We've lost 'em. You men head south.
We'll take the stagecoach trail.
What's the matter with you, Spider?
C'mon boy.
Whoa, fellow.
Spider, old boy, I hate to part company but
it's you or me.
Howdy, stranger.
Sorry, but I'm gonna have to borrow your horse for a spell.
I reckon I better borrow your g*n, too.
Where does it hurt most?
My ankle, here and here.
Busted rib. Somebody put the boot to you, huh?
Horse fell on me.
Well, take it easy a minute.
Sit up.
Let's roll up your shirt.
Raise your hands over your head.
Feel better?
Much, thanks.
Let's get out of here.
Well, why don't you say what you're thinking?
I'm not thinking anything.
Come on.
Hyew...
Here, take a chew of this. It'll help you keep your mind off the pain.
Thanks.
Come on.
Me as Santy Claus...
-What's that?
-Nothing, Nothing at all.
This is the stage depot. They'll take care of you.
I'll still need your horse.
You're welcome to it and anything else I have.
Ah, forget it.
What's going on here?
-Don't look like one of 'em, does he?
-I never see'd this fellow before.
-What do you want?
-What's your name, stranger?
-Edward Creighton.
-Whatcha you doing here?
-Surveyor.
-Surveyor?
Yes, I work for Western Union.
-What's Western Union?
-A telegraph company.
We're going through here next year on our way to the coast.
I guess he's all right.
Anything wrong?
We had a bank holdup at North Platte today.
We k*lled one of 'em. The rest of 'em scattered.
Looks like we lost 'em now for good.
-She's here, Mr. Creighton!
-Oh, good!
Are you ready?
I think so, Bert.
-I see.
-Now If I can just manage to navigate on these things, Bert...
I reckon you'll be back this way with that telegraph line 'fore long.
If everything goes right, I will.
I do a little trappin' now and then.
So I was wonderin' how much it would cost to send my pelts
into Omaha by telegraph.
You can't send pelts by telegraph, Bert.
-You can't?
-No.
All you can send is writing.
Then the telegraph ain't goin' to do me any good.
Uh, Bert. You know, I can't repay you for your kindness, but...
-Well, this may help A little.
-Thanks.
Foldin' money!
-Can you manage all those things yourself?
-Oh, yes sir.
Better let me take that, too.
Woody? Woody, I want you to have this along with my thanks.
Gosh, Mr. Creighton! Thanks!
-Goodbye, boys. I'll see you next year.
-Hiyah!
-So long.
-So long, Mr. Creighton.
-Nice fella.
-Yes, sirree.
But you don't believe what he said about
that there telegraph comin' through here, do ye?
Of course not.
There ain't no such thing as a telegraph no how.
-But he's a right nice feller, just the same.
-He sure is.
Look what he give me, his watch and chain.
Yes... Now what does a fellow that goes to bed
at sundown and gets up at sunup want with a watch?
Well, it's a mighty purty thing to wear.
Sounds nice, too.
Yes...
Across the plains, the pay for drivers, diggers, pole men, and timber cutters
is two dollars a day, and when we hit the Indian country it's three dollars.
And every man supplies his own g*n, okay?
What do you mean "okay"?
It's telegraph talk. Means "all right".
Now, if the doc here passes you
why, you by course have got yourself a job.
You'll do.
You'll do. Stand up, son.
-Hmm, nice withers.
-I ain't no horse.
You'll wish you were before you're through.
Huh, feels like you got a slug of lead there, partner.
-Forty-four?
-Injun arrowhead.
It don't bother me none.
You know, some members of the medical profession
like to cut them things out, but I say let 'em stay if they set comfortable.
Do you know this country we're going into?
100 miles from here I lost this hair back in '56.
Hmm, neat bit of surgery, that.
Ohh...
What's ailin' you?
Did he say 100 miles from here?
Oh, that was 5 years ago.
Nowadays we don't see no Injuns this side of Cottonwood Springs.
And you and me start throwin' down a extra dollar, eh?
Speak for yourself, stranger. When I get back to St. Joe
I figure on keeping my hair
instead of telling the folks how I lost it.
Indians don't always scalp a fella.
Not if the fella scalps 'em first!
This ain't for me.
I've gotta have peace and quiet when I'm preparin' my vittles.
Wh- Are you a cook!?!
For 20 years, with the same head of hair.
And I intend to be for 20 more. Gents, I bid you good day.
-Hold him, Doc!
-No!
-Doctor Murdoch?
-Yeah?
Mr. Creighton says he don't need these no more.
Put them down. Go down to the cook house
and tell that good-for-nothing poisoner he's fired.
