Station West

# It's heartless and cold

# In the dust of the prairie

# And a man can't grow old

# Where there's women and gold

# The story is told

# In the dust of the prairie

# That a man can't grow old

# Where there's women and gold. #

# A stranger in town

# Where a stranger ain't welcome

# Should take some advice

# And turn right around

# The stranger should flee

# Go back where he came from

# And live a long life

# Away from this town

# He'd live a long life

# Away from this town. #

-Evening, stranger.

-You must know everybody in town.

-Everybody but one. I don't know you.

-You do now. Got a vacant room?

-Day, week or month?

-I don't know. And from the way you look at it, a man can't be too sure in this town.

I've been here six years and I ain't dead yet. A week. 8 cash in advance.

-From Kansas, eh?

-No. I put down where I'm going next so I won't forget.

Room 10 at the end of the hall. Make your own bed, supply your own towels.

Thanks for the key.

PIANO PLAYS IN DISTANCE

Seven. You lose.

All right, get your bets down, boys. ..Number seven, the winner.

Get your money down. Man's getting lucky. ..Eleven. Man wins again.

Get your bets down, boys.

Let her go. Eight's your point. Number eight's your point.

Eight the hard way. Yes...

No, thanks. ..There you are, dealer.

Next shooter.

# Some time remind me to tell you

# How much you mean to me

# Some time remind me to tell you

# How happy we could be

# Some time remind me to whisper

# Each dream, each plan, each vow

# But why wait around

# For some time?

# Might as well tell you now. #

Whiskey. ..Like you'd pour it for yourself.

-Don't you know it's no fun to drink alone?

-Not till after the first one.

You a stranger here?

-What kind of whiskey was that?

-On the bottle it says rye. The way you take it, does it make a difference?

-Another rye.

-You didn't answer my question.

-I'm a stranger everywhere.

-Got a job?

-I know that one too, soldier.

"Got a job? No? Why don't you join the Army? Three meals a day, nice, warm uniform."

-It has more than that.

-Yeah, one thing more that I could never take. It's got second lieutenants.

-You want to make this a personal matter?

-I don't make it anything.

-Beat it.

-If I weren't in uniform, I'd teach you a few manners.

If you could teach me ANYTHING, you wouldn't be in uniform.

-You couldn't be looking for trouble, could you?

-I could, but I'm not.

-Good, cos this is one of the best places to find it.

-I thought it might be.

-That lieutenant's a nice boy.

I don't doubt it. But his mouth is too big. Like your ears.

-You look much better at this table.

-And you must like to pick fights.

-..Only with second lieutenants.

We like second lieutenants. Here, everybody fights EXCEPT the Army.

-I wouldn't know.

-So, if you don't like the Army...

I know what you mean. But I'll have to come back. You see, I like the way you sing.

Captain Iles, commander of the post. ..Mr Haven, sir.

Well, Lieutenant, I see you've FINALLY got here.

-I seem to finally get everywhere.

-Mrs Caslon, Mr Haven.

-How do you do?

-How do you do?

You've met Mr Stellman.

It came off beautifully, sir. He picks a good fight. I think I'm still a little sore at him.

-Sit down, Mr Haven.

-Thank you, Captain.

All this mumbo jumbo is characteristic of the Military Information Department.

We try to use it as sparingly as possible.

-I've been in this territory for many years. It's a bit rougher than a Washington DC suburb.

-Very possibly.

-Why has MID sent you here?

-Two soldiers have been murdered.

-They were escorting one of the gold stages.

-Is escorting gold one of the functions of your command?

The functions of my command look very pretty on paper, but they're not very practical in this territory!

-What's happening to the gold?

-I've allowed it to be stored on the post.

Captain, you're in a bad way. Wells Fargo won't convoy gold. You tried and failed. Two men are dead.

Gold's piling up at the post - which is undermanned - and can't be moved.

You want to replace 70 uniforms sent to the freight office...

-The freight building burned down with the uniforms! I'm not running a fire department!

-That doesn't concern me!

-Well, what does?!

-The killing of two soldiers.

-They were my men. I'm trying to find out who murdered them.

-So will I.

-It may be harder than you think. This is a dangerous job that can get you killed!

You make it sound very difficult. Why don't you just head back east?

-Look here, Lieutenant...

-Yes?

-How will I know what you're doing?

-I'll let you know.

-Very obliging(!)

-I don't want to visit the Army post.

-Then report through Mrs Caslon here.

You can be a friend of her late husband - he owned the Argos mine - IF it meets with your approval.

