Original subtitles

[ theme music playing ]

I sure am gonna miss this spot

as a place to come in and cool off in the afternoon.

Clemmet, you ever stop to figure that...

life is pretty much like a checker game?

I don't want to hear about it.

What's the matter with you?

I just asked you a simple question, is all.

Ain't no such thing as a simple question with you, Micah.

You got a mind-- no one on earth can follow it.

How many times would you say you beat me in checkers in the last year?

You're smarter than me.

Is that what you're tryin' to say?

Ain't no news about that.

Well, you just lost again.

The game ain't over yet.

Ain't it, though?

All right.

Make your move.

That's what I'm leadin 'up to, Clemmet.

You lose and you lose, but you don't never learn.

For a man who's get everything worked out so fine, you ain't sittin' so pretty.

I ain't the one who's sittin' here in jail, neither, am I?

Why, of course.

Everybody knows you've never been in trouble.

[ laughs ]

For downright ugliness,

I ain't never seen anyone cold come up to you, Clemmet.

[ laughing ]

When is Clipper coming with my fine money?

Should be anytime now.

He was holdin' a real nice royal flush when I left.

WOMAN: ♪ He tickles my fancy

♪ And makes me romancey

♪ So happy, so happy

♪ What is a girl to do?

♪ His eyes are so glancey

♪ His eyes are so blue

♪ They make me romancey

♪ They really do

♪ When he

♪ Smiles like an angel

♪ That devil will win

♪ I can't resist him

♪ I have to give in

♪ He tickles my fancy

♪ As very few do

♪ He'll tickle my fancy

♪ My whole

♪ Life through

[ cheering ]

♪♪

Thank you.

I open for two.

Two...

and, uh...

five more.

Sheriff?

Now, remember--

we're a family.

I even helped you raise Beck and Clipper.

It's right we should stick together.

True.

True.

True, Clemmet.

Sheriff! There's a terrible ruckus

down at the saloon!

All right, I'm comin'.

[ gasps ] You wouldn't hit a lady, would you?

Break it up! Break it!

What happened?

Just a couple of sore losers, that's all.

Got their dander up.

No, she's workin' with him.

She's givin' our cards away.

You all saw it?

Everybody saw it! Ask 'em!

Wait a minute, Sheriff. They didn't see anything.

After all, you can't see brains and imagination, can you?

That's all it took for me to beat those two...

deadheads.

Pick up your money and go on home.

I want the three of you out of Laramie by morning.

Wait a minute, Sheriff.

Just put your mouth to bed, fella.

You beat all I ever seen, Sheriff.

You didn't even ask the boy his side of the story.

Give a man a chance to prove his innocence. That's the law.

The law is that I can order you and your family out of town.

And that's what I just did.

What about Clemmet?

You got his $30 fine?

I would've had, if you'd let Clipper finish a game.

Then he'll serve his full time.

Much as I'd like to get rid of all of you at once.

Blasted sheriff.

Blasted town!

We sure got a good day for traveling, don't we, Pa?

Oh, come on, Pa.

We're just trying to help Uncle Clemmet.

Appears to me, if you were smart,

like I brung you up to be,

Uncle Clemmet would be here

instead of sittin' in that jail cell.

Now, we've been in worse spots than this.

Well, we always manage to bounce right back.

Maybe when you get to my age,

you won't bounce so easy.

Maybe you'd like to have half a notion

your children would take care of you

in the twilight of your life.

[ laughs ] Twilight of your life?

Just about wrenches your heart out, doesn't it?

BECKY: Honestly, Pa.

You go ahead and laugh.

Pay no mind to your pa.

I'm sorry.

How far do you think it is to Medicine Bow?

Did you tell Uncle Clemmet that's where we were headed?

Maybe if it was to get real quiet,

I might could think better.

Whoa! Whoa!

I hope you've got plenty of bounce, boy.

'Cause you're the one that's gonna have to fix it.

Where do you suppose we are?

Halfway between bad luck and starvation.

Black cloud, when are you gonna move away

and let a little sunshine down on this pour soul?

I guess I'll take a walk over to that pond.

I guess you won't!

Pa, I'm hot and tired and dirty.

Clipper can't fix that wheel on an empty stomach.

You get busy and cook up somethin'.

Like what? We ate the last we had this morning.

Well, now...

ain't this a fine mess!

I'm gonna go scare up a rabbit.

I'll fix that later.

You don't think that stray wandered this far, do you?

They don't think much about distance, Jennifer.

He might've gone up that draw near the pond.

[ gunshot ]

Afternoon.

What are you doin'? That's a Shiloh steer.

This steer was half dead when I found him.

He's got a broken leg. I had to shoot him.

I wasn't gonna stand around and watch him suffer.

Who are you? What are you doing here?

Clipper Ellis, Ma'am.

