Original subtitles

Like holding a deuce for your hold card, ain't it?

That gun belt you keep itching to get your hands on.

Why don't you just step on over there and do just that?

Yeah.

You being found dead with a gun in my hand makes you a bigger man.

That it?

I ain't long on talk, Luke. You can be dying with that ax in your hand if

the way you want it.

You're giving me no reason on what's behind this, mister.

I want your hide, boy.

I want it tied and snugged off and delivered for cash on the barrelhead.

Wait a minute.

If you're a bounty hunter, it don't make sense for you to gun me down for a

couple of hundred dollars.

You're forgetting about that $5 ,000 in gold on your head, that bank back in Las

Mesas.

Yeah, that money, that money was put up by a man named Stillman. He wanted to

hurt me no matter what it cost him.

But Stillman's dead.

Yeah, he's dead, all right.

But his $5 ,000 share ain't.

It's just been sitting in that bank in Las Mesas. Nobody paying much attention

to it till now.

You don't expect a bank to pay... I don't expect it, I know it.

$5 ,000 in gold to be paid on one Luke McCahan, dead or alive.

And it don't matter what Luke done, it could be for spitting on the sidewalk.

But the money was put up and the money's collectible, as they say.

You're even better than they said.

Who's they?

Ones that'll be coming after you.

You mean other bounty hunters?

I don't know who they'd be.

Word's out, boy.

Luke McCahan is a walking goldmine.

Luke!

I heard the shooting, Luke.

What happened?

Bounty hunter.

Tried to kill me.

Bounty hunter?

Josh, let's put his body in the wagon.

Then do me a favor, will you?

Take him into town for me.

Tell the sheriff I'll be in later to answer any questions.

What are you going to do?

I'll head back to the ranch.

I've got to do some thinking on how this... This feller came after me.

I'll get the wagon.

Like a ghost coming out of your past.

There's reward money coming to light now.

Not fair, Luke.

A man that hated you put that price on your head.

Except, Jesse, I do have a legal poster hanging over me.

For $200 in connection with jailbreaking.

And if somebody wants to make an addition to that reward, they can do it?

Said they can.

I talked to Sheriff Burke.

Said he'll be needing a statement from you.

I better go to town.

I'll fix your plate, Josh.

Sheriff said something else, Luke.

Sheriff Burke thinks you ought to turn yourself in.

Turn himself in?

I was sure it would have bothered you before. And he knew your name was on a

wanted poster.

The way Mr. Burke put it, there'd be a lot of guns oiled up for a shot at that

reward, Bunny.

I just think she'll be safer in jail.

Nonsense. I can think of much safer places for Luke to hide out.

What about right here at home?

No.

It's not what I want to have happen then, Molly.

A lot of people coming out here to the McCann Ranch ready to use a gun.

His family might get hurt.

Maybe that is the answer.

Turn myself in.

Luke!

Meek, let's just step down that alley to our room.

We'll buy you a drink, have a little chat.

Let's go.

Well, it's not exactly furnished for entertaining, Luke.

But the powers that be have been questioning our budget lately.

Budget? All in good time. Sit down.

Make you feel better?

Who the devil are you?

Our names aren't important, but the proposition we're going to offer you is.

We want you to work for us.

Work for you?

There's a $5 ,000 reward on your head, Luke. It's only a matter of time before

someone buries you to get it.

If you work for us, a week, a month or two maybe,

that bounty's going to be lifted off your head.

We'll hand you the proof who killed Judge Renson down in New Mexico.

Polster's off your head, you sleep nights, right?

You know who killed Renson?

Yeah, we have his contact in Las Mesas.

Knows the whole story and is willing to meet with us.

And we'll set up that meeting.

But only if we get 100 % cooperation from you.

We're federal lawmen if that's what's bothering you.

But beyond that, my boy, don't ask any questions because you won't be getting

any answers.

Let me get this straight.

You're lawmen.

You have a way of finding out who killed Renson.

But you won't do it unless I work for you?

We're somewhat lacking in ethics.

But the job's the thing, my boy.

Us getting it done.

Look, I'm not your boy.

Now, maybe you ought to tell me what I'm supposed to do for you so we can

shorten this meeting.

Luke, I don't think that we have to be friends just to engage in a little horse

trading here.

Now, simply put, your name has suddenly become well -known in the Southwest

because of that large reward on your head.

So you'd be accepted by the criminal element, especially along the Mexican

border, where they move back and forth just a whole lot easier than we'd like.

Gotten to be where there's several hundred square miles along that Texas

Mexico border where it ain't worth a lawman's life to show his face.

