Original subtitles

NARRATOR: Under the infamous nine-year rule of the carpetbaggers

that followed the Civil War,

thieves, murderers, and other fugitive criminals

from every part of the country found sanctuary in the state of Texas.

In 1874, the Union Army of Occupation was withdrawn,

leaving Texas at the mercy of a horde of ruthless bandits

operating in open defiance of all existing law enforcement.

Among them were some of the most dangerous men in American criminal history.

Such men as that legendary outlaw,

the terror of every Texas railroad.

Fares, please.

I'm the new conductor on the train.

Sam Bass is the name.

Shell out, folks, shell out all you got.

Travelin' comes high in Texas

when Sam Bass is running the train.

Right in the bag, ma'am.

[FIRES GUN]

Thank you, miss.

Lovely day, isn't it, ma'am?

NARRATOR: Duke Fisher, a two-gun stop sign on any highway.

John Wesley Hardin, gentleman by birth,

lawyer by training,

killer by instinct.

MARSHAL: Travis County has law and order now, Hardin.

What's the charge, Marshal?

Murder, mayhem, and highway robbery.

Unbuckle his belt, Joe.

[FIRES GUN]

NARRATOR: David Rudabaugh, king of the cattle rustlers.

I'll only call you, Dave,

but I have the high hand, three aces.

[GROANS]

You got the low hand now, partner.

[COINS CLINKING]

NARRATOR: And the Sundance Kid, at double-dealing gent

who only had one real friend,

the Sundance Kid.

Buff Smith, a good boy and bad company.

Hold them, Johnny, till I get mounted.

NARRATOR: John Carver, the fastest gun in Texas.

Come on, Johnny.

[GROANS]

[GROANS] Oh, Dad!

Dad!

Dad! [SOBBING]

All right, folks.

All right. All right.

We'll take charge of them. They killed George Fenton.

Is that true, Miss Helen? Yes.

These men started shooting and my father fell right beside me.

Sorry, ma'am.

He stopped the last one the Sundance Kid threw at me.

You're just as much to blame.

You were in this together, thieves and murderers.

I'll see you hang for it.

Let's string them up right now!

[CROWD CLAMORING]

Wait a minute. Let's do this according to law and order.

All right, boys, take him away.

NARRATOR: To combat this lawlessness,

the state once again called into being the Texas Rangers,

demobilized since the beginning of the Civil War.

Major John B. Jones, a gallant officer of the Confederacy,

was placed in command.

And no finer body of fighting men was ever known.

Within two years,

Major Jones and his Rangers had brought law and order

to the far-flung borders of Texas.

It was then that Sam Bass called together

the remaining bandit leaders at one of his hideouts

in the Lampasas River region.

All right, gentlemen.

Now that we're all here, let's get down to cases.

I reckon you know that I didn't ask you way down here

just to have a sociable drink and smoke.

Now let's get to it, Sam.

I ain't aiming to spend the night in this swamp.

Hold your horses, Arkansas. I'm the dealer.

Boys, the way Major Jones and his Rangers are goin',

we're gonna be holed up in a worse place than this

if we don't do something about it, pronto.

Well, there's no argument there, Sam. What's your plan?

Organize, Wes.

Put everything we have into one pot.

Work some big jobs together.

Share and share alike.

Nah, I've always worked alone.

So have I, Arkansas.

We all like to play a lone hand.

But where is it getting us?

How's cattle rustling, Dave?

I haven't moved a steer in two months.

SAM: You ain't been doing so good either lately, have you, Sundance?

You, Duke?

Not you either, Butch.

And, uh, John,

they tell me the Rangers blew up that last bank job of yours.

Right my face.

I was lucky to get away.

There you are, boys.

I tell you, there's only one way to beat this Major Jones.

Working together, we can lick any Ranger outfit they send against us.

They've been busted up before, and we can do it again.

Before we're through,

we'll just about own this part of Texas.

Stock, lock, and barrel.

That's mighty big talk, Sam Bass.

Seems to me the kind of outfit you're proposing

has got to have a boss, ain't it?

That's right.

I reckon you figure on being it, ain't you, Sam?

Why you more than me?

I've pulled more and bigger jobs than you ever thought of.

You've taken on a big one now, Arkansas.

Let's see you pull it.

[FIRES GUN] [GROANS]

Boys,

here's to the Long Riders Self-Protective Association.

Sam Bass, President.

Major Jones, I'm not detracting

from the splendid services you and your Rangers

have rendered over the past two years.

But this Sam Bass

is making Texas the laughingstock of the nation.

Governor, Sam Bass has organized

the strongest band of outlaws on record.

Confound it, Major, he's operating practically within the shadow of the capital.

And what, may I ask, have you done about it?

We've tried to run him to cover, sir.

I've lost 30 good men within the last month.

Sam Bass strikes in one county today,

and reappears in another two days later.

The scoundrel is becoming a legend.

They're even signing ballads about him.

Look at my desk, sir.

Piled high with letters of complaint

and newspaper attacks on my administration.

Major, we've got to put Sam Bass out of business

before the legislature reconvenes.

That's a tall order, Governor.

It gives me less than a month.

But if you don't care of what methods I use...

Do it any way you can.

Only be on time, or there won't be any appropriation.

And that means the end of the Texas Rangers.

Carver and Smith in the soup again. What is it this time?

GUARD 1: They slugged Keeper Hansen and tried to go over the wall.

GUARD 2: Well, pump Carver out

and dry him off 'cause he's wanted at the warden's office.

Hello, Johnny.

