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Get the rope.

Drag him.

Aah.

Drop 'em.

Clear out.

I'm sure obliged to you.

Call me Sonny. Sonny Grover.

Jess Collins.

I can't right ever recall being so happy to see someone.

Personal grudge?

Nah, claim jumpers.

I came on to 'em changing my marks.

They were sure quick to start shooting at me.

Guess it upset 'em to have their plans changed.

I was going for a ride, feet first through the cholla.

Headache?

I've felt better.

I'd have felt a lot worse if you hadn't come along.

Find some good rock around here?

It looks real promising.

Guess they thought so, too.

You workin' this section, Mr. Collins?

No. Farther north.

Where are you headed now?

Colton. File a claim, stock up.

Colton's not much of a camp, these days.

Excitement's moved on north, to Hayward.

I'm not looking for excitement,

just the claims office and some grub.

As a matter of fact, I was ready to take off for Hayward,

when I came on to those claim jumpers.

Maybe we could ride part way together.

Suits me.

Figure they might be waiting for you down trail?

They won't catch me again.

I just like company.

Thought we might ride as far as Lone Tree Pass.

Good campsite.

Well, I... I hadn't figured on stopping.

You gotta eat. Can't push all the way to Colton without eating.

I've been surprised lately how well I can live without food.

You're that low on provisions?

It's been quite a spell since my jaws

have had any serious chewing to do.

Think of that.

Man saves my life on an empty stomach.

The least I can do is see that you get a good feed.

You don't have to do that.

I always keep extra grub hid out at Lone Trs.

And tonight, Mr. Collins, you're gonna be my guest.

Mr. Grover, I'm so weak from hunger

that I'm not gonna give you any argument.

Poor girl had to leave town.

Wasn't a man there who'd take anything she said seriously, after that.

Guess you've been out here a good while.

Long enough.

Prospecting's a mean kind of life.

Yeah, it sure is.

It's like any other kind of gambling.

Once you get started, it's hard to quit.

Don't I know.

I was all set to quit a couple of days ago.

I was so hungry, my belt buckle was scraping my backbone.

So lonely, I was talking to myself. So, what happens?

I find this ledge and I'm off again.

After you file, get provisions,

coming back to work your claim?

No, I figure on selling my pack mule

and getting supplies enough to last a couple of days.

Sell your mule?

It's about the last salable thing I got left.

You can't sell your pack mule, Jess.

What's a miner without his mule?

A pretty sad man, I'll admit.

But not half as sad as a miner with an empty stomach.

Listen, there's no need in your selling that pack mule.

Tomorrow, when you get in to Colton, you go to the Primrose Hotel.

Well, I...

I hadn't figured on stopping at a hotel.

You go to the Primrose and ask for Bert Gaines, he owns the hotel.

Tell Bert you're a friend of mine.

Look, Sonny, I appreciate...

Tell Bert about the help you gave me.

He'll stake you the lodging

and lend you enough to get those provisions.

I, uh, can't take money from a man I don't even know.

That is, if he's fool enough to give it to me.

You show Bert this lucky piece.

Tell him your story. He'll turn the place over to you.

Jess, you did me a favor.

A big one. Let me do this for you.

Thanks, Sonny.

It'll be a loan.

I'll pay it back as quick as I can.

You'll like Bert.

He'll like you.

Better get some sleep.

Still a long ride from Colton.

See you in the morning, Jess.

Right, Sonny.

You know, for the first time in weeks,

I can go to sleep without dreaming about food.

Yes? Hello.

I'm looking for Bert Gaines.

Oh? What do you want with Bert?

A friend of his asked me to look him up.

What friend?

Look, could I talk to Mr. Gaines?

I'm Bert's wife.

Who was it sent you to him?

Sonny Grover.

Bert isn't here.

Well, when do you expect him back?

I couldn't say.

Well, uh...

I've got to go to the claims office and Wells Fargo.

I'll check back afterwards.

You suit yourself.

Thanks.

Hey, Simmons, he's here.

You sure it was him?

Yeah, Grover must have sent him in to file.

I'd better get the sheriff.

Time enough for that.

I just wish it was Grover.

Lem, I don't see no point...

Wait.

He's headed for the Wells Fargo office.

Likely got a message from Meg.

While he's in there, let's check the claims office.

Look after things for a spell.

Are you sure there's no letter there for me, Meg?

I've been through the mail twice.

