Daughter of the West (1949) - full transcript

[music playing]

Father Viejo, may I

disturb your meditation?

Certainly, Mother Lucretia.

Our Lolita is leaving

us within the hour.

Yes, I know, good mother.

Seems ironical she shouldhave chosen to teach school

on an Indian reservation.

Perhaps it is God's will.

She has Indian blood

in her, you know.

Do you intend to tell herthat her mother was Ramona?

No, good mother, I dare not.

Because some person

might remember that

Ramona was part Indian

and subject Lolita

to unnecessary humiliation.

Heaven forbid.

Here she comes.

I'm going to leave you

alone with her, Father.

Good morning, Father.

Good morning, my child.

Father, when I

think of going away,

I become so terribly frightened.

Why should you be frightened?

Are you afraid you mightfail to be a good teacher?

No, Father.

It's because I'll be leavingyou and Mother Lucretia.

But you'll only be leavingus for a little while,

to bring enlightenment

to the Indian children,

and through them

to their parents.

Yes, Father.

Bless you, my child.

Your mother would have

been proud of you.

You were my mother'sdearest friend, weren't you?

Yes.

That's why she sent you to me.

This cross was hers.

She asked that I give

it to you whenever you

began to face life on your own.

I'll wear it always.

Father Yale, Sister

Teresa has sighted

the coach on the hilltop.

Goodbye, Father.

Bless you, my child.

Goodbye, Mother Lucretia.

Goodbye, Lolita.

Goodbye.

Don't forget to write, Lolita.

I won't, Sister Teresa.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Navajo juction.

This is where you get off, Miss.

Are you sure this

is the right place?

Close as I come

to the reservation.

Was there someone

to meet you, Miss?

I hope so.

Guess they're late.

I hope Fort Defiance

isn't like this.

Say, since you're

going there, you

take this package in with you?

Name's on it.

Certainly.

Thank you, Miss.

All aboard.

Bye.

I'm certainly glad you came.

Warm, isn't it?

You'll get used to it, Miss.

These are my trunks.

They are?

Yes.

Pardon me, Miss, but wassomeone supposed to meet you?

Quite certainly.

I'm going to the reservation.

Weren't you to come for me?

No, Miss, I'm sorry.

I came for this package.

Oh, well then, you'll see thatit gets to its right owner.

Yes, of course.

I'll be glad to give you a lift.

That is, if you don'tmind riding in the wagon.

Thank you.

I'll be glad to

pay you anything.

That won't be necessary.

Navo White Eagle, Navajo

Indian Reservation Fort

Defiance, from Carlisle IndianSchool, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Carlisle, how interesting.

Do you know Navo White Eagle?

Yes.

I'd like to meet him.

Why?

Well, you see,

I'm a schoolteacher

and we might have

something in common.

I'm sure we-- I'm

sure you would.

Do you mind?

Wait a minute, that's

against the law!

But that's to be deliveredto Navo White Eagle.

It was.

Oh, then-- then you're--

Navo White Eagle.

I'm a Navajo.

I just returned from

Carlisle yesterday.

Well, you're one Navajo I won'thave to teach, Mr. White Eagle.

For your information,

Miss, it's

a tribal custom to call

everyone but the chiefs

by their given names.

Oh, all right, Navo.

And I'm Lolita, Lolita Moreno.

Well, look who Navo

brought back with him.

Don't tell me you broughta bride to the reservation.

No, this is Miss Moreno,

the new schoolteacher.

Lolita, this in

Mr. and Mrs. Banks,

who run the trading post.

Howdy do?

My dear, I'm simply

delighted to meet you.

And I thought that

you were an Indian.

You'll forgive me, won't you?

There is nothing to forgive.

I have much respect

for the Indians.

Well, so do we.

But most white girls objectto living in dirt houses

and being called a squaw.

Oh, no offense to Navo.

He's different.

He's and educated Indian.

Where shall I put

Miss Moreno's trunks?

Put them in the

spare room, please.

Oh, Navo, would you alsobring in those bolts yardage

you picked up for us?

Yes, ma'am.