Major Jones.

Excuse me, sir, I...

[CHUCKLES]

The warden's boys sort of got me

sun-blinded and waterlogged.

Here, here, sit down.

Thanks, sir.

It's good to see you.

It's always good to see an old friend.

[CHUCKLES]

Even in a place like this.

Looks like your luck kind of run out on you, Johnny.

Yeah, it's run out for good, I reckon.

What happened after the war?

You used to be one of the best platoon sergeants I had.

What went wrong?

Got home to find nothing but a stone chimney and a heap of charcoal

from a Yankee guerilla raid.

My ma and pa killed, kid brother wounded.

I got him taken care of, then I...

Then I joined up with the border raiders.

One thing led to another.

I reckon you know the rest.

It's too bad.

You'd have made a fine Ranger.

Not me.

I'd never help send a man to rot in a hole like this.

Twenty-three more years to go.

They might as well have made it life.

They did.

Nobody's ever lasted more than 10 years in here.

Sergeant, there's a new war on.

It's not like the one we fought together.

No flags waving, no bugle calls.

It's a war of extermination between my Rangers and the Sam Bass outfit.

I need your help.

[SCOFFS] What for?

You know all the outlaw trails and hideouts along the Lampasas River.

You used to be proud you were a Texan.

Here's a chance for you to strike a blow for your state.

I'm more interested in striking a blow for Johnny Carver.

What's in it for me?

A parole in my custody as a probationary Ranger.

The promise of a full pardon if you do a good job.

Who's all in this Sam Bass outfit you're talking about?

John Wesley Hardin,

David Rudabaugh,

Duke Fisher,

Butch Cassidy.

And the Sundance Kid?

That's right.

Could you get my pal Buff Smith out on this same kind of deal?

That was part of my understanding with the Governor.

Major, you've got yourself a couple of new Rangers.

RANGER 1: Well, what do you know? How do you call that turn, Bob?

Beats me. RANGER 2: Some haul the boss made.

Buff Smith and Johnny Carver, the fastest gun in Texas.

Yeah. MAJOR JONES: Bonner.

Danny, meet Buff Smith

and John Carver. Bonner?

How are you? They've joined up with us.

Gee, that's great.

We thought they were prisoners. [CHUCKLES]

I, uh, didn't catch the name quite right.

Uh, Bonner, Danny Bonner.

Take them over to the mess and find bunks for them.

They'll be riding out early in the morning.

Why waste tonight, Major?

Buff and me could be well up the line by morning.

That's all right with me.

Go over to the corral, Danny.

Find good mounts for 'em.

Come in with me, boys, and get your outfits.

JOHNNY: Yes, sir.

Hello, Major. Hello, Pete.

How was your trip, sir? Not too rough.

Anything new?

Yes, sir, but it's not good.

They got Jim McCoy up at Granger.

One of our best men.

That makes 31 this month.

This note was found pinned to his jacket, sir.

This'll give you an idea of what you're up against, Johnny.

"Keep sending them, Major. We have lots of ammunition."

Signed, Sam Bass.

All right, we've tried to accommodate Mr. Bass and company.

Oh, uh, Captain,

meet John Carver and Buff Smith.

They're joining us on probation.

Boys, this is Captain Pete, my second in command.

Howdy, Captain. Pleased to meet you.

Welcome to the Rangers.

HELEN: Just a minute, please.

Oh, Major, this young lady has been waiting to see you.

Miss Helen Fenton.

She's publisher of the Waco Star. Oh, I see.

Well, what is it, Miss Fenton?

Did I understand you correctly just now, Major?

You've taken these men out of prison to make Rangers of them?

That's right, Miss Fenton.

Major Jones,

these two men were tried and convicted

as accessories to the murder of my father

two years ago in Waco.

I was a prosecuting witness.

They're murderous outlaws.

I'm afraid you're allowing your personal tragedy

to blind you to reality, Miss Fenton.

Two years ago Texas was an outlaw state.

Many young men capable of becoming good citizens

had drifted into lives of violence.

These men are cases in point.

I think they should have a chance to redeem themselves.

Well, then there's no use in my staying longer.

I was hoping to go back to Waco and tell the people of my county

that the Rangers would soon bring them relief from Sam Bass.

But you can.

These men are going to be of great help in rounding up that gang.

They're the kind of men we need.

We're fighting fire with fire, Miss Fenton.

Major Jones, if the Texas Rangers

have reached so low in the bottom of the barrel

that there's nothing left but rotten apples,

there's little hope for McLennan County.

We might as well elect Sam Bass sheriff.

Good day, sir.

Phew! That filly leaves a trail like a prairie fire.

[DOOR SLAM]

I reckon you'll have to read the next edition of the Waco Star

through smoked glasses, Major.

I'm afraid so. Now, boys, if you'll take a look at this map.

The last four jobs Sam Bass pulled

we all between Little River and Waco.

Ah, that means they're working out of

Lampasas River country, all right, Major.

Yes, and Bass now has enough gunfighters to block every known path

and ambush my men when they try to follow him.

Now I want you to locate his hideout in the bottom lands

and spot an unguarded path through the river timber.

I reckon Buff and me know about 100 deer trails.

They can't block them all.

Right and when you're all set, report back to me.

I'll be a day's ride behind you with all the men I can assemble.

And you'll lead us in for a surprise attack.

Any questions? Reckon not.

You, Buff? No.

Say, Major, didn't I...

Well...

Didn't I smell chewing meat on the fire out there, when we drove by?

That's right, Buff.

The mess cook will fix you up with all you want.

