02x01 - Buffalo Story

[bunniefuu]

[theme music]

[music continues]

What's the matter? Luke, is something wrong?

- Is there trouble? - Ma is dead.

Your ma was one of the finest women I ever knew.

I'll saddle up.

I want you girls to listen up here.

'I know we talked about not needing anybody'

'to look after us.'

But it's ma's sister coming in.

'She's come a long way.'

All the way from Chicago and I want you girls to be polite.

Well, I sincerely hope that you three go by the name of Macahan.

[g*nshots]

[g*nshots continue]

A clean k*ll.

[speaking in native language]

Says these here buffaloes belongs to Satangkai.

Whose buffaloes?

Satangkai is the w*r chief

of the Sioux nation.

[speaking in native language]

He wants to know

what we're doing here on their treaty land.

[shouting in native language]

- Ah! A-a-ah! - How dare they?

[dramatic music]

Turn around, coachman..

[g*nsh*t]

You're going off to some Indian w*r

and you've been here a week?

Well, your help is needed right here.

Those Sioux are friends of mine.

In a way, I feel responsible for the fix they're in right now.

Faith! Katherine was right about you.

You have no sense of responsibility at all!

Well, you sure are Kate's sister, alright.

Zebulon.

Molly, you take care of those kids.

- We're Mormons. - Is it like leprosy, then?

I beg your pardon, ma'am?

You and your lady are welcome here.

Mister, I own this town.

'If you knew Mormons were on my land'

and you were keeping it from me, I wouldn't take kindly to that.

If I was a Mormon, that might make this meeting

a little more interesting.

[instrumental music]

[giggling]

They sure are getting along fast, huh?

She isn't paying much attention

to him already having a wife either.

Well, I have to congratulate you, Mr. Macahan.

How's that?

Why, it's quite an accomplishment

to start off in jail and end up at the sheriff's dinner table.

'And sleeping in his house.'

Does that happen to you every time you get arrested?

[chuckles] Well, not every time.

We shall release this great one

from across the big water and the woman.

For what they have done

they must make big tribute to the Sioux.

So much that every White man will know they would not make

this much tribute unless they were wrong.

Terms?

These savages will find out the meaning of terms.

The nephew of a Grand Duke of the Imperial House of Romanov

caged and fettered like...like an animal.

[Zeb] 'Satangkai wants something written'

saying it was the US government

that started this whole mess and not the Sioux.

You didn't agree to that?

I keep telling you, general, I ain't the agreer, you are.

[speaking in native language]

- No more formalities, general? - No.

I am under the protection of your government again?

That, sir, is a guarantee.

[intense music]

[thwacks]

[screaming]

[shouting in native language]

[w*r cry]

What did he say?

If it'll be w*r, the Sioux know how to die.

'I'll tell you, they know how to fight.'

If you're looking for me, I'll be with them.

[intense music]

They come to the land and they change it.

Where there is timber, they cut it.

Where there is grass, they burn it.

Where the animals are many

they k*ll more than what they need.

'We are like foolish men who have taken thieves'

'into their tipis, and are left with nothing.'

Satangkai is wise.

He says we must... leave this land...forever..

'...and go far to the North to Canada.'

'Or we must fight where we cannot win.'

'I, for one, will not leave this land on which I was born.'

'I will die here where my father died..'

...in these hills..

...with my w*r axe in my hand.

I, Yellow Calf, have spoken.

I am Medicine Mark and my spirit is with Yellow Calf

and Standing Bear.

When I was young, there was no end to the world.

'The Whites were few... and they walked with honor..'

'...like our brother, White Eagle.'

'But there's no honor left.'

And they come against us with their big fire sticks

and their long knives.

I, too, speak for battle.

'It is a bright summer.'

It is a good time to die.

I have spoken.

No one speaks for peace.

Hear then the words of Satangkai.

We will fight.

'And they will pay many lives to defeat us.'

And their women will weep for the dead.

Where shall we fight?

The Pa Sapa will be best.

For there the mountain will cradle us in its arms.

So the White man will have to come to us...unprotected.

But...to reach it... there is much danger.

'We have women, children'

'and many whose bones are old and brittle'

'who must rest along the way.'

We cannot reach the mother of mountains

in less than..

...three days.

And if the long knives come upon us in the open

we will die like fish in a shallow pond.

[Zeb] 'Satangkai.'

Maybe I can buy you the three days you need.

I know how the White soldier fights. I know how he thinks.

'Give me some of your young braves, men not afraid to die.'

We will harry the long knives.

We'll hold them till my brothers can reach the Pa Sapa.

You would fight against your own people?

When a man...comes to k*ll my friend

to conceal his own evil..

...I will fight him

though he be my blood brother.

You have heard the words

of our brother, the White Eagle.

He will risk his life for the Sioux.

But it is Satangkai who should do this thing.

My brother is brave, but in this, he is not wise.

'He doesn't know the White soldier as I know him.'

But even more, his own people need him.

They will follow no one else.

What Satangkai can do best, let him do.

What White Eagle can do, let him do.

[intense music]

I have spoken.

[music continues]

Let it be done.

[rattling]

[instrumental music]

Come on, Tobe.

It's almost like you don't want to take a walk with me.

Weren't you just suffocating in there?

It ain't that I don't want to.

It's...just I never seen you this way before.

Now, what way is that?

So, uh... well...friendly.

[chuckling]

I don't understand what you mean.

Why shouldn't I be friendly with the boy

I'm the next thing to engage to?

Uh-oh.

Why, you did say that to Luke Macahan, didn't you?

Well, I...I didn't mean it just that way.

He got it all wrong.

Oh, I'm sure he did.

'But I'm flattered you were thinking of me that way.'

You are?

Why, of course, I am.

Why, any girl in town would be.

You're so different from what I have to put up with at home

and from the total stranger too.

Why, you respect a girl, Tobe.

W-what do you mean? What-what do you gotta put up with?

Oh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't be talking about it I guess.

But it's just disgusting the way he looks at me sometimes.

Who? Th-the way who looks at you?

Why, who do you think?

Macahan!

I don't know.

I guess, I'll just have to endure it.

'But it's just surprisin''

'the things that have been happenin'.'

Why, I was takin' a bath stark..

...well, you know and he came right in

'walked right in that door.'

'And I had to threaten him to wake pa to make him leave.'

Well, just maybe, I can do something about it.

I don't know what anybody can do.

It's just an impossible situation.

But, Tobe, it's sweet of you to, to worry about me so.

I really appreciate it.

[instrumental music]

Thank you.

[footsteps]

[doorknob rattling]

[grunting]

Jess, take that p*stol off of him.

'It's going to be a fair fight.'

Alright, CO, you take that badge off of him.

I don't want to be accused of assaulting no lawman.

All I can say, Macahan, is...you'll be locked up..

...away from decent folks.

[breathing heavily]

Now, Tobe...I don't wanna fight you.

Yeah. Well, that's just too bad.

'Cause you ain't got no choice.

[grunting]

This is about Hillary, ain't it?

I said you got nothing to worry about.

That ain't hardly what she says.

It's just disgusting, the things she says you've been up to.

Just disgusting.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[sighs]

[music continues]

Uh-h-h. You don't look so good.

Does it hurt?

Of course, it hurts.

It was Tobe, wasn't it?

You know it was Tobe 'cause you put him up to it.

I did not. I never mentioned you by name, not once.

Now, what possible difference could that make?

Now how's it supposed to be my fault

if Tobe just jumped to conclusions?

[sighs]

Sorry, you lost.

I didn't lose!

We got tired.

If I hadn't busted my knuckles over Tobe's head

I'd take you over my knee and give you a good spankin'.

It's your own fault.

How's that?

Well, you've been living here all this time now and..

Sleeping right down the hall... and as far as I can tell

you never even looked at me twice.

I thought you were mad at me.

That doesn't matter none.

I don't understand.

[instrumental music]

It's simple.

A girl's gotta do something to get noticed.

[music continues]

Well, if you wanted to get noticed

why didn't you start with this?

You were right. You don't understand, do you?

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

- Good morning, Laura. - 'Good morning, Aunt Molly.'

My, oh, my, you're up early.

Well, we have guests.

I thought I'd need more time to get breakfast, that's all.

[Molly] 'Oh, I see.'

I'm making battercakes. Do you think they'll like that?

Oh, I'm sure they will, dear.

