Western Union (1941)

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SPIRIT OF CONQUEST

We have lost them. You men head south.

We'll take the Stage Coach Trail.

What's the matter with you Spider?

Come'on boy.

Ho fella.

Spider, old boy, I hate to part company, but ... it's you or me.

Howdy stranger.

Sorry but I'm going to have to borrow your horse for a spell.

I recond I better borrowed your g*n too.

Where does it hurt most?

On my ankle. Here and here.

Busted rib. Somebody but the boot to you, huh?

Horse fell on me.

Take it easy.

Sit up.

Let's roll up your shirt.

Raise your hands over your head.

Feel better?

Much. Thanks.

Let's get out of here.

Well, why don't you say what you're thinking?

I'm not thinking anything.

Come on.

You...

Here take a chew of this. It will help keep your mind off the pain.

Thanks.

Come on.

Huh me a Santa Claus.

What's that? Nothing. Nothing at all.

Hoo this is a stage depot. They'll take care of you.

I'll still need your horse.

You're welcome to it and anything else I have.

Ah, forget it.

What's going on here?

Don't look like one of them does he? I neved seed this fella before.

What do they want? What's your name stranger?

Edward Creighton. What'ya doing here?

Surveyor. - Surveyor?

Yes. I work for Western Union.

What's Western Union? A telegraph company.

We're going through here next year on our way to the coast.

I guess he's alright.

Anything wrong?

We had a bank holdup in North Platte today.

We k*lled one of them. The rest of them scattered.

It looks like we lost them now, for good.

She's here, Mr. Creighton. Oh good!

Are ya ready?

I think so Bert.

Now if I can just manage to navigate on these things, Bert.

I recon you'll be back this way with that telegraph line before long.

If all goes right, I will.

I do a little trapping now and then.

So I was wondering how much it would cost to send my pelts into Omaha by telegraph.

You can't send pelts by telegraph, Berth.

Ya can't?

All you can send is writting.

Then the telegraph aint gonna do me any good.

Uh ... Bert. Now, I can't repay you for your kindness, but ... this may help a little. Thanks.

Folding Money!

Can you manage all those things yourself? - Oh, yes sir.

Better let me take that too.

Woody ... Woody I want you to have this along with my thanks.

Gosh, Mr. Creighton! Thanks.

Goodbye boys. I'll see you next year.

Nice fella. - Yes siree.

But you don't believe what he said about that there telegraph commin through here, do yee?

Of course not.

There an't no thing as a telegraph no how, but he is a right nice fella just the same.

He sure is.

Look what he give me - his watch and chain.

Yes! Now what is a fella that goes to bed at sundown and gets up at sunup want with a watch?

Well, it's a mighty pretty thing to wear.

Sounds nice too.

Yessss!

Across the plains, the pay for drivers, diggers, polemen, and timber cutters is two dollars a day, and when we hit the Indian country it's three dollars.

And everyman supplies his own g*n, okay?

What do you mean - OK ?

It's telegraph talk. It means alright.

Now if the Doc here passes ya, why buckos have got yourself a job.

You'll do.

You'll do. Stand up, son.

Nice rivits. - I an't no horse.

You'll wish you were before you're through.

Aah, feels like you got a slug of lead there partner.

Forty-four? - An Injan arrowhead.

It don't bother me none.

You know, some members of the medical profession like to cut them things out, but I say let them stay if they set comfortable.

Do you know this country we going into?

100 miles from here I lost this hair back in 56.

Hummm, neat bit of surgery that.

Oooh. What's ailing you?

Did he say a 100 miles from here?

Oh, that was 5 years ago.

Now a days we don't see no Indians this side of Cottonwood Springs.

And you and me start drawing down an extra dollar, hey?

Speak for youself, stranger. When I get back to Saint Joe, I figure on keeping my hair, instead of telling folks how I lost it.

Indians don't always scalp a fella.

Not if a fella scalps them first.

This ain't for me.

I gotta have peace and quiet when I preparing my vittals.

Are you a cook?

For 20 years, with the same head of hair.

And I intend to be for 20 more. Gents, I bid you good day.

Hold him, Doc!

Doctor Murdoch! Yeah?

Mr. Creighton says he don't need these no more.

Put them down. Go down to the cook house and tell that go for nothing poisoner he's fired.

Can you cook lamb?

There are 9 different ways to cook muttin and I know them all! boiled, stewed, fricassceeed ...

Never mind that. Do you cook it with the hair on it?

I should say NOT. Hurrah!

Then you're hired. No no!

And your job is to see that he stays hired.

