03x07 - The Scavengers

[bunniefuu]

[theme music]

[music continues]

[train whistling]

[male narrator] In 1869 the transcontinental railroad was finally completed.

But for most Americans travel in the old west

was still a slow, arduous

and frequently hazardous adventure.

Wagon trains still faced mud, dirt, blizzards

back-breaking terrain

and blinding sandstorms.

Cramped and brutally uncomfortably stagecoaches

would occasionally be set by Indians.

More often by highwaymen.

[g*nf*re]

And even more frequently by broken axles

or harness trees.

Sometimes with horrifying results.

[intense music]

[foghorn blowing]

Of all the modes of travel, the paddle wheelers plying

the generally placid inland waterways

were perhaps the most comfortable.

But even the river

managed to provide ...occasional surprises.

[instrumental music]

[indistinct chattering]

[Laura] 'The horse ranch in the territory of Wyoming..'

Oh, it's not a big ranch, but we are raisin'

a very special kind of horse.

Appaloosa.

Someday that breed will be known.

'So beautiful, the green hills of Wyoming.'

'We just fell in love.'

'My uncle Zeb and my brothers went out..'

Thank you, Mr. Wesley.

Mrs. Culhane, don't you believe that after a week together

Clay would be more appropriate?

Alright.

Clay.

You know I was just looking at Laura.

She's having so much fun.

'And she's becoming quite a heartbreaker.'

[all laughing]

Well, it does seem to run in the family.

I can attest for one you'll be breaking.

Now, Clay.

Alright, I promised.

No more flatterin'.

Well, maybe just a little, now and then.

Aye, a river boat race was serious in them days.

'We crossed the finish line'

usin' the rails and benches for firewood.

Oh, I'd have stoked them boilers with the cabin boy

if I thought he'd burn hot enough.

[chuckling] Yeah, I know what you mean, Ian.

Good life, out here on this river.

Aye, it used to be.

Yeah, it seems folks used to relax more.

Today it's more schedules and business.

Aye, it's not the world it once was, Zebulon.

That's the truth.

[Ian] 'Still our work is not without its benefits.'

It's so happens I'm carrying, among other cargo

a shipment of whiskey.

It's only Irish, but it's still whiskey.

Also happens to be a custom for the broker

to make the captain a wee gift of a bottle or two.

Oh, now, that's a nice custom.

So, if you'd be interested in a toast

to better working conditions.

I've always been interested in the workin' man.

- Take over the wheel for bit. - Aye.

Be glad to.

How are your ladies enjoying the trip, Zebulon?

Oh, mighty fine.

They've been in and out of just about every ladies store

in St. Louis, I can tell you that.

Ah, that must have been great fun for you.

Yeah.

Gave me a chance to get out on my own a bit.

You made your own entertainment, eh?

[chuckling]

[indistinct]

Well, now, I consider it a blessin' or not

here's lookin' at ya.

We're disembarking tomorrow.

And I want you to reconsider.

Oh, Clay.

My home is quite close to the river. It's very comfortable.

Now, I want you and your niece

to spend a few days visiting before going on.

It would make a very pleasant break in your journey.

[sighing] You make it sound so very tempting.

Well?

Well, I've already been away from home far too long as it is.

Bull Run, the beginning.

History smiles at that first battle.

Neither side prepared, the union armies running

almost from the first shot.

'But I can tell you the Macahan's'

were in the very middle of it, and that was no laughing matter.

- Have I offended you, Clay? - No.

It's just that I find reminders of the w*r distressing.

I too was through it.

Of course, I'm sorry.

Molly, will you excuse me for a moment?

I believe I'll step out on the deck for a cigar.

Certainly.

Damn!

[foghorn blowing]

She's right on time.

- Ready the boats! - Alright.

Let's shove off.

[indistinct chattering]

[dramatic music]

Beard.

Just picked up the signal.

It said to go about your business.

[music continues]

[music continues]

Move along men.

[music continues]

Oh, I quite agree with you.

Travelling by river boat is very enjoyable.

I'm havin' the time of my life.

[crowd applauding]

Uh, will you excuse me please?

Well, you're having a fine old time for yourself.

Oh, I wish this trip would go on forever.

Well, we'll be back home in Wyoming pretty soon

so you'd best make the most of this.

Where's Mr. Wesley?

He's been buzzing around you all week.

Oh, uh, he stepped out on deck to have a cigar.

- Really? - Mm-hmm.

I can't believe he could tear himself away

from you for so long.

Why he's a southern gentleman, Laura.

And it is the nature of southern gentleman, so I am told

to tear themselves away in order to have a cigar.

[laughing] La-di-da!

Oh, he hasn't taken his eyes off you once this entire trip.

Oh, I can't for the life of me understand

why you don't encourage him.

Well he's handsome, he's witty, he's refined

and he's a landholder to boot.

Oh, he also dances very well.

Well there you see? He's the catch of the whole ship.

And I think you're mad not to encourage him.

[expl*si*n]

[all screaming]

[Molly] 'Laura.'

[Ian] 'Load the boiler.'

Take it easy, captain.

Now just move on back, slow and easy.

Everybody over against the wall.

[male #1] 'Move on there you.'

