Original subtitles

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You better talk.

We haven't done anything.

Neither me nor Bill.

Not yet.

We know that.

But you might try.

Jack.

They live together.

She says she knows where Bill is.

She don't know nothing.

Where's Bill Willer? I told you she don't know.

Annie, get out of here.

I don't know.

I just said it so I could get in here.

Take a good look at him.

I hope he talks.

Throw her out.

Treat citizens in a strange way. For a representative of the law.

Thank you. All right, what do you want?

Jefferson.

You'll never learn from me.

I'll tell him if you don't.

You want to betray your son?

No.

Only I like to see him in jail for a few days.

So if anything happens to our president, they'd never be able to accuse him of

anything.

If you know where your son is, why didn't you tell the men I sent to your

this morning?

I didn't like the way they were talking.

They acted like a bunch of jackals.

Maybe you should teach them how to behave, Jefferson.

I've got to use volunteers.

Don't have enough men to use, and the president's arriving Tuesday morning.

I hope he's alive.

What do you mean by that?

His death is of vital interest to someone, I'm afraid.

Someone?

Who?

I'd say it involves a handful of men.

The two he sent this morning know about it.

Planned to blow up his train tomorrow at noon.

Just as it crosses the bridge.

Don't have to take it from me, though. But I'd start asking a lot of questions.

Well, then.

If you've told me the truth, you'll have done a great service to your country.

Wait here.

They want to kill the president.

I want you to believe I'm only doing the right thing. You both need an alibi.

Bill and you got records. Everybody will suspect you.

No, but that's all forgotten.

Who shut his mouth off to old Willer?

He did.

You stupid fool.

He thought he was one of us. He fought for the South, even against his own son.

Go tell Wallace.

You'll know how to straighten this out.

I'll get Willa back to the ranch.

So he can't talk to anyone else.

Wait a minute before you go.

He might see you.

You'll tell the governor what you told me.

And I'll see that Jack stays out of trouble.

Let up a little.

He's had a rotten time.

It's only for his own good.

Stick them in a cell and come with us.

once in a while. You take a look at that nigga, okay?

But you could send someone else out there.

I can't. I have to go there personally.

I'm worried.

Really, we keep hearing such strange rumors.

Don't worry, Lucretia.

Everything will be all right. You'll see.

Yes?

Mr. Arthur McDonald.

I'll be packing the bags.

Send them in.

Is everything ready for the trip tonight?

Yes, Mr. President.

Another report's arrived.

Our intelligence people still feel the greatest dangers in Texas.

Your new reform programs have set the powers that be there against you,

beginning with the governor of the state himself.

I know what I'm doing.

I want to go there personally and speak directly to the people myself.

That's the important thing. That's what counts.

I want to talk to the people who work 14 hours a day.

I'm not looking for the support of those who exploit them.

Mr. President, I'm in full agreement with your ideas.

I'm only trying to save it.

Well, this isn't the most opportune time for a trip to the Southwest.

Well, what do you want me to do, turn my back and run?

I'll invent an excuse.

Some political obligation.

MacDonald, I could never feel like the President of the United States if I

couldn't visit freely all of those United States.

Well, I agree, sir, but don't you think... The presidential train will

tonight as scheduled.

Good day, MacDonald.

McDonald.

I'm not underestimating the situation, but I hardly think this is the time to

overly cautious.

You're pretty well fixed here, Willard.

I guess the escort can head back now.

Not that an escort was necessary, but thank you.

Anyway.

What do you want, Wallace?

Just passing this way.

So I said to myself now, why not pay a visit to my old friend, will I?

After all, we fought them Yankees together.

He ought to be glad to see me again.

Yeah, except that's over, Wallace.

We're beaten.

The war's not over.

Not as long as there's arrogant northerners and southern traitors

It's stupid talk like that that made the war start.

We took the pleasure of liberty of pouring ourselves some drinks.

There's one here for you.

Here's to old times and the final victory of the South.

This is ridiculous.

My ideas are twisted and distorted almost beyond recognition.

