Column South (1953)

[bunniefuu]

♪ [ Bugle Blows ]

♪ [ Continues ][ Chattering ]

♪ [ Ends ]

♪ [ Harmonica: "Dixie" ]

♪ John Brown's body lies

a-mouldering in the grave ♪

♪ John Brown's body lies

a-mouldering in the grave ♪

♪ John Brown's body lies

a-mouldering in the grave ♪♪ Wish I was in Dixie, hurrah ♪

♪ His soul is marching on ♪♪ Hurrah, In Dixieland

we take our stand ♪

♪ To live and die

in Dixie ♪

♪ Away, away

Away down south in Dixie ♪♪ Glory, glory, hallelujah ♪

♪ Away, away

Away down south in Dixie ♪♪ Glory, glory, hallelujah ♪

♪ I wish I was in Dixie

Hurrah, hurrah ♪♪ Glory, glory, hallelujah ♪

♪ His soul is marching on ♪

[ All Chattering ]

Whoa![ Crash ]

Sounds like you're just in time

for the party, Captain.

I suggest

you wait here, Marcy.

I'll be back shortly.

[ Crash ]

This is one of those times

when your brother

should be a civilian.

All right, break it up!

Attention!

When I call attention, soldier,

I mean attention.

I'm Captain Whitlock.

I've just assumed command

of this post.

Do we have

a first sergeant here?

Yes, sir.

Sergeant McAfee, sir.

All right, Sergeant. Every man

in this barracks is confined to

the post until further orders.

Yes, sir.And, Sergeant, don't bother to

sew those chevrons on too tight.

Now where will I find

the acting commanding officer?

Lieutenant Sayre, sir.

I'll see you in my office

in one hour. That's all.

At ease.

[ Chattering ]

Lieutenant Sayre

reporting as ordered, sir.

All right, Mr. Sayre,

you're at ease.

Now tell me,

just what the devil

was this all about?

Well, sir, I guess the men

just got tired of waiting

for the w*r to get started...

and decided to give it

a little push...

or settle it

all by themselves.

Just something they had

to get out of their systems.

There's nothing much out here

to keep a man occupied

when he's off duty.

It don't take long

before he's rucked up

and sour as a contrary mule.

We're discussing men,

mister, not mules.

And I won't have soldiers

acting like ordinary

drunked-up trash.

Get that

through your head.Yes, sir.

Time may come, Lieutenant,

when the North and South

are at each other's throat.

But as of right now,

there's no w*r being fought.

We're all in the same army.

I'm glad you

feel that way, sir.

That's the way I expect

every officer and man

in this post to feel.

If they don't feel it,

they can act it.

Now pass this on to the men.

Any more brannigans like I saw

here tonight, and I'll chill

their toenails for sure, mister.

Tell them that.Yes, sir.

They get itchy nerves,

let them go out

and sh**t a few Indians.

That won't be necessary,

Captain. The Navajos are

in a friendly mood.

Well, from what I've heard,

the friendlier they are

the less they can be trusted.

You heard wrong, sir.

I've known Menguito

since I was that high.

There's nothing

two-faced about him.

Menguito?The chief.

One of your closer friends?

That's right.

A very close friend.

All right, they can go out and

hunt pack rats for all I care.

Amounts to the same thing.

That's all, Mr. Sayre.

Send in McAfee.

[ Screams ]

[ Screams Continue ]

What is it, ma'am?

What happened?

- Did you see him?

- See who, ma'am?

I-- Th-There was an Indian

outside my window.

Tried to break in.

Well, don't stand there

grinnin'. Do somethin'.

Now don't go bustin'

your stays, miss.

I'll get your Indian.

What's all the ruckus, Jed?

Seems like somebody

tried to ambush the lady.

Lieutenant Chalmers, ma'am.

Anything I can do?

Just-Just don't

leave me alone.

Now that's what I call

a real nice tour of duty, ma'am.

Here you are, miss.

Drink this.

Better?Thanks.

- [ Door Opens ]

- [ Gasps ]

This the savage that

was about to scalp you?

Relax, miss.

He's harmless.

A mighty good man to know if you

ever get lost. He's one of the

best scouts in the territory.

Meet Joe Copper Face.Get him out of here!

He won't bite you, ma'am.I said get him out!

He just wants to

make friends.Don't touch me!

[ Door Opens, Closes ]

Come on, Joe.

Let's crawl back to our cages.

Don't start

racking her down, Jed.

She's only a woman.

What'd you expect her to do,

kiss him?

She can try

acting civil.

What are you men doing here

at this hour?

Where's Miss Whitlock?She had a bit

of a fright, sir.

Nothing serious.

I believe you'll find her

in her room.

Marcy?Oh, come in, Lee.

What is it, honey?

What's wrong?

Oh, everything.

I can't stand

this place, Lee.

Well, I'll-- I'll admit

it's nothing like home.

But after we get

it fixed up, it'll be--No. No, it's not just the house.

It's that

and everything else.

The dirt, the cold, Indians

sneaking around at night,

rude officers.

I just hate it,

that's all.

Officers?

What did they do?

He's like a nasty little boy

chasing after girls

with a dead mouse.

Why-Why, he dragged that

awful Indian in here as if

he enjoyed tormentin' me.

I'll be talking to him.Talking isn't gonna

change him...

any more than new curtains

are gonna change this house.

They're both

mean at the core.

Troop "A" all present

and accounted for, sir.

Troop "B" all present

and accounted for, sir.

All present

and accounted for, sir.

Dismiss the command.

Dismissed.

Oh, Mr. Sayre,

just a moment.

As ranking junior officer,

you'll be taking over

as adjutant.

placing officers' row

off limits to

all Indian personnel.

