03x27 - Farewell to Honesty

[bunniefuu]

I'm still sorry,
Miss Jennifer.

Sorry? Jebb, if--
if you can drink as much
as you drank last night...

and still throw
Bart Crane through
that window at your age,

you've got nothing
to be sorry about.

Reckon that's right,
at that.

But next time, throw him
through the door.
It's cheaper.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Could you tell me where I'd
find a man who calls himself
Major Ralph Forrester?

- Calls himself?
- Why do you want him?

Then you do know him,
and he does live here?

We know him,
and he does.

Good. Now, could you
tell me where I'd find
the law in this town?

- Which do you want, mister,
the major or the law?
- Both.

You'll find Sheriff Killigrew
at the jail, next to the last
building, off the street.

Thanks.

Miss? Pardon me.

Where was it anyway?
Medicine Bow or Laramie?

What are you
talking about?

I'm sure I've seen you
somewhere before.

That could be.

I've been a few places,
but it wasn't Medicine Bow
or Laramie.

- Sorry, Miss, uh--
- McLeod.

- Laura Belle McLeod?
- No.

In that case, I might
just be stopping back.

Meanwhile,
I'll try to remember.

Don't look so glum,
Sheriff.

He wants to
see the major.What about?

[ Killigrew ]
You tell him. [ Woman ] Who is it, Leonard?

He has business
with the major, ma'am.

Perhaps I can help.
Or if it's business,
Mr. Walters here is our manager.

He handles most details
for our company.

I think it'd be better
if I saw your husband,
Mrs. Forrester.

The major is very busy.
I would prefer to know why
before we disturb him.

Begging your pardon, ma'am,
but I still think it'd be better
if I saw your husband.

- Please come in.
- Thank you.

Leonard, would you be good
enough to find the major?
I believe he's at the stables.

Of course, Laura.I'll come along.

May I offer you
some refreshment?No, thank you, ma'am.

Please sit down.

My father,
General Lawrence Otis,

commanding the Fifth
Illinois Volunteers.

My husband was his chief of
staff and one of the youngest
majors in the Union Army.

Your, uh, first trip
to Honesty?

He founded the town,
actually.

Honesty was my mother's
Christian name.
She was a New Englander.

I see.You should have seen it
15 years ago...

when the mine was in full
production and our cattle
operations were--

Oh, Ralph, dear. This is
my husband, Major Forrester.
Ralph, this gentleman--

Yes. Sheriff Killigrew
has already informed me
who this gentleman is,

and of the impertinence
of his mission here.

Well, now, Major, the judge
back home didn't seem to think
it was impertinent.

Judge Garth? No. I meant
the circuit judge.

Major, if we could discuss
this alone, maybe--

There is nothing
to discuss, sir.

Now the sheriff has a paper
that says there is.

May I see that paper,
please?

[ Chuckles ]
There's obviously
some mistake.

A charge of fraud
against my husband
is ridiculous.

The fact remains, ma'am,

that the deeds Major Forrester
used to buy that herd
from Judge Garth were forged,

every one of 'em.Deeds?

Those deeds
were perfectly valid.

They were honestly bought
and honestly delivered.

Well, then you shouldn't have
any trouble at all...

straightening the problem out
when we get back to
Medicine Bow.

You think for one minute
I'm going to return
to Medicine Bow with you...

over this ridiculous incident?

That paper says you will.

Since you didn't answer
any of the letters Judge Garth
wrote you about the problem,

the court there says
you'll have to come back.

And it'll be my pleasure
to accompany you.

Sheriff Killigrew,

you'll please accompany this
gentleman out of this house...

and out of this town.

Ralph, dear, isn't there
a more reasonable way?

Sheriff,
please find Judge Dodge
and bring him here.

[ Chuckles ]

This court, having considered
the warrant duly presented...

in the matter
of the criminal complaint...

brought by Judge Henry Garth
versus Major Ralph Forrester--

Now wait just a minute.

Are you trying to tell me
that this is an official
court hearing?

Are you telling me, sir,
that it is not?

You try a man here
in his own home
at his orders?

[ Judge Dodge ]
Young man, do you wish
to be held for contempt?

This is not a trial,

but an official hearing
to examine the validity
of this warrant.

Are you saying
it's not valid?

I am not.

Then send him back with me
to stand trial.

I cannot do that.

You, um,
are not a regular officer
of the law in Medicine Bow.

Is that correct?Well, of course I'm not.

Like that paper says, I was
deputized by Sheriff Brannon
for this specific job.

Improperly,
if I may say so, sir.

Section 417 of
the Territorial Code states...

that only a regular
officer of the law...

can transport an accused
in a criminal proceeding.

Well, what about the sheriff?
Why not send him back with us?

He has other duties.

This hearing is closed.

Wait a minute.

That warrant has been served.
What's to stop Major Forrester
from running out?

- What about bail?
- Uh, quite correct.

Bail is set at $50.

Fifty dollars? On a charge
of him stealing 8,000?

I trust I misunderstood the tone
of that last remark, sir.

Is there a lawyer
in this town? [ Laura ] There is.

An excellent one,
John Harrison.

We suggest you consult him,
by all means.

We bid you good morning, sir.

You'll take care of this?I, uh, may need
some more answers, sir.

