Bullwhip (1958) - full transcript

This is the world
that has been my whole life,

traveling the freighter trail
from the Kansas railhead,

following the buffalo
migration north into Wyoming,

where our hunters
wait for the final kill.

It's a world of buffalo hides,
food and supplies.

Carved with blood and guts,
and sacrifice,

to conquer the savage
cruelty of Indian tribes.

And carved, too, with the
hijacking greed of competitors

and their hired gunslingers.

Yes, I'm a woman,

and it's always trouble
when a woman invades



the territory they call
exclusively "man's world".

In it, they say,
a woman is not made for
buckskins and bullwhips,

but to a thing called love.

Love?

Just plain slavery to
some egotistical male.

This empire was
created for me,

a vast chain of hide
and freight stations,

and great lines of freighters
forging ahead of what our crew
called "the box wagon train".

I was cradled in those
freight wagons,

my schoolroom was in them.

My British tutor called it,
"molding a lady
out of rawhide".

Well, fortunately,
the rawhide is still there,
and I need it now,

being forced into marriage
with a condemned man.

It'll only take a moment,
just to make sure.



What's the matter, Daley?

You getting lonesome?

A friend of mine
was supposed to meet
me here in Abilene.

Name's Podo.

He sure gonna
get an awful joke when
he shows up, ain't he?

I want to tell
him goodbye.

When he comes looking
for me, give him
this note, will you?

Sure, I'll see he gets it.

Thank you.

Sounds like he's
in the right mood.

Just right, I'd say.

All clear here? You alone?

Yeah, all set.
Sheriff's in a poker game.

Fine, I'll bring
him right in.

All right, Judge,
anything you say goes.
I'll keep quiet.

What did they throw
you in for, Judge?

I'm just a visitor, son.
I'm here to help you.

Little late, aren't you?

Mmm, no, there isn't
much time left, is there?

Just half a day tonight,
and then, sun up
before you know it.

Maybe there won't
be any sun up.

Well, around here,
we hang 'em with sun
or without sun.

You killed a citizen
in cold blood.

It was self-defense
and you know it.

That fair trial
of yours. There was
a railroad if I ever saw one.

Oh, no. Let's not go
all over that again, son.

The fact remains,
you're gonna hang.

You didn't come here
to remind me of that.

What's this got to do
with that Indian
and woman out there?

They represent your one
chance to save your neck.

I'm listening.

All you've got to do is
marry that young woman.

Marry her?

I have here a document,
which I've already signed,

that reverses my decision in
your case on the grounds of
new evidence of self-defense.

Want a look?

Yeah, it does.

With it, you can walk out
of here a free man,

if you agree to marry that
young woman right now.

And then, forget her,

travel your own road,
and never show your face
in Abilene again.

Who is she?

Oh, a widow,
with two small children,

stopped off here en route
to Boston with her
dead husband's body.

Poor little thing.

She's going to lose that
husband's estate and
will be absolutely penniless

if she doesn't marry
again immediately.

Oh, yes, peculiar chap.
But that's what his will says.

Imagine a low-down
scoundrel like that.

That's a real sad story.

No, really. Like I said,
she was a stranger
here in Abilene

and then she
came to me for help.

It was my idea that
a condemned man might be

the immediate solution
to her problem.

Of course,
two days ago, we didn't
have a condemned man.

That's what happened.
Why I'm set to hang.

It's a chance
to save your life.

Yeah. Yeah, it sure is.

What's her name?

Oh, well, now, if you never
know her full name,
you can never,

even with this paper
in your pocket,

come up with any complications
that might make difficulties
for me, now can you?

You've thought of
everything, haven't you?

Including the marriage
license, which has
already been signed

by your wife to be
and witnesses.

Of course, you'll never
know where it's recorded,
so don't get any ideas.

And I'll marry you
by your first names,

you will sign it blind,
right down here.

That'll make it legal
for the little woman
when she gets to Boston

to collect her inheritance.

You know, Judge,
I got it figured
that if I say no,

you're gonna be out
on an awful lot of money.

No, no, I'll just get
her another single man and
you'll hang, per schedule.

Well, I guess a wedding ring
is better than a noose.

Especially since you
can forget the ring, too.

Now, here's your freedom.

When it's all over
and we're gone,
take it and walk out.

Come on, let's
get it over with.

Precisely what I had in mind.

Only, don't forget,

she knows nothing
about how I got her
a condemned man.

She thinks you're
gonna hang.

Wait here, Pine Hawk.

Come in, my dear,
come in.

Oh, well, yes.
This is Steve, my dear.

And you'll have to know
her just as Julia.

Please know how grateful I am.

