Rachel and the Stranger (1948) - full transcript

♪ In O-he-O-hi-O-ho ♪

♪ There's a girl
I used to know ♪

♪ I don't think much
but when I do ♪

♪ I think about
that girl I knew ♪

♪ In O-he-O-hi-O-ho ♪

♪ In O-he-O-hi-O-ho ♪

♪ I'll be in Maine
on Sunday ♪

♪ On Thursday Tennessee ♪

♪ In Fundy Bay on Monday day ♪

♪ And be back
by half past three ♪

♪ In O-he-O-hi-O-ho ♪



♪ There's a girl
I used to know ♪

♪ I don't think much
but when I do ♪

♪ I think about
that girl I knew ♪

♪ In O-he-O-hi-O-ho ♪

♪ In O-he-O-hi-O-ho ♪

♪ My night cap
will be Capricorn ♪

♪ I'll snuff
the northern light ♪

♪ I'll blow the morn
on Old Cape Horn ♪

♪ And be back by Tuesday night ♪

♪ In O-he-O-hi-O-ho ♪

♪ In O-he-O-hi-O-ho ♪♪

Hello, Jim.

It's hail and farewell,
young Davey.

A drink from your pond, a kiss
from your beautiful mother



and I'm on my way.

She... Ma ain't here.

That's why the wash hangs out
all night, eh?

Where is she?

She was sick a while.

A good while for her
to have her let the apples

ripen on the tree
for bird food.

And then she... then she died.

And your pa? What about your pa?

He's been sittin' up there

just sittin' for
I don't know how long.

Won't eat, won't move
and won't talk.

Maybe, uh...

Maybe him and you better
strike out up north with me

for a winter of huntin'.

Jim, you mean it, huh?
You mean it?

Well, now...

Here, you take
the rest of these clothes in.

I'll go up and talk to your pa.

You mind if I say
a few words, Big Davey?

I reckon you loved her too
in your own way.

I never reckoned
I'd be as miserable as I was

the day you won her.

But now you lost her.

She always thought to be buried
in a proper graveyard.

Church singin' and flowers.

Leave! Go!

What'd he say?

These weeds around here grows
as fast as... weeds.

You ought to clear 'em out,
they'll smother

your mother's flower bed here.

You mean,
we ain't goin' with you?

Now, young Davey,
you wouldn't wanna grow up

wild and woodsy,
like a weed, would you?

Weeds grow faster than flowers
and tougher too.

Susan was always afraid
her kids would grow up woodsy.

I reckon that's why she decided
on your pa instead of me.

I wouldn't want to go
and change that.

So I'll be back in the spring,
young Davey.

You take care of your pa
until then.

Bye, Jim.

Goodbye, Davey.

♪ And I'll be there in... ♪

Pa, how long you gonna
carry on this way?

Davey, it looks to me
like you ain't put

soap and water to your face
in a week.

I reckon I could
stand a shave myself.

"Births and Deaths."

Back East kin folk gather around
for funeral doings.

You wouldn't know, Davey, but
it makes the heart a lot easier.

Jim says, "Why don't we all
strike out North?

For a winter
of huntin', maybe."

Davey, this is no time
to go huntin'.

I want you this write this
in careful-like.

So you remember your ma.

Just say...

"Susan Harvey.

Died, October 15."

Of fever.

"Of fever, age 28."

This all you want in here?

Better add "North-west territory."

It's turnin' colder.

Back'. Back!

Now you stay back.

Davey!

Dave!

Pa! Pa! I'm here!

You come with me.

You gave the Cabin's-In-Danger
whistle, Pa.

I did?

Where are we goin'?

Saddle up.

Don't see no danger.

Blaze's liable to act up after
bein' out all winter.

Hand me that halter.

That's not Cabin's-In-Danger
kinda danger, Pa.

Maybe not. Come on.

You told me I shouldn't use
Cabin's-In-Danger whistle

unless it was life and death
danger, Pa.

You said it was special.

Cabin can be in danger
in more ways than one.

Don't see no danger.

We're proper farmers, Dave.

Not woodsy folk.

A man goes bad if he can't have
bread with his meals

and a stitched garment
on his back.

Hold him. Musket.

Your ma had reading
and writing and a little music.

The menfolk in our family
were smiths and farmers

and maybe a doctor
or the preacher like...

- But not no-account.
- I'm gonna be a hunter.

I'm goin' off to hunt
and trade with the Injuns.

- Don't you ever say that again.
- Why not?

'Cause you're not to forget
that you're a Hannah.

On account there's gonna be
a lady around the cabin.

- Pa!
- You go on, get cleaned up.

We're riding to the stockade
to get me a wife and you a ma.

I won't have no other ma!
The devil, I will!

Dave, you swear again and
I'll tan the hide off of you.

You see if I don't. Now, get!

- And don't forget your shoes.
- The devil, I will.

Hey, Bob.
Somebody wants to come across.

Look, Pa, if you was to wanna
change your mind and go home...

I don't. Lead him on.

I wonder what she'll be like.

- Who?
- Your new wife.

Could be most anybody,
I reckon.

Big and fat like Mrs. Rictor.

- Or a scrawny old bag of bones like some.
- Yeah.

I sure hope she don't
whistle when she breathes

or she's fat like Mrs. Rictor.

Davey, you chatter
like a chipmunk.

We gotta take whoever
we can get to take ya, Pa.

- Welcome, Big Davey!
- Howdy, Chad?

- Any Injun signs?
- No, clear all the way.

How be Sister Susan
these days?

- Good afternoon, Big Davey.
- Good afternoon, ma'am.

- How you've been, Big Davey?
- Howdy.

Well, if it isn't
Big David Harvey.

Afternoon, Mrs. Rictor.

And without Susan?

Yessum.

- Going to see the Parson?
- I reckon.

I ain't so sure Parson Jackson
will cotton to this, Pa.

Yeah, me neither.

Who is it?
Up above you, heavenwards.

Oh, Brother Harvey,
it's a long while

since you came in
out of the wood.

Tell me. What brings ya?

How goes the planting
with you?

And how's my little beauty,
Susan?

Parson, could I have a word
with you, private?

Ah.

Marthy!

Come brew a pot of sassafras

for Brother Harvey.

- Will of the Lord.
- I'll speak a word Sunday.

We wrote it into
the Bible proper.