Can you cook lamb?
There are nine different ways to cook mutton and I know them all.
Boiling, stew, fricasee...
Nevermind that. Do you cook it with the hair on it?
-I should say not.
-Hurray!
-Then you're hired.
-No, no!
And your job is see that he stays hired.
Remind me sometime to show you how an old Indian way to cook prairie dog.
Oh, no. I should have stayed in St. Joe.
-Hello, Mr. Creighton.
-Oh, hello, Bert.
-Where's Miss Creighton, Pat?
-Oh, she's over at the corral, sir.
-We're buying some new horses today.
-Oh.
How many head is that?
Who's that with my sister, Pat?
That's the fella I hired to do our scoutin' and take charge of the livestock, sir.
Hello, Sue.
Edward, darling!
Don't tell me you've given up telegraphy for a corral?
Oh, Edward, I'm so glad you're back.
What'd the doctor in Washington say?
Well, he says I'm fit as a fiddle.
I could walk from here to Salt Lake on my hands if I had to.
I'm so glad.
Shaw, this is Mr. Creighton, the big boss
the only man around here you have to be polite to.
Glad to know you, Shaw.
Got to take a lot of horses and cattle a long way.
-Do you think you can manage it?
-I think so.
Good. Come on, Sis.
You're supposed to be a telegrapher, you know.
-Goodbye, Mr. Shaw.
-Goodbye ma'am.
What's, uh, what's the rush, Shaw?
We're not leaving here for a couple of days.
-I'm leaving tonight.
-Why?
You know why. I like being alone.
The best place to be alone sometimes is in a crowd.
That's the way I figured it, till I ran into you.
There's a good chance for you in Western Union.
Is there?
I think so. It's up to you.
You don't owe me nothing.
How could I? I never saw you before.
Glad to meet you, Mr. Creighton.
Here, take a good chew of this. Help keep your mind off things.
Thanks.
Whoa!
Do you mind holdin' my horses for me, old man?
Thank you very much.
I, uh, wuold like to see Mr. Creighton, please.
Next office.
Thank you.
You, uh, you spell "dude" D-U-D-E.
-But that's the way…
-No, "e" is a single dot, like that.
You put a dash after it, like that.
Why, I did nothing of the sort. Besides, I don't even know what you're talking about.
No, but I know what you're talking about.
Next time let's talk about, uh...
Mr. Creighton?
-Yes, I'm Creighton.
-I'm Richard Blake, reporting for work, sir.
Well, how do you do, Mr. Blake? Well, I was expecting you by stage.
Well, the stage was so crowded and bumpy that, uh,
I bought a spring wagon and drove the last leg myself.
-Why, yes, much more comfortable that way.
-Quite.
Oh, Mr. Blake, I want you to know Homer Kettle, my assistant.
-This is Pat Grogan, our foreman.
-How do you do, gentlemen?
-How are you, sonny?
-Glad to know you, Blake.
Well, the last leg of your trip must have been rather lonesome.
Well, I didn't mind that as much as I did the dust.
-I could do with A bath.
-A bath?
Yes. Don't you approve of them?
Well, if the weather's hot and you're near a river,
I ain't got a thing agin 'em.
What, uh, what type of work would you prefer to be assigned to, Mr. Blake?
Why, uh, anything at all.
I, uh, had some engineering at Harvard, and I know the Morse code inside out.
Well, I think we can figure out something.
For the present, why don't you run on over to the hotel
and take your bath, and we'll have a little talk later.
Thank you very much.
Good day, gentlemen. And, uh, you, too.
Well, the dan... Ahh...
-Oh, Mr. Blake.
-Yes?
I'm sorry.
Sorry? Because I understand the Morse code?
Yes... No, I mean I...
You'll have to excuse me, I have work to do.
Well, anyway I'm happy to have met you, Miss Creighton.
You are the big boss's sister, aren't you?
-Yes, but how'd you...?
-How did I know?
You both have that intense look.
Does the great Western outdoors do that to you?
No, it's people we meet from the East!
Well, some people you meet are going to insist on meeting you again,
so I won't say goodbye now.
Whoa, there! Whoa! Whoa, whoa!
There, see? Thank you very much.
Oh, by the way, could you direct me to the hotel?
It's on Main Street. Take your first turn to the right and go down two streets.
Thank you very much.
-Just a minute, young man. Do you know who I am?
-I haven't the faintest idea.
I am the Provisional Governor of the Territory of Nebraska.
You are? Well, when you come up for re-election, I'll vote for you.
You don't vote for a Provisional Governor. He's appointed by the President.
