03x25 - Timberland

[bunniefuu]

Good mornin'.Emmett.

Aren't you due in town
for that meeting?I'll be there.

Thought it was best
to have a look first.Yeah. Same here.

How old is that timber?
You got any idea?

Hard to say.
I guess some of it
goes back hundreds of years.

[ Man ]
Timber!

They're really
ripping into it.

Well, there's nothing
I can do about it.

Nobody said there was.

Come on.
Let's get to that meeting.

Isn't that Rogers,
the timber foreman?Yeah, that's him.

[ No Audible Dialogue ]

You go on ahead.
I'll see you
in a couple of minutes.

Forty dollars?

That's pretty steep
for some broken glass,
Harris.

All I'm askin'
is what it cost me
in the first place.

Well, the boys
were just havin' some fun.Fun?

Throwin' something
through a store window?

- No one got hurt.
- Except the man
they threw through the window.

Well, he was one of us.
Just part of the family.

That's why they're not
in jail right now.

And let's not have it
happen again, huh?

Forty dollars?

Put it on my bill.

Hey, Emmett.
You know who's coming into
Medicine Bow this afternoon?

- Mr. Daniels.
Charles Daniels himself.
- Oh?

I just thought you ought
to know so you could
mention to the ranchers.

I will. I sure hope somethin'
gets worked out.

I make good money
off this lumber crew,
but I can't say I enjoy it.

Why not? Well, there's gonna be
a blowup, and you know it.

I tell ya,
it's tough on us merchants,

with the ranchers on one side
and them lumberjacks
on the other.

Emmett, have you got any idea
what it's like being caught
in the middle?

Well, it's too bad
I have to go to
that meeting, Mr. Harris.

Uh, I could stay
while you told me.

Hey, Dave.

What, are you ducking out
before it even gets
started, huh?

Oh, Dad doesn't need me.
He's the best table pounder
in the whole territory.

I may have to do a little
table pounding myself, now that
the sheriff's out of town.

Oh, and I'm sorry for you.
You know, you don't hold
a candle to us Fergusons.

[ Chuckles ]
Not to mention
Barney Wingate.

And Shiloh. They graze
in the north valley too.

Well, how about something
a little more pleasant?

I'm headed down
to the restaurant.
Care to join me?

What's the matter?
Don't they feed you at home?Oh, yeah. Sure.

I'm a growing boy.[ Chuckles ]
Yeah.

There's that new waitress.
I hear she's quite a looker.

She's very nice. Yeah.Yeah. That's what I heard,

but I haven't had
a chance to meet her yet.

Or maybe a better way
to put it would be she hasn't
had a chance to meet me.

Yeah. That's what I like
about you, Dave.
You're modest, boy.

Well, you go ahead,
while you can.

Uh, wait-- wait a minute.
What do you mean,
while I can?

Well, I mean, all these
extra men in town now,

you know, it's, uh--
might give you some competition.

Well, I've always been able
to hold my own before.
I don't think I'll fret now.

[ Chuckles ]It could get rough,
couldn't it?

That lumbering operation,
what it's doing
to the valley.

The idea is not to
let it get rough, Dave.

You enjoy your breakfast.Yeah.
Enjoy your, uh, meeting.

No, our mistake was letting
that lumber crew in
in the first place.

We never should have
let 'em get started.

Sorry I'm late.Emmett.

John was just saying--Yeah, I heard him,
Mr. Wingate,

but they have
every right
to cut that timber.

It's their land.What does that mean?
Are you on their side?

Now hold on, John. There's
no reason to blame Emmett here
for a fix that we're in.

He doesn't make the laws.
All he does is enforce them.

And there's no law that
could have kept the Daniels
Lumber Company out of here.

Still and all,
we have to do something.

Those aren't just trees
they're cutting,
pretty scenery.

That's valuable watershed.

By the time they're finished,
uh, it'll all be gone.

Every tree.
And when the rains come,
the ground won't hold the water.

It'll turn our range
into a sea of mud.
My cattle can't live on mud.

Nobody's cattle can.
This is open range.
We're all in the same fix.

Who did Daniels
lease this land from?
Maybe we can talk to the owner.

He is the owner.
He bought it outright.

Well, what are we gonna do?

Because I'm warnin' you, Emmett.
I'm not gonna stand by...

and watch our grazing land
wiped out.

Well, Mr. Ferguson, maybe--
maybe we're all yelling...

before we're hurt.

Better to do something now
than wait till it's too late.

If there's anything we can do.

Well, if you got any ideas,
Emmett, now's the time.

Well, I just heard
Daniels himself is coming in.

When?

Today. So maybe
we could talk with him,

uh, tell him
what the problem is.

Yes. Well, we told Rogers,
for all the good
that did us.

Rogers is a hired hand,
and Daniels is a boss.

That Daniels won't listen to us.

Those lumbermen
are all the same.

How do we know he won't,
unless we try?

All right. We'll try.

[ Train Whistle Blowing ]

Your dad here yet?Yeah. He's right over there.

