Rachel and the Stranger

# In O-he-o-hi-o-ho

# There's a girl I used to know

# I don't think much but when I do

# I think about that girl I knew

# In O-he-o-hi-o-ho

# I'll be in Maine on Sunday

# On Thursday, Tennessee

# In Fundy Bay on Monday day

# And be back by half past three

# In O-he-o-hi-o-ho

# There's a girl I used to know

# I don't think much but when I do

# I think about that girl I knew

# In O-he-o-hi-o-ho

# My nightcap will be Capricorn

# I'll snuff the northern light

# I'll blow the morn on Old Cape Horn

# And be back by Tuesday night

# In O-he-o-hi-o-ho

# In O-he-o-hi-o-ho. #

Hello, Jim.

It's hail and farewell, young Davey.

A drink from your pa and a kiss from your mother,

and I'm on my way.

Ma ain't here.

That's why the wash hangs out all night? Where is she?

She was sick a while.

A good while if she let apples ripen on the tree.

And then she...

she died.

And your pa?

What about your pa?

He's been sitting up there for I don't know how long.

Won't eat, won't move, and won't talk.

Maybe, er... maybe him and you

better strike out up north with me for a winter of hunting.

Jim! You mean it? Huh?

Well, now... take the rest of these clothes in.

I'll go up and talk to your pa.

Mind if I say a few words, Big Davey?

I reckon you loved her, too, in your own way.

I never reckoned I'd be as miserable as I was the day you won her,

but now you lost her.

She always thought to be buried in a proper graveyard.

Church singing and flowers.

DOG GROWLS Leave go!

What did he say?

Weeds around here grow as fast as...weeds.

You ought to clear them out.

They'll smother your mother's flower bed.

We ain't going with you?

You wouldn't want to grow up wild and woodsy,

like a weed, would you?

Weeds grow faster and tougher than flowers.

Susan was afraid you would grow up woodsy,

so she chose your pa instead of me.

I wouldn't want to change that.

So I'll be back in the spring, Young Davey.

You take care of your pa till then.

Bye, Jim.

Goodbye, Davey.

HE SINGS A TUNE

Pa, how long you going to carry on this way?

Davey, it looks to me like

you ain't put soap 'n' water to your face in a week.

Reckon I could stand a shave myself.

"Births and deaths."

Back East, kinfolk gather round for funeral doings.

You wouldn't know, Davey,

but it makes the heart a lot easier.

Jim says why don't we all strike out north

for a winter of hunting, maybe?

Dave, this is no time to go hunting.

I want you to write this in, careful-like.

So you remember your ma.

Just say...

Susan Harvey.

Died October 15th...

Of fever.

..of fever, aged 28.

This is all you want in here?

Better add Northwest Territory.

It's turning colder.

Get back! Back!

Now you stay back.

Davey?

Dave?

(Rrawk)

SQUAWK

SQUAWK

WHISTLE

WHISTLE

DOG BARKS

Pa!

Pa! I'm here!

You come with me.

You gave the cabin's-in-danger whistle, Pa.

I did?

Where are we going?

Saddle up.

Don't see no danger.

Blaze's liable to act up after being out all winter.

Hand me that halter.

That's not cabin's-in-danger kind of danger.

Maybe not. Come on.

You said I shouldn't use cabin's-in-danger whistle

unless it was life and death danger.

A cabin can be in danger in more ways than one.

Don't see no danger.

We're proper farmers, Dave, not woodsy folk.

A man goes bad if he can't have bread with his meals

and a stitched garment on his back.

Hold him. Musket!

Your ma had reading and writing and music.

The menfolk in our family were smiths, farmers,

and maybe a doctor or preacher,

but not no-account.

I'm going to be a hunter.

I'm going off to hunt and trade with Injuns.

Don't you ever say that again. Why not?

Because you're a Harvey,

and there'll be a lady around the cabin.

Pa! Get cleaned up.

We're riding to the stockade to get you a ma.

I won't have no other ma. The devil I will!

You swear again, and I'll tan your hide.

Now, get!

And don't forget your shoes.

(The devil I will.)

BELL RINGS

Hey, Bob! Somebody wants to come across.

Look, Pa. If you was to want to change your mind and go home...

I don't. Lead him on.

I wonder what she'll be like.

Who?

Your new wife.

Could be most anybody, I reckon.

Big and fat like Mrs Richter,

or a scrawny old bag of bones like some.

I sure hope she don't whistle when she breathes

if she's fat like Mrs Richter.

Davey, you chatter like a chipmunk.

We gotta take whoever we can get to take you, Pa.

Welcome! Big Davey.

Howdy, Jed.

Any Injun signs?

No. Clear all the way.

How be sister Susan these days?

DOG BARKS

Good afternoon, Big Davey. Afternoon, ma'am.

How you been, Big Davey?

Howdy.

Well, if it isn't big David Harvey.

Afternoon, Mrs Richter.

And without Susan? Yes, ma'am.

Going to see the parson?

I reckon.

I ain't so sure Parson Jackson will cotton to this, Pa.

Yeah. Me neither.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Who is it?

Up above you, heavenwards.

Oh, Brother Harvey.

It's a long while since you're out of the woods.

Tell me, what brings you? How goes the planting?

How's my little beauty Susan?

Parson, could I have a word with you, private?

Ah...

Marthy! Come brew a pot of sassafras

for Brother Harvey.

Will of the Lord. I'll speak a word Sunday.

They put it into the Bible, proper.

