Rawhide (1959–1965): Season 4, Episode 12 - Twenty-Five Santa Clauses - full transcript
Wishbone and Mushy find a man dressed in a Santa Claus outfit walking on the range. He nearly passes out saying he is lost and practicing for an early Christmas party for his dying son. They take him to his wife and adopted son's camp. The trio of con artists are pulling the "dying boy" scam on the good-hearted drovers. The idea is to pretend their boy is dying and his final wish is to have a Christmas party replete with valuable presents. Meanwhile, at the drover camp by a deep river Favor gives Rowdy orders to get the herd across the river immediately before it rains as he leaves with Clay to scout ahead. While Favor is away, the crew disobeys his orders to cross the threatening river. Instead, they organize the Christmas party. The drovers are planning for each to give a head of cattle while Rowdy decides to capture a wild stallion for the boy but injures himself trying as it rains. A furious and suspicious Favor returns and directs the doctor called to care for Rowdy to examine the "dying boy" and expose the fraud. However, unknown to everyone, the doctor secretly tells Favor and Bateman that Mag has only weeks left due to a bad heart giving a purpose to the August Christman party.
Hyah!
Rollin', rollin', rollin'
Rollin', rollin', rollin'
Keep movin', movin', movin'
Though they're disapprovin'
Keep them dogies movin'
Rawhide
Don't try to understand 'em
Just rope and throw and brand 'em
Soon we'll be living high and wide
My heart's calculatin'
My true love will be waitin'
Be waiting at the end of my ride
Move 'em on, head 'em up,
head 'em up, move 'em on
Move 'em on, head 'em up
Rawhide
Let 'em out, ride 'em in,
ride 'em in, let 'em out
Cut 'em out, ride 'em in
- Rawhide
- Rollin', rollin', rollin'
Hyah!
Mr. Wishbone.
Mr. Wishbone.
Mr. Wishbone?
Oh, stop it.
Mr. Wishbone.
I showed you how to work that thing once.
I'm not gonna show you again.
Mr. Wishbone.
Whatever it is, it's not worth
aggravating me about.
What it is is Santa Claus.
It's what?
I think Santa Claus is gonna
come over and talk to us.
Santa Claus.
Yes, sir.
In the middle of August.
In the middle of Texas.
Well, that's what them bells are.
Howdy, sir.
Hello, son.
Howdy.
Howdy.
l... I wonder if you gentlemen
could give me a hand.
I'm... I don't know. I'm...
I believe I'm... I'm lost.
Don't just sit there, ya numbskull.
Get down and help him.
Rub his wrists.
How do you figure he got
so far south, Mr. Wishbone?
Ahh.
He isn't dead, is he?
How do you feel?
Oh, terrible. Terrible.
You kinda scared us
the way you keeled over like that.
Oh, me, too.
Too much sun.
I've been out looking for the wagon
ever since breakfast.
You see, my... my wife
and my boy and... and me...
we were on our way to New York...
Here. Just... Just sit down.
Look, I promised that I'd be right back,
and they'll be worried.
Well, they'll be a dang sight more worried
if I have to drag you in on a slab.
I like the way
you state your problem there, brother.
Yeah, it's very persuasive.
You just lean back here
and rest a minute now.
Thank you.
And he cooks good, too.
Cooks?
With the Gil Favor drive.
I'm G.W. Wishbone,
and that tower of wisdom
is my cook's louse Mushy.
My name is Bateman.
Pleasure to make your acquaintance,
Mr. Bateman.
The Gil Favor drive?
That wouldn't be the cows
that we kept hearin' all day yesterday?
More'n likely.
We're camped up on the James
about 4 miles.
We just been into to the domes
to pick up some rock salt.
Is it a big herd?
Well, 3,200 head and 25 drovers.
25?
Take that thing off.
Did I scare you?
Boy, Mr. Bateman, this is a good one.
Do you think
a 9-year-old would like that?
Bound to.
That 9-year-old liked it.
I bought all these things back in El Paso.
You know, the...
those masks and trains and drums.
That's why I left the wagon.
I didn't want the boy to see me
wrapping the toys.
And then I wanted
to try on the costume, but...
I don't know.
I got kind of turned around.
Well, you're kind of rushing the season.
You got a good four months till Christmas.
I have, yes.
Well, what then?
You mean, someone else hasn't.
The little fella, huh?
The boy don't know it.
We just told him that Santa Claus
sometimes drops in early on good boys.
Oh, we're gonna have a Christmas party
tomorrow or maybe a day later.
You know, we're gonna
put up a Christmas tree,
and we'll hand out the presents,
you know.
It'll only be the three of us,
of course, but...
We found the boy in Mexico.
Danny.
No last name, no parents, you see?
Mag and me... we...
we never had any children,
so we...
we just kind of all got together.
Was he all right, then?
Well, he seemed to be,
except for a little cough.
Now, we took him to the doctor.
The doctor said maybe six months or seven.
That was in January.
Oh, well, doctors can make mistakes, too.
No. No, not this time.
Not this time, Mr. Wishbone. No.
Well, I guess I'll take off these clothes.
Now, that's north, you say?
Oh, we'll drive you back, Mr. Bateman.
Oh, no, no. That...
You don't have to do that.
I know my way now.
Well, truth of the matter is
I'd kind of like to meet the family.
You would?
Well, I'd be very proud
to have you meet 'em.
It wouldn't make the little fella nervous?
Oh, no. No, l...
I think it'll perk him up.
You see, Mr. Wishbone,
it's gets very dull
just lying in bed and staring up at the sky.
Yeah.
Run, Mag.
I beat you.
Ten years ago, you wouldn't have.
Ten years ago,
I wouldn't be here for a year yet.
That's what I mean.
Oh, Danny. Oh!
Mag, where were you ten years ago?
Alaska.
- With Bateman?
- Always with Bateman.
Now, can you imagine me without Bateman?
What was he doing in Alaska?
Selling lots in the Gobi desert
to the Eskimos.
Bateman's going to teach me the business.
When I grow up, we're going to Brooklyn.
He says they're building
a fine bridge down there.
- He's gonna teach me how to sell it.
- Ah, Bateman's a genius with bridges.
Once in '43,
I remember Bateman
sold the London Bridge twice
in the same week to the same Scotsman.
Will I be that good someday?
Well, that depends
upon what you really want.
Wouldn't you rather go to school?
Maybe learn a trade?
Own a house?
Did Bateman ever do those things?
No.
I want to be like Bateman.
That's what Bateman wants, too.
That's what he's always wanted...
a boy to be just like him.
That's one thing I was never able to give.
Why not?
Oh, maybe because we were waiting
for a special boy
to sit down by us in a park in Mexico.
So you could play the Christmas game?
No. So we could have
somebody to love.
- Don't you like the Christmas Game?
- Not much.
But Bateman says
we're gonna earn a lot of money,
and people's gonna give us presents.
I know, I know.
Hello!
Hello!
That's them. Off you go.
You remember
what Bateman told you now?
Stay in bed, look frail.
Show me.
You're not supposed to laugh.
Whoa.
Mag.
She goes all to pieces.
Bateman.
Oh, Bateman, I thought
the red Indians had got you.
No, no. You can't lose the bad penny.
These men saved me.
- Is the boy awake?
- Waiting for you.
Danny?
Hello, Bateman.
How do you feel?
Good.
