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That-a-boy!

Come on! Get him! Get him!

- Come on! - Let go of me!

All right! That's enough, now!

What's going on here?

- Let me... - Thanks for breaking it up, Ben.

- All right, go on, now! - Just be on your way.

About your business! Go on, all of you!

Clem, what's going on here? What's happening?

This town's being split down the middle, that's what's happening.

Them Mahans and them Clarkes won't stop

until they kill each other.

I'm glad you're in town.

The judge wants to see you.

Huh?

Come in.

Well, Judge, how's His Honor the judge?

Fine, thank you, Ben.

How are things up at the Ponderosa?

Well, not too bad, not too bad.

I've been wanting to get in touch with you.

Yeah, uh, Clem said something about you wanted to talk to me

about the silly feud between the Mahans and the Clarkes.

Well, now, wait a minute, Ben, it's not so silly.

- Oh? - It's gotten to the point

where everybody in town's caught between them.

And what's more important,

it's reached a state of potential violence

where innocent people can get hurt.

Well, Clem, you've got all the authority you need

to handle the situation.

When the Mahans and the Clarkes

start knocking each other around,

there isn't a thing I can do.

One of them comes in with a busted nose,

and I say, "What happened?" He said, "I fell off the barn."

With Sheriff Coffee out of town

they don't listen so good to a deputy.

Oh, come on, now, you're... you're not gonna let them

get away with that so easily, are you?

Can't you arrest them for... disorderly conduct?

Or... fine them for disturbing the peace?

There are all kinds of things you can do.

We can go on making small official acts

that won't really stop the trouble,

or we can allow the violence to erupt into killings

on both sides and then punish the offenders.

But best of all,

we can try, with the aid of men of goodwill,

to prevent murder before it can happen.

Mm.

Now, Ben, the judge here has appointed

a committee of townspeople to, uh, tackle the problem,

go and talk to the Mahans and the Clarkes.

That's a good idea.

You were elected spokesman, unanimous.

Me?

And why would people think that I'm so deserving

of such a dubious honor?

Because you're impartial, Ben.

Because both the Mahans and the Clarkes respect you.

I can't accept this-this kind of a responsibility. I...

And you're not gonna flatter me into taking it on

by using words like, uh, "impartial" and "respect"

and words like...

Besides, I'm too busy... I got a ranch to run.

All right, if that's the way you feel about it,

I guess there's no law can make you do it.

Well, I guess there is no law can make me do it.

♪♪

Wait. When old Howie Clarke

took the fourth shot of that whiskey

and he found out it was pure vinegar,

he'd like to have brought the whole bar down.

You know, I've been hearing about this feud between

the Mahans and the Clarkes for months now,

but I still don't know how it got started.

Well, it started when

the young Jim Clarke up and married Caroline Mahan

and they had twins.

That started a feud?

Well, not until they up and took the twins and moved east.

Well, I still don't understand.

Well, the reason they moved east was, uh,

each family was so jealous of the twins

that Jim and Caroline were caught right in the middle,

so... they just up and left.

Both families kept blaming each other

for running them off, right?

Well, with that for a start, they've been fighting

over every other thing they could think of ever since.

Is it necessary for you boys to continue this conversation

about the Mahans and the Clarkes?

Is it absolutely necessary?

Gee, you know, the other day I was, uh...

down by Salt Creek to see how that new dam was holding up,

and, uh... well, that stream down there

is nothing but a mud bank now, and, you know,

it took me five minutes to get my horse to cross it?

But he's a smart horse.

He, uh, once he realized

that the barn was on the other side

he just... finally made up his mind that

he had to go through with it, so...

he stepped right in and went right across without a slip.

I spent a small fortune educating my oldest son,

and he entertains me with old-fashioned homilies.

Well... no, I guess you're right, though, Adam,

I... suppose I'll have to step in,

whether I want to or not.

Hoss?

Coming, Pa.

Pa, why has it always got to be me?

How come you don't take Little Joe?

You were so all-fired anxious

to get me into this thing, right?

I figure you should each have a chance to try to help.

How are we gonna help without guns

if we get over there at the Mahans and get in trouble?