What do you plan to do?

I told myself to raise the boy the way she wanted -

proper raising with Bible reading and writing.

You told yourself right.

Only, a man with 30 acres cleared, 100 more to clear

and crops to be put in, meat to be hunted,

can't raise a boy proper.

Reckon not.

You need a wife.

A-ha!

Oh, I've been fighting it!

It's easier spoken of than did, Sister Jackson.

Unless you wait for new womenfolk from back East.

My mind's set. I'd rather not wait. There might be none.

There's the widow Richter. Parson Jackson!

Brother David didn't say he wanted beauty. He needs a wife.

We could wait for Millie Flan to grow up.

15's a might too young to take on a widower's responsibilities.

There's Goody Cosgrove.

And five kids to go with her.

Parson, you're a fool.

When a man chooses a ma for his boy,

he wants a woman with experience.

Pa and me can get along.

The bondwoman.

I hadn't heard about bond servants in these parts.

Mr Green got her for 1,000 bushels of parched corn

from traders last autumn.

There was only one woman there.

Young Matt's got married since.

Mrs Green doesn't need anyone.

You could get this bondwoman at a bargain price.

Yeah, sure. I could buy a bond servant instead of a wife.

I was thinking she'd make a fine wife.

Decent church folk don't live together

under the same roof without marriage.

No. Sure not.

You're not only getting a wife and mother...

I don't want any other mother!

You're buying someone out of servitude.

Such things ain't forgot later on, Brother David.

Yeah, but I... Put pride behind thee.

You ain't wedding for love, but to have a woman at home.

That's true... I'll go with you, make the bargain.

Ma, you come along, too. There's human female questions

I ain't prepared to handle.

Run to the store before it closes and see if anything came in.

Now, get!

Well, hello, Young Davey.

You holding anything for us from the east?

Sit and rest, son.

I'm in a hurry.

You young'uns are in a hurry anywheres,

even on the fiery side of nowhere.

Three months by sea, five by land and river,

three months sitting here, and he's in a hurry.

What's your hurry, son? I can't tell you.

There you be, Mr Impatient.

All the way from Paris...France.

I wonder what it is.

Thank you, Mr Gallus.

Oh, I forgot.

Mind you don't sell all them sugar hearts.

Pa promised me some sugar hearts.

I'll put some aside for you.

Thank you, Mr Gallus.

You wouldn't like for me to take one on account?

On account of what?

MEN LAUGH

On account I ain't had one in so long

I forgot what they taste like.

Here. Skedaddle.

Thank you, Mr Gallus!

Well, Big Davey, $18 now and 4 in the fall.

I want a profit, not a loss.

DAVEY: Suppose I pay $3.00 this fall.

$18 now, 4 later.

I can't afford any more.

Come out here, girl, where he can see you.

I stitched her two dresses.

She didn't have anything.

$4.00.

I'll give up my fees, Brother Harvey.

Give him his flesh money and I'll marry you for nothing.

Marriage!

All right.

18 now and 4 next fall.

Done! I'll take it.

How old is she?

25. And good health.

Except she talks to herself.

Do you talk to yourself?

I guess I do.

What's your name, girl?

Rachel.

Rachel.

Well, let's get along.

Ceremony will be first thing in the morning.

You're welcome to stay at the parsonage with us, Brother Harvey.

Thank you. Get yourself a wife, Pa?

Yeah...I reckon so.

Kinda thin, but...

not bad lookin'.

We're gathered together in the sight of the Lord

to join this man and woman in holy matrimony.

If anybody has any reason

why these two should not be joined together,

let him speak now or forever hold his peace.

Rachel, do you take this man

to be thy lawful wedded husband? I do.

Do you take this woman, Rachel, to be thy lawful wedded wife?

(I do.)

Speak up. I do.

Put the ring on her finger.

By the power of the voice

I try to bring into this wilderness,

I hereby pronounce you man and wife.

Oughtn't we be getting on, Pa?

I reckon the stock needs watering.

I'll fetch the horse.

Give this young'un his Bible teachings.

Thanks for the use of the ring, Mrs Jackson.

I'll walk you to Mrs Green's for your things, Rachel.

David Harvey's decent and hard-working.

He ain't gonna be impatient.

I think I can make him a good wife. I do too, girl.

I trust you'll be tolerant

easing this girl into her duties.

Oh, yeah. Of course.

I've seen love take seed in rockier ground than this,

but sometimes it takes tender cultivation.

I ain't anxious in that direction on account of Susan.

Don't expect more than you would of a bondwoman.

Well, Blaze only rides two.

If one of them's Dave...

Is it fitting a bondwoman should ride and you walk?

I'm used to walking.

It ain't fitting a woman should ride astraddle.

No need to ride to the barge.

Thanks, Parson. Goodbye.

Goodbye, Mr Harvey. The Lord be with you.

Goodbye, Rachel.

I hope we did the right thing.

Amen, Marthy.

Good luck, Big Davey!

My second one was skinny, too.

Pa, what's a bondwoman, exactly?

Well, er...

Maybe she could say better than me.

I-I'd rather hear what you think.

Is it like a slave?

Well, you do have to put out money for both of them.

Ain't that so?

Yes.

Difference is that, well... slave don't get no pay,

but a bond servant can get enough money

to pay her worth. And she can buy herself out.

Where'll she get the money if you don't give it to her?

Well, that's true, too.

Then where's the difference?

Well... The difference is that...

You'd better say.

