Original subtitles

His name was J.B. Books,

and he had a matched pair of 45s

with antique ivory grips

that were something to behold...

but he wasn't an outlaw.

The fact is, for a while,

he was a lawman.

Long before I met Mr. Books, he was a famous man.

I guess his fame was why somebody

was always after him.

He learned to survive in the wild country.

He lived his life by himself.

He had a credo that went...

Nobody will do wrong to me. I won't let people insult me.

I won't let anybody hit me.

I don't do these things to other people.

I require the same from them.

You hold it right there.

Give me your wallet.

Be careful with that cannon, mister.

Just throw me your wallet.

Yes, sir,

and a little something extra.

You have murdered me.

No, but you're going to have a long

winter stomach ache, you fool.

Give me that wallet.

Just the wallet.

I can hardly move.

You shot a hole in my stomach.

I appreciate that.

You are not going to leave me here.

Well, it's quite obvious

that's what you were going to do to me.

Get out of the way.

Mister, you should find yourself another type of job.

This one sure doesn't fit your pistol.

Hey, mister, do you want a paper?

Yeah, I will, son.

Queen Victoria is dead.

There you are. Thank you.

Hey!

Hey, you!

Hey, Methuselah,

move that horse out of the way.

Are you talking to me?

Yeah, I'm talking you You dumb bastard.

I said: Move it, or I'll give you something

to remember me by.

Well, now, pardon me.

Hurry up!

Buster.

Try it.

Come on, Jay, the old man Isn't worth the bullet.

He looks worn out.

Hurry up.

You're right there, son.

Doc Hostetler.

John Bernard Books.

You remembered.

The newspapers occasionally remind me.

What was it, 15 years ago?

The only time I was ever hit right here...

at the Acme Saloon.

You killed two men.

I'm damn lucky you were around, Doc.

That second one nearly did me in,

coming out of nowhere like that.

You must have the constitution of an ox.

Well, we'll see.

That's what I'm here for.

Oh?

About 10 days ago in Creede, Colorado,

I hadn't been feeling well,

so I went to see a doctor there.

He, uh...

Well, the next day I got on my horse

and took off to find you.

And what did my colleague in Creede say?

Examine me, and I'll tell you.

You don't trust me.

Oh, Doc, you saved my life.

You don't trust my profession.

In my profession, you trust too much,

you don't celebrate many birthdays.

I kind of like it around here.

All right, I'll examine you.

Take your clothes off down to your long underwear.

Now, I, uh...

if I'm to know what to look for,

you're gonna have to tell me what is ailing you.

Well, I hurt, Doc,

way down deep in my back.

Not all the time,

but now and then, suddenly.

Pain in the lumbar vertebrae?

terribly strong.

All right, whenever you get ready,

just... bend over the table there,

trapdoor down.

Well?

Books, every few days

I have to tell a man or a woman

something I don't want to.

I've been practicing medicine for twenty nine years,

and I still don't know how to do it well.

Why don't you just say it?

All right.

You have a cancer...

advanced.

Is that what that fellow up at Creede told you?

Yeah.

And you didn't believe him.

No.

Do you believe me?

Can't you cut it out, Doc?

I would have to gut you like a fish.

Well, what can you do?

There's... just, uh...

very little I can do.

Uh, if... when the pain gets too bad,

I can give you something.

What you're trying to tell me

is that I...

Yeah.

Damn.

I'm sorry, Books.

You told me I was strong as an ox.

Well, even an ox dies.

How much time do I have?

Two months... six weeks... less.

There's no way to tell.

Well, what can I...

What will I be able to do?

Oh, anything you want at first.

Then, later on, you won't want to.

How much later?

You'll know when.

Now, you will have to get off your feet

and get some rest.

Have you made any kind of arrangements for a room?

No Doc. I just got in town.

You might try the widow Rogers.

She's got a place down the street a fair piece.

She takes in lodgers.

and she's a nice woman.

She needs the help.

I'll give it a try.

Doc, do me a favor.

Don't tell anybody I'm in town.

Oh, no, but if I wanted to go unnoticed,

I don't think I would walk around with this thing.

I sStole it from a brothel in Creede.

Did you?

Hello.

This the Rogers place?

Yeah.

Ma!

You can tell your mother

that a worn out old man needs a room.

Good afternoon, sir.

Afternoon.

Doc Hostetler says you might be able to help me.

How kind of him.

Yes, sir, I have one room available.

Good.

Downstairs in the rear.

Eight dollars per week.

two dollars per day if you are not permanent.

Well, I'm not permanent, mam.

Oh, boy, get my gear and the saddle bags off that horse

and bring them into the house.

Gillom will be happy to do that.

The parlor is yours to use

and the telephone.

My other lodgers have rooms upstairs.

Two railroad men and a schoolteacher.

I will introduce them at supper.

My kitchen.

And the bathroom.

I thought that's what it was.

We do have running water,

also in the washbowl in here.

Nice looking brass bed.

I hope it hasn't got any, uh...

It hasn't got insects, has it?

It certainly has not.

This is very comfortable.

I'll take my meals right here.

I serve in the dining room.

I'll pay you extra.

Very well, since you're not permanent.

This suit's got a lot of dust on it.

I'd like to have it brushed before morning.