Won't you come in, my dear?

Someday when you

have time, Navo,

I'd like you to show me

around the reservation.

Yes, Lolita.

Hey!

Very good, I'll take that one.

Yes, Mr. Connors.

Oh, Mr. Connors,

this is Miss Moreno,

the new teacher you engaged.

Mr. Connors is in charge

of the Indian agency.

The pleasure is

mine, Miss Moreno.

The Navajos can considerthemselves fortunate in getting

such a charming schoolmarm.

Thank you, sir.

I shall try very hard

to please everyone.

I'm sure you will.

I'm sorry, we thoughtyou were coming tomorrow.

I could have spared you sucha long, hot ride with only

an Indian for company.

On the contrary.

I enjoyed every moment

of the ride, especially

Navo's interesting tales of thegovernment school at Carlisle.

I've heard so much about

his accomplishments.

I met him for just

a moment yesterday.

You see, I was

appointed agent here

while he was away at school.

I'm sure you'll find

him worthy of respect.

Now, if, uh, you'll

excuse me, please.

Why certainly.

Come, my dear.

Pretty little filly, eh?

Yes siree, and curvedin the right places, too.

Yeah.

Hello, Navo.

Morning, Mr. Connors.

Sorry we couldn't havemore of a powwow yesterday.

You must spend an

evening with me

soon and advise me

on how to improve

conditions for your people.

It would be a pleasure tohelp you in every way I can.

Thank you.

Okeema, you change

since Navo come home.

I haven't seen Navo.

But you will.

He's been too

busy to see Okeema.

Good.

You belong Yuba.

Yuba show you.

Soon as I finish stuff forConnors, I come back for you.

Navo!

Well, my little brother.

And how's our mother, huh?

Oh, very happy

since you come home.

I go run errand for her now.

They say new white girl

here, and very pretty.

What does white want

on Indian reservation?

She's to be your

school teacher.

Panka not going

to school anymore.

Oh, yes you are, so that

when you grow up you'll

have a chance to go

to Carlisle, too.

Panka make up his mind

when he see teacher.

All right, run along.

And don't be long.

Panka run fast like antelope.

All right, hup, hup, hup!

Panka!

Come here!

Where you going?

Run errand, then home.

Navo back?

Yes.

Wait.

Rustic bridge?

Tell Navo meet me

there right away.

Maybe.

And don't you forget.

Hello, mother.

My big brave son.

Me see you make good trip.

Yes.

You think him good man?

I hope so.

You talk your plan with him?

Not yet, but I'm going to.

You see Okeema?

I've been too busy to seeChief Wykomas's daughter.

Yuba not too busy.

[inaudible]

Well, I think I

better feed the horses.

Whoa.

So you see, with

Mr. Connor's help,

we can someday enjoy

our reservation.

White Eagle, your

father be proud.

Oh, I almost forgot.

There's a new schoolteacheron the reservation.

So?

Very well-educated.

And pretty?

Beautiful.

What her name?

Lolita.

Lolita Moreno.

White girl.

Be careful.

You sit with Chief Wykomasin counsel tomorrow.

You rest now.

Navo can't rest yet, Mother.

Why?

Because Okeema wait for

him at rustic bridge.

She just told me to tell him.

Well, I better not keep ourchief's daughter waiting.

No.

She can make much trouble.

She been meeting you by bridge.

Panka!

It's a conspiracy.

I won't be long.

Navo!

Okeema, well, my little friendis grown in the last year.

And I've learned some ofthe things white folks do.

I've been wondering what itwould be like to kiss you.

And, uh, have you found out?

Yes, it was very nice,and I want to do it again.

Wait a minute.

Kissing isn't just a game, youknow, to be played for fun.

Okeema

Hello, Yuba.

So, Indian of much learningback on reservation.

If you think white man

way better than our,

why don't you stay there?

My place is here.

You go away before

you get in trouble.

Trouble?

How?

Okeema my woman now.

Ah, you're drunk.

That lie.

Are you bringing whiskeyon the reservation again?

That none your business!

I'll make it my

business if you don't

stop breaking federal law.