You're going to say what you think anyway.

You always do, so don't get so upset, dear.

And all of your enemies have held meetings in Dallas. You'd better stay

burning questions.

That's what I came here for.

Mr. President, I grew up in the Southwest.

Some of the people there still feel like himmers from the Alamo.

A loaded gun is their symbol of manhood, and I've seen them used to resolve

their problems.

I have no personal enemies, McDonald.

Only the enemies of my ideas. And no bullet can stop an idea.

Looks like the nigga that busted Slim's nose might as well finish him off while

we're at it Why

waste

good lead

It's the same two that told you all about the bridge.

There were four of you.

Who are the other two?

I can make it alone.

You've got to get to that bridge.

If them two try to cut us down, it means that Jefferson and the governor are in

on this.

And I will.

You've got to save the president, or your father died for nothing.

I'll be back for you.

How much longer?

I want to take a look.

We've about two hours and a half.

Hey, Pete, look fast. You're going to hear that train around the bend any

now. Don't worry. It's just about set to go.

Keep your eyes on that track.

I'm going back to town.

Bye.

so so

What happened, MacDonald?

They tried to mess you up, Colonel.

That's the President of the United States of America you're talking to.

I always know who I'm talking to.

You can't say as much.

What's going on?

Those men wanted to blow up the bridge.

Let him go, MacDonald.

His face reminds me of something.

Something from the war.

Does it, Colonel?

Maybe those four long years in prison can cost me.

But I hold no grudge.

None at all.

I've just saved your life.

But be careful.

This could be your last trip.

Governor, the delay's got me worried.

You know better than I do how things go down here.

A two or three hour delay is nothing to get excited about.

This isn't just any city. It's Dallas.

And I can't help getting concerned.

Well, here today, gone tomorrow.

What is that old saying?

When a president dies, there's always another eager to take his place.

Oh, I'm sorry. Sheriff Jefferson?

Yes? They tried to blow up the train.

The president wants everybody involved arrested immediately.

Tell the president I'll do my best.

They're great, aren't they?

It's an honor for me to be in your city.

If you'll excuse me.

You see that? They gave her red roses.

What does that mean?

Dallas, Steve.

Open up.

I'll be down.

Hold on.

Cotton, Jack's been hit.

He's got to hide.

No, not here.

Take the boy and get going.

A gang's been out looking for this nigga.

He hasn't done anything.

What he needs is a doctor.

Right now.

Look, I don't care what he needs. What he did ain't important.

You know what they're going to do.

He's black.

So they're hanging him in here for trial.

Get in the door, quick.

I shall hold you all responsible if anything should happen to the president.

Goodness. Threatening your friends and protectors. That's a bad thing to do.

You must have forgotten who you're talking to.

Look out, Pinkerton.

Don't rely on gold. Your money won't stop you getting hung.

Let me remind you.

Our power is political, administrative, and financial as well.

You made a pact with Texas.

You'll stick to that pact. We'll make sure of that.

That pact wasn't meant to include murder. Don't exaggerate.

What happened on the bridge was... Fault of some crazy fool.

You'd like me to swallow that tale, but I don't.

The truth could be just the opposite of what it seems.

I don't understand what you mean when you talk like that. Explain yourself.

Those four men who were killed yesterday on the railroad bridge were men chosen

by me.

Do you realize that the one man who did it is a traitor with a record of four

years in prison?

Sure is pretending that he saved the life of the president.

He made damn sure.

that there was no one left to lie to disprove what he said.

Why didn't you arrest him then?

The president is convinced he owes him his life.

It's funny.

I became vice president of the United States entirely from your support.

At that time, all I thought of was my career, yet I spent two years now at the

president's side.

It's taught me to think of the future of the nation the interests of the people

including the people who don't want any changes Fundamental is the premise that

a white man's a man and a Negro is a Negro You won't realize yet that

he shouldn't attempt to violate our rights and make the south a bootlicker

Washington Tell the president we don't need him down here Let him know we go to

any length to ensure nothing's altered.