You want me to go down to the border and pose as an outlaw?

Oh, you won't be posing.

You are an outlaw.

At least in the New Mexico territory.

Now, you're between the devil and the deep blue.

You don't cooperate with us, why?

The lawman don't get you, the bounty hunter will.

Yeah, you in the proverbial corner, Luke.

But it's not without its dividends.

When this job is over, you'll be a free man.

No bounty on your head.

No posters.

And your family.

Think about your family.

Not just you free, but the McCann name cleared.

At least you won't have bounty hunters on your back.

I gotta think these things over.

I don't know if I can trust the likes of you two.

We don't trust each other. Why should you?

Now, if you do leave town tonight, don't tell your family it's anything more

than just scooting out before the bounty hunters arrive.

Play the game, Luke.

You're a loser.

Start acting like one.

We'll be in touch.

Look.

I had to go with the sheriff.

Uh, I didn't see the sheriff.

I don't think I'm going to either.

At least wait as not until I... I can get off by myself and think things over.

Any idea where you may be heading?

I don't know.

Just drift, I guess.

But you be sure to tell Aunt Molly and the girls not to worry, all right?

I'll do that.

I just wish there was some way I could help you.

Well, just knowing that...

You're back there looking out for our women focus big enough help Take

care

Surely that would be considered slightly on the dishonest side, if you'll

forgive me.

On the dishonest side?

Ma 'am, in the horse trading business, it's often as not as who skins who

Now, in my time, I bought my share of doctored horses, with the colic and the

lameness showing up on the second or third day. So I will not apologize for

pursuing that old policy of caveat emptor, let the buyer beware.

Wouldn't you say so, Mr... Guthrie.

Guthrie. No.

I don't think you being cheated gives you the right to turn around and cheat

next man.

Problem.

That's a young man with noble thoughts.

I'm not noble, believe me.

I've been sitting for the last hour listening to you talk about getting rich

the horse trading business by getting the best of other people.

So I guess that gives me the right, like the lady here, to disagree with you.

From experience, I can assure you that a daily doctrine of honesty is the best

policy to lead you straight to the poorhouse. That's also a lot of

I agree with our handsome young man here.

Although I must confess to always agreeing with handsome young men.

We're slowing down. Why are we slowing down?

Oh, there's people on the road.

It looks so strange that they got something over their faces.

There's nothing strange about road bandits.

Bandits? Road bandits?

Forget it. Now, you're armed. There's only two of them.

Yeah, and there may be more up in them trees up there.

You want to see the dates get riddled by bullets with these ladies inside?

That's it, folks.

Just keep it quiet and nobody's going to get put out too much.

Now, let's get one thing straight, you hear?

I want you to put everything you got in this here hat.

Now, if I got to search any of it and I find out he's holding out on me, why,

the buzzards will be pecking on your eyeballs.

That's a disgusting thing to say.

What? I can see someone's need for money driving him into a criminal activity,

but there's no excuse for vulgarity.

None whatsoever.

You first.

Now, ma 'am, it's your turn to contribute.

No.

What? I'm not going to hand my money over to you.

You. Neither should you hand yours over.

Now, listen, old lady.

Old lady.

My students address me as Miss Agnes, and you may do the same if there's any

reason for you to address me at all.

All right. You.

You're quite right, Miss Agnes.

I'm not going to hand my money over either.

Mister, I'm getting in the mood to shoot somebody's head off if they give me any

more mouth.

What do you aim to forget about?

Forty dollars, right front pocket.

That's all you got?

Yeah, four bits of change.

Oh, come on, the watch ain't worth nothing. It was just a gift from a

mine.

All right.

You keep the stage here ten minutes.

Then you folks can move on your way.

Now, y 'all enjoy your trip, we hear?

Look now,

that horse is lame.

Somehow I don't see those road bandits as being very efficient. Well, they're

efficient enough to find the $500 in gold that I carry. That's a total, total

profit of my whole trip.

From selling sick animals?

Now, listen, ma 'am. I don't have... Before we get started, sooner we get the

law on the trail of those two buckles. Now, grab your gun so we can get on.

Yeah, I'm telling you the truth. I've 30 years dealing with horses, and I don't

make no mistakes about telling one horse from another. That horse had a white

stripe down his head, and he was lame in the left forelock.

I knew that. I've seen that as soon as that road bandit rode away from the

state. Sheriff, you mean this is the only horse in this whole county with a

left leg?

I just don't accept that kind of coincidence, mister.

Sheriff, I demand that this man be searched.

