03x02 - Dark Challenge

[bunniefuu]

[ Men Calling, Whistling ]

Hey! Let's go!

[ Hooting, Shouting ][ Mooing ]

Hyah!

[ Mooing ]

Hyah! Let's go!

Hey, Randy!

Looks like somebody bought
the old Kendall place.

Oh, yeah, I heard about it.
They've been there
a couple of weeks.

I also heard
they have a daughter.

Well, now. [ Chuckles ]
Things are beginning
to pick up around here.

You'll be payin' 'em
a call?

If she's the right age,
she'll be at the dance
Saturday night.

I don't wanna rush into anything
till I get a good chance
to take a look at her.

[ Chuckling ]
Yes, sir. Things are
pickin' up around here.

You need anything
in town, Pa?In town?

You finish that fence?I'll finish it tomorrow.

I-I got some business
in town.

You've got business here,
helping to put this place
in shape.

Listen, Pa--No, you listen, Arnie.

You got a right to time of
your own, life of your own.
I know that.

But this "business"
of yours--

It's not
for the afternoons
of workin' days.

I tell you, Pa--No, I tell you!

I'm no fool.

Look, I was your age
once myself.

You think
I've forgotten that,
but I haven't.

But there is
this difference--

the time and money
I spent on such business
was my own.

Go on.

Uh, Pa.
Jenny needs some things.

I-I'll need
40 or 50 dollars.

Forty or 50 dollars
for what Jenny needs?

Nah. Here's $10
for the supplies,
and...

here's another 10
for your business.

Every time I ask for a dime,
you make it sound
like a handout.

If I wasn't here to help you,
you'd have to hire a hand.

For what I give you
for handouts,
as you call 'em,

I could hire three hands,
and each one of 'em would
do twice the work you do.

Now, you either
get back to work
or you go on into town.

Don't waste my time too.

Look how
the bracelets match.Oh, that's nice.

You like it?[ Laughing ]

- Joan.
- I'm busy, Arnie.

- I gotta talk to you.
- I said I'm busy.

Whiskey.

Leave the bottle. Bet's five dollars,
gentlemen.

I'll stay. Call.

How many? Give me three.

Call.

There are some days, gentlemen,
when a man just can't lose.

I filled an inside straight,
something I was warned against
at my grandpappy's knee.

[ Man ]
Mister, you've been hotter
than that redeye you sell.

Don't knock the merchandise.
Another round over here, on me.

Comin' up.

Well, the ante's
a dollar, gentlemen.

[ Man Laughs ]

My bet.One.

I'm flat. It's your bet.

[ No Audible Dialogue ][ Laughing ]

[ Man Laughing ]

Call. There's your 10,
and I'll take it up 50.

[ Joan Laughs ]

Three jacks.

Flush, king high.

A very small full house.

But as my grandpappy
always said, "The smaller they
are, the higher they pay."

Just threes and twos,
but that did it.

You've had enough.

Stop talking
like my father.

[ Laughs ]
Well, you could at least
say your mother.

Arnie, that routine
a while ago-- don't ever
do that again.

When I'm busy in here,
I'm busy.

I wanted to talk to you.Then wait.

I see you're wearin' it.

[ Chuckles ]
That should please you.

To drink with other men?

- Look, Arnie, you're
a nice kid, but don't start--
- Don't call me that.

You're a nice guy.

You're considerate
and you're generous,

and we've had a couple
of good times together,

but don't get
any ideas about us.

Why not?

You said you loved me.

That's right.

I suppose when I said it,
I meant it,

but the word "love" can
mean different things...

to different people
at different times, Arnie.

Not to me.

To me it means we're getting
out of here together.

Together?
Are you out of your mind?

You yourself said you want
to get out of here.

Look, Arnie, the day
I really get out of here,

wherever that "here"
happens to be,

it will be because
the right man says the right
words at the right time,

and he'll have enough money
to make darn sure
I'll never be coming back.

And if I was that man?

I got a lot of things to do.
I'll see you later.

Wait, Joan.Let me go.

Please.

Well, gentlemen.

Uh, my stage is
just about ready to leave.

Can't keep my customers
in Spring Valley waiting,
you know.

Be glad to give you
all another chance
next time around.

Good day, gentlemen.

Keep pushing
the merchandise.Sure will.

Hyah! Hyah! Git!

Hoh!

[ g*nshots ]

Throw your g*n down.

Now climb down,
both of you.

Open the door
and let 'em out.

All right.
Turn your pockets
inside out.

Empty your pockets.

You! Pick everything up.

Lady, open your purse.

Watch.

I said everything!

Set it down.

All right.
Get back inside.

[ g*nsh*t ]

You try that once more,
next time it won't be
in the shoulder.

- All right now.
Go on! Get out of here!
- Hyah!

Whoa.

Pick up the hardware
and meet us back here.Right.

Giddap.

Whoa.What's the matter?

Got held up
about three miles out.
Pete took a b*llet.

[ Chattering ]Come on.

Hey, somebody get
Doc Spaulding.

There it is.

