Montana Incident (1952)

[bunniefuu]

Well, Dave, this looks like

a good place to start.

Sure is fine country, Whip.

When the railroad's

built, I think

I might even take a ride on it.

Ah, the company will

appreciate that.

But right now, we're being paid

to survey this valley,

not admire it.

Now, get off that horse

and let's start working.

Take a side on that pass we came

through this morning, Dave.

We'll work due west from there

straight through the valley.

Right you are.

I don't wanna disturb

you or anything

but your scope is pointed

the wrong way.

Unh-unh,

that's what you think.

Come here. Take a look.

She doesn't look very happy.

Oh, I'll fix that.

Good morning, miss.

At least I hope it's miss.

Good morning.

Ah, permit me to

introduce myself.

I'm Dave Connors.

This is my partner Whip Wilson.

We're both representatives of

Central Valley Railroad, Miss..

Martin, Frances Martin.

You men are surveyors,

aren't you?

'Yes, indeedy,

Miss Martin, the best.'

You mean,

there's really gonna be

a railroad line

through the valley?

That's the intention, alright.

'That's wonderful.

How soon will that be?'

Construction will start in

a couple a months, I'd say.

Just as soon as we get

the route laid out

and okayed by the government.

That's the best thing

that could happen

to the settlers in this valley.

Glad to be of service to you.

And it's nice to see that smile

on your face, Miss Martin

and instead of the frown you

were wearing a few minutes ago.

'Is there..'

'Is there anything

we can do to help you?'

Thank you, no.

Things will be alright soon.

Soon as the railroad is built.

'Who lives in that cabin?'

A homesteader named

Hawkins and his wife.

Relatives of yours?

No, just neighbors.

Goodbye. Good luck.

Hey, don't rush off.

Ah, I don't even know

where she lives.

Well, she shouldn't be

too hard to find.

You know, Whip

that's just a type of girl

that I really like.

You don't say.

You know, Dave

this one time I'd like to see

the girl that isn't

the type you like.

- Hey.

- Now, get busy.

Martinsville?

Never heard of it.

That girl we met this afternoon

was named Martin, wasn't she?

That's right.

Look, Whip.

Look at the names on

those buildings.

Martin's livery stable.

Martin's dry goods.

And Martin's saloon.

Somebody name Martin is

awful busy around here.

You said it.

Hey, Martin transit company.

I said that girl

was just my type.

Boy, I pick 'em, don't I?

Alright, relax.

Let's put our horses up at

Martin's livery stable and..

...get a room at Martin's hotel.

You know, if that girl really

owns this whole town

and I marry her,

I could change the name

to Connorsville, couldn't I?

Connorsville.

How does that sound?

- Terrible.

- Oh, you are just jealous.

Why, you feel better

since you got cleaned up?

Yeah.

I could go for some food.

Me too.

Let's try the saloon, huh?

I'm getting tired of

your cooking.

Oh, it's a good thing

one of us can cook

or we'd have both

starved long ago.

Hey, wait.

What's going on there?

What do you mean take it

somewhere else?

Where else is there to take it?

Well, that's your problem.

I'll ship it for you at

the regular rates.

Regular rates, my foot.

Mooney, you know dang well you

charge twice what you should.

How do you expect a man to

earn the living?

That looks like the homesteader

that was arguing with

the Martin girl this morning.

Yeah.

Appears he doesn't

get along with anybody.

You get paid for your produce,

don't you?

Sure, I get paid alright.

Just enough to cover the cost

that you ship them, that's all.

What am I suppose to use to

buy flour and sugar and tobacco?

Oh, why don't you quit eating?

Smoking too.

Oh, you no good, dirty..

Using that shotgun

won't help, mister.

Let me go.

Do as he says, stranger.

Let the old goat go.

I can handle him.

- 'I'll...I'll bet you on that.'

- I can handle you too.

Take it easy, Dave.

He was only kidding you, mister.

Sure, I was only kidding.

I wouldn't hurt you much.

I don't know who you fellows are

but let me give you

a little advice.

Don't start any trouble

in this town

because you'll get it fast.

Thanks a lot.

Now, I'll give you

a little advice.

You fellows got no call to get

mixed up in fights on

my account.

Thanks for stopping me.

Alright, Mooney.

I'll ship the stuff.