-Only if it meets with hers.

-I'd be delighted to help.

-Is that all?

-Yes, I think so.

He really isn't that abrupt, he's...

-Good night, Mary.

-Good night, George.

-You see?

-I see.

-I think he secretly likes you.

-He can certainly keep a secret.

-Would you like some sherry?

-Only if you'll have some.

-What mine did the two soldiers try to convoy the gold from?

-The Argos.

-It's mine.

-I'd decided not to ask the next question.

-I'll answer it.

-Captain Iles has asked me to marry him.

-I can understand that.

-But not why Captain Iles is involved in the gold business?

-I do now.

-There's a lot of gold from all over the territory stored at the post.

-How much?

-As much as half a million.

-In fact, I have about 50,000 in my safe now.

-Really? Tell me...

-who's taking all this gold?

-I don't know.

-That's the worst part of it - not knowing.

-I might find out.

-Don't get into trouble.

-That's why I'm here.

-But...

-Don't worry.

Trouble and I are old enemies. We understand each other. Good night.

Good luck.

# ..How happy we could be... #

Every time I come in here, you stop singing. Why is that?

-You don't have to come in.

-I'm not here to fight.

-Why are you here?

If you'll invite me to sit down, you might find out.

It might be better if you found another table, and another girl.

No, it wouldn't. I looked.

-Could that be Charlie?

-No.

-His eyes follow you around like a couple of flies.

-Only to see that strangers don't annoy me.

-Only strangers?

-No-one else would be so foolish.

Waiter, bring me a bottle of wine.

You're beautiful, I like the way you sing and you're a woman of mystery.

-I don't want to be a stranger, so I'll have to be foolish.

-You like to take chances.

-If I feel lucky.

-I advise you to try the dice table.

-I'd rather get lucky here.

Every man has a right to his own funeral.

I, er, I could be your cousin from Waxahachie.

I could be Cousin John, a missionary on his way to China.

-So, Charlie probably runs the town?

-Why do you care?

I'm gonna spend some time here. I'd like to know who winds the clock.

It's been a nice conversation. I hate it to end.

-Who's this?

-Mick, this is Cousin John.

-From Waxahachie.

-Cousin John is a missionary on his way to China.

-What's keeping him?

He thinks he might do more good here.

-You ain't too friendly.

-I like to pick my friends.

-You pick 'em too easy, like cousins.

-Ask her.

I never saw him before in my life.

-You're too little to make that big a mistake.

-You gonna correct me?

-..Bring him outside.

-What happened?

-He wanted to be my cousin.

-She hasn't any aunts or uncles.

-Mick'll kill him! That's ten to one.

-Always bet on a champion.

-I'll take it.

-Done.

First time Mick ever got it. You done a fine job, stranger.

I can't believe it. Mick Marrion loses a fight and I win a thousand.

Give it to him, Prince.

..In chips.

-Have some coffee?

-..Yeah. Thanks.

-They told me who was fighting. I was getting ready to rent your room. Sugar or cream?

-Cream.

-Myself, I'd rather fight a forest fire.

-So would I.

# When a man fights a man

# Because of a woman

# It means that the woman

# Has made the man bold

# But fighting's no good

# Cos it just leads to trouble

# And a man can't grow old

# Where there's women and gold

# No, a man can't grow old Where there's women and gold... #

KNOCK ON DOOR

Come in.

How do you feel?

-Like a million dollars.

-You just cost me a thousand.

I brought your hat and coat.

Are you always this sweet to the men who fight over you?

-Only the winners.

-Oh.

-Tell me something.

-What?

-That fella could have killed me.

Where do you bury the losers?

You talk too much.

Oh, what do you want?! The next dance?

I think you'd better sit this one out.

-Have some coffee.

-Thanks. The way you run this place, I knew you must be good at something else.

-Some folks call me the town poet, others the village idiot. How do you feel?

-Like I crawled from Kansas.

-You're pretty famous. Lot of folks been asking for you.

-Who?

-That gold-mine lady Mrs Caslon.

-That's nice.

-Couldn't do better.

-And Charlie.

-Charlie?

-No less.

-You seem impressed.

-Why not? Charlie owns a piece of everything.

-Stage line too?

Everything but the Bible class. Even owns a piece of me.

Takes your money while you're here, makes you pay to leave.

-Well, I'd like to hear the next verse of that song.

-I can't find a word to rhyme with Mick Marrion.

-Try carrion.

-Carrion, yeah!

Yeah, carrion.

-Perfectly ridiculous!

