Original subtitles

Spring says yes to statehood.

I thought Colorado was a territory.

Well, it is, but not for long.

Pretty soon we're going to be another star on the flag.

Well, what's the difference between a territory and a state?

Uh... State?

A state is... Have you learned about the Revolutionary War yet, Brian? Sure.

How our country was once a British colony.

Right. We had to fight the British to get our independence.

That's right.

Well, we have a very similar situation here in Colorado.

As a territory, we're very much like a colony of the federal government.

Not allowed to make our own decisions.

Taxation without representation.

Very good.

As a state, we'll finally have a voice in Congress.

We'll be able to decide on our own who our governor will be.

Someday that might even be you.

Until now, statehood for Colorado has only been a dream.

But with Ezra Leonard at the helm, that dream's about to become a reality.

Who's he?

That's the man we're waiting for.

He's going to be coming down that track in a couple of minutes.

Can you open your mouth?

Ma, are you going to the statehood speech?

I'm afraid I can't. I'm going to be away most of the afternoon on house calls.

Aha!

There it is. The culprit.

Consulated. Excellent, Colleen.

Now, is that serious?

Well, your fever's down. That's a good sign.

I'll give you some Dover's powder. That should help relieve the symptoms. And

hopefully you should be back to normal in a week or so.

Hey, Sully.

Hey, everybody.

What's this?

Lunch?

Oh, Sully, I'm sorry. I was supposed to meet you.

It's all right.

I've just been so busy today. I completely lost track of time.

Felder, are you going to the statehood speech?

No. I'm on my way out to the reservation.

Colleen, I have a good idea. Why don't you go to the speech and then you can

fill us in on anything important?

Sure.

Welcome to Colorado Springs, Mr. Leonard.

Oh, Preston. How many times must I tell you? Call me Ezra. Ezra.

You remember my son, Caleb? Of course I do.

How's the bank?

All's picking up steam.

Why doesn't that surprise me?

This man comes to Denver, asks for advice in setting up a small financial

enterprise. The next thing I know, he's running his own bank.

A small bank, I can assure you. But not for long.

Mark my words, folks.

This man is going places.

Not soon enough.

I know your time is limited in our fair town, so... Excuse me, Jake.

Podiums all yours.

Podiums are for speech makers, son.

I don't give speeches.

What I do is speak my mind.

And for the last ten years, my mind has been focused on one subject.

and one subject only.

Statehood for Colorado!

Twice in the past ten years, this issue has been launched, and both times

a small but very vocal group of naysayers has managed to sink it.

But I, for one, am not about to concede.

I'm on my way to Washington to present this statement.

signed by a number of prominent citizens to the Senate Committee on Territories.

With it, I hope to... No.

I will push through enabling legislation that will put the future of this

territory in the hands of the people of Colorado!

Punisher, what's happened?

Somebody kidnapped him.

right through here. There's the trail.

This way.

She's over there. Somebody, somebody grab her from behind the tree.

Come on, straight over here.

How many were there?

I don't know. I want to start some arms.

All right, we'll get the parts together.

I'll go with you. Me too.

Look.

Who are you? I am walked alone.

I have come with a message.

Do you know what happened to my son? He is safe.

Where is he? Do not come any further or he will be harmed.

What's the message?

You will ride to Cache Creek.

There you will hand over the statement that you have prepared for the Senate

Committee on Territories.

What? You will also promise to withdraw from the Colorado statehood movement.

Look here now. You people have always been treated fairly by me. You have four

days. Four days? Here.

I can give it to you now.

Cache Creek, four days.

Only then will your son be returned to you. How dare you tell me what to do?

He'll be there.

You're being watched.

If you follow me, the boy will be harmed.

You touch him and I'll kill you. Do you hear me? Do you hear me? I'll kill you.

I'll kill you. Do you hear me?

I can't find it anywhere. I never heard of Cache Creek.

I never heard of such stupid ransomed man.

Maybe we ought to call in the marshal. Or the army. No, we're not calling in

army. Wachtelow made it perfectly clear what we have to do.

