Original subtitles

That's it. Straight ahead. Dancer's Pass.

Get!

Giddap!

I make it five after 12:00.

All right, Tatum. Go ahead.

[ Gunshot ]

Sam! These men are unarmed!

Now put that thing away!

It's all right. If he had been aiming for you, you'd know it.

- I thought you were a friend of mine, Emmett. - I hope I am.

- Then what are you doin' here with them? - What I'm paid for, Sam.

I've got something I have to read to you. Now listen--

Don't bother. I got one just like it tacked on my front gate.

All right, then don't listen. The law still says I gotta read it.

"Final notice to quit premises.

"To all tenants and landholders of the area known as Dancer's Pass,

"whereas title to said land has been...

"granted to the Denver and Great Western Railroad...

"by act of the territorial legislature,

and whereas full and just payment has been made"--

We didn't take their money. None of us did. We sent it back.

What you do with your money is your business.

"You are ordered and required to vacate said property...

as of 12:00 noon on the 15th day"-- Listen to me!

Judge Garth said that thing won't hold water!

He's gone to get some kind of legal paper!

Mr. Ryker, this man is trespassing on railroad property.

We'd like to get on with our business.

I'm asking you to wait until Judge Garth gets here.

I'm sorry, Sam. It's past noon.

Finish up, Tatum.

All right. Come on!

Sam-- Sam! You're just making it tough on both of us.

Go ahead.

I'm just hired to survey. It's not my railroad.

Sam!

[ Grunts ]

That was a mistake.

No, Sam! Take it easy.

Hello, Judge.Emmett.

Thought I told you to wait.Trouble is they wouldn't wait.

Are you all right?[ Groans ]

[ Sam ] I guess so.

You in charge of this party?

So I'm told.

My name is Garth. I represent the ranchers in this valley.

I have a writ here from the district court in Laramie...

enjoining you from trespassing on this or any other property in Dancer's Pass.

Here's the writ and my authority to serve it.

That would have to be served on an officer of the company.

I'm just an employee.

Oh. I wanted you to know that the notice to quit the premises was vacated.

Good. I'd be happy to serve that writ for you.

No. I'll do it. I understand Colonel Briscoe is in town.

Came in this morning. Private car and all.

Better turn your wagon around.

Your trip's been canceled.

Don't let it go to your head.

Believe me, no piece of paper's gonna stop my father.

Giddap. Giddap.

His father?That's Scott Briscoe--

Colonel Briscoe's son.

So, with the deputy standing there, the law on your side,

you hauled off and clubbed a man with a pair of wire clippers?

I'll say one thing for you, boy. You're consistent.

I did what I thought you'd want me to do. He was coming for me.

Listen. A lot of blood and sweat went into this-- mostly mine.

And I'm not going to let anybody or anything jeopardize it,

especially before we even get a foot of track laid!

I was hoping with the sheriff backing you up, you might be able to manage.

Maybe you should have sent Marshman out. He always seems able to handle your odd jobs.

John,

he's always trying so hard to please you.

This is no place for you, Judith.

You should have stayed in Denver.

[ Door Closes ]

There it is. Do you want me to come in with you?

No, that's all right.Then I'll take Sam over to get patched up.

We're holding a meeting of the ranchers at Shiloh tomorrow morning.

I'll be there.Good.

[ Knocking ]

How do you do? I'm Judge Garth.

I wonder if I might see Colonel Briscoe.

Come in, Judge Garth. I'm, uh, Mrs. Briscoe.

Uh, you probably don't remember,

but we met once a very long time ago.

I was Judith Scott, Senator Scott's daughter.

I hadn't forgotten. I was just about to recall myself to you.

Well, I suspect you're being tactful, but thank you.

No, no. It was the, uh, spring of-- Let me see, uh--

- '60. - Mm-hmm.

I'd come to Denver to deliver some legal papers to your father.

There was a party. You were kind enough to invite me.

You wore a green dress.

Well, my goodness!

I also remember I was unable to get as much as a single dance with you.

Couldn't fight my way through that wall of admirers.

Oh, dear me.

You know, that was my 18th birthday.

I remember that evening so well. I--

The first dance was just Papa and me.

Around and around, and everybody else standing and watching.

And Papa was so proud and so dignified.

Ah! Those were lovely--

Um, John, this is Judge Garth.

Oh, Judge Garth. It's a great pleasure to meet you, sir.

I've heard very many fine things about you.Colonel Briscoe.

Um-- Oh, I see you've met my wife.

Oh, we're old friends.Oh.

Um, perhaps you could find something to occupy yourself while the judge and I talk.

Oh, yes. Yes, of course.

Thank you, Judge Garth. It was nice recalling old times.

Hope we meet again, Mrs. Briscoe.

Thank you.

