Original subtitles

[ theme music playing ]

That's your best offer, huh?

Well, like I say, Mr. Grainger,

it's pretty early in the year to be buying beef at all,

especially after a hard winter.

They need to put on a little weight, I'll grant you,

but outside of that, they're in good shape.

Well, that's my offer. That's the best I can do.

Do we do business?

We do business.

200 head.Fine.

When can I expect them?

I'll start rounding them up right away.

It's a cash deal, of course.

Oh, of course.

Good day.

Say, Grainger?Yes?

I know it's none of my business,

but why are you selling them now,

when you know you can get a better price for 'em in the fall?

I'll have 'em at the railhead in about a week.

Oh, now, no offense intended, Mr. Grainger.

None taken.

Mr. Grainger.Hello, Ezra.

The foreman around?

No, he isn't. Him and Trampas are ridin' circle today.

Should be back soon. Unless, of course,

some of them critters got holed up Stirrup Canyon.

Ha ha! I remember one year when I was ridin' roundup--

I'll, uh, take care of your horse for you.

Oh, no, I can take care of it.

I know you can, but that's what you pay me for.

I know what I pay you for.

I also know I pay my foreman for his job.

But that doesn't mean I can't stick my nose in once in a while.

And it don't mean he can't tell you to go to blazes

if he don't like the way things are-- just as I can.

I hope you realize it's gonna be a mite difficult

unharnessing this critter with you standin' in my road.

[ chuckles ] Have it your way.

Reckon as I will.

Foreman comes in, tell him I'd like to talk to him.

Yes, I will.

Oh, picked up the mail.

There's one here for you.

It's from Frank.

He should be getting--

comin' home pretty soon, shouldn't he?

Mr. Grainger.

Won't be comin' in tomorrow.

Gotta go into Medicine Bow to meet the train.

Frank's comin' home.

Oh, that's fine. Just fine.

Yeah, a year behind bars.

Well, he's all paid up now.

Made a mistake, got what he deserved.

But it's all paid for.

Something else is gonna be paid for, too, when he gets home.

The money I owe you for my land and my house.

Well, there's been a deed made out in your name for a long time.

All you gotta do is say the word.

I'll say the word the minute I earn the money to pay for it.

Not one minute before.

Some things money can't buy.

And there's some things that ain't for sale.

No, I'm not talkin' about--

Oh, you're talkin' about reward.

I'd say it's the same thing.

What I did for Trampas, I'd do for any man alive

and expect him to do the same for me.

So let's not talk no more about it.

All I ask is a chance to earn my living.

Me and Frank both.

I told you there'd be a job waitin' for him at Shiloh

when he got out.

And there is.

Yeah.

Heh. Comin' home.

[ laughs ] Well, you nosy critter.

Mind your own business, and I'll get you a drink of water.

Come on, come on! [ clicks tongue ]

Ezra said you wanted to see me.

I contracted to sell 200 head today.

So have the boys start gathering.

Well, I...

sure hate to see you sell this time of year.

A couple of more months of grazing,

you'd make a big difference in your price.

Well, I'm afraid I haven't much choice.

Got a mortgage payment to meet.

Couldn't you ask the bank for an extension?

I could, but I'd rather not.

When's the delivery date?

I told him a week. Is that time enough?

We're shorthanded, but we'll make it.

Incidentally, you'll have a new hand in a couple of days.

Oh?

Frank Hollis, Ezra's son.

He's getting out of prison.

That a fact?

He only got a year.

Judge went easy on him because of his youth.

At least he can ride a horse.

Well, don't prejudge him. A man can change, you know.

But regardless of whether he's a good hand or not, he's hired.

I hate to put it that way,

but I think you can appreciate my position.

I understand it.

Ezra saved Trampas' life in the roundup last year.

As his employer and his friend,

don't you think I owe him something for what he did?

You've given it to him-- the right to earn his living--

the only thing a man like him really wants.

Well, I think I can safely stretch the point a little

to say that I owe his son the same chance.

I'll agree with you, allowing for one thing.

Which is?

You think Frank really wants to work for a living?

If he does, he's changed.

I knew you'd see it my way.

I'll put him on the payroll.

I could be wrong.

Whoa.

Pa?

Frank.

Pa!

[ laughs ]

Whoa. I got started and I couldn't stop.

Are you all right?Oh, I'm fine.

You grown. You put on weight.

Wait a minute. You weren't supposed to be home till tomorrow.

I got out a day earlier than I thought, and I couldn't wait.

I'm glad you couldn't. It's good to have you home, I can't tell you.

What are we doin' standing here?

You take care of my rig, I'll get a fire started.

You must be starved.

I am kinda.Well, good.

