Original subtitles

Not for 50, not for any amount.

I'll make it a hundred. I just ain't got a room.

What's the matter, Flapjack? Looks like the mine caved in on ya.

Might as well have! Banty and me got gunned off it.

That new gold commissioner sent 20 deputies. Same number of guns.

It happened to me too. Says two guys named Bennett and Clark also filed a claim.

We gotta wait till it's settled by law. Nome only knows one kind of law!

Stick around if you want to kiss the gold commissioner good-bye.

McNamara here? Mr. McNamara? I'm afraid he's out, gentlemen.

Out where? Tying up men's mines with phony affidavits, like he did ours?

If there's been a little misunderstanding...

Nothing little about this misunderstanding, Monty. Tell McNamara we'll be back.

What do we do now? We'll get ourselves 20 guys and 20 guns.

Let's hit the Northern.

Just because he's from Seattle. Says they have the government on his side.

No reason this gold commissioner can come up here and take away our rightful claims.

No.

Set 'em up. All around.

Oh, you want to be president, Flapjack, or just running for Congress?

I'm not running anyplace! We got jumped.

You know what would have happened in the old days...

They'd have been strung up like fish, to dry in the sun.

Old days or right now, they ain't gonna get away with it.

Are they? Not as long as we have some honest men in Nome.

I think we have quite a bunch right here.

We don't need the law up here... not that kind anyway.

They want action out at that mine, they'll get action!

If it's action you boys want, that's what I'm here for.

And the bar and the tables. Not that kind of action, Cherry.

Is there some other kind? The gold commissioner took our mine away.

- And we're gonna get it back. - No, no, boys.

When there's shooting, there's liable to be hitting.

I can't run the risk of losing my best customers.

But you grubstaked us that claim yourself.

So I have something to say about it. Now come on, boys.

Back to the bar.

When a man gets hot under the collar, a drink's the second best thing to cool him off.

This round's on the house, Charlie. Right.

Come on, boys. Everybody. On the house.

Cherry, what's the first best thing?

You're too young to know that.

Glad to see my croupier's so busy, Blackie.

Looks like your dice players are on the warpath for McNamara's scalp.

It's too bad he started with the little fellas.

Well, would you rather he began with the big claims?

Say... the Miter.

With both the owners away, it'd be interesting to see what happens, wouldn't it?

Maybe somebody ought to call on the gold commissioner.

- You know Mr. McNamara? - Don't you?

Where I come from, a lady waits for the gentleman to make the first call.

For how long? He's been in Nome a month.

Maybe he's shy.

I may have to overlook my early social training.

Give him a word of advice about these claim jumpers.

Oh, Miss Malotte, lovely. Lovely as usual.

How nice to see you out, Mr. Skinner.

Out of doors, or out of jail?

I didn't say that. And I appreciate it, my dear.

Why, you are the only woman in Nome who'll even speak to me...

without giving me a lecture on the evils of my association with a flowing bowl.

A man's entitled to choose his own company, Mr. Skinner.

Praiseworthy, my dear child. Praiseworthy indeed. Allow me.

Good-bye, my dear.

Miss Malotte! Hello, Monty.

This is an honor.

You found a government job as interesting as working for me?

There's a possibility I may be transferred to Frisco.

That wouldn't happen at the Northern.

Just about the only thing that wouldn't.

Is, uh, Mr. McNamara in?

Oh, I'm sorry. He'll be back soon.

While we're waiting, maybe you can give me some information.

Of course. It's about the ownership of a claim.

Flapjack's and Banty's.

I don't know much about that. They were here earlier.

I tried to explain. Explain?

Yeah.

It's been relocated. It has?

Under whose name?

Uh, Mr. Clark and a Mr. Bennett.

This is their affidavit. Mm-hmm.

Interesting.

You won't mind if I borrow this for a while, will you, Monty?

But...

Very attractive filing cabinet.

But not for my records. A question of access, Miss Malotte.

You got to that one easy enough.

I'm Alex McNamara.

Been intending to make a personal call...

on the most famous of Alaska's northern lights,

but I just haven't gotten around to it.

Get the marshal for me, Monty, and ask him to step over here.

My office? We'll be more comfortable.

Oh.

You're not putting me in jail, Mr. McNamara?

For borrowing government records? Not this time, Miss Malotte.

Flapjack Simms and Banty Jones. Friends of yours?

I grubstaked them.

Well, Clark and Bennett swear they filed on the same mine last spring.

Well, I don't know about that,

but I do know that Flapjack and Banty made the original discovery.

I was here.

Well, unfortunately some of the older ones were staked...

before there was a proper survey.

That's the reason I'm here.

If these claim jumpers happen to be, let's say, smart,

they could do themselves a lot of good relocating those claims.

I'm here to protect those claims. I'd like the men to know that.

Perhaps you can help me. I hear you have great influence with them.

I own the Northern. I give them a fair shake.

I like them. They trust me.

You give them a fair shake, and they'll trust you too, Mr. McNamara.

You wanted me, Commissioner? Yes, Marshal. Round up Clark and Bennett for me, will ya?

There's a couple of questions I want to ask them. Right away.

How are you, Cherry? In the pink.

Had me worried for a minute. I thought he wanted to put you behind bars.

No, I have other plans for Miss Malotte.

Good.

So,

other plans?

Well, first,

since you have such a delightful place to store papers,

perhaps you'd like to keep this.

Thank you.

Maybe I better find a safer place.

Second?

