01x01 - Provost Marshal

[bunniefuu]

[theme music]

[male narrator] The 1860s was a decade in which

one of the most terrible civil wars in history

was to begin and end.

But far from the bloody fields of Gettysburg and Shiloh

changes which were to alter forever

the face of the American west had already begun.

Telegraphs were spinning a web of voices

across the Great Plains.

And railroads were pushing steel fingers

into the heart of the wilderness.

Along the rights of way, new trails were being broken.

New towns were born overnight.

And settlers by the tens of thousands poured westward

and began putting plows to the land

the Indian considered his birthright.

The inevitable happened.

Two totally divergent cultures, Indian and white

met on a collision course.

The white man demanded his manifest destiny.

The right to take the land he wanted.

And the army began the subjugation of the red man

with a savagery that plunged this nation

into a series of Indian wars that were to last

more than a quarter of a century.

- 'How many would you say?' - 'Oh, about 30 of 'em.'

I'll ride on, tell 'em you're comin' to talk.

I didn't come here to talk.

All skirmish line!

What do you think you're doin'?

My orders are to attack.

Don't give a damn what your orders are.

There's no need for a fight. Those Arapaho are starving.

Besides, they got women and children with 'em.

Nothin' they can do but surrender.

My orders from General Connor are explicit.

I'm not to accept surrender on any terms.

And I'm to k*ll every hostile over the age of 12.

You lied to me, Caine.

I didn't have any choice.

I was told you wouldn't guard us if you knew my orders.

Caine...you give the order for a m*ssacre

I'll gut you, belly to brisket.

Arrest this man.

[speaking in foreign language]

[Caine] 'Knock him down'.

- k*ll him, sir? - sh**t!

[g*nsh*t]

[speaking in foreign language]

[g*nsh*t]

Bugler.

[bugle call]

[people screaming]

[bugle call]

[Caine] Fire at will.

[g*nshots]

[screaming continues]

[firing continues]

Cut 'em off from the horses.

Take no prisoners.

[horse neighing]

[groaning]

[screaming continues]

[firing continues]

[groaning]

[child wailing]

[wailing continues]

[wailing continues]

[speaking in foreign language]

[speaking in foreign language]

[speaking in foreign language]

[speaking in foreign language]

Sergeant...somebody on foot, approaching main gate.

[groans]

Here.

They haven't had anything to eat in two days.

Feed 'em.

[child wailing]

Feed 'em!

Caine's outfit come in here?

Only the wounded, sir.

Caine?

He was among the wounded.

[horse neighing]

You can't..

Where's Colonel Caine?

Zeb!

I want that butcher's scalp. Where is he?

He took an arrow in the throat in that Arapaho raid.

He's dead, Zeb.

[theme music]

Deserters often for reasons totally unrelated to cowardice

have plagued armies since wars began.

And American armies have been no exception.

During the civil w*r, there were 200,000 deserters

from Union forces alone.

And more than 76,000 were hunted down.

For the most part, provost marshals

who continued to search for runaways after the w*r ended

were decent and dedicated men.

But for a few, the hunt was often

the prelude to a k*ll.

Micah Sloane?

Who are you?

You got a bad memory, Sloane.

Maybe you'd remember better if I was still in uniform.

Captain Grey.

Drop the g*n belt.

You gonna k*ll me?

I'd sooner see you hanged.

But it'll save me time if I bury you here.

It's up to you.

Mind if I get my hat and coat?

Get 'em.

[g*nshots]

[theme music]

Uncle Zeb! Good to see you.

About time somebody stirred around here.

Sun's been up over an hour.

[both laughing]

Uncle Zeb.

Been expecting you ever since we heard the w*r's over.

Oh well, easy there, Luke.

Got a few stitches that ain't healed up yet.

What happened?

It's a long story. How long have you been back?

Last time I was here, you were on the run.

Ah, nobody's come lookin' for me.

So, ma figured it was alright for me to come home.

How long you been back?

Oh, couple of months now, I guess.

You oughta still keep an eye a-peeled.

How's your ma?

Ah, she's still workin' on the principal

that idleness is a mortal sin.

Looks like it's paid off.

Things are lookin' good around here.

Wait here a second. Will you, Uncle Zeb?

- Sure. - Yeah, I'll go fetch her.

Hey, ma. Somethin' out here you oughta see.

I'm busy, Luke.

Yeah, well, ma, you should see this.

In a minute.

Alright. Just thought you'd like to know there's a bear

in your vegetable garden.

Bear?

- Zeb. - Kate.

- Oh, Zeb, how are you? - Fine, fine, Katie.

You look tired.

Well, I had a long ride from Fort Kearny, you know.

A few stops along the way

salons and sportin' houses and such.

I bet they know you by sight and first name in every one.

I think it's good for you livin' out here.

If I'd said that a while ago

it'd have caused a hell of a ruckus.

Zeb, mind your language while you're here.

[female #1] 'Uncle Zeb, Uncle Zeb.'

[girls cheering]

Uncle Zeb, Uncle Zeb.

How are ya?

Alright now, your Uncle Zeb's had a long trip and he's tired.

Go inside and get dressed.

- Oh, ma! - We'll talk later.

There's so much to talk about.

- Talk at breakfast. - We'll talk later, girls.

- Josh, go ahead. - Okay, ma.

Oh, Kate, you...you brought this place a long ways.

Something wrong, Zeb? Are you hurt?

Oh, nothin'. Nothin' to bicker.

Zeb.

I got shot in a scrimmage, Kate.

[Luke] 'Where?'

At the Black River. Army surgeon got a b*llet outta me.

The stitches just ain't healed.

You rode all the way from Fort Kearny in that condition?

The army and I ain't exactly seein'

eye to eye these days, Kate.

I've had about all their hospitality I can stand.

You come on in, Zeb.

You're gonna eat and then you're gonna rest.

- Come on. - Oh, sounds good.

Still bossy. Ha ha ha.

Never seen kids with that kind of grit.

Had to walk more than 60 miles.

'Lot of it through snow 'cause the only way'

'to the fort was over the high passes.'

It was freezin' at night and the last two days..

...they didn't even have nothin' to eat.

But not one of 'em quit.

Babies cried some 'cause I had nothin' at all to feed 'em

but the others...there was not one of 'em that even whined.