But she promised to write to me the minute she got to New York,

and that's been over six months ago.

Maybe Trudy's busy.

That's what I'm afraid of.

But you still keep hoping.

Got to, Meg.

Trudy took everything else.

Hope's all I got left.

Women.

I never should have trusted her.

I shoulda had sense enough to know that

all she ever wanted was that poke of gold dust.

I never should have let her leave here.

See you next mail delivery, Meg.

Poor little guy.

He knows he won't hear from Trudy again,

but he keeps coming in, asking for that letter.

You can't blame a man for hoping.

Only a fool goes on hoping when it's plain there's no reason.

Better to face facts.

Well, it depends upon what kind of a person you are.

Little guy can't face facts. Now, you...

We aren't talking about me.

What can I do for you?

I'm expecting some mail from San Francisco.

Your name?

Collins. Jess Collins.

You just come into town?

That's right.

And I can't say the people seem too friendly.

Well, if you're looking for friends,

I'm afraid you came to the wrong town.

Seems like everybody's got a great big chip on their shoulders.

Maybe they have a good reason to.

There's no letter for Jess Collins.

You're sure?

Maybe you better check again, Miss...

Well, there's no point, Mr. Collins.

I don't mind waiting.

This is the nicest place in Colton.

Did she promise to write, like Dan's girl?

Oh, no. The letter I'm expecting is from a man.

Owes me some money.

Then you're just as foolish as Dan.

You won't hear from him.

How did a lovely girl like you get such a sour outlook on life?

Look, Mr. Collins.

I told you there's no mail here for you.

Now, if you'll just...

It interests me.

Did you get like this just working here,

or is it from living in Colton?

I'm very busy.

I can see that.

What time do you close?

Five o'clock, why?

Well, I thought I'd wait and walk you home.

That hardly seems necessary since I live just across the street.

Across the street?

The Primrose Hotel?

Now, isn't that a pleasant coincidence!

You know, I'm thinking of putting up there, myself.

Well, anyone with the price of a room can. It's not exclusive.

I'll pick you up after work,

and maybe we can have some supper together.

I have other plans.

Well, we'll work out something.

Mr. Collins!

I'll bring my knife.

Your knife?

Yeah. We'll whittle away at that chip on your shoulder.

Mr. Gaines back yet?

Well, I'd like to have a room, so why don't I check in now,

and then I can go on up and I'll talk to Mr. Gaines later.

That'll be a dollar, in advance.

Uh, any law against waiting in there?

Not if you can pay for what you drink.

Say, what's the price of information around here?

Depends on what you wanna know.

The name of the young lady who works in the Wells Fargo office.

Meg Anderson.

Thanks. You can put that on my bill.

Whiskey.

Hello, Mr. Gotch.

Bert here?

No.

Is there gonna be trouble?

Not much.

You stay in here.

I got here as soon as I could.

You hurt, Fred? No.

Is that the man?

That's him all right.

Take him along.

Take me along for what?

I asked you a question, Sheriff. Do I get an answer?

You're under arrest for jumping Simmons' and Gotch's claims.

Me, jumping their claims?

They're the claim jumpers, arrest them!

Now, wait a minute.

Your name's Collins?

Yeah.

Sonny Grover's your partner?

I don't have any partner.

I never saw Grover until yesterday.

I came on to these two beatin' Grover up and about to drag him.

And this one here took a shot at me.

That's a lie, we shot in self-defense.

I'll handle this, Gotch.

It don't take any handling, just put him in jail!

Fred Simmons here has got a good business.

Gotch has other claims.

We know these men, Collins.

I've got a claim, too, I just filed a few minutes ago.

Sheriff, it looks to me as though you're makin' a mistake.

You keep out of this, Gaines.

No, it looks to me as though Collins was telling the truth.

Gotch, this isn't as simple as you made out.

Well, it's plain enough to me.

If you doubt my word, Sheriff, you can check at the claims office.

You'll find out what I filed.

You check, Fred?

He didn't file on our claim.

Mister,

you better find out who you're helping before you jump in.

Seems the same holds for you, Sheriff.

I haven't heard anything here that's changed my mind.

I still think I helped the right man.

Did we win?

Yeah, I'd say so.

I lost a good friend in that fight.

It was the last friend I had in the world.

Matt, give him another bottle, compliments of the house.

There's nothing like a new friend to forget the old ones.

Huh?

Bert Gaines.

Jess Collins.

Bert, are you all right?