I was going to say the difference is that

I couldn't leave anyhow.

Why not?

Because I'm your wife now, too.

Oh...

I'm hungry, Pa.

Well, so am I.

You've got to take care of Blaze first.

DOGS BARK AND GROWL

You must be hungry yourself.

I'll go first and light the light.

Out of here! Go on. Get out. Get out. Get out.

DOG HOWLS

Hush up, Musket!

You'll find things in kind of a mess.

If you tell me where I should put my belongings, I'll make supper.

Er, there's only one room besides this one.

Put your things there.

Maybe you can sleep in the loft.

Pa, this here parcel was meant for Ma.

Put it inside and save it till after supper.

Stock needs feeding.

"Susan Harvey."

I don't understand it.

It ticks to and fro, regular as music.

That's what it is. Music box?

No. Your ma wanted some contraption

to give you music lessons by.

I guess I won't get no music lessons now.

We took a lot of trouble bringing this spinet here.

It belonged to her pa.

Drug it by boat, by wagon, finally by sledge,

all the way from the stockade.

Davey and Jim Fairways and me cleared a path the whole way.

A little music after supper is a mighty proud thing.

Do you recollect, Davey?

Uh-huh.

METRONOME TICKS

If you close your eyes and listen to that ticking,

you can almost hear her playing.

TICKING CONTINUES

Pa, I'll never love any other woman like I did Ma.

Go to sleep, Davey.

Goodnight, Pa.

Goodnight.

Oh. You'd better turn in.

I'll put up by the fire for the time being.

TICKING

CHICKENS SQUAWK LOUDLY

Mr Harvey!

Davey!

Go away!

Shoo! Shoo!

I hope you're loaded

and I hope you know what you're doing.

Sounds like the new girl is finally up and about.

Better go take a look.

Guess I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn.

Ma could shoot anything.

It's not so good, me not being able to shoot, huh?

Susan could take care of herself,

but I reckon with you, it'll be different.

Reckon she can't even whistle.

We got a cabin's-in-danger whistle. I'll show you.

LOUD WHISTLE

Oh!

You try it once. Go ahead.

Er, like this?

SHE BLOWS

Ohhh...!

Try it with two fingers.

Like this, under your tongue.

HE WHISTLES LOUDLY

That was good, Davey. You'll get on to it.

I'll learn. Maybe you could help me, Davey.

Come on, Pistol!

He'll come around, by and by.

I'll get breakfast now. Had it.

Oh...then I'll get right to the milking.

I done it. Firewood? Yep.

You'll need a spell to come to know what's expected.

Oh, you mean chores?

Yeah.

It's more than just chores, I reckon.

Yeah, I reckon.

I expected so, Mr Harvey.

It's, er...

Well, it's...it's appearances. Yeah?

It ain't easy to speak of,

but we might as well talk about it now,

and we won't have to go over it later.

There was something special about us - about me, that is.

The way I look at it,

building a home site ain't just doing what you got to do.

There used to be a flower garden here.

She was going to lay some flat stones

so the floor wouldn't get tracked up. That's nice.

It's just a cabin,

but it's got a cellar like a house - a foundation.

It's like giving the boy

reading and writing and arithmetic,

saying grace before meals.

It's keeping up appearances

no matter how deep you get in the wilderness.

I understand.

Is that all?

I reckon you'll have trouble with your hands at first.

And it ain't fitting that you're so frail.

You ought to fill out a little. I'll see to it, Mr Harvey.

You sure got a mess of hair.

That's all I got to say.

Except one other thing.

At noontime, Susan used to come down to the fields where I was clearing.

That's what I was wondering about mostly.

What's that? Whether I was just expected to do chores

and give the boy his schooling... Yeah, sure.

Or was more expected?

Well, you know, other things like...

like comfort and knowing your moods

and planning things together.

Well, things a bond servant wouldn't likely do,

like going out in the fields to see your husband.

The only reason Susan came out was to bring me my meal.

I'll...I'll bring your meal, Mr Harvey.

PISTOL BARKS

Good morning! Maybe.

WHISTLING Morning, Davey!

Come on, Pistol! PISTOL BARKS

Whoa!

Must have most of this cleared!

Yeah.

Well...

I'll be gettin' on back.

Come on!

Come on, Pistol!

PISTOL BARKS

Evenin'. Did you have a good day?

Yeah.

Are you hungry?

Are you hungry, Mr Harvey?

Yeah.

That's good.

Goodnight, Mr Harvey.

ROOSTER CROWS

It don't seem fitting, Pa.

What don't?

It always seemed to me

the master of the house ought to have the best place,

instead of on the floor. Yeah?

If she was to take the loft,

we could share the room like last winter.

She's got little enough comfort, Davey.

Come on, Pistol.

Good morning to you, too(!)

Now, don't go talking to yourself.

Even if he don't open his mouth for months on end,

don't start talking to yourself.

It ain't fitting.

You're the one.

Maybe if I could get to know you,

and through you, the boy,

and through the boy, his pa...

Talking to a gun ain't like talking to yourself.

If I could just learn to handle you

without anybody hearing...

GUNSHOT

GUNSHOT

I hit the candle.

Hmm! Pretty good if we'd meant it.

Rachel? Yes, Mr Harvey?

How's the boy's schooling?

Well, he's bright.

Pa, did you hear anything queer today?

I meant to ask. Did you hear it?

Hear what?

Sounded like one time back home

when a jug of cider busted open in the attic.

Sound comes from the north, I reckon. I reckoned southerly.