Give me a receipt.

I'll get it for ya.

Much obliged.

He'd have plugged me before I

could've got my g*n c*ck.

We're glad to do it.

My name is Hawkins.

My name is Whip Wilson.

This is my partner Dave Connor.

Glad to know ya.

You taking on homesteading

around here? If you are let me--

No, we are surveyors,

Mr. Hawkins.

Oh.

- Surveyors?

- That's right.

Well, what are you doing in

Martinsville?

We're laying out a route for

the Central Valley Railroad.

You mean, they're gonna build

a railroad through this valley?

- Honest?

- They sure are.

You fellows wouldn't

fool me, would ya?

No, the company's had its eye

on this route for sometime.

We think it's pretty good too.

'How long will it be before

they get their tracks laid?'

'Oh, we gotta survey

the valley first, old timer.'

- 'What's your hurry?'

- 'What's my hurry?'

'Do you realize

that the railroad'

'is the greatest thing

that's ever happened here?'

'It means that me and a lot

of farmers and homesteaders'

'like me can begin to live

like human beings again.'

What do you mean?

Well, we can ship our produce

and our beef to a decent rates.

And we can buy things from

other towns

instead of from Martin stores.

Does the store overcharge you?

Mister, overcharge

is a wrong word.

Rob would be a better one.

This thief Mooney gets so much

for shipping my stuff

I ain't got enough money left

to keep alive.

Unless I go into debt with

Logan at the grocery store.

Well, he gives you credit,

doesn't he?

'Credit? Sure.'

'For a season or two.

Until, you get in too deep'

'you can never pay off.'

And then they take your

farm away from ya.

- I tell ya--

- Here's your receipt, Hawkins.

Stuff will be

shipped out tonight.

He's the first one

the railroad will make

an honest man out of,

and that'll k*ll him.

He works for Martin, doesn't he?

Mister, in this town, everybody

works for Martin.

Or starves.

Don't start anything, Dave.

Who, me?

I never start anything, Whip,

you know that.

Oh, sure.

Meat, bread, looks good.

- How about a meat sandwich?

- Good idea.

Lunch counter's closed.

When did the lunch counter

close, mister?

- Just now.

- Excuse me.

I said, the lunch counter

was closed.

Sorry, I don't hear so well.

Maybe this will help

you hear better.

Don't let me interrupt

your lunch, boys.

- Pickle, Whip?

- Yeah.

- Here you are.

- Thanks.

Anytime, anytime.

You're pretty handy with

that g*n, aren't you?

Oh, just average.

Little bit better

than that, I'd say.

You might as well

know right now, mister.

We don't like gunslingers

in Martinsville.

They are not welcome here.

That's good. Glad to hear it.

Nothing we like better than

a nice law-abiding town.

Maybe we'll stay for a while.

Maybe you won't.

Oh, I think we will.

We kind of like it here.

Don't we, Dave?

Now, listen, you two..

No, you listen, friend.

You stay out of our way and

we'll stay out of yours.

Understand?

- Where are you going?

- I'm gonna get another g*n.

Those two are gonna

wreck the place.

No, they aren't.

I'll handle them.

What about Crawford and Macklin?

They're getting cut up

pretty bad, Miss Martin.

So..

Ah.

Oh, you fellas really started

things off right, I tell ya--

Good afternoon, Mr. Hawkins.

Won't you introduce me to

your friends?

No, only to my enemies..

...but you know

all of them already.

I-I'm Dave Connors, ma'am.

This is Whip Wilson.

Delighted, gentlemen.

My name is Clara Martin.

Any relation to Frances Martin?

Why, yes. We're sisters.

Do you know Frances?

Do I know Frances?

No, he doesn't.

We only met her for

a moment this morning

while we were out working.

I understand you're surveyors.

That's right.

Well, if you have a moment,

I'd like to speak with you.

We've got lots of moment,

Miss Martin.

Good. This way please.

Take it easy, Dave.

This is not going to be as

pleasant as you think it is.

Oh, no. The trouble

with you is, Whip

you don't know

how to enjoy life.

Come on. After I decide

which sister I like the best..

...you can have the other one.

That'll make us brothers-in-law.

Won't that be nice?

Gentlemen, this is Mr. Benson.

Mr. Connors and Mr. Wilson.

How do you do?