You've been told to get over there.

Who are you? What do you want?

Get!

Who are they?

Get over there with the others.

Are you ladies alright?

- Yes, Clay. What is going on? - River pirates.

- What? - I've heard of this before.

They loot the vessels and get away as fast as they can.

Where's uncle Zeb?

As far as I know he was with the captain.

And the captain's in the pilot house, counting out his money.

Which I advise the rest of you to start doing.

No worries about anybody being hurt.

If everybody just does as they're told.

[dramatic music]

[male #2] 'Alright, you heard the man. Start countin'.'

Without the power there's no way on the boat.

I cannot steer her at all.

Stay right at the wheel, grandpa.

What for, ya bloody idiot?

We're gonna ground on that bar.

[rumbling]

[music continues]

- You can't cover two men? - That was Zeb Macahan.

Haven't you heard of him?

Stay awake.

[music continues]

Only a few dollars here.

I know you got more.

That's all we have.

I say you're carrying more cash.

She's hidin' it.

Zachary.

This little gal, she's hiding her valuables.

I wanna take her into one them state rooms

and help her find 'em.

No wait.

[dramatic music]

Well now, ladies.

Everything we have is in our steamer trunks.

Doubtless you already have those.

We have nothing else of value to give you.

Them pearls.

Put them in here.

They are not real.

That will do for openers.

What else you've got?

That's everything.

I tell you I have nothin' else.

You got nothing too, I suppose.

I told you, what's in the trunks.

Fancy jewelry.

It's worth a few dollars at the most.

Valuable only to me. It was my mother's.

Raise another hand to that lady and I'll k*ll you.

That's enough!

- Larch! - Hear, here, take it.

Look at them.

Fancy ladies. And high born by the way they act.

And all they got is bobbles.

Where are you ladies from?

Wyoming.

What business is the family in?

We're ranchers. We raise horses.

Well...I think you two are worth more than bobbles myself.

You'll come with us.

- What? - You mean to abduct us?

You call it what you like, lady. You're comin' with us.

Now, you just wait a minute.

I had just finished sayin' nobody was gonna get hurt!

As long as people mind their business!

Alright. If it's a ransom you want for these ladies

I am not without means.

That's real impressive.

I can arrange what you require.

Alright, Fancy man. You come along too.

We'll see how much you're worth.

- Take 'em out, Larch. - Alright.

Ladies.

[dramatic music]

[grunting]

All set.

This one's comin' to life, bare a hand.

- What are you doing? - Over the side, with him.

He's hurt, ya river scum. He'll drown.

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

[indistinct chattering]

[music continues]

Mo, let's get them ladies and the gentlemen to camp.

Alright!

Start cartin' them goods.

You, people. Head on out. Up that way.

What do you want with us?

We are not wealthy ranchers.

Why did you take us off that boat?

'Cause maybe you were the prettiest packages there.

Laura, come along.

[violin music]

[Laura] 'Won't open?'

No, it's nailed.

Surely, there's a way.

These shacks have been here forever.

They're falling apart.

The thing I don't understand is, why us?

Why did they single us out?

Well doubtless, they think the Macahan's a wealthy family.

Well, that's what comes of acting like gentry.

Now we are paying for our vanity.

Aunt Molly, how can you joke about something like this?

Poor Mr. Wesley. The way they threw him into that other shack.

Manhandlin' him like that.

Ah...Laura.

'Come here quickly.'

I think, I can push these apart. Help me.

Oh, we need something to pry them lose.

Hand me that piece of board.

You better keep watch out the window.

Okay.

[violin music]

It's alright.

Come on, quickly.

Damn boots.

Take off your petticoat.

[both grunting]

[Molly] 'Quietly now. Make it straight for the trees.'

[music continues]

I don't suppose there's anyway of us helpin' Mr. Wesley.

Not beyond notifying the authorities.

Assuming we can find a town somewhere along the river.

Come on.

[violin music]

Hey! How did you two get out?

Run, Laura!

[Laura screaming]

[Molly] Leave her alone!

[both grunting]

Let me go!

Savage! Let me go.

Clay.

How on earth did you get out?

Probably the same way you did. Now let's get out of here.

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

[Molly] 'Do you think those pirates will be following us?'

That I wouldn't think so.

Once they discover we're gone, they'll start worrying

about the authorities.

I think they'll be..

...scattering as fast as they can.

- I hope you're right. - You alright, Laura?

In any case my home is a few miles away.

We'll be safe there.

Ugh. I can taste you already.

[dramatic music]

Mister.

Hey, mister.

[music continues]

This ain't gonna do you no good no more.

Lordy!

[Zeb grunting]

Ma!

Ma! Ma!

'Mama!'

'Mama!'

'Ma!'

Ma!

- Oh! - Oh, what is it?

What is it, Nettie?

There's a man, on the river bank.

I thought he was dead.

There he be.

I'll fetch the mule cart. You watch over him.

Alright. Now, hold on.

Hold on. You hold on.

Whoa. Whoa!

Hurt his head bad, it looks like.

Mister.

Hey!

You better wake up if you can.

I can't carry you. You're gonna have to get some effort up.

Get hold of him.

[Nettie] 'Mister.'

Mister.