I'll take those saddle bags.

That sleeping bag you can leave outside.

I have my things wrapped in it.

They will need soap and water.

Have you a barn?

No, we don't.

Boy, take my horse over...

My name's Gillom. It is not "boy."

It's Gillom Rogers,

and I don't like being ordered around.

Well, that's fair enough, Gillom Rogers.

Would you be so kind as to take Old Dollar

over to the livery stable

and see that he gets a double order of oats?

O.K.

You seem to be a man

accustomed to giving orders.

I guess it is a bad habit of mine.

I didn't get your name.

I didn't give it.

Is it so important?

For anyone living under my roof, it is.

Well, all right.

It's, uh... Hickok,

William Hickok.

Where do you come from, Mr. Hickok?

Abilene, Kansas.

And what do you do there?

I'm a united states marshal.

Oh, that's nice.

No, it isn't.

I'm glad you're not staying long, Mr. Hickok.

I'm not sure I like you.

Not many do, Mrs. Rogers.

Moses, where did you hide the whiskey this time?

Third drawer from the left, Gilly boy.

Gilly, fetch me my spectacles.

What the hell are you doing?

You watch your language, boy.

J.B. Books is in my house.

Hey.

My name is Books.

You all get that?

Bang!

Boom!

He's in my house.

Ma!

Ma, I must tell you something.

Hush. Close the door.

What's happened?

Who do you think...

Oh, Gillom, you have been drinking again.

Do you know who he is?

William Hickok...

United States Marshal in Abilene, Kansas.

Ma, Wild Bill Hickok

was shot before I was born.

We got J.B. Books here.

He has killed thirty men.

Gillom, go to your room.

Go on. Go to bed before you wake the house.

Good night, Mum.

Hello.

Come in.

Mr. Books?

Oh, my clothes.

Thank you, m...

You are J.B. Books.

That's right.

May I ask how you found out?

My son.

I've been up all night because of you.

I demand that you pack and leave.

That is not possible.

And why not?

I don't want to say.

So you won't go.

No.

And that's your last word?

Mrs. Rogers, you have a fine color

when you are angry.

Central, give me the city marshal's office.

Thank you.

Come in, Marshal.

My name's Thibido,

Marshal Walter Thibido.

I'm told... you are J.B. Books.

You were told right.

Have a seat.

Don't think I will.

Breathe easy, Marshal.

You're closer to your gun than I am to mine.

Books, Carson City's full of dangerous people...

Is your head cold?

Huh?

Oh.

Books, Carson City's full of dangerous people

who would sell their souls to list you as their victim.

You will attract trouble like an outhouse attracts flies.

I checked my bulletins before I come over

and didn't find anything I can arrest you for,

but I want you out of town...

directly, today.

Maybe I don't want to go.

Then, by God, I will make you want to go.

I can recruit as many men as I need.

We will force you out or carry you out feet first,

so you state your preference, Mr. Gunman.

It's your funeral.

Soon, yes.

Huh?

I can't go.

Can't?

I'm going to die right here in this room.

Ha! That's a feeble excuse.

I wish you were right.

Would you believe Doc Hostetler?

That's his verdict.

You don't say?

You don't say... goddamn!

Whoo!

Whooee!

I tell you the truth...

Coming through that door, I was scared.

I know what a man like you is capable of.

I wondered who would get my job,

and if the council would give my wife a pension,

and if it would snow the day they buried me.

Excuse me if I don't have a sad face, I cant.

You talk too much.

Much as I damn please.

How long does the doctor give you?

He doesn't know. Do me a favor.

I owe you one... or the doctor.

My being here... maybe that's news,

but dying is my own business.

Keep it quiet, will you?

All right. Just don't take too long to die.

Be a gentleman and be convenient for everybody

and do it soon.

You have worn out your welcome.

Go.

The day they bury you,

what I will do on your grave

won't pass for flowers.

You damn little sneak. How long were you out there?

I was just passing by.

You spy on me and I will nail your ears to a tree.

Oh, no sir. No, I, I would never...

Oh, you've already told your mother.

Who else did you gossip to?

Ah...

Jay Cobb

Are you alright, Mr. Books?

I can't tolerate a sneak.

If you want to see me, knock on my door like a man.

I will.

Are you sure you're all right?

If there's anything I can do for you,

just let me know, sir, because

it's an honor to have you in this house.

I'm sure your mother doesn't agree.

She doesn't know how a man feels.

You're the most famous person to ever come into this town.

When I was a boy,

I heard about your shootout at the Acme Saloon.

I just never thought I would get the chance to meet you.

There's more to being a man

than the holding a gun.

Don't you have something to do? Don't you have a job?

Yeah, I was just headed over to Cobb's Creamery right now.

I help Jay with deliveries sometimes.

That was the nice gentleman

you were with yesterday.

Where is your mother?

She is in the kitchen, I think.

Well, goodbye, sir.

It was real nice meeting you.

Good-bye.

Mrs. Rogers, I, uh... hope you'll forgive me

for taking mister Hickok's name.

I thought it was pretty funny at the time,

but after reflection...

it wasn't such a joke, and I apologize.

You should.

The only way you can show your repentance

is to leave.

Well, that I cannot do.