Had to dig a little
to get it out, but he's
gonna be all right.

Looked like it nicked
the bone, but I don't
think it broke anything.

How is he?Doc says he's gonna
be all right.

Get a description?Sure.

Let's see.
He was a short,
medium, tall man.

Sounded like he came
from Texas, Illinois
or New Jersey.

You take your choice.

Besides that, he wore
a bandana over his face
and a poncho over his outfit.

- That what did it?
- Yeah. Looks like a .45.

Mm-hmm.
That's a big help too.

[ Garth ]
Did he get much?

He did pretty good--
over $600 from
a whiskey drummer.

Didn't know the town
drank that much.

He won it in a poker game
at the saloon.

I'll check out
the losers.

If Pete can be moved,
we've got a buggy outside.
We can take him home.

- Oh, I think it
would be all right.
- Let's get him.

I told you
I'd do that, Pa,
right after supper.

Yeah. Jenny
has it almost ready.I'll be right in.

Arnie.

Ah.

Son, I just wanted to say,
about our talk this morning--

let's not mention it
to Jenny, huh?

She's feeling better tonight,
and I don't want to upset her.

Besides, uh,

maybe I do expect
too much, huh?

♪♪ [ Band: Up-tempo ]

What are we stopping
at the blacksmith's for?Whoa.

Wally! Hey, Wally. Hold it a minute.
I'll be right out.

Hey, we're late already.

What's the matter, Randy?
That guitar of yours
gettin' impatient?

Randy, you and Betsy
go on ahead.
We'll wait for Wally.

All right, you boys, but
don't forget that the dance
is at the hotel ballroom...

and not the saloon.

Why, Betsy, do you really
think for one minute...

that Matt and me would
rather have a few drinks and
play poker with the boys...

instead of going to
a nice, respectable dance?

Uh, would you like
an honest answer?No.

All right, you boys.
But remember, you promised.

See ya.Giddyap.

You know, maybe we
got time for just one--Uh-uh. Oh, no, Matt. Uh-uh.

Every one of those girls
from that church choir...

is just waiting there
to dance with you, to say
nothing of their mothers.

Yeah. I can hardly wait.Hey, Wally! Come on!
We're late.

I'm comin'. I'm comin'.

Hey, look at the dude!Well, look at you.

[ Whistles ]
Hey, you look great.

Well, I sure
don't feel it.

Well, come on.
Let's go.

Oh, w-wait a minute.Hey, let me give you
a hand there.

Oh, that's all right.
I got it.

[ Grunting ]

Uh, I keep forgettin'
to fix that darn lock.Yeah.

♪♪ [ Continues ]Whoa.

Trust them to get here?

Quit worrying.
If they don't show up,
I'll dance with you.

That's what
I'm worried about.

Whoa.

Let's not go in.

Now, Jenny--I mean it.

I really don't want
to go in.

Jenny, I thought we had
this all out before we left.

You've got to get to know
the people in the town sometime.

But not tonight.
Not at a dance.

Well, honey,
that's foolish.

I know, but it's how I feel.

After all the work
you did on this dress--

Leave her alone, Pa.
She knows whether she
wants to go or not.

Keep out of this, Arnie.
Go ahead. I'll be right in.

Go on.

Jenny, I'm proud
of having the prettiest
daughter in this town.

Now, you wouldn't deprive me
of the-- of the pleasure...

of showing you off
to our neighbors, would you?

Just for an hour or two.

[ Applause ]Pa, you're hopeless.

♪♪ [ Guitar ]

♪ The wind
is kind of chilly ♪

♪ It's blowin' up a storm

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

♪ When we get
in the wagon ♪

♪ And we sit
side by side ♪

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

♪ Wait for the wagon
Wait for the wagon ♪

♪ Wait for the wagon

♪ And we'll all
take a ride ♪

♪ The wagon wheels
are squeakin' ♪

♪ They squawk
with every turn ♪

♪ They make
the kind of music ♪

♪ That anyone
can learn ♪

[ Betsy ]
♪ The road of life is bumpy
The road of life is long ♪

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

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

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

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

♪ Wait for the wagon
and we'll ride ♪

♪ Side by side ♪Yeah!

[ Cheering ]

♪♪ [ Band Resumes ]

I'll, uh--
I'll get you
some punch.

All right, Wally.
Pick yourself out
a partner.

Well, Trampas, I tell you,
I'm just doing real fine
right here.

No, you're not.
Now go on. Go on.I can't. I just can't.

There's nothing to it, Wally.
Just watch this.

See that?
Nothing to it.
Now go on.

Go on.

Ma'am?

Would you care
to dance?

Thank you.
I'm not dancing.

Yes, ma'am.

Now, you watch me.
You gotta be more forceful.

Hi!
[ Chuckles ]

You know, uh,
somethin' tells me
this is our dance.

I'm afraid something
misinformed you.
Thank you anyway.

Uh, you don't mean to tell me
you're just gonna sit here...

while the best music
this side of Cheyenne
is goin' to waste?

I'm enjoying it
right here.

I know, but you can enjoy it
much more out there when you're
movin' along with it.