May I escort you back to the Northern? I'm anxious to see it.

Yes, there's a group of men there anxious to see you too, Mr. McNamara...

through the sights of their guns.

Well, let's hope they don't shoot me before I give them their fair shake.

Cherry sure was right about a drink cooling us off, huh?

Cooling us off? It's making me hotter than ever to find that gold commissioner...

Looks like he found you, Flapjack.

Excuse me.

I'm Alex McNamara.

I understand I'm not very popular with some of you gentlemen.

I'd be sorry to hear that if I wasn't sure it was temporary.

There's a federal judge due here any day now...

to establish the rightful ownership to all the mines... legally and in a court of law.

I'd suggest and appreciate a little patience.

But, if any of you can't wait, I'll be glad to see you personally,

work out your problems... if possible.

Think they trust me now, Miss Malotte?

Nobody shot you.

Yet.

I see you met the shy Mr. McNamara.

Let's say he met me.

Well, that bill of goods was a quick sale.

I'm surprised.

You usually bargain.

I'm never bought.

Hey, you folks deef? Can't you hear it?

The boat's comin' in!

My wife's on board!

My wife?

Would you like me to make the big gesture, get the buggy?

I suppose you'd like to dash madly down to the beach to meet him.

No. Not this time, Blackie.

This is special.

He'll know where I am.

Duchess?

Duchess!

Is that you, madam, or the boat's whistle again?

You heard it?

I was not getting this out to give the moths a breather.

Oh, not that, Duchess.

Why, it's most suitable for the occasion, madam.

A lady of fashion welcomes a boat in dignified apparel.

You take care of the dignity, Duchess.

I'll take care of the welcome.

In that? On the beach? No. Not on the beach.

Hmm. I thought you hired me to give you a little class.

Run down to the bar, will you? Get me a bottle of brandy and a dozen hard-boiled eggs.

At three dollars apiece?

I'd suggest a dozen bottles of brandy and one egg.

Mr. Glennister has two weaknesses.

One of them is hard-boiled eggs.

I trust the other is brandy.

Cherry.

I thought so.

Thank you, Blackie. For what? Cutting my own throat?

Let's go.

Well, there he is... in the first boat.

He'd better be.

Cherry.

Supplies for the winter, Roy?

Pardon me, Helen. Cherry!

Hey, Cherry!

Here's your luggage, Miss Chester.

Oh, thank you, Mr. Dextry.

Uh, Roy was going to help me with it, but, uh, he seems to have been interrupted.

Cherry Malotte.

Very interrupted.

Well, I'll get my gear.

"Supplies for the winter"?

No, there's enough there to last me all year.

How are you, sport?

Better now.

For a few seconds there, I, uh, wasn't so sure.

May I intrude?

Oh. Miss Chester, Miss Malotte.

Helen was a very pleasant shipboard companion.

I can imagine. No need to ask you if you enjoyed the trip, Miss Chester.

Roy has a talent that works overtime on boats.

I know. I met him on one too.

Roy also seems to have a talent for lighting small fires.

Helen's uncle is Judge Stillman, the new circuit court judge.

He's coming ashore with the captain.

You may be glad to know that law and order are finally arriving in Nome, Miss Malotte.

Oh, yes. It'll be so much easier on the boys when the girls have to turn in their guns.

Uh, Blackie's waiting with the buggy.

Well, good. I told the judge I'd get Helen settled.

Cherry!

Cherry!

Dex!

Oh, Dex, it's nice to see you.

Come on. I'll, uh... I'll ride you out to the mine.

Good.

Stop bristling, Cherry.

I learned something while you've been gone, Dex:

When someone jumps your claim, you'd better bristle... quick.

But nobody's jumped yours. He missed ya. Hardly wait to get home.

Too bad. He's not home yet.

Uh... Roy's?

Yeah.

He's so good at carrying things, we'll leave this.

Well, I'm afraid we walk. Sorry.

How you doin'?

Worried.

Otherwise fine.

I hope I didn't make trouble between you and Miss Malotte.

She's very attractive. A little overdressed.

Well, let's take the bad with the good, huh?

Oh, it's a lovely gown. Pink and black.

Her, uh, racing colors.

Cherry's like a sleek yacht or a thoroughbred horse...

Exciting, beautiful, but, uh, hard to handle.

Don't you worry about trouble though.

I've been homesick for it.

There's the guys that jumped our claim!

You four-flushing, double-crossing toads!

You ain't jumpin' no claim of mine, Clark!

Look out, Roy! Behind ya!

Thanks.

You hurt bad, Flapjack?

Nah, I'm not hurt at all.

He missed. But you fell.

If I hadn't have fell, he wouldn't have missed.

Never been so close to owning a mine in all my life.

Who owns what mine?

We better go back and kid ourselves some more at the bar.

You boys better find yourselves an acre of ice water and soak your heads. Sober up!

That's one I owe ya, mister.

I'll bill ya for it. I'm Alex McNamara, new gold commissioner.

I'm Glennister of the Miter.

Oh, excuse me.

You hurt? Oh, my ankle.

It's twisted. Haven't you a gentler way of getting women out of gunfire?

I'm sorry again.

Oh, Miss Chester, Mr. McNamara.

Hello, Miss Chester. Rough welcome to Nome, I'm afraid.

Rough but exciting. Just like I've always heard.

Miss Chester's the niece of Judge Stillman. We were all together on the boat coming up.

Oh, I'm glad he finally arrived.

Here. Whoa. Here we go.

There we are.