You know what you're saying You keep fighting because you still think you

be the law.

Oh, by God.

Be glad we were beaten.

Looks like the climate of Washington's contaminated you.

You better get down and visit us a little more often.

We're not here to discuss ideas, and certainly not yours.

You seem to forget something, or am I mistaken?

The fact that we're in possession of certain documents?

If they fall into the wrong hands, it could bring an end to your political and

professional career.

You'd better not forget.

No, I won't forget it, gentlemen. That I assure you.

We've come here to make clear our positions.

You can't leave without telling us how you intend to act in Washington.

I intend to conduct myself according to my conscience.

And if I were you, I'd make some effort to do the same.

He knows he's our man. Don't worry.

He's trapped now.

I don't imagine he can do anything about that, though.

Bad place for a bullet.

He'll improve in a few days, though.

The firm is a rock.

No, it turned out like a belly dancer.

Maybe that bottle is too light.

Fill it up.

I ain't got any whiskey.

I can get some from the saloon if you like.

Here.

Get to the bed. Okay.

Easy there, son.

You'll ruin my embroidery.

What's the climate like in Dallas?

It's a dirty chip.

What?

The cigar won't draw.

Try this one.

You'll even have a breath to do some talking.

Someday I'll choke to death. Might even be tomorrow.

Too strong?

Cigar? No.

The air in Dallas, it smells.

It's damned unhealthy.

Who's making it smell?

Tomorrow I'll look you in the eye.

All he has to do is stay right there.

Why don't you answer me?

You afraid to?

Yeah.

I've always been afraid.

I ain't no hero, boy.

Start asking the wrong questions and you end up in the church yard before you

get the answers.

Yeah.

That's what happened to my father.

But tell me, Strips, who are you afraid of?

A whole lot of them.

I spent years pulling lead out of wounds and sewing the flesh together.

Ain't good at it except that.

I'm usually full of whiskey all day, but I keep my mouth closed.

I've managed to stay alive.

Listen to me, boy.

Get out of Dallas.

Why should I get out?

Because they're making out a death warrant in red ink, and it's got your

it.

Sheriff.

What's the matter?

Willis brought Jack to my house.

He is.

Keep him there.

He may come in handy.

I'll give you instructions tomorrow.

The whole town will see you standing there.

The president's going to pass right by here, and I want to see him.

He's eating his meal now.

He won't come along here until about two.

Inside. What's the matter with you?

Everybody in this town is scared to death.

Nobody's got nerve enough to show his face.

We want law and order, but we're just sitting around, waiting for it to be

handed to us on a silver platter.

Anthony Ward, Houston Tribune.

Your agricultural program, Mr. President, will require a great deal of

understand. Where do you expect to find the funds necessary?

In the purses of the rich, more taxes, less privileges.

And do you imagine that our Congress in Washington would be likely to agree to

that kind of a tax?

They try to maintain their obligations and promises to the voter as I do mine.

Return the money.

They've got a right to keep it.

I must remind you, however, they represent only 20 % of the population of

state.

The majority of the people here have never been able to express their wishes.

Maybe you're planning to bring in new votes from our cotton field, sir. But

doesn't mean they'd be responsible voters.

I suggest that most of the things you're proposing are impractical.

Some people look at things and ask why.

I dream of things to come and ask why not.

We've had the answer to that for some time.

You claim that we exploit the Negro.

But our very foundations, the basis of our industry, is dependent on their

labor. You give them the vote and there's no limit to the things they'll

If you find them so useful, then pay them an adequate wage. Treat them with

dignity and respect.

Your plantations will profit by it.

Huh? I asked how we'd do that without increasing production costs.

You'll have to be satisfied with a little less profit.

Your plan is to stir up discord because you need their labor up north.

Some don't know this, but I do.

Mr. Pinkerton, I don't stir up anything.

I govern the United States.

All of them.

Yes, I know I'm sorry I didn't mean to accuse you at all Any

other questions gentlemen You

notice

the sheriff's new deputies

Listen, I'll blow your head off if you don't get away from that window.