Mr. Books, you are a notorious individual

utterly lacking in character or decency.

You are an assassin.

That's according to which end of the gun you're on.

You lied to me, made a fool of me.

This house is all I have.

If my lodgers find out who you are,

they'll leave.

I have a cancer.

I am dying of it.

I know what you will be thinking...

That I will be a lot of trouble.

Well, I won't.

You just bring me my meals,

and I will see to the other needs.

I promise you I won't be a burden.

Mrs. Rogers, I'm in a kind of a tight...

I will make it worth your while.

I can pay four dollars a day for the room.

Oh, Mr. Books.

Most pleased to meet you, sir, and honored.

What did you want to see me about?

My name is Dan Dobkins.

I am with The Morning News.

Mr. Dobkins, sit down.

Thank you.

Um...

we published the story this morning

that you were here at Mrs. Rogers'

and enjoying our lovely winter climate

and so on and so forth.

Have you seen it?

No.

It's page one, I assure you.

I bought your paper when I arrived.

Still reading about Queen Victoria dying.

Oh.

What can I do for you?

That's what I came to discuss.

Well, that's what I figured.

You must appreciate, sir,

that you are the most celebrated gun fighter extant.

Extant?

Uh, still existing,

alive.

Thank you.

Yes, and your reputation is nationwide.

My story went out over the wires this morning.

Every nespaper of consequence will run it,

but they will want more,

Especially the papers in the East.

Between us, Mr. Books,

we can really put Carson City on the map.

Mr. Dobkins, you're going the long way around the barn.

Yes, sir.

I would very much like

to do a series of stories on you.

A series?

Yes. Uh, how long will you be with us?

Not as long as I would like to be.

Oh, well, we could start today, right now,

then get together again tomorrow.

You see,

there has been so much cheap fiction about gunmen.

I want to get the true story for once,

while you're available,

before anything happens to you.

I mean, I hope nothing does.

keep talking.

I want to cover your career factually.

The statistics, you might say.

Then I would delve into the psychological aspects...

Why you turned to violence in the first place?

Are you by nature bloodthirsty?

Uh, do you, uh, brood after the deed is done,

or have you lived so long with death

that you are used to it? The death of others?

The prospect of your own?

pretend that is a nipple.

One fit or fidget

and Mrs. Rogers is going to be scrubbing your brains

off the wallpaper.

On your feet.

Back up.

Now, we're heading for the front door.

Now, don't you shake, shiver, or sneeze.

Mr. Books, what in heaven's name are you doing?

Ma'am, we have a difficult situation here.

Out.

Turn around.

Turn around.

Bend over.

Yes, sir.

Dobkins, you are a prying, annoying ass,

and if you ever come snooping around here again...

That was a savage thing to do.

Maybe...

Mr. Books?

I'll look after myself.

First things first, Doc.

I almost forgot to ask you.

How much do I owe you?

You're a man of high morals, Books.

Most of them ask that last, if at all.

Well, let's see.

We'll make it four dollars for the two visits

plus one dollar for that.

What is that?

They call that laudanum,

a solution of opium and alcohol.

Opium, that can be addictive.

Why, absolutely, an addiction.

How does it taste?

Just... just awful, terrible,

but it's the most potent painkiller we have got.

How much of it do I take?

Well, as much as you need when you need it.

I think a spoonful

would be all right to start with.

Later?

I don't know,

but I... I think one morning

you're just going to wake up and say,

"Here I am in this bed, and here I'm going to stay."

Doctor, I want to know.

Well, unless you insist,

I'd rather not talk about it.

Well, I want to know.

All right.

There will be an increase

in the severity of the pain

in your lower spine, your hips, your groin.

You...

Do you... Do you want me to go on?

The pain will become unbearable.

Uh, no drug will moderate it.

If you're lucky, you'll lose consciousness,

and until then, you will scream.

I... I'm sorry.

I... I didn't mean to be specific like this.

The next time, I will go to Mrs. Rogers.

You... You... You just telephone.

You just telephone.

There... There is one more thing I will say.

Both of us have had a lot to do with death.

I am not a brave man, but you must be.

Ah.

Now, now, now, this is not advice.

It is not even a suggestion.

It is just something for you to think about

while your mind is still clear.

What?

I would not want to die the way I just described.

No?

Not if I had your courage.

Oh.

Thanks.

Come in, Mrs. Rogers.

Oh, Mr. Books, I...

I'm beginning to know your knock.

I was reading about old Queen Victoria.

Well, maybe she outlived her time.

Maybe she was a museum piece,

but she never lost her dignity

or sold her guns.

She hung on to her pride and went out in style.

That's the kind of an old girl I would like to meet.

Mrs. Rogers, are you afraid of me?

Well, to be frank, yes.

Why?

All these guns and the kind of man you are.

Maybe you're afraid of too many things.

Sometimes widows are,

but I'm sure there's plenty of starch in your corset.

Mr. Books, I came here to see what you can eat,

if you can have what I'm serving.

No, you didn't.

I wish you would stop contradicting me.

I wish you'd say what you mean.

Very well.

I apologize for the unchristian things

I've said and done.

I'm sorry, and I will do whatever I can for you.

Well, thank you. I...

All my life, I have been too proud

to take help from anyone.

I guess I will have to learn.

