01x28 - The Midas Man

[bunniefuu]

Here you are, Sis.

Oh, thanks, Heath. You shouldn't
have bothered. I could have saddled him.

Well, I had to saddle mine
anyway. I'm gonna go to town.

Wouldn't ride too far in
this heat though. You'll melt.

Oh, I'm just goin' down to
the swimming hole for a swim.

That's a good idea. If I
didn't have to go to the bank...

- I'd go with ya.
- I'm glad you can't.

Otherwise, I'd have to
take my bathing habit.

Well, the scenery around here
is even lovelier than I was told.

Sorry. I didn't
mean to frighten you.

Who are you? How
did you get here?

I imagine the same way you
did. Rode up, dismounted...

- took off my clothes and-- This is
private property and you're trespassing.

Well, according to the
map in my saddlebag...

this is a community water
hole, open to everybody.

But you had to cross
Barkley range to get to it.

- Really?
- [Huffs]

Yes, and-and you'd
better leave immediately.

- Oh?
- I'm Audra Barkley, and I'm ordering you to.

- Please.
- I'll need my clothes of course.

Well, get them.

- They're on that bush.
- Stop! Stay where you are.

Whatever you say.

Just let me think fora minute.

I'll tell you what.
I'll trust you.

You just close your eyes,
and I'll get out of the water.

Don't you dare!

[ Horses Approaching 1

I'll get dressed first and then-

Somebodys coming.
Oh, they mustn't see us!

I'm willing to take my chances.

Please.

Well, in that case-

- Must be down about a foot.
- [jarred] Mighty low for this time of the year.

[ Nick ] All I can tell you is last year
this time, this whole area was fine pasture.

Now look around. Not enough to
feed one head, let alone a herd.!

[Jarrod] Jace, are you as worried as
Nick and the other boys I been talking to?

Rain’s six weeks late.
Hot weather instead of cold.

I tell ya, it's the start
of a bad drought.

Just like the kind that
ruined my place in Texas.

[ Horse Approaching]

- Jarrod.
- What's wrong?

Drought scare's
brought on panic.

Run on the bank this mornin'
cleaned it down to the last penny.

It's closed its doors.

All the cash I had
was in that bank.

All the cash anybody
had was in that bank.

Fine. Thank you.

- Jarrod?
- Yes, please.

[jarred] We're more fortunate, Scott.
The bank closing hurt us pretty bad...

but we should be
able to stay on our feet.

All of our bills are paid, and
most of our enterprises are solid.

- Audra'.
- The rest of the ranchers are in debt up to their ears.

- Excuse me, Jarrod.
- Oh!

Mr. Breckenridge, I would
like you to meet my daughter.

Audra, this is
Scott Breckenridge.

At your service, Miss Audra.

Uh, Audra-

I think Mr. Breckenridge
and I have met before.

Yes, I have the same feeling.

Now, where was it? Uh-

Let me see.

- I remember. Paris.
- [ Exhales]

At the Duc Orleans’s annual masquerade
ball. You went as a water nymph.

No? Well, uh-London then.

The Savoy?

You were dining with Count, uh-

Uh, Scott, I'm afraid you have
Audra mixed up with somebody else.

Counts and the Continent are
still just a little bit out of her line.

Well, that's their
great misfortune.

Oh, speaking of misfortunes...

did you hear about
the bank failure?

How awful.

Indeed it is. I'm sure
under the circumstances...

the family has a lot to
talk about, Mrs. Barkley.

- I won't intrude any further.
- You're not intruding at all.

[jarred 1 Of course
you're not. I'm only sorry...

you made the trip from
San Francisco for nothing.

Not necessarily for nothing.
There's a lot of money to be made...

in bad times as well as good.

If your offer to show
me around still holds...

- I'd like to stay in town for a while.
- Lt certainly does.

Why don't you meet me here for breakfast
in the morning? We'll get an early start.

I'll be here. Thank you for
your hospitality, Mrs. Barkley.

We look forward to seeing
you tomorrow morning.

A pleasure meeting you,
Miss Audra. I hope we, uh...

bump into each
other again sometime.

I'll see you to the door.

- See you in the morning, Scott.
- Fine Jarrod.

Scott Breckenridge.

Is he really as successful
and brilliant as they say?

Well, they don't call him
the Midas Man for nothing.