Mr. Benson is president of

the Martinsville bank.

Oh, really?

How's business, Mr. Benson?

- Very good lately.

- Oh, glad to hear it.

I hope you'll accept my apology

for the unpleasantness.

Some of the local men are

little hotheaded.

No harm done, Miss Martin.

What did you wanna talk

to us about?

Then I'll get right to the

point, Mr. Wilson.

As you may have noticed,

my father owns

practically every commercial

enterprise in the community.

And most of the valley land is

in his name also.

That's not entirely true.

Most of the valley is

government grazing land

except for a few homestead

permits issued a few years ago.

Then it must be clear to you,

that my father's

the only big cattle rancher

in the territory.

Without his consent, none of

the homesteaders now living

in the valley would've

been able to exist at all.

Oh, I realize that.

It's kind of him to allow it.

But I've seen a lot of

sodbusters run off their land

just because some big cattleman

didn't want them there.

As long as they cooperate for

the benefit of the community

my father's

happy to have them.

By the way, where is

your father, Miss Martin?

Well, he isn't very young

anymore, Mr. Connors.

He's worked hard enough all

his life to enjoy his old age.

I take care of his

business in town.

He stays on the ranch.

I see.

Then we are actually talking

to the real..

...boss of Martinsville.

Well, I've handled my father's

affairs for years.

He trusts me.

Mr. Wilson.

Is it true that your

railroad company

plans to run their tracks

through Martinsville?

Oh, it looks that way,

Miss Martin.

Well, whose decision is it as to

what routes you'll take?

Yours?

Well, I guess it's pretty much

up to Dave and I.

We've worked for

the company a long time.

And they-they trust

our judgment.

I see.

Of course, you'll take

the shortest

and most profitable route.

That's right.

I..

I imagine you gentlemen

are familiar with

most of the country around here.

What would your reaction be to

recommending that the railroad

go through Cactus City

instead of Martinsville?

Cactus City?

You mean that little mining town

about a 100 miles south of here?

That's right.

Well, that would take

almost another 80 miles

of track through

rocks and hills.

This valley is a natural,

and almost perfect road bed.

Plus, producing farms

and lots of them.

That little town Cactus City,

why, it's almost a ghost town.

There's not a producing

mine there.

Do you feel if that extra

80 miles of

track would be too expensive?

Oh, sure, it would.

Not only that--

My bank would be willing

to bear that expense.

It wouldn't cost your company

an extra cent.

What's wrong with the

people in this town?

Looks to me like they don't want

a railroad going though here.

Yeah. It looks that way,

doesn't it?

Well, now that we've gotten

that point across.

I'd like to ask you a question,

Mr. Wilson.

How much does the railroad

company pay you boys?

You know..

How does the idea of

a bonus strike you?

That depends, Miss Martin

on who pays it

and what it's for.

I think we can dispense with

beating around the bush.

Mr. Benson and I can make it

very much worth your while

to change your recommendation to

the Central Railroad Company.

Say, ah, $5,000?

Sorry, not interested.

'How about you?'

Whip's the boss.

And even if he wasn't..

...bribes are a

little out of my line.

'Perhaps, our offer was

a little low.'

I'm not even curious to see

how high you'd go.

What's getting me is..

...what's your

objections to railroads?

I can answer that, Dave.

With the railroad running

through Martinsville

the farmers and cattlemen

would be able to

ship their beef

at reasonable rates.

Even buy things from

other cities

instead of from Martin's stores.

They'd be independent Americans,

instead of Martin's servants.

Might even change

the name of the town.

- Are you through, Mr. Wilson?

- 'Yes, I am.'

You don't know

how through you are.

That little argument which

you distinguished yourself

so handily was only a sample of

what you'll run into.

You've had your fun.

Now, get out.

Yes, ma'am.

We really hate to leave

this nice place though.

Been so pleasant.

I mean, get out.

Get out of Martinsville.

Get out of the valley.

It's, ah, been

a pleasure, ma'am.

I didn't think it would work.

Send Crawford

and Macklin in here.

What are you gonna do, Clara?

What do you think I'm gonna do?

Just sit here and let a couple

of stupid surveyors ruin me?

Clara, listen.

They can't hurt you.

Suppose, there is a railroad

built through Martinsville.

We've got enough money now

to take care of us.