Yeah, sure, Ruth.

Matt, get out a bottle of the special for myself and my guest.

So, you helped Sonny out?

Well, I gave him the same kind of help you gave me.

I never could stand to see two guys picking on one.

I promised Sonny I'd look you up.

He asked me to give you this.

Well.

You know, he's carried that ever since he was a little kid.

I gave it to him just after we lost our folks.

You're brothers, huh?

Half-brothers.

I raised him. Least, I tried to.

Sonny's always been kind of wild, liked excitement.

Nothing serious, though.

Well, I like him. He played square with me and I

couldn't quite go along with that story about him being a claim jumper.

You see, Gotch always hated him.

The kid made a fool of him, right here in this room and

since then he's been trying to get even.

Well...

Where are you staying, Mr. Collins?

Well, to tell you the truth, Mr. Gaines,

I'm broke.

Well, then you stay right here with us

until you're ready to leave Colton.

Thanks.

I suppose you came in to file a claim and get some supplies?

Then you'll need some money.

Tell me, how is that claim of yours?

Pretty good?

Well, it looks real promising.

Then I'll grubstake you.

Sonny said you would.

I appreciate it, Mr. Gaines.

And I'll pay you back soon as I can.

Sure.

Let's go see if I can fix you up with a room, huh?

Hey, Matt.

Clean up this mess, will you?

Mr. Collins.

Collins, I've got a job.

A job I take seriously.

To make an orderly town out of Colton.

I'm in favor of order, Sheriff.

If you have differences that need settling, you come to me.

Don't try and do it your way.

You'd better tell that to Gotch and Simmons.

I have.

I don't like troublemakers.

Remember that while you're in Colton.

I've never been in a town where I made such a bad first impression.

Don't mind the sheriff.

Come on, I want you to meet the wife.

Oh. Ruth was just telling me about the fight. Are you hurt?

Oh, no. Mr. Collins here had the situation well in hand.

I just came in at the finish.

Oh. This is Meg Anderson and my wife, Ruth.

Yes, we've met.

Ruth said the fight was about Sonny.

Well, Mr. Collins here gave him a hand.

You see, the reason she's so concerned is she and Sonny are engaged.

Mr. Collins saved Sonny from some claim jumpers.

Where's Sonny now?

As far as I know, he's on his way to Hayward.

He's all right. I mean, he wasn't hurt badly.

How did you happen to help Sonny?

He was in trouble,

I just happened to come along at the right time.

Sonny was in trouble, huh?

Can you imagine, Ruth? Sonny was in trouble.

Now, Meg, there's nothing to worry about.

You heard him say that Sonny was all right.

Oh, I'm sure he is.

I'm not worried about Sonny.

Ruth, this gentleman will be stopping with us for a few days.

Have you got a room ready?

Number eight.

Maybe after you clean up you'd like to have supper with us.

Meg will be there.

Well, thanks.

No, not tonight.

Well, if it's because of me, Miss Anderson...

No, it has nothing to do with you.

It's just that I have a headache.

That's all. I'm not hungry.

Well, I guess I better stable my stock.

Oh, no. I'll take care of that. You go ahead on up.

I sure appreciate your hospitality, Mrs. Gaines.

It's not mine, it's my husband's.

You wouldn't stay here for a minute if I had my way.

But why, what have I done?

For one thing, you've caused trouble.

I knew it the minute you came in.

All I'm doing is...

Look.

Just do what you came to do and clear out.

Quick as you can, before somebody gets hurt or killed.

Just clear out.

Supper will be ready in a half-hour.

Just a minute, Mr. Collins.

Please don't let on to Bert what I said.

It'll just cause trouble.

And we've got enough of that.

Morning.

Oh. Good morning.

How's the head?

You had a headache last night, remember?

Oh, much better, thank you.

I'm glad to hear that.

Will you be leaving Colton today?

I doubt it.

Gotch and Simmons have been doing an awful lot of talking.

They got a talent for that.

They carry a lot of weight in this town.

Miss Anderson, I'm a stubborn man.

I guess it's from working with pack mules so much, but,

the more people push me one way,

the more I want to go the other.

Well, no one's pushing you.

Everyone is.

They have been from the minute I rode into town.

Maybe it's for your own good.

I doubt it.

You, for instance.

Why should you be interested in me?

Because I helped the man that you mean to marry?

You could say that.

Well.

Thanks for your concern, but I'll manage.