Off limits? Sir, if that's

because of what happened

last night--

I prefer not to qualify

my orders, mister.

Now I don't want to see them

outside their quarters

after lights out.

And since they're classified

as scouts, we can dispense with

their presence at formation.

Might just as well walk up

and hand them a slap

across the face.

I don't propose to turn this

into a debate on etiquette,

Lieutenant.

You have your orders.[ Man ]

Lieutenant!

Hello, Jed. Gotta a mighty

dead prospector for you

to mourn.

Barney Lucker.

When did it happen?Uh, couple, three days ago.

Saw his mule wandering

around loose in the foothills

yesterday morning.

That tipped us to

get a search party out.

Where'd you find him?In the Turkeys.

What do you think, Jed?

Those Injuns had about all

the peace they can stand?

I don't know just yet, Dan.

Go ahead, Captain.

I did it myself

the first time I seen a man

with his scalp off.

You men take the horse.[ Chattering ]

Looks like your buddy

Menguito is in for a mess

of misery, Lieutenant.

How's that, Mac?They got the captain convinced

the Navajos broke the peace.

He's sending Copper Face out

with an ultimatum.What kind of an ultimatum?

The chiefs have till sunrise

tomorrow to bring in the bucks

who k*lled Lucker or else.

I'm not turning my cheek.

Point is, I don't think Barney

was m*rder*d by a Navajo

or any other Indian.

Well, how can you say that?

Half the man's head was gone.

You didn't see an arrow

sticking in him, did you?Proving what?

Proving this: An Indian may

scalp a man, but he'll always

sink an arrow in the body.

It's a superstition.

It's supposed to pin

the spirit to the corpse...

so it won't rise up

and go haunting the guilty

Indian or his friends.

Well, that's very interesting,

Lieutenant, but it hardly

satisfies me.

Then maybe this will.

Barney was on

a prospecting trip.

Yet when they brought his body

in there wasn't as much

as an ounce of dust on him.

His money belt was missing.

No Indian in his right mind

would m*rder a man for gold.

More guesswork. That rancher

could have lifted the gold,

or somebody in the search party.

I'm afraid I can't go on

what you assume, Lieutenant.

Then what can you go on?Facts.

Don't be so touchy

about your Indians.

Your bare hands are clean.

Nobody will try washin' them.

Sometimes a little ambition

makes people see dirt

where there isn't any.

Just what do you mean by that?

Harrison won himself

an Indian campaign

and got elected president.

That's all, Mr. Sayre.

Some people just can't stand

a little peace and quiet.

Now the milk's spilt.

Where you going?

Someplace where I can

buy myself a skinful.

Don't go throwin'

a wingding, Jed.

Whitlock's out to make

a name for himself.

He'll have this outfit

in a glory campaign if it's

the last thing he ever does.

[ Marcy ]

Is that right,

Mr. Sayre?

Well, I didn't

hear you knock, miss.

You couldn't hear anything.

You were too busy

wagging your tongue.

That's partly what

the good Lord put it

in my head for.

Too bad he didn't put

something in your spine

while he was at it.

Any man who'd sit around

twiddling his thumbs...

while savages go about

scalping half the country--

Bye, now.Don't you walk out

on me, Mr. Sayre.

Frankly, miss, one Whitlock

a day is enough for me.

Why, you're not fit to

polish my brother's boots.

I hadn't planned on

volunteering for that duty.

And if the captain mentions it,

I'll tell him what you said.

Come on, Ben, it's getting

thirstier by the minute.

You know, if you two put off

hating each other so much,

you might find you

like each other a lot.

♪ [ Guitar ]

You boys

smell somethin'?

Sorry about Barney, Tom.

Tough.

Yeah, I'll bet.

Must be all broke up.

Have to go out

and spank some redskins now.

Tough on you soldier boys.

We buried him

outside the post.

Wasn't much

of a funeral though.

None of his friends showed.

All right,

I don't like funerals.

Do you mind?

He was your friend.

Poor old Barney.

I open.[ Coins Clunk On Table ]

Yes, sir, things

in a stinkin' mess.♪ [ Ends ]

A man never knows.

Injun liable to hop him

on Main Street at high noon.

Trouble is we got too many

soldier boys like Jed,

not enough civilians

like his old man.

Yes, sir, old Rube Sayre,

he knew how to handle

them red devils.

No, sir, it's

no wonder Barney's dead.

Look who's protectin' him.

I tell you old Rube Sayre

had the idea.

Get to them

before they gets to you.

Hey, amigo,

play something loud.

Hey, Tom. Where you been

keepin' yourself?♪ [ Guitar ]

Been around, Wint.

Been around.That's funny.

Rode by your shack

three or four times the last

two days, not a sign of life.

Wanted to see about

trading my chestnut.

All right, all right.

Talk about it later.

Injuns k*lled my best friend.

It's no time to talk business.

No offense, Tom.

Just wonderin' how come

you pulled stakes so sudden.

[ Tom ]

Who said I pulled stakes?

I told you I been around.

[ Man ]

Call.[ Coins Clunk On Table ]

Ben?Huh?

Can you still stack a deck?Me? I'm an officer

and a gentleman.

Yeah. It don't stop you

from being a crook.

Well, can you or not?Oh, I guess so.

Why?

We're gonna play

a little poker.

Keep me out in front

till I give you the word.

Then deal Tom aces full.

Just jacks for me.

Well, what's up, Jed?

You ever get a hunch?

[ Tom ]

Kings up.

Three 10s.

[ Chuckles ]

Might if we sit in?Soldier money is spent

like anybody else's.

I ain't choosy.