Hey, mister.

[birds chirping]

My home, New Moorsland.

[pleasant music]

Such a large house, Clay.

Well, as long as it has a bath.

Oh, it has.

And anything else you might want.

'We laid the foundation just three years ago.'

The house, completed this past spring.

I keep on three retainers.

They are dear friends rather than retainers.

The land amounts to some four thousand acres.

Most of it along the river.

We plan to set aside some of the acres to cotton

as an experiment. But I think cattle and horses

will be our main interest.

In time to come, the plantation should be

'self sufficient in every aspect.'

'At least, that's my plan.'

Mr. Clay. Hattie!

Mr. Clay. Well, look at you. Muddy and all.

And you ladies.

My dear Lord, what happened to you all?

We had a bit of trouble on the river.

Hattie, Douglas, this is Miss Molly and Miss Laura.

[Douglas] 'Bless you, ladies.'

Pleasure to meet you all, yes it is.

You, sure you're alright, sir?

- You ain't hurt or nothin'? - Oh, I'm fine, Douglas.

Well, nothing that a bath and fresh clothes

wouldn't cure anyway.

Hattie, would you see to the ladies?

I'll get rooms made up right away.

And I'll be gettin' yours ready.

[David] 'Mr. Wesley! Welcome home.'

Good to see you, sir.

Good to see you, David.

Lady Earl's in a fall. And due soon.

Wonderful. Wonderful! Ladies, won't you go on inside?

I wanna have a look at the expecting mother.

Of course, come along, Laura.

[Laura] 'Oh, I'm just waitin' to get back.'

- Oh, aunt Molly. - This is lovely.

To say the least.

Ladies, got rooms made up and baths will be ready in no time.

Thank you, Hattie.

This is exquisite.

Well, you see, on top of everything else, he's rich.

Shh!

Mr. Clay.

Hattie said the ladies all taken care off.

Why, thank you, Douglas.

They are askin' about sendin' a telegram to their kin.

We'll get to that by and by.

Most important thing is to make sure that our guests

are comfortable.

I could send David down river.

- Have a telegram send off. - I'll see to that.

'And, Douglas, I don't want anyone'

'to know the ladies are in this house.'

Thank you, Douglas. That'll be all.

Very well, sir.

You dead?

[grunting]

I think I might be.

Can't be dead if you talkin'.

Well, if I'm alive little lady

I reckon I got you to thank for it.

And my ma.

Look, I..

[grunting]

I'm Nettie.

Nettie, you come away from there.

Oh, it's alright, ma'am

I...I was just thankin' your daughter there for..

...for y'all helpin' me.

Who are you, mister?

My name's Zeb Macahan, ma'am.

Not from around here?

No, no, I was on...the river boat, somethin' went wrong.

Next thing I know that I was in the water.

I heard about that.

Pirates takin' over Paddle wheeler.

Did you hear anything about any other passengers bein' hurt?

- No. - That's enough, Nettie.

The man I'm with don't take the strangers.

You best be gettin' quit of here when you can.

Don't mean to be no trouble to you, ma'am.

[grunting]

[dramatic music]

Who's he?

Oh, uh, Nettie, found him on the river bank.

He carryin' a pouch?

What?

Money! You picked?

I never looked.

You two will starve to death in a smoke house.

[music continues]

Girl!

You go fetch some more river wood for the stove.

It's all got. We got lots of wood.

Well, go find some more.

There's a, there's things I got to be doin'.

I brought you somethin'.

Ah! Oh, it's a pretty thing.

Put it on.

Too pretty to be wearin' like this.

'Put it on!'

Want anyone lookin' to know I treat you good.

There now.

Let's get inside.

Like I said there's things I need to be doin'.

Do as you're told or be wishin' you had.

[dramatic music]

[instrumental music]

[pleasant music]

[sighing]

I tell you, if you're going to be rescued by someone

Mr. Wesley is certainly the one.

Oh! Aunt Molly, how lovely.

I think we're just supposed to take our pick.

They are all so beautiful.

Look at this.

Cinderella becomes a princess.

Oh, it's beautiful and you are beautiful too, Cinderella.

Oh, this one's a scandal.

Do you think I could get way with something like this?

What takes me aback is where on earth did they come from.

I mean, Mr. Wesley isn't married.

At least, so he says.

No, it's not too scandalous.

- You look radiant. - Thank you.

- Both of you. - Thank you.

- You must be famished. - That too.

Laura.

Oh, Clay. What a lovely room.

I've never seen such a table.

Such beautiful things.

The family heirloom is most of them.

Some of the few things left after the w*r.

My goodness, Clay. If I never knew the meaning

of pampered, I certainly know it now.

I second that.

To your arrival.

Hot bath and the clean clothes..

Speaking of which...whose are they?

Yours, if they please you.

They are with me in partial payment of a debt.

But they, they are exquisite, Clay.

Oh, well, all this and champagne too.

It's a far cry from being wet and cold

and in the hands of those pirates.

We do owe you a great debt of thanks.

You owe me nothing.

Your presence makes my home complete.

[instrumental music]

Now, I know this is very unsettling for you ladies but..

...to reassure you, the... stage stops once a week.

So you'll be home pretty much on schedule.