Caught in a moment of misfortune.

My family's right over there.

I'm Randy Benton. This is Jennifer Sommers.

We're from Shiloh Ranch.

Maybe we can give you a hand over there.

Much obliged.

MICAH: It stretches away far as the eye can see.

Shiloh.

Got a nice sound to it.

Miss Jennifer, you and Randy is like a ray of sunshine

on a dark day.

I'm glad we could be of some help.

Yeah, sure is neighborly of you.

When are you gonna be finished?

I swear, I don't know why you're in such an all-fired rush.

I'd like to find a hotel, fix my hair,

take a hot bath, and get out of this flower sack.

Plenty of time for that.

Soon as the wheel is fixed...proper like.

At the ranch.

♪♪

I hope you like lemonade.

Oh, yeah, it's fine.

[ knock on door ]

Oh, Mr. Ellis. Come on in.

Randy showed me around.

It's quite a spread, Miss Jennifer.

Reminds me of the place I was raised on.

Not as big as this, of course.

Uh...must be good grazing land.

Best around.

All them cattle we saw on the way in--

are they Shiloh?Yes.

Won't you sit down?Thank you.

Pa, is that wagon about ready yet?

Hmm? Oh, yes. Randy and Clipper is workin' on it.

Would you like some lemonade?

Thank you.

She just made it fresh.

The cookies, too.

I ain't seen such consideration among the young

in a long time.

Sorry I missed your uncle.

I'd like to meet him.

You can tell a lot about a man from his home.

I ain't had lemonade since I was knee-high.

It's good, real good.

Thank you.

Mmm!

These cookies are delicious!

Ain't a man alive knows more about cookies than I do.

It's from a new recipe. Would you like it, Becky?

I'll copy it out for you.

I don't know what I'd do with it.

Becky would be pleased to have the recipe.

She just don't want to impose, is all.

[ door closes ]

Howdy.

Mr. Ellis, Becky-- this is our foreman.

Howdy.Hello.

I followed your wagon tracks. Have some trouble?

Broke a wheel out on the range.

Randy and Jennifer gave us a hand.

Hope you don't mind our bustin' in like this.

Not at all. I wondered if you could tell me anything about...

a Shiloh steer somebody shot I found on the way in.

My son Clipper shot him.

Well, now, Mr. Ellis--

Clipper put it out of its pain.

It had a broken leg.

Don't know how to thank you folks

for all you've done.

That's all right.

I'll tell you, though.

We're kind of between a rock and a hard place.

The fact is, we're flat busted, if you want to know.

Our horse is poorly,

we've run out of supplies--

Pa.

What we're really in need of is work.

Know anybody that'd think about puttin' on a couple of good hands?

We could put you on right here, Mr. Ellis.

It sure would help us out.

Appears to be a fine place to work, all right.

Then it's all settled.

I guess we can put you on for a while.

We'd be pleased to stay for as long as you can use us.

I'll go tell Clipper.

It's going to be fun having you here, Becky.

It does get lonesome sometimes without another woman.

Do you like your room?

Yeah, it's nice.

Is this a feather bed?Mm-hmm.

We don't see much of them.

Where's your home?

Texas.

That was a long time ago.

We've moved around a lot since then.

Don't you have a regular home?

No. It's mostly hotels and rooming houses.

Oh, you don't have to bother with that.

I can do it later.All right.

Listen, why don't you get some rest?

I'll see about something to eat.

That'd be nice, thanks.

♪♪

THE VIRGINIAN: Jennifer?

I'd like to speak to you for a minute.

Sit down.

I, uh--

I don't really know how to say this.

But I don't want you to get too friendly with those people.

Look, if you're angry about the steer-

I figure they were hungry.

A steer with a broken leg must look like fair game to them.

Then what?

You're putting me in an awkward position

with the Ellises.

You mean about hiring them.

We don't really know anything about them.

But here they are. The men have moved into the bunkhouse,

and the girl's moved in here.

You hire people all the time

without knowing all about them.

It's a little different.

Why, because it's you that does it?

No, not just because it's me.

A man with a son and daughter

should be more reliable than a hand drifting around by himself.

I hope so.

You're probably right.

See you later.

King high straight.

I'd better clear while I got this month's pay.

What do you mean? You still owe me last month's pay.

[ laughs ]

Always use a little fresh money in the game.

Sure can.

Always room for one more.

Here you go.

I'm sorry, Jennifer.

That's all right, Becky.

It was an old plate anyways.

Listen, would it be all right

if I went over to see Pa and Clipper for a minute?

Oh, all right. Go ahead.

Yeah. I won't be long.

Here we go.

Open for a dollar.

I'll try you.

I guess I'm in.

How many?

I'll take three.

Three, the man said.

You?

Same.

Dealer takes two.

Too bad, boy.