Whose got enough?

Oh, alright.

It's your money.

But I helped you get it.

What about our plans?

Have you forgotten them?

I've waited five years now

for you to marry me, Clara.

How much longer is it

going to be?

Not too much longer, Arnold.

Another year or two,

and I'll have every dime

possible to squeeze

out of this valley.

I still don't think

we should take a chance

on those two surveyors.

The Central Valley Railroad

is a big organization.

It's got the

government behind it.

If we do anything to

their employees--

We are not gonna do anything

but scare them.

They don't look like the type

who scare easily.

Leave it to me, Arnold.

Now, please send in

Crawford and Macklin.

Alright, dear.

Ah, you big dope,

it's stuffy in here.

Why don't you open the wind?

Hold it.

It's time fellas like

you were home in bed.

Where did you come from?

I'll ask the questions,

if you don't mind.

Hey, what's going on

around here?

'Come on down, Dave.'

Be right there.

How do you spell souvenir?

S-O-U-V-E-N-I-R.

Hurry up, will ya?

You don't have to write her

a book, you know.

By the way, what did

that note say we got?

Well, something about

laying off the survey

if we wanted to stay alive,

foolishness like that.

That Martin girl

is pretty smart.

She might mean what she says.

We better keep our eyes open.

Yeah, tomorrow.

Right now, I gotta

get some sleep.

You wanna try that too,

instead of running around

the streets all night.

Hawkins? Mr. Hawkins?

Put this inside.

This is what they're after.

Hold it, Dave.

Looks like they're quitting.

Why, those no good lowdown.

There's one of the Martin girls.

Let's ask her a few questions.

Is everything alright?

I'm sorry to disappoint you,

but everything is just fine.

Simmer down, Dave.

You have some explaining to do,

Miss Martin.

This survey we're making

is a government approved

project, you know.

And interfering with us

is pretty serious business.

I know and I don't blame you

for thinking I had something to

do with this, this attack,

but I didn't.

I was trying to get out

here to warn you.

But I see it wasn't necessary.

I'm glad you weren't hurt.

How can a little girl with

such a nice smile

tell such big fibs.

I'm telling the truth.

I saw my sister talking to those

men at the ranch last night.

And then this morning,

they rode out early.

I tried to get here

before they did.

Sure, kid. Sure.

- Now, listen, you--

- Alright, you two.

I think she's telling

the truth, Dave.

I'm sure Mr. Hawkins

won't mind if we go inside

and talk this thing over,

Miss Martin.

No Martin has ever set

foot in this house

while I've been in it,

and none ever will.

Hold it now, Mr. Hawkins.

When I talked to this

particular Martin yesterday

she seemed happy the

railroad was gonna be here.

Why don't you give her a chance?

Albert Hawkins? Don't you drive

that girl away from here again.

I'll take a skillet to you.

By golly! The old lady

ain't had strength enough

to talk to me like

that for months.

She must be feeling better.

She'd been better

a long time ago

if you let me take care of her,

the way I wanted to.

Listen, no Martin is gonna

do any favors for me.

'Albert?'

Yes, sir. It was just like

a miracle, that's what.

From the minute

Albert here told me

you boys were building us

a railroad..

...I started getting better.

Well, that's wonderful,

Mrs. Hawkins.

But we are not actually

building a railroad.

We're just laying

the route out for it.

Same thing.

I think it's wonderful.

Your sister doesn't agree

with you on that.

Even if she is your sister,

my dear..

...that Clara Martin

is the meanest

woman that ever

wore shoe leather.

I can't understand why

your father listens to her.

I can't either.

But it's been that way

ever since I can remember.

Clara's been running

everything for dad

except the ranch for years.

Have you tried to

talk to him about it?

I mean, about the way

your sister has managed

to put everybody in the

community into debt.

Yes. But he won't pay

any attention to me.

He's, well,

he's kind of stubborn.

He's not mean, but he just

doesn't care about

business at all.

He spends all of his

time on the ranch.

'Well, I don't think he's

been in town for years.'

That's right, he hasn't.

He lives like one of them

Chinese kings

on that ranch of his.

I've been thrown off a dozen

times by his hired hands

when I tried to go see him.

That must be Clara's doing.

Well, I wouldn't be surprised.

Tell you what, Frances.