No, thank you.[ Clears Throat ]

Um, we haven't met before,
have we, Miss, uh--

Hendricks.
Jenny Hendricks.

Mighty pretty name.
My name's Trampas.

[ Men Chattering ]

Now that we're old friends,
how 'bout that dance?

Mr. Trampas,
I told you I don't dance.

There's nothin' to it
once you get the hang of it.

- [ Glass Shattering ]
- Come on. Come on.

Please, I don't want to!

♪♪ [ Stops ]Leave my daughter alone.

Oh, Pa.

Seems like
you were right.

We shouldn't
have come.

Stupid fool. Arnie!

We're leaving!

Now!

You, I'll see later.

Whoa!

[ Blustering ]

[ Horse Nickers ]

- Good morning.
- Mornin'.

You forgot about
our dance last night.

I left early.

[ Clatters ]

Trampas,
about what happened
last night--

Betsy, I don't want
to talk about it.

You didn't know
she was crippled.
How could you?

She's new in town--Betsy. I said I don't
wanna talk about it.

Well, you can't go around
feeling like a criminal...

just because you ask
a girl to dance.

All right. Maybe
you were a little fresh
in the way you did it,

but you didn't intend
to hurt anyone.

It doesn't matter
what I intended.
It's what I did.

Well, if you feel
that way about it,
what are you doing here?

Go tell her.What could I say to her?

Oh, honestly,
you make me so mad.

You think you know everything
about women, and you don't
even know that much!

But you do. I know more
than you do.

Well, I've been thinking
how I'd feel if I were
in that girl's place.

Betsy, you're not that girl.

Well, if I were, I certainly
wouldn't hold an honest
mistake against anyone,

if I was sure
that's what it was.

Trampas, go talk to her.
You'll feel better,
and so will she.

I don't think
that father of hers would
let me near the place.

Well, of course,
if you're afraid--

[ Dog Barking ]

[ Barking Continues ]

What do you want here?I came to talk
to your sister.

Get out.

Look, I don't blame you
for being sore--

I said get off
this place.Arnie!

It's that fella
from last night, Pa.Yeah, I see who it is.

What do you want?

Mr. Hendricks,
my name is Trampas.

If I may, I'd like to
speak to your daughter.

- Why?
- Well, I-- I'd like
to apologize.

We don't need
any apologies from--

Arnie, you were
going into town.

If this no-good saddle tr*mp
thinks he can--Arnie!

Come on!

I'll, uh, see
if Jenny will see you.

Thank you.

Jenny.

Jenny.

Did I hear
someone ride up?That's right.

Uh, it's that fella
from last night.

He, uh, says he wants
to talk to you.

Oh?Uh--

I could
send him away.

No. Please ask him
to come in.

It won't upset you?

No, it won't.

Come in.

Afternoon.Good afternoon.

Won't you sit down?Thank you.

Oh, I, uh,
got work to do.

There's so much to do. [ Door Opens ]

But give us a few months,
it'll look a lot different. [ Door Closes ]

Well, it's always hard
when you take over
a new place.

I-- I know what you meant.

[ Clears Throat ]
Um--

Miss Hendricks, um,

what I really came over
to tell you was, uh--

Well, about last night,
I, uh--

It isn't necessary
to explain or apologize.

As a matter of fact,
if anyone should apologize,
it's me.

I shouldn't have gone
to the dance if I didn't
intend to dance.

I wouldn't say that.

A girl's got a right to go
to a dance without being
bothered by some cowboy.

No, it's true.
I shouldn't have gone.

But you see,
we are new here,

and Pa's been saying
we should get out
and meet people,

and, well,
he finally persuaded me.

As for what happened,
how could you have known?

Well, you know,
you sure make it easy.

I mean, I came
all the way over here
to apologize to you,

and, uh, it's
the other way around.

Uh--

Hey.

Hey, how about that?

That's good needlework.

You, uh--
You make these?

That's what happened
with the time when I wasn't
learning to dance.

[ Chuckles ]
Yeah. They're real--
real good.

Well, I guess
I'd better be going.

Can I offer you anything
before you leave?
Lemonade?

No, no.
Never touch the stuff.
[ Chuckling ]

Hey.

What?Well, you could
do me one favor.

What's that?

Well, uh, they're
having this church bazaar
this weekend, and, uh--

- I'd heard about it.
- Well, it's no great shakes.

They're gonna have
some entertainment...

and some booths for
the old ladies to show off
their cookin' and handiwork.

Well, say, why don't you
enter something?

- With the other old ladies?
- Ye--

No, that's not what
I meant, but-- Well, what
I'm trying to say is, uh,

I thought you might like to go
into town with me Saturday.

- I don't think
it would work out.
- Sure it would.

I'll tell you what.

I'll come by Saturday,
and if the answer's yes, great,
and if no, well--

- It's so far out of your way.
- No, it isn't.

How about 11:00?

- I don't think--
- I'll be here at 11:00.
You tell me then.

Good-bye.Good-bye.

Yeah. Hope--
Hope I see you Saturday.