Wachtelow? That's who we're dealing with?

You know this woman?

No, but I heard of her. She's Noah McBride's squaw.

Who's Noah McBride?

Trapper. Mountain man.

I thought he was dead.

I did, too. Then word come down that he killed some grizz with only a skinner

and made a necklace with the claws.

Where does this charming character live?

Backcountry.

Off the map.

Which is probably where Cash creaked.

Well, isn't there anyone in town who would know where to find it?

Probably.

Hey.

Smells good.

Paying you back for missing lunch.

Kids home?

Not yet.

Here.

Why don't you let me finish this?

Come over here.

Sit down.

I'm all right.

I know you are.

A baby needs a rest.

I think you're right.

You've been kicking me all afternoon.

Someone's coming.

Sully, we need to talk to you. You know where Cash Creek is?

Yeah. Can you take us there?

Oh, that won't be necessary.

If you could just show us where on this map, I'm sure we can find it.

We're not going up there without a guide.

Then we'll hire one who's adequately qualified.

Nobody knows these mountains better than Sully.

What's this all about?

You mean you ain't hurt?

No. We have some unfinished business with Noah McBride.

I see you know him, too.

Not personally, but I ain't got no quarrel with him.

He kidnapped my son.

Kidnapped?

It's true.

It'll be dark soon.

We'll ride in the morning at first light.

Can we make it there in four days?

Three, maybe, if this weather holds.

I think we should leave now. We'll save time.

No.

Trail's rough in spot.

Easier to move in the daylight.

Look, I know an expert tracker that works out of Denver.

I'll wire him. Get him here first thing in the morning.

No.

It's settled.

Sully's leading us.

We'll leave at daybreak.

Now, you fellas know I do riding linear for Washington for my health.

Keep an eye on my shop while I'm gone.

Jake, I want a full description of McBride when you get back. Not many

around here set eyes on him. I'll live to tell about it. I heard he scalped the

whole Blackfoot war party once.

That's just tall tales. I want the fact.

True. Four of them scalped while they're still alive.

Well, his mother must be so proud.

Lorne, I'd like to see you about a purchase, if I may.

Jake.

What do you think Leonard's worth?

What do you mean, from his mind and business, or his family's money, too?

Are we ready, Sheriff?

Just about.

Still waiting for Sully.

Mr. Leonard, listen.

Don't worry about your son. We're going to get him back, safe and sound.

Ever since his mother passed away is all I've got.

And I'm not about to lose him.

I could ride along with you.

I don't think that will be necessary.

We have more than enough men accompanying us.

But thanks for your concern.

If Robert E. wants to come along, then he's coming.

Whatever you say, Sheriff.

Just don't get in the way.

You sure you want to do this?

Child's been kidnapped. Can't sit back and do nothing.

Facing the wrong way, Brian.

Love you guys.

Love you too. Be good, all right?

Gentlemen, what do you think?

My first peacemaker.

Isn't that what you call it?

You mean to say you've never...

Fired a gun before?

That was the first time for everything, Jake.

Carrying a gun in town, Sheriff?

Aren't you going to arrest him?

I'll allow it, Gene, as we're riding out of town.

I am.

Mac Ather.

Matthew to look out for each other.

She'll be all right, as long as nobody does anything stupid.

Do you think Caleb will be safe?

McBride said he wouldn't hurt him.

Impact him?

I don't know.

I still can't believe he'd do something like that, but he's known to be a man of

his word, and that's all I have to go on.

Either way, I'm not coming back without that boy.

Everybody's ready.

You make sure you get plenty of rest while I'm gone.

Don't be working too hard.

You just worry about bringing the two of you back home safely.

Then I'll be able to rent.

I wish I could go with you.

Someone's got to stay behind and look after the family.

And while I'm gone...

You can be the man of the house, all right?

Thanks.

I'll see you in a week.

Give me, take a few days.

What's all this?

My personal aid and cook.

Cook?

Venturing into a savage land need not make us savages, Mr. Soleil.