Have we far to go? No, not far enough, I'm afraid.

I'll, uh... I'll be back for the luggage.

Don't worry about it. I'll send it along.

Nice to have met you, Miss Chester. I'm sure we'll meet again, Glennister.

Yeah. Small town. Yep.

He's attractive.

Seems like a nice guy. Nome can sure use one in that job.

Come on.

Hyah!

Sorry, third and last time.

Don't worry about it, Roy.

Don't worry about it at all.

All right, Dex. Light up and let's have it.

Have what?

I've known you long enough to know that when you start sucking on a cold pipe,

something's eatin' ya.

Well, it's been nine years.

Maybe that's not long enough for me to say what I'm thinking.

Let's both take a chance.

Well, Roy,

it's Cherry.

You mean a lot to me... both of you.

About all the family I got.

I don't like to see a family busted up.

What's busting us up? A little jealousy?

Mud bath? That doesn't bother me.

That outfit, for instance.

You never worried about having your coat and your pants match before.

Well, so big city ways rubbed off on me.

Besides, a woman likes to see a man neat and dressed up.

Cherry wouldn't care.

A judge's niece, maybe.

A judge's niece? Oh, no, Dex. Not tonight.

No, not with what I know is waiting for me at that apartment over the Northern.

Complete with a bottle of brandy and a dozen hard-boiled eggs.

Ah, don't be too sure. She's a woman.

And when a woman sees another woman in the arms of a guy she thinks is hers,

she's apt to get het up.

And she's apt to get over it five minutes after I get there.

Well, 10 anyway. Ah.

Turn 'em over, Tiller! We're heading for town!

Oh, my humble apologies, Your Highness.

Break my bad luck for me, will ya, Cherry?

It may not be my night either, Joe, but I'll try.

Natural! Thanks, Cherry! Thanks!

Play it again, Sam.

The same? Mm-hmm. Slow and easy.

I, um, thought you gave up entertaining when you bought the place...

for the public, that is.

I sing when I feel like singing. And I meant every note.

Well, how about the words?

If you need a breather, I'll take over. No, thanks.

I never heard you sing better.

Watch your pass line, Blackie.

Freddie.

Sing when you feel like singing, hmm?

I like that. People should always do what they feel like doing...

particularly two people to... together.

Sport, you remember what I said when I left?

That when I came back, we'd make up for all the time lost while I was away.

Well, I'm back.

I met the boat, remember?

Wait a minute. This jealousy's very complimentary,

but it surprises me.

Maybe we don't understand each other.

I think we do.

I don't think you want me to come crawling back. You wouldn't want that, sport.

Come on. Like they say in poker,

let's, uh, draw to a busted pair.

I think you better toss in all your cards, mister.

Like they say in poker, there's a new deal coming up.

Mr. McNamara. Miss Malotte.

Came to pay that personal call on the Northern Lights.

This is, uh, Mr. Glennister.

We've met. Hope I'm not interrupting anything private.

Not at all. Drink, watch the show, try your luck at the tables?

The percentage here is with the house, Mac. It's hard to beat.

Oh? But it's been done.

It's a game of skill, Mr. McNamara.

And anything you can win, you can collect.

McNamara.

The circuit judge hit town today,

but he ain't gonna start hearing any cases for at least two weeks.

- That so? - Well, it's due processes of law, gentlemen.

Court can't convene until I've finished my relocation survey.

Well, you won't finish from here in the Northern.

- Well, if you'd just be a little patient... - We're out of patience!

And we're tired of waitin'! Until you moved in on our claims, there was no trouble.

Now we're moving you out!

Get 'em!

All right, everybody. Fight's over. Back to the tables, please.

Come on now. Have another drink. Enjoy yourselves.

Better get 'em out, boys.

There'll be no brawls here, gentlemen.

Unless they're over me.

You can bill me for that one, Glennister.

Well, let's say we're even.

Good night, Miss Malotte.

Don't forget me in that new deal.

Miss Malotte.

I suspected a more personal relationship.

Perhaps a drink would make you less suspicious, Mr. McNamara.

I understand you're the boss.

That's right. And the boss is buying tonight. Shall we go?

Well, that ought to be enough loose ore for you, Al. Take it from here.

Looks like we got company.

Figured they'd get around to us. And they have.

Stay right where you are, boys.

Now take it easy, Dex. I will, with you.

Who's your friend in the dude clothes?

I'm Jonathan Struve, gentlemen. Legal representative for the gold commissioner.

It's my duty to serve notice on you that...

Glad to know you, Mr. Struve.

Put that gun away, Dex.

Some man named Galloway has filed legal action against your claim on the Miter.

Struve is just doing his job. That's all.

Simple routine. Yeah? Might seem simple to you,

but I'm not accepting any notice of any legal action.

Roy and I staked this claim.

No doubt you did, gentlemen.

And that can be established once and for all at a court of law.

It is established once and for all... right here!

I'll-I'll just leave these papers here for you anyway.

Me and my crystal ball.

Ah.

Looks like more trouble heading our way.

Yeah, well, it's more attractive trouble, Dex.

Well, welcome to the Miter, Helen.

I particularly liked the three-gun salute.

Dex was just clearing lawyers out of your way.

Shooting a man, Mr. Dextry... even a lawyer... could get you into considerable trouble.

That's what I'm keeping out of... trouble... and law courts.

My uncle will be glad to hear that anyway.

He's up to his nose in these claim jumping cases.

Well, he'll get the right smell.

