03x04 - The Innocent

[bunniefuu]

[theme music]

[music continues]

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[music continues]

[mellow music]

[horse neighing]

[male narrator] It's customary to think of the hardships

endured by early settlers.

In terms of their fierce struggle to survive

against the elements and hostile Indians.

But in truth, they faced other lesser known

but often more deadly dangers.

A terrible emptiness of isolation

compounded by the primitive state of medical knowledge

among those pitifully few doctors

who were available.

And for widows with children who were obliged to live

without the help and protection of a man

the problems were often devastating.

[intense music]

Damn woman.

Thinks she can just sachet in here

and...sponge off of what has taken me a half a lifetime

to build up river.

We was here first, weren't we?

Well, that was very long before

that fool Clanton she bought out.

Moved in, set up shop

and tried to run us out of business.

Well, it ain't fair.

It ain't right.

Not under God's laws or nobody else's.

Why don't we just burn her out, pa

and get it over with instead of all this pussyfoot--

A man don't lay seeds to anybody's home.

Nor a raw hand to nobody.

Especially a woman.

What's rightfully mine is mine

and I'll have it.

But a body has got to stay within his own principles.

Or he ain't worth a bucket of beans.

[intense music]

[instrumental music]

Josh, think you can get 'em on home from here?

No chore, Uncle Zeb.

Chore was in gettin' 'em, and they been got.

And I there broke the saddle.

'When can I tell Aunt Molly to expect you two back?'

Soon as you get the fence in the east meadow painted.

Isn't that your job, Luke?

Where is your charity, little brother?

Nowhere near the east meadow.

[laughs]

Couple of weeks' work, we'll be headin' back.

I'll see you then, Uncle Zeb.

- 'Luke.' - Don't forget that fence now.

Oh, I won't.

I'll remember to remind you as soon as you get back.

Josh, you take her easy, boy.

[instrumental music]

[intense music]

[clattering]

Hey! Hey, in the house! Wake up!

You got a stray ferry!

[music continues]

The ferry's all I got.

Try again.

You gotta stop it. There's rapids around the bend.

Give me a little room here, ma'am.

Please, hurry.

'Before it gets took by the current.'

'It'll break up sure.'

[Josh] 'Got it.'

I don't know.

- There's too much pull. - Oh.

- Oh! - There's too much current.

- Too much pull! - I can't lose the ferry!

I can't!

Willie!

'Willie!'

[Josh] 'It's gettin' away.'

The current's too strong.

Hey, you!

Come out quick, get down here!

Ma?

It's alright, Willie, come on.

'Hurry up, Willie. Run.'

[music continues]

[Josh grunting]

Take hold of the rope, Willie.

Here. Here, Willie. Now pull, pull hard.

- Harder! Harder! - 'It's comin'. It's comin'.'

The loose strap, wrap it around the stump.

Like that..

Pull, keep pulling.

Harder, Willie!

[grunting]

I think we did it. I think we have it.

Harder, Willie.

I, I think she's comin'.

Yeah.

- Yeah! We got her. - Aah!

We got her.

Willie, you're a good help.

[panting]

[Josh] Hold on to that.

There we go.

[sighs]

Well, thanks again, Willie.

Hadn't been for you, we would've lost that ferry for sure.

You best get on back to the house now, Willie.

You're soaked.

You gotta get out of that nightshirt

before you catch your death, go on.

Obliged for the help.

[Josh] 'Must've worn through, huh?'

Oh, time don't have that kinda edge.

Only thing does is a bowie.

You sayin' you think somebody cut your line?

Past just thinkin'.

'The man by the name of Eli Kelsay'

has got a ferry operation up river ways.

Past tryin' to buy me out, been pressing me

to pack up and git for some time now.

It's what he'd done to Phineas Clanton, the man

who owned this place before I'd come along.

'Shadowed over him like a vulture's wing.'

Wants the whole river to himself.

And there, there's business a plenty here for two.

But he don't see it that way.

But I'm not goin'.

You figure on gettin' your horses across river

you'd better get on to the Kelsay ferry.

It's about five miles up river.

I'll do that, ma'am.

Thanks again for helpin' us.

I sure am sorry about your ferry, ma'am.

[instrumental music]

[grunting]

Hey, pa, can we take a breather?

The sun is killin' me.

When I say.

We got a smokehouse to build.

Missy there has been fixin' our heads

and washin' our riggings

'without a word of complaining'

'since the day I took her in.'

You ought to be tail tuckin' shamed, boy.

Now you get back to cleaning that wood.

Or I'll give you a reason to wish you never stopped.

So, least you could do is have him stop

so me and Esau can have a drink.

For Pete's sake.

[Jacob] 'He always listens to you.'

[neighs]

- Mornin'. - Mornin'.

That the, uh, Kelsay ferry over there?

We be the Kelsays.

Nice lookin' animals you got there.

Well, thank ya. I gotta get 'em across that river.

Tried to cross 'em on the ferry down river

but it's sorta busted up.

That a fact?

[Josh] 'Yeah, the lady who runs it said'

'somebody up river cut her cable.'

And what are you sayin'?

Just that it's a shame somebody'd pick

on a defenseless woman that way.

You accusin' us of somethin'?

Never said such.

''Course, unless there's more than one'

'Kelsay family up this way'

it would seem to narrow down the odds some.

Don't you think?

Just who do you think you are, boy?

Just somebody who wants to ferry a couple of horses across river.

The only place a smart mouth like you is goin'

is back the way he come.

You got gall, comin' in here and spoutin' off

like you've known everything there is to know about what is.

'Well, what you don't know'

is that long before you was anything

but unworked clay in the hands of God

I was settin' myself against the raw elements

of his creation.

A buildin' that there ferry.

So as I could make a decent living for my family.