[ Dog Barks In Distance ]

Maybe you better quit

while you still got

eating money, Tom.

Don't worry so much.

Deal, Chalmers.

Let's open for 20.

Call.Fold.

Cards?Three.

[ Tom ] Two.

Bet 50.

And 50 more.

Big hand, huh, Tom?

That's too bad you're all in.

I might like to lock horns

with ya.

Talk's cheap. Anytime

you feel like forgetti''

about table stakes--

Ah, give him a break, Jed.

He's been losing all night.

Let him play back to his pocket.Why not?

Here's your 50.

200 more.

And another 300.

I don't see anything

to back it up.

I'm good for it.I like it

where I can see it.

Don't burn your hands.

Mind if I see what

your money looks like?Cover anything you got.

Well, you callin' or not?

When did you start

prospecting, Tom?

Been at it a long time.

Maybe four years.

Never got around to bankin' it?Gonna bank it today. That's

how come I was wearin' it.

Decided to bank it

after four years, huh?

Maybe on account of what

happened to Barney's dust.

Yeah, that's right.

Don't want no Injun

gettin' ahold of this.

How'd you know

Barney's dust was lifted?

Nobody said anything about it.

Well, uh, guess

I-I thought, uh--

Where'd you pan it, Tom?

Colorado.

Got it in Colorado

maybe four years ago.

You're a liar.

Colorado gold's red.

It has copper in it.

This is pure yellow.

Local stuff.

You k*lled Barney.

Chopped his head open

and took his dust.

Cuttin' a big gut,

soldier.

Don't start

what you can't finish.I can finish it.

Take a look at his horse, Ben.

If he's been in the Turkeys,

the shoes will show wear.

There will be sand loam

packed under rims.

Right.

Why, you--

[ Panting ]

Guess somebody better

see about wakin' up

the sheriff.

What's up, Mac?

Where is everyone?

Pulled out right after

assembly, sir.Didn't the chiefs show up?

Did you expect

they would?

[ Spits ]

Menguito sent the word

back with Joe.

Told Captain Whitlock

what he could do

with his ultimatum.

Made the captain kind of mad.

He lit out of here with a mind

to read 'em the scriptures.

Satisfied? Give me a hunk

of that pigtail.

If it's peace offerings you're

takin', better get one for

the captain while you're at it.

He's sore as a boil

about you two

breakin' restrictions.

Dismount!

Take cover!

Take cover!

Take cover!

Place those g*ns

across the body

off the slope!

Hold the crest of the hill!No, Captain, no!

Menguito does not make w*r!

He's right, sir.

They could have whittled us

down to nothing by now.

They're asking us

to hold up here for a spell...

and make it mighty clear

what this visit's all about.

They already know

what it's all about.

A white man was m*rder*d

and some Navajo

is gonna pay for it.

Relax.

Dyin' ain't so bad.

You've been doin' it

since the day you was born.

Yeah. I just wish I knew

what I was aiming at.

Sonny, if it moves and don't

call you by your first name,

sh**t it.

Can you get through

to the chiefs?

Well, take this message.

If the Indian who m*rder*d

that white man isn't delivered

to me in five minutes,

I'm gonna open fire

with my cannon.

If he delivers that message,

there's no backing out.

We'll have a fight on our hands.

Get going!

Well, there goes a year

of peace shot to blazes.

Where the devil

you been, Sayre?

In Watrous, sir,

hearing Tom Kehler confess to

the m*rder of Barney Lucker.

What?That's right, sir. Tom Kehler.

He's a white man, not an Indian.

Joe, come on back!

It's all right!

Come on back!

You sure what you're saying?Ben and I turned him over

to the sheriff this morning.

All right, Mr. Fry,

we have no more

business here.

Assemble the men

and re-form the column.Yes, sir.

Assemble!

Re-form!

I was just thinkin', sir,

as long as we're here,

it might be a good idea

to have a little powwow

with Menguito.

I got nothing

to say to him.

Well, there's been a lot

of muscle flexed here today.

I'd hate to see him

get the wrong idea.

Let him make the most of it.

Nobody's been hurt.

Course, that's

all up to you, sir,

but I wouldn't want Menguito

to get the notion...

he'd made the cavalry turn tame

and run for home.

All right, Mr. Sayre.

Let's have a look

at your Indians.

Not a kid or a squaw in sight.

They meant business.

Are we welcome here,

Menguito?

It is always good to see

the face of a friend,

Belinka.

I kinda figured you'd be

running short on pigtail.

This is Captain Whitlock.

He's the new soldier chief

at Fort Union.

Why do you come here?

The lieutenant thought

we should meet.

It isn't right that leaders

should be strangers. The captain

wishes to be a friend.

I have only heard

his angry words accuse

my people of k*lling.

I have watched him

enter our camp

ready to make w*r.

This is no sign of friendship.

Yeah.

Words were spoken in haste.

They were wrong.

Captain's ridden many miles

to say he's sorry

for sending them.

If this is true,

it takes but one tongue

to say as much.

Why are there

so many soldiers,

so many g*ns?

Soldiers are like horses,

they-- they grow soft and lazy

without exercise.

Do the g*ns also

grow soft and lazy?

With these eyes I saw them

loaded and aimed at my people.

Soldier chief

thought your arrows

were marked for w*r.

A leader should be wise.

A mistake anyone

could have made.

If he had his mind set on w*r,

do you think he would have led

his troops into an ambush...

that even a child

could have sensed?

Isn't that right, Captain?

That's right,

Mr. Sayre.

I would like to believe

what you say is true.

Ha![ Speaking Navajo ]

Why, you thievin'--

[ Speaking Navajo ]

He'll be whipped

for what he's done.