I'll deliver the ransom to McBride, but I will not play his game.

Be careful.

Let's go.

Better tell McBride to be careful.

is up here it was a modest operation at best but it was a good start

so you were based in san francisco originally yes but i came in too late

business was slow so i moved my entire company out here because of a rumor

the greater the risk the greater the triumph for the greater the fall no you

must never allow failure to enter the picture

Quitting is not an option.

Which is why I won't quit, Mr. Sully, until my son is safe and McBride is

brought to justice.

Let's just concentrate on getting your son back first, all right?

Tell me, Mr. Sully, you're a former mountain man.

Why do you suppose McBride kidnapped my son?

It's pretty clear. He doesn't want this territory turning into a state.

But why?

A lot of folks believe that statehood will change things.

Of course it will.

It's a symbol of progress.

McBride won't be able to stop this, you know.

It's inevitable.

Yeah, well, he doesn't know that. All he knows is what he sees.

Mining companies tearing up these hills, drying up the creeks, chasing off his

game.

You'll have to excuse Mr. Sully.

He's got a tender spot in his heart for squirrels and bunnies and such.

Yes, well, the only tender spot I have is for the future of Colorado.

The success of which is tied to two things.

And only two things.

Mining. And statehood.

Hear, hear.

Brian, what are you doing?

Floyd says something about this door handle being loose, not shutting right,

I'm going to fix it for him. Well, I'm sure it'll wait until he gets home.

No.

I'm the man of the house. I can do it.

Ma, Miss Grace was asking if she could meet Anthony in tomorrow morning.

Oh, fine.

But you already have a full day's schedule.

One more patient won't be a problem.

Especially Anthony.

Ma, are you all right?

Yeah, I'm fine.

Maybe you should go lie down.

No, it's all right. I'm just a little tired, that's all.

More wine, Mayor Slicker?

Yeah, thank you.

You're in a fine camp, that's right.

It's my motto.

Bringing civility to an untamed land.

Enjoy tonight, folks.

I'm sending them both back in the morning.

What? The trail gets rough tomorrow.

There's no room for a wagon.

Soon enough, these trails will be roads.

These hills will be towns.

And a man like McBride will be nothing more than an amusing anecdote in a

history book.

Just like I said.

That's why I took the boy.

Are you defending him?

That man's an outlaw. I'm not defending him.

I'm just saying I understand why he did it.

Kidnapping Caleb was wrong.

But in his mind, McBride thought he had no other choice.

Indians have always said he's a man of honor.

And I want to believe that if we ride into Cache Creek and we hand over that

statement, he'll let Caleb go.

On harm, just like he said.

You're almost as naive as McBride, you know that?

Oh, I'll hand over the Senate statement, and I'll even give him my word as a

gentleman that I'll withdraw from the statehood movement, if that's what he

wants.

But once my son has returned, what's to keep me from getting back on that train

and continuing right on to Washington?

Your word, as a gentleman.

Excuse me, Lauren.

I need to order some new sheets for the clinic.

That's my stars, ain't you getting big? You've got a girl in there, mark my

words. A girl?

Yeah, it's the way you carry them, just like Maude.

Morning, everyone.

Morning, Reverend. How are you feeling? My throat's still sore, but the powder's

helping. What is it, tonsils?

You know what they say about tonsils. When they start acting up, there's only

one cure.

That's not necessary, Lauren.

We removed Moni's latch resort, and right now your condition doesn't warrant

Dr. Mike, you all right?

I'm just tired, that's all. I think you should just lie down for a moment.

Colleen, will you make the order?

Sure.

worried about you.

Colleen, I... I don't think there's any reason for you to worry. I'm sure this

will pass.

What will?

Oh, what's wrong?

I, um... I've experienced a little bleeding.

Bleeding?

Very mild.

It happens sometimes during pregnancy.

Ma, you've got to slow down. You're pushing yourself too hard. I'm not

myself any harder than I have in the past.

In the past? You weren't pregnant.

That must be Grayson Anthony.