What do you plan to do?

Well, I told myself
I gotta raise the boy

the way she wanted.

Proper raising,
with Bible readin' and writin'.

You told yourself right,
Brother Harvey.

Only a man with 30 acres cleared
and a 100 more to clear and...

well, crops to be put in
and meat to be hunted

can't raise a boy proper.

Reckon that.

What you need's a wife.

Ah-ha!

Oh, I've been fightin' it.

Only it's easier spoken of
than did, Sister Jackson.

Unless you wait
for new womenfolk

to come from back east.

Oh, I get my mind set.
I-I'd rather not wait.

There might be none either.

- There's the widow Rictor.
- Parson Jackson.

Well, brother David
didn't say he wanted beauty.

He needs a wife.

We can wait for Milly Plan
to grow up.

Oh, 15's a might too young

to take on a widower's
responsibilities.

- There's Goody Cosgrove.
- Now...

And five kids to go with her.
Parson, you're a fool.

Miss Jackson,
when it comes to a man

choosin' a ma for his boy

he wants a woman
with experience.

We can get along, Pa and me.

The bondwoman.

I hadn't heard about any
bond servants in these parts.

Yeah, Mr. Green got her for
1,000 bushels of parched corn

from some river traders
last autumn.

There wasn't, but one woman
around the Green's house then.

Young Matt's got married since.

I don't see as Mrs. Green
needs anyone anymore.

You could likely pick up
this bondwoman for yourself

at a bargain price,
Brother David.

Yeah. Sure.

I could buy a bond servant
instead of a wife.

I was thinking
she'd make a fine wife.

Decent church folk don't live
together man and woman

under the same roof
without marriage.

Oh, no, no. Sure not.

You're not only getting yourself
a wife and Davey a mother...

I don't want any other mother.

But you're buying another
human being out of servitude

such things ain't forgot
later on, Brother David.

- Yeah, but I, uh...
- Put pride behind thee.

After all, it ain't
for love you are wedding

but to have a woman
on the place.

That's true enough.

I'll go along
with you to Brother Green

and make the bargain.

Ma, you better come along too.

There's some human female
questions in this

that I ain't prepared
to handle.

Davey, run over to the store
before it closes

and see if anything
came in for us.

Now, get.

Well, hello, young Davey.

You holding anything for us
from the east, Mr. Gallas?

Sit and rest, son.

I'm in a mighty big hurry.

Oh, you young'uns can be
in a hurry anywheres

even on the far side
of nowhere.

Three months by sea,
five by land and river

three months of sittin' here
wait to be took

and young David Harvey,
he's in a hurry.

- What's your hurry, son?
- I can't tell ya.

Well, there you be,
Mr. Impatient.

All the way from Paris, France.

I wonder what it is.

- Thank you, Mr. Gallas.
- All right.

Oh, I forgot.

Mind you don't sell
all them sugar hearts.

Pa promised me some
sugar hearts, Mr. Gallas.

I'll put some aside
for you, Davey.

Thank you, Mr. Gallas.

You wouldn't like for me
to take one on account?

On account of what?

On account I ain't had one
in so long

I forgot what they taste like.

Here. Skedaddle.

Thank you, Mr. Gallas.

No, Big Davey, I gotta have
18 dollars now and four in the fall.

I'll be making a profit,
not selling to loss.

Now looky here.
Suppose I pay off three dollars?

No. 18 dollars now and four later.

I can't afford any more.

Come out here, girl,
where he can see ya.

I stitched her two dresses.

When we got her, she didn't
have a thing to her back.

Four dollars.

I'll give up my fees,
Brother Harvey.

Give Brother Green
his flesh money

and I'll marry you
for nothin'.

Marriage?

All right.

Eighteen now
and four in the fall.

- I'll take it.
- Done.

How old is she?

25 and good health.

Except she talks to herself.

Do you talk to yourself?

I guess I do.

- What's your name, girl?
- Rachel.

- Rachel.
- Well, let's get along.

Ceremony will be the first
thing in morning

so that you can get
an early start.

You're welcome to stay at
the parsonage with us, Brother Harvey.

- Thank you.
- Get yourself a wife, Pa?

Yeah, I-I reckon so.

Kinda thin, but...
not bad lookin'.

We're gathered together
in the sight of the Lord

and these people to join
together this man and this woman

in holy matrimony.

Anybody here has any reason
why these two

should not be joined together,

let him speak now or forever after
hold his peace.

Rachel
do you take this man, David

to be thy lawful wedded husband?

I do.

David,
do you take this woman, Rachel.

To be thy lawful wedded wife?

I do.

- Speak up.
- I do.

Put the ring on her finger.

Now by the powers
of the voice

that I try to bring
into this wilderness

I hereby pronounce you
man and wife.

Oughtn't we be gettin' on, Pa?

I reckon the stock needs
watering. I'll fetch the horse.

Don't forget to get this
young'un his Bible teachin's.

Thanks for the use of the ring,
Mrs. Jackson.

I'll walk you to Mrs. Green's
for your things, Rachel.

David Harvey's decent
and hardworking.

He ain't gonna be impatient.

I think I can make him
a good wife.

I do too, girl.

I trust, Brother Harvey, you'll
be tolerant easing this girl

into her duties.

Oh, yeah. Of course.

I've seen love take seed
in rockier ground than this.

But sometimes, it takes
mighty tender cultivation.

Oh, I ain't anxious
in that direction, Parson, uh...

on account on Susan, I mean.

Don't expect any more than
you would of a bondwoman.

Well, Blaze only rides two,
and if one of them's Dave...

Pa, is it fittin' a bondwoman
should ride and you walk?

Well, I'm used to walking.

Well, anyway it ain't fittin'
a woman should ride astraddle.

No need to ride to the barge.

- Thanks, Parson. Goodbye.
- Goodbye, Mr. Harvey.

- Lord be with you.
- Goodbye, Rachel.

I hope we did the right thing.

Amen, Marthy.

Best of luck, Big Davey!

My second one was skinny too.

Pa, what's a bondwoman exactly?

Well, uh... maybe she can
say it better than me.

I-I'd rather hear
what you think.

Is it like a slave?

Well, you do have to put out
the money for both of 'em.

Ain't that so?

Yes.

Difference is that, well,
slave don't get no pay

but a bondservant can get
enough to pay her worth

and... and she can buy herself out.