I'm sorry for this, Belinka. Maybe it's a good thing.

Maybe now you'll realize

that your own people

can make mistakes too.

All mistakes are bad things

when w*r comes easy,

and it is hard not to make them.

But it will be harder for you

than for me, because you are

new in this land.

Now I say this as a friend.

You have great courage,

but you have much to learn.

Until you are wiser,

seek counsel in this man.

Listen to him well.

It may be, Soldier Chief,

that he has more wisdom

than either of us.

Then the peace

is strong, Menguito?

It will always be strong so long

as there are men with clear

minds who guard it well,

Belinka.

I'm afraid this fella didn't

enjoy the ride so much,

but I did.

I'm much obliged for

your company, Lieutenant.

Pleasure, ma'am.

Shall I see you

to the stables?

No, that won't be necessary.

But would you tell the captain

we're back, with our scalps on?

He was a little worried

about that.Certainly, ma'am.

And rest!

[ Sighs ]

This don't make

a lick of sense to me.

What Injuns gonna stand there

and let you chop on him with

one of these overgrown razors?

Ask Whitlock.

This drill's his idea.

I reckon that's the way

they do things

in Mississippi.

I got a taste yesterday

of the way they do things

in Mississippi,

and it darn near

cost me my neck.

No, thanks. I'll take a man

like Lieutenant Sayre

every time.

Well, I'd sure feel a lot better

if he was giving the orders

and Whitlock was takin' 'em.

That's for sure.

Still looks shaky to me.I'm afraid you're right.

Guess we'll have to retire him.

Can I give you

a hand down, miss?You can keep your hands off me.

Suit yourself.

Ohh!

Must be the eastern way

of gettin' off a horse.

Interesting.

[ Whinnies ]

Don't excite him, ma'am.

Might turn into a rough ride.

Will you please help me?

Why, I'd be

happy to, ma'am.

Ohh!

You must take particular delight

in trying to make fools

out of people.

Well, I sure been getting

a lot of help lately.

Bruised your fetlock, huh?

Indian party approaching!

Welcome to Union, Menguito.[ Navajo ]

Belinka.

Say, I thought we were

supposed to be supplying you.

Well, you have very good pigtail

and flour. Not such good meat.

Very bad blankets.

You make us happy,

we make you happy.

That's a fair enough deal. ♪ [ Bugle Blows ]

Well, it sounds like you're

just in time for some of that

not-such-good meat.

Mac, see about feeding

the others, will you?

And tell the Q.M. we'll start

issuing right after chow.Yes, sir.

Let's get washed up

and get some food.

You see,

Lee gave me my first pony

when I was only 10 years old.

Well, that explains

why you ride so well.

I believe you know everyone

except the captain's sister.

Miss Whitlock, Menguito.

It is my honor.

Your sister

has much beauty.

Thank you.

Take my chair, Menguito.

Well, wouldn't you know it.

I forgot my medicine.

Excuse me.

I-- I'll be right back.

Pleased with yourself?What are you talking about?

Walking out like that.I believe it's my privilege

to come and go as I see fit.

Not when you've got an important

chief for a guest, it isn't.

He's your guest, not mine.I don't care

whose guest he is.

You insulted him

and he knows it,

and I don't like it.

That's funny. I don't like to

see my brother insulted either,

but that never seemed to make

any difference to you, did it?

I figured you had something

like that in mind.

Look, if you got a score

to settle with me, fire away.

Make sure it's me

you're aiming at.

Think up a good excuse

for taking this little stroll

and get back in there.

Listen carefully.

I don't care if your friend

is the most important chief

in the entire West.

To me he's just

a redskin savage...

and I can't stand the stench

long enough to stay

in the same room with him.

That wasn't him.

You just got a good whiff

of your own soul.

And, lady, all the perfume

in the world wouldn't

cover that up.

Jed!

I think I better see you

to your quarters, ma'am.[ Panting ]

Thank you for your kindness,

Lieutenant. I-I'm all right now.

In that case,

I think there's something

about Jed you ought to know.

I don't want to

talk about him.

I don't suppose you've ever

heard about the Sayre m*ssacre.

Used to be pretty famous

in these parts.

Happened when Jed was a kid,

about eight or nine.

His old man organized

the whole thing.

One night he rounded up a bunch

of half-drunk vigilantes...

and they set out

to raid a Navajo camp.

Wasn't any need for it

either.

Them Indians had been at peace

for over two years.

They were sleeping

when it happened.

Never got a chance

to get their blankets off.

I tell you, ma'am,

it wasn't a fight.

It was just plain slaughter.

Oh, that's awful. Ask Jed

how awful it was.

You mean he was there?

His old man

dragged him along.

Figured it was time

he started learning

how to handle redskins.

Nine years old. Yeah.

And he saw enough

in that bloodbath

to last him a lifetime.

Babies k*lled.

Squaws getting cut to pieces.

His old man acting

like it was fun.

You don't even

want to hear about it,

but Jed's had to live with it.

Never could get it

out of his mind.

It was like just being there

made him as guilty

as the others.

That's why he's so touchy,

ma'am, about the way

people treat the Indians.

He's never stopped trying to

make it up to them.

Oh, and about your brother.

He'd probably be dead today

if it wasn't for Jed

doing some fast thinking.

Jed.

Beg your pardon, miss.Jed.

Mr. Chalmers

told me everything,

about what happened

with your father?

And what you did

for my brother.

Jed, try and believe me.

I am sorry.

I believe you.

And, Jed?

Jed, there's

something else.

We've been fighting

ever since we met.

I wasn't sure why.

I only know I wanted

to hit out at you.

Hurt you if I could.

I know why now.

Lee?

Lee.

Well, what is it?