All right. I'll see you
later at your office.

Uh, Major, there's,
um, still the matter
of that bail,

uh, just for the record.

Oh, yes. Of course.
Uh, Leonard,
see that he gets it.

Wouldn't it have been wiser
to discuss the land deals
with Leonard or with me?

I thought we had agreed--Laura, I'm the president
of this company.

Sometimes you and Leonard
tend to forget that.

Sometimes there are things
that you forget, Ralph.

That your father left
everything in your name?

Oh, no. You haven't let me
forget that for one minute...

since the day
we were married.

Where are you going?I have to go down into town.

We were going to ride
out to the mine together
this afternoon.

I won't be able to.
I have some things
I must tend to in town.

All at the saloon?

Now just what do you
mean by that?

I'm an understanding woman,
and a patient one,

but there is a limit
for any woman, Ralph.

Oh, Laura.

Laura, you're imagining things.
You've been alone too much.

Maybe that's what I mean.

How can any woman who's
so beautiful be such a fool?

Oh, darling.

I tell you what.
I'll try and get back
from town early.

We'll forget the mine.

And we'll make that
a moonlight ride.We will?

And, uh,
all that warrant business--
don't give it another thought.

I'll take care of it.

[ Virginian ]
You'll take the case? [ Man ] Bring the action here?

[ Man ]
To try it here? [ Virginian ] That's right.

Here, look down
that street. See?

Forrester Feed and Grain.
Otis Saddlery.

Forrester General Store.
Here.

The Honesty Mining
and Land Company,
Ralph Forrester, President.

Otis Arms Hotel.

Forrester Lumberyard.

Why, there's not half a dozen
businesses in this town
the major doesn't control...

and his wife doesn't own.

And all of them depend on
the mine out north a ways,

founded by General Otis,
Laura Forrester's father.

And it's been losing money,
last two years.Why doesn't it close down?

Laura-- Well, Mrs. Forrester
won't stand for it.

Her father left it
in trust for her.

And unlike certain other people
around here I could name
but won't,

Laura believes the word "trust"
has some significance.

What you're saying is the major
runs the town, but his wife
owns it and keeps it going.

Precisely.
So you see, my friend,

although you could undoubtedly
find 12 jurors in town who
don't work for the Forresters,

the odds are they'd
have relatives who did.

Now you still
want the trial here?

But if that judge won't order
him back to Medicine Bow--

He doesn't have to.
No, he's right.

You're not properly authorized
to take him back.

However,

if the sheriff of Medicine Bow
or a full-time deputy
were to come here--

Where's
the telegraph office?

It's next to the hotel.

But if I may suggest,
don't send your wire there.

You give it, uh--
give it to the stage driver.

Have him send it
from Beaver Crossing.Thanks.

Oh, what do I owe you?Five dollars.

[ Coins Clinking ]

Tell me,
what's a man like you,
uh, doing here?

I mean, uh,
staying here?

[ Chuckles ] Well, I saw
the name of the town on a map.
Came here on a hunch.

Now I'm just
too stubborn to leave.[ Chuckles ]

Oh, and by the way,
what about the saloon?
The Forresters own that too?

It's called the Laura Belle.
His wife's name's Laura.
What do you think?

There.
Now from the bar-- 175.Right.

From the tables--
580 plus 130 in dust.Check.

Good.

Oh, I'll be
right with you.

That fella that rode in this
morning-- he find you, Major?He found me.

Get that to the bank,
and the receipt and statement
up to Leonard Walters, hmm?

Well, good week?

Oh, could have been better,
or a lot worse.

I, uh-- I fired that, uh--
that new dealer you brought in.

Oh?That Leonard Rankin?

Mmm?He was dealing seconds.

Who caught him,
a customer?I did.

What's more,
he was doing it terribly.

Well, that
could have been solved,
with the right teacher.

And where could he
find better?

Ralph, when I took this job,
you and I had an understanding.

I know, I know.

It either runs my way,
or somebody else runs it.

All right.
Rankin's fired. Fine.

Look, Jen, it's
too nice a day to work.

I've got my rig right outside.
Why don't we go for a ride?Where?

I was thinking of Cheyenne.

I wish you'd forget Cheyenne.

Have you forgotten it,
Jen?

Oh, Ralph, you know
how I feel about what
you did for me in Cheyenne.

Why, without your help
in getting me off of
that charge, I--

Well-- Well, I don't
have to tell you, do I?Why did you come here?

Why'd you take this job?Because--

Because I needed the job.

Is that the only reason?Well, I--

I get paid well
for something I do well,
running this place.

A lot less than you deserve.
A lot less than it would
have to be.

Would that be
in the weekly report to
your wife and, uh, Mr. Walters?

Ah, Jennifer,
please listen to me.

No, you listen to me.

I have no intention of
living on the back street
of any man's life.

It wouldn't have
to be like that.
Not if--

Not if we went away together.

How?
Running in the night?

Afraid Laura would be
sending after us?
No, thanks, Ralph.

You know, you-you could have
just about any woman
you really want in your life.

How, I don't know,
but-but you can.

But you can't have two,
not with me as one of 'em.

[ Sighs ]

Jennifer, there's one thing
you still don't understand.

There aren't two women
in my life.

And as far as Laura
sending after us,

you don't have to worry,
believe me.