Everything he
touches turns to gold.

[Chattering]

Got it?

Good mornin', boys.

Mornin', Nick. Heath.

- Mornin'.
- What can we do for ya?

That the new feed
we've been hearin' about?

- Uh-huh. Timothy and alfalfa.
- Best quality I've seen.

And it stores longer
than the other too.

I was gonna try
some. Till yesterday.

Me too. Now I haven't even got
the price of a month's ordinary feed.

Well, the bank's closin'
didn't do any of us any good.

We just talked to Fred
Jefferson at the bank.

He don't know when
the bank is gonna reopen.

If we could get loans on our herds,
we figured it might tide us over.

We can't keep goin'
without supplies, Nick.

That's why we
come to you Barkleys.

Well, we got some extra supplies,
but not enough for all you boys.

That ain't what we mean, Nick.
We ain't askin' for a handout.

We was hopin' maybe
you'd make us a loan.

Enough to get us through
till the herds are sold.!

Don't like askin', but
there's nobody else.

If you Barkleys don't help us...

- a lot of us is gonna have to sell to speculators.
- We'll lose everything.

Well, I wish we could help, but, uh,
right now all the cash we got on hand...

is just enough for
payroll and expenses.

It's gonna have to stay that
way until we sell our own herd.

- Is that all?
- That's all.

But what about your mills
and the foundry and the mines?

Wait a minute.
They're not cash, Jace.

But you can raise
cash on 'em, can't you?

If the bank were
still operatin', yes.

All right, Nick. Then tell us.

- Where do we get the money?
- [Nick] Sorry I don't know.

Perhaps I do.

- Mornin', Nick.
- Mornin', Scott.

- Heath.
- Scott.

Boys, this is Scott Breckenridge.
Scott, these are our neighbours.

- Now, this is Titus McKelvy.
- Mr. McKelvy.

- Morning.
- Jace Holman.

- Mr. Holman.
- And Ed Mead.

Mr. Mead. Pleasure, gentlemen.

As I was saying, I have money...

and I'll be happy to advance you
loans in any amount you may need.

You mean, on our herds?

I don't know anything about
cattle, Mr. Holman. On your land.

What kind of terms,
Mr. Breckenridge?

- When does the cattle market open?
- Ninety days.

Well, all right. Uh,


That’s kind of high
interest, isn't it, Scott?

- It's twice what the bank charges.
- Speculators will ask higher.

- And they're your only alternative, gentlemen.
- You're right there.

I've heard that Stockton
cattle are the finest in the valley.

Their sales should
cover the loans easily.

With the drought getting worse, I wouldn't
count on cattle for payin' off any loans.

You know, you could
lose a whole herd.

Remember what
happened the last drought.

Nick's right, boys. Scott
here's a personal friend...

but I'd advice against
taking him or anyone else...

up on short-term loans
under theses conditions.

You ain't hurtin' for money.

Jarrod's got a good
point, gentlemen.

There's a lot of risk involved in
short-term loans, for everyone.

Guess it's pretty much of a
gamble either way, Mr. Breckenridge.

If you're willin' to
risk it, so are we.

- You've got a deal.
- Good.

Jarrod, would you draw
up the necessary papers?

Boys, I'm advising you
against these loans...

but if that's what you
want, I'll draw up the papers.

Your advice ain't
gonna feed our cattle.

Thank you, Mr. Breckenridge.

You got more faith in
us than our neighbours.

Well, I'm glad you
think so, Mr. Holman.

Good day, gentlemen.

All right, boys. Let's
get back to work.

[No Audible Dialogue]

You're very quiet
tonight Jarrod.

- Anything wrong?
- No, no.

I was just thinkin' about
Scott Breckenridge.

Wondering why he made
all those loans so quickly.

You know, there really
isn't that much in it for him.

Are you afraid
he's speculating...

hoping the ranchers
won't be able to pay?

Well, I don't like to
admit it, but he could be.

He's completely
unpredictable at times.

How can you say that when he's
risking so much money just to help them?

Why, if it hadn't been for him, they
wouldn't even be able to buy their supplies.

Audra, believe me.
He's no philanthropist.

He wouldn't risk anything
just to help somebody.

Why, you probably just
don't understand him.

I know him pretty well. I used to
handle some of his legal affairs for him.

Well, I think you're wrong.
I think he's wonderful.