What does it mean?I don't know.

I don't know.

w*r, maybe.

A step closer anyhow.

Well, there

can't be a w*r now.

There just can't be.

Gentlemen,

you can count on w*r

within a month.

The moment w*r is declared,

the Confederacy will strike

through Texas into New Mexico.

The plan calls for

a swift, decisive victory

in this territory.

Then a campaign in Arizona

and finally California.

If the strategy succeeds,

the South will not only

have vital ports,

but, more importantly,

it will have cut the Union's

lifeline-- the gold supply.

Considering that uniform,

General Stone,

you have a most

amazing knowledge of

the Confederate's plans.

The uniform

has its conveniences,

but it can be shed in a minute.

Grantin' what

you say is true,

aren't you taking a risk

passing such information around?

Not to you gentlemen.

I've known your sympathies

for some time. I felt that

you should know mine.

We're Southerners by birth.

That accounts for

our allegiance.

But what do you expect

to get out of it?

Governors are made,

not elected.

Well, it's a daring scheme,

I'll give it that, but

I don't think it'll work.

Not in a million years.I'm making it my job

to see that it works.

After all, an army can

only hold territory with

good defense positions,

when its troops

are up to strength

and when it is well supplied.

I propose that our army shall

have none of these things.

And troops occupied with

one fight can't very well

take on another.

And I propose to

occupy our troops.

In fact,

I have already started.

"Reliable information has

reached this headquarters...

"that a shipment of r*fles

and ammunition was intercepted

by Navajos...

"who k*lled both driver

and guards.

"It is believed the arms have

been cached in the immediate

vicinity of Hidden Falls.

"A thorough investigation

is herewith ordered.

"If the arms are located,

"it will be assumed that the

Navajos have violated treaty

and are not desirous of peace.

"They will be immediately

removed to Yellow Springs,

"under force of arms

if necessary...

"and kept under the close

surveillance of your command.

Signed, Brigadier General

B.N. Stone, Commanding

9th Military District."

I don't believe it.

Even if it was true, moving the

tribe to Yellow Springs would

just be asking for trouble.

The place isn't fit for animals,

let alone humans.

That's beside the point.

We've been given

a clear-cut order.

A thorough investigation

is herewith ordered.

Understand me, Lieutenant.

I have no more affection for

your Indians than I ever had.

At the same time,

I'm not anxious for trouble.

So I'm turning it

over to you.

Get a detachment

and go and have a look.

You won't be

coming along, sir?

I'll leave

the diplomacy to you.

Handle it your own way.

You can draw whatever supplies

you need for gifts just in case

you don't find the r*fles.

Thank you, sir.But if you

should find them,

don't come back

until the whole tribe

is moved to Yellow Springs.

We won't find anything, sir.

Why are we

stopping here, Jed?

I figure it's gonna be

a touchy proposition

any way we slice it.

Riding in with a full detachment

will only make it worse.

Seems to me we look

peaceful enough.

No cannons.

No a*mo wagons.Just the same,

I'm riding ahead with four men.

The rest of you

can light here.Four men?

Primrose, Sabbath--Now hold on, Jed.

Whitlock said a detachment.

Vaness, Chavez.

He said for me to

handle it my own way.

You men will be riding with me.

Leave your g*ns here.Yes, sir.

Now look, Jed,

there's no sense

taking chances.

That's why I'm doing it

this way. You men ready?Yes, sir.

Let's go.

Dismount!

Belinka!

This is a good surprise.Let's hope so, Menguito.

What does that mean?

Your face is gray, Belinka.

Is there trouble?

I don't think so. Except

sometimes a man has to say

things he doesn't want to say.

Worries about them

being taken the wrong way.

Talk between friends

should come easy.

All right.

Many days ago, an army wagon

carrying r*fles and powder

disappeared.

The driver and guards

were never seen again.

Now the chief of all soldiers

in Santa Fe...

has been told that the wagon

was raided by a party

of your braves...

who k*lled the guards

and made off with the r*fles.

I have told you that

the peace is strong.

You'll find no g*ns here.

I was sure of that

before I started.Still you came. Why?

My orders are to

look for those r*fles.

I have given you my word.

Is that not enough?

It's enough for me, but--But not for the soldier chief.

No.Then go with your men

and look.

You'll find no g*ns.

Menguito, wait a minute!

No, Belinka.

There are too many things

between us.

See anything?

There's nothing

up here, sir.

All right,

come on down.

Looks like a wild

goose chase, sir.

Hey, Chavez!

Under the falls!

Looks like a cave!

Hey, Lieutenant!

[ No Audible Dialogue ]

Chavez!

Get back to Chalmers and

tell him what we've found here.

We're heading for Menguito's.

You were right, Menguito.

There are too many things

between us.

I know nothing

of these g*ns.

I speak the truth.

Still, I know

this is a bad thing,

and I will question my people.

Never mind.

Just tell them to get

their belongings together,

- be ready to move

to Yellow Springs by sunset.

- I will give no such word.

My orders are

to move you out.

You speak of a place

where vultures grow fat...

from the bodies of those

who die without food in winter

and without water in summer.

This is our home.

We will not move.

Hear me well, Menguito.

If you haven't given the word

to your people by the time

that cloud passes the sun,

I'll open fire.

Look around you, Belinka.

When that cloud

passes the sun.

[ g*ns c*ck ]

- [ g*nsh*t ]

- [ Horse Whinnies ]

Seems like it's your turn

to look around, Menguito.

An evil heart rises

from the spirit of the father

and enters the body of his son.

I am not so old that the sight

of my mind grows blind.

To this day it sees

another peaceful village

surrounded and attacked,

burned to the ground

without cause.