Someone shooting in the next valley, I reckon.

I reckon. Yeah, I reckon.

Come on. Get over there and jump through.

That's it.

Come on. Over. Over. Jump over it! Jump over.

All right, Davey. Schooling time.

Jump over it, Pistol.

Come on. Jump through.

Davey!

Why the devil won't you leave me alone?

Please don't swear. Your pa don't like it.

I'll swear like I want to, Rachel.

You ain't going to tell me to not.

I want you to know something.

I ain't trying to steal your ma's place.

You better shouldn't. Not with you nor with your pa.

You couldn't if you wanted. I know.

It's going to seem mighty queer to Jim.

Who is Jim?

Jim Fairways. A friend of the family.

What will seem queer to him?

Me in the loft, Pa on the floor,

with you taking the best room to yourself.

It ain't fitting? No, it ain't.

Think I ought to take the loft?

When Jim comes, maybe Pa will listen to him.

Maybe so, but in meantime, I got to do my chores.

I got to do what's expected - teach you your schooling

and try to keep cheerful.

One reason your pa wanted me here

so I could sort of mother you.

The devil it was! You're a bond slave, that's all!

Pa bought you.

I seen him when he paid your price!

You was 18 dollars and 4 owing!

You can go out today without your schooling.

Zowee! Come on, Pistol!

PISTOL BARKS

Come on, Pistol!

Mr Harvey?

Is right here all right?

Well, hello, Musket.

MUSKET GROWLS

It takes Musket a while

to get along with strangers.

How long do you think it'll take?

Er, Mr Harvey...

I've been concerned about your sleeping by the fireplace.

No need to be concerned about that. Oh.

Of course, when I was at the Greens',

I did sleep in the loft.

I hadn't thought about that.

Davey and me could share the big bed,

and nobody would sleep on the floor.

It would be more fitting, huh?

Sure. You're up first with the milking and breakfast.

That's right.

You know, that way,

maybe the boy would be less resentful to you.

Maybe.

I'll see to it this afternoon, Mr Harvey.

You been by the cabin, Dave?

Been hunting.

No smoke from the chimney.

Supper fire ought to be up by now.

You seen Rachel since schooling?

Didn't have no schooling today, Pa.

What's that? TURKEY GOBBLES

Can I take your gun for one crack at that old turkey gobbler?

How come you had no schooling?

I want you to answer me, Davey.

She said I could go out without no schooling.

GOBBLING CONTINUES Just one shot at him, Pa.

Gobbler's meat'd taste mighty good for supper.

What is it, Pa?

Only an old gobbler.

Gobbler call is the Shawnee signal.

Be quiet.

GOBBLING CONTINUES

Ha-ha-ha!

If I really was a Shawnee, I'd be hanging two fine scalps

on my belt about now. Been a long spell.

Got a word of welcome for an old friend?

Jim, the devil himself wouldn't consider that a fitting joke.

I ain't acquainted with the gentleman.

It ain't fitting for a man to talk about schooling

when he hears a Shawnee call.

There's signs of Shawnee up north.

That ain't a joke, Jim. No, it ain't.

It's been a fine year without any trouble of that sort.

Trouble comes when you don't least expect it.

Let's get this deer off the horse's back and in our bellies.

That ought to be enough meat to hold you for a while.

It must get pretty lonely for you, Big Davey,

out here in the deep woods with no womenfolk.

It is and it ain't, Jim.

It ain't proper to raise a boy without womenfolk. No.

A man can't hardly live without them either,

'less he wants to grow up wild and woodsy.

Trying to talk yourself into something?

It's a fact, Big Davey.

I got an itch to live within four walls.

I figure to get me a wife and maybe a piece of land.

That ain't another joke, is it, Jim?

Who's that?

That?

Her. Oh, her name's Rachel.

Rachel.

She's a bondwoman I bought from Matt Green.

Had to have a woman around the place. Uh-huh.

Can't raise a boy proper. Uh-huh.

Serving girl? No.

Kinfolk? No.

Just a bondwoman, huh?

Bondwoman or no, decent folk can't live together

without taking in marriage.

Oh, you took her in marriage.

Come on in and set.

Rachel, this here is Jim Fairways. You've heard his name.

That I have.

How do you do, Mrs Harvey?

How do you do?

Davey, fetch the jug out of the barn.

PISTOL BARKS

Big Davey, it looks like

you've got just about everything a man could want.

You enjoy the idea of marriage?

I'm tracking it like a wild critter.

I congratulate the lady. She ain't trapped yet.

You won't have any trouble. I ain't so sure.

Well, now that we're down to honest talk,

is Big Davey the all-devastative,

devoted husband he makes himself out to be?

If he ain't, you're a powerful good cook,

and I'm in a settling humour.

Thought you might like something to eat.

That's mighty considerate, ma'am.

Yeah. Thanks, Rachel.

Don't go away, Mrs Harvey. Sit down.

Yeah. Set, Rachel.

Davey, you and me ever sing The Hunter's Song? No.

You play the spinet, Mrs Harvey? No. Yes, I do.

You never mentioned you could do that. You never asked me.

It's been a long time.

Well, you can chord, can't you? I think I can.

Now, everything I say you say, "just like me".

That's all there is to it.