And until then we'll..

...try to make your stay comfortable.

[David] 'Excuse me, sir.'

Lady Earl seems comfortable. You wanted me to let you know.

That's fine. You keep an eye on her.

In this delicate condition an all.

Well, if you won't be needing anything else, sir.

Oh, David, there is something else.

Miss Laura here has a fondness for horses.

'Perhaps you could show her our stock.'

I'd like that.

Of course.

Excuse me.

It'll be my pleasure to show you around, Miss Laura.

[instrumental music]

Clay, your home is so lovely.

The art treasures, the paintings.

Yeah, some are old masters, others family portraits.

It's kind of a Wesley Rouge's gallery.

[laughing]

[Clay] 'But enough of Clay Wesley.'

I want to know more of Mrs. Molly Culhane.

Now, I know you are a widow.

Yes, for some years now.

I've made a new life for myself

with my sister's family in Wyoming.

- New life? - Yes, I lived in Chicago.

How does your city background square with Wyoming?

Don't you find ranch life a bit...confining?

Well..

...now you haven't seen, um, Molly Culhane milk a cow.

[laughing]

Oh, Molly, you...you are a breath of fresh air.

They are pretty.

They are Morgan horses.

Pound for pound the finest horse flesh there is.

Mr. Wesley he means to breed the best.

And when he means to do something

you can just about count it done.

That's high praise.

I don't know a better man.

He was my commanding officer during the w*r.

I got hurt and..

...well after the w*r I had no place to go so..

...he brought me home with him.

Except when we got back here the...people were all gone.

Plantation was burned to the ground.

Only old Douglas and Hattie were left.

Yeah, I remember..

...Mr. Wesley got this look on his face.

Scares me still when I think about it.

[instrumental music]

My parents.

Wonderful people.

I wish they were here now to see what I am doing.

There's something else I'd like you to see.

[music continues]

[Molly] 'My goodness, Clay, it's this house.'

It was called New Moorsland

because my father had been game keeper

to a nobleman who lived on the Moors in England.

Oh.

But like most immigrants

who came to this country he was..

...not content to keep another man's game.

So he built this.

Oh, its magnificent, Clay.

It's what was..

...and will be again.

Right here..

Right here when I was five years old, my..

...father took me by the hand and said..

...this is yours, let no man take it away.

And it was more than the land.

It was a way of life.

'There was, uh..'

...gentility which belied this strength it took to create it.

As a whole world on to itself.

Took a whole lifetime to create

they destroyed it in a day.

'This house is the replica of the one they destroyed.'

'In time, I shall duplicate the rest.'

I'm building it all back.

All exactly as it was.

Now, I shall think that will take a lifetime.

No...only takes money.

You should know all of this. 'Cause I want you to marry me.

'What?'

- You can't be serious. - 'Oh, but I am.'

From the first moment I saw you on the boat, I knew..

...I love you, Molly.

This is so very sudden, Clay, to say the least.

I know none of this makes any sense

but would it make more sense if I..

...sent you home without tellin' you how I feel?

I wouldn't want to lose you.

Your certainly a man who speaks his mind.

Oh, I sense you have some feeling for me?

Of course you are a very attractive man, Clay.

You know I'm terribly grateful--

I believe it's more than that.

If it's time you need, I understand that.

And I'll respect that.

Here..

...I want you to have this.

My father gave it to my mother.

I kept all these years hoping that one day I'd find a woman

that I wanted to give it to.

I've found her.

[instrumental music]

[dramatic music]

You waited a long day to tell me.

I ought to take a stick to you.

[Chastity] 'You had other things on your mind.'

Besides, how was I supposed

to know you cared what his name was?

Uh, he's in no condition to cause any trouble, anyway.

What does it matter, him being here?

His name is Zeb Macahan, that's why.

[Chastity] 'Why should that name be a worry to you?'

He told you his name.

'What else did he tell you?'

Nothin'...nothin' I remember.

There is some trouble--

Woman, you get this one underway as fast as you can do it.

Or you'll be wishin' you had.

[grunting]

[soft music]

[knock on door]

[Laura] 'Aunt Molly?'

I'm awake, come in, dear.

Tired?

Oh, bed is going to be heaven tonight.

[chuckles]

Well, it has been an eventful day.

I tell you, after being chased through swamps and..

Oh!

Aunt Molly, it's beautiful.

Clay asked me to marry him.

What?

[laughing]

I knew it! Almost like a fairy tale.

But you know, I just knew it.

On that boat, I knew it was somethin' special.

Aunt Molly, are you going to?

Well, I certainly know what you think I should do.

[Laura laughing]

'Well, I know it's awfully fast.'

But from everything I've see

Mr. Wesley seems like, like such a wonderful man.

And..

Aunt Molly, do you love him?

Well..

...he certainly seems like a wonderful man, Laura.

I like him.

I like him a lot.

It-it is a very big decision and..

...I do think I ought to think about it.

Well, we'll see.

This is too much for me.

'My head is spinnin'.'

I'm going to bed.

- Goodnight. - Goodnight, dear.

You leavin' us.

I'm tryin' to think what it would be like without you.

What it would have been like after ma died

if you hadn't been there.