I'm sorry about not revealing
my full name to you,

but, I'm sure you'll agree
it's wise to follow
the Judge's advice.

He's been so kind to me.

No point in my
knowing who you are.

Won't do me much good
where I'm going.
Let's get on with it, Judge.

My dear.

Take her hand.

Do you, Julia, take
Steve here, to be your
lawfully wedded husband?

I do.

And you, Steve, take
Julia here, to be your
lawfully wedded wife?

Yeah, sure, Judge.

Here, place this
on her finger.

With this ring, I, Justice
Rufus Parkingham Carr,

hereby pronounce
you man and wife.
That does it.

Now, Steve, if you'll
just sign this marriage
license down here,

just like I said.

There you are, my dear.

Thank you, Steve.

The children and
I will pray for you.

Just a minute.

It's customary for the
groom to kiss the bride.

You can forget about
delivering that note.

It's already in
the waste basket.

I, uh, think I'll
stick around town
till Podo shows up.

Oh, no, you don't.

Your horse is across
the street, all saddled
up and waiting.

You get over there fast
and keep riding.

Why?

Judge's orders.

He's gonna have
enough trouble
around town explaining

your release to the
citizens without having
you here to complicate it.

Yeah, that figures.

Well, tell Podo I'll see
him at Jesse's Trading
Post in the Chisholm Trail.

Sure, I'll tell him.

No, no Steve Daley
ever checked in here.

Are you sure? Steve
said The Abilene Hotel.

Well, is that Steve Daley
they got in jail fixing to
hang come tomorrow sun up?

Hang?
Yep. For murder.

Why, that's crazy.
Steve ain't no killer.

Where's that jail at?

Just up the street.

You forgot my gun.

I didn't forget.
It stays here.
Judge's orders.

He said if you're unarmed,
you'll stay out of trouble
till you clear town.

He could be
right about that.

He never misses.
Good luck, Daley.

Hey!

Steve Daley broke loose.

You two boys, get him
inside. Come on, men,
I want him caught.

What was the
shooting, Judge?

Oh, just a couple of
cowhands whooping it up.

Nothing to worry about.

You're a liar.

You're worried it
might be some poor fool
who can't pay you off

before he gets to trial.

No, no, Cheyenne,
is that fair? I mean,

after the way I set
you up in this deal?

Kept all this
in your hands?

You're getting
well paid for it.

Three shares
in this company,
plus 5,000.

Pine Hawk, get the
saddlebacks in the carriage,
I'll be along in a minute.

I'll give you three more
shares if you arrange to let

Steve Daley escape
before sun up.

What?
You must be out of your mind.

I don't like unpaid debts.
Any kind.

Yes, but Cheyenne,
this is crazy.

All you need or want is
a dead husband, otherwise...

Stop sputtering
and listen to me,

there's nothing he can
do to hurt either one of us.

He'll be a fugitive
running from that noose.

That's the price
he's paying for his freedom
and he'll know it.

Mmm, I never thought of that.
You're right, my dear,
brilliant as always,

of course, I'll
try to arrange it.

Trying isn't
good enough, do it.

Yes, my dear, of course.

If you value your hide
as much as you do cash,

you'll keep this
little matter strictly
between us, understand?

Of course, my dear,
certainly.

Now, lock up and give the key
to Paul Morgan at the bank.

Why, certainly, my dear.

Hurry it up, John.

Karp, what happened?
That extra shot?

Did the deputy get
my reversal paper
off Daley's body?

Couldn't. Deputy
died too quick.

Died?
Mmm-hmm.

Instead of Daley. I missed.

Had to duck out when that
pal of his showed up

and stopped the
deputy with a bullet.

Karp, you've got to
get my paper back.

I'll be ruined if
Daley ever shows it.

Look, I paid you
$1,000 to kill him.

Well, I'll give you $5,000
more if you finish him
and get my paper back.

I've got to have it back.

You've given it to me.

Well, that's all right, that's
all right, but, are you sure
you can catch up with him?

I can catch up with anybody
I got a mind to, we'll see.

Yes, but, Karp, you haven't...

I'll get on Daley's
trail tomorrow.

No hurry.

Well, looks like
we lost 'em.

What's going on?

Hotel man says you're
supposed to hang
tomorrow for murder.

That's right, they framed
me into defending myself,

then threw me in
the jail, I had to get
married to get out.

Imagine me.
I thought you said
you got married.

I did.

Married? Steve,
you feeling all right?

I never felt better
in my life.

But, look, fellow, you was
in jail, not in a church.

You're Steve Daley,
always running away

from hot little mavericks
with wedding rings
in their eyes.

That's crazy. Nobody
gets married in jail.

Well, I did. The judge who
sentenced me arranged it.