Hold on, Sheriff.

Common sense says that no road bandit comes into the same town the stage is

heading for while he goes in a different direction.

Except if that horse was as lame as it was, and then you'd have to come in time

to get yourself another one.

Just like you're doing.

Where are you from, son?

I don't know what that has to do with anything, Sheriff.

Let's take a look at what you got in your pockets.

Yeah, yeah, this man, he had a watch taken away from him. You might find that

him, too.

Just a minute now.

I think this is all silly.

Brother Allen and me came in by way of Rock Creek, east of here.

Not to the north where the stage is held up.

Now, Sheriff, I still charge this man with being that road bandit.

Young fella, you're objecting to our searching, yeah? Sheriff, I only object

any honest man would object to being humiliated.

I think I can settle this, Sheriff.

Them two bandits, the one that was...

About the same size as this man here. I was staring him right square in the eye

when he was taking my money.

You mean this fellow looks like the same man?

Well, I was hoping he was, so I could give my money and watch back. Except,

well, the bandit, he was about this close.

And he had blue eyes.

Not brown like this man here.

Seems to me that I can say that...

This isn't the same man myself.

Why, the stageholder man, he had a southern way of talking.

Are you satisfied you're wrong now?

What? Still don't see the harm in you turning out your pockets.

Mister, you say one more word accusing me of thief, and I'm calling you out,

I got the right. Hang on, Sheriff.

We're having no gunplay in my town.

Hold your temper, Alan.

A man -made mistake is all.

Call your horse the back of the coach, mister?

Uh, no. I think I'll be staying around here for a day or two.

Son.

I'm not sure I understand why you're lying.

But I'm going to trust my instincts and wish you luck.

Lion.

I looked into that bandit's eyes, too.

Brown like yours.

Although not nearly as charming, I might add.

Take care.

Total

cash

a bit over 700, Flory.

I'm not too sure we should stay in this town overnight.

Who is it?

It's not the law.

What can we do for you?

Well, you want to hear what I have to say with this door wide open?

No. Come on in.

Connor had a hunch we'd be seeing you again, mister.

I asked, what can we do for you?

You can start by giving me back my money and my watch.

What kind of proof do you have?

Don't be stupid, Alan.

Forty dollars.

Come on, the watch.

To Luke McCahan.

Interesting name.

Worth, last time I heard, $5 ,000.

Yeah, I guess I should have left this back at the ranch.

Why July 1st, McCann?

I could just see myself getting thrown in jail with you two.

The sheriff coming up with this here watch and seeing my name on it.

That's right.

Your old skin was at stake, too, now, wasn't it? I never thought of that.

I'm Flory.

My brother, Alan.

No hard feelings.

I guess we still kind of owe you, Luke.

You know, I don't know your plans, but if I were you two, I wouldn't stick

around this town much longer. In case that sheriff might want to come back and

ask some more questions.

Yeah, we were talking about leaving tonight, heading south.

Where are you heading, Luke?

South, too, I guess.

Doesn't much matter.

Well...

If I were you, I'd steer away from stage holdups until I learned to act a lot

tougher.

Especially to old ladies.

You sure you don't want to go home, Flory?

Ain't nobody looking for you there.

Just give my love to Ma and tell her that I think of home a lot.

Move, you're dead.

Uh, yeah, except I got a hot coffee pot in my hand.

So put it down, you darn fool.

Oh, yeah.

But, Flory.

How come that money on your head wasn't collected a long time ago, McCahan?

Smell your cooking fire two miles in every direction.

Even a two -bit horse thief has sense enough not to advertise.

Want some coffee?

Well, I'll be.

You saw us down there on the flats?

Elmy?

Saw him leave.

Figured me heading this way.

Smelling your cooking.

Guilty as charged.

Why?

Going south, too. Same direction as you.

Gets lonesome.

Bring my horse in.

Keep that coffee hot.

Yep. You two are the same, all right.

My brother Alan and you.

Got everything going for you.

Good looks, some schooling.

Passable common sense.

Thanks for the compliment.

It wasn't a compliment. You're a jackass, same as that brother of mine.

Why does any man hanker to be outside of the law when he can have more than

he'll ever need inside of it? Well, what about yourself?

You're a good -looking woman. Smart as a whip from what I've seen so far.

Could have stopped after the word woman.

Why said something wrong along in there?

A woman, anywhere west of Missouri, from the time she's weaned, she sees men

herding cattle, opening stores in town, owning banks.

Men running the world.

Jobs for women only in farms or in kitchens.

Having a baby once a year or working in brothels.