What'll happen to the children, Uncle Zeb?

Well, I reckon, they'll take 'em

on to some Indian reservation, honey.

What kinda man can give an order to k*ll everyone

over the age of 12?

[Zeb] 'Man called Brigadier General Patrick E. Connor.'

How-how do they expect the-the children to survive?

[Zeb] 'As far as I can figure, they didn't.'

Makes you ashamed to be a white man.

Now the Indians, they've done things different.

Now, they used to fight each other and have wars

long before any of us ever came into this country.

But they did it by rules and honor.

Scalping was honor?

Well, there was a couple northern tribes

that used to do ritual scalpin'.

But it took the white man to teach the Indian

how to make scalpin' a way a life.

[Kate] 'We should realize how fortunate we are.'

I think we should give thanks.

Jessie.

Our Father who art in heaven, we thank thee

from the bottom of our hearts

'for bringin' us all together this day in peace and love.'

Amen.

[all] Amen.

Mama. Mama, you always said

when Uncle Zeb and Luke got back, we'd all go on to Oregon.

Well, we didn't leave Virginia to settle here.

It was your father's dream to go on to Oregon.

Laura is right, ma.

You always said when the family got together again, we'd go.

Sure looks like we're together.

Well, Zeb?

Well, look, Oregon is still a long ways off

and the hardest part's ahead of us.

That's always been a long way off.

Is it gonna get any easier later on?

No. Ain't gonna get no easier.

And like Josh here says

we are all together.

Then we're goin'?

Kate?

Oregon.

[all cheering]

Sixty two, sixty three, sixty four, sixty five cents.

You drive a hard bargain, Mrs. Macahan.

You got yourself two fine saddles, Mr. Jones

and a healthy litter and another due any day now.

When'd you figure it'll pull out?

Soon.

Wish you all the best.

Thank you, Mr. Jones.

Thank you, boys. Have a safe trip.

Move..

Well, how much did you get?

$11.65.

Ma, you're a hallelujah.

We're gonna need every penny of it.

Hey, ma.

Looks like you got another customer.

- Good mornin', ma'am. - Mornin'.

You must be Mrs. Macahan.

I am.

Nice day, ain't it?

Twenty two years old, a little over six feet

light brown hair. You'd be Luke Macahan.

Drop the g*n belt, boy.

What do you think you're doin'?

I'm sorry to inform you your son's under arrest

for desertion from the United States Army.

Now, this is our land and you're trespassing.

I want you off.

Battle of Shiloh, April 7, 1862.

Name's Grey.

'Captain Grey.'

'I'm a representative'

'of the United States Provost Marshal's Office.'

Drop the g*n belt, boy.

I told you, boy. Drop it.

Now, let's get something straight, son.

I'm gonna take you to trial.

You give me any trouble..

...I'll bury ya.

[Zeb] 'Speakin' of burials, mister'

one twitch and it'll be yours.

Whoever you are..

...you're interfering with the law.

Name's Zebulan Macahan.

Uncle of him.

You move that scattergun, I'll empty this saddle.

Aidin' deserters is a criminal offense, Macahan.

Now you're gonna step down or eat dirt?

Now, Zeb, you're not helping Luke--

Kate, I know this man.

He's build himself a reputation as a bounty hunter.

He's no better than a hired k*ller.

Drop the g*n.

Now step down.

[Zeb] 'This side.'

Get rid of the g*n belt.

I'm gonna say it once more, Macahan, just so we're clear

you're interfering with an officer

of the United States Army in the execution of his duty.

Mister, I ain't got no words to tell you my opinion

of the United States Army and everything it stands for

right now, includin' you.

You better talk to him, lady.

Right now, your son's facing prison.

This goes any further, it could be the hangman.

Zeb.

You let Luke ride out with this man

you'll never see him alive again.

Town's that way 15 miles, mister. Start walkin'.

And if I don't?

I'll drop you right there.

You'll hang, Macahan.

[Zeb] 'At the count of three.'

'One.'

Zeb, you can't. He's the law.

- Two. - Zeb.

- Three. - Zeb.

[Kate screams]

No, Uncle Zeb. Don't.

- Don't. - Put that knife away.

You hear me, put it away.

I won't let you k*ll a man on my place.

[Kate] 'Now, get out of here, Mr. Grey.'

Just be thankful you're still alive. Now, go on.

There'll be another time, Macahan.

Let go of me, boy.

You're a fool, Kate.

You were really gonna k*ll that man?

Damn right, I was.

Think I'd stand by while you cut a man to pieces?

'All you've done is let him get away'

so he's got another chance to come back and k*ll your son.

Think he's gonna quit?

The man's a k*ller. He's gotta be stopped.

Even if he's an officer of the law?

It don't matter.

Think Luke was gonna give up without a fight?

I don't know what Luke would've done.

And neither do you.

The hell I don't! He's a Macahan, lady.

[mellow music]

You leavin', Luke?

Yes, sir.

Thought I'll wait until dark, just in case.

[Zeb] 'Makes sense.'

I don't figure Grey will be back

till that arm of his gets patched up, but you never know.

Sooner you get out of this country

the safer you're gonna be.

Here.

I'd, uh...ride along with you, Luke

but I, I figure I'm better off to stay here

and look after your ma and the kids.

Especially after what happened.

Yeah.

Well, I can take care of myself, Uncle Zeb.

You can if you know what you're up against, boy.

Sit.

Luke, that man Grey is a real bloodhound.

He's gonna stay on your trail till hell freezes over.

There's only one way you can stay ahead of him.

To get up into the high country

and keep movin'.

You'll keep ahead of him till I can figure out

a way to get out of this.

How long you figure that's gonna take?

Well, I don't know, but you can keep runnin' forever.

As long as you're runnin', your ma ain't gonna budge off

of this homestead.

No, thanks. I ain't much of a drinkin' man.

Ha ha. Then you ain't no Macahan, boy.

I never acquired a taste for it.

'Don't say that.'

Your pa'd roll in his grave if he heard you talkin' like that.

Your grandpa too.

Why, either one of them could have drunk me under the table.

Pa?

'Sure.'

Luke, your pa, before he married your ma

why he was the biggest hell-raiser in seven counties.