Look out now.

This gun's loaded.

Oh.

If it wasn't for this damn leg of mine, I'd go downstairs and shake the

president's hand.

In here, Mr. President.

It's all right, McDonald.

Thank you for what you did.

I remember who you are.

You're William Willer, who was during the war a court -martial for treason.

Yes, Mr. President?

You recommended four years.

And that's what I got.

There was a Negro involved, too.

And you and he were accused of having indirectly caused the decimation of an

entire company.

We were at war then, Willer.

And I should have sentenced you to the firing squad.

But your record, until that moment, was an excellent one.

What happened that day, Willer?

I also remember you refused to defend yourself at the trial.

Jack, the Negro, and I were on sentry duty.

Our company was taking a breather before attacking an enemy camp.

Surprise was the essential element.

Our whole operation was built on it.

Suddenly, a man on horseback appeared.

Hold it, Jack.

But he's seen us.

He'll give the alarm and we'll all be killed.

Who was that southerner?

My father It was a terrible

war Was it is My

father was murdered two days ago By the same people that wanted to blow

up the bridge That's the reason I was there the only reason

Why do you think I came here?

To put an end to all that.

So that violence will give way to equality.

Justice.

You saved my life.

I hope someday you'll be glad that you did.

Yes.

But only one thing counts around here.

This. Who's afraid of that?

What use is it?

It can put a stop to anyone.

Even a president.

That's what they'd like to do, right?

Right.

Well, don't you think we ought to shake hands at least?

They almost killed you on that bridge.

I'm glad they didn't.

Thank you.

You've seen the show.

Now you can come with us to see the sheriff.

He wants to talk to you.

If the sheriff wants to talk to me, tell him to come here.

You sent for me, Jefferson?

You've pushed your luck too far, Willer.

This time I've got enough to have you arrested.

Resisting the law.

Yeah. They're wearing the same badges as the bunch that tried to kill the

president today.

Maybe the ones who murdered my father wore these, too.

You can fool those people from Washington.

But once they've gone, I'll settle up with you.

Okay.

But remember...

You'd better be sure they all make it back to Washington alive Because if

anything happens to the president I'll kill you

This

goes in the front page orders from Pinkerton

The plots are cooking up now.

Hero or assassin?

A local citizen, William Willer, claims to have saved the life of our president,

although it is known that this noted jailbird had good reason for desiring

death. And the usual lousy, distorted information we've got to print.

You're going to put this muck in?

I haven't any choice, have I?

Not when it all belongs to Pinkerton.

But you're the editor.

Yeah, but I can't go against Pinkerton.

And so it pays you not to think about things.

You want to avoid trouble, you tell me another way.

Front page, Nick.

At once.

I wonder when we'll be able to completely overcome slavery for

They're coming, Cotton.

Look, look.

President's been shot.

You should have taken

him to a hospital.

I'm not a good doctor.

I know what you can do, Strips.

Get to work.

All right, bring him inside.

Go on.

Take his feet.

Go easy.

Stand back.

It wasn't me. I didn't do it.

I brought Dr. Hunter, the chief surgeon of the hospital.

My lad, you should all go outside.

What did you send for Father Dorham?

Okay.

I'll call you in a while.

No.

You two were responsible for his security.

The assassin has already been arrested.

Who is it? A Negro.

Who?

Jack Donovan.

You're just trying to cover the real killer. Easy now. We're all very upset

about this.

Jack worshipped the president.

Like all of them. Poor and oppressed.

He was still holding a gun when we caught him.

And the shot came from the window of the house where he was hiding.

He even killed the man who hit him.

You certainly work fast.

And you knew just where to go looking.

I saw that nigger shooting from that window myself.

The shots that killed the president came from that overpass.

Everybody will have a chance to tell his story at the trial.

I've done my duty.

I made a promise, Jefferson.

And I'll keep it.

Young man, we're all shocked by what's happened.

But that's no excuse for your attitude.

