Heaven & Hell: North & South, Book III (1994): Season 1, Episode 2 - Episode #1.2 - full transcript
With Madeline's school burned to the ground by the Klan, they decide to rebuild. Cooper Main has discovered phosphates on Mont Royal land and with Isobel Hazard as an investor, begins a mining operation. The conditions of work are poor however and the former slaves who work there are forced into another kind of slavery when they are forced to use the company store to buy their supplies and find themselves in perpetual debt. In Pennsylvania, George Hazard is bereft over the loss of Constance and has become obsessed with finding Elkanah Bent and exacting his revenge. He has Pinkerton's men tracking him, but they always seem to be one step behind. It takes a visit from Madeline to save him from himself. Ashton has given up prostitution and is now focusing on her new husband's piano business. She is obsessed with raising enough money to buy Mont Royal. Charlie Main meanwhile refuses to settle down with Willa and continues to roam the West, now as an army scout searching for Scar who killed his friends.
Madam, we gonna rebuild a new
school at no cost to you.
No cost at all, madam.
Perhaps some place
else. They'll be back.
No, see, we done already decided.
We're gonna rebuild it right here.
A brand-new school where
children can learn in...
and we can be proud of,
right here on Mont Royal.
And them devils come back here...
we're waiting on them.
- That'd be right.
- Right.
It might all be just a
terrible mistake...
but this school is very welcome.
Mrs Main.
There's a telegraph
for you, madam.
It's from George Hazard.
It says that Constance...
has just been murdered
by Elkanah Bent.
Madeline, please
stop and reconsider.
Perhaps you didn't read it all.
It says that this
happened on Friday.
The funeral is this morning.
You can't possibly...
Oh, God.
He left on Thursday.
He'll never forgive himself.
Damn Elkanah Bent.
- You know him?
- Indeed I do. He's a madman.
I think that he is capable of...
You're thinking he
killed Orry, ain't you?
Yes, I think he did...
with Ashton.
- I must get to George.
- Miss Madeline?
- We in here, Titus.
- He needs me.
Madeline, please stop.
The message ends,
"Please don't come."
And it's signed simply,
"George Hazard."
Miss Madeline, the log
float done arrived.
I never seen so many logs
in these parts before.
Isaac says it's best you come.
You have duties and
responsibilities here.
We need you.
Dear George, we're all
so worried about you.
You must mingle more. There are so
many people here to
thank for coming.
Not now.
Isabel, George is grieving.
The people will understand.
The most important men to the
future of America are all here.
If you're going to join them in
the House of Representatives...
you should take advantage
of the situation.
She's really a very
caring woman, George.
You see qualities in her
that elude me, brother.
You may be happy with
your position at
the Freedmen's
Bureau, but I'm not.
Sweetheart. Go comb
your hair, darling.
I have plans for our future
and for our fortunes.
Secretary Stanton...
General Grant. Why,
Senator Stevens.
How very delightful
of you all to come.
Mrs Hazard.
Stanley, good to see you.
Stanley, please allow me
to congratulate you...
on your fine work with
the Freedmen's Bureau.
The Republican Party is proud of
the progress of emancipation.
Stanley is capable of
much greater things.
Excuse me. We must see
to the other guests.
Mr Jackson.
I try hard to guide and
improve your career...
and you make no effort.
I'm sad for George.
And I grieve Constance
as well, Isabel.
She cared little enough
for us, God knows.
George is my brother.
And would do very
little to help you.
We must start helping
ourselves, Stanley...
and to that end, I'm
travelling south.
South?
Your war profits.
All the Hazards profited
from the war...
and thanks to me, we have
some funds in the South...
that can be invested in
some very cheap land.
Your bureau can aid us.
That is privileged
information, Isabel.
That land is for ex-slaves,
not rich, white...
Stanley, darling.
The ex-slaves can't buy up
all of the South, can they?
Why don't we go upstairs
and discuss it?
We haven't seen each other
in a very long time.
Good afternoon, Edwin.
Mr Hazard sent for me.
The General is in the library, Mr
Ouinlan. You're to go right in.
Good afternoon.
That Irishman is offensive.
Excellent foreman, though.
I'm placing Hazard Iron
completely in your hands.
That's absurd.
All my correspondence is
to be transferred to you.
You're to handle Mrs Main's
accounts with the Charleston Bank.
Anything she wants or needs,
see that she gets it.
You're to treat
everything as your own.
- George, I'm just a foreman.
- I know you can do the job, Jack.
Besides, you're the only
one I can trust right now.
Surely your brother
can be trusted?
It's the vulture he's married
to that can't be trusted.
If she makes a move on anything,
you let me know immediately.
I'm counting on you, Jack.
I can't make any
decisions right now.
Food chokes me.
I can't sleep.
And when I do, I wake
and keep asking why.
Why wasn't I here?
I don't know what to do
with her things, Jack.
Sir, the Pinkerton
detective is here.
Send him right in.
Agent Jupiter Smith.
General Hazard, sir.
The war is over.
"Mister" will suffice.
This is Jack Ouinlan, my
associate. Take a seat.
I've just come from
the local police.
They suggest that you inform me...
of the particulars of Mrs
Hazard's murder, sir.
Elkanah Bent is a
brutal, vicious man.
He's a butcher of men,
women, and children alike.
And he takes great
pleasure in it, too.
He and I were together
at West Point...
along with General Orry Main,
late of the Confederate Army.
I have no doubt he
killed Orry, too.
He knifed him down, just
like he did my Constance.
Did they tell you
Bent came after me?
Spent weeks lying in
wait for me to return.
And what would his
motives be, sir?
Orry and I got him
dismissed from West Point.
He blames us for ruining
his military career.
He also swore a vendetta
against Charlie.
- Charlie, sir?
- Charlie Main, Orry's cousin.
He served under Bent
just before the war.
He's seeking revenge against
both of our families.
So then he may return to
try again for you, sir.
No, he won't.
Because before that
can happen, your
organisation's going
to find him first.
And when you do, he is mine.
You think there's
Indians tracking us?
He's got a nose for it.
He kind of feels them.
- Is that true?
- It sure is.
Kind of feel them, huh?
Well, I don't see any tracking us.
When you see them, it
might be a mite too late.
Now, we're going to hole up soon.
We'll do a little work on
that jug of corn whiskey.
- Might be the last chance we get.
- Yeah.
You are an optimistic
cuss, ain't you?
That's me.
Good night, Jimmy.
Well, are they out there?
Not tonight...
but they're there.
This is their land.
They know we're here.
Give me the password
and do the shake.
Wesley, have you
lost your damn mind?
I've knowed you since
both of us was kids.
I know, but you still
got to give the
password and do the secret grip.
Damn. Liberty, Wesley.
- Evening, Isaac.
- Hey, now.
Good to see you.
Gentlemen.
Can I have your attention,
please, gentlemen?
I call this meeting...
of the Union League Club,
Ashley River District to order.
Now, Mr Andrew Johnson
is our President...
since Mr Lincoln was shot.
And Mr Johnson is a
Southern-loving Democrat.
He'd like to see you cut right out
of your hard-earned rights...
political and land-wise.
He doesn't want to see you vote.
He has pardoned the very men...
who have oppressed us
for so long a time.
But the Republicans, and
that's all of us...
we want to see you
rise up so high...
you'll have to walk down
steps to reach heaven.
- Who are your friends?
- Republicans.
- And who's the enemy?
- Democrats.
Liberty, Lincoln, League.
Now, my friends...
there are still slaves...
because there are still
those who would be masters.
How many here still work
for their old masters?
Own up.
Stand up and own up now.
You get paid for your efforts?
We'll be paid. Miss
Madeline promised.
Besides, she give
us more than pay.
More than pay?
What's more important than
cash money for your labours?
Don't you people know that the
Republicans delivered
you from slavery?
What's more important than
cash money for your labours?
Pride.
We gots pride.
Well, sir, all I can say is...
We done heard everything you
had to say, Mr Klawdell.
Now you going to listen to me.
You all sit down.
You can't see how
it is down here...
because you're from up North.
But you best take a long,
hard look and listen.
What we do now...
what we gives...
we do and give because we want to.
It ain't like it was
before the war.
It's different now.
We's free now.
And free men choose.
What point is it in being free...
if you can't choose?
Hold on there. Hold up.
Now, I don't know about the
rest of you, but this man...
- Sir, what is your name?
- Isaac Kano.
What you say is true.
You all know we've come
together to choose delegates...
to the January convention
down in Charleston.
I, for one, think we've found our
first delegate here in Mr Kano.
What say the rest of you?
What is that you're doing?
This is a sample of earth
I found at Mont Royal.
I'm taking it to the bank.
They'll have a survey
done, and when
that's complete and a
loan is secured...
we'll be rich once again.
But Madeline owns Mont Royal.
Madeline is living there,
but not for much longer.