Remind me sometime to show you an old Indian way to cook prairie dog.

I should've stayed in Saint Joe.

Hello, Sr. Creighton. Oh, hello, Bert.

Where is Miss Creighton, Pat.?

She's over at the carrol, sir. We're buying some new horses today.

How many does that make Bert?

Who's that with my sister, Pat?

That's the fella I hired to do our scouting and take charge of livestock, sir.

Hello, Sue.

Edward, darling!

Don't tell me you given up telegraphy for a carrol?

Ah, Edward, I'm so glad you're back.

What did Dr. Washington say?

Well, he says I'm fit as a fiddle.

I could walk from here to Saint Lake on my hands if I had to.

I'm so glad.

Shaw, this is Mr. Creighton, the big boss, the only man around here you have to be polite to.

I'm glad to know you, Shaw.

You've got to take a lot of horses and cattle a long way.

Do you think you can manage it? I think so. - Good.

Come on sis, you're supposed to telegrapher, you know?

Goodbye, Mr. Shaw. - Goodbye mam.

What's a, what's the rush Shaw?

We're not leaving here for a couple of days.

I'm leaving tonight. Why?

You know why. I like being alone.

The best place to be alone sometimes is in a crowd.

That's the way I figgered it, until I ran into you.

It's a good chance for you in Western Union.

Is there?

I think so. It's up to you.

You don't owe me nothin.

How could I? I never saw you before.

Glad to meet ya, Mr. Creighton.

Here, take a good chew of this. Helps keep your mind off things.

Thanks.

Hooo!

Do you mind hold my horses for me, old man?

Thank you very much.

I ahm... like to see Mr. Creighton, please.

Next office.

Thank you.

You ah, ...you spell "Dude" D-U-D-E. No, that's the way ... -

No, you use is a single DOT. Like that... (knocks on post)

You put a dash after it like that ... (knocks on post)

Why I did nothing of the sort. Besides I don't even know what your talking about.

No, but I do know what your talking about.

Next time let's talk about ahh... (knocks on post)

Mr. Creighton? - Yes, I'm Creighton.

I'm Richard Blake reporting for work, sir.

Well, how do you do. Mr. Blake? I was expecting you by stage.

Well the stage was so crowded and bumpy that I bought a spring wagon and drove the last leg myself.

Yes, much more comfortable that way. Quite.

Oh Mr. Blake, I want you to know Homer Kettle my assistant.

That's Pat Grogan, our foreman. How do you do gentlemen?

How'r'ya, sonny? - Glad to know ya, Blake.

Well, the last leg of your trip must have been rather lonesome.

Well, I don't mind that as much as I did the dust.

I could do with a bath. Ah a bath?

Yes. Don't you approve of them?

Well, if the weather's hot and you're near a river, I don't have a thing a'gan them.

What a, what type of work would you prefer to be assigned to, Mr. Blake?

Why ah... anything at all.

I had some engineering at Harvard and I know Morse Code inside out.

Well now, I think we can figure out something.

For the present, why don't you run on over to the hotel, and take your bath and we'll have a little talk later.

Well thank you very much.

Good day gentlemen. And ah, you too.

Well the da...

Oh, Mr. Blake! Yes?

I'm sorry.

Sorry, because I understand the Morse code?

Yes ... No, I mean I...

You'll have to excuse me, I have work to do.

Anyway I'm happy to have met you, Miss Creighton.

You are the big boss' sister, arn't you?

Yes, but how did you know? How did I know?

You both have that intense look.

Does the great Western outdoors do that to you?

No, it's the people we meet from the East!

Well some people you meet, are going to insist on meeting you again.

So I won't say goodbye now.

Whoa, there! Whoa... Hay, hay, hay... whoa There see? Thank you very much.

Oh by the way, could you direct me to the hotel?

It's on Main Street. Take your first turning to the right and go down two streets.

Thank you very much.

Just a minute young man. Do you know who am I? I have'nt the faintest idea.

I am the Provisional Governor of the Territory of Nebraska.

You are? Well when you come up for re-election, I'll vote for you.

You don't vote for The Provisional Governor. He is appointed by the President.

Oh the next time I'm in Washington, I will put in a good word for you.

Wait..Watch out!

Would you mind telling me what that WAS that just passed here?

Well that is the son of tuff old Arin Blake, who made his fortune hawling freight through the Cumberland Gap in the 30's.

Arin Blake? That?

Yes, his father thinks a job at Western Union will make a man out of him.

When I was back East, Arain gave me $ 50,000 for the line.

I see. You got the son with the money.