Do you think yours is any better?

The president's dead.

We did all that we could.

Jack Donovan is in it.

I'll find the guilty one.

upset I am. I know what he meant to you, Mr.

President.

He's not dead.

Exactly.

Nineteen minutes ago, you became president of the United States of

That's not quite right.

For the past nineteen minutes, we've been without a head of government.

Sir, you speak without authority.

We fortunately have a constitution which states who at this moment.

Is to take over the presidency.

Complete presidential power becomes his as of now.

Not without taking the oath.

Yes, I'm ready to do that.

I'll get Judge Brown.

Later, there's something we've got to discuss.

As you say.

We're ready, Judge.

What are you doing here?

Oh, I think you know damn well what I'm doing here.

Looking for the empty cartridges of the bullets that hit the president.

Find anything?

Eh.

Winchester 32.

I heard two shots fired from here, but this is all I found.

You heard two?

Yeah. I was standing down there all alone when all hell broke loose. But I

he was coming this way, and that's why I was there.

How many do you think there were?

Shooting, I mean.

Look, in ten seconds, no one person could manage to shoot more than one

Yeah.

Let's find the others.

Watch out, Nick!

No, wait!

Keep him covered.

Although you'll regret it, perhaps.

There's something I must tell you which you may use in any way you wish.

But I've got to tell you the whole thing.

Before you say anything else, sir, I think it's my duty to tell you.

The only president I feel an obligation of faith to is lying in a coffin.

I know.

As a young political candidate, I was helped by certain corrupt southerners.

Now they're aiming to use their influence.

By putting pressure on me as president of the United States.

Why, you... Why, you mean... Pinkerton.

Why did you take the oath, then?

Why you could have refused? America must have a president.

Isn't it worse to be in their hands?

Listen to me, MacDonald.

You're the one it depends on.

These two years I spent at the president's side opened a complete new

thinking for me. My plan is to carry out all his reforms.

But mind you...

I know that damaging documents and Pinkerton's possession could ruin it.

And there's only one way to stop them coming to light.

By getting them away from him.

Regardless of what you think of me, I need your help.

You've a right to deny me trust and friendship.

But I ask both.

And if you don't get those documents?

In the next session of Congress, southern senators will suggest

aim to sanction conditions of slavery.

You know what that means.

MacDonald, I know they intend to try and use these documents to make me give in

to them. I know it.

But, MacDonald, I swear if it ever comes to that...

There's only one thing I can do.

They don't realize their risk in another civil war.

Another war?

I'll do everything possible, Mr. President.

You have a great responsibility, young man.

But I've got to put my hopes... to your hands.

I've come to say goodbye.

I'm staying in Dallas.

Why?

you in Washington.

Ten days.

Thank you.

No matter how things go.

Remember when I built this place, Bill?

Before the war, when I could still use my legs.

Slim?

What'd you lose in the war?

Huh?

What'd you sacrifice for the South?

How long do you think you can hold out, Slim?

I know you're just a pun I'm not after you

Helton, we were ordered to kill the president.

Did he order you to kill Bill and me, too?

Yes.

Take him put in writing, Bill.

Or he'll deny it otherwise.

Don't worry.

I want all of Dallas to hear what you just told me.

Now you'll come with me to see the sheriff.

Get out.

I'll hold it right there.

Turn around.

Drop your gun belt.

Very carefully.

You.

You were in with them, too?

There's something you don't understand.

Explanations come later.

Do exactly what you're told. Drop it.

Drop it.

So I couldn't help.

Bill!

What kind of a lousy game you play?

You bastard.

We were trying to find out who killed the president.

See you later.

Can't you keep fools like this out of the way?

It caused less trouble.

But what happened, MacDonald?

He got himself caught.

He gave away the whole plan.

Everything. They tortured me. They were... They were gonna hang me.

And then...

That information is none of your concern.

Don't think we're all fools in Washington.

They tried.

Tried to force me.

to say I killed the president.

I didn't.

I'll never say I did.

Never.

Please.

Please.

