Original subtitles

Seth, don't! Please don't!

Why, you give him too much credit, ma'am.

He isn't about to fight, not even over you.

You really won't fight, will you?

Like many times before,

I brought my train past the halfway mark,

and as always, I found myself alone

at that most familiar spot along the trail.

I used these moments to think back

to a portion of my life now unattached yet vivid

in the happy memory of something beautiful...

A girl named Ranie Webster.

I remembered how years before

I'd had to say good-bye to Ranie.

War had been declared, and I had to do my part.

Before I left, I asked her to become my wife.

I guess I was asking too much,

for her only thought was that I might never come back.

For me, the end of the war came before Appomattox.

As I lay there listening to the doctor tell me

that I might lose both my legs,

I was glad that I hadn't answered Ranie's last letters.

But faith has a great power.

I clung to it, and I won.

Not only did I not lose my legs,

but with the help of Charlie Wooster and Bill Hawks,

I was able to walk again,

walk up to Ranie's door on my own two feet.

When I learned that she'd become the wife of another man,

I almost wished I hadn't tried as hard as I did.

It seemed as if that faith that I'd known

suddenly wasn't there.

Through the years that followed,

guiding people west,

the memory of Ranie was always with me,

but the thought of seeing her again

never entered my mind.

Fate does funny things, though.

A few years later, the train I was leading

had pulled into a small town in the west.

We were stopping over for supplies

and picking up new passengers.

A stagecoach brought two of them into town...

A Colonel Hillery and Ranie Webster.

It didn't take long to know that the Colonel

was not the kind of a man I cotton to.

He shot a harmless drunk down,

supposedly in self-defense,

but as for Ranie and me,

we just stood there looking at each other,

unbelieving.

Well, I guess I better get out of here.

You're probably pretty tired after that stage ride.

I could do with a little rest.

If you want anything, just send for me.

Most everybody around here knows where to find me.

All right.

Sure seems funny...

Running into that Mrs. Webster after all this time.

It does just that, Charlie.

Well, I don't suppose you'll be takin' any more wagon trains out west, eh, Major?

Charlie, that tongue of yours gets slacker every day.

I only meant...

I know exactly what you meant.

Why don't you just pour yourself a drink and keep quiet for a change?

Yes.

Where you goin'?

I'm goin' back to the wagons.

Supper's almost ready,

and you know Emily when I'm a little late.

Besides, I have to tell her about our company this evening.

Hear that, Major?

He used to be a good man till he got married.

Now look at him. Kook.

Tell Emily we'll be over shortly, Bill.

I will, Major.

Good evening, Major Adams.

Mr. Hillery.

I just came from the hotel.

Mrs. Webster doesn't answer her door.

I thought perhaps you'd know where she might be.

I'm sorry, I don't,

but I wouldn't worry about her if I was you.

Well, I won't, Major.

I won't.

No good will come of that one, Major.

What do you know about him, Major?

Just about as much as I care to.

Mrs. Webster?

Joel, have you seen Mrs. Webster tonight?

No, sir, I haven't.

Uh, another gentleman has been asking for her several times.

As a matter of fact, he just went upstairs.

Oh?

Ranie, what's wrong?

That stage ride, it's enough to wear down any woman.

May I have a glass of water, please?

Of course, my dear.

I'll get it.

Here you are, Ranie.

Thank you.

You sure you feel all right?

I'm fine now, really.

I told Bill Hawks I'd bring you over to meet him and his wife tonight,

but if you don't feel up to it, we can do it tomorrow.

Oh, no, no, I'd rather do it now.

I'm sorry to be so much trouble to you.

You're no trouble, Ranie.

Would you just give me a few minutes to freshen up?

You bet.

Talk to you a minute, Major?

Sure.

Well, Major, I see you have the situation well in hand.

That's right, Mr. Hillery, I have.

What's on your mind?

You're an ex-Army officer, same as I.

You're right again,

except I think we fought on different sides.

No, you are wrong.

Oh?

I see that surprises you. It does most people.

However, the explanation is quite simple.

You see, Major, I knew the South was doomed to defeat.

It was merely a question of time.

So you just went over to the other side, huh?

Let's just say I chose the winner.

Only a fool allows sentimentality

to stand in his way.

I suppose that's one way to look at it.

That's my way.

That's why it was easy for me to shoot that man today.

He was standin' in my way, just as you are now.

Killin' him meant no more to me than steppin' on a roach.

You're no different, Major.

Hillery, I don't give a continental

which side you were on,

but that war's over and gone now.

Let me tell you something.

Nobody just takes what they want anymore.

You either earn it or somebody gives it to you.