He used to take me with him. I was only 14-15 years old.

Why, your grandpa, he used to thump on him

regular for leadin' me astray.

It's hard to picture pa as a hell-raiser.

'He was a lot of things to a lot of people, Luke.'

He was a good brother to me.

He was a good father to you and the kids.

Good husband to Kate.

Gotta ask you somethin', boy.

Your ma, she told me you were with Tim when he died.

'She didn't say how you found him.'

It was an accident.

[Luke] I was in Tennessee lookin' for him

when the battle of Shiloh started.

Some Yankees who were trapped behind rebel lines grabbed me

and put me in a uniform.

I got no stake in this w*r.

It's a hell of a place to be a neutral.

What's your name?

Macahan.

Look, Macahan. You believe in sl*very, Macahan?

No sir, but I--

It no longer makes you a neutral for the time being.

I don't believe in w*r either.

Neither do I.

About, uh...Billings' size, wouldn't you say, sergeant?

[Luke] I fought most of that day and all of the next.

And I was wounded.

I stumbled into a field hospital.

Hospital!

There weren't any doctors or any medicines.

Just a lot of men who were shot to pieces

and a few rolls of bandages.

I don't know how long I'd been there

when I saw them bringin' in another man.

Pa.

Pa.

Pa.

[whispering] Pa. Pa.

Pa.

What you doing here?

I've come to find you, pa.

Your mother. Your mother..

She's fine. Everybody's fine.

[male #4] 'He's dead, boy.'

[Luke] I buried him there under a tree.

And I walked away from the w*r.

That's why Grey is after me.

That's damn fool way for a good man to die.

I thank you for telling me, Luke.

The army had no cause to send anybody after you.

You didn't volunteer and you wasn't recruited.

You were shanghaied into the uniform of a dead man.

Your ma was wrong keeping me from k*lling that blood-sucker.

You know, I've been thinkin' a lot about what you said.

About having to k*ll anyone who comes lookin' for you.

Where does it stop, Uncle Zeb?

If you'd have k*lled Grey, they'd only send somebody else.

Maybe somebody harder than Grey.

Luke, they don't come no harder than Grey.

That's what I've been tryin' to tell you.

You gotta learn that, boy, if you wanna stay alive.

Now, you think you've been runnin' from the law

these last three years.

Well, after what's happened today, it'll be a lot worse.

You're in for a hard lonesome time

but if you got the stuff in you I think you have

you're gonna make out.

Yes, sir.

Luke...you know, it won't be all bad.

You're gonna be ridin' the high country.

If you're lucky, you're gonna get to taste somethin'

few men have ever known.

We used to call it the Shannon times.

- Shannon times? - Oh, yes.

Kinda hard to explain, but when it happens to you

you'll know it. You won't ever be the same again.

You'll ride for days, alone up there

in a country so big, it'll scare ya.

And all of a sudden, some morning' you'll top a rise

and there'll be a mountain or a valley or a meadow

no white man has ever seen before.

You'll feel the breath catching in your throat.

The mountains are holding you in the palm of their hand.

Mountain snows and dropping waterfalls into lakes

that are so blue, it'll make your eyes ache

just to look at 'em.

And flowers, wild and thick, move into the pines.

You'll know you're part of somethin' so overpowering

there ain't no words to describe it.

You felt all that?

Ain't no mountain man alive

that ain't felt that more than once, boy.

Hell, that's what keeps all of us coming back

to high and lonesome.

Luke, one more thing. Don't trust nobody.

'You got a price on your head now.'

You're gonna find out what some people would do

for a few dollars.

Keep your powder dry.

[Jessie] It's awful quiet in here.

[piano music]

[music continues]

Jessie, it's not the time.

Go on, Jessie. I think it's just what we need right now.

[g*n c*ck]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

I'm sorry, ma. You know I don't wanna go.

Luke, we don't want you to go, any of us.

Ma, don't you understand? I don't have any choice.

Uncle Zeb is right about that provost marshal.

He's gonna come back.

And when he does, Uncle Zeb is gonna k*ll him.

- Or I will. - You will?

'It's become so easy to talk about k*lling, hasn't it?'

Luke, are you ready to k*ll a man?

If it means staying alive, ma, yes.

It's different out here.

It's not like it was back in Virginia.

You're talking just like your Uncle Zeb.

No.

It's something I learned back in Missouri

when those men tried lynching me for stealing

a horse I didn't steal.

The difference is you weren't trying to k*ll a man.

No, ma, you're wrong. I was trying.

I was just so scared stiff, I missed.

Ma, don't make it any harder than it already is.

I just can't stay here without making everything worse.

You know that.

Oh, it sure is hot, ain't it?

What say we put this off for a while

and head down to a swimming hole? Cool off a little.

Ma'll have our scalps if we went off without finishing this.

Besides, we don't feel very much like swimming, Uncle Zeb.

You know, when it gets hot like this, it sure reminds me

of the high country in the fall.

With the snow seeping down through the trees.

My one time up in Montana, well, it was Injun summer

and...we had this early freeze. Froze real hard.

You girls listenin'?

'Well, see, we had this sudden freeze real fast.'

There was a little lake there

a little lake, and it was covered over with ducks

that had been resting there overnight, on their way south.

Well, I seein' them ducks and I says to myself

"Zeb, you gonna have yourself a roast duck breakfast."

Well, I aimed and fired. You wouldn't believe what happened.

What happened?

Well, them ducks they took off. Took the whole lake with them.

They took the lake with them?

Why, sure, honey.

See, that cold spell come on so fast

'that just froze that lake solid, around 'em ducks' feet.'

And when they lifted off, they pulled that lake clean outta

the ground, and they flew it to next county.

Kate, this has gotta stop.

I haven't even seen a smile on anybody in three days.

Smile? You expect us to be happy while Luke is out there

running for his life?

We're not helping Luke by going around here

feeling sorry for ourselves.

- 'We gotta do something.' - What do you expect?

We can pack up and start heading for Oregon, like we planned.

It's not good for these kids to sit around here rotting

'cause their brother's on the run.

I'll tell you again, Zeb. We are not moving.

'As painful as it is for us'

we're staying in case Luke needs us.

Woman, you're the stubbornest human being I ever met.