Would you, uh...

sit down for a moment?

Please do.

What's that?

Laudanum.

The doctors remedy.

That is addictive, isn't it?

Mrs. Rogers, would you go for a drive

in the country with me tomorrow?

Oh, I... I couldn't, but thank you.

I wish you would reconsider.

It would only be for an hour or two.

No. I appreciate the invitation, but no.

Is it that you don't want to be alone with me?

It's not that, I assure you.

It's just that I've only been a widow for a year.

People would...

People!

If I have to work on your sympathy, I will.

I want to go out in the world again

and see trees, lakes, hills, and the sky.

And I don't fancy seeing it alone.

I've been full of alone lately.

I'm sorry.

Besides, there's a threat of snow in the air.

Since I moved in here,

we've been scratching at each other

and apologizing.

Well, let's see if we can do better.

Damn it. I wish you would ride with me.

I apologize for my language.

I'll go with you.

Good.

Tomorrow at 10:00?

Will you please get Mr. Gillom Rogers

to go down to the stable

and get us the best horse and buggy they have?

I will.

I am grateful, ma'am.

Good evening.

Deuce is the dead card.

Eight is your winner,

and the lovely queen, the loser.

Hellfire!

That makes seven turnovers in a row.

Pulford, J.B. Books over at Mrs. Rogers.

That was yesterday's news.

But I just heard he's dying.

Dying?

Friend of mine got it from the Marshal.

Old Mr Books is dying.

That's hard news.

That's a man I could have beaten.

Ha!

My ass.

You have two ways

of leaving this establishment, my friend...

Immediately or dead.

Gentlemen, place your bets.

Place your bets, gentlemen.

Look out!

Forty three...

Forty four...

Forty five...

Forty six...

Forty seven... forty eight.

Straight through the heart!

Hey, Pulford!

Over eighty feet!

- Hooray! - Hooray!

Oh, really handsome, ma'am.

Moses had to dust this buggy off.

He says he don't rent it too often.

Does not.

Except just for funerals.

Well, thank you, Gillom.

I appreciate this.

I want that wood chopped by the time we get back.

Oh, Ma, I was going to go on...

Yes, ma'am.

That is beauty.

It is a little chilly up here.

Would you like the top raised?

No, thank you.

You all right?

I will be in a minute.

Can I help you?

I've had plenty of practice.

Why don't you get married again?

What?

I think you heard me.

That's none of your affair.

I haven't time to be polite, Mrs. Rogers.

Well, for one thing, I haven't been asked.

For another, I loved my husband

and still do.

How did he die?

Stroke, they think.

They found him slumped at his desk.

He was lucky.

He was forty one.

Did he have time to, uh...

Did he leave you any security?

I have the property and the house,

which he built with a bank loan,

and Gillom.

And he worries you.

Yeah, he certainly does,

especially when he complains about being bored

and needing excitement.

Well, I wouldn't be too hard on him.

Every young man feels the need

to let the animal loose now and again.

I try to reason with him. I can't.

I can only mother him.

That's not what he wants.

Like I said, that you can change.

Don't you have enough worries of your own?

A few, but in general,

I've had a hell of a good time.

Tell me, um...

what does the J.B. Stand for?

John Bernard.

And yours?

Bond.

That's an interesting of a name for a woman.

How do you do, Bond?

How do you do, John Bernard?

Shall we?

Good morning, Mrs. Rogers!

Mr. Sweeney.

Mike Sweeney?

John Bernard Books,

now, I'm flattered that you remembered me.

You live around here now?

My farm is in the foothills to the west.

Well, you look just like I remember the Sweeneys...

mean and ugly.

Well, I heard that you were in town

for a very short time.

That's true.

Drop by.

We will talk about old times.

The good old times.

Ha ha ha!

You can bring your fancy pillow,

and your landlady is welcome, too.

Now, my problem is

that she never accepts my invitation,

and to you two, I say good-bye.

I'm surprised at the company you keep.

That man is no friend. Quite the reverse.

How do you know him?

I don't. I had some dealings

with his brother Albert once.

What happened?

Oh.

That's what worries me, John Bernard...

the thought of your victims.

What worried me was survival.

Bond, I don't believe I ever killed a man

that didn't deserve it.

Surely, only the Lord can judge that.

Mr. Books!

Mr. Books?

Sir?

Are you hurt?

No.

But they are.

Call the marshal.

He got both of them.

They came in through the windows... guns shooting.

Close your robe.

He's so damn fast, he killed them both.

John Bernard Books in a shootout right here.

Son of a bitch!

I will not have that language in my house.

Sorry, but this is a great day.

Our house is a part of history.

You've got to know that.

That's nothing to be proud of.

I love that old man.

Gillom! All right!

It's time you knew.

He's dying.

Who?

Mr. Books.

I don't believe it.

He has a cancer.

You're lying.

He would have told me.

But he didn't tell you!

He told me.

He's dying.

Ma.

Ma.

do you understand?

That's the last of it.

Thank you, Mr. Hutchins.

My position as a teacher,

as a maiden lady,

I'm obliged to move to another place.

Of course. I apologize.

We're ready to go!

Bye.

Some coffee?

Don't mind if I do.

Did you know those two?

No.

They sure knew you.