You don't just take it.

That's one of the reasons the war was fought.

You're a fool, Adams,

a bigger fool than I thought.

Very few men have ever called me that,

and the few that lived

lived to regret it.

Perhaps, Major, perhaps.

Is anything wrong?

Oh, no, no, no.

I guess I was just worryin' about missin'

one of Emily Hawks' meals, that's all.

Well, what are we waiting for?

Let's go.

You men...

You men on the Adams train...

How long you been on the trail now?

What's the matter?

Can't any of you remember that far back?

You know, I heard talk back east about our friend Major Adams.

Oh, nobody denies he's a fine man, certainly,

but the truth of the matter is...

he just doesn't know his job.

You don't have to take my word for it.

The facts speak for themselves.

Any other wagon master on the trail

would've had you across to Colorado by now.

If you don't like the way Major Adams runs his wagon train,

nobody's beggin' you to come along.

Why, I don't believe we've had the pleasure, sir,

and I don't believe anybody asked you your opinion.

Maybe you didn't ask for it, but you're gettin' it!

He must have his nose trailin' behind Major Adams' boots.

Why, you!

I'm all right now.

You'd better be.

Ah, come on, boys. The next one's on me.

Drink up!

Seth was right, Emily. You are a wonderful cook.

I've never eaten so much.

Care for some more coffee, Miss Webster?

Oh, no, thank you.

Major?

Yeah, Bill, thank you.

Another piece of pie to go with that coffee, Major?

Oh, no, Emily. I'm full.

Emily?

No, thanks, Bill.

Bill says you got kinfolk waitin' for you, Ranie.

Yes, my sister and her husband in Arizona.

It's too bad you can't go on to California with us.

You know, when I settle down, that's the place for me.

You settle down, huh. If that day ever comes,

I'll faint dead away, so help me.

I take it you've been to California before.

Bill and Charlie were with me

when I brought my first train across, Ranie.

Can you imagine?

No sooner home from the war, and off they go,

and you a married man.

Aw, Emily...

Don't you "aw, Emily" me.

Come on, Bill. Give me a hand with the dishes.

Oh, let me help you, Emily.

Oh, no, Bill will be glad to.

Oh, "Bill will be glad to."

Bill...

Seth...

What are you thinking?

Oh, I can't really say, Ranie.

Ever since that stage came in today,

I've had so many thoughts rollin' around in my head.

I haven't been able to single any of 'em out.

I know.

I know. I've been the same way.

Maybe it's better if we don't.

What do you mean by that?

Oh, I don't know.

Everything happened so fast.

It's just as though I...

I stepped off of that stage into a whole new life.

I can't believe it's true.

It's true, Ranie, it's true.

Excuse me, Miss Ranie. Major...

What's the trouble, Charlie?

It's that Col. Hillery.

He's down at the saloon about half-drunk

and doin' a lot of talkin'.

Well, a man has every right to talk.

Not this kinda talk.

He's tellin' the wagon train folks

you charge 'em too much and not makin' any time.

Well, I wouldn't worry about it if I were you.

But you're goin' down to stop him, ain't you?

Charlie, I've got a feeling

that there's only one way to stop that Col. Hillery,

and I'd just as soon avoid that as long as possible.

But, Major, he's a troublemaker.

I know, Charlie, I know.

Nobody ever got hurt by a few words.

Yes, sir. Good night, Miss Ranie. Good night, Major.

Good night, Charlie.

Seth...

It's all right, Ranie.

It's all right.

Better get those water kegs latched on right, Hillery.

Good mornin', ladies.

Good morning, Seth.

Everything set?

Yeah, we'll be pullin' out pretty quick.

Better get aboard then.

Excuse me, Major. We're all set down the line.

Thank you, Bill.

Pardon me. All set up front, Major.

I'll be right up there, Charlie.

How they treatin' you, Ranie?

Like a child, I'm afraid.

Mrs. Hawks wants me to ride in the back of the wagon so I'll keep out of the sun.

If this keeps up, I'll soon be the most spoiled passenger you ever had.

I knew you'd like 'em.

You'll never meet a finer couple any place.

Well, we better get you aboard. We're pullin' out pretty quick.

Seth, is everything all right?

Mr. Hillery?

Well, you never know about a fella like him, Ranie.

It's like I told you, don't you worry your head about him, that's all.

All right.

Come on, let's go.

And so again we moved west.

This time, with two new passengers.

One of them I didn't know much about,

but he'd paid his money like anybody else,

and so long as he kept to the rules of our train,

he was entitled to the same as the next.

The other, well,

even if I hadn't known her before,

I'd have been glad she was coming along.