I worked like a Chinaman clearing this land.

And fought like an Injun to keep it.

'To make it work.'

Even lost my wife to it.

I've done everything but give birth to this river.

Lady says there's enough business for two ferries.

- That you got no right-- - You git.

Before reason denies my Christian conscience

the power of restraint.

I'll do that.

[Josh clicks tongue]

[Josh] 'Come on.'

Well, don't just stand there like hung meat.

'Get that timber readied.'

[dramatic music]

Esau.

Them's a Appaloosa stallions, ain't they?

Bring a mighty fair price, that pair.

Mighty fair price.

Can't get too far tonight.

Oh, not too far.

Maybe to Johnson place.

Maybe.

[music continues]

[Pinter] Hoo!

[clicks tongue]

Morning, Cora.

Maybe I should go back and ride in again.

You can ride back and stay there for all I care.

Now, look, can we talk about this?

If your...mood has anything to do with me

'I'd sure like to know exactly what I've done.'

Nothin'!

That's just it. Absolutely nothin'!

Are you sheriff of this county or aren't you?

Well, that's what the badge says.

Well, a badge is only as good as the man that wears it.

Does this warm, neighborly greetin'

have anything to do with that sign?

[Cora] If you were doin' your job

you'd know it has to do with that.

If you'd spent as much time on your duty

as you do chasin' every widow in this county

'maybe the law would get served every once in a while.'

Shame on you.

You know damn well and good I ain't looked

at another woman since you moved here.

Problem is..

...all the interest seems to be on my part.

Sheriff Pinter, we have been all over this before.

You're a nice man, and I..

...guess, in spite of what I said, you're a good sheriff.

But there's no place in my life for you or anyone else.

You're just gonna have to accept that.

Are you trying to make me believe

that your livin' out here with Willie alone is enough?

That you never feel the need--

My needs, Sheriff Pinter

are none of your affair.

Willie takes all of my time.

You just wouldn't understand if you had to share me

with someone else.

I don't think you're giving Willie enough credit.

But, uh..

...reckon this ain't the mornin' to talk about that.

Is it the Kelsays again?

Yes.

They cut the ferry loose last night.

It's just a miracle it didn't go into the rapids.

- But you didn't see him do it? - No.

I know, you can't do anything without evidence.

But it's so unfair.

Was there much damage?

Enough.

Cable had to be spliced.

'It'll be a week before it'll be in service again.'

Well, let me take a look at it.

Give you a ride back?

I will walk.

Thank you, Sheriff Pinter.

Yes, ma'am.

[instrumental music]

[horse neighing]

Mama.

He's back.

Who's back, Willie? Sheriff Pinter?

No. Boy with the pretty horses.

[music continues]

- Ma'am. Willie. - Hi.

Couldn't cross your animals up river?

Uh, came at 'em a little hard about bustin' up your ferry.

Old man Kelsay lit into me and, well, here I am.

Afraid you'll have trouble gettin' across

on my ferry too, mister..

Macahan. But you can call me Josh.

Josh.

Ain't no more workable than it was this mornin'.

Afraid it's gonna be a few days before it's mended proper.

You can cross down river

but it's real far way away.

- How far? - Oh, a good two days ride.

Then there's no guarantee, if the river's high

it just ain't passable.

I reckon it'd be more than a chore

to have to swim 'em across here.

Be dangerous, too.

There's a quicksand

'on the other side in the shallows.'

'Hard to see before you're in it.'

Yeah.

If you'll help me fix the ferry

you can stay 'til it's runnin' again.

'I'll charge you nothin' to cross your horses.'

Well..

...reckon it'd be easier than tryin' to take 'em downstream.

Got yourself a deal, ma'am.

Except, I don't hardly know where I'm gonna bed ya.

'House is nary big enough for me and Willie.'

Any place would be fine to lay down.

'Been in this saddle long enough to claim I growed out of it.'

I'll share my room with him, ma.

'Can't he sleep in my room?'

'Please?'

Well, I, I reckon so.

Thanks.

You'll like stayin' in my room, Josh.

The way the morning light comes through the window

so pretty and all.

[neighing]

- 'Hey!' - Whoa.

Whoa, boy!

'Whoa, boy! Whoa!'

Whoa, boy!

Gosh! They're awful pretty.

- I can't argue that. - Where'd you find 'em?

North of here. Up in the high plains.

We got a corral right there you can keep 'em in.

Ain't much of a corral, but, uh, it'd be big enough

to keep 'em in tow.

Much obliged, ma'am.

Can I help him take 'em over, ma?

No, Willie.

You could get hurt.

Oh, he can't get hurt, ma'am.

'Those horses are gentle broke.'

Can I?

You just be careful.

Come on, Josh.

Thanks.

Come on. Come on.

[mellow music]

[horse snorts]

This is it, Josh.

This is my room.

All mine.

It's real nice, Willie.

[wind howling]

I like to lie here in bed and listen to sounds at night.

Lots of things are up and about at night, Josh.

c*ons and owls.

And little things that scratch on the leaves.

You can't always see 'em..

...but I know they're there.

I figure God watches out for 'em.

'Cause mom says, He wouldn't take time

to make anything He didn't love.

It makes sense, Willie.

I'll show you what I like to do even more than..

...listening to sounds at night.

I like to whittle things.

All kinds of things.

This kind of wood is real hard to find

but it shines up real pretty.

There's a bird in there, Josh.

A bird?

Yeah. Just gotta let it out, is all.

I got lots of whittlings hidden out back.

Why do you hide 'em?

'Cause my ma won't let me have a knife.

[whispering] But I got one.

Found it down by the river where some drummers were camped.

Your ma won't let you have a whittlin' knife?

She's afraid I'll hurt myself.

But I don't.