Who were they?

Ben Shoup, the one you killed

trying to get out the window.

The other named Norton...

Two bad men, not from around here.

I've never heard of them.

Quite a night.

Your bedroom looks like a slaughterhouse.

Oh, Mrs. Rogers.

I'll put a man outside every night.

That will cost the taxpayers three dollars a night

and ten dollars apiece to bury two corpses.

Death and taxes, Books.

Keeping you alive to die naturally

is costing us a pretty penny.

There's no need of any man outside.

I would appreciate that, Marshal.

Thank you.

I... I can't tell you how sorry I am

about what happened last night.

That won't help.

Two men are dead.

I was defending myself.

How are you feeling,

a little more unwell every day?

You've got a streak of kindness a mile wide.

That I do. Tell you what...

Maybe I can help speed things along.

Did you read about the shooting the night before last?

No.

That was some shooting.

Pulford, he's the faro dealer,

got off one round under fire,

straight through the heart,

and it measured eighty four feet, three inches.

Maybe I'll just send him here,

let him deal you a little faro.

You do that, Marshal.

This is ninteen hundred and one

The old days are gone. You don't know it.

We've got waterworks, telephones, lights.

We'll have our streetcar electrified by next year,

and we've started to pave the streets.

We've still got some weeding to do.

Once we're rid of people like you,

we will have a goddamn Garden of Eden here.

To put it in a nutshell,

you have outlived your time.

to put it in a nutshell? You couldn't put it in a barrel without a bottom

You're the longest winded bastard I ever listened to.

I may be windy, but I am not ornery.

When my time comes to die,

I won't drag it out. I'll just do it.

Why don't you?

Thibido...

I don't scare anymore.

Neither did Shoup or Norton.

You wouldn't gun down a police officer.

What would stop me, fear of dying?

# John Bernard Books #

# Lies moldering in his grave #

# John Bernard Books #

# Lies moldering in his grave #

# John Bernard Books #

# Lies moldering in his grave #

# But his horse keeps #

# Galloping on # #

Moses?

Would you care to do business

with a voice from the grave?

Mr. Books!

It's pure pleasure to groom your horse!

And even a greater pleasure

to do business with you!

Would you kindly step into my office?

It will be a pleasure.

Right this way, please.

Yes, sir.

Now, let me see

where I put my spectacles

because I would not want to make a, uh...

financial mistake.

Yes, sir.

Here they are, Mr. Books.

one, two, three, four, five.

one hundred dollars.

That's a lot of money, Moses.

Who do I have... What's this for?

What's it for? For your horse.

My horse? I want to sell my horse,

but this wouldn't buy my saddle.

But, Mr. Books, you agreed.

When?

When you sent Gilly...

I mean, when Mr. Rogers said this morning

one hundred dollars would be just fine with you.

I will have to have a talk with Mr. Rogers.

As far as the horse goes, it is three.

three hundred?

three hundred.

I might maybe can go two hundred.

You might maybe go more than that

because you will get more than that, because it's mine.

three.

two fifty.

three, and I will include the saddle for cash.

What about my bill?

You can forget that.

I am not made of money.

Are we going to stand here and haggle all day?

Mr. Books, you the most famous man I ever seen

and the second best to barter.

Who's the best?

Here I stand.

Well, let's get to haggling.

Let's get to haggling. All right.

Let's get to haggling.

one, two, three, four.

That's two hundred. two hundred.

two hundred there.

twenty, forty, sixty, eighty, ninety, two hundred and ninety five.

No.

two hundred and ninety six?

No.

ninety seven?

ninety eight?

Sold.

You mean I did it?

Mr. Books, that makes me the best to haggle!

The best in the world, Moses.

Yes, sir.

Gillom!

Gillom!

Where's Gillom?

In the woodshed.

That's appropriate.

Why?

You stay out of this.

Gillom!

I'm in here.

You will account to me.

Sir?

You were trying to cheat me,

and Moses was trying to cheat you.

I'm sorry.

I'm glad of that, but it doesn't...

it doesn't tell me very much.

She, uh...

She cried on my shoulder this morning

on account of you.

I had to comfort her.

And then the lodgers moved out.

Your room is a mess...

and now Mum is worried about losing the house.

Well, I just thought that...

that maybe you might want to do something

to try and make it up to her.

I thought you might be interested

in selling your horse since you are...

Since I'm what?

You are dying.

How did you find that out?

Mum told me.

Guess I am the last one in town to know about it.

Don't you think you should have talked to me

before you tried to sell my horse?

Yes, sir.

I suppose.

But I just wanted to see first

if Moses would buy it, that's all.

I'm not a horse thief.

A man's emotions can...

entangle him sometimes.

I've been living on a knife edge lately, Gillom.

Guess I just jumped too far too fast.

But, son, I never thought you were a horse thief.

And I hope I can stay around long enough

to make it up to you.

Sir...

do you think...

Would you give me a shooting lesson?

A shooting lesson?

Well, a man should know how to handle a gun,

use it with discretion.

But, uh...

you going to tell your mother?

Well... do I have to?

Come on, I'll get us something to shoot with.

It's beautiful.

See that tree on the left

with the divided trunk?

You take the right side.

Aim well and put five bullets in it.

Why not six?