[ Door Closes ]

[ Horse Gallops Off ]

[ Anvil Clanging ]

Whoa.

Hi, Wally!

Uh, Wally.
Can you do me a favor?

Something's wrong
with my horse's leg.

I think he threw a shoe
or somethin'. Whoa.

Been kind of favorin' it.
It's this front one here.
Whoa, son. Whoa now.

This one right here.
I don't know what's
wrong with it.

Whoa.[ Grunts ]

There ain't nothin'
wrong with it.

Oh. Whoa.

All right. What's the matter?
If there's somethin' riling you,
let's have it.

You're darn right
something's rilin' me.

That girl the other night
and what we did--
that's what's rilin' me.

You didn't do anything.
That was all my doin'.

Well, I was part of it,
and I been feelin' like
a hound ever since.

Trampas, you see the look
on that girl's face?Sure I saw it.

Well, your mare here--
ain't nothin' wrong with her,
and you worry about her.

But that girl--Now, just hold on a minute.

Now, suppose I feel
like you do, and I do.
What are we gonna do?

Well, Trampas, I don't know,
but we gotta do something.

I keep seein'
that girl's face
all night.

Yeah.

Well, maybe the next time
we see her,

if we were to walk
right up to her and let her
know how we feel.

Trampas, what makes you think
that girl's gonna come back
into town after what happened?

She will.
I'd even bet on it.

Come on, Betsy!
We're gonna be late.

[ Door Closes ]

All right.

Well, how do I look?Fine. Fine.

Now, listen--"Fine," he says.

Don't you know anything
more personal, like "beautiful"
or "ravishing"?

All right. You're beautiful.
You're ravishing.
You're gorgeous.

The important thing is
that I want her to get the idea
we all happened to meet there.

I don't want her
thinking--

That you're setting
this whole thing up,
which you are.

What's so wrong about that?Did I say anything
was wrong with it?

Don't worry, Trampas.
We'll be so darn casual, we
might not even recognize you.

[ Chuckles ]

I'll see you there.

[ Door Opens ]Come on, Randy.

Pa?

How do I look?[ Chuckling ]
Like an angel!

One of these days,
you're going to
tell me the truth.

Really, is it all right?It couldn't be
more all right.

Pa, should I go?Go?

Well, if you don't
go after all this,
so help me, I'll--

I feel like a schoolgirl
on her first date.

Sometimes
I'm so ashamed.

Why can't I just
hold my head up and
pretend I don't care?

Why do I
let it matter?It doesn't.

You're right. [ Arnie ]
Jenny, he's here.

Oh.Oh.

Oh! My bag! My shawl!Your bag.

Howdy.

You, uh, coming
to the shindig?

I don't know.
I might.

Good morning.Mornin'.

Well, judging by that dress,
the answer is, yes,
you're going.

That's a mighty
pretty outfit.Thank you.

Shall we?

That's a cute bow
you got there.

Up.

So long!Have a good time!

Starting to set
your price, Pa?

What are you
talkin' about?

I thought you were
going into town too.

You mean there's
no fences to mend,
no barn to fix?

Go on.
Get out of here.

Why didn't you tell me
she was coming with us?

'Cause if I did,
you'd probably try to
weasel out or something.

You didn't give a man
a chance to get decent.You look just fine. Come on.

Uh, Jenny, this here's
Wally Bannon.

You remember him
from the other night.Hello, Wally.

Ma'am, uh, about
what happened at the dance
the other night--

I don't even remember
what you're talking about.

You don't?

Why don't you forget it too?

Drive on, Trampas.
Drive on.

[ Barking ]

Whoa now.

Hey, it's quite
a shindig, ain't it?Yes, sir.

My, my. It sure does
look like fun.We're gonna have a lot of fun.

Uh, Wally?

Ma'am.

Hey! Look who's here.

Well, hello there.Trampas! I didn't know
you were gonna be here.

Why, sure.
Here, come on down.
Hi, Randy.

Uh, Jenny, this is
my boss's daughter, Betsy.[ Both ] Hello.

This is Randy.
And of course,
you know Wally.

Boy, am I glad you're here.
I'm gonna need an ally,
with this wild bunch.

[ Laughing ]Well, should we
get started?

Well, now, this is
chalk to cheese compared
to the one you made.

Oh, you're admiring
my handiwork, young man?Yes, ma'am.

I was just saying,
I-- I've never made
anything handier myself.

Let go.Oh!

You want
to try it?Show me how.

Here. Try it.Now, lookee here.

Trampas wouldn't pull
back on it, see?[ Gasps ]

[ Laughing ]

We're not making
many friends here,
with you breaking bows.

Hey, you pay
for that, Randy?Uh-uh.

I'll pay for it.
How much does that
come to?

Kinda like
chewing tar.[ Laughing ]

Could lose your teeth
in this.Here.

All right, folks!

Who'll be the next to defend the
honor of Medicine Bow against
the champion of seven states?

Why don't you
try it, Randy?Why don't you try--

Hey, why don't you try--
Why don't Wally try?Yeah.