Where does the tour begin? I've never seen a gold mine.

That's the reason I'm up here. To report to your uncle?

He can do the work.

I'll just check on the natural resources.

Well, you're starting in the right place.

I'm sure of that.

Train from the mine again. And Mr. Glennister's on it.

Even if you're trying to pretend you're not expecting company.

This time he isn't company, Duchess.

I sent for him because of Mr. Dextry.

What's all this stuff?

Why, even in Boston, the most genteel young lady...

wouldn't hesitate to use a few softening influences.

This is strictly business. Now take this junk away.

I will not. You've been too hard to live with lately.

Put that tray where it belongs.

Don't tempt me.

Huh!

Duchess, you're fired.

Hello, sport. I got your message from Dex.

I came along as quick as I could.

Oh!

Hey. What's that for?

That's just to let you know I didn't send for you for the reason you've got in mind.

Oh, it's that way again, huh?

Not again. Still.

And you... you dragged me all the way in from the Miter just to remind me.

I want to talk to you about something, Roy... man to man.

Well, make it man to woman, and I'll talk... over brandy.

No brandy.

So it's, uh, all off, huh?

No more, uh, songs,

no more little champagne suppers?

It's a long, cold winter in Alaska, sport.

But we're through, huh?

Well, you seem to have set yourself up for the winter.

So that takes care of that, doesn't it?

Roy, I sent for you to talk about Dex.

Oh, you won't mind if I work in a line here and there about us, will ya?

Dex is worried. He thinks you're impressed by this new law and order...

that you're gonna let those claim jumpers take over the Miter.

Dex is full of worries.

We'll talk about that some other time.

When are you gonna come off of this perch?

I'm worried too. Dex could be right, and if he is,

what about your dear little friend Miss Chester?

She's, uh, very attractive.

Mm-hmm. Real refined, isn't she?

A lady, all over.

Ah, there's nothing between Helen and me.

Just... Just a few laughs on the boat.

She's a nice gal. A lot of class.

"A lot of class" covers a lot of territory.

She wouldn't know how to use a man if she had the chance, would she?

All I hope is that she hasn't got you to the point...

where you'll let them step in and take your mine away.

Taking care of the Miter is my job. Your job is taking care of me.

We're not talking about my job. Well, I am.

I don't know how you and I can understand each other any better, but it's time we tried.

No, Roy. Don't.

You've worked up something in your mind...

about Helen Chester that doesn't exist,

and if nothing else will prove that to ya, maybe this will.

I guess you'd call that laying it right on the line.

That's good enough for me, sport.

Order. Order in the court.

Will the litigants in this case please stand.

Before rendering my finding, I wish to make one thing clear.

This court will not be used to legalize claim jumping.

Excuse me. It is not the spirit of the law...

to permit tricks or technicalities to deprive rightful owners of their claims.

In the present litigation, therefore,

I find for the original owners, Simms and Jones,

and order their mine restored.

Uh, Miss Malotte.

Well, this is a pleasant surprise.

A courtroom can always use a little decorating. And a little justice.

Well, then you should be pleased with the court's decision.

I'm always pleased when an interest of mine is protected.

Like that interest of yours in the Miter?

Interests change, Mr. McNamara.

Then I won't have to ask Glennister about surveying his property?

Mr. Glennister can speak for the mine.

I don't know anything about his other holdings.

Well, this calls for a celebration.

The Northern has all the facilities,

including a fancy apartment upstairs, I hear.

Very fancy.

But not for celebrations.

The judge says it's out-and-out claim jumping. That's what the judge says.

"I'm giving this mine back to its rightful owner." And that's me.

That's you? What about me?

How do you like that? Having my claim jumped by my own partner.

Why, you dad...

What are you planning on doing, Dex?

Blowing up the whole countryside?

Just some fireworks.

In case they try to take this countryside away from us.

They're coming, Dex! They're coming!

Quite a crowd of them this time too.

Five more minutes, and I'd have been all set for 'em.

All right, boys. Get your guns.

Get ready for action.

Whoa.

That's far enough.

You won't need that gun, Dextry. We're not here to cause any trouble.

Judge Stillman just wanted to explain about...

Explain about claim jumpers, eh?

Can you do anything with him, Glennister?

Nothin'.

I appreciate how you feel, Mr. Dextry,

but I wish you'd try to understand my position.

Yeah? Well, save your wishes. I can't.

As an instrument of the law, I've issued an order...

placing this mine in the custody of the gold commissioner.

It's the duty of Mr. Struve and these federal officers to serve that order.

The only thing is, Judge, that order isn't based on fact.

We staked the Miter claim. There wasn't anyone here before us.

Well, let that be determined in a routine legal way.

I know of no better title insurance than a sound court decision.

Well, I do.

Suppose we do accept the order. The mine's turned over to the commissioner.

How long will you be operating it, McNamara?

Just until the case is heard.

The government's not interested in the gold here... just the right to mine it.

And, unfortunately, your right's been challenged.

I'll try and place the case on the calendar for Monday.

What about the gold in our office safe?

That can stay here on the property, under guard. Sealed by the court.

Gentlemen, I urge you to listen to reason.

If we're to have law and order in the territory, it must be respected.

Well, that's some "if."

No, he's right, Dex.

You mean you're gonna let 'em move in on us?

This Galloway can't prove he discovered the mine,

and if it'll stop the claim jumping, I'll go along.

Yeah, well, I won't. Get out, all of ya!

Easy, Dex.