Oh, well then the next time I'm in Washington, I'll put in a good word for you.
What? Wait! Watch out!
Would you mind telling me what that was that just passed through here?
Well, that is the son of tough old Arod Blake, who made his fortune
hauling freight through the Cumberland Gap in the '30s.
Arod Blake? That?
Yes, his father thinks a job of Western Union will make a man out of him.
It will make a man...
When I was back East, Arod gave me $50,000 for the line.
-I see. You got the son with the money.
-Ha, ha, ha!!
Good heavens. Do you see what I see?
Well, here I am, all ready for work.
So I see.
Where'd you get that outfit, in town?
Oh, no. New York.
I wanted to be sure of the fit. Not bad, huh?
Blake, this is Shaw, our scout.
-How do you do?
-Howdy.
Well, nice looking bunch of horses you have here.
Glad you like 'em. Do you ride?
Yes, yes, indeed.
Them ain't livery stable animals.
Some of 'em are... pretty wild.
Well, that's the way I like 'em. Would you mind picking one out for me?
I'd be delighted! Take that black one over there.
-This way please.
-Excuse me.
Somebody better call Doc Murdoch.
He don't mean it, he's just foolin'!
Go on! Stay with him!
Whoa! Steady, steady, boy!
Steady, steady, boy!
Yes, nice animal, gentlemen. You haven't anything else you'd like me to try?
No.
A present for you, Homer.
-He's quite a talker, ain't he?
-Quite a rider, too.
-Hello, Mr. Blake.
-Hello.
My brother isn't in right now.
That's good.
-Won't you have a chair?
-Thank you.
Evenin', Mr. Blake.
Hello. Well, I, uh, guess I better be running along.
Oh, so soon?
Yeah, well, I just thought I'd wish you a happy 4th of July.
But that's tomorrow.
Well, I thought I'd be the first, but I see I wasn't.
-Was that what you came for, too, Mr. Shaw?
-Mm-hmm.
Well, I reckon I'd better be going along, too.
Goodnight... both of you. Thanks for dropping by.
Goodnight.
-Uh-huh.
-Adios.
-Goodnight.
I, uh, I didn't have a chance to tell you before,
but you did all right today on that buckin' horse.
-Yeah, it wasn't so bad.
-They gave you the worst critter in the lot.
You always do that with every tenderfoot, don't you?
Depends on the tenderfoot.
Well, I'm sorry I disappointed all of you,
but I was riding horses before I could walk.
Ahem.
-Goodnight.
-Goodnight.
You, uh, going my way?
The transcontinental telegraph line
has long been the dream of Americans!
Now it is to become a reality,
a great reality that will eventually triumph
over hardship and privation!
It now gives me great pleasure to present
the chief engineer of Western Union, Mr. Edward Creighton.
I've just received a message here, which I think better than any words of mine
will explain the urgency of our task.
"Allow me to wish you godspeed on a journey that will
do much to help this Union in its hour of greatest need."
"It is imperative that our government
have quick communciation with the West."
The message is signed Abraham Lincoln.
Let 'er go, boys!
You're happy, aren't you?
Every man is when his dream begins to materialize.
I know. Things like this that make some women
wish they'd been born men.
Well, don't forget you've got a job to do, too.
Goodbye, Sue.
-Goodbye, Edward. God bless you.
Something tells me I'm gonna miss dear old Omaha.
Me, too.
I hate to say it, Miss Creighton, but I'm afraid this is goodbye.
Goodbye, Mr. Blake. You'll take care of my brother, won't you?
I'll do my best, ma'am.
Uh, don't you want him to take care of me, too?
-Oh!
-I'll do that too.
-Adios, Miss Creighton.
-Goodbye!
-Goodbye!
I'm leaving Cheyenne, I'm off to Montan'
Goodbye, old paint
I'm leavin' Cheyenne. Goodbye, old paint— Hey, hey!
Stop that hollerin' and watch where you're goin'!
Five miles from Omaha and I'm a cr*pple already!
Men, we're... we're doing fine, 11 miles in two days,
but we've got to do better.
This is prairie country and we've got to make every minute count
because pretty soon we're gonna hit the hills
and we're liable to run into trouble.
Well, that's all. Let's turn in now and get a good night's sleep.
Tomorrow we'll get at it again bright and early.
-Hello, Mr. Shaw.
-Evenin', Miss Creighton.
Well, I didn't expect to see you. Is there anything wrong?
No, nothing wrong.
We're just a few miles out, so, uh, so I sorta thought that...
Good. Sit down.
Thanks.
See, I, uh, had some unfinished business here and I, uh...