Suppose you ride out with Dave

and I to your father's ranch

'maybe we can talk

some sense into him.'

I think that's

a wonderful idea.

Officially, of course..

...we're only interested in

completing the survey

without anymore interference.

But it would be nice

if we can straighten out

a few other things at

the same time.

Unofficially, I'm interested

in plenty other things.

Bye, see you soon.

Thank you, Mr. Connors.

- Dave's the name.

- We'll keep you posted.

What are you in

such a hurry about?

Good morning, Mr. Martin.

No hurry.

I'm just giving the

horse a little exercise.

- Well, don't overdo it.

- Yes, sir.

What's up?

Why aren't you at the patch?

The kid's riding in here with

those two surveyors.

Well, you'd better

ride into town

and tell Miss Martin right away.

Ask her what she

wants us to do about 'em.

Alright, I will.

Dad, I'd like you to meet

Mr. Wilson and Mr. Connors.

- Howdy, men.

- Glad to meet you, Mr. Martin.

- Same here.

- These men are surveyors, Dad.

Yeah. What are they doing now?

Making a new state boundary

or something?

No, we work for the

Central Valley Railroad.

A railroad?

W-well, where are you

figuring on building

a railroad around here?

Down the middle

of the Big Valley

west of here

and through Martinsville.

What do you wanna do that for?

I don't need a railroad.

'Well, maybe that's true.'

But this part of

the country needs one.

At least the

government thinks so.

'Well, you go back and

tell them they're wrong.'

I own every foot of that valley.

And I know more about

it than they do.

Dad, you don't exactly

own the land, you know.

You have a grazing permit.

That's all.

Well, it's the same thing.

Been grazing my cows

there for 30 years.

Well, the governor of the state

told me himself, it was my land.

Nobody'd ever try to take

it away from me. He said.

I told him nobody better try.

And nobody has.

I even let the

homesteaders live there.

Plenty of room for everybody.

I'm not a greedy man.

Now according to some--

He was right, Mr. Martin.

Nobody wants your land.

And the government won't ever

rescind your

grazing permit either.

The country needs

your beef herds.

But since the land

itself really belongs to--

Oh, uh, gentlemen

this is my

eldest daughter, Clara.

She runs all my affairs.

We've met.

Well, well,

what a pleasant surprise.

Uh, did you get

our message last night?

Frances, you know better than

to bring strangers out here.

Especially troublemakers

like these two.

They're not the

troublemakers. You are.

You and your hired cruel--

How dare you

speak to me like that?

Father, do I have

to stand for this?

Now, Frances,

you know I don't like

you to be disrespectful

to your sister.

Apologize now.

No, I won't apologize.

Dad, please don't listen to her.

She's just trying

to cause trouble--

I won't have you

talking like that, Frances.

Now, either you

apologize or I'll s--

Frances, come back here!

Father, we really ought to send

her away to some school.

Maybe they could

teach her a few manners.

I can't do a thing

with her anymore.

Yeah.

I think you're right, Clara.

We'll discuss it later.

Oh, uh..

What's the trouble

with these two men?

You said something about--

Well, they started

a fight in the saloon

not ten minutes after

they were in town.

And beat up two of our men.

There's nothing wrong with that.

What was all this

talk about a railroad?

That's what I wanna know.

'We're making a survey

through the valley, Mr. Martin.'

We didn't come here to

ask you your permission.

We just want you to cooperate.

I started to tell you before

that the government

owns that land and not you.

I suggest you restrain your men

from interfering

with us anymore.

I don't know what

you're talking about.

But I will tell you this much.

If I don't want a railroad

through my land,

there won't be one.

- I haven't made up my mind yet.

- You will.

As soon as I explain to you what

will happen to all our business.

- The railroad will ruin it.

- It will not.

It'll just give you

some honest competition.

Listen, you two.

If my daughter

tells me a railroad

will hurt my business,

she's right.

I don't wanna hear

any more about it.

You won't.

Not until you wake up

some morning

and see the engine turn

across the valley.

Come on, Whip, we're

not getting anywhere here.

Yeah, I can see

that it's useless

to argue with either of you.

I just wanna warn you

though, leave us alone.

Who did it? Do you know them?

Nah, they have masks on.

But I recognized one of 'em.

It was that no good Mooney,

Martin's crooked freight agent.