[ Door Closes ]

I gather you knew Judith before we were married?

I'm sure she was pleased you remembered her.

Well, anybody who knew Judith Scott in those days...

wouldn't be likely to forget her.

Yes. Yes, she was something, wasn't she?

Had every bachelor in Denver baying the moon.

Then I came along.Oh.

Judge, what may I get for you? A brandy?

I, uh-- I'm afraid this isn't exactly a social call, Colonel.

I have here a writ.

Judge, I am disappointed in you. I really am.

I thought you were a progressive kind of man.

There's copper up around Bright Knife-- a mountain of it.

Now, that means people, industry and prosperity.

But before any of that can happen, there has to be a railroad.

Through here. Through Dancer's Pass.

Now, do you really think all that is going to stop...

because some rancher wants to graze his beef on a right-of-way?

I'm not against progress, Colonel. Far from it.

What are you against?

The way you got that land, for one thing.

That land was legally granted to us by an act of the territorial legislature.

Yeah. I know.

Your people rushed the act through on the last day of the session.

- Everybody wanted to go home. - Care to make that plainer?

There's a joker in that bill, Colonel.

I think I can remember the language.

"Payment shall be made in accordance with the last government appraisal."

Well, that sounds clear to me.

You know as well as I do that the last appraisal was over 10 years ago.

Before the land was improved. It's worth more than 10 times what you want to pay for it now.

That's your opinion, Judge.

Do you think my stockholders would let me pay a cent more than the law requires?

Maybe the law can be changed.

Maybe-- if you have the time and money.

These things can go on for years.

By the time you have your first hearing, we'll have a railroad through to Bright Knife.

Not while this thing holds good.

The railroad is not without friends.

I can have that set aside and be laying track within a week.

Well, I don't see any further point to this.

Oh, sorry, Colonel.

I didn't know you had company.

Say hello to Judge Garth. This is Jack Marshman, head of our security division.

Oh, yes. I've heard of Mr. Marshman.

Don't believe everything you hear, Judge.

Just a beat-up ex-policeman trying to keep things peaceful.

And, by the way, Colonel, I hear there was some shooting at the fence line today.

Told you I should have gone out there.

It was nothing more than a single shot-- just a warning.

No intention to harm anybody.

Well, I hope that's the end of it.

So do I. Good afternoon, gentlemen.

[ Door Closes ]

The work crews are beginning to drift in.Well, good.

We can get started on the preliminary grading and filling, even laying tracks.

By the time we reach that fence line,

the ranchers and the lawyers will have exhausted themselves in court...

and they'll be glad to clear out.

I ran into something else I thought you might be interested in.

It's, uh, another kind of trouble.What?

Peg Dineen. You remember?

Well, she's here. Right here in Medicine Bow.

How are you, Peg?Emmett.

What have you done to your head, Sam?

Oh, he's been beating his head against a stone wall--

as usual. [ Chuckles ]

Well, that sounds like you.

How are you?

Fine. You?

Never better.

Don't see much of you lately.

Well, I've been kinda busy out at my place.

Well, here you are. Have a seat. I'll be with you in a minute.

That's a fine girl-- Peg.

Yes. Yes, she is.Mm-hmm.

Peg!

You're the best thing I've seen in Wyoming!

I thought you were in Europe or something.

I just got back. I'm working for my father now.

- Best of luck to you both. Excuse me. - Hey, wait a minute!

- What do you want? - I want to talk to you, for one thing.

We have nothing to say to each other.That's no way to be.

- I mean it. - Now, listen, Peg. I know how you must feel--

You heard the lady!

I seem to keep running into you.Yeah. Maybe once too often.

I'm getting awful sick of you! [ Peg ] Please!

All right, all right. Let's break it up.

Sam, you take it easy. Maybe it'd be a good idea if you just came back later?

- This is a public place, isn't it? - All right, now look.

I'm just trying to save you some trouble, young fella.

Please, Scott. This isn't doing any good.

Whatever you say.

[ Sighs ]

Peg--Not now, Sam. Don't ask me anything now.

Thanks a lot, Mrs. Crandall.

Peg Dineen. You haven't changed.

Neither have you. I've got to hand it to you.

Two long years, and you come in here with a bit of blarney and expect me to--

To what, Scott?

Am I supposed to just stand here holding my hat?

Peg,

I want you to know I tried to write to you.

The letters kept coming back.

I suppose they did.

My father and I went to Texas right after.

How is he?

He's dead.

I'm sorry. I didn't know.

I'm sorry about a lot of things, Peg.

Do you want to know why we left Denver, Scott-- my father and me?

Why?

Because he was ashamed.

Do you remember that day we decided to get married?

You went off to tell your father the great news.

Well, I made the mistake of telling my father too.