What gives you the right to tell us what to do?

What've you done for this family since you

'brought us here from Virginia? Nothing.'

'You've been out smoking the peace pipe with the Indians.'

We're breaking our backs, making a life here.

You got one thing straight. I ain't no farmer.

Anymore than my brother Timothy was.

You kept him chained to a plow every day for 20 years

when you knew he was dyin' to come west.

How dare you tell me how Timothy felt.

You haven't the faintest idea what goes on

between a man and woman who love each other.

'Ever loved a woman?'

All you know is animal lust on a buffalo road

with some Indian squaw.

Lemme tell you somethin', lady.

There's a lot more animal lust in all of us, including you

than you'd like to admit.

Ma! Ma!

Ma, Uncle Zeb's in the barn. He's saddling up.

He says he's leaving.

We can survive without your Uncle Zeb.

No, he says he's gonna find Luke and bring him back here.

Finish plowing.

[Kate] 'I don't understand, Zeb.'

'Luke could be in danger if you brought him back here.'

Kate, Luke's life's gonna be in danger wherever he is

as long as Grey is after him.

Except, maybe, for a while right now.

In the beginning, a man on the run can always keep ahead

of the man that's trailing him.

Problem is, sooner or later, every man gets tired of running.

It may take a few weeks, may take months.

When it happens, he gets careless.

That's what Grey's counting on, he's gonna stay on Luke's trail

'and he'll catch up to him.'

Luke will fight him and Grey will k*ll him.

- What can we do? - 'Only one thing we can.'

I tried to tell you earlier, but we got to grindin' on each other

so hard, I couldn't get it out.

I gotta get Luke, bring him back here

so we can all go on to Oregon, together.

- Can you find him? - 'I can find him.'

I know how to keep Grey a week or so behind us.

By the time he gets here, we'll be gone.

What if Grey catches up with us on the trail?

I just hope this time, you'll stay outta the way.

So we're back to that. k*ll or be k*lled? Is that right?

Any of us is capable of k*lling, Kate

if it's a matter of survival. Even you.

If k*lling would save the life of one of your children..

...you'd k*ll.

You're wrong, Zeb. There are other ways.

Lady, one of these days, you'll happen to find out different.

[intense music]

In the wake of the Pilgrims who crossed an ocean

and settled in wilderness in search of religious freedom

came dozens of other religious orders.

Quakers and Shakers, Bryanites and Dunkers

Calvinists and Huguenots, all seeking sanctuary.

It is one of the tragic ironies of our history

that these gentle and peaceful folk

merely because they were different, frequently found

not the freedom they sought but a persecution

as ugly and relentless as any they had known

in the countries from which they had fled.

[male #5] 'Hey, boys. We got us a pass at the blackbirds this time.'

'Just look at her.'

Uncle Jacob.

Whoo! Will you look at what we got here!

C'mon, there's somebody else I want you to meet.

[all laughing]

No, Joshua. We must not.

[laughing continues]

She knows nothing of men.

Oh, sure she don't, living with the likes of you.

You got any hair under that bonnet?

I'd sure like to see.

It is not permitted, for a woman in public, to display her hair.

You shut your face!

You gonna take off that bonnet? Or I'll take it off for you?

- I cannot. - Well, I can.

Take away your hands.

Now undo it. Undo it.

Do not make her do this.

You say anything else, I'll sh**t you in the mouth!

My father has told you it is not permitted.

Why, sure it is. Lemme see it, girl.

Please, no!

[g*nsh*t]

C'mon up here and take my hat off.

I'll take your head off if you don't get outta here, mister.

Well, you're talking yourself into a big mistake.

Get on them ponies and get outta here.

Get!

Get the girl on the wagon, sir.

[g*nsh*t]

Now, drop those g*ns! Drop 'em!

- And get outta here! - What about Willy?

He'll never miss ya. Now, get outta here!

[intense music]

[music continues]

He's dead.

We must take the body into town and deliver it to the sheriff.

You must come with us and tell what happened.

- I can't. - I don't understand.

Tell the sheriff what you saw.

For sure, he's not gonna blame you.

You can't k*ll a man and just ride on.

I have to.

I'm sorry.

[mellow music]

Erika, you and your brother go back to the Bruderhof.

- 'We'll take care of this.' - Yes, father.

God with you, father.

God with you, child.

[dramatic music]

[g*nsh*t]

Got him!

[indistinct shouting]

'Let's get outta here before somebody comes.'

[music continues]

- Erika, it's him-- - No, Joshua. You stay here.

[Luke groans]

What has happened?

Those boys..

They sure figured out their saddle g*ns.

You could be bleeding to death.

Look...I want you to do something for me.

My name is Macahan. Luke Macahan.

My ma's name is Kate.

She lives near the town on the plain.

Get a message to her.

Tell her what happened.

[groans]

- If I'm dead, tell her that. - Please, do not talk anymore.

I will see to it, if need be.

But first, I'm taking you to the Bruderhof.

Figure that to be a waste of time, miss.

That is up to God, not you. Joshua, help me.

Bishop Benjamin. Brother Elias. Someone help me, please.

[Erika] 'Mother Tice.'

Erika, who is this man?

I found him on the road, Bishop. He's called Macahan.

He has been g*nsh*t.

We are bound to help him. It is our law.

Erika, fetch Mother Tice.

Have her bring pliers for a b*llet.

Take him inside.

He has no b*llet.

It has passed through, but he has lost much blood.

I cannot say that he will live.

We will pray God that he does.

You will care for him, Mother Tice?

All that I'm able, child, but I'm in the middle

of mid-wife of Mrs. Brand, poor thing.

[Erika] 'I will tend him.'

Erika, you are unmarried. How will it look?

It be fine, Mother Tice. It be just fine.

You mean, you never stayed to see if he's dead?

Well, there was somebody comin', pa.

We was afraid they'd see us.

How do I know you ain't tellin' a lie about shootin' him?

How do I know you didn't tuck your tails

'run like a scared dog after he k*lled your brother?'

Pa, I swear on Willy's grave, I hit him square.

I knocked him clean off his horse now. Ain't that right?

It's true, pa. He was lyin' right there in the dirt.

Then where's his body?

Uh, well, somebody must have took it, pa.