That's my boy.
Well, he don't look too bad, does he?
Well, he's probably thinking
of the Christmas party.
You know, that... that livens him up.
Yeah.
Well, l... I, uh...
You'll stay for lunch, won't you? Mag.
No, we can't.
They're expectin' us back.
But, well, thanks a lot anyway.
Mr. Bateman?
Sir?
You gotta let us help.
- Help?
- The boy, the party.
Shh.
I know you'd like to keep it private,
but it isn't fair, not to the boy.
Now, there's 25 drovers
up there on the James
that'd just turn themselves
inside out for that youngster.
Please, Mr. Bateman, we'd give him a party
he'd remember for the rest of his...
I mean, I got just the right present for him.
What do you say, ma'am?
Well...
You know, I think it would
do the boy good, Mag.
It's only 4 miles away.
He could travel that far.
Then it's all settled.
Now, I'll go on ahead.
You just bundle him up
and bring him out
and let him get acquainted.
Now, you just follow my tracks north.
Hit it!
Tired, Bateman?
No. No.
Well, everything turned out fine, didn't it?
We oughta do real well with this one, Mag.
Real well.
What's the matter?
Nothing.
Mag, tell me.
Well,
did it have to be a Christmas game?
Well, of course.
Christmas is special to people.
A man would have to be made out of rock
not to give something away on Christmas.
Well,
Christmas is special to me also.
Isn't it to you?
But this really isn't Christmas.
Mag, you've never gotten syrupy
over something like this before.
Why, you know we've made some of
our biggest hauls on holidays.
People are softer then.
I guess it's because the boy's with us now.
Christmas ought to mean something to him,
shouldn't it?
Not a joke or a game.
It should bring a family closer together.
Well, there's no family closer than us.
And do you think that boy isn't
gonna be happy getting all those presents?
Oh, I didn't think cowboys had anything much
to give anyway.
Well, they have cows.
I could tell them that we would
take the boy to New York
to see a specialist
if we only had the money.
Mag, I'll bet we would get away from there
with 20 or 30 head of cattle.
Then later on, when the boy's had
more experience,
why, we'll start working the towns.
And I'll save the money this time, Mag.
Yes.
Oh, I know you think I won't,
but things are different now.
I have a son.
You know what he said today?
He said,
"I want to be just like Bateman
when I grow up."
Did he really say that?
The very words.
Well, he'll be better than I ever was.
Why, with the things I'll teach him,
why, he'll be the best in the business.
And did you ever see anyone
quicker to learn, Mag?
Never did.
I'll show him how to... how to sell
and how to deal.
- Bateman
- Hmm?
Do you think that's the right life for him?
Why? Wasn't it
the right life for you, Mag?
- Yes, for me, but...
- Bateman,
would you play pirates with me?
Bateman? Bateman?
There's no such person as Bateman.
My name is Captain Kidd!
And aye, there's work to be done, mate.
I hear there's treasure to find on the James.
Go on, get in there. Ha ha ha ha!
- How's she running?
- It runs pretty fast down the middle.
- Too strong for the beeves?
- Won't knock 'em over.
But you be sure and get 'em across
by sundown.
- If it rains, you'll be stuck here good.
- Right.
Clay, how long you figure
you and me'll be gone?
Well, if you've got the time,
I'd like to show you the whole shortcut.
Take a day or two.
All right. Once you're across,
you keep movin' whether we're back or not.
Check.
- Hey Soos. Hey Soos!
- Si, Senor Boss?
- What are you moonin' about?
- Him.
Que magnifico.
Hey, that's a wild stallion you'll never get
a saddle on, Hey Soos.
I know.
But I can look and dream.
As long as you wake up by the time
that remuda hits that water.
I will, Senor Favor.
And take 'em across two at a time,
slow and easy.
And just remember...
Hey, relax, will you?
- We're gonna make out all right.
- I just don't want the herd stuck here.
Ain't enough grass to last 'em
if that river floods.
They ain't gonna get stuck here.
What's the matter?
Don't you trust me?
Clay, let's go.
Quince?
Yeah.
Play my hand.
Say, Mr. Favor get away all right?
Yeah, frettin' every inch of the way.
Better get the men on their feet.
We're gonna move out the herd.
- Right now?
- Yeah.
Now's as good a time as any, isn't it?
You're the boss.
Whoa!
Put the salt in the supply wagon.
- Yes, sir.
- Where in creation have you been?
I thought you got tied up with a widow woman
or something.
- We got delayed.
- Hold it right there.
No use getting down unhitched.
We're moving 'em over.
- Over where?
- Across the river.
Oh, no, we're not. We can't.
What do you mean, "we can't"?
Because I invited a guest for supper.
Well, that's swell. You can feed
him supper on the other side of the river.
Well, I'm not so sure
he can make it across the river,
and I'm mighty well sure that he shouldn't
be breathing dust in his lungs.
Well, just who in the world is this guest?
Well, it's a nine-year-old boy,
and he's dyin'.
- Dyin'?
- That's right. Dyin'.
We run into this fella, Bateman,
coming back from the domes.
It's his boy.
He and his wife were getting ready
to throw him a Christmas party
tomorrow or the next day.
So we asked 'em over here.
Yeah, well, I can understand
how you feel, Wish, but...
But what?
We can't hold up the whole herd
just because you wanna throw a party.
Why not? It's his last Christmas.
- Don't you like kids?
- That's got nothing to do with it.
Mr. Favor wants this herd moved out.
There's no grass left around here.
Well, the herd
isn't all gonna drop in just one day.
Yeah, if it starts raining or floods
or something, we're gonna be in trouble.
Rain? In August?
It can't rain.
Look, I don't wanna argue about it anymore.
I want this herd moved out right now!
So get it movin'.
Howdy.
Howdy.
Thank you for inviting me
to your Christmas party.
Now get it, son.
There's one thing about a bronc...
he wants to think that you know
what you're doing at all times.
Don't be pussy-footing around with him.
Now, you be the boss.
Now, let's see you
turn him here to the left.
Hey, that's fine. That's mighty fine.
Mr. Quince, how long does it take
to be a cowboy?
Oh, it takes a mighty long...
Oh, no, it don't take long, son.
You're a cowboy already, Danny.
You're in a cattle camp.
You're riding a horse.
Yeah. Let's go gallop him.
Oh, no. Hold up, son.
No, sir. Let's just bring him
here at the right, huh?
That's fine. Now you got it.
Attaboy.
Want me to show you
how to play mumbly-peg?
Oh, let me show him.
You're liable to cut his foot or something.
Now, hold on here.
Maybe he's had
enough excitement for one day.
I don't feel tired, Bateman.
Oh, now, look here just a minute.
I would... I would rather
that he didn't overdo, you know.
He's not as strong as he looks.
Now you hear that?
Now, move on out, all of you.
Come on.
Excuse me.
I was going to wait
to give this to Danny later, but,
well,
he's a very lucky fellow, Saint Nicholas,
and I thought
maybe he'd be lucky for you, too,
make you feel a little better, so...
See the smile?
He's always happy
because he is the patron saint of children,
the first Santa Claus.
He does other things, too...
protects travelers,
protects poor cowboys from being robbed.
Muchisimas gracias, senor.
Por nada, chico.
Buena suerte.
What was that last thing he said?
I mean that very last thing.
Good luck.
They think I'm really sick.