Absolutely wonderful.

[ Laughs] Most women do.

- What do you mean?
- He means he's like me-irresistible.

And he's got his choice of the most
sophisticated ladies from San Francisco to Paris.

So I'm afraid he wouldn't be
interested in you, little sister.

Well, if those women are so
fascinating, why isn't he married by now?

One woman is rarely enough
for a man like Scott Breckenridge.

The need for
conquest is too strong.

They simply aren't
the marrying kind.

Aren't they?

Boy, howdy. Where are we
goin' like that in broad daylight?

- Into town.
- In that dress?

You're gonna get
a terrible sunburn.

This dress is the latest
thing in Godey's Lady's Book.

Well, either the sun's
mighty weak back East...

or those Godey ladies
have hides like mules.

Do me a favour. Tell Mother I'll
be home later on this afternoon.

- I'll tell her.
- Bye-bye.

You better get some cocoa
butter while you're in town.

You're sure gonna need it.

Do you prefer alight or a
heavy handle for a quick draw?

- Good mornin', Miss Audra.
- Good morning, Mr. Breckenridge.

- What a pleasant surprise.
- I was just about to say the same thing.

Thank you.

Isn't that one of
Godey's latest frocks?

Why, yes, it's-it's
called a morning dress.

Yes, all the ladies in New
York are wearing them now.

- Really?
- Oh, they're considered to be the height of sophistication.

That one makes
you look at least 16.

- I'm well over 16.
- Well over 16? You don't say.

- You're impossible.
- So I've been told.

Well, what brings you to
town on such a hot day?

I have an appointment
at the dressmakers.

Well, may I have the
pleasure of accompanying you?

Well, thank you, but
you needn't bother.

Nonsense. It's no bother at all.

Well, thank you, but you really
needn't take me any further.

Well, I've seen you this
far. I'll see you to the door.

It seems that your dressmakers
forgotten about your appointment.

Oh, well, she-she probably
just stepped out for a minute.

- I’ll just wait.
- I'll wait with you.

No! It really isn't necessary.
I'm sure she won't be long.

Why, I wouldn’t dream of
allowing a lady to wait alone.

♪♪ [ Whistling]

My, it's awfully warm, isn't it?

Indeed it is.

Maybe my appointment's
for next week. I-

I mean, I might have
gotten them mixed up.

- Really?
- Yes, I-

- I don't think I'll wait any longer.
- A wise decision.

Inasmuch as your plans
have changed, Miss Audra...

perhaps you'd like to have
an ice with me at the hotel.

Why, thank you,
Mr. Breckenridge. I-

You don't think I had an
appointment at all, do you?

I suppose you think I came all
the way into town just to see you.

Yes, I do. And I'm glad you did.

I'm glad I did too.

[Jace] Hold it!

You Barkleys blind or somethin'?

Didn't you see my
iron stuck over there?

- We saw it.
- Well, what do ya think you're dam'?

I got 50 head back there
comin' in here to drink.

Well, we'll be watered and out
of here by the time they get here.

That ain't the point. It's
first come, first served...

at a community
hole and you know it.

You agreed along with the rest.

We couldn't wait Jace. We found
those cows in a dried-up water hole.

No tellin' how long
they've been without water.

You still got water in your high
pasture. Why didn't you take 'em there?

They're too weak. They'd
never make it that far.

My cows are weak
too. But I wouldn't go...

hoggin' the community hole
when I had some of my own.

- Hoggin'?
- You want us to let these cows die, Jace?

If that's what you want, say so.

Let ‘em drink. To
my way of thinking...

hoarding water in a
drought's the same as stealin'.

Well, how about a game, Heath?

- No, thanks. Jarrod?

Maybe later, Nick.

Oh, come to think of it, I don't
feel too much like playin' either.

Then when I got to Paris, I
discovered he taught me Italian.

Oh, Scott! Hello, everybody.

- Sorry I'm late, Mother.
- We were beginning to worry.

Worry? We were about
to send out a posse.

My apologies, Mrs. Barkley.
Audra and I met accidentally in town.

And I was so engrossed in the company,
that I completely lost track of the time.

We were only concerned about her driving
in the dark. Thank you for seeing her home.

- Not at all.
- Well, as long as you're here, Scott...

- why don't you stay for dinner?
- Oh, yes, Scott.