Good heavens, do you see what I see?

Well, here I am, all ready for work.

So I see.

Where did you get that outfit, in town?

Oh no, New York actually.

I wanted to be sure of the fit. Not bad, huh?

Blake, this is Shaw, our scout.

How do you do? - Howdy.

Well, nice looking bunch of horses you have here.

Glad you like 'em. Do you ride?

Oh yes, yes indeed.

Them arn't livery stable animals.

Some of them are ... pretty wild.

Well that's the way I like 'em. Would you mind picking one out for me?

Hee, hee! I'd be delighted. Take that black over there.

This way please. - Excuse me.

Somebody better call Dr. Murdoch.

He don't mean it! He's just fooling!

Go with 'em, stay with 'em!

Whoa, whoa ..... steady, steady boy!

Steady, steady, boy.

Yes, nice animal, gentlemen. You haven't anything else you like me to try?

Naah.

A little present for you, Homer.

He's quite a talker an't he? Mmm. Quite a rider, too.

Hello, Mr. Blake. Hello.

My brother isn't in right now.

That's good.

Won't you have a chair? Thank you.

Evening, Mr. Blake.

Hello. Well I a... I guess I'd better be running along.

Oh, so soon?

Well, I just thought I'd wish you a happy Fourth of July.

But that's tomorrow.

Well, I thought it would be the first, but I see I wasn't.

Was that what you came for too, Mr. Shaw?

Humm Humm. Well, I recon I'd better be going alone too.

Goodnight. Both of you. Thanks for dropping by.

Goodnight. Ah hummm.

Addios. Goodnight.

I ah,... I didn't have a chace to tell you before, but you did all right today on that bucking horse.

That wasn't so bad. He gave you the worst critter on the lot.

You always do that with every tenderfoot, don't you?

It depends on the tenderfoot.

Well, I'm sorry I disappointed all of you, but I was riding horses before I could walk.

Ah hummm...........Hahahaha Goodnight. - Goodnight.

You ah ... going my way?

A transcontinental telegraph line, has long been the dream of Americans!

Now, it is to become a reality, a great reality, that will eventually triumph over hardship and privation!

It now gives me great pleasure to present the chief engineer of Western Union, Mr. Edward Creighton.

I just received a message here which I think better than any words of mine will explain the urgency of our task.

"Allow me wish you God speed on a journey that will do much to help this Union in its hour of greatest need.

It is imperative that our government have quick communication with the West."

The message is signed Abraham Lincoln.

Let her go boys!

You're happy, arn't you?

Every man is when his dream begins to materialize.

I know. It's things like this that make some women wish they been born men.

Don't forget that you got a job to do. Goodbye.

Goodbye Edward. God bless you.

Something tells me, I'm goin' to miss dear old Omaha.

Me too.

I hate to say it Miss. Creighton. But I'm afraid this is goodbye.

Goodbye, Mr. Blake. You'll take care of my brother, won't you?

I'll do my best mam.

Ahh, don't you want him to take care of me too?

I'll do that too.

Addios, Miss Creighton. Bye!

"I'm leavin' Cheyenne, I'm off'ta Mounta....."

"Goodbye, old paint."

"I'm leavin' Cheyenne, Goodbye old..."

Hey......hey! Stop that howlin' and watch were you're goin'!

5 miles from Omaha and I'm a cr*pple already!

Men, we are doing fine, 11 miles in two days, but we got to do better.

This is prairy country and we got to make every minute count, because pretty soon we're going to hit the hills and we're lible to run into trouble.

That's all. Let's turn in now and get a good night's sleep.

Tomorrow we'll get at it again bright and early.

Hello Mr. Shaw. Evening Miss Creighton..

Well, I didn't expect to see you. Is there anything wrong?

No nothing wrong.

We're just a few miles out, so ah... so I sorta thought ...

Good. Sit down.

Thanks.

See I ah ... I had some unfinished business here and I ah...

Good evening, Mr. Shaw.

I had some unfinished business too.

Hello.

Well at least you two will have company on your ride back.

Get Doc Murdock, quick!

Carefully ... - has there been an accident ...?

It looks pretty bad ...

I don't understand ...

Herb! What happened?

The Indians.

They got the cattle. We did the best we could.

Why sure you did. Where's Frank?

They ... k*lled him.

Here's where you and me start getting that extra dollar.

b*llet went right through you, Herb. Hadn't aught to be no trouble at all.

Let's get him to my tent, boys. We'll have more light to work by.

Come on, grab hold Cookie, he won't kick ya.

Too bad, Herb was a real nice fella. He isn't dead yet.