Now, look, if you're trying to be a peacemaker in a feud,

you can't go around carrying a gun, can you?

No. What are your plans?

You figuring on influencing them with words?

No, no, but, uh, coming Sunday's Palm Sunday.

Well, I thought it'd be kind of nice if we had a...

a welcome party for the new minister.

You know? Everybody bring some food,

we'd have a real get-acquainted party.

You mean with the Mahans and the Clarkes both there?

Well, of course... that's just the point, don't you see?

I figure they're not gonna be doing any fighting

right there in front of the church.

And that will give the new minister

a chance to get to work on them right away.

Yeah. I'll bet he'll appreciate your efforts, too, Pa.

Come on, let's go.

- Ben! Hi! - Good morning, good morning.

How are you? Nice to see you.

- May we come in? - Of course! Pleasure to see you!

- And you, too, Hoss! - Pleasure, Mrs. Mahan.

Well, sit down. Just baked a fresh pie.

And I can fetch coffee in a minute.

Well, that's wonderful... that fresh pie really smells good.

Hoss, you want to sample that?

- Hot dang, I reckon I am. - Mmm, it looks good.

Tom around?

No, he's out on the range checking fences.

- Oh. - Little trouble in town yesterday,

and we never know what them Clarkes may be up to.

Yeah. This, uh, trouble between you and the Clarkes,

that's been going on quite a while now.

It's going on for quite a while longer.

Caroline was the only child Tom and I had,

and the Clarkes stole her and the babies away.

Oh, well, now, do you think that this quarrel

is gonna make the loss any the less painful?

Ben... if someone drove your sons away,

would you think of them with kindness?

- Treat them with love? - Now, Winifred,

I don't think the Clarkes drove your daughter away.

Mrs. Mahan.

How much good do you reckon all this fighting and arguing

is doing Caroline?

Why, you're on the Clarkes' side!

Oh, ma'am, we ain't on nobody's side.

Of course we're not on anybody's side.

We just thought maybe we could talk a little about it...

No, I have nothing to talk about, Ben.

Well, uh, anyway, what we really came about,

uh... you know, the new minister is gonna be here next Sunday,

- Palm Sunday. - Yes, I know.

We're looking forward to meeting him.

Yeah, we've missed going to church

ever since we lost old Pastor Miller.

Yeah, that was a real loss.

Well, we all thought it might be real nice

if, uh, if we could have a nice welcome for the new minister.

Everybody bring some food, we could have

a real good get-together right after the services.

Oh, that's a fine idea, Ben.

I'll bring something really nice.

Well, good, I knew we could

count on you, Winifred. Thank you.

Uh, Hoss, I guess we'd better be getting along.

- Got a lot of other people to invite. - Yeah.

- Thank you, Winifred. - Just leave that good pie, Mrs. Mahan.

- Ben. - Yeah?

Are you inviting the Clarkes?

Well, uh... of course.

They're members of the church, too.

Well, all right.

But just make sure at the party that the food is kept separate.

We couldn't eat Clarke food.

I'm sorry. We would choke on it.

Good day, ma'am.

♪♪

Hello, Peggy. How are you?

- How are you, Mr. Cartwright? - Just fine.

- Hi, Little Joe. - How are you, Peggy?

I declare, you get prettier every time I see you.

Yeah, you sure do.

By golly, I hadn't realized how grown up you'd become.

Well, I'm grown up, all right.

Fact is, I should be hanging out my own kids' wash

instead of my brothers' and sisters'.

Why, Peggy, a girl as pretty as you

must have a lot of young men buzzing around.

Well, the trouble is, the nicest ones

all seem to be related to, uh, you know who.

Mm. Oh, uh... your ma and pa around?

Well, Pa's out on the ranch somewhere,

and Ma went to town for supplies.

Oh. Well, I'll tell you why we came by.

You know, next Sunday, Palm Sunday,

well, that's when the new minister arrives.

We thought it'd be kind of nice

if we had a welcome party for him after the sermon.

You know, everybody bring some food

and we have a good old get-together.

Oh, that's a wonderful idea, Mr. Cartwright.

Be glad to tell them.

