Original subtitles

Hey, war whoop,

tell the lieutenant I wanna eat, too.

I could starve for all they care.

Whoa!

[ Chuckles ]

I've been wranglin' around here for six months,

and that Indian still can't figure me out.

Back up, monty.

From fenniman's here,

we'll move on to alston's station

and be there tonight.

By leaving early tomorrow, we won't have to push too hard

before we meet with captain poole's company

about here at dry creek.

From there, he'll escort US into Oregon

with only a few days' journey

to fort klamath and your new home, miss drury.

I don't think I could ever make a home in this savage country.

After my sister is settled,

I intend to continue on to San Francisco.

I, uh, know I won't find it as civilized as our former home,

but then one can't--

woman: Oh, I thought you'd take all day with that water.

Now go get some wood.

Soldier outside want food.

Burch! Relieve Vogel.

I ain't finished yet, lieutenant.

You're finished. Now relieve Vogel.

Go ahead.

Yes, sir.

Coffee?

I'd rather have tea if you don't mind.

Hey, elwood. We got any of that tea left from last year?

Tea?

Never mind, I'll take the coffee.

I shall have to get used to it sooner or later.

How 'bout you, lady?

Oh, yes. Thank you.

Thank you.

Weeks: Daydreaming?

Yes, I guess I was, lieutenant weeks.

Beth will have time enough for that after she is married.

Not if I know captain poole.

[ Laughs ]

Um, what i--

what I mean is... Well...

Did you water the mounts, trooper?

Yeah.

Trooper.

Huh?

What is the proper way

for an enlisted man to address an officer?

The mounts is watered, sir.

Vogel, sit down and eat while you got a chance.

Another customer for you, Kate.

I'm as ready as he is.

The war's been over three months.

This is what happens to discipline.

Rabble, nothing but rabble.

I suppose we do need them to keep the Indians in line.

Still it seems a pity that men like yourself--

officers--must associate with men like that.

[ Bangs table ]

Relax, boy. Eat your grub.

Ellwood's fixin' the lunches.

They'll be ready in a minute.

Thanks, Kate.

They told US at salt lake

we might have some trouble getting through.

Not with an escort, miss drury.

The Indians know better than to fool with an army pay wagon.

We heard rumors of fighting.

Perhaps an occasional traveler

or an unescorted wagon--

nothing serious.

We have an existing treaty with the modoc council.

We do not infringe on their territory in the lost river area.

However, there are some renegades

in the lava bed country.

Sometimes they break away and make raids on their own.

That devil area is almost impossible to police

with the men we've got.

Listen to Daniel Boone.

He ain't never been within spittin' distance of a modoc.

Hey, sarge. Look what I got.

Well, I'll be doggoned. Clear out here in Nevada.

Vogel: Forget it, burch. The war is over.

Don't hardly seem natural to see a reb walkin' around free as air

and not do somethin' about it.

Close the door on your way out.

Burch: Still don't seem natural.

Come right in, folks. Come right in.

Sit right over here and make yourselves at home.

So you're one of them confederated rebels, hey?

Well, I'm Kate fenniman, and I'm pleased to meet you.

My name's Ben lassiter.

This is my little daughter, Abbey.

Hello, honey. Hey, elwood, look.

We got a real honest to goodness rebel here.

I hope you don't mind.

Elwood and me ain't never seen a reb before,

stuck way out here and all.

How did you get here?

Don't ask so many questions.

How old are you, honey? Ten.

Aren't you gonna do anything?

There's nothing I can do, miss drury.

Like the sergeant said, the war is over.

Just like that. The war is over.

For four years

these traitors kill and loot our country,

and then, because they decide to give up, everything is all right.

We're supposed to forgive and forget, is that it?

Well, I say they should be hung.

Every last one of them.

It's all right, Mrs. Fenniman.

We're right proud to have you here, reb,

and anything you want, you just holler.

Thanks.

Is that lady talking about US, daddy?

What do you say we have something to eat?

Do you have anything warm?

Why, sure.

I wonder how proud you'd be if someone you loved

had been killed because of men like that.

Funny thing about runnin' a place like this, reb.

You get the darndest assortment of critters coming through.