What are you saying?

I'm saying that there is a time
and there are circumstances...

under which something can happen
that couldn't happen before.

Just a little while longer,
Jennifer.

Who are you lying to
this time, Ralph?

To me or to yourself?

All right,
well, you know, last week
we ran out of this stuff.

Well, if you think that's
all you'll need, Harley,
that's it.

Give him one on the house.
But not his own stuff--
he hates it.

[ All Laughing ]

Good afternoon.Good afternoon.

Can a customer
buy the manager a drink?

Well, the manager never
likes to lose business.
Um, Harley?

What'll it be?Monongahela.

Two.

Oh, thanks.

Well,

let's see.

- Could it
have been Wichita?
- No. Oh.

Santa Fe, maybe?No.

Why don't you admit
you've got the wrong girl...
or the wrong line?

It's not very new,
you know?

You, uh,
staying in town long?Just a couple of days.

Does the, uh, manager
work late at the Laura Belle?

Usually around 11:00.

Well, it occurred to me
that outside this place
my memory might be better.

Besides, the manager might like
somebody to walk her home.

Just for safety's sake.

Oh. Well, that's
a very thoughtful idea,

but she usually, uh,
manages it alone.

And she will tonight.

Surprised to see you
still in town.

Thought by now
you'd be riding.

The business I came here for
isn't exactly finished, Major.

Now if you'll excuse me,
I was talking to Miss McLeod.

Don't you turn your back
on me, friend.

I'll say this once.
Get out of town.

I intend to,
when you go with me,

or I get the $8,000
you stole from Judge Garth.

[ Jennifer ]
Ahh.

Harley, clean this up.

You heard what I said.

Not very smart, mister.

A man could get shot in
this town for less than that.

Not while I'm facing him.

[ Glass Clinking ]

Now, where were we?

Well, you were suggesting
that I might need company
walking home tonight.

That was, uh, pretty careless
of you knocking that bottle
off like that.

Well, accidents happen.Why'd you do it?

Let's just say I might not like
violence in a place I run.

Could be a reason.

You said 11:00?

I also said I walk alone.

All right. 11:00.

[ Laughing ]

Still don't get it.What?

This afternoon, I, uh, asked
if I could walk you home,
you said "no."

Five minutes later
you changed your mind.
How come?

You don't remember a certain
incident in between involving
you and Major Forrester?

Frankly,
I wanted to see you tonight
because I wanted to warn you.

Look, whatever your argument
is with Ralph-- with the major--

don't try to settle it here,
and certainly not alone.

Why does it matter to you?My reasons are my own.

Anyway, didn't you know
that's a woman's privilege?

Well, this is my house.
Good night.

Wasn't a very long walk.[ Chuckles ]

Well,
I told you I usually take
the long walk home alone.

Sorry I can't ask you in
for a drink, but the bar
back there's still open.

Wait a minute.

Was it Kansas City?

No. I-I--

Jennifer. Jenny!

You're Clara Baines's
kid sister.

Of course.
Now I remember.

It was when I was working
the yards with Carl Baines.

It was the "Jennifer"
that threw me.

You knew all along,
didn't you?

Maybe I did.

Why didn't you say
something about it?

Some things you've forgotten
are better left forgotten.
Anyway that was a long time ago.

Eight years anyway.

You were the prettiest girl
in town.

Might say
in the whole territory.

Tell me,
how is your sister?

I don't know.
I haven't heard from her
for a long time.

Listen, the reason I saw you
tonight was because you're
a friend of Carl and Clara's.

Now I'm telling you again.

Whatever it was
you came here for,
don't try to settle it here.

Now go on back home,
and go now.

Good night.

[ Door Opens, Closes ]

[ g*nshots ]

All right,
hold it right there!

Sheriff.Oh, so it's you.

- Somebody just
took a shot at me.
- Who?

- You wouldn't know, would ya?
- Well, now, how should I know?

I can't imagine.
But, Sheriff, give him
a message for me, will you?

Give who a message?
What are you talking about?

Your good friend, the major.
If he didn't do this,
he knows who did.

You tell him
the next time it happens,
it'll be him I'm looking for.

I, uh,
brought the monthly report
if you want to check it.

The total's not down again.

An overall company loss
of about $3,000 on the month.

Not including the 8,000
on the Garth cattle deal.

That can't be lost.

Leonard, I know Ralph
can make wrong decisions
about these things,

but if he was cheated,
we have to sue whoever's
responsible.

Whatever you say, Laura.

8,000. 12,000 on that
payroll robbery in March.

There's still no lead on that?

Not a trace.
Whoever pulled that robbery,

it's as though they disappeared
off the face of the earth
and the money with them.

Leonard, thank you for this.
I'm sorry to plague you
with my worries.

I've never complained about
sharing your worries, Laura.

You know how grateful I am.
Ralph and I don't deserve you.

I'll be at the office
if you need me.

[ Door Opens, Closes ]

20,000.

- May I help you, Laura?
- Oh.

Yes, Ralph. I-- I was
looking for the derringer.
I-I thought it might be in here.

I haven't seen it.

I-- I heard about the sh**ting
last night, and coming so soon
after the robbery,

I was--
I was a little nervous.I see.

You heard?
The man who was here,
he was shot at.