No. He'll get the proof.

You better get out of town for a while.

You can head the escort.

He won't make any more mistakes.

Where are they taking Donovan?

To Fort Worth.

He'll be much safer there.

Front page.

The biggest print you've got.

Certainly. Certainly, Jefferson.

Don't move.

Read it, Pat.

Murderer found by sheriff.

Surprise maneuver to catch him.

Negro admits murderer... On the front page, you'll put the sheriff's obituary.

Watch your step, Bill.

You'll hang for sure if you kill me.

Or get shot from an overpass Slim lied to you to save his height.

I'm gonna kill you Jefferson But it's not only for the president It's for

my father too He came to you in good faith And you killed him

no bill That was Wallace.

I had nothing to do with it. You got to believe me You can't just shoot me like

this without giving me a chance. Well, that wasn't the only chance.

What I'll give you is this.

Your gun.

Don't try any tricks

Nick

like the lamp You close the shutters

You know the game, huh?

Only one bullet.

And ability with a gun.

Don't count.

stunned for if you kill him.

Where's Jack?

Either on the road to Fort Worth or the one to hell.

I want you alive when I get back with Jack.

I want him to watch you die.

In the meantime, sign this.

Thank you.

Whose side are you on, anyway?

On the side of the United States.

Explain yourself better.

Jefferson signed a confession.

I need it, now hand it over.

Why'd you free Slim?

So that everybody will think the assassin was a madman.

You mean Jack Donovan?

Yep. Why are you covering up for the president's assassins? So that I can

with them.

I'm not interested in that.

I just know this.

My father's dead.

And now, Jack is too.

I told you to give me that confession.

It's the second time you ask me for something at gunpoint.

I don't like searching the dead.

You must figure me real dumb to run around with a document like that.

Go on.

Shoot.

Okay, Bill I Don't feel like killing you to see if you're lying But you make it

necessary and I won't hesitate for a second.

Neither will I They

killed

you to save America happy Jack

Because of the present adverse conditions in the emotional climate here

Dallas, the accused, Jack Donovan, has been taken into legal custody for his

protection.

I have just been presented with an injunction from the federal district

demanding that the state of Texas prove there was sufficient evidence on which

to indict Jack Donovan with the murder of the president.

A Mr.

Arthur MacDonald represents our interfering federal government in this

official attack on the honored state of Texas and its legal procedures.

Now, unless new evidence comes to light during these procedures,

I will ignore this degrading injunction.

You may begin, Mr. MacDonald.

I'd like to ask Sheriff Jefferson a few questions.

Sheriff, who are those three gentlemen seated there behind you with badges on?

The men I hired to help maintain law and order during the president's visit.

Considering your results, you could have saved yourself the trouble.

On what basis did you select them?

On the basis of their reputation as gunmen. You mean the same reputation

the Wallace gunslingers enjoy?

That's a ridiculous and absurd insinuation. Mr. McDonald, keep to the

facts.

Have you any doubts as to which direction the shots came from that

president? No.

I saw that nigger shoot from the window myself.

Not even after the numerous eyewitness statements claimed?

That the shots came from the overpass?

If those shots had come from the overpass, the president would have been

from in front.

Whereas in his report, Dr.

Hunter confirms that the bullet holes were to be found at the base of the

president's skull.

Yes. Yes, that was in Dr.

Hunter's report.

I realize that.

But Dr.

Stripp's report, we still don't have.

Hunter's, yes.

But we haven't seen Dr.

Strips' report.

And wasn't he the first one to examine the president?

Dr. Hunter is much more qualified than an old boozer like Strips.

Thank you.

Dr. Strips.

Were you the first one?

To examine the President's wounds.

Yes. The wounds were definitely in his throat.

When these gentlemen arrived, the President had already been dead several

minutes.

Nobody saw any wounds at the base of the skull.

Not anybody, including Dr. Hunter.

Thank you, Dr. Strips. If we need you again, we'll call you.

Would you ask Dr. Hunter to take the stand, please?