You know what kind of a man he was. He couldn't keep it in.

Before you knew it, there was a good old Irish celebration.

Oh, he was the cock of the walk that night.

And then the next day...

someone told us you'd gone off to Europe.

Pretty sudden decision, wasn't it?

Look, Peg,

I didn't have anything to say about that.

I went and told him, like I said I would, that we were getting married.

The next thing I knew, I was on the train.

I swear to you, Peg, I didn't have any choice.

It's all right, Scott. Forget it.

Done is done, and you can't change it any more than you can un-ring a bell.

It wasn't all my fault, you know.

It was mine, I suppose?

In a way, it was.

All of a sudden, you were in such a big hurry.

All that "now or never" business.

If I'd had a little time to get him used to the idea,

maybe it could've worked out.

It wouldn't have worked. Not in a million years.

Is that coffee?

All right. I'll warm some up. But then you'll have to be going.

Peg--

Peg, do you remember that time in Boulder when I ran away from school?

Do you think any two people were that happy?

What's the matter?Nothing.

I'm glad that happened.

So am I then.

I wasn't really sure until just now.

What are you talking about?

It's gone.

Whatever it was that used to happen when you'd hold me, it's over.

And it's a good feeling.

Well, thanks a lot. That's nice to hear.

What did you expect me to do? Spend the rest of my life moping...

while you're off gadding about with all the bluebloods of Europe?

I told you--Yes, you told me. Your father sent you away.

I don't happen to think people get sent away that easily.

You don't know my father. Maybe I didn't until that night.

Don't you think I wanted to marry you?

Sure, you did. But not quite enough.

[ Baby Crying ]

Shh! All right now.

[ Crying Continues ]Ooh, yeah. There, there.

Yeah. There.

[ Baby Talk ] Yeah.

Shh.

It's a baby. Surely you've seen one before.

- Shh. - [ Crying Continues ]

Shh. It's all right.

I guess I should have told you. I got married.

My husband died.

You never were much at lying.

[ Babbling ]

[ Imitating Babbling ][ Babbling Continues ]

Look at me, Peg. I want to know.

Is this the reason for all that "now or never" business back in Denver?

What's the matter with you, Peg? Why didn't you tell me?

I don't know.

I guess I just didn't want it to be something that you were forced into.

I don't know what to say.

I'll make it up to you. I swear.

[ Peg ] Please don't even try.

[ Laughing ]

What do you call him?

Shawn Michael. After my father.

[ Laughing Continues ]Shawn Michael what?

Johnson.

Let's let him get back to sleep now.

[ Shawn Michael Babbling ]

Some people never learn.

Don't bother running to my father about this. I'll talk to him myself.

Last time it was Europe. I hear the South Seas are nice at this time of year.

[ Chuckling ]

Scott!

I'm so happy to see you.

I'll get some coffee, and we'll sit down and have a nice, long chat.

I'm afraid I don't have time to chat, Mother.

Is Dad here?

Oh. Well, no. He's out at the work camp with Mr. Tatum and the men.

Oh, please, Scott.

We haven't said two words to each other since you came back, and I--

I want us to get reacquainted.

Why, Mother?

Why?

Because you're my son and you've been away,

and I-I want to know you.

Scott, is there--

Are you in some trouble?

If you are, I'd like to help you.

Would you, Mother?

Of course.

Do you know why I went to Europe?

Why I really went?

Well, yes. Your-- Your father said--I was in love with a girl.

We wanted to get married.

Oh. I never knew.

Who was she, Scott?

I'm sure if you loved her, she must have been a fine person.

Her name was Peg Dineen.

Her father worked on the railroad.

Dad thought she wasn't good enough to marry a Briscoe.

I--

I don't understand.

He never even mentioned it to me.

Neither did you.

I would like to have met her.

Mother, if you had known, would you have helped us?

Would you have stood up to him for us?

Oh, Scott. You know I'd do anything in the world for you.

Anything.

Naturally, I-I respect...

your father's judgment in such things, but--

You mean in all things, don't you?

You've just never been able to cope with him.

And neither have I.

Maybe that's been the trouble.

Maybe if I'd stood up to him then, just that once.

Maybe in some strange way, it would have satisfied him.

Scott, what about your problem?

Can't I help you?

No, Mother.

I'm afraid you can't.

[ Door Opens, Closes ]

Oh. Come in, Sam.Judge.

Sit down.

Sam?

You saw Briscoe yesterday?

Yeah. [ Sighs ]

What'd he say?

We missed you at the meeting.

What'd he say?

He's gonna fight us. [ Sighs ]

Well, that was to be expected.

But so long as that writ's enforced, I'm gonna have a new appraisal made of Dancer's Pass.

It's the only way we can have a case.

Judge, you're talkin' about writs and appraisals.