You know, Aunt Molly, I was thinkin'

I really gotta do more cookin'.

I mean, I can cook, but not nearly as well as ma could.

Sit down, Laura.

[instrumental music]

Now, Laura..

...I know that Jeremiah Taylor is a fascinating man.

Fascinating.

Aunt Molly, I've never met anyone

like him in my whole life.

He's so interestin' and he wants to do such wonderful things.

Yes, dear. I know, he does.

But, uh, aren't you being a little obvious?

Obvious?

You know, Laura, I was younger than you

when I fell madly in love with my school teacher.

[chuckles] Aunt Molly, it's not the same thing at all.

Is it wrong to admire someone

because they are strong and brave

and intelligent and good?

No, dear. Of course, it isn't wrong.

Now, I'm not your mother, but I think that Kate

would feel the same if she were here.

She wouldn't want to see you hurt.

- Mr. Taylor is married. - I know that.

I just think he's a fascinating man...and he does like me.

Do you see the way he keeps lookin' at me?

[sighs] Indeed, I do, and it's not entirely his fault.

Aunt Molly!

Well, dear, I'd just appreciate it

if no matter how much you admire him

you'd be a little... well...less...effusive.

[instrumental music]

[sighs]

Yes, Aunt Molly.

Now, may I get back to my battercakes?

Please do.

Thank you.

[music continues]

[intense music]

[intense music]

[music continues]

[intense music]

The feather of eagles, tooth of wolf, musk of fox.

'It is your medicine for battle.'

The shaman has said, "With this

the White man's b*llet will not find you."

Satangkai..

...is there one among you who speaks the White man's tongue

and rides like the wind?

There is Dancing Wolf.

Good. And...give him this.

There's money in there...and the White man's words on paper.

He must take it to the White man's village

where the singing wire ends.

He must not go by the fort.

The White soldiers must not see him.

It's done. But why?

Many moons ago... a friend gave me a promise.

Perhaps, he will remember.

- You have heard? - 'I have heard.'

[Zeb] 'We will buy you and your people the time you need.'

May the spirits watch you.

May the spirits watch you.

[intense music]

[clicking tongue]

[music continues]

Hey.

[intense music]

[rattling]

[rattling continues]

[door squeaking]

Aha!

Come on out, woman. You're trapped.

Come on out.

[rustling]

I tell you, there is no hope.

Come on out and take your medicine.

Now, I could have sworn..

...there was a girl in here.

[wood creaking]

Now...let me see.

Horses look like they need some hay.

Well, since I'm up here, I might as well make use of myself.

Let's see, where is the pitchfork?

Ah-ha.

Ha ha ha. There it is.

Yeah.

[sighs]

- Here we go. - Oh! Don't you dare!

Why, Hillary Gant. What on Earth are you doing up here?

- Oh, you beast! - Beast?

[thud]

[laughing]

Not only are you a beast, you're a ruffian to boot.

That's fine talk from a shameless woman.

Shameless?

Well, no, did you or did you not

get one of your loudest friends to beat me up..

...and then take unfair advantage

of my weakened condition by showering me with kisses?

That was a mistake.

[instrumental music]

Blueberry pie.

Blueberry pie?

Uh-huh.

First time I ever tasted blueberry pie

I knew the first few bites was never gonna be enough.

Next few days, that's all I could think about

was blueberry pie.

Well, next time my ma baked...I stole the pie.

Carried it up to the hayloft.

It was all mine.

[instrumental music]

Luke.

Luke..

Please don't. Wait.

But I want you.

[instrumental music]

Uh, Luke.

Luke, please, I...I can't.

I mean, I'm not a..

[sighs] I don't understand.

You started this.

I know. I know.

[instrumental music]

Luke.

Luke wait a minute, please. Can't we just..

'I'm sorry.'

I know it was my fault.

I know I started this. I-I didn't mean..

Luke, please.

[door squeaking]

[door slams]

I'm sorry.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[door closes]

You didn't come home for supper.

Uh...I was walking.

Thinking.

- Luke-- - No, I wanna say somethin'.

You and Orville..

...took me in and treated me real good.

It seems like I took advantage of that situation.

'I was wrong today.'

I had no right to..

...well, you know.

'I just wanted to say that..'

...I'm sorry and..

...and I'll be leaving in the morning.

Leavin'?

Oh, I-I just can't stay around here with..

...you being around me so close all the time.

Me feeling the way I do about you.

[instrumental music]

'See, I-I had no right to think'

'that you felt the same way about me.'

I just wanna thank you for everything.

[music continues]

I'll be gone come sunup.

[music continues]

[door closes]

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

[door closes]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[sighs]

- Hillary-- - Shh, shh!

[music continues]

What are you doin' here?

I don't want you to leave, Luke.

No, no, wait a minute.

Wait a minute.

[music continues]

I don't wanna go.

Just knowing that you care is enough.

This doesn't have to be part of the bargain.

Oh...Luke, it isn't a bargain, you idiot.

It isn't?

Why, no. Of course not.

It's..

...it's blueberry pie.

[birds chirping]

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

[horse snorting]

[music continues]

[horse whinnying]

[music continues]

Brinkerhoff's coming in, sir.

Rest call.

- Halt! - Halt!

- Ha-a-alt - Halt!

General, the whole Sioux nation pulled station last night.

They're...probably headed for the Pa Sapa.

He's trying to get a big lead

'cause he knows he's gotta go slow

with all them old folks and squaws.

- Macahan with him? - No.

Saw Macahan and about 20 Sioux in a ravine

'just this side of Three Scalp Creek.'

We'll be passing within a mile of that ravine, general.

Only got 20 Indians with him?

Well, that's a rough count.

But I saw Macahan and them scouts making...fires.

- Fires? - 'Yes, sir!'

Oh Macahan wouldn't attack this column, general.

Not when we're on the move.

But our wagons will be vulnerable tonight

when we're camped.

I figured Zeb would be trying to pull some kinda delayin' tactic.

We best disabuse him, hadn't we?

I suggest we send a troop and scatter 'em.

No, we're not gonna scatter 'em!

I don't want 'em out there creating a other mischief.

That outfit of Macahan's this isn't just a nuisance

they're the eyes of the Sioux nation.

If they're to be scattered, they'll be scattered into

our warm and un-loving embrace, I'll tell you that.

[Stonecipher] 'Alright, gentlemen, encirclement.'

Deploy your forces.

Sir.

Roger platoons!

Second platoon to the right flank, go!

Roger platoon to the right, go!

Third platoon to the left flank, go!

- Ready your carbine. - Ready your carbine.

[Stonecipher] 'I want him alive.'

'No firing unless fired upon.'

Forward at a slow trot. Go!

[horses clopping]

Back!

Go back!

There they are. Macahan's in a trap.

[Stonecipher] 'He just doesn't know it yet.'

[intense music]

Form a skirmish line.

[dramatic music]

[bugle call]

[g*nshots]

[male #1] Come on! Fall back! Fall back!

'Fall back!'

[dramatic music]

[rumbling]

[g*nshots]

[music continues]

Oh, hey, not bad.

Mr. Taylor, I made them myself.

Oh, thank you.

Mmm. Delicious.

Well, uh, I could finish this, Josh. Thanks for your help, huh?

Sure.

Laura, you're a fine cook.

Mmm, I've been here, what? Four days.

And I haven't eaten a thing that hasn't been delicious.

Oh, well, I didn't do it all, but thank you.

I was going out this morning to try and find some fresh mint

would you like to come along?

I'd love to.

Good.

What do you think?

Those two belong to that wagon.

They're the only strangers anybody's seen around here.

If there's Mormons around here, that's them.

We better get back to town.

[horses clopping]

Sometimes I wish I could get away from this place.

Seems so dreary.

Not at all like Virginia where we came from.

Do you ever feel like you wanna go back there?

No, I wanna go on..

...to something new.

That's a fine way to think, Laura.

You're very strong, young woman.

Strong?

You don't think so?

Everyone else, Josh, Jessie..

...even Aunt Molly now

they all seem satisfied here.

I always felt guilty about waiting for something better.

But you mustn't.

The strong are never satisfied to make do

they want to build and create.

Widen their horizons.

That's what makes life exciting.

Every time I hear you talk I..

I've just never met anyone like you before.

Nor I you, Laura.

Thank you.

[birds chirping]

Laura, have you ever thought about marriage?

Marriage?

You'd make any man a splendid helpmate

and you'd make a wonderful mother.