# There once was a hunter

# Just like me

# Thought he'd go a-hunting

BOTH: # Just like me

# Took up his musket Just like me

# And he set out at sunset Just like me

# He was strong as an ox

# And tall as a tree and smart as a fox

# Just like me

# He climbed up the mountain Just like me

# Biggest, highest mountain Just like me

# Felt a little thirsty Just like me

# Found a fresh spring a-bubblin' Just like me

# Bended down to drink some just like me

# When he looked in the pool

# What did he see?

# Swell-headed mule

# Just like me

# Now what you say is entirely true

# A swell-headed mule

# Just like you... # You!

THEY LAUGH

THEY HUM

# Dee-dee-dee, da-da-da-dum

# Oh, the orchard blossoms ripen

# Into fruits so round

# And sweet

# As with nature in her garden

# So it is with all and one

# Love may blossom

# In the springtime

# But it blooms

# With summer sun

# As with nature in her garden

# Full with life

# The days are long

# Soft the evenings pass to... #

RAPID TICKING

I-I didn't mean to interrupt your singing.

You know any more funny songs, Jim?

I know a million of them. But I better be on my way

if I'm to make the stockade before morning.

Sure you won't spend the night, Jim?

No, thank you, Big Davey.

When a man craves marrying, it doesn't do to pause along the way.

Too many things liable to start turning over in a man's mind.

So long, Big Davey. Goodbye, Jim.

Pleasure meeting you, Mrs Harvey. A pleasure meeting you, Mr Fairways.

You're always welcome, Jim.

Bye, Jim.

Drop around any time.

I'll do that thing.

After you get settled.

HE WHISTLES

Well, I...guess I'll bring in the wood for the morning.

Davey, go to bed. Rachel?

Come on, Pistol.

How is it you never mentioned being musical?

You never asked.

You said that before. That's right.

That ain't what I wanted to talk about. Oh?

Was Jim Fairways, er...

offensive to you this evening? Why, no.

No, I thought he was mighty nice...

and cheerful.

Being the way he is,

he seems to take on around women.

Oh?

I just hoped he wasn't offensive. Oh, no.

Even with Susan he used to...

That ain't what I wanted to talk about neither.

Then what is it, Mr Harvey?

Well...sometimes I don't think I rightly understand people.

Davey tells me you didn't give him his lessons today.

No, I didn't. Well, why not?

Cos he said I was nothing but a bondwoman.

Was the hurt of that so that you couldn't school him?

It was the way he said it.

I reckon I'll get me a drink of water.

Hard liquor leaves you thirsty.

Where'd you learn music at?

My pa. Your pa schooled folks in music?

Yeah. And other things.

Guess that's why he died in debt.

Don't pay very well.

You got bound into service for your pa's debts?

That's right.

I never knew. I reckon I never asked.

I reckon.

You can play any time you feel like it.

Well, thank you, Mr Harvey(!)

I didn't mean it that way.

I'll see the boy gets music lessons, too, if you want.

May as well give you a hand.

Thank you.

I, er, I think I'll get me a drink, too.

Salt pork leaves you thirsty.

Oh, look, there's a shooting star!

Yeah.

Lots of them up here this time of year.

Pretty. Yeah.

Stars seem so close to you up here.

It's funny how people get separated

with miles in between them.

Don't seem right. No, it don't.

DOOR OPENS

I told you to get to bed.

I'm thirsty.

I reckon it was the singing.

Night.

I suppose singing does make you thirsty,

like salt pork and hard liquor.

Your hair looks sort of blue in the moonlight.

The moon does funny things. It...

I never looked at your face so close on.

I didn't have it pictured clear in my mind...

I mean, what it'd be like getting married again.

I was thinking mostly of the chores

and the boy and...

But I reckon there's more to it than I reckoned.

There should be talking to each other,

respect...

Maybe even...

SHARP WHISTLING

TICKING

Where is the danger, Davey?

You told me yourself

cabin can be in danger in more ways than one.

Go to bed, Dave.

Aren't you coming? I said go to bed.

TICKING STOPS

I'm sorry, Rachel. I know.

He was very fond of Susan.

Well, of course.

Rachel, I...

I reckon I ain't ready to fall in love yet.

Hmm.

Where are you going? To fetch the wood.

You turn in. I'll get it.

Piggy, piggy, piggy!

Piggy, piggy, piggy, piggy!

Piggy, piggy, piggy, piggy, piggy!

JIM: # I don't think much but when I do

# I think about that girl I knew

# In O-he-o-hi-o-ho

# I'll breakfast in Ohio

# Eat lunch in Canad-y

# I'll supper-o in Mexico

# And I'm back by Satur-dy...

Pa, Jim's back!

# In O-he-o-hi-o-ho...

Yeah.

# I don't think much but when I do

# I think about that girl I knew

# In O-he-o-hi-o-ho

# In O-he-o-hi-o-ho. #

What happened, Jim?

If seeing store-bought clothes is funny,

you may not want this store-bought tobacco

for your pipe.

A pipe and tobacco go together,

but you and that parson's outfit... Bring me anything?

Here's a few sugar hearts. Thanks.

And, er... And what?

Little something for your music schooling.

What brings you back?

Forgot my guitar.

Couldn't start wife-hunting without my guitar.

Staying tonight? DAVEY PLAYS

DAVEY PLAYS BADLY Staying tonight?

If, er, Mrs Harvey don't mind.

She don't.

Do you, Rachel?

It's a joy. I took the liberty, ma'am -

if it's acceptable to you -

a little go-to-meetin' dress,

in token for your caring for my two boys.

Is it fitting I should accept gifts, Mr Harvey?

I reckon so. Thank you, Mr Fairways.