Hey, Ralph!

Mr. Connors?

Ah.

I thought it was somebody,instead of a stinking Indian.

What's the matter with you?

Tongue tied?

No.

Well, you can do

something besides grunt.

I've got more sense than toget drunk like a white miner.

What makes you

think I'm a miner?

That pick and shovel on

the pack burro outside.

They're yours, aren't they?

Yeah.

Smart boy.

Hey, come on Indian,

pull off my boots.

Pull off your own boots.

I told--

Pull off my boots!

I'll teach you to

respect a white man.

Now, come here, Indian.

Maybe you don't

know it, mister,

but striking an Indian

on a reservation

is a federal offense.

What's been going

on here, Navo?

He hit me with his whip becauseI wouldn't pull his boots off.

I guess he had one too many.

That crazy fool.

I'm sorry, Navo.

He must have gotten into mymedical supply while I was out.

I'm sorry, Mr. Connors,

it wasn't your fault.

I know, I know.

But he's my guest.

He had no right to takeadvantage of my friendship.

He's a good enough

sort when he's sober.

You leave this alone, Navo.

I want to talk to Mr. Morgan.

Sure, Mr. Connors.

Welcome back to the

reservation, Mr. Morgan.

What happened?

What happened.

You would get into a fightthe first day you get back.

I'll kill the Indian.

And get us both thrownout of Arizona territory?

You'll be a nice boy, or

we're parting company.

I thought you were

a friend of mine.

I am, but I'm not lettingfriendship spoil my future.

You'd no right to whip him.

First chance you get, youmake it up to him, see?

All right.

Get me another drink so Ican pull myself together.

Howdy, Yuba.

Well?

Indian council soon makeNavo spokesman for tribe.

Yeah?

How do you know?

Okeema at trading post tell me.

What else did you find out?

Hello, Navo.

Good morning, Lolita.

What's the matter

with your arm?

Nothing, just a little bruise.

Let me see it.

Just a little bruise?

You better let me

take care of it.

Very well, Miss.

That'll be all, Yuba.

Now then, did you find thatcopper load I told you about?

Did I. Wait till you see theore samples I brought back.

Go on, open it.

[whistles]

Why, there's enoughcopper in this reservation

to make us both rich.

But we've got to play ourcards carefully, meaning--

From now on I don't do any moredrinking on the reservation.

Right.

Now let's take a

look at this map.

I figure the principal

copper vein extends

from about here-- about there

Yeah.

That's a strip 20 mileslong, about five miles wide.

Why, it'll take a hundred yearsto get that much copper out

of the ground.

Yeah, but how do we

go about getting it?

I'm going to check the recordsand find out which Indians

own those precious acres.

And then?

We take whatever steps arenecessary to get title to 'em.

After that, we sell out to abig New York mining syndicate.

No.

Oh, here's a pretty one.

And Mr. Connors couldn'thave been more understanding.

He allowed me everything

I asked for the school.

That was nice of him.

Who is pretty white

girl with Navo?

She's Lolita Moreno,

the new schoolteacher.

While I was at the governmentschool, Chief Wykomas,

I learned why the white

man is our superior.

Why?

It's because he is educated.

He knows how to take a

small stream of water

and carry it for miles tobarren lands like ours,

so that food will grow.

He can make machines

to thresh the grain.

The hope of our people

education and progress.

If we want our white brothersto live up to their promises,

we must win their

trust and respect.

The Navajo Tribe must nolonger depend on charity.

Your words wise, Navo.

But how much you do withouthelp of Indian agent.

Very little.

But I've already

met Agent Connors,

and he wants to talk to me aboutwhat to do and the best way

to do it.

If he fail us?

Then with your permissionI shall go to Washington.

Good.

Navo White Eagle, it

is will of council

you be made member andspokesman for our people.

I'm on it, Chief Wykomas,

and I pledge my life to

the betterment of our people.

Why, if I with the help

of the great spirit,

our tribe will harvestlemons and other fruit trees,

which are food and medicine.

Good medicine?

Yes, good medicine.