Better make this the last hand, Clipper.

Ought to say good night to Becky before we turn in.

Seeing as how it's the last hand,

Might as well shove in the stack.

Might as well.

Too rich for me.

Four times, Randy.

Well, I'm close, anyway.

[ knock on door ]

Good evening.

Evening.

I wonder if I could speak to Pa and Clipper for a minute.

Of course.

Clipper, Micah-- Becky's here.

Something bothering you?

Strange sort of a game, wasn't it?

What do you mean?

Clipper's luck sure changed awful fast.

You just let me ask you something, miss.

Would Jennifer come callin' at the bunkhouse?

What do I care what Jennifer would do?

I couldn't wait any longer, Pa.

I'm half crazy stuck up at that house with that silly girl.

What are we doin' here? What are you up to?

You just let me worry about that.

Pa, why'd you give me the signal to quit?

I don't want to do anything to spoil what we got here.

What have we got here?

Ain't I always taken care of things?

Ain't we always come out on top? Pa--

We needed a place, didn't we?

What's wrong with this one?

Nothing, but--

We've been lucky enough

to fall into a good thing.

I got a feelin' there's something to be had here.

You got something on your mind you ain't tellin 'us.

Nothin' that ain't there for everyone to see.

You go on back in the house, Jennifer.

Clipper and me will see you after work tomorrow.

Pa, you really expect me to start punchin' cattle again?

Huh? You're gonna punch cattle, too?

I'm gonna do the best I can.

Whatever I can. And so will you.

Both of you.

While I take the time to sniff around a little.

Becky, uh...

why don't you see if you can borrow a dress

from Jennifer?

What's the matter with my own dresses?

Nothin'. Nothin'.

It's just that, uh...

they might seem a little fancy

around the ranch-- that's all.

Brandy.

Looks like you got a nice little town here.

Better than most.

I'm lookin' for some folks named Ellis.

Name doesn't mean anything to me.

They probably come in a couple of days ago.

Old man, a young fella...

pretty girl.

No, I haven't seen anybody like that.

You might try Shiloh.

I hear they've taken on a couple of new hands out there.

Shiloh?

It's the big spread out toward Oak Creek.

[ chuckles ]

Yeah, well, I don't think they'd like to be workin' on a ranch.

Sorry I couldn't help you.

Hyah!

[ men shouting ]

There you go.Thank you.

Sure tastes good on a day like this, don't it?

Too bad there's not enough to take a bath in.

Heh. That'd be nice.

You been doin' this long?

Ever since I was about 13.

You like it?

I don't know.

Hadn't thought about it much.

What's it gettin' you?

Might get a place of my own some day,

run some horses.

What about you-- you got any plans?

[ scoffs ] Plans?

We've been movin' around so much,

I haven't had time to sit down and make any plans.

Well, I'd better get back.

Yeah, that foreman's got eyes in the back of his head.

He keeps 'em open because he likes a full day's work,

if that's what you mean.

I don't think you'll find a fairer man, though.

Oh, no, that's not what I meant.

I was, uh-- I was just joking.

Don't work too hard.

You go for one more drink, and see what I do.

I don't get you, Pa.

What are you killin' yourself for?

You've been pushin' all morning.

I'm gonna do more than push in a minute.

I said we was gonna work, not play around at it.

You think that foreman's blind?

You mount up and go out there

and help him catch them steers out in that brush.

Yes, sir.

Hey, Uncle Clemmet.

What are you doing here?

You all left Laramie kind of sudden like.

We got run out. Didn't Pa tell you?

Nope. He never come back for me.

Sheriff said you headed out this way.

I wouldn't believe it

unless I seen it with my own eyes.

You're working.

Yeah, I guess so.

Where's Micah?

He's working, too.

Is that a fact?

Pretty big spread they got here.

Yeah.

How long you plan to stay?

Oh, I don't know. Pa's got something in his head,

but he won't tell me what it is.

He can be devious if he has a mind to.

Why don't you talk to him?

Becky and me want to get out of here.

Where is she?

She's up at the house, helpin 'out.

Tell you what--

you tell Micah I'll be around town, waitin' for him.

First chance he gets, tell him to ride on in and look for me.

And, Clipper--

don't work too hard.

[ laughs ]

Hi.

Good afternoon.

That certainly is an attractive dress you're wearing.

Thank you.

You and Jennifer have a pleasant day?

Pleasant enough.

I'm not much on cookin' and cleanin' and such.

Don't you keep house for Clipper and your pa?

We don't very often live in houses.

It's mostly rented rooms.

Well, maybe all that will change

when your pa settles down.

When my pa settles down?

I wouldn't bet on that.

How about you?

Maybe someday.

But that is a long way's off.

Now might be a good time to try it,

see how you like it.

I suppose.

But I keep remembering how it was with my ma.