Good evening, Mr. Shaw.
I had some unfinished business, too.
-Oh.
-Uh…
-Uh...
Well, at least you two will have company on your ride back!
Get Doc Murdoch, quick!
-The Indians is the cause of this.
-Is he hurt bad?
-Well, he's pretty badly hurt.
Herb, what happened?
The Indians...
got the cattle. We did the best we could.
-Why, sure you did.
-Where's Frank?
They... k*lled him.
Here's where you and me start gettin' that extra dollar.
b*llet went right through you, Herb. Hadn't oughtta be no trouble at all.
Let's get him to my tent, boys. We'll have more light to work by.
Come on, grab hold, Cookie. He won't kick you.
-Too bad. Herb was a real nice fella.
-He isn't dead yet.
No, but I got a week's wages says
he will be 'fore mornin'.
-I'll take that bet.
Right.
-Pat, they get all the cattle?
-That's what they say, sir.
I can't figure this out.
This is Pawnee country, and Pawnees don't go after cattle
when there's plenty of buffalo around.
-Do you think it was rustlers?
-Don't know. I'll go have a look.
How many men do you want?
-None.
You don't expect to bring back the cattle alone, do you?
I don't expect to get an Indian w*r started either.
First thing we gotta find out is what sort of game we're sitting in on.
All right.
Double the guard tonight, Pat.
-Yes, sir.
Come on, Homer. I want you to call Fort Kearney.
Shaw! Wait a minute.
Are you going after them?
-Yes.
If you don't mind, I'd like to go with you.
Sorry, but this is one job we don't trust to a tenderfoot...
no matter how good he is.
How is he, Doc?
Better luck next time, Doc.
Reach! And turn around slow.
Vance!
Jack...
-Howdy.
-Hello, Vance.
Howdy.
We knew you'd come back sooner or later.
Well, we kinda missed you since that little affair at North Platte.
-Where you been, in Missouri?
-No, Omaha.
Omaha? Wasn't that a little risky?
Not very much.
My face isn't as well known as yours.
What are you doing out here?
Working for Western Union.
I came to get those cattle you rustled.
What do you mean "rustled"? We're soldiers now
fightin' for the Confederacy.
Them clothes you got on don't look like no uniforms to me.
Course not. We're guerrillas, under orders from General Moseby.
Did he order you to dress up like Indians and steal cattle?
As far as you're concerned, yes.
These here are my raiders, just like Moseby's got.
I do whatever I think'll help the cause along.
You might help the cause a lot more by going down south and joining the army.
You talk like you forgot where you was born.
You come from Missouri, same as me.
Are you going against your own people?
When they turn against their own country, then they ain't my people anymore.
Well, they're mine, and they don't want this Yankee wire strung.
And as long as I'm alive, it ain't gonna be.
You wouldn't be makin' a little money out of your fightin', would you?
Why, sure. There's money in it.
We sorta combine business with pleasure, so to speak.
I want those cattle, Jack.
You know what you're gonna have to do to get 'em, don't you?
-You win, for now.
-Wait a minute!
How do I know you won't tell Creighton about us?
You don't.
Supposin' I don't let you go?
Why don't you stop me?
Ah, go ahead.
Adios, Jack.
What do you think he'll do?
What can he do, the way things are?
-Oh, Mr. Creighton?
-Yes?
Those heathen savages sure cleaned us out.
What am I gonna tell the men when they start yellin' for dinner?
Well then, tell them we'll get some more beef just as soon as possible.
That's a mighty indefinite answer to give to a hungry man.
Well, they'll have to tighten up their belts for a day or two.
Did you ever try tellin' that to a fella after he set down to the table
and tied his napkin around his neck?
I did, just once.
Unsaddle him and feed him, Joe.
-You want him rubbed down?
-I'm gonna do that myself.
-Did you find any traces of them?
-They're up the river 20 miles.
-Indians?
-Yes.
-Well, we'll get some men together and we'll get up…
-I wouldn't.
They're a bunch of Dakotas, a couple hundred in the party.
I talked to 'em.
Don't they know they're inviting trouble by stealing our cattle?
They know there's no cavalry around here.
I tried to reason with them, but they wouldn't listen.
My advice is to charge the beef off to Indian good will
and let it go at that.
In so much as I was boss of the herd
I reckon it's my fault they were stolen.
The best thing I can do is quit and clear out.
That's nonsense, Shaw.
You can't be held responsible for something like this. Besides, I need you.
You're the boss.
Sue!
Hello, Ed.
-Hello, Mr. Shaw.
-Howdy, Miss Creighton.