The funny part is that... What's the funny part?

The sad part of it all is that half of all children growing up, no one to turn

to except your husband.

I don't see the harm in that. The husband doing the providing.

I called you a jackass before, McCain. It doesn't have to describe what you

You weren't even listening to me.

Do you expect men to apologize for acting like men?

From the time a girl's eight years old, she's making eyes with the boys.

Making them think that the most wonderful thing on earth is anybody

around in a dress.

You don't agree with that?

Agree with what?

Most wonderful thing on earth isn't maybe somebody wearing a dress.

Look I grew up with two sisters. I ain't exactly hornswoggle by no gal running

around in bloomers and petticoats

Well,

I hope that storm blows over

I don't think it will.

Brings us back to the fact of men not being exactly the brainiest creatures on

Earth.

You know, there's a way station about an hour's ride in the south of here where

we could be sleeping under a dry roof tonight instead of on soggy ground.

You won't get an argument from me on that.

Two bits apiece, Daddy.

Ain't you got nothing up in the station house?

Not unless you want my wife put out.

Have to charge you a whole dollar you want her bed.

She gets kind of riled when she has to sleep with me.

Yeah, well, we don't want to rile your missus.

Well, I guess we'll have to take it.

Oh,

I find my cow milks for breakfast.

Have to charge you.

Happens more often than not.

I have to remember not to milk the cow.

Lori, how did you ever end up outside the law?

Not exactly the kind of business most women get into.

Didn't choose it for myself.

Might say that my husband did.

You're married?

Was.

A while back.

Sixteen seemed a good idea.

Find a husband real early.

Get away from Plorman.

Ben was his name.

Always had money.

Nice clothes.

Way about him in treating the girl.

A month or two and I found out that good old Ben was pretty good at holding up

freight offices.

Sometimes even banks.

Got down to a point of me either leaving him or being a part of what he was

doing.

You actually had a hand at holding up a bank?

Not even 17.

Just a dumb farm girl holding the horses.

Anyway, he was killed less than a year after we married.

Shot down to Hayes City Street.

And you?

Put out posters on.

Mrs. Flory Thompson.

Needed money and fell into staying outside the law.

Floyd, did you ever think of traveling

to other parts and starting new all over again?

Mr. McCahan, you got real bad ears. You didn't hear me spelling out the ways a

woman can make a living.

Besides, I...

I need a lot more money to get by on now.

I need money for... I will.

Yeah.

I guess nobody outside the law ever finds much peace.

Where is she, in the station house?

Who's she?

Yeah, she's inside having breakfast.

How'd you know?

We haven't got long to talk, Luke. What's her name?

Uh, Ruth.

I don't know her last name.

She's Flory Thompson. That's the last time you play any games with us.

You just listen to me, mister.

I didn't like you when I met you, and I don't like you a damn bit better now, so

stop leaning on me, all right? Easy, Luke.

You're doing just fine.

That was a nice movie made back in that town, getting Flory's brother off the

hot spot.

You figure it is a way to work up a friendship with the road benders?

Yeah.

Something like that, I guess.

Well, Flory Owen, you's a good start.

Talking about starts.

What's the end here?

What am I supposed to be doing for you?

You heading down to Adobe Town with her?

I don't know where she's heading.

We're going south together.

Adobe Town's a good bet, I think.

All right.

We'll be in a little place west of Adobe Town called El Mason.

You need an excuse to ride over that way. Just say there's some friend you

to visit.

And incidentally, Luke, I hope you're not trifling with Flory's affections.

The way we hear it, she's not only got a humdinger of a temper, but she's one

hell of a rifle shot, too.

Well, I've got me a load of questions to ask you, too.

Save the questions for Elmasan, Luke. You can pay us a visit when you get down

that way.

Friends of yours?

No.

We were just talking about the storm last night.

Station attendant's wife had very strong ideas about you.

Such as?

Want to know if you're going to make an honest woman out of me?

What'd you say?

I said you didn't snore, fidget, or throw your feet around, so it might just

work out.

I'd say fair odds that boy won't ever be riding back this way.

Never said who she was.

Who you talking about?

Inscription on the watch, with love from Hillary.

Oh, yeah, Hillary.

She was just a friend of mine.

How friendly a friend.

You know, for a recent acquaintance, you sure ask a lot of questions.

An acquaintance? Me?

After sharing the same bed all night?

Miss Borey, glad to see you back.

Just saw a man hanging from a tree.

What's going on, Slim?

Told me I was rode in last night.

Recognized him as a fella out of Kansas prison.

