Rawhide (1959–1965): Season 7, Episode 23 - Retreat - full transcript

Thirty,

31,

32.

One.

Thirty-two thousand,
five hundred.

There you are, Cantwell.

I must say I'm relieved to be rid of
it. It's more than I'm used to carrying.

Payroll and allotments
for six months.

Mounts up surprisingly.

Even for a small post.

Oh, uh, I didn't mean
anything derogatory.



I've heard you plan to retire.

Any day.

As soon as they
send my replacement,

then I'll be done with the Army.

All of it.

For good.

All I want is to
walk out of here

and never see another
uniform again as long as I live.

Sorry you feel
like that, Cantwell.

I don't think it does
you much credit.

I don't care what
you think, colonel.

The receipt.

Well, anyway, good luck.

All right, that does it. See
you over at the Sutler's.



That's one visitor I'm
always glad to see.

Oh, it must have been
the paymaster, huh?

- You've been in the Army?
- Oh, yes.

Is Major Cantwell
in his offices?

- As far as I know.
- Good.

Hey, what did he
do, murder a general?

Just drunk and disorderly.
But repeated offenses.

That the usual
punishment here for that?

No, but he's an unusual case.

He's Major Cantwell's own
orderly and he took advantage of it.

Anyway, I guess the major
had to make an example of him.

Hello, Favor.

Cattle delivered?
You'll, uh, want your pay.

It can wait.

Uh, that is in case you was
coming out to release this man.

I can wait a lot longer out
in this weather than he can.

Were you ever in
the Army, Mr. Favor?

Oh, yeah. But I've never
seen nothing like this.

Your sympathies are
wasted on that man.

But his time's up
so I can oblige you.

Sergeant, cut him loose.

All right, Kaster,

turn all Army property into
quartermaster, then get out.

Thanks.

Colonel.

Come in, Favor.

Drink, Mr. Favor?

No. No, thanks.

I thought all cowmen
rushed for a drink

first thing off the trail.

I'll just take the
money, thanks.

Of course, you'll, uh,
wanna get back to your cows.

All right.

You think a fort can be run
without discipline, Mr. Favor?

Can you, uh, run your
trail crew without it?

There is a bit of difference
between discipline and brutality.

Oh, is there?

What's brutal to one
may not be to another.

There.

Yeah.

All right?

Yeah, that's right.

Well, see you
next year, I guess.

I think not.

You've got to deal with someone
else next year. I won't be here.

Oh, transfer?

Retirement.

Don't say you didn't
know I was that old.

Oh? There was one
thing that surprised me.

I didn't realize
you was a colonel.

Well, that fella out there
did call you colonel, didn't he?

Are you trying to
insult me, Favor?

I'm just curious.

Why should that insult you

- or even bo...?
- It's none of your business.

I didn't mean to offend.

Don't apologize, just get out.

Go have your
drink at the Sutler's.

Leave me to mine.

Yeah, that's right.

Hey, uh...

Hey, why don't you
ask him right now?

Uh, Mr. Favor, your men tell me
you're bossing a trail herd through.

Yeah, that's right.

My name is Kaster.

I wondered if you might
need a hand at the railroad.

Oh, sorry, fella,
we're full up right now.

No way for me to work a
ride just to the next town?

About my, uh, being
tied to that wheel in there,

I can explain about that.

Oh, I'm not asking
for no explanations.

Yeah, well, maybe I owe one
seeing I'm asking to join you.

Seems I was a little too
familiar with the bottle.

Yeah, I heard.

Yeah, I get bored out here.

Nothing to do, no place to go.

I can believe that.

Well, being his own
orderly, maybe I asked for it.

I took advantage.

Even though I knew
the kind of man he was.

Stickler for the rules.

Anyway, he threw the book at me.

Mr. Favor, that's a
long walk to that railroad.

Well, so we can save you
a shoe-leather anyways.

Buy you a drink?

Why not try some of ours?
That is unless you swore off.

Oh, Favor.