-Hello.
Hello.
What in Heaven's name are you doing out here?
Why, I'm the new operator you sent for.
Are you responsible for this?
Well, I... I telegraphed to Omaha,
but I didn't know who they were gonna send.
-I'll bet you didn't.
Hmm... It seems very much as if nobody wanted me.
Driver, when does that east-bound stage pass here?
In an hour or two.
You're going right back to Omaha, young lady.
And you're going to stay there until I really send for you.
I can't help it if you send me back.
-Ah, but it was worth the trip just to see you.
-Now, now, none of that.
I'd like to show you our thriving metropolis.
You really need a guide to get about, you know.
Very nice of you, Blake
but I want you to go ahead with the wagons.
-But…
-Shaw, you'll be responsible for Ms. Creighton while she's here
and seeing that she gets safely on the east-bound stage.
It will be a pleasure, sir.
Well, I, uh, must be off, it seems. Goodbye, Ms. Creighton.
Goodbye, Mr. Blake. I'm sorry you couldn't stay.
So am I, but then that's the telegraph business for you.
Sue, is he responsible for this?
Oh, no, not altogether. I just wanted to see you, honest I did.
We're going to be in Salt Lake before you know it.
-Oh, I hope so.
-Well, I've got to go now.
Men are waiting at the head of the line.
Oh, so soon? I have a thousand things to ask you.
Oh, I've got a thousand things to do. Goodbye, dear.
Bye, Edward.
And remember, the next time I pay you a visit
that I'm your only sister and that I love you.
I think he's a great man.
Mm-hmm. The whole family's sorta great.
It's coming.
Well, what is it?
It's a message from my brother at the end of the line. He says: "Haven't you gone yet?"
-What did you say?
-No!
Thank you.
It's beautiful.
My brother says it even looks like me.
But, of course, he's prejudiced.
No, ma'am. Not this time.
This way.
It's already quiet with Western Union gone.
I suppose it'll be fifty years before Sinking Wells
has so much excitement again.
Like me, after the stage leaves.
Oh, I hope I haven't said anything I hadn't ought to.
You haven't.
Course, I know I haven't a chance against somebody like Blake, but...
Hadn't you better let me decide that?
I shoulda met you a couple of years ago.
Why?
Since then I've made some mistakes.
Mistakes can be corrected.
Not always.
Does this here stage connect with the railroad that goes to St. Joe?
-She sure do, partner.
-Mister, you got a passenger.
How's about you and me takin' a little walk to work up an appetite?
But I don't feel like walkin' and I don't feel like eating.
Just the same, that's what you're gonna do.
I may not be seeing you again.
Don't say that. We'll meet in Salt Lake.
Maybe. Anyhow, I'll be thinking of you.
This might help you.
-Goodbye.
-Goodbye, Sue.
Git! Git up there!
Shaw!
Looks like we got company.
Mount your horse and warn the others!
Hurry! Jimmy, Eddie!
We're moving back to the main camp! Indians!
Get your g*ns and fall back! Indians coming!
What's a matter, sonny? You look a might bit peaked.
Bunch of Sioux coming!
Well, ain't you travelin' in the wrong direction?
-I gotta warn the men at the main camp.
-I was just about to make this connection.
Maybe it'd be quicker if you warn 'em by telegraph.
That is, unless you're sore anxious to get outta here.
-Pull over, Vernon.
-Giddy up!
You handle the key and I'll make the connection for you!
Come on, hurry up!
Don't you worry, sonny. I ain't gonna let them Indians get you.
Mr. Creighton!
Have you gone crazy?
Indians are raidin' the head of the line!
Indians! They're raiding the head of the line!
You stay here, Pat. I'll go.
Come on! Hurry up!
They're on their way!
-Put it away. You won't need it.
-I'm not so sure.
I am! And until Mr. Creighton gets here, I'm boss.
Take it easy. They'll stop.
Hau!
Hau! Whiskey!
-No whiskey for Indian brother.
-You give whiskey.
No got.
Mmm. Me look.
Let him alone.
Why, you drunken heathen...
If I had my way, I'd blast their dirty heads off!
Steady.
Hey, put that down!
Stay where you are. I'll get it.
Good, good.
Can't have.
Ah, me keep. Good medicine.
No keep.
Stop! I can handle him!
Yippee, there they come!
I oughtta take you apart.
I suppose that's the thanks I get for trying to help you.
Whenever I need your help, I'll ask for it.
If you ever get my help again, you'll have to get down on your knees and beg for it!
Indians are raiding the main camp!
-Thanks, Charlie.
-You're welcome, Doc.