That's part of the game.
Yes.
All part of the game.
Well, I guess I better
circulate around a little,
you know, and give them suggestions
for presents.
Oh, Danny, when I come back,
would you like to play pirate?
All right.
All right.
Uh, Bateman?
Yes.
Uh, instead of pirates,
can we play trail drover?
Trail drover?
Well, if that's what you want, yes.
He's beautiful.
- Isn't he, senor?
- Yeah.
Never have I seen a horse to compare.
Never.
Why don't you go after that?
I couldn't, senor.
Oh, too fast?
Too fast, too free, too dangerous.
Those hooves could cut a man to pieces.
Still, they could make a man rich.
- Is that so?
- Oh, yes.
A breeder of fine racing horses
would pay plenty for a stallion like that,
if he could be caught.
But me... I'm not a gambler.
Steers may be ugly and stupid,
but at least they can be driven to market,
and they bring a good price.
For the owners, yes.
These are brush cattle, senor.
In this case, we are the owners.
We each have a certain number of beeves
and a stake in the rest.
Is that right?
You know, that's funny, Hey Soos.
Danny and I were talking about it.
He wanted to know if I knew how the herd
was divided, you know?
- There's a fine boy, that Danny.
- Yeah.
I feel very sorry for you and your wife.
Oh, well, it's not all black, Hey Soos,
you know?
- No?
- No, not yet. No.
You see, there's a doctor in New York.
He's a specialist, you know?
And, uh, he specializes
only in cases like Danny's.
Oh. Takes money to go to New York.
Yes, and I'm not a cattle owner, huh?
Well, that's true, yes.
- Oh, Senor Bateman?
- Hmm?
Uh, it's funny, but I just got an idea.
- I don't know where it came from.
- Mm-hmm?
Suppose each of us gave one steer
to Danny for a Christmas present?
25?
- Oh, no, no, no.
- Uh...
That's outta the question.
No, no, no, Hey Soos.
- Oh, but, senor...
- No, no, we couldn't let you do that.
- No, no, no.
- Not even to save the boy's life?
Well...
Well, Hey Soos, you...
you kind of put me in a very...
It's almost an impossible position here.
I'm a little embarrassed, you know?
I really... l...
I'll think about it, Hey Soos.
Mmm.
Hey Soos, what is going on?
Oh, Senor McGann, come here.
I wanna tell you something.
There is a doctor in New York
who can heal Danny.
Mag, the ball is rolling.
I've got a sneaky hunch that we are about
to become cattle owners.
Good.
Danny?
He ain't there.
He went for a walk.
For a walk?
He wanted to go down by the river.
I said he could if he walked slow
and maybe limped a little.
Why should he limp?
He's supposed to have weak lungs.
I can't remember every tiny detail.
Besides, I had a headache.
And anyway, l...
All ri... All right, Mag. All right.
I'll find him.
Bateman, let him have his head a little.
You keep hemming him in,
and he'll really get sick.
Oh...
Yep. See, you gotta use a little more
of a flick of the wrist, Dan.
Just, uh... Just give it a little flick,
and it goes right over here.
Hold your rope right down here,
too, like this.
I did it!
- Oh, hello, Mr. Bateman.
- Hello.
Bateman, did you see that?
Rowdy taught me.
That's quite an achievement.
Well, he probably would've
picked it up himself.
I just helped speed it up a little.
Watch. I'll do it again.
Wait. You're even starting
wrong there, son.
You see, when you do this thing,
you gotta catch it like this.
Now when you throw it,
of course, it goes...
Well, I haven't got time
to go through this thing right now.
Say, you look a little tired.
Now go ahead.
Go back to the wagon.
- Bateman, can I stay a little longer?
- No, you can't. No.
- You need your rest.
- Yes, but...
You better do what he says, kid.
All right.
Bateman, when I grow up,
can I be a cowboy like Rowdy?
Go on. Go on!
Kinda makes you wonder
what life's all about...
a fine boy like that getting sick.
Oh, it just happens.
Hasn't there been anything you can do
about it, Mr. Bateman?
Not without robbing a bank.
Or learning to really use a lariat.
What do you mean?
Oh, it was just a crazy notion.
I, uh...
Tell me.
Maybe I can help you out.
Well, I saw a wild stallion on the mesa.
Yeah?
Hey Soos says that he'd bring a fortune,
if he could be caught.
Yeah.
Yeah. What do you mean, if?
Oh, well, just forget all about it.
Just forget it.
- Forget it why?
- Well, because I've changed my mind.
And besides, that is very dangerous,
so just forget it.
Sure. Maybe the kid dies,
and I could've saved him maybe.
Wait a minute, Mr. Yates.
I'll be back before dark, Mr. Bateman,
with probably the biggest,
meanest-looking Christmas present
you ever laid your eyes on.
Mr. Yates!
Mr. Yates.
Well, well.
That's the worst storm I ever seen.
Whew.
I told you not to go out.
Oh, look at you.
Well, somebody had to help Hey Soos
with the horses.
Somebody, not a 70-year-old fool.
You get them boots off
and dry your feet.
How's the boy?
He's got a little fever.
That's all I need... the both of you
to come down with colds.
The sea is running high
and nasty tonight, pirate.
Is Rowdy back?
No, not yet.
Bateman, where do you suppose he went?
Mr. Quince was asking...
Now how would I know?
Off on some wild goose chase, I suppose.
Oh, he'll be all right.
Probably sitting under a tree right now
just waiting for the rain to stop.
Danny, how are you
and the good saint hittin' it off?
Fine.
He's a quiet sort of character, ain't he?
We talk some.
Oh, do you?
What about?
Dying.
About what?
Dying.
He says somebody's going to die.
Where would he ever get
a thought like that in his mind?
I can't imagine.
Especially after your arranging
a Christmas party tomorrow night.
Oh, well, he knows that's just a game.
He's only 9. Maybe he doesn't know.
Danny, you understand
that this is just a game we're playing?
A joke. You aren't really sick.
He says it doesn't hurt, Bateman.
That's not the point!
Bateman, you'll scare him to death
if you yell like that.
Oh, all right.
Well, we'll... we'll talk it over
in the morning.
Go to sleep.
Oh, it'll be all right.
It'll be all right.
It just shows he has a good imagination.
- That'll help him.
- Help him to lie?
To steal?
What's got into you lately, Mag?
Oh, Bateman,
what do you say we retire
after this job?
And live on what, love?
Mag, when we found Danny,
we took on responsibilities.
That's exactly what I mean.
Oh, Bateman, he isn't like us.
Can't you see it?
There's something... innocent in him.
Well, he... he's my son,
and whatever I do is for his sake.
Sure, Bateman.
What's that?
It's a coyote. It stopped raining.
It's time to hunt whatever's helpless.
Mr. Yates get back?
Only his horse, without a saddle.
I am afraid something happened to him.
I think I know where he is.
Yes?
He went after the stallion.
Dios mio.
I must try to find him.
Hey Soos, I'd... I'd be much obliged
if you'd lend me a horse.
We will go together, senor.
Anything down the draw?
Only this... Senor Rowdy's lariat.
Well, what does it mean?
I found it lying on the ground.
I think Senor Rowdy roped the stallion.
Maybe we found the saddle
because the wild horse tore it loose.
I'm not sure, but I think
the stallion shook this loose.