I know we've only known one another...a few days

but I admired you the first time I saw you.

I'd hoped you felt something for me.

I have much need of a wife.

But you're already married to Maggie.

Surely, you know that Mormons take more than one wife.

Yes, but..

I've heard some of them have two.

My other wife Ellen is in Kelsey

waiting for me to get settled.

- I-I've got.. - 'Laura, please.'

Maggie was my older brother's wife.

After he was k*lled, she was alone and frightened.

She needed someone to care for her.

So, I married her.

[sighs]

We're the best of friends

but she is too old to have children.

- But you're other wife.. - 'She is barren.'

She can never give me children. We know that now.

'I need a strong, young wife, Laura.'

I need children.

I know the taking of more than one wife

seems strange and foreign to you, but to us, it's holy..

'...and practical.'

'We don't ask others to believe in it.'

Just grant us the freedom to believe

and act as we wish without hurting others.

[whispering] I've gotta get back.

Laura, will you think about what I've said?

[instrumental music]

He did what?

Aunt Molly, please. They'll hear you.

I don't care two straws if they hear me.

He's only been here a while and he's asked you to marry him.

I know, it's hard to believe.

I never dreamed he would ask me to marry him.

I mean, just being with him..

It was the most wonderful thing that ever happened to me.

I thought he was being kind. I was as surprised as you are.

"Surprised" is hardly the word.

Aunt Molly, listen to me, please.

He really cares for me.

And he wants a wife who can give him children.

Neither Maggie or his other wife can.

He has another wife?

Her name is Ellen.

She's waiting in Kelsey for him to get settled.

'Aunt Molly, I don't see why you should be so shocked.'

He's the most wonderful man I've met in my life.

You should be proud that a man like that

would even consider marrying me.

Laura, the man already has two wives.

Why should I take pride in his wanting to marry you?

You're not listening to me!

He married Maggie out of pity.

She was alone and frightened.

You can see, she won't have any children.

'And his other wife can't give him any children either.'

Oh, I see. They're his housekeepers.

You are to be his bed partner.

Aunt Molly!

Child, I can't help but be indignant.

Here you are, barely 19 years old and you're talking about

sharing the rest of your life

and a husband with two other women.

What if they're jealous of you?

They won't be.

Mormons don't believe in jealousy.

[sighs] They don't believe..

Aunt Molly, you're just trying to make everything look wrong!

I talked to Maggie.

I asked her how she'd feel about a third wife.

She said she'd be ever so pleased.

Oh, she said when, when Jeremiah married Ellen

she couldn't have been happier.

Ellen was like her own sister.

Aunt Molly, hundreds of other women..

Thousands of them have done it. Why can't I?

Perhaps because you're not a Mormon.

You've not been brought up to-to-to..

...to practice that kind of sharing.

- You're prejudiced! - What?

Don't you believe that people should look at God

the way they want to?

Yes, of course, but..

When it comes down to it, you're the same as everyone else.

If the Mormons don't think like we do, they're wrong.

- Laura! - It's true!

What is true

is that I will not have you running off to be someone's..

...concubine!

I don't know what that means.

All I know is that people shouldn't preach one thing

and practice another.

Jeremiah has asked me to marry him and I'm gonna say yes.

You're not my mother!

You can't tell me what to do!

[sighs]

Callousness?

Mr. Taylor, Laura is a child.

She has absolutely no knowledge whatsoever

of the world or of men.

You have a right to be angry. I should've spoken to you.

When I was with Laura there was no thought in my mind

about proposing, it just happened.

Afterwards, Laura went straight to you.

There was no chance to prepare you.

Well, it would've spared Laura considerable heartache

if you came to me, but it wouldn't have made a difference.

- This marriage is impossible. - But why?

[sighs] Mr. Taylor, I hardly think it needs explanation.

We know absolutely nothing about you.

Except that you are a Mormon, who already has two wives.

Both of whom will receive Laura with love and affection, madam.

Your religion..

Is a belief in one God, as is yours.

A Christian faith that varies

only in a few ways from your own.

Mr. Taylor, you have logical answers for all my objections.

Against your arguments, I have only an

an absolute and certain conviction that this marriage

is wrong for my niece and for you.

I will not sanction it.

Now, I want you to go to Laura

and tell her that your proposal was ill advised

and that you want to be released from your offer.

I can't do that, Mrs. Culhane.

It would not be honorable.

[intense music]

Then, I'd like you and your wife to leave this property at once.

At once, Mr. Taylor.

Yes, madam.

[instrumental music]

Would any of you gentlemen like to write a b*ttlefield report

that would have us looking less than half-wits.

That is a chore I don't envy.

Oh! Here's our expert on Indian warfare.

Coulee, do me a favor.

In the future, kindly refrain from giving me your analysis

on what Zeb Macahan might be doing.

Hell yeah, general.

Thank you.

I guess he...tryin' to trick me, general.

But I figure what Zeb Macahan just done

was an act of pure treason.

[Stonecipher] 'He'd probably argue that breaking treaties'

he's sworn to honor is treasonable.

However, I don't want a man sleeping until every wagon

every caisson is ready to roll on a moment's notice.

Understood?

- Yes, sir. - General.

Couple more days like this and those Indians might escape.

Have to give him his due.

Damn fine military maneuver and he knew Coulee John

was gonna track him into that ravine.

Making him fire arrows he had no intention of using was a..

...was a fine touch.

Gotta give Zeb credit for..

...being a few moves ahead of us, general.

And you're pretty pleased about it.

He's a friend of yours, isn't he?

Sure, Zeb Macahan is a..

He's a good friend of mine, general.

First of all, I'm a soldier.

Yeah, I know, Mac. I'm just being boorish.

Well, I suppose he's sleeping peacefully tonight.

However, as our friend Ulysses is fond of saying

"A single skirmish does not a w*r make."

I'll drive that point home to Mr. Macahan.

[horses snorts]

[cricket chirping]

What do you want, Brinkerhoff?

I figured me and the general could do some talking.

- You can wait till morning-- - 'Let him in, MacAllister.'

Yes, sir.

Well, Coulee.

General, how much done the..

...armies pay for renegades?

Two hundred dollars is the amount, to be exact.

[horse neighing]

Hmm.

[clears throat]

Been a long day.

Help yourself.

[gulping]

I presume that you have something in mind

to earn the 200.



Oh, excuse me.

Take it with you.

Obliged.

Two hundred dollars might not make it.

Maybe a thousand would.

Might be worth it to you.

My frank opinion, Coulee, I don't think you're up to it.

Not even for a thousand.

I might be alone, sir.

But I got me some, uh, well, a few Sioux renegade friends

who could help me take Macahan.

We'll pay the thousand..

...if you bring him in alive.

Can't guarantee there will be any skin left.

Army doesn't condone m*rder.

That a new policy, general?

Out.

Get out!

Sure is something to sleep on.

Anything else, general?

He claims, he's got some renegades

that can be bought to k*ll Macahan.

I get an itch every time he hauls into sight.

I know what you mean.

I'm damn near tempted to turn him loose.

- Goodnight, MacAllister. - Goodnight, general.

[intense music]

[instrumental music]

Hillary said you wanted to talk to me.

Yeah, that's right.

Elmer not interested today?

Nope, ain't his kinda day.

'I, uh, wanted to talk you..'

'...some place we wouldn't be disturbed.'

Why didn't you tell me about them other men you k*lled?

When'd you find out?

Just today.

Some enquiries I made, when you first came into town.

Got answers back, first thing in the morning.

I kept trying to tell you, Orville.

'But somehow I..'

'...somehow I just..'

'It's easier not to.'

But you gotta believe me when I say I've never m*rder*d anybody.

'Not ever.'

I believe you, Luke. I ain't accusing you of it.

The telegram shared the circumstances.

Self-defense.

Nobody's faultin' you on that score.

But that don't change the fact..

...that you're getting a reputation as a gunfighter.

But I don't want it.

I'm afraid, it's not what you want.

You and Hillary, uh, thinking of marrying, huh?

Yeah, we've been talking about it.

Ain't nothing I'd like more than to..

have you as a son, Luke. I think you know that.

[Orville chuckles]

Even if I didn't..

...wouldn't do good for me to say no.

Hillary wouldn't stand for it.

And I don't think you ought to let it happen.

I don't understand.

If I got paper on you, it means it's all over the territory.