Then he gave me
a signed piece of paper
reversing his verdict.

That's why they tried to
dry goat me, to get it back.

But, but, Steve...

Yeah?

You forgot to tell me
who you got married to.
Well, I don't know.

You don't know?
That's right.

But that ain't possible.

It is in Abilene.

How can a man marry a woman
and not know who she is?

She's got a name, ain't she?

Yeah, Mrs. Steve Daley.

All right, boys,
just keep your hands
on your saddle horns.

I thought we lost you.

You don't have to worry,
Daley, we're not the law.

Then who are you?

Does it make
any difference?

Yeah, it makes
a difference.

But, I'm not gonna
argue about it.

Let's go.
Where are we going?

Well, now, I don't
figure you want to argue
about that either.

Mister, I guess
you're right.

Let's go.

You come with me.

Take him over
to the bunkhouse.

No, sir.
Where Steve goes, I go.

It's all right, Podo.
If the man wants it private,
he can have it private.

I thought I'd seen everything.

My staff and I
welcome you, Mr. Daley.

I'm John Parnell.

Perhaps you've heard of me.

Parnell Fur
Trading Company?

That's right.
Then I've heard of you.

I used one of your hide
stations once, when I was
gunning a hunting expedition.

I thought you might've.

You can go now, Judd.

Why are you
kidnapping, Parnell?

Kidnapping?
Mmm-hmm.

Let us say, Mr. Daley,
that I sent for you.

Because I know everything
that's happened to you,
since you arrived in Abilene.

Everything?

Including your marriage.

But we'll... We'll talk
over some coffee.

Thank you.

I see you haven't eaten all
your meals at a chuck wagon.

I've mingled.

Your appreciation of
the finer things ought to
fit in well with your...

With your wife's culture.

You know her?
Oh, yes.

And speaking of her culture,
Cheyenne can be a superb
lady in a ballroom.

Indeed, even on a wagon train.

Eh, she's come a long way,
from a red man's teepee to...

Well, you might say
to a, to a palace.

What did you say her name is?

Are you telling me,
Mr. Daley, that you don't
know whom you married?

All I know is that
her name is Julia,

she's the widow of
a Boston man, the mother
of two small children.

She really took
you in, didn't she?

It's amazing
how clever she is.

What are you driving at?
Who is she?

Relax, my friend.

Li? The coffee.

Mr. Daley, your wife's name
is Cheyenne Julia O'Malley.

She's the offspring of a,
of a shrewd Irish fur trader,

and an Indian princess.

Daughter of a Cheyenne chief,
that's why she's
known as Cheyenne.

Her tribal name is
Princess White Deer.

And, Mr. Daley,
she's certainly never
married any Boston man.

In fact, she was
never married at all.

Go on.

Well, her father built
O'Malley Mercantile
and Fur Trading,

which has virtually cornered
the buffalo hide market.

That's a large order.
Sounds impossible.

A leader with
thorough treaties
with the Cheyennes

and his daughter's
blood privileges.

Never any raids on their wagon
trains, or hide stations
or company stores.

With all that,
why rush into marriage?

Oh, she had to. To keep
all that wealth and power.

It was in the old man's will.

He wanted to make sure that
Cheyenne got married
like any normal woman.

What are you
driving at, Parnell?

You.

You can take over
O'Malley Mercantile,
lock, stock, and barrel

anytime you want to catch up
with that wagon train.

And that, Mr. Daley,
is a husband's right.

There's no other law,
either white man's
or Indian's.

What do you figure
in this deal?

I want safe passage
through Indian territory

for my company's freight,
traders and hide stations.

Get me the same
treaties that she has.

Why should I?

If the satisfaction of
letting your wife know
that you outsmarted her

by staying alive to
exercise your rights isn't
enough for you, Mr. Daley,

you can walk
right out that door.

Just how far do
you think I'd get?

You'll never know
until you tried.

Well, I've had one
bushwhacking today, I don't
think I'll chance another.

Well, I'm glad we
understand each other.

I'll meet you in
Sheridan, at the end
of the O'Malley trek.

You can bring the
Indian treaties to me
at the Grover Hotel.

Li?

See that Mr. Daley and his
companion have a good
packhorse and ample supplies.

I assume, with
the law on your trail,

you won't risk letting
your wife know that
she's not a widow until

those wagons are well
out of this territory.

You can start assuming
that I'm not stupid.

While he's
about those supplies,
I could use a gun.

Yes, I was just
about to order it.

Li.

Let Mr. Daley pick the weapon
he wants from the gun room.

Oh, and see that he has
an escort to escort him out
of town on the right trail.

Just until you're
out of line of that posse.

You've thought of
everything, haven't you?