Nothin' fancy. Just some stew I made last night.

Oh, that's great. After the slop they fed us, it--

Listen, Frank. That's over and done with, understand?

When you got in trouble, I said some things to you I shouldn't ought to.

Angry things. But that's past, too.

From now on, it's you and me-- in the future, boy.

I got plans, great plans.

What's the matter?

What are you lookin' at me for that way? What?

You never wrote me and told me how bad your accident was, Pa.

Oh, that. Didn't I? Well, we're even.

You didn't write and tell me how bad the food was.

Ha! Pa!

I'll go start that fire.

Oh, Frank?

Yeah?

Was you the one that left that gate open?

I was there, yes.

Well, I keep it like you see it.

You know how your ma was about having things neat.

I remember.

There's some firewood by the house.

Bring in an armful when you come.

Go on, now. Finish your plate up.

There's plenty more where that came from.

Ah, I can't.

Oh, you said you was hungry.

I know I don't take no medals for cookin'.

[ laughs ]

How's everybody at Shiloh?

Oh, they're fine.

And they'll be happy to see you.

How about Trampas?

In the stampede, what happened to him?

Oh, he got roughed up a little bit, nothin' more.

Roughed up?

Frank, you want to blame somebody for what happened to me,

you blame me.

I'd do the same thing again for any man.

Trampas ain't any man. He's one of Grainger's top hands.

He's practically part of the family.

I don't see why that's important.

Well, Pa, I guess you don't.

And it looks like Clay Grainger agrees with you.

Frank, you want to say something, boy,

come on out and say it.

You'd think the old man would show us gratitude.

Oh, he did, boy.

I'm still workin' at Shiloh.

I can't ride a lick, but I still got my job.

Sweeping stables?

Earning my living.

Pa, Grainger has one of the biggest spreads in the territory.

Do you think a job sweeping stables is the best he could come up with?

Frank, that's the way I wanted it.

I earn what I get. I always have, and I always will.

That's just fine with him.

Oh, it took some persuading,

but now I think maybe it is.

Persuading?!

Frank, you're judging a man,

and you don't even know the facts.

Do you really think that's all Mr. Grainger wanted do,

was keep me on the payroll?

Nothin'! And it ain't because he didn't try.

This house, for example.

There's a deed in his safe right now with my name on it.

And all I gotta do is accept it.

Grainger told you that, said it to you?

Well, I sure didn't imagine it.

Maybe, Pa. Maybe that's just what you did.

No, hear me out.

I ain't saying he didn't tell it to you.

But maybe he knew who he was telling it to.

You're pretty safe at offering a man something

if you know he ain't gonna take it.

Do you really believe that?

All I'm saying is, if he wanted to make it up to you...

he would've found a way. Enough!

You think that about Mr. Grainger, that's all right.

But you keep it to yourself because I don't want to hear it!

And you want something for nothing,

you go elsewhere.

I'll tell you another thing.

If you do stay,

as long as you're under my roof, boy,

it'll be on my terms.

Pa, I'm 22 years old!

Then start acting like it,

and stop goin' around with your hand out,

with or without a gun in it,

looking for something for nothing!

I'm sorry.

Frank, I shouldn't have said that to you.

Tell me something.

Do you want me to stay?

I want you to.

You mentioned terms. What are they?

You work at Shiloh...

along with me.

We take out of our wages

only so much as we need to buy our grab,

and rest we put down on this place until we own it.

That should take three years.

Should I go on?

Maybe you saw that fine-blooded horse

out there in the corral.

We may not have as big a spread as Shiloh,

but with that stud, we can raise the best horses in this state.

What do you say?

What can I say? One stallion, and workin' for nothing.

Where does the money come to buy mares?

We can do it. A man can do anything

if he'll just give himself to it.

Pa, how much more of you is there to give?!

Don't want to do it? All right. Ride on out of here!

I shouldn't have asked you in the first place.

I've lived my whole life being beholden to no man,

and I'm too old to start now. You hear me?

I hear you, but I ain't leavin'.

You mean you'll work for Shiloh?

We'll talk about it in the morning.

Ain't nothin' to talk about. You will or you won't.

You won't, you leave. I want your answer now.

I'm waitin' for your answer.

There was a hickory switch.

You always kept it here.

You remember?Of course I remember.

I used it on you often enough when I thought you needed it.

I still ain't got your answer.

I'm stayin', Pa.

[ whistling ]

Hi.

Hi.

Foreman said Mr. Grainger wanted to see me.

Oh, and I thought you were calling on me.

Oh, would I do that without bringing you a bunch of flowers?

Heh heh. Don't answer that.

Good morning.Morning, Trampas.

Join us for a cup of coffee?