From where I stand as chief,

I say that will not happen

again.

We will travel to Yellow Spring.

But I tell you this,

Son of Evil,

I give you

no promise of peace.

"Following confiscation of

the r*fles and ammunition,

"the Navajos were removed

to Yellow Springs

as per your instructions.

"I will await further orders

regarding...

disposition of the arms"--

et cetera, et cetera--

"Lee N. Whitlock, Captain"--

et cetera, et cetera.

I've seen Yellow Springs.

They won't stay there

for long.

I hope not, gentlemen. However,

I'll know more about that...

after I've had a firsthand look

into conditions at Union.

What happens if the lid

blows off while you're away?

Well, if that happens,

I couldn't ask

for better timing.

[ Chuckles ]

Captain Whitlock, sir.I've been looking forward

to this meeting, Captain.

I hope you won't mind

putting me up for a few days.It'll be a pleasure, sir.

Oh, Sergeant. Would you see

to General Stone's luggage?

And find some quarters

for his men.Yes, sir.

I'd just about given up

on these supplies, sir.

I'm afraid it's barely half

of what you requested.

For some reason

supplies are getting harder

to come by every day.

I've sent a dozen

urgent letters to Washington.

All I get in return

are promises.

Oh, Sergeant.

Have a detail store

the ammunition in

the magazine right away.

Yes, sir.Shall we go

inside, sir?

Hey, don't let them stripes

go to your head, hominy grits.

Everybody works on

this here plantation.

This army sure comes up with

some of the stupidest,

muddleheaded notions.

Stickin' a magazine a half mile

outside an army post.

Why don't they put it inside

where it belongs?

Because if it ever blew up,

it'd take this whole fort

with it, and you included.

I suppose they just couldn't

put a door on it so we'd get

to it from the outside...

instead of crawling through

a hole in the ground.

Sure. Except them doors

don't care who opens 'em--

white men or Injuns.

How'd you get to

the powder if the fort

was under attack?

¿Comprende?

Use the head, Biddle.

What head?

From the neck up

he's all mouth.

If that's the best the South

can do, I sure pity them.

You know, Vaness,

one of these days...

somebody gonna have

the pleasure of taking

the pitch out of you.

But it won't be you, Biddle.

You bellow and snort

like a bull,

but you sure fight

like a heifer.Oh, yeah?

Well, let's just see

about that.

[ Jed ]

Break it up, fast.

- What's going on here?

- Well, I had just about

all I could take...

from this no-good Yankee.That's what

you think, reb.

Attention! Looks like a nice,

cool guardhouse...

is the best place for

hot tempers like yours.

Follow me.

Well, I don't know when

I've enjoyed better food

or such pleasurable company.

You've made Union seem so

attractive, I may be permanently

spoiled for Santa Fe.

Thank you, General.

You're most gallant.

This just came in, sir.Thank you, Sergeant.

Excuse me.

Oh.Bad news, sir?

Yes, it is, Captain.

The whole Apache nation

has gone on the warpath.

[ Chattering ]

According to this,

they're already in bad shape

at Fort Stanton.

They need help--

all the help they can get.

I'm afraid you're in

for some heavy duty, Captain.

How soon can you be ready

to take the field?Take the field?

Yes, leaving behind just

a skeleton complement.

Well, I should think

24 hours should do it, sir.

Good. You'll leave behind

only those men absolutely

necessary to staff the post.

Everybody else goes,

full equipment.

And you will proceed

directly to Stanton.

General, if you pull us

out of here now,

it'll leave

this territory wide open,

and Menguito'd just love that.

He'd go crazy anytime

he felt like it.

Well, I was under

the impression

the Navajos were at peace.

After sending them

to Yellow Springs?

Well, undoubtedly,

Menguito's in a sulky mood,

but from all reports

he's not making any medicine.

Neither were the Apaches.

You can't tell about

these things, sir.

All right. I'll send a message

to headquarters to rush up

a company of 100-day volunteers.

They're not much,

but they can handle

this kind of trouble.

Even so, sir, it'll take 'em

a few days to get here.

It'll take Menguito longer

than that to put his paint on,

let alone round up

weapons and horses.

I wouldn't bank on that.

The Utes are only

a hundred miles away,

and they'd be happy

to supply Menguito with

everything he needs.

Couldn't we at least wait

until the volunteers get here?

- That might be a fatal delay.

- But, General--

Lieutenant, you're worried

about what a handful

of Navajos might do.

I'm worried about what

the entire Apache nation

is doing right now.

There's no other way

to handle it. I'll see you

in your office, Captain.

All right, gentlemen,

I'll make this brief.

Lieutenant Sayre,

you'll be in charge

of preparations.

Every minute counts,

so I'd suggest

you get a move on.

Lieutenant Posick,

you remain here at the post.

Figure out the men you need,

but keep it to the bone.

By the way, Sayre,

you can release

Biddle and Vaness.

We'll need every

available man.

That's all, gentlemen.

Come along, Marcy.

We have some packing to do.

Everything's under way, sir.

With luck, we should be able

to leave by sunrise.

Good.

The sooner the better.

Worried?

Only about Marcy.

Maybe it's a mistake,

my taking her along.

If we should run into

any serious trouble, I--

Oh, no, you won't.

You won't.

[ Lock Clicks ]

As a matter of fact,

Captain,

the Apaches have never been

in a more peaceful mood.

Yes, I know.

I also said you'd be going

to Fort Stanton.

Well, uh, that wasn't

exactly true either.

However, you will be headed

in that general direction.

What are you talkin' about?

So far as the men are concerned,

you will be going to Stanton.

Your, uh, job, is to gradually

ease them into Texas.