Not ever.

You won't tell, will ya?

Oh, no.

No, I won't tell, Willie.

Almost forgot, my pa always taught us

to never leave a loaded g*n around.

- Here. - That's what my ma says, too.

Gosh! That sure is a pretty r*fle.

All I got is an old squirrel g*n.

Ma let me have it 'cause it was busted.

But I fixed it.

There was just a little springy thing inside that was broke.

I think I fixed it.

I'm not sure 'cause I don't have any b*ll*ts.

Anyway, I pretend it works.

When I go out at night huntin' for wood.

So as that I don't get scared.

Why do you go out at night?

'Cause that's the only time I can.

Ma won't let me go far from the house.

So I sneak out.

I don't know if that's a good idea, Willie.

You could run into a bear or a cougar out there.

It's not all little creatures that's scratching the leaves.

And a g*n without b*ll*ts isn't gonna do you much good.

Wishin' I had a real g*n.

'Wouldn't wanna sh**t anything.'

'Just like to have it with me.'

Willie, do you think it's a good idea

to keep all these secrets from your mother?

I have to.

[Josh] 'You have to?'

If I tell her..

...she won't let me do anything.

[sighs]

I'm growed up, Josh.

I'm as big as you are.

And everybody as big as me and you has got a g*n.

I see what you mean.

No, Josh, you gotta sleep in my bed

'cause you're the visitor.

No, I-I can't let you do that, Willie.

Besides, I'm so tired

I think I could sleep on a fence post.

[sighs]

[Josh sighs]

- Josh? - Huh?

I'm glad you're here.

Ain't nobody ever been in my room before.

Not ever.

Well, it's real nice of you to share it with me, Willie.

Goodnight.

Night, Josh.

[instrumental music]

[knock on door]

[wind howling]

Yeah, ma?

[music continues]

Dear God..

...this is Willie Johnson thankin' you

for all the good things..

...especially my ma.

Please watch over our ferry so it won't get broke no more.

Amen. Oh..

Thanks for my friend, Josh.

- 'Amen.' - Amen.

[music continues]

Goodnight, Willie.

[wind howling]

No bear can scare Willie Johnson tonight.

[r*fle c*ck]

[Esau] 'Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!'

Well, what if that kid did take them stallions

on downriver, Esau?

That says different, brother.

[Esau] Look at 'em, Jacob.

Look at 'em and tell me they couldn't get

the Lord himself into mischief.

But what are we gonna tell pa

when we come home toting them two stallions?

We don't have to bring 'em home, we just keep 'em fenced in

in canyons north of here.

Sell 'em when we get the chance. Come on.

[Jacob] 'Whoo!'

'Sure is a wild night.'

'All the better for us, huh?'

'Nobody'll be around.'

[wind howling]

Hold, hold it. Somebody's comin'.

[Esau] It's that looney Johnson kid.

He's got a g*n.

[g*nsh*t]

[groans]

He shot ya!

That kid shot ya!

Well, help me to my horse.

We gotta get outta here before that Johnson woman's

up and at us, too.

[Jacob] I've got ya.

[intense music]

[wind howling]

[wind howling]

Willie!

Willie!

- Are you alright? - I don't know.

What are you doin' out here at this time of night?

How did you fire this? It was broken.

- I fixed it. - You..

You didn't have any b*ll*ts. Where did you..

- You gave him b*ll*ts? - Mrs. Johnson--

Josh took the b*ll*ts out of his r*fle

'cause he didn't want a loaded g*n around.

I took one.

'I didn't mean no harm.'

Why did you fire the g*n, Willie?

Everything was wild.

The wind was banging the trees.

And I heard strange voices.

I, I tripped over these.

A-and the g*n kinda went off all by itself.

You go back to the house this instant, young man.

You must never, never do this again.

Is that clear?

Alright, ma.

Sure am sorry about the b*llet, Mrs. Johnson.

Oh, I'm as much at blame as you are.

I gave Willie the g*n because it wouldn't fire.

I never dreamed he could fix it.

I understand.

What in the world was he doin' out here at this time of night?

g*n or no g*n.

Well, he did say he thought

he heard some voices.

Well, it's his imagination, Josh.

This wind's makin' enough noise

to sound like a, a whole congregation.

Ooh! Chilly out here.

Come along, I think we could both use a cup of tea.

[Cora] 'My husband died when Willie was only two years old.'

[Josh] 'Must've been hard.'

There were times.

But then, my havin' to raise Willie on my own

stayin' close to him night and days

got me to know my boy better than most mothers do their own.

I know what's best for him.

I'm sure you do, but..

[Cora] 'But what?'

Willie isn't exactly helpless, is he?

'I mean, he did take that g*n apart'

'fixed the hammer spring.'

Yes, he is sometimes

surprisingly good with his hands.

But then I suppose any reasonably

bright seven-year-old could've done the same thing.

Should've thought of that.

'I didn't, that's what scares me.'

- I don't understand. - Oh, it's difficult.

You try to be alert every second

but no matter how hard you try, you make mistakes like tonight.

Willie could've hurt himself seriously, or you.

Willie'd never hurt anybody.

[Cora] ''Course he wouldn't, not intentionally.'

Willie wouldn't hurt a field mouse

who's eaten his last crust of bread.

He's so gentle and loving.

Makes you wanna cry.

But you can't take anything for granted with Willie.

'Cause, you see, there's another side to him.

He's sometimes secretive, as little boys often are.

'Like not telling me he fixed that g*n'

'cause he knew I wouldn't like that.

Goin' out in the dark without my permission.

It must be painful for you.

Painful?

Oh, Josh.

How can I make you understand?

I gotta be one of the luckiest women on the face of Earth

to have in my keepin' a boy like Willie.

'A boy free of meanness and greed'

'and lost in hypocrisy.'