All right, go ahead. Get shot or lynched.

No, thanks.

I've got other plans.

Nice talkin' to you.

I filed a new claim with you yesterday, Collins.

Yes, sir.

How long does it take to clear Sacramento?

Um...

I don't know.

I thought it was your job to know.

How long?

Um...

I couldn't say, it all depends.

On Gotch and Simmons?

No, on Sacramento.

It could take two or three weeks.

Three weeks?

What is this?

You asked me how long, I told you.

It's not my fault.

Thought he'd come straight here once he found out.

He's gonna talk it out with Gaines, maybe.

He'll be here, Fred.

Anyway, he's gonna start here.

No guarantee he'll make it.

Whiskey.

No fights today.

The best we got.

There's nothing wrong with the whiskey.

Well, in that case, I'll have one.

How long does it take a claim to clear Sacramento?

Oh, two or three days, I guess. Why?

The clerk in the claims office told me it would take two or three weeks.

I wanna get out of here and get to work.

Well...

It sounds as though somebody didn't want that claim to get through.

Tell you what.

I know that claims clerk very well in a professional way.

Maybe I can speed things up.

Want to try?

Yeah, I'd appreciate it.

On me.

Thanks.

There's no reason why you should take on any more of my problems.

My pleasure.

Boy, that was close.

Yeah.

Collins, I warned you.

Aw, now look, Sheriff...

I tried to make allowances, but there's no room in this town

for men who take the law into their own hands.

I'd be a little more impressed, Sheriff,

if somebody hadn't just tried to kill Bert and me.

Kill you?

Mr. Collins only returned the fire.

I'm a nervous type, Sheriff,

when somebody shoots at me, I shoot right back.

Did you see who it was?

But I could guess.

Collins, if you'd just get out of town until I could...

No, Sheriff.

I been lied about and shot at.

I don't figure to run off now.

Mr. Gaines.

Mr. Collins.

Good morning, Kelso.

What can I do for you?

Refresh my memory.

Tell me, Kelso, how long do you think it would take

for a claim to clear through Sacramento?

You had an answer for me, remember?

If memory serves me it should only take two or three days.

How is it then that you told my friend Mr. Collins that his

would take two or three weeks to clear, hmm?

Oh. You didn't tell the truth, did you, Kelso?

You know, that bothers me.

I've always taken you for a dependable man.

That's why I've been so patient about those gambling debts of yours.

Let me see now, it must be about 300.

Now I'm not going to press you for immediate payment.

But you see, it does disturb me.

Wouldn't you like to reconsider your answer to Mr. Collins and

tell me when his claim will clear?

Tomorrow or the next day.

Ah! There, you've restored my faith in you, Kelso.

Do you see how cooperative a man can be

when he's approached in the right manner, Mr. Collins?

Remarkable, Mr. Gaines.

You know, I'd be interested to see your approach to Mr. Simmons.

Maybe you could help me get some supplies.

Well, you just follow along, Mr. Collins,

and get another demonstration of the old Gaines technique.

I will demonstrate how a man can be forced to

give you something that he doesn't want to.

And don't bother reporting to Gotch and Simmons.

That's where we're headed.

Well, I guess this'll do me.

How much is it worth.

Those goods aren't for sale to you.

We're paying cash, Simmons.

This is my store. I can sell or not sell.

And I'm not doing business with any claim jumper.

Not so fast, Collins.

You want to hit somebody, try me.

I feel the same as Fred.

You're a sneaky, slimy claim jumper.

You got a big mouth, Gotch.

Somebody ought to shut it for you.

We ain't after your hide, Gaines.

Just Collins.

Not in here. You'll wreck my store. Outside.

Matt, Bert's in trouble. At Simmons' store.

Gotch and the gang are after him and Collins.

Oh!

Well, have you had enough?

Are you going to let this claim jumper get away?

What are you waiting for, until he commits murder?

Claim jumper or murderer, I'll handle it, Gotch, not you.

And you, Fred, I counted on you.

Bert, you'd oughta had more sense.

I've got enough sense to stand by a friend.

Your friend ain't never gonna get his claim.

Gotch! You can keep coming in between us

as long as you like, Sheriff.

But one of these days we're gonna catch him when he

can't hide behind that shiny star of yours.

Why don't you clear out?

I filed a claim, Sheriff, and I'm going to stay here until I get it.

Besides, if Jess left now it would only prove that Gotch was right.