Can I see you for
a moment, please?

Outside.

There, uh, is something I'd
like you to do for me, if you will.

If I can. Well, what is it?

Just, uh, drop this package in the
mail at the nearest post office you touch.

Next place we'll be
hitting is Junction City.

You'd do a lot better
with regular Army mail.

Well, no. No, not now. That
went out with the paymaster today.

Stupidly, I forgot
to put his in.

Anyway, time is not
the important thing.

It's personal, not
Army business.

You'll see I've addressed it to myself
care of the postmaster at Tucson.

Well, it's no trouble to me if
you're not worried about time.

Uh, just keep it
secure and confidential.

I mean, it's personal papers
of considerable value to me.

I wouldn't want it lost.

Well, the best I could do is keep it
with me in my saddlebags, all right?

Yes, thanks.

Well, uh, goodbye, Favor.

Good luck.

I hope he didn't talk you
out of letting me ride with you.

No, he didn't even mention you.

Good thing too.

You and him come close, I bet.

Say, what's this, uh, colonel
business all about, huh?

You haven't heard the story?

It's not important. Buy
you that one for the trail?

Good enough.

Yes?

Sir, it's almost time for retreat
call. I brought your sword.

- Oh. Put it there.
- Yes, sir.

What's that?

It's a buckboard, sir.

It's an officer.

Good to see you, sir.

Remember me? Wayly.

I was with Cushing in the 23rd.

Ah. Captain already?

Promotion wasn't so
fast or easy in my day.

Well, what brings you
way out here, captain?

Assignment, sir.

I'm your replacement.

You're...

You're replacing me?

Yes, sir. I know I
wasn't expected.

The fact is I'm carrying
my own orders with me.

And the replacement won't
take effect until retreat tomorrow.

But I didn't know how long
it would take me to get here.

They're replacing me
with a young, green captain

up from the ranks. Heh.

I'm hardly green, sir.

I suppose the activity at this
fort has diminished somewhat.

They know how to insult a man.

I'm sure there was
no such intention.

There's certainly no
such feeling on my part.

No, of course not.

Well, so be it.

I'm relieved, I can
retire and be done with it.

Retreat tomorrow, you say?

Excellent. I'll, uh, be ready.

Oh. Colonel, I
have news for you.

What did you call me?

Colonel. That's the
news I have for you.

It's all in these
dispatches I brought.

It's also common knowledge
around Fort Leavenworth.

And I must say,
everybody's delighted.

What are you talking about?

You, sir.

- They held another court of inquiry...
- How dare you pry into that?

Sir, you don't understand.

It's all in these
dispatches I brought.

They reversed their
previous decision.

They've vindicated
you completely.

They've restored you to
your proper rank of full colonel.

Not only that, but...

Maybe you'd better
read if for yourself.

"Proceed directly to the city
of Washington, D.C. where..."

Yes, sir.

You're to get a congressional
citation for a distinguished career,

promotion to brigadier general,

and retirement at
full pay and requisites.

And I must say, sir,
it's richly deserved.

The whole service is pleased.

Colonel? Sir?

Sir.

That, uh, drover,
Favor, has he gone?

Yes, sir, over an hour ago.

You know where they're
camped for the night?

He didn't say, sir, but
probably over by Chalk Springs.

- Nearest water on the trail.
- I want a horse saddled right away.

But, sir, it's almost
time for retreat call.

- That's an order, sergeant.
- Yes, sir.

Pardon, sir, please
check this duty list for me.

- I haven't time now.
- It has to be read at retreat.

Lieutenant, what is the first
requirement of an officer?

- I...
- Command.

The ability to
take responsibility.

Now, in your judgment,
is that list correct?

- Yes, sir.
- Then read it at retreat.

If you made a mistake,
suffer the consequences.

- That's why they made you an officer.
- Yes, sir.

What are you doing here, Wayly?

Why, nothing, sir.

I was just looking around.

I didn't think you'd mind.