When I was a kid, Pa had a little farm.

And she worked herself to death on that place.

I bet she was real pretty when they got married.

But I don't remember her that way.

When she spoke to you,

you couldn't hardly stand to look in her eyes.

It's like she knew what was happening to her,

but she didn't know why.

I'm sorry.

You know, you just had me wondering.

What about?

My ma.

I wonder what would've happened

if she could've lived to see me grown.

I have an idea she would've been real proud

of her grown-up daughter.

Look, I know you're anxious to get cleaned up and eat.

I'll see you later.

Pa, I wanted to tell you--

Uncle Clemmet's in town.

Clemmet?

Yeah, he rode out here to see us.

Anybody see you two together?

No, not that I know of. Why?

Never mind. Where is he now?

He said he's waiting to talk to you.

He sure was surprised to find us here, though.

Why didn't you tell him where we were going?

I figured we had enough to do to keep ourselves alive

without taking care of him.

He's a grown man now.

It's time he was lookin' out for himself.

It's just as well he's here now, though.

Oh? Why do you say that?

Go on, get washed up.

Hello, Clipper.Hi, Jennifer.

Ha ha!What's so funny?

What are you doin'?

You got flour all over your face.

I'm baking a cake. What do you think I'm doing?

That's what's so funny.

Mm-hmm.

I'll take the half that Jennifer bakes.

Just see if you get any at all.

Well, the cake isn't really ready yet,

but we can offer you some coffee.

That'll be just fine.

What do we do now, Jennifer?

When the batter is ready, we pop it in the pans,

put it in the oven,

and then keep our fingers crossed.

Then don't we have to kind of tiptoe around?

I remember when my ma used to put a cake in the oven--

you remember that, Clipper?

She used to us to either tiptoe around

or go outside and play.

So the cake wouldn't fall.

Except you were the one that was always stompin' around, not me.

Well, I like that.

Do you think you could finish this up?

I'd like to go wash my hair,

so it'll look nice when we go into town.

All right.

Do you want me to do it up for you?

No, I think I can get it.

I'll see you later.

I like your sister, Clipper.

You make friends pretty easily, don't you?

Oh, I know when I like somebody.

I'm glad you stopped by.

Are church is having a picnic Sunday.

Would you like to come?

Church? No.

You sound like some of the hands.

No sermons. Just chicken and...

potato salad... and ants and things.

Well...

thanks for asking me.

I'll let you know.

Well, you can't complain about being kept waiting this time.

No, sure can't.

You two look real pretty. Thank you.

Got the rig right outside.

Sorry you can't come into town, Clipper.

Oh, that's all right. Maybe next time.

Didn't look like you was gonna take this too easy the other day.

I don't mind it.

You gonna see Uncle Clemmet when you get to town?

Could be.

Pa, when do you suppose we'll be movin' on?

Well, now, that's a mite hard to say.

It all depends.

Howdy, Randy.

Howdy, Mr. Ellis.

Well, looks like you fellas got your work cut out for you.

Oh, either of you need anything from in town?

No, I don't need anything.

Clipper?

Huh?Need anything?

Oh, no. Nothin' for me, thanks.

Well, I'll be on my way.

You want to hand me that bridle there?

Sure is nice to have your company, Clipper.

All this work would take me about three months by myself.

Well, guess that just about does it.

I'm gonna cross and have somethin' wet.

Oh, wouldn't you love to walk in there

and buy that?

Where would you wear a dress like that?

Ladies?

You about finished?

I thought maybe I could persuade you

to have lunch with me at the hotel.

Wonderful.Becky?

That'd be just fine.

Good thing you showed up, Micah.

What do you mean by that?

I didn't take too kindly

to being left moldering in that cell.

Especially without no word from you.

I told you, that sheriff, he--

I know.

Anyhow, I was fixin' to ride out to Shiloh

and speak to you personally any minute.

I'm glad you didn't do that, Clemmet.

I can use you.

You're on to something, ain't you?

I knew it.

I knew there had to be a reason for you to sign on to that ranch.

Now, what is it, Micah?

Let me ask you something.

What's the main business of the Shiloh Ranch?

Cattle, of course.There you are.

You see now?

And you was always supposed to be the smart one.

What's the matter with you?

Suppose you rustle a few head of cattle.

That's your bright idea, ain't it?

Who are you gonna sell 'em to around here?

Nobody around here.

There's that bunch hid out at Mesa Grande.

They've got to be short on provisions,

especially beef.

And those boys-- they're in no position

to just stroll into the first door they come to.

I don't like it.

Why? Don't you see? It's perfect.

I'm on the inside.

I've been workin' hard.

They're startin' to trust me now.

Why, it'd be as easy as pie.

Just a few at a time. Nobody'd ever miss 'em.

What's the goin' price on steer?