I think you're gonna lose this patient.
Not if I'm as good a doctor as you are with that hatchet.
I wouldn't mind so much if he was only an Injun, but he ain't.
What?
No Injun ever looked like that.
Hmm. I've got to keep this fellow alive.
Mr. Creighton will want to ask him a few questions.
Oh, Doctor.
I gotta have medical attention, and I gotta have it quick.
-Are you sh*t, Herman?
-No, I ain't.
What's a matter with you?
This is private and it's gotta be kept private.
Well, our white Indian didn't make it, Mr. Creighton.
Did he say anything before he d*ed?
He called me a few bad names while I was sewin' him up.
Well, have him buried immediately.
I don't want the men to know for the time being.
He's being slapped with a spade right now.
-What do you think of this, Shaw?
-I don't know.
-You got any ideas?
-No.
You said those Indians that you met today
were drunk, didn't you?
-Yeah
A white man disguised as an Indian
participated in the raid on the camp.
That means white men must have got the real Indians drunk
and talked them into attacking us.
-They ain't all Yankees out here, you know?
-Apparently not.
You sure those Indians that got away with our beef at Sinking Wells were Indians?
They looked like Indians to me.
All right, that's all, boys.
Now go on about your jobs as if nothing had happened.
Shaw, you're taking over Grogan's job as foreman.
I don't have to tell you what a responsibility it is.
Thanks, Mr. Creighton, but I can't take that job.
I, uh, I haven't had the experience.
You have more experience than any man in the outfit.
I want to, only...
You're not going to let me down at a time like this, are you Shaw?
Somebody has got to take charge of things and pick out some new horses and...
Well, I can do that. There oughtta be 60 or 70 head in Sage.
And you'll take the job?
-If that's the way you want it, Mr. Creighton.
-That's the way I want it.
We'll go into town tomorrow. We'll buy up whatever we can.
-All right. Good night.
-Good night.
Can I talk to you for a minute, sir?
-Well, of course.
-I don't like to butt in, sir, but...
I think we're making a grave mistake.
-Yes?
-I know you have great faith in Shaw.
You just made him foreman and no doubt he deserves the post.
Come to the point, Blake.
Well, it seems to me if we ever want to get this wire strung,
we'll have to act differently than we have up till now.
What do you mean?
You know I'm not looking for a fight or trouble,
but look what happened to our cattle. Look what happened today.
I suppose Shaw knows his business,
but the way he let those Indians manhandle us
you'd think he was deliberately going out of his way
to encourage them to strike at us again.
However, I guess there's a lot about the West I never will understand.
Good night.
Good night.
Well, I don't think we'll have to any farther.
Come on.
Howdy, Vance.
Howdy, Jack.
You're Ed Creighton, of Western Union, ain't ya?
That's right.
My name's Jack Slade. Nice bunch of horses, ain't they?
Very nice.
You wouldn't be in the market, would you?
I might. How much you want for them?
$5,000 and help yourself.
Our camp was raided yesterday by Indians.
-They got most of our stock.
-Then these oughtta be just the thing for you.
They ought to. They're ours.
-Huh?
-I said they're ours. They were stolen from us.
Now look here, Creighton. You wouldn't accuse me of bein' a horse thief, would you?
No, I'll wait till I've heard your explanation.
Why, I got these horses from a bunch of Indians.
-They didn't say where they got 'em.
-You didn't ask?
No, I didn't. And in this country when you call a man a horse thief
you better have some proof.
I bought these horses in good faith and aim to sell 'em the same way.
Well, then I guess I'd better see the law about this.
Well, you'll have to go back to Omaha if you do. It don't run beyond there.
I'll make some of my own.
That wouldn't look so good, would it?
Western Union stringin' up white men
for what a bunch of Indians did.
You've got all the answers, haven't you?
Well, Shaw there might be able to give you a few more.
He knows this country inside out.
What he says makes sense, Mr. Creighton. At least it does out here.
All right, I'm gonna give you that $5000 because I've got a lot of work to do
and no time for fighting.
I'm paying you on the assumption that $5000 will buy you off,
but if you ever bother Western Union again
the next payment will be in lead. Is that clear?
-Now listen, Creighton…
-Make out a bill of sale.
I'll meet you at the saloon in 15 minutes.
-You two seem to know one another pretty well.
-Yeah, we do.
-Old friends?
-More or less.
We were both raised in the same corner of Missouri.
What'll you have?
The bill of sale.
There it is.
All right. Here's a draft
on the Bank of Omaha for $5,000.
You can cash this by telegraph, if you want.