I'm staying here until Gotch is proved a liar, and that's final.

Just when we were getting in the habit of law and order he's got to come to town.

Keep an eye on Gotch.

Have a drink, Sheriff?

I don't mind if I do.

Smooth.

That's really smooth.

Wait a minute, you suppose helping me, not hurting me.

Don't talk.

The way you and Meg are carrying on,

you'd think Jess and I went out looking for that fight.

A man doesn't have to look for a fight in this town.

If I hadn't sent for the Sheriff...

Oh, you were the one.

Mr. Collins, if you had your provisions, would you leave town?

Can't anyone say anything new to me?

Would you?

What's your concern whether I go or stay?

Well...

No, I mean if I want to stay around and let Gotch and his playmates remodel my face,

why should you care?

I don't care about you.

I was just thinking about Ruth and Bert.

Oh, I see.

Well, I'd better get back to the office.

Thanks for fixing my face.

Oh, I didn't do much.

Well, I'd say you did a fine job.

Considering what you had to work with.

What did I do?

Oh, don't mind her.

She's just anxious to get married and tired of waiting for Sonny, that's all.

But he does mean to marry her?

Oh, sure. She's just waiting for him to settle down.

Meg understands.

She's just what Sonny needs.

Oh, yes, she oughta be proud, like all of us.

Privileged to wait and be ready when Sonny needs us.

Now look, Ruthie.

You've let this little ruckus upset you.

Meg asked you a question, you didn't answer.

If you had your provisions, would you leave?

I don't know, Mrs. Gaines.

Oh, it's not just that.

It's a matter of his good name and Sonny's reputation.

Besides, I don't think this would be a very good time to go back to Simmons' store.

I'm afraid Bert's right.

All right.

I'll get your provisions for you if you'll just get out.

Ruth.

Just get out and leave us alone.

Ruth!

All right, Mrs. Gaines.

You get the supplies.

Looking for me?

You took quite a risk.

A risk?

You know my reputation in Colton. I might have shot you.

I wanted to talk to you.

Did Ruth get your supplies?

Yeah, I was just organizing my packs.

Oh. Then you're leaving.

Sooner or later.

But you promised Ruth.

Do you still want me to go?

I don't know.

I'm not sure about anything anymore.

Are you sure how you feel about Sonny?

Yes.

There's no doubt about that.

What do you know about Sonny?

Well, I, uh...

Know that I found him in trouble and I helped him.

I know that he shared his grub with me.

He has a generous brother.

And a beautiful girl.

Don't.

You asked me.

You're turning a whole town upside down

and risking your own life to defend a man you know nothing about.

It's not only Sonny's name, it's mine.

Maybe you made a mistake.

You mean Gotch and Simmons were right?

Let's just say, maybe you made a mistake.

It's easy to do.

Why make others, why don't you let it go at that?

Bert believes in Sonny.

Bert's his brother.

And you're his girl.

Stop saying that.

Isn't that so?

You're hurting me.

What kind of a girl are you?

Turning on a man you love just because the going's rough.

Just because a man like Gotch...

I don't have to listen to Gotch to know about Sonny.

I don't have to listen to Bert or you.

I know.

You didn't come here because of Sonny.

Please.

You came here because of us.

You and me.

Jess...

I've been waiting for you, Meg.

For a long time.

You rush into everything without thinking, don't you, Jess?

You be careful.

Sure, Ruth.

Look, mister. Don't you know it's after...

I thought you were never coming, Bert.

Sonny. Come in.

You sure are one heavy sleeper, Bert.

I wasn't asleep.

Business must be good if you can afford to ignore customers.

We've had a lot of trouble around here, Sonny.

As a matter of fact, it all happened because of you.

Bert, I'm in a terrible hurry.

What's the matter?

Nothing. Just I haven't got time to spare.

You've got time enough to answer a couple of questions.

I need supplies, Bert. Fast.

Hi, Ruth. Surprise.

I'm not staying, Ruth, Don't worry.

You're staying long enough to answer a few questions.

I can't, every second counts.

Look.

I've been shot at and had my brains shook up in a fight today on account of you.

What are you talking about, Bert?

Gotch and Simmons.

Don't tell me that a liar like Gotch troubled you.

Not me, but everybody else.

They came into town and said that you were a claim jumper.

That's a lie.

They said that you and Jess Collins jumped their claim.

Collins? Yeah.

I tried to help him, like you asked.