I figured for sometime after supper

when you sit at the spinet.

# Once was a man, a hateful man

# Had a wife, but would fain exchange her

# Till one day, one fateful day

# Along came a tall, dark stranger...

HE WHISTLES

HE PLAYS ALONG

BOTH: # Once was a man, a hateful man

# Had a wife, but didn't see the danger

# Till one day, one fateful day

# Along came a tall, dark stranger... #

HE WHISTLES

HE PLAYS ALONG BADLY

THEY LAUGH

DAVEY PLAYS A TUNE

Kind of slicked out, ain't you, Jim? Any reason special?

It's the Sabbath.

These here from last fortnight are still fresh.

Hadn't realised you'd been with us a fortnight already.

Oh, more than that.

Can I go swimming, Pa?

Yeah, I reckon.

Come on, Pistol!

Pistol! Come on, boy!

Lookee there, Big Davey.

It's the Sabbath, Jim.

GUNSHOT

Listen, Pa. I heard it again.

Yeah, it's queer.

Reckon it's Shawnee, Pa?

Probably nothing but some old squatter.

Queer sound to it. I can't make it out.

Probably somebody shooting in some other valley,

and all you get's the echo.

Don't seem right, Rachel at the cabin alone.

To set your mind at rest,

I'll scout around on the other side of the valley.

See you at dinner.

Ma could've took care of herself.

Yeah. Get your clothes on.

Got your new dress on.

Ain't you afraid you'll get it all wore out?

It's the Sabbath.

Oh.

Dinner ready? Yes.

Where's Mr Fairways?

He'll be along. Oh.

For the food we're about to receive,

the Lord make us grateful. Amen. Amen.

Remember the last time I wore this outfit?

Yes, I do.

It's been more than a fortnight.

It certainly has. It's been an age.

I didn't mean that.

Oh. Well, what's been more than a fortnight?

Since he's been visiting. Jim.

It don't seem like it.

Must make considerable more chores for you.

He's generous about helping out.

Not to speak of winter coming on.

Well, not till after autumn.

He said we're going hunting all next week.

Oh? He may not be here next week.

Stop eating like a pig.

He's learning the boy woodsy ways.

Not a sign, folks.

Not a sign.

Can't figure it out,

unless there's a ghost around these parts.

Say, you're kind of slicked out, ain't you, Big Davey?

It's the Sabbath.

No sign of anyone shooting?

Nope. Nothing to be seen on the surface.

Let me help you with that, Mrs Harvey.

Oh. Thank you, Mr Fairways.

You know something, Big Davey? You and me ain't hunted a fox yet.

Let's test those hound dogs' voices.

How about a week Saturday?

Well, why wait so long?

No hurry. I'll be around.

SHE HUMS "The Hunter's Song"

# Looked in the pool, and what did he see

# A beautiful girl... #

That's where you come in. I thought you'd gone hunting.

I figured these garments need washing.

Put them down. I'll do them for you.

Don't want to add to your chores, ma'am.

Seems Big Davey's already took care of that.

It ain't really the washing.

I...been trying to get you alone for quite a spell...

Only Big Davey seems a mite miserly with your time and company.

I think you and me got a secret.

That's why I figured it might be profitable

if we had a little talk in private.

I don't think it would be very profitable for you.

I'd rather you just went to Mr Harvey with your discovery.

I only thought you could do with some advice on shooting, ma'am.

You're losing your laundry, Mr Fairways.

Here. I'll do it for you.

First time I heard that shooting,

I figured it might be you. Why?

Susan took to the musket just like a minuteman.

Now, why should I...

Well, just because Susan could shoot...

You're so much a pair in every other way,

including a husband.

No reason it shouldn't be the same with a rifle.

But I don't hardly know how to shoot.

Figured that.

Then I don't know what you mean, Mr Fairways.

I mean you're setting out to prove

you're just as good as Susan Harvey any day, any way.

All I mean is, I think you two

ought to be friends instead of rivals.

You'd have liked each other fine.

What was she like?

Oh, like you, mostly.

How?

Practical. Patient. Pure. Pretty.

Maybe even beautiful.

Oh. Smart, too.

Smarter than me or Big Davey.

She must have been.

We both thought she'd marry me, but I never gave up hope.

If she'd left Big Davey, I'd have married her in a minute.

I'm getting better.

You're pulling to the right.

Yeah, I know. Comes of jerking the trigger.

Don't you have to?

No. You squeeze it, sort of easy and gentle.

Sort of...caressing, like...holding hands.

I think it's near time for Davey's lessons.

I'm sure in need of a little schooling, Mrs Harvey.

Mind if I hang around?

No, not at all. We're having Bible reading today.

Rachel give you your lessons?

Sure. And Jim, too.

Jim's good at schooling. He thinks of things to do.

For sums, we figured a tree's age by its circles

and how many weeks you take to get enough fox

to make a fur coat for Rachel, and such.

Ain't you and Jim going to hunt fox, Pa?

Then you say, "just like me".

Just like me.

I reckon I'll do that.

I reckon maybe I'd better.

Can I sit with you while you listen to the hounds?

No, Dave. Jim and me have been wasting for a talk

for quite a spell.

DOGS BARK

Davey? Oh, what?

You better come in now. It's past bedtime.

Listen. They're on to him now.

I sure wish I was up there with Jim and Pa.

Wonder why your pa changed his mind about going hunting.