You think you'll get anyplace?Well, we can't do
any worse than you did.

Worse than I did?
I've never even
talked to the lumber crew.

No, I mean with that waitress.

Oh. Word sure gets around,
doesn't it?

- Say, did you know
she was married?
- Oh, didn't I tell you?

Fine friend.
You let me make
a fool of myself.

Here she comes.

Paul. How are ya?Fine, Charles.
Fine. You?

Never better.
You gettin' out
that timber?

So fast,
even you'll be surprised.Yeah? Well, I won't be alone.

I've got a surprise
for you.For me?

Well, it can't be
Katy.Hello, Paul.

Oh, Katy.

Gee, it's good to
see ya.

Suddenly seems like a lifetime
since I last saw you.

Now, it's only been a year.

She gonna stay out
at the camp with us?

That's right.
You can keep an eye on her.

Yeah. I'd better.
Think I want those locals
to know about her?

Now you look like
you just swallowed
the canary.

Well, maybe I did.
My two favorite people
together--

that's good.Where's the rest
of your luggage?

In the baggage car,
along with those
crosscut saws you ordered.

Good. Wagon's
right over here.Okay.

[ Daniels ]
Come on, Katy.

Mr. Daniels.
Can we, uh, talk with you
for a minute?

About what?This is Mr. Ferguson
and Mr. Wingate.

We're ranchers,
Mr. Daniels,

and we graze the valley
right below your timber holding.

- So?
- We've got a problem
we'd like to discuss with you.

Fine. You know
where my camp is.

But, Mr. Daniels--Not now. I've got equipment
to get off that train.

You want to talk to me,
you come to my lumber camp.
Make it tomorrow.

Now hold on a minute.John, Mr. Daniels is
probably tired from his trip.

Tomorrow will be
just fine, Mr. Daniels.

You wait here
a minute, dear.

Let's get those saws
off the train.

I won't be able
to be there.

I've gotta run some cattle
into my south feeding lot.

You'll be there,
won't you, Emmett?

I wouldn't miss it.

Let's go, Son.Oh, you go ahead, Dad.
I'll be along.

Well, you're looking at
Main Street, Medicine Bow,

the pride of
the Wyoming Territory.

Well, it's very nice.

Yeah, it's nice.
It's, uh, small,

compared to
the cities you've seen,
I'm sure.

Well, isn't that so?

Of course, size isn't
everything. Now, Cheyenne,
for instance, is larger,

but when it comes to culture,
Cheyenne is rough
and uncouth.

Why, do you know
they have no appreciation
of the fair sex there?

Well, not like here.
I'm sure you can see
the difference.

- No comment?
- No comment.

Well, take me, for instance.
Now, here I am, cultured,

charming, witty, unattached.

[ Clears Throat ]
My name is Dave Ferguson.

Yours?

Katherine.

Katherine Daniels.

Allow me.

Thank you.

Don't mention it,
Katherine Daniels.

Who was that?

Just one of the locals.He seemed very nice.

I wouldn't know.
But I'd bet against it.

[ Birds Chirping ]

What do you
think of it, Katy?

The house was in pretty good
shape when we took it over.Oh, I'm sure it'll be just fine.

Charlie.Ollie, you old woods rat!
How are ya?

Charlie, it's sure good to see
ya. But you took your time
gettin' here. What kept ya?

Oh, it was probably me.
Ollie, it's so good
to see you again.

Ah, Miss Katy,
you're downright beautiful.

- If I were 10 years younger,
I'd ask you to marry me.
- Ten years?

Ah, 12.[ All Laugh ]

It looks more like an office
than a fancy living room,
I'm afraid.

[ Chuckles ] If Katy isn't
used to a camp headquarters
by now, she never will be.

There's a nice bedroom upstairs.Fine. Put her things up there.
This'll be fine for me.

Good.
That's the way I figured.How's it going, Ollie?

Oh, just fine.
Paul's doing a great job.

- [ Daniels ]
Why not? He's a good man.
- And he had a good teacher.

Sometimes I think too good.I don't follow ya.

Well, he's beginning to act
less like Paul Rogers and more
like Charlie Daniels every day.

[ Daniels ]
And you think that's bad.

[ Ollie ]
Two Charlie Daniels?
[ Chuckles ]

Can't think of anything worse.[ Chuckles ]
I'll remember that.

Sure seemed glad to see you. Can't say I blame him much.

Come on, you two. You'll
have me blushing in a minute.You're all set.

Thank you.Ollie tells me you've been doing
a pretty fair job.

Fair? [ Daniels ]
Well, maybe better than fair.

What was that delegation
in town all about?

Ah, you know how they are,
always the same.

They were out here
once or twice,
shouting in my ear.

- And?
- It was my, uh, deaf ear.

[ Laughs ]
Come on, Ollie.
Show me the camp.

[ Door Closes ]How was school?

Same as last year--
and the year before that.

I'm glad
I'm through with it.