$10, thereabouts.

I bet we could get us 20 easy.

Maybe more.

Those boys out there, they're starvin' to death

with fortunes in their bedrolls.

How do we do it?

We grab us a bunch...

and hold 'em someplace.

Then, when we're ready,

you drive 'em into Mesa Grande

and sell 'em.

What about Clipper and Becky?

They don't need to know nothin'.

You and me is a team, Clemmet.

We always have been.

Clemmet, it's about time...

we got a hold of some money again.

Some real money.

Bartender? Two more.

[ whistling ]

BECKY: Clipper?

Oh, hi.

Hi.

Well, how was your trip to town?

Just fine. The Virginian took us to lunch at the hotel.

Oh, that's a long step away

from sittin' on a dirty wagon

with nothing to eat in it.

I forgot how good you were with horses.

Yeah. Me, too.

Clipper?

You still so anxious to move on?

Oh...

not so much.

You?

Not so much.

It's safe here.

You know what I mean?

Yeah.

You know, I--

I've been noticing you look a little different lately.

Different?Mm-hmm.

I don't know.

Prettier or younger... or somethin'.

Well...thank you very much.

Well, you know what I mean.

Yeah, I know.

Look, I got a question I've been meaning to ask you.

What?

Well, you're not gonna laugh at me or anything, are you?

No.

Well, Jennifer asked me to go

on this church picnic.

Are you gonna go?

I don't know.

What would you do?

Why not go? Church picnics are fun.

Ah, what would you know about it?

You never been on one

I know.

But Ma and Pa went once or twice.

And she used to tell me about it sometimes.

Yeah? Pa never took us, though, did he?

I guess he didn't have time for things like that

after Ma died.

Maybe he should've made time, Beck.

Yeah. Maybe.

[ overlapping chatter ]

♪ I was hauling a full load of hay ♪

♪ Clouds came up, it started to rain ♪

♪ There's always something to cause me pain ♪

♪ Wouldn't you know? Wouldn't you know? ♪

♪ It might be rain, it might be snow ♪

♪ Something's bound to cause you woe ♪

♪ Wouldn't you know?

♪ I went to church, dressed up fine ♪

♪ All the pretty girls were standin' in line ♪

♪ Lookin' just as pretty as they could be ♪

♪ And not a darned one of them was lookin' at me ♪

♪ Wouldn't you know? Wouldn't you know? ♪

♪ You think you're a winner, and you don't even show ♪

♪ I ain't never been nobody's beau ♪

♪ Wouldn't you know?

♪ Still a cowboy, a good horse down ♪

♪ We spent a lot of time pickin' our mount ♪

♪ Seems to be my run of luck ♪

♪ I always get the ones that buck ♪

♪ Wouldn't you know? Wouldn't you know? ♪

♪ When you wanna go fast, your horse goes slow ♪

♪ You wanna get, and he won't go ♪

♪ Wouldn't you know?

♪ I play a little cards on Saturday ♪

♪ I usually lose most of my pay... ♪

Hi.

Hi.

Do you want some more chicken?

No, thanks. I've had all I can eat.

You make a very good picnic lunch, Miss Sommers.

Do me a favor.

Hmm?

Tell me about yourself.

Nothing much to tell.

I'm a very dull subject.

Do you realize-- I hardly know anything about you.

I'm a hired hand on your uncle's ranch.

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry.

I mean, I didn't ask out of just simple curiosity.

You're a very nice girl, Jennifer.

I don't know what I'm doing with you.

Clipper, I--Let me finish.

You see...

you're kind of people and my kind of people--

they just don't belong together.

For example, I've never even been inside a church.

And you go to church every Sunday, don't you?

I've never been to school.

See, Pa and Becky and me--

we're, uh...drifters.

Not comin' from nowhere and not goin' nowhere.

Only because you've never found anyplace to put roots down.

No, that's not the reason.

Jennifer, you ever watched a threshing crew

at work in a field?

You know what they do?

They separate the wheat from the chaff.

They keep the wheat,

but nobody wants the chaff.

So, it just blows away.

Well, that's what we are.

Chaff.

Well, come on.

♪♪

Hello.Hi.

I noticed you didn't leave with the others.

I thought I'd make you some coffee.

Well, thanks very much.

Very nice of you.

I had some paperwork to do.

Take it black?Uh-huh.

Sit down.

Thanks.

Jennifer said you had a headache. Is it better now?

I didn't really have a headache.

I guess I'm just not the picnic type.

Oh?

Is there something wrong with you

if you don't like picnics?

I didn't say that.

You didn't have to.

You know somethin', Becky?

I like you and your family very much.

The boys are workin' out fine.

But I sure can't figure you out.

In what way?

Well, you and Clipper and your pa,

wandering around the country aimlessly,

no roots.