No, but I got a week's wages that says he will be before morning. I'll take that bet.

Right.

Pat they get all the cattle? That's what they say sir.

I can't figure this out.

This is Pawnee country, and Pawnee don't go after cattle when there're plenty of buffalo around.

Do you think it was rustlers? Don't know. I'll go have a look.

How many men do you want? None.

You don't expect to bring back the cattle alone do you?

I don't expect to get an Indian w*r started either.

The first thing we gotta find out is what sort of game we're siting in on.

Alright.

Double the guard tonight, Pat. Yes, sir.

Come on, Homer. I want you to call Fort Keaney.

Shaw! Wait a minute.

Are you going after them? Yes.

If you do not mind, I'd like to go with you.

Sorry, but this is one job we don't trust to a tenderfoot.

No matter how good he is.

How is he Doc?

Better luck next time Doc!

Reach! And turn around slow.

Vance!

Jack...?

Howdy. - Hello, Vance.

Howdy.

We knew you'd come back sooner or later.

Well we kinda missed you since that little afair in North Platte.

Where have you been, Missouri? No, Omaha.

Omaha? Wasn't that a little risky?

Not very much.

My face isn't as well known as yours.

What are you doing out here?

Working for Western Union.

I came to get those cattle you rustled.

What do you mean rustled? We're soldiers now.

Fighting for the Confederacy.

Them clothes you got on don't look like no uniforms to me.

Of course not. We're guerrillas under orders from General Moseby.

Did he order you to dress up like Indians and stealing cattle?

As far as your concerned, yes.

These here are my raiders. Just like Moseby's got.

I do whatever I think will help the cause along.

You might help the cause a lot more by going down south and joining the army.

You talk like you forgot where you was born.

You come from Missouri, same as me.

Are you going against your own people?

When they turned against their own country, then they ain't my people anymore.

Well their mine and they don't want this Yankee wise strum. [wise strum = sing the Yankee song]

And as long as I'm alive it ain't going to be.

You wouldn't be making a little money out of your fighting, would ya?

Why sure there's money in it.

We sorta combine business with pleasure, so to speak.

I want those cattle, Jack.

You know what you're going to have to do to get them, don't ya?

You win, for now. Wait a minute!

How do I know you won't tell Creighton about us?

You don't.

Supposing I don't let you go?

Why don't you stop me?

Ah, go ahead.

Addios, Jack.

What do you think he'll do?

What can he do ... the way things are?

Oh Mr. Cleighton ... Mmmm, yes?

Those heathen savages sure cleaned us out.

What am I gonna tell men when they start yelling for dinner?

Well then, tell them we'll get some more beef just soon as possible.

That is a mighty indefinite answer to give to a hungry man.

They'll have to tighten up their belts for a day or two.

Did you ever try telling that to a fella after he's sat down to the table and tied his napkin around his neck?

I did ... just once.

Unsaddle and feed him, Joe.

Do you want him rubbed down? I'm gonna do that myself.

Did you find any traces of them? They're up the river 20 miles.

Indians? Yes.

Well, we'll get some men together ... I wouldn't.

They're a bunch of Dakotas, a couple hundred in the party.

I talked to them.

Don't they know they're inviting trouble by stealing our cattle?

They know that there's no cavalry around here.

I tried to reason with them, but they wouldn't listen.

My advice is to charge the beef off to Indian good will and let it go at that.

In so much as I was boss of the herd, I recon it was my fault they were stolen.

The best I can do is quit and clear out.

That's nonsence Shaw.

You can't be held responsible for something like this. Besides I need you.

You're the boss.

Sue!

Hello, Ed. Hello, Mr. Shaw.

Howdy, Miss Creighton. Hello.

Hello.

What in heaven's name are you doing out here?

Oh, I'm the new operator you sent for.

Are you responsible for this?

Well I, I telegraphed Omaha, but I didn't know who they were gonna send. I'll BET you didn't.

Mmm, it seems very much that nobody wanted me.

Driver, when does that East bound stage pass here?

In an hour or two.

You're going right back to Omaha, young lady.

And you're gonna stay there until I REALLY send for you.

I can't help it if you send me back.

But it was worth the trip just to see ya... Now, now, none of that.

I'd like to show you our thriving metropolis.

You really need a guide to get about ya'know.

Very nice of ya, Blake, but I want you to go ahead with the wagons.

Shaw, you'll be responsible for Miss. Creighton while she's here, and seeing that she gets safely on the East-bound stage.

It'll be a pleasure, sir.