Uh-uh. The cat'll get it.

I'll wait in the coach.

Excuse me.

Doyle, get those lunches in the wagon immediately.

We're pulling out.

Yes, sir. All right, you heard what the lieutenant said.

Now get movin'. See you next month, Kate.

Sure, Doyle. Behave yourself, now.

Good luck, reb.

Take care of the little lady. Rough country out here.

Thanks, sergeant. But she takes care of me.

Good-bye.

Nice man.

Nice fella, Doyle.

But that woman,

something's bad wrong with her.

Knowed it the minute I laid eyes on her.

Ain't got all day, Vogel. Ready, Nelson?

Ready and waiting, sergeant.

What's the delay, Doyle?

Nothing, sir.

Let 'em roll!

[ Laughs ]

That was good, wasn't it?

Hit the spot, huh?Mm-hmm.

Try one of these. They're good after a meal.

I sneak one myself now and then when nobody's looking.

Only got four left.

Thanks.

Mmm, mild.

Ought to be. Come all the way from San Francisco.

Say, how come you figure to settle in Oregon, young lady?

My mommy's sister lives there.

She's the only kin we have now, since mommy died.

Daddy says we'll be happy there.

Of course you will, honey.

Things pretty bad in the south, I guess.

They say everything's for the best,

but I'm blamed if I can see how.

We'll make it all right, won't we?

Sure, we'll make it fine.

Do you think she can give me a bath?

Do you have a place where my little girl can scrub up a bit?

Certainly have.

I'll scrub her till she shines like a new silver dollar.

Good. Maybe then you'll be worth something.

Elwood, put that water on the stove.

Daddy!

[ Laughs ]

Still say you oughtta spend the night.

A good sleep in a bed'll be hard to come by between here and Oregon.

Thanks. But I think we can pick up about 20 miles

before it gets dark.

Say, reb. You want to take along

a jug of who hit John?

Who hit John?

Texas whiskey. I just run off a pot.

That Texas stuff is a little too strong for me.

No wonder the war lasted four years.

All you rebs stubborn cusses?

Ready, Abbey?Yes, daddy.

Bye, miss fenniman.

Thanks for the bath. Ought to last me clear to Salem.

Lord go with ya.

Say hello to that old skinflint alston for me.

Good-bye. Thanks again.

What's the matter, Kate?

Nothing's the matter. Don't ask so many questions.

Never will understand women.

Women!

Daddy, why are some people so nice to US

and others like that lady who said those awful things?

Well, that lady probably thought

she had a good reason to say what she did.

To her way of thinkin', I probably am a traitor.

But you didn't do anything to her.

Not directly, but the war might have,

and I was part of it.

The part that was against her people.

I should have told her you were a hero.

You have medals.

The trouble with you, miss nosy, is you're just prejudiced.

I'm not a hero, Abbey.

I only fought for what I felt was right.

Travis, I'll bet you a month's pay against a dead mule

that weeks don't ever show up.

No? What makes you think so?

Them Indians is still here.

They're waitin', and it ain't for the escort.

Don't you figure captain poole knows that?

Well, maybe, but he's green,

and this type of fightin' don't go by the book.

I sure wish the lieutenant would tell him the facts of life.

What do you think our losses would be if we broke out of here?

Day or night?Early tomorrow.

Third of the men, half the horses.

What about tonight?

Well, our chances would be better.

These modoc don't mind fightin' at night,

but we'd be harder to hit.

I know what you're thinking, captain.

It's a rough decision to have to make.

Look.

Mm, fine-looking girl.

Yeah, I had a devil of a time getting her out here.

She even made me let her bring her sister along.

She's from your hometown, isn't she?

Yes. She's from Boston.

Wouldn't mind being back there right now.

I know what you mean.

Daddy, look up there.

Well, I guess it's about time for US

to find a place to sleep, huh?

Well, button, let's take a look at this place.

That smoke, does that mean Indians?

Of course not, worrywart. It's probably some brushfire.

Now, get down off of Gus. Lay out your blankets.

I'll cover the entrance so... They can't get out of here.

Did you say your prayers?

Mm-hmm.

One for you...

One for mama.

[ Horse nickers ]

Stay there.