Well, of course, Mr. Daley,
you're my biggest interest,
at the moment.

What makes you think
you can trust me?

I'm sure you're
a man of your word.

Goodbye.

Oh, and good luck
with Mrs. Daley.

See you in Wyoming.

I know this is
an unusual assignment
for you, my friend.

Instead of doing away
with someone, I want
you to protect him,

to make sure he gets to
Sheridan, Wyoming alive.

However, he mustn't know
that he's being guarded.
This man would not like it.

Who is he?

He's a man who broke
jail in Abilene yesterday,

called Steve Daley.

Where do I find him?

He's on his way with his pal
to join the O'Malley
Mercantile's wagon train,

heading northwest.

Certain interests in
Abilene want him dead,
I want him alive.

It's worth $5,000 to me.

5,000? Well, this gives
him a 50-50 chance.

I don't pay off on
50-50 chances, Mr. Karp.

Only if Daley's alive
when that wagon train
reaches Wyoming.

Only if he ain't dead, hmm?

If I do keep him alive,
where do I collect?

I'll be at the Grover Hotel
in Sheridan.

Mmm-hmm.

Also, Mr. Karp, I want
Mr. Daley to stay healthy
on this wagon trip,

that's important, too.
Very important.

All right, Mr. Parnell.
We'll see.

I'm a fool
worrying about a fugitive.
I've got to forget him.

Whoa! Whoa!

Everybody take
10 minutes. 10 minutes.

You wanted to see
me, Mr. Pierce?

Yep. I wanna know
what's eating Cheyenne.

She ain't been the same
since we left Abilene.

She loved her father.
It wasn't easy to bury him.

Well, you don't have
to tell me that. But this
is something different.

Something that isn't natural
for her, even though
she is a woman.

You sure something else didn't
happen to her back there
besides burying her pa?

It's always hard to really
know what she's thinking.

You can say that again.

But if there's anybody that's
got her number, it's you,
even better than me,

and I've been with her
since she was weaned.

I wonder what's eating her.

You ask Cheyenne
if you want to know that.

I ought to know better
than to try to get
anything out of you.

Go on, get back there
where you belong.

That Indian blood always
has given her more
confounded meanness

than anything in pants
that ever lived.

She ain't a woman.
She's something made
out of fire and brimstone.

Ah, you're wrong, Tex.
You take another look.

She's a woman, all right?

Nothing that nature and
a good man couldn't harness.

If you're figuring on
falling in love with her kin,

just take another look at
that giant buck Injun,

then get smart and
change your mind, or pack
your gear and move on.

He, uh... He sure is
a lot of Injun.

I've seen him break
a man's back as easy
as she cracks that whip.

And wait till you see
when she's really got
something to crack it at.

Okay, okay. You've changed
my mind for me, old timer.

But I sure hope I'm around
when the right man shows up.

Yanks her off
her high horse.

Well, what did
Lem want with you?

You're not beholden to the
wagon boss and he knows it.

He sees you're troubled.
He asked what
happened in Abilene,

besides putting
your father to rest.

No, I didn't tell him.
Your marriage is
your business.

But Pine Hawk knows why
your heart is troubled.

You know, now you've
found the man you want,
a man who helped you,

and you let him
go to his death.

He had nothing to lose
helping me. He was a criminal,
tried and due to hang.

Since you presume
to read my mind,
I bought his freedom.

I was a fool.

Lem, get the wagons rolling.

Tell the men if they don't
make Low Creek Station in
two weeks, they'll get docked.

Two weeks?
You heard me.

Why, honey...

Now, don't start your
bellyaching, Luke.

You like her money,
and you heard what she said.

Come on, get it going.
Come on.

Whoa!

Pete.

Wake up.
Huh?

Do your sleeping
on your own time.
Get that team rolling.

Why, sure, honey. Sure.

Yah.

Hey, Steve, when
are you gonna quit stalling

and catch yourself up
with your wagon train?

Well, maybe today.

Guess it's not right,
my not letting my wife
know she's not a widow.

The wife you
told me about,

she might be the minute
you meet her face-to-face.

Oh, I figure it's gonna be
more interesting than fatal.

I wasn't thinking on
hurrying on account of hers,
it's that crooked judge.

If he wants you dead, he ain't
stopped trying to find a way,
I bet you, he ain't.

You expecting
somebody, mister?

Could be.

I know how you feel.
Been there myself.

How'd you happen
to hit our camp?

Smelled that bacon
cooking from over yonder
as I was passing by.

Kind of forsaken country,
ain't it, for a man to be
just passing by?

I ain't got a packhorse
'cause mine pulled a picket
pin two days back.

Been traveling real
short on grub, too.