"Somebody must've took it, pa!"

Who? The sheriff ain't got it! Nobody's seen it.

Maybe, somebody around here collects corpses.

Stacks 'em up around his house like cordwood.

'You reckon that's it, Charlie?'

- You think that's it, Charlie? - No, pa! No!

I'll tell you why you didn't find him.

'Cause he ain't dead, that's why.

Somebody must have some reason for hidin' him.

Wait a minute... them blackbirds.

Them blackbirds the ones that found him.

No, that can't be, pa.

It was them that brought Willy's body in to the sheriff.

'They'd have said something if they found that other fella.'

Yeah, h-he's right, pa.

You know how they're about sh**ting and such.

Hell, they didn't even raise a frown

when we were teasing that girl.

[laughing]

Now...if that's the truth, there's only one thing left.

He's hurt and he's crawled off somewhere to lick his wounds.

He's hurt as bad as you think he is, he ain't gone far neither.

Now, I want him found.

'I want y'all boys to go search every cabin, every gully'

every shack, until you find the man

that k*lled your brother!

- Well, we'll find him, pa. - Yeah.

If he's dead, I wanna know it!

And if he's alive..

...wouldn't that be pretty?

[instrumental music]

I never figured hell for angels

maybe I'm not dead.

But you'll be fine. Just fine.

Considering that I never expected to wake up at all

I guess I must be.

For two days we did not think you would live

but the last two days, you slept like a lamb.

I've been out for four days?

On Thursday, you were among us for a few minutes

and took some soup from Mother Tice.

- You do not remember? - No.

But I remember you.

My name is Erika, but you must call me Miss Hanks.

Yes, Miss Hanks.

I will get you some food.

Where's my g*n?

I do not know. There was only this.

[sighs]

Those men find out I ain't dead

they're gonna come looking for me.

- 'They will not come here.' - Why not?

This is the Bruderhof.

- The what? - 'The Bruderhof.'

Except, it is not really a Bruderhof yet.

Just a town where no one lived and we stopped here

because many of our people were ill.

Are you gonna stay here?

It has not yet been decided.

But we are building a church...and if we stay

we must also build a wall to keep the world out.

It is the way of the Simonites.

Simonites? Is that what you're called?

Yeah. After Simon Peter.

You have read the New Testament?

My ma used to read the Bible to us every night.

- Mr. Macahan, the elders-- - How did you know my name?

When I found you, you asked that the word of your death

be sent to your mother.

- 'Did you?' - No.

You did not die, praise God.

Praise God?

What were you saying about the elders?

The elders held a council to try and decide

if a man of violence be allowed to remain among us.

I-I'm not a man of violence.

You k*lled a man.

Yeah, for trying to k*ll me.

And I'd do it again if it came to it.

You do not understand.

It is not important why you shot, only that you did.

We do not hold with violence in any form.

We do not fight, we do not resist.

- No matter what? - No matter what.

You mean, those two Simonite men on the road--

My father, Elam and my uncle, Jacob.

Your father and your uncle?

You mean, they would've stood by and let those men..

...have their way with you?

Yes.

How do you feel about that?

I agree with them.

But how can any man stand by and let that happen?

It is our way.

God's law is our law.

Scripture tells us

"And if any man sue thee at the law

and take thy coat, let him have thy cloak also."

We take God at his word, Mr. Macahan.

You take God at your peril, Miss Hanks.

A man could do much worse.

Well, if everyone thought that way

there wouldn't be anyone around to keep law and order.

If everyone practiced that, there would be

no need for anyone to keep law and order.

You haven't told me what the elders decided yet.

What everyone knew they would decide in the beginning.

You will remain here until you are better

and then you must leave.

I sure hope they let you look after me till that happens.

It is my hope too, Mr. Macahan.

[soft music]

Generations of Americans have viewed the Indian

as either the Noble Red Man, a pure and innocent child

of nature, as uncomplicated as the wilderness

in which he lived, or as a half-naked and barbaric savage

whose cruelty knew no bounds.

Neither concept is true.

The Indian, like any man or nation was a mixture

of many qualities.

Before his lands were usurped and his people decimated

he was a loyal friend to the white man.

The Pilgrims survived a winter of starvation

thanks to the kindness of the Indian.

And Lewis and Clark dying, were rescued by the Nez Perce.

But just as the white man dealt in deceit with the Indian

so not every overture of apparent friendship

by the Indian toward the settler

could be taken at face value.

[horse neighing]

Pretty lady, we come to water our horses.

You're always welcome to our water.

Where is your man, pretty lady?

He's out hunting, chief.

Strange, I never see your man.

He's...gone most of the time.

'He does not like to farm, uh?'

He's very much like the Shoshone. He's a hunter.

Is not good to leave a woman, the young ones

alone in this country.

You need a man, pretty lady.

[speaking in foreign language]

We cannot watch over you always.

We're not the eagle in the sky.

You need a man.

[speaking in foreign language]

This, Mountain-Is-Long.

Good fighter. Good hunter.

Good man. All man.

Well, I know, chief, but I--

Ride for pretty lady. Ride.

Ye-ah!

Ye-ah!

[hooting]

[hooting]

See, good fighter. Good man.

Plenty babies. Good.

I know, chief. But I told you, I have a man.

'Macahan? Macahan good.'

Macahan, fine, good, smart, but not meant for woman.

His home is there. He not stay long in house.

Oh, not Zeb.

Another Long Knife. A warrior.

'A very good warrior.'

Where is this good warrior, pretty lady?

He's-he's on his way now.

Any day...next sun.

Maybe two suns.

We go hunt now, come back see this Long Knife.

Goodbye, pretty lady. Pretty girls.

[horses galloping]

Mother, do you think he believed you?

- Do you? - I don't know.

I had to say something. He's a very determined man.

[Laura] 'I don't know.'

That Mountain-Is-long looks strong as a fort.

And plenty babies.

[both laughing]

[guitar music]

[g*nshots]

[horse neighing]

[intense music]

[music continues]

A kid.

Boy, you know how close you come to getting your throat slit?

- 'What is the matter with you?' - I'm sorry, mister.

I was chasing a dear, I thought your horse--

Why, you damn near k*lled my horse.

Not to mention me. You nearly shot off the best part of me.

