The Young Riders (1989–1992): Season 3, Episode 1 - A House Divided - full transcript
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What in the blazes is going on?
Stop! Please don't shoot,
we ain't armed!
- Hold it!
- Ahh!
Hold your fire, men. Hold it!
You got the wrong place,
mister, this here is
a pony express station.
Stop! Please don't shoot,
we ain't armed!
What in the blazes is going on?
You got the wrong place,
mister, this here is
a pony express station.
We ain't got nothing valuable.
We know who you are,
you work for the slavers.
No, I swear!
You carried these warrants
for runaway slaves,
Please, mister.
You're lucky
we don't kill you.
Burn it all down!
No, no, no, stop! Please!
No! No!
You're helping the
bounty hunters
track 'em down.
Mister, we just
carry the mail,
we don't know what's in it.
You're lying!
Nebraska is free soil.
Your kind ain't welcome.
Please, mister.
No, no, no, stop! Please!
No! No!
Relax.
You'll do just fine.
- Give me that.
- I quit!
Nobody can teach
those greenhorns.
Let go!
You'll do just fine.
Rider coming.
- Give me that.
- I quit!
Would you just shut up!
Fighting will get you fired.
Boys... get over here.
- I've had enough.
- Good, you're fired.
Let go!
That's right, the company
needs new riders.
They'll get the hang of it.
If they don't
kill each other first.
He knocked me off.
You didn't let go, fool.
Would you just shut up!
Fighting will get you fired.
If they don't
kill each other first.
All right, break it up!
Come on, come on.
- I've had enough.
- Good, you're fired.
Fine.
And leave the horse.
Says here,
free-staters attacked the
rock creek station last week.
Run off the riders,
burned it down.
Where's that?
Nebraska territory,
north of Kansas border.
Don't make sense.
Free staters are attacking
the pony express?
They don't know
friends from enemies.
Well, they're fighting
to decide whether Nebraska is
gonna be a slave state
or free soil.
Don't make sense.
Free staters are attacking
the pony express?
Nothing makes sense
in those parts.
Folks there have been
fighting for so long,
I wouldn't be so sure.
Russell, majors and waddell
want me to send two riders
to rock creek
to rebuild the station.
What?
Gonna be a slave state
or free soil.
I'm glad we're not involved.
I wouldn't be so sure.
Russell, majors and waddell
want me to send two riders
what?
It's just temporary till
they can train
the replacements.
Why us?
They know my boys
will get the job done.
Well, he was,
then he got married.
His wife wanted him
to take a safer job.
Sounds about as safe
as sitting on a powder keg.
Why do I always end up
drawing the short straw?
I drew the other one.
When you get to rock creek,
look up Ben Turner.
He's the marshal there.
I thought he was a Texas ranger.
Well, he was,
then he got married.
They know my boys
will get the job done.
I drew the other one.
Come on, Jimmy,
a change of scenery
might do us both good.
Yeah, if we live through it.
When you get to rock creek,
look up Ben Turner.
He's the marshal there.
You boys get in trouble,
you can count on him.
I'll be along as soon as I can.
Shouldn't be more than
a couple of days.
I seen him put down
a riot once single-handed
without firing a shot.
You boys get in trouble,
you can count on him.
You take care of yourself, you.
Sounds about as safe
as sitting on a powder keg.
Ben's an old friend of mine,
solid as an oak.
I seen him put down
a riot once single-handed
without firing a shot.
Oh!
Well, it's a change
of scenery, all right.
It will probably be safer
to put a new station in town.
Well, then, let's get
to rock creek.
It's worse than I imagined.
Ah, that's strange. Well...
There's no sense in
trying to rebuild here.
It will probably be safer
to put a new station in town.
Like teaspoon said, it is a war.
Ah, that's strange. Well...
God bless you!
You're going to be free,
may you have a
safe journey north.
Could use a hot meal.
Damn federals!
Freeing the coloreds again.
Sure are a lot of soldiers
around here.
Those damn slavers
are terrorizing the town.
Honest folks aren't safe
in their beds,
it's you hothead free-staters
causing all the trouble,
McCoy.
Your kind burned down
the pony express station.
It's you and your
damn newspaper
that are stirring folks up
honest folks aren't safe
in their beds,
I hear it every day in my store.
It's you hothead free-staters
causing all the trouble,
McCoy.