Uh, Katy--Paul, I--

[ Chuckles ]
Go ahead.It wasn't important.

Uh, and the trip out here?Uneventful.

Except for Father.
He talked the whole way.

Mostly about you. And about
how much he loved you
as if you were his own son.

Well, I'm glad I'm not.

Paul,

do you remember last year,
before I left for school from--

Where was it?

Oh, there have been
so many camps.Oregon.

It's funny how,
after so many years,
they all seem alike.

Father was making plans
for us. Remember?

Oh, did you think I wouldn't?

Don't give him all the credit.
I had something to do
with it too, you know.

Well, what I'm trying
to say is...

they seemed like good plans
at the time.

Katy,

I'm not much for fancy words.

I never was.

But if you're trying
to find out if I've changed
since last year,

or if I still feel
the same about you,

I do.

[ Chuckles ]
So put it out of your head.

All right.
It's out of my head.

I think I'll go change.

Katy, welcome home.

Thank you, Paul.

Timber!

[ Clopping Hooves Approaching ]

Something I can do for ya?We're looking for Daniels.
He around?

Yeah. He's in the house.

I'll be along
in a minute.

[ Door Closes ]

Pretty, isn't it?

Hello.I'm sorry
if I startled you.

Not startled.
Surprised.

Pleasantly, I hope.Of course.

Yeah, it's real pretty.

Ah, every time I see a tree,
or a lot of trees,

I wonder what it is
that makes 'em so majestic.

It's like God put 'em there
to last forever.

Possibly he did.

But he also meant them
for lumber and paper and--Now wait a minute. Whoa.

I was just making a comment.

The meeting's back there.

Why don't we let
the older generation
settle their own problems?

Agreed?

Agreed.Good.

Are you always so defensive
about the lumbering industry?

I'm just used to
the attitude
of the local people...

when my father and his crew
move in to a new area.

Well, I'm not the local people.
I'm Dave Ferguson.

[ Exhales Deeply ]
Look, Miss Daniels.
I'm sorry about yesterday.

Yesterday?

I didn't mean to embarrass you
at the train station.

You don't have anything
to apologize for.

You know, I left out
the most important thing
about Medicine Bow.

What's that?

That's the Saturday night dance.

This Saturday
it's really a big one.

I'll bet you dance
like a feather.

Well, thank you,
but I'm afraid not.

Why not?

Well-- They may not be true, you know.

What?

Oh, those stories
you hear about me--

about, uh,
how I chase women.

Of course,
even if they were true, uh,

a fella could change
from women in general
to one woman in particular.

Now how about the dance?
Look. I could pick you up here
or meet you in town.

Take your choice.

I already have.
I'm sorry. I can't.

[ Twig Snaps ]

Hello, Rogers.What are you doing up here?

Oh, I was just admiring
the scenery.

Well, I hope you saw enough
to last you for a while.

It's not gonna be here
much longer.

The scenery I'm referring to
is gonna be around
quite a while.

[ Rogers ]
I hear there's
a meetin' going on.

If I were you,
I'd join it.

Well, you're not me.

Now listen you--Paul.

It was nice
seeing you again,
Mr. Ferguson.

I think you better go back.

Well, maybe I better.

I'll see you again,
Miss Daniels.

Paul, he just asked me
to a dance in town.

- And?
- And I refused.

Well, it's a good thing you did.
It's a cattlemen's dance,
and outsiders aren't welcome.

Well, I don't think
he feels that way.

And how do you feel?

Not a chance, mister.

I bought this property
so that I could
cut the timber on it.

You don't have to strip it bare.
You could leave enough
to protect our grazing land.

I don't know anything
about your grazing land,
and I don't care about it.

What I care about
is that timber.

Now, uh,
let's get this straight.

My profit depends
on how many trees I cut.

You're asking me
to shave that profit
to protect some cows?

If you don't want to
cooperate, just say so,
and we'll forget it.

Mister, you came to me.
I didn't come to you.

Let's not get
worked up, Charlie.
They got a right to ask.

Is that your decision?[ Chuckles ]

Of course not.
It's your outfit.Well, then let me handle 'em.

Well, it's not just the cattle,
Daniels. This might make it
easier on all of us.

Easier? What's that
supposed to mean?

Well, I mean, relieve
the tension in town.

You want your crews
to be cutting timber,
not fighting ranchers.

We're not here to win
any popularity contests,

but if it comes to a fight,
we can hold our own.

Yeah. That may be.
But I'd like to see
that it doesn't go that far.

Let's get out of here, Emmett.
We're wasting our time.

You're darn right you are!

We're going on cutting trees
the same way we always have.

And we're within our rights
to do that, and you know it.

[ Ryker ]
Well, you think about it,
Mr. Daniels,

and while you're at it,
remember that the ranchers
have some rights too.

They've got just as big
a stake in this as you have.
Maybe--

Maybe bigger.
You cut your timber,
you move out.

They've got to go on here
grazing their beef.

If there's anything left
to graze them on.