You keep your hammer on an empty chamber for safety.

And if you're going out to face somebody?

Load six if your insides tells you to.

Now, take your time.

That's good shooting, Gillom.

Hey, Mr. Books,

my spread's not much bigger than yours.

You did well.

Where did you learn to shoot like that?

Jay Cobb lets me practice with him by the lake...

when he's not in jail.

Day before yesterday, he smashed some salesman's jaw.

Nice employer you have.

Well, it's just temporary...

till I find whatever is right for me.

Yeah.

I would like to see

him and Jack Pulford fight.

Did you hear about what Pulford did?

I did.

Mr. Books.

Yeah?

How did you ever kill so many men?

I lived most of my life in the wild country,

and you set a code of laws to live by.

What laws?

I won't be treated wrong, I won't be insulted,

I won't be hit.

I don't do these things to other people,

and I require the same from them.

But how could you get into so many fights

and always come out on top?

I nearly tied you shooting.

There's nobody up there shooting back at you.

It isn't always being fast

or even accurate that counts.

It's being willing.

I found out early that most men,

regardless of cause or need,

aren't willing.

They blink an eye or draw a breath

before they pull the trigger.

I won't.

Bat Masterson told Cobb...

Bat Masterson?

Yeah.

He says that a man has to have, uh...

courage, deliberation, and be proficient with firearms.

Did he mention that third eye you better have?

Third eye?

For that dumb-ass amateur.

It's usually some six fingered bustard

that couldn't hit a cow in the tit

with a tin cup

that will kill you.

But then, Bat Masterson

always was full of sheep dip.

I hope you're smart enough to know

that alcohhol does not go with guns.

Oh, sure. Yes, sir.

Well, now that we got that cleared up...

as my Mexican friend said,

"To the pure life."

Johnny?

Yes?

May I come in?

Don't... Don't you remember me?

Serepta?

Oh.

Sera, I can't tell you how happy I am you're here.

I came the minute I heard.

Have I changed so much?

No, it's... just been a long time.

It isn't true, is it?

God, how I loved you.

And I loved you.

Is it true?

Oh, no.

Aw, don't cry, Sera.

We all have our time.

I must look a sight.

For sore eyes.

Are you still with Pardee?

No. He treated me the way I did you.

He just up and fled.

We should have married.

Spilt milk.

You never did, huh?

No.

Now you're alone. I'm so glad I'm here.

So am I.

Would you still like to?

We could get a minister and just say I do.

That way, I'd have the certificate.

I would have something to go on.

Not much.

I would have your name.

How far would that take you?

Long ways, maybe.

How?

Johnny, you're too modest, you know?

Everybody knows who you are.

I would be Mrs. J.B. Books.

I would be somebody.

That would not buy you any food.

Well, it might.

See, that's how come I knew that you had...

that that you was ailing bad.

This newspaper reporter here tracked me down.

He wants to put out a book on you.

He will write it and use my name.

The Shooter...

The Life and Bloody Times of J.B. Books

by Serepta Books, his wife.

He said in the East

that it would sell like hot cakes

and he would split it with me.

And his name is Dobkins.

Right. How did you know?

I kicked him out of here for the same reason.

Johnny, what harm is there

in a marriage certificate, a piece of paper?

I don't object to that. It's the book.

Why?

What does he know about my life?

What do you know?

He says what he does not know, he will make up,

and, you know, gory things,

gun fights and midnight rides

and women tearing out their hair.

It will be great, I promise you.

Woman, I still have some pride.

A man should be allowed his human dignity.

I spent three dollars on the train here.

One-way.

You and Dobkins are two sides of a counterfeit coin.

I will pay you back.

I will pay you both ways.

What's wrong about a book?

I don't want to be remembered for a pack of lies.

Because you're too damn stubborn, that's why.

You always were.

Why should you care what's happening? You're dying.

I have to go on living,

and you don't give a damn what happens!

Why should you? You won't be here!

God. And I loved you once.

You bastard.

May you rot to death!

# It was blighted affection #

# That made him exclaim #

# Oh, willow tit-willow #

# Tit-willow #

# And if you remain callous #

# And stubborn, I #

# Shall perish as he did #

# And you will know why #

# Though I probably shall not exclaim #

# As I die #

# Oh, willow #

# Tit-willow #

# Tit-willow says I #

You seem in fine condition today.

I should be. I'm full of laudanum.

I will get your breakfast.

Good. Thank you.

I didn't mean to break up the recital.

Oh, that's all right.

It was just something

for the Sunday School class

for the church social.

Bond, uh, I've chased away all your other lodgers.

Is it all right if I have breakfast out here?

Of course it is.

I was delighted to see you had a lady caller yesterday.

She asked me not to announce her.

She said she wanted to surprise you.

Were you surprised?

Yes I was.

Oh, these clothes, uh...

they are my Sunday best.

I wish you would brush them clean.

Certainly.

They're getting pretty scruffy.

Nine days on the back of a saddle

wrapped in bedding.

Wouldn't you rather have them cleaned?

That is the general idea.

I mean there's a new method

called dry process cleaning.

It's very good.

How long does it take?

They advertise next-day service,

but tomorrow is Sunday.

I'm afraid I will have to settle for the brushing

because I will need them first thing Monday morning.