Our family wouldn't be the same without you.

But I want you to know somethin'..

...if it makes you happy, it'll make us happy.

Thank you, Laura.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

[soft music]

- Just lay it all out. - Why not?

I ain't afraid to talk up to Wesley.

I say, the less he knows the better.

Now, you let me do all the talkin'.

[dramatic music]

[door bell ringing]

Told you never to come to my home.

I have Macahan women here as my guests.

[male #3] 'Wait a minute, Mr. Wesley.'

'The men took a vote.'

'We have to talk to you.'

[Clay] 'Follow me.'

We waited till dark, Mr. Wesley, so no one could see us.

[dramatic music]

[indistinct chattering]

[male #3] 'Believe me, Mr. Wesley, we didn't wanna come here.'

'But the men themself said that if we didn't, they would.'

'And you know we got a few hot heads among them bunch.'

And the men are asking questions.

Like, how much money you're gonna get for them women?

We are not asking for a ransom.

No ransom?

Then what are they doin' here?

I told you before, the women are my guests

and they shall remains so.

You mean, we went through playin' 'em games on that boat.

Just so you could have pieces of fluff to yourself here?

Don't you ever use that tone with me again.

It's dangerous havin' them here.

[Clay] 'The women know nothin' of our operation.'

I still say, the men aren't gonna like

losin' the cash we could get for 'em.

I'll take that up with them later.

Now, is there anything else?

Yeah.

What we to do about Zeb Macahan?

Macahan?

[male #3] 'Turns out he floated down river and ended up at Barrow Point.'

What are you talking about?

There was a little scuffle in the pilot house.

Had to dump him in the river.

No one was to be hurt.

It couldn't be helped. He went for Beard.

Anyway, Macahan's alive.

My woman found him.

[Larch] 'She is tendin' to him.'

[Clay] 'What condition is he in?'

[Larch] 'He's alright. He's coming around.'

You tell that woman

to see to it that Macahan is well taken care of.

Once the cargo's disposed of we'll meet at Hastings bend.

So the men can get their shares.

Tell 'em I'll be scoutin' a new river boat within a week.

[Clay] 'Don't forget what I said.'

Never come here again.

[dramatic music]

Laura?

Laura?

- Aunt Molly-- - Shh.

What is it?

I'm afraid we are in very serious trouble.

[dramatic music]

I say, we go back and get the others.

And we tell Mr. Wesley what we want to do.

Except Wesley has been awful good for us.

I'm not so sure we could do so well without him.

Them girls.

Don't you still figure that they could fetch a fancy price?

I said it before and I'll say it again..

...I wouldn't want Zeb Macahan runnin' around lookin' for me

when it's all over.

I could take care of that part.

He's hardly movin' around good, yeah?

You take care of that side.

And let me do some thinkin' on the rest of it.

[dramatic music]

You mean, we are prisoners here?

You know, I'm only sure of one thing, dear

and that is that we must not let on, we know the truth.

Well, what are we to do?

I don't think I could look at Mr. Wesley in the face

without him suspectin' somethin'.

I'm thinking now about your Uncle Zeb.

They did say he was alright?

Oh, yes, he's being tended by some woman down river.

'At a place called Barrow Point.'

Now, it can't be too far

from here if that man is able to come back and forth.

Now, listen, Laura.

I'll play a game of my own tomorrow morning.

I'll ask to go riding across the fields.

Well, won't Mr. Wesley want to come with you?

Oh, I'm sure he will.

And somehow I'll try to slip away from him

and get to this Barrow Point, where your Uncle Zeb is.

Aunt Molly, maybe I should be the one to try and slip away.

I could get David to take me for a ride along the river.

No, Laura, it's much too dangerous.

You must stay here.

Now, I have to think this through but..

We'll talk further in the morning.

Aunt Molly..

...he seemed so nice.

I feel like such a fool.

[soft music]

[instrumental music]

Anyone for more hot coffee?

Oh, sounds good, Nettie.

Thank you.

Now, I sure wish there was some way that I could..

...pay you folks back for the good care

you've been takin' of me here.

But seems like I lost my money when I feel into the water.

You don't need to pay.

You know, Jessie, that, uh..

...that's a merry good lookin' broach you're wearin' there.

It belongs on a lady.

Well...it's right at home where it is.

Well, thank you for sayin' it.

Nettie was tellin' me that, uh, your man give it to you?

He ain't my man.

Least ways, he ain't my choosin'.

Why, I don't follow you.

Nettie's pa drowned in the river few years back.

A week later Larch come by.

'Sayin' how sorry he was.'

He just stayed on.

Did you ever tell him to leave?

Once.

Wasn't worth the bruises.

But...it's hard here.

Woman needs a man to get by.

About the broach..

...yeah, he give it to me.

Don't ask me where he got such a thing.

'Out of the river waters. Maybe at cards.'

There sure ain't no place here about to buy a piece like it.

Well..

...just want you ladies to know how much I appreciate your

your taking such good care of me.

[Zeb grunting]

- Oh. - Nettie, give me a hand.

Help him get back to the shed.

I think I better stay here and clean up the table. You go.

Well, I'll be alright.

I got this far. I reckon I can get back.