Oh, man, oh, man!

This will be the first time I sat down to three or four T-bones in...

In two years.

Just a minute, Buff.

Now, boys, raise your right hands.

Repeat after me.

I solemnly swear...

BOTH: I solemnly swear...

...to render loyal service to the State of Texas.

BOTH: ...to render loyal service to the State of Texas.

Danny. Hi, Buff.

Johnny, gee, you could have knocked me over with a broom straw

when I saw you and Buff ride in. [CHUCKLES]

How'd you do it? Your name is Danny Bonner, eh?

What's the idea, kid?

Ashamed to be known as my brother?

That wasn't it, Johnny, you know it wasn't.

I never have been ashamed of you.

I told you that in my letters.

They don't give you any mail in that prison, Danny.

What about the packages I sent you?

I expect our keepers enjoy them.

Oh, no wonder you thought I'd turned on you.

No, I only took Uncle Bonner's name because...

Well because I was afraid they wouldn't let me in

the Rangers if they knew about...

Well, that's the only reason. That was all.

Oh, look, Johnny, how could I have been ashamed of you?

I've carried this medal of yours,

haven't I, ever since you came back from the war?

Now I can show it to everybody and let 'em know we're brothers.

No, not yet, kid.

Why not? Your being in the Rangers makes everything just fine.

We can go to the Major and...

No, nothing doing.

Let things ride as they are.

I get it. You want to prove yourself first, that's it.

Sure. That's it.

Well, look, if you'll go to the Major and put in a good word for me,

he'll let me string along with you and Buff on my first field job.

Oh, not a chance, Danny.

This is special, just for Buff and me.

Take care of yourself.

When he was born, Buff, he weighed four and a half pounds on a hook.

Well, he's a grownup Texas longhorn now.

[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS]

Gosh, Aunt Helen.

Johnny Carver's the only man in Texas

who'll slap leather faster than Sam Bass.

[IMITATES GUN FIRING]

Oh, Sam Bass is faster than him with both hands.

[IMITATES GUN FIRING]

Yeah? Yeah!

Hey, hey, we've enough bandit killers in Texas without you two joining up.

Now get these papers delivered.

Yes, ma'am.

But I'd still like to be around when Johnny Carver and Sam Bass meet up.

Miss Helen.

Sam Bass and a bunch of gunfighters just rode into town.

They set themselves up in the Frontier Palace, just as cool as you please.

Where's the Marshal and his deputy?

When last seen, he was heading south.

Coward!

No wonder our boys make heroes of these murderers.

Miss Helen, you ain't going to the Palace.

Where else? I run a newspaper, Pete.

It's my job to interview celebrities when they come to town.

Leave it to me, Mr. Bass.

Supper for 9:00 and everything the best.

And everything on the house.

[STAMMERS] Oh, of course. It's a great pleasure, sir.

Bill, Charlie, set the big table.

Nice fella, huh?

Real hospitable town, Waco.

We should come here more often.

Oh, boys. Wes,

that Belton Bank job is ripe

and ready for us to pluck off the limb.

Ah, that penny-ante piggy bank isn't worth the trip, Sam.

She will be by the time we get there.

I got news from the boys down south today.

Wells Fargo is coming in with a big bundle of cash and we're really gonna...

You're Sam Bass, aren't you?

That's right, ma'am, but you have the advantage of me.

I'm Helen Fenton, publisher of the Waco Star.

Pleased to know you, ma'am.

What can I do for you?

Just one thing.

You and these hyenas of yours can climb right back on those horses

outside and let the people of Waco breathe clean air again.

My name ain't "hyena" sister, it's Dave Rudabaugh.

I know.

I have all your photographs back at the office.

You're John Wesley Hardin and

you're Duke Fisher and you're Butch Cassidy.

And who am I, sister?

You're the Sundance Kid. [GASPS]

Easy, Sundance. I don't go for beating women.

What was I gonna do? Let her shoot me?

Where did you get this talk about Johnny Carver?

What talk is that?

Read it.

Says there that Johnny Carver is out of prison and joined the Rangers.

Him and Buff Smith.

Maybe that's the best way out for Texas after all.

Make Rangers out of half the outlaws and you can fight it out among yourselves

till you're all killed off.

Ah, you talk too much, sister.

See the lady to the door, Wes.

I can find the door without assistance.

Boys, this is a deeper creek than we think

and full of quicksand.

The gal says here, the Major told her

that Buff and Johnny were gonna help the Rangers round us up.

That means they should be riding north.

Hmm, I can't figure them two turning Ranger.

BUTCH: I can. You know 'em?

Raised in the same town.

They was both in Major Jones' cavalry.

Always bragging about what a great fellow Jones was.

That explains things, Butch.

I know those hombres,too. They're bad medicine.

We don't want them north of the Lampasas.

SUNDANCE: Leave them to me, Sam.

I got a special hate on them two sidewinders

for that double cross they gave me here in Waco two years back.

Oh, that's not the way I heard it, Sundance.

Then you heard it wrong.

[GLASS SHATTERING]

Would like to wade into it any deeper, huh, Wes?

None of that, there'll be no gunplay among ourselves.

Wes, get over to the telegraph office.

Jeff and Bart are down in Belton casing that bank job for us.

Wire them and tell them to look out for Carver and Smith

at Pecos Palmer's place in Granger.

That's a good idea, Sam.

Sundance, take a couple of the boys and head south right now.

I want those two stopped below Belton,

so they won't interfere with that bank job tomorrow.

It's a pleasure, Sam.