Is there something wrong with that?

I didn't say "wrong".

Just strange.

Take Clipper, for instance.

I noticed his hands.

He hasn't done any hard work with 'em for a long time.

Neither has your pa.

What you're saying is, we don't belong at a place like Shiloh.

Oh, I know.

You didn't say it, but that's what you meant.

Well, you're right.

Pa and Clipper don't usually work on ranches.

Now, then, that leaves just me for you to wonder about.

Well, I happen to think there are better ways of having fun

than picnics.

You know something?

All of a sudden, all I want to do

is get as far away from you as I can.

♪ Wouldn't you know? Wouldn't you know? ♪

♪ It might be rain, it might be snow ♪

♪ Something's bound to cause you woe ♪

♪ Wouldn't you know?

♪ I went to church, dressed up fine ♪

♪ All the pretty girls were standin' in line ♪

♪ Lookin' just as pretty as they could be ♪

♪ Not a darned one of 'em was lookin' at me ♪

♪ Wouldn't you know? Wouldn't you know? ♪

♪ You think you're a winner, and you don't even show ♪

♪ I ain't never been nobody's beau ♪

♪ Wouldn't you know?

Jennifer? Come on in.

Well, how was the picnic?

Wonderful. You should've gone.

Everyone was there.

Good. Sit down.

I, uh...want to talk to you.

I'm afraid it's about the Ellises again.

Oh. Aren't Clipper and Mr. Ellis working out?

Well, Clipper's a hard-working boy.

Micah does the best he can.

I'm glad to hear that.

Jen, that's not the point.

I know about them. Clipper told me.

But that was all before they came to Shiloh.

None of it really has anything to do with us.

I hope you're right.

You believe in them, and I'd like to.

But I have to tell you what I think.

I think Shiloh's just a stopping-off point for the Ellises.

That's no reason not to like them, is it?

Not to be friendly with them?

No.

It's a good reason just to be careful.

I got a letter from Uncle Henry the other day.

Oh, what'd he say?

He says he misses everyone,

and he knows you're looking after me.

You tell him I'm trying.

You know he doesn't mean that exactly.

I'm grown up enough to look after myself. Don't you think?

Make my own decisions?

Jen, just because a person is grown

doesn't mean other people stop being concerned about them.

You don't think being concerned is an excuse for interfering, do you?

I think it's the very best excuse for interfering.

Don't you think people should wait until they're asked?

Not always.

Well, I think they would...

if they really respected you.

Unless, in addition to respecting you,

they were very fond of you as well.

Clipper?

Pa get back yet?

What's he doin' there so long anyway?

He's with Uncle Clemmet, of course.

I don't know. They're up to something.

Yeah. Well, I'm up to something, too.

I'm up to here with Pa's notions,

with Shiloh, with everybody!

We've been fools, Clipper.

I'm so mad at Pa, I could leave without him.

The Virginian didn't say we had to leave.

You don't want to stay here now, do you?

Can't you see Pa was wrong?

Or do you want to wait till we are asked to leave?

No, I guess not.

Well, I'll tell you what I'm gonna do.

I'm gonna pack and leave first thing in the morning.

Aren't you even gonna wait to hear what Pa has to say?

Now, listen, Clipper.

If you and I leave Shiloh and move into Medicine Bow,

what do you think Pa's gonna do?

He's gonna come with us.

You bet he will.

He'll be mad, but he'll get over it.

If you ask me, he didn't exactly take to workin' so hard anyway.

No, I guess not.

Let's leave early, huh?

I was going around lighting the lamps.

It's getting dark.

Well, if you're waiting for me to say I'm sorry...

No, that's not what I'm waiting for.

Becky, why didn't you tell me?

It seems that me and Clipper

have gotten ourselves into a bad habit.

We do anything our pa tells us to.

I am sorry, though.

You've been real nice.

This isn't a very good way to pay you back.

Why didn't Mr. Ellis want us to know?

How do you think your uncle would feel

if he knew you had a saloon girl staying with you?

Becky, he wouldn't--

I think Pa figured Shiloh was a good place to retire.

He didn't want anything to spoil his chances.

But he's the only one that's ready to retire.

I'm not. Not yet, anyway.

Maybe you can understand that.

Not exactly.

But I'm trying to.

Thanks for loaning me your dress.

It's real pretty.

Pa?What--

Oh.

You gave me a start, boy.

Just takin' in the air, or was you waitin' on me?

I was waitin' on you.

What for?

Becky and me decided to pull out of Shiloh.

You and Becky decided, huh?

Becky and you decided.

Jennifer and the Virginian know all about us.

I think it'd be better if we left right away.

And who was it took it on themselves

to tell all about us?

Both of us.

Ain't that just fine.

Pa--

Take care of my horse.

Maybe I can still smooth things over with the Virginian.