Come on, Wally!Do you think I can?

I sure do.
I'll even pay the dollar
so you can try.

Oh, no, you don't.Go get him, Wally.

[ Shouting, Cheering ]

Go![ Trampas ]
Go get him, Wally!

Come on, Wally! Put him down!

Yeah!
[ Screaming ]

Doesn't that hurt him?No, not Wally.

Wally, go![ All Shouting ]

[ Man ]
Let's go. Come on.

Uh-oh. I think
he's got him now.

[ Grunts ]

Come on!Whoa!

[ Squeals ]

That-a-boy, Wally! [ Referee ]
One, two, three!

- Look at that!
- [ Cheering ]

Wally! Wally.

[ Laughing ]That's just wonderful.

Wonderful!Kind of weak there.

I've had enough
of this, Arnie.

I want no more notes
like this...

and no more of you
hanging around down here.

You've got no claims on me,
and you're gonna stop acting
like you did.

Is that clear?
It's over, done
and finished.

No, it isn't, Joan.
It's just starting.

What are you
talking about?

No more saloon jobs.
We just leave here,
you and me-- a clean break.

[ Scoffs ]
With what?

With $642.

600-- Where did you
get 600--

That stagecoach.

Yeah.

Oh, you stupid kid.

Did you think that's
really what I wanted?

You said if the right man
had enough money--

I'd just go off with him.

A kid who never held
a decent job in his life...

and who'll be running from
the law for the next 20 years.

We wouldn't go now. We'll wait
till things die down.

We won't go any time.
Now get that through your head.

Now listen.
That man you shot
will be all right.

So if you take
the money back now,
it won't be too hard on you.

I'll even--
I'll even tell them
why you did it.

Look, I've left jobs
and towns before,

and I can do without
either one of these.

But you've got to
stop this whole thing
right here and now.

We'll keep the money.
It's enough to start with.

- The answer is no.
- Joan, you've got
to come with me!

I got to do nothing,
Arnie.

Now, I'm warning you.
You leave me alone
from now on.

Any more trouble from you,
and so help me,

I'll go to the sheriff
and I'll tell him
what you told me just now.

Now get out of here...

and drink someplace else
from now on.

I'm not seeing you
anymore.

Joan, you can't.
Joan, listen to me!

I asked you to go.You don't understand.

Maybe you don't
hear good, son.

Now you better stay
out of this, mister.

The little lady told you
to leave her alone.

Arnie,
please go.

[ Whispers ]
Get the sheriff. Yeah.

Uh-uh. Better do
as she tells you, son.

I don't know who you think
you are, but you've said
just about enough.

Thank you.
I can handle this.

So can I, ma'am.
Better step aside.

Any time you think
you're ready.

All right! Hold it.

I'll take your g*n,
Arnie.

You can pick it up
in the morning.

Either you go over
to jail with me,
or your g*n does.

Now, which is it
gonna be?

Yeah, Wally--
he's something.
He's really strong.

He breaks bows,
wrestlers.

Took him and threw him.
Oh.

Thank you
for a wonderful day.

It sure was that.

Well, good night, Jenny.Good night.

Hey!Oh, Pa!

[ Laughing ]

Maybe I forgot
to hold my head up,
but I had a wonderful time.

I knew you would.

Betsy-- that's
the judge's daughter.
She was with us all day.

And Randy?
He's so much fun.

And Wally.Wally?

You should have seen him.
You know what he did?

He threw the professional
wrestler halfway across
the ring, right at my feet.

Wait a minute.
Wally? Who's Wally?

He's the blacksmith.

Betsy says he has
the body of a gorilla and
the heart of a collie pup.

And he treats me as if
I were made out of glass.Yeah, yeah.

Well, um, Trampas--

how does he treat you?Oh, he's wonderful.

They're all wonderful.And you're seeing him again?

On Tuesday.
It's Founders' Day. He's
taking me to the Chautauqua.

Then Wednesday,
you'll invite him
to dinner here, hmm?

Pa.Yeah?

No.

Well, what do you mean, no?

I know how that mind
of yours works.

This isn't the old days.

Today a girl makes
her own decisions.

But if he's the right man,
honey, there's no--

Pa, I haven't
even remotely suggested
that he is the right man.

Is it wrong for a father
to help in such things?

No, Pa, but--

[ Door Slams ]Arnie!

You didn't get
to the bazaar.I couldn't make it.

It was marvelous.

Good night, Pa.

I love you.

You too, you no-good.

Uh, Arnie, uh,

I want to talk
to you, hmm?

Now, I--

I would not do what
I'm planning on doing...

without discussing it
with you.

Do what?Well, this place.

You yourself said
it could be a fine ranch,

but you and me alone,
we're just not enough
to handle it.

So?So, uh,

I'm gonna hire myself
some men,

gonna run a herd.

Of course, um,
that'll mean a foreman.

I believe I found
the right man.

Sure you have.
His name's Trampas.

Yeah.

Well, he's experienced.

How much you gonna offer him
to marry Jenny, Pa?
About half the ranch?