I didn't mean to, mister. It was an accident.

[panting]

I ain't done with you yet. Now don't budge until I am.

Oh, easy, boy.

Easy, now.

Eh, you pulled a tendon.

You can ride again, but it's gonna be a day or two.

You're lucky, boy, if I had to put him out of his misery

'I'd be tempted to do the same for you.'

What were you doing skulking around here anyway?

Any questions to be asked, I'll do the askin'.

- 'You live around here?' - Why?

Because I need some way to tend to my animal.

Not to mention, myself.

Now, come on. Get up and start walkin'. Come on.

[pleasant music]

What's your name, boy?

Give me an answer before you get trumped.

Macahan.

Cowboy, range w*r, gunfighter.

The words were almost unknown

to the settlers of the northern plains.

For the great cattle drives up the Goodnight

and the Chisholm Trails had not yet begun.

But from time to time, a strange and unique breed of men

who lived and died by the g*n

drifted North out of the vast plains of Texas.

Get a move on. We ain't got all day.

Josh is forever promising catfish.

Next time, he cooks his own breakfast.

How can you eat those things, Jessie?

They're so ugly.

Out here, you appreciate what you get, Laura.

Well, it's not for me, Jessie.

I was born a female.

A feminine girl and that's what I aim to stay.

Slopping pigs and, uh, eating catfish

and staying bent over a hot stove all day

it's just not for me.

'That's what you're willing to settle for.'

Laura, I want the same things you want..

...but they're just gonna have to wait.

Besides, it doesn't look as though

you have much choice, does it?

Jessie.

Jessie, bring the r*fle.

It's Josh!

[g*n c*ck]

Mister, I wanna know why my son's on foot

and you're poking him like sheep.

You tell her, boy. And tell her straight.

I lost all the heart I can stand to your family's marksmanship.

Well, Josh.

I was tracking a deer and it went into some trees.

I-I saw somethin' movin', I thought it was the deer.

You mean, you came close to sh**ting this man?

He done a might better than come close, ma'am.

Shouldn't have been messing around there anyway, ma.

It was a mistake and I'm sorry.

Just knocked a little bark off me, is all.

It's my horse though, come up lame.

Put the horses in the barn, Josh.

Wait a minute, ma. I don't trust him.

Why?

Comin' here he asked too many questions.

[Anderson] 'I didn't mean no harm, ma'am.'

If I did, that boy would be back there gatherin' ants.

Sorry about the r*fle.

Don't ever apologize about doing the sensible thing, ma'am.

Anderson is the name.

[whispering] What're you gawking at?

That man is handsome.

I apologize for Josh. He's a good boy.

Well, if you say so. He's your son.

Did he say he nicked you?

Well, the first shot just blew a kiss

but the second one did sting some.

Well, maybe I could put some salve where the b*llet hit you.

I'm afraid I have to know you some better

before I could ask you to do that.

Well, the medicine's in the house, you can put it on.

You're welcome to spend the day, Mr. Anderson.

I mean, it's plain your horse isn't ready to travel.

Hmm, neither are you.

Thank you, ma'am.

[pleasant music]

[music continues]

Evening, Louie.

Well, I see you got fed.

Liver. I hate liver.

They know I hate liver, sheriff.

They do it on purpose.

Well, Louie, maybe, it's just their way

of trying to keep you outta here.

[keys jingling]

You know, you spent more time in this place than I do.

The very reason you ought to treat me better.

This is cruel and unusual punishment.

Come on, Louie.

Oh! I forgot.

Somebody was lookin' for you. A friend of yours.

Who?

He told me his name and I forget.

Big fella. Nine feet tall.

All dressed up in buckskin with fringes on it.

- Yeah. Zeb Macahan. - Yeah.

Yeah, that's it. That's the one.

- Yeah. - Biggest man I ever seen.

Been lookin' for you since noon. Said it was important.

Where is he?

[customers chattering]

That's terrible.

Never heard anything like that my whole life.

Well, if I'm lyin', I'm dyin'.

Now, old Mormon Jake, you know, he abandoned the trail

and he turned around figurin' how lucky he was

to still have his head, you know.

He looked back and there's that old bear

standing in the middle of the trail.

And he was grinnin' from ear to ear

and he's wavin' at Old Jake like that to come for him.

[women laughing]

Come on, bartender.

This is a honest-to-God Arapaho scalp

took no more than a month ago

when we wiped out them hostiles of Black River.

You know, Old Jake always figured that bear had done

fall plum in love with him.

[laughing]

Oh! Zeb, let's you and me get out of here and go someplace

where we can be alone.

Well, now, that sounds good, Delilah

but what about these other pretty ladies here?

Oh, that's okay, honey. We'll just all come with you.

[all laughing]

Sounds good!

[male #6] 'Bartender, this Arapaho scalp is worth four bottles'

but we're gonna offer to you for two.

[male #7] Sergeant, I'm gonna tell you again

'we don't deal in no scalps.'

And them that does is the..

Is what, bartender?

[Zeb] 'Is dead.'

Well, well, if it ain't the Indian lover, Mr. Macahan.

We thought we took care of you at the Black River.

Did you take that scalp?

Why not? Was no good to the woman I got it from.

[woman screaming]

[clattering]

[glass shattering]

[grunts]

[dramatic music]

I wanted that colonel's scalp, mister.

And I'm not a Arapahoe.

But I reckon yours will do.

[intense music]

Ah!

Sorry, Zeb, I just couldn't let you do that.

[music intensifies]

[slow music]

Mama, why don't you ask Mr. Anderson to be your man?

[Kate] 'What?'

The man you told Claw about.

Maybe if Mr. Anderson were to stay here for a couple of days.

I couldn't ask a stranger to do something like that.

Laura could.

She thinks he's handsome.

Now, listen, girls..

...I don't want anyone telling Mr. Anderson

about Claw and his braves.

'Remember that.'

Josh, tell Mr. Anderson supper's on the table.

- Ma, I think you're making-- - Josh.

Yes, ma'am.

[pleasant music]

Hmm.

Ms. Macahan, I haven't eaten anything like this since..

Well, I can't remember how long.

[chuckles]

Salt pork and refried beans, that's about as close

to real food as I ever get.

I'm glad you enjoyed it, Mr. Anderson.