According to your
orders, captain,

you will not take over
here until retreat tomorrow.

At that time, I will turn over to
you all post records and monies

as well as this office.

Until then, this is my private
office. I will thank you to stay out of it.

I beg your pardon.

I meant no discourtesy.

Though I can hardly see
how I have offended you.

Let's say you didn't.

Let's see you don't.

If you please.

Anything you say, colonel.

Ah. You're the man I wanna know.

By the smell, I haven't had
such food in a month of Sundays.

Just a couple of clots. It
was too tough for the stew.

Yeah, just don't ask
me to mind my manners.

- I'm a man starved for good eating.
- Heh.

Come on over and meet
the rest of the crew, Kaster.

Who's he?

Just a drummed out dog robber,
saving shoe-leather to the railroad.

Men, meet Kaster.
He's riding with us.

- Hello, Kaster.
- How are you?

- Howdy.
- Hi.

Squads, at ease!

Dismiss the troops.

Attention!

Dismissed!

Congratulations.

- Congratula...
- Wha...?

Sir, I wonder if you'd
mind stepping over

- to the men's mess hall for a moment.
- Not now.

- You'll have to attend to it yourself.
- But I'm afraid I can't.

It's something you
have to see for yourself.

I told you, sergeant, I'm
busy. I can't be bothered.

But, colonel, please.

- Sergeant, do I have to order you?
- No, sir.

Uh, wait.

You say it's important?

Yes, sir.

- Well, what is it?
- I can't tell you, sir.

If you just come with me.

Now.

For he's a jolly good fellow

For he's a jolly good fellow

How come he's only a major then?

Ah, he got busted.

Some run-in with the brass.

Just as he was
about to make general.

When it comes to
soldiering, or drinking,

there's nothing better.

It sure is nice and big
of you to stick up for him

after what he done to you.

Well, like I told Mr. Favor,
maybe I had it coming.

I was a little, uh,
too fond of his liquor.

A nip would go good right now.

Well, you're out of luck here.

Yeah, that's what I figured.

Unless that's what was in the
package he gave your boss.

Oh, I didn't know he
gave you a package, boss.

Oh, he's probably
saving it for the trail.

For snake bites, no doubt.

Yeah, no doubt.

All right, that's enough coffee.

Anybody on night guard
with Rowdy, let's get to it.

You looking for sugar?

It's around someplace.

Did you get a bedroll?

Oh, no. No,
thanks. I'll get one.

Well, good night.

Good night.

- I think it was wonderful.
- I think he took it very well.

- Oh, congratulations.
- Yes, thank you.

- Congratulations, major.
- It was very nice, thank you.

Sir, quite a celebration.

I only hope when I leave the post,
they feel the same way about me.

You think they like me,
Wayly? You're mistaken.

- They loathe me.
- I don't believe that.

They showed their
respect tonight.

Any cause would
serve for a celebration.

Oh, now, sir, it's not every day to
have a man promoted to brigadier.

- That's a great honor.
- Is it?

I never realized before
what a fragile thing that is.

Even now, one slip, one mistake,

they'd all be delighted to help
kick me back down the ladder.

They'd like nothing better
than to see me broken again.

Even now.

Including you.

Ah. Best to have plenty of
coffee when the guard changes.

Yeah, I just put on a new pot.

You know, I swear
it's gonna snow.

- I bet it could at that.
- This late in the year too.

Mm.

Oh, what are you doing out
here this time of night, major?

I, uh, want a word
with you, Favor.

If you don't mind.

I'd like that package back. I've
changed my mind about sending it.

Why not? It's yours. It's
over in my saddlebags.

It's gone.

I don't understand
it, but that's how it is.

No.

- No. You thief...
- Now, take it easy, old man.

You!

Thief!

That old thief.

Not a trace.

- Favor...
- If you say "thief" once more...

No, I lost my temper.

- It ain't in here, Mr. Favor.
- I have no right to accuse you.

It's just that is it
valuable to me.