Thank you.Just made it.

Sit down.

You remember Ezra's son Frank?

Uh-huh.

He's comin' to work here at Shiloh.

Is he gettin' out?

Oh.

Well, that's, uh... that's just fine.

Trampas, what happened to Ezra wasn't your fault.

He knows that, and I'm sure Frank will.

Well, whatever he knows,

I wonder how he'll feel--

his father the way he is

and me in one piece because of it.

He might just feel--

[ knock on door ]Come in.

He might feel proud.

He might.

Morning.

Morning.

Having a leisurely breakfast, are we?

Just having a little coffee,

gettin' my strength up for the drive.

If Liz's coffee won't do it, I don't know what will.

I'm not sure I know how to take that.

[ chuckles ]

That new hand you spoke about--he's here.

Frank Hollis?Mm-hmm.

Ezra said he wasn't due in until today.

He must've come in a day early.

I thought you'd want to know about it.

Well, I do. Let's go meet him.

Thanks for the coffee, Liz.

I'll do that, Pa.

No, you won't, either. I ain't helpless.

Not by a long shot. You do your job, boy,

and I'll do mine.

Just as you say.Yeah.

Hi, Frank. We heard you was, uh--

Gettin' out?

No. Comin' to work at Shiloh.

Ezra? This doggone bridle tore lose at the rivet.

Suppose you could fix it? Oh, sure.

I appreciate it.

Thought you said the help took care of their own gear.

Well, they do. Don't hurt to do a man a favor now and then.

I wouldn't say that, Pa.

Well, Frank, welcome home. Welcome to Shiloh.

Thank you.

Hello, Frank.Hello, Trampas.

You look good, real good.

Thanks to your father here.

Now, ain't that nice, huh?

Frank, no.Oh, I mean it.

It's nice when someone says thank you.

Don't you think so, Mr. Grainger?

I do.

What's my orders, boss?

You'll work the north pasture.

Right. Oh, and...

thank you for the job-- for my and my pa's.

We really do appreciate it.

I should've warned him how I was.

He didn't expect to see me this way.

He'll be over this in a day or two.

I understand how he feels.

I guess I'd feel the same way if I were in his shoes.

Would you?

Yeah.

[ men shouting, cows mooing ]

Any more back there?No, just these.

Aiken and Bert are checkin' the draw for strays.

We can forget this section and start workin' north.

[ mooing ]

Let's get out of here before they start wondering about us.

You figure out yet how we're gonna get 'em out of here

without gettin' caught?

I'll think of something.

Well, it ain't gonna be easy.

Let's get out of here.

Come on. Hyah!

Whoa, whoa.

Flank him! Flank him!

How's he doin'?

Well, I'll tell you.

If a man had a horse he wanted to exercise,

he just couldn't do no better than to get old Frank there.

Better give him a hand, Trampas.

I kind of hate to interfere.

I hate to see a steer in that condition run that way.

Right.

Might've been better if I'd gone to help him.

I don't figure I'd be doin' either one of 'em a favor

playin' it that way.

[ whistles ]

Stay on this side.Okay.

Hyah! Hyah! [ whistling ]

Hyah! Come on! Hyah!

Stay right there, Frank!

[ whistling ]

Stay over on that side.

Yeah.

[ whistling ]

Well...

they sure do get ornery sometimes, don't they?

Yeah.

Well, how's it goin', Frank?

Any complaints?

Complaints? No, I--

Heh. I just--

Tryin' to be friendly?

Yeah, tryin' to be friendly.

Thanks.

Look, Frank, I know how you must feel about your pa.

Do you?

What was that all about?

Nothin'.

Just being friendly.

He didn't look it.

Would you if you were in his shoes?

Can't say. But I know if I was in yours,

I'd stop feeling guilty for something I wasn't responsible for.

Doesn't matter if I'm responsible for it or not.

It doesn't change the fact that--

Facts don't need changing.

Just the way you're lookin' at 'em.

You know something, Bert?

I think we might make friends with that kid.

Huh?

You know how it is when you first get out.

I think maybe he needs a friend.

Yeah, but we don't.

What we need is a way to get those beeves out of here.

That's what I mean.

Mind if we join you?

Help yourself.

One good thing about this outfit, anyway--

they feed you good.

Hey. Yeah.

Reckon this must taste real good to you.

What does that mean?

Your pa made no secret about where you been.

Well, I reckon he didn't.

That don't matter none to Aiken and me.

Heh. Thanks.

Your pa didn't mean no harm.

That's just the way he is.

They don't make 'em like that anymore.

Speaks his mind. Proud, too. Real proud.

Yeah.

Must be hard on a man like that.

Cleanin' up, sweepin' stables.