He'll never grow into any of those things

like the rest of us will.

Already have.

'Cause in that...growing shape of man

is a little boy who'll always be a boy.

Being the innocent that he is..

...he has to be protected

so he doesn't hurt himself or anyone else.

''Cause he doesn't understand life.'

[mellow music]

Willie is very lucky to..

...have a mother like you.

I love my boy, Josh.

I'm not gonna let anything happen to him.

Ever.

- 'He just up and shot me, pa.' - 'Esau's right, pa.'

[Jacob] 'And for no cause.'

We figured we would ride on down river

to that, uh, Johnson woman's place.

To have a talk with her about movin' on and all.

Seeing as how her staying is grindin' on ya.

You know plain well I've tried to talk with her before

and it's never done no good.

Well, that's because you always

ended up yellin' at her, pa.

We figured that if we was to maybe reason with her

gentle-like that, that she'd sees things different.

But, but, pa, when we were still a good piece from her place

on that road, that, that Willie

'just-just come out of the woods'

'and-and he looked wild, pa.'

Crazy!

He just up and shot Esau right off his horse.

He acted plum devil took, pa.

I begged him not to sh**t me.

Next thing I knowed, he blowed a hole in my leg.

Pa, and then he pointed a finger at me.

Said he'd get me next.

Eli, you gotta do somethin' about that Johnson kid.

You just gotta.

'Ain't they caused you enough trouble as it is already?'

What do you want, Mr. Kelsay?

I want you to get that boy out here.

- Willie? - You got another?

Why do you wanna see Willie?

'Cause he shot Esau!

What?

What proof you got of that?

Proof that my boy has got a b*llet hole in his leg.

You tryin' to tell me you didn't hear no g*nsh*t last night?

My boy's word is proof enough.

Not considering that kid you got stashed around here.

Now you gonna get him out here, woman, where I can see him.

Or if you don't, I'm gonna drag him out!

You ease up, Mr. Kelsay.

Willie's, uh.. Willie's shy.

He doesn't like to talk to people.

He's gonna talk to me.

You got no call here.

I got no call?

That moonstruck loon come at my boys

like something out of the witch's brew.

'Near made graveyard meat outta one of 'em.'

Put a hole in his leg.

You could stick your finger in.

And threatened to k*ll the other.

And you got the nerve to tell me that I got no call?

What were your boys doin' down here last night anyway?

They come down here to talk to Mrs. Johnson.

If'n it's any of your business?

They came down here just to talk?

You got your ears in your pocket, boy.

Talk is what I said and talk is what I meant.

And Esau near got himself k*lled for it.

'Now, are you gonna send that boy out or do I have to..'

[footsteps approaching]

[dramatic music]

Why did you sh**t my boy, Willie?

They tell me you come on 'em last night

like a hound with the fits.

I didn't.

I mean, I..

I mean, I didn't mean--

You tellin' me you didn't fire no r*fle last night?

It was...night, Mr. Kelsay, and I..

He stumbled over something and the g*n went off.

'It was an accident.'

Willie's a good boy.

He wouldn't sh**t anybody on purpose.

I wouldn't. I didn't think..

Didn't wanna hurt anybody, Mr. Kelsay.

That boy is a damn liar.

Look at him.

Hiding behind that dumb look

like a sinner behind a prayer book.

Go on back to the house, Willie.

Go on.

[Eli] 'I ain't letting this pass, woman.'

When one of my boys

drags himself home like Esau

'bore in the arms of the Grim Reaper then in mine.'

'That's when I draw a hard line.'

Most men would up and hang a boy like Willie

for doin' what he done.

'Right on the spot.'

But you can count yourself lucky that I ain't gonna do that.

But I am seeing to it that he pays hard

for what he's done.

I'm gonna have a little talk with your friend the sheriff.

He's always jawing at me

about abusing you.

Maybe this time he'll see who's really to blame.

[music continues]

[Eli] Hyah!

Hyah!

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]

- Mornin'. - Mornin'.

- Mm, smells good. - Mm.

Before we can get any more work done on that ferry

we're gonna be needing some supplies.

Nails, lumber and such.

Needs a trip to town. You mind the chore, Josh?

That's no chore.

Hitch up the wagon, get what we need.

It's near half-day's ride.

Sure be obliged.

Hey, I was thinkin'..

...might do Willie some good if I could

take him to town with me.

Town?

Well, I'll keep an eye on him, Mrs. Johnson.

Can I go, ma?

I'll be good, I promise.

Look after him, Josh.

I will, ma'am.

Look after him close, don't let him out of your sight.

You got to look proper.

Fix your hair, tuck in your shirt.

Ain't been to a stack of buildings

in a long time, Josh.

Can't hardly wait.

Now, you're to stay with Josh, do what he tells you.

Don't touch nothin'.

Stay out of trouble and out of folks' way.

I will, ma.

You mind proper and..

...Josh can buy you some jelly beans at the sweet shop.

Thanks, ma.

[instrumental music]

[Willie] Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!

Yeah, you're doin' fine, Willie. Real fine.

Now, ease up on the reins a little bit.

That's it.

[Willie] 'Forgot how all stuck together'

'folks can get.'

[Josh] 'Yeah.'

[Willie] 'Look at those little boys.'

'Sure look like they're having a good time.'

- 'Playin' in that horse water.' - 'Willie..'

[Josh] 'With weather like this, they gotta be the smartest ones'

'in town.'

Ma lets me swim when she's got the time to watch me.

Who taught you to swim?

Ma did, just like she taught me how to write my name.

She didn't want me livin' by a river without knowin' swimmin'.

[Josh] 'That's a good idea.'

[organ music]

[Willie] 'What kinda critter is that?'

It's called a monkey.