[ man singing ]

♪ For the grass, it always ♪

♪ Looks greener up ahead

♪ Now, I've seen towns

♪ Where I've wanted to settle down ♪

♪ I been thankful for the road ♪

♪ That led me here

♪ But the road ends today

♪ Tomorrow leads away

♪ And that road, it keeps callin' me ♪

♪ Back again

♪ Wonderin'

♪ Wonderin', wonderin'

♪ Wonderin' will I

♪ Ever see my home again

♪ Will sorrow and strife...

[ knock on door ]

Come in.

Evenin', Micah.

I seen you still had a light on.

Can I talk to you a minute?

Sure. Sit down.

I guess you know my kids decided to leave Shiloh.

Clipper told me.

Guess they told you a lot more than that, huh?

They were a good deal more honest than you were, Micah.

You gotta admit-- I never told no lies.

I didn't tell them they had to leave.

It was their own decision.

But I can't help but agree with 'em.

Neither one of them would've been very comfortable here.

You tell me what a man's supposed to do

with two motherless kids

and a streak of bad luck 100 miles wide.

Becky and Clipper--

they didn't know what I was tryin' to do here.

I guess maybe...

I didn't know, either, in the beginning.

Then...it all come to me.

If I could just get the kids set someplace,

get 'em mixed in with some nice folks,

then everything would be all right.

And me--

I wouldn't have to go no more.

But...

I was born under a black cloud, mister,

and it's been gettin' bigger and bigger.

My ma--she raised eight boys.

Ain't but two of us left.

Not a one of 'em died in bed.

She used to say we was all bad seed.

I guess maybe that's so.

Of course, I ain't never done nothin' right.

You know what's gonna happen in the next town we hit?

Or maybe the one after that?

I'm gonna die, mister.

In the street or on a saloon floor.

My kids are gonna have to scrape up the money to bury me.

I guess maybe...

it would've been better here somehow.

You don't have to leave.

Clipper and Becky--

they want to go.

But...

I'll talk to 'em.

I'll talk to 'em again.

You can still change your mind, Becky.

Thanks. But I think it's better this way.

You've been awful nice, considering.

Why don't you come in and see me sometime?

Good-bye, Jennifer.

Bye, Becky.

Sorry it didn't work out, Clipper.

It's all right.

Wagon's ready. Might as well go, if we're going.

I'll ride along into town with you, if you don't mind.

I gotta pick up the mail.

That's fine.

Whoa.

Well, this is where I leave you.

Sure hate to know y'all won't be around Shiloh anymore.

We'll probably be here in town for a while.

Stop in and see us next time you're in.

Sure will.

Becky, Mr. Ellis.

Wish you all the best of luck.

Thank you, Randy.Thanks, boy.

Well, so long.

BECKY: Bye.

Well...

you two got all the answers.

What now?

Oh, come on, Pa. Don't be mad.

What's done is done.

That's for sure.

How much money we got, boy?

Oh, about $20, I guess.

That ain't too bad for a start at all.

We've started on less than that, haven't we, Pa?

You ready to see what kind of poker players

Medicine Bow has got?

Sure, he is.

Come on, let's get us some rooms in the hotel

and look up Uncle Clemmet.

It'd be just like old times, Pa.

What's the matter?

Nothin', nothin'.

You and Becky go on inside.

I'll put the team up.

[ clicks tongue, whistles ]

[ horse approaching ]

Good afternoon.

Aw, come on, now, Jennifer.

I don't know what you mean.

Maybe you're not trying.

Look, one thing I don't want to hear is,

"You'll feel better about this in time."

I promise.

Thank you.

I'm afraid I do feel a little foolish.

You saw the good in Becky and Clipper.

There's nothing foolish about that.

You seen Randy?

No. Isn't he back yet?

I think I'll ride out and meet him.

You're not worried about him, are you?

Not yet. But I think I'll ride out anyway.

Randy!

Come on. Back up.

What happened?

I heard some cattle over here. I rode over.

Somebody shot me out of the saddle.

It's not too bad.

Did you get a look at him?

No.

Looks like someone's been holding some cattle here, all right.

When was the last time you saw the Ellises?

At the hotel, when I left 'em in town.

You don't think they had anything to do with it, do you?

Their leaving this morning kind of adds up.

They could've been taking some strays,

a few at a time.

You feel up to riding into Medicine Bow?

Doctor better take a look at that shoulder.

What you gonna do?

I'm gonna look up the Ellises.

Hey, Pa.

Where's Becky?

Up at the room-- dressing, I guess.

Says she found herself a job here.

Looked around for Uncle Clemmet.

Couldn't find him.

Clemmet--he went on toward Foster Flats.

Oh?

Wonder why he didn't stick around and go with us.

Well, he just didn't, that's all.