- Please stay.
- We||, uh, if I wouldn't be intruding-

Not at all. We'd
love to have you.

I'll tell Silas to
set another place.

Sit down, Scott. Can
I get you a brandy?

- Fine.
- Mother?

No, thank you.

Well, what's the latest
on the drought situation?

Getting much worse. All the little water
holes around are pretty well dried up.

The ranchers are using
one community water hole.

And that's not workin' out
too good either. Nick and I...

had a little run-in with
Jace Holman today.

Well, it takes courage
to handle adversity.

It's a quality I greatly admire but often
find most lacking when the chips are down.

Well, you must figure the
ranchers have courage...

or else you wouldn't
have made the loan.

On the contrary,
Heath, I think they don't.

When the going gets
rough, I think they'll fall apart.

And then you'd acquire a
great deal of valuable land...

without having to bargain
for it at auction, right?

Exactly.

Well, I disagree
with you, Scott.

I think the ranchers around here
have more than enough courage.

Then I get my money back with
interest. Either way, I can't lose.

That’s a pretty
cold-blooded attitude, isn't it?

A cold-blooded attitude is a
necessary part of my Midas touch.

As I remember, Midas came
to regret his golden touch.

It k*lled everyone he loved.

I shall try to profit by his
mistakes, Mrs. Barkley.

[ Footsteps Approaching 1

Dinner's ready, Mother. I hope
you like chicken creole, Scott.

Silas prides himself on it.

As of the moment,
it's my favourite dish.

Nick.

Madame.

If you’re gonna get yourself
some water, you better get to it...

'cause I plan to drink
this whole thing dry.

If you don't, I guarantee
to finish the job.

- What's the matter?
- Sulfur.

Oh, well, now
that's all we need.

- We bring sulfur up through.
- [expl*si*n]

- Sounded like dynamite.
- Yeah, right up over that rise.

[ Bubbling]

[ Nick]Jace, you set that blast?

- Any objections?
- What's the idea?

- [Mead] We 're dynamitin' for rain.
- Dynamitin' for rain?

Worked in Nebraska. Dynamited three
days and broke the drought complete.

Uh-huh. Probably was
due to break anyhow.

No, sir. There wasn't
a cloud in the sky.

Mm-hmm. And
jackrabbits are green.

Well, all right.
Don't believe me.

But it's my land, and
we'll do what we want.

There's only one big water
hole left, and it's gettin' lower.

- We gotta do somethin'.
- Well, the stream that feeds that big water hole...

runs right under
this ground here.

You keep blastin', you're
gonna foul it for sure.

- [Heath] It's already beginnin' to go yellow.
- What're you talkin' about?

- We were just there.
- Sulfur's leakin' under the south end.

We better set these
over in the west canyon.

It'd be better if you
stopped blastin' altogether.

You Barkleys wouldn't lend us money,
and I don't notice you sharing water...

so don't give us any advice!

[ Horse Approaching]

[ Door Opens, Closes 1

Audra?

Jarrod?

Say, young lady, wasn't that your
horse I saw tied up in town today?

Well, it may well
have been. Why?

Well, usually when you're
in town, I can expect a visit.

And then the extreme pleasure of taking the
prettiest young lady in Stockton to lunch.

Well, I appreciate the compliment, but I
couldn't have had lunch with you today anyway.

I gathered as much.

You've, uh-You've been seeing
quite a bit of Scott lately, haven't you?

Yes, I have. And I'll never
be able to thank you enough.

- Thank me? For what?
- Well, it's because of you that he came to Stockton.

Well, not exactly because of me.

He never was one to miss a
business opportunity, you know.

Well, anyway, you had
something to do with it, and-

and I can't thank you enough.

Not nearly enough.

Well, I wish I could
honestly say you're welcome.

Audra, how much do you
think you know about Scott?

Well, to begin with, he
was born in New York City...

in 1841 of English parents.

Now, that isn't what I mean.

I know it isn't. Why
do you ask Jarrod?

Well, I just don't wanna
see you get hurt, honey.

I know Scott well enough to
feel positive he'd never hurt me.

You're sure?

I'm sure.

But thanks for
worrying, big brother.

And you know what you
are tonight? An enchantress.

A ravishingly
beautiful enchantress.

- Which one?
- Mm, Cleopatra...