Oh, no. I trust you.
I suppose you deal in cattle, too.
Well, I ain't lately, but, uh, if you're in the market...
It was just a question.
Why, Mr. Creighton, you're a right good man to do business with.
But only once.
$5,000. You did all right by that outfit.
Yeah, and I ain't said goodbye to Mr. Ed Creighton yet.
-No?
-No.
But first of all I want to take a great big drink
to the Confederate States of America.
If there wasn't no Confederates, there wouldn't be no w*r.
Ain't that somethin' to drink to?
-Yeah, but I think…
-You know
a good thing can be made to last a long time
if you don't spoil it.
Besides, I'm a patriot.
Halt!
-Are you Mr. Creighton?
-Yes, I'm Creighton.
I'm Captain Harlow from Fort Laramie.
-How do you do, Captain?
-I'm afraid I've got some bad news for you.
Chief Spotted Horse of the Oglala Sioux is sending word
that you can't build anymore line through his nation.
No? Why not?
One of your men wounded his son yesterday.
They were drunk, Captain.
They raided our camp immediately afterward,
and they k*lled several of my men.
Spotted Horse says none of his Indians k*lled any white men.
Some renegades got a few of his young bucks drunk
and talked 'em into a horse-stealing raid to get some more whiskey.
The renegades did the k*lling.
So the Chief feels that only white men are to blame.
-Who are the renegades?
-Spotted Horse says he doesn't know.
Indians or not, I'm going ahead with the line, Captain.
-The Government is counting on it.
-I realize that, Mr. Creighton.
Washington has already notified me to help you all I can,
but unfortunately most of my troops have been ordered to the Army of the Potomac.
Besides, an Indian w*r means a m*ssacre.
-You wouldn't want that.
-Of course not.
We have Spotted Horse's brother at Fort Kearney as a hostage
for the good behavior of the Oglala.
I might try putting a little pressure on him. Maybe in 2 or 3 weeks...
Well, I can't wait.
The winter is almost here, and from now on every day counts.
Now, if I could talk with the Chief, perhaps I could get him to change his mind.
No, I'm afraid that's too great a risk.
After what's happened, you'd have to go into his territory alone
or with no more than a couple of men, and unarmed.
Even then, there's no telling what he might do.
Well, we've got to take that chance, and
with your permission, we will. Thank you.
Hyah, Barney!
Mean-looking devils, aren't they?
Just don't get your wires crossed.
Whatever we do, we gotta do quick.
Indians can't stay interested in one thing very long.
That's him. Hook up your wires.
-Ho!
-Hau!
He says you come in peace today, but there won't be any peace
if you try to take the singing wire through the Oglala Nation.
Well, tell him that the Great White Father
who speaks with lightning over the singing wire
is sorry for the wounding of his Indian son
but that the lightning talk is strong medicine, and it must go through.
He says the Oglala doesn't believe the singing wire is strong medicine.
Ask him if he'll let ten of its strongest braves
hold the tongue of the singing wire.
That is, after we've proved it's harmless.
He says yes.
He wants to know why we pour water on the ground.
Oh, oh. Well, tell him...
Tell him we must make sacrifice to the rain god, who's brother to the lightning.
Spotted Horse sees the connection between the gods.
Hold the wire, Shaw
and explain to him that it's good medicine for us
but it's bad for our enemies.
Let 'em have it.
That's enough, Blake.
He says the Great White Father's lightning
is the strongest medicine they've ever seen
that the singing wire can go through his nation in peace.
Well, tell him I promise that the singing wire will make
good medicine for Oglala against their enemies.
He says, "Peace, peace."
Now let's get out of here before they have a chance to think it over.
Well, I was sure everything was going to be all right from the first.
-Weren't you?
-Course.
Never gave it a thought.
Barney, hyah!
Boys, uh, I've called you together tonight
to give you some good news for a change.
We've practically licked our job.
We're on the last leg and the finish is almost in sight.
You fellows have all done a great job,
and so when we reach Salt Lake City
everybody gets an extra two months pay as a bonus.
And tonight double portions of grub for everybody.
Come and get it! Come and get it!
-Jack wants to see you, Vance.
-What for?
It's a matter of life and death.
He had an argument with a fellow over in Elkville, and the fellow plugged him in the stomach.
Where is he?
Only a couple of miles from here.
All right. I'll meet you on the other side of the camp.
All right.
Sorry, Vance. This is orders.
Come on.
Get the horses, boys.
Hi, Vance.
Oh, don't look so blame sore.
I got you up here to save you from a roastin'.
I'm gonna burn out Western Union tonight.