-Now, now, George. Please don't get excited.

What was it about? Not a woman?! That's what I heard, sir.

Who started it? I don't know, but Haven finished it.

I need someone who can use his brains, not his fists!

KNOCK ON DOOR Come in!

Captain. ..Mrs Caslon, I...

Mr Haven! We have a strict post regulation against brawling in the town!

-Would you like to explain what happened last night?

-I came here to return Mrs Caslon's call.

-Sit down!

-Thank you.

-This book is the Army Register 1882.

I am now going to read from it.

"Haven, John Martin. Born Ohio, 1852. Appointed second lieutenant,

"promoted first lieutenant 20th Infantry, March 1880.

"Reduced in rank to second lieutenant, January 12th 1881."

-Is that correct?

-It's the Army Register.

-Young man, you're trying to carry your authority too far!

-Well, perhaps I am, Captain.

You know, we had an arrangement not to meet, except through Mrs Caslon.

It's important to keep it that way.

And I like it better.

-Doesn't he ever stop playing?

-Sam? It don't bother him, he's deaf.

-Where do I find the boss?

-First door, top of the stairs.

-Mick been around?

-He's indisposed.

Come in.

-You wanted to see me?

-I

-did.

-They said Charlie.

-Yes.

-You're Charlie?

-That's right.

-This is Prince. Don't ever gamble with him.

-You mean with his equipment.

-She means either.

-You surround yourself with very affable characters.

-It makes me feel at home.

You're not that sinister. Last night, you were Florence Nightingale. Ouch!

-Tell me, why did you start that fight?

-I thought YOU did.

-Really?

-Well, you could have insisted I was your cousin.

-Maybe that's not the way I felt about you.

-Where did you get the name Charlie?

-From my father. My name is Charlene.

-Charlene? I like that better.

-This'll be the first time I ever worked for a woman.

-You think you're working for me?

-You sent for me.

All right, I sent for you. I was doing a nice, quiet little business because everyone was afraid of Mick.

-Now every time a man has enough to drink, he'll try to do what you did.

-I wouldn't.

-THEY will.

It's not the kind of job I want. I'm not starting at the bottom. Been there. It's too crowded.

-Where do you want to start?

-With the money.

What'll you do for it?

Anything, except hang.

-How's that?

-Beautiful.

Where did you get all this?

From my father.

He taught me one thing. As long as men think they can beat the tables, all you have to do is get a table.

If they run out of cash, I end up with new responsibilities.

-Such as?

-A couple of stores.

-I can't see myself behind a counter.

A sawmill and a logging camp. The camp's a long way from town.

..Oh. ..No.

-I own a stage line from here to West Rim City, but that's a dud.

-Why?

Outlaws. The money was in shipping gold. Now the mines won't ship it.

-I'll take that job.

-You mean ride shotgun?

I mean run the line. For any gold I get through, I want a commission.

-That should buy you a small beer.

-Glad to get it.

It's pretty dangerous. Even Wells Fargo quit trying.

Give me a letter of authorisation.

I can't bet against you twice.

-Who steals the gold?

-Who doesn't?

All they have to do is put on a mask and they all look like Black Bart.

-I forgot you to ask you one thing.

-Ask me anything.

-How do I know I can trust you?

-You don't.

-..Can I?

Only with money.

OK, boss?

-What's your business with me?

-I'm the new manager.

-Wait. You're not fired.

-I gotta be! There ain't work enough here for one man, let alone two.

-Two can loaf as easy as one.

-..Whitey!

This is the new boss. Just took over.

Whitey runs freight to the sawmill. Jim Goddard's the stage driver.

-Hello, fellas. ..I'll need the keys.

-Right.

-That fight was a beauty.

-Don't talk about it. It hurts my hand.

-I have to leave for the sawmill. Is that all right, Mr Haven?

-I guess so.

-Thank you.

-What happened to you?

-My last run, I stopped a bullet.

-Did you get a look at him?

-I wish I had.

The only things here that work. Son, I waste my time, I might as well waste some advice.

This whole thing has got something wrong with it.

He only got a nick in the knee. You may not be so lucky.

-I might depend on something besides luck.

-Like what?

-The fact they don't shoot so straight.

-They don't need to when they shoot so often.

-I think I'm gonna need you, and not on one leg. Take it easy.

-Yes, sir.

-Say, what's all this?

-Something, ain't it?

-Yeah. Whose is it?

-Miss Charlie's.

-Where do you drive her?

-Same places. Round the hill, down the river. Every afternoon.

-Really?