- A monkey? - Yeah.

Comes from a far away place called Africa.

You see that man making the music there?

'He's called an organ grinder.'

Now, he pumps the box

and the monkey puts on a show.

Ain't never seen anything like that in my whole life.

Come on, Willie, better come with me.

Aw, can't I stay and watch the monkey, Josh?

No.

Please, I won't get in any trouble, I promise.

[chattering]

You gotta promise me you'll stay in the wagon till I come back.

'Now you won't move?'

I won't, Josh, I promise.

Alright.

[music continues]

[indistinct chatter]

[giggling]

[indistinct chatter]

[male #1] 'Oh, there. There we go.'

[Jacob laughing]

Hey.

- It's that crazy kid. - 'What, what's that?'

The one I was tellin' you all about.

Crazy kid who shot my brother.

[music continues]

[indistinct chatter]

[horse neighing]

Come here, little monkey. Come on. Come on.

Come on out, monkey, come on.

It's okay, I ain't gonna hurt you. Come on.

Hey, he gonna k*ll that monkey.

I ain't gonna hurt you, little monkey.

Leave monkey alone!

Hey! You let that animal alone.

[Jacob] What are you doin' in town, Willie?

Run outta things up at your place to sh**t at?

I wasn't gonna hurt the monkey. He just--

Yeah, sure, same way you wasn't tryin' to hurt my brother

when you blasted him halfway to glory.

[dramatic music]

'You're just prone for trouble, ain't ya, Willie?'

'How about if I call the sheriff on you?'

[Jacob] Let's get him! He's the loony that shot my brother!

[clattering]

[intense music]

'Hey, grab that kid!'

'Come on, let's get him!'

[Jacob] 'He's in the livery.'

'Come on, I'll find him.'

'Willie!'

- Which way did he go? - Come on.

[music continues]

Willie.

'We know youse in there.'

So you might as well just come on out.

Leave him be.

You know, it seems I run into you everywhere I go.

As much your fault as mine.

Warnings just roll right off your ears

like water off a duck's back, don't they?

I don't treat drivel with much importance.

I never have.

Why, you..

[grunts]

[intense music]

[indistinct chatter]

- 'Come on, Jacob!' - 'Yeah. Come on..'

[indistinct chatter]

[grunts]

[dramatic music]

- Watch out, Josh! - 'That's enough! Drop it!'

You heard me, Kelsay. Drop it.

Time you boys are goin' home and coolin' off, don't you think?

Gettin' all worked up like this

can get you into a heap of trouble.

Now get outta here.

All of you!

Sheriff, that loony shot my brother.

And you better do somethin' about it

before he up and kills somebody.

You alright, Willie?

Yes, sir.

You won't tell my ma, will ya?

[sighing]

Who are you, son?

- My name's Josh Macahan. - Josh Macahan.

Well, you're the one that helped Cora catch her ferry.

- She said you'd left. - No, I tried to.

Kelsay wouldn't let me cross the river.

Well, he's not exactly in the best mood these days.

Came in to see me.

He said, Willie shot one of his boys.

Were you there when it happened?

No, only afterwards.

I heard the shot go off.

I went out there, and Willie was holding the g*n.

And he thinks he fell and it went off.

What do you think?

I believe him, sheriff.

Trouble is, with Willie..

...you can't ever be sure what really happened.

Take him on home.

If there's anymore trouble

Eli is in an ugly mood.

And this ruckus isn't gonna help.

What are you gonna do, sheriff?

I don't know.

Eli is demanding that Willie be put away.

You won't do that.

Nothin' I can do, it's..

Decision's gotta be made by Judge Rudd.

Take him home.

Yes, sir.

[dramatic music]

Come on, Willie, let's go home.

Bye, sheriff.

Bye, Willie.

[music continues]

You're mad at me, aren't you, Josh?

I'm sorry for all the trouble I caused.

'Gettin' us all banged up and all.'

I told you to wait in the wagon.

Why didn't you, Willie? Why?

Why can't you ever do what you're told?

I try so hard, Josh.

I really try hard.

[mellow music]

Uh, Willie..

I'm sorry.

Alright?

Will you, uh..

Will you forgive me?

You mean you're not mad at me?

No, I'm not mad at you.

Not at you.

[water splashing]

Oh, I know I should've listened to you, Mrs. Johnson.

'But I just thought..'

Well, it wasn't Willie's fault what happened yesterday.

It just happened.

What happened happened because Willie's Willie.

Well, it wouldn't have if I hadn't left him

in the wagon alone yesterday.

Oh, Josh, I, I appreciate

what you're tryin' to do for me.

Believe me, I do, but you gotta understand

what I told you.

Willie's not like other people.

'If I let him try to do what other people do'

'he only gets hurt by it, one way or the other.'

Why do you think I came out here

to this place on the edge of the world?

- I don't know. - I'm a 36-year-old woman.

You think I don't have

feelings and desires?

I do.

But I came out here because

Willie couldn't live around folks in the town.

He was laughed at, and teased by the children.

Stared at by everybody else.

Maybe it was just that town.

- Maybe in another-- - There were others.

Everywhere we went, it was the same.

Willie tried to do what he seen other folks do, but he couldn't.

Gettin' into more trouble than he could get himself out of

at school, on the street, everywhere.

Just couldn't help himself.

You saw him the other day when he tried help pull in the ferry.

You know

if you keep a bird in a cage all its life

it'll never learn to fly proper.

Never have a chance to be.

Sheriff Pinter.

'Eli Kelsay.'

'They got Dr. Baker with 'em.'

[dramatic music]

[horse snorts]

I guess you know why we're here, Cora.

It's about the sh**ting.

Judge Rudd ordered Doc Baker here to examine Willie.

Cora, I'd give my right arm.