Climb down and have
some breakfast with us.

Glad to have you.
Thanks. Coffee
smells real good.

Well, my name's Daley,
Steve Daley. This is Podo.

Karp's mine. Slow Karp.

Slow Karp.

I heard about
a Slow Karp. He's
a hired gunslinger, Steve.

A low-down horse thief
and road agent.

Your pal's got
something there,

except they've never been
able to hang any of it on me.

Men have got rights
to their questions,
so have you, Mr. Daley?

We don't want no low-down
horse-thieving...
Hold on, Podo, hold it.

He didn't have to give
his right name, did he?

No.

Well, then I guess he's
not gonna bushwhack us
or steal our horses.

Well, come to
think of it, I guess not.

Sit down, Karp.

Podo's just a little nervous
over a certain situation
that'll be handled all right.

Where are you heading?

Wyoming. Couple of friends
of mine got a hunting
job there for me,

supply game meat
for the hotels...

A long way to
be making it alone.

Well, I don't figure on
being alone pretty soon.

How do you expect to do that
in this lonesome country?

Heard in Abilene that
O'Malley Mercantile's got
a wagon train on a trail.

I think maybe I can catch up
and get a job with them.

Stick with us,
I'll get you that job.

You got a connection with
this O'Malley outfit?

Well, let's just say I have
a little interest in it.

Podo and I were
delayed in Abilene.

Yeah, we sure was.

According to the schedule,
the wagon train is just ahead,

we ought to catch
up with it today.

Suits my plans fine, thanks.

Just one catch, you're
gonna have to change
that name of yours.

Huh?

Yeah, you might as well
hang a sign on your back.

How's Slim Kramer?

That sounds good to me.

They wear war paint.

That's not for us.

Be just dandy, wouldn't it,
if they were giving my elegant
competitors some more trouble.

I can just see John Parnell's
face when he tells me
about it in Sheridan.

You could stop it.

And why should I?

Let Parnell and the others
take care of themselves
like my father did.

They've stopped the wagons.

And for what when we've
got a schedule to meet?

Sorry about
all your trouble, ma'am.
Having to bury your son,

but it's downright
against company orders
what you're asking me.

But please, you must help me
through to my husband
in Sheridan.

He settled some land for us
but he's down sick.

He needs me.

Sorry about your misfortune,
but I admire your spunk.

However, it's against
the policy of our company

to indulge
in the misfortunes
of settlers.

We're in a business,

a commercial business,
and we won't be saddled
with the frailties of women.

I know you must be,
Miss O'Malley.

But, please,
you're a woman too.

Lem, get her a team
of fresh horses and fix her up
with supplies,

and see that she gets a couple
of men to escort her back
to Abilene. But hurry it up.

Just a minute!

All right, ma'am,
don't you worry.

My wife, Mrs. Steve Daley,
has forgotten that

this is one of the policies
of our company changed
before the train left Abilene.

Podo.
Yeah, Steve.

Get down
and give the lady a hand.

Thank you, Mr. Daley.

My name is Sarah Mason.
Nice to have
you aboard, ma'am.

I take it
you're the wagon boss?

Yep. That's me, Lem Pierce.

All right, Lem, as soon as
Mrs. Mason's wagon is
organized

put her in the middle
of the train where we can keep
an eye on her.

Sure, I guess it's official.

Unless I hear something
from the contract...

You won't! It's official!

Nobody gives orders
in this outfit but me!

That was before you became
Mrs. Steve Daley.

All right, Lem, get going.

Looks like the judge
helped you after all,
Mr. Daley.

But I'm telling you to pile on
your horse and get out of here
before I rip you to shreds.

You won't be
needing this anymore.

The children and I
will pray for ya.

All right, fellows,
let's get rolling. Remember,

Mrs. Mason here, we now have
a lady aboard.

Follow!

Pine Hawk, where you going?

Don't need for Pine Hawk
to watch over
Cheyenne at night anymore.

I'm too sleepy
to wait any longer.
I'm gonna turn in.

Hey, Pete.
Huh?

You're gonna sleep
under the wagon
same as usual?

No, sir, not tonight.

I'd as soon bed down
under a volcano.
Good night, Steve.

Good night, Pete.

I know what you mean, Pete.
Good night, fellows.

You know, she ain't left
that wagon since
you joined up this afternoon.

Guess ought to warn you, son.
She don't give in easy.

So I've heard.
Good night, son.
Podo.

Night, Lem.
Night, old timer.

Well, guess from here on out,
I'll be sleeping
with strangers.

Good night, Steve.
Good night, Podo.

Good luck.

Five will get you 10, he
gets shot before he can crawl
over the tailgate, huh?

I'll take that bet.
You're on.