But he's in terrible trouble just because he tried to help you.

Didn't he tell you how it was?

He saw those rats jumpin' me.

They'd have dragged me dead, Bert, if he hadn't come along.

Yeah. He told me all he knew,

but I want to hear it from you.

Hear what?

Did you jump their claim?

No, of course...

Sonny, are you lyin' to me? I ain't lyin', Bert.

Haven't I always played it straight with you?

I know I've caused you plenty of worry, but,

I've never kept anything back, have I?

No, kid.

You never have.

I knew that Gotch was lying, I knew it.

He's hated me from way back.

Sure.

Look. Tomorrow morning we'll go to that Sheriff's office...

I can't wait till morning.

Why not?

Bert, I've been trying to tell you there's a...

There's a big gold strike up north, near the bend.

Word hasn't leaked out yet and I could make a fortune if I get up there fast.

Look, it'll only take you a couple of hours to clear your name and Collins'.

Bert, you know what a couple of hours can mean on a new field.

The difference between millions and nothing.

Even the time I've spent now talking is costing me.

Costin' us, Bert.

I want to hit this time, not just for myself.

So I can make up a little to you for all you've done.

The older I get, the more I see what I owe you.

You don't owe me anything, kid.

Maybe if I really hit it big I can...

Well, I could even show Ruth I'm not all bad.

Look, you can't blame Ruth for thinking...

I don't!

I know I haven't given her much cause to like me, but...

Well, I mean to.

This could be the real beginning for me, Bert.

I've got to move fast, I need supplies and I can't wait till the store opens.

So, can you outfit me?

Well.

Ruth got some supplies for Collins this afternoon...

Let me have 'em. You can get more in the morning.

All right. I'll ask him.

Bert. Hmm?

You don't have to tell him who needs the stuff.

Sonny, he'll want to see you.

That's just it. I'll have to talk and talk and lose more time.

He's got a right to know.

Sure, you tell him later.

I promise that in...

Two days, three at the most, I'll be back. I'll square everything.

I don't know.

Bert, if... If you tell him now he may try to keep me here.

Well, I wouldn't blame him, but, it'll ruin everything.

You and I know that a day or two won't matter to him, but...

Well, to me it's all the difference in the world.

All right.

You wait right here.

Where's your horse?

Up the street, back of Dort's.

All right.

Yeah? Who is it?

Bert.

Oh.

What's up?

I hate to bother you like this, Jess, but I'm in kind of a spot.

You know those supplies Ruth got you?

Yeah.

A friend of mine just rode in, had news of a big gold strike up north

and he needs a fast grubstake.

I thought e ou borrow yours and get you m

end, uh?

Yeah, he's in a big hurry. I'd sure appreciate it.

All right. Let's go.

Where is your friend, Bert?

He's around.

Who is it?

Sonny.

Meg, let me in.

I had to see you, baby.

Did ya, Sonny?

What's the matter?

Why should anything be the matter?

You're sore at me.

I don't blame you.

I'm going to make it up to you, baby.

Startin' right now.

All I ask from you is to be left alone.

So little Meg's found somebody else, huh?

Well, whoever he is, he's not good enough for you.

You leave her alone.

You get out of here.

Just get out.

All right, ladies.

Did he hurt you?

No.

Why'd you let him in?

I was gonna tell him how I felt.

Meg, why don't you leave Colton?

I should.

Sonny's not gonna change.

Yeah, I know.

And there isn't anybody else here for you.

Or is there?

I can't be sure.

How can I ever be sure after Sonny?

Everything he touches, he destroys.

Anything wrong?

Did you have a bad dream?

Yes, I did.

You look wide awake now.

I'm all right, thanks.

Well, see you in the morning.

Did he see Sonny?

No.

He should know. He's got a right to know.

You can tell him.

In the morning.

That'll be time enough.

Hold up, there.

It's all right, Ed. I know him.

Whoa.

Hi.

What's the idea?

You coulda gotten yourself shot, chasing after us like that.

If I hadn't recognized you.

Just got a little favor to ask.

Thought maybe you could help me out.

We got no time to be doing favors.

We're behind schedule now.

I think you'll do me this favor.

What's this?

I want that strongbox. Get down from there and get it for me.

Now!

Don't try it.

You said you were in a hurry. So am I.

I heard tell you're the wild one.

But I never thought...

Don't start thinking now. Just do like you're told.

Never mind him. Just give me the box.