Maybe he figured the grass was greener up north.

Or maybe he just got tired

of waitin' around Medicine Bow, doing nothin'.

It's funny. He didn't even say good-bye.

Ain't nothin' funny about it at all.

Why don't you go back to the hotel and wash up?

This place will be fillin' up pretty soon.

Maybe you can run that $20

to a couple of hundred.

I was planning to do just that, Pa.

You go on, then.

I'll wait here for you.

And after I do that,

I'm gonna be moving along.

Of course. Ain't that what we always do?

I didn't say "we", Pa.

You mean you feel right

about bustin' up the family?

I mean, I don't feel right about doin' this anymore.

[ knock on door ]

Come in.

I didn't expect you to come visit me so soon.

I have to go to work in a few minutes.

You look very nice, Becky.

Thank you.

You look awful serious.

THE VIRGINIAN: Randy ran across some Shiloh strays.

Someone was holding them in a draw.

They're gone now.

Well, what are you tellin' me for?

It's just I thought it was a little strange--

you and Clipper and your Pa suddenly leaving Shiloh

and Randy coming across those strays the same morning.

You don't think I took 'em.

Do you?

No. I don't think you shot Randy, either.

But somebody did.

Your pa and Clipper around?

My pa doesn't have the gumption

to rob anybody.

And Clipper does his robbing at the gambling table.

He's in the next room. Ask him yourself.

Clipper?

Clipper.

Where's your pa supposed to be?

In the saloon.

Mm-hmm.

Pa, where's Clipper?

Ain't he in the hotel room?

Somebody stole some Shiloh cattle and shot Randy.

They think Clipper did it.

Oh. Now, ain't that a foolish notion.

You know the boy wouldn't do a thing like that.

I'm not as sure as you think I am, Micah.

It was Uncle Clemmet, wasn't it?

Hush up!

No, I will not.

Clipper said you and Uncle Clemmet

were up to something.

Well, Micah?

He won't be very far ahead

if he's pushin' those cattle alone.

Unless he's got Clipper helping him.

[ mooing ]

That's a good way to get your head blown off, boy.

That coffee smelled awful good.

You always was a cool one.

Where's Micah and Becky?

In town.

Then what are you--

Oh.

Micah decided he couldn't trust me

to deliver them beeves for him. That it?

Answer me, boy.

You aren't gonna deliver those cattle, Uncle Clemmet.

Heh. You expecting me

to just up and give 'em to you?

No, I guess not.

You, uh, plan to take 'em, then?

I never had to do anything against you before.

'Cause I never had a reason.

As far as I know, you never used that

on anybody.

You'd better think it over, boy.

Shootin' a man is a lot different than shootin' a tin cans.

You take me, for instance.

I know what it feels like to throw down on a man.

It's like...

no other feeling in the world.

Those cattle still as important to you

as they was when you walked in here?

Those folks at Shiloh were mighty nice to Pa and Becky and me.

Yeah, they're still just as important.

Tell you what, boy. I figure I'd have the edge

if I was to draw on you.

And all I'd have to do is pull the trigger.

I'm bettin' you won't.

Give me your gun.

Never thought I'd live to see this day.

My own flesh and blood that I helped raise--

my little tad.

I wasn't gonna shoot you, boy.

I was just bluffin'.

This whole thing's a mistake.

Micah will explain it to you.

This is my uncle-- Clemmet Ellis.

That's your cattle over there.

I know you're not gonna believe this,

but I didn't know anything about what they were doing.

I--

I believe you, boy.

Guess there ain't no use

sayin' nothin' except...

good-bye.

I guess not, Pa.

You two are gonna stay together, ain't you?

Oh, sure we are, Pa.

Good-bye, Pa.

Pa.

Boy.

What's gonna happen to him?

He and Clemmet will have to stand trial.

And then?

Oh, probably a stretch in jail.

After that, it's up to him.

What's this?

That's the dress you liked.

Jennifer wanted you to have it.

That was nice of her.

[ sighs ] I guess we never gave it much thought,

neither of us--

Pa and Uncle Clemmet...

what we were doin'.

We should have maybe.

Never too late.

No, of course not.

Take care of yourself.I always have.

Who knows?

Maybe I'll find a place to wear Jennifer's dress.

I hope you do.

Clipper.

Bye.

You lied to Pa...

about us stayin' together.

I know.

You decided what you're gonna do yet?

Well, I kind of enjoyed workin' on the Shiloh Ranch.

I thought maybe I'd move on,

look for another ranch.

You?

All I know is...

I'm not sure.

Well, I got some packin' to do.

I'll go with you.

Why don't you go over to the livery

and see if they'll trade you a good horse for our wagon.

You'll be needin' a good horse.

Go on.

Don't you worry about me, little brother.

I'm gonna be all right.

[ theme music playing ]