But I won't need any help.

I know a spot where I can Winchester the both of them

right out of their saddles.

Suit yourself, Kid.

On the way down, stop in on the telegraph operator.

He might have some news from Pecos Palmer.

Boys, who's pouring?

You know, Johnny,

I keep remembering all them pretty words to that oath

the Major gave us back in Austin.

"I do solemnly swear to render faithful service to the State of Texas."

[CHUCKLES] Now, that's the first time I ever swore without cussing.

Pecos Palmer's place is just up ahead.

We got to pick up the Sundance Kid's trail there.

We ain't going gunning for that snake first, are we?

We are if I can smoke him out.

But the Major's orders was for us to locate...

Look, let me do the figuring.

Sundance is our personal business.

You owe him as much as I do, don't you?

Oh, sure, Johnny, but we swore by the good book.

And Sundance is first in my book, tonight, tomorrow, or the day after.

Nobody I know, except Pecos the barkeep.

Uh, them two at the bar.

Appears like to me I've seen 'em before someplace,

in Sam Bass' gang.

Trail's heating up.

Well, well, Rangers Johnny Carver and Buff Smith.

Be careful of your language, boys, the law is with us.

How'd you hear about us so soon, Pecos?

Sundance Kid send you a telegram?

Sundance Kid? Never heard of him.

What'll it be, Rangers?

Reckon this ought to be safe.

Your whiskey is bad enough, Pecos, without

a shot of rat poison.

Who belongs to that straw pony outside?

How do I know?

I ain't been outside.

I reckon that's my pony you're asking about, Ranger.

What's it to you?

Mighty nice-looking pony.

Boys must have been in a big hurry,

getting here the same day you crossed the Lampasas.

We like to ride fast.

Any objections?

No. Just wondering, that's all.

Who sent you down to meet us?

Sam Bass or the Sundance Kid?

Talk fast. Where's Sundance?

Just keep heading north, he'll be watching for you, Ranger.

Let's ride.

So long, Pecos,

you better not be here on our return trip.

You won't like that water cure up at the state prison.

He'll wire somewhere up the line.

Sundance will know we're after him.

Doggone it, Johnny, he'll hole up some place then, won't he?

No, not him, he won't run.

We'll have to do more looking behind us than in front of us.

Howdy, Sundance.

Wait till I sign off.

Man, this line's been hot.

Anything I ought to know?

Yeah, Pecos Palmer wired up to Marshal Gorey

at Belton about a shooting down at his place.

Is that for me?

At my usual rate, Sundance.

Much obliged.

Pecos said a couple of Rangers,

Carver and Smith by name, had a set-to with Jeff Barton and Bart Howard.

Yeah?

Who won? The Rangers.

Still riding north, looking for you, Pecos said.

Hmm, that's funny, I'm looking for them.

You know, I'm getting to like this Ranger business more and more. [CHUCKLES]

That was the first time I ever used the gun with a clear conscience.

Man, last time I rode through this part of the country,

I had old Marshal Gorey in a posse riding herd on me.

How'd you shake 'em off? Hmm?

Oh, I holed up in some of them trees over yonder.

He rode right on by me.

Show me, we'll see what's following.

Somebody following us?

Yeah, they have been ever since the morning.

What's the big idea, kid?

The Major sent me.

He got word that Sam Bass and his gang are in Waco and...

[PANTS] ...they're coming south.

Why'd he pick you? DANNY: I don't know.

Guess he figured wasn't a better man I could work with on my first field job.

He's stalling.

He knows who you are and sent you out

because he don't trust me to go through with the job.

DANNY: Oh, no, Johnny, you got him all wrong.

He knows you wouldn't back out once you've started something.

Yeah, once... [CLEARS THROAT]

You know, I sure have been getting out of practice with this thing lately.

You know I took a shot last night at 10 feet

and it was over an inch and a half high? Ha!

Hey, the fella what put up that sign over there forgot to dot the "I's."

[GUNSHOT]

Oh, it's still an inch high.

[GUN FIRING]

Hey, now that's pretty good shooting, Johnny.

Well, nail me up to a barn door to dry.

Say, where'd you learn to shoot like that?

[CHUCKLES] I had a pretty good teacher.

[HORSES APPROACHING]

[COCKS RIFLE]

That'll be Sundance.

And just as itchy-fingered as ever. Hold it.

You two stay here.

Johnny, he ain't likely to be alone.

That's something I'll have to find out for myself.

I'd feel pretty good with not taking you into an ambush.

Buff, you keep him here if you have to throw and hog-tie him.

[URGES HORSE]

[RIFLE CLICKS]

See what you've done by tagging after us?

Turned a doggone good Ranger into a doggone nursemaid!

Lie real quiet, Sundance.

Let go of that Winchester.

I could let you have it in the back, like you did me,

but that would be too easy on you.

Rise and reach.

Higher.

All right, Ranger, what's next?

Take one hand down slowly to that belt buckle and open her up.

Slowly, I said.

Major Jones is sure gonna be happy to see you.

I want you to get a taste of that waterhole at the state pen.

I'd like to see you after the warden's boys

get through playing with you for a month or so.

[GUNSHOT]

Somebody got it! Yeah, but which one?

Can't wait here to find out.

Johnny, you got him!

Man, oh, man, that last shot had us both worried.

Where'd you leave the Major's outfit?

Down at Round Rock.

They should be making Pecos Palmer's by sundown.

Take this load of buzzard meat and deliver it to them.

But if we push on fast, we got a chance to get our job done

while the gang's still north of the river.