A dead judge is apt to be a little prejudiced.

And we're apt to be swindled, shellacked, just plain robbed.

If that's the way you want it, Roy, okay. But it's not how I want it.

As of right now, you and I are through.

Completely washed up.

I'm sorry he feels that way. He'll get over it.

You did the right thing.

I hope so. If there are any questions I can answer...

Just have one question, Judge. You can answer that Monday.

Better be the right answer.

Dex.

I told ya, our partnership's busted.

Take that into court and legalize it.

It's a trap. He's walkin' right into it.

Or being led in by that Chester dame.

She's pickin' his brains while the men pick his pockets... and mine.

But a man doesn't walk out on his partner, Dex. You know that.

Especially when he's in trouble. You walked out on him.

That was something else again. No, it wasn't. It was the same setup.

You're crazy about him. You always was, and you always will be.

It's not the same.

You love Roy. I don't.

You're lyin', Cherry.

You're lyin'... to me and to yourself. Admit it.

All right.

So I'm lying.

What is it, Blackie? Great little town, Nome.

Something going on every minute.

Come on, let's have it.

If it was good news you wouldn't bother us with it.

I was passing the bank, Dex,

just in time to see McNamara's deputies putting your safe in the bank vault.

The safe? In the bank vault?

Why, that judge gave his word it'd stay out at the Miter.

And our gold and records in it.

Now you see what I mean, Cherry?

What a minute, Dex. For what?

They'll be locking me up next.

Nobody's snatching any safe of mine.

Before you go inviting yourself into jail,

suppose we try another angle. There ain't no other angle.

This is my way of taking care of business like that.

Calm yourself, Dex.

There are two lawyers in town. One of 'em is Struve. That shyster!

And we're going to see the other one.

Come on. Let's go talk to Wheaton.

After this little deal with the safe,

I thought I'd better get myself some legal advice, Wheaton, that's all.

McNamara has all the claim records in his files.

I've never had trouble getting what information I've needed from him.

Pardon me.

Uh, help yourself to some more coffee, huh?

Thank you.

Dex! And Cherry. What brings you here?

Law and order. We're in the market.

Oh?

Line forms over here. The place is haunted.

Let's get outta here. Hold it, Dex.

Glennister's told me what happened.

You're making a mistake, splitting up like this right now.

I made another... Coming here at all.

No, no. Listen to him, Dex.

From you, sport, thanks.

You know about the safe?

I know about it. I also know that wasn't part of the bargain.

Then why didn't you stop 'em?

There's $80,000 in that safe, and half of it's mine...

besides our claim deed to the Miter.

How are we gonna prove ownership without it?

That's why I'm here, to find out if there's a duplicate, and where.

Well? Is there? There is.

In McNamara's office.

Hundred percent for you on that one.

There's always a duplicate on file,

unless, of course, it should happen to, uh, disappear.

From the gold commissioner's records?

Oh, I'm sure you know the gentleman better than that, sport.

I'm never 100% sure about any man.

We're wastin' time.

Dex, if anything should go wrong...

and Judge Stillman finds for Galloway's claim,

I'll go to Seattle and present the facts to the higher court.

That's Glennister's idea.

Not much of an idea when the facts are all locked up in that safe...

and it's locked up in a vault.

There's only one way to settle this,

and it ain't with any highfalutin affidavits or "habus corpuses."

With this.

I told you it was no use coming here, Cherry.

You're right, Dex.

I hate to see this happening, Roy.

Oh, Dex'll come around after the hearing.

Cherry may take a... little longer.

And, therefore, after examining the evidence...

in the case of Edwards versus Cole,

I find for the original mine owner, Jonathan Cole.

We're next.

Old boy's doing all right so far.

I'll wait till I see what he does with Galloway.

Looks like you got nothin' to worry about, Glennister.

You got money on it?

Afraid the government would frown on the gold commissioner gambling...

even on a sure thing.

Good luck, Roy. You too, Mr. Dextry.

Thanks, but we won't need luck, only justice.

And maybe a drink to celebrate. If that's an invitation, I'd love it.

All right, we'll crack a bottle of champagne...

over the office at the Miter.

Be a good way to launch it again.

They make a handsome couple.

Mind if I sit down, Cherry?

Now that we're old friends, you may call me Miss Malotte.

Well, I'd like it to be a little more personal.

Oh, it's fun this way. Let's not rush anything.

Next case. Galloway versus Dextry and Glennister, Your Honor.

Oh, yes.

Because of the crowded condition of the calendar, I regret to state...

that the court has been unable to give this case the consideration it merits.

Also, it has been cautioned privately against making mistakes,

advised that the answers to the legal questions proposed must be the right ones.

Consequently, this case will be set forward 90 days.

I warned you they was a bunch of crooks.

If you are questioning the integrity of this court, Mr. Dextry,

may I warn you, you are liable to charges of contempt.

You told us you'd decide this case today, Judge Stillman.

I demand that you do.

I told you I'd place it on today's calendar.

I wasn't aware of the complexities of the boundary problem.

Are you aware that in three months even a skeleton crew...

could take a quarter of a million dollars out of that mine,

whether the government's interested in the gold or not?

Mr. Glennister, if you have anything further to say to this court,

I must ask you to say it through your attorney.

Your Honor, I think this extension of time is unreasonable.

I move the court set an earlier date for the examination.

- Motion denied. - Course it's denied.

You're a smart thief, but you don't fool me.

And if that's contempt, it sure enough is.