That's the way he wants it-- earning his way.

You'd think a rich man like Grainger

would show more gratitude for what he done.

I said, that's the way my pa wants it.

How about you?

Is that the way you want it?

Well... we forgot our coffee.

Get you some, Frank?

No. No, thanks.

Well, we'll see you.

You two check the draw for strays.

And remember-- walk 'em.

[ whistles ] Come on, there.

Get. Come on, there.

How are those two new hands workin' out?

Well, all right, I guess.

Long as you keep after 'em.

Keep after 'em.

[ whistles ] Come on, there, cow!

Come on, there.

[ shouting and whistling ]

[ shouting ]

Whoa. [ whistles ]

Well, I see you found some strays.

Why don't I give you a hand?

We'd better slow 'em to a walk.

They look in pretty bad shape.

Hey!

What are you two doin'?

I want those cattle walked.

You know better than that, Trampas.

I'm sorry, but...

Frank and I got to talkin'.

You don't have to cover for me. He just rode up.

I was drivin' them myself.

I don't think Frank knew.

All right, now you do.

You see, Frank,

every ounce of that stock means money.

Sure. Why else would everyone worry about 'em so much?

Frank, you take those on in.

Trampas, come with me. I saw some strays over that ridge.

And walk 'em. Is that clear?

Yeah, it's clear.

Weren't you a little hard on him?

Is that a question or a statement?

What I mean is--I know what you mean.

Frank knows better than to run cattle on a roundup.

A couple of the new hands aren't very good,

but there isn't much choice this time of year.

Thanks.

Outside of that, things are goin' all right.

How about the beef? They gonna weigh out all right?

They're not gonna win any prizes, but they'll do.

All right, I'll ask it. How's Frank workin' out?

I was wondering how long it'd take you to get around and ask.

Well?

He's got a pretty good size chip on his shoulder.

And not just about Trampas.

He seems to have a grudge against the whole outfit.

I gathered that when he reported for work.

I was hoping he'd get over it.

I'm just wondering how long Trampas will take it.

I don't know what else I can do.

I'm not treating him with kid gloves,

in case you had anything like that in mind.

You know me better than that.

No, I just thought we owed him a chance

to straighten out.

What he does with that chance is up to him.

Hi.

Hi.

I just came in to say good night.

You were talking about Frank, weren't you?

Mm-hmm.

I was reading in a book,

and it said that sometimes people act belligerently

because they're unsure of themselves.

Did the book say how to get 'em over it?

Haven't gotten that far.

Better finish that book pretty quick.

Good night.Good night.

Good night.Night.

Well, tomorrow's gonna be a big day.

Thanks for the drink. Good night.

Good night.

Trampas?

Yeah?

What do you want?

You're gettin' to be a regular night owl, aren't you?

Everyone else is in there, snoring away.

Well, I can't sleep.

You're really lettin' him get under your skin, aren't you?

You're not making it any easier for me--

making me work with him every day.

Because he's acting like a kid

is no reason for me to treat you like one.

You mean to tell me, with all the hired hands you got,

I'm the only one that can work with Frank?

I figure you're the best one to work with Frank.

Anything else?Yeah.

Have a drink. It might help you get some sleep.

Just suppose you were in my spot.

How would you handle it?

You really want to know?

That's why I asked you.

I guess that's why I'm just a hired hand.

See you in the morning...boss.

[ neighing ]

[ neighing ]

[ neighing ]

I know how you feel, boy.

I know how you feel.

EZRA: He's a fine one, ain't he?

Yeah, he sure is.

[ neighs ]

One thing he wants this morning-- that's to be free.

Ha ha! If he didn't he wouldn't be worth his feed.

Without that spirit, he ain't no good to nobody.

Pa, I've been thinkin'.

Workin' for this place for three years--

it just don't make sense.

Three years of what-- honest work?

One mistake, and you ain't gonna let me forget it, are you?

No, I ain't gonna let you forget it

till I think you learned your lesson.

And when you start talkin' like that--

Like what? You said a horse ain't no good without spirit.

A man ain't, either.

Don't you think I know that, boy?

Then what are we doin' it for?

Putting ourselves in slavery for three years. For What?

I already told you-- for this land.

It ain't worth it, Pa. No land is.

If it's land you want, we can hitch up and move west, north...

Dakota territory, anyplace.

We can homestead land for free.

What about your Ma?

Ma? Pa, she's dead.

And buried in this land.

You want to leave, saddle up and leave.

But I ain't never leavin' this land.

Never!

[ horse neighing ]

Morning.Morning.

All right, let's ride!

Frank here yet?He's comin' now.

That's good.

Two of you ride to the north ridge together.

Why don't you tell him?