'There's nothin' I can do.'

Will you get Willie?

[music continues]

[music continues]

Hello, Willie.

I'm Dr. Baker.

I'm not gonna harm you, Willie.

Just wanna ask you a few questions about the shootin'.

Everything was all mixed up that night.

And wild.

Limbs were bangin'.

And the wind sounded like voices.

I see.

I think, perhaps, it'd be best if I talked to Willie

in the house, Mrs. Johnson.

You see the way that Willie was actin' when we rode up?

How he kinda sneaked away, guilty-like?

Acted sorta scared and skitterish.

Well, what the hell do you expect?

I would like to see Willie's room, Mrs. Johnson.

Thank you.

Close the door, please.

That's Willie's carvin' knife.

'Likes to whittle things.'

Why does he hide it?

Uh, he doesn't want his mother to know he has the knife.

She's afraid he might hurt himself.

Afraid he might hurt himself with a knife?

And she permitted him to a have a r*fle?

That was just an old squirrel g*n.

It was broken. Wouldn't sh**t.

But if I'm correctly informed, it did sh**t.

Yeah.

Willie fixed it.

His mother didn't know.

He's got a knife he conceals from his mother..

...and he made a broken g*n into lethal weapon

without tellin' her.

Doctor, now, I know this sounds bad

but-but you gotta understand.

Willie has nothin'.

'He has no friends.'

'No one ever comes around here, so he likes to whittle.'

Now the g*n, well

I kinda think that's a symbol of..

...of manhood.

I see.

If you'll be kind to step aside for a moment, Mrs. Johnson..

I-I'm not gonna hurt you, son.

- Willie. - Yeah?

Uh, Willie, uh..

Stand on one leg for me, would you, please?

Huh?

[Dr. Baker] 'I asked you to stand on one leg.'

[sighs]

Uh, Willie..

...stomp your left foot, stomp it three times.

Stomp my..

Why do you want me to do these things?

Because I wanna help you, Willie.

Doc, do you have to do this to him?

I assure you, young man, I know what I'm doin'.

Uh, Willie, what, uh..

What-what do you like to do best?

I like to..

What did you start to say, Willie?

Nothing.

I told ya

he likes to make wood carvings.

[sighs]

[clangs]

You like g*ns, Willie?

You like to sh**t g*ns, Willie?

Do you like knives, Willie?

Do you like to hurt things?

Why would I wanna hurt things?

I was hoping you could tell me.

[thuds] Ever get mad, Willie?

Are you upset now, Willie?

Do you feel like hurtin' somebody, Willie?

Have you ever thought of killin' anyone, Willie?

[dramatic music]

[Cora] 'Willie!'

[music continues]

If that weren't a sample of someone who's crazy

in the head...I don't--

That's just what he looked like comin' after us, pa.

Like somethin' out of a bad dream.

[music continues]

Hot enough to put anyone in a rage.

Weather does affect moods and tempers.

Way people think, what some people do.

You sayin' you don't think that loony--

All I'm sayin', Mr. Kelsay, is it's god awful hot!

This kinda situation..

...takes a lotta hard thinkin'.

There's a lot at stake here.

You're damn right there is.

- My family! - Hold on, Eli.

I want to check a couple of medical books.

- Think it over. - Think it over!

What do you mean, "Think it over?"

Can't you see that boy is--

Get out, Eli.

Get out of my house and off my land.

You're forgettin' whose river this is.

Whose river?

I said, get out.

You've been asked to leave, Mr. Kelsay.

Boy's right, Eli.

What's more to be said will be the doc's to say.

'Once he's come into mind to it.'

You just make sure you do some proper thinkin', doc.

I'll be a little time in the decidin'.

I'm a doctor.

I want what's best for your son.

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]

[male narrator] "How the West Was Won"

will continue in a moment.

[instrumental music]

I'd say she's as good as new, Mrs. Johnson.

Guess now I'll have to get around

to gettin' those horses home as soon as we find out

what the doctor decided about Willie.

[sighs] I don't know, Duke.

Josh is goin' away.

Willie!

'Willie!'

'You can turn the ox around and bring us back now.'

Gee.

[Josh] 'What's the matter with Willie, Mrs. Johnson?'

[Cora] 'My guess is, he's afraid you'll be leaving'

'now that the ferry's finished and..'

I-I think Willie's not up to saying goodbye to you, Josh.

[instrumental music]

I know how you feel, Willie.

[music continues]

'Sayin' goodbye isn't easy.'

Even when the time comes when they've gotta be said.

Especially when somebody you like a lot.

'The way I like you and..

'...I hope you like me.'

I like you better than anybody else in the whole world, Josh.

'Except ma.'

[Josh] 'I'm not leavin' yet, Willie.'

'Honest, I'm not.'

'But even when I do'

my having to leave here doesn't mean I can't swing by

every now and then, and, and visit.

Really, Josh?

You gonna come by and visit sometime?

You bet.

Hey, look. There's Sheriff Pinter, Josh.

'I like him, too.'

[instrumental music]

Looks like he's come for another visit.

Yeah.

I think he likes my ma.

- Hi, sheriff. - Hello, Willie.

Willie, run in the house and get sheriff

a glass of...cider.

'Be careful pourin' it.'

Never saw a..

...doctor..

...go so much without sleep or..

...be so troubled.

What did the doctor say, sheriff?

Well, he said, uh..

He said, Willie should be committed to a county home.

[mellow music]

No.

[Cora] 'No!'

- 'No.' - 'Cora, I'm sorry.'

[inhales deeply]

I'll have to take Willie in with me.

Now?

You can't take Willie away from me.

'You can't.'

'Not to a place like that.'

Damn you!

- 'Damn all of you!' - 'They had a long talk, Cora.'