Where is she gonna get the money
if you don't give it to her?

- Well, that's true, too.
- Then where's the difference?

- Well, if you...
- Difference is that...

You'd better say.

I was just gonna say
the difference is that

I couldn't leave anyhow.

Why not?

'Cause I'm your wife now, too.

Oh...

- I'm hungry, Pa.
- Well, so am I.

But you gotta take care
of Blaze first.

You must be hungry yourself.

I'll go first.
Light the light.

Eh. Out of here.

Come on. Get out. Get out.

Hush up, Musket.

You'll find things
in kind of a mess.

Tell me where I should put my
belongings, I'll make supper.

Uh, well there's only one room
besides this one.

Put your things in there.

Davey can sleep in the loft.

Pa, this here parcel
was meant for Ma.

Uh, put it inside
and save it till after supper.

Stock needs feeding.

"Susan Harvey."

- I don't understand it.
- Ticks to and fro.

Regular as music.

- That's what it is, Dave.
- Music box?

No, your mom sent away
for some new contraption

to give you music lessons by.

I guess I won't get
no music lessons now.

We took a lot of trouble
bringin' this spinet out here.

It belonged to her pa.

Drug it by boat, by wagon,

finally by sledge
all the way from the stockade.

Oh.

Davey and Jim Fairways and me
cleared a path the whole way.

Little music after supper
is a mighty proud thing.

Do you recollect, Davey?

Uh-huh.

If you close your eyes
and listen to that tickin',

you can almost hear
her playin'.

Pa, I'll never love any other
woman like I did Ma.

Go to sleep, Davey.

- Goodnight, Pa.
- Goodnight.

- Oh.
- We better turn in.

I'll put up by the fire
for the time being.

Mr. Harvey? Davey?

Go away! Shoo! Shoo!

Oh...

I hope you're loaded and I hope
you know what you're doin'.

Oh!

Sounds like the new girl's
finally up and about.

Better go take a look.

Guess I couldn't hit
the broad side of a barn.

Ma, she could shoot anythin'.

It's not so good, me not bein'
able to shoot, huh?

Uh, it's like the boy says,
Susan could take care of herself

but I reckon with you, it's
gonna be a little different.

- Yeah.
- I reckon she can't even whistle.

Uh, we got a Cabin's-In-Danger
whistle. I'll show you.

Oh.

Y-you try it once now.
Go ahead.

Uh, like this?

Oh...

Uh, uh, t-try it
with two fingers.

Like this, under your tongue.

Mm-hmm.

- That was good, Davey.
- Yeah.

- Well, you'll get on to it.
- Yeah, yeah, I'll learn.

Maybe you could help me, Davey.

Come on, Pistol.

He'll come around by-and-by.

- I'll get breakfast now.
- Had it.

Oh, then I'll get right
to the milkin'.

I've done it.

- The firewood?
- Yep.

You'll need a spell
to come to know what's expected.

- Oh, you mean chores?
- Uh, yeah.

It's more than just chores,
I reckon.

Yeah, I reckon.

I expected so, Mr. Harvey.

It's, uh...

- Well, it's... it's appearances.
- Yeah?

Ain't easy to speak out,
but we might as well

talk about it now and we won't
have to go over it later.

You see, there was something
special about us.

About me, that is.

The way I look at it,
building a homesite

ain't just doin'
what you gotta do.

There used to be
a flower garden here and

she was gonna
lay some flat stones

so the floor wouldn't get
so tracked up.

Oh, that's nice.

Cabin's just a cabin,
but it's, it's got

a cellar like a house has,
foundation like.

It's like giving the boy
readin' and writin'

and arithmetic

saying grace before meals.

It's, well,
keeping up appearances

no matter how deep
you get in the wilderness.

I understand.

Is that all?

I reckon you'll have trouble
with your hands at first.

And it ain't fittin'
that you're so frail

you oughta fill out a little.

I'll see to it, Mr. Harvey.

You sure got a mess of hair.

That's all I got to say.

Except one other thing.

At noon time, Susan used
to come down to the fields

where I was clearing.

That's what I was wonderin'
about mostly.

- What's that?
- Well,

whether I was just expected
to do the chores

and give the boy
his schooling or...

- Yeah, sure.
- Or was more expected?

Well, you know other things,
like... like, comfort

and... and knowin' your moods and,
and planning things together.

Well, things a bond servant
wouldn't likely do.

Like goin' out to the fields
at noontime to see her husband.

Well, the only reason Susan came
out was to bring me my meal.

I'll... I'll bring your meal,
Mr. Harvey.

- Good mornin'.
- Maybe.

Morning, Davey.

Come on, Pistol!

Ho!

Must've had most
of these cleared.

Yeah.

Well, I'll be getting' on back.

Come on! Come on, Pistol!

David, did you have a good day?

Uh, yeah.

Are you hungry?
Are you hungry, Mr. Harvey?

- Yeah.
- That's good.

Goodnight, Mr. Harvey.

- It don't seem fittin', Pa.
- What don't?

Always seemed to me
the master of the house

oughta have the best place
instead of on the floor.

Yeah.

If she's to take the loft

you and me could share the room
like last winter, Pa.

She's got
little enough comfort, Davey.

Come on, Pistol.

And a good morning to you too.

Now, don't go talkin'
to yourself

even if he don't open his mouth
for months on end.

Don't start talking to yourself.

It ain't fittin'.

You're the one.

Maybe if I could get to know you

through you, the boy
and through the boy, his pa, th...

Well, talking to a gun
ain't like talking to yourself.

If I could just learn to handle
you without anybody hearin', th...

Hit the candle.

Hmm. Pretty good
if we'd meant it.

- Rachel?
- Yes, Mr. Harvey?

How's the boy doing
with his schoolin'?

He's bright.

Pa, did you hear
anything queer today?

Yeah, I meant to ask.
You hear it?

Hear what?

Well, as near as I could figure
it sounded like

one time back home when a jug of
cider busted open in the attic.

Sound comes from the north,
I reckon.

I reckoned it southernly.

Uh, yeah, someone shootin'

in the next valley, I reckon.

- Yeah, I reckon.
- Yeah, I reckon.

Come on, get over there
and jump through.

That's it, come on, over.

Over. Jump over it.

Jump over.

