these Springfield rifles
are everything

Colonel Sharpe hoped for,
we'll have plenty of firepower.

No more muzzleloading.

Breaks open to the breech
like this,

cartridge inserted here.

When fired,
it ejects the empty.

You can load and fire
in a matter of seconds.

That's all there is to it.

Let's get moving.

What are you doing here,
Private Larsen?

Mess sergeant sent me down
to pick up some rations.

Seen Sergeant Snow
and Kearney?

- Prisoner?
- Yeah. The prisoner Kearney.

He's escaped.

No, sir.

- Who's that in back there?
- Me, sergeant.

I'm just wrasslin'
hardtack boxes.

I'll take beans any day.

Alright,
into a gallop! Yo!

Come on. Hey!

- Hyah!
- Come on!

Hyah!

Watch out for yourselves!

Whoa.

Hold 'em.

Bring the rifles down.

Sergeant,
Lieutenant Johnson.

Looks like we had
all our trouble for nothing.

- We're too late.
- Maybe not.

First, go over and straighten
out Lieutenant Johnson about me.

Sir, we were coming
to help you.

Major Kearney's in command.

Major Kearney?

Yes, Major Kearney,
lieutenant.

If you want that one bar
on your shoulder

to turn into two,
I suggest you hear me out.

Sir, the lieutenant
may not believe you.

We might as well
be going back, anyway.

We won't
be going back, Olie.

I'm sorry we weren't in time,
lieutenant.

What are your orders, sir?

Equip every man
that can still ride

with these new rifles.

We're going
to the South Fork of Bear Creek

and get your herd back.

Dismount!

Riley, get the rifles
and ammunition.

Yes, sir.

Sergeant Snow,
lieutenant,

come with me.

Ah, seems like
everybody's here today.

There's Colonel Hudson
with my green jacket.

Now, this is the only way
they can get out,

and we can catch them
in our crossfire.

You go back and bring up
the first section on this side.

You deploy the second section
on the far side.

And the shot from me
will be the signal to open fire.

And instruct your men
not to shoot at Colonel Hudson.

I want him brought back with
every hair on his head in place.

Yes, sir.

How'd you let a thing
like that happen, colonel?

Kearney had help.

Probably on his way
to Washington right now.

My usefulness at the Fort
is finished.

Well, it'll take about a week
to plant someone in your place.

Can't let the Yankees
have horses.

There must be a couple
of hundred men up there.

Somehow they got hold of
those new Springfield rifles.

I guess Kearney didn't go
to Washington.

We'll have to wait
till dark

if we're going
to get out of here.

Cease fire!

Cease firing.

- Cease firing.
- These things get hot, sir.

Hold your fire.

I feel like
a Whole army, sir.

Hold your fire.

We got 'em trapped
alright, major.

They can stay under cover
of those trees all day,

and they can slip out
tonight.

We got to smoke them
out of there.

That's right, major.
We'll smoke 'em out...

With your permission, sir.

Alright, sergeant.

Hamel.

Chop some brush,

and we'll put it
on the wagon.

It's going to be
a beautiful fire, major.

They'll be
coming out soon.

Hyah!

Hyah!

Ho! Hyah!

Hyah!

- Get your men ready.
- Yes, sir.

You should've let me finish
Kearney when we had him!

I can't say I disagree
with you, Pete.

Your hindsight is great!

Colonel Hudson.

Why don't you shoot me
and be done with it?

I need you
for living proof

that five good men
didn't die in vain.

Present arms!

Major Kearney,

sometimes it may appear
that the army is blind

to new methods
of operation.

That's because we're dealing
with countless lives

placed in our trust.

Fortunately,
in times of emergency,

men arise with a brand
of courage and fortitude

that go far beyond
the call of duty,

and you are one of these,

and so were Colonel Sharpe,

Captain Tennick,
and those other brave men

who willingly
sacrificed their lives.

Major Kearney,
you have been returned to duty

with the commendation
of the commanding general

of the Army of the Republic,

and I am recommending
that you be transferred

to head the newly formed
department

of military intelligence
in Washington.

However, the most
important accomplishment

that came out
of this entire operation

was your successful
demonstration

of an experimental weapon.

You proved
on the field of action

its superior effectiveness
over our older firearms,

and as a result,

the Springfield rifle
has been made standard equipment

of the United States Army.

I'm sure it will play
a large part

in ending this war and bringing

peace and unity
back to our country.

Right, forward!

Horse right!

Ho!