I pray to God
he did not trample Senor Rowdy down.
Whew.
Hey Soos, look.
Is that Rowdy's hat?
I think so.
It is Senor Rowdy's hat.
It's a coyote. It's dead.
Senor Rowdy!
Dead?
No.
He must've waited till the coyote
was almost on him
before he shot.
Maybe Senor Wishbone can do something.
I better take him back to the camp.
Oh, senor, there is a town to the west,
maybe 15 miles.
He will need a doctor.
I'll find one.
How about the river?
Is it flooded?
It flooded.
Oh.
When'd you... When'd you get back?
About ten minutes ago.
I'm sorry, boss.
How is he?
Oh, it feels like
everything in there's busted.
Good. Good.
Rowdy!
Hi, Danny.
l... I had this wild stallion, uh,
all roped and caught for you.
He tore the saddle clean off,
got away.
Where's Bateman?
He has gone for a doctor, senora.
Looks like I kinda spoiled the party.
No. You're back.
Look at the tree.
Yeah, Dan, that's a humdinger.
Just no end to the bright ideas
this outfit can come up with.
Now, boss, I know how you feel,
but it isn't Rowdy's fault
we didn't move over.
It's more mine.
It was my idea to have the party here.
- For the dying boy.
- Yeah, that's right.
Tell me, you never hear
of the Spanish prisoner dodge?
Yeah. A con game, isn't it?
- The pigeon drop?
- Con game.
How about, uh, the dying boy?
Mr. Favor!
- The Batemans are not like that!
- Bah!
Mr. Favor, you're all wrong.
Why, you're just sore because the herd's
stuck here a couple of days.
What's more important, a cow or a boy?
Besides, what's wrong
with Christmas in August?
Every man in this crew's
feeling better for it.
They oughta have Christmas every August.
Every month.
Oh, there's the doctor.
You oughta be ashamed of yourself.
Oh, I am.
Tall fellow's the trail boss, Mr. Favor.
He just got back.
He doesn't like the idea of the party.
I think maybe we're in trouble, Bateman.
Does that hurt?
Yep.
- That hurt, too?
- Yeah, it does.
Move your hand and feet.
Uh-huh.
Well, your spine's all right.
Three or four busted ribs
and a few bad bruises,
but I guess you'll live.
Anything I can do?
Keep his chest wrapped tight.
No riding for a while.
Oh, and one thing more, Doctor.
While you're here,
I wish you'd take a look
at our young friend here.
Oh, there's no need for that, Doctor.
Thank you very much, Wishbone.
That is perfectly all right.
Oh, yes, Mr. Bateman.
Let the doctor look at him.
Why, who knows?
Maybe there's been a miracle
and the boy's well now, huh?
Well, where can I take him?
Mag...
It's all right, Danny. I'll be with you.
Our tent is over here, Doctor.
All right.
Well, I just would like to ask...
Now you'll see.
Yeah. Now we'll all see.
They're taking quite a while in there,
ain't they?
Worried, Bateman?
Well, Doc, how's the boy?
He's sound as a dollar.
Just like I said, a miracle.
I better tell the men the good news.
But your wife, Mr. Bateman...
Your wife...
What about my wife?
Well, she had a dizzy spell.
I thought I'd better look her over, too.
Well?
How long has she complained
about these pains in her chest?
Oh, she never complains.
Mag ain't the complaining type,
you know?
She... Wait a minute. Yes.
It started about, uh,
six or seven months ago.
I remember because it was
the day before we found Danny.
Her left arm been hurtin' her?
Well, some.
Yeah, when she sews, you know?
"Some"?
Must have hurt more than "some."
Why?
Mr. Bateman,
I don't know how to tell you this,
but your wife is...
She has a very bad heart.
Well, I'll... I'll see that she takes
good care of herself, Doctor.
I mean, it's extremely serious.
How long?
Oh, it's hard to tell for sure.
Well, a couple of years?
Well, months?
Tell me. One month?
Two months?
At the most.
Did you tell her?
No. No.
Just think of it.
It was her Christmas party all the time,
and none of us knew it.
Well, one last Christmas party.
- Bateman, what...
- Yes, Mag?
I suppose the doctor told you
that Danny was all right?
Yeah, he told us.
Are you going to send us all to jail?
Oh, no need.
There was no harm done.
Well, that's very kind, Mr. Favor.
Well, that's very kind.
- We'll leave right now.
- Uh, ma'am?
Yes, Mr. Favor?
- Uh, about the party...
- Oh, forget that.
Well, the men...
the men have been looking forward to it.
They could use a break.
Look, why don't you go ahead with it
for their sake?
Well, all right, if you like.
Thank you, Mr. Favor.
Thanks.
Ohhh...
O come all ye faithful
Joyful and triumphant
O come ye, o come ye, to Bethlehem
Come and behold Him
Born the King of Angels
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord
Well, come on, come on.
Ho ho ho! Whoa, whoa!
Oh, Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas, everybody.
Merry Christmas.
Is there a little fella around here
named Danny?
Now, here's a little present for you.
A nice present.
That's from Mushy.
Oh, don't give him that one first,
Santy Claus.
It ain't nothin'.
I wonder what it is.
Ooh.
It ain't nothin'.
Anybody can take 'em apart.
Show me, Mushy.
Well...
Well, I'll be jiggered.
Mr. Favor, this is the most
wonderful Christmas I've ever had.
Oh, I'm glad, ma'am.
But I'm worried about all your steers
caught over here.
Oh, if we need to,
we'll bring feed in to 'em.
- Don't your worry about it.
- Oh, nice.
- I want to thank you again.
- Here's another present for Danny.
You understand that we won't take
the steers that were offered.
But if the boy could keep
the other presents...
Oh, sure. Of course he can.
You feeling all right, Mrs. Bateman?
Oh, a little tired.
I think I'll just lie down for a while.
Here's another present for you.
Now, that's from Mr. Quince.
The...
Hey Soos, will you take over for me?
Si, Santa Claus.
This one is from Senor Wishbone.
Mag, everything all right?
Everything's perfect.
Bateman, this is the best Christmas of all.
Oh, what a lucky woman I am.
What a wonderful life you've given me.
Remember Singapore?
Remember Vienna?
The Emperor's Ball?
You were the loveliest girl there.
You were the handsomest man.
Oh, such beautiful years.
So exciting.
But I still wonder
if they'd be right for Danny.
They wouldn't.
Yeah, that's right, Mag.
You saw right to the heart of the thing.
You knew all the time
that I wasn't thinking of him
but just of myself.
And Christmas is no time
to be selfish, is it?
Bateman, are we going to retire?
We sure are.
There's a little town.
It isn't far from here.
I asked the doctor
if he could use an assistant...
you know,
someone to help around the office...
and he said yes.
So we'll put Danny in school,
and we'll raise him to be a fine man.
- All is calm
- Thank you.
- All is bright
- Listen.
Round yon virgin
Mother and child
- Holy infant
- Mag?
- Yes?
- So tender and mild
Merry Christmas, Mag.
- Sleep in heavenly
- Merry Christmas.
Peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
Head 'em up!
Move 'em out!