Got time off for dealing with the law.

And you just voted to send him on his way?

Can't hold no talkers myself.

a long time, Flory.

Flory, it's good to see you.

Oh, and you're as beautiful as ever.

Luke McCahan here.

Jose?

Tomas? Just holly the rest till you get to know them.

Well, I'm all it was dusty coming in. I guess Luke will have a beer.

Just make mine a soda pop you got.

Of course.

The Luke McCain?

You want to put it that way?

I'm talking about the back -shooting Luke McCain.

The one who killed the judge over in Las Mesas.

Except I didn't kill that judge.

You say.

Mister, before you open up that loose mouth again, you better figure I'm not

the habit of letting people call me a liar.

I thought I knew all your friends, Flory.

I just say it was an overnight thing, Tomas.

See, we had to share a way station bed last night's storm.

Well, easier traveling as man and wife when the law might be snooping around.

I still say I thought I knew all your friends.

Why don't you get to what's on your mind?

I better introduce you two all over again.

Luke, Tomas is a good gun hand.

Only thing he rightly brags about.

Tomas, Luke here is no slouch at handling a gun either. Point being, it

pay you two to get along.

Let me be the first to welcome you.

Batlin.

Batwin.

I'd be glad to bury him in...

They're wanted below the border for buying Mexican children and selling them

the Apaches.

Yeah.

I figured they weren't too welcome here.

Hmm.

So many smiling faces.

What you doing around here battling?

My boys is thirsty.

Maybe a little hospitality first.

Stay in them horses.

Someday.

You and me.

Tomas?

Anytime.

Here and now?

Someday.

We come in here to see if anybody's interested in 10 ,000 in gold.

I can use two or three more hands.

Be an even split.

More lead.

The Apache's paying in gold now?

The gold's in the bank.

And we're going to be in the bank Sunday morning while the whole town's in

church. What town are you talking about?

Serena.

Now, this is business. You don't have to love me. Quick money.

Anybody around here want in on this?

Everybody hear that fussy about who they ride with?

That's 10 ,000 in gold.

I'd say we got friends in Serena.

Hey, McCain.

Where you headed?

We're to El Nassan to see a friend of mine.

Ha ha ha ha.

Excuse me, miss.

Querido amigo, why you take so long to come see Luisa?

Este hombre es mio.

He's an old friend. You have to understand.

Come on.

Don't be shy with me. Come on.

Don't be so shy. Come on.

Come on.

Who listened, miss?

Momentito. Por favor.

Momentito.

Flory tell you why she went down to Adobe Town?

No, she didn't.

Why don't you try telling us the truth, my boy?

Look, I'm going to tell you again, mister. I'm not your boy.

She never even hinted to me why she came down here.

Anybody suspicious on why you were riding in with her?

Flory vouched for me and that seemed to settle it.

Well, that's good.

Now, Luke.

Your job really begins at this point.

We know very little about these parts.

Very little except that the outlaws that operate along the border are damned

efficient. They seem to know exactly when gold shipments are being moved and

what stagecoaches are worth hitting.

There seems to be some guiding hand in these parts.

We're interested in finding out who's setting up these robberies.

Oh, yeah, and I'm supposed to be the one who finds out about this guiding hand,

huh? Well, we'll just settle for eyes and ears open.

Nobody questions romantic interests.

So I want you to drop by this way at least once a week and talk to Louisa.

Then we'll chat.

You know, I want to tell you guys something.

I'm getting to like this job less and less as I go along.

You ain't supposed to like it.

Now, we hear Flory makes a lot of trips back and forth across the border when

she's down here.

Maybe she's selling stolen goods.

We're interested in finding out who her contact is in Mexico.

So why don't you just follow her, huh?

Now, we're whiskey drummers along this border.

Wouldn't do for us to get caught putting our nose in where it's not wanted.

Louisa!

Don't press it, Luke.

Just let it flow to you.

You're a man with poster problems.

Just interested in staying alive from one day to the next.

Take care of yourself, Luke.

What are you doing sneaking around following me?

Sneaking around following you?

I'm ahead of you.

You know what I mean.

I saw you were heading towards the Rio and I thought you'd be interested in

knowing that somebody is following you.

Tomas.

You knew?

Well, I can guess.

He didn't believe that you went over to Elmison.

Not after I rode out an hour after you did.

Thinks I'm meeting with you.

Looks like he was right.

You and your friend have a pleasant time of it over there?

Would you believe me if I told you that I have a strictly friendly relationship

with somebody over there?

No.

Oh.

All right.