She is not blood. Mont Royal
belongs in our family.
- Cooper...
- Don't sass me.
Don't ever sass me.
What are you becoming, Cooper?
Strong once again.
I'm sorry, Cooper.
Do you understand
the potential value
of what you're holding
in your hand?
Yes.
And I also understand that...
you have no legal claim
as yet to Mont Royal.
Cooper, I can't loan you money
on something that you don't own.
You're late, madam.
Champagne. How glorious.
Did you hear me, Ashton?
Yes, of course I heard
you, Fen, dear.
I was only a tiny bit late.
No need for concern.
Champagne, please.
Thank you.
Oh, my.
My darling husband.
Do you want me... I
can demonstrate it.
Please.
It's only the first
model, you understand,
but there will be more in time.
These pianos will stand
in every cathouse
and saloon all over the world...
and no one is going to
be able to resist her.
Just like me.
- That's why I named it so.
- Champagne for everyone.
To my remarkable genius of a
husband who is going to make me...
us all very rich.
To the Ashton piano.
How did you manage
to buy that dress?
I put a little bit of money
away every now and then.
You save any more back,
you give it to me.
I'm not some slave, Fen.
No, you're a slut, and you look
every inch of it right now.
Not everybody thinks so.
So you know everybody?
I'm warning you. If you ever
want to see Mont Royal again...
you cut back your spending.
It took everything we had
to start this business up.
We're flat broke right now.
We are going to be very rich...
and I just wanted to be
beautiful for my husband.
We're not married yet.
You're hurting me.
- You scare me.
- I scare you?
I saw you kill a
man in cold blood.
He was a disgusting
pig and I hated...
That's not enough reason
to kill somebody.
You behave yourself, or you'll
never see your mansion again.
You don't know me.
I know you. You are vicious
and greedy and vain.
But you amuse me sometimes.
Let's go out for a
fine dinner. You
can show that wicked dress off.
Come along.
If you insist.
- Can I help you?
- I certainly hope so, my friend.
I'm trying to locate an old
comrade of mine from the war.
- His name?
- Charles Main...
late of the Confederacy, but most
recently reported
to this division.
I see you're admiring this.
It's unusual, I know.
It belonged to my dear,
departed mother.
I'm afraid of losing it.
I'll see what I can discover
on your old comrade.
I appreciate it.
Excuse me, sir. I
think I found it.
Your friend was here under
the name of Charles May.
He deserted, but President
Johnson pardoned him...
on the request of Brevet
Brigadier Duncan.
Brigadier Duncan?
You have any more information?
Brigadier Duncan corresponds with
him still. You want the address?
I'd be indebted to you, sir.
Appreciate it.
What did that man want?
He was searching
out a friend, sir.
I gave Brigadier Duncan's address
in St. Louis for
further reference.
My God, Private, I think
you've made a grave mistake.
Run a message to the
Pinkerton Office in town.
And if you like desk
duty private, you
read what's going
on the poster board.
Yes, sir.
All aboard, please.
This for me?
- Thank you, Jim.
- It's a present, Charlie.
Why, there's a nice one.
My son Gus used to collect these.
That's a real nice
one. I thank you.
I'm going to keep this
with me, all right?
Makes me happy.
I owe you a debt for your
patience to Jim here.
It's not hard. He's a
good boy. Besides,
my debt beats yours all to hell.
You never did tell me how
you two met up anyway.
Kind of like I met you. Bunch
of bullies was beating him up.
- Cheyenne?
- It could be wolves.
If they're Cheyenne,
I hope they're
only after our horses and mules.
So do I. You don't plan on
giving them up, do you?
It's either that or
give them our hair.
No, please don't hurt me.
For better, for worse, for
richer, for poorer...
in sickness and in health...
till death do us part.
With the blessings of the Lord,
I give you a man and his wife.
Well, kiss her.
- Jane.
- I'm so happy.
Madeline, is something wrong?
No, everything's fine.
It's just that Maum
Beatrice is taking care
of little Orry, and
I should get back.
You go back inside.
Wouldn't it be a
shame if someone was
to bolt the door on
them fine people...
- and set the whole thing on fire?
- Damn shame.
Could be done, you know.
It's real tempting.
That's not why you're
leaving, is it?
This has brought back memories.
You take the buggy. I
feel like walking.
Wait a minute. Who's that?
Well, now.
Howdy, Mrs Main.
Girl, you know what we plan to do.
Why don't you settle down
and put your mind to it?
You're disgusting.
Come on, you haven't had it in a
long time. You ought to enjoy it.
Leave me alone.
Come on, Gettys. Nobody
around. Let's get that stuff.
I'm being whooped here. Gettys,
you fool, come help me.
Gettys, don't do this.
- Come on.
- Don't.
This lady took a stumble and fell
down. We was just helping her up.
- See, we live close by and...
- You're just being neighbourly?
Yes, sir.
Do it some place else.
- Jenks is the name, madam.
- I'm Mrs Main.
You sure you're all right, madam?
Yes, thank you.
Are you on Mont Royal to see me?
No, I'm a geologist running
a survey for phosphates.
Who sent you?
A Charleston bank employed
my services, madam.
Mr Jenks, thank you.
- I thank you very much.
- Certainly, madam.
- Did you say 10 cents?
- I believe I said 1, madam.
But you can have it for 10.
Can I have this ribbon
for my hair, Mama?
It's been a hard year, Sophie.
Madam, I'll tell you what.
I could use some hay to
carry along for my mule.
I'd be glad to trade
you for it. She'd
look real pretty in that ribbon.
- I have to go get my husband.
- Could you do that, madam?
Appreciate it.
Papa's in the far field.
I'll go fetch him.
All right.
Appreciate it.
You want me to tie that
up into a bow for you?
What do you say...
about showing me where
that hay is, little lady?
All right.
Come in.
Mr Cooper?
Forgive me for marching
on in, but there's
someone here I'd like you to meet.
Isabel Truscott, Mr Main.
Miss Truscott is interested
in investing hereabouts...
and when I related your
discovery of phosphates, she...
Thank you, Mr Keyes. You've
been quite gallant and useful.
When I have discussed
matters with Mr Main...
I shall call on you
again at the bank.
Very well.
When you need my services,
I'll be gladly available.
Have you remarried, Isabel?
No, but because of Stanley's
political hopes...
I feel it best to use my maiden
name in my business dealings.
After all these years, you're
still a fine figure of a man.
I understand Northern
investors are
not always welcome in this house.
It's not a rigid rule.
You're quite welcome.
How did you come to learn...
about my phosphates?
When it comes to my money, I
always do scrupulous research.
I know all about
your phosphates...
and that you're
searching for money
for some of your other holdings...
such as Mont Royal.
Exactly what sort of investment
were you thinking about making?
Substantial enough to open
a full mine operation...
and a fertiliser plant.
My terms...
I'm afraid that you're
in no position...
to accept anything but my terms.
51% for me, and the
balance for you.
That in exchange for
full financial backing.
My, my.
Would that extend into my
other companies, as well?
Now, my dear Cooper,
don't be piggish.
This operation will
be so successful that
you'll be able to invest
your own money...
in whatever way you wish.
There is one problem, though.
Since Mont Royal is
not fully yours, and
Madeline has enterprises
of her own...
she will no doubt be interested
in the profit that you make.
You may split that with your
sister-in-law however you see fit.
There's one other consideration.
What other consideration?
Labour can be such a difficulty.
The workers must be bound to us...
and the best way to do that is
with a store that we control.
The workers buy
everything on credit...
and it's convenient for all.
A company store.
Exactly. Do you know
of such a place?
I know the perfect place...
and the perfect man for the job.
Somebody must have put
a nail in the log.
Damn fool woman.
Good morning. Good
to see you, Cooper.
How could you be so foolish to
rebuild that stupid school?
I'm not. The local sharecroppers
are, for the children.
Don't play with me, woman.
You know exactly what...
Tell me, was it you,
Johnny, Gettys...
or that crowd of rabble that
call themselves the Brethren...
that tore up my saw-blade?
Your saw-blade has been ruined?
Won't that distress George
Hazard all to pieces?
George doesn't know.
There's a great deal
that he doesn't know.
Such as?
Such as, with the aid of his
sister-in-law, Isabel Hazard...
I intend to open a mine for
phosphates right
here on Mont Royal.
Mont Royal belongs to me.
For as long as you make the
mortgage payments, it does.
But since your sawmill
isn't operating,
how do you intend to do that?
I shall.
But if I should fail...
I wish you all the best.
Why would you wish me that?
Because I bear you
no malice, Cooper.
- You're a fool.
- Perhaps that's my lot in life.
You are no gentlewoman.
Were you ever?
I never claimed to be.
Damn you.
How does he get down the chimney?
Well, he just does.
He's Santa Claus.
What if he gets stuck?