No place you can go where you won't be in danger.

Except here.

No, I'm afraid you won't even be safe here, Luke.

I'd never turn you in, you know that.

But you're legal bounty.

Somebody comes looking for you, nothing you can do but run.

And I don't want my daughter running with you.

That ain't no life for no woman.

Guess I never thought about it that way.

I think you gotta think about it, Luke.

[instrumental music]

I'll tell her I'm going.

I'd rather you didn't.

'She cares a lot for you, Luke.'

You tell her the truth

she'll either run after you..

...or spend her life mourning over what might've been.

You mean, you want me to ride off

and not even say goodbye to her?

If she thinks that you've just been..

...playing with her, having yourself a good time

till the subject of marriage came up..

She'll hate my guts.

Yeah, maybe even hate you enough to marry somebody else.

Some...hardworking, sensible, young man

who ain't got five or six notches in his g*n.

Which she sure ain't gonna do, if she's measuring every man

that she meets against the young Lochinvar

who was noble enough to..

...give her up for fear of...ruining her life.

You're the most...ruthless old pirate I ever ever met.

I know. I know.

Goodbye, Orville.

And thanks.

Thanks for everything.

[melancholic music]

Get outta here.

[horse clopping]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[sighs]

Damn.

[horse clopping]

I don't like exposed positions, captain, in any situation.

Neither do I, general.

If the river floods stay, this is the only route open.

Brinkerhoff?

Except Khaki could move through the Yucca ways.

Then move up into them corner foothills.

We could, if we wanted to waste three days to get

to those mountains that are only seven miles ahead of us.

We don't wanna waste three minutes, captain.

Pass word to the outpost riders to raze those fields.

Yes, sir.

[horse clopping]

[dramatic music]

[crackling]

[horse clopping]

[horse neighing]

Small fire up the point, sir.

- 'Halt.' - 'Halt!'

[male #2] 'Fire on the left flank, sir!'

[dramatic music]

Fire on the right flank!

[male #3] 'There's no way to stop the animals. They smell smoke.'

Sound retreat.

Wagons back.

Retreat!

[bugle call]

[indistinct shouting] Wagons back!

Hold the horses, hold on.

[dramatic music]

[horse neighing]

[shouting]

[music continues]

Hold On!

[music continues]

MacAllister! MacAllister!

...Brinkerhoff?

- Sir? - You heard me, captain.

If I repeat it, you'll be a corporal by nightfall.

- Move! Move! - Yes, sir.

[horse clopping]

Whoa! They're forcin' [indistinct] general.

Satangkai keep this up, he'll go on up clear to Canada.

I don't need any more of your military brilliance, Coulee.

- I want Zeb Macahan. - Now you're talking, general.

I need a $1000 to get things together.

- Go see the paymaster. - Yo.

- Coulee. - Yo?

I want him alive.

Try to make that clear to my friend, sir.

h*-o!

[intense music]

[horses clopping]

Jeremiah!

Jeremiah!

[horses clopping]

Stand aside, ma'am.

What for?

So as I can ask your guests whether or not they're Mormons.

That, sir, is none of your business.

These people are on Macahan land, not yours.

It's no use, ma'am.

You're giving sanctuary to hypocrites and murderers.

Murderers? What are you talking about?

I'm talking about Mountain Meadows.

What Mountain Meadows?

Ask your mealy-mouthed Mormon friends.

They'll tell you.

Mr. Taylor?

Mountain Meadows is the ugliest stain in Mormon history.

Nine years ago in Utah territory

a group of Mormons driven by a kind of madness

after years of persecution..

...committed an atrocity.

What kind of atrocity?

A m*ssacre.

A m*ssacre of people in a wagon train headed for California.

[Jeremiah] 'Mormons dressed as savages accompanied by real Indians.'

Attacked the wagon train and k*lled...120 people.

'Only 18 children were spared.'

Dear God.

My sister...and all her family..

...seven people..

...were m*rder*d at Mount Meadows..

...by Mormons like these people you're protecting.

I'm sorry.

'I'm truly sorry.'

Mr. Taylor, you took part in this m*ssacre?

No, ma'am, like most Mormons

I didn't learn about it until weeks later.

And even then I didn't believe it.

Listen to him.

You can't find a Mormon alive

who had anything to do with that m*ssacre.

Alright, woman... this is your land.

'But when he moves off this homestead..'

...he'll be movin' across my land.

And, mister...that's when I'll be burying you.

[instrumental music]

[Jeremiah] It's time for us to leave, Maggie.

- You best get in the wagon. - But, Jeremiah--

Just get in the wagon, Maggie.

Yes, Jeremiah.

[music continues]

May I say goodbye to Laura?

There'll be no need, Mr. Taylor.

I can't send you away, no.

If anything were to happen to you..

Well, your blood and Maggie's would be on my conscience.

Besides, lately I've been accused of..

...not practicing what I preach.

You'll stay. Both of you.

Aunt Molly.

I'm sorry for those things I said.

Oh, child.

[dramatic music]

I want you men to stake out that farm 24 hours a day.

Right.

What do we do if the Mormons leave?

Let the wagon get clear of Macahan property..

...then burn it.

What about the Mormons?

Hold the man and fetch me.

I'll be comin' out with a rope.

[intense music]

[groans]

Are you alright?

Is anything broken?

Who are you?

You can't talk?

Is that it? You can't talk?

Alright. Alright, I'm gonna try to get you outta here.

I'll try to lift this, I don't think I can

but I'm gonna try.

So you're gonna have to pull yourself out.

You think you can do that?

Alright.

Here we go.

Ready?

[grunting]

[creaking]

[grunting continues]

[panting] Alright.

[grunting]

[panting]

I can't do it.

Gonna have to try and get some help.

Now, try not to be frightened, alright?

I'll be back as soon as I can.

[clopping]

[clopping continues]

[horse neighing]

[horse whinnying]

Oh, that's pretty fair horse handling, I'd say.

Doggone it! That thing almost got me k*lled.

Well, maybe you don't deserve to live

pushing a horse that hard. I'll tell you what, though.

You can kick him on back the way you came

and, uh...you'll stay a lot healthier.

And who are you?

[laughs]

It ain't polite to ask personal questions

in this part of the country. Now, go on, get.

I ain't got time to play games with you.

I'm trying to find some help.

Well, this ain't the place to look. Now, move!

[groans]

You got more guts than brains.

Pedro..

...I reckon we'll have to take him in.

I think you are right.

You come easy, huh?

Look, I ain't goin' anywhere with you.

- Wrong. - I need help!

There's a girl hurt down the trail.

She's been pinned under a wagon.

Is that an Indian girl?

'Is it a-a mute?'

Yeah.

I mean, I think so.

She didn't talk.

Maria.

[clopping]

We gotta hoist the wagon up.

I will.

Well, it's gonna take at least two men.

I will.

[creaking]

[creaking continues]

[speaking in native language]

That's it..

[rattling]

I think she's going to be alright, Yucca.

I think she's gonna be fine.

Here you go.

Let's us get this wagon.

[grunting]

In all the excitement back there I sort of forgot the amenities.

My name is Curt Grayson.

- Luke Macahan. - Well, it's a pleasure.

And this here is Pedro.

Uh...just Pedro.

[grunting]

Whew!

You gotta know Yucca there is grateful for what you've done.

And, uh, he'll get around to thanking you in his own way.

I take your word for it.

[Curt] 'Yeah, a bit more.'

We almost got it.

[grunting]

Yeah, a little bit more.

[creaking]

[clangs]

Whoo!

[laughing]

He's unbelievable.

Yeah, he is that.

That's why I'm glad he's on my side.

Hey! What are you doin' with my saddle?

You will not be needin' it, senor.

What's he talkin' about?

Well, this is kind of embarrassing, Luke, but, uh..

...we're gonna need your horse to help us pull our wagon.

Now, what are you talkin' about? Use one of your own horses.

Oh, no, see, you don't understand--

No, you don't understand.

She's your friend. I found her.

You take care of her.

I just wanna ride outta here.

Yeah, but you're not going anyplace.

At least not until we know more about you than we already know.

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

Well, here we are, Luke.

This is it.

Let me give you some advice.

When you talk to the colonel, put your manners on.

You see, when a man treats the colonel with respect..

...why, he'll return the favor.

It would be a mistake for you to take anything

that's happened to you personal

'cause it wasn't intended that way.

Oh, 'course not.