He said Jim and him was wasting for a talk

for a long time. Soon they'll light a fire yonder

and sit out all night listening to the hounds

and picking them out by their voices.

Come on. You don't want to stay out here alone.

Maybe after Jim talks to Pa,

you won't be telling me what I don't want to do.

Well, suit yourself, Davey.

DOGS BARK

That's Musket out front.

Yep.

Tobacco, Jim? No, thank you, Dave, I've brought along the jug.

DOG HOWLS

Emmy-Lou's a-tailin' him now. Yep.

This is a mighty nice long visit you've paid us, Jim.

Sure is. Mighty long for a walking man

with an itch in his heels.

I got rid of that itch. DOGS BARK

Sounds like they jumped him now.

Never knew a walking man who could stop walking

and take root in one place.

Oh, some can if they got reason enough to settle.

I recollect your saying something about settling down.

Still goes. Clear a few acres.

That's right. Get yourself a wife.

Yep.

Wives don't grow on trees.

Reckon not.

Leastways, not on the trees around here.

Never spoke truer, Big Davey.

You got to go out a-hunting.

Don't reckon I got so much hunting to do.

SHARP WHISTLING

Rachel's in trouble.

Someone's got to stomp out the fire,

so I reckon I'll go on ahead.

You can come down now, Davey.

Sure is a big 'un. Yeah, sure is.

Rachel, I'd sure thank you

if you wasn't to tell Jim or Pa about how I...

Hey, Pa!

Here.

Mountain cat. A big 'un.

Did you shoot him, Dave?

She did.

I thought you said you couldn't tote a gun.

Don't say I never asked you about that.

I heard the steers bellowing. Then Davey whistled here.

Jim. A mountain cat.

It... It was fretting the animals.

Clean square between the eyes.

No trigger jerking there.

Thank you.

Said she couldn't hit the broad side of a barn.

I've been practising in the cellar.

Ain't you cold, Rachel?

Oh.

Come on, Davey.

Come on.

Let's get to skinning, Big Davey.

Want to get an early start in the morning.

You pulling out, Jim?

As you said, I'm a man with an itch

that ain't getting scratched around here.

When you do get settled down, let us know,

and we'll have a cabin raising. Yeah. Thanks.

You all ready? Soon as I saddle my horse.

I've already done that.

Mrs Harvey, I... Goodbye, Mr Fairways.

You're, er, you're forgetting your guitar.

You'll be having use for it, I believe.

Thank you.

Mighty fine, fair woman.

Yeah.

Reckon she's worth more than you paid out.

Four still owing.

I'm willing, Big Davey.

I don't get what you mean, Jim.

You paid out $18 cash and 4 owing.

I've got silver in my pocket.

I'm prepared to pay you $40, cash money.

She's my wife, Jim.

You don't treat her like men treat a wife.

You treat her more like a bondwoman.

I been ten years in the deep woods, Jim.

I never ordered anybody off my property.

You ain't ordering me off.

I'm leaving of my own accord, but not without Rachel.

I offered to buy you out fair and square.

Wait till I catch my horse, Dave!

DOGS BARK

DOGS BARK AND GROWL

My horse! My cattle!

BARKING CONTINUES

Rachel!

What is it? What's all the racket?

They're fighting - Pa and Jim, like panthers!

Men. Two full-grown men

fighting like a couple of wild Indians. Why?

Davey, why was they fighting?

You shut, Dave. You speak, Dave.

Jim wanted to buy you, and Pa told him...

You shut it, Dave! He'll speak all he wants,

and so will I. Maybe that's best.

Tell Big Davey you're going along with me.

Why, you... Now, hold on!

Hold on!

Me going along with you?

This may come as a surprise, it did to me...

So's I can be bought and sold as you two please?

Now YOU want to buy me so you can have a wife and slave

just like he has.

Then when you want a change, you'll sell me like he's doing.

Now, Rachel... You shut.

I'm beginning to believe

that's just the way you both think about a wife -

someone to be bought or sold,

someone to cook for you, do your chores,

flatter your manhood every now and then.

Manhood! Just look at you.

I'm going back to the stockade.

If you think the work I've done

for you, Davey, and that lazy, no-account hunter

isn't worth $18 cash and 4 owing,

then you can warrant me with Judge Lang when he makes circuit.

I wouldn't if I was you.

He's likely to throw the lot of you in the guardhouse.

DOOR SLAMS

Pa, better go after the stock.

Come back, boy.

Get in there.

Go on. Get in there.

Get in there.

Rachel.

Rachel!

Reckon I'll be on my way soon as I get a bite to eat.

Worked up a powerful appetite.

Pa.

Guess we won't get no dinner cooked.

Now, ain't that just like a woman?

Lazy, no-account hunter.

Seems kind of strange now she's gone.

Davey, fetch me my gun. Where are you going?

After her.

Going to put a warrant on her?

Nope.

Can't do much without you laying hands on her.

I never laid hands on a woman in my life.

Figuring on reasoning her back?

I ain't bringing her back.

Oh.

If she's ungrateful enough to leave the man

that bought her out of bond and married her legal,

then I don't want her.

Then what are you going after her for?

Shawnee. Ain't likely they'll move toward the stockade.

Well, she might get lost.

Mind if I ride along with you?

It ain't my forest.

HE WHISTLES

Get down, Davey.

Why?

Rachel, er... What do you want?

Oh, nothing, except, er... you might as well ride.

It's a long ways to the stockade.

I walked it before.

Yeah. Well, here's the horse.

Ride him back to the cabin and leave me alone.