-I think I'll give you the afternoon off.

-I shouldn't let you do this, sir. But I am.

-Miss Charlie might not like this.

-I will.

-Does this Haven move me out? Is that the play?

-I wouldn't part with you.

-No. I always come up empty.

-Not quite.

-No.

-What's the matter, Prince?

-I don't like Haven.

-You said that before.

-What do you know about him?

-Will I look him up in the social register(?)

-A man walks in out of nowhere...

-He went against your table. Did he play like a gambler?

-Well, he knew something.

-Yes, and he took Mick.

-So he knows how to fight! ..You like that part, don't you?

I'll tell you one thing, Prince. I don't like this part.

You know, Prince, I always find you in good company.

Stand there a second.

You look different every time I see you. But you always look beautiful.

-Why is that?

-I always have someone to lie to me.

-You can take my hand if you won't squeeze it.

-Now tell me what you're doing with my buggy.

-It's my work. I'm the new transportation boss. You hired me.

-Where to?

-I'm going to call on a gentleman.

-At this hour?

-He's Mark Bristow. At any hour, it'd be strictly business.

-The way you say it, he may need a lawyer.

-He's a lawyer himself, but it won't help him.

-No?

-What good is a lawyer if he never gets into court?

-Oh!

-Like a doctor in a graveyard. Where is he?

-Across the street.

-Think I should take the horses back and give 'em a rubdown?

-Think they've gone far enough?

-I haven't.

Maybe you'd better come in with me.

-Hello, Mrs Caslon.

-How do you do?

-Would you do me a favour?

-Surely.

-It's a big favour. I wouldn't blame you if you refused.

-What is it?

-I want to run some gold from your mine.

-That is a big favour.

I know it seems impossible, but I'm here to find out what makes it impossible.

-Isn't that very risky?

-That's why I couldn't go to anyone but you.

I'm wondering if we should speak to Captain Iles first.

You know he'd advise against it. But if it works my way, it might clear everything up.

For everybody. For Iles too.

The War Department doesn't like all that gold round an Army post.

-Well, I...

-We're working in the dark. This may be the only way.

-Who else will know of it?

-Just us, that's all. And that's the idea.

I'll arrange it.

Good. Don't look so grim.

It's only your gold and my skin. And smile when you walk away,

-as though we've been discussing the weather.

-Thank you.

-Goodbye.

Charlie, I haven't the money.

These are gambling IOUs. They add up to 6,000. You want to count them?

No.

-Your credit's over, Mark.

-My luck can turn.

-Not on my table.

I never thought I'd fall into this trap.

-Nobody does. Prince will come in and look over your books.

-But I...

That's the way it is. I pay off on the line and I expect to get paid.

You reminded me back there of a character I read about in a book.

-I had an idea you'd read a book. Who was the character?

-Simon Legree.

Mark is mixed up. He's either crooked without being smart, or honest without being lucky.

-That's no good.

-I wouldn't want to owe you money, even if I was honest.

-Even?

-When I was seven, I robbed my own piggy bank.

-I can't imagine you being seven.

-I ate a lot of candy.

-So you robbed your piggy bank?

-No, I robbed it so I could run away from home.

-Did you do it?

-Yeah. But I had to go back.

-Why?

-Got dark.

-Got the finish to that song?

-I never finish anything.

-You shouldn't start things you can't finish.

Maybe you should try that yourself. Don't hitch your horses to the wrong buggy.

That depends on knowing where you're headed.

# Don't go too far too fast... #

-What brings you here?

-I had a dream that you'd be back here tonight.

-Why?

-Maybe because you took the keys.

-Don't they go with the job?

In my dream, I got the idea you were going to try something.

-Like what?

-Maybe like running a shipment.

-Then what happened?

-I wanted to be some help with it.

-You've been some help.

-Go back to sleep. I'll finish the dream.

-I'm riding shotgun with you.

-You got more than your leg hurt.

-I like to ride in the moonlight, if nothing happens.

-And if it does?

Then I've got a right to be there.

Nice guy like you probably has a girl or a wife somewhere.

-What are we going to do? Have a chat about women?

-Some other time.

All right, get up there.

Hold it there!

Hold those horses!

Get down from there and stand aside. >

Get down.

Get over there.

-Keep 'em up.

-Take it easy. They hang you just the same.

All right, Goddard, get moving. ..Go on.

Keep 'em up.

That's far enough. Turn around.

GUNSHOT

"This certifies that the bearer, James Goddard, is operating as a legally deputised...detective

"for Wells Fargo Stage and Express Company."