Mr. Anderson, where're you from?

No place in particular. I move around a lot.

What kind of work do you do?

'Most anything that comes to mind.

Meat huntin', prospectin'.

I'll even punch a cow or wrangle a horse if I have to.

Fact is, this is about as peaceable an evening

as I've ever had.

And pleasant, too.

Real pleasant.

And...hard as it is to say..

...I best be pushin' on.

Well, Josh says your horse isn't ready to travel yet.

You're in no condition to travel either.

I can't really argue with you there, ma'am, but..

...I've already stayed on longer than I should.

You're welcome to the barn, Mr. Anderson.

[door closed]

I apologize for Josh's bad manners.

Oh, that's alright, ma'am. He's just prideful.

And a boy without pride ain't worth a damn'. I mean--

We get the meaning, Mr. Anderson.

Clear the tables, girls. I'll show Mr. Anderson the barn.

Ma, maybe I should fetch Mr. Anderson a blanket.

Oh, I-I'll do that, Laura.

If I had known all this was gonna come my way just for

getting creased by a little old b*llet, I'd have volunteered.

[pleasant music]

That is a beautiful night!

You know, I spend a good deal of time sleepin' under the sky.

It's funny. Never seemed to notice

the stars when you're alone.

I know.

Ms. Macahan..

...who's Claw?

How do you know about Claw?

Well, there's been a lot of mysterious whisperin' goin' on

between your girls.

Claw's a Shoshone chief and he's a very good friend.

He feels I need a man to protect me

and he's dead set on me marrying one of his braves.

Well, Ms. Macahan, I don't wanna throw a spook into you

but, that chief might be interested in your welfare.

On the other hand, he might just be trying

to go one up on the Arapahoe.

Arapahoe?

Yeah, Arapahoe consider this their land.

But if they Shoshone could get one of their braves

in here, permanent..

...that'll give them a good foothold in Arapahoe territory.

I'd just be mighty careful if I were you.

You know, I like to stay on here for a couple of days.

Not just for the cookin'.

I'd like to, but I can't.

You're on the run, aren't you?

I might just be in an awful big hurry.

I know the look. My oldest son, Luke, is on the run.

'He has a look he never had before.'

Yeah, that's the look you get.

I keep running into men that like to sh**t g*ns.

And sometimes, people get hurt.

Why are you telling this to me?

I just want you to know how bad it is before I kiss you.

[romantic music]

I've been a widow for three years, Mr. Anderson.

I'm not about to take on just any man passing through.

I never apologize for doing the sensible thing.

'Goodnight, Mr. Anderson.'

Goodnight, ma'am.

Sleep sound.

Aren't you ever going to sleep?

Maybe not.

At least not till he's gone.

You're still fretting about that.

'He's a stranger, Jessie.'

'And we don't know anything about him.'

You invite him in here, you feed him..

...you laugh at all his jokes.

It was because of you he had to lay over.

I'm surprised he didn't invite himself to sleep in the house

instead of at the barn.

He seems alright to me. Fact is it's nice having him around.

Haven't seen Laura get that fluttery in a long time.

Did you see how he was lookin' at ma?

And the way ma was lookin' at him?

What's so wrong with that? It's hard on ma here.

It can get lonely. Mr. Anderson is just passin' through.

There's no reason why ma can't enjoy him being here.

'It's been good seeing her laugh.'

She hasn't laughed like that since pa.

She has it comin' to her, Josh.

So you just quit your meddlin'.

[exhales]

Pretty.

You should not be about. Your stitches are not healed.

Ah, I just got tired of lyin' in that bed.

It's a lot nicer out here.

But, it is too soon.

You're stubborn, Mr. Macahan.

Hey, why don't you call me Luke?

It is not permitted.

What do you permit around here?

Whatever is plain.

[laughing]

Well, then they ought not to permit you.

'Cause you sure aren't plain.

Please, Mr. Macahan, you must not speak so.

Well, you believe in truth, don't you?

That's just the plain truth.

If you are strong enough to come here by yourself..

...I think before long, you'll be well enough to leave.

Yeah, I guess so. But the thought don't pleasure me none.

Why not?

Well, the more I see of you people, the more I think..

...maybe you got the right idea about things.

We live quietly, and with God.

'There's nothing wrong with that.'

A man could do worse than spend a lifetime here.

- Some would tire of it. - Nah, I wouldn't.

I grew up on a farm not too different from this.

It's the only peace and quiet I ever knew.

- Why did you leave? - Well, we decided to come west.

The w*r.

[Luke] Ma was afraid we'd get caught up in it.

We were bound for Oregon when it hit.

Seven weeks out of Virginia, we were in the Nebraska territory

we ran into a detachment of cavalry.

Major.

Zeb Macahan, major. This is my kin.

Zeb Macahan. Weren't you scouting for Colonel Hyatt?

at Fort Laramie?

'What're you doing this far east?'

Well, I was about to ask you the same thing.

We were ordered back to join General McDowell.

The w*r's broke full force.

- 'Uh, where're you coming from? - Virginia.

I reckon you left just in time.

Why do you say that, major?

Union forces have crossed through Maryland

and into Virginia.

General McDowell's at Manassas with 30,000 men.

'General Beauregard with 20,000 coming up from the south.'

- Bull Run in the middle. - Bull Run?

It's where we come from. We got family back there.

I'm sorry to hear that. Well, good luck to you.

- Macahan - Goodbye, major.

[Luke] I guess after the major left

we were all thinkin' the same thing.

We just couldn't leave the folks back there

in the middle of a b*ttlefield.

You're going back.

Laura, fetch me a sackful of hard tack and dry beef.

- But, but-- - Go on, girl. Fetch it.

- Josh? - Yes, sir.

Get me some ammunition.

Tim, I'll be the one going back.

- You stay here with the family. - This is hard country, Zeb.

You can buck it.

I'm sure that they'll be needing you more than me.

A long way to go if you expect to beat the rebel troops.

I reckon I'll make it in three weeks.

Seven hundred miles, Tim, to Bull Run.

I'm going, Zeb.

What about the folks? What if they still won't leave?

I'll figure that when I get to it.

Good luck.

Zeb said he'd go back. And you have a family here.

What happens to us if you don't ever return?