Briscoe's already movin' in workmen and settin' up camp!

- He'll be bringin' in rail and cuttin' ties! - Take it easy, Sam.

I was taught if you're pushed, you push back!

I got a ranch out there. Ten years I've worked it! I put sweat in that ground.

My wife's buried there-- and my boy!

And the railroad wants to take that away from me!

Take it easy?

Ten years of drought and blizzard, of-of locusts and Texas tick-- for what?

Now, you came to me. I didn't come to you.

You asked me to help, all of you. And I mean to do it my way.

Sit down.

I think we can win-- by law.

But if you don't want to do it this way, we have nothing more to talk about.

Now, the others agreed to put up the cash...

to hire a firm to make a new appraisal of Dancer's Pass.

They've got just as much at stake there as you do, Sam.

All right. I'll pay my share.

Mighty hard to sit still and watch a line of rail come closer and closer!

I'm gonna need someone to take the cash to Laramie.

Have to get it there as soon as possible.

I'll take it.

Why didn't you mention a baby when you said you wanted to marry that girl two years ago?

I didn't know it. She didn't tell me.

Does that strike you as a bit strange?Not if you know Peg.

Did she ask you to speak to me?

No. I want to take care of him.

Correction. You want me to take care of him.

If you were really planning to do anything, we wouldn't be having this discussion.

I'll pay you back, Dad. Just take it out of my salary.

Well, I've got some sad news for you.

You don't make a thousand a year, and even if you did, not a chance!

Is money that important to you?

- Do you think it's only money? - What then?

You've got a lot to learn about the world, boy.

Do you know what would happen...

if you gave her even one cent?

You'd be admitting that you were the father. She'd have you in court...

before you could bat an eye.You just don't understand.

Do you know what she would stand to gain if that baby were declared your legal heir?

Now, I'm not talking about a thousand dollars.

I'm talking about a part of everything I own.

Everything I've worked for. Everything I am.

I'm telling you, Peg isn't that way.

And I'm telling you there is more involved here than money.

I am not letting you give away part of my life!

Part of the 15 years I spent between the time I came to work for this railroad...

as a water boy and the day I got a controlling interest in it.

Married a controlling interest, you mean.

I married your mother, and I worked 20 hours a day to get where I am.

But since you brought the matter up, let's think about your mother.

Do you know what it would do to her if she heard about this? Do you want me to tell you?

She would never be able to hold up her head again.

I've come a long way up a hard road, boy.

Now you listen to me.

You forget about this.

You put it clear out of your mind.

Just like that, huh?

You get back into town, go to the warehouse and check this invoice--

The supplies and food for the construction crew. I'll take care of Peg Dineen.

How? Like you took care of me a couple of years ago?

On a train and out of town with Jack Marshman riding herd?

I ended up in Liverpool, Dad.

What did you have in mind for Peg?

It was a very handsome thing to do, and I thank you for it.

But you had no reason to tell your father anything.

It's no concern of his or of yours anymore.

- I want you to go away for a while, Peg. - Away? Where?

Anywhere. Just until my father's business is finished here.

A few months, at the most.I'll do no such thing. Why would I be leaving?

- If he thought that you were a threat to him in any way-- - Why would he think that?

He doesn't know you, Peg. He judges everyone by his own standards.

I don't know what he's capable of.

Well, I've no place to go and no way to get there.

Right now I've got to get back to work.

I have to check some things at the warehouse.

I'll walk along.

Hey, where's your father?

Still out at the work camp. Why?

I picked up something he might want to know about.

What?The ranchers are sending a man to Laramie tonight.

He'll be taking some money over. Quite a bit.

What for?

Well, there was a meeting out at Judge Garth's this morning.

They're hiring a firm of independent appraisers to make a survey of Dancer's Pass.

You're sure about this?

A couple of the ranchers are sitting in that saloon right now waiting for Garth, cash in hand.

You tell your father when he comes in.

And tell him I'll be over at the station if he wants me to--

[ Chuckles ] If he wants me.

Thanks.

Peg,

could you sit with me for a minute?

I guess it would be all right.

What's taking you to Laramie?

Oh, just something about the railway business.

You going to be gone long?

A couple, three days if I lay over.

Peg, I've been thinkin'.

We could lose this thing with the railroad.

Well, either way, I'm gonna lose my ranch.

It's just a question of time and a fair price.

I'm sorry about the ranch.

I know how hard you've worked on it.

Well, when it's gone, I guess I'll be movin' on.

I wouldn't have the stomach to watch 'em tear into it.

Oh, I'll find another ranch.

It'll be hard startin' over like that.

A-About that time I-I asked you to--

Well, that was my fault.

I had no right to think that you felt anything for me.

I guess I had a lot of nerve asking.