Tell him what?

That he's supposed to ride with me.

Well, you can tell him I said so.

Mornin', Trampas. You waitin' for us? We got a late start.

No, that's all right.

Foreman gave us orders, Frank.

We're gonna ride the north ridge.

All right.

Ezra?Yeah?

Mr. Grainger has to go out of town today.

Wanted you to check the rear wheel of the buggy.

I'll pull the wheel. Probably needs a little grease.

All right.

You ready to go, Frank?

Tell the foreman I'll be out to the herd when I get there.

After I finish taking care of that wheel.

The wheel's not that important.

We've got a job to do.

Frank?

Where's Frank?

Ah, he'll be along.

I asked you a question.

He's in the barn, helpin' Ezra.

Didn't you give him my orders?

Yeah, I gave 'em the orders.

But something came up, so he went in--

Never mind about that.

Frank, did you get my orders?

I got them.

Then get out with the herd.

When I finish this.

Well, I thought--

Frank.

You do as you're told.

Pa, you're in no shape to do this.

When I finish this wheel, I'll go.

When you work on a ranch, boy,

you do what the foreman tells you to do.

And as long as you're my son,

you do what I tell you to do. Is that clear?

Thanks, Pa.

I'm sorry, Ezra. If you need help with that, I'll--

Help? Do I look like I need help?

No, you don't.

Don't know what caused it, but I think I'm gonna like it.

I've been waitin' to do that for a long time.

I know you have, Frank.

Now that you got it out of your system,

think we can work together?

You stay out of my way and things will be just fine.

I'm afraid I can't do that.

Whether you like it or not, Frank,

I happen to work here.

I'm sorry about what happened to your pa.

I appreciate what he did for me.

But I can't get off this ranch or off the face of the earth

just because you'd like it that way.

Then we know where we stand.

We don't...

but maybe we should.

Trampas! What's the meaning of this?

Just a little misunderstanding.

You settle your personal differences on your own time.

Is that clear?Yes, sir.

I asked if that was clear to you.

Yeah!

[ mooing ]

I wouldn't say your future looked too bright around here after that.

You'll be lucky if you last till payday.

I'll save them the trouble of firing me. I'm riding out of here.

What about your pa?

It'll suit him just fine.

I should've never come back.

I know what you mean.

It was the same with me when I went home first time I go tout.

Sure. Aiken and me-- that's where we met.

The prison you was in.

What were you in for?

Rustlin'. Cattle rustlin'.

It pays good.

If a man don't get caught.

Bert and me--we ain't been caught since.

Since? You mean you're gonna--

Let's just say...

we give it a whole lot of thought.

Yeah, especially when you see a bunch of beeves all rounded up,

like we see around here.

Kind of tempts a man. It really does.

Wait a minute. Are you plannin' on--

Planning on rustlin' old Grainger's beef?

We didn't say anything like that, did we, Bert?

But if we was to say it,

what would you say?

Nothing. It's no concern of mine.

It might be... if you was to come in with us.

Whoa!

[ knock on door ]

Coming!

Hello, Ezra.Hey.

Hey, you look mighty industrious.

Ain't it a mite early for spring cleaning?

You think I only dust this house once a year?

You don't mean you do it every day?

Men.

Would you tell your uncle that his buggy's fixed?

GRAINGER: Morning, Ezra!

Spring cleaning.

Just stopped by to tell you

that buggy wheel is all fixed, ready to go.

Thank you.You bet.

Ezra...I gotta talk to you.

Oh, about what?

About Frank. Had a little trouble this morning.

You mean about Frank tryin' to help me with that buggy wheel?

That was no trouble, just a misunderstanding.

The boy's gonna be--

I know what it is. So do you.

Yeah. I'm gonna talk to him tonight.

I'll straighten him out.

Ezra?

It's not gonna work.

You mean you're firing him?

If you just accept that deed to your place,

I think all our problems would be solved.

I'll accept that deed when I've earned it, and not before.

I'll take care of my problems.

You solve yours...

whatever way you got to.

[ mooing ]

Well, there they are.

Heh. A nice little bankroll, huh?

All we gotta do is get 'em out of here without gettin' caught.

How do you plan on doing that?

If you'd come in with us, it'd be easy.

How about it?What's your plan?

A stampede.

You set fire to the brush

near where they're holding up the herd.

That'll stampede the herd away from here.

when they're off rounding up the herd again,

me and Bert will get these out.

What if you're missed?We won't be.

Tonight me and Bert will draw our time,

and, as far as they know, drift on.

But instead we'll come back here

and wait for you to set that brush afire.

What do you say? Do we cut you in?

I don't know. I'll think about it.

Now, look--Sure, sure.

You do that.