Oh-hoo!

You're still angry, are you?

'Why, you'll get over that as soon as you talk to colonel.'

And there he is.

Let's go.

You could at least give me a hand.

Sure.

[indistinct chattering]

[crowd laughing]

[indistinct cheering]

That young man doesn't seem to know

how to count the odds, does he?

[indistinct cheering]

Better break it up, Pedro

before Curt gets any notion of using a g*n.

Next time we tie his hands behind his back

so you have a fair chance, huh?

- Yeah. - Ha ha ha.

Thought you weren't gonna take any of this personal.

- That was your idea. - Is that right?

Well, it was my mistake.

Allow me to introduce myself.

Jared Flint.

Colonel Flint.

I retired unhappily from the late but distinguished

army of Northern Virginia. Thyself?

Now, colonel, I don't... I don't know

who you are or why you're here, and I don't care.

'I haven't done anything except helping one of your people.'

All I want now is to be allowed to ride outta here.

Ooh..

Well..

...I see you're in no mood for a reasonable discussion

right now, young man.

Uh, Pedro, see that he's cleaned up

and, you know, properly dressed for supper.

Uh, Curt should have something 'bout his size.

Come on, tigre.

[chuckles]

[intense music]

[music continues]

Oh, Little Dog!

We talk!

[intense music]

Hey.

Well, Little Dog, guess you know that, uh, Zeb Macahan..

...and Satangkai are movin' up to the Pa Sapa.

That means there's gonna be a lot of fight.

Gonna have a lot of bodies being buried.

Now, the point is...the army wants to make sure of one body.

Zeb Macahan. That's right.

The army wants to make sure..

...White Eagle is dead.

Now...got a lot of money here..

...enough to buy new g*ns for you and all your partners

and whiskey for one of your Batai.

[laughs]

Now...gettin' paid for doing what comes natural too.

[laughing] Not too bad, huh?

You take a couple of your braves

you go to Satangkai's camp

and you ask to sign up again.

Now, he'll swallow that story.

Now, you boys, you've been pretty bad up here.

You gotta make him believe you had a change of heart.

Especially since the Sioux is about

to get itself k*lled off.

You say...Satangkai would take us back to be..

...Sioux warriors.

[laughing] You bet your life he will.

He's gonna need every man jack that can handle a g*n.

And he ain't gonna hold all that thievin' and killin' of Whites

you've been doin' gettin' here. No siree.

He'll probably thank you for it, now that he needs you.

Macahan...ain't gonna expect trouble in that camp.

So, it's simple.

A couple of you grab him... you stick a knife

into his gullet.

Huh? Ha ha.

[speaking in native language]

Nice chica, Akuha.

[laughing]

Yeah.

We have talked much about it.

If Satangkai would welcome us..

...to help him fight, to be proud again

to be among his warriors in the day of death..

...we have talked much about it.

It was a thing we asked of each other many, many times.

How to prove to Satangkai our hearts are with our people?

What could we do to make Satangkai believe

we would fight for the honor of the Sioux nation?

A day of death.

[intense music]

[horse neighing]

Rider comin' in.

[instrumental music]

[horse neighing]

[music continues]

Sir?

It's Brinkerhoff.

Oh, send him in.

General, I-I think you better step outside, sir.

Huh?

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

Form a burial detail.

[laughing]

[male #4] 'So, when Clayburg climbed out of the water'

'and looked down, so what happened..'

[man laughing]

'He says, "Now you looky here"'

'And next time you give me a bath, you use a soap.'

[all laughing]

Have a seat, young man.

I hope you will find our fare adequate.

Be careful not to slap your gravy

'cause that suit cost me a lot of money in St. Louis.

[all laughing]

How you feelin' now?

Well, probably about as good as you're feeling.

Well, I see our visitor's spirits have improved.

Uh, Curt tells me that your name is, um, Macahan.

I seem to have heard that name elsewhere.

Yeah, well, maybe you heard of my Uncle Zebulon.

The mountain man! Oh h* h* h*, indeed I have.

Well, well, well, we are honored..

...to have a representative

of so distinguished a family to table.

'Here, here.'

Thanks.

But that wasn't quiet what I was thinkin' of.

Now, if I remember rightly, I heard..

...oh, a few years back..

...about another Macahan.

'He was wanted by the law... down in Missouri..'

A few years back?

You got a pretty strong memory.

You may rest assured, Mr. Macahan

that your past is of absolutely no interest to me.

Nor is your future, for that matter.

Then why don't you let me go, colonel?

Because my men and I have got some important business

to attend to in this region shortly

and, uh, well, I just wouldn't feel comfortable

with somebody, uh, runnin' around loose

knowin' our whereabouts.

So, until that business is completed

you will remain here with us.

'You're free to move about the valley as you choose.'

'Provided, of course, you make no foolish attempts to escape.'

Well, just how long is this gonna be?

Mmm...two...three weeks at the longest.

Three weeks?

Oh, try to accept it, Mr. Macahan.

Because there is absolutely nothin'

that you can do about it.

[intense music]

[horse snorts]

[instrumental music]

[indistinct chattering]

[music continues]

My grandfather came up with..

[music continues]

Listen, there ain't no use in all three of us sittin' here.

Clan and I'll go down to the shack

and one of us will spell you in a couple of hours.

[music continues]

Finished with your chores, Josh?

No.

Just saw Laura walkin' off with Jeremiah.

[sighs]

Aunt Molly..

...you got to do somethin' to stop her from marryin' him.

It's unnatural.

Oh, Josh, there are some things we must accept

if nothing we say will change the situation.

You're not gonna let her do it, are you?

Jesse, Laura is a young woman now.

What do you think would happen

if I forbade her to marry Jeremiah?

She'd run away with him.

Bet she would.

I think so too.

Then, if the marriage didn't work out

her pride would prevent her from coming back home again.

I don't want that. Do you?

No.

I sure want her to stay.

I just wish there was something we could do.

Jesse?

Laura is out walking with Jeremiah.

Would you go and find her, please, and send her in here?

Yes, ma'am.

You wanted to see me?

[instrumental music]

Oh-h-h!

Aunt Molly.

[music continues]

Oh.

Well, doesn't seem like so long ago since I wore this.

Of course it will need some new lace and some ribbons.

Oh, Aunt Molly.

[music continues]

I suppose there's no point in asking you to wait

for a few weeks... until you're sure.

[sighs] I talked to Jeremiah about that.

But he has to get to the settlement.

And I wanna be a part of it.

But, child, you saw what happened with Burton.

You'll both be in grave danger when you leave here.

If not from him, from others like him.

Jeremiah says, "There'll always be danger

but we must trust in God's mercy."

What kind of wife would I be if I let danger keep me from him?

Yes.

I see.

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

You and White Eagle have given us the time we needed.

From where we stand..

...the White soldiers will not find it easy to k*ll us.

[clopping]

It is good, Satangkai, but not enough.

'We must buy more time.'

You must meet with their w*r chief

'under a white flag.'

White flag?

Under a white flag

men may talk... and talk is better than w*r.

Their w*r chief will see in his mind's eye..

...many soldiers dying before the battle is done.

To wipe out that picture...he will talk.

But we do not chase the White soldier?

He's free to ride back to his fort..

...and live in peace?

That is true. But he will not leave.

He will not believe the Sioux

will fight where they cannot win.

He'll ask them to lay down their arms.

'And while we talk...your people will prepare for battle.'

I will stand under a white flag.

Whoo! Who thought you to throw a bowie knife like that?

Uncle Zeb.

[Curt] 'I'm glad to see you're keeping yourself busy.'

Oh, yeah. I'm just about runnin' out of things to do.

Luke, why don't you come on down to creek with me?

I'll teach you how to sh**t.

Well, thank you, but I already know how to sh**t.

[laughing] You know how to draw a bean, pull a trigger.

I'm talking about teachin' you how to sh**t.

Well, it ain't for free.

You can teach me to fling that knife the way you do and..

...should be an even swap

me teaching you how to handle a g*n.

Well, I'm not sure you can teach me anything.

But, uh... yeah, even swap.

Alright.

[Curt] 'Now, the problem'

with most boys who want to learn

how to sh**t quick, is that they never get over

the thinking about the details of it.

And that is a sure way to get yourself k*lled

in a square off gunfight.

You don't think?

That's the secret to your success?

Let's not be so sarcastic, shall we?

Thank you. Yeah, of course, I think about it.