Good.

Uh... is everybody coming?

Yeah. Yeah, everybody's gonna be there.

Even the Mahans.

Shh, don't use that name around here.

Stampede the stock.

Well, I'm sure glad somebody around here's

got a sense of humor about this silly feud.

Well, don't judge the Clarkes by me, Mr. Cartwright.

Believe me, no one else takes it lightly.

Must be pretty tough on you

being caught in the middle of a feud like this.

Well, it's worse than that, Little Joe.

Never knowing when one of your family's

going to kill or... or be killed.

Sure hope that new minister can do something about it.

Yeah.

Yeah, I sure hope he can.

Well, Peggy, uh, you give your folks our regards,

and the message, and we'll see you next Sunday.

I'll be there. It's the only time

I get to see any of those good-looking Mahan men.

- Good-bye, Peggy. - See you Sunday, Peggy.

Bye.

♪♪

- Hi. How are you? - Jim, howdy.

Ben, it's good to see you!

Clem, how are you? Judge.

- Hello, Ben. - You had us worried.

We thought you were gonna be late.

Well, as a matter of fact, Hop Sing is away on a visit.

It took the boys and me a little longer

to prepare the food without his help.

Well, wish she'd hurry up and get here.

The more I smell that food, the more hollow I feel.

- Hollow? - Yep.

After you've been dipping into those beans and pork

all the way in from the ranch?

Well, I'm afraid our beans and pork are gonna look

kinda puny up against all those fancy dishes.

I'm getting kind of hungry.

I think I'm a little too nervous to eat.

Uh-oh, here come the Mahans.

Well, Ben, where do you want us to put the food

and some of the finest milk produced in the territory?

Well, that's mighty nice of you, Tom.

Sure we all appreciate your generosity.

Uh, why don't you and the boys

- take your gun belts off and... - Well,

we don't hardly go anywhere without 'em these days.

Well, none of us is wearing a gun.

Of course, except Clem here.

I can see that.

But you don't expect us to ride these roads unarmed, do ya?

Why we could be bushwhacked by The Clarkes

from any tree or rock.

We don't need no rock

to shoot at the Mahans when we wanna.

Calm.

Calm now.

Just, uh...

John.

John, this is Palm Sunday.

Palm Sunday.

Just keep things peaceful.

Ain't no Sunday peaceful...

with the Mahans around.

I don't want any guns drawn.

Do you understand?

Not one.

Take off your gun belts.

Put them over there.

I don't trust the Mahans.

Make 'em drop theirs first.

Ben, Clem... better get out of the way.

Listen to me, you two.

Just getting a little tired

of all this ruckus, and the feuding, and...

and fussing, and all this violence.

Now, just take off your gun belts or get out of here.

No.

Everyone is welcome here.

That must be the new preacher.

How'd he get there?

This is your church.

And I am its gardener.

Hatred has no place here.

This is a house of love.

And you will enter as friends and neighbors.

♪♪

I don't know how he got in there without us seeing him.

He sure handled everything.

Yeah.

Thank God.

Gentlemen...

you're at the right place to do just that.

♪♪

Please... Come in.

I-I didn't mean to disturb you.

You're not disturbing me.

I thought everybody had left.

It's been quite a day so I came in here...

to gather my thoughts.

Most everybody has gone home.

But Mr. Cartwright said he'd give me a ride

so I, I thought I'd wait and

have a word with you.

All right, Ms. Peggy.

What are your words?

Well, maybe it will sound silly, but...

I wanted to thank you.

To most of us young people,

a year seems like an awful long time.

To us it seems like this terrible feud's

been going on forever.

I understand.

I sometimes suffer from impatience myself.

Though it never helps to solve the problem.

Oh, there you are, Peggy.

We're all ready to go now.

Well, Reverend, I'll say good-bye again.

Oh, I wasn't interrupting anything, was I?

- No. - Of course not, Mr. Cartwright.

I was just telling the Reverend how happy we are he's here.

How grateful we are.

Well, we certainly are grateful, Reverend.

At the risk of repeating myself, I'd like to say again

how inspiring your sermon was today.