Dextry's right. He's a thief! It's claim jumping, that's what it is.

String him up like fish to dry in the sun.

- Run him outta town! - Yeah!

Mr. Wheaton, I shall hold you accountable for the actions of your client.

It is my duty to warn you... and this goes for the rest of the territory...

that any further demonstrations of lawlessness or threats of violence...

will force me to send for troops from St. Michael.

Court adjourned.

Okay.

That's what happens when we try it your way.

Now we'll try it mine.

Helen?

No more, thanks.

That's it, a perfect lady until the last duck is dead.

Struve? I'm okay.

Judge? Pass me.

What's bothering you, Your Honor?

Just that... my honor.

It isn't easy to look a courtroom of people in the eye...

knowing they expect a fair shake,

knowing they're not gonna get one.

Now don't let your conscience bother you after all these years.

It isn't supposed to be easy.

If it were, I wouldn't have had to hire such professional talent.

You've done a fine job, all of you.

Not only is Glennister's safe locked up,

but I have a picked crew working his mine.

How much do you figure we'll make off of this deal?

Quarter of a million dollars in 90 days.

If Wheaton gets to Seattle with an appeal...

and learns the real Judge Stillman isn't due here until next spring...

Wheaton'll never get to Seattle, honey.

That's been taken care of too.

Hasn't it?

I talked to the ship's captain.

Wheaton won't be allowed on board.

Judge Stillman feels that as counsel for Glennister and Dextry,

Mr. Wheaton's abrupt departure could be construed as impeding justice.

Who dreamed that one up?

Oh, somehow it just came to me.

What'll happen when it comes to Glennister?

Don't underestimate him, Alex.

Oh, I won't. I admire Glennister.

You admire him?

Sure. In many ways, we're a lot alike.

I just happen to be endowed with a bit more larceny, that's all.

I intend to steal his mine,

his gold and his girl.

But he's a great guy. Isn't he?

I asked you a question, honey.

Yes, I know, Alex,

but if I started asking myself questions like that,

you might have to start looking for new talent, as you put it.

You wouldn't want that.

No, I wouldn't.

And for a quarter of a million dollars,

I'd wring your pretty little neck.

They, uh... They must have been to the bank by now.

I'll get a report.

I sure would like to have seen Dextry's face.

In view of what happened in court, Judge Stillman,

I've come to ask you to release our safe to us. I've been to the bank.

The manager tells me that'll require another court order. I want that order.

Mr. Glennister, such a petition on your part...

is a matter which will have to be handled by your counsel.

Who I understand may be leaving for Seattle.

That seems the thing to do. Any objections?

Oh, none at all. Good idea.

Drink?

No, thanks.

Nice celebration, Helen.

He could have been out there all the time.

How much do you suppose he heard?

What he heard and what he can prove he heard in a court of law...

are two entirely different things.

Isn't that so, Judge Stillman?

I've already been paid for my answer, so...

Of course, Mr. McNamara.

Two entirely different things.

Thank you, Your Honor.

It's only dynamite.

Only dynamite?

Well, so what?

That safe belongs to us, no matter what the court said.

She's right, Dex.

Any unlawful act committed at this time would be disastrous.

Ah...

Wheaton, I'm convinced they'll do anything they can...

to keep you from going to Seattle.

You better hide out till sailing time.

You've gotta be on that boat.

He'll be on it.

If you don't mind, I'll manage Captain Swanson.

He's a friend of mine.

All right, he's all yours.

You were right, Dex. They're all in it together...

Struve, the judge, McNamara and the girl.

I told you they was all a bunch of thieves.

I told you, but you wouldn't listen to me.

You were right.

What's that for? My apologies.

All I know is, we're up against an organized plot to take the Miter away from us.

About time you woke up. What are we gonna do about it?

From now on, you call the shots. I'll listen.

Now you're talkin', son. Let's start by getting that safe back.

Roy, please. Dextry's idea is crazy.

You'll dynamite yourself into a mess.

I'm not gonna let you do it.

Well. It's nice to see you worrying about me again, sport.

Thanks for now. I'll, uh...

I'll be back to put some lace on it later.

Blackie?

Go get hold of Captain Swanson for me, will you?

I wanna buy him a drink.

Sure, Cherry.

Good evening, Marshal. Evening, Mr. Skinner.

Is my usual suite available?

You can take your choice. Tonight we got a lot of empty cells.

Need some help? Oh, now, now.

I made it this far.

I think I can fall over by myself.

I may go wild, and I may go wilder.

Oh, quiet night, Marshal.

Yeah. I can't understand it.

I expected trouble from the miners after that uproar at the trial.

Why don't you look around a little?

The bank, maybe.

The bank? What do you mean?

If it were my safe they were holding in that bank,

I know what I'd be doing right now.

Thanks, Blackie.

Thompson, round up the boys.

Hey, you wanna blow up the whole town?

Not a bad idea. Shh!

One stick behind each hinge, and tack 'em in tight.

Remember, when this thing blows, we gotta work fast.

Let's get outta here.

You stayin'?

No!

Roy! Roy! They've seen us. They're moving in on us.

No, Dex! We don't want to kill anybody.

Down!

Let's get that safe, quick. No, Dex. It's too late.

Let's get outta here. Run for it!

Hyah! Hah!

Hyah!

Blackie, what happened?

What was all that shooting about?

Is Roy all right?

A lot more all right than the marshal.

The ex-marshal is dead.

He was killed in a fight at the bank.

Killed?

Shot.