I think about where I want the lead to hit.

And that's all I think about.

Then I just let instinct take over.

Instinct? What instinct?

Survival, my friend. Pure and simple.

Yeah, let's see, uh... let's see what you can do.

[g*nshots]

Three out of four. That's pretty good.

I told you I wasn't sure you had anything to teach me.

It's good enough to get you k*lled one time..

Means you won't have a long life.

Oh, you think so?

I know so.

See, you had it thought out every step of the way.

And yet no instinct.

Now, you take, take a mountain cat, for instance.

You got a big cat.

With these long claws that he holds in all the time, right?

Well, when that cat gets in a fight

or he's stalking some game

he doesn't have to think about them claws comin' out

or-or takin' a swipe.

I mean, his natural instinct just takes over.

And that is how smooth and simple

a gunfighter's draw has to be.

[g*nshots]

Somethin' like that.

[exhales heavily]

Uh, you think I could, uh...I could learn to sh**t like that?

Well, I did.

'Course...I had the fastest gunslinger

in the whole South-West as my teacher.

My brother Frank.

He really the fastest?

He's down in a range wars in Texas right now.

You wanna know the funny thing with Frank?

He never even has to touch his g*n anymore.

A rancher just lets out word that Frank Grayson's

ridin' line for him and trouble just naturally disappears.

[laughs]

You think highly of him, don't you?

Yeah. Yeah, we've always been real close.

He showed me some private pointers..

I may get around to teaching you someday.

- Let me see your g*n. - Here.

Well, you keep it clean.

The first thing you wanna do is file off

this sight 'cause it gets in your way.

And then, get yourself a leather thong

to tie that holster down.

[indistinct chattering]

Oh, Maria.

You're lookin' fit.

Hey, what the devil..

[grunts]

[groaning]

[whiplash]

Next one the nose comes off, huh?

'Do you want that?'

Yucca, the colonel does not want the boy k*lled.

'You understand?'

Just can't leave you alone for a minute, can I?

Anybody ever tell you, you got an impulsive nature?

Yeah. Well, he don't got no right to treat he like that.

Why not? She's his woman, not yours.

You can thank Pedro there for your life.

My life?

Yeah, that foot fighting that Yucca does is called savate.

No one knows where he picked it up

but he can, he can break a bull's neck with a kick.

Hey, that kinda fits.

You can be pretty bull-headed, you know.

[groans]

Yeah.

[g*nshots]

That's not bad for only a couple of weeks work.

What do you mean, not bad? It's unbelievable.

You're a modest little fella, ain't you?

[chuckles]

Hey, tell me something.

Why do you wear two g*ns?

Fellow once said, if he couldn't get the job done with one

there's no use having two.

Well, we've been practicing, what now, two weeks?

How many misfires have you had?

- Maybe seven, eight times. - 'Well, there's your answer.'

A single misfire in a showdown could cost you your life.

'You got two g*ns, y-you cut the odds in half.'

Well, not exactly in half

I'm a bit fluent with my left hand than I am with my right.

- But you're working on it. - I am working on it.

Behind you.

[thud]

[laughs]

Tsk-tsk, tsk-tsk.

Just keep practicing.

You'll get it one of these days.

[chuckles]

Mmm.

Well, Luke..

...how are the lessons coming?

You developing a g*n hand?

Yeah, I think so, colonel.

[Curt laughing]

He's doing fine.

All he needs now is lots of practice.

[chuckles]

Good.

Perhaps then in a small way we've repaid you

for the, uh, inconvenience we caused you.

[Flint] 'I think you'll find that a quick g*n'

'is a definite asset in your situation.'

Been known to keep a wanted man alive.

That's true enough, but, uh..

...I don't expect to be wanted forever.

Oh.

Well, I hope you're not disappointed.

It was the time I rode at..

...Stonewall Jackson's side.

I commanded his Colfax brigade at Chancellorsville.

That time I hardly expected to end up my days

as a wanted man either.

Pardon me, colonel, but, uh..

...you chose to become a bandit and live this way, didn't you?

I chose...not to surrender my weapons

when the confederacy collapsed.

We are what we are, Luke.

No apologies.

Robbers? Yes.

But we only take from those that have more than their share.

We never steal from the poor.

Ah, you..

You make robbing people sound like it's a business.

You say what you're doing is right?

Now that is a...ethical objection

I'm basically a practical man.

Well, I, I guess I can say there's nothing

practically wrong with what you're doing.

Unless you get hung for it.

That's very true.

And that is precisely the only difference

between you and me.

What do you mean?

Well, it seems we both stand a reasonably good chance

of ending up on the gallows.

But I, for robberies

enthusiastically committed and freely acknowledged.

'You, if I'm to believe your story,'

for something you didn't do.

[laughing]

Now then...in the ultimate..

...who's ethic makes more sense?

[intense music]

[instrumental music]

- Morning, Maggie. - Good morning, Mrs. Culhane.

- Have you seen Jeremiah? - He's with Laura again.

They were both overjoyed that you agreed to the marriage.

Well, Laura's made up her mind

and I'm not gonna let it come between us.

But you know, I am concerned about the ceremony

I don't know of any Mormon settlements near here.

Jeremiah is a bishop of the church, Mrs. Culhane.

He can conduct the ceremony here and it will be valid.

'And when we reach a settlement house'

'we can formalize the rights.'

'It's a very simple service.'

As the first wife, I'd give my consent to the marriage

and place Laura's hand in Jeremiah's.

Tell me..

You're not concerned at all about..

Well..

...sharing him with my niece?

[sighs] How can I make you understand?

Laura is a sweet, loving, wonderful girl.

It will be a joy to have her in the household.

And Jeremiah's other wife, uh..

- Ellen. - Aye.

She wont be concerned, either?

You'd have to know her, Mrs. Culhane.

She'll probably be even happier than I am.

She'll have someone close to her own age to talk with.

Close to Laura's age?

'She's only 20, Mrs. Culhane.'

They could be sisters.

'She's an angel.'

'Prettiest girl I've ever seen.'

And her soul is as lovely as her face.

Won't she be upset to be missing the ceremony?

Oh, I'm sure, she will be.

Jeremiah and I were talking about that last night.

'We'd dearly love to have her here.'

But the distance is almost 40 miles.

We only have the big wagon.

Yes.

You know, Maggie

I think I know where I could rent a buggy.

'Now I could send Josh to Kelsey to get Ellen'

that is if you think Jeremiah

wouldn't mind postponing the wedding.

Oh, I know he wouldn't.

He'd be delighted to have Ellen here.

It's very generous of you.

Molly.

[chuckles]

Not at all.

[instrumental music]

[Greevy] 'You gonna drive to Kelsey to fetch that gal back?'

She wants to be at the wedding.

Well, I don't know, Josh.

I'm a live and let live man myself.

But I just can't go along with these Mormon people

degrading, you might say, women folk.

Except, they don't figure it to be degrading.

Sure appreciate you putting my horse

out to pasture for me, Mr. Greevy.

I'll take good care of her.

[instrumental music]

[Greevy] 'Mr. Burton, there will be a wedding taking place'

'out at the Macahan farm.'

One of the Macahan gals is marrying that Mormon out there.

'That will be wife number three for him.'

Macahans becoming Mormons?

I didn't say that.

It's just that Laura gal marryin' come Saturday morning.

Matter of fact, Josh Macahan's on his way

'to Kelsey to pick up that Mormon's other wife.'

By heaven, we'll be inviting ourselves to that weddin'.

And we'll be bringing along a rope.

Give that Mormon three widows

one minute after that

blasphemous marriage takes place.

[chuckles]

Get the boys.

[intense music]

Drink, mister?

No, thank you, I'm fine.

Just fine.

Whoa! Hold it!

If they're holed up in those rocks

they don't have much option for retreat.

I assure you, they have no intention of retreating.

What about the women and children with them?

Some of the women will k*ll themselves and..

...some of them will k*ll their own children.

Damn.

How are they disposed?

They've taken a position clear across the mountain face, sir.

- But Macahan's coming in. - What?

Yes, sir, I saw him myself.

He's coming with that Sioux chief under a white flag.

Maybe they're fixing to surrender.

Anybody like to bet a months pay

they're not coming to ask for our surrender?

Get out there, MacAllister.

- He know you better than us. - Yes, sir.

Hyah!

Morning, Zeb.

Chief Satangkai.