Delilah, Juliet, take your pick.

Hmm. Cleopatra.

I would have thought
you'd say Juliet.

See how little you
know about the real me?

[Sighs] What a heavenly night.

The stars seem almost
close enough to touch.

In Tahiti, the stars
are so bright...

their reflections light up the lagoons
at night-they look like silver mirrors.

Oh, it must be exciting to
see all those faraway places.

Meet all kinds of people.

Exciting, yes. But all kinds of
people are usually strangers...

especially when you have
to match wits with them.

Strangers can become
friends, can't they?

Friends know your weaknesses
as well as your strengths.

And a successful businessman
can't afford to let anyone get that close.

But if there's nobody who's close,
then there's nobody who cares.

Nobody to share with.

On the contrary, there are
many always willing to share.

But as for caring-

The Tahitians have a saying.
Translated, it goes something like...

“He who climbs up the mountain
looks upon the lagoon alone.“

Is that the way
you want it, Scott...

looking down on
the lagoon alone?

Up until these past
few weeks, I thought so.

These past few weeks?

That’s why I took the
liberty of sending for these.

You mentioned you liked pearls.

Oh, I've never seen
anything so exquisite.

Wait, I-

- I really shouldn't take them.
- Surely an enchantress...

isn't bound by
rules of propriety.

Audra, you want them?

- Of course I do.
- Then take them.

How do they look?

You look beautiful.

[ Door Opens 1

It's been a wonderful evening.

For me too, Audra.
I'll see you tomorrow.

Of course.

- I'll come by in the morning. We'll go riding.
- And I'll pack a lunch.

I know just the spot for it.

Till tomorrow.

Good night.

Audra-

- Did you have a nice time?
- Oh, marvelous.

We danced and danced
and danced and danced.

Look what Scott gave me. He
sent to San Francisco for them.

Well, they're lovely.

Is it some special occasion?

Just that I like
pearls, that's all.

Well, I'm sure Scott only
meant to be thoughtful, but-

Now, Mother, I know
what you're going to say.

That I shouldn't
accept expensive gifts...

unless they're from my fiance.

Oh, I know he's going to
ask me, Mother. I just know it.

- Good morning, Mrs. Barkley.
- Mr. Breckenridge.

- I received your note. This is an unexpected pleasure.
- Thank you.

- May I offer you some refreshment?
- No, thank you.

Is there someplace
we could talk privately?

Uh, over here?

I'm afraid this lobby doesn't
offer the seclusion of, uh...

say, the Grand Hotel in Paris.

Nor the scandal.

I'll wager that half the intrigues
in Europe start at the Grand.

- Especially the romantic ones.
- Yes.

At that little table on the balcony
just to the left of the main staircase.

Oh, yes. That French count used
to meet his little ballerina there.

The one his father tried to buy
off. Now, what was her name?

Minnette du Claire. [Chuckles]

- Lots of men used to meet her there.
- Oh?

Oh, she must have been more
experienced than she appeared.

Well, theatrical
people generally are.

Mm, not only theatrical people.
I found in most walks of life...

appearances can be deceiving.

Audra's a very
good example of that.

Audra?

Deceiving? I don't think
those two words go together.

To many, she may seem completely
mature. In many ways she is.

But with men of the
world, men like yourself...

she's young and
totally inexperienced.

She has all the allure of
a woman, Mrs. Barkley.

I hadn't noticed that she
was at any disadvantage.

She's out of her depth in
an intrigue, Mr. Breckenridge.

She could be badly hurt.

Is that what you think I'm
offering her? An intrigue?

Men like yourself
seldom offer anything else.

Generalities can often be as
deceiving as appearances, Mrs. Barkley.

Anyway, whatever I'm
offering, I think that Audra...

should have the right
to choose for herself.

In most cases, I would agree.

But in this instance, I am
concerned because the-

wrong choice could
be so very wrong.

You don't have very
much faith in your daughter.

Are you concerned for her
virtue or the Barkley name?

Oh, no. The Barkley name has
withstood many severe blows in the past...

and will withstand
many more in the future.

Does that answer your question?

Audra and I are spending
the afternoon together.

I know.

I never take unfair advantage of an
inexperienced opponent, Mrs. Barkley.

At least, not unless they're
fully aware of all details.

I hope I can count on that.

Good day, Mr. Breckenridge.