That's the Major's job. I've finished mine.

I don't get it.

Give the Major my thanks.

Tell him not to worry about Buff and me anymore.

We're leaving Texas for good.

But you gave him your word, your solemn oath.

It's the promises I make to myself that count with me,

and I kept that one.

Johnny, wait.

There's nothing to argue about, kid.

One Ranger in the family's enough.

Come on, Buff.

You're not going anywhere.

Get your hands up.

You know you couldn't shoot.

If you don't think so, just try for your gun.

Buff, I could give this fool kid a one-shot edge and still get him.

But I don't want to hurt him.

Take his gun away for me.

I'm sorry, Johnny.

I'm stringing with Danny.

And you know you can't give me no one-shot edge.

Get his gun belt, Danny.

Belton's the next town north.

I'm turning you over to the Marshal there, and then

I'm gonna do the job that you were sent out to do,

locate Sam Bass' hideout.

Why, you don't know one trail from another.

But I do.

Hot news from down the line, boss.

Johnny Carver, Buff Smith, and another Ranger just rode into Little River

with the Sundance Kid, dead and tied to his saddle.

How long ago?

Not more than an hour.

The operator at Little River wired up to Belton.

They left Sundance's body and rode on north.

Guess Sundance wasn't as handy with that Winchester as he figured.

Butch, Dave, take three of the boys and see

that Carver outfit stopped south of Belton.

We can't have them riding in on that bank job tomorrow morning.

Luke, Connor, Hilton. Come on, Dave, let's go.

[ALL URGING HORSES]

From here, boys, we drift on into Belton easy-like.

Meet up at the Rancher Hotel tonight.

Get 'em started, John.

You two have everything it takes to be Rangers except brains.

If Sam Bass is riding south like the Major told you,

he ought to be pretty near here by now.

I don't like to riding into his reception committee empty-handed.

It's a good try, but no deal.

Let's take cover here.

It'll be easy pickings when they stop for water.

Yeah.

Tie 'em up to the trees, boys.

Luke, take that rock over there.

All right. Go. Over there.

I'll take Carver.

All right. [COCKS RIFLE]

I'll nail the kid.

[GUNFIRE]

Johnny!

[FIRES] [GROANS]

[GUNFIRE CONTINUES]

[URGES HORSE]

[GROANS]

Why didn't you keep going?

Hit bad?

Nah, just a scratch.

In the back.

That slug was meant for you.

Get one of the canteens.

[SIGHS] Thanks.

I'm all right.

Reckon we better

take you back south to the Major

instead of going on to Belton.

Give Buff your gun.

It's all right, Danny.

I'm gonna take you back to the Major.

[CHUCKLES]

I knew you couldn't run out on us.

No more then you could have pulled that trigger

on me, Danny.

Buff, get my pony, will you?

[BREATHING HEAVILY] Be ready to travel in a minute.

[EXHALES] As soon as I catch breath.

Sure, kid. Right away.

It's 4:00 now.

We can be at the Lampasas by 8:00.

[CONTINUES BREATHING HEAVILY]

It's kind of...

It's kind of dark for 4:00, ain't it, Johnny?

[CHUCKLES]

It's clouding up a bit, Danny.

Seems like an northern's coming on.

We'll telegraph the Major a report from Little River.

Only...

Only we'll sign it John and Daniel Carver.

No more of this Bonner stuff [GROANS] for me.

Oh...

Uh...

Next chance I get...

Can you get me one of them fancy...

Fancy watch fobs that dudes wear?

I'm gonna hang this medal in plain sight,

where everybody can see it.

I'll get one for you myself, Danny.

Folks'll ask me, they'll say,

"Son, where did you get that medal?"

And I'll say...

Say, "My brother Johnny

"won it fighting at Shiloh.

"Fighting for Texas."

You're talking too much now, Danny.

Take it easy a bit.

Yeah.

You're right, Ranger.

[BREATHING HEAVILY]

Johnny...

Johnny, I can't see.

Johnny.

Danny.

[DYING GASP]

Danny.

Bet you never knowed he was Johnny's brother, huh, Major?

I knew who he was all along.

In fact, it was something he said about

being men in prison who would make good Rangers if they had the chance

that started me working on getting you and Johnny out.

Johnny wanted me to ask you to have him buried under his right name.

Of course.

I'll take him back to Austin with us.

He'll rest in the state cemetery, along with a lot of other good Texans.

You're going back to Austin, Major?

We've been ordered back. But what about Johnny?

He'll be working up there, trailing Sam Bass

and figuring you're right behind him.

You know how to make contact with him?

Well, we figured out a place about four miles this side of Waco to meet.

You better get ready to start north again, Buff.

I'll give you your final instructions before you go.

Yes, sir.

There it is.

50,000 cash and new Yankee folding money.

Good as gold and easier to carry.

Wells Fargo's smartening up.

Look at all them guards.

Yeah, but they'll be pulling out soon.

Their responsibility ends with delivery.

They put in, we take out.

So long, Marshal.

[DRIVER URGING HORSES]

Howdy, Dave.

Man, you look all beat.

Where's Butch and the others?

Is Sam inside?

MAN: Yeah.

Room 22. Second floor.

I don't get it, Dave.

Five of you against three, and you still couldn't pull it off.

Sam, it was just one of those things.

Carver got Cassidy and the rest of the boys with a few lucky shots.

I was the only one left and had to get out of there.

Looks like I'll have to make Carver my own personal business.

MAN: Here's your opportunity, Sam.

Johnny Carver. Hold it, Dave.