So what are you going to do about him following you, huh?

Start backtracking at the Rio, I guess.

Well, there is an easy way.

Hey, Tomas is a friend of mine.

A really good friend.

I wouldn't want to see him hurt. I have no intention of hurting him.

Except maybe his feelings a little.

Go on, I'll catch up to you.

It was an old trick my Uncle Zeb taught me.

You see, you drive your tracker to cover, and you make sure he doesn't hear

ride off.

It'll be an hour or two before he figures he can show his face, and a

more before he gets his horse, if he gets it at all.

Now, Tomas might have the idea it was me doing the shooting.

Well, then you just tell him that a bushwhacker was throwing lead your way,

you just managed to ride off.

Where are you heading right now, Luke?

Doobie town, I guess.

I got some things to take care of to the south.

Keep me company.

Gracias, Paulo.

Somebody, I've got to meet here for an hour or two.

If you want to wait, there's a cantina down the street.

All right.

She's yours.

Doesn't even know I'm her mother.

Just thinks I'm some nice lady who comes to the orphanage and plays with her.

Why is that, Flory?

Why did you let me come along and find out that you had a child?

Why trust me that much?

I'm not sure.

Maybe I'm tired of always being alone.

Not willing to trust anybody.

Or maybe I see you as... somebody I can talk to.

I think that's important to all of us, Luke.

To have somebody we can talk to.

I don't really think you should trust anybody that much.

Somehow I don't find you to anybody.

You really don't know me.

Maybe you remind me of somebody I used to know a long, long time ago.

I was never really in love with my husband, Luke.

Oh, sure, I was taken with him. I mean, he was handsome as all get -out.

But the first time, and the only that I really fell in love, I was about nine

years old.

We lived on a nearby farm.

I can't describe the feeling I used to have, just...

Just laying eyes on that boy.

Watching the road where he come walking home from school, books under his arms

and kicking at stones.

Funny how you get drawn to a person.

Find something missing when he isn't around.

I guess I sound like I'm nine years old talking at you like this.

No.

Sound like a real grown -up lady.

Very nice lady.

I'm glad we met, Luke.

Real glad.

By the way, Sheriff Gruner and Serena likes to meet all new faces down this

You can say you're Luke McCahan.

We got a meeting of mine, so to speak, about always leveling with each other.

Now, wait a minute.

You're saying I have to tell the sheriff who I really am?

Just make it a private talk is all.

There's an old wagon trail to the east. Follow it through the canyon.

Ought to be getting into Serena by about dark.

You said you had friends in Serena.

Friends like the sheriff.

That's why you turned battling down and robbing the Serena bank.

Luke McCahan, you sure do ask enough questions for recent acquaintance.

Got a set of rules.

Live by them, you and me, and we'll both be happy.

Are we of one mind there, boy?

Both of us being happy suits me.

Well, I have a badge that covers about 200 square miles along the border.

And if anything happens that I don't like on that pad of dirt, it has a

to make me very, very unhappy.

And you can damn well bet the man making it happen is going to be a sorry sight

when the day of reckoning comes.

Uh, where'd you meet up with Floyd?

I managed to do her a good turn up north ways, and, well, I was just drifting.

We come down here together.

Well, you look like a boy who'd be content not to rub the cat's fur the

way.

Where you staying tonight?

Hotel, I figure.

Leaving for Adobe Town first light.

Well, that's wrong.

No, come first light, you're gonna be on the hotel balcony with me.

You know a man named Batlin?

Yeah.

We... We met, in a way.

Well, you're not telling tales out of school.

See, I happen to know that he's been looking at our bank for some time now.

Come tomorrow morning, he's gonna come riding in here.

And we're gonna be waiting for him.

Be a turkey shoot.

Turkey shoot?

Yeah.

If you know he's gonna come riding in here, why should there be any shooting

all?

It'd be simple enough to capture him, wouldn't it?

Well, naturally, we're going to try to avoid any unnecessary gunplay.

That trouble over in Las Mesas.

Why did you gun that judge down?

I don't think I like your line of questioning here.

Well, I'll, uh... I'll see you in the morning, early.

I'll make you part of our welcoming committee.

Why include me?

Why not?

Why should you object being on the side of law enforcement?

I'd pay a dividend someday.

There's only three of them.

No problem.

What's going on?

What's the matter, boy?

That's plain murder.

Is it now?

I call it a pleasurable morning's work.

A little while ago I was feeling bad.

But now I feel fine.

Just fine.

I knew they were coming. I knew they were coming. They come in in the

this morning, and I went out there on that porch there.