I will ask. If I can't get them by then,

I will brush them.

I will get your ham and eggs.

Just biscuits will do.

My stomach is feeling a little weak today.

Oh. You sure

you won't want these for church tomorrow?

I don't think so.

You're most welcome to accompany Gillom and me.

Maybe your church won't welcome me.

That's a terrible thing to say.

Doors of the church are open to everyone.

Well, my place of worship has been the mountains and solitude.

No doors at all.

That's hardly the same thing.

We all need a minister to guide us.

Well, if you think of it,

give a thought to my soul tomorrow.

I will. I have been praying for you.

I think Gillom has, too.

Thank you. Thank you both.

Tell me,

what did he do yesterday that made you so angry?

It isn't what he did.

It's what he didn't do.

We have that straightened out.

You should be proud of Gillom.

He has the making of something special.

I hope so.

I'm going to send Reverend Saunders

to see you tomorrow.

No, thank you.

Maybe it'll make it easier for you.

No.

Just for a few minutes.

Bond, I'm tired of people interfering over my death

for this reason or that or for any reason.

A man's death is about the most private thing

in his life.

It doesn't belong to Dobkins or Reverend Saunders

or Thibido or you.

It's mine.

I suppose that's true of your soul, too.

My soul is what I have already made of it.

You reprimand me for making judgments

with a gun barrel poked in my face,

but it's all right for you to judge me on hearsay.

But the hearsay fits.

Maybe I'm better than you've already decided.

Maybe I'm no worse than that good reverend.

Maybe you like being a gunman.

You probably prefer the word shooter.

I don't think of myself as either.

Oh, no. You are some godlike creature

of infinite knowledge, aren't you?

I am a dying man scared of the dark.

Damn you! Damn you for the pain you have brought

into this house.

There we are, sir.

Mr. Books.

Yes, sir?

I'm Hezekiah Beckum, the undertaker, sir.

How do you do?

I hope you don't think my stopping by

is premature, sir.

No, I admire a man with enthusiasm.

As the saying goes in our profession,

the early worm gets the bird.

I, uh, admit I heard some unfortunate things.

I'd like to express my heartfelt regret.

All right. What is your proposition?

I'm prepared to offer you embalming

by the most, scientific methods,

a bronze coffin guaranteed good for a century

regardless of the climatic

or geological conditions,

my best hearse,

uh, the minister of your choice,

and the presence of at least, uh, two mourners...

a headstone of the finest Carrera marble...

and a plot in size and location

suitable of your status, sir...

and perpetual care of the grounds.

For how much?

Why, nothing, sir. For the privilege.

No, I mean how much will you make on the deal?

Oh, Beckum, you're going to do to me

what they did to John Wesley Hardin.

You are going to lay me out,

let the public look at me for 50 cents a head,

10 cents for the children.

When the curiosity is gone,

you will stick me in a hole

while you hurry to the bank with your loot.

I assure you...

Give me a scrap of paper and a pencil.

You assure me? What good is your assurance

when my veins are filled with your damn juice?

No. Here's what you're going to do.

First you're going to give me fifty dollars cash.

Then early Monday morning,

you will bring me a headstone.

I want a small headstone with this written on it.

Nothing else.

No illustrius words, no angels. You got that?

Mr. Books, you're a hard man.

I'm alive.

Ah, very well.

I will instuct my stonecutter

to work on the inscription immediately.

Mr. Beckum.

The fifty dollars

Oh. Hmm.

Thank you, sir.

Early worm, early worm.

That Beckum is just what you say he is.

Well... now, how much do I owe you?

Not one penny, Mr. Books.

Why, to watch that performance you just gave,

I would have paid ten dollars in a theater.

Well, I may just accept your generosity.

Besides, I may just see if Beckum

would like to buy some of J.B. Books' hair.

With your permission.

Permission granted.

Good day, sir.

What the hell?

And the third man's name is...

Mike Sweeney. Do you know him?

Sure, I do. He has got one of those horseless carriages.

And now for the favor I am going to ask you.

You just tell me, sir. Anything at all.

Don't dive in untill you know how deep it is.

Today's the twenty seventh, isn't it?

Yes, sir.

Now, that is Jack Pulford, Jay Cobb, and Mike Sweeney.

Tomorrow morning early,

I want you to go to each one of them and tell them

that I will be at the Metropole

at elevin On Monday morning the twenty ninth,

and don't tell any of them that you've told the others.

Mister Cobb is still in jail.

Yeah, well, tell him anyway.

Think you can do that for me?

Well, I know I can,

but, uh, Mother is going to be angry

if I don't go to church in the morning.

You can go to church first.

I telephoned Moses.

You can ride my horse out to the Sweeney farm.

Yes, sir.

Thank you and...

and good night.

Son of a bitch.

Don't cuss.

Yes, sir.

You know that kind of music gets on my nerves,

especially on Sunday.

Sorry.

Mum, are you angry at Mr. Books?

Why? What did he say?

Nothing. It's just...

Mum, I'm sorry.

I must go do some errands for Mr. Books.

I promised him.

Gillom.

Gillom.

I will be back soon. Soon as I can.

Oh! Oh!

What happened? Are you all right?

I slipped in the tub.

Let me help you.