Some people just got a way of talkin' and lookin'.

You know it's right.

Hey, how about a little wrestlin'?

Why don't you relax? You don't have the strength.

Strength! Ha!

Strength he says.

Hawks, I'm tellin' you, I got the strength of a bear in that arm.

Charlie, the only place that you have the strength of a bear

is right in that knot head of yours.

Yeah? Come on, I'll show you. Come on.

Now you watch him, Major, so he don't cheat.

I'll watch him, Charlie.

Ready?

Yeah, are you?

Ready.

See that, Major? Can't budge me an inch, not an inch!

I got him!

I got him! I got him! I got him! I got him!

Aah!

That must've been a mighty puny bear you were talkin' about, Charlie.

He cheated, Major! I saw him!

His elbow was off the table! I saw him myself! Cheated!

Oh, strong as a bear, huh?

A little bear, maybe?

Good evenin', folks.

Good evening. Miss Webster.

Mr. Hillery.

Ah, mighty pleasant night, isn't it?

If you folks will excuse me, I took suddenly sleepy.

Good night, Major.

Good night, Charlie.

Tell me, Major, where in the world did you ever run across that one?

I didn't just run across him, Mr. Hillery.

Charlie Wooster's been with me for a long time.

In that case, sir, you have my sympathy.

Where Wooster's concerned, no sympathy is necessary...

from anybody.

Well, come now, Major. No call to defend the man.

After all, you must admit, he is a very odd-looking sort.

Maybe, but over the years, I've learned one thing at least.

It generally pays to look beneath the surface.

Often times, you find things that you don't expect to find.

You may be right, Major.

I guess we best turn in, Emily. We got a hard day tomorrow.

Yes, Bill.

Good night, Ranie, Major.

Good night. Good night, folks.

Good night, Miss Hawks.

Well, suddenly everybody seems very tired.

What about you, Mrs. Webster? Surely you'd like...

Oh, it is getting late.

Thank you for a wonderful evening, Seth. I enjoyed it.

Good night.

So did I, Ranie. Good night.

Well, Hillery...

Good night, Major.

Ranie...

I'll be all right, soon as I get some rest.

Can I get you anything?

I'll be all right.

You best come in and lie down.

We leave before daylight.

There now, Ranie. You're gonna be all right.

Please, my medicine.

Can I get you anything else, honey?

No, thank you.

It's your lungs, isn't it?

Does Major Adams know?

No.

No, please, he mustn't ever know.

He's been hurt enough because of me.

I understand.

And don't worry. He'll never hear of it from us, I promise you.

Now if there's anything you want, just call me.

I'll be right out front with Bill.

Thank you.

Ahh.

♪ Away, away ♪

♪ Away down south ♪

♪ in Dixie ♪

Well, Major, gettin' cleaned up again tonight, huh?

Is there something I can do for you, Mr. Hillery?

Why, yes, Major. Join me in a drink, hmm?

No, thanks.

Oh, come now. A little whiskey never hurt anybody.

I said no.

Well, as you wish.

Ahh.

You know, it's a funny thing about whiskey...

It loosens up a man's brain, starts him thinkin'.

Generally starts him talking, too.

Why, yes. Yes, it does, as a matter of fact.

Mm, you know that can be a mighty useful combination...

Thinkin' and talkin'.

Now you take you and me, for instance.

Today I've been doin' a lot of thinkin'.

Now it's time you and I had a little talk.

I don't know what you want from me, Mr. Hillery,

but let's get one thing straight, right here and now.

Far as I'm concerned, you're just another passenger

on this wagon train headin' for California.

If you get any trouble on the way,

wagon break down or whatnot, you can count on my help.

But otherwise, I'd advise you to stay as far away from me as possible.

So I can count on your help, huh?

That's what I get paid for.

Not your help I want, Major.

It's your woman, Adams.

I think you've talked enough and drank enough.

Don't you worry about my drinkin', Major.

As I told you before, it loosens up a man's brain,

makes him realize what he wants and intends to have.

You better get out of here, Hillery.

You'd better get out of here now.

All right, Major. I'll leave.

We'll be visitin' each other again...

soon.

After all, I might need your help.

Evenin', Miss Webster.

Mr. Hillery.

Not often I find you alone.

Well, Mr. and Mrs. Hawks are down the line visiting.

Not concerned about Mr. and Mrs. Hawks.

Mr. Hillery, if you have something to say to me, I'll listen.

Otherwise, would you please leave me alone?

At least you might try conducting yourself like a gentleman.

Oh.

Good night.

Do you mind?

You're hurting my arm!

You should have thought about that before.

Before what?

Oh, Ranie, you can't be serious.