And another was, was Randall,

the bartender. I'm pretty sure.

Every one of our

instruments is busted.

This all happened on

account of us, Mr. Hawkins.

Martin's g*ng knew

you were on our side

and they're making

you suffer for it.

Well, I'm glad you weren't hurt.

Don't worry about us, Whip.

I'll get some

other men together.

We got some shootin' to do.

You figure on smoking

Martin out on his own ranch?

Right.

We might lose a few doin' it.

But it's either that or

get run out one at a time.

The way we figure, we either

fight for our land or quit.

And even if we die for it,

it's better than giving up.

Wait a minute.

Martin's got a great advantage.

He's always had.

We aim to cut him

down to our size.

Listen to me, this is all wrong.

Even if you do succeed

in k*lling Martin

you won't get what you're after.

And you'll be outlaws,

all of you.

Yeah, maybe we will.

At least we'll be

free of the old--

You'll be risking

your own lives.

The only way you

can get real security

is help us get

this survey finished.

But how can you do that if they

keep busting up

your instruments?

Oh, we'll get some

new ones in a few days.

In the meantime, your

friends can help a lot.

Some of them must have some old

telescopes that I can use.

I'll work with them, while Dave

rides for some new ones.

Sure. I can make it to

Dodge City and back

in two days by changing

horses along the way.

I think you could at that.

There's a lot of big horse

ranches between here and there.

They'll all honor a

company paper.

You're right again.

That's the second time

you stopped me

from making a dang

fool out of myself.

You better stick around here.

Well, so long, Dave.

And don't take any chances.

- See you soon.

- Good luck.

Alright, boys.

Pick your spots

on the hillsides.

And make sure your

horses are out of sight.

And no smoking.

I don't want any

of you to be seen

until I tell you

to start sh**ting.

How are we doing, Whip?

Pretty good, considering.

We're doing as well as can be

expected with this

tired equipment.

Dave ought to be

here before long.

Good!

'They'll never

know what hit 'em.'

That's a mistake, Clara,

we'll never get away with it.

Why not?

Not one of 'em will be left

alive to tell what happened.

But the government will surely

send investigators out here.

Let them.

They'll never find a trace of

anything when we're through.

Now come on, let's

get out of sight.

Crawford, bring me my horse.

Where in tarnation is

everybody this morning?

Crawford!

Frances, I thought I told

you to stay in your room.

Let me go, dad.

I've got to get a g*n.

A g*n?

What for? Who you gonna sh**t?

Nobody. I have got to warn

Whip and Dave.

They're gonna be ambushed

and k*lled if I don't.

Good. By whom?

By yourmen.

Dad, if you don't

stop them, I will.

Oh, so that's where

everybody is.

Dry-gulchin' isn't in my line.

I never shot a man

in the back in my life.

Whose idea was this

anyway? Crawford's?

Of course not.

It was Clara's.

Will you stop her, dad?

You go get my horse,

I'll get my g*n.

They're getting in range,

Miss Martin.

I'll let you know when to fire.

Now get back to you spot.

It's Connors.

He'll never see us

if everybody keeps hidden.

Let him through.

We can't risk a shot now.

It must have been

Macklin sh**ting him.

That fool.

- That shot came from the hills.

- Yeah.

Look.

Be under cover, men.

Clara, your father's comin'.

Clara, what's going on here?

Heard you was figuring on

dry-gulching those surveyors.

We were.

Macklin ruined it for us.

They're all out of site now,

we're really in for it.

Clara, I don't mind the gunfight

but you shouldn't go in

for bushwhacking.

Especially with

the railroad fellas.

We don't wanna be

fighting the cavalry.

That's what I told her,

Mr. Martin.

But it's too late now.

Connors is already dead.

Dave's dead?

'That's right, down on

the trail somewhere.'

Clara..

...you've got us into trouble.

But don't worry,

we'll get out of it.

Where's the other one?

We better take care of him

so he can't go running

back to the government.

Down there with a

half dozen homesteaders.

All armed.

- They must have got Dave.

- Maybe.

But I'm gonna find out.

Ah, there they are.

These things will pick

out ever man up there.

So will the old telescope.

Tell each man to use 'em.

Pick out a target.

When I give the

signal, pin 'em down.

I gotcha. We'll blow the tops--

No, I don't want

anyone sh**ting to k*ll.