Santa Claus never gets stuck.
He has got magic powers.
- What if...
- If, if, if.
If you keep asking questions,
we'll never get our shopping done.
Go, Gus.
What are you doing here?
That was nicely
done, Charlie Main.
You come around here
like a spectre,
and frighten the
girl and the child.
Come on in.
Whoa, now.
Nothing?
Mr Tackett said the
blade ain't ready.
He wouldn't even give us so
much as a glance, Madeline.
I smell the odour of
the Brethren in this.
- Anything else unusual?
- Stopped by Gettys' store.
Prices are way up,
higher than ever.
You can get anything you want...
as long as you put your name
down or makes your mark.
Trouble is, you got to
pay him $12 a month.
And we only get paid
every six months, so
they tack on something
called interest.
They don't use cash money...
just paper I ain't never seen the
like of. Something called scrip.
That way, they can never clear
their debt. It's more slavery.
Sound familiar?
Unfortunately.
Soldiering's the
only thing I know.
The Army needs civilian scouts.
Many of them have, shall we
say, dubious backgrounds.
And what do I know about scouting?
You've been there and survived.
You walked out alive.
That's something of value.
If I decided on that, you'd
put in a word for me?
Yes, of course.
Now, what about Elkanah Bent?
George Hazard's wires reached you?
Someone should have
put a bullet in him
long ago and saved
us all that grief.
He'll be caught. But until
then, you watch your back.
- The man's insane.
- I'm dedicated to that.
If he wants to come
after me, let him.
What about Willa?
- What about Willa?
- How can you treat her like that?
She adores Gus. She spends
a lot of time with him.
- I never asked her over.
- She does it for Gus...
and because she's
in love with you.
I never asked for that, either.
Go and talk to her.
"We are such stuff As
dreams are made on
"and our little life Is
rounded with a sleep."
Sam's forming a
travelling company.
Maybe we can meet on
the road somewhere.
I don't think so.
I'm not very good at this.
I can't see you any
more and I'd appreciate
it if you wouldn't
see Gus, either.
Charlie, come up to
my room with me now.
We can have some privacy and talk.
We wouldn't just
do that, would we?
We can just hold each other.
Charlie, I love you.
You have to give me a chance.
I don't know why I'm here.
Yes, you do.
Tell me.
Out West...
I just don't know any more.
Let me help you.
God, I missed you.
See that?
When I was out on the prairie, a
little boy named Jim gave me this.
It made me think an
awful lot of you.
I got this one. Now
I got two of them.
One to think of both
of you with, Gus.
You're a good boy.
I'm mighty proud of you.
I hate to intrude, but could I
speak with you for a minute?
I secured a placement for
you as a civilian scout.
- Out West?
- Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
All right. That's all right by me.
The pardon still stands even
though Johnson's having trouble?
It does.
As long as I can hunt down
that damn renegade...
I don't have any problems at all.
You're leaving again, aren't you?
- When will you be back?
- I don't know.
Doesn't this mean anything to you?
What happened to you out there?
Please tell me.
No, I told you this
is the way it is.
- I've got a debt to settle.
- You're a bastard.
You used me, Charles Main.
I'm sorry for that.
All right, you just make
your mark right there.
May I see one of those
labour contracts?
Why? You thinking of
signing up for some work?
You can see mine, Miss Madeline.
No, I'm sorry. That is not
allowed. Put your mark there.
Seeing as how you're pretty
strapped up to Mont Royal...
maybe you'd like to buy
these things on credit.
All these people are
buying with credit?
Sure.
All the Negroes are getting
credit for work done.
For a year's contract?
- We'll pay with cash.
- Wait a minute.
You're sure you don't want to join
the rest of your folks, Madeline?
Like I said, cash.
Come in.
Mr Cooper, Mrs Main
to see you, sir.
How are you, Cooper?
What do you want?
I've come to discuss the labour
contracts for the
workers at your mine.
That is none of your business.
You are deliberately placing
hard-working, decent men...
into bondage once again.
- Do you mean the Negroes?
- Yes.
You, of course, are
sympathetic to them.
Deeply.
You know perfectly well
they can't read...
and I'm sure you haven't
explained the contract to them.
Then your teacher and your
school should be educating them.
I have a contract with you
and rights to Mont Royal.
I will not permit this to happen.
You have the right to live there
as long as you pay the mortgage.
Some of the finest legal minds
in Charleston determined that.
If you wish to continue
to live there...
then you see that the
payments are made properly.
And if you wish no more
further trouble from me...
then you stay out of my business.
What do you mean,
no further trouble?
- Cooper, what's happened to you?
- I am regaining...
what you and others sought
to take away from me.
Pride.
California is the
most beautiful place.
It's sunny and warm
all the time...
with the most magnificent
mountains and the ocean.
And in some of the streams,
they say there's gold.
Have you ever got any yet?
No, not yet. But I'm going to keep
trying. Gold is very precious.
But not as precious as you are.
Can we really come
visit you, Aunt Brett?
Nothing would make me happier.
But that really is
up to your father.
Can we, Papa?
What?
You'll have to excuse me.
Yes?
Everybody's worried about you.
George, we have trouble
at the ironworks.
I hired two Negroes...
and six of our best men
threatened to walk. White men.
- Fire them.
- What?
Fire them and keep the two.
That's your
responsibility, not mine.
Come here. I want to show you
something. Look at this.
We were able to track Bent
all the way to Chicago.
From here in Pittsburgh to
Canton, Ohio, to Columbus.
Where they saw him with a
pierced earring. Remember that?
- I know it was Constance's.
- George, please.
Six days later, Pinkerton
loses him in Chicago.
George, stop it. You're obsessed.
Please let me take the children
back to California till it's over.
It'll never be over while
there's a madman running loose.
It'll never be over till
you let it be over.
Bent will just keep going
until you stop chasing him...
because it's what he wants.
You're scaring me, George.
Just think what it's doing to your
children to see you like this.
The children are
safe here with me.
You're welcome to stay
as long as you like.
But where my business is
concerned, this business...
you may not intrude.
- Agent Jupiter Smith, sir.
- Show him right in.
I'm sorry to come unannounced...
but I'm heading out West and
wanted you to have this report.
Tell me what's in it.
We picked up Bent's trail again...
in a small farm in
southern Illinois.
He attacked a young
woman there, sir.
She's alive, but barely.
So much for my obsession.
We believe he's
headed for St. Louis
next, and from there, who knows?
My bet is he's after Charlie Main.
Look at the cards.
Same old cards, right?
I want somebody to pick me a card.
Who decides to pick a card?
All right, pick your card.
Show it to everybody. Come
on, now. Look at the card.
Don't show it to me.
Put the card back in there.
Watch me shuffle it for you.
Eyes are closed.
Check out the eyes.
Do you see the card in there?
Please look. Are you sure
you don't see the card?
Tie me up.
Let me know when
it's good and tight.
Is it good and tight yet?
Can you see that?
You get over here.
Get on over here so
you can see this.
You want this?
You men there.
Hey, you coloureds. We'll have
none of that at this camp.
You let them be.
They're doing no harm.
They're acting up.
It's not soldierly.
They're just having
some innocent fun.
A soldier's life is tough enough.
Don't you agree, Lieutenant?
What the hell would you
know about soldiering?
A damn sight more
than you ever would.
Why don't you find
yourself something
useful to do right
now, Lieutenant?
Excuse me.
I want to thank you for that, sir.
No need for it. He was wrong.
And don't call me sir. I work
for a living. Name's Charlie.
You a scout? They
call me Magic Magee.
Yeah, I can see why.
I got my tent set up over
there by the stables.
When you get settled
in and all, stop
by and we'll pull the jug awhile.
I hear the South in you. Are you
sure you want to drink with me?
Stop by.
I hear we'll be fighting Indians.
When we have to.
Mostly we'll be riding escort
for waggons and stages...
hoping our presence will keep the
hostile ones on the reservations.
Mind you, I have
sympathy for them...
save one in particular.
No. One or two is enough for me.
I don't want any trouble
with officers or NCO.
- You read and write, Magee?
- Yep.
Given that and seeing how you can
do tricks, why did you join up?
There ain't a lot of folks looking
to hire coloured magicians.
Besides, it's better than
emptying a spittoon in a saloon.
That was my last
job before reading
about young men of colour...
putting on the army blue.
You learn to ride and shoot
like that, you'll rise fast.
You know they plan on
promoting from the ranks.
You mean officers?
For now, non-commissioned
officers.
It would be men like yourself.
So why are you
scouting for the Army?
I'm just looking for
a friend of mine.
Sounds like something personal.
His name is Scar and
it's very personal.
- Boy.
- Sir?
I'm looking for Brigadier
Duncan's house.
Right there, sir.
Gussie, nap time, dear.
Welcome.
My name is Francis Cardozo.