Never have been exactly catnip for the ladies.

That's not so. You're a fine-looking man.

What I said that night was true.

I can't marry anyone. Not ever.

Why not? You're young. You shouldn't--

- I just can't. That's all. - Not even Scott Briscoe?

I knew him a long time ago.

It was over a long time ago.

I guess he must have been a pretty special kind of man.

- Who? - Your husband.

Yes, he was. Well, I--

Peg, if I do leave, I--

I'd be pleased if you write me.

Oh, just how you are and what you're doing.

It wouldn't have to mean anything.

I'll do that, Sam.

Thank you, Frank.

Well, that's all of it, Sam.

Can I buy you one before you leave?

No, thanks, Judge. The sooner I get started, the sooner I get there.

Well, be careful.Happens to be a specialty.

Good night, gentlemen.

Tom?

Tom? Right with ya.

Sam.

Got old, uh, Sickle watered and fed?

Yeah. But I wouldn't count on riding him anyplace for a few days if I was you.

What do you mean?He's getting a hot ankle.

Oh?Right front.

I thought he seemed a little edgy coming in.

Ah, give him a little while. He'll be all right.

Ya got something to get me to Laramie and back?

Well, the old mare's about to foal.

Well, there's a sorrel out back there in the corral. He'll take you there.

All right.Hey, Sam, would you mind gettin' him yourself?

I was just fixin' to get me some coffee down the street.

Be glad to.I'll be back directly.

Whoa. Ooh. Whoa, ho. Whoa.

[ Horse Blusters ]

[ Groans ]

Hey!

Hey! Stop!

[ Chattering ]Is he dead?

What happened, Sam?He took the $2,500. I told him to stop!

Tom, uh, you wanna--

I didn't mean to kill him, Emmett.

I didn't find it, Sam.What?

You said he was running off with some money, didn't you?

Oh. Yeah. Yeah, I got it right here.

It was laying right next to his hand. I just--

You believe me, don't you?

Uh, yeah.

Sure, Sam. I, uh-- Sure. I believe you.

But, uh, you better--

I guess you better come with me.

[ Chattering ]

Call this a statement? Sounds more like a fairy tale to me.

Why would my son need to steal money from anyone?

Mark.Judge.

Emmett tell you?

Yeah.

Sorry, Colonel. How's Mrs. Briscoe?

How do you think she is?

Anything I can do?

Can you bring my boy back to life?

Well, failing that,

you can hang the man who murdered him.

That was a good question you asked in there,

about what reason your son would have for stealing money.

Is there an answer?No.

No answer whatsoever.

And I want you to make sure of that.

He's gonna hang, Jack. He killed my son and he's gonna hang for it.

Is that clear?

Whatever you say.

Well, what's the charge gonna be, Mark?

Murder. What else can it be?

Trouble is, it just doesn't make sense--

him trying to run off with the money that way.

He did, Judge. I swear it.

Is this the whole story, Sam? The way it happened?

Yes, sir. Including the two run-ins I had with him.

I guess I'm in a fix.

Well, you're gonna need help.

I'd be much obliged, Judge, if-- if you'd--

All right, Sam. Tell me the whole thing.

Again. From the beginning.

[ Knocking ]Who is it?

[ Knocking Continues ]

Yes? Who are you? What do you want?

Forget it. The answers are too complicated.

Just don't make noise. You won't get hurt.

Either of you.

Pack it.

I don't know how much we can expect to get from Peg, Judge.

Well, apparently she knew Scott Briscoe.

Anything she can tell us will be of help-- his past, his character.

Morning, Mrs. Crandall.You wanted to see me?

No, we wanted to see Peg Johnson. Is she in?

- She left last night. - Left? Where did she go?

Well, she didn't say.

She and this gentleman just-- [ Garth ] What gentleman?

Maybe you better tell about it from the beginning, uh, Mrs. Crandall.

Well, this gentleman came along and he went up to her room,

and they talked up there for a while.What was his name?

He was a big man. About 200 pounds.

Marshman?

He seemed pleasant enough.

And then they went away together with the baby.

Did she seem willing to go?

I don't know. I really didn't notice.

Thank you, Mrs. Crandall.

What do you think?

Looks like Briscoe wanted her out of town, but why?

And where did Marshman take her?

You take care of the "why" part. I'll see what I can do about the "where."

It's good of you to see me.

I received your note about my son. Thank you.

Won't you sit down?Thank you.

My husband isn't in just now. He'll be-- He'll be back soon.

Well, perhaps we can talk, Mrs. Briscoe. I--

I need your help.My help?

I realize I'm presuming on an old friendship.

I know how very much I'm asking.

I-- I-I don't understand. Just what is it you want?

To find out why Scott was killed.

Why ask me?

Why don't you ask the man who killed him?