Well, I aah must be off it seems. Goodbye Miss. Creighton.

Goodbye Mr. Blake. I'm sorry you could'nt stay.

So am I, but that's the telegraph business for ya.

Sue. Is he responsible for this?

Aah no, not all together. I just wanted to see you. Honest I did.

We're gonna be in Salt Lake before you know it.

Oh, I hope so. Well, I have to go now.

The men are waiting at the head of the line.

Aah so soon? I have a thousand things to ask you.

Well I've got a thousand things to. Goodbye dear.

Goodbye, Edward.

And remember the next time I pay you a visit that I'm your only sister and I love you.

I think he's a great man.

The whole family is sorta great.

It's coming.

What is it?

Oh, it's a message from my brother from the end of the line. He says: "Haven't you gone yet?"

What did you say? NO!

Thank you.

Is beautiful.

My brother says that even looks like me, but, of course, he's prejudice.

No, mam, not this time.

This way.

It's quiet with Western Union gone.

I suppose it will be 50 years before Sinking Wells has so much excitement again.

Like me, after the stage leaves.

Oh, I hope hadn't said anything I hadn't aught to.

You haven't.

Of course I know I haven't got a change against somebody like Blake ...

Hadn't you better let me decided that?

I should have met you a couple of years ago.

Why?

Since then I have made some mistakes.

Mistakes can be corrected.

Not always.

Does this here stage connect to the railroad that goes to Saint Joe?

She sure do partner. Mr. you've got a passenger.

How's about you and me take a little walk to work up an appetite?

But I don't feel like walking and I don't feel like eating.

Just the same that's what you're gonna do.

I may not be seeing you again.

Do not say that. We'll meet in Saint Lake.

Maybe. Anyhow, I'll be thinking of you.

This might help you.

Goodbye. Goodbye, Sue.

Get it!

Shaw!

Looks like we've got company.

Mont your horse and warn the others!

Hurry, Jimmy, Eddie!

We moving back to the main camp! Indians!

Get your g*ns and fall back! Indians coming!

What's a matter sonny? You look a might bit peeked.

Bunch of Sioux comming!

Well ain't you traveling in the wrong direction?

I've got to warn the men at the main camp. I was just about to make this connection.

Maybe it quicker if you warned them by telegraph.

That is, unless you're sure anxious to get out of here.

Pull over Herman. Here! Here!

You handle the keys and I'll make the connection for ya.

Come on, hurry up!

Do not worry, sonny. I ain't let them Indians get you.

Swing your wagons, so we can get behind them.

Mr. Creighton!

You gone crazy?

The Indians, they're raiding the head of the line!

Indians, they're raiding the head of the line!

No, you stay here, Pat. I'll go.

Come on! Let's hurry ...!

They're on their way!

Put it away you won't need it. I'm not so sure.

I AM! And until Mr. Creighton gets here, I'm boss.

Take it easy, they'll stop.

How!

How! Whisky!

No whiskey for Indian brother. You give whiskey.

Not got.

Me look.

Let them alone.

Drunken heathens.

If I had my way, I'd bust their dirty heads off! Every....

Steady.

Hey, put that down!

Stay were you are, I'll get it.

Good.

Can't have. Huh?

Me keep! Good medicine!

No keep.

Stop! I can handle him!

Yippee, there they come!

I aught to take you apart!

I suppose that's the thanks I get for trying to help ya?

Whenever I need your help I'll ask for it!

If you ever get my help again, you'll have to get on your knees and beg for it!

Indians are raiding the main camp!

Thanks, Charlie. You're welcome, Doc.

I think you're gonna lose this patient.

Not if I'm as good doctor as you are with that hatchet.

I wouldn't mind so much if he was only an Injan, but he ain't.

What?

No Injan ever looked like that!

I've got to keep this fella alive.

Mr. Creighton will want to ask him a few questions.

Oh Doctor!

I gotta have medical attention and I gotta have it quick!

Are You were sh*t, Herman? No I ain't.

What's a matter with ya?

This is private and its got to be kept private.

Well, our white Indian didn't make it Mr. Creighton.

Did he say anything before he d*ed?

He called me a few bad names while I was sewing him up.

Well have him buried immediately.

I don't want the men to know for the time being.

He's being slapped with a spade right now.

What do you think of this, Shaw? I dont know.

Ya got any ideas? No.

You said those Indians that you met today were drunk, didn't you? Yeah.

A white man disguised as an Indian participated in the raid on the camp.

That means white men must have gotten the real Indians drunk and talked them into attacking us.

They ain't all Yankees out here, you know? Apparently not.