Fruit juices will help preventblindness among our people.

[bell ringing]

That's all, children.

School is dismissed.

Miss Lolita?

Yes?

Love charm for teacher.

Why, thank you.

Goodbye.

This is the one, Mr. Connors.

My first name is Ralph.

That's the right place for it.

All right, Lolita.

Hello, Lolita.

Oh, I'm sorry, I-- I didn'trealize you were busy.

Oh, no, Navo.

Mr. Connors was just helpingme hang some pictures.

Howdy, Navo.

Hello, Mr. Connors.

I save a few trees

for the school yard.

Will you show me where

you'd like them planted?

I'd love to.

Excuse me, Mr. Connors.

Certainly.

Navo, this is a wonderful idea.

But how will you water them?

I'll carry water

to them, the same

as we did with

these shrubs until I

can include the school groundsin our irrigation system.

Then we'll be able

to-- why, Mother.

Navo.

Lolita, this is

my mother, Wateeka.

This is Lolita Moreno.

I'm very happy to meet you.

Navo speak much of

you and your good work.

Thank you.

My mother does

beautiful weaving.

Won't you come see it sometime?

I'd love to.

And my brother, Panka,he draws, also, eh Mother?

Why you not come

eat some night?

I'd be delighted.

You come sooner.

Mhmm.

No be late, Navo.

I won't, Mother.

Your mother's nice.

Thank you, Lolita.

Well, where would you

like them planted?

Over there.

All right.

Hey, I've read this Navajotreaty three times now,

and there's nothing

in here that says

an Indian can't sell

his land allotment,

except if he's under age.

Good.

Now, I'll give you the legaldescription to the land,

and you can tell me who ownsthe title to our copper.

With the greatest of

pleasure, my friend.

Ready?

The north half of Section 5.

North half of Section 5 iscovered by allotment number

1042, and is recorded

in the name of Okeema,

daughter of Chief Wykomas.

Looks to me like

you've been caught

in the wrong [inaudible].

Oh, no.

But watch me start courtingthe Indian gal for copper.

Now don't get

careless, Mr. Romeo.

I'll be careful, Jeb.

I'll play one against the other.

Hmm?

Okeema is stuck

on Navo, isn't she?

Yeah.

And he's making

calf eyes at Lolita.

Catch on?

Ah, huh, ah.

Hide these papers.

Hello, Navo.

Come in.

Thank you, sir.

If you're not too

busy, there's something

I'd like to discuss with you.

Never too busy to

talk to you, my friend.

Come on in here.

Thanks.

Howdy, Navo.

Hello, Mr. Morgan.

Say, Ralph and I were out thisafternoon looking at the crops.

We've never seen any better.

Well, thanks to Mr. Connors forgetting me the kind of seed I

requested.

Ah, the credit's

all yours, Navo,

for reclaiming those badlands.

Pull up a chair and tell

me what's on your mind.

Well, as you know, my

biggest dream is to make

my people self-supporting.

But I'm afraid you

can't make a promise out

of a race of hunters,

because not every Indian

will take to farming.

You're quite right, Navo.

And I suppose you've figuredout a way to do it, huh?

Ha, no sir.

Not me.

The way was provided

by the Great Spirit,

millions of years ago.

While at Carlisle, they

taught me how to study

soil and rock formations.

You mean you've

studied mineralogy?

Oh, just some of the

fundamentals, which

were included in

our geology course,

but enough to know that

the Navajo mountains

are full of copper.

Is that so?

You don't say.

Course, I only

made a rough survey,

but I'm confident that

with proper development,

there'll be independence

and security

for Navajos for years to come.

Well, of course it'll takemillions to develop mines,

but fortunately

for all concerned,

I have several good

connections with one

of the finest financialinstitutions on Wall Street.

And we can operate throughthe Department of the Interior

so that everything

will be above board.

I knew I could depend

upon you Mr. Connors.

And I'm sure my peoplewill be more than grateful.

However, it might

be a good idea,

Navo, to keep this quiet untilour plans are fully developed.

That makes sense.

Well, goodnight, Mr. Morgan.