Dr. Hunter.

Dr.

Hunter, did you personally examine the president's wounds?

No.

Just one more question.

Dr. Hunter, did you sign this sworn statement that the bullets entered the

of the president's skull?

Yes or no?

Yes.

Your Honor, in view of the new evidence, this court must now dismiss the case

against Jack Donovan.

Call Miss Annie Goddard to the stand.

Miss Goddard, you've already made a sworn statement saying that Jack Donovan

told you about his plans to kill our president.

Do you confirm that statement?

Well, do you confirm that statement?

Yes, I confirm it. Thank you.

That's a beautiful dress.

Quite new, isn't it?

That's my business.

Business that seems to be flourishing since Jack's arrest.

How's that, Miss Goddard?

Well, I'm still young.

And I'm not exactly ugly.

It doesn't take much imagination to... Are you trying to tell us that you're a

whore? That's an offense to the witness's honor.

Keep to the facts, Mr. McDonald.

What exactly are you getting at?

that the deposition of this witness is false.

She's been bribed.

Have you the proof, sir?

Within 24 hours, I'll have the names of those who bribed her.

him dead than alive.

And he'll make more trouble.

What's the meaning of this?

You can stop this damn farce.

That's my friend, Jack Donovan.

He loved the president because he told him blacks and whites are equal.

And he got killed by whites who think differently.

Right here's the confession signed by one of them.

I want my friends to see the face of a southern trader who fought for the north

against his own father.

You've got no friends, Wallace.

You're just stupid killers.

Get him.

Disarm him and take him back to camp.

I want to continue this conversation in comfort.

Yes?

Mr. MacDonald.

Ah, good.

Come here, will you?

I wasn't expecting such a warm welcome.

First of all, permit us to express our admiration for your demonstration of

talent this morning.

Champagne. A luxury worthy of an important anniversary.

But I prefer toasting successfully concluded affairs of the present.

You've chosen to come to the point, all right? I admire a man of few words.

Indeed, I'm sure that your approach is proper.

You clearly showed us that the Negro wasn't guilty.

And Sheriff Jefferson had lied to us throughout.

Had it not been for your brilliant investigation, we'd never have learned

Jefferson was working hand in glove with Wallace.

And these two had planned the terrible assassination of the President.

You can forget the flattery, Mr. Pinkerton.

I'm here to listen to concrete proposals.

That'll save time for all of us.

Let's forge putting off the issue.

You can help us, young man.

The prestige of our state is under a threat.

Congress will have an investigation.

That's fine.

Provided it's kept quiet.

You can help us with that, though.

Silence is golden, Mr. Pinkerton.

A little service for which we'll pay you.

Name your price.

And we'll discuss it.

I have proof that Jefferson and Wallace are working under your direct orders.

And that you possess certain documents with which you intend to maneuver the

president. And I have proof.

that you had the president of the United States of America assassinated in order

to take over that office.

What do you mean by that?

Governor, you're probably in the hands of picketing yourself.

That's a problem for the state of Texas and not the federal government.

Don't you think that you're exaggerating, McDonald?

You know perfectly well I'm not.

Before I put my head under the lion's mouth, I've consigned that proof to

people in whom I have the greatest trust.

If I have not returned to them within 24 hours, you will begin to feel the bite

of the hangman's noose.

We hate violence here.

Fine.

It can all be avoided by the simple expedient of giving me the certain

with which you intend to blackmail the president.

I'll see that Jefferson and Wallace take the full blame.

You will be absolved of any complicity, and, of course, my investigation will

cease.

I'm afraid you and I have just been wasting each other's time.

You have 24 hours, Mr. Pinkerton. You underestimate our resources, Mr.

Your threats are nothing compared to the things I can do.

Destroy that proof at once.

I make a point to dispose of meddling people.

Take off your gun, doctor.

Are you leaving?

I've got to find Bill.

It's getting on night.

He ought to be back and I'm getting worried.

I'm going to take the buggy.

Good luck.

They're sure to sell it once.