Ma, you've got to lie down.

I will, I promise. As soon as I see Nathan.

There are

many

other families out here?

No.

And I aim to keep it that way.

Good luck.

You seem character.

Remind you of anyone you know?

Mountain man turned family man?

Once a legend of the rugged backcountry now cooking supper for his pregnant

wife.

Don't take me wrong, Tully. I want nothing but the best for you and

I can picture you right now with the new baby.

Rocking him to sleep, changing his little buckskin diapers.

They're a fascinating couple, really. She a culture doctor from Boston, and he

a... What is your occupation, Sully?

I know you build things on occasion and go visit Indians on the reservation from

time to time, but I guess with his wife's income, he doesn't really have to

work.

If I were you, I'd keep my mouth shut.

What do you say, Sully?

You think I should keep my mouth shut?

I don't think it's possible, Preston. Oh, of course it is.

But it's up to you.

Go ahead.

Shut me up.

Some other time.

That's right, some other time.

Admit it, Sully, your fire's gone out.

You're just like this country, wild and untamed.

Now slowly becoming domesticated.

Too many things to do.

Here, you missed breakfast.

Thanks. Set up early to clean the barn.

So, you think it'll hold this time?

It won't quit till it does.

Colleen, can you come here, please?

Ma? I want you to ride to the clinic for me.

I need some belladonna and also some ice.

Are you bleeding again?

It's inquiet.

I thought it was stopping itself.

You stay in bed and put your feet up. I'll wire to Denver for Dr. Bernard.

I'm all right. Just bring me the belladonna and the ice. And then I'm

Denver. Colleen. You stay in bed and don't move. I'll be right back.

Senator Damon.

It's a small price to pay for the life of my son.

That's not only my voice in that statement.

It speaks for the 40 ,000 residents of this territory who are ready to vote for

themselves.

If I'd call it, folks.

It's going to be difficult enough to get the voting legislation approved.

Don't worry.

A few years down the line, your people will be cleaned up and better educated,

and then you can have your own say.

Cleaned up?

Socially, I meant.

No offense intended.

Will you run for governor?

Perhaps.

Although my driving passion is the cynics. As was my father's. He ran

unsuccessfully in 60.

Then he tried to pass his ambition down to his sons.

You got brothers?

Four.

I'm the youngest.

Five brothers.

Must have been difficult to get a word in, huh?

There's a fair amount of competition.

My father encouraged it.

He loved watching his sons battle it out to gain his favor.

He drove us very hard.

Sounds like a happy home.

We had our moments of discord, but my father never let it descend into all

warfare.

Instead, whenever two of us quarreled, he'd settle it in a civilized fashion.

How's that?

Boxing.

Boxing?

Civilized? New rules have been drafted in England by the Marquis of Queensberry

that emphasize skill and agility over raw strength and savagery.

My father taught us to box under those rules.

Unfortunately, as the youngest, I spent much of the time on the floor.

But I did learn how to box.

Are you going to show us some of them moves?

Against you?

Why not?

It's been a while since I mixed it up.

At least a week.

This I have to say.

I don't want to ruin them fancy clothes.

Yes, I'm afraid some of your blood might splatter on them.

Listen, you don't have to do this.

It's all right. It's a pleasant diversion.

Isn't that right, Hank?

Right, bud.

Feel the agility, Hank.

Lost strength.

Fight's not over, Hank.

I knocked that smile off your face.

Just keep trying, Hank.

Breathe a little hard there, Hank.

Well done.

Well done.

How about you, Sully?

I know, I know.

Some other time.

The doctor's here. Oh, it's really not necessary, Colleen. I... Dr.

Cassidy. Good day, Dr. Quinn. I received your daughter's wire yesterday, and I

got here as soon as I could.

Where's Dr. Bernard?

He's away, unfortunately. Family business back east. But don't you worry.

treated my share of pregnant ladies.

Well, how's it been since our last meeting? Two years?

Still racing horses?

Of course.

And are you still dressing up as men to ride them?