[Pinter] 'The judge and Doc Baker, a real long talk.'

[Cora] 'Don't tell me about talkin'.'

'It's a life we're talkin' about.'

- 'Willie's life.' - He'll be looked after, Cora.

[Pinter] 'Cared for.'

Did you think with Willie out of the way

I'd be free for you to come courting, is that it?

Now, that's not true. That's not true.

Cora, if there's a-anything that I could do to change..

[dramatic music]

Willie!

Willie!

Willie, no. Come back!

Willie!

Now, hold on, sheriff.

- Let me go after him. - What're you sayin'?

I'm sayin', if Willie sees you, he's gonna get scared

and hide someplace where we'll never find him.

Now, Willie trusts me. I can talk to him.

I'll find him, I'll get him to come back.

I'll give you first shot, son. But listen tight.

If you don't get him back quick, I'll have to get him myself.

Eli learns about this, he's gonna go after

that boy with a g*n.

I'll bring him back, ma'am. I'll bring him.

[mellow music]

I don't know why we gotta go to that

Johnson woman's place, pa.

Sheriff sent word that he'd be goin' over there

to take Willie over to the crazy house, anyway.

Pinter's sweet on Mrs. Johnson.

You sayin' you think he'll go soft

and have second thoughts about takin' Willie?

All I'm sayin' is, I ain't takin' no chances, that's all.

[Josh] 'Willie!'

'Willie?'

'It's Josh!'

'Please answer me.'

'I wanna talk to ya.'

[mellow music]

[Josh] Willie! Hold up!

[music continues]

[music continues]

Hello, Willie.

Boy, you sure gave me a chase there.

Go away, Josh.

Leave me alone.

Wouldn't be a friend if I did.

We are still friends, aren't we?

I sure would like for you to come back with me, Willie.

I ain't goin' back, Josh.

Just so's that I could get taken away.

It's gettin' late.

Looks like a storm is comin' on.

I'm goin' back.

'Sure wish you'd come with me, Willie.'

I already told you, Josh.

I ain't goin' back.

I know you got to do what you got to do.

I can't make you come with me.

I gotta hand it to you, though. You're a braver man than me.

I wouldn't wanna stay out here at night alone.

Not with a storm brewing.

[instrumental music]

[horse snorting]

I ain't goin' back, Josh.

I ain't.

I'm not sayin' I blame you for runnin' off.

Can't say I wouldn't have done the same thing

if I'd been in your shoes.

But you know the sheriff is gonna be out lookin' for you.

And if Eli Kelsay finds out you've run off

he'll be out lookin', too.

[dramatic music]

h*!

- What is it, Eli? - Somethin' I figured on.

Willie's run off, and that Macahan kid's helping him.

[Josh] What you thinkin' about, Willie?

Nothin'.

Except maybe..

...why that doctor man asked me if I like to hurt things.

Reckon he was tryin' to help.

'How?'

It's hard to explain.

I know why he came to see me.

'Cause I'm different from other folks.

There isn't anybody exactly like anybody else, Willie.

'Not in the whole world.'

Look, you're gonna have to come back with me.

'You gotta.'

'Your ma's cryin' her heart out.'

Hopin' you're not hurt.

Scared to death you're not gonna come back.

Ma's cryin'?

About me?

She's hurtin' real bad, Willie

'about you bein' gone.'

Figured you'd help that loony run off, did you, boy?

What're you talking about?

Well, if you don't know, you're more crooked

in the head than your friend there.

Sheriff know you two are out here?

I don't have to answer to you, old man.

You don't and you'll answer to this, mister.

[r*fle c*ck]

I'm goin' back, Josh.

I'm goin' back to the ferry.

Don't sh**t him, Mr. Kelsay.

'Sheriff Pinter is waitin', and I'm goin' back.'

You're damn right you are.

You go straight up or straight out.

It don't make any difference to me.

'Be foolish if either one of you try anything on the ride back.'

'Jacob, fetch the wagon.'

[dramatic music]

[mellow music]

[Pinter] 'Cora.'

[dramatic music]

Willie.

- 'Whoa!' - Willie.

Oh, Willie.

Will..

- I'm sorry I ran off, ma. - It's alright, Willie.

It's alright.

[Cora sniffles]

Willie.

Honey.

Sheriff Pinter's gonna take you somewhere.

To a place that's kinda like a big house.

But you won't be alone there, there'll be others

and folks to look after you.

And I can, I can come visit you.

Because I fell down..

...and the g*n went off?

I didn't mean to hurt anybody.

[mellow music]

[sobbing]

I'm goin' to a big house, Josh.

Ma's gonna visit me.

I know, Willie.

Will you come, too?

I'll try.

I-I'll be visiting you, Willie.

[music continues]

I'd like to be forever friends, Josh.

We'll be friends.

Forever and ever?

Forever and ever.

Cora.

I'll have to take him across.

Gonna see to it that one of my boys

comes along with you, sheriff.

Jacob.

Since Esau is still wearing them sticks.

Sure. Sure, pa.

I wanna make sure that Willie there don't slip away again..

...between here and where you're supposed to take him.

You just make damn sure you keep your hands off Willie.

'Is that clear?'

Cora. Cora.

Come on..

No.

Get.

[mellow music]

Mom..

Mama?

- Ma! - Easy, Willie.

Mama!

Willie!

Willie! No!

'No, Willie! No!'

[intense music]

[horse neighs]

Ma!

[screaming]

Jacob.

- He can't swim. - 'Jacob!'

[indistinct yelling]

[Willie] 'I'll save you.'

'Jacob!'

[music continues]

Willie..

[Willie] 'Wel, I can't kick around.'

[Josh] 'Hang on, Willie. I'm comin'!'

[water splashes]

[Jacob gasps]

Willie..