I have the good fortune
to have been born free...
and I am deeply honoured that
those of you who were not...
have chosen me to
conduct our proceeding.
Any man who wishes
to speak may do so.
Below me, a clerk is at the table.
If you can't write
your name, give it
to him and he'll write it for you.
And you make your mark beside it.
Do not hesitate to say
what's on your mind, please.
Isaac, you go.
Welcome, my friends.
We have gathered for
a high purpose:
to prepare an address...
to the white inhabitants
of South Carolina.
We do not claim superior
wisdom or virtue...
but merely ask in a
conciliatory spirit...
for rights...
due us...
as men.
I now declare this convention
of coloured people open.
Until recently, the
masters owned the land.
Now we got the right to own land.
But until we get the land and
can farm for ourselves...
the old masters can hire
us out for nothing...
or starve us if they want to.
Give us the land, I says.
That's all I got to say.
Our next speaker, Isaac Kano.
I ain't by no right
no kind of speaker.
But I've been doing me some
thinking, real recent-like.
I've been thinking a lot
about being a freed man.
That's something I never
knowed as a child.
Now as a married man...
I've been thinking a lot
about having a family.
I've been thinking about
the rest of my life.
I've been thinking
some about dying, too.
I reckon this here
proclamation ought
to show some of
them white folks...
that we are just like them.
Not different.
Show them how we feels like them.
We loves like them.
We bears babies like them.
Lord knows, a lot
of their daddies...
give some of us their blood.
And a lot of our mamas done fed...
a whole lot of them their milk.
And I've been figuring...
somebody ought to tell some
of them white folks...
that when they dies,
and when we die...
we all gets put into
the same dirt...
and how when we get to heaven...
we all gonna share...
the same good Lord.
I reckon enough has been said
about all them differences.
I thank you.
Listen to them, Mr Kano.
Just listen to them.
I just said what I thought.
So pure and simple...
every man's heart soared.
God bless you, Mr Kano.
- Thank you.
- For what?
You called me "mister."
That ain't never been done before.
Them were some real
powerful words back there.
You helped make them real
and powerful, Isaac.
- Maybe.
- No maybes about it.
And what that make us?
We's Americans.
Get down, niggers.
I said get down.
You heard him. Get you down.
Your horse done run
off, gentlemen.
But since you're here, why
don't you dance for us?
Dance for us, boys. Come on.
They ain't gonna dance.
Been to a nigger convention,
acting like white folks...
they forgot how to dance.
Make them dance, boys.
Madeline, come quick.
Something's wrong.
Prudence, get the gun.
Last chance to dance, boys.
Run, Titus.
Get him.
Stupid nigger.
God, no.
Help me.
Give it to me. Jane,
get on with me.
You critters can't dance, but
you can fight and you can run.
You think you're Americans.
Never can be, and
you never will be.
Pull him up, boys.
Oh, God.
Jesus, take care of Jane.
Yeah, now that's
what I call dancing.
Let's hang another one.
Get him over here. Come on.
Here. Put it on him.
Let him go.
Who's giving orders out here?
General Orry Main's widow
and this 12-gauge shotgun.
Now let him down. You four,
get out of here now.
Oh, my Lord.
No.
Isaac, please.
Please don't.
No, don't leave me.
- That'll be all, Colonel.
- Sergeant.
Troops, to the right, halt.
Brigade Corporal,
dismiss your men.
Troops dismissed.
Settling right into
the life, aren't you?
It beats emptying out spittoons.
How you doing?
But you know I'm an entertainer...
and I've been teaching some
of the boys about drama.
A bunch of the boys
in C troop would
like to see some stage playing.
They've got sort of a
theatre in town...
but they don't sell no
tickets to coloured folks.
- Is that a fact?
- Sure is.
There's a lot of facts
changing these days.
Come on, my old
dears, one more time.
Why is this beard on me?
I didn't see that before, my beard
and hair are so long and white...
Tickets.
- Change for $10.
- Thank you.
- May I help you?
- I sure hope so.
Do you sell tickets to coloured?
Absolutely not. If we did, we
wouldn't attract decent customers.
Is Sam Trump inside?
- You know Mr Trump?
- You might say.
He's very busy, and so am I.
What are you doing?
What the blazes...
You.
Get out. You've hurt her enough.
I'm not here for Willa,
Sam. I'm here for tickets.
Tickets? See Mr Thurlow, not me.
No, Sam, the tickets are
for coloured soldiers.
- Coloured?
- Yes, coloured.
Sell him the tickets.
Our policy will not allow Negroes.
Then we won't play Leavenworth.
For God's sake, man,
sell him the tickets.
All right, but no white
people will attend...
and you people will
suffer at the box office.
Shut up.
Care for a taste?
You going to save some for me?
You're supposed to be sober, Sam.
I will be thanks to you.
All right, my old
dears, once again.
Why is this beard on me?
Thank you for helping with Sam.
Thank you for backing
me on the tickets.
Did you settle your
debt on the prairie?
No, not yet.
"Then must the Jew be merciful.
"On what compulsion
must I? Tell me that.
"The quality of mercy
is not strained...
"it droppeth as the gentle rain
from heaven Upon
the place beneath:
"it is twice blessed
"it blesseth him that
gives and him that takes:
"it becomes The throned
monarch better than his crown
"But mercy is above
this sceptred sway...
"it is enthroned in the
hearts of kings...
"it is an attribute
to God himself...
"we do pray for mercy...
"And that same
prayer doth teach us
all to render The deeds of mercy.
"I have spoke thus much To
mitigate the justice of my plea."
First you change the play.
Then you change my
staging of his play.
William Shakespeare wouldn't
have any mercy on you.
I had something to say.
And you said it, regardless.
Cooper finally has the excuse
he's been waiting for.
I can't make the mortgage
payment this month.
Get the money out of
George Hazard's account.
- Go to his man.
- No, I won't.
The sawmill is dead.
If you don't go to
him, you're condemning
your Negroes back into slavery.
George is in business for profit.
You think he doesn't know
what Isabel's doing?
You mean the same man who
worked alongside of our Isaac?
- It's finished, Prudence.
- Never.
All right, forget about them. Let
Cooper win and gloat.
What do you care?
You're a stubborn,
spoiled, selfish...
Southern lady.
If he pushes me off onto Jack
Ouinlan, if he shows me...
one ounce of pity...
I swear...
What the hell's going on?
Just following your
orders, George.
You asked me to tell you if Isabel
tries to move in on your interest.
She has, in South
Carolina at Mont Royal.
I need your help.
Please.
Where is the partnership agreement
between Cooper and Isabel located?
- I don't know.
- It is important, Madeline.
I'm sure it is, but...
Wait, I'm sorry. I'm sure we'll
find it, wherever it is.
This whole thing has
just got me so furious.
What is this?
I've been tracking Elkanah Bent
with the help of the Pinkertons.
I want to thank you for coming.
I just had to. You have a sizeable
investment at Mont Royal.
That's not the only
reason you came, is it?
No.
No, it isn't.
- Edwin.
- Excuse me, sir.
Mrs Main will stay
the night with us.
She and I will need
two train tickets
to Washington, earliest tomorrow.
Very good, sir.
Jack, I'll need you to
find the specifics...
of a partnership entered
into in South Carolina.
Thank you, Mrs Main. You've
done what no one else could.
Company, halt.
Lieutenant, we got a war
party about half a mile out.
Lead the way, Mr Main.
Column, left turn
forward. At a gallop.
Open fire. Fire at will.
Keep walking. Steady.
There they are, Lieutenant.
Charge.
What are you doing? You
ruined the whole thing.
We would have had them if
you hadn't interfered.
Sorry, Colonel. We
had no idea it was
a trap. It appeared
to the scout...
Shut up.
Yes, sir.
This is your scout?
Yes, sir. Mr Main.
Sound recall.
The main village is
on Cottonwood Creek.
We were trying to bait out the
warriors and strike the village.
Now it's all been
ruined, thanks to you.
Bring up my mount.
Main, not only are you a
despicable traitor...
you're a damn deserter, as well.
I only hope I see you hang.
You go to hell.
You say a word,
boy, I'll hurt you.
Running Wolf, you remember me?
I don't speak Cheyenne.
Where is Adolphus and the boy?
Man-ready-for-war and his dog
soldiers, they've killed them.
I did not know.
You know where
Man-ready-for-war is?
Would you kill him?
Yes, I would.
He was here three, four days back.
He's gone. You may search.
He's gone.
He and his bunch attacked a
waggon train 3 miles east.
- You may search.
- I believe you, Running Wolf.
The soldiers will be
coming, understand?
They'll be looking for him.
This is my woman.
We are old, with
children and women.
We are not at war.
No, I know.
Come on, sound the charge.
Venable.
Damn you, Main.
These people breed like rabbits
and make more warriors.
Damn the red devils, and damn you.