Don't you move.

Don't even twitch.

I'm not going to do either.

Sheriff!

Excuse me. I got him, Sheriff.

I'm Captain Luke McCann, claiming a bounty on his head.

Hey, I got me $5 ,000 reward here.

That's what Los Mesa's paying for this fella.

That's where I seen him.

recognized his face from Mason.

Is that your name, young fella?

Luke McCann?

Yeah, that's it.

Don't forget it's me, Sheriff, what captured him.

Did it all by myself, too.

Jake Pollard.

Now, mind that name, Sheriff, so you can tell them just where to send that jet

to.

I've been waiting right here for it, too. Come on.

Come on.

Here.

You mind if I ask you a question?

Well, I'd rather not, because I suspect it might have something to do with my

integrity.

Why, whatever would make you think that?

What's the next move?

Well, I'm going to send a wire over to Las Mesas and tell them to come and get

you.

And bring that $5 ,000 reward.

You're going to get a cut of that money, aren't you?

You've got to have more faith in your fellow man, Luke.

Which reminds me, this is Sunday.

Now, you're entitled to go to evening services.

If you have a mind to.

If you're preaching, I might consider it.

Cute.

That paper there is over a week old. You can see there's not much there.

Except the...

The kid of yours getting himself arrested for that bounty on him.

Yeah, in the serenity jail.

Have you mind me asking, is there any truth to it he was mixed up in the

of that judge?

No truth in it at all, Charlie.

Seems like somebody's out to get the boy, though, no matter what he does.

I appreciate you pointing that out to me, though. I'm going to be heading down

that way.

Well, drop by again. We'll have some coffees there. Maybe we'll put a little

sweetener in it.

Be looking forward to it.

Well, sir, it gives me pleasure to hand over that bounty money. What's this?

It's a bank draft.

Is it good?

It's good.

Buy you a drink?

No, thanks.

Buy everybody a drink.

Yes, sir, the bank pays out real money for this here bank draft.

I'll see you back in Las Mesas, Luke.

Thanks for the hospitality, Sheriff.

Now, don't be bitter, son.

Now, we'll all be praying that that judge shows you Christian mercy and

hang you.

Let's go!

Come on.

Get that cart out of the road.

The wheel, senor.

She is off.

I can see that.

Give that bull a lick.

Drag it out of the road so we can get by.

Chihuahua, this is a stubborn one.

The wheel must turn or he sleeps.

Come on, get up here. Bear a hand.

All right, let's... Señores, it will be better if you help me put the wheel on,

no? Then the carreta will move easily.

All right, you two lift up the cart. I'll slip the wheel on.

Give me a hand with this wheel first.

Let's go.

That's it. Get the cart.

I got the wheel.

All right.

Keep heading north.

Yeah. I won't be expecting any favors in return.

You still got one coming from me.

Tamar's had a horse shot away from him in a canyon.

Thinks you might have had something to do with it.

Now look at this.

That's the easiest money I ever earned, Luke.

Luke, Jake Pollard.

We sent for a strange face to pull this off.

Even for a Jewish share in your own reward.

Pardon?

I bet it feels good, Luke.

No more $5 ,000 bounty on your head.

Well, I'm not sure what size reward that Marshal of Las Mesas deputies are

putting on me, considering they'll be riding into Las Mesas.

Their own prison van.

Doesn't set well with you.

Getting that big reward off your head.

It's another charge against me.

My gang showing up and breaking me free of the law.

Except for the law, you'd be doing a lot less looking over your shoulder.

No?

That's a way to look at it, I guess.

He's dead.

They shot him.

He was running from a freight office with $8 in his hand.

Flory.

Luke, they killed him for $8?

tight place.

Want some advice?

Take her and head out of here.

There's nothing more important in this whole world, Flory, but you and her.

Come with me, Luke.

Will you?

The two of us and my little girl.

They voted the shares and the reward money.

I have ours in my saddlebag.

Doesn't seem very important now, does it?

I'm sorry, Flory.

About what happened to your brother.

Flory.

I don't want you to feel you're... you're ever alone.

I mean... I would do anything for you.

Yes, I know that.

You hear from Las Mesas yet?

Well, it wasn't the townspeople that put up the reward money for McCann.

So ain't nobody gonna lose any sleep over it.

Still, maybe Las Mesas would feel better if they knew where to find Luke McCann.

I take it you and that boy weren't exactly friends.

More than me and him not hitting it off.

He don't fit.

Something about him.

Yeah, I know what you're saying.

Yeah, I felt it too, but I can't put my finger on it.