All right, Davey. Schoolin' time.

Jump over it, Pistol, come on.

Jump through.

Davey!

Why the devil
won't you leave me alone?

Please don't swear.
Your pa don't like it.

I'll swear like I want to,
Rachel

And you ain't gonna tell me
to not.

Davey, I want you
to know something.

I ain't trying
to steal your ma's place.

- You better shouldn't.
- Not with you nor your pa.

- You couldn't if you wanted.
- I know that.

It's gonna seem
mighty queer to Jim.

Who is Jim?

Jim Fairways.
A friend of the family.

Oh. Well, what's gonna seem
queer to him?

Me in the loft, Pa, the master
of the house on the floor,

with you taking the best room
all to yourself.

- Oh. It ain't fittin'?
- No, it ain't.

You think
I oughta take the loft?

When Jim comes,
maybe Pa will listen to him.

Maybe so. Maybe so.

But in the meantime,
I gotta do my chores.

I gotta do what's expected,
teach you your schoolin'

and try to keep cheerful.

Oh, Davey, one of the reasons
your pa wanted me here

was so I could
sorta mother you.

The devil it was.

You're a bond slave,
that's all.

Pa bought ya, I seen him
through the window

when he paid out your price.

You was 18 dollars and four owing.

You can go out today, Davey,
without your schoolin'.

Zowee! Come on, Pistol!

Come on, Pistol.

Mr. Harvey?

Is right here all right?

Well, hello, Musket.

Takes Musket a while
to get along with strangers.

How long do you think
it'll take?

Uh, Mr. Harvey, I...

I been concerned about
your sleeping by the fireplace.

No need to be
concerned about that.

Oh.

'Course,
when I was at the Greens

I... I-I did sleep in the loft.

Hadn't thought about that.

Davey and me could share
the big bed,

and there'd be no one left over
to sleep on the floor.

Would it be more fittin', huh?

Sure, you're up first
with the milkin' and breakfast.

That's right.

You know that way
maybe the boy would

be less resentful to you.

Maybe.

I'll see to it this afternoon,
Mr. Harvey.

You've been by the cabin, Dave?

Been huntin'.

Huh, no smoke
from the chimney.

Supper fire ought to be
up by now.

You seen Rachel
since schoolin'?

Didn't have no
schooling today, Pa.

What's that?

Can I take your gun
for one crack

at that old turkey gobbler?

- Can I, Pa?
- How come you had no schoolin'?

I want you to answer me,
Davey.

She told me I could go out
without no schoolin' today, Pa.

Just one shot at 'em, Pa.

Gobbler's meat would taste
mighty good for supper, Pa.

What is it, Pa?

Only an old gobbler.

Gobbler call
is the Shawnee signal.

Now, be quiet.

If I really was a Shawnee,
I'd be hanging

two fine scalps
on my belt about now.

Been along spell, Big Davey.

Ain't you got a word of welcome
for an old friend?

Brung my own meat too.

Jim, the devil himself
wouldn't consider that

a fittin' joke to play.

I ain't acquainted
with the gentleman yet myself.

But I don't consider it
fittin' for a man to keep

talking about a boy's schoolin'
when he hears a Shawnee call.

At least not when there's signs
of Shawnee up to the north.

- That ain't a joke, Jim.
- No, it ain't.

It's been mighty fine here

without any trouble
of that sort.

Well, trouble comes when
you don't least expect it.

Come on, let's get this deer off
the horse's back

and in our bellies.

That ought to be enough meat
to hold you for a while.

You know, it must get pretty
lonely for you, Big Davey,

out here in the deep wood
with no womenfolk.

Well, it is and it ain't, Jim.

You know, it ain't proper to
raise a boy without womenfolk.

No.

Men can't hardly live
without 'em either,

unless he wants
to grow up wild and woodsy.

Jim, sounds like you're trying
to talk yourself into something.

Well, it's a fact, Big Davey.

I got an itch to live
within four walls.

Figure to get me a wife
and maybe a piece of land

to break some wood out of.

That ain't another joke,
is it, Jim?

- Who's that?
- That?

- Her.
- Oh, her name's Rachel.

Rachel?

She's a bondwoman
I bought from Matt Green.

Had to have a woman
around the place.

Uh-huh.

- Can't raise a boy properly.
- Uh-huh.

- Servant girl?
- No.

- Kin folk?
- No.

Just a bondwoman, huh?

Well, a bondwoman or no,
decent folk can't live together

man and woman
without takin' in marriage.

Oh. Took her in marriage?

Come on in and set.

Rachel, uh,
this here's Jim Fairways.

- You've heard his name.
- That I have.

How do you do, Mrs. Harvey?

How do you do?

Davey, fetch the jug
out of the barn.

Yeah, so, Big Davey,
looks like you've had

just about everything
a man could ever want for.

Oh. So, you enjoy the idea
of marriage, Mr. Fairways?

I'm tracking it like
a wild critter, Mrs. Harvey.

Well, I congratulate the lady.

She ain't trapped yet.

Oh, you won't have any trouble.

I ain't so sure.

Well, now that we're down
to honest talk, Mrs. Harvey

is Big Davey the all-devastative
and devoted husband

he makes himself out to be?

'Cause if he ain't,
you're a powerful good cook

and I happen to settle in humor.

I thought you might like
something to eat

with your conversation.

It's mighty considerate, ma'am.

Yeah, thanks, Rachel.

Well, don't go away,
Mrs. Harvey. Sit down.

Yeah, sit, Rachel.

Davey, you and me ever sing
the hunter's song together?

No.

You play the spinet,
Mrs. Harvey?

- Yes, I do.
- No, she don't.

Rachel, you never mentioned
you could do that.

You never asked me.

It has been a long time.

Well, you can chord, can't you?

Yes. I think I can.

Now, everything I say, you say,
"Just like me," right after.

It's all there is to it.