Let it go.
Keep fighting.
Kill the horses.
Use your sabres.
Kill them.
Sergeant, good work.
Cordon the men up
at the end of the
village. Let's get
ready to move out.
Yes, sir.
You son of a bitch.
- Form columns in twos, Corporal.
- Yes, sir.
I would not advise that, sir.
I would advise you getting
out of here, now.
Sir.
Charlie, come back. You
don't have to run.
Charlie, what about your
boy? What about Gus?
Charlie, come back.
Damn.
school at no cost to you.
No cost at all, madam.
Perhaps some place
else. They'll be back.
No, see, we done already decided.
We're gonna rebuild it right here.
A brand-new school where
children can learn in...
and we can be proud of,
right here on Mont Royal.
And them devils come back here...
we're waiting on them.
- That'd be right.
- Right.
It might all be just a
terrible mistake...
but this school is very welcome.
Mrs Main.
There's a telegraph
for you, madam.
It's from George Hazard.
It says that Constance...
has just been murdered
by Elkanah Bent.
Madeline, please
stop and reconsider.
Perhaps you didn't read it all.
It says that this
happened on Friday.
The funeral is this morning.
You can't possibly...
Oh, God.
He left on Thursday.
He'll never forgive himself.
Damn Elkanah Bent.
- You know him?
- Indeed I do. He's a madman.
I think that he is capable of...
You're thinking he
killed Orry, ain't you?
Yes, I think he did...
with Ashton.
- I must get to George.
- Miss Madeline?
- We in here, Titus.
- He needs me.
Madeline, please stop.
The message ends,
"Please don't come."
And it's signed simply,
"George Hazard."
Miss Madeline, the log
float done arrived.
I never seen so many logs
in these parts before.
Isaac says it's best you come.
You have duties and
responsibilities here.
We need you.
Dear George, we're all
so worried about you.
You must mingle more. There are so
many people here to
thank for coming.
Not now.
Isabel, George is grieving.
The people will understand.
The most important men to the
future of America are all here.
If you're going to join them in
the House of Representatives...
you should take advantage
of the situation.
She's really a very
caring woman, George.
You see qualities in her
that elude me, brother.
You may be happy with
your position at
the Freedmen's
Bureau, but I'm not.
Sweetheart. Go comb
your hair, darling.
I have plans for our future
and for our fortunes.
Secretary Stanton...
General Grant. Why,
Senator Stevens.
How very delightful
of you all to come.
Mrs Hazard.
Stanley, good to see you.
Stanley, please allow me
to congratulate you...
on your fine work with
the Freedmen's Bureau.
The Republican Party is proud of
the progress of emancipation.
Stanley is capable of
much greater things.
Excuse me. We must see
to the other guests.
Mr Jackson.
I try hard to guide and
improve your career...
and you make no effort.
I'm sad for George.
And I grieve Constance
as well, Isabel.
She cared little enough
for us, God knows.
George is my brother.
And would do very
little to help you.
We must start helping
ourselves, Stanley...
and to that end, I'm
travelling south.
South?
Your war profits.
All the Hazards profited
from the war...
and thanks to me, we have
some funds in the South...
that can be invested in
some very cheap land.
Your bureau can aid us.
That is privileged
information, Isabel.
That land is for ex-slaves,
not rich, white...
Stanley, darling.
The ex-slaves can't buy up
all of the South, can they?
Why don't we go upstairs
and discuss it?
We haven't seen each other
in a very long time.
Good afternoon, Edwin.
Mr Hazard sent for me.
The General is in the library, Mr
Ouinlan. You're to go right in.
Good afternoon.
That Irishman is offensive.
Excellent foreman, though.
I'm placing Hazard Iron
completely in your hands.
That's absurd.
All my correspondence is
to be transferred to you.
You're to handle Mrs Main's
accounts with the Charleston Bank.
Anything she wants or needs,
see that she gets it.
You're to treat
everything as your own.
- George, I'm just a foreman.
- I know you can do the job, Jack.
Besides, you're the only
one I can trust right now.
Surely your brother
can be trusted?
It's the vulture he's married
to that can't be trusted.
If she makes a move on anything,
you let me know immediately.
I'm counting on you, Jack.
I can't make any
decisions right now.
Food chokes me.
I can't sleep.
And when I do, I wake
and keep asking why.
Why wasn't I here?
I don't know what to do
with her things, Jack.
Sir, the Pinkerton
detective is here.
Send him right in.
Agent Jupiter Smith.
General Hazard, sir.
The war is over.
"Mister" will suffice.
This is Jack Ouinlan, my
associate. Take a seat.
I've just come from
the local police.
They suggest that you inform me...
of the particulars of Mrs
Hazard's murder, sir.
Elkanah Bent is a
brutal, vicious man.
He's a butcher of men,
women, and children alike.
And he takes great
pleasure in it, too.
He and I were together
at West Point...
along with General Orry Main,
late of the Confederate Army.
I have no doubt he
killed Orry, too.
He knifed him down, just
like he did my Constance.
Did they tell you
Bent came after me?
Spent weeks lying in
wait for me to return.
And what would his
motives be, sir?
Orry and I got him
dismissed from West Point.
He blames us for ruining
his military career.
He also swore a vendetta
against Charlie.
- Charlie, sir?
- Charlie Main, Orry's cousin.
He served under Bent
just before the war.
He's seeking revenge against
both of our families.
So then he may return to
try again for you, sir.
No, he won't.
Because before that
can happen, your
organisation's going
to find him first.
And when you do, he is mine.
You think there's
Indians tracking us?
He's got a nose for it.
He kind of feels them.
- Is that true?
- It sure is.
Kind of feel them, huh?
Well, I don't see any tracking us.
When you see them, it
might be a mite too late.
Now, we're going to hole up soon.
We'll do a little work on
that jug of corn whiskey.
- Might be the last chance we get.
- Yeah.
You are an optimistic
cuss, ain't you?
That's me.
Good night, Jimmy.
Well, are they out there?
Not tonight...
but they're there.
This is their land.
They know we're here.
Give me the password
and do the shake.
Wesley, have you
lost your damn mind?
I've knowed you since
both of us was kids.
I know, but you still
got to give the
password and do the secret grip.
Damn. Liberty, Wesley.
- Evening, Isaac.
- Hey, now.
Good to see you.
Gentlemen.
Can I have your attention,
please, gentlemen?
I call this meeting...
of the Union League Club,
Ashley River District to order.
Now, Mr Andrew Johnson
is our President...
since Mr Lincoln was shot.
And Mr Johnson is a
Southern-loving Democrat.
He'd like to see you cut right out
of your hard-earned rights...
political and land-wise.
He doesn't want to see you vote.
He has pardoned the very men...
who have oppressed us
for so long a time.
But the Republicans, and
that's all of us...
we want to see you
rise up so high...
you'll have to walk down
steps to reach heaven.
- Who are your friends?
- Republicans.
- And who's the enemy?
- Democrats.
Liberty, Lincoln, League.
Now, my friends...
there are still slaves...
because there are still
those who would be masters.
How many here still work
for their old masters?
Own up.
Stand up and own up now.
You get paid for your efforts?
We'll be paid. Miss
Madeline promised.
Besides, she give
us more than pay.
More than pay?
What's more important than
cash money for your labours?
Don't you people know that the
Republicans delivered
you from slavery?
What's more important than
cash money for your labours?
Pride.
We gots pride.
Well, sir, all I can say is...
We done heard everything you
had to say, Mr Klawdell.
Now you going to listen to me.
You all sit down.
You can't see how
it is down here...
because you're from up North.
But you best take a long,
hard look and listen.
What we do now...
what we gives...
we do and give because we want to.
It ain't like it was
before the war.
It's different now.
We's free now.
And free men choose.
What point is it in being free...
if you can't choose?
Hold on there. Hold up.
Now, I don't know about the
rest of you, but this man...
- Sir, what is your name?
- Isaac Kano.
What you say is true.
You all know we've come
together to choose delegates...
to the January convention
down in Charleston.
I, for one, think we've found our
first delegate here in Mr Kano.
What say the rest of you?
What is that you're doing?
This is a sample of earth
I found at Mont Royal.
I'm taking it to the bank.
They'll have a survey
done, and when
that's complete and a
loan is secured...
we'll be rich once again.
But Madeline owns Mont Royal.
Madeline is living there,
but not for much longer.
She is not blood. Mont Royal
belongs in our family.
- Cooper...
- Don't sass me.
Don't ever sass me.
What are you becoming, Cooper?
Strong once again.
I'm sorry, Cooper.
Do you understand
the potential value
of what you're holding
in your hand?
Yes.
And I also understand that...
you have no legal claim
as yet to Mont Royal.
Cooper, I can't loan you money
on something that you don't own.
You're late, madam.
Champagne. How glorious.
Did you hear me, Ashton?