Mrs. Briscoe, I've known Sam Horn a long while.

I must tell you, I believe his story.

Then you believe my son stole that money.

Judge Garth, I understood my son.

He was not a strong person like his father.

He was more...

like me, I suppose.

In many ways he hadn't grown up yet, but...

he was not a thief.

I don't think he was either.

But you just said--

I don't think he was a thief, Mrs. Briscoe,

but he was young, as you say.

Perhaps he was forced-- or he thought he was forced--

into a an act of desperation.

I-- And if I can't prove that in court,

they're gonna hang a man I know to be innocent.

I'm sorry, but I-I don't see how I can help you.

Anything you can tell me might help. Was he upset?

Was there any reason-- [ Door Knob Rattles ]

What are you doing here?

He wanted to ask me some things about Scott.

He is defending your son's killer, and you actually received him?

Well, he's an old friend. I didn't think you'd mind--I'll handle this, Judith.

I was just trying to get at the truth, Colonel.

For one thing, where's Jack Marshman this morning?

I wouldn't know. The truth is, my son is dead, and Sam Horn killed him.

You're not welcome here, Garth.

Shall I put it more plainly?

- What are you afraid of, Colonel? - Get out!

I'm sorry.

[ Door Closes ]

I-I'm sorry, John. I didn't realize you didn't want me to speak with him.

You never said anything.No. I gave you more credit for common sense.

Will you pour me a drink, please?

Oh. Yes. Yes, of course.

What exactly did he say to you?

Well, h-he said he thought Scott might have been forced to steal.

An act of desperation, he called it.

Garth's coming here was an act of desperation.

And he wanted to know if Scott was upset before it happened.

Upset?

He was, wasn't he, John?

What do you mean?

That morning when he went out to the camp to talk to you, what did you talk about?

Nothing. Nothing at all. A matter of some invoices.

Judge Garth seemed to think that--Judge Garth.

Judge Gar-- The matter of Judge Garth is closed. Do you understand?

Yes, John.

Do you understand what he's trying to do?

He is trying to save his friend by slandering a dead boy.

By dragging our son's name through the mud.

Do you want people to say that our son was shot down as a thief?

Do you want to go home and face that?

Well, it's not going to happen!

Not after I've worked all these years to have the name of Briscoe...

looked up to and respected!

I don't suppose you could understand that, could you?

Senator Scott's daughter.

It was all handed to you, bright and shiny.

Oh, John, I've told you it doesn't matter.

It has never mattered.A mother who was a dirty joke.

A father who drowned in a mud puddle because he was too drunk to lift his head.

It mattered.

I'm so sorry, John.

For what?

I'm sorry for you.

Sorry for Scott.

Well, don't be.

I've done all right.

And I did all right for my son.

There wasn't a door closed to him.

Not a home in this country where he wasn't welcome to sit at the table like a gentleman.

And they are not going to take that away from us!

Did you ask at the depot?She didn't leave by train.

Must have gone by wagon then, eh?

You're just gonna have to find her and bring her back.

I'm sorry, Judge. You'll have to get somebody else to do that for you.

Meaning what, Mark?

Meaning I got plenty for you to do right here.

Here's a list of witnesses the prosecutor wants you to subpoena.

Does that list include Peg Johnson?Afraid not.

Well, then let him serve his own subpoenas.

What are we trying to do, hang a man or try to find out the truth of what happened?

A jury decides on the truth.

Look, Mark, in about five minutes, I'm leaving town.

Do you want me to be wearing a badge when I do?

Or would you rather I left it on your desk on my way out?

Judge, you really think Peg Johnson's a material witness?

I do.

All right. I'll take care of these myself.

Thanks, Mark.

We don't have much time. I'll try to get a postponement, but I--

I'll do my best, Judge.

But you know it's pretty much of a long shot, don't you?

Emmett.

If you do catch up to them, be careful of Jack Marshman.

It's a bad situation in this town.

Railroad men. Cattlemen.

If I don't get this trial started, there could be trouble.

Like what happened over in Henderson a couple years back.

I'm telling you, Judge, this girl might be a crucial witness.

There is no evidence that this girl left town under any kind of duress...

or that she can be any help to your client at all.

Now, you admit that yourself.

Fact is, you're just hoping.

You'll get a fair trial.

And good luck to you.

Thank you, Your Honor.

[ Spectators Chattering ]

Here.

Ready with the prosecution, Mr. Carter?

Ready, Your Honor. Ready with the defense?

The defense is ready to proceed, under protest, Your Honor.

Noted.

All right, Bailiff, let's get a jury.

Yeah. They come by this mornin'.

Stopped and got some milk for the baby.

Did they say which way they were going?No.

Headed north. That's all I can tell ya.

It could be they went to Arvin.