I don't wanna hear any of that man talk.

Can't even see how you can walk it all.

[Chastity] Not lettin' my doctorin' work for nothin'.

[Zeb] Well, alright.

You've been nice to the girl.

I kinda figured it was the other way around.

She seems like a real nice little girl.

I do the best I can by her.

But here it's.. I don't ' know.

Yeah...she is a good girl.

You know, it's a funny thing.

When you look at your child.

How they seem always to be babes.

But she is gettin' there.

'She's at a good age.'

I remember..

You weren't born along the river here, were you?

My mother was a travelling show lady.

And when she died a preacher took me in.

Why, he used to rant on.

'About sins of the Fathers and drivin' the devil out.'

He swung a mean switch.

I finally run off.

Ended up here.

And married Nettie's pa.

[Larch] 'Chastity.'

'Woman.'

Where's your ma?

Doing some things.

I don't want no sass.

What sort of things?

Tendin' to that man we found by the river.

We'll sort him out later.

[dramatic music]

You know, Nettie..

...we never get enough time, it seems, to get acquainted.

Gotta get to know each other.

I know all I wanna know about you.

Lookin' at you grow..

...fillin' out that dress.

How old are you, girl?

A simple question.

Too much to ask from the man that feeds you?

Come here.

Give your Uncle Larch a nice big kiss.

Well, my chance has come and gone.

I've had my go around.

[Nettie screaming] 'But Nettie now--'

'Nettie! Nettie!'

[Nettie] 'No! Get off me.'

- Just tryin' to get-- - No!

[dramatic music]

[Nettie crying]

You alright, Nettie?

That broach she's wearin', you gave it to her.

Now, where did you get it?

dr*fter up river. Sellin' trinkets.

Mister, one more wrong answer like that

you are not gonna have any tongue to lie with.

I know, them ladies on the boat. Kin to you.

No harm come to 'em.

- Tell it all. - I swear they're alright.

[Zeb] 'Where are they?'

In the river trail.

Big house sittin' by itself.

Man named Wesley owns it. He took 'em there.

- Wesley? You mean, Clay Wesley? - Him.

[Zeb] 'You mean, the man from that river boat?'

Well, I told ya.

Chastity, you know the place is where he talked about?

Nettie knows the trial.

It comes out of the road that leads for that big house.

But she'd lose the way at night. It's bad enough in the day.

You'll have to wait until sun--

[Larch screaming]

Chastity, if you hitch up the mule, I'll bury him down river.

[dramatic music]

[soft music]

[Nettie] 'Ma.'

Yes, child?

Couldn't we keep him here?

Couldn't Mr. Macahan be your man?

He's so nice.

Go to sleep, child.

[instrumental music]

[knock on door]

Come in.

Just came by to make sure you're alright.

Oh, I reckon I'm alright.

Few aches and pains here and there.

And, uh...to bring you this.

Yeah, that's, uh...kind of a family heirloom.

Well, I sure couldn't wear nothin' stolen.

And I thank you, Chastity.

And you'd be headin' out in the morning, I'd expect.

Yeah, I reckon, it's time to head back home.

You spoke to Larch about female kin.

You married?

No-no, that, uh, that there was my niece.

She's travellin' with her aunt.

'I was bringin' 'em back from St. Louis'

I suppose...when you see to 'em you'll be keepin' on going?

Yeah, be headin' back.

If it's your choosin'..

...I want you to know..

...you'd be welcome here.

I mean, there is a room in the house.

And we'd make you comfortable. Me and Nettie.

Well, Chastity, uh...I thank you.

It's a mighty kind offer.

But, uh, it's time for me to be movin' on.

[soft music]

Well, goodnight to you, Zeb Macahan.

'Goodnight, Chastity.'

[instrumental music]

Are you sure you won't come with us riding with us, Laura?

The River Bluffs should be beautiful this morning.

Yes, Laura, please. Please do join us.

No, thank you. I think I'll just stay here and relax today.

[Laura] 'I'll talk to David about raisin' horses.'

Seems to be our favorite subject.

[music continues]

[Clay] Morning, David.

Thank you.

[music continues]

We'll be home in time for dinner, Douglas.

Very well, sir. Y'all enjoy yourselves now.

Are you all ready?

After you.

Have a nice ride.

You know, it is a fine day for ridin'.

Maybe I should have gone with 'em.

Well, say the word. I'll saddle a horse for you.

You can catch up with 'em.

No, I think they'd rather be alone.

You know what would be rather nice?

Is a ride along the river road.

Yeah, it's always nice along the river in the morning.

Well, good. Just the two of us.

Ah, except it'd be against Mr. Wesley's orders.

Why is that?

He told me never to let you you ladies leave here

without him being along. He made it clear to me.

Well, I'm sure that he meant, he didn't want us leave here

without protection.

Now, that protection would be you, wouldn't it, David?

Yeah, I bet that's what he meant.

- Yeah, I'll get the carriage. - Oh, good.

[dramatic music]

[soft music]

[Nattie] This here's the road. Be seein' the fancy house up ahead.

[Zeb] Thank you, Nattie.

I'll find it from here.

You're not coming back, are you?

Well, now, I, I wouldn't say that, uh..