Didn't want you to be a part of it.
That's mighty wide of you.
Well, you use to be one of us, and, as far as I'm concerned, you still are.
You kept your mouth shut and you played square.
-Didn't want to see you get hurt.
-Get hold of yourself, Jack.
You can't fight a thing as big and as important
as Western Union. Why,it's plumb loco to...
No, it ain't to me.
If this thing don't work tonight, something else will.
I'm gonna stop 'em if I have to cut down every Yankee pole
between here and Omaha.
Are you going to be with us or not?
Listen, Jack, I want to give you some of the best advice you've ever had.
-Yeah?
-Let Western Union alone.
I'm not gonna let 'em alone till they've paid ten times
over for every foot of wire they're stringin'.
Why, this is better than ownin' a gold mine.
Steal their cattle, steal their horses, burn 'em out.
Then when they need more wagons, more horses, and more cattle,
we'll be on hand to sell 'em to 'em.
-You're a fool, Jack.
You can't go up against a thing as big as this without getting hung.
Maybe I will and maybe I won't.
If you got any sense, you'll string along with us.
I'll tell you what I'll do.
You come along with us and I'll cut you in for half of my share.
-It's a bargain on one condition.
-Yeah?
That you agree to give up this bonfire business and come back to Missouri with me.
We'll join up with General Moseby and be real guerrillas.
Tie him up, boys, and tight.
You sure you won't change your mind and come with us?
Not this trip.
All right. Come on, boys.
I looked everywhere, Mr. Creighton, but I can't find him.
All right, I'll see him in the morning.
-Good night.
-Good night, Joe.
-You looking for Shaw?
-Yes.
I saw him ride out of camp over an hour ago.
This timber is so dry, it'll burn up like paper.
Be sure you circle the whole camp.
Fire! Fire! Everybody out!
Fire! Fire!
Blake!
Come on! Get up, get out!
Come on everybody!
Get the horses out of the corral and hitch 'em up!
Hurry! Get all the equipment on the wagons! Hurry!
It's warm tonight...
Nevermind that! Get the insulators loaded!
Blake, come here, give me a hand!
-The road's blocked! Head for the lake!
-Where do you want him, Doc?
-Ambulance wagon.
Come on, you fellows, get out!
Look out for that tree!
Charlie, I'm so tired.
What's the matter, Herman? A little accident?
No, when the fire started lickin' at his boots
he went so fast he ran clean out of his britches.
Come on now, Cookie, behave yourself.
Here, eat your stew like a good boy. Here.
Look at this nice little piece. Come on.
Isn't it good?
I didn't think you'd got back in time to get b*rned.
You're next, son.
Oh, Shaw, come to my tent. I want to talk to you.
Thanks, Doc.
-Ever see this before?
-No.
Shaw, for a long time I've been expecting you to tell me something
and you didn't. I've given you every chance.
The only conclusion I can draw now is I was wrong about you.
You know, I didn't say anything when the cattle were stolen
and I didn't say anything about that horse deal in Sage
but your absence last night is something I won't put up with.
Now, once and for all, I want the truth.
All right. Pack up your things and get out.
-That all?
-Yes.
Well, I see you're clearing out.
Yeah, for good.
After I go, there's a favor I want you to do for me.
A favor? For you?
Tell Mr. Creighton Jack Slade's my brother.
Your brother?
I wanted to tell him myself, but when a fella is your own brother
there ain't much you can say. I'm going into Elkville on a little business.
Tell Mr. Creighton not to worry. Jack Slade won't bother Western Union anymore.
-Give me a shave.
-It's a pleasure, friend.
He's loose, Jack! He's sure now lookin' for you!
-Alone?
-Yeah.
We'll stay here.
All right.
If you'll excuse me, I think I'll go and have dinner.
Put that cloth around me and get to work!
Uh, but my wife, she's a stickler for punctuality, and...
and I live way over on the other side of town.
-Shut up and do as I tell you!
Yes, sir.
And be careful you don't nick me, if you know what's good for you.
Oh, no, sir.
There he is!
Maybe he didn't see us.
He seen us, all right. I know Vance.
-What are we gonna do?
-That depends. We'll see.
Here he comes.
Howdy, Vance.
Howdy, Jack.
Did you come to join us?
No. I'm gonna give you an even break, Jack.
It can't go on this way any longer.
It's gotta be either you or me, so
get up and take that apron off.
-Blake.
-Well...
Makes a nice sound, doesn't it, coming across the continent?
It's music.
I wish Shaw could hear it.
It's a long way from Salt Lake City to Boot Hill in Elkville
but I think he can hear it.