[Josh] 'Don't let him pull you down, Willie.'

[music continues]

Oh.

[Josh] 'Willie, don't let him pull you down.'

[Josh] Hold him, Willie. Hold him.

It's alright, Willie. I got him.

Let's get in.

Oh!

[instrumental music]

[coughing]

[music continues]

[gasping]

Thanks, Willie.

Why did you try and save my boy?

He was drownin'.

You still think, Mr. Kelsay

that a boy like Willie would try to k*ll your sons

then risk his life to save one?

Doesn't make any sense to me.

There's just somethin' not right here.

Jacob.

Somethin' not right.

Suppose you tell me and everybody else here what it is!

Come on!

Jacob?

Just what is goin' on?

'You got a lie to hide or somethin'?'

[Esau] Pa..

Jacob and me, we..

We lied to you, pa.

What did you say, boy?

We lied about...Willie.

'About his comin' at us to k*ll.'

About his actin' wild and such.

About everything.

You lied?

To go around the beatin' you'd have given us

if we'd told the truth.

You lied to me?

Yes, pa.

What was it you'd done to lie about, Esau?

I asked you a question, boy!

Jacob and me took a fancy to Josh's Appaloosas.

We figured we'd take 'em... and pin 'em up somewhere

until we could sell 'em.

But then, Willie come along, and..

'I guess he must have tripped over'

a stump like he said, the g*n went off

and got me in the leg.

He didn't see us, pa.

He didn't know we was anywhere around.

E-Esau's right, pa.

'It was an accident.'

I know what we did was wrong, pa, but..

...but we was afraid of you.

- Afraid. - Afraid?

Afraid of your own pa?

So afraid that you let an innocent boy

be put away for life?

- To save your own sh*t! - Stop.

You wonder why they're afraid, Mr. Kelsay?

'Look at yourself.'

Look at what you're doin'.

Anybody'd be afraid.

'They lied because they knew you'd beat them both'

'half to death if they told the truth.'

Well, they finally told the truth

and now you're ready to beat 'em again.

Does it make any sense?

'Does it prove anything?'

Listen to him, Eli. He's speakin' truth.

If you have at your boys now..

...I won't be around come mornin'.

[dramatic music]

[mellow music]

I'm sorry, Mrs. Johnson.

'And I'm deeply ashamed.'

I still think the river is mine..

...but I guess the Kelsays have hurt you enough.

You won't have anymore trouble with me or my sons

'from now on.'

[music continues]

Let's go home, Eli.

I guess there's only one important thing here.

Willie don't belong no place..

...except with his own ma.

[instrumental music]

I forgot something. Can't go yet, Josh.

I promised I'd have a surprise for you

if you stayed long enough.

[music continues]

It's your Appaloosas, Josh.

What's the matter, Josh?

Don't you like it?

I don't believe it.

I've never seen anything like it, Willie.

Like..

Like something alive.

Willie, how did you carve?

With a knife.

I got it in my bed.

I'll give it back.

Don't cry, ma.

Please, don't cry.

I'll take it away.

Oh, no, no. No, Willie.

Oh!

Th-they're beautiful. They're..

'They're beautiful.'

Why didn't you ever show 'em to me before?

I knew you'd be mad.

If you knew I had a knife all this time.

[Cora] 'Oh, Willie.'

I'm not mad.

I'm proud.

How did you make 'em, Willie?

It was easy.

It was, it was already in the wood.

Just had to whittle to where they were.

Like this big piece of wood, these Appaloosas are in.

'Just gotta whittle 'em free of what's around 'em.'

When I go huntin' wood..

...I look for something I wanna let out.

Something like a bird or a rabbit..

All pretty and fine.

Just waitin' on me to let it out.

Ain't much of a chore 'cause it's already there.

Just gotta whittle to where it is.

Bye, Josh!

Goodbye, Willie.

[instrumental music]

You know, Mrs. Johnson, Willie always talked about

letting things out of his carvin' wood.

'First night I stayed here, he mentioned it.'

'Freein' things.'

We all need as much freedom as we can handle, Josh.

I guess Willie can handle a lot more

than I ever gave him credit for.

Yes, ma'am.

'Bye, Mrs. Johnson.'

Goodbye, Josh.

[music continues]

[clicks tongue]

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

[laughter]

We're going to be sick.

Lucky for us, we found these berries before that bear did.

Remember last year, Jessie?

There was hardly a bush left with a berry on it.

- He's back! - Who? The bear?

No. Josh.

[horses trotting]

- 'Hi, Josh.' - 'Hello, Josh.'

- Howdy. - Welcome home.

Well, thank you.

Well, you're just in time

to help us pick some berries.

Well, that is only, of course

you'd like some of that cobbler we're gonna make.

[laughing] Where's Zeb and Luke, Josh?

Oh, they had some business.

They'll be along in a few days, I suspect.

Uh-huh. Well, what kept you so long?

- Oh, this, that, and the other. - Uh-huh.

Well, to, uh, this, that and the other

you can add some broken fences.

'The fence down in the east meadow'

'is in bad need of a paint job.'

Of course, that'll all be different, now that you're home.

Figure I got me just a little bit of bargaining power here.

Bargaining, hm?

I figure maybe, just maybe I'll show you what I got here

providing..

Providing that?

Ah, ah, ah.

Providing I don't have to paint the east meadow fence

that Luke was supposed to paint.

[chuckling] What have you got in there, anyhow?

Ah, just take a look at it.

Pretty, isn't it?

Pretty isn't the word, Josh.

Josh, that's beautiful!

- Where did you get it? - From a boy named Willie.

A boy made this?

Oh, he must be a very special boy.

He is, Aunt Molly.

A very special boy.

[instrumental music]

[theme music]

[music continues]

[music continues]