♪ There once was a hunter ♪
♪ Just like me ♪

♪ Only go a-hunting ♪
♪ Just like me ♪

♪ Took up his musket ♪
♪ Just like me ♪

♪ And he set out at sunset ♪
♪ Just like me ♪

♪ He was strong as an ox ♪
- ♪" Just like... ♪

♪ And tall as a tree
and smart as a fox ♪

♪ Just like me ♪

♪ He climbed up the mountain ♪
♪ Just like me ♪

♪ Biggest highest mountain ♪
♪ Just like me ♪

♪ Felt a little thirsty ♪
♪ Just like me ♪

♪ Found a first spring
a-bubblin' ♪

♪ Just like me ♪

♪ Bended down to drink some
just like me ♪

♪ When he looked in the pool
what did he see? ♪

♪ Swell-headed mule ♪
♪ Just like me ♪

♪ Now what you say is entirely true ♪

♪ A swell-headed mule ♪

♪ Just like you ♪
♪ You ♪

♪ Di-di-dee ♪

♪ La-da da-dum ♪

♪ Oh the orchard ♪

♪ Blossoms ripen ♪

♪ Into fruits so round ♪

- ♪ And sweet ♪
- ♪ Sweet ♪

♪ As with nature in her garden ♪

♪ So it is with all and one ♪

♪ Love may blossom ♪

♪ In the spring time ♪

♪ But it blooms ♪

♪ With summer sun ♪

♪ As with nature in her garden ♪

♪ Full with light
the days are long ♪

♪ Soft the evenings pass to... ♪

I... I didn't mean
to interrupt on your singin'.

You know any more
funny songs, Jim?

I know a million of them, Davey.

But I better be on my way
if I'm gonna make

the stockade before mornin'.

Oh, you sure you won't
spend the night, Jim?

No, thank you, Big Davey.

A man's got a craving
to marry, it doesn't do

to pause along the way.

Too many things liable to start
turnin' over in a man's mind.

- Now, so long, Big Davey.
- Goodbye, Jim.

It was a pleasure meeting you,
Mrs. Harvey.

It's been a pleasure
meeting you, Mr. Fairways.

- Thank you.
- You're always welcome, Jim.

Bye, Jim.

- Drop around any time.
- I'll do that thing.

After you get settled.

Well, I...

guess I'll bring in
the wood for the morning.

Davey, you go to bed.

- Rachel?
- Come on, Pistol.

How is it you never mentioned
being musical?

You never asked.

- Hmm, you said that before.
- That's right.

Well, that ain't what I wanted
to talk to you about.

Oh?

Was Jim Fairways, uh...

offensive to you
this evening?

Why, no. No, I thought
he was mighty nice.

And cheerful.

Bein' the way he is, he seems
to sort of take on around women.

Oh?

I just hoped
he wasn't offensive.

- Oh, no.
- Even with Susan, he used to...

That ain't what I wanted to talk
to you about neither.

Then what is it, Mr. Harvey?

Well...

sometimes I don't think
I rightly understand people.

Davey tells me you didn't
give him his lessons today.

- No, I didn't.
- Well, why not?

'Cause he said I was nothin'
but a bondwoman.

Was the hurt of that
so that you couldn't school him?

It was the way he said it.

I reckon I'll get me
a drink of water.

Hard liquor leaves you thirsty.

- Where'd you learn music at?
- My pa.

Oh. Your pa schooled folks
in music?

Yeah, and other things.

Guess that's why
he died in debt.

Don't pay very well.

Then that's how you got
bond into service,

for your pa's debts?

Yeah, that's right.

Never knew that about you.

- I reckon I never asked.
- I reckon.

You can play anytime
you feel like it.

Well, thank you, Mr. Harvey...

Oh, I didn't mean it that way.

I'll see the boy gets music
lessons too, if you want.

I may as we" give you a hand.

Thank you.

I, uh, I-I think
I'll get me a drink too.

Salt pork leaves you thirsty.

Oh, look!
There's a shooting star.

Yeah, there are lots of them
up here this time of year.

- Pretty.
- Yeah.

Stars seem so close to you
up here.

It's funny
how people get separated

with miles in between 'em.

Don't seem right.

No, it don't.

Dave, I thought I told you
to get to bed.

I'm thirsty.

I reckon it was the singin'.

Night.

I suppose singin'
does make you thirsty

like salt pork, hard liquor.

Your hair looks sort of blue
with the moonlight.

Moon does funny things. It...

I never looked at your face
so close on before.

Guess I didn't have it
pictured clear in my mind.

I mean, what it'd be like
gettin' married again.

I was thinking
mostly of the chores

and... and the boy and...

but I reckon there's more
to it than I reckoned.

There should be
talking to each other...

respect... maybe even..

What is the danger, Davey?

You told me yourself,
cabin can be in danger

in more ways than one, Pa.

Go to bed, Dave.

- Aren't you comin'?
- I said, go to bed.

- I'm sorry, Rachel.
- I know.

He was very fond of Susan.

Well, of course.

Rachel, I...

I reckon I ain't ready
to fall in love yet.

Hmm.

- Where are you going?
- To fetch the wood.

You turn in, I'll get it.

Piggy, piggy, piggy!

Piggy, piggy, piggy, piggy!

Piggy, piggy,
piggy, piggy, piggy!

♪ I don't say much
but when I do ♪

♪ I think about
that girl I knew ♪

♪ In O-he-O-hi-O-ho ♪

♪ In O-he-O-hi-O-ho ♪

♪ I'll breakfast in Ohio ♪

♪ Eat lunch in Canad-y ♪

♪ I'll supper-o in Mexico ♪

♪ And I'm back by Saturd-y ♪

Pa, Jim's back!

Uh, yeah.

♪ I don't think much
but when I do ♪

♪ I think about
that girl I knew ♪

♪ In O-he-O-hi-O-ho ♪

♪ In O-he-O-hi-O-ho ♪♪

What happened, Jim?

Now, if the sight
of store-bought clothes

tracked as a funny,
Big Davey,

you may not be interested
in a store-bought tobacco

I brought you for your pipe.

Well, a pipe and tobacco
go together, Jim,

but you in that Parson's outfit.

Bring me anythin'?

Well, here's a few,
uh, sugar hearts.

- Thanks.
- And, uh...

And what?

Little something for the benefit
of your music school.

What brings you back, Jim?

- Forgot my guitar.
- Oh.

Didn't figure I could start
wife-hunting

without store-bought clothes
and my guitar.

Staying tonight?

You staying tonight?

If, uh, Mrs. Harvey don't mind.

She don't.

Do you, Rachel?

It's a joy.

I took the liberty, ma'am,
if it's acceptable to you.

Little, uh... go-to-meetin' dress

in token for the way you've
taken care of my two boys here.