Throw your gun, way out.

You'll never live to spend this.

Shut up or you'll never live to bury him.

Good morning.

I knocked on Meg's door, but she didn't answer.

She's over at the office.

So early?

Meg's getting ready to leave town.

Leave town?

Good morning.

Morning.

Mrs. Gaines tells me that you're leaving Colton.

That's right.

How about Sonny?

There's nothing for me and Sonny.

I think I've known that for several weeks now.

And when I saw him last night, I...

Sonny was here last night?

He didn't want to see you.

Oh, yes.

Bert's friend who needed the supplies.

Jess.

You made a mistake in getting mixed up with Sonny.

Why did Bert lie to me like that?

Bert Gaines is blind as far as Sonny's concerned.

He just shuts his eyes.

Maybe he's afraid to face the truth.

Like I was.

Sonny's awfully easy to believe in.

If he was afraid to stay here,

maybe there's a chance that Gotch and Simmons were right.

Oh, he had a big story for Bert.

Something about a rich strike.

And he'd be back in two or three days to clear your name.

Yeah, I see.

Well, if there's nothing between you and Sonny anymore...

I thought I'd go to Sacramento.

Meg.

Let's go together.

I was hoping to be asked.

It's right with us, Meg.

I love you, Jess.

Now I've got to go and talk to Bert.

I'll go with you.

Jess.

I'd like to ask you a few questions, Bert.

Look. We may not have enough time.

Gotch is bent on running you and everybody who back you out of town.

Why didn't you tell me that Sonny was here last night?

Well, he was in a hurry.

In a hurry to leave you and me to face Gotch?

No. He's on to something big. He'll be back, he promised me.

He should have stayed.

He'll be back, he gave me his word.

That's not enough.

I want proof.

You sound like Gotch, mister.

I'll do no more fighting until I'm sure I'm on the right side.

Little late to decide that.

Sonny should be here.

Sell him like he did you, Bert.

Now look, Jess, you've got to believe me.

Gotch.

Don't interfere, Sheriff.

I'm doin' my job.

You keep out of this.

We've got a job to do.

You obey the law, Gotch, or you go to jail.

Why me?

Other law breakers go free.

Lem, you and me are partners.

I'm talkin' to you like a partner.

We gotta stop this. It's no good for the town, no good for us.

All right.

Sheriff's got you fooled.

One of us has got to protect our interests.

Haw!

Sheriff!

Sheriff!

What's wrong?

Holdup and a killing.

How'd it happen?

We'd just left Climax station.

All of a sudden he come up out of the rocks and hailed us.

I never realized it was a holdup till he drew on us

and ordered me to give him the strongbox.

Ed reached for his rifle.

My fault.

I told Ed it was all right.

Never figured it would end up like this.

You know this holdup man?

Sure. It was Sonny Grover.

Are you sure it was Grover?

Of course. He wasn't masked.

I was standing as close to him as I am to you when he took the strongbox.

He's got a good lead.

We'll track him down, and when we do...

When we do, he'll be my prisoner, Gotch.

Sure, sure. If we take him alive.

We'll start right away. Meet at my office soon as you're saddled up.

It can't be.

Every time there's any trouble around here they blame Sonny.

It just can't be.

Sonny told me last night where he'd been and what he'd been doing.

That driver must have made a mistake.

Don't you think so, Matt?

You don't pay me to think, Bert.

I'm just your bartender.

Gotta get back to my job.

Jess.

I... I hoped you wouldn't go.

I have to.

But why? It's out of your hands now, Jess. If Sonny killed that man...

The posse's out to gun him down.

This is the excuse Gotch has been waiting for.

All right, but that's the chance Sonny took.

It doesn't concern you, Jess.

Wrong, Meg.

Whatever Sonny does still concerns us.

How?

Suppose we run off now.

Suppose we take off to Sacramento.

Honey, I could be ready in five minutes.

It's no good.

Gotch or somebody shoots Sonny,

my name still isn't cleared.

As far as this town is concerned I'm still a claim jumper.

Oh, who cares about this town?

The word gets all over.

I've got to get to Sonny first.

I've got to find him before they do.

You do understand that, don't you?

Oh, I'm scared, Jess.

If anything happened to you now...

It won't.

It can't.

You know,

Sonny has a favorite hideout.

Yes, I know.

Near Lone Tree Pass.

He's already killed one man, Jess.

I'll be careful.