Good day, Mrs. Barkley.

That's the last.

Hmm. Half for you
and half for me.

- [expl*si*n]
- What was that?

Oh, that's the ranchers.
They're dynamiting for rain.

I'm sorry.

That was even more
potent than the wine.

How much more, Scott?

So much more that when I leave
here, I want to take you with me.

I want to show you all the
exciting places in the world.

London, Paris, Rome.

Make myself the envy of
every man on two continents.

Oh, yes, Scott. Yes, I'll
go anywhere with you.

Anywhere in the world.

Oh, I knew you loved me. I
knew you'd ask me to marry you.

Audra...

I didn't ask you to marry me.

Well, I know. Not-
Not in so many words.

I thought we
understood each other.

Especially after last night.

That we were two of a kind...

not tied down by
other people's rules.

- But you just said... What I
just said was an invitation...

to a wonderful, exciting,
romantic interlude...

with no strings
attached for either of us.

Strings choke love, Audra. They-
They destroy it, turn it into hate.

No. No, I want strings.

I wanna be tied to you
for the rest of my life.

- I love you.
- I love you.

But love is...

a thing of wings and wind.

Clip those wings and-[Sighs]

Well, I won't do
it. I can't do it.

What you're saying is...

you want me for your
mistress, not for your wife.

What I'm saying is that I want
you. That's the important thing.

No! You don't
want me. Not really.

- Not enough!
- Audra-

Audra!

- You're treating me like
I was a cheap... Audra!

- I never wanna see you again! Never!
- Listen to me.

There's never been a drought
like this since I been in the valley.

It's bound to break soon.
All we need is a little time.

I'm standing firm, gentlemen. I
want the full amount with interest...

and I want it one week
from today when it's due.

[Jace] We can't pay by
then, and you know it!

Then I'll expect you
to vacate the land.

Suppose we refuse to get off?

You do that, Mr. Holman...

and this range will be swarming
with state deputies within 48 hours.

I believe that's all, gentlemen.
That is, till next week.

You can't steal our land just
'cause we signed a piece of paper.

You ask Jarrod about that
piece of paper. He wrote it.

- He's within his rights.
- Well, you Barkleys got influence.

Can't you force him
to give us some time?

Not without breaking the law.

Then you're sayin' he's
right. You're on his side.

- Legally, yes. Jarrod...

how much do you figure
on making on this swindle?

I don't think you
mean that, Jace.

Maybe he does. Maybe he doesn't.

But if it turns
out it is true...

you'll regret the day you
ever saw this valley, Jarrod.

Scott, I'm gonna ask
you one more time.

Extend those loans for 30
days at the same rate of interest.

- I like it the way it is.
- All right then.

Suppose I underwrite those loans
with mortgages on the Barkley mills?

That's a gallant
gesture, Jarrod.

Too bad your
neighbours aren't worth it.

They may be frightened
men, but they're honest.

And they're my friends.

They've a very interesting
way of showing it.

And even if we could break those
contracts, it would take months.

All assets would be tied up, and none
of the ranchers would be able to hold out.

He's not a financier,
he's a... vulture.

[jarred 1 I'm afraid
you're right, Nick.

While everybody else is praying for
rain, he's hoping the drought will last.

[ Nick] But just until every
rancher who owes him money...

is beaten into the ground.

[jarred] Yeah. And when I think I'm the one
who suggested he come here in the first place.

Heard Jace Holman pointing
that up in the saloon today.

Jarrod, is there anything we've
overlooked that would change Scott's mind?

I doubt it. I've already
taken the liberty...

of offering him
mortgages on our mills.

He refused.

Apparently, he doesn't realize
exactly how much losing their land...

means to the ranchers.

Or worse, he knows
and just couldn't care less.

- Excuse me.
- Where are you going?

There's something I
have to do before dinner.

What Scott's up
to is clear enough.

As soon as the drought's over, property values
rise, and he can ask any price he wants.

I heard there's talk in
Sacramento of finding a way...

to bring year-round
water into the valley.

If they do, they'll
have the support of...

every rancher in this
valley, I promise you that.

If they're any left
to give support.

[No Audible Dialogue]

- [ Knocking]
- Who is it?

Audra Barkley.

- Audra.
- May I come in?

I rather thought a
bachelor's hotel room...

was a little out-of-bounds
by your rules.