By the time you get there,

w*r will have been declared.

We can assume that, uh,

one third of the men...

will enlist in

the Confederate army.

The others will be taken

prisoners of w*r.

Oh, that message

was simply a device.

First, it enabled me

to put your troops on

the march headed south.

Secondly, it informed me

that Fort Sumter would be

fired on within a week.

Well, how can you

possibly know that?

The simple truth is that

I'm on your side, Captain.

Actually, I've been in

close touch with what is now

Confederate headquarters...

for several months.A copperhead.

Well-- [ Chuckles ]

not nearly so outspoken as that.

In Washington, I'm still

considered a staunch defender

of Union principles.

Then it's gonna happen.

Really happen.

Have you ever had

any doubts?No. Just hopes.

I guess I really never

stopped hopin'.

That there

wouldn't be a w*r?Yes.

'Cause the South

can't win this w*r--

not now,

not in a million years.

And that's what's been eatin'

at my insides for longer

than I can tell you.

This is an attitude

I hadn't expected.

What did you expect?That you'd be ready

to fight.

Whitlock, when I manipulated

your transfer here I was told

I could count on you.

I was told that you were

a man of intense loyalty,

deeply devoted to the cause.

Cause? Causes may start wars.

They don't win them.

And I don't know

why you're in this.

Obviously, for what

you can get out of it.

I have my reasons.

I'm sure they don't

include love.Love?

The kind a man has

for his home,

his people,

the land he grew up on.

The kind that keeps him

awake nights...

thinking about it all

being blown to pieces.

The earth scorched dry.

Crops ruined.

Friends slaughtered.

Wonderin' what'll be left

when it's all over.

Aren't you jumping

to conclusions?

I'm facing facts--

military facts.

The Union has too much

of everything--

troops, supplies,

production and money--

especially money--

and that's what it takes

to win wars.

Believe me, if I thought

we had a chance--

even a slim chance--

I want you

to read something.

I think it will brighten

your outlook considerably.

This is the Confederate plan

of a surprise campaign

in the West.

Plus an account of

my contribution to ensure

the success of that plan.

[ Sighs ]

Well,

what do you think?

Lee, if the strategy works,

if we can cut off

the gold supply,

we'll have severed

the Union's lifeline.

It'll be over

before you know it.

And after we pull out,

there won't be any replacements?

No hundred-day volunteers?No.

And the r*fles the Navajos

were supposed to have stolen,

and the move to Yellow Springs,

that was all part of

your contribution?

It'll put Menguito

on the warpath.

When he gets out of hand,

I'll have an excuse to draw

troops from Stanton.

That will leave the territory's

first line of defense

completely untenable.

Why, the Confederacy

can walk in.

After the Apaches?

Do you ever stop to think...

how many innocent families

will be butchered

because of this?

How many innocent families

will be butchered

in Mississippi?

I'm talking about

cold-blooded mass m*rder.Well, what do you think w*r is?

You've been talking

about facing facts.

Well, face these.

If the strategy works,

the South will have

all the odds in its favor.

It can win the w*r.

If the strategy fails,

everything you said before

will probably come true.

Make your choice

on that basis.

Why couldn't you have

picked someone else?

Because I needed a man

who loved his home so much

he'd do anything for it.

Think about your home, Lee.

Think about some of those

nightmares you had.

All right. I'll do it.

But God help me,

win or lose,

I'll never sleep another night

through so long as I live.

All set?

Here's a copy of the report

I showed you.

When you reach your destination,

you will turn it over

to a Colonel Larson.

I don't have to impress you

with its importance.

Well, good luck, Lee.

Thanks.

Lieutenant Sayre,

you and the scout

take the point.

[ Whistles ]

Well, bye, sir.Good-bye,

Lieutenant.

Have a good trip, and hurry

those 100-daysers along. It's

getting mighty lonesome here.

They're probably already

on the way.I hope so.

You can save the general

a bumpy ride if you meet

the stage at the junction,

but you'll have to get a move on

if you want to make it.

[ Men Shouting ]

[ Speaking Navajo ]

[ Speaking Navajo ]

What do you think, Joe?

No Apache.

According to the general--No Apache.

What about Menguito?

Got any notion of what

he might be up to?

[ Men Shouting ] [ Glass Shattering ]

Howdy, Lieutenant.

Is this the column

out of Union?

That's right.Good. I'm supposed

to hook up with you.

Where do I find

Captain Whitlock?

Where'd they come from?That's what

I'd like to know.

It's a funny place

to rendezvous.

Supply train?Yeah. g*ns

and ammunition.

Well, we sure

can use 'em.

Seems kind of peculiar

they'd send 'em chasséing

all over the country...

with just

a four-man escort,

especially with Apaches

kicking up such a fuss.

♪ [ Harmonica ][ Chattering ]

The horses are all

taken care of, sir.

Lieutenant Fry and two men

are bedding down near 'em

for the night.

Will the captain be making

a round of the pickets

before turning in, sir?

What? Oh, I'll take care

of that, Sergeant.

Good night.Good night.

Stop stirring that fire,

you idiot!

You don't know any better to

stir a fire in bivouac, it's

high time someone taught you!

Lee, is anything wrong?What make you think

anything's wrong?

The way you've been actin',

for one thing.

What do you want me to do?

Let 'em burn the place down?

The fact that you haven't

said three words to me since

we left the fort for another.

Well, I'm sorry, honey.

I've had a lot on my mind.

Oh, I know you

too well, Lee.

It takes more than that

to put you on edge.

Tell me. What is it?

If something's bothering you,

there's no sense keeping it

locked up inside.

I told you there

was nothing wrong.

Marcy, I don't mean to be rude,

but I gotta make my rounds.