You sure those Indians that got away with our beef at Sinking Wells, were Indians?

They looked like Indians to me.

Alright. That's all, boys.

Go on about your jobs as if nothing had happened.

Shaw, you're taking over Grogan's job as foreman.

I don't have to tell ya what a responsibility it is.

Thanks, Mr. Creighton, but I can't take that job.

I ah, I haven't had the experience.

You have more experience than any man in the outfit.

I want to, only ...

You're not gonna let me down in a time like this, are ya Shaw?

Someone has to take charge of things, and pick out some new horses and ...

Oh I can do that. There must be 60 or 70 head in Sage.

Then you'll take the job?

If that's the way you want it, Mr. Creighton. That's the way I want it.

We'll go into town tomorrow and we'll buy up whatever we can.

Alright. Goodnight. Goodnight.

Can I talk to you for a minute sir?

Of course. I don't like to butt in sir, but ...

I think we're making a grave mistake.

Yes? I know you have great faith in Shaw.

You've just made him foreman and no doubt he deserves the post...

Come to the point, Blake.

Well, it seems to me if we ever want to get this wire strung, we have to act differently than we have up to now.

What do you mean?

You know that I'm not looking for a fight or trouble, but ... look what happened to our cattle, look what happened today.

I suppose Shaw knows his business, but ... the way he let those Indians manhandle us, you'd think he was deliberately going out of his way to encourage them to strike out at us again.

However, I guess there's a lot about the West that I never will understand.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

Well I don't think we'll have to go any further.

Come on.

Howdy, Vance?

Howdy, Jack?

You're Ed Creighton of Western Union, ain't ya?

That's right.

My name is Jack Slade. Nice bunch of horses, ain't they?

Very nice.

You wouldn't be in the market, would ya?

I might. How much you want for them?

$ 5,000 dollars and help yourself.

Our camp was raided yesterday by Indians, they got most of our stock. Then these aught to be just the thing for ya.

They aught to; they're ours.

Huh? I said they are ours. They were stolen from us.

Now look here Creighton, you wouldn't accuse me of being a horse thief, would ya?

No. I'll wait until I've heard your explanation.

I got these horses from a bunch of Indians.

They didn't say where they got them. You didn't ask.

No, I didn't. And in this country when you call a man a horse thief, you better have some proof.

Now I bought these horses in good faith and aim to sell them the same way.

Then I guess I'd better see the law about this.

They you'll have to go back to Omaha if you do; it don't run beyound there.

I'll make some of my own.

That wouldn't look so good, would it?

Western Union stringing up white men for what a bunch of Indians did?

You've got all the answers, haven't you?

Aah, Shaw there might be able to give you a few more.

He knows this territory inside out.

What he says makes sense Mr. Creighton. At least it does out here.

Alright, I'm gonna give you that 5,000 dollars because I have a lot of work to do and no time for fighting.

I'm paying you on the assumption that 5,000 dollars will buy you off, BUT if you ever bother Western Union again, the next payment will lead. Is that clear?

Now, listen... Make out a bill of sale.

I'll meet you in the saloon in 15 minutes.

You two seem to know one another pretty well. Ya we do.

Old friends? More or less.

We were both raised in the same corner of Missouri.

What'll ya have?

The bill of sale.

There it is.

Alright...

Here's a draft on the Bank of Omaha for $ 5,000 dollars.

You can cash this by telegraph, if you want.

Aah, no, I trust you.

I suppose you deal in ... cattle too.

Well, I ain't lately, but aah... if you in the market ...

Just a question.

Why Mr. Creighton, you're a right good man to do business with.

But only ONCE.

$ 5,000. You did alright by that outfit.

Ya, but I ain't said goodbye to Mr. Ed Creighton yet.

No? No.

But first of all, I wanta take a great big drink to the Confederate States of America.

If there wasn't no confederates, there wouldn't be no w*r.

Anit that something to drink to?

Ya, but I think ... You know a good thing can be made to last a long time, if you don't spoil it.

Besides, I'm a patriot.

Halt!

Are you Mr. Creighton? Yes, I'm Creighton.

I'm Captain Harlow from Fort Laramie.

How do you do, Captain. I'm afraid I've got some bad news for you.

Chief Spotted Horse of the Ogalalla Sioux, has sent in word that you can not build anymore line through his nation.

No, why not?

One of your men wounded his son yesterday.

They were drunk, Captain.

They raider our camp immediately afterward and k*lled several of my men.

Spotted Horse says none of his Indians k*lled any white men.