Shh. Be real quiet, real quiet.

[ Gun clicks ]

[ Man screams ]

Oh, daddy.

Yes, baby.

What is it, daddy?

Oh, nothing, nosy.

Can we keep the horse?

I think we'd better.

Daddy?huh?

Are we going back to Mrs. Fenniman's?

They were so nice to US.

We'll go on to alston's station.

I'm gonna try to catch up with lieutenant weeks,

tell him what we've seen.

From now on in,

we've got to keep our eyes open. All right?

We may as well take the road. We can't make any time this way.

They're probably all gone now-- the Indians, I mean.

Yeah, I hope so.

Why are we stopping, daddy?

Alston's.

You stay here. I'm gonna take a closer look.

They got me in the leg.

I didn't want to move before

until I made sure who you were.

Abbey!

Bring the horses.

The others?

Looks like they're all dead.

I haven't checked the house yet.

Vogel and burch left early to scout ahead.

The rest of US were out here saddling up

when about eight of them let go at US.

I remember lieutenant weeks yelled to the ladies

about a cellar underneath the house.

Where's the entrance to the cellar?

There's a trapdoor in the kitchen floor.

Abbey, look after him and give him some water.

I'll be right back.

[ Knocking sound ]

Martha, somebody's up there.

Can you hear me down there?

We're down here. Get US out.

I'll be right there.

Give me your hand.

Thank you.

Thank you.

How's your patient?

We're no better off than we were before.

If the other men got away,

why isn't captain poole here?

We'll have to rig up something, to keep this leg from jarring.

It's more than 20 miles to captain poole's camp.

You won't make it dragging me along.

You let me worry about that, huh?

How long are we going to wait here?

Those savages might come back.

We'll be waiting here until his leg is fixed.

You girls are probably hungry.

There's some food there on the horse.

Who can eat after this?Suit yourself, ma'am.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

Is there anything I can do to help?

I'm afraid not.

You wouldn't believe they were sisters, would ya?

Couldn't be less alike, even if they tried.

Now let's see... Abbey, I want you to get me

a couple of boards about so long.

I'll make a splint here.

All right.

Nice girl, Abbey. Quite the little lady.

I'm Nelson Walker.

I have a hauling contract

with the quartermaster at fort klamath.

My name's Ben lassiter.

I saw you at fenniman's when we rode up.

Glad you didn't come along with US.

The bunch that hit you passed US early last night.

They'd already been to fenniman's.

One of 'em found US.

He had Mrs. Fenniman's cigar tin in his pack.

God bless them. They were nice people.

You can never tell about these modoc outlaws.

Even their own people hate them.

When they raid, they split up in groups

and hit two or three places at the same time.

And then later, they rejoin at some point

and make a run back in to the lava beds.

That takes quite a bit of organizing.

Who is their leader?

A young breed called tago.

Scouted a while for company b,

long enough to learn what he wanted,

and then took off with about 18 or 20 carbines.

But they've never jumped US out this far before.

This captain poole'll probably stop 'em.

If they don't get him first.

It wouldn't take too many men

to pin him down in one of these canyons.

Captain poole has only eight troopers,

and man for man

these Indians are better at that kind of fighting.

These all right, daddy?

Fine.

Now, this is gonna hurt a little, but--

Abbey, you better hold his leg right in here.

That's it. And take this boot, now. Steady.

Look at this.

My best dress-- a filthy rag!

You should be glad you're able to see it again.

What's that supposed to mean?

It's just by the grace of god

we're not lying out there dead with the others.

And all you can do is complain.

Have you anything more to say?

I'm sorry. I didn't mean it the way it sounded. But you--

I what?

The only thing between US and whatever is out there

is that man lassiter.

Our lives are in his hands. He's trying to help US.

Can't you be a little grateful?

You expect me to be grateful

to one of his kind that killed Walter?

You expect me to forget that?

Why don't you stop deceiving yourself?

What do you mean?

Nothing. Nothing at all.

I said what do you mean?

Walter wrote me just before he was killed.

He'd met a girl in New York while on leave.

They were married.

Sorry, I hoped i'd never have to tell you.

You're a liar.