Where's Joe? Something's gone wrong.

I know one thing. He was born on a horse and he didn't just fall off this one. Go look for him.

-Hello, Whitey.

-Hello there, Mr Haven!

-What are you hauling?

-Grub for the sawmill.

-How would you like to ride my horse to town?

-What about the wagon?

-I'll finish the haul.

-You're the boss.

Anything exciting happen in town?

-I don't know. I left town before daybreak.

-Take it easy with him. He's tired.

-I'll give him a rubdown.

-Hey, you! Did you see a rider coming up?

-No.

-You sure?

-I'm sure.

-Where do I put this stuff?

-Where did you put it before?

-I'm a new driver.

Take it over to the cook shack.

Hey. You the cook?

-No! I just wear this hat to keep the flies off my hair(!)

-It don't matter to me, I only haul this grub!

Well, take it round the corner.

-Any luck?

-No sign of Joe, but there's tracks of another horse.

That's bad. Let's go take a look at that new driver again.

Hey, driver! >

You! Come here!

Are you sure you didn't see no rider?

You want me to say I saw a rider, I'll say it. Makes no difference.

-When did you get the job?

-Yesterday.

-Why?

-It's the system. If I don't work, I don't eat.

-Who hired you?

I'm working! I haul this stuff here, nobody tells me where to dump it.

Everybody wants to know where I've been, what I've seen! I don't know!

-Forget it. I've a load for you to take in when you've finished.

-Sure.

-I haven't eaten anything but dust since daylight.

-Grab it quick.

-What do you think?

-We risk him, that's all. Work on this stuff.

How about a handout?

Help yourself.

-Looks pretty good.

-Ought to be. Used to cook for 600 men a day.

-Where was that?

-Leavenworth.

-Who's the boss around here?

-I am.

-I mean the whole works.

-You talked with the man when you came in.

-A tough-looking fella?

-They're all tough till they get to Mick Marrion.

-Mick come here often?

-Last night. Looked like someone got to him.

-How's that?

-Face all beat up. ..Like your knuckles.

I had bad luck with a crate of cauliflower.

That's what he brought up here - cauliflower face. Did you fight him?

Mick? Do I look like I would?

Just the knuckles.

-Hey, you! Driver! Hurry up!

-I'll be right out.

-Not many of the hands here, are there?

-All up at the logging camp.

Well, I gotta go.

-Much obliged. This was real fine.

-I make it better with cauliflower.

Tis good, isn't it?

Maybe this ain't such a good idea.

You! Come over here.

-See this box?

-Yeah.

-It goes to Prince. You know who Prince is?

-No.

-He runs things for Charlie. You know who Charlie is?

-Sure.

-All right, get up there.

One thing. The gearbox you're hauling in has got to be repaired.

-Tell Charlie if it ain't repaired, we might have to shut down quick. You got that?

-I got it.

-Then get out.

Draw the blinds, Bristow.

Light it up.

-Can't you put that gun away?

-I can, but it helps to quieten my nerves.

-Drink?

-No.

-We...we'd given you up for dead.

-Who?

Who? Why, everybody.

They found Goddard's body.

-What happened?

-Sit down.

If you're trying to imply that you frighten me, then you're quite right.

I'm not a hero or a fool. They killed Goddard. Why didn't they kill you?

-Someone must have wanted me alive.

-What for?

-I don't know.

-What do you want from me?

-I want you to write and notarise a statement.

-Is that all?

-Yeah.

-Then put it where it can't be stolen or tampered with.

-I have a safe.

-I can see that.

-Meaning you don't trust me?

-I do. I just don't think you trust yourself.

-Where do you want it put?

-Mrs Caslon has a safe. A nice, fat one.

-I think I can arrange it.

All right. Here's the statement.

I solemnly swear...that on Thursday last...about 11pm...

the stagecoach I was driving...

..was held up by five armed bandits.

The gold I was hauling... was stolen...

..and Jim Goddard, the guard, was murdered in cold blood.

Are you sure it was Haven you met?

Don't I know my own boss? Go and get a beer.

Wagon's across the street. He must be back in town.

After I left the sawmill... I broke the box open...

The gold was in it.

-That's all.

-..Not quite.

-What did you do with the gold?

-I came to the conclusion that I finally had enough money to need a lawyer.

-Have you seen the sheriff?

-I heard about him. Still came to you.

-I see.

-My advice...

-I didn't come here for advice!

-What do you get out of this?

-Makes me more valuable to someone alive than dead.

-Who?

-I don't know. ..Yet.