You gonna do like he said?[ Chuckles ]
Are you crazy?

And leave all that
good timber standing?

No, I mean that part
about thinking about it.[ Scoffs ] Don't be ridiculous.

Well, they're doing it
in Europe.
We've talked about it before.

The trees you leave standing
will reseed.

I'm not interested
in long-term investments.
I'm interested in now.

What do you say, Paul?About what?

The locals here
are worried
about their watershed.

Ollie thinks I ought to leave
some of their trees standing.

I didn't say that, Charlie.
I just said it might be
worth thinkin' about.

What do you say, Paul?I say it's your timber
and your land.

You cut it any way you want.That's more like it.
[ Chuckles ]

And I want to see every stick
of that stand floating down
the river to the mill.

Always a battle.

In every new location,
why does there have to be a w*r?

Because we're the invader.
We're the enemy.

They don't like us.
Fine. We'll live through it.

And we'll cut our timber.That's right.

You're getting old, Ollie.
Old and soft.

Or tired
and smart.

Well, how are you
and Katy getting on?

I don't know, Charlie.
She, uh-- She's different.

As if she's been away
a lot longer than a year.

Oh, it'll work out.
Just don't rush her.

Give her
a lot of loose rein.

[ Chuckles ]
Well, you make it sound simple.

It's a good match.
You love her.
That's all that matters.

Oh. Excuse me.

Wait a minute, Pete.
Well, you've gotta do
better than that.

When you spill somebody's oats,
you've gotta give 'em back!

Pete! Joe!

Come on, Ferguson.
I got enough
for the three of ya.

[ Hammer c*ck ]

That's enough.

He started it.

That's no way to end it.

[ Hammer Uncocks ]

- How'd that happen?
- It was an accident, Emmett.

That right?

Yeah. Yeah,
I guess that's right.

You three better move along.

You got any more
groceries inside?

Let me give you a hand.

Thank you, Deputy.
I'll take care of it myself.

[ Horse Blusters ]

Howdy. You lost?

No. They told me
where I could find you.

That's quite an operation. [ Daniels ]
It's moving.

So I noticed.
Getting to be more bare ground
than trees already.

I don't need you
to keep tally for me.
I keep one of my own.

Now get to it, Ryker.
I'm busy.

All right, Mr. Daniels.
I'll get to it.

You heard what happened
in town yesterday?

Depends on what you mean.

I mean Paul Rogers
and Dave Ferguson.

I heard.
Young Ferguson
went for his g*n.

I'm not blaming anybody.
I'm just trying to point out
how things are in town.

Everybody's so keyed up,
you can hear it hum like a--
a bowstring.

Sorry to hear that.

So I'd be obliged if your crew
stays out of Medicine Bow
as much as possible.

"As much as possible"?

That couldn't be your way
of saying not to come into town
Saturday night, could it?

Yeah, I know.
Saturday's always a big night.

Well, it'd help if they--
they didn't.

Is that an order?It's a suggestion.

My men work hard.
They work a full week's work.

And if they want to go
into town on Saturday night...

and blow off a little steam,
that's their business.

As long as they
behave themselves.
After that, it's my business.

Then you handle it.
Don't come crying to me.

But if you want to keep
a lid on that town of yours,

clamp down on those cowhands,
not on us.

You suit yourself,
Mr. Daniels.

But whoever makes trouble,
cowhand or lumberjack,

is gonna end up in jail
on the first bounce.

Now you tell that
to your men.

Dave.

Got a minute?

I guess so, Dad.

What's on your mind?

Well, that's the question
I want to ask you.

At the sheriff's office,
you walked out before
the meeting ever got started.

You were there.
You didn't need me.

At the logging camp,
you didn't show up
until it was all over.

- Same answer.
- Don't you care what happens?

Of course I care.

But what more
do you want me to do?

You could show me
that you can be serious...

about something besides
a saloon girl or a café waitress
for once in your life.

You could make me feel
less like a fool
in front of our friends.

This land is gonna be
yours someday.

And if I have to fight
to keep it, I'd like to feel
that you were fighting too.

You're certain it's gonna
come to a fight, aren't you?

Well, we'll try
other ways first.

We'll try for an injunction.

We'll reason with Daniels again.

Might even try
to buy the land if we have to.

But in the end,
we'll fight.
It's the only way.

I hope you're wrong. So do I.

But it's the law
of the jungle.

You want something,
you fight for it.
And you win.

Or you die.

Dave.

Stay away from the girl.

- Which girl?
- Just stay away from her.

May I come in?

Of course.

Katy, about that afternoon--
I-- I'm sorry.

I shouldn't have
behaved like that.

Let's forget it.

No. I mean, well--
Well, you had a right
to talk to him,

if you wanted to,
but--

But?

Well, he's a rancher.A rancher?

Well, what exactly
does that mean?

Do they have horns
and breathe fire?

Well, it means
I don't understand
what's happened to you, Katy.

Well, I told you that--

That you needed time.
Time for what?