Please. It-It's important.

I know you're
surprised to see me.

After our last meeting,
it is a little unexpected.

- I didn't want to come. I had to.
- Had to? Why?

Because I have to make you understand how
important the ranchers' land is to them.

Oh, it's not just property,
Scott. It's their whole life.

And if you take it away from
them, then they won't have anything.

Not anything.

They knew that when
they signed the contracts.

But they were desperate then.
They didn't' know what else to do.

And desperate or not,
they knew the terms.

Then you won't change your
mind about the extension?

I don't consider sentiment
appropriate collateral.

I see.

- Well, then I have another offer.
- Oh?

A mortgage?

In away.

Well, Jarrod already made
that offer. I turned him down, flat.

It's not the same as Jarrod's.

All right. What's your offer?

Myself.

That's an interesting
offer. Go on.

If you'll extend the loans to the
ranchers, I'll go away with you.

I see.

And I'll stay. For as
long as you want me.

Oh, there is no limit
to the sacrifices...

you Barkleys will make for
your neighbours, is there?

You place a high value on
yourself. That land is worth...

over half a million dollars.

- What make you think you're worth that?
- You.

And the things you said to me.

Audra, you have a
shrewd marketing sense.

Then you accept?

A half a million dollars is a lot of
money. I'll have to think about it.

I'll let you know
as soon as I can.

You're the most despicable
man I've ever known.

I rather imagined
you thought that.

Just like I told you. Thick as
thieves! The whole bunch of 'em!

One more?

No, thanks, Heath.

Gentlemen.

- Jace, how is your wife?
- Fair enough.

Titus, has that grandson
of yours started walking yet?

He sure has, Victoria.

Good. Ed, I understand your
mother's 70th birthday is tomorrow.

I'll send her over some
apple cake. I know she likes it.

We didn't come here for
apple cake. Or nice talk either.

What did you come
here for, Jace?

We figured you Barkleys are in cahoots
with Breckenridge on this loan deal.

- That's why you brought him.
- Jace, you're wrong, and you know it.

- We don't know nothin' of the kind.
- What are you drivin' at, Jace?

If you're not all
in the same boat...

what was your sister doin'
with Breckenridge at his hotel?

- Why, you...
Heath, let him finish.

All right.

We come for some
straight answers.

If we don't get 'em,
we'll dynamite...

till every water hole
in this area's fouled...

and there ain't a
Barkley steer left alive.

That won't be necessary.

What do you want here?

When I last saw these gentlemen, I
assumed that they were on their way here...

sol thought I would come
along and clear the air.

I took Jarrod up on an old
offer to come to Stockton...

as a cover-up for my real
reason for being here...

which was to take advantage of
the crash that I knew was inevitable.

The Barkleys had nothing to do with
my succeeding. They're on your side.

It sure looked that
way at the hotel tonight.

Both Jarrod and Audra...

made offers for bargains
of extensions of your loans.

Audra's offer was by
far the more interesting.

That's why she was at my hotel.

Audra has offered
to go away with me...

anywhere, for as
long as I want her.

Why she thinks you gentlemen
are worth it, I will never know.

But your loans are extended.

I'm accepting her offer.

Audra?

- She's not going anywhere.
- You may leave now, Mr. Breckenridge.

Well, Audra, did you come
to the hotel to play games...

or did you mean it?

I meant it.

- Audra, you don't know what you're doing.
- Yes, Ida.

And not you or anybody
else in this family...

can say or do
anything to stop me.

I'll pack my things.

Speakin' for myself...

I don't think I accept your
extension, Mr. Breckenridge.

The extensions are granted whether
you accept them or not, gentlemen.

On the other hand, Mrs.
Barkley, I have no intention...

of letting your daughter go
through with her promise to me.

I once said that I
admire courage.

I had never thought
to find so much...

in one so young
and so beautiful.

Will you tell her
good-bye for me?

I will.

And thank you.

I can find my way out.

[Audra 1 Mother-

Do you know where-

[Victoria] To
steady your nerves.

Jarrod's needs it.

Ahh.

- Thunder and lightning!
- Yee-hoo!

[ Heath] The drought's over!

Of course, if it hadn't been for the drought,
he never would have come to Stockton.

“So much courage in one
so young and so beautiful.“

That's what he said about
you just before he left.