You'll have them Wells Fargo men back on our hands.

Howdy, Marshal. Howdy, Johnny.

From the telegrams I got, seems like I can welcome you to the side of law and order.

I'm mighty glad to hear it, young fellow. Thanks.

How many deputies you got?

Oh, nary a one.

Nothing ever happens in this one-horse town.

Well, you better hold your hat, Marshal.

There's a lot more than one horse back of the hotel, and men to ride them.

Sam Bass outfit.

Sam Bass?

Why, man, Wells Fargo's just brought in $50,000 of county money.

So that's what they're after.

Ain't there no more Rangers around?

Not within a day's ride.

Well, Johnny, it looks like it's just you and me.

Yeah, reckon it is whether we like it or not.

That makes the setup even more interesting.

You all know the cards I dealt you.

Let's go play them.

What kind of cards you gonna deal Carver?

Aces and eights. Dead man's hand.

Get in the cage, quick.

Take cover behind the desk.

Eddie, Tom, flat on the floor.

Looks bad, Marshal.

There's always a chance, son, you'll get the one with your name on it.

[GUNFIRE]

[BULLETS RICOCHETING]

[CLICKS]

[GUNFIRE CONTINUES]

Take the money out of the safe and put it in the bag.

But why? Don't ask questions, do it.

Grab that tie rail, break in the door.

It's all there, Ranger. Much obliged.

But that's the bank's funds you've got in that...

Drop that gun, Marshal.

Johnny! Drop it, I tell you,

or this one will have your name on it. [BANGING ON DOOR]

What's the deal, Marshal?

You're too late to rob this bank, Sam Bass.

That renegade Ranger Johnny Carver's just beat you to it.

Did you check on this wire?

Yes, sir, came direct from Belton.

Old Marshal Gorey sent it himself.

"John Carver robbed Belton bank."

I'd have bet my bottom dollar on that man.

So would I, sir.

Even though I'd only seen him once.

This is going to be an awful blow to the Rangers

when the papers get through with it.

It's going to be worse than that.

I sent Buff Smith north to meet Carver

with a message of vital importance.

Oh, so we better send out some "wanted" notices.

There's nothing else to do.

Wire every Ranger outpost, every sheriff in the state,

John Carver wanted, dead or alive.

Right, sir.

Johnny Carver, you are a worse double-crosser than the Sundance Kid.

I'm taking you in.

You must have heard about the Belton bank job.

Heard about it, you ornery critter.

They've got "wanted" notices out on you all over the state of Texas.

Oh, take it easy, Buff.

I only pulled that job to save that money from the Sam Bass gang

and to keep old Marshal Gorey from getting shot.

Money's in a safe place, Buff.

All but what I'm holding on to buy myself a seat at Sam Bass' table.

Are you fixing to join up with that outfit?

That's the only way I can do a job for the Major and Danny.

I've got to join them to find out how to trap them.

Well, tie me tail to tail with a wildcat.

But, Johnny, the Major wants us both

back in Austin right away. What for?

To help guard the Yankee gold loan.

Yankee gold loan?

Oh, man, where you have been?

They're loaning Texas a million dollars cash.

It's coming down Friday.

On the Texas Central?

They're running a special train for it.

Buff, that's our chance to lay the Sam Bass outfit

right in the Major's lap.

I'm going into Waco.

No, Johnny, they'll blast you out of your saddle.

Oh, stop worrying, Buff.

Just bore yourself a hole in that clump of trees over there,

and I'll come back soon to dig you out.

Just a minute, please.

Speaking to me, ma'am? It is surprising, isn't it?

But, you see, that's part of my job, interviewing celebrities.

In your case, I'm anxious to get some facts for your obituary.

Reckon I was playing hooky from school when that word came up.

It means "death notice."

Oh.

Ain't you a mite previous, ma'am?

I'm feeling fine.

From what I hear, there will be a sudden change for the worse

when Sam Bass learns you're in town.

So, how about a few last words for my next edition?

Why, sure, ma'am. What about?

I'd like to print, straight from your own mouth,

just how it feels to take a solemn oath

of allegiance to your native state and break it.

See you later.

And then to double-cross your own thieving pals

till you wind up without a friend in the world,

hunted by the law and the lawless alike,

every man's hand against you.

How does it feel, convict John Carver?

Sister, you wouldn't be a bad looker

if you'd wipe some of that printer's ink off your face and hands.

Sure got a nerve.

I wish he'd go before Sam Bass finds him.

Too late now. Look who's coming.

Have some chicken, Sam.

It's mighty tasty.

Before I drop you, Johnny, why did you pull that Belton job on me?

I figured it was the only way I could talk to you and not start shooting.

You and me has gone beyond talking, Johnny.

Maybe.

There's a certain deal coming up

only you and your men can handle.

SAM: Such as what?

It's about a train

and a million dollars in cold cash.

Come to think of it, that chicken does look pretty good.

Set them up, Rico.

Tell Wes to stop poking his gun through those doors.

Makes me nervous.

Okay, boys. Come on in.

Send the drinks into the back room,

and bring another platter of chicken.

JOHNNY: After two years in the state prison,

I'd have joined any outfit to get out.

Even the Yankee cavalry.

Especially when I met a chance to tie the score with Sundance.

SAM: Was it a fair fight?

As fair as you could get with Sundance.

He's strictly a percentage player.

This time, it was his Winchester against my six-gun.

What became of that pal of yours, Buff Smith?

Pals once, but no more.

Buff got religion, I reckon.