It... is it fitting I should
accept gifts, Mr. Harvey?

- Hm, I reckon so.
- Thank you, Mr. Fairways.

I figured for sometimes
after supper

when you sit at the spinet.

I Once was a man
a hateful man ♪

♪ Had a wife
but would then exchange her ♪

♪ Till one day
one fateful day ♪

♪ Along came
a tall dark stranger ♪

♪ Once was a man
a hateful man ♪

♪ Had a wife
but didn't see the danger ♪

♪ Till one day
one fateful day ♪

♪ Along came
a tall dark stranger ♪

Kinda slicked out,
ain't you, Jim?

- Any reason special?
- It's the Sabbath.

These here from last fortnight
are still fresh.

Hadn't realized you'd been
with us a fortnight already.

- Oh, more than that.
- Can I go swimmin', Pa?

Yeah, I reckon.

Come on, Pistol.
Come on! Come on!

Pistol, come on, boy!

Looky there, Big Davey.

It's the Sabbath, Jim.

Listen, Pa, I heard it again.

Yeah, it's queer.

Reckon it's Shawnee, Pa?

Probably nothin',
but some old squatter.

Unh-unh. Queer sound to it,
I can't make it out.

Oh, it's probably
just an echo,

you know somebody shooting off
in some other valley

and all you get is the echo.

Don't seem right,
Rachel at the cabin alone.

Well, to set your mind at rest,
I'll scout around

on the other side of the valley.
See you at dinner.

Ma could've took care
of herself.

Yeah. Get your clothes on.

You got your new dress on.

Ain't you afraid
you'll get it all wore out?

- It's the Sabbath.
- Uh-huh.

- Dinner ready?
- Yes.

Where's Mr. Fairways?

- He'll be along.
- Oh.

For the food
we're about to receive

the Lord make us grateful.

- Amen.
- Amen.

Remember the last time
I wore this outfit?

Yes, I do.

It's been more
than a fortnight.

It certainly has.
It's been an age.

- Oh, I didn't mean that.
- Oh.

Well, what's been more
than a fortnight?

Since he's been visitin'. Jim.

- Don't seem like it.
- Hmm.

Must make considerable
more chores for you.

No, he's very generous
about helpin' out.

Not to speak
of winter comin' on.

Well, not till after autumn.

And Jim and me are gonna go
huntin' all next week.

- He said so.
- Oh, you are?

Well, the way I'm thinkin',
he may not be here next week.

And stop eatin' like a pig.

He's learnin' the boy woodsy ways.

Not a sign, folks.

Not a sign.

Can't figure it out
unless there's a ghost 'round these parts.

Say, you kinda slicked out,
ain't you, Big Davey?

It's the Sabbath.

- No sign of anyone shootin'?
- Nope.

Nothing to be seen
on the surface.

Let me help you
with that, Mrs. Harvey.

Oh. Thank you, Mr. Fairways.

You know somethin', Big Davey?

You and me
ain't hunted a fox yet.

We gotta test those hound dogs
voices out.

How about a week Saturday?

Well, why wait so long?

No hurry. I'll be around.

♪ La-da-da-da-da-da-da-da ♪

♪ La-da-da-da-da N

I Looked in the pool
and what did he see? ♪

♪ A beautiful girl ♪

That's where you come in.

I thought you'd gone hunting,
Mr. Fairways.

Hell, I figured these garments
were in need of a little wash.

Well, just put 'em down right
there, I'll do 'em for you.

Why, I wouldn't think of adding
to your chores, ma'am.

Seems Big Davey's already
took care of that.

Anyhow, it ain't
really the washin'.

I... been trying
to get you alone

for quite a spell now.

Only Big Davey
seems a mite miserly

with your time and company.

I think you and me
got a secret.

That's why I figured
it might be profitable

if we had a little talk
in private.

I don't think it would be
very profitable for you, Mr. Fairways.

I'd rather you just went to
Mr. Harvey with your discovery.

Why, I only thought you could

do with a word of advice
on shooting, ma'am.

You're losing your laundry,
Mr. Fairways.

Here. I'll do it for you.

You know, first time
I heard that shootin',

I figured it might be you.

Why?

On account of Susan
took to the musket

just like a minuteman.

Well, now why should I d...

Well, just because
Susan could shoot...

Well, you're so much
a pair in every other way

including the husband.

No reason why you shouldn't be
the same with a rifle.

Well, I don't hardly know
how to shoot.

Figured that.

Well, then, I don't know
what you mean, Mr. Fairways.

Well, I just mean
that you're settin' out to prove

that you're just as good as
Susan Harvey any day, any way.

All I mean is
I think you two

oughta be friends
instead of rivals.

You would've liked
each other fine.

- What was she like?
- Oh, like you mostly.

How?

Practical, patient,
pure, pretty.

- Maybe even beautiful.
- Oh.

Smart too.
Smarter than me or Big Davey.

She must have been.

We both thought she'd marry me,
but I never gave up hope.

If she'd left Big Davey,
I'd have married her in a minute.

I'm gettin' better.

- You're pulling to the right.
- Yeah, I know.

- Comes of jerking the trigger.
- Don't you have to?

Oh, no, you squeeze it,
sort of easy and gentle.

Sort of... caressing,
like holdin' hands.

I think it's near time
for Davey's lessons.

You know, I'm sure in need of
a little schoolin', Mrs. Harvey.

- Do you mind if I hang around?
- No, not at all.

We're having
Bible reading today.

- Rachel give you your lessons?
- Sure, and Jim too.

Jim's good at schooling, Pa.
He thinks of things to do.

For sums, we figured out how old
a tree is by its circles.

And how many weeks you'd take
to get enough fox

to make a fur coat
for Rachel and such.

Ain't you and Jim
gonna hunt fox, Pa?

Uh-huh. Then you're supposed to say,
"Just like me."

"Just like me."

I reckon I'll do that.

I reckon maybe I'd better.

Can I sit with you
while you listen to the hounds?

No, Dave.

Jim and me have been
wasting for a talk

for quite a spell.

- Davey?
- Oh, what?

You better come in now,
it's past bedtime.

Listen, they're on to him now.

I sure wish I was up there
with Jim and Pa.

Wonder why your pa changed
his mind about goin' huntin'.

He said Jim and him was wastin'
for a talk for a long time.