-I'm wondering what

-I

-get out of this.

Charlie has 6,000 of your IOUs. You're busted. This'll get you even.

Now you're wondering why we don't take all that gold and go round the world. Monte Carlo. Taj Mahal.

Or find the gold yourself, plant the deposition and let me hang for it.

-You'd be rich and you won't even need to travel.

-That might take some doing.

-And some nerve. ..Where do I sign?

-Here.

Good evening, Captain. Any news about this man Haven?

I just saw Haven. Alive? Very much alive.

-Good evening, George.

-Good evening, Mary.

-You look tired. Why don't you sit down?

-Thanks. I am.

I suppose you've heard the news? The hold-up and poor Jim Goddard.

I heard it - last, as usual.

-I'm afraid you're going to be very angry with me.

-Why?

Haven was running my gold.

-YOUR gold?!

-Don't get so excited.

I'm perfectly calm! How could you allow that scoundrel to transport gold when you...?

-That "scoundrel" may be dead!

-Or he may be in town! How could you do such a thing?!

-I did it for your sake.

-MY sake?!

-He represents the government!

-Whom do you think

-I

-represent?!

-I...

-And why was Mark Bristow here?!

-You KNOW he's my lawyer!

Don't tell me that scoundrel is trying to help me too! ..I'm sorry.

Sometimes you're a little too sure about too many things. ..At least we're always wrong together.

Mark gave me this. That's why he was here.

You're not going to open it?

"To whom it may concern." This may concern me.

It does.

Your friend Mr Haven still has your gold.

Those nitwits in Washington sending a demoted lieutenant out here to poke around in my business!

-You're getting to be a hard man to deal with.

-I'm dealing with some hard men.

-Rye?

-Yeah. ..Better make it two.

-This is no good.

-The bourbon's just as bad.

-I don't mean that.

-You want to leave?

-Something's going to happen!

-Yeah.

-Why don't we do something?

-We're doing something.

-What?

-Waiting for something to happen.

Charlie wants to see you upstairs.

-See?

-Do...do I go with you?

Think you can make it?

Looks like a board meeting.

-What's he doing with you?

-I thought I might need a lawyer.

-I doubt it.

-I realise how legal technicalities seldom annoy you, but this one might.

-What's that?

Just a story about a man who got murdered, a thief who got shot and a gearbox I failed to deliver.

Probably nobody would believe it... unless I got killed for it.

-Who else have you told?

-Only Mark.

-He's a lawyer and a notary. He finally gets to court.

-I merely wrote the deposition!

-You shut up!

-Ask your lawyer if this doesn't sound like blackmail.

-..He can't think very clearly in the presence of a gun.

-But it doesn't bother you?

-No.

Pete, go downstairs and watch the stairway. >

-What you want is a cut.

-That's right.

It boils down to this. We can make a deal and all be very happy together.

-How?

-When I deliver the gold.

-You mean the gearbox.

I can forget I looked inside. So I stole a gearbox. I'm still a thief.

-What does he get?

-Even.

-You've lost your mind.

-He lost his money.

All right. Prince will give him the IOUs when the gearbox is delivered.

I think that's all.

Haven. ..You can stay.

You'll excuse me, Prince?

You know, you roll nice dice. You bet 'em jam up too.

But one day you'll slip and I'll be around to catch you.

You know, I think he will.

-You should be more careful.

-I suppose so.

I almost had to have you killed. I'd have hated it.

-So would I.

-I'd have missed you too much.

-And too long.

-Did you ever tell a woman you loved her?

-All of them.

-How did you get away?

I was always in the doorway when I said it.

Never said it to me.

Let's get over to the doorway.

I always end up like this with you. I suppose it goes with loaded dice and crimped cards and a fixed wheel.

-Isn't it your business?

-Not my life!

You told me you were a missionary. That's the most I ever found out.

-You're working for me, yes. How do I know you're not working for someone else?

-Like Goddard?

-Why not?

You know, I think I'd better bring you that gold.

-Haven.

-Hello, Lieutenant. Recruiting again?

-This time it's a little different.

-How's that?

-I've been ordered to take you into custody.

-You heard the man.

-I think the best thing for you is to come along.

That's what I like - the best thing for me.

Very friendly with everybody, isn't he? Wells Fargo detectives, the Army. How far can he go?

Exactly where he's headed. To jail.

-The quartermaster wants three sworn statements before he'll replace those 70 uniforms.

-Three statements?

I've told him all I know! The uniforms were in the freight office and the building burned down!