I understand he says
he was shot at.

Well, who would do
such a thing, Ralph?
And why?

Let that be
my concern, Laura.
Not yours.

Now, would you mind
putting my things away?

[ Door Closes ]

You sure that telegram
couldn't have come
when you were off duty?

Well, if it does come,
I'll be at the hotel.

[ Knocking ]Come in.

Good morning.

[ Sighs ]
Good morning,
Mrs. Forrester.

What can I do for you?

I'm sure you're busy
and I'm sorry to trouble you,

but we've lost
some papers we need.

I thought Mr. Walters had them
in the office safe, but they
don't seem to be there.

Some-- Some company records
involving the mine.

We thought they might possibly
have been left in this safe.

My specific instructions
are to open that safe
for no one but, uh,

Major Forrester
and Mr. Walters.

But in this case, I'm sure
I can make an exception.

No, they don't seem to be there.
We'll have to look further
at the office.

I'm sorry,
Mrs. Forrester.

Oh, Miss McLeod? Yes?

I've been wanting to tell you
what a fine job you've done
with the Laura Belle.

Ralph and I both
appreciate it.Oh, thank you.

It isn't easy to find
this degree of efficiency
and loyalty...

these days.It isn't?

There was a time when a certain
element of cheating was involved
in the operations here.

There is no cheating
involved now,
Mrs. Forrester.

You may be sure of that.

Miss McLeod-- Please.

Call me Jennifer.

And Laura.

Laura.

Jennifer,

it's occurred to me that
for a woman of your great
skill in management--

a place like this
in a small town
such as Honesty is--

Well, it's really wasted.

You think so?I do.

Now supposing,
just supposing,

someone were to have
enough confidence in you...

to back you financially
in a much larger town.Such as?

Suppose we say Cheyenne?

Why Cheyenne?

Just as an example.

I'd be most happy to consider
such a venture, Miss McLeod.

It was, uh, Jennifer,
remember?

Mm-hmm.
Of course. Jennifer.

You'll think about it?

Yes. Yes,
I'll think about it.

Do.

Oh, incidentally,
it isn't necessary to mention
this visit to the major.

There's no need
to trouble him.

Major? Major Forrester!Yeah?

Uh, the wire that fella
from Medicine Bow has been
waiting for?

Yeah? It came about an hour ago.

It's from a deputy named Ryker.
Says he'll be here tomorrow.Have you delivered it?

- No, sir. He asked me
about it, but, uh--
- Don't.

See, all of a sudden
he wants to settle.
Why? I don't get it.

You don't have to.
You just take your money and go,
and consider yourself lucky.

Where's the major?In the office.

[ Major ]
Come in.

Oh.

Mr. Harrison said
you wanted to see me.Yes. So good of you.

Those deeds that
are in dispute--
do you have them?

I have.With you?

Yes.Leonard, that bill of sale,
if you please.

It says "payment in full,
$8,000."

Precisely.

$8,000.

So it is.Now, if I may have
the deeds, please?

Just got one question, Major.
What made you change your mind?

I don't like
disagreements.

Actually, my lawyer informs me
that if Judge Garth accepted
those deeds,

and they were
offered in good faith,
the problem is his.

Caveat emptor I believe
the legal phrase is.

"Let the buyer beware."

However, my company
doesn't choose to do
business that way.

Right, Leonard?Precisely right.

Now, if you'll just sign
this bill of sale, sir.

Since the bad judgment
regarding those deeds
was mine,

I believe I have to pay.

Agreed?Agreed.

Well, gentlemen, I believe
this calls for a drink.
Shall we?

Uh, Jennifer.

We'll join you directly,
gentlemen.

What was all that,
Ralph?

A simple business dispute
simply solved.

Were those deeds forged?

Those deeds are something
you and I don't have to
worry about anymore.

We'll let Laura
and her beloved Leonard
worry about them together.

- What are you talking about?
- Remember, I said it wouldn't
be long. It'll be now.

We're leaving.
Be ready just after midnight.

With a fond farewell to Honesty,
we're leaving.But how?

And why now?
Does this have anything
to do with him?

Oh, Ralph.
I know you too well.

Does what you're planning
involve any harm
to that man?

What I'm planning involves
the only two people who count.

[ Chattering ]

[ Jennifer ]
Oh, I'll be no party
to this.

[ Major ]
You'll be no party to what?

Jennifer McLeod suddenly
defending all that's proper
and righteous. Ha!

Oh, stop it, Ralph.Well,

of course, if we were still in
Cheyenne and there were a little
question of m*rder involved--

It wasn't m*rder.Wasn't it, Jennifer? Wasn't it?

Well, you know it wasn't.But who else knows
it wasn't?

And what if I should
decide sometime to...

admit that that alibi
I concocted for you
was a lie?

[ Chuckles ]

Oh, but we both know I'm never
gonna make a decision like that,
don't we?

You see how it is
between us, Jennifer?

We've got to get along
with each other.
Just the two of us.

You have no alternatives.

Are you so sure?

I'm quite sure.

You be ready
just after midnight.

You want your horse now?

Yeah. Right now.

Well, it'll take me a while.

[ Horse Blusters ]

[ Horse Nickers ]

[ Nickers ]

[ Horse Whinnies ]

Whoa.
Durn fool.