Hell.

Come on, now. Hang on to me. That's it.

Now sit on the edge of the tub.

I'll get you another towel.

Damn!

John Bernard, you swear too much.

The hell I do.

Put your arm around my shoulder.

Why didn't you ask me to help you

in the first place?

I couldn't.

Why not?

I promised you I would not be a burden.

But you are, so let us just forget about that.

I sure as hell am.

Oh, let me sit down.

Oh, sit down for a minute while I catch my breath.

Oh...

well, we finally made it through a full day

without having a fight.

Well, we have not seen each other all day.

You are right there.

You know, Bond,

you are such a real lady on the outside.

You are full of vim and vinegar on the inside.

I just never met anybody like you.

You are running low.

I better call Dr. Hostetler and order some more.

No. This will do.

Oh.

That Morning newspaper.

I've perused newspapers all my life.

Never got the full information out of one.

I bought this the day I arrived,

and I said to myself,

I'm going to read every word, and when I'm finished,

"I will know for a fact exactly what happened

on January twenty second in the year nineteen hundred and one."

It was an important day in my life,

and now I know.

Would you do me a favor

and give this an honorable incineration in my stove?

You're getting ready to do something.

What makes you say that?

This...

dry cleaning...

laudanum...

haircut.

I want you to promise me something.

Tomorrow when you see me in all my laundered splendor

and my Sunday best clothes,

I want you to promise there will be no questions...

no surmises, no woman's intuition.

All curiosity stops right here and now.

Promise me?

And no tears, Bond.

Mr. Books!

In here, Gillom.

Oh, so I see.

No, you don't see.

I was helping Mr. Books out of the bathtub.

What?

You must be hungry.

No, Mum. I'm fine.

I promise.

Thank you.

Well, sir, I got it done.

Good. How'd you get along with Old Dollar?

Oh, he's a great horse.

You should've seen the look on Marshal Thibido's face

when I rode up to the jail.

He must've thought I was you coming to free mister Cobb.

Hardly me.

Which is just about what I did do

because Thibido is going to let Cobb out

long enough to meet you.

Good.

You will never guess how mister Cobb took that.

I bet he jumped with joy.

He became all white, scared to death.

Oh?

Now, Pulford was happy.

He really respects you. He told me so.

And he sure was polite. He said, uh,

"I eagerly await the honor... and the privilege

of having him try his luck at my faro table."

We will have to give it a try.

Now, how about the other man... Sweeney?

You watch out for him, Mister Books.

That man is mean, and he hates you.

Well, we will see if we can clear that up tomorrow.

Sir, what's...

Thank you. We both should get some sleep.

Can I ask you something?

I am too tired. We will talk tomorrow.

But I have to be out before sunrise,

deliver the milk while Cobb is in jail.

Then we will both have a busy morning.

Before you go...

there is something I want to give you.

No, sir. No. I won't take pay.

And I would not offer it, Gillom.

But you like my horse, don't you?

Best horse I ever rode.

Well, he is yours. I bought him back.

Here is the bill of sale.

Now let me get some sleep.

Sir?

Yeah?

When you asked me to do this,

I didn't realize...

and... and I just hope that nothing...

Just take good care of my horse.

Good night, sir.

Come in.

We got the headstone. Mr. Beckum...

Good. Just put it there on the bed.

Beckum said he did the best he could,

but there was not much time.

Yeah, well, that will be all right.

Well, that is no good,

they left the date off.

That will be all right.

Yes, sir.

Thank you.

Early for you, isn't it?

Yeah, well, I'm expecting somebody.

Bring me a cup of coffee, will you, Murray?

Sure.

John Bernard?

Oh.

How grand you look.

Thank you, Bond.

That dry cleaning process is very good, isn't it?

Yeah, but it's kind of smelly.

Well, that's the naphtha.

Oh, this is my birthday.

I, uh, have not been to a saloon for a long time,

and I thought I wouldd get a drink and celebrate.

Happy birthday.

Thank you.

You have a beautiful day for it.

It is what we call a false spring.

Goodbye, Mrs. Rogers.

Goodbye, Mr. Books.

Well, boy, here's your big chance.

Fame and fortune awaits.

After I put that old man out of his misery,

I am going to get you.

Sure, you will.

Don't wet your pants.

Marshal Thibido! May I see you for a moment?

What is going on?

Dobkins, this is law business,

not newspaper business.

Adolph S. Ochs is the publisher of the New York Times.

He has asked me for an article

on how city officials are reacting

to the presence of our famous shooter.

I was thinking of doing a series of stories on you.

Let's get off the street.

You tell them my name is Thibido with an "H."

Good morning.

Good morning, Mr. Books.

You don't give a man very long to climb aboard this thing.

Got a schedule to keep.

Good morning.

Good morning, sir.

Isn't it a beautiful day?

It sure is.

It is what we call a false spring.

Yes, sir?

Glass.

Mr. Sweeney...

want to try your luck?

1522

stop!

Friend... for you.

What?

Make you a little more comfortable.

Well, sir, my old bones thank you.

I sure hope the right man comes along.

Good morning, sir.

Good morning.

This is my birthday.

Give me the best in the house.

Yes, sir.

Thank you, sir.

And I will tell you that was for Albert!

Look out!