Pretty soon they'll light
a fire up yonder

and sit out all night
listenin' to the hounds

and pickin' them up
by their voices.

Well, come on now, you don't
wanna stay out here all alone.

Maybe after Jim talks to Pa

you won't be telling me what
I don't wanna do all the time.

Well, suit yourself, Davey.

- That's Musket out front.
- Yup.

- Tobacco, Jim?
- No, thank you, Dave.

I drug along the jug.

Amy-Lou's a-tailin' him now.

Yup.

It's a mighty nice long visit
you've paid us, Jim.

Sure is.

Mighty long for a walkin' man
with an itch in his heels.

Oh, I got rid of that itch.

Sounds like
they jumped him now.

Never knew a walkin' man
who could stop walkin'

and take root in one place.

Oh, some can if they got
reason enough to settle.

I recollect your saying
something about settlin' down.

Still do.

- Clear a few acres?
- That's right.

- Get yourself a wife.
- Yup.

- Wives don't grow on trees.
- Reckon not.

Leastways
not on the trees around here.

Never spoke truer, Big Davey.

You gotta go out a-hunting.

Don't reckon I got so much
hunting to do.

Rachel's in trouble.

Someone's gotta
stomp out the fire.

So I reckon I'll go on ahead.

You can come down now, Davey.

- Sure is a big 'un.
- Yeah, sure is.

Rachel, I'd sure thank you
if you wasn't to tell Jim or Pa

about how I... I...

- Hey, Pa!
- Here.

A mountain cat. A big 'un.

- Did you shoot him, Dave?
- She did.

I thought you said
you couldn't tote a gun.

And don't say I never
asked you about that.

I heard the steers bellowing,
then Davey whistled here...

Jim, a mountain cat.

It... it was fretting
the animals.

Clean square between the eyes.

No trigger jerking there.

Thank you.

Said you couldn't hit
the broad side of a barn.

I've been practicing
in the cellar.

Ain't you cold, Rachel?

Oh. Come on, Davey.

Come on.

Let's get to skinnin',
Big Davey.

Wanna get an early start
in the morning.

You pullin' out, Jim?

Like you said, I'm a man
with an itch, and that ain't

gettin' scratched the way
things stand around here.

Well, Jim, when you do
get settled down,

let us know
and we'll have a cabin raising.

- Yeah, thanks.
- You all ready?

Soon as I, uh, saddle my horse.

I've already done that.

- Mrs. Harvey, I...
- Goodbye, Mr. Fairways.

You're, uh,
you're forgetting your guitar.

You'll be havin' use for it,
I believe.

Thank you.

Mighty fine, fair woman.

Yeah.

Reckon she's worth more
than you paid out.

Four's still owin'.

I'm willin', Big Davey.

I don't get
what you mean, Jim.

You paid out 18 dollars cash
and four owing.

I've got silver in my pocket
and I'm prepared

to pay you 40 dollars, cash money.

She's my wife, Jim.

You don't treat her
like men treat a wife.

You treat her
like a bondwoman.

I've been ten years
in the deep woods, Jim.

I never ordered anybody
off my property.

You ain't ordering me off,
Davey.

I'm leaving of my own accord,
but not without Rachel.

I offer to buy you out,
fair and square.

Wait till I catch
my horse, Dave!

- My horse!
- My cattle!

- Rachel!
- What is it?

- What's all that racket?
- They're fightin'.

Pa and Jim, like panthers.

Men.

Two full-grown men fighting

like a couple of wild Indians.

Why?

All right, Davey,
why was they fighting?

- You shut, Dave.
- You speak, Dave.

Well, Jim wanted to buy you
with a profit for Pa.

- And Pa told him to...
- You shut it, Dave!

He'll speak if he wants
and all he wants.

- And so will I.
- Maybe that's best.

Now, you tell Big Davey
you're going along with me.

- Why, you...
- Now, hold on.

Hold on!

Me going along with you?

Now, this may...
may come as a surprise

to you, Rachel.
It is to me, but I...

30's I can be bought
and sold as you two please?

Now, you wanna buy me so's
you can have a wife and a slave

at the same time
just like he has.

And then when you want to change
you can sell me

to somebody else
like he's doin'.

- Now, Rachel, I...
- You shut!

I'm beginning to believe
that's just the way

you think about a wife.

Both of you.

Someone to be bought or sold.

Someone to cook for you
and do your chores

and flatter your manhood
every now and then.

Manhood.
Just look at you.

I'm going back to the stockade.

And if you think the work
I've done here for you and Davey

and that lazy no-account hunter

isn't worth
18 dollars cash and four owin',

then you can warrant me
with Judge Lang

when he makes circuit.

Only I wouldn't if I was you.

'Cause he likely to throw the
lot of you in the guardhouse.

Pa, better go after the stock.

Come back, boy.

Get in there. Get in there.

Get in there. Go on.

Get in there. Get in there.

Rachel

Rachel!

Reckon I'll be on my way,
Big Davey,

as soon as I get a bite to eat.

Worked up a powerful appetite.

Pa.

Guess we won't
get no dinner cooked.

Now, ain't that just
like a woman?

"Lazy no-account hunter."

Seems kinda strange
now she's gone.

- Dave, fetch me my gun.
- Where're you going?

After her.

- Gonna put a warrant on her?
- Nope.

Can't do much
without you laying hands on her.

I never laid hands on a woman
in my life.

Figurin' on reasonin' her back?

- I ain't bringin' her back.
- Oh.

If she's ungrateful enough
to leave the man

that bought her out of bond
and married her legal,

then I don't want her.

Well then, what are you going
after her for?

Shawnee.

Ain't likely they'll move
towards the stockade.

Well, she might get lost.

Mind if I ride along
with you?

It ain't my forest.

- Get down, Davey.
- Why?

- Rachel, uh...
- What do you want?

Oh, nothin'.
Nothin' except, uh...

well, you might as we" ride.
It's long ways to the stockade.

- I walked it before.
- Yeah.

Well, uh... here's the horse.

Ride him on back to the cabin
and leave me alone.

You're welcome
to this horse, ma'am.

No, thanks, Mr. Fairways,
I'm walking. Alone.

Well, we can't leave you
in the deep woods.

- Been Injun signs.
- That's true.

Rachel, you shouldn't go off
like this.