You'd better turn on the charm, Cherry.

Here comes the boy gold commissioner.

Find Roy and tip him off. I'll handle this.

Well! Mr. McNamara.

Brought some, uh, friends along, I see.

Always glad to get the extra business.

We wanted to get in out of the rain of bullets,

and also look around a little.

Look around? For Glennister.

Glennister is yesterday's news, as far as I'm concerned, Mr. McNamara.

Maybe, but he could already be tomorrow's headlines.

Fast work. Dirty work.

Someone shot the marshal. Killed him.

Glennister is suspected.

Hmm.

That would give Judge Stillman something new to work on, wouldn't it?

Go ahead, boys. The place is yours.

The, uh, apartment upstairs?

I suppose in the line of duty we should look everywhere.

Oh, Mr. McNamara.

Surely you can think of a better reason than that.

Wait here.

The living room, in case you feel like living.

Like I said, the Northern has all the facilities.

Very fancy place for a man to hide.

Let's see now.

If I were a fugitive,

where would I hide?

You don't seem too concerned that there might be a murder rap...

hanging over his head.

When you know me better, Mr. McNamara,

you'll know I never bet a losing hand.

I'd like to know you better, Cherry.

Uh...

Bad habit you have, McNamara, jumping claims.

Someday it's gonna get you in real trouble.

Well, that was quick.

Doesn't take long to peel an egg.

Trot 'em out, Duchess. We've got company.

You must be crazy. You're lovely tonight, sport.

Prettiest alibi a man could ask for.

You wanted these? Oh, yes.

Well! We do have company.

It's not only against the law to rob a bank, Glennister,

but there's a local ordinance against killing marshals.

Marshal?

You, uh... have an egg?

No. You better take one, Mr. McNamara.

That's all you'll get here.

He couldn't have done it. He's been right here all evening.

And so you asked me up.

You didn't give me much choice.

Apparently, the gentleman's going to be particular, Duchess.

These are particular eggs. Three dollars apiece.

Perhaps, uh,

a drink? No, thanks.

Someone blew up half the bank an hour ago, Glennister,

trying to get your safe out.

How, uh... How awkward.

Someone else saw you riding away from the scene.

Who? What if I say I did?

You'd be lying.

Let's let the court decide that.

In court or anywhere else in Nome,

my word is better than yours, Commissioner,

and I say he was here.

And, of course, the duchess will swear to it.

Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.

Well, Glennister, you're to be congratulated,

having such devoted friends.

Thanks.

Not very bright, Glennister,

carrying the evidence with you.

He's our man.

Maybe you can place me in the bank tonight, McNamara,

but I didn't kill the marshal.

I fired over his head, and I'm not that bad a shot.

Shame the bullet didn't know it.

Drilled a neat little hole right in the middle of his back.

Girl can get into trouble obstructing justice, Miss Malotte.

I'll have to come back soon,

see if you're withholding anything else.

Come in. I did.

What do you want?

I thought you might need, uh, help packing.

I hear you paid triple fare to Juneau on a leaky, old whaler.

You know everything.

I know the captain's a whaler.

I'm sure if I wanted that passage canceled, he'd do it.

Do you want him to?

That depends on why you're leaving.

If you have any idea about catching up with Wheaton...

I haven't.

But what I do is my own business, Miss Malotte,

and where I go and how.

The business you're running away from isn't yours entirely.

I'm not running away. That's a lie.

You finished your job, and you're getting out.

You made it possible for that cheap bunch of spoilers you're messed up with...

to throw Roy in jail, and now you sneak away.

That isn't so.

Then there's something else.

I'm not good at guessing games, Miss Chester.

I want the facts, straight.

There's nothing else. You're lying again.

Leave me alone. Get out of here!

What is it? What is it?

Well.

You might as well unpack.

You just canceled your own ticket out of here.

It's Roy!

I can't stay here and see him...

I can't stay here, that's all.

You can't stay here and see him what?

Have they got something framed up for the trial? Is that it?

There's not going to be a trial.

When the deputy brings him his supper tonight,

they're going to let him escape out the back of the jail, but...

You mean they'll let him get out the back,

and then shoot him down as he tries to get away.

I fought against it. I did everything I could.

I'll bet you did.

A woman doesn't run out on the man she loves.

She sticks with him, win or lose.

What am I going to do? If McNamara finds out you've come here...

Keep your mouth closed and he won't. You get on that boat.

Open it, and you'll leave town, all right,

but after I'm through with you.

Excuse, please. Like see Chinese counsel.

There ain't no Chinese counsel closer than Seattle.

You unlock door. I go Seattle.

Pass me your tray, Glennister.

Dextry's got a plan.

When I bring your food back, I'll turn around.

You let me have it and then beat it out the back way.

I'll leave the door open.

Psst!

Terribly sorry, I assure you, Miss Malotte.

Your favorite guest couldn't quite make it under his own power tonight.

Causing trouble at the Northern?

What's with you, Skinner? Can't you hold it anymore?

Hold it? I shall prove the error of that remark...

by repairing to my quarters unassisted.

Pardon me, my dear.

And, again, my apologies, Miss Malotte.

Seattle.

Buenas noches, monsieur.

Little out of your line, isn't it, Miss Malotte,

running a delivery service for your loaded customers?

That's one of the reasons I'm here. The, uh, other...

Glennister? I'm sorry. I can't let you see him.

Orders from the court.

Kinda easy on that punch, huh?

Roy! Not that way.

It's a trick.

Son! Good luck.