I-I've never seen the congregation as quiet

or as attentive as it was.

It was real fine.

You know, I, I never thought

that I-I would see what happened today.

To see the Clarkes and the Mahans

joined together in the hymn singing.

They joined together again

pretty good a little later when they tackled

all that food at the welcome party,

didn't they?

Do you think that this could be the beginning

of the end of the feud?

- Well... - I mean,

wouldn't it just be wonderful if it were all over?

- Yeah. - It would be.

But I think you're being overly optimistic.

Well, maybe so, Reverend, but, uh,

as head of the committee in charge of trying to get

the Mahans and the Clarkes to settle their differences,

I can tell you we're pretty happy you arrived.

You'd like to transfer your burden...

over to me?

Well, uh, yea... well, no, not exactly.

But you think that that responsibility is now mine?

Is that it?

Well... Reverend, I...

Well, it seems to me that...

these people are suffering some sort of

moral illness and...

Well, isn't that your calling? To minister to such illnesses?

Ministers are human beings, too, Mr. Cartwright.

We're not all-wise and all-healing.

My capacity for healing this breach

is probably no greater than yours.

Well, I-I thought...

- We all hope... - We all hope that we can

transfer our decisions and burdens to other people.

Even ministers.

But there are some problems...

you can't give away.

- Hello, Ben. - Judge.

I was afraid you might've already gone home.

Oh, no. We were... Is something wrong?

Yes.

I came to see you, Reverend.

I have a problem. I thought you could help.

Yes, whatever I can do.

This concerns you, too, Peggy.

It's bad news I'm afraid. I...

I just received a wire from the authorities back east

in Illinois about your brother and his wife.

There's been an accident.

An accident?

What do you mean?

Jim and, Jim and Caroline.

They're not... dead?

That's what the wire said.

I'm terribly sorry.

Oh, no.

And, and the twins?

They're all right.

Reverend, I thought perhaps

you could help break the news to the Mahans and the Clarkes.

No.

No, I'll do it.

I'll... go home and... tell Ma and Pa.

I'll go with you, and then...

go over to the Mahans.

I'll, I'll drop you both off.

Babies... Those poor babies.

I'll, I'll get my things.

Miss Peggy.

I wish I had the words

to express my sympathy.

Don't need words.

I understand.

What a terrible tragedy for those...

poor families.

Judge, you said the children were spared.

What's going to happen to them?

The wire covered that, too.

This concerns you, Ben.

Hmm?

The authorities in Illinois said that the parents'

last request was that the twins be placed in your custody.

Until you could decide their future.

Well,

why would they request a thing like that?

You were a very good friend to the family.

- Well, yes... - Perhaps they remembered

that you remained impartial

during the quarrel

between the two families.

Oh, that's...

it's much too much of a responsibility.

Well, it was the parents' last request.

Of course, you could ignore the arrival of the children.

Let the Clarkes and the Mahans fight it out.

Well...

No, I guess I... I couldn't do that.

To make a decision is certainly gonna take a...

wisdom far greater than mine.

I'm ready.

Now Judge, you're sure the twins

are coming in on this stage?

You saw the wire yourself, Ben.

Reverend, both families understand clearly?

You explained everything very carefully?

They were both very upset by the news,

but I'm sure they understand.

Well, I don't want to be influenced one way or the other

by the Clarkes or the Mahans.

Afraid you have no choice.

Look.

You both gave me your word there wouldn't be any trouble.

There isn't gonna be any trouble.

My wife here just wanted to see the kids,

see that they're all right.

They've been through a bad time.

Now, Tom, I know exactly how you and Winifred feel,

but I want you to promise me

that you won't upset the children once they arrive.

How about them?

John?

I just got through talking to Tom and Winifred,

the fact that I don't want the children disturbed

once they arrive.

We just came in to see the kids.

- Wanted to make sure that... - That they're all right.

Just make sure that's all you do.

Here comes the stage.

Don't forget what I said now.

Whoa!

Whoa!

Here, let me help you.

Well, hello.

Hello, young fellow.

Well, you are Sue, and you are Kenneth, aren't you?

Well, you know who I am?