Time to make up your mind about
something that you've known
was gonna happen for years?

Maybe that's exactly
what the problem is--

that we've both
known about it for years.

That they're not my plans,
they're my father's.

And mine,

if that's what
you're afraid of.

Well, I'm afraid that--

I just haven't made up
my mind yet, Paul.

I'm sorry.
I didn't want to
tell you like this.

But it's true.

Coming up here
on the train, I--

I suddenly realized
that my whole life
had been decided for me.

That I'd never been able
to go to a dance...

or have young men
call for me.

At school
there were only girls.

And at camp--

Have you any idea
what it's like to be
the mascot of a lumber camp?

Charlie Daniels's little girl.

Well, I'm not
Charlie Daniels's
little girl anymore.

But you are.
That much hasn't changed.

No matter how old you are
or-- or what you feel about me,

you're still his daughter,
and-- and he loves you.

He wants to care for you.

Aw, Katy, he wants me
to take care of you.

I know that, and I'm very
fond of you, Paul.

Fond?

All right. I'll--
I'll settle for that--
for now.

But we're still loggers.
That much hasn't changed either.

And we still have our own lives,
and-- and we don't
get involved with the locals,

because that's the way
both sides want it.

You're doing it again.

You're deciding
what's best for Katy.

Well, you and my father
may as well know
that from now on,

Katy is old enough
to decide for herself.

[ Door Closes ]

Well, it's a good thing
the sheriff isn't here.

Might dock you
half a day's pay
for loafing on the job.

Can't you tell
when a man's thinking?

Sure. Especially when he snores
while he's doing it.

[ Coffee Pouring ]

Well, yeah.
Maybe you're just resting.

Yeah. Maybe.

Oh.

Yeah. Is that why
you stopped in--

interfere with a man's rest,
drink his coffee?

Is that what it is?
It tastes like boot polish.

No, that's not
the only reason
I stopped in, Emmett.

How do things look
for tonight?

Oh, I think it'll work out.
I talked with Ferguson
and Daniels both.

They'll keep the lid on.

- Can blow off pretty easy.
- Well, that's true.

You have any ideas?

Yeah. I thought you might
want to deputize me
and some of the boys.

Give you a hand.

Well, thanks for the offer.

I, uh-- I thought about it too.

And? I don't think it's a good idea.

- Why not?
- Because you're a cattleman.

The lumberjacks--
they're outsiders.

They're not even certain
I'm impartial.

They see a badge
on a cattleman,
they won't trust anybody.

Instead of preventing trouble,
it might-- might start it.

Guess that makes sense.

Any other ideas?

Yeah. One.
You could leave town
right now.

[ Chuckles ]
I'll give it some thought.

Thanks for the boot polish.

[ Chuckles ]

[ Chattering ]

Now, just remember now.
Stay out of jail.

You can't cut no timber
through the bars of a cell.

[ All Cheering ]

[ Daniels Chuckles ]

Now, don't you buy out
that whole store now.

Well, I'll try not to,
Father.

♪♪ [ Folk Band: Slow Dance ]

Katy? That's not for us.

Well, what isfor us, Paul?

I'll see you later.

♪♪ [ Continues ]

♪♪ [ Ends ] [ Applause ]

♪♪ [ Folk ]

♪ The wind is kind of chilly

♪ It's blowin' up a storm

♪ It's silly to be chilly
when my arms
can keep you warm ♪

♪ When we get in the wagon
and we sit side by side ♪

♪ We'll whip up the horses
and all take a ride ♪

♪ Wait for the wagon
Wait for the wagon ♪

♪ Wait for the wagon
and we'll all take a ride ♪

♪ The wagon wheels are squeakin'
They squawk with every turn ♪

♪ They make the kind of music
that anyone can learn ♪

♪ The road of life is bumpy
The road of life is long ♪

♪ It won't seem quite so bumpy
if we'll all sing along ♪

♪ Oh, wait for the wagon
Wait for the wagon ♪

♪ Wait for the wagon
and we'll all take a ride ♪

♪ Wait for the wagon

♪ Yeah, wait for the wagon ♪ Wait for the wagon

♪ Wait for the wagon
and we'll ride ♪

♪ Side by side ♪

Yeah!

[ Chattering ]

Well, look who's here.

You grabbed up any more
ax handles lately, mister?

Well, uh, what are
you boys drinkin'?

Our own.Well, how about
trying some of mine?

- No, thanks.
- No. I mean it.
What do you like?

Cattlemen.

[ Ollie Chuckles ]
I mean in whiskey.

[ Joe ]
Don't matter.
It's all rotgut.

[ Ollie ]
Oh?

Ah, it smells pretty good.

Bartender,

pour me
a shot of that stuff.

[ Glasses Clinking ] [ Liquid Pouring ]

Well?

How is it?

Tastes pretty good.
Ah, I'd say it is good.

Bartender, pour me
a couple of drinks
for my friends here.

There you are.
Drink up, boys.

[ Murmuring ]

Well, that wasn't
so tough, was it?