Rollin', rollin', rollin'
Rollin', rollin', rollin'
Keep rollin', rollin', rollin'
Though the streams are swollen
Keep them dogies rollin'
Rawhide
Through rain and wind and weather
Hell-bent for leather
Wishin' my gal was by my side
All the things I'm missin'
Good vittles, love, and kissin'
Are waiting at the end of my ride
Move 'em on, head 'em up,
head 'em up, move 'em on
Move 'em on, head 'em up
Rawhide
Count 'em out, ride 'em in,
ride 'em in, let 'em out
Count 'em out, ride 'em in
Rawhide
Rollin', rollin', rollin'
Rollin', rollin', rollin'
- Hyah!
- Rollin' rollin', rollin'
Hyah!
Rawhide
- Hyah!
- Rollin', rollin', rollin'
Hyah!
Rollin', rollin', rollin'
Rollin', rollin', rollin'
Keep movin', movin', movin'
Though they're disapprovin'
Keep them dogies movin'
Rawhide
Don't try to understand 'em
Just rope and throw and brand 'em
Soon we'll be living high and wide
My heart's calculatin'
My true love will be waitin'
Be waiting at the end of my ride
Move 'em on, head 'em up,
head 'em up, move 'em on
Move 'em on, head 'em up
Rawhide
Let 'em out, ride 'em in,
ride 'em in, let 'em out
Cut 'em out, ride 'em in
- Rawhide
- Rollin', rollin', rollin'
Hyah!
Mr. Wishbone.
Mr. Wishbone.
Mr. Wishbone?
Oh, stop it.
Mr. Wishbone.
I showed you how to work that thing once.
I'm not gonna show you again.
Mr. Wishbone.
Whatever it is, it's not worth
aggravating me about.
What it is is Santa Claus.
It's what?
I think Santa Claus is gonna
come over and talk to us.
Santa Claus.
Yes, sir.
In the middle of August.
In the middle of Texas.
Well, that's what them bells are.
Howdy, sir.
Hello, son.
Howdy.
Howdy.
l... I wonder if you gentlemen
could give me a hand.
I'm... I don't know. I'm...
I believe I'm... I'm lost.
Don't just sit there, ya numbskull.
Get down and help him.
Rub his wrists.
How do you figure he got
so far south, Mr. Wishbone?
Ahh.
He isn't dead, is he?
How do you feel?
Oh, terrible. Terrible.
You kinda scared us
the way you keeled over like that.
Oh, me, too.
Too much sun.
I've been out looking for the wagon
ever since breakfast.
You see, my... my wife
and my boy and... and me...
we were on our way to New York...
Here. Just... Just sit down.
Look, I promised that I'd be right back,
and they'll be worried.
Well, they'll be a dang sight more worried
if I have to drag you in on a slab.
I like the way
you state your problem there, brother.
Yeah, it's very persuasive.
You just lean back here
and rest a minute now.
Thank you.
And he cooks good, too.
Cooks?
With the Gil Favor drive.
I'm G.W. Wishbone,
and that tower of wisdom
is my cook's louse Mushy.
My name is Bateman.
Pleasure to make your acquaintance,
Mr. Bateman.
The Gil Favor drive?
That wouldn't be the cows
that we kept hearin' all day yesterday?
More'n likely.
We're camped up on the James
about 4 miles.
We just been into to the domes
to pick up some rock salt.
Is it a big herd?
Well, 3,200 head and 25 drovers.
25?
Take that thing off.
Did I scare you?
Boy, Mr. Bateman, this is a good one.
Do you think
a 9-year-old would like that?
Bound to.
That 9-year-old liked it.
I bought all these things back in El Paso.
You know, the...
those masks and trains and drums.
That's why I left the wagon.
I didn't want the boy to see me
wrapping the toys.
And then I wanted
to try on the costume, but...
I don't know.
I got kind of turned around.
Well, you're kind of rushing the season.
You got a good four months till Christmas.
I have, yes.
Well, what then?
You mean, someone else hasn't.
The little fella, huh?
The boy don't know it.
We just told him that Santa Claus
sometimes drops in early on good boys.
Oh, we're gonna have a Christmas party
tomorrow or maybe a day later.
You know, we're gonna
put up a Christmas tree,
and we'll hand out the presents,
you know.
It'll only be the three of us,
of course, but...
We found the boy in Mexico.
Danny.
No last name, no parents, you see?
Mag and me... we...
we never had any children,
so we...
we just kind of all got together.
Was he all right, then?
Well, he seemed to be,
except for a little cough.
Now, we took him to the doctor.
The doctor said maybe six months or seven.
That was in January.
Oh, well, doctors can make mistakes, too.
No. No, not this time.
Not this time, Mr. Wishbone. No.
Well, I guess I'll take off these clothes.
Now, that's north, you say?
Oh, we'll drive you back, Mr. Bateman.
Oh, no, no. That...
You don't have to do that.
I know my way now.
Well, truth of the matter is
I'd kind of like to meet the family.
You would?
Well, I'd be very proud
to have you meet 'em.
It wouldn't make the little fella nervous?
Oh, no. No, l...
I think it'll perk him up.
You see, Mr. Wishbone,
it's gets very dull
just lying in bed and staring up at the sky.
Yeah.
Run, Mag.
I beat you.
Ten years ago, you wouldn't have.
Ten years ago,
I wouldn't be here for a year yet.
That's what I mean.
Oh, Danny. Oh!
Mag, where were you ten years ago?
Alaska.
- With Bateman?
- Always with Bateman.
Now, can you imagine me without Bateman?
What was he doing in Alaska?
Selling lots in the Gobi desert
to the Eskimos.
Bateman's going to teach me the business.
When I grow up, we're going to Brooklyn.
He says they're building
a fine bridge down there.
- He's gonna teach me how to sell it.
- Ah, Bateman's a genius with bridges.
Once in '43,
I remember Bateman
sold the London Bridge twice
in the same week to the same Scotsman.
Will I be that good someday?
Well, that depends
upon what you really want.
Wouldn't you rather go to school?
Maybe learn a trade?
Own a house?
Did Bateman ever do those things?
No.
I want to be like Bateman.
That's what Bateman wants, too.
That's what he's always wanted...
a boy to be just like him.
That's one thing I was never able to give.
Why not?
Oh, maybe because we were waiting
for a special boy
to sit down by us in a park in Mexico.
So you could play the Christmas game?
No. So we could have
somebody to love.
- Don't you like the Christmas Game?
- Not much.
But Bateman says
we're gonna earn a lot of money,
and people's gonna give us presents.
I know, I know.
Hello!
Hello!
That's them. Off you go.
You remember
what Bateman told you now?
Stay in bed, look frail.
Show me.
You're not supposed to laugh.
Whoa.
Mag.
She goes all to pieces.
Bateman.
Oh, Bateman, I thought
the red Indians had got you.
No, no. You can't lose the bad penny.
These men saved me.
- Is the boy awake?
- Waiting for you.
Danny?
Hello, Bateman.
How do you feel?
Good.
That's my boy.
Well, he don't look too bad, does he?
Well, he's probably thinking
of the Christmas party.
You know, that... that livens him up.
Yeah.
Well, l... I, uh...
You'll stay for lunch, won't you? Mag.
No, we can't.
They're expectin' us back.
But, well, thanks a lot anyway.
Mr. Bateman?
Sir?
You gotta let us help.
- Help?
- The boy, the party.
Shh.
I know you'd like to keep it private,
but it isn't fair, not to the boy.
Now, there's 25 drovers
up there on the James
that'd just turn themselves
inside out for that youngster.