What do you think
you're doing?

I don't think, I know.
Going to bed.

You're not gonna sleep
with me.

Why not? It's legal.

You took me for better
or for worse.

I took nothing but your name.

That's too bad.

The trouble is

you don't know
what you're missing.

Why you...
Give me some of that pillow!

That's my Steve.
Cough up.

With pleasure, kiddo.

Hallelujah.
It finally happened.
What a man!

That's my Steve.

Stop what you're doing.
All of you.

I want
your attention.

You too, Pete.
Sure, honey.

In spite of what Mr. Daley
said and did yesterday,

I'm still the boss
of this outfit.

All we know, honey,
is when you finally woke up

you sure picked yourself
a heap of man.

Shut up, all of you,
and listen to me.

Daley is my husband
and that's all he is.

O'Malley Mercantile
is my business.

I'm still running it,
and paying your wages.

Sure, we know, honey.

You're fired, Pete.
Pack your gear
and get out of here.

You got your orders from me
this morning.

Those are the ones
you'll be paid for. Pete,

you take over Podo's job.
He'll be driving the
boss wagon from here on out.

Just a minute!

I said he's only my husband.
Apparently he needs
some convincing.

Pine Hawk, convince him.

Cheyenne, you can't do this.

Hold it, Indian.

I think you better wipe off
the war paint seeing as how

I sort of got
a personal interest
in Mr. Daley's welfare.

Thanks, Lem, but, uh,
you can put up the hardware.

If I have to whip an Indian to

convince my wife
that I'm wearing the pants
in this outfit

I might as well get started.

Well, if that's the way
you want it.

Steve, don't be crazy.
That's the way I want it.

Cheyenne, you gotta
stop this slaughter.

Don't like it, do ya?

Being a slave
to another man's squaw.

Now, where did your
meanness get ya?

Meaner, that's where.

So he's gonna
wear the pants. What can
I do to stop him?

No man's gonna make me
his slave.

What's the matter
with me, anyway?
Why did I forget it?

Of course,
my Indian blood brothers
won't let me down.

Right now, the
Cheyenne chiefs are riding
to gather at our station

for initial powwow.

That'll do it.

Yes, sir, Mr. Steve Daley.

You're gonna find out
pretty quick now

just who is boss
in this outfit.

Remember what I told you.
My father is dead, that's all.

My marriage
is none of their business.

Did you hear me?
I heard you.

Sure glad to get them
supplies on time
for a change, Mr. Daley.

Sure, Mr. Trimble, sure.

Well, those Cheyenne
sure seem
real friendly, Steve.

If they weren't,
I wouldn't be on this job
with my wife and kids.

He used to run
a station for Parnell
Fur Trading.

Then the same bunch
of Cheyenne burned us out.
Hides and all.

If I wasn't friendly
with them personal like,

they'd have had my family
scalped and dangling
from their belts right now.

Steve, you ain't going
over there, are you?

I wouldn't, if you don't mind
me saying so, Mr. Daley.

Cheyenne knows best
how to handle them.

Well, I'm sure not going
over there uninvited.

Since last meeting with you,
my blood brothers,

White Deer's
had much sorrow
and much happiness.

She's lost by death
her father

but gained by marriage
a husband.

Husband come on wagon train?

Yes, he's here,
over there by the station.

Want to see husband.

My people!

Always in the past, White Deer
has received you and talked
with you with her father.

And since his illness
before death, she has
powwowed with you alone.

There is no change.

Want to see husband!
Get husband!

We will make powwow with men,
White Deer.
Go back with other squaws.

White Deer understands.

Looks like
they're throwing her off
the board of directors.

Squaw!

How'd you do?
Sure look plenty peaceable.

I did all right, but
my wife had her feathers
shaken a bit.

Yeah, yeah, I see
the little maverick's
madder than a pistol.

Yeah.

I wonder what she'll
try to pull now?
Nothing you can't handle.

"Dear Paul,

"I want you to handle
something quietly for me.

"Tell United States
Marshal Hendricks

"I want him at my house
in Sheridan by the time
I arrive.

"You know our schedule.

"Tell him I will have
a prized fugitive
in tow for him.

"One I know he's looking for.

"Thanks, Cheyenne."

Pine Hawk
said you...

That you wanted
to see me.

Yes, Steve.

Sit down.

Well, what do you want
to see me about this time?

You

and me.
You and me?

That "and"
is certainly a novelty.

You're right in feeling
as you do, Steve.

But as for me, I guess

I've forgotten some
of the things
that really count.

Really?

Well, don't laugh at me,
please. Hear me out.

I'm listening.

I guess I've been
an ungrateful idiot.

But I'm smart enough to know
when I'm let.