Or maybe they cut off to Fort Bailey.

Well, much obliged, ma'am.

Tell us, Mr. Tatum, what was the attitude of the defendant...

at the time of the fence-cutting episode?

He was very, uh, belligerent.

And in what way did this manifest itself?Fired a gun at us.

Without provocation? Yes, sir.

[ Murmuring ]

And when the deceased, Scott Briscoe,

attempted to cut the final strand of fence--

which, at the time, was his legal right--

what did the defendant do?

Well, he tried to jump Scott from behind, and Scott knocked him kickin'.

And after that, any threats? Anything like that?

- Object. Leading the witness. - Sustained.

As close as you can remember, Mr. Tatum, what was said?

Deputy told us to turn around and head back, and we did.

Thank you, Mr. Tatum. Your witness, Judge.

You're employed by the Denver and Great Western Railroad?I am.

You're aware that the president of that company is Mr. John Briscoe?

[ Tatum ] I am.

[ Garth ] The deceased was Mr. Briscoe's only son?

Yes.

Now, Mr. Tatum,

I submit to you that the defendant did not try to jump Scott Briscoe from behind,

that young Briscoe, in fact, attacked the defendant with a pair of wire cutters...

and that your testimony may have been influenced by the fact...

- that you're employed by his father! - Your Honor--

No further questions.[ Spectators Murmuring ]

Then you didn't hear the defendant call for Scott Briscoe to stop, as he claimed?

No, sir.And when you found the defendant,

where was this money he said Scott was trying to steal?

Well, Sam had it stuck in his shirt. [ Spectators Murmuring ]

Well, that's the case for the prosecution, Your Honor.

We've proved that the defendant threatened young Briscoe,

that he attacked him twice, that there is no evidence for robbery, that--

Now just a minute, Mr. Carter.

You can save your summation until later.Yes, sir.

We'll start with the defense in the morning.

This court is adjourned until 10:00 a.m.

Looks like Emmett's not gonna make it, huh, Judge?

Well, we've got until tomorrow, Sam.

I want to thank you, Judge.

No matter what happens. I want you to know that.

[ Spectators Chattering ]

Gonna put your man on the stand tomorrow, Judge?

You're just gonna have to wait and see about that.

I've read his statement. That story about young Briscoe trying to steal the money--

It's gonna be pretty hard to sell without corroboration, wouldn't you say?

Thank you.

You don't look happy, Henry.

Ryker's lost them. He's coming back.

Well, if you got any kind of a rabbit in your hat,

now is the time to bring it out.

I've been watching that jury. They're sitting there with the gallows half built.

Big fella, young redhead and a baby? No.

Well, just an off chance. One place I hadn't hit.

Thought I'd ask anyway. Much obliged.

Oh, wait a minute. Just come to think.

Heard some folks moved into the old Donaldson place south of town.

I haven't seen them myself, but--Well, thank you kindly, Marshal.

Just try to roll with it, Marshman.

On the table. Come on.

Now move away from it.

You know you're trespassing, don't you?

This your property?

- It's my cousin's. - Where is the girl?

Now, you're not the law here.

Maybe that'll work on my side. Where's the girl, Marshman?

She in there?

[ Grunts ]

Emmett!

You all right?Yes.

What's this all about? He wouldn't tell me anything.

Only if I knew what was good--You stay there.

You'll be safer.

Scott Briscoe is dead, Peg.

And they're trying Sam Horn for his murder.

So I asked my friend the marshal to hold him on an open charge till I could talk with you.

Did Marshman say anything?No, no. Nothing.

I think he'll sleep now.

Is there anything I can get you? Some coffee?

No, nothing. Thank you.

Well, you and I better have a talk.

That is, if you're up to it. Sit down.

What's going to happen to Sam, Judge Garth?

Well, that may be up to you.

We can establish reasonable doubt as to his guilt...

if we can show the jury that Scott had a motive to steal money.

Now, you knew him pretty well, didn't you?

Yes.

Is there anything you can tell us? Anything at all?

I didn't think there'd ever be any reason to tell.

Is Sam Horn reason enough?

[ Knocking ]

I'd like to talk to you, Colonel.

We have nothing to talk about.I think we have.

Mrs. Briscoe.

My dear, would you leave us alone?

John, I--I'd rather she stayed.

Judith.

[ Briscoe ] Now, what's on your mind?

[ Garth ] Peg Dineen.

[ Briscoe ] I'm not sure I know the name.

[ Garth ] Then why did you have Marshman take her and her child out of town?

Ryker's found them both. She's waiting outside.

Where's Marshman?

He's in jail, but that's not important. We know he'd lie on the stand to protect you.

What is important is saving Sam Horn's life.

Now, you know, Peg can prove that your son had a motive for stealing that money.