I'm Ben Cartwright, and you know what we're gonna do?

We're gonna get on that wagon over there,

we're gonna ride out to my ranch...

It's called the Ponderosa...

And after a good hot meal,

and a little bit of sleep, I'm gonna show you

some new animals which are just born.

You can play with them.

Would you like that?

Mr. Cartwright,

why don't I tie a horse behind your wagon and come along?

You might need help.

Well, thank you, Reverend. That's very kind of you.

I think I might need some help.

Come on, let's go.

Ooh.

Ah, here we are.

Was that a nice ride?

Yeah.

Here we go.

One down, and two...

Peggy, what are you doing here?

I thought you might need some help with the twins.

Peggy, the boys and I are perfectly...

I told the boys to go on about their jobs.

- You what? - I think they were glad to escape.

Now, Peggy, you know I must remain impartial in this.

I can't make it appear as if I'm playing favorites.

I won't try to influence them, Mr. Cartwright, I promise.

I... I just want to love them.

I'll take them into the house.

That young lady is wise beyond her years.

The children need a woman's love right now.

I only hope I can make the right decision.

With God's help... you will.

Well, come in, gentlemen.

- Hello, Adam. - Adam.

Reverend.

Hello, Adam.

Well, uh, suppose you want to see Pa.

A delegation like this... Must be trouble, huh?

That's just what it is.

We've got to see your Pa, Adam.

Well, come in and make yourself comfortable.

Well, uh, have you got a new hobby, Adam?

No, uh...

But I'm getting to be a pretty good expert at dressing dolls.

It's the second time Sue dropped it down the well.

How are the children doing, Adam?

Oh, pretty good, uh, after that first day.

And after Peggy got 'em calmed down, and, uh,

after we, uh, got Sue this doll,

and, uh, Kenny an animal to play with.

Get... I'll get Pa.

Oh, hi, men. What's up?

Well, we came to see your Pa, Hoss.

Adam's gone to get him.

Me and Joe are back there in the kitchen

trying to whip up something to eat for the kids.

You fellows join us?

- No, thanks. - No, Hoss.

I got my pig!

Hey, hey, hey. Hey,

you can't go in there with that pig.

Kenny?

Now, look, how many times have I told you

not to bring the piglets into the living room?

Yeah.

Joe, can't you take care of those kids without me?

Now, look, I can't cook, watch the kids,

and keep the pigs out of the living room

all at the same time!

I want my pig. I want my pig...

Oh, go on now. Go on outside. Don't bring that pig

in here anymore.

We, uh... we didn't have any puppies to give the kids,

so, we gave 'em piglets.

Gentlemen, sorry to keep you waiting.

I've been doing my paperwork upstairs.

Ben.

There are less distractions up there.

- Sit down. Sit down. - Thank you, Ben.

Well, Adam tells me there's some sort of trouble.

There sure is, Ben.

I got word Tom Mahan's gathering his riders.

He says you've had time enough to make up your mind.

He won't wait any longer.

Well, what's Tom Mahan going to do,

use guns to get the children?

I don't know, but I think we ought to be prepared.

Well, if Tom Mahan thinks

he's gonna shoot his way into the Ponderosa...

Gentlemen, there's not going to be any shooting.

That's no solution.

Well, of course you're right, Reverend,

that's no solution to...

It's up to you, Mr. Cartwright.

You've got to make up your mind about the children.

Well, I need more time, though. I-I...

I'm afraid time has run out on you.

In just a few days, it'll be Easter Sunday.

Let us tell the Mahans and the Clarkes

you will announce your decision then.

Well, that's only a few days away. I...

Mr. Cartwright,

you must make a decision now

for the children's sake.

All right.

Next Sunday then, Easter.

Fine.

We'll tell both families.

At least that way, it'll delay any gunplay until then.

I wish I could help.

I wish you could help, too, Reverend.

It's a lonely job.

Boy, am I having trouble.

Yeah, you having trouble.

Give me my pig!

Give me my pig!

Kenny, come back here with that pig!

Give me my pig!

Catch him, Hoss!

Hoss, go and catch him!

Oh, don't let that pig in my bed!