He wanted to stay in with the Rangers, so we split up.

If you ain't a Ranger,

what did you do with that Belton loot?

It's in a safe spot, Sam.

I'll take you to it someday.

All I want is my cut of it.

That's an easy promise, Johnny,

but money talks.

Well, here's some with a few words to say.

Two thousand I held out for expenses on this money train job.

You handle it, Sam.

I'll put you in.

Now, uh, tell us about that treasure train.

Is that, that Yankee loan to Texas

I've been reading in the papers about? That's right.

Why, that shipment will carry a whole train-load of Pinkerton men and Rangers.

Not from the orders I saw on Major Jones' desk.

It's coming down secret

on the Texas Central branch from Dallas.

What day? What train number?

[CHUCKLES]

Sam, I need you and the men.

But if I told you everything I know, maybe you wouldn't need me.

[CHUCKLES] You win, Johnny.

I figure we all better be in the vicinity of Round Rock by Friday morning.

That's my pick of towns for the job.

SAM: Round Rock suits me fine.

Depot's right in town, plenty of cover and easy getaway.

It's a deal then? It's a deal.

Okay, boys, let's clear the table and play a little draw.

Not me, Sam.

Dude smells so sweet,

I think I'll run over to Sing Wong's and get me a bath.

See you later.

So long, partners.

Better see that he gets over to Sing Wong's safe.

I wouldn't want anything to happen to him.

Uh, yeah.

Come on.

Paper, Mr. Carver?

No, thanks, I've seen it.

Ain't you and Sam Bass going to shoot it out?

Well, not today, I reckon.

Oh, gee!

Will you do me a favor? Sure.

Can you keep a secret? Anything.

Here's a cartwheel for you.

Just lead my pony up the street to the livery stable.

Why sure, and thanks, Johnny.

Want me to unsaddle and feed him? No.

Just lead him straight through the stable to the back alley,

and then bring him down the alley behind Sing Wong's place.

I'll be waiting for you there. Understand?

You ain't letting old Sam Bass run you out of town, are you?

You worry too much, kid. Now get going.

Got it straight, Buff? Yeah, sure, Johnny.

I catch the next train for Austin and I tell the Major that

you got the Sam Bass outfit fixing to rob the gold train

at Round Rock next Friday. That's right.

Hey, you can square me with him on that Belton Bank job, too.

Oh, he'll sure be glad to know what you've been doing, too.

Let me get well up the road before you show yourself.

Move right on in, Johnny.

Get yourself a couple for the road.

I could use a couple.

Hey, you look slicker than a wet muskrat.

Enjoyed your bath over at Wong's?

Yeah, and caught up on some lost sleep.

Hot tub sure is wonderful.

I take one every month, whether I need it or not.

Where did you pick him up?

Over near Dal's, Johnny.

We picked him up after you left him.

SAM: What about it, Johnny?

JOHNNY: Sure I met him.

I wanted to give him a last chance to quit the Rangers

and throw in with us.

Throw in with you?

A man that would rat out on a friend like the Major

after he got you out of a prison?

I told you he got religion.

I don't need no religion to hate polecats like you.

This Rudabaugh,

he shot my pal Danny Bonner in the back.

Bragged about it to me.

What do you say, Sam? Let me shut his yap for good.

Wait a minute, Dave.

You're sure he didn't have a chance to send any messages?

Well, he never got out of that patch of woods.

We've been working on him all afternoon.

Trying to break down that sad story of your busted friendship.

SAM: And no break? DAVE: Not a crack out of him.

I'll have to admit, it looks like a real split-up, all right.

Okay, Johnny, I guess that puts you in solid with all of us.

What do you want done with him?

Let him go.

What he don't know can't hurt us.

SAM: Oh, it's too late for that now, Johnny.

I couldn't trust him out of my sight.

Give him another chance, Sam.

After all he was a friend of mine once.

SAM: No friend of mine. Nor mine.

Sorry, Johnny. [GUNSHOT]

I know how you feel, Johnny.

But with a million in gold at stake,

we couldn't take any chances.

All right, Sam.

Let's start south.

Now you're talking.

Hit the street, boys.

We'll split up and head for Little River.

Just a minute, Sam.

I've got a little unfinished business with that girl in there.

All right, so I was wrong.

You still have some friends, and a fine crew they are, too.

Sit down and listen to me. [GRUNTS]

I've got to make this look rough, lady, they're watching every move.

So if you want to help round up Sam Bass and his whole outfit,

just sit there and listen a minute.

[OBJECTS CLATTERING]

Stop it!

Now get this, I only pulled that bank job

to get in with the Sam Bass outfit.

I had to use part of the money.

The rest of it is on its way back to the bank.

I don't believe a word you're saying! Listen, lady,

we're riding south right now. There's very little time.

You take the night train to Austin, tell Major Jones I'm still working for him.

Tell him I've got Sam Bass and his whole outfit

set to rob the Yankee gold train at Round Rock, Friday.

Got that? Round Rock, Friday.

[CLATTERING CONTINUES]

Now sit down. [PANTING]

They killed Buff Smith before he got away to take word to the Major.

I can't use the telegraph.

Bass has friends listening in on the line.

You're the only chance left.

Please, Aunt Helen, he's telling the truth. You've got to believe!

Nice going, kid.

If she doesn't go, you take that train.

Here's some money for you.

I wish I could believe you.

[PANTS]

You'd better believe me.

Maybe this will help convince you. [GRUNTS]

Mmm...

Don't worry, Johnny, she'll go, all right.