Take your hands off of me!

Charlie, did you get that wheel fixed?

All ready to roll, Major. All right.

Stop it!

I'm really not such a bad fellow, once you get to know me.

Take your hands off of me!

Stop it! Stop it!

Something wrong, Ranie?

Oh, Seth.

No. No, everything's all right.

Seth...

Seth, it's all right.

Everything's all right.

Mr. Hillery, I've never cut a wagon off of my train,

and I don't aim to start with you,

but as soon as we reach Fort Sand,

you're leavin' this train.

I'm not about to, Major.

I'm runnin' this outfit, and don't you forget it.

Just don't crowd me.

You won't cut me off, Major.

Why, what would all these nice folks say,

you cuttin' a wagon off the train, and over a woman?

And such a woman.

Seth, don't! Please don't!

Why, you give him too much credit, ma'am.

He isn't about to fight, not even over you.

You really won't fight, will you?

Ugh!

Ugh!

Ugh!

Seth!

I'll kill you! I'll kill you!

Ugh.

I'd a killed him.

I'd a killed him.

Seth...

He's dead.

I'm sorry, Bill.

Give me a hand, Chuck.

Sure, Bill.

A man is dead.

Good or bad, it's still a human life.

In my heart, I hadn't wanted it that way,

but it didn't help.

If you're the one responsible,

there's nothing you can tell yourself,

nothing that will make it right.

Mr. Hawks...

What's on your mind, ma'am?

Well, I was thinking perhaps if you talked to him...

I don't think it would do much good.

A man like the Major has to work things out for himself.

He will in time.

What about you?

Well, I saved a life, Mrs. Webster,

and I only thank the Lord that I was able to do it.

I'm thankful, too.

We moved deeper into the dry, hot land,

and for the next few hundred miles,

every drop of water had to be accounted for.

Each afternoon, Bill and I

rode out looking for water and shade,

each day bringing us closer to Ranie's sister.

I had never quit

or walked away from anything in my life,

especially a friend.

When the time comes and you'll have to do it,

it's not easy.

I don't suppose it ever is.

Guess this is about as good as any place, Bill.

Yeah, I'd rather fight that snow any time than all this heat.

We'd best rest these horses a little bit before we start back, I guess.

Must be some shade around here someplace.

If there is, I don't know where the devil it is.

Bill, I've been wantin' to talk to you.

I'm leavin' the train.

You're what?

I got my mind made up.

I figure you and Charlie can take them on to the coast

just as well as I could.

Major, that ain't so.

You led us all the way through the war.

Now you gotta take us on to California.

No, I don't figure so.

In view of what's happened, I think it's best this way.

Does Ranie have anything to do with this decision, Major?

I'm gonna ask Ranie to marry me, Bill.

If she will, we'll stay at her sister's a little while,

and then I'll come on to California with her.

Well, guess we might as well start back.

Major...

Yeah, Bill?

Nothin'.

Good evenin', folks.

Good evenin', Major. Evenin', Major Adams.

Still a cup of coffee in the pot.

Well, I don't know, Mrs. Hawks.

After drinkin' Wooster's coffee,

I don't think I could stand a good cup.

Good evenin', Ranie.

Hello, Seth.

Gracious, I just remembered I promised Miss Lambert

I'd show her the knit on my new shawl.

Come along, Bill.

You go right ahead, Emily.

Bill, didn't you wanna talk to Bob Lambert

about the new harness for the team?

Oh...

Bill...

They're quite a pair.

Well, Ranie, tomorrow you'll be with your sister.

We should reach the weigh station about noon, I guess.

Seth...

Yes, Ranie?

I don't know.

My last night here with you...

Seems there should be something to say,

only I can't find the words.

It's just as though they're buried so deeply inside of me.

They just won't come out.

You ever had that happen?

Well, I... I don't change much, Ranie.

Words come hard to me...

especially words that should be easy to say.

I guess...

that's why I was kinda scared to come down here tonight.

Why, Seth?

Ranie, I want you to marry me.

I love you, Ranie. I've never stopped loving you.

Please, Seth...

I've been a long time alone.

Maybe too long, I don't know.

Maybe I'm not fit anymore

for what I'm asking of you.

Oh, you are.

You are, Seth. It's not you.

It's...

It's what, Ranie?

Well, it's been eight years.

People change in that time.

You don't know me anymore, not really.

I know enough, Ranie.

I'll find out the rest in time, same as you'll do with me.

I remember telling Col. Hillery

that a man just doesn't take what he wants anymore.

He either earns it or somebody gives it to him.

And all I'm asking of you now, Ranie,

is just give me part of your heart.