Don't you try to--Which half you gonna give him--
your half or mine?

You'll not use
that tone with me!

[ Sighs ]

Look,

boy.

If it does happen
as you say--You've got it all arranged, Pa.

If Jenny is happy, it's
the only important thing.Oh, if Jenny's happy.

That's all that matters to you,
ain't it, Pa? Jenny!

It's the way it's always been.
Whatever was good for Jenny,
whatever was best for her!

If what you say is true,
both of us know why.

Don't take it out on me.
I didn't make her a clubfoot.

Forgive me, boy.

Are you through, Pa?

[ Door Slams ]

[ Blusters ]

You wanted to see me,
Judge?

Yeah.

Jenny Hendricks's
father's inside.
He wants to talk to you.

Oh?He told me
what it's about.

Anything you decide
is naturally all right
with me.

There's...
just one thing.

What's that?

Just be sure you're aware
of all the implications.

I, uh--
I don't understand.

He's waiting for ya.

[ Door Closes ]

[ Chuckling ]
Well.

Jenny told me
what a fine time
she had yesterday.

I want to thank you.Well, I enjoyed it
as much as she did.

Yeah. Well, uh--

Yeah.

Sit down?Sure.

[ Sighs ]

Uh, Trampas,
you know the place we bought,
the old Kendall place?

Well, I've never been over it,
if that's what you mean.

It's got a great potential.

I don't think the Kendalls ever
really took advantage of it.
I intend to.

Stock feeding.

You know, buying up small herds
of cattle and fattening them up
for the market.

- Sounds good.
- Except for one thing.

I'll, uh,

have to hire some hands
and, um,

a foreman.

I was thinking of you.
I've already talked it over
with Judge Garth.

He wouldn't stand
in your way.

And, uh,

I could pay you, oh, uh,

much more than the sort of pay
you must be getting now.

Could even, uh,

maybe get to be
a partnership in time.

[ Chuckles ]
Why me?

Well,

you're experienced,

intelligent.

Look, uh, Trampas,
I'm not a young man,

and just how much longer
I'll be around, I can't say.

And if what I do is wrong,
it's because I can't bear...

to think that Jenny
will be alone sometime.

- Jenny has Arnie.
- Oh.

Yes, she has Arnie.

Trampas, cou--

Do you love my daughter?

We've, uh-- We've only known
each other a short time.

Uh, Mr. Hendricks.Yeah.

Um, does Jenny know anything
about you comin' over here
and, uh--

No.

[ Door Opens, Closes ]

Whoa.

Whoa now.

Are you sure you don't
want me to get it for you?

Oh, no.
I'll just be a minute.
It's all ordered.

Watch your step.

What are you sayin'?Hello.

You been to
the Chautauqua?Mm-hmm.

How was it?Great, I guess,
if you like poetry.

What's this about you
and the Hendricks ranch?What do you mean?

I was over at the saloon,
and they told me Arnie'd been
in there talking about it.

He said that, uh,
Jenny's father was
makin' you foreman...

and, uh, maybe a partner.

Is that true? No. No, that's not true.

Well, I didn't think
you'd leave Garth.

I'll see you around.

Good mornin'.You, uh, lookin' for me?

Your son, he, uh--
He around here?

Yeah. Why?

I'd, uh, like
to talk to him.

Arnie ain't
in any trouble, is he?

That's, uh, what
I came to find out.

Come on in.

Arnie? He wants
to talk to you.Yeah, Pa?

I brought your g*n
back, Arnie.

You didn't have to come out here
for that. I could have picked it
up on my way into town.

- I was glad to see it was
a .45, for your sake.
- Why's that?

You know the slug that Pete
took in his shoulder?

Uh, Pete? Who's Pete?

He's the fella riding
shotgun when the stage
got held up the other day.

The slug that they got out
of Pete was from a 44.40.

Not many of those around
in these parts.

Ought to make
your job easier.

There's one other thing,
Arnie.

One of the passengers,
uh, in that stage was
a whiskey drummer...

who'd just made a big winning
in a poker game, and, uh--

So?

Well, I understand
you were at the saloon...

when the game was going on.

I dropped in to have a drink.
There must've been quite
a few men coming and going.

But you came around
the next day and paid off
an I.O.U. for $200.

Is that right?

Which proves I always
pay my debts, Sheriff.

You mind telling me
where that money came from?

That's kind of personal,
ain't it?

Maybe, but I'd like
an answer.

I borrowed it.

Who from?From me.

You?

Arnie said some man was
gonna make trouble for him
if he didn't pay up,

so I let him have the $200
on condition I take it out
of his salary here.

Oh, I see.

That satisfy you?

Sorry to trouble you.That's all right.

[ Horse Gallops Off ]

This is my g*n, Arnie.I-I know, Pa. Mine hasn't
been working right.

When I went
into town the other day,
I thought I'd take yours.

I just forgot to tell you.And the time before?

The 44.40-- you took
that the time before.

Yeah, I guess I did.

If you think I had anything
to do with that robbery--

The $200!
Where'd it come from?

Thanks for
helping me out on that.