What do we do, take a trip down to the county prosecutor's office?

No.

And everything you tried so hard to conceal comes out in open court?

I tried to conceal it because it was a lie.

But saying it and proving it are two different things.

Judge Garth,

I'd like to meet her.

Judith.

You said she was outside.

I'd appreciate if you'd invite her in.

You were listening.

At the keyhole...

like a frightened schoolgirl.

Mrs. Briscoe, this is Peg Dineen.

Yes.

I see why he would have loved you.

Did you love him?

Once. A long time ago.

Thank you.

I know you meant a great deal to him.

I'm glad he had at least that much.

I want you both to know how sorry I am.

I told Scott I only wanted to be left alone.

Uh, the-the child--

- Does it look like-- - Judith!

But if it's Scott's son, John--

He is not Scott's son. Is not. Never could be. Do you understand that?

That child is not your grandson!

Because if he is, then your son was a thief...

and he deserved to die as he did, face down in the street with the killer going free.

Now is that clear?Yes, John. Quite clear.

Thank you for coming.

Thank you.

[ Door Opens, Closes ]

To protect your name, you'd really let that man hang?

I refuse to discuss this any further, and I forbid you to mention it again.

You forbid me?

John, what happened to us?

What ever happened to us?

[ Door Closes ]

Your name?Mary Margaret Dineen.

You knew the deceased, Scott Briscoe?I did.

How long did you know him?Since I was a little girl.

My father worked for the railroad.

Scott used to come down to the switchyards and play.Mmm.

Now, will you please tell the court what happened when--

when you met Scott Briscoe here in Medicine Bow?

He came to the place where I live, and we had a talk.

Was money discussed?

Not exactly, but he said he wanted to help me if he could.

Mmm.

Is there some special reason why he felt he wanted to help you?

I have a little boy.

[ Spectators Murmuring ]He's 18 months old.

Scott was the father.

[ Murmuring Continues ] [ Gavel Rapping ]

[ Rapping Continues ]

[ Murmuring Stops ]

Now, Miss Dineen,

I-I know how difficult this must be for you.

But after he said he wanted to help you,

what happened?

Well, the next day--

it was in the afternoon-- he came back.

He said that he tried to get money from his father,

but his father wouldn't give it to him.

Then what?He said he wanted me to get out of town right away.

Why did he want you to get out of town right away?

Scott was afraid of his father--

- afraid of what might happen to me and the baby. - Your Honor, I protest--

That's why he needed the money? Because his father refused him?

He was afraid you'd be run out of town.

That'll do for now. Your witness.

First of all, let me ask you-- Are you acquainted with the accused?

- Yes. - How well?

Pretty well. He comes into the hotel once in a while.

Oh, come now, Miss Dineen. You're under oath.

Isn't it true that you are quite fond of Mr. Horn?

Yes.

Thank you.

Now, you claim that Scott Briscoe was the father of your child.

Yes.

Do you have a birth certificate so stating?

No.

No, I shouldn't think so.

As a matter of fact, you've been using the name Johnson here in town.

- You call the child Shawn Michael Johnson. - That's just a name I made up.

You're rather good at making up things, aren't you, Mrs. Johnson?

In fact, this whole story about the child being Briscoe's, the money--

The whole thing is a story to save his neck--

your friendSam Horn.

[ Spectators Murmuring ]No, I--

That'll be all, Miss Dineen.

[ Chattering ]

[ No Audible Dialogue ]

[ Garth ] Uh, one moment, please.

Redirect.

[ Chattering Continues ]

Is this the baby? The one you say is Scott Briscoe's?

Yes.

The learned prosecutor says this isn't so.

Says Peg Dineen is making the whole thing up.

What do you say, Mrs. Briscoe?

Is she telling the truth?

Is this your grandson?[ Babbling ]

[ Spectators Murmuring ]

- Jury prepared to render a verdict? - We are, Your Honor.

Will the defendant please rise? Face the jury.

Now you may read your verdict.

We find the defendant not guilty.

[ Spectators Murmuring ]

[ No Audible Dialogue ]Excuse me.

Peg?

Peg, wait a minute. I want to talk to you.

Judith, listen to me--No.

Now, you listen to me.

I'm not going to let our lives and our son's life go for nothing...

because of your stubborn pride.

One way or another, we're going to help that girl and her baby--

if she'll let us.

Mrs. Briscoe, I--

I hope you'll forgive me for what I had to do.

No apology is necessary, Judge Garth.

If you, uh, have a moment,

my husband and I would like to see that Sam Horn gets fair payment for his land.

Well, I'm afraid he-he wouldn't accept it--

not unless they all got fair payment.

Then they will.

[ No Audible Dialogue ]

[ Man Announcing ] Produced in color in association with the NBC television network.