[ Chuckles ]
The question is,
was it worth it?

[ Chuckles ]
You're trying so hard
to be just like him, aren't you?

Tough, drivin',
ready to fight
at the drop of a hat.

Just like he is.That's the way
he wants it.

What about you?Can you think of anybody
any better to take after?

Well, I've been with him
for nearly 20 years.

I know some things you don't.

He's got his good qualities
and his bad ones.

If you're gonna
imitate him,

you better learn
the difference.

♪♪ [ Folk ]

♪♪ [ Continues ] [ Chattering ]

♪♪ [ Continues ]

Oh, Mr. Ferguson, I--
I was just, uh--

Listening. I know.

Well, sometimes music
does that to me too.

But, uh, why stay out here
and listen? You know,
we could go inside.

Oh, well,
I'm not dressed for it.

You're dressed beautifully.

And even if you weren't,
no one would notice.

Well, if we can't go in,
why not right here?

- Here?
- Why not?

Miss Daniels, may I?

You leavin'?Time to pick up Katy.

Want me to come with ya?Nah. Enjoy yourself.

♪♪ [ Continues ]

♪♪ [ Ends ] [ Applause ]

[ Gasps ]
Paul!

[ Groans ]

What is it?Dave. Dave Ferguson
and Paul.

[ g*nsh*t ]

Come on.

Get the doctor.Don't bother.

He's dead.

Young Ferguson k*lled him.

Dave?

Tell him what happened,
Katy.

Well, they were fighting,
and I--

And our people
don't even carry g*ns.

- Where is he, Ryker?
- He won't get far.

[ Carriage Approaching ]

[ Sighs ]

Father, do you want
some coffee?

[ Sighs ]
No, thanks.Drink maybe?

No. Nothing.

Good man.

A real good man.

Like to get my hands
on that Ferguson boy.

The law will
take care of him.

You sure?
This is his town.

These are his people.

They won't hang
one of their own.

Hang him?

Well, why should they hang him?

He's a m*rder*r, isn't he?

Well, no.
He didn't m*rder Paul.
He didn't k*ll him on purpose.

How do you know that?

Oh. Well, I just-- How do you know
what he'd do...

or what he wouldn't do?

How do you know
anything about him at all?

What happened, Katy?

I told you.
There was a fight.

I ran for help.
That's all.

[ Exhales ]
Then you don't know whether
Paul was m*rder*d or not.

I think you'd better
start from
the beginning.

We were dancing.

You went to the dance.

No. We were outside.

I was listening
to the music.

We couldn't go in, so--

It seemed perfectly natural.

We started to dance.

And then he kissed me.

And then Ferguson came along.

No. I was dancing
with Dave Ferguson.

Paul came along.

Paul hit Dave,
and he tried to get his g*n.

Then I ran.

You'll be questioned.
You'll say nothing
about any of this.

Charlie.You never danced with him.

Paul never tried
to take his g*n.Father, I can't do that.

You don't know how
they'll talk about you,
how they'll laugh and sneer.

My daughter dancing
in the streets,
kissing in dark alleys.

But it wasn't like that.Well, who's to know
what it was like?

Well, then I don't care.Well, I do!

They'll confuse it.
They'll be looking
for an excuse...

to get Paul's m*rder*r off,
and you'll give it to them.

Well, Charlie,
she'll have to tell the truth.Oh, shut up, Ollie!

She'll have to tell the truth.Well, what truth?

She was frightened.
It was dark in that alley.

She-- She couldn't
see anything very clearly.

Father, I'm sure about--The only thing you can be
sure of is that Paul's dead,

and I'm gonna see to it
that his k*ller hangs.

Well, you're up early
this morning, Emmett.

It's been a long night.

Is he inside, Mr. Ferguson?

Emmett, it was self-defense.

How do you know,
unless he told you?

Emmett. Mr. Ferguson.

This is the best way.
Believe me.

Emmett, I'm sorry
to put you to
all this trouble,

but when nobody was around
to back up my story,
I panicked.

Tell him what happened, Dave.
Tell him it was self-defense.

You both know it doesn't
make any difference
what you tell me.

What happens next
is for the judge to decide.

Let's go, Dave.

Afternoon.

Have a seat.

Can we make this short?
The less time I spend in this
town, the better I like it.

I'm sorry to inconvenience you.
There's some questions
I have to ask.

You mind if I ask you
one first? What are you doing
about Dave Ferguson?

- A man was k*lled last night.
- And this morning,

the man who shot him
rode in with me,
nice as you please.

He's back there in the cell.

Now,

can you tell me
what happened,
Miss Daniels?

Didn't Ferguson tell ya?

Miss Daniels.

Well, I'd gone to
the general store to do
some shopping, and...

when I came out,
I heard music
from the hotel.

Ah. Then what?

Well, I went toward
the hotel, and--

You, uh, were waiting
for Paul Rogers.

Yes.Mmm.

Paul was supposed to
pick me up at the store.