But you didn't ask
for the responsibility.

You guaranteed nothing.

I'm sure you did your best.

But it's gone from
my saddlebags.

Well, I'll just have to find it.

All right, keep
looking, everybody.

I just don't get it. I know
all my men can be trusted.

Yes, of course.

I'm sure it'll turn up.

We'll turn it up.

If it's only a bottle of whiskey
like that Kaster fella said,

what's the problem?

Kaster? Is he here?

Yeah. He was riding
with us to the railroad.

And he was real
interested in that package.

I told you that it
was confidential.

He saw you give it
to me at the Sutler's.

Where is Kaster?

Well, I just seen him
leave a while ago.

He'd have to be headed toward
Junction City and the railroad.

He know this terrain very well?

No, he was attached to
headquarters. He never rode patrol.

He can't very far in
this dark anyways.

We'll get after him
just before sunup.

I'm going now.

I might be able to
catch him before dawn.

Major.

Look, it's just too tough
trying to track him at night.

- We'd probably lose his trail.
- Mr. Favor, time is important.

I have to have that
package. It's vital to me.

All right, all right, I'll send a
couple of the men with you.

You've done enough already.

It's not your problem.

Quince, take over.

Hey, do you know,
uh, where we are?

Not exactly.

Yeah, I thought so.

This package
really worth all this?

I'd think it was clear by now.

What's in it so
almighty important?

I told you, personal papers.

You'll wanna get back
to your herd, I suppose.

I'll have to pretty soon.

I can understand that.

Besides, I'm afraid
we've lost him good.

Best thing for you to do, maybe,

is to go to Junction City
and see the marshal.

No marshals.

Well, then get some
help from the fort.

No Army either. I told
you this is a private matter.

All right, have it your way.

I'm afraid I've
helped all I can.

Favor.

How do I know for sure
Kaster has that package at all?

- Look, I told you...
- This could all be a blind.

You could be walking
away with my package.

- Cantwell, I...
- You better stay right with me

till the package is in my hands

If you think that thing's gonna
change my mind, you're wrong.

Besides, I think you've got
better sense than to use it.

If that package isn't
back at the fort by retreat,

you're going to be in
very serious trouble.

- I am?
- Yes.

All right, let's have it.

What's in the package?

You saw it yesterday.

Oh, yeah, the money.

Thirty thousand dollars.

Of course.

You retire, leave for parts
unknown before the money is missed.

Pick it up in Tucson, skip
across the border to Mexico

before they can trace you.

Very nice.

Is that what happened before
when they demoted you to major?

- Those charges were false.
- But they did demote you.

I couldn't disprove
them, but I was innocent.

And this time...?

Everyone thought me a thief.

Why shouldn't I be one?

So now you want the money back?

To put it where it belongs.

The custody of the commandant.

How come? What
changed your mind?

It's enough for you to know,

if that money isn't back
in the box by retreat,

the loss will be discovered.

I don't intend to
take the blame.

I can tell them you saw
the money when I paid you.

You and I left the
room for a moment...

And they almost
made you a general.

Well, you go on accuse me, I
don't think you can make it stick.

Anyways, I'll take that chance.

Favor, I'm warning you.

Stop.

Well, go ahead, old man.

You'll have to shoot
me in the back.

Favor!

Kaster. Go get him.

Never mind me, get Kaster.

- Take it easy.
- Here, let me...

Easy.

Don't you understand?
He's getting away.

No, he ain't. He went
into that box canyon.

Only way for him
to get out is past us.

We just have to wait for him.

You're sure?

I'm sure. Now, lie back.

Take it easy.

We can't just sit here and wait.

We've only got
till retreat tonight.

- Let's go in.
- You're not going nowhere

except back to the
post and a doctor.

Can you fix it?

I can't do enough.

Well, it'll have to be enough.

We're going to the post.

Not without that money,
Favor. Do you understand that?

Not without the money.

If you're gonna be that stupid, I
don't have to be a part of it, colonel.

General.