Yes, of course I heard
you, Fen, dear.
I was only a tiny bit late.
No need for concern.
Champagne, please.
Thank you.
Oh, my.
My darling husband.
Do you want me... I
can demonstrate it.
Please.
It's only the first
model, you understand,
but there will be more in time.
These pianos will stand
in every cathouse
and saloon all over the world...
and no one is going to
be able to resist her.
Just like me.
- That's why I named it so.
- Champagne for everyone.
To my remarkable genius of a
husband who is going to make me...
us all very rich.
To the Ashton piano.
How did you manage
to buy that dress?
I put a little bit of money
away every now and then.
You save any more back,
you give it to me.
I'm not some slave, Fen.
No, you're a slut, and you look
every inch of it right now.
Not everybody thinks so.
So you know everybody?
I'm warning you. If you ever
want to see Mont Royal again...
you cut back your spending.
It took everything we had
to start this business up.
We're flat broke right now.
We are going to be very rich...
and I just wanted to be
beautiful for my husband.
We're not married yet.
You're hurting me.
- You scare me.
- I scare you?
I saw you kill a
man in cold blood.
He was a disgusting
pig and I hated...
That's not enough reason
to kill somebody.
You behave yourself, or you'll
never see your mansion again.
You don't know me.
I know you. You are vicious
and greedy and vain.
But you amuse me sometimes.
Let's go out for a
fine dinner. You
can show that wicked dress off.
Come along.
If you insist.
- Can I help you?
- I certainly hope so, my friend.
I'm trying to locate an old
comrade of mine from the war.
- His name?
- Charles Main...
late of the Confederacy, but most
recently reported
to this division.
I see you're admiring this.
It's unusual, I know.
It belonged to my dear,
departed mother.
I'm afraid of losing it.
I'll see what I can discover
on your old comrade.
I appreciate it.
Excuse me, sir. I
think I found it.
Your friend was here under
the name of Charles May.
He deserted, but President
Johnson pardoned him...
on the request of Brevet
Brigadier Duncan.
Brigadier Duncan?
You have any more information?
Brigadier Duncan corresponds with
him still. You want the address?
I'd be indebted to you, sir.
Appreciate it.
What did that man want?
He was searching
out a friend, sir.
I gave Brigadier Duncan's address
in St. Louis for
further reference.
My God, Private, I think
you've made a grave mistake.
Run a message to the
Pinkerton Office in town.
And if you like desk
duty private, you
read what's going
on the poster board.
Yes, sir.
All aboard, please.
This for me?
- Thank you, Jim.
- It's a present, Charlie.
Why, there's a nice one.
My son Gus used to collect these.
That's a real nice
one. I thank you.
I'm going to keep this
with me, all right?
Makes me happy.
I owe you a debt for your
patience to Jim here.
It's not hard. He's a
good boy. Besides,
my debt beats yours all to hell.
You never did tell me how
you two met up anyway.
Kind of like I met you. Bunch
of bullies was beating him up.
- Cheyenne?
- It could be wolves.
If they're Cheyenne,
I hope they're
only after our horses and mules.
So do I. You don't plan on
giving them up, do you?
It's either that or
give them our hair.
No, please don't hurt me.
For better, for worse, for
richer, for poorer...
in sickness and in health...
till death do us part.
With the blessings of the Lord,
I give you a man and his wife.
Well, kiss her.
- Jane.
- I'm so happy.
Madeline, is something wrong?
No, everything's fine.
It's just that Maum
Beatrice is taking care
of little Orry, and
I should get back.
You go back inside.
Wouldn't it be a
shame if someone was
to bolt the door on
them fine people...
- and set the whole thing on fire?
- Damn shame.
Could be done, you know.
It's real tempting.
That's not why you're
leaving, is it?
This has brought back memories.
You take the buggy. I
feel like walking.
Wait a minute. Who's that?
Well, now.
Howdy, Mrs Main.
Girl, you know what we plan to do.
Why don't you settle down
and put your mind to it?
You're disgusting.
Come on, you haven't had it in a
long time. You ought to enjoy it.
Leave me alone.
Come on, Gettys. Nobody
around. Let's get that stuff.
I'm being whooped here. Gettys,
you fool, come help me.
Gettys, don't do this.
- Come on.
- Don't.
This lady took a stumble and fell
down. We was just helping her up.
- See, we live close by and...
- You're just being neighbourly?
Yes, sir.
Do it some place else.
- Jenks is the name, madam.
- I'm Mrs Main.
You sure you're all right, madam?
Yes, thank you.
Are you on Mont Royal to see me?
No, I'm a geologist running
a survey for phosphates.
Who sent you?
A Charleston bank employed
my services, madam.
Mr Jenks, thank you.
- I thank you very much.
- Certainly, madam.
- Did you say 10 cents?
- I believe I said 1, madam.
But you can have it for 10.
Can I have this ribbon
for my hair, Mama?
It's been a hard year, Sophie.
Madam, I'll tell you what.
I could use some hay to
carry along for my mule.
I'd be glad to trade
you for it. She'd
look real pretty in that ribbon.
- I have to go get my husband.
- Could you do that, madam?
Appreciate it.
Papa's in the far field.
I'll go fetch him.
All right.
Appreciate it.
You want me to tie that
up into a bow for you?
What do you say...
about showing me where
that hay is, little lady?
All right.
Come in.
Mr Cooper?
Forgive me for marching
on in, but there's
someone here I'd like you to meet.
Isabel Truscott, Mr Main.
Miss Truscott is interested
in investing hereabouts...
and when I related your
discovery of phosphates, she...
Thank you, Mr Keyes. You've
been quite gallant and useful.
When I have discussed
matters with Mr Main...
I shall call on you
again at the bank.
Very well.
When you need my services,
I'll be gladly available.
Have you remarried, Isabel?
No, but because of Stanley's
political hopes...
I feel it best to use my maiden
name in my business dealings.
After all these years, you're
still a fine figure of a man.
I understand Northern
investors are
not always welcome in this house.
It's not a rigid rule.
You're quite welcome.
How did you come to learn...
about my phosphates?
When it comes to my money, I
always do scrupulous research.
I know all about
your phosphates...
and that you're
searching for money
for some of your other holdings...
such as Mont Royal.
Exactly what sort of investment
were you thinking about making?
Substantial enough to open
a full mine operation...
and a fertiliser plant.
My terms...
I'm afraid that you're
in no position...
to accept anything but my terms.
51% for me, and the
balance for you.
That in exchange for
full financial backing.
My, my.
Would that extend into my
other companies, as well?
Now, my dear Cooper,
don't be piggish.
This operation will
be so successful that
you'll be able to invest
your own money...
in whatever way you wish.
There is one problem, though.
Since Mont Royal is
not fully yours, and
Madeline has enterprises
of her own...
she will no doubt be interested
in the profit that you make.
You may split that with your
sister-in-law however you see fit.
There's one other consideration.
What other consideration?
Labour can be such a difficulty.
The workers must be bound to us...
and the best way to do that is
with a store that we control.
The workers buy
everything on credit...
and it's convenient for all.
A company store.
Exactly. Do you know
of such a place?
I know the perfect place...
and the perfect man for the job.
Somebody must have put
a nail in the log.
Damn fool woman.
Good morning. Good
to see you, Cooper.
How could you be so foolish to
rebuild that stupid school?
I'm not. The local sharecroppers
are, for the children.
Don't play with me, woman.
You know exactly what...
Tell me, was it you,
Johnny, Gettys...
or that crowd of rabble that
call themselves the Brethren...
that tore up my saw-blade?
Your saw-blade has been ruined?
Won't that distress George
Hazard all to pieces?
George doesn't know.
There's a great deal
that he doesn't know.
Such as?
Such as, with the aid of his
sister-in-law, Isabel Hazard...
I intend to open a mine for
phosphates right
here on Mont Royal.
Mont Royal belongs to me.
For as long as you make the
mortgage payments, it does.
But since your sawmill
isn't operating,
how do you intend to do that?
I shall.
But if I should fail...
I wish you all the best.
Why would you wish me that?
Because I bear you
no malice, Cooper.
- You're a fool.
- Perhaps that's my lot in life.
You are no gentlewoman.
Were you ever?
I never claimed to be.
Damn you.
How does he get down the chimney?
Well, he just does.
He's Santa Claus.
What if he gets stuck?
Santa Claus never gets stuck.
He has got magic powers.
- What if...
- If, if, if.
If you keep asking questions,
we'll never get our shopping done.
Go, Gus.
What are you doing here?
That was nicely
done, Charlie Main.
You come around here
like a spectre,
and frighten the
girl and the child.
Come on in.
Whoa, now.
Nothing?
Mr Tackett said the
blade ain't ready.
He wouldn't even give us so
much as a glance, Madeline.
I smell the odour of
the Brethren in this.