He didn't know how to tell you, so he asked me to do it for him.

But you didn't.No, I didn't.

The day the letter arrived,

Walter's name was on the casualty list.

I never realized it before, but you were jealous of US.

Well, your lies won't do you any good,

because I know he loved me.

Comfortable?

Fine.

Is this all right?

That's fine, Abbey.

I don't want to be rollin' off.

I was wondering--

there's a strongbox in the wagon there.

Payroll for the fort.

This new paper money doesn't mean much to Indians.

It's worth a look.

What's he doing now? Why aren't we going?

Daddy's looking for the money.

You were right. They left it.

Abbey, get a food sack.

My... How much is it?

I don't know, nosy. But there's plenty.

There.

Now, look, one of you ladies get up on the mule,

the other the horse.

Abbey, you take the Indian pony.

What about you, Mr. Lassiter?

I'm gonna walk.

Something wrong, ma'am?

That's no business of yours.

Look, let's get one thing straight.

We've got a lot of rough country to go over,

and I'm not in any mood for a nasty disposition.

What rank did you hold in the confed?

Captain, hood's brigade. Why?

Oh, just curious.

You sure told her.

Why don't you paddle her behind?

Abbey! Come on.

Ready? Let's go.

[ Groans ]

Did that bump hurt your leg?

Don't worry about me, child. I'm fine.

Do we go over that?

Yeah. I was just thinkin' the same thing.

Nelson...how's the leg?

Just fine.

Good. Think we can get through that?

The best way over is by the wagon road.

It follows a sort of a natural pass through the rocks.

If it weren't for me tied down in this rig,

you might make it anywhere.

Oh, no, you don't. You're stuck with US now.

Besides, you're Abbey's patient. Right, Abbey?

Right.

Well, I guess I have to follow nurse's orders.

That settles it.

I'll go up through the rocks

and stay as close to the road as possible.

That'll give US a chance to get a little rest, too. Right, nurse?

Right.right.

If this was in your lap, what would you do?

First, I'd have to think of our men.

Don't you think I've thought of that?

I didn't mean it that way, sir.

You see, I don't think that weeks and the others are still alive.

I got this figured out as all part of a plan.

I think that tago was watchin' US when we split up,

and he sent some of his men to stop them.

Now he doesn't have enough bucks left with him

to try an open charge, and he doesn't seem to care.

He's content to just sit up there

and keep US pinned down here till he gets reinforcements.

That's why the longer we wait, the rougher it's gonna be.

Don't forget we've got two wounded men who shouldn't be moved.

They'll expect to take their own chances.

Can you make 'em out?

Yeah. That's tago, all right.

I think if we catch him, the others'll quit.

I don't know.

Sometimes it's safer to just chase those modocs,

not catch 'em.

How far would you say they was?

Close to 400 yards. You might as well throw a rock.

You keep your eye peeled.

I'll hold about eight feet over his head.

I hope you didn't disturb him.

He's resting now, daddy.

You better get some rest yourself, button nose.

I will, daddy. But I'm worried about him.

He wouldn't eat anything, and he's awfully hot.

You're right.

I'll get some water.

Mr. Lassiter.Yeah?

I have a suggestion to make.

Yes. What is it, ma'am?

That man is obviously in great pain,

and moving him on that thing isn't helping any.

Yeah?

Wouldn't it be better for all of US

if we made him as comfortable as we could, and then rode on

until we find someone we can send back to him?

I'm sure that you mean well,

but there are a couple of things wrong with your suggestion.

We don't know what's ahead of US,

and even if we did,

it might take a few days to get back here.

Now, do you have any more suggestions?

Regardless of that,

in his condition, he's slowing US down,

keeping US all in danger just because he can't walk.

I don't think it's fair to US or to your little girl

endangering our lives because of a man who'll probably die anyway.

Martha! How can you say such a thing?

Don't you think you should remember

that without this man, you wouldn't be here today?

The lady is right.

I don't feel too steady,

and I'll just be holdin' the rest of you up.

I think you oughtta get on and send back for me.

Let me take a look at that.

I knew. I knew it this afternoon.

We've got to get going.

Mr. Lassiter!