You're welcome to this horse, ma'am.

No, thanks, Mr Fairways. I'm walking - alone.

We can't leave you in the deep woods.

Been Injun signs. That's true.

Rachel, you shouldn't go off like this.

It ain't that I'm trying to stop you,

only you're going the wrong way. Oh.

You've got to follow the river or you get lost.

Thanks.

Jim, I'd appreciate your allowing me

to speak to Rachel alone.

Like you said, it's not your forest.

I'm telling you to stay away from my wife.

Ain't exactly your wife either.

Dave, hold this horse.

She won't like it, Pa.

# Dwells a spinster

# Nigh to a bachelor

# In between lives foolish pride

# Long his beard and grey her tresses

# Knowing not what happiness is

# Thus they live there

# Side by side. #

Rachel's got you right, Jim. You're a lazy no-account.

Some was meant to sing to lighten others' labours.

Davey, want something to eat?

I ain't hungry...not very.

Well...

just a little, maybe?

I guess they're mighty hungry.

There's plenty of game in the woods if they care to hunt.

I reckon you're the better hunter, Jim. Thank you, Big Davey.

I ain't accustomed to shooting in the dark.

Answer me this. Would you give me half an hour

to plead my cause alone with Rachel?

Not while I'm able.

I ain't no bigger fool than you.

Well, I ain't hungry.

Me neither.

# In the churchyard

# Now they are laid to rest

# Buried with them

# Foolish pride

# Lonely graves

# And granite heads

# Graven only

# Died unwed

# So they lie there

# Side

# By

# Side. #

Davey. Hmm?

You'd better go sleep by your pa's fire.

Why? Cos he'll be hurt.

He's probably lonesome for you. You reckon?

Yeah.

Your ma must've been awful nice, Davey.

She was...and so are you.

I reckon you take after her, not after your pa.

Go on. Get.

Pa. Get, you ungrateful whelp.

She ain't so bad, Pa

Just like a hound dog -

take up with the first one to feed you.

She told me to come back. She allowed you'd be lonely.

What she doing to make a man less lonely?

I reckon we'll get somebody else to do our chores.

I think if you was to ask her... I ain't asking no favours.

I'm going to speak my piece,

get it off my chest, and go to sleep.

Those that don't care to listen, I'd oblige.

Rachel, I'm asking that you marry me. Just as simple as that,

except for separating you and Big Davey.

He never appreciated you.

I ain't the catch of the river,

but I ain't so mule-headed

I can't admit I'm in love and do something about it.

Well, I said my piece. Now I'm going to sleep.

If you like the notion, think it over,

let me know in the morning.

I ain't never let Jim have the last word,

and I don't intend starting now.

Ask her to come back, Pa.

If the boy wants you back,

that's good enough for me.

I ain't begging,

but if you was to say the word, I'd be willing.

Reckon the dogs would miss you, too.

That's a mighty queer-looking sky.

Too far east for you, ain't it? It's a forest fire?

Maybe. Cabin in danger, Pa?

Rachel, take Dave and ride to the stockade. Tell them.

I'll go back with Jim, if he's willing.

Davey, it could be Shawnee set fire to the cabin.

Is that what they think? I reckon.

Can you get to the stockade alone? Sure.

Go there and tell them. But, Rachel...

I got to go back. Now, go ahead.

SHARP WARBLING

Shawnee haven't been on the warpath for a while.

They've lost their eye.

I reckon east/west gives the best vision.

Pretty quiet back here.

He's letting out the stock.

Hold your temper, Big Davey.

Davey, you go out there and I'll knock your head off.

But they turned the stock loose!

Better to lose a few head of stock than your own.

HORSE GALLOPING

Someone's coming on a horse.

It's Rachel come back alone.

Moon's breaking out of those clouds.

Head for the cabin!

SHE SCREAMS

Aah!

Aah!

I-I sent Davey on to-to the stockade.

He'll make it. Yeah, I reckon.

HIGH-PITCHED WARBLING

Rachel.

HIGH-PITCHED WARBLING

You shouldn't have come back.

It's just a matter of time now,

and this isn't a fitting place for a woman.

I reckon I know best what's fitting for a woman.

GUNSHOT Aah!

Fire's awful bad in the bedroom.

Come on, Big Davey. We better hole up in the cellar.

We're a little low on powder.

Davey must be at the stockade by now.

RACHEL COUGHS

GUNSHOT

GUNSHOTS SHAWNEES WHOOP

If you're a Shawnee, prepare to meet your maker.

If you're Big Davey, stay put till we smother the fire.

All right. You can come out now.

You all right, Pa? Yeah, Davey.

I brung them, Jim. So you did. I'm proud of you.

Where's my horse?

Out there. We were mighty worried about you.

Sister Jackson will be relieved.

Parson, let's get after them Shawnee.

Jim, I ought to give a word of comfort

to Brother and Sister Harvey and arrange a cabin raising.

If you take my counsel, you'll leave them two be.

Reckon they've had enough visitors for the time being.

Are you leaving, Jim?

I'm a free man, Davey.

I got an itch to my heel and a load in my gun.

Ain't tasted food in a day and a half.

Reckon I was just born to hunt the meat for other men's tables.

Tell your pa I'll see him when spring comes round again.

If you see Pistol, send him home.

Let's go, men. Bye, Jim.

Let's go! We'll be back to help you build.

Pistol!

HE WHISTLES

Pistol!

No more bedroom.

No more loft.

Oh.