Some renegades got a few of his young bucks drunk and talked them into a horse stealing raid to get some more whiskey; the renegades did the k*lling.

So the Chief feels only white men are to blame.

Who are the renegades? Spotted horse says he doesn't know.

Indians or not, I'm going ahead with the line, Captain.

The Government is counting on it. I realize that Mr. Creighton.

Washington has already notified me to help you all I can, but unfortunately most of my troops have been ordered to the Army of the Potomac.

Besides, an Indian w*r means a m*ssacre you wouldn't want that. Of course not.

We have Spotted Horse's brother at Fort Keaney as a hostage for the good behavior of the Ogalalla.

I might try putting a little pressure on him maybe in 2 to 3 weeks ...

Well I can't wait.

The winter is almost here and, from now on, every day counts.

If I could talk to the Chief, perhaps I could get him to change his mind.

I'm afraid that's too great a risk.

After what has happened, you would have to enter his territory alone or with no more than a couple of men, and unarmed.

Even then, there's no telling what he might do.

Well we got to take that chance, and with your permission, we will.

Thank you.

Haa, Barney!

Mean looking devils, aren't they?

Just don't get your wires crossed.

Whatever we do we gotta do quick.

Indians can't stay interested in one thing very long.

That's him. Hook up your wires.

Hooo! How!

[Shaw speaks in Indian language.] How are you? We come in peace.

[Chief Spotted Horse speaks.] You come in peace today, [Chief Spotted Horse speaks.] but we Indians will not allow you lay cables through our nation.

He says you come in peace today, but there won't be any peace if you try to take the singing wire through the Ogalalla nation.

Well tell him that the Great White Father, who speaks with lightening over the singing wire, is sorry for the wounding of his Indian son, BUT that lightning talk is strong medicine and it MUST go through.

[Shaw relays Creighton's message in the Indian language.]

[Chief Spotted Horse speaks.] You speak with forked tongue. It is not strong medicine.

He says the Ogalallas doesn't believe the singing wire is strong medicine.

Ask him if he'll let 10 of its strongest braves to hold the tongue of the singing wire.

After we've proved it's harmless.

[Shaw speaks in Indian language.] Allow 10 men grip the singing wire.

[Chief Spotted Horse speaks to his Indians] Are we willing to let 10 braves grip the wire?

[Chief relays what his braves say.] They say yes, but if injured it will be your fault.

He says yes.

[Chief speaks Indian.] What does this water mean?

He wants to know why we pour water on the ground?

Oh ..., oh well tell ...

Tell him we must make sacrifice to the Rain god who is brother to the lightning.

[Shaw talks to the Chief] It is a sacrifice to the Rain god, brother to the lightning.

[Chief speaks] That's true to give sacrifice.

Spotted horse sees the connection between the gods.

Now, holding the wire Shaw, and explain to him that it is good medicine for us, but it's bad for our enemies.

[Shaw speaks Indian language] Good medicine for us, bad for our enemies.

[Chief speaks in Indian language] My braves grab the wire to show Indian is strong.

Let them have it.

That's enough Blake.

[Chief asks in Indian] Is everyone all right - no harm?

[Chieg speaks in Indian] Go ahead, string your wire. As your friends, it is very strong medicine for us.

He says the Great White Father's lightning is the stronges medicine they have ever seen and that the singing wire can cross his nation in peace.

Well tell him I promise that the singing wire will make good medicine for Ogalalla against their enemies.

[Shaw speaks Indian language] It will be bad medicine against the enemies of the ogalallas.

[Chieg speaks in Indian] Thanks for the medicine. Peace. Peace.

He says: "Peace Peace.."

Now let's get out of here before they have a chance to think it over.

I was sure everything was going to be alright from the first. Weren't you.

Of course.

Never gave it a thought.

Barney, haaa!

Boys, I... I've called you together tonight, to give you some good news, for a change! [Strong laughter]

We're practically licked their job!

We're on the last leg and the finish is almost in sight!

You fellsa have all done a great job, and so when we reach Salt Lake City, everybody gets an extra two months pay as a bonus. [Strong cheers]

And tonight, double portions of grub for everybody! [Strong cheers]

Come and get it! Come and get it!

Jack wants to see you, Vance. What for?

It is a matter of life and death.

He had an argument with a fella over in Elkville and the fella plugged him in the stomach.

Where is he?

Only a couple of miles from here.

Alright. I'll meet ya on the other side of the camp.

Alright.

Sorry Vance, this is orders.

Come on.

Get the horses, boys.

Hi, Vance.

Well don't look so blame sore.

I got you up here to save you from a roasting.