Goodnight, Navo.

Goodnight, Navo.

I never did think it

was such a smart idea

to educate the Indians.

You don't think I'm goingto let one Indian cheat

us out of that copper, do you?

No.

And you got to get rid ofhim before it's too late.

Right.

But no violence,

except as a last resort.

Okeema, what are

you doing here?

Waiting for you,

wondering why you've

been a stranger to Okeema.

I've been very busy workingso that there'll be food

for our people this winter.

What will you do

after the harvest?

Then I'll go into the mountainsand work for our tribe.

Okeema wonders when you

will build hogan for us.

Patience has always been avirtue of the Navajo women,

but not with Okeema.

You say that because you inlove with white schoolteacher.

That's not true.

Education has made

a fool of Navo.

White girl won't

live in Indian hogan.

I'll never ask her to.

But that is what you dream.

For shame, Navo.

Your dreams are no longerthe dreams of a Navajo.

Don't go, Okeema.

I want to talk to you.

What do you want to talk about?

About you.

Me?

Yes.

The daughter of a

big chief shouldn't

be sad because an

Indian youth is too

blind to see how lovely she is.

Lovely?

I think you're beautiful.

Do you mean what you say?

Come to my office

tonight and see

the present I bought for you.

What did you buy for me?

Oh, no, you'll have tocome and see for yourself.

You are fooling me.

Am I?

[music playing]

Okeema.

Okeema!

Come here.

Have you Okeema's present?

Oh, yes.

But first I want to

show you something.

See that?

Mhm.

What does it say?

That says "United

States Indian Service."

Now, watch this.

See that?

Mhm.

That says Ralph Connors, everytime I make my thumbprint.

Now, I'll show you

how to say Okeema.

That's it.

Now try it again.

That's the way.

Once more.

Now, see if you can do it.

Okeema.

That's right.

Okeema.

Now then--

Okeema.

Close your eyes and don't openthem until I tell you to look.

Now you can look.

[gasp]

It's the prettiestnecklace Okeema's ever seen.

Okeema thanks you very much.

Okeema.

Okeema.

No, thank you.

The dinner was delicious.

It was so nice of

you to invite me.

Glad you come.

If you think this was agood, wait until the harvest,

eh, Mother?

Yes, and school

will be out then.

Yes, and you'll be

working in the field.

[thunder]

What's the matter, Mother?

It isn't like you to beafraid of a little lightning

and thunder.

Wateeka not afraid.

Me feel evil spirit.

Me feel evil spirit

long time now.

Last night blood on moon.

Well, it might rain.

I think I better cover

the farm equipment.

Excuse me.

Come on, Panka.

Panka!

Oh, sure.

That pretty cross.

It was my mother's.

She and my father died

when I was a baby.

I was brought up at

the Mission Capistrano.

Long time ago, me see

same cross like this.

San Diego Mission,California, a pretty girl,

eyes blue, just married.

My mother and father weremarried at the Mission San

Diego, and she had blue eyes.

Do you suppose it

was them you saw?

Me not know.

He call her Mahela.

Mahela was my mother's name.

Tell me everything you

know about her, please.

I know only that she wasbeautiful, modest, gracious,

kind, and that my father was aSpaniard, a handsome Spaniard.

Your father's name Moreno, eh?

Yes.

Then me not see your mother.

But you seemed

so sure at first.

What made you change your mind?

Girl I see married Indian.

Oh.

During the harvest Ishall go see Father Viejo.

Look, Ralph, I'm

getting tired of laying

around and waiting and waiting.

What are you going to do now?

You're not a very

patient man, Jeb.

Yeah, but--

Well, Navo, congratulations.

You're doing a fine

job with the harvest.

Thanks.

But I sure wish we

could get that new farm

equipment from Fort Defiance.

Can the Indian agency afford it?

I don't know, Navo.

We certainly need

it, Mr. Connors.

I know you do.

But we used up

most of our funds.

All right, Navo.

I'll get the papers readyand you can leave right away.

That's fine.

I'll see you in the office.

What's the idea?