Where?

Joan, the girl in town.

$200 from a saloon girl?

You're a liar!You can go ask her if you want.

Or I can go look in that box
you been in such pains
to hide in the stable.

Is it there, Arnie-- the money
you stole in the robbery?

Pa, if I did do anything,
I did it for you and Jenny.Jenny?

So I could
get out of your lives.
It's what you've always wanted!

I want you to stay
and work with me.

I want you to be a man.

Pa? Pa, where you going?

Pa?

Pa.

Weeks ago, I found this.
I said to myself
it's all right.

It's all right.
Maybe just letters
from some girl.

Maybe secrets of your own.
A boy is entitled
to some secrets!

- But not to steal money!
- Give it to me, Pa.

Don't open it!What's the secret?

It's mine!
It's mine, Pa!

Give it to me!

Pa?

Pa?

Pa?

Jenny,
is something wrong?

No, of course not.

Why?Uh--

You haven't said a word
since we left town.

Please go, Trampas.

Uh, Jenny,
you left your purse.

Well, there is
something wrong.

Oh, Trampas.
I'm so ashamed.

Ashamed?
Ashamed of what?

My father.

I know about him
offering you that job.

So he offered me a job.
Matter of fact, he'd be
gettin' a good man.

He... worries about me,

but he just doesn't understand
he can't buy me a husband.

Well, I don't think he's trying
to buy you a husband.

You know, Trampas,
I like you tremendously.

You've given me more fun
than I've had in ages.

But I knew from the start
that you weren't
the right man for me,

and you knew it, too,

and neither of us pretended
anything different.

All I wanted was for Pa
to leave it that way,
so we could be friends.

We are friends.

After what he did, I--
I'll be self-conscious,
and so will you.

You remember what you said
to Wally when he wanted
to talk about the dance?

You said it was forgotten.
Well, the same goes for this.

Well, uh, I guess
I better be getting back.

You know,

I almost wish
you had been the one.

[ Footsteps Approaching ]

[ Buggy Departing ]

Arnie.

Arnie, where's Pa?

I-I don't know.

I'll look out back.

[ Door Closes ]

[ Chickens Clucking ]

Pa?

[ Jenny Screaming ]

Miss Hendricks,
I'm so sorry about--

I, uh, put some
fresh coffee up
while you were in the barn.

Thank you.

Mmm.

It's so hard
to believe...

that an accident
like that could happen.

He must have stumbled
and fallen on something sharp.

Looks that way.

- Neither of you, uh,
touched him or--
- No.

Well, I-- I guess I did,
but just to see if he was alive.

Was there anyone else
around the ranch today,
Miss Hendricks?

No.

Someone on business,
uh, just passing through?

Maybe a saddle tr*mp
looking for a handout?

- No one.
- Except Trampas, of course.

Trampas was here? He brought me home from town.

What does whoever was here
have to do with it?

What does that have to do
with the accident?

I, uh, don't think
it was an accident, Arnie.

What else--

Someone k*lled your father,
Miss Hendricks,

with a knife.

A rake or a pitchfork
would look just the same.

I've seen too many
knife wounds, Arnie.

Even so, that doesn't
make it m*rder.

He could have stumbled
on his own knife.

Then where is it?

There was no knife
in the barn.

Since both of you
have told me everything
you've done,

and since neither of you
removed the knife,

then it sounds like m*rder.

I want the coroner
to examine the body...

to make sure I'm right.

Meanwhile, I'll check out
any saddle bums that might
have been seen in the area.

Now, you're sure--
you're both sure--

you didn't see
any strangers?

Uh-- There--
There was someone
a couple of days back.

Uh, short, heavy looking.
You remember, Jenny?

No.

Well, that's right.
You were in town with Trampas.

He wanted a handout.
Didn't want to work for it.
Pa run him off.

That could be a big help,
Arnie, if we can find him.

I'm sorry I-- I didn't
remember him before, but I--

I'm not thinking straight.

Huh.

Well, I'll ask Trampas
about him.

And if he saw a man
of that description
anywhere near here...

about the time
of the k*lling, uh,

that'd give me
plenty to work on.

Oh, wait a minute.

All right.
So you found this knife
in the back of my buggy,

and I drove the buggy
from Hendricks's place.

What are you trying to say,
that I k*lled
old man Hendricks?

Trampas, he didn't say
anything like that.

Do you have any idea
how the knife got
in the buggy?

No. I guess somebody
put it there.

- Maybe that stranger Arnie saw.
- But you didn't see him.

I said I didn't!
As far as I know, you did.

- You solve this,
and you'll be a big man.
- Oh, Trampas!

What gave him the idea
to look in the buggy
in the first place?

The knife wasn't
on the ranch,

and that buggy's
the only thing
I knew for sure...

left the Hendricks place
after the m*rder.

Nobody in their right mind
would leave a weapon
like that lying around...

where it could
be found so easily.

Mm-hmm. Well, I'd figure
nobody could be that stupid.

But the way Trampas has
been acting here, I could
begin to believe it.