You got it. CI-Close the door.

- I want my pig. - Kenny, I'm gonna button this coat,

so you might as well make up your mind.

I want my pig.

What's the matter, you having troubles?

I got his tickle box upset or something.

- Will you tie this? - Hey, look at that rabbit.

Well, that's really a nice rabbit.

You like rabbits, Kenny?

- I want my pig. - You want your pig?

You know, rabbits are for Easter, not pigs.

Adam, here's her hat and gloves, and...

Now, you let him button that jacket, come on.

Come on now.

Come on, he's got to button this jacket.

Come on, I got... I got Kenny's shoes here now.

- Come on, let's... - Oh. More buttons.

I want my pig. That's what I want.

Put him onto my lap here. Then, here, Hoss, you take that.

I want my pig...

Now, Kenny, will you please stop wriggling?

Now, look, do you want everybody

to see you looking real nice this morning?

Well... Hold on.

Pa, are you sure children are all good and all?

Well, I don't know. Sometimes I have my doubts about you.

Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Hold it.

Either exchange the shoes, or exchange the feet.

Whichever is the easier.

The right one goes on the right foot.

Mm-hmm.

Pa, that's the way you gave 'em.

Oh, come on.

- Come on, now, Kenny, you take it easy... - Now, look.

And we'll get 'em on.

You're in charge of Kenny here.

Now, get him into the buckboard as soon as you can.

Thanks a lot, Pa.

My goodness, you look pretty.

Now, here we go.

Come on, let's hurry now.

We better get 'em out there. Let me dress 'em on the way.

- We're gonna be late. Come on. - Come on.

- Let's go. - We're gonna need a rope.

Now, may I escort you to the wagon?

Yes.

For my text this morning,

I shall use portions from the Sermon on the Mount.

They are words by which all of us can live.

The most beautiful of all, I think, are these.

"Ye have heard that it hath been said,

"" Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy.'

"But I say unto you, ""Love your enemies,

"" bless them that curse you,

""do good to them that hate you.""

And then,

"Judge not, that ye be not judged.

For with what judgment ye judge, ye will be judged."

"And with what measure ye mete,

it shall be measured to you again."

It's right around there in the back.

- Can you find it? - Yup.

- You need any help? - No.

Amen.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,

"for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

"Blessed are the meek,

"for they shall inherit the earth.

"Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.

"Blessed are the merciful,

"for they shall obtain mercy.

"Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they shall be called the children of God."

Amen.

Amen.

Blessed are the children,

for they shall be called the peacemakers.

Before we sing our final hymn,

I should like to announce

that Ben Cartwright has selected today, Easter Sunday,

as the day for the custody hearing

here at the church at 2:00.

The care and custody

of Kenny and Susan Clarke will be granted to the family

who can best prove its fitness for the task

of caring for these children.

We shall now sing hymn number one-three-seven.

♪ Christ our lord is risen today ♪

♪ Hallelujah... ♪

Adam?

Put the children into the buggy

- and wait for me at the livery stable. - Right.

Pa, you sure you don't want me to stay and back you up?

No, I'll be all right.

I just want the twins out of sight for a while.

Okay.

Cartwright.

It's up to you now.

Yes.

Thank you for your help, Reverend, and for this.

I... I guess it is up to me,

but I don't feel quite so alone now.

I have struggled many days with this problem,

which concerns all of you.

I hope we can find a fair solution this afternoon.

Uh, Mr. Clarke and Mary,

I ask you now, what can you offer these children

should they be awarded to you?

John, stand up.

We have plenty to offer; you can tell them all about it.

Doesn't seem quite right to me, Mary.

- Just to stand up here and... - John.

I don't care if it's right or not.

I want those children.

Well...

I tell you one thing I can offer these children.

I can offer them a home.

You all know I'm a well-to-do man.

I'm not rich, but I've got enough money

to give these children all the things they want.

Just like my own children.

Each one of them can have a horse to ride

and good food to eat and warm clothes to wear.

That's what Mary and I can offer these children.

Uh, John, I-I don't think you quite understood

the meaning of my words.

I... I did not mean what can you offer

in the way of money or clothes or...

Those are material things.