While he's gone we'llarrange for harvest festival.

And while the Indiansare having their powwow--

We'll help them celebrate.

Father Viejo, what sortof a person was my mother?

One of the finest and lowblessed women I've ever known.

You told me her name

was Mahela, didn't you?

That is what your

step father called her.

But that wasn't her

real given name, was it?

No.

Her real name was Ramona.

Why did you conceal

the truth from me?

Only because I loved you,and wanted to protect you.

Protect me from what?

Was there something shamefulabout the union of my parents?

No, no, no, my child.

It was perfect.

But it ended in tragedy, becauseyour father was an Indian.

That was why I never toldyou your mother was Ramona,

because she was

part Indian, too.

Oh, Father, I'm so happy.

God's will be done.

Look, smoke!

Navo come.

Connors, smoke signal in sky.

Navo come.

I thought you sent

him to Fort Defiance

for some farm equipment.

I did, but I didn't expecthim back until later.

Get the wagon.

As soon as it gets dark, takethese chiefs out of here.

And don't leave

any bottles around.

This is the last one, Jeb.

You take over.

I've got to go and welcome Navo.

All right.

Put these land titletransfers back in the safe.

Much obliged, chief.

[singing]

Whoa.

Giddap!

Hello, Ralph.

Okeema.

Navo, Navo.

Navo!

Who's responsible for all this?

Why, I am.

I arranged it in your honor.

We've invited some of

the neighboring tribes.

I know you meant

well, Mr. Connors,

but don't you realizeyou'll undo everything I've

worked months to accomplish?

I don't understand.

Indians are like children.

They'd so much rather

play than work.

Navo is an educated

Indian Mr. Connors.

But you can't changecenturies of Navajo culture

with a store shirt

and corduroy trousers.

I'm aware of that fact.

They seem to be

delaying the powwow.

I-- I'm supposed to

make a speech about you.

Go ahead, but

please make it short.

Friends and Navajos, the Navajotribe is giving this powwow

to honor you, Navo, for

the bountiful harvest

you've made possible

with your knowledge.

And on behalf of the IndianBureau in Washington,

I want to compliment you forthe fine work you've done.

Thank you, sir.

Hello, Navo.

Hello, Lolita.

You should be very happy.

Should I?

What's the matter?

Don't you like my costume?

Don't you think

there are enough

Indians on the

reservation without you

masquerading as one?

But I'm not masquerading.

You see I--

Come, Navo! [inaudible]

is going to sing.

[SINGING] The autumnmoon was shining brightly

through the willow tree.

The autumn moon had promisedit would bring my love to me.

I'm hoping that when I sitthrough the willow tree

the autumn moon will

bring my love to me.

Navo, Navo, come quick.

Yuba's got chiefs drunkand putting them in wagon.

Where did you see this?

Back in Mr. Connor's office.

-Excuse me, Lolita.

-What's wrong?

You wait here.

I'll tell you later.

Where you going, Yuba?

Put wagon away.

Where are you

taking the chiefs?

You choke me.

What's going on here?

Look in the wagon, Mr. Connors.

I'd like to know wherehe was taking the chiefs.

He wouldn't tell me.

Oh, he'll tell me, or he'llrot in the reservation jail.

Panka, take the

chiefs to their home.

Yes, Navo.

I'm not blaming

you, but I gotta make

it look that way, understand?

Yeah.

Now where were you

taking the chiefs?

To hogans.

I want the truth.

I tell truth.

No you don't.

But maybe you will after youto spend some time in jail.

Morgan.

-Yeah?

-Here's the key.

Lock him up.

Then come back to my office.

Get going.

I'll take care of this, Navo.

Thanks, Mr. Connors.

Lolita.

So I'm really not blaming Yuba.

I'm sure he was acting

under somebody's orders.

You don't mean Mr. Connors?

Yeah, I'd hate to think so.

Could be Morgan.

You'll be careful, won't you.

Connors wants you to

ride to Fort Defiance

and stay there till

he gets rid of Navo.

Good.

[gunshot]

What's that?

I'll find out.

I did exactly as you told me.