Waking a man up
in the middle of the night.

[ Grunts ]
All right,
he's all set, mister.

Come on.

Hey, mister?

[ Virginian Groaning ]

Hey, mister.

Hey, mister?

[ Groans ]

Help! Somebody help!
Quick!

You're lucky, mister.
If that had been a little
farther back--

[ Sighs ]We get down to my office,
I'll put a bandage on it.

That can wait.

You goin' for the sheriff?
I tried to reach him before.

Hyah!

At this hour, Ralph? Why?

Nothing can be that urgent.

Ralph, I asked you why.

Because I choose to.
And I don't have to
ask your leave.

You understand that,
finally?

If there's trouble, surely I--If there's trouble,
I'll take care of it.

Or don't you believe
that's possible?

Please, Ralph.
You can't just-- [ Galloping Hooves ]

[ Horse Whinnies ]

[ Knocking ]

[ Knocking ]

[ Knocking ]

Well, what do you want?

Naturally,
you wouldn't know.
I want $8,000, Major.

- Well, I just gave you $8,000
not an hour ago.
- So you did.

- And I have a bill of sale
with your signature on it.
- That you have.

Well, then, I'll thank you
not to trouble us
any further, sir.

If I have to call the law--I underestimated you,
Forrester.

The beginning,
I thought you were nothing
but a cheap, conniving crook.

I know better now.

There's nothing cheap
about you.

Sir, if it weren't
for the presence
of this lady here--

You'd what? Run?

Or hit me from behind again,
like you did just now
down at the stable?

Why--
This is preposterous.

I can account
for my presence
every moment...

since I gave you
that $8,000.

Right up till the time
that Walters here
and I came home.

I was either in the saloon,
or in the saloon office,

discussing business
with Miss McLeod.

Well, if you don't
believe me, ask her.

I'll do just that,
because let me tell you
one thing,

I intend getting
that money back tonight.

The sheriff handles
law violations
in this community, sir.

Well, this is one
I'm gonna handle myself,
and you can count on that.

Well.

[ Galloping Hooves ]

You knew.
That's why you were leaving.

Well, y-yes.

I gave him the $8,000.

Apparently
someone heard about it
and waylaid him.

Someone?Well, yes.

Naturally,
he thought it was I.

Well, it's only sensible
for me to leave town
for a few days...

until this calms down.

You say you paid him.
With what?

- Leonard, did you--
- I, uh--

I borrowed that money.

From whom?

Well--

Laura.

I was wrong
about those deeds.

But don't you worry about it.
I'll fix it.

That's why I ought
to go over to Laramie.

Oh, just have faith in me
for a little while.

I'll be gone, at the most,
for a week.

And, of course,
you're going alone.

Now what does that mean?

How much of a fool
do you think I am, Ralph?

Just one thing.

What?

Leave that with me.

It's the one way
you can be safe.

I'll get my bag.

It's better this way, Laura.
Believe me.

Better? He's going
with her, isn't he?

He has that money,
and now he's going away
with Jennifer McLeod.

I'm sure you know.

[ Door Opens, Closes ]

[ Chattering ]

I understand
you had some trouble.Oh, you heard about it, huh?

Sorry I wasn't around
to help.
Any idea who it was?

Suppose I asked you
that question?Now, wait a minute, friend.

Don't worry about it, Sheriff.
I'll handle it my way.

Table's reserved.I gotta talk to you.

Not here, not now.

- Your place, then,
in five minutes.
- No.

Where is she?

If she's not in the office,
she might've went out
the back way.

Maybe she went
to her place.

[ g*nsh*t ]

[ g*nsh*t ]

Ralph. Oh, no.

Oh, no.

All right,
what happened here?

The major.

He's dead.

I'll just take
that g*n, friend.

He shot at me, Sheriff,
from up here.
I returned his fire.

Sure. Sure you did.

Well, look,
it was self-defense.

With an unarmed man?

You're under arrest, friend,
for m*rder.

[ Ryker ]
Good morning.

I'm looking
for a friend of mine.

Came in a couple of days ago
from Medicine Bow.

Check with the sheriff.
Down the street.

[ Clopping Hooves ]

Hold it, mister.
You Deputy Ryker?

Yeah, that's right.
I'm looking for--I know why you're here.

First off,
you better come with me.

Sorry, mister, but first off
I've got to find a friend
of mine.

Well, that won't be hard.
He's in jail.

In jail?

For m*rder.

They're holding
the trial tomorrow?

That's what Mr. Harrison
here tells me.

With a jury drawn from people
that have just come from
Forrester's funeral, huh?

It seems that
Laura Forrester insisted.

That gives us approximately
24 hours to produce evidence...

that will clear
your friend here.

Oh, that's great.
Uh, so where do we start?

You say there was no sign
of either that money
or a g*n on Forrester...

when they searched
the body?

- None whatever.
- Well, I only fired at him
after he shot at me.

He had to have a g*n.

- You said this Forrester
wasn't wearing a g*n belt?
- No.

You figure then
that he must have had
another g*n of some kind?

Somebody got rid of it
right after the sh**ting.Hmm.

- You searched the area,
right?
- Oh, completely.

That night
and again the next morning.
I was there myself.

[ Sighs ]
This Forrester
lived here in town?