...I figure our paths will be crossing here and there.

This belongs to you.

I kinda was keeping it safe for you.

You must be real rich.

I've never seen that much money before.

[soft music]

I stole it from you.

You didn't steal it, honey.

Let's just say that, well, that you borrowed it, how's that?

Thank you for that kindness.

Hey, I wanna tell you somethin'.

You're a real special person, Nattie.

One of these days, you're gonna realize that.

Thank you.

You could've had my ma, you know? She's real pretty.

She cares to be honest, when she has someone to be pretty for.

When my pa was alive, there wasn't a prettier woman

in the whole river.

Well, she is still pretty, Nattie.

And I wouldn't be any bother to you, honest.

Now, look that don't have nothing to do with it, anyway.

I'd like to be able spend time with you and your ma and all.

But see, I already got me a ready build in family.

'And they're back there waiting for me now.'

Now, they're not gonna take to it too kindly if

if I don't show like they're expecting me to. Don't you see?

Now, look.. Here.

I want you to take this.

I want you to look at this as ticket money.

- Ticket money. - Yes, sir.

That's gonna buy you and your ma two steamboat tickets up to

Encedas landing.

When you get up there, I want you to look up Father Ramirez.

He runs the mission school up there.

I'm gonna write him a letter in the meantime

and tell him that you're coming.

He's gonna reserve you a seat right up

at the head of the class.

Now, you better study hard 'cause it just so happens

that every spring, I come by to that school there

And when I check in, I'm gonna expect you to be able to tell me

everything you learned during the, during the year.

Thank you.

Well, goodbye.

It's not goodbye, Nattie. Just so long.

[soft music]

So long, Mr. Macahan.

Well, now, I ain't gonna be polite no more.

If you're not gonna tell me

I'm just gonna have to come out and ask.

- Is Ms. Molly gonna do it? - Do what?

Marry Mr. Wesley?

[chuckling] I am sure, I don't know.

All of this is.. Well, it's caught her

and me by a complete surprise.

Well, I hope she does.

It's nice having you..

...Laura.

[gasping] What a wonderful view.

[birds chirping]

I come up here often.

It's difficult to describe the feeling

I have when I'm here.

'The burdens disappear here.'

I'm overwhelmed by a very..

...very peaceful feeling.

Clay..

...what burdens do you have?

'Besides recreating New Moorsland'

Is it the past?

Yes.

All those people who died.

My family, my friends.

It's more than that.

Clay, why not try living in the present?

Not in the past.

That can become an obsession.

Obsession?

There is a difference between living in the past

and recreating that wh-which was good in one's early life.

I'm not so sure there is a difference, Clay.

[soft music]

[dramatic music]

Molly..

...I find it very difficult to quarrel with you.

No.

Molly.

It's not possible, Clay. It's just not possible.

Molly!

[intense music]

[horse neighing]

Ahh!

Ahh!

Molly.

Molly, are you alright?

Don't touch me, Clay.

You know about me.

Molly, I have done nothing wrong.

You disable a vessel. You rob it's passengers.

You carry me off into the night.

And you dare to stand there

and tell me you've done nothing wrong.

I was only taking back what was owed to me.

Was I on the list of "What's owed?"

Oh, Molly!

It was far lesser wrong than what was done to me.

You believe that justifies your actions, hah!

We have a whole life ahead.

I love you, Molly.

Stay with me. Stay with me!

Do I have any choice? I'm your prisoner.

[soft music]

What the hell's that girl doing outta Wesley's sight?

Looks like they're headin' down river.

You get a hold of them two.

I'm seein' Wesley and he is listenin'

to common sense this time, or else..

- What do we do with the girl? - Suit yourself.

It'll take a few years but Mr. Wesley will be doin' it.

Makin' New Moorsland just like it was.

I'm sure.

Is there a place along the river called Barrow Point?

Yeah, it's ahead of us.

Some shack folks live in the woods there.

Yes, I've heard of it.

Do you think we could drive that far?

I don't mind the drive.

Somebody there you want to see?

David.

[dramatic music]

Yaa!

Oh, yeah! Get 'em!

Come on, horse, whoa!

That enough. You ain't going nowhere.

What do you want? Don't touch me! Argh!

David! Ahh!

Let's get outta here.

Got it gripped? Come on. Hyah!

Ah, argh.

[soft music]

Molly.

Molly, can't we talk about this?

What is there to talk about?

You're a thief, Clay.

But, but in all of this, no one was ever hurt.

No one?

Are you so insensitive, you can't even recognize

what you've done to me?

'So much for your ladies being just guests.'

We figured the women might get on to you.

I told you to stay away from here.

Except I talk with the others.

And we reached an understanding.

Giving you a choice.

You are giving me a choice?

I don't want to use this.

It's just that every man amongst us wants things the same.

You stay an honest thinker.

'But they all voted, the woman know too much about us.'

Now you can figure what the choice is.

I'll take her off with me if you don't want to do it yourself.

You called me the thinker, but..

...I haven't done such a good job here, have I?

Well, anybody can make a mistake.

Let's get it set straight.

I'm sorry, Molly.

Truly sorry.

I can't believe you'd actually k*ll..

There's too much at stake.