- Anything else unusual?
- Stopped by Gettys' store.
Prices are way up,
higher than ever.
You can get anything you want...
as long as you put your name
down or makes your mark.
Trouble is, you got to
pay him $12 a month.
And we only get paid
every six months, so
they tack on something
called interest.
They don't use cash money...
just paper I ain't never seen the
like of. Something called scrip.
That way, they can never clear
their debt. It's more slavery.
Sound familiar?
Unfortunately.
Soldiering's the
only thing I know.
The Army needs civilian scouts.
Many of them have, shall we
say, dubious backgrounds.
And what do I know about scouting?
You've been there and survived.
You walked out alive.
That's something of value.
If I decided on that, you'd
put in a word for me?
Yes, of course.
Now, what about Elkanah Bent?
George Hazard's wires reached you?
Someone should have
put a bullet in him
long ago and saved
us all that grief.
He'll be caught. But until
then, you watch your back.
- The man's insane.
- I'm dedicated to that.
If he wants to come
after me, let him.
What about Willa?
- What about Willa?
- How can you treat her like that?
She adores Gus. She spends
a lot of time with him.
- I never asked her over.
- She does it for Gus...
and because she's
in love with you.
I never asked for that, either.
Go and talk to her.
"We are such stuff As
dreams are made on
"and our little life Is
rounded with a sleep."
Sam's forming a
travelling company.
Maybe we can meet on
the road somewhere.
I don't think so.
I'm not very good at this.
I can't see you any
more and I'd appreciate
it if you wouldn't
see Gus, either.
Charlie, come up to
my room with me now.
We can have some privacy and talk.
We wouldn't just
do that, would we?
We can just hold each other.
Charlie, I love you.
You have to give me a chance.
I don't know why I'm here.
Yes, you do.
Tell me.
Out West...
I just don't know any more.
Let me help you.
God, I missed you.
See that?
When I was out on the prairie, a
little boy named Jim gave me this.
It made me think an
awful lot of you.
I got this one. Now
I got two of them.
One to think of both
of you with, Gus.
You're a good boy.
I'm mighty proud of you.
I hate to intrude, but could I
speak with you for a minute?
I secured a placement for
you as a civilian scout.
- Out West?
- Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
All right. That's all right by me.
The pardon still stands even
though Johnson's having trouble?
It does.
As long as I can hunt down
that damn renegade...
I don't have any problems at all.
You're leaving again, aren't you?
- When will you be back?
- I don't know.
Doesn't this mean anything to you?
What happened to you out there?
Please tell me.
No, I told you this
is the way it is.
- I've got a debt to settle.
- You're a bastard.
You used me, Charles Main.
I'm sorry for that.
All right, you just make
your mark right there.
May I see one of those
labour contracts?
Why? You thinking of
signing up for some work?
You can see mine, Miss Madeline.
No, I'm sorry. That is not
allowed. Put your mark there.
Seeing as how you're pretty
strapped up to Mont Royal...
maybe you'd like to buy
these things on credit.
All these people are
buying with credit?
Sure.
All the Negroes are getting
credit for work done.
For a year's contract?
- We'll pay with cash.
- Wait a minute.
You're sure you don't want to join
the rest of your folks, Madeline?
Like I said, cash.
Come in.
Mr Cooper, Mrs Main
to see you, sir.
How are you, Cooper?
What do you want?
I've come to discuss the labour
contracts for the
workers at your mine.
That is none of your business.
You are deliberately placing
hard-working, decent men...
into bondage once again.
- Do you mean the Negroes?
- Yes.
You, of course, are
sympathetic to them.
Deeply.
You know perfectly well
they can't read...
and I'm sure you haven't
explained the contract to them.
Then your teacher and your
school should be educating them.
I have a contract with you
and rights to Mont Royal.
I will not permit this to happen.
You have the right to live there
as long as you pay the mortgage.
Some of the finest legal minds
in Charleston determined that.
If you wish to continue
to live there...
then you see that the
payments are made properly.
And if you wish no more
further trouble from me...
then you stay out of my business.
What do you mean,
no further trouble?
- Cooper, what's happened to you?
- I am regaining...
what you and others sought
to take away from me.
Pride.
California is the
most beautiful place.
It's sunny and warm
all the time...
with the most magnificent
mountains and the ocean.
And in some of the streams,
they say there's gold.
Have you ever got any yet?
No, not yet. But I'm going to keep
trying. Gold is very precious.
But not as precious as you are.
Can we really come
visit you, Aunt Brett?
Nothing would make me happier.
But that really is
up to your father.
Can we, Papa?
What?
You'll have to excuse me.
Yes?
Everybody's worried about you.
George, we have trouble
at the ironworks.
I hired two Negroes...
and six of our best men
threatened to walk. White men.
- Fire them.
- What?
Fire them and keep the two.
That's your
responsibility, not mine.
Come here. I want to show you
something. Look at this.
We were able to track Bent
all the way to Chicago.
From here in Pittsburgh to
Canton, Ohio, to Columbus.
Where they saw him with a
pierced earring. Remember that?
- I know it was Constance's.
- George, please.
Six days later, Pinkerton
loses him in Chicago.
George, stop it. You're obsessed.
Please let me take the children
back to California till it's over.
It'll never be over while
there's a madman running loose.
It'll never be over till
you let it be over.
Bent will just keep going
until you stop chasing him...
because it's what he wants.
You're scaring me, George.
Just think what it's doing to your
children to see you like this.
The children are
safe here with me.
You're welcome to stay
as long as you like.
But where my business is
concerned, this business...
you may not intrude.
- Agent Jupiter Smith, sir.
- Show him right in.
I'm sorry to come unannounced...
but I'm heading out West and
wanted you to have this report.
Tell me what's in it.
We picked up Bent's trail again...
in a small farm in
southern Illinois.
He attacked a young
woman there, sir.
She's alive, but barely.
So much for my obsession.
We believe he's
headed for St. Louis
next, and from there, who knows?
My bet is he's after Charlie Main.
Look at the cards.
Same old cards, right?
I want somebody to pick me a card.
Who decides to pick a card?
All right, pick your card.
Show it to everybody. Come
on, now. Look at the card.
Don't show it to me.
Put the card back in there.
Watch me shuffle it for you.
Eyes are closed.
Check out the eyes.
Do you see the card in there?
Please look. Are you sure
you don't see the card?
Tie me up.
Let me know when
it's good and tight.
Is it good and tight yet?
Can you see that?
You get over here.
Get on over here so
you can see this.
You want this?
You men there.
Hey, you coloureds. We'll have
none of that at this camp.
You let them be.
They're doing no harm.
They're acting up.
It's not soldierly.
They're just having
some innocent fun.
A soldier's life is tough enough.
Don't you agree, Lieutenant?
What the hell would you
know about soldiering?
A damn sight more
than you ever would.
Why don't you find
yourself something
useful to do right
now, Lieutenant?
Excuse me.
I want to thank you for that, sir.
No need for it. He was wrong.
And don't call me sir. I work
for a living. Name's Charlie.
You a scout? They
call me Magic Magee.
Yeah, I can see why.
I got my tent set up over
there by the stables.
When you get settled
in and all, stop
by and we'll pull the jug awhile.
I hear the South in you. Are you
sure you want to drink with me?
Stop by.
I hear we'll be fighting Indians.
When we have to.
Mostly we'll be riding escort
for waggons and stages...
hoping our presence will keep the
hostile ones on the reservations.
Mind you, I have
sympathy for them...
save one in particular.
No. One or two is enough for me.
I don't want any trouble
with officers or NCO.
- You read and write, Magee?
- Yep.
Given that and seeing how you can
do tricks, why did you join up?
There ain't a lot of folks looking
to hire coloured magicians.
Besides, it's better than
emptying a spittoon in a saloon.
That was my last
job before reading
about young men of colour...
putting on the army blue.
You learn to ride and shoot
like that, you'll rise fast.
You know they plan on
promoting from the ranks.
You mean officers?
For now, non-commissioned
officers.
It would be men like yourself.
So why are you
scouting for the Army?
I'm just looking for
a friend of mine.
Sounds like something personal.
His name is Scar and
it's very personal.
- Boy.
- Sir?
I'm looking for Brigadier
Duncan's house.
Right there, sir.
Gussie, nap time, dear.
Welcome.
My name is Francis Cardozo.
I have the good fortune
to have been born free...
and I am deeply honoured that
those of you who were not...
have chosen me to
conduct our proceeding.
Any man who wishes
to speak may do so.
Below me, a clerk is at the table.
If you can't write
your name, give it
to him and he'll write it for you.
And you make your mark beside it.
Do not hesitate to say
what's on your mind, please.
Isaac, you go.
Welcome, my friends.
We have gathered for
a high purpose:
to prepare an address...
to the white inhabitants
of South Carolina.