Me and Bert-- we ain't in no hurry.

So long as we know by tonight.

Tonight?Tonight.

Who's that?

I don't know.

Howdy. My name's Jim Reese.

Howdy. I'm the foreman of Shiloh Ranch.

You're on Shiloh Ranch right now.

I know. I'm with the Oliver Timber Company.

I've been counting trees up in the north range.

Sounds logical. I do it all the time.

[ laughs ]

It's not as crazy as it sounds.

Mr. Oliver's gonna make your boss an offer for those trees.

From what I've seen so far, it'll be a good one.

Is that whole stand on Shiloh?

Yes.

All of it?All you can see.

What about that little spread a few miles east of here?

Well, there's no trees there.

I know. But trees are not much good

if you can't get 'em out after you've cut 'em.

From the way I see it, the only way out

is a road that'd cut straight across that place.

Is it on Shiloh land?

You'd be able to...

cut a road through to the north.

It'd be too far.

We'd be hauling thousands of logs.

It'd add weeks to the job. It'd have to be through that place I mentioned.

You'd have to speak to Mr. Grainger about that.

Sure. We noticed a grave as we came by there.

The road would come pretty close to it.

You said "close". How close do you mean?

It might go right through it.

You know who's buried there?

Yeah.

Well, you must try to see my side of it, Mr. Grainger.

I know we made a deal,

but conditions have changed since then.

So, now you're backing out of the deal?

No, not all. It's just that the market has dropped,

so we'll have to have a new price, that's all.

We agreed on a price.

Surely I must've stipulated that, should the market drop--

You did not.

Oh. Well, I'm sorry. It's just an oversight on my part.

A very convenient one.

If that's your attitude,

we can call off the whole deal.

But you're pretty sure I won't, aren't you?

I'm not sure of anything, Mr. Grainger.

Except when a rancher sells his beef this time of year,

it means he needs the money pretty badly.

But you decide.

I have. The deal's off.

well, if you like,

I could send a message out to Shiloh right away and--

Oh, there's Mr. Grainger.

Excuse me for a moment.

Mr. Grainger.Jensen.

I'd like to talk to you.

Certainly. And I can guess what about.

I heard about your roundup.

I also know about that cattle broker Jeffers.

How much did he offer you?

Not enough, unless I'm prepared to take a loss of several thousand dollars,

which I'm not.

You won't have to.

Come with me. Someone wants to meet you.

Mr. Grainger, meet Mr. Oliver and Mr. Reese.

How do you do?Oliver. Reese.

Mr. Oliver here has a deal

that I think you'll be interested in.

Oh?Sit down.

What's your business, Mr. Oliver? Cattle broker?

Not exactly, Mr. Grainger. I deal in timber.

You've got a stand bordering your north pasture

that I might be interested in.

Mr. Reese has just come back from looking it over,

and from what he tells me,

I'm prepared to talk business with you on a cutting deal.

You'll find I pay top dollar, Mr. Grainger.

I don't know what you mean by top dollar.

But you make me a halfway decent offer,

I think we might do business.

Well, fine. Here, let me show you.

Now, this is the section I'm interested in right here.

I'll have to build a road to get the logs out

once they've been cut,

right up through this draw.

I was concerned at first because there's a house out there,

and that road will have to go right through the front yard of it.

Mr. Jensen says that you own the house, so there's no problem there.

Now--I'm sorry, Mr. Oliver.

What?

Mr. Jensen's mistaken.

That property belongs to a man named Ezra Hollis.

But-- I know it's not recorded yet.

But the need's in my safe made out to his name.

Naturally I can't allow you to build a road

through somebody else's property.

However...

if you could come up north here--

No, I've already considered that.

It's too far. It'll make the entire project too expensive.

Well, then I'm afraid we can't do business.

I'm sorry, Mr. Oliver.

I am, too.

Perhaps if you spoke to Mr. Hollis,

he'd agree to your letting the road go through.

I'd rather not ask him.

I can't understand it.

I thought you'd be anxious to get together with Mr. Oliver.

Well, I would--on any other terms but those.

Well, I'm afraid it's a stalemate, Mr. Grainger.

I'm afraid so.

I'm sorry. I really am, Mr. Oliver.

And I know you are, too.

Well, good day, gentlemen.

Mr. Grainger. When you came in,

you said you wanted to talk to me.

Well, I-- I've changed my mind.

You think he might change his mind again--

about the timber?

Frankly, no.

Hmm.

It's not like we're leavin' you in a spot.

Roundup's about finished.

So, me and Bert are moving on.

It's up to you. I'll draw your time.

Whoa.

Go on up to the house. I want to talk to you.

Something wrong?