Now, this morning, you all heard the Reverend Jordan

read to you from the Sermon on the Mount.

You all bowed your heads.

I heard you all answer "amen" to those golden thoughts.

So now I ask you, John Clarke,

and you, Mary Clarke,

will you love your enemies?

If so, John, I ask you now to step across to Tom Mahan here

and offer your hand in friendship.

You got no right to ask that, Ben Cartwright.

How can Mary and I forgive the Mahans?

How can I offer my hand to a family that reviles me?

I won't do it.

All right, John.

Very well.

It seems to me then that you have very little to offer.

All right, folks.

Folks!

Let's not have any disturbance in here.

Tom.

Tom Mahan.

What do you and Winifred have to say?

Tom, we have plenty to say.

Just a minute.

Tom, let me get up and say it.

Winifred.

Ben, I think you know we're not rich,

but we can match John Clarke dollar for dollar.

We'll do all the things for these youngsters

we did for our own... for the one the Clarkes drove away from us.

And they did drive her away.

You know that my daughter would still be alive if...

Winifred, please, that is not the issue.

We're here to decide which of you two families

will have the custody of these children.

So I ask you, just as I asked John Clarke,

if you can provide

for Kenneth and Sue the comfort and protection of a home

where love of God is not just something that you hear about

in church but practice every day of your lives.

Now, if you can, will you, Winifred, and you, Tom,

step across to John and Mary

and offer them the friendship of your hand?

Ben, you're forgetting I once had a daughter.

How can I offer my hand

to the people who drove her away from me?

First Samuel... Second Samuel... Here.

"O, my Lord, I and this woman dwell in one house,

"and I was delivered of a child with her in the house,

"and it came to pass the third day.

"And when I rose in the morning, behold, the child was dead.

"And the king said, 'Bring me a sword.'

"And they brought the sword before the king.

And the king said, 'Divide the living child in two. ""

And to make my decision,

I have called upon the wisdom of a man...

A judge who is far greater than I am.

I have called upon the judgment of Solomon.

"Divide the living child in two

and give half to the one and half to the other."

These twins, Kenneth and Sue, will be divided in two.

Kenneth will be given to the care

of John and Mary Clarke,

Sue to the care of Winifred and Tom Mahan.

Hoss, will you take Kenny to Mrs. Clarke.

Joe, take Sue to Mrs. Mahan.

I don't want to go with you!

I want to stay with my sister!

I don't want to go with you.

I want to stay with my brother.

Please, please!

- I don't want to go with you. - Boy...

I want to stay with my sister.

Come on, darling.

It's all right.

Oh, it's fine.

I want to stay with Kenny.

It won't work, Ben.

They're not gonna stand for it.

- Reverend... - I don't want to go with you!

I want to stay with my sister!

- Do you think we were right? - Please! Please!

Wait.

Let Kenny and Sue do our work for us.

Don't take me away from my sister.

Oh, Kenny, darling, we're going to give you such a nice home.

And-and I've got just the horse for you...

Yes.

With a, with a new saddle and a new bridle.

I don't want a horse.

I want my sister!

Please don't take me away from Kenny.

He needs me.

Tom, I can't.

Yes, I love them and want them, but...

these children have to stay together.

Come, dear.

She's yours.

They're both yours.

Be good to them.

Wini...

Oh, darlings.

Oh, darlings. Oh.

Well...

Oh, John, I can't.

We have children of our own.

We can't take these babies away from Tom and Winifred,

who have none.

I guess maybe you're right, Mary.

Well...

Let's go over here.

Winifred, Tom...

you need the children more than we do.

Oh, my darlings.

John, it's been many years,

so I wouldn't be very honest if I offered you my hand right now.

But I hope after today, it won't be too long.

I hope it won't be either, Tom.

Blessed are the peacemakers.

Thank you, Ben.

I'm afraid this peacemaker had the help

of someone with far greater wisdom than mine.

And if it weren't for the reverend here...

I'm the Reverend Jordan.

I believe I'm expected here.

Jordan?

I'm sorry I was delayed.

I hope you received my wire.

This has been a color presentation

of the NBC Television Network.