Go ahead, get them out. What if you don't get back?

It's hard to pray.

It takes money to organize an army.

There'll come a day when I'll come out in the open against those Yankees.

And when that day comes, the whole South will be with me.

Right, Jefferson?

I expected to find the criminal. But you're a madman, too.

Pinkerton and his lot have used you both for their own ends.

Now you're getting in their way.

You find yourself hung.

Without honor or glory, Wallace.

Don't be a fool.

They're working for me.

You'll find out soon enough.

We're sold out.

Look.

Jefferson and Wallace, the real assassins of the president.

Where'd you get this? They printed it in Dallas.

Everybody's read it, too.

They're getting their men together to find us.

Better hide out in the hills.

Get the horses.

When I get back, you'll see who's the crazy one, Pinkerton or me.

You'll never get back, Wallace.

Stay here and keep Brett and Mortimer company.

I'm going to Dallas.

Don't be a fool, McDonald.

You'll be rich, I tell you.

You'd have enough money there to buy the whole state of Texas.

The documents, Pinkerton.

Only the documents. You have no choice.

I feel like a laugh, Bill.

That game of yours wasn't bad.

But I know another one.

Using just one bullet.

We like you.

You know, he's lucky.

Big man.

Hey, Jefferson, come and see who's here.

Hi there, Nick.

What are you going to do, whip us with your crutches?

Or did you come to sell us a paper?

Hey, Nick, there's quite a story you wrote about me and Wallace.

You're what they call a courageous newspaper man. Not afraid of nothing.

You're happy, Arch.

I'm afraid that it's going to get a little sad when we all run out of jokes.

It's your own game Jefferson

Inside

You know the game already.

Ready?

What's wrong with you?

What are you trying to pull? What's this for, Pat?

Come on, tell me.

You must get away.

Anybody's a witness to their shooting.

I'm afraid they're going to come after you, too.

I know Annie's been killed, and now they got McDonald.

I don't even know if he's still alive.

They're after anybody connected with the murder of the president.

Who is? Pinkerton?

Well, it's not Pinkerton.

Strips.

Have they killed him, too?

Now, hold on.

Wait a minute.

To rush out blind would be insane.

What are you so scared about?

This stuff's been going on for a long time.

Maybe there's something I don't know about.

You.

I had no choice.

They made me.

We need money.

How much do you have?

I don't know. 200 bucks, I think.

Cut these up into the size of paper money.

Quick. I'll explain later.

I'll go and have a look at the strips.

You old bun.

You did it, Straps.

Let it alone.

Don't give it another thought.

I'll get you to the hospital.

I know how to die, don't worry.

Who was it?

Tell me.

I forgot to keep my mouth shut.

Hey, I can still pull lead.

I forgot that.

The bag.

You know the law.

No amnesty for you.

But I'll say that you don't hang.

Now untie me.

I'll take care of Wallace.

You betrayed me, Pinkerton.

I want those documents.

After that, you're of no use to me.

You'll never know how to use them, Wallace. So you think you're smarter

Yes, I'm much smarter than you.

I know the new president. You don't.

I'm not interested in your intrigues.

I want those documents to show up those people in Washington for what they

really are.

After that, there'll be war again.

Where are you going?

I've been sent by the sheriff to make a deposit of this here reward from

Washington. What reward?

Why, the $20 ,000 for the man who captures the ones who killed the

I'll take it, dear. But you can't do that. That's against orders.

Now you just leave that.

And get going.

Get me those documents or I'll kill you.

We could have had the power in our hands.

But you've ruined that.

Here they are.

like you did my father.

Bill Give me those documents

Do you really think I'd risk my skin just to give them to you?

It's time the people knew the truth Some truths are better left alone My purpose

is just the same as yours

These papers are more used to me than they are to you our president died

he wanted peace So why should I give these to you for two real good reasons?

first Because I've got a gun second Because if you don't I'll kill

you Give it here

There's a train tomorrow take my advice

be on it

Not

yet we wait

Now you can put them on

You need this more than I do.