I'll tell you about it. Been a change in plans.

We're not sellin' that beef to Jeffers.

I thought the deal was set.

Something came up.

Say, boys... take care of this rig.

I'll see you in a few minutes.

I think we're in business.

I can understand your not wanting

to let Jeffers cut the price on you,

but I don't see how you're gonna come off much better

driving him clear to Bent's Crossing.

You may get a higher price,

but they'll walk off the difference on the way there.

I don't see that I have any choice.

What about the bank? Wouldn't they give you an extension on the note?

I went there to ask that very question.

Decided against it.

You think hey wouldn't give it to you?

Well, let me put it this way.

I think he'd have understood my not giving into Jeffers' attempt

to put the squeeze on me.

But I didn't think it was proper

to ask him to extend the loan

when I turned down an offer on the timber that would've paid it off.

It was a personal decision.

If there's any penalty involved, it's my responsibility.

Yes, sir.

What are you smiling about?

For a minute there, you sounded like Ezra.

A man could do worse.

We'll get 'em started first thing in the morning, then.

Think you can get 'em there on time?

Like you said, I don't think we have much choice.

I was there, Pa.

I heard the man say the road would go right through here.

And Grainger called off the cattle deal. Why?

Because he got the money he needed by selling the timber--

and this place-- right out from under you.

I'll believe it when I hear it from him.

Why would I lie? What do I have to gain?

Ain't saying you're lying. I'm saying you're wrong.

Then ask him yourself.

He's got anything to say to me, he'll come tell me.

Oh.

You don't give an inch, do you?

'Cause I know Grainger.

Well, so do I. And I won't sit here

and let him walk over us like we're some kind of dirt.

He owes us something, and I'm gonna get it.

What do you mean by that?

Never mind.

What do you mean by that?

I said I didn't mean anything. I'm just sore.

You meant something. What's on your mind?

I told you--nothing. Forget it, will you?

Leave me alone.

Well? You made up your mind?

Yeah, I'm in.

Good. Now, before they get a chance

to break up the herd and drive them to pasture,

you get that brush started. We'll be ready.

By the time they get the herd rounded up again,

we'll be long gone with our bunch.

We can count on you?

Yeah, you can count on me.

What'd Ezra have to say about what Grainger's gonna do?

Pa's got a blind spot about Grainger.

He won't believe it till they start knockin' the house down.

Maybe not even then.

Well, lucky for you, you're smarter.

See you later.

What'd they want, Frank?

Who?

I thought they quit yesterday.

They just came over to say good-bye.

You're lyin'. You and them is up to something,

and I want to know what it is.

I told you.

You said that Grainger owed you something...

and you was gonna get it.

I was tryin' to figure out what it meant.

And then them two saddle tramps show up.

What's the truth?

I told you-- I didn't mean it. I just said it.

Yeah. Well, I reckon maybe Grainger would like to know

they're still hangin' around.

You're not gonna tell him! It's none of your business!

We'll see about that.

No, Pa! I mean it!

So do I.Aah!

I'm sorry, Pa. You gotta stay out of this!

Frank, no!Hyah! Come on!

That does it.

That's good. Get out to the chuck wagon

and get it loaded.

We want to get this drive going as fast as possible.

Yo.

Frank here yet?

No, not yet.

Let's go.

How's it going?

They should be on their way by now.

I know this is makin' it the hard way.

But I think you'd make the same decision if you were in my place.

Yeah, I guess I would.

I'd better get started.

[ neighing ]

Easy, boy. Easy.

Easy, boy.

Easy, boy.

Easy.

[ neighs ]

Easy, boy.

Easy, boy. Easy there.

Whoa.

Whoa.

Go!

Whoa, boy.

Whoa, boy.

Whoa, easy.

Easy, boy.

Easy, boy.

Easy, boy.

Whoa. Whoa, boy.

[ neighing ]

Hello, Frank.

Where's your father?

He didn't feel good.

Oh, sorry to hear that.

I'll bet you are.

I think you and I'd better understand each other

once and for all, Frank.

Save it. I'm quitting.

Well, I'm not surprised.

You've had a chip on your shoulder ever since you got back.

Yeah? You sure found a way to knock it off.

I don't think I follow you.

If you mean expecting you to do an honest day's work...

You know what I mean. Selling the hand from under Pa...

after your big promises.

What are you talkin' about?

I heard about the offer they made fro your timber.

Goin' right through Pa's place...over Ma's grave.

Well, it's too bad you didn't hear the rest of the story.

I turned the offer down.

I don't believe you.

I don't care whether you do or not.

Here. Here's your pay.

But I heard you weren't selling the cattle to the broker in town.

That's right.

We're takin' them to Bent's Crossing instead.