Just outside. [ Door Opens ]

What's on your mind?Maybe an angle.

[ Killigrew ]
All right, friend,
time's up. Let's go.

All right, Sheriff.
I'll be right there.

You take it easy.
And take your hat
off the bed.

A thing like that
could bring a fella
bad luck.

[ Door Opens, Closes ]

I very much appreciate
you seeing me, Mrs. Forrester,
especially at this time.

Please say
what you came for
and go.

Well, even in your grief,
I'm sure you don't want to see
an innocent man convicted.

My friend says
your husband shot at him,

and he only fired
in self-defense.

My husband's g*n
was here on this table,
Mr. Ryker.

He left it with me
before he went
out of the house.

Well, did he maybe
own another g*n?

There were
only two hand weapons
in our home.

The one I spoke of and--
Come with me.

Well, Mr. Ryker?

A little unusual
to keep a g*n
hidden away like that.

It was a gift to my husband
from the men of his battalion.

He valued it highly.

Well, I'm sorry
to have troubled you,
ma'am.

Thank you.
I'll find my way out.

See you a minute?Sure.

You, uh,
live around here?

Yeah.Huh.

Lawman, eh?
Come to help Killigrew
line up his evidence?

You might put it that way. No need.

He's got enough now
to hang that fella.

Tell me. You were here
when it happened? The shootin'?

Well, right after.
Same as Miss Jennifer,
Killigrew and all the rest.

- When we heard the shots,
we all came runnin' out.
- All from the saloon?

Uh, well, now, Miss Jennifer--
I guess she came from her place.

Right.

Just exactly where
was Forrester's body?
Can you show me?

Yeah. Right, uh--
Right there.Here?

You stand there
a minute, will you?
You be Forrester.

Well, thanks a lot,
mister.

All right.
Wait there.

You said you heard shots.
How many?

Gosh, I don't know.
Three, four, maybe.

I hear the major
had two slugs in him.

What is it?

b*llet holes.

Now remember exactly
where we first saw these holes.

Remember? What for?

- For the trial.
- For the trial?

Right.
Thanks for the help.

Always glad to help the law.

What's the matter
with you, mister?
Can't you read?

The place is closed.

I know, but I want
to see Miss McLeod.

Well, you can't.

Let him in, Harley.

Miss McLeod, I'm, uh--

I know who you are.

Well, then I guess
you know too
why I'm here.

One question my friend's
going to have to answer
in court...

is how he happened
to be out there
when Major Forrester was shot.

He says he was coming
to your place to see you.

And that you knew
he was coming.

Will you testify to that
at the trial?

I'll testify
to what was true.

All right. Then I'll see to it
you get a subpoena
as a witness for the defense.

Thank you.That won't be necessary.

I've already been subpoenaed
to appear...

for the prosecution.

I had to see you.

There's something
I must explain.

Ryker tells me you're testifying
for the prosecution.

I have no choice.

- The prosecutor called me in
for questioning.
- About what?

About that argument
you and the major
had in the saloon.

I can't lie about that.
There were other witnesses.

No one's asking you
to lie about anything.

It's just--

It's just that I want you
to know that when I do testify
it may sound damaging.

To you, I mean.

You must know
it was self-defense.

You were right inside
your door.

You must have heard four shots.

I only fired two.
The other two had to be
him sh**ting at me.

Yeah.
Yeah, I could say that.

Saythat?
It's the truth.

But I'm not sure.
I didn't see any g*n on him.

But I do want to help you
if I can.

- Why?
- Say for old time's sake.

Let's say the girl named Jenny
would have done that.

And we will prove,
ladies and gentlemen,

beyond all possible doubt...

that this defendant,
who came to Honesty
in the first place...

with a ridiculous charge
against its leading citizen,

did on several occasions
threaten Major Ralph Forrester,

did falsely accuse
Major Ralph Forrester,

and finally did, on the night
of April 7 last,

sh**t the unarmed
Major Ralph Forrester
to his death.

And it is
with full confidence...

that I represent
this defendant before you,
ladies and gentlemen.

Proud, incidentally,
that I can address you
as ladies and gentlemen.

Proud that this territory
was the first area of our nation
wise enough...

to recognize the right
of intelligent,
open-minded women...

to join with intelligent,
open-minded men...

in the dispensing of justice.

For it is justice
that we seek here,
and only justice.

And I'm sure that my client
is going to receive it
at your hands.

Mr. Denning,
call your first witness.

Sheriff Mark Killigrew.

And I come down the street,
and he was standing there
with his g*n drawn.

He claims somebody
took a shot at him.

Oh, he's a great one
for claiming things, this fella.

And that was two nights
before the m*rder? Objection.

No m*rder's been proved,
Your Honor.

That's what this trial's about.

Sustained.
Go on, Mr. Denning.

What did the defendant
say at that time
concerning the major?

Well, he said, uh,
"Tell your friend the major
to watch out.

The next time I see him,
I'll g*n him down."

- Your witness.
- That's not what I said,
and he knows it.

Now, Sheriff, what you said,
were those his exact words?

Oh, maybe not.
But that's what he meant.

Well, then why didn't
you lock him up, Sheriff?

Look, I don't need you
to tell me my job.

No more questions.

Mrs. Ralph Forrester.