I'm glad you took
the whip away

because I've decided that

now that I'm married,
it's time I took off
the buckskins and...

And became a woman.

You know,
I might buy that

after you tell me
how you're gonna
live up to it.

I won't interfere
with your bossing the outfit
anymore, I promise.

I'll take my place
as your wife, and that's all.

However, until I've proven
that you can trust me

and we can somehow
adjust our private life,

I think you'll agree
that our company's affairs
must go on productively.

You see, our interests
are so vast,
that when we're away,

they're handled by
the bank in Abilene.
Yeah, I know.

I, uh, made it my business
to find out from Lem.

Yes, of course.

That old rascal's
been conniving to bring me
to my senses

ever since
you whipped Pine Hawk.

That ain't the things
he told me about you.

Way back there
when you were
a half pint

and he gave you
your fist bath
in a real tub.

That ought
to be interesting now.

Oh, you would tease me
about that.

Listen to me, Steve,
this is important.

I must dispatch a letter
to Paul Morgan at the bank.
Mmm-hmm.

You see,

ever since I've had
to take over
from my father, I...

I've never really been able
to handle the men.

Never been sure
of our schedule.

But now you've changed
all that.

And I've got to let him know
the tentative dates are final.

Here.

Read this and you'll see
there's nothing in it
to hurt you.

I think I know
what you mean.
No, read it.

All right, if you insist.

"Dear, Paul, I find
my fears unwanted.

"We've made up the time lost
in Abilene

"because the men
are really wonderful
this trip, really cooperating.

"I'll have the hides there
per present schedule.

"Best wishes, Cheyenne."

Well, I read it.

Now what?

Will you call Pine Hawk
while I get it in an envelope?

He's waiting.

Yeah, sure.

All right, Pine Hawk,
come on.

Take this to Paul
at the bank.

Then take the trail
to Sheridan and get
the house ready for us.

And tell everybody to be
at the big party.

I want them all to meet Steve.

Then I meet you
at the carriage
the same as always?

That's right.
Now, make tracks.

Oh, it's wonderful.

You don't know how tired
I am of trying to do
a man's job.

That ought to hold you
for a while.

First time
I've seen you smile.
What's so funny?

Love.

What do you mean?

Well, I'm glad it
never hit me. I like alone.

Find yourself a little
redheaded maverick like I
got, you'll change your mind.

Good night.

You'll find out
love isn't a one-way street.

You'll find it out
on my terms.

How's it going? Hmm?

All right by me.

Well, we gotta be in Sheridan
in about a week.

Wagons will bypass it
and go into the main station
at the fort.

Yeah, you know, your woman
invited me to that party
she's throwing for you.

Meet all them bigwigs and...
Yeah.

Heard about that shindig.
Look, uh,

you're gonna give up
that hunt job and stay on
with us, Slow?

You've had a month
to think about it.

I ain't decided.
I ain't in Sheridan yet.

Take your time.
Oh, I will.

Stubborn jackass.

I don't know
what to do, Podo.

I don't even know
if I can get him to come
to my party.

You just leave him to me,
honey, I'll get him there.

He's got no call to treat
you this way.

I know what it is.

He's afraid of hurting me
in the company because

he's a fugitive, isn't he?

What do you mean fugitive?

He's got that paper,
ain't he?

Paper? What do you mean?

Well, the one the judge
gave him to marry you

calling off that
hanging buddy.

Oh, that one.
Yes, I'd forgotten.

Podo, Steve keeps that in
a safe place?

Don't you worry, honey.
It's never out of his pocket.

I just want him
to be safe always.

But I wouldn't mention
this little talk we had, Podo.

Don't you think he might
object to our discussing
his business?

He don't have
to know everything.

Now you stop
being unhappy.

Steve, don't you think
we ought to...
Simmer down, Podo.

We're gonna make
that party, all right.

Keep her guessing
and she'll appreciate as well
once we get there.

Tell your mistress
I'm here, Indian.

Cheyenne's invitations
were for 7:00,
Mr. Parnell.

You're much too early.

Just tell her I'm here.
You are early, John.

Or is it because
you couldn't wait
to ask me again?

Not exactly, my dear.

I think
that perhaps this year

it isn't necessary for me
to ask you to amalgamate
with my company.

Oh.

Not even to give me
the pleasure
of turning you down again?

It's hard to deny
you anything, Cheyenne.

Believe me, it is.
But I don't
understand, why?

Because this year
things seem to be different.

Different?

Of course you're joking.
No, my dear.

I'm very serious.

I think your...

Your husband might
influence your judgment
in my favor.

My husband?

Yes, of course.

I knew it would be
all over town
by the time we arrived.