Of course not.

Go on.

Cantwell?

Cantwell?

How do you feel?

You're sure he's still in there?

Yeah, yeah.

I gotta get you to a doctor.

Not without the money.

We waited too long already.

I've never pleaded
with anybody in my life.

I'm pleading with you now.

Pleading for my life.

That's what I'm thinking of.

No, not that life.

This one.

One for each shoulder.

Brigadier general stars.

You know when I
bought those, Favor?

The day I graduated
from the Point.

Swore I'd never rest
until I could wear them.

I came close.

War hero,

eagle colonel,

desk job in Washington.

So close.

Then the charge...

"Irregularity of
records," they called it.

Completely false.

I couldn't defend myself.

Quick court-martial, demotion.

I thought it was all over.

End my career as a major,

no honor,

no worldly goods.

Nothing but disgrace.

Then yesterday, exoneration.

Promotion.

Just one stupid mistake.

I gave my whole
life to the Army.

Literally.

West Point, Mexican War,

War Between the States.

I was a Southerner, I
stayed with the Union.

Lost everything.

Even my wife, my children.

Never saw them again.

After the war, I had
nothing, except the Army.

Life of service, with honor.

That's why I had to...

Favor, I've got to
get that money back.

You're dying.

It's my life.

You think Kaster's just
gonna hand the money back?

I've got the power
to arrest him.

Take him back to the fort?

You think you can put
that money back then?

Nobody the wiser?

I'll put it back.

Do everything I
can to make it right.

Well, I guess there's nothing
for it but I go in and get him.

Think you can handle
this if he flushes past me?

Yes.

Kaster!

Take it easy, fella.

All you gotta do is give back
the money and you can go free.

You think I'd fall for that?

I'm not stupid.

I know where Cantwell got that money
so he can't let me walk away alive.

Yes, he can. I'll
see to it he can.

You got my word on it.

Your word?

Keep out of this, Favor!
It's none of your concern.

Afraid I'm already in it.

Kaster.

- Don't shoot.
- Ah-ah-ah. Don't move.

I was gonna bring
your horse back to you.

Look, that, uh, package, I
thought it was booze when I took it.

Heh. All right, just give me
the money and you can go.

Well, how do I know
I can trust you two?

After you get your
hands on all that money?

I'm telling you, it's
going back to the fort.

Cantwell is gonna take it back?

You expect me to believe that?

I'd rather burn it.

Got it in that bad for him, huh?

Let's just say it's my way
of tying him to the wheel.

Look, apparently neither
one of us meant to be out here.

All I wanna do is sell my cattle,
all you wanted was a drink.

But we are here,

so let's get out of it
best way possible, huh?

If you try and take me back,

I'm gonna see you and Cantwell
both in Leavenworth with me.

I told you, you'll
be able to go free.

I have to get it out
of the saddlebag.

Now, get me back to the fort.

Relieve your man, private.

- What happened, Mr. Favor?
- Never mind.

Go ahead, get the doctor.

Sergeant. Sergeant.

- Retreat.
- It's right now, sir.

Go on, get the doctor.
I'll take him inside.

Retreat formation!

Easy.

Now the...

The box.

In the drawer.

Now...

Thank you, Mr. Favor.

Now, we'd better get you to bed.

No, wait.

Souvenir.

Your stars?

Why?

I couldn't accept the honor now.

You're gonna tell them?

I've always paid
for my mistakes.

I will this time.

Now, post records.

What's keeping them?

- Where's that doctor?
- He's right here, sir.

- What is it?
- Gunshot wound.

He's in pretty bad shape.

- Major.
- Out of the way.

Sir.

Your command, Wayly.

Post records,
monies, all in order.

He's dead.

A strange, lonely man, Cantwell.

A good soldier, though.

Strict, tough.

Hard sometimes.

- Not always right, perhaps.
- Maybe not.

But if he made mistakes,
I guess he's paid for them.

Well, captain,
see you next year.

Head them up!

Move them out!