Even the first night he came here, he went over to El Meson.

I mean, even with him and Flory being maybe more than friends.

I don't figure that... What girls he's seeing at El Meson?

I don't know.

Let's ride over.

No, that is wrong, lady.

That's all we know.

Now, what did those men and Luke McCann talk about?

They closed the door. I could not hear anything.

You didn't say why you were supposed to act so friendly to Luke McCann when he

came over here.

They only pay me.

Now, they closed the door, but you were in the other room, weren't you?

And you didn't put your little ear next to the door and listen just a little

bit.

Now, you know you did, Louisa.

Now, let's take it back to the first time you met these whiskey drummers.

And any time your story don't sound quite right, I'm gonna let you know.

I had to... Tell them that you were government policemen and that Luke

comes here to see only you.

Well, that does it.

Win some, lose some.

That's all that roost at Adobe Town needed. You'll be able to hold Sunday

there tonight.

When Gruner left here, he was headed south. Do you know where to?

He goes into Mexico to disappear for a long while. He said this to Tomas.

What do you know?

Maybe you pulled this off after all.

Pulled what off?

Well, you haven't told us a damn thing yet.

But you obviously scared Gruner into hightailing it.

He probably thinks that you've been giving us facts and figures by the hour.

I can give you one fact.

He's a butcher.

In my opinion, that's the guiding hand you were looking for.

You think Gruner's scared enough to do a little talking to save his own hide?

You'll talk. Let's go.

Oh, uh... By the way, about that Judge Ransom business,

we actually thought we had a good contact.

What?

He disappeared on us, my boy.

Sorry. But wait a minute.

You got me to do this job on the promise that you could prove who killed Ransom

and that I'd be free.

I'll bet you two never even had a contact in Las Mesas, did you?

We're a pinch above being that dishonest.

Women, well, Luke.

Besides, you don't have that $5 ,000 reward on your head anymore.

Always best to look on the bright side.

Are you going to be all right if Gruner and Tomas come back here?

They will not come to harm me.

They understand that one does certain things for

money.

There is something that you should know.

The one called Tomas.

I heard him say that he will be waiting for you on the North Trail.

And he will kill you.

Give me a chance to talk, will you? Rear end of a turned up desert toad, that's

you, Luke McCann. Now listen to me.

I got caught in the middle of things.

You got caught?

Last night, I'm in your arms offering myself and you got caught?

I never took advantage of the situation.

I trusted you.

all trusted you.

Flory, I never told those lawmen anything they didn't already know.

In fact, that's why I went to El Masson to tell him I couldn't work for him

anymore.

You're full of lies, Luke.

No, I'm not.

Maybe that's my trouble, too.

A lie just doesn't come easy to me.

I don't believe what I'm hearing.

Luke McCahan doesn't lie, huh?

Look, it's the way I got to feel about you.

That's what made up my mind not to go on with it anymore.

Don't leave me alone.

your old friend, Tomas.

Look.

What is it?

Oh, no.

Flory.

Come on, there's a doctor in Serena. No, they'll jail you.

Come on, I don't care. No, no.

He'll just be bringing a body in.

Please, just...

This money.

any feelings for her, Luke.

You used her.

That's all you did, use her.

I know it was my gun.

But you killed her.

Flory's dead.

Neither of us wanted that.

Let it end here.

It can't end here.

There's nobody left in Adobe Town.

Even Gruner had to turn in his badge, head into Mexico.

I had nothing to do with that.

Except in the way you did.

Just by being here.

I'm going to say it again.

Let it end here with nobody to blame.

Then again... It's going to be up to

you, isn't it?

Father, I'm hoping there's enough to see that Flory's little girl could be

raised by the mission orphanage.

I can't accept this money, my son.

You can't?

Well, uh, I must know where it came from.

Father, I can tell you this.

That money was to be used to take a life.

Mine now it can be used to give life

Flores child

We'll

see that it is used in her behalf Thank You father

What are you doing here?

Luke, might ask you the same thing, boy.

From what I hear, I expected to see you running for your life, but this doesn't

look... It's a long story, Uncle Zeb.

I'll tell it to you on the way back.

All right. One thing I'd like to find out before we start, though.

I went through a town back here a ways called Serena, and they were talking

about you bringing a man in there, a Tomas, had a bullet in his shoulder.

What did you put there?

Well, it's nothing that I wanted to happen.

See, this Tomas had his mind made up that one of us was going to get buried.

I'm glad he was wrong.

I understand.

I've had that happen a time or two myself.

Let's get home.

Yes, sir.