Original subtitles

"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!