I'll earn the rest.

You once told me you loved me, Ranie.

I guess time does make a difference to some people.

Oh, please, Seth...

Seth...

Yes, Ranie?

Nothing.

What's the matter, Ranie?

I'd be glad to listen if you wanna tell me about it.

He asked me to marry him.

I had to tell him no.

Did you tell him why?

What about you, Ranie?

You've got feelings, too.

He has a whole life ahead of him.

I don't belong in it.

It'll be easier for him this way.

Emily, you promised you won't tell him.

He'd wanna know.

No.

Don't worry, dear.

He'll never find out from Bill and me, I swear to you.

God bless you.

I saw the buckboard approaching and yet didn't want to see it.

I kept the train moving, not wanting to stop...

yet knowing I'd have to.

I doubt if I was little more than civil

to Ranie's brother-in-law.

I knew only that his arrival meant her leaving,

but there was nothing I could say or do.

She was making a new life for herself...

A life without me in it.

I could only pray.

Lord, take care of her.

Give her at least a part of the happiness

she's given me.

For when you love someone as I loved Ranie,

they remain a part of you,

no matter where they are or what they do.

Howdy. I'm Seth Adams.

I'm Walt Bradley, Ranie's sister's husband.

Get her bags, Charlie.

Yes, sir.

Thank you. Thank you, Major Adams.

It ain't fair not tellin' the Major.

I gave my word, Bill.

Well, I didn't.

Bill Hawks, we've been married a long time,

and not once have you done anything I'd be ashamed to tell my neighbors,

but if you go to Major Adams about that girl,

I'll never be able to think of you the same again.

I guess you're right, Emily.

Wagons, ho.

Whoa! Whoa!

Whoa!

Are you sure you're all right, Ranie?

It's just the dust.

Sure worried about you, Ranie, ever since you rode.

Try to drink something, just a swallow.

Ranie. Ranie!

Ra... Ranie!

Ranie, Ranie.

If only there was something we could do.

Go tell him I'm sorry.

Please...

I love him. I love him.

There, there, honey. It'll be all right.

Please. Please tell him.

Tell him. Tell him!

Ranie, save your strength.

Tell who? Who do you have to tell?

Seth.

Seth Adams, the wagon master.

Seth. Help me.

Seth! Help me!

Please! Help me!

Seth. Help me.

Look there.

Ho! Ho!

Major Adams, Ranie Webster's been callin' for you.

Could you come to our house?

Charlie, keep the wagons rollin'. I'll catch up with you.

Right.

I guess now I won't have to make you ashamed of me, Emily.

Ranie...

Ranie...

Seth...

Ranie...

Seth...

Why didn't you tell me, Ranie?

I didn't wanna hurt you anymore.

I love you, Seth.

I love you so much.

You're gonna get well, Ranie. You're gonna be just fine.

Seth, tell me about us.

Tell me about... About California.

Never seen anything like it, Ranie.

It's fresh and clean,

and there's strength in the air you breathe.

We'll build us a house, Ranie, a good house facin' the west,

and when you walk outside in the morning,

there'll be the ocean...

Blue as far as you can see.

And all you have to do

is look back over your shoulder...

and there's a land of mountains

as high as you can see.

They're beautiful mountains.

They'll keep you warm and safe.

I once heard a man say that it was like

the Lord created it for the Sabbath alone,

but that's only half true, Ranie.

He created it for people, too...

people like you and me.

There's no better place in the world, Ranie.

No better place, Ranie...

except where you are now...

in the arms of All Mighty God.

God bless you, Ranie.

God bless you.

Ranie, I remember telling you a long time ago,

sometimes it's better if we don't look for the answers.

The Lord has his way,

and no matter how long or how hard we look,

only He has the power to give and the power to take,

and only through Him

can we hope to find the strength to live

when He takes from us that which we live for.

Good-bye, Ranie.

I had to leave her,

as I had done before and would do again,

until such time as I could join her.

Still, as always in the past,

my heart was lighter, the load less heavy.

For even now as I rode away,

she rode with me, beside me.

Even now, my thoughts were reaching her,

and I knew that someday, somewhere...

we'd be together again.

Howdy, Major.

Flint, howdy.

Now that you're back, I don't suppose you'd mind

if I rode into town, would you?

You see, there's a girl there that I, uh...

used to know.

Well, if that's the case,

I guess you better hurry up and go to her.

Thanks.

In a way, I just did the same thing myself.

Go on, get out of here.

Once again, the train headed west.

As always, it wasn't easy getting to California,

but already I'd begun to think of the next trip...

when I'd stop and spend a little time

visiting with Ranie.