-All right, fix the papers.

-Yes, sir.

-..Come in.

-Nice to see you're alive.

-Dumb luck.

-You've been living quite an adventurous life.

-Is that why I'm under arrest?

-That's indefinite.

-Then consult the Army blue book and be definite!

-You're quite right - unless the officer concerned is one-half as far out of line as you.

-How far is that?

-You've gotten a man killed and Mrs Caslon's gold stolen. It's right here in your statement.

-Oh, I see.

-This deposition is good enough for me. I want these people arrested.

-I need more evidence.

-For what reason?

For the reason I came here! To find out who killed two soldiers, not to save somebody's gold!

I'll find out who murdered those soldiers THEN I'll haul the net in!

-And Mrs Caslon's gold?

-That's between me and her!

I see no reason why you should deliberately get yourself killed!

-It won't be deliberate.

-What difference does that make? Where does it leave me?

-Where does it leave ME?

You're headed for bad trouble. When it comes, don't expect any help from me.

-Is that clear?

-From the beginning.

Good evening.

For you it's not so good. You're in bad trouble.

I don't know how a man can know so much and move so little.

-Want to leave a call?

-That's very nice of you.

-What time?

Call me just before dawn breaks. If anybody asks, I've gone to jail.

Don't move. Turn around.

-Now, put the gold in the wagon.

-Is this a hold-up?

-Put it in the wagon.

-Now, is there something you wanted to say?

-Yeah.

-I followed one of the bandits here when he cached it. I had to come back for the wagon.

-That's a lie.

-Some of it's true.

-But not nearly enough.

All right, I'll try it again.

-I

-cached it there. I wanted to buy a membership of their club. That was the initiation fee.

-50,000?

-You see, I thought it was worth it.

-You see, I don't.

You know...what you're doing may get me in trouble.

If you're still in town in 24 hours, I promise you'll be in trouble.

Now, start walking. ..Go on.

-I thought you were in jail.

-I talked my way out.

-Can you talk your way out of everything?

-Up to a point.

-What's that?

-A gun. ..Champagne.

Are we celebrating something?

The first time I talked to you, we had champagne.

-Did you bring me something?

-No.

-But you will?

-No.

-No. Just like that.

I went to get it. ..It was there, but so was somebody else.

-Who?

-Mrs Caslon.

-Alone?

-No, she had a gun with her.

-Didn't you have one too?

-The one she had was in her hand.

You know, this, er, this could be that slip you mentioned.

So this nice lady held you up and took the gold?

It's like saying I was robbed at Sunday School. It's no good, is it?

No. Mick might have killed you, but you fought him.

-Pete had a gun last night, but that didn't scare you.

-But now you run.

-You make it sound very silly.

-Or make it sound like what it is.

-A lie!

-My word doesn't seem to be very good around here.

-You've only got one thing that's any good - some gold.

Is that all I've got?

Not quite. You've got some time. You've got two hours.

-Oh. And you want me to fatten you up before you have me killed, is that it?

-I said what I meant. Two hours.

You're sweet.

-I've been looking for you. Where were you?

-I took a walk in the country.

-Did you get it for her?

-No.

-That was the deal! If you're trying to pull...

-Listen! I can't deliver it to her because I no longer have it.

It was taken away from me by Mrs Caslon.

I told Charlie about it and she's very unhappy.

Any idea where a fella can raise 50,000 in a hurry? ..I thought not.

-What are you gonna do?

-I don't know.

-We'll have to think of something very good.

-I can think of something.

Go ahead, Mike. Go ahead and do it.

Well? Everything's all set.

Get out to the sawmill and get the men into uniform. We hit the post before dawn.

-I don't know what we're waiting for.

-I gave him some time.

-He's not doing anything.

-I gave him some time!

KNOCK ON DOOR

You want your IOUs? You mean...?

Why?! Did Haven...? No. He didn't. I don't understand.

We don't think they'll be any good.

I didn't have anything to do with it.

-I can still make them good, or I can...

-What?

I can still do business. Here.

The deposition. The only copy. What do YOU want?

-Nothing. I never had any part of it. This ought to prove that.

-This?

Why...it's a trick!

I...I'll see about this.

Haven can't do this to me!

-I'll see about this.

-You see about it.

Here, take this along.

Something left to wait for?

No.

KNOCK ON DOOR

-Who is it?

-Bristow. Let me in.

-You gonna kill me, Mark?

-You double-crossed me.

-I did?

I got the deposition back. It was just a piece of blank paper!

-Don't laugh at me. I ought to kill you.