New Moorsland.

Recreating of the past.

[intense music]

But you just couldn't understand that.

[g*nsh*t]

Clay.

[dramatic music]

Said it was your choice.

[g*nsh*t]

Oh, my God! Mr. Clay.

Clay.

- Clay. - I'm alright. I'm alright.

Now it's my turn to thank you.

No.

Let's get in the house, Douglas. Gently now.

Easy.

[slow music]

Argh!

You alright?

I'm not sure.

Laura.

- Laura. - Laura?

Now, hold on a minute, son. What's your name? Who are ya?

It's-it's all my fault.

Mr. Wesley told me never to ride

along the river without permission.

Now, wait a minute. My name's Macahan.

This Laura that you talkin' about, she's my niece.

- I wanna know what happened? - Laura and me was riding.

And river pirates grabbed her.

I tried to stop 'em, but one of 'em hit me over the head.

Well, by the looks of this sign here..

...they took her up river.

Come on!

Yeah!

Give me some over here.

[indistinct chattering]

[Laura panting]

[indistinct chattering]

Hold it down!

[g*nsh*t] Hey!

Remember her?

[all] Yeah!

Well, there ain't no ransom.

Zack said you was gonna get lotta money for her.

What'd you mean, there's no ransom?

Only what you see in front of you.

I figure, we got done out of our share, when Wesley

took all the fluff off the boat for hisself.

[indistinct chattering]

But one fancy... come back to us.

[male #4] Whooo! Ha, ha, ha.

Now the next, auction Ms. Pretty off.

[cheering]

We'll start with the shawl.

Get your hands off me!

[crowd cheering]

A fiery one's the ones you like.

Let me have it, Beard.

Now, we gotta be fair about this.

- 'Why?' - She'll get around all of ya.

I wanna be first.

[Beard] 'But fair about the order.'

Now, what is my bid?

Well, who goes first then?

- Five dollas. - 'Nah.'

- You gotta do better than that. - 'Sit down!'

Five dollars? Maybe buy her shoes.

[indistinct chattering]

My men would fancy them shoes.

Do I hear anymore for the shoes?

Come on, give him the shoes, let's get on with it.'

[male #4] 'Yeah, now you're talking.'

Alright, you got 'em for five dollars.

Come take 'em.

No!

[clamoring]

No!

[clamoring]

[crowd cheering]

[screaming]

[male #4] 'If she's too much for ya, I'll help ya hold her.'

[male #5] 'Yeah, me too.'

Now.. Alright, now..

...let's get back to the shawl.

What is my bid?

Go ahead!

Ten dollars for the shawl.

Get to see 'em pretty shoulders.

Give you $50 to see them pretty shoulders.

[male #4] 'Get that shawl off and let's get down to serious business.'

[male #5] 'I'll give you $100 for the first petty coat.'

[Beard] 'Alright, now you can all see'

'that this here is a right valuable dress.'

[male #6] 'That's for sure.'

At least what's underneath it?

Yeah, let's see Ms. Pretty.

What are my bid for a look?

- 'Hundred dollars.' - I bid $300.

[male #5] 'Now we're gettin' down to business.'

I bid $400.

[male #4] 'You got the dress, brother.'

Just keep swingin'.

[male #5] 'Give it to me.'

I bid $500.

[intense music]

'Alright, hold it.'

- Uncle Zeb. - Come.

[men groaning]

[Clay] 'I was only taking back what was mine.'

And no apologies...was owed.

Try not to talk, Clay.

Oh, Molly, what we could've had.

New Moorsland was a beautiful dream.

The dream was beautiful.

But that's all it ever was..

...a dream.

Hey!

Douglas! Hurry!

Clay!

Easy. Get up, get up.

You alright?

Easy.

Easy...easy.

Easy.

Douglas.

Hattie.

[intense music]

[Clay coughing]

Easy.

Hattie, Douglas, help him.

[Molly coughing]

Oh, Molly.

I truly..

...do believe we could've loved each other.

[soft music]

Clay.

Oh, Clay!

[crying]

[dramatic music]

Molly.

You feel like talkin' about it?

Oh, I don't know, Zeb.

So hard to believe it all happened.

Yeah, it is in a way, but..

...that sure makes it real.

Yes.

Somehow I feel that maybe this should've been destroyed

in the fire too, along with everything else

belonging to Clay Wesley.

Oh, I don't know about that, Molly.

Whoever he was or wherever he is right now

I got the feeling he wants you to have that.

It was so like a fairy tale, wasn't it?

Except, unlike most fairy tales this didn't have a happy ending.

More like life.

There aren't many happy endings.

Aye.

You know what's strange, Zeb?

I know that what Clay did was terribly wrong, but..

...somehow I can't seem to condemn him.

I keep thinking that the w*r..

...injured him dreadfully.

Far more deeply than it did any of us.

I know what you sayin', Molly.

But look at it this way, those scars of his

weren't about to heal up by themselves.

You know, he was lucky once in his life.

He had a very beautiful and special lady that loved him.

It's her, I'm thinkin' about.

I hope she's not carryin' any scars that won't heal.

They'll heal, Zebulon.

It just takes a little time, that's all.

[soft music]

[theme music]