I stood there
listening to the music
for a while, and--

The next thing I knew,
Paul and Dave were in a fight.

I went for help.

When we got back--

She was very close to Paul.

I understand. Can you tell me
anything about the fight?For instance?

How it started, uh, why.

No, she can't.
It all happened too fast.

Anybody could figure it out.
Ferguson got Paul into a fight
and then shot him.

He drew on him once before.
Remember?

I understand
you broke that one up.That's right.

[ Daniels ]
Well, it doesn't look too good
for Ferguson, does it?

[ Ryker ]
No.

No, it doesn't.

You sure you didn't see
any part of the fight itself?

It was dark.

I was frightened.

When does the trial
take place?

There'll be
a preliminary hearing first.

In a couple of days,
I guess.

Miss Daniels probably
will be asked to testify.

You let us know.
She'll be there.

Come on, Katy.
I've gotta see
about the funeral.

[ Sighs ]
I've got to admit,

I was surprised
you brought Ferguson in
so quickly.

I just hope your judge
is as efficient as you are.

Father,

do you mind
if I wait here?

All right, Katy.
I understand.

You stay by the wagon.
I won't be long.

Did you remember something?

No, I, uh--

I just didn't want to
go with my father when
he made the arrangements.

But I felt a little foolish
standing outside.

Oh. Well, sit down.

Mr. Ryker--Huh?

You said it looked bad
for Dave. Why is that?

Well, a sh**ting. Unarmed man.
History of bad blood
between them. You know.

Then there's Dave's story.

Well, he said Paul
tried to get his g*n.

Now, Paul Rogers didn't strike
me as the type of man who would
need a g*n in a fair fight.

Unless he just didn't want Dave
to use it either.

Wouldn't that be possible? Anything's possible, but, uh,

without a witness,
how would a judge
know what to believe?

There was no witness.
Not even a good reason
for the fight.

Mr. Ryker, may I see Dave?

Yeah, I suppose
it'd be all right.

Dave, you in the mood
for company?Thanks, Emmett.

[ Door Closes ]

You shouldn't come here.

My father wants to
see you punished.

Your father's
gonna be disappointed.

- They'll believe me.
- Dave, I want to help.

I saw Paul reach for your g*n.
I know it was his fault.

Now, there's no reason
for you to get involved.

I left my daughter
outside by the wagon.
Have you seen her?

Yeah. She's in there.

- What are you doing here?
- I had to see him.
I had to make sure.

Katy. No.

I don't know how much
this will help,
but I've got to tell.

Paul started the argument.
I saw him reach for Dave's g*n.

Dave was just
protecting himself.

[ Sighs ]

You didn't see
the sh**ting?

No. It happened
the way I told you.

I ran for help.

But I did see Paul
reach for his g*n.

And there was a reason
for the fight.

You want to tell me
what it was?

Yes.

Father.

I was-- I was wrong
about you and Paul.
It wouldn't have worked out.

You wouldn't have been
good enough for him.

I'll have Ollie
bring your things in.

Don't let me
see you in camp again.

[ Door Closes ]

Charlie, you ought to
have something.
Something to eat.

Least a cup of coffee.

It's quiet out there,
isn't it?

You don't realize that
during the day when
the saws are goin' and the...

timber's comin' down,
but at night--

Charlie, you've been doin'
Paul's work as well as your own
for the last two days.

You ought to have somethin'.

Yeah. I should.

I should have a timber boss...

and a daughter
who would have married him,

given me grandsons.

[ Sighs ]
Maybe that's why
it's so quiet out there.

It's the sound of being alone.

You're the one that told her
not to come back.

- Or don't you remember that?
- I remember.

Charlie, why don't you
go into town, talk to her,
tell her you're sorry?

Forget it, Ollie.

Well, then let me do it.I said no!

You said it didn't
have to be a choice.
I said it did and always will.

Every time we come into
a man's town to cut our timber,
that makes us the enemy.

That's why we've gotta
stick together, be strong,
protect ourselves.

That's why we can't
let them get away with
k*lling one of us.

My daughter doesn't even
understand what Paul Rogers did.

She's gotta stand with us
or stand against us.

Now, if you want to tell
her something for me,

tell her that.

All right. I will.

And when I've finished,
I'll tell her that...

you're sorry...
and you want her
to come home.

Those are your words,
not mine.

Sure.

Katherine.

I just wanted you
to know that--

Thank you.

I only told them
what I saw.

Yeah, I know that.

And I know how hard
it was for you.

Let's go, Miss Katy.

I'm glad
I was able to help.

Katherine,
when am I gonna
see you?

You won't.
She thinks
it's best that way.

Uh, look.
Do you mind if we--

Katherine,
I don't understand.

It's not very complicated.

We are on opposite sides.

I won't be coming
into town much, and...

you won't be
going out to camp.

I thought you were
staying at the hotel.

Oh, Father was just upset.

He doesn't know
how to apologize.

But he is my father,
and we love each other.

And he's alone.Because he wants to be.