That should do it, all right.

Yuba.

Couldn't make him talk,

so you shot him, huh?

I didn't kill him.

He couldn't, because

he was with me!

Yes he did.

Okeema!

I saw him.

That's not true,

and you know it.

It is true.

And I hope you're punishedby the white man's law.

She's right.

I saw him, too.

Under the

circumstances, Navo, I'm

afraid I'll have to arrest you.

Come along.

Lolita.

I brought you something.

Thanks, I'm not hungry.

Maybe you'll eat it later.

Maybe.

You're tired.

You didn't sleep

last night, did you?

Neither did I.

Lolita, I can't understand it.

You mean Okeema?

No, no, not Okeema.

I can understand

how she's jealous.

But Morgan--

Could it be because

you once had a fight?

No, there's more

to it than that.

Even Connors is

turned against me.

You're the only white

friend I have left.

Then Navo, I'm afraidyou have no white friends.

What do you mean?

Remember when I

went to Father Viejo?

Yes.

Well, he finally told

me my real ancestry.

I'm an Indian, too.

Please, be patient.

Have faith.

Everything's going

to be all right.

I'll be back.

Yes, Lolita.

Navo, spokesman

for tribe, council

wish he be tried Indian law.

Well, it's not the usualprocedure, Chief Wykomas,

however, as Indian agent

of this reservation,

I'll make an exception in thiscase and turn him over to you.

Because I know you'll be just.

Indian council always just.

I thought you were turningNavo over to a military court.

A court marshal would

never be able to prove

that Navo carried a gun.

That was my mistake, Jeb.

I should have told

you to use a knife.

Then we won't be rid of him.

Sure we will.

The tribal court will banishedhim from the reservation.

Navo White Eagle, council sayyou be banish from reservation,

from all Navajo, all time.

Our people never see Navo.

If you want talk,

council listen.

Since I can't produce

proof of my innocence,

I demand my right under triballaw to be tried by fire.

[inaudible].

You mean test of courage?

Yes.

[inaudible], make fire pit.

Chief Wykomas, I beg

you, don't let Navo

go through this terrible trial.

This tribal law.

But I tell you, he's innocent.

We find out.

Don't you realize what Navohas done for his people?

If it weren't for

him, your children

would be hungry and sick,your old and young dying.

You must understand.

Navo couldn't have killed Yuba.

He was with me when

the shots were fired.

Schoolteacher love,

not save, Navo.

Can't you see?

Morgan was lying.

I'm telling you the truth.

I swear I am.

Okeema say Navo shoot Yuba.

Lolita.

Shh, you must rest.

Somebody must stop Morganand Connors from doing

what they're planning.

I've got to--

Don't worry.

They'll be taken care of.

Thank you, Panka.

Now remember, don't tell

anyone where I'm going.

Panka be still like turtle.

And take good care of Navo.

Well, goodbye.

Bye.

Sure messed up our

plans for letting

Indian council handle Navo.

How do you mean?

--[inaudible] told me thecouncil found him innocent?

How could they?

They evidence was

all against him.

He demanded the test by fire.

And walked through

the fire pit?

He did.

Now Navo swears he'sgoing to find Yuba's killer

and make him confess.

Liable to spoil

everything for us now.

Ah, don't worry.

He gives us any trouble, youcan fix him like you did Yuba.

I should have fixed

him instead of you.

You can take of him afterI've gong to New York.

Still figuring to

take Lolita with you?

Sure.

I'll get the padre inFort Defiance to marry us.

Well what about the prettylittle Indian girl, Okeema.

To show you what a good friendI am, I'll give her to you.

Wateeka!

Okeema.

Okeema, what wrong?

I have sinned against myfather, my people, and Navo.

Navo?

Yes.

I lied about seeing him

shoot Yuba because I

was jealous of Lolita.

It's my fault he had

to walk through fire.

How your fault?

I'm about to

disgrace our people.

How?

Mr. Connors is-- is goingto marry Lolita and take

her away from reservation.

So?

He said he would

marry Okeema and she

will soon bear him child.

Okeema.