Sent to escort you in.

We're not coming in, Mac.

Tell the general we'll meet him here.

He can bring one officer with him.

I'll go get him.

Join your platoons!

Join your platoons!

Platoon to the right flank, go!

First platoon, to the point!

Third platoon, to the left flank, go!

- Form a skirmish line. - Halt!

Dismount! Form a skirmish line.

Captain.

Urgent message for General Stonecipher.

b*ttlefield priority.

b*ttlefield priority?

General's in the field under a flag of truce.

Here, I'll take it to him.

Hyah!

Ha!

Hyah!

I don't agree with it you.

It'll be canon or force to surrender neither.

You've got my terms, Macahan.

An unconditional surrender means just that.

All arms, every weapon, every horse

will be brought down and turned over to me.

[speaking in native language]

What did he say?

Says you can have their horses and g*ns

when every Sioux warrior is dead.

Uh-huh.

Well, then he knows he hasn't got a choice.

What's this meeting about?

I figured if we're battling here today

I wanted to hear what you had to say about it.

Wanted to see how you negotiate with chief of the Sioux here.

Hogwash, Macahan.

[Stonecipher] 'What the hell are you wasting my time for?'

I don't know what you're talking about.

The hell, you don't!

Now you tell the chief to surrender unconditionally now.

- General! - Keep away from here!

Urgent dispatch, sir.

Wait till we're finished here.

Sir, the dispatch is from General Sheridan, himself.

A direct order to you. Coded, b*ttlefield priority.

- Alright, bring it here. - Hold on, hold on.

I've got 50 men with r*fles trained on you.

[Zeb] 'He comes any closer you're dead.'

- Read it from there, captain. - 'Yes, sir.'

"Urgent b*ttlefield priority

"for Brigadier General John Stonecipher.

"You will cease immediately

"all offensive operations

"against the Sioux under Chief Satangkai

'"and adopt and hold a defensive posture'

'effective on receipt of this order."'

What kind of nonsense is that, MacAllister?

There's more, general.

"Inform Zeb Macahan his presence will be required

'"at your field headquarters upon my imminent arrival.'

'Signed, Phillip H. Sheridan, Commanding General."'

Your presence is required.

I see why you've been doing all this stalling, Macahan.

Where'd you get that kinda political pressure?

Me and Phil Sheridan goes back a ways, general.

I'll be with Satangkai till he gets here.

[intense music]

"Adopt and hold a defensive posture."

Well, it doesn't sound like we're about to give up the farm.

[horse neighing]

Let Satangkai make words to his people.

A great White w*r-chief comes to speak.

- He does not want to fight? - He's a man of honor.

He speaks with a straight tongue what is fair to each.

He comes because he knows White Eagle?

[Zeb] 'He does.'

'I do not know what he holds in his heart.'

But he has the medicine to stop the fighting if he wishes.

Then we must listen to his words.

[instrumental music]

Well..

I see that our little talk has set you to, uh..

...contemplating the infinite.

That's a dangerous occupation for someone your age.

You take my word for that, Luke.

You know, colonel..

...you had a point last night.

I'm being chased for something that

really wasn't against the law.

And you here, you're living better than a king

and breaking the law every day.

Why, I even see me getting hung

and you will only maybe go into jail.

Well, roughly that..

...that does state a case for joining me.

Joining you?

That idea so farfetched?

Why would you want me?

You're bright, you show courage..

...and...will prove to be a top g*n hand

according to Curt.

'And, more important..'

...you would be loyal to me.

I think I'd have to give

that one a little more thought.

Alright, don't take too long.

We're moving out in a week.

Something we've had planned for a long time.

- Something like a bank robbery? - No, no, no.

Far bigger.

[laughing]

Hey, colonel said you and Pedro

were taking a ride this morning.

Said I oughta go along.

Welcome, amigo, welcome.

What?

I was writing a letter here to Frank

told him I was teaching you g*n handling..

...and that maybe you was gonna join us.

Doesn't look like there's any "maybe," now.

Hey, wait a minute, Curt. Wait a minute.

I haven't made up my mind yet.

Well, you will. You will.

[chuckles]

[Pedro] 'You could do a lot worse, Luke. A lot worse.'

'The colonel is a good man.'

[Curt] Yeah, he's the best there is.

'I could k*ll the man who says different.'

He's been the same as a daddy to me for a long time.

- How'd you two get together? - In the w*r.

On the road to Gettysburg.

I was this raw recruit up, up from Baton Rouge.

He decided to take me on as an aide, you know?

Boy, did we get used to keeping each other alive.

The Appomattox

then the colonel rode away.

I followed him.

I guess I will till I die.

[rumbling]

[Curt] 'There it is.'

We are gonna take a gold shipment

being sent down from that mine.

- Gold shipment? - That's right.

[Curt] 'Watching from up here'

'I discovered that when they bring that wagon up to the mine'

'the gold rose in three days.'

It has been a long wait this time.

It means, it will be much gold.

Ain't it gonna be heavily guarded?

Yeah. Exactly right.

So that's why we're gonna hit 'em when they least expect it.

In a little town called Jimson's Break.

- Ever heard of Jimson's Break? - Uh, yeah.

'Yeah, I think so.'

Some old sheriff runs the town

'who's crazy about trout fishing.'

That's right.

We arrive poor, we leave rich.

Then off to Durango, aye, aye, aye the senoritas.

[instrumental music]

I have been waiting for this moment.

Oh.

Colonel Flint,

We caught him trying to escape.

[intense music]

[music continues]

[g*n c*ck]

[g*n c*ck]

Both of you, mount up and ride south.

What?

[g*nshots]

I got no time to fool with you.

I want you to ride.

[g*nsh*t]

What's wrong with you anyway? You crazy?

Yes.

'Your friend that was keeping his eye '

'on the Macahan place thought so.'

'He's half way to Mexico by now.'

[g*nsh*t]

I don't know why I try to reason with you.

What do you want from us?

You're not only stupid, you're deaf.

I want you to ride with the fear of God.

'And don't look back'

'because I just may be right behind you.'

[g*nshots]

[both grunting]

Whoa!

[dramatic music]

- Hyah. - Hyah.

[Stover] Now, Mr. Burton, I hoped to find you alone.

But since your wife is here

I'd advise you not to do anything foolish.

Who let you on this ranch?

It wasn't any of your hired hands

because they're not any of them around anymore.

'A couple of them got roughed up'

and the others just decided

that it had become unhealthy to continue working for you.

Do you mean to tell me, you intimidated all our ranch--

Yes, ma'am, I guess I did.

But it wasn't too difficult

'since they were cheap help to begin with.'

Now, why don't you step outside and saddle up your horse?

[intense music]

What's your game, mister?

We'll talk about it on the way.

Good day, ma'am.

Jeremiah Taylor!

[Stover] 'Jeremiah Taylor.'

[music continues]

Mr. Taylor.

'Mr. Burton here would like a word with you.'

The truth is I'm far from liking a word with any of you.

'You, Mormon..'

You can cross my lands without any interference from me.

I hope someday, somebody puts you where you belong.

Meaning, in the ground.

But unfortunately it won't be me

or any of the men who work for me.

I'm sure the Macahan ladies would like assurance from you

'that they won't have to stand watch at night'

'to keep their barn from burning.'

Or any other unexplained misfortunes.

I have nothing against the Macahans.

The whole matter is closed.

I must say, Mr. Burton

your words are a great relief.

I hope we can forget everything that was said in anger

and start afresh.

Madam..

...I will forget nothing.

And don't you forget I just may ride back

this way sometime.

Mister, I hope you do ride this way again.

And next time I'll be wearing a g*n.

[Hale] 'My word will be kept to these people.'

'But I give you my word right now'

'that when I lay eyes on you again..'

...one of us will be dead.

I'll keep that in mind.

[instrumental music]

I'm beginning to suspect that you're a territorial marshal.

No.

You must be the one they call Stover?

I left you on your own till they started waving g*ns around.

Uh-huh.

My best wishes to you, ma'am.

And I hope all of you enjoy the wedding festivities.

- He's not a lawman. - No, ma'am.

He is an immoral vicious k*ller

who will do anything or say anything to get his job done.

And he was sent here to protect you?

My uncle was a leader of the Mountain Meadows m*ssacre.

'A lot of Mormon's have been k*lled in reprisal since then.'

It preys on my uncle's conscience

so he hired men like Stover there to, uh..