What a fine home you have here. I must say, it's good to see that you finally

decided to settle down and raise a family. I still have my practice, Dr.

Cassidy. This pregnancy has not affected my work.

Yeah, well, it appears that your work may have affected your pregnancy.

What have you done for the bleeding?

I stopped it with an application of belladonna and ice.

And are you feeling any discomfort?

No. Good, good.

Well, let's have a look.

There's no need for an examination.

I'm a doctor.

So am I. And I've controlled the bleeding.

You need to remain in bed for several days.

I need to go to the clinic. I have patients to see. The health of your baby

more important than your plain doctor.

If you could set aside your vanity for one moment and concentrate on that, you

would know that I'm right. Now stay home where mothers belong.

It's right here. It's trail markers.

Should be to Cache Creek by tomorrow morning.

In time for that ransom exchange.

You know how to use that thing?

When I have to. Of course he does.

He's very adept at hitting fence posts. Isn't that right, son?

No mind, Sam.

Let the gods die.

The gold rush is over, gentlemen.

Colorado's future now lies with silver.

Deep ore drilling.

That's where a miner gets rich.

How about it, Sully?

You used to be a miner.

You're gonna go work for Ezra.

You were a miner.

It was a long time ago.

Before your domestication.

I'd like to talk to you about it sometime.

Much to tell.

Well, that's more significant because we're pressed for time.

Just a reminder.

When we get to Cache Creek, your job is over.

Don't worry about it.

But that's just it, you see. I do.

Your friends may have all the faith in the world in you, but I don't trust you

for a second.

If you do anything to jeopardize that boy, don't threaten me.

Have you thought about what you're going to say to McBride when you finally meet

him?

I'm sure there's a part of you that wants to stay out here, ride off into

hills with him.

Oh, but no.

I'm sure Michaela's leash is a little too tight for that.

But then, with a girl like Michaela, who could blame you for healing when she

calls?

She's really something.

Spirited, fiery, remarkably sensual.

What are you going to do now?

Scout me?

What's

wrong

about you, Sully?

You haven't been domesticated. You're still a savage.

You belong out here with all the other savages.

Cash Creek is just over that ridge, cut through a narrow valley. Once we get

there, we'll take up our positions inside the tree line. I'll go with you

make the exchange.

No.

I want Sully.

You think that's wise?

Sully knows how this man thinks.

That's my point.

If he's in any way sympathetic toward McBride... All I want is to get the boy

back.

You need someone you can trust.

This discussion is finished.

Sully's going with me.

What do you got against Sully?

Ever since I arrived in town, he's been getting in my way.

I'm growing tired of him.

Ma, what are you doing here?

I work here, remember?

What about what Dr. Cassidy said?

I'll try not to overdo it.

The bleeding stopped and I'm feeling fine.

Doc Cassidy just doesn't want you coming to work because he doesn't like women

doctors. Well, I'll stop after school and help you out.

I appreciate that.

Wait till you get home.

I finished fixing the door.

Good as new.

Oh, that sounds wonderful. I can't wait.

Ma?

Ma, what is it?

Brian, buy it after the reservation and get Cloud dancing. Right.

Ma,

Dr. Cassidy's in the saloon. Should I get him?

This is Gash Creek.

You ready?

Let's get this over with.

We're going to be sitting ducks out there.

You walk out there with a gun, your son's as good as dead.

All you got to do is hand over the papers and give me a word.

Where is it?

He's around.

Probably watching us right now.

So what does he expect us to do?

Wait.

What is it?

Somebody's coming.

Caleb.

Where's McBride?

Watching.

He is close enough to hear your promise.

I hereby give you my word as a gentleman to end my involvement with

and withdraw my name now and forever from the Colorado statehood movement.

A Senate statement.

Where's McBride?

Watching.

I know he's watching.

I want to see him.

I want to give these to him personally.

Give them to me. I want to see McBride.

I want to see McBride. Keep them for now.

Where's Matthew?

Matthew!

Matthew! Where'd he go?

Matthew!

Let's wait.

Matthew's bad.