You're not going anywhere, Jess.

Bert.

I'm not worried about the posse getting Sonny.

He can outsmart them. But you, you're different.

He figures you for a friend.

He'd never figure you to go gunnin' for him.

That's why I'm not gonna let you leave this hotel.

You're makin' a mistake, Bert.

Sure, I'm makin' a mistake.

I'm makin' a mistake believing you were my friend and Sonny's.

I'm not judging Sonny.

Sonny never hurt anybody in his life.

I'm not riding out to kill him. I want him alive.

I can't trust you anymore, Jess.

That's why I'm going to give Sonny every chance...

I'm sorry, Bert.

I'll leave your gun downstairs.

If Sonny gets hurt,

I'm gonna come looking for you.

I'll be around.

Be careful, Jess.

You.

You let him go.

Why? What did Sonny ever do to you?

Why don't you wake up, Bert, and stop fooling yourself?

You know Sonny's no good. That's not true!

Everywhere he goes he brings hurt and trouble.

Sonny's not to blame for that.

Then who is?

I don't know.

Me, I guess.

I raised him, taught him everything he knows.

Good or bad.

If Sonny killed that man, they should be out gunnin' for me.

That's crazy, Bert.

You've done everything you could for him.

I know.

But if Sonny gets hurt, I'll turn killer for sure.

All set?

What about Collins?

What do you mean?

Suppose he tries to get away before we get back?

I think you ought to put him in jail.

My concern right now is taking a killer, Gotch.

We've wasted enough time already.

Settle your grudge with Collins when we get back.

One varmint at a time.

Grover.

Grover.

What do you want, Collins?

I just want to talk to you, Sonny.

There's nothin' to say.

I figure it's to your advantage to hear me out.

You come from Bert?

Yeah.

Throw your gun away,

with your left hand.

Why didn't Bert come himself?

Sonny, you're in heavy trouble.

Tell me something I don't know.

Sheriff's out with a posse, looking for you now.

The guard on that stage died.

Take a lesson.

The men are going to shoot you on sight.

They have to sight me first.

Your best chance is to come back to Colton with me.

Why should I go back to Colton?

Look, if you've come here to tell me to turn myself in...

You'll get a fair trial.

Fair trial?

Fair by whose ideas?

Havin' a fair trial to death, Collins, no thanks.

You're not going to get away this time, Sonny.

There's no one to spring the trap for you.

Oh, I thought that was why you'd come, Jess,

to help me out like you did before.

I thought you were right then.

Right? Who makes things right or wrong?

Men with money, Jess. Well, I got money, lots of it.

That stage strongbox is loaded.

I could use a partner, Jess.

We'd make quite a team. Maybe Bert would join us, too.

There's enough money here for all of us.

That kind of money scares me.

It's because you got no nerve.

I don't need you. I don't need anybody.

Start depending on other people and you're dead.

That didn't stop you from using Bert and Ruth.

Even Meg.

Meg?

Oh, so it's you.

You move fast. Should've guessed.

Sonny... She's nothing to me.

Neither are you.

I used you once, but now you're just in the way.

Why'd you kill him, Collins?

Afraid he might out the noose around your neck, too?

I've had just about enough of you, Gotch.

So have I.

Do us all a favor, Lem, and shut up.

You all right, Collins?

You take the posse back.

I'll stay here and help Collins with Grover's body and the rest.

I want you to know I'm sorry for everything.

Hi.

Hi. The usual?

Another day, another friend.

He's been waiting like that all night.

Meg, what am I gonna do?

What happened?

One varmint dead, one got away.

Who's dead?

I'm thirsty.

Grover's dead, Meg.

What about Jess Collins?

He killed him.

But is Collins hurt?

He's coming with the sheriff.

Thanks, Mr. Simmons.

Whiskey, Matt.

We're celebrating.

We're celebrating the death of a skunk.

What's the matter?

For safekeeping.

Yes, sir. We went out today to kill a little skunk named Grover.

Sonny Grover.

We were saved the trouble.

Another skunk beat us to the job.

Collins killed Grover for us.

Saved us from getting our hands dirty on a sneaky varmint like Sonny Grover.

Bert!

Bert, hasn't there been enough hurt already?

Bert, you can't help Sonny now.

You better let me handle this.

This is between me and Gaines, Sheriff.

Go on, Collins, draw!

I'm sorry, Bert.

It's not your fault.

I guess it's nobody's fault.

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