I'm going back to him.

All right.
I'll go out there with you.
We'll get this straightened out.

That would only cause
more trouble.

I'm sorry, Dave.

I've done what I had to do
at the hearing,
and that's the end of it.

Ollie.You mean just like that?

Just like that.

Well, Dave,
looks like Emmett was right
when he arrested you.

Everything worked out
for the best, didn't it?

[ Wagon Departing ]

Thought we had an agreement.

Father.You were gonna stay in town.

I belong here, with you.

- I suppose it's over.
- The hearing? Yes.

And you testified.

- Yes.
- And?

He was released.

Oh, you must understand, Father.
No matter what you wanted
or what people might say,

I had to do
what I thought was right.

I understand.

I want her to stay here,
and I want you to see to it.

Father, what are you
going to do?

I'm gonna do
what I think is right.

- Father, you can't. Ollie.
- Wait a minute, Charlie.

Paul was one of us.

Ollie, you've got to
stop him.

Then I will.

I'm sorry, Miss Katy.
I tried.

But I'm still taking orders
from your father.

I've never gone against him,
Miss Katy.
Not in 20 years.

But he's wrong.

Wrong or right,
I've never gone against him.

So that's the end of it.

You say a few words,
and he does what he pleases.

But then your conscience
is clear, isn't it?

I'll try to catch him.
You go for the deputy.

What are you doing here?

Where's Katy?Turn around.
Go back.

- Where's Katy, you old fool?
- It ain't me
that's the fool, Charlie,

not if you go ahead
with this thing.

You stood there by me
at Paul's grave,
and you can say that to me?

Yeah. And a lot more,
if I have to.

You keep out of this,
Ollie.And let you k*ll a man?

What kind of a friend
would that make me?

All right.

You're so all-fired anxious
to k*ll somebody,
go ahead and practice on me.

[ Ollie ]
Go on back to camp.

- You men want to be
a part of this thing?
- They'll do what I tell 'em.

They'll do
what's best for you,
just like they always have.

And I'm telling ya.
You go back to camp,

or else you'll help
make Charlie Daniels
a m*rder*r.

See, Charlie?
Even they understand.

Well, let's go back to camp.

[ Groans ]

You never told me what to do.

You'll never tell me again.

Dave Ferguson!

Come out.

Come out!

Come on, Ferguson.
I can't wait all day.

Well?

You tryin' to
get yourself k*lled?

No, but I'm not gonna
k*ll him either.

You're not going out there
without a g*n.Yes, I am.

And let him cut you down
like one of his trees?

Look. I don't know that man
out there, but I've got
a feeling he's a lot like you.

He believes in the law
of the jungle. If you want
something, fight for it.

And if you fight,
make sure you win.

There's nothing
the matter with that.

All right. I want something,
and I'm gonna fight for it.
But I'm gonna fight my own way.

Now please stay out of it.

Where's your g*n?

It's in the house.Get it.

Go back in the house
and get it.
Do you hear?

I don't need a g*n,
Mr. Daniels,
and neither do you.

That's right. I don't.

I could k*ll you
with my bare hands,
but that wouldn't be fair.

I want to give you a chance.

That's more than
you gave Paul.

sh**ting Paul Rogers was
an accident. If he were here,
he'd tell you that.

If he were here,
I wouldn't be.

Well, I'm sorry, Mr. Daniels,
but there are a lot of reasons
I can't fight you.

One of them is I'm better
with a g*n than you'll ever be.

Especially against
an unarmed man.

Paul had a g*n. Mine.
He tried to take it
away from me.

That's what you say.

I've got a feeling
you believe it.

But another reason
is I don't have
anything against you,

except you're a stubborn,
pigheaded,

idiotic old timber rat
with more backbone
than brains.

Of course, some people say
that's what it takes
to be a lumberman.

But the best reason...

is I'm gonna marry
your daughter.

Course,
she doesn't know it yet.

'Cause she thinks
she owes her loyalty to you.

And because
I haven't asked her.

But I will.

So, if we expect to get
your blessing, we've gotta
keep you around, haven't we?

[ r*fle Uncocks ]

[ Galloping Hooves Approaching ]

[ Nickers ]

Hmm.

Well, I'll say
one thing for him.

We could teach him how to
swing an ax, we might be able
to make something of him.

[ Man ]
Timber!

[ Tree Thuds ]

[ Virginian ]
Ah, I hate to see
that stand of trees come down.

You won't--
least not all of 'em.

I think that's a wise decision.

Just good business.
In the long run,
I'll make more money.

Besides, if my daughter's
gonna live here, I don't want
her land gettin' flooded out.

[ Chuckles ]
Who knows?

Maybe Ollie and I
will decide to retire
and settle down here ourselves.

Well, I don't know
if we could take that,
Mr. Daniels.

What does that mean?

Well, lumberjacks
and cattlemen--
sometimes they don't mix.

Yeah? Well, sometimes they do.
Now you just remember that,
Ryker. Sometimes they do.