Please, Mr. Bateman, we'd give him a party
he'd remember for the rest of his...
I mean, I got just the right present for him.
What do you say, ma'am?
Well...
You know, I think it would
do the boy good, Mag.
It's only 4 miles away.
He could travel that far.
Then it's all settled.
Now, I'll go on ahead.
You just bundle him up
and bring him out
and let him get acquainted.
Now, you just follow my tracks north.
Hit it!
Tired, Bateman?
No. No.
Well, everything turned out fine, didn't it?
We oughta do real well with this one, Mag.
Real well.
What's the matter?
Nothing.
Mag, tell me.
Well,
did it have to be a Christmas game?
Well, of course.
Christmas is special to people.
A man would have to be made out of rock
not to give something away on Christmas.
Well,
Christmas is special to me also.
Isn't it to you?
But this really isn't Christmas.
Mag, you've never gotten syrupy
over something like this before.
Why, you know we've made some of
our biggest hauls on holidays.
People are softer then.
I guess it's because the boy's with us now.
Christmas ought to mean something to him,
shouldn't it?
Not a joke or a game.
It should bring a family closer together.
Well, there's no family closer than us.
And do you think that boy isn't
gonna be happy getting all those presents?
Oh, I didn't think cowboys had anything much
to give anyway.
Well, they have cows.
I could tell them that we would
take the boy to New York
to see a specialist
if we only had the money.
Mag, I'll bet we would get away from there
with 20 or 30 head of cattle.
Then later on, when the boy's had
more experience,
why, we'll start working the towns.
And I'll save the money this time, Mag.
Yes.
Oh, I know you think I won't,
but things are different now.
I have a son.
You know what he said today?
He said,
"I want to be just like Bateman
when I grow up."
Did he really say that?
The very words.
Well, he'll be better than I ever was.
Why, with the things I'll teach him,
why, he'll be the best in the business.
And did you ever see anyone
quicker to learn, Mag?
Never did.
I'll show him how to... how to sell
and how to deal.
- Bateman
- Hmm?
Do you think that's the right life for him?
Why? Wasn't it
the right life for you, Mag?
- Yes, for me, but...
- Bateman,
would you play pirates with me?
Bateman? Bateman?
There's no such person as Bateman.
My name is Captain Kidd!
And aye, there's work to be done, mate.
I hear there's treasure to find on the James.
Go on, get in there. Ha ha ha ha!
- How's she running?
- It runs pretty fast down the middle.
- Too strong for the beeves?
- Won't knock 'em over.
But you be sure and get 'em across
by sundown.
- If it rains, you'll be stuck here good.
- Right.
Clay, how long you figure
you and me'll be gone?
Well, if you've got the time,
I'd like to show you the whole shortcut.
Take a day or two.
All right. Once you're across,
you keep movin' whether we're back or not.
Check.
- Hey Soos. Hey Soos!
- Si, Senor Boss?
- What are you moonin' about?
- Him.
Que magnifico.
Hey, that's a wild stallion you'll never get
a saddle on, Hey Soos.
I know.
But I can look and dream.
As long as you wake up by the time
that remuda hits that water.
I will, Senor Favor.
And take 'em across two at a time,
slow and easy.
And just remember...
Hey, relax, will you?
- We're gonna make out all right.
- I just don't want the herd stuck here.
Ain't enough grass to last 'em
if that river floods.
They ain't gonna get stuck here.
What's the matter?
Don't you trust me?
Clay, let's go.
Quince?
Yeah.
Play my hand.
Say, Mr. Favor get away all right?
Yeah, frettin' every inch of the way.
Better get the men on their feet.
We're gonna move out the herd.
- Right now?
- Yeah.
Now's as good a time as any, isn't it?
You're the boss.
Whoa!
Put the salt in the supply wagon.
- Yes, sir.
- Where in creation have you been?
I thought you got tied up with a widow woman
or something.
- We got delayed.
- Hold it right there.
No use getting down unhitched.
We're moving 'em over.
- Over where?
- Across the river.
Oh, no, we're not. We can't.
What do you mean, "we can't"?
Because I invited a guest for supper.
Well, that's swell. You can feed
him supper on the other side of the river.
Well, I'm not so sure
he can make it across the river,
and I'm mighty well sure that he shouldn't
be breathing dust in his lungs.
Well, just who in the world is this guest?
Well, it's a nine-year-old boy,
and he's dyin'.
- Dyin'?
- That's right. Dyin'.
We run into this fella, Bateman,
coming back from the domes.
It's his boy.
He and his wife were getting ready
to throw him a Christmas party
tomorrow or the next day.
So we asked 'em over here.
Yeah, well, I can understand
how you feel, Wish, but...
But what?
We can't hold up the whole herd
just because you wanna throw a party.
Why not? It's his last Christmas.
- Don't you like kids?
- That's got nothing to do with it.
Mr. Favor wants this herd moved out.
There's no grass left around here.
Well, the herd
isn't all gonna drop in just one day.
Yeah, if it starts raining or floods
or something, we're gonna be in trouble.
Rain? In August?
It can't rain.
Look, I don't wanna argue about it anymore.
I want this herd moved out right now!
So get it movin'.
Howdy.
Howdy.
Thank you for inviting me
to your Christmas party.
Now get it, son.
There's one thing about a bronc...
he wants to think that you know
what you're doing at all times.
Don't be pussy-footing around with him.
Now, you be the boss.
Now, let's see you
turn him here to the left.
Hey, that's fine. That's mighty fine.
Mr. Quince, how long does it take
to be a cowboy?
Oh, it takes a mighty long...
Oh, no, it don't take long, son.
You're a cowboy already, Danny.
You're in a cattle camp.
You're riding a horse.
Yeah. Let's go gallop him.
Oh, no. Hold up, son.
No, sir. Let's just bring him
here at the right, huh?
That's fine. Now you got it.
Attaboy.
Want me to show you
how to play mumbly-peg?
Oh, let me show him.
You're liable to cut his foot or something.
Now, hold on here.
Maybe he's had
enough excitement for one day.
I don't feel tired, Bateman.
Oh, now, look here just a minute.
I would... I would rather
that he didn't overdo, you know.
He's not as strong as he looks.
Now you hear that?
Now, move on out, all of you.
Come on.
Excuse me.
I was going to wait
to give this to Danny later, but,
well,
he's a very lucky fellow, Saint Nicholas,
and I thought
maybe he'd be lucky for you, too,
make you feel a little better, so...
See the smile?
He's always happy
because he is the patron saint of children,
the first Santa Claus.
He does other things, too...
protects travelers,
protects poor cowboys from being robbed.
Muchisimas gracias, senor.
Por nada, chico.
Buena suerte.
What was that last thing he said?
I mean that very last thing.
Good luck.
They think I'm really sick.
That's part of the game.
Yes.
All part of the game.
Well, I guess I better
circulate around a little,
you know, and give them suggestions
for presents.
Oh, Danny, when I come back,
would you like to play pirate?
All right.
All right.
Uh, Bateman?
Yes.
Uh, instead of pirates,
can we play trail drover?
Trail drover?
Well, if that's what you want, yes.
He's beautiful.
- Isn't he, senor?
- Yeah.
Never have I seen a horse to compare.
Never.
Why don't you go after that?
I couldn't, senor.
Oh, too fast?
Too fast, too free, too dangerous.