It ain't
that I'm trying to stop you,

only you're going the wrong way.

Oh.

You've gotta follow the river
or you'll get lost.

Thanks.

Jim, I'd appreciate your allowin' me
to speak to Rachel alone.

Like you said, not your forest.

I'm tellin' you
to stay away from my wife.

Ain't exactly your wife either,
come to that.

- Dave, hold this horse.
- She won't like it, Pa.

♪ Dwells a spinster ♪

♪ Nigh to a bachelor ♪

♪ In between lives ♪

♪ Foolish pride ♪

♪ Long his heard ♪

♪ And grey her tresses ♪

♪ Knowin' not what ♪

♪ Happiness is ♪

♪ Thus they live there ♪

♪ Side by side ♪♪

Rachel's got you right, Jim.
You're a lazy no-account.

Well, someone's meant to sing
to lighten others labor, Big Davey.

Davey, want somethin' to eat?

I ain't hungry. Not very.

Well, just a little maybe?

I guess they're mighty hungry.

Plenty of game in the woods
if they care to hunt.

I reckon
you're the better hunter, Jim.

Well, thank you, Big Davey.

I ain't accustomed
to shootin' in the dark.

Answer me this, Dave.

Would you give me a half an hour

to plead my cause
alone with Rachel?

Not while I'm able.

Well, I ain't no bigger fool
than you.

- Well, I ain't hungry.
- Me neither.

♪ In the churchyard ♪

♪ Now they are laid to rest ♪

♪ Buried with them ♪

♪ Foolish pride ♪

♪ Lonely graves ♪

♪ And granite head ♪

♪ Grave and only ♪

♪ Died unwed ♪

♪ So they lie there ♪

♪ Side by side ♪♪

- Davey.
- Hmm?

You better go
sleep by your pa's fire.

Why?

'Cause he'll be hurt.

He's probably lonesome for you.

- You reckon?
- Yeah.

Your mom must have been
awful nice, Davey.

She was.

And so are you.

I reckon you take after her.

Not after your pa.

Go on. Get.

- Pa.
- Get, you ungrateful whelp.

She ain't so bad, Pa.

Just like a hound dog,

take up with the first one
to feed you.

She told me to come back.

She allowed you'd to be lonely.

Well, what's she doing
to make a man less lonely?

I reckon we'll get somebody else
to do our chores.

I think if you was to ask her...

I ain't askin' her no favors.

Well, I'm gonna speak my piece.

Get it off my chest
and go to sleep.

Those that don't care to listen,
not obliged.

Rachel, I'm asking
that you marry me.

Just as simple as that
except for separatin' you and Big Davey.

He never appreciated you.

I ain't the catch of the river

but I ain't got
so much mule-headed vanity.

I can't admit I'm in love

and come right out
and do somethin' about it.

Well, that's my piece,
I've said it.

Now, I'm goin' to sleep.

If you like the notion,
you'll think it over.

Let me know in the mornin'.

I ain't never let Jim
have the last word

and I don't intend starting now.

Ask her to come back, Pa.

If the boy wants you to come back,
that's good enough for me.

I ain't beggin'.

But I reckon if you was to
say the word, I'd be willin'.

Reckon the dogs would
miss you too.

That's a mighty
queer-looking sky.

Too far east for you,
ain't it?

- Is it forest fire?
- Maybe.

The cabin in danger, Pa?

Rachel, you better take Dave

and ride on to stockade
and tell 'em.

I'll go back with Jim
if he's willin'.

Davey, it could be Shawnees
that set fire to the cabin.

- Is that what they think?
- I reckon.

You think you can get
to stockade alone?

- Sure.
- Well then, go there

- and tell 'em, Davey.
- But, Rachel...

I gotta go back.
I gotta. Now, go ahead.

Shawnee haven't been
on the warpath for a while.

They've lost their eye.

I reckon east-west
gives the best vision.

Pretty quiet back here.

He's lettin' out the stock.

Hold your temper, Big Davey.

Davey, you start off, then I'll
have to knock your head off.

But they turned
the stock loose.

Better to lose a few head
of stock than your own.

Someone's comin' on a horse.

It's Rachel come back alone.

Moon's breaking
out of the clouds.

Head to the cabin!

I sent Davey on to...
to the stockade.

- He'll make it.
- Yeah, I reckon.

Yeah.

Rachel

You shouldn't have come back.

It's just a matter of time now

and this ain't a fittin' place
for a woman.

I reckon I know best
what's fitting for a woman.

Fire is awful bad
in the bedroom.

Come on, Big Davey,
we better hole up in the cellar.

A little low of powder.

Davey must be at
the stockade by now.

If you're a Shawnee,
prepare to meet your maker.

If you're Big Davey,
stay put till we smother the fire.

All right, you can come out now.

- You all right, Pa?
- Yeah, Davey.

I brung 'em, Jim.

So you did, young Davey,
and I'm proud of you.

- Where's my horse?
- Out there.

We were mighty worried
about you.

Sister Jackson's
gonna be relieved.

Come on, Parson,
let's get after them Shawnee.

Jim.

I oughta give a word of comfort

to Brother and Sister Harvey

and arrange a cabin raising.

You take my council, Parson,
you'll leave them two be.

Reckon they've had
just about enough visitors

for the time bein'.

Are you leavin', Jim?

I'm a free man, young Davey.

I got an itch to my heel
and a load in my gun.

Ain't tasted food
in a day and a half.

Reckon I was just born to hunt
the meat for other men's tables.

Tell your pa I'll see him
when spring comes around again.

If you see Pistol anywhere,
send him home!

- Let's go, men.
- Goodbye, Jim!

We'll be back to help you build!

Pistol!

Pistol!

Pistol!

No more bedroom.

No more loft.

Oh!

Now, that's a real pity.

Oh, the heart of it's
whole and good.

And that's what's important.

- I'll build a new case.
- Yeah.

I reckon I never told you.

I like the way you play.

There's a lot ahead of us.

- Yeah.
- Pa, Rachel.

I found Pistol. He ain't hurt.

He was hidin' all the time.

- I am glad, Davey.
- I'm awful hungry.

Well, the fireplace
is still there.

Davey, you run
on down the river

and see if there's any fish
in the trap.

I'll cook up breakfast.

But I'm all tuckered out.

Davey... do as your ma says.