Mrs. Forrester, I regret
the necessity of calling you
under the circumstances,

especially on this day.

But I'm sure you'll--I understand, Mr. Denning.

Your concern
is not necessary.

You see,
I too am determined
to see justice done here.

Will you swear
the witness?

My husband suggested
he go to Sheriff Killigrew,

and he said,
"This is one violation
I'll take care of myself."

Those were
his exact words,
Mr. Denning,

as he stood in my doorway
less than a half hour
before Ralph was k*lled.

Would you say there was violence
in his manner...

when he made that threat,
Mrs. Forrester?

Violence is the wrong word,
Mr. Denning.
The word is m*rder.

[ Murmuring ] [ Gavel Raps ]

You can't let that pass.Leave her alone.

Your witness.

Mrs. Forrester,
the defense too appreciates
the strain and the suffering...

that this occasion
has caused you,

and regrets them.

No questions.

The prosecution rests,
Your Honor.

[ Murmuring ]

He's not calling
Jennifer.

There's an old rule
in this business.

Quit when you're ahead.

The defense first calls
Jebb Finney.

And you were
with Deputy Ryker...

when he discovered
these b*llet holes...

in the wall of the building
across the alley?

That's the site
of the sh**ting.

Look, I thought that fellow
was working with Killigrew.

I wouldn't-- Just answer the question.

Yeah.

And you were also there
when this section
of the wall was cut out.

That-- That piece right there.
Defense Exhibit "B."

But that don't mean a thing.

So maybe he missed the major
a couple of times.

He sure didn't miss him
with the slugs
that k*lled him.

[ Murmuring ]

Yes, I did remove b*ll*ts
from the body-- two of them.

Do you have those b*ll*ts
with you now?

Now, I offer these
as Defense Exhibit "C."

[ Ryker ]
I'd say I've known him two,
nearly three years.

You'd say that you
and the defendant then
were good friends, good friends.

We are.

You could then
identify this g*n
as his personal property.

[ Women Scream ] [ Gavel Raps ]

[ Judge ]
Mr. Harrison, what's
the meaning of this?

I'm-- I'm sorry, Your Honor.

I regret
the witness's carelessness,
as I'm sure he does.

But since the accident
has occurred, Your Honor,

I'd like to have
that b*llet removed
from that exhibit,

along with one of those
originally found there.

Perhaps Sheriff Killigrew
could assist me?

Thank you, Sheriff.

We appreciate
your cooperation.

Now, ladies
and gentlemen,
please notice.

Here's the slug
that was originally
in that wall.

And the one just fired
accidentally by Deputy Ryker.

Now, compare this slug...

taken from the body
by Doctor Crane.

[ Murmuring ]

[ Gavel Raps ]

This court is adjourned
for 30 minutes.

[ Murmuring ]

Why the adjournment
all of a sudden?

Were you watching Denning?
That threw his case
wide open and he knew it.

Can't you move now
for a dismissal?Oh, you don't know Denning.

Give him time.
He'll find an answer.

Like maybe
you had another g*n.

Um,

Mr. Harrison,
could I see you
for a moment alone?

What is it?

I would have said
something before this,

but it was so evident
your client was guilty.

But, uh, now there
must be another answer.

Now, you see, last night
in the saloon,

I overheard something
I think you should hear.

What do you suppose
this is? You talk
to Walters before?

He was positive
you were guilty.
That's all he'd say.

And you'll testify
to that argument
between them?

Of course I will.

Thank you, Walters.

What's up?What'd he say?

It's about an argument.
Forrester and Jennifer.

He was threatening
to blackmail her.

Jennifer?

Who was the first person
to get to Forrester
after he was shot?

Besides you,
I mean.Um, she was.

The money's gone,
the g*n's gone.

Jennifer with a room
in direct line of sight.

Where you going?Fishing.

Fishing?With a search warrant,
if I can find that judge.

[ Sighs ]
I hate to see Jennifer get
any further involved in this.

- Even if she's guilty?
- She can't be.
I'm sure of it.

Sheriff.

[ Walters ]
Well, it was about a crime
she had committed in Cheyenne.

And Major Forrester said
that he'd expose her
if she didn't go with him.

Well,
she became furious,

and he said,
"Well, after all, you have
no alternative, Jennifer."

And she said,
"Are you so certain I don't?"
And then he went out.

Thank you, Mr. Walters.

Then you admit,
Miss McLeod,

that the argument to which
Mr. Walters testified
did take place?

Yes.

Took place just a few hours
before Major Forrester
was k*lled.

Yes. But what you're implying
is not true.

Oh, then you mean that
the argument did not involve
a threat by Major Forrester...

to reveal the truth about
a criminal charge
against you in Cheyenne?

You're putting
the wrong face
on all of it.

Yes. Yes, I was
in trouble in Cheyenne.

Accused of m*rder. Of manslaughter,

but I was innocent,
I swear I was.

But I couldn't prove it.

And Major Forrester
provided the proof?

Yes. Yes.

Only this time,
it wasn't manslaughter,
was it?

It was a premeditated act
to get rid of a man...

Or was it the money?

Who was the first person
to reach Major Forrester
after he was k*lled?

He was.

And he was immediately
taken into custody
and searched.

Who was
the next person?Huh?

Was it you, Miss McLeod?

I-- I don't remember.