...help protect our family.

It's a dangerous life you're asking my niece to share.

'Yes, it is.'

I cannot guarantee it will ever be any different.

[intense music]

[horses clopping]

[drum music]

Stand easy..

At least you didn't get any uglier, Zeb.

Sorry, I can't say the same for you, general.

You sure stirred things up in Washington

taking the Sioux's side.

[Sheridan] 'You damn sure better be right.'

Jack, I think I know your side in this.

Give me a few minutes with Zeb, then we'll have a briefing.

Sir.

You know what it took, Zeb, to override Stonecipher?

Getting the secretary of w*r out of bed at four o'clock

and trying to convince him that some wild man named Zeb Macahan

knew more about the situation out here

than the senior officer in the field.

And that, uh..

I owed said wild man a favor

and that...he once saved my scalp.

Hell, Phil, I'm sure not trying

to hold you to owing me any favors for that but..

I didn't know how else to stop a m*ssacre here.

I appreciate you coming down and taking a hold of this.

General Grant gave me full authority to use

my judgment in the case.

I'm gonna try the best I can to avoid any bloodshed.

Now, Zeb, you feel that this, uh..

...Satangkai is a reasonable man?

Known him a long time, general.

He's not only a reasonable man, he's an honorable man.

Good, good.

I want you to take a clear look at the overall picture

not just the facts and the right or wrong judgment.

When the Count of Kiev was k*lled

all hell busted loose back East.

The Russian diplomatic court boiled over.

The state department sent out apologies

including a presidential promise

to see that justice would be done.

And the newspapers, uh-h*..

'General, let me ask you something?'

Now, what would you have done if that fella had rode up to you

and slashed you up alongside the face with that ridin' crop?

What I would have done is not the point.

The point is that the count's blow was an insult.

Wasn't meant to maim or to k*ll

but he was k*lled for his act.

The government cannot close it's eyes to an act of homicide

committed in front of the military.

General, I ain't asking anybody to close their eyes.

The fact is Satangkai didn't do the killin'.

All I've been askin' for all along is to

bring in the Indian that did do it and have him stand trial.

I might be able to sell that

if the count and his woman hadn't been kidnapped.

Hell, they was on treaty lands and they was killin' off

the Indian food supply.

Dammit, Zeb, they were kidnapped

and they were to Satangkai, and held as prisoners.

'I want this kept in perspective.'

You're not gonna hand me some faceless Indian

to place on trial and expect the Russians will be satisfied

that justice was done, uh-uh.

I ain't tryin' to satisfy no Russian.

Well, maybe you aren't but I have to.

And I have to satisfy the people in this country

who are wondering what kind of an army they got? That permits

kidnapping and m*rder of foreign visitors by the Sioux.

General, are you sayin' we're back to punishing Satangkai

and his people for somethin' that someone else started?

[sighs]

Oh, I'm not sayin' that.

Zeb..

...you and I are gonna come to an agreement

that's gonna settle

everything for all parties concerned.

What kinda agreement you talkin' about?

You and I, both know, Zeb, that every military leader

is responsible for the conduct of the men that he leads.

That's an issue that we can't avoid.

There has got to be a trial here.

'Something for this country and the whole world to hear about.'

Because if I settle the situation with anything less

this country is not gonna stand for it.

On trial for what?

On trial for doin' a lot less, than I'd have done in his place.

'It's a damn sight cheaper price to pay'

than having those mountains strewn with

the bodies of all of his people.

Now, hear me out.

I will use all the influence I've got

to make sure that the sentence he gets is a slap on the wrist.

- Two years in military prison. - Two years?

And I'll give you my personal promise

to recommend a full pardon inside of one year.

General, putting Satangkai in prison'd be the same as

a death sentence for him.

Damn it, Zeb.

I'm givin' a 90 percent concession here

I'm not gettin' a nickel back from you.

General, putting Satangkai on trial would demean his people.

'More than that, you're just gonna make all the Indians'

out here madder than they are now

because of the behavior of the White man.

Zeb, those are my final words.

You go to Satangkai..

...and you give him those terms.

'If he'll surrender and stand trial this matter ends.'

His people will be permitted to go to the Black Hills

with the treaty still in force.

There's gotta be another way.

There isn't.

Zeb, I owe you my life.

So, believe me when I tell ya

that the terms I'm givin' him are the best he can get.

The alternative w*r, with the White and Red men killin'

each other before the sun sets tonight.

'And believe me, Zeb'

Satangkai knows that there's got to be a price to be paid here.

Yeah.

And he damn sure knows it's his side always does the payin'.

No matter how we feel, the final decision is up to Satangkai.

He's got to decide if..

...what I'm offerin' is a fair exchange

for the lives of all of his people.

And tell him he can think about it overnight.

'I'll expect both you and Satangkai here'

'at midmorning tomorrow, with his answer.'

Thanks, general.

[dramatic music]

My sun is set.

My day is done.

Darkness is stealing over me.

Before I lie down to rise no more..

...I will speak.

Hear me.

'You, great spirit..'

'...made us.'

'And gave us this land we live in.'

'You gave us the buffalo, antelope and deer.'

'For food and clothing.'

'Our hunting grounds stretched from the Mississippi'

'to the great mountains.'

We were free as the winds.

And heard no man's commands.

Our children were many..

...and our herds were large.

Our old men talked with spirits..

...and made good medicine.

Where the tepee was, there we stayed.

No house imprisoned us.

No one said

"To this line is my land to that is yours."

Then..

...the White man came to our hunting grounds.

A stranger.

We gave him meat..

...and presence.

And told him to go in peace.

He looked on our women

and stayed to live in our tepees.

'His fellows came to build the roads'

'across our hunting grounds.'

He brought among us..

...the mysterious iron that shoots.

He brought with him..

...the magic water..

...that makes men...foolish.

I said, "The White man is not a friend..

"...let us k*ll him."

But their numbers were greater than blades of grass.

They took away the buffalo..

...and shot down our best warriors.

'They wiped the trails'

'of our people from the face of the prairies.'

They forced our children..

...to forsake their ways of their fathers.

When I turn to the east..

...I see no dawn.

When I turn to the west..

...the approaching night...hides all.

[melancholic music]

I have thought much about the words of the White w*r, chief.

Satangkai, perhaps, at the trial

they will see the wrong of it.

They will see that the fault was not yours.

Do not believe it.

'They judge me for the death of that man.'

They are clever.

I am..

...a heart to the body of my people.

'Therefore they say this'

"We give you this choice.

"We will attack your body

"if you do not entrust to us, your heart."

But there is no trust.

No justice.

So I will not go to their justice.

I will not leave this.

My people.

I will stay here with them.

You are my brother.

White eagle.

This will never change.

It will never change.

It will be so one day..

...in another life..

...we shall greet each other again.

It shall be so.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

You are hungry?

You have decided?

I have decided.

There are others..

...who can lead our people.

I am only a body, a voice.

This trial...it maybe not bad?

No.

Not bad.

We will be separated, for a time.

I will always be with you

near this prison.

No.

Our son, you must be with him.

I will bring him to you.

It will be a long time..

...before he comes to me.

[dramatic music]

A long time, before you come to me.

[music continues]

No,

A w*r chief cannot die by his own hand

unless he has dishonored his people.

I cannot.

Our people will remember.

They will hold their heads up..

'...and say'

"We are Sioux warriors."

There will be no warriors more proud.

No.

[music continues]

When the new sun rises..

...until then..

...we will talk of many things, my wife.

Of our son..

...of a time when people will only smile at their brothers.

It will be a good talk...tonight.

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

He gives you these.

Because you were his friend.

He will go with you now.

[instrumental music]

Let's begin, sir.

He's alone.

Wonder where Satangkai is?

[music continues]

[music continues]

My God.

[music intensifies]

[music continues]

Prepare to present arms, captain.

Troop!

Present.

Arms.

[music continues]

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

General, this is Chief Satangkai.

'w*r chief of the Sioux nation.'

You wanted him here today.

He's here.

I'm sorry, Zeb.

'May God have mercy on this man's soul.'

And let's hope that this is an end to it.

And to the agony on both sides.

I wish I could believe that, general.

[melancholic music]

I wish I could believe that.

[dramatic music]

Eight years, after the period at which this story was set

the Sioux did meet the United States Army..

...at a place the world has come to know as..

...the Little Bighorn.

[dramatic music]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]