[ Horses neigh ]

They're getting awfully brave.

I guess they figure there's no one behind them.

Modocs.

There's something strange about that fire.

It could mean they've got some liquor,

or they're splitting up what they got from the station.

Maybe both. You can never tell what they'll pull.

I've got an idea.

What're you gonna do, daddy?

Now look, nosy, you just say a little prayer that it works.

Now get the horses ready.

Go on.

We'll need a couple of fuses.

There, that should do it.

It will. In fact, it ought to jar their ancestors.

Here.

Here's some water.

Now this is very important.

As soon as I throw this,

I'm gonna run in and try to get one of their horses.

If I succeed, I'll meet you up the road.

The minute you hear the explosion,

I want you to swing past them

and don't stop for anything, regardless of what happens.

Now, is that clear?But daddy--

I said don't stop, regardless of what happens.

Is that clear?Yes, daddy.

If, uh...Anything should happen,

I'll take care of Abbey.

I promise.

Be careful.

Thanks.

[ Conversing in native tongue ]

[ Conversing in native tongue ]

[ Gun clatters ]

Why doesn't he throw it? What's he waiting for?

[ Shouting ]

Ride, child. Ride, Abbey.

It's now or never!

Daddy!

Don't stop, honey. Keep going.

[ Shouting ]

Keep going.

What about Nelson?Get out of here!

I'll take care of Nelson. Go ahead.

You'd better get out of here yourself

while you still have a chance.

I'm through traveling for tonight.

Look, Nelson, don't let me down now.

I can get you up on that horse. Come on.

Ow!

No.

It's no use. I can't make it.

Captain, I've always wanted to give

a confederate officer an order.

Now, will you please get on that horse

and get out of here?

Look, I'm not gonna leave you here. You know that.

This is for me and... I'll use it.

I'm through, and you know it.

You have a little girl to worry about.

Don't throw her life away by draggin' me along.

I'll crawl over in the rocks there where I can rest.

When you see captain poole,

tell him to send back some men for me.

If that's the way you want it...

That's the way it's gonna be.

Now...here, I'll give you this--

no, captain.

I won't buy that.

You just want to get close enough to get this gun.

Nelson!

I'll make it. You just get goin'.

Well, what are you waiting for?

Good-bye, soldier.

[ Approaching hoofbeats ]

[ Gunshot ]

Who was shooting, daddy?

I don't know. Come on.

[ Horse snorting ]

Well, it looks like we're gonna make it after all.

Mr. Lassiter...

I wish you'd call me Ben.

Ben.

I'm really very grateful

for everything you've been trying to do for US and...

Martha is, too, in her own way. It's--

it's just that she's always been kind of different.

I understand.

I'm tired, daddy. Even Gus is tired.

Won't be long now.

Soon as we get out of this open area.

Hold it.

Looks like we've got company.

You girls ride over to that gully

and keep out of sight.

You may be killed.

Martha, come on. Let's hurry.

Mr. Lassiter!

Martha, come on.

[ Neighs ]

You can stay here if you want,

but I'm going down and take a look. Oh...

Mr. Lassiter...

Let's go.

Well...

Who'd have thought they'd make it?

The reb and his kid and the women.

How in the devil did they get through?

I don't know.

All I know is they've got horses.

Come on, let's head 'em off.

[ Neighs ]

Wait here.

You sure must be hungry.

Yeah. We ain't had no grub since alston's.

Burch, get up over there

and take over for the reb a while.

He might want some of his own grub before you clean him out.

Oh, all right.

Must you do that?

Do what?

Martha, please. Leave the man alone.

It's your fault I'm here. Look at me.

Filthy, living like an animal, surrounded by savages.

What's the matter with her?

Shut up, pig.

You don't learn easy, do you?

I remember that smart crack you made back at fenniman's.

You hear that? Pig!

I'd like to see you wind up in some modoc cave, duchess.

You'd be glad to see this pig then. You'd be real glad.

Oh, stop it.

I saved some for you, daddy.

Ben: Thanks.

You know, if we risk a fire, we could make some coffee.

Yeah.

Vogel?hm?

Do you think captain poole knows

what happened to your outfit?

Nah. How could he know?