- Please, let Zeb go. - It's you I'm thinking of.

You'd stand a better chance out here with Zeb than with me.

- Timothy! - Now, Kate, listen to me.

Kate, out here, I'm a tenderfoot.

Zeb can find game and water.

He can read when a storm's brewin', he knows Indians.

I don't know any of that.

Out here, all alone, I could get all of us k*lled.

Now, Zeb's the one that's got to stay.

You understand that, can't you?

[slow music]

Here, pa.

I remember my sister bringing in food and..

...him giving half of it back

'cause we were short of rations.

- 'Pa, that's not near enough.' - 'Alright, I'll make out.'

Take care of them, Zeb. I'll find you wherever you are.

Well, we'll be here.

We're not gonna go on another foot without you.

'Next spring we'll go on to Oregon together.'

Kate you can't stay here.

He's right, Kate. We can't stay out here for the winter.

Tim, I figure, we're about ten days from the plat.

Now, we'll go on there, and wait for you.

'There's a town there. A telegraph's expected in.'

'We'll leave word.'

We'll be alright.

[music continues]

We'll be waitin' for you, pa.

It was the last time any of us, except me, was to see pa alive.

Yankees put him in uniform.

I found him by accident dying of wounds at Shiloh.

It is so hard to lose a parent.

I remember how I felt when my mother died.

But we must accept it, Mr. Macahan.

We're all God's servants.

God sure found a fine servant when he picked you.

I'm pleased you think me worthy.

Oh, you're much more than worthy, Erika.

[bells tolling]

The bell. I must go now.

[romantic music]

[groans]

[male #1] 'Glad to see you movin', Zeb.'

'I was afraid I might have hit you too hard.'

Oh, that's you that hit me?

[laughing] Yeah.

You didn't give me a whole lot of choice.

But I knew you was about to k*ll that sergeant.

Well..

I gotta admit I was, I was tryin'.

Where's he at?

He's on his way to the fort hospital.

You broke his jaw in three places.

How long are they gonna keep me locked up?

Ha, you ain't no prisoner, Zeb.

Bartender told me what happened.

I didn't even know where she was at.

Disturbing the peace?

No, I think I'll leave that up with the army.

They're outside waiting for you.

Oh.

Now, look, before I talk to them, I gotta ask you something.

I'm looking for a young fella. He's a boy of about 23.

- Good lookin' fella. - Yeah?

About six foot. I lost his trail about 20 miles out.

I thought maybe you might have seen him.

Real fast with a g*n?

Fast enough.

Wouldn't also be a deserter from the army, would he?

Why?

'Cause an army provost marshal was here this mornin'.

He's lookin', too.

Where'd this here provost marshal head for?

He's on his way to a Cymanite village

out the old coast road.

What for?

Well, because a boy answering the description

that both of you gave me shot a man on that road ten days ago.

- Did he k*ll him? - Yeah.

He was trying to protect a Cymanite girl

who was being roughed up by a bunch of hooligans.

Think the boy could be out at this here Cymanite village?

It's so unlikely I didn't even look.

- Where's my horse? - Right outside.

- Thanks. - Anytime at all, Zeb.

- You Zeb Macahan? - That's right.

You're a dangerous man, Macahan.

I've got four troopers to swear to the fact

you tried to k*ll 'em.

And he was trying to trade an Indian scalp for whiskey.

A woman's at that. If you're trying to arrest me, lieutenant

'you better get on with it.'

I'm not here to press charges, Macahan.

'Do you know a mountain man called Cully Madigan?'

Cully Madigan? Why?

As of last week, Madigan had k*lled and scalped

over two dozen Arikara braves.

I don't believe you.

'You can believe what you like, Macahan.'

But I've got 50 crack troopers camped outside of town.

And I've got orders to find Madigan.

- 'What're you gonna do then?' - I'll hang him.

I don't think Cully Madigan's been k*lling Arikara.

But I'll tell you somethin', lieutenant, if he has..

...he ain't been doing' it without a damn good reason.

- Then he is a friend of yours. - He's more than a friend.

When I picked him up, he didn't know a beaver

from a possum tail.

Then, maybe we could work a deal.

Meanin'?

I'll find Madigan, Mr. Macahan, but it might take me a while.

In the meantime, if he keeps on k*lling

we might have an Indian w*r on our hands.

Get to the point, boy.

The point is, he's your friend.

'If you find him before I do, you might save some lives

'and keep Madigan from the gallows.'

Son, there ain't a man alive who's gonna bring Cully Madigan

in if he don't wanna come.

But you could stop the k*lling.

Alright, if I did, would you call off the search?

I'm not sure I can. I have my orders.

[Zeb] 'Then you can forget the whole thing.'

Just to keep the record straight, boy

I'm gonna tell you somethin' else.

You may get Cully eventually, lieutenant, but 'fore you do

he'll k*ll more of your soldier boys than he has Arikara.

Alright, Macahan, you have my word.

Now, do I have yours? You'll go after Madigan immediately?

No, you don't.

All you got is my word, I'll get to it as quick as I can.

I got urgent business gotta be took care of first.

Luke, what is a provost marshal?

He's a kind of law officer for the army. Why?

Because there is a provost marshal here

and he's looking for you.

Oh, Erika, let him take me.

I've caused you enough trouble already.

No! He's a violent man and he has g*ns and..

We must hide you, quickly. Now, come with me.

Oh.

Oh!

The sh**ting took place almost two weeks ago..

...on the road to town.

Why'd you believe that he's here?

Because he protected one of your women.

I think you might be protecting him.

But he k*lled a man.

If you know of our laws, you would know

that they're against violence.

Could we have among us a man who had k*lled another?

Maybe not, brother, but I'll look for myself.

Take the horse, boy.

Now, stand outta the way.

Or we may have some violence you're so dead set against.

[panting]

Over there.

Why does this provost marshal look for you?

I ran away from the army 'cause I...couldn't stand the killin'.

You left the w*r because you could not k*ll?

Oh, Luke, I've great hopes for you.

[intense music]

[music continues]

That horse belong to the provost marshal, son?

Yes, sir.

The man he's looking for, is he here?

It is not permitted to say.

[music continues]

[music continues]

[theme music]

[music continues]

[music continues]