You better get some rest.

Jed, I'm worried about Lee.

Why?

What's the matter?I don't know. I--

I can't put my finger on it,

but something's upsettin' him.

He hasn't been himself at all.

Haven't you noticed it?

Well, he's got

a big responsibility.

Oh, he's had responsibility

before, and it never

affected him like this.

This is different.

It's new to him.

You don't think

there's something else?

Now, you stop worrying.

There's nothing wrong.

He'll probably straighten out

as soon as we hit Stanton.

Come to think of it,

I haven't seen much

of you either.

Tell your brother to take me

off the point. I can't be

in two places at once.

You're not on the point now.

No, ma'am, I'm sure not.

[ Rattle Rattling ]

Don't move, Marcy.

What's the matter?

You better run along, Marcy.

I'll get rid of this fella.

Hey, Bid. Did you ever hear of

a Colonel Larson in Stanton?

Larson. Stanton.

No, never. Why?

This sort of fell out

of Whitlock's saddlebag.

It got me curious.

Curious enough to risk

a court-martial?

Yeah.

That does it. The rest of

the sentries can be trusted.

These men understand?I read the letter to 'em.

Good. Sabbath, take two men

and spike the cannon.

It'll only

slow us down.Yes, sir.

[ Indistinct ]

Now, you men all

know your jobs.

Let's get going.

Stay where you are

and nobody'll get hurt.

What is this, Sayre?So we're all in

the same army, huh?

What do you propose

to do about it?

I propose to get back to Union

before Menguito does.

And then I intend to alert

every garrison in the territory.

Jed. Jed.

I was just coming

to get you, Marcy.

This will explain things

better than I can.

Sergeant McAfee, send some men

after the horses and get those

a*mo wagons turned around.

Yes, sir.

[ Man ]

Hey, Lieutenant!

You have enough a*mo

and supplies to get by.

Don't bother with the cannons.

They're spiked.

All right, men!

Let's make time.

Forward, h*!

Well, stop starin' at me,

Marcy. I mean it.

I can't help it.

I see a stranger, and I'm

curious about strangers.

But don't you see? There was

nothing else I could do.

It was our only chance to win.

Didn't the price

bother you at all?

It's my home too, Lee,

and I love it as much

as you do.

But I think what I love most

about it are the people.

A strange breed, Lee,

full of pride and honor,

dignity, tradition.

They may lose the w*r

and suffer terribly for it,

but I don't think they'd

want to win it this way.

Then why didn't you

go back with Jed?

Did you just stay here to see

if you could tear me apart? No.

I stayed because I was ashamed--

so terribly ashamed.

All right, men. Saddle up.

We're going back to Union.

[ Chattering ]

- [ Groans ]

- Ambush!

Ambush!

Vaness,

get out of there!

[ Shouting ]

Set up a barricade.

We'll see if we can

keep 'em penned in.

Jed, that's suicide.We got men inside this fort

and we're not leaving them.

Maybe they're not

gonna come out.

They'll come out, all right.

It's just a question of when.

This waiting's

getting us nowhere.You got a better idea?

[ Man Shouting ]Here they come.

[ Shouting ]

Over here, you men!

[ Whinnies ]

♪ [ Bugle: Charge ]

Thanks, Whitlock. You're

a little late. Menguito had

the fort when we got here.

Jed! Jed!

This is no place for a woman.

I'll have a man take

you in to Watrous.

Let's get one thing

straight, Sayre.

Marcy only stayed with me

because she couldn't face you

after what I'd done.

[ g*nf*re ]

Thanks for coming back,

Marcy.

[ Screams ]

Make these count.

There ain't too much left.

[ Laughs ]

Didn't I tell you this army

was muddleheaded, Chavez?

We bury tons of ammunition in

the magazine, and then run short

'cause we can't get to it.

Ha!

You think you and your men

can draw Menguito to

the front of the fort...

and keep him occupied

for about 20 minutes?

Well, we can make

a pretty good try at it.

Why?

Might give me a chance

to get inside.Huh?

Through the magazine tunnel.

Putt, get the horses.

You men about ready?Just about.

All set, sir.

All right, men,

mount up.

[ g*nf*re Continues ]

We're through!

You all right,

honey?Uh-huh.

Hey. Where'd

you get that?

My kid brother sent it to me.

I've been saving it

for the right time.

Well, let's hope this

is the right time.

Ready?

Charge!

[ Speaking Navajo ]

[ Shouting ]

[ Speaking Navajo ]

[ g*nf*re ]

Do as he says.

Stay where you are.

I didn't do that

for you, Stone.

Anything you get

you deserve.

There's been a lot

of k*lling here today.

Looks like there's gonna be

a lot more from here on in.

Think you oughta

know why. I know why, Belinka.

It will always be this way

between our people.

With men like him

around, yes.

He planted those r*fles

and ammunition your people

were supposed to have stolen,

then sent us out

to find them...

and to move your people

to Yellow Springs.

Why would he do this thing?

'Cause he knew you wouldn't

sit still for it,

and before long,

you'd start making medicine.

That's what he wanted.

Is this true?

Tell him, Stone.

Go ahead and tell him,

or so help me,

I'll k*ll you myself.

No, Menguito!

That won't help.

I think nothing will

help now, Belinka.

Take your people--

what's left of them anyway--

and go on back to the hills.

Go on home.

[ Speaking Navajo ]

Good luck.Thanks.

Good-bye, honey.Good-bye, Lee.

Take good care of her,

Mr. Sayre.

Yes, sir.

Ten-hut![ Men ]

Ten-hut!

Column, south!

All right, Ben,

dismiss the troops.

Dismissed!