Me and burch hardly got started down to poole's camp

before the Indians shot our horses right out from under US.

Lucky we got out.

Tago's got him sewed up...

And him sittin' there waitin' for reinforcements.

He can sit there till winter for all I give a hoot.

Why hasn't tago moved in?

I figure he's split his war party.

Half' em to keep poole pinned down

while the rest raid the stations.

When the others come in, he'll get to poole, all right.

What happens if they don't?

They'll sit there and snipe away at each other

till one of 'em starves out... Unless someone gets tago.

Between you and me, reb, I don't care which way it goes.

I'm sick of wearin' this fool uniform

and I'm tired of fightin' for nothin'.

With that payroll gone, it'll be six months of drawin' vouchers

you can't even buy a jug of whiskey with.

We saved the money for you.

You did, huh?

How'd you happen to do that?

The Indians left it on the wagon.

I buried it.

Where'd you Bury it?

Near alston's.

Yes, there was no sense in bringing it

under these conditions.

Yeah, sure. Sure, that was a good idea.

What do you think we should do? Take a chance and move on?

Well, ma'am, I don't know.

Do you see something, burch?

Don't move.

What's goin' on?

Get that crazy one over here.

Now get over there with your brat.

Move.

Hurry it up, duchess.

Can't you see she's ill?

She ain't gonna be sick long.

This here reb's got the post payroll.

Guess he figured he had himself a nice little stake.

He did not.

We're gonna give it back to the army.

Oh, sure. That's why he said it was buried at alston's.

Where is it, reb?

Where is it?

It's in the food pack on the horse.

I thought so.

Get his horse, burch.

Pick out one for yourself and run the rest off.

No, no! You can't. Gus is mine.

Abbey.

All right, turn around, all of you.

Burch: Yah!

[ Horse hoofbeats ]

Hurry it up.

You got everything you want, Vogel.

Why don't you leave it at that?

It's easier this way.

You can't just kill US for no reason at all.

Leave 'em be, Vogel.

We got the money, now let's make a run for it.

Are you out of your head? Suppose they get through.

Where does that leave US? This way they think the Indians got 'em.

Desertin's one thing, killin's somethin' else. I don't like it.

You don't have to like it. Just do as you're told.

I won't have any part of it, Vogel.

Vogel: Maybe you're right.

Without guns or horses,

they ain't got a chance in a thousand, anyway.

Give me my share of the money now.

We might have to split up.

Good idea. Keep your eye on 'em.

Burch, here's your share.

[ Neighs ]

Go away.

Hey, hey, come on. Nothing could be that bad.

Oh, Ben, i-- I've tried to help her.

It's all been too much for her.

I wanted to get Martha away from Boston,

like you wanted Oregon for Abbey.

I thought a change might help.

Then, too, I thought I'd find my answer at fort klamath.

Now, I don't know.

Just remember one thing.

I haven't brought Abbey this far to be stopped now.

We're gonna get through. All of US.

Now blow your nose and get Martha up on that horse.

Thanks, corporal.

They're no better, sir.

Like some grub, sir? Got some beans warmed up.

I'll get some to the men.

Get him up behind the rocks.

We've gotta get out of here.

Pass the word along we're pulling out tonight.

Yes, sir.

Ben, she's falling!

She'll be all right.

Well, he didn't get much use out of this.

[ Distant gunshots ]

Daddy, are those Indians?

Could be.

They might be lookin' at US right now.

Yeah. We've gotta get out of here.

We can't take the horse. Unbridle it.

Martha, come on. You've got to get hold of yourself.

I can't go on.Martha, we've got to go.

Let me go.Martha, stop it.

Let me go! Let me go! Let me go!

Martha. Martha!

Quiet.

Come on.

Come on, Abbey.

Travis, you drive this wagon.

Corporal Wheeler will ride guard in the rear.

Remember, they're gonna try to kill your team,

so keep as close up as you can.

Yes, sir. I'll sure hustle.

Sit here.

You stay here. I'll be right back.

[ Horses neigh ]

Did you see them?

No, but I heard some horses down there.

Are we safe now?

Not yet, honey.

If we get in any trouble,

I'm gonna make a run for it, lead them away from you.