Thanks, sport. Dex is outside with the horses.

Get into hiding till Wheaton gets back. Hiding, nothing.

I'm gonna get back everything that belongs to me...

The mine, the safe and...

Looks like things worked out right on schedule.

If they didn't, we're in trouble.

Let's go survey the damage, let out an indignant howl about negligence.

You let out the howl.

Mr. McNamara.

Miss Malotte, you look pale.

He was trying to escape and they shot him.

Blackie and I had just taken Mr. Skinner into jail,

and we... we were sitting in the office when...

But you wouldn't care.

You put him there.

Glennister? Glennister was shot?

Why, I certainly never intended that.

No.

You'd better rest.

Yes.

Here, come inside. Uh, mm-mmm.

No, I'd, uh...

I'd rather go to my place.

Would you help me?

Certainly.

Ready to go, Dex. Okay.

Kelly! Kelly, let's head for the Miter.

Okay, boys, load up. Load up!

Hold on a minute!

Hold on now.

McNamara's got plenty of men planted up there,

so maybe there'll be some shooting.

Maybe all of us won't come back.

I want you to think about that before you hop on.

What kind of talk is that? What are we waiting for?

Let's get at 'em. Come on!

Come on, boys, let's get aboard.

Hurry it up.

Come on, Roy. Let's get our mine back.

What you need is a drink. It'll help you.

Yes. I'll ask my maid to bring some brandy.

Duchess?

I thought I heard...

Oh.

Why, madam, what's the matter?

They got him, Duchess. They finally got him.

Who got who? Whom.

Mr. Glennister,

outside the jail.

Oh. Then that's what the shooting was I heard.

Mr. Glennister?

Oh!

Duchess! Uh, the brandy's in the kitchen cupboard.

Would you? Sure.

Are you killing mosquitoes, or applauding my act?

A real lady always faints at bad news, madam.

Then stay fainted.

Roy isn't dead, he's headed for the Miter.

I want to keep McNamara here, but not alone. Understand?

Mr. Glennister!

This is Mr. McNamara, Duchess.

I know. But he was such a handsome man.

He'll make such a magnificent corpse.

Help me get her up on the couch, will you?

Yeah.

What are you doing here? Do you mind if I ride up front?

Can't ride up here without working.

You can help stoke her.

No more stoking. That's enough steam.

We gotta start easing her down.

Easing her down, nothing.

We're gonna bust into this mine wide open.

Bust is right.

They've closed the gates across the track.

Got us barricaded out.

Think we can make it? We can try.

Engine might blow up, but we can try.

Not long now.

Get back in the cars.

We're taking too much of a beating, Dex. We better pull back.

We'll never be able to get 'em outta there this way.

If I can set off that dynamite I got planted, we'll blast 'em outta there.

Cover me! All right.

I thought that'd do it.

Round 'em up, boys! Take 'em into town.

You get your mine back?

Yeah.

Guess that makes you winner all around, huh?

There's still a murder charge to clear up.

Don't let that worry you.

I killed the marshal.

You don't have to say that, Blackie.

I did. I shot him...

after I shot at you.

I hate to miss the end though. The end?

When you tie into McNamara,

I hope you kill each other.

Now who's doing the pacing?

I don't like it. Glennister headed for the mine,

Alex up in that dame's apartment.

Let him take care of himself.

Yes. Let's think about us for a change, and getting out of here.

I'm not getting out.

You crazy? Maybe.

Maybe not.

Anywhere we head, we're headed for trouble.

This time I'm going to stay.

Face it, get it over with.

Stay so you can help Glennister? Is that it?

Rat on us?

Leaving? So soon?

I don't think so, Judge. Mr. Glennister, I told you before,

if you have anything to say to the court... I have.

Take him, boys. You go along too, Struve.

Me? Why, you just can't walk in here...

He said go along.

You were a very pleasant shipboard companion, Helen.

Too bad it couldn't have ended right there.

Where's McNamara?

At the Northern with...

At the Northern.

Can't we do something about her? Put her someplace?

Her room's out in back.

I doubt if we could get her there in this, uh, condition.

Poor thing.

Yes, Your Lordship.

That much brandy is hard on anyone.

Yes, I... I could make some coffee.

You could also stop avoiding me.

Well, there's no need to hurry things, is there?

No, but you've kept the room between us ever since I brought you home.

I don't like it.

I've had quite a shock tonight.

Well, that's, uh, all behind us now.

You know, tonight's been a long time getting here, Cherry.

I've been waiting for this ever since the first time I saw you in my office.

Well, nothing's ever as worthwhile as it seems beforehand, Mr. McNamara.

No? I'll gamble on it.

I happen to be a man who gets what he wants.

From now on in, it's you and me, baby.

Oh, no, it isn't.

You walked right into my trap, and I might as well spring it. Trap?

Your jailbreak didn't pan out.

Glennister's still alive, and by now he has mine back.

Your little visit served its purpose, Mr. McNamara.

Now get out.

No!

Get out of the way, Cherry.

Yes, Your Lordship?

Stay right where you are, boy.

It ain't healthy up there.

Come on! Let him have it!

Give it to him! Give it to him!

Come on, Roy! Get him!

Come on!

Come on. That's enough, Roy.

Leave something for the law to work on.

Hi, sport.

Sorry I... I helped wreck your place.

Forget it.

But you... you said it was all right to brawl...

as long as it was over you.

Remember? Mm-hmm.

And I also said,

"Anything you can win, you can collect."