We do not claim superior
wisdom or virtue...
but merely ask in a
conciliatory spirit...
for rights...
due us...
as men.
I now declare this convention
of coloured people open.
Until recently, the
masters owned the land.
Now we got the right to own land.
But until we get the land and
can farm for ourselves...
the old masters can hire
us out for nothing...
or starve us if they want to.
Give us the land, I says.
That's all I got to say.
Our next speaker, Isaac Kano.
I ain't by no right
no kind of speaker.
But I've been doing me some
thinking, real recent-like.
I've been thinking a lot
about being a freed man.
That's something I never
knowed as a child.
Now as a married man...
I've been thinking a lot
about having a family.
I've been thinking about
the rest of my life.
I've been thinking
some about dying, too.
I reckon this here
proclamation ought
to show some of
them white folks...
that we are just like them.
Not different.
Show them how we feels like them.
We loves like them.
We bears babies like them.
Lord knows, a lot
of their daddies...
give some of us their blood.
And a lot of our mamas done fed...
a whole lot of them their milk.
And I've been figuring...
somebody ought to tell some
of them white folks...
that when they dies,
and when we die...
we all gets put into
the same dirt...
and how when we get to heaven...
we all gonna share...
the same good Lord.
I reckon enough has been said
about all them differences.
I thank you.
Listen to them, Mr Kano.
Just listen to them.
I just said what I thought.
So pure and simple...
every man's heart soared.
God bless you, Mr Kano.
- Thank you.
- For what?
You called me "mister."
That ain't never been done before.
Them were some real
powerful words back there.
You helped make them real
and powerful, Isaac.
- Maybe.
- No maybes about it.
And what that make us?
We's Americans.
Get down, niggers.
I said get down.
You heard him. Get you down.
Your horse done run
off, gentlemen.
But since you're here, why
don't you dance for us?
Dance for us, boys. Come on.
They ain't gonna dance.
Been to a nigger convention,
acting like white folks...
they forgot how to dance.
Make them dance, boys.
Madeline, come quick.
Something's wrong.
Prudence, get the gun.
Last chance to dance, boys.
Run, Titus.
Get him.
Stupid nigger.
God, no.
Help me.
Give it to me. Jane,
get on with me.
You critters can't dance, but
you can fight and you can run.
You think you're Americans.
Never can be, and
you never will be.
Pull him up, boys.
Oh, God.
Jesus, take care of Jane.
Yeah, now that's
what I call dancing.
Let's hang another one.
Get him over here. Come on.
Here. Put it on him.
Let him go.
Who's giving orders out here?
General Orry Main's widow
and this 12-gauge shotgun.
Now let him down. You four,
get out of here now.
Oh, my Lord.
No.
Isaac, please.
Please don't.
No, don't leave me.
- That'll be all, Colonel.
- Sergeant.
Troops, to the right, halt.
Brigade Corporal,
dismiss your men.
Troops dismissed.
Settling right into
the life, aren't you?
It beats emptying out spittoons.
How you doing?
But you know I'm an entertainer...
and I've been teaching some
of the boys about drama.
A bunch of the boys
in C troop would
like to see some stage playing.
They've got sort of a
theatre in town...
but they don't sell no
tickets to coloured folks.
- Is that a fact?
- Sure is.
There's a lot of facts
changing these days.
Come on, my old
dears, one more time.
Why is this beard on me?
I didn't see that before, my beard
and hair are so long and white...
Tickets.
- Change for $10.
- Thank you.
- May I help you?
- I sure hope so.
Do you sell tickets to coloured?
Absolutely not. If we did, we
wouldn't attract decent customers.
Is Sam Trump inside?
- You know Mr Trump?
- You might say.
He's very busy, and so am I.
What are you doing?
What the blazes...
You.
Get out. You've hurt her enough.
I'm not here for Willa,
Sam. I'm here for tickets.
Tickets? See Mr Thurlow, not me.
No, Sam, the tickets are
for coloured soldiers.
- Coloured?
- Yes, coloured.
Sell him the tickets.
Our policy will not allow Negroes.
Then we won't play Leavenworth.
For God's sake, man,
sell him the tickets.
All right, but no white
people will attend...
and you people will
suffer at the box office.
Shut up.
Care for a taste?
You going to save some for me?
You're supposed to be sober, Sam.
I will be thanks to you.
All right, my old
dears, once again.
Why is this beard on me?
Thank you for helping with Sam.
Thank you for backing
me on the tickets.
Did you settle your
debt on the prairie?
No, not yet.
"Then must the Jew be merciful.
"On what compulsion
must I? Tell me that.
"The quality of mercy
is not strained...
"it droppeth as the gentle rain
from heaven Upon
the place beneath:
"it is twice blessed
"it blesseth him that
gives and him that takes:
"it becomes The throned
monarch better than his crown
"But mercy is above
this sceptred sway...
"it is enthroned in the
hearts of kings...
"it is an attribute
to God himself...
"we do pray for mercy...
"And that same
prayer doth teach us
all to render The deeds of mercy.
"I have spoke thus much To
mitigate the justice of my plea."
First you change the play.
Then you change my
staging of his play.
William Shakespeare wouldn't
have any mercy on you.
I had something to say.
And you said it, regardless.
Cooper finally has the excuse
he's been waiting for.
I can't make the mortgage
payment this month.
Get the money out of
George Hazard's account.
- Go to his man.
- No, I won't.
The sawmill is dead.
If you don't go to
him, you're condemning
your Negroes back into slavery.
George is in business for profit.
You think he doesn't know
what Isabel's doing?
You mean the same man who
worked alongside of our Isaac?
- It's finished, Prudence.
- Never.
All right, forget about them. Let
Cooper win and gloat.
What do you care?
You're a stubborn,
spoiled, selfish...
Southern lady.
If he pushes me off onto Jack
Ouinlan, if he shows me...
one ounce of pity...
I swear...
What the hell's going on?
Just following your
orders, George.
You asked me to tell you if Isabel
tries to move in on your interest.
She has, in South
Carolina at Mont Royal.
I need your help.
Please.
Where is the partnership agreement
between Cooper and Isabel located?
- I don't know.
- It is important, Madeline.
I'm sure it is, but...
Wait, I'm sorry. I'm sure we'll
find it, wherever it is.
This whole thing has
just got me so furious.
What is this?
I've been tracking Elkanah Bent
with the help of the Pinkertons.
I want to thank you for coming.
I just had to. You have a sizeable
investment at Mont Royal.
That's not the only
reason you came, is it?
No.
No, it isn't.
- Edwin.
- Excuse me, sir.
Mrs Main will stay
the night with us.
She and I will need
two train tickets
to Washington, earliest tomorrow.
Very good, sir.
Jack, I'll need you to
find the specifics...
of a partnership entered
into in South Carolina.
Thank you, Mrs Main. You've
done what no one else could.
Company, halt.
Lieutenant, we got a war
party about half a mile out.
Lead the way, Mr Main.
Column, left turn
forward. At a gallop.
Open fire. Fire at will.
Keep walking. Steady.
There they are, Lieutenant.
Charge.
What are you doing? You
ruined the whole thing.
We would have had them if
you hadn't interfered.
Sorry, Colonel. We
had no idea it was
a trap. It appeared
to the scout...
Shut up.
Yes, sir.
This is your scout?
Yes, sir. Mr Main.
Sound recall.
The main village is
on Cottonwood Creek.
We were trying to bait out the
warriors and strike the village.
Now it's all been
ruined, thanks to you.
Bring up my mount.
Main, not only are you a
despicable traitor...
you're a damn deserter, as well.
I only hope I see you hang.
You go to hell.
You say a word,
boy, I'll hurt you.
Running Wolf, you remember me?
I don't speak Cheyenne.
Where is Adolphus and the boy?
Man-ready-for-war and his dog
soldiers, they've killed them.
I did not know.
You know where
Man-ready-for-war is?
Would you kill him?
Yes, I would.
He was here three, four days back.
He's gone. You may search.
He's gone.
He and his bunch attacked a
waggon train 3 miles east.
- You may search.
- I believe you, Running Wolf.
The soldiers will be
coming, understand?
They'll be looking for him.
This is my woman.
We are old, with
children and women.
We are not at war.
No, I know.
Come on, sound the charge.
Venable.
Damn you, Main.
These people breed like rabbits
and make more warriors.
Damn the red devils, and damn you.
Let it go.
Keep fighting.
Kill the horses.
Use your sabres.
Kill them.
Sergeant, good work.
Cordon the men up
at the end of the
village. Let's get
ready to move out.
Yes, sir.
You son of a bitch.
- Form columns in twos, Corporal.
- Yes, sir.
I would not advise that, sir.
I would advise you getting
out of here, now.
Sir.
Charlie, come back. You
don't have to run.
Charlie, what about your
boy? What about Gus?
Charlie, come back.
Damn.