Now, I want you all to stick together.

Stay together until you find the soldiers.

You got it?

All right, let's go.

[ Whistles ]

[ Whistles ]

[ Whistles echoing ]

Well, they're ready for US.

Maybe.

Let's hold off a minute. Wheeler, what do you think?

Ain't like 'em to tip US off.

No.

Are you all right? Come on.

That's not for US.

[ Gunshot ]

What do we do now?

I'll make a run for it, try to draw their fire.

No, Ben. You can't.

It's the only thing I can do. It's the only chance we got.

[ Gunshot ]

Martha.

[ Woman's scream ]

Daddy!

Come on.

[ Gunshot ]

Captain, look over there.

Ben, what is it?

Hurry up this way. Come on, hurry up.

Over here.

[ Gunshot ]

Wheeler! Wheeler!

Get back on guard, men.

I don't think it's too bad, captain.

It just nicked a rib.

Where's the rest of the troop?

And Martha?

She's still up there, Howard.

And lieutenant weeks?

Weeks and five men were killed in an ambush in alston's.

Nelson was still alive, but I had to leave him.

Burch and Vogel are dead, but that's another story.

You tell me that story. Just how did they die?

Over the army payroll.

Where is it now?

It's not far back. I can take you to it.

And that you will.

It's the truth, Howard. Every word of it.

But Beth, I can't just take the word of this man.

Won't you believe me,howard?

Of course.

We can discuss this later.

Let's get these folks over behind the wagon.

Make him as comfortable as you can.Yes, sir.

Now, keep low, everybody. Keep low.

Come on, let's go, honey.

You know, most of US figured that weeks was in bad trouble,

but the captain, he kept on hopin'.

It was quite a shock to him to hear it right out like that.

Miss drury's sister, you-- you figure she has a chance?

Look, sweetie, you go over

and see if you can help miss Beth.

Go ahead. I'll be right over. Go ahead.

I'll need a rifle.

You know what you're doing?

If you think I'm worried, you're right.

Say, how many men will tago have with him how?

They must've been right on your tail.

I don't know, but between Nelson and myself,

we stopped about eight. That's all I saw.

Oh, say, that sorta changes things a little.

He might have a surprise comin', too.

I may be able to help you.

She was asleep almost before I could cover her.

Better try and get some rest yourself while you can.

I'll be all right now.

You and Wheeler report back to lieutenant Jamison.

Yes, sir.

Beth, there's not a thing that we can do now.

I know.

It's just that I feel so helpless.

I wish I could've understood more.

You can't blame yourself for that, Beth.

You did everything you could for her.

Always remember that.

Howard.

Howard, there's something I've got to tell you,

something you should know about.

We've known each other for a long time.

You're really fond of him, aren't you?

Yes, I am, Howard.

I don't know what to tell you or how to-- how to put it, but...

So many things happened along the way.

Have you told him that we were gonna be married?

No, I haven't.

Oh, Howard, I'm sorry.

Really sorry.

You got enough shells?I think so.

What's this tago look like?

He's a big fellow. Wears a--a Garrison cap.

He's been watchin' US from one of those high points up there.

Thanks.

Didn't he leave any word for US?

Not for me.

This is something he and Jamison cooked up last night.

This could work, if he gets the right man first off.

But when?

Could be soon, now.

Come on. Better get over here.

You'll be safe here.

Something moving up there, sir.

Right where they were before.

Get ready.

[ Cocks gun ]

[ Rattling sound ]

[ Gunshot ]

Thanks for the rifle.

[ Loud shrieking ]

A mule.

I know somebody who's gonna be awfully happy to see you.

Come on, Gus.

Captain.

Daddy!

Daddy, you found Gus.

Did you have to kiss the mule first?

Here. Be good to him.

We lost sight of you. Did he get away?

No, sir. Ben got him.

We found Martha.

At least it was over with in a hurry.

I'm going back with Jamison to pick up the payroll.

I'll catch up with you before we get to fort klamath.

Then I want to talk to you.

Talk. About what?

I think maybe that...

You and Abbey might think of something.

Abbey...

Ain't you gonna water that mule?

Come on, Gus. You're just wastin' time.