I'm gonna burn out Western Union tonight.

Didn't want you to be a part of it.

That's mighty white of you.

Well you used to be one of us, and, as far as I'm concerned, you still are.

You kept mouth shut and you played square.

I didn't want to see you get hurt. Get ahold of yourself Jack.

You can't fight a thing as big and as important as Western Union. Why it's plum loco to...

Naah, it ain't to me.

If the thing don't work tonight, something else will.

I'm gonna stop them if I have to cut down every Yankees pole between here to Omaha.

Are you gonna be with us or not?

Listen, Jack. I wanta give you some of the best advice you've ever had.

Yeah. Let Western Union alone.

I not gonna let them alone until they have paid 10 times over every foot of wire they're stringing.

Why this is better than owning a gold mine.

Steal the cattle, steal the horses, burn them out.

Then when they need more wagons, more horses, and more cattle, will be on hand to sell it to em. You're a fool Jack.

You can't go against a thing as big as this without getting hung.

Maybe I will and maybe I won't.

If you still have a sense, you'll string along with us.

I'll tell you what I'll do.

Come along with us and I'll cut you in for half of my share.

It's a bargon on one condition. Yeah.

That you agree to give up this bonfire business and come back to Missouri with me.

We'll join up with General Moseby and be real guerrillas.

Tie him up boys, and tight.

Sure you won't change your mind, and come with us?

Not this trip.

Alright. Come on boys.

I have looked everywhere, Mr. Creighton, but I can't find him.

Alright, I'll see him in the morning.

Goodnight. Goodnight, Joe.

You looking for Shaw? Yes.

I saw him ride out of camp over an hour ago.

This timber's so dry, that it will burn up like paper.

Be sure you circle the whole camp.

Fire! Fire! Everybody out!

It's a forest fire. Fire! Fire!

Blake!

Come on, get up, get out!

Come on everybody!

Get the horses out of the corral and keep them up!

Hurry! Get all the equipment on the wagon! Hurry!

It's warm tonight...

Never mind that! GET THE INSULATORS LOADED!

Blake, come here, give me a hand!

The road is blocked! Head for the lake!

Where do you want him, Doc? I need to put him.

Come on you fellas, get out of here!

Look out for that tree!

Charlie. I am so tired...

What happened, Herman? A little accident?

No. When the fire started licking at his boots, he went so fast he ran clean out of his britches.

Come on, now, Cookie, behave yourself.

Here, eat your stew like a good boy. Here.

Look at this nice little piece. Come on.

Isn't that good?

I didn't think you got back in time to get b*rned.

You're next, son.

Ah, Shaw, come to my tent. I want to talk to you.

Thanks, Doc.

Ever see this before? No.

Shaw for a long time I've been expected you to tell me something, but you didn't.

I have given you every chance.

The only conclusion I can draw now is that I was wrong about you.

You know I did not say anything when the cattle were stolen.

And I didn't say anything about that horse deal in Sage, but your absence last night is something I won't put up with.

Now once and for all, I want the truth.

Alright, pack up your things AND GET OUT!

That all? Yes.

Well ... I see your clearing out.

Yeah for good.

After I go there's a favor I want you to do for me.

A favor? FOR YOU?

Tell Mr. Creighton Jack Slade's my brother.

Your ... brother?

I wanted to tell him myself, but when a fella is your own brother, there ain't much you can say. I going into Elkville on a little business.

Tell Mr. Creighton not to worry. Jack Slade will not bother the Western anymore.

Give me a shave It's a pleasure, friend.

He's loose, Jack! And he's here now looking for you!

Alone? Yah.

We'll stay here.

Alright.

If you'll excuse me, I think I'll go and have dinner.

Put that cloth around me and get to work!

But my wife, she's a stickler for punctuality and ...

I live way over on the other side of town. Shut up and do as I tell ya!

Yes sir.

Be careful you don't nick me, if you know what's good for ya.

Oh, no, sir.

There he is!

Maybe he didn't see us.

He's seen us alright. I know Vance.

What are we gonna do? That depends. We'll see.

Here he comes.

Howdy, Vance.

Howdy, Jack.

Did you come to join us?

No. I'm gonna give you an even break Jack.

It can't go on this way any longer.

It's gotta be either you or me, so ...

Get up and take that apron off.

Blake. Well...

Makes a nice sound, doen't it? Coming across the continent.

Its music.

I wish Shaw could hear it.

There is a long way from Salt Lake City to Boot Hill in Elkville, but I think he can hear it.

[A fine Western by Zane Grey with screenplay by Robert Carson.]