You don't remember
kneeling beside the body...

and crying out,
"No, Ralph, no."

No, that's not true.
I don't remember.

And you did not during
the confusion at that time...

take from the major's pocket
the money that was there?

I did not.

Do you recognize
this suitcase,
Miss McLeod?

[ Sighs ]
I-- I-- I don't know.

Your Honor,
I offer this in evidence
as Defense Exhibit "D."

Sheriff Killigrew
will testify to the fact...

that it was obtained
during a search
of the witness's room...

by himself and Mr. Ryker
while the court was in recess.

It is admitted.

$20,000, Miss McLeod.

[ Murmuring ]

Do you now wish to revise
your testimony?

All right.

All right,
I did take it from him.

I took it
from his pocket.

He said he was coming back...

with enough money
so we could leave together.

But I wasn't gonna
go with him.

Oh, you weren't going to go.

Yet when you saw him dead,
you took the money.

It wasn't for myself.

I-I did it--

I did it
to protect someone else.

Someone else?

Who, Miss McLeod?

Laura Forrester.

[ Murmuring ]

You were protecting
Laura Forrester
by stealing $20,000?

What with him dead,
what value was there
in her knowing what he'd done?

I-I intended to eventually
return the money.

Is that the truth,
Miss McLeod?Yes, yes.

Or is it the real truth
that knowing he was coming,

coming to you with the money,

knowing that the defendant
could logically be blamed,

you k*lled
Ralph Forrester--No!

with this g*n?

No.

No.

Your Honor,
I request a recess...

while the b*ll*ts
from this g*n are compared...

with those found
in the body
of the deceased.

Court will recess for one hour.

[ Gavel Raps ]

[ g*nsh*t ]

Now may I have
the m*rder slug,
Mr. Denning?

Nice try, counselor.

I'll trouble you
for that, Deputy.

[ Door Closes ]How much time have we?

Fifteen, 20 minutes,
no more.

You stall
till I get there.

Your Honor,
I protest this delay.

Since both
defendant and counsel
are in court,

I see no reason
not to proceed.

Nor do I.
Mr. Harrison.

Just a moment or two more,
Your Honor.

Where'd he go?He didn't say.

Here he comes.

[ No Audible Dialogue ]

We are ready, Your Honor.
I'll ask Deputy Ryker
to again take the stand.

Now, ladies and gentlemen
of the jury,

you recall that
when we recessed...

we were concerned
with comparative weights
of b*ll*ts.

Now, I'd like to continue
on that course.

Your Honor,

I'd like to have
the doctor's exhibit here.

And I'd like to compare it
with a b*llet taken
from another g*n,

if the deputy will oblige?

[ Murmuring ]

Your Honor, I protest.
That's not a slug
from Miss McLeod's g*n.

We tested--We, uh-- We admit that,
Mr. Denning.

You're right.

Mr. Ryker, will you
tell the court where
you obtained this b*llet?

From a g*n I fired
not five minutes ago.

The gunsmith can attest to that.

Where did you find the g*n?

From the residence of a witness
in this courtroom.

Do you have that g*n
on you now?

I have.

I'll ask Laura Forrester
to retake the stand.

You recognize this g*n,
Mrs. Forrester?

It was my husband's.

Who knew, Mrs. Forrester,

the special hiding place
where this g*n was kept?

So far as I know,
only Ralph and myself.

Oh, and that young deputy
I showed it to yesterday.Mmm.

Were you aware, Mrs. Forrester,

that your husband
was involved
with Jennifer McLeod?

I won't answer
that question.

Did you know that
he had stolen $20,000...

and was planning
to run away with her?

Nor that one,
Mr. Harrison.

Jealousy-- that's
a fearful curse to endure,
isn't it, Mrs. Forrester?

And rejection
by the man she loves...

can drive any woman
to any ends,

especially when that woman
has lived with a dream.Stop it.

A woman who's created
a shining image
that would've been shattered...

when her husband
went away with another woman,

both of them running
like thieves in the night.

You followed him
that night, Mrs. Forrester,

followed him
to that alley outside
of Jennifer McLeod's room,

where, with this g*n,
you shot Ralph Forrester...

Leave her alone.
Leave her alone. [ Gavel Raps ]

[ Gavel Rapping ]

She's had enough.

[ Gavel Raps ]

For 20 years she's endured
that vain, stupid man,

who lied to her, cheated,

made a mockery
of her love for him.

There's no further need
for this trial to go on.

I knew about that g*n.

I k*lled Ralph Forrester
because I hated him.

I hated him
as much as I loved his wife.

You'll find it
all there-- 8,000.

And we're lucky.
Laura Forrester released it
without question.

How is she?Laura?
Don't worry about her.

A woman like that
goes on.
She's all right.

So will this town be now.

Well, thanks again,
Mr. Harrison.

You thank your friend here.
He came up with
that derringer.

You take care
of this fellow, will you?
Keep him out of trouble.

I intend to.Good luck.

- Jenny.
- Oh, I'm afraid I still
don't remember her.

I'd heard that you may
be leaving here yourself.

Seems best.

Thought you might be heading out
Medicine Bow way.

Oh, well, I have a few things
to clear up first,

and then-- who knows?

Good-bye.

Good-bye.

[ Man Announcing ]