Those hooves could cut a man to pieces.
Still, they could make a man rich.
- Is that so?
- Oh, yes.
A breeder of fine racing horses
would pay plenty for a stallion like that,
if he could be caught.
But me... I'm not a gambler.
Steers may be ugly and stupid,
but at least they can be driven to market,
and they bring a good price.
For the owners, yes.
These are brush cattle, senor.
In this case, we are the owners.
We each have a certain number of beeves
and a stake in the rest.
Is that right?
You know, that's funny, Hey Soos.
Danny and I were talking about it.
He wanted to know if I knew how the herd
was divided, you know?
- There's a fine boy, that Danny.
- Yeah.
I feel very sorry for you and your wife.
Oh, well, it's not all black, Hey Soos,
you know?
- No?
- No, not yet. No.
You see, there's a doctor in New York.
He's a specialist, you know?
And, uh, he specializes
only in cases like Danny's.
Oh. Takes money to go to New York.
Yes, and I'm not a cattle owner, huh?
Well, that's true, yes.
- Oh, Senor Bateman?
- Hmm?
Uh, it's funny, but I just got an idea.
- I don't know where it came from.
- Mm-hmm?
Suppose each of us gave one steer
to Danny for a Christmas present?
25?
- Oh, no, no, no.
- Uh...
That's outta the question.
No, no, no, Hey Soos.
- Oh, but, senor...
- No, no, we couldn't let you do that.
- No, no, no.
- Not even to save the boy's life?
Well...
Well, Hey Soos, you...
you kind of put me in a very...
It's almost an impossible position here.
I'm a little embarrassed, you know?
I really... l...
I'll think about it, Hey Soos.
Mmm.
Hey Soos, what is going on?
Oh, Senor McGann, come here.
I wanna tell you something.
There is a doctor in New York
who can heal Danny.
Mag, the ball is rolling.
I've got a sneaky hunch that we are about
to become cattle owners.
Good.
Danny?
He ain't there.
He went for a walk.
For a walk?
He wanted to go down by the river.
I said he could if he walked slow
and maybe limped a little.
Why should he limp?
He's supposed to have weak lungs.
I can't remember every tiny detail.
Besides, I had a headache.
And anyway, l...
All ri... All right, Mag. All right.
I'll find him.
Bateman, let him have his head a little.
You keep hemming him in,
and he'll really get sick.
Oh...
Yep. See, you gotta use a little more
of a flick of the wrist, Dan.
Just, uh... Just give it a little flick,
and it goes right over here.
Hold your rope right down here,
too, like this.
I did it!
- Oh, hello, Mr. Bateman.
- Hello.
Bateman, did you see that?
Rowdy taught me.
That's quite an achievement.
Well, he probably would've
picked it up himself.
I just helped speed it up a little.
Watch. I'll do it again.
Wait. You're even starting
wrong there, son.
You see, when you do this thing,
you gotta catch it like this.
Now when you throw it,
of course, it goes...
Well, I haven't got time
to go through this thing right now.
Say, you look a little tired.
Now go ahead.
Go back to the wagon.
- Bateman, can I stay a little longer?
- No, you can't. No.
- You need your rest.
- Yes, but...
You better do what he says, kid.
All right.
Bateman, when I grow up,
can I be a cowboy like Rowdy?
Go on. Go on!
Kinda makes you wonder
what life's all about...
a fine boy like that getting sick.
Oh, it just happens.
Hasn't there been anything you can do
about it, Mr. Bateman?
Not without robbing a bank.
Or learning to really use a lariat.
What do you mean?
Oh, it was just a crazy notion.
I, uh...
Tell me.
Maybe I can help you out.
Well, I saw a wild stallion on the mesa.
Yeah?
Hey Soos says that he'd bring a fortune,
if he could be caught.
Yeah.
Yeah. What do you mean, if?
Oh, well, just forget all about it.
Just forget it.
- Forget it why?
- Well, because I've changed my mind.
And besides, that is very dangerous,
so just forget it.
Sure. Maybe the kid dies,
and I could've saved him maybe.
Wait a minute, Mr. Yates.
I'll be back before dark, Mr. Bateman,
with probably the biggest,
meanest-looking Christmas present
you ever laid your eyes on.
Mr. Yates!
Mr. Yates.
Well, well.
That's the worst storm I ever seen.
Whew.
I told you not to go out.
Oh, look at you.
Well, somebody had to help Hey Soos
with the horses.
Somebody, not a 70-year-old fool.
You get them boots off
and dry your feet.
How's the boy?
He's got a little fever.
That's all I need... the both of you
to come down with colds.
The sea is running high
and nasty tonight, pirate.
Is Rowdy back?
No, not yet.
Bateman, where do you suppose he went?
Mr. Quince was asking...
Now how would I know?
Off on some wild goose chase, I suppose.
Oh, he'll be all right.
Probably sitting under a tree right now
just waiting for the rain to stop.
Danny, how are you
and the good saint hittin' it off?
Fine.
He's a quiet sort of character, ain't he?
We talk some.
Oh, do you?
What about?
Dying.
About what?
Dying.
He says somebody's going to die.
Where would he ever get
a thought like that in his mind?
I can't imagine.
Especially after your arranging
a Christmas party tomorrow night.
Oh, well, he knows that's just a game.
He's only 9. Maybe he doesn't know.
Danny, you understand
that this is just a game we're playing?
A joke. You aren't really sick.
He says it doesn't hurt, Bateman.
That's not the point!
Bateman, you'll scare him to death
if you yell like that.
Oh, all right.
Well, we'll... we'll talk it over
in the morning.
Go to sleep.
Oh, it'll be all right.
It'll be all right.
It just shows he has a good imagination.
- That'll help him.
- Help him to lie?
To steal?
What's got into you lately, Mag?
Oh, Bateman,
what do you say we retire
after this job?
And live on what, love?
Mag, when we found Danny,
we took on responsibilities.
That's exactly what I mean.
Oh, Bateman, he isn't like us.
Can't you see it?
There's something... innocent in him.
Well, he... he's my son,
and whatever I do is for his sake.
Sure, Bateman.
What's that?
It's a coyote. It stopped raining.
It's time to hunt whatever's helpless.
Mr. Yates get back?
Only his horse, without a saddle.
I am afraid something happened to him.
I think I know where he is.
Yes?
He went after the stallion.
Dios mio.
I must try to find him.
Hey Soos, I'd... I'd be much obliged
if you'd lend me a horse.
We will go together, senor.
Anything down the draw?
Only this... Senor Rowdy's lariat.
Well, what does it mean?
I found it lying on the ground.
I think Senor Rowdy roped the stallion.
Maybe we found the saddle
because the wild horse tore it loose.
I'm not sure, but I think
the stallion shook this loose.
I pray to God
he did not trample Senor Rowdy down.
Whew.
Hey Soos, look.
Is that Rowdy's hat?
I think so.
It is Senor Rowdy's hat.
It's a coyote. It's dead.
Senor Rowdy!
Dead?
No.
He must've waited till the coyote
was almost on him
before he shot.
Maybe Senor Wishbone can do something.
I better take him back to the camp.
Oh, senor, there is a town to the west,
maybe 15 miles.
He will need a doctor.
I'll find one.
How about the river?
Is it flooded?
It flooded.
Oh.
When'd you... When'd you get back?