Any more questions?

No. Come on!

Where's your playmate?

I don't know, and I don't care.

Mr. Grainger?

Mr. Grainger!Hello!

Ezra. I thought you were sick.

No, I'm all right. But I gotta talk to you.

Come on in here.

I tell you-- there's something funny goin' on here.

Sit down.I don't want to!

Look, will you stop worrying about me and just listen to me?

Here.

Now, what's it all about?

Them yahoos who quit yesterday--

them and Frank is up to something. Mark my words.

What do you mean?

They was over talkin' to Frank today.

I came out of the house and they rode off.

And then Frank threw me down on the ground and drove our wagon off

so I couldn't come here to warn you.

Did Frank come here?

He came by to say he quit, and then he rode off.

You've got to find him and stop him before it's too late.

Are you sure?

You think I'd have half killed myself comin' over here

if I wasn't?

All right, wait here.

They're gonna start 'em out pretty soon.

You sure?

Yeah, they're just rounding up a few strays.

Well, we'd better not wait for Frank.

I'll get the fire started.

[ whistles ] Come on.

You seen Frank?No. Why?

Ezra thinks he's up to something.

Better check the herd and tell the others to keep an eye out for him.

Right.

Easy, there.

Easy, baby. Easy.

[ whistles ] Easy.

Has Frank showed up?

Why, of course not. This is work.

Tell me when he does.

Where's Aiken?

Rode on up the draw to start the fire. You didn't show up.

Changed my mind.What do you mean?

Let go!Get this straight--

Come on, let's go! Come on, come on!

You're just in time. I'll go on back.

Just give me a couple of minutes before you light it.

Deal's off.What do you mean?

Grainger didn't double-cross my old man.

He's taking the cattle to Bent's Crossing.

So, you're pullin' out.That's right.

All right. I'll do it myself.

I said, the deal's off.

Not just my part. The whole deal.

Now, wait a minute.

Just because you turned soft---

I mean it!

The cattle get to market. The whole herd.

[ mooing ]

[ gunshots ]

Stampede!

[ men shouting and whistling ]

Hyah!

Run!

Turn 'em this way!

Hyah! Hyah!

[ whistling and shouting continues ]

Get out of here!

[ gunshots continue ]

Hyah! Hyah!

[ neighs ]

I don't know how to--

Drop your gun belt, Frank.

I don't follow you.

Ezra gave Mr. Grainger the word about you.

You mean, you think I started the stampede?

I told you to drop your gun belt.

You'd still risk your neck to save mine, huh?

[ drops gun belt ]

I owe you my life.

You don't owe me anything.

You drive a hard bargain, Mr. Oliver.

It's my business to.

I still think it's a fair price.

Of course, if I didn't have to build that longer road...

Still tryin', huh?

I know when to give up. That's part of my business, too.

Mr. Grainger...

it's been a pleasure.

I'll see you out.Thank you.

Hope that fella appreciates what you're doing for him.

This part of the deal is between you and me.

Very well.

Well, good-bye, Mr. Oliver.

Good-bye, sir.

Mr. Grainger, what's this all about?

What, didn't the foreman tell you--

Yeah, he said I was fired-- me and Frank both.

That's right. I got to thinking about Frank and Trampas--

This has got nothing to do with Frank or Trampas!

That's where you're wrong. It has everything to do with Trampas.

He saved Frank's life, same as you saved his.

And you think that makes us even?

Well, is that bad?

Don't tell me you finally got rid of that fool notion

that you owe me something

for doing what any decent man would do.

Something like that.Well, that's fine.

But how am I gonna live without a job?

That's your problem.

Frank, you was right. I should've listened to you about this man.

All he cares about is runnin' his ranch

sand turnin' a profit.

That's right.

Think you got me boxed in pretty good, don't you?

I think so.

How about it? When are you gonna stop all of this foolishness

and take this deed and start raising those horses

you've been talkin' about?

You think you're pretty foxy, don't you?

You don't make those payments on time-- on the property

and on the loan I'm making you to get started with--

you'll see how foxy I am.

Grainger, it'll be a cold day in July

when I don't make payments.

And I want to tell you something else.

Pa!What?

You ain't callin' him "Mister".

What rancher in these parts

calls his neighbor "Mister"?

I liked him better before, didn't you?

About those payments, Mr. Grainger.

I know you were just, uh--

But all the same, don't worry about 'em.

I won't. Good luck, Frank.

Thank you. Well, Pa, since we ain't got a job,

no sense hangin' around. Let's go home.

Home?!

That sounds kind of nice.

Let's go.

Hitch up the buggy, Trampas.

I got an appointment at the bank...

and a payment to make.

[ theme music playing ]