I knew it before
you left Abilene.

And later, when your husband
broke jail, I arranged for his
escape out of the territory

to catch up
with your wagon train.

That's very interesting, John.
And I can guess
why you did it.

But I see my husband is
coming, so you wait right
in here till I get back

because I prefer to hear
all the details from you.

Don't go away.

Pine Hawk, the door.

Steve.

Steve, you did come.

Yeah. Yeah, I'm here.

Oh, I'm so glad, darling.

Come along and see
the surprise I have
especially for you.

Pine Hawk, see that Podo
makes himself at home.

What, uh, what kind
of a surprise?

Come along, darling,
you'll see.

Steve,

this is United States
Marshal Hendricks
from Abilene and his deputy.

Your wife sent for me, Daley,
through Morgan at the bank
at Abilene.

She didn't report
you were married but, uh,

I'm taking you back
to Abilene for that hanging.

Hmm.

Well, I guess I should've
straightened my wife out, too.

Especially since she sent you
on such a long trek.

Funny that
Judge Carr didn't, uh...

You were saying
something, Daley?

Nothing.

All right, Luke, get him on,
let's get going.

I don't think so, Marshal.
Neither do you.

Come on, Steve,
let's get out of here.

Don't be smart, Marshal.

Just wait a while
before you stick your nose
outside this door.

Steve,

I know
about the Marshal.

I could not let Cheyenne
do such a bad thing.

Steve, what happened
to your judge's paper?

I think I got an idea.
Thanks, Pine Hawk.
Let's go, Podo.

Cheyenne!

Oh, go away!

And you tell those
stupid people when they come
that there isn't any party!

Send them away!

Oh, what happened?

What's she
so hysterical about?

I only know, Mr. Parnell,
she said there is to be
no party.

Round up Slow Karp
and wait for me here.

Where you going?

Back to the party.
What?

Why not? I'm the host.

What took you so long?

The Judge's paper,

where is it?

Now, darling,

you don't think I went to all
that trouble stealing it
just to give it up?

But don't worry, sweetheart.

I won't let them hang you.

If you promise to be
a good boy and not try
to run everything.

So we can live
happily ever after.

No!

That's mine. Leave it alone.

I said leave it alone!

Get me...
Look...

Behave yourself.

Behave myself!

How can I, you bull-headed...

Let me go! Let me down!

No!

Oh!

Where is it?

I put it in this envelope.

It's got to be here.

It's gone.

Steve, what do we do?

I don't know who took it,
believe me.

I didn't really
wanna hurt you.

I love you.

Don't worry about it.

We'll find it tomorrow.

Hey!

If we're heading for Texas,
Podo, and the further south,
the better.

Texas?
Now that makes sense to me.

How about you, Slow,

wanna come with us?

Doesn't figure.
It just doesn't figure at all.

What doesn't figure?

A man running so far away from
something he wants so bad.

I've got my reasons.

That, uh...

It has to do with a

piece of paper.

You're coming with us?

Oh, I'd like to
well enough, but...

I've got something
to do in town.

Give me, uh... Say an hour.
Maybe less.

When I come back,

I'll check along
if you still wanna go.

We'll be here.

See you then.

Where's Steve?

He left.
I don't think
he'll return.

I'll have the horses ready
for us by the time
you've eaten.

The wagons will be waiting
at the pass.

Wake up, Podo.

You, uh, ready
to take off now?

Or maybe after you hear
what I'm gonna tell you,
you won't want to take off.

You know the paper
the judge gave you?

I just turned it over
to Parnell.

You what?

Mmm-hmm. Right now Parnell's
on his way to your woman
to make a deal with her

to buy it back for
half interest in
O'Malley Mercantile.

Yeah?
I know your woman.

She'll make the deal
to save your skin.

Now, you still wanna
go to Texas?

I think Parnell could be
mighty convincing.

Not with my
freedom he can't.

That paper belongs to me.

I've picked up myself
10,000 on the deal.

Come on, Podo.

Love.

I knew if you came back,
it would be here.

John Parnell is with
Cheyenne now.

You and Podo keep me covered
from the outside.

I don't think you have much
to worry about, my lady.

We should do very well
as partners.

Parnell Company and
O'Malley Mercantile
can become a powerful combine.

You would stick the Parnell
before the O'Malley.

Now give me Steve's paper.

With pleasure,

partner.

You're not bargaining with
my hide for anything.

Get out of here,

leave my wife
and our company alone.

You have the advantage
with me, Daley.

I have no gun.

You're not going anywhere.

Drop them guns, misters.

Drop them.

Steve.

Oh, Steve.

You look awful.

We've got to get the wagons
through the pass today.

What about our schedule?

Come here, you!