About ten minutes ago.
I'm sorry, boss.
How is he?
Oh, it feels like
everything in there's busted.
Good. Good.
Rowdy!
Hi, Danny.
l... I had this wild stallion, uh,
all roped and caught for you.
He tore the saddle clean off,
got away.
Where's Bateman?
He has gone for a doctor, senora.
Looks like I kinda spoiled the party.
No. You're back.
Look at the tree.
Yeah, Dan, that's a humdinger.
Just no end to the bright ideas
this outfit can come up with.
Now, boss, I know how you feel,
but it isn't Rowdy's fault
we didn't move over.
It's more mine.
It was my idea to have the party here.
- For the dying boy.
- Yeah, that's right.
Tell me, you never hear
of the Spanish prisoner dodge?
Yeah. A con game, isn't it?
- The pigeon drop?
- Con game.
How about, uh, the dying boy?
Mr. Favor!
- The Batemans are not like that!
- Bah!
Mr. Favor, you're all wrong.
Why, you're just sore because the herd's
stuck here a couple of days.
What's more important, a cow or a boy?
Besides, what's wrong
with Christmas in August?
Every man in this crew's
feeling better for it.
They oughta have Christmas every August.
Every month.
Oh, there's the doctor.
You oughta be ashamed of yourself.
Oh, I am.
Tall fellow's the trail boss, Mr. Favor.
He just got back.
He doesn't like the idea of the party.
I think maybe we're in trouble, Bateman.
Does that hurt?
Yep.
- That hurt, too?
- Yeah, it does.
Move your hand and feet.
Uh-huh.
Well, your spine's all right.
Three or four busted ribs
and a few bad bruises,
but I guess you'll live.
Anything I can do?
Keep his chest wrapped tight.
No riding for a while.
Oh, and one thing more, Doctor.
While you're here,
I wish you'd take a look
at our young friend here.
Oh, there's no need for that, Doctor.
Thank you very much, Wishbone.
That is perfectly all right.
Oh, yes, Mr. Bateman.
Let the doctor look at him.
Why, who knows?
Maybe there's been a miracle
and the boy's well now, huh?
Well, where can I take him?
Mag...
It's all right, Danny. I'll be with you.
Our tent is over here, Doctor.
All right.
Well, I just would like to ask...
Now you'll see.
Yeah. Now we'll all see.
They're taking quite a while in there,
ain't they?
Worried, Bateman?
Well, Doc, how's the boy?
He's sound as a dollar.
Just like I said, a miracle.
I better tell the men the good news.
But your wife, Mr. Bateman...
Your wife...
What about my wife?
Well, she had a dizzy spell.
I thought I'd better look her over, too.
Well?
How long has she complained
about these pains in her chest?
Oh, she never complains.
Mag ain't the complaining type,
you know?
She... Wait a minute. Yes.
It started about, uh,
six or seven months ago.
I remember because it was
the day before we found Danny.
Her left arm been hurtin' her?
Well, some.
Yeah, when she sews, you know?
"Some"?
Must have hurt more than "some."
Why?
Mr. Bateman,
I don't know how to tell you this,
but your wife is...
She has a very bad heart.
Well, I'll... I'll see that she takes
good care of herself, Doctor.
I mean, it's extremely serious.
How long?
Oh, it's hard to tell for sure.
Well, a couple of years?
Well, months?
Tell me. One month?
Two months?
At the most.
Did you tell her?
No. No.
Just think of it.
It was her Christmas party all the time,
and none of us knew it.
Well, one last Christmas party.
- Bateman, what...
- Yes, Mag?
I suppose the doctor told you
that Danny was all right?
Yeah, he told us.
Are you going to send us all to jail?
Oh, no need.
There was no harm done.
Well, that's very kind, Mr. Favor.
Well, that's very kind.
- We'll leave right now.
- Uh, ma'am?
Yes, Mr. Favor?
- Uh, about the party...
- Oh, forget that.
Well, the men...
the men have been looking forward to it.
They could use a break.
Look, why don't you go ahead with it
for their sake?
Well, all right, if you like.
Thank you, Mr. Favor.
Thanks.
Ohhh...
O come all ye faithful
Joyful and triumphant
O come ye, o come ye, to Bethlehem
Come and behold Him
Born the King of Angels
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord
Well, come on, come on.
Ho ho ho! Whoa, whoa!
Oh, Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas, everybody.
Merry Christmas.
Is there a little fella around here
named Danny?
Now, here's a little present for you.
A nice present.
That's from Mushy.
Oh, don't give him that one first,
Santy Claus.
It ain't nothin'.
I wonder what it is.
Ooh.
It ain't nothin'.
Anybody can take 'em apart.
Show me, Mushy.
Well...
Well, I'll be jiggered.
Mr. Favor, this is the most
wonderful Christmas I've ever had.
Oh, I'm glad, ma'am.
But I'm worried about all your steers
caught over here.
Oh, if we need to,
we'll bring feed in to 'em.
- Don't your worry about it.
- Oh, nice.
- I want to thank you again.
- Here's another present for Danny.
You understand that we won't take
the steers that were offered.
But if the boy could keep
the other presents...
Oh, sure. Of course he can.
You feeling all right, Mrs. Bateman?
Oh, a little tired.
I think I'll just lie down for a while.
Here's another present for you.
Now, that's from Mr. Quince.
The...
Hey Soos, will you take over for me?
Si, Santa Claus.
This one is from Senor Wishbone.
Mag, everything all right?
Everything's perfect.
Bateman, this is the best Christmas of all.
Oh, what a lucky woman I am.
What a wonderful life you've given me.
Remember Singapore?
Remember Vienna?
The Emperor's Ball?
You were the loveliest girl there.
You were the handsomest man.
Oh, such beautiful years.
So exciting.
But I still wonder
if they'd be right for Danny.
They wouldn't.
Yeah, that's right, Mag.
You saw right to the heart of the thing.
You knew all the time
that I wasn't thinking of him
but just of myself.
And Christmas is no time
to be selfish, is it?
Bateman, are we going to retire?
We sure are.
There's a little town.
It isn't far from here.
I asked the doctor
if he could use an assistant...
you know,
someone to help around the office...
and he said yes.
So we'll put Danny in school,
and we'll raise him to be a fine man.
- All is calm
- Thank you.
- All is bright
- Listen.
Round yon virgin
Mother and child
- Holy infant
- Mag?
- Yes?
- So tender and mild
Merry Christmas, Mag.
- Sleep in heavenly
- Merry Christmas.
Peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
Head 'em up!
Move 'em out!
Rollin', rollin', rollin'
Rollin', rollin', rollin'
Keep rollin', rollin', rollin'
Though the streams are swollen
Keep them dogies rollin'
Rawhide
Through rain and wind and weather
Hell-bent for leather
Wishin' my gal was by my side
All the things I'm missin'
Good vittles, love, and kissin'
Are waiting at the end of my ride
Move 'em on, head 'em up,
head 'em up, move 'em on
Move 'em on, head 'em up
Rawhide
Count 'em out, ride 'em in,
ride 'em in, let 'em out
Count 'em out, ride 'em in
Rawhide
Rollin', rollin', rollin'
Rollin', rollin', rollin'
- Hyah!
- Rollin' rollin', rollin'
Hyah!
Rawhide
- Hyah!
- Rollin', rollin', rollin'
Hyah!