-They want you to. It may be your only out if you do. But I doubt it.

Even if you took them my scalp, it wouldn't buy your life.

You're in debt, you're broke, you're scared and you know far too much.

There isn't any way they can use you alive.

Can you think of one?

They're...gonna do it. I know it.

They're gonna kill me. Why do they have to kill me?

Us, Mark.

-This must be hers.

-Yes.

..She's sweet.

You might get out of town.

-There's not a chance in a thousand.

-It's the only one you have.

Yeah...I might get away with it.

-I could try it.

-If you do, don't stop for anything.

-I have some important papers...

You haven't anything important left except your life.

Get on that horse and ride him till he dies, then run till you crawl.

You might be lucky.

Yeah. ..Yeah.

-Maybe you'll finally finish that song.

-If you go out there with that, I will.

-It's not much, is it?

-Never come closer to having nothing. ..I'm naturally sentimental...

-Naturally.

I keep a bunch of gimcracks - a bullet from a dead bandit, a rosary from a fella they hung...

That's nice. A hobby, huh?

Yeah, in a way. I just wondered if there was something you wanted to leave me?

It's all I seem to have.

An Army button? Where's the uniform that goes with it?

I might even know. I think I'll go find out.

-Where's your gun?

-I dropped it back there.

All right, march.

-Is that thing loaded?

-Try any tricks and you'll find out.

No tricks, Sheriff. No tricks.

GUNSHOTS

Has that Haven been around? No.

If he shows up, kill him.

Hey! Go on back. Mick wants to see you.

-What happened to you?

-Haven slugged me.

GUNSHOTS

Haven. Keep him in here.

-Captain Iles...

-I'm gonna tell you something...

-No, you're gonna listen.

You thought those uniforms were burned.

-They were.

-They weren't. They are now because I set fire to them.

-What?

-There are 70 men at the sawmill who were ready to wear them.

-What for?!

-To get in here and take the gold!

-You're sending men up north on an Indian scare.

-Yes.

-That Indian scare is a fake.

You know where to send them now.

-I guess I owe you an apology.

-You'd better get to the sawmill. They might try it anyway.

I, er... I guess I owe you something too.

-Only 50,000.

-I wish there was something I could say or do...

There is. You can give me back my gun.

Give this one to the sheriff. Be careful. It's got bullets in it now.

-I'll always remember what a fool I was.

-I'll always try to forget.

-Are you going too?

-Not with them.

-Good luck to you and the captain.

-Thank you. Good luck to you.

-You wanted to give him time. Well, he took it.

-Maybe you should get out before he takes you.

-You're staying?

I asked you once if he'd move me out.

I think he's moved us both out together.

Maybe this is better. ..Just as though Haven had never been here.

-You caused me a lot of trouble.

-Yes. But I finally brought you something.

-You really didn't think Mark would use that, did you?

-Maybe I just wanted to send you a gun.

-Maybe.

-I, er, have to arrest you.

-For what?

-Murder.

I could have shot you just now. I didn't. I didn't kill the two men or Goddard.

-Who did?

-Maybe Mick. Maybe Prince. Who knows?

-YOU know.

-You'd almost rather be killed than arrest me, wouldn't you?

-Almost.

-Which are you - Wells Fargo or Army?

-Army.

-I guess it's my turn to wish you'd gone to China.

-..I wish I had too.

If you still have the gold - and I think you do - we might make it yet.

-I believe every man has his price.

-Some men don't believe that.

-Every woman knows it.

-There wouldn't be women on my jury.

That's why you're not as bad off as you think. I could find a dozen men who'd think you capable of anything.

But they might not vote that way after watching you through a trial. Mick and Prince can hang for it.

-Isn't it a little late?

-Maybe not. Where is Prince?

-It's no good.

-I'll get someone.

-No!

Stay here.

Tell me something.

On the square...

did you ever love me?

From the first night and the first time I saw you.

I tried to get away from it... but, every time, it came back.

Every time I tried to get it out of my brain...

I just pushed it deeper into my heart.

-Say it.

-I love you.

I love you.

Say you... John...

# Mm-mm-mmm La-di-de de-de-dum

# Li-la-di-di-di

# La-di-di di-di-di

# The sun shining warm

# On the dust of the prairie

# The sun shining warm

# But it's heartless and cold

# It's heartless and cold

# In the dust of the prairie

# And a man can't grow old

# Where there's women and gold

# A man can't grow old

# Where there's women and gold. #

Subtitles by Mary Easton BBC Scotland - 2000

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