I just want them

pinned down. Understand?

What about Dave?

That's my problem.

If they've done anything

to Dave, I'll take care of it.

But right now, I

want to settle this

without anymore bloodshed

if it can be done.

I'm going up and talk

to that man Martin.

- Alone?

- That's right. Now get going.

Martin! Max Martin!

There's Wilson.

This will take care of him.

Hold it, Clara.

He's saying something. Listen.

'Martin!'

Come on out.

I wanna talk to you!

I'll meet you

halfway up the hill.

It's a trick. Don't do it.

It's no trick.

If he's not afraid of our

men, I'm not afraid of his.

I'll go talk to him.

Tell the boys

to hold their fire.

Crawford!

'Pick yourself a

good spot on the hill.'

'Wait until my father finishes'

'talking to Wilson before

you start sh**ting.'

And don't miss.

We can't afford to

let Wilson stay alive

no matter what

my father decides.

Well?

I won't waste

your time, Mr. Martin.

You and your men

can't stop progress.

You're foolish to try.

I did my best to explain to

you how a railroad here would

help you and all your neighbors

instead of hurting you.

But you wouldn't listen.

Well, I'm finishing this survey

whether you

like it or not.

If I fail, someone else would

come along and do it.

What do you mean someone else?

The United States

cavalry maybe?

That's possible, too.

Now, are you willing to talk

this thing over sensibly?

Without sh**ting?

And save a lot of lives?

Talking won't help, Wilson.

My daughter Clara

tells me a railroad

will ruin all my business.

Well, it's time you

stopped letting

that daughter of yours

run your affairs

and looked into them yourself.

You'd be surprised

what you'd find.

That's all I ask you to do.

Just talk to some of the farmers

and ranchers who

are your neighbors.

You'll find out how

your freight agency

your stores, and your bank have

almost starved them to death.

Oh, you're crazy. I never

starved anybody in my life.

Well, your daughter has.

Now the homesteaders

are all down there.

Covering every one of your men.

They're ready to die if they

have to, defending their land.

I've held them back so far, but

I won't be able to much longer.

Well, I'm not afraid of them.

I know that.

And they're not afraid of

you anymore, either.

Now, this whole

thing can only end

in what amounts

to wholesale m*rder.

On both sides.

Well..

Maybe some of the things you've

been telling me make sense.

I'll look into it. I'm making

no promises, mind you.

But I'll investigate it.

Thanks, Mr. Martin.

You're a good man.

You're pretty sandy yourself.

Wait a minute.

Just one more thing.

What about my partner Dave?

They tell me one of my men

shot him. I didn't order it.

Well, this job comes first.

But when it's finished, I'll

settle with the man who did it.

You can tell him that.

Wherever he goes,

I'll settle with him.

Dave, I thought you were dead.

Oh, no.

It, it just creased me

a little bit, that's all.

That must have been Connors.

Macklin didn't finish him.

Wait a minute, Clara.

I promised Wilson there

wouldn't be any more sh**ting.

I don't care what you told him.

Men, get Connors!

Then cut down on

those homesteaders.

Clara! Hold your fire, men.

Pin 'em down, men.

Wilson must've

double crossed you.

I've had enough of this.

We haven't got a chance

against those telescopes.

I'm quittin'.

Frank, have you seen Benson?

Sure, he hightailed it out of

here some time ago.

Hold your fire, men.

'Looks like they've had enough.'

Look, there's Dave and Frances.

Hiya, partner, give me a r*fle.

You won't need it.

What's the rush?

Clara, I'm glad you're alright.

I bet you are.

What's in the saddlebags,

Arnold?

All the cash in the bank.

I'm doing what we should

have done long ago.

'I was on my way

out to get you and--'

Oh, sure. Sure.

Is that why you

were so careful to

sneak out without my seeing you?

'Oh, no, you're wrong, Clara,

I couldn't find you'

'in all the excitement.

Clara, don't--'

Now that's a

pretty sight, isn't it?

That was a good

idea of mine building

a railroad across

the valley, huh?

Yes, sir. Sure glad

you thought of it.

I think of all the

pretty girls on that train

and I'll probably never

get to meet any of em.

Oh, well, that's life.

Never mind the

philosophy, dear boy

come in and help

me with the dishes.