I was outside andcouldn't help overhearing.

And I'm partly to blame.

I drove you into Connors

arms by my-- my dream

of marrying Lolita.

So tomorrow you and

I will be married.

No, no, Navo.

I won't let you wed when

you're in love with her.

Then I shall tell

your father and we

will abide by his decision.

Give me till

tomorrow to decide.

Please, Navo.

All right, Okeema.

You'll give me your

answer at sundown.

Navo, Wateeka proud you.

Colonel Harlow, there's

really something wrong.

You've got to stop Mr. Connorsand Morgan from whatever evil

they have planned.

Captain [inaudible].

Take your men and pick upRalph Connors and Jeb Morgan

and bring them in

for investigation.

And have Navo and Chief

Wykomas and his chiefs

stand as witnesses.

Yes, sir.

I suggest, Miss Moreno,that after your long ride,

you remain here

in Fort Defiance.

I'm sure Mrs. Harlow would bepleased to have you with us.

Thank you, Colonel Harlow.

Goodbye.

Navo, Navo!

Indian girl jump off cliff.

Where?

Above rustic bridge.

Ho.

Ho, [inaudible].

But if it is, then

Connors killed her

even though he was miles away.

No time for revenge.

Time for sorrow.

You're right, Mother.

What are those

Indian women doing?

Looks like they're

preparing for a burial.

Right across the

road from my office?

I know it's against

the law for them

to raise their dead onthe reservation compound,

but looks to me that's

what they're doing.

Well, I'm going to

put a stop to it.

Hey, wait a minute.

What's that coming over there?

You know Chief Wykomas

better than I do.

Tell them they have

to bury their dead away

from the compound.

Yes, Mr. Connors.

Chief Wykomas, I bring youa message from Mr. Connors.

What he say?

You can't raise a

body on the compound.

It's forbidden, you know that.

I'll talk to Connors.

Chief Wykomas wishes to raisethe body of his daughter,

Okeema, on the compound.

Okeema.

Yes, she's dead,

found this morning

at the bottom of a cliff.

But why does Chief Wykomaswant to bury her over there?

Because he knows that you'reresponsible for her death.

Many moon we obey white man.

When white man break own law,time Navajo use Indian law.

And for many years, theNavajos had starved and wandered

from place to place.

The white man's law has taughtus how to cultivate the land

and have given usschools for our children.

Are we going to give up

all this for the wrongs

of two white men?

Much what Navo say

true, but Okeema dead.

Chief Wykomas?

Wykomas listen.

Colonel Harlow has sent

me to get Mr. Connors

and Morgan for investigation.

He requested you,

your chiefs, and Navo

be present at their

trial as witnesses.

Navajo tribe white men.

As spokesman for our

council, I believe

we shall obey Colonel Harlow.

We go.

Come on.

Let's get out of here.

All right.

Well, Connors, I'm glad tosee you're ready for your ride

back to Fort Defiance.

Let's go.

Colonel Harlow, I

have no case to sum up.

The evidence against

the defendants

is too conclusive for rebuttal.

So they wish to throw themselvesupon the mercy of this court.

Captain [inaudible], would youbring me those fraudulent land

title transfers.

The discovery of

these documents,

bearing the thumbprints

of Chief Wykomas,

his daughter Okeema, sincedeceased, and three of his sub

chiefs, in possession ofConnors following his capture,

proves his participation, aswell as Morgan, in these crimes

of fraud and murder.

I regret the crimescommitted by these defendants

are of such heinous nature,that any mercy by these court

shall be denied them.

It is therefore the

sentence of those court,

that the defendants, RalphConnors and Jeb Morgan,

shall be executed by a firingsquad at dawn tomorrow.

All right, come on.

Good.

White man law fair to Navajo.

Council proud your.

Navo, I've recommended yourappointment as Indian agent

for this reservation.

Why, thank you, sir.

Goodbye.

Goodbye, sir.

Well, there it is.

Wonderful, isn't it?

Yes, but there's

only one thing wrong.

What's that?

It should read Mr. and Mrs.

That can easily be arranged.