You don't intend
to arrest Trampas, do you?

Not unless I get a lot more
against him than this knife.

There'll be
an inquest, though,
and you'll be there.

I'll think it over.He'll be there.

We all will.
Come on.

As coroner of this township,
I want to call the proceedings
to order.

The purpose of this inquest
is to inquire into the facts...

surrounding the death
of Carl Hendricks...

and determine
if the manner of death
was accident or homicide.

While these proceedings
are informal,

the customary
rules of evidence
will be observed.

Death was nearly
instantaneous, of course.

Could the fatal wound
have occurred accidentally?

Well, there was nothing
in the nature or location
of the wound...

that would rule out
the possibility of accident.

However, there was an absence
of any implement or tool
close at hand in the barn...

that could have
inflicted the wound.

In your opinion,
could that knife
be the death weapon?

Yes.

Thank you.
You're excused.

Now, Miss Hendricks,
let's see if we can
get this straight.

When Trampas saw you home,
you both went into
the summer house,

and you spoke
for a short time.

- That's right.
- But then Trampas left.

You stayed
in the summer house.
For how long?

I don't know.

But you saw Trampas leave?

Well, no. I was--

[ Coroner ]
You must have heard
the buggy pull away.

Well, no.

You see, I was so upset,

I stayed there for a time.

I don't remember
hearing the buggy pull away,
but I'm sure it did.

[ Sighs ] Looks like
I'll get a fair trial
before they hang me.

Just keep your head,
Trampas.

He was a short man.
Heavy.

I'd say he was fat.

Did he make any threats
toward your father?

Well, not exactly,
but he was plenty mad.

That was the day
before your father's death.

You didn't see him
after that?No.

Then Mr. Trampas was the only
other person you're positive
was at the ranch...

besides you and your sister?

[ Arnie ]
Yeah.

[ Coroner ] Did you see him
at any time go to the barn
where your father was?

[ Arnie ]
No, sir. I can't say I did.

I didn't pay any attention
to where he was. I was out back
fixing the harness.

Were there any hard feelings
between your father
and Mr. Trampas?

No.

Well, nothing
really serious.

[ Coroner ]
There were hard feelings?

Well, just over him
marrying my sister.
But that was between him and Pa.

[ Coroner ]
Thank you, Mr. Hendricks.

Deputy Ryker.

It you don't mind,
Mr. Peterson,

and since this is
an informal hearing here,

I'll, uh, save a little time
just by giving you a rundown...

of everything I have
that applies to this case.

That's rather unusual.

I think it'd save
everybody's time.Go ahead.

From all the evidence
I've seen,

this was a cold-blooded,
deliberate m*rder.

Now, there seems to be
an attitude developing here...

that maybe Trampas
committed this m*rder.

If he had, I can tell you
he'd never have been fool enough
not to get rid of the weapon...

between the Hendricks place
and Shiloh Ranch.

So I figure
we can forget this business
of the knife I found...

in the buggy
Trampas was driving.

It was put there...

either deliberately
or accidentally...

by the real m*rder*r.

This kind of m*rder
is committed for two motives--

revenge or profit.

Now, there is one suspect
with the motive of revenge.

A short, heavy man who
quarreled with Carl Hendricks
the day before the m*rder.

That's what Arnie Hendricks
here testified.

I haven't found
that short, heavy man yet.

Of course, there is
one final suspect.

His motive
would be profit.

He'd stand to gain by
the death of Carl Hendricks.

He'd have calculated and planned
the death of Carl Hendricks...

with a complete absence of
any kind of human emotions...

or feelings.

The k*ller who murders
out of revenge or rage...

can be understood
by other human beings.

But the k*ller...

who destroys another life
out of greed is a monster,

someone cold-blooded
and vicious beyond belief.

And when it's a son
that murders his father--

That's not true, Jenny.
Don't believe it.
It was an accident!

Perhaps you'd like
to retake the witness chair,
Mr. Hendricks.

Actually, there's
very little to tell.

It all happened so suddenly.

One minute, we were
standing there arguing,

and the next,
he was on the ground.

And besides that, Jenny,
uh, Judge Garth's got ahold
of Parker Kane from Cheyenne.

He says he's the best
trial lawyer he knows.Just one more, Miss Jenny.

You want me to help you
with that, Wally?Help? For just one trunk?

[ Chuckles ]
I forget he's, uh--

And with Arnie returning
the money, well,

Jenny, I wouldn't worry
if I were you.

I really don't think
they'll be too hard on him,
so you just, um--

Uh, excuse me.

Did you ask her?Hmm?

I say, did you ask her?

Well, uh, ask her yourself.

Miss Jenny?

Yes, Wally?

Well, I, uh-- I was just
tellin' Trampas here...

what a mighty fine idea
it is for you to stay in town
till you feel better and all.

Well, uh, your pa
just started to fix
a lot of things out here,

and, uh, I was wonderin',
if you didn't mind--

Well, I-- I-I have a lot
of free time on my hands,
and, uh,

well, if you do decide
to move back here later--

Wally, thank you.

[ Man Announcing ]