Now, lady, leave my name out of your paper,

or I'll come back and do that again.

Was Buff Smith really killed, Miss Fenton?

Yes. In the Frontier Palace, I saw the body.

Major, that would seem to lend some conviction to

the story Carver told you.

Yes, but it could be a trick.

Get our men in one place, and then rob the train in another.

Johnny Carver wouldn't do that, Major.

Honest, he wouldn't.

Jimmy's his champion.

In fact, if it hadn't been for Jimmy,

I don't think I would have bothered to come down to Austin.

And yet there was a

desperate sort of sincerity about that man

that you couldn't deny.

Especially that kiss he give you.

Oh?

Yes, Major, but by force.

I think it was intended to amuse the men

looking on from outside

and help put them off their guard.

Well, my dear,

I've already risked too much on Carver to back down now.

We'll see it through, sink or swim.

When that gold train rolls into Round Rock,

my men and I will be there to give Sam Bass a welcome.

And so will the Waco Star. Me, too. Oh, boy!

[IMITATES GUNS FIRING]

[TELEGRAPH CLICKING]

Johnny, my hat's off to you.

Ah, boys, there's no doubt about it, number 44 is our baby.

She's highballing all the way to Waco up to Round Rock.

Everything else on the side track to give her right away.

Any idea how heavy she's guarded?

Yeah, she's got three men with the money

and the rest Pinkertons riding as passengers.

Well, hadn't we better hightail it for Round Rock, Sam,

with 44 running free, she'll be an hour ahead of schedule.

That's right, Johnny. Only we ain't going to Round Rock.

I don't get it, Sam.

If she's free and makes the first stop there... Why wait till she stops?

Dave, you remember that horseshoe bend a couple of miles north of Round Rock?

Why sure. I run it many a time when I was railroading.

44 will be slowed down to a walk when she goes through there.

You and Duke get on, take over the engine,

uncouple that express car, leave the rest of the train

and the Pinkertons behind, and we'll meet you at Cooper's water tank. [CHUCKLING]

Ah, you're making history, Sam.

No one's ever stolen a moving train before.

Oh, Dave, as soon as you've shaken lose that express car,

give us one long and one short blast on the whistle,

so we know everything's all set. Right.

One long and one short. And be sure you don't forget.

Because if we don't hear that whistle, we'll think you messed up

and we'll throw the switch and ditch the whole train by the water tower.

Well, give me a third man for the uncoupling, and I can't miss.

I reckon that's me, Sam.

I'm a railroader from way back.

Now ain't that swell.

No wonder I took such a fancy to you.

Same here.

You three better get up the top of the hill,

find a good spot to get on that engine.

Hey, Sam,

aren't we about ready to get rid of that counterfeit?

Sure. As soon as he uncouples the train.

Much obliged.

[TELEGRAPH CLICKING]

44 just cleared Temple, Major. Thanks, Joe.

Less than an hour more, Captain.

Any sign of any Bass men in town yet?

No, sir, not so far.

They should have been drifting in long ago,

if they're really coming here. Yes, sir.

It doesn't look good. No.

Well, Miss Fenton,

you take Jimmy into the waiting room,

and when that train rolls in,

be sure you keep him inside till it's all over. Yes, sir.

But I think I'd better find a piece of rope first.

[CHUCKLING] Ah, Aunt Helen,

I'm going to miss all the show.

Let's get the boys headed south.

MAN: Mr. Bass,

I just got a flash from Round Rock. The whole town is full of Rangers.

Have a cigar.

Have a cigar and remember, son,

don't ever trust nobody's brains but your own.

[TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWING]

I'll see you, and raise you seven cents.

I reckon this is the first game of penny ante

ever played on a million-dollar table.

[LAUGHING]

I'll raise you a nickel.

Hurry up with that pin, Johnny.

Okay, Johnny, join us up at the engine.

Something's wrong, boys.

She's slowing down.

[FOOTSTEPS OVERHEAD]

Hold it, Bill, they're on the car.

I had Carver figured right,

he made a move to warn the Pinkerton man.

Well, that closes him up, don't it? On sight.

Now, Duke, now.

[GUN FIRES]

[TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWING]

There's the signal, Wes. They made it all right.

Call the men off that switch.

Get ready to blast that car open.

[GUNSHOT]

[STEAM HISSING] [SCREAMING]

Why don't they slow it down?

Get away from that truck.

And let you run her straight through to Austin?

Nothing doing, Ranger.

Dave and Johnny in a tangle.

[GUNS FIRING]

We got to stop that train.

[HISSING] [SCREAMING]

[TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWING]

Trouble signal.

[CONTINUOUS GUNFIRE]

Carver is trying to signal the Rangers.

Get the men mounted. Yes, sir.

[TRAIN WHISTLE CONTINUES BLOWING]

Hurry up, men!

This is for my kid brother and Buff.

[GUN FIRES] [SCREAMING]

[WHISTLE BLOWING]

Here come the Rangers.

What do you say, Sam? We shoot it out? Yeah, this is a showdown.

I'll get Carver and keep that engine running.

Meet you up the line.

[GUNSHOT]

[BELL RINGING] [TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWING]

[CROWD CHEERING]

For me?

Gee, Johnny, thanks.

Shh.

That's 30 for now. Charge it to the Waco Staraccount. Yes, miss.

Well, there'll be an extra on Waco streets

within a half an hour, and what a story.

Thanks to you, Johnny.

Remember what I said I'd do to you if you put

my name in your paper again?

Well...

Turn around, son.

[IMITATES GUNS FIRING]