Don't you dare question the
integrity of Mr. Fitzgerald!
He's the finest...
Enough! You gentlemen
had your say.
It's you and your
damn newspaper
that are stirring folks up
by printing lies.
Don't you dare question the
integrity of Mr. Fitzgerald!
He's the finest...
You see, the truth
of the matter is...
That there's so much fighting,
that nobody knows
what's going on.
But I need evidence
to arrest someone,
not a bunch of hot air.
Seems to me you look
a whole lot harder
when one of your
slave owner friends hollers...
But I need evidence
to arrest someone,
not a bunch of hot air.
That there's so much fighting,
that nobody knows
what's going on.
I'm doing the best I can,
but I need evidence
to arrest someone,
not a bunch of hot air.
Now, you like it or not,
the law is bound to protect
the slave owners, too.
Now, get out of here!
When one of your
slave owner friends hollers...
Don't you run your
mouth at me, McCoy,
unless you could back it up.
Nobody's gonna
shove their politics
down my throat.
I got work to do.
Nobody's gonna
shove their politics
down my throat.
Now, you like it or not,
the law is bound to protect
the slave owners, too.
Marshal Turner?
Who's asking?
Uh, we work for
the pony express,
and we're here to fix up
the way station.
Teaspoon said you
might be able to help.
Who's asking?
James hickok. I'm a friend
of teaspoon hunter.
This here's the kid.
Teaspoon? Ha, ha, ha.
Well, I'll be darn.
You know, last time
I saw that old buzzard...
He was about one step
in front of a jealous husband.
How is he?
Same as always.
What brings you boys into town?
Uh, we work for
the pony express,
teaspoon said you
might be able to help.
I guess that's about
the least I could do.
I tell you what, fellas,
you come out to my place
for dinner this evening
I swear I thought they were
gonna kill all of us so,
I'm leaving.
All Russell, majors
and waddell has left is
that old livery stable.
Teaspoon? Ha, ha, ha.
Well, I'll be darn.
I tell you what, fellas,
you come out to my place
for dinner this evening
and we'll talk it over then.
My wife makes the best meal
in rock creek.
You be here at six...
Teaspoon.
I swear I thought they were
gonna kill all of us so,
I'm leaving.
All Russell, majors
and waddell has left is
that old livery stable.
Well, good luck, boys.
You're gonna need it.
Two sarsaparillas, please.
Well, good luck, boys.
You're gonna need it.
He paints a real rosy picture.
I'll buy you another one.
Excuse me, gentlemen.
I apologize
for interrupting your drink,
but the marshal neglected
to introduce us.
I'll buy you another one.
Two sarsaparillas, please.
But the marshal neglected
to introduce us.
I'm Matthew Fitzgerald,
editor of the plains-courier.
Pleased to meet you.
We'd like to ask you
a few questions
for our readers.
What kind of questions?
Exactly why have you come
to rock creek, Mr. Hickok?
I'm Matthew Fitzgerald,
editor of the plains-courier.
This is my associate,
Mr. Harris.
Pleased to meet you.
We're supposed to fix up
the pony express station.
Since when does
the pony express hire
gunfighters to carry the mail?
Exactly why have you come
to rock creek, Mr. Hickok?
We're supposed to fix up
the pony express station.
Gunfighters? No.
I work for Russell,
majors and waddell.
We know who you are, hickok.
Stay out of our business.
Hold it, Jimmy.
Since when does
the pony express hire
gunfighters to carry the mail?
Gunfighters? No.
I work for Russell,
majors and waddell.
His reputation was well known.
He was a thieving abolitionist.
Hold it, Jimmy.
We're not looking
for any trouble here.
We're just visiting.
But our readers have
a right to know if Mr. Hickok
is a hired gun...
For the free-staters.
No. I got nothing
to do with them.
Why would I?
If I'm not mistaken,
your father was
William hickok.
We're not looking
for any trouble here.
We're just visiting.
Neither are we.
But our readers have
a right to know if Mr. Hickok
is a hired gun...
Listen to me...
My father's dead...
And you talk about him
that way again,
you'll join him.
He was a thieving abolitionist.
I wouldn't do that
if I were you!
Listen to me...
And you talk about him
that way again,
you'll join him.
This ain't our fight.
Come on, Jimmy.
I'm distressed about
the trouble you had
at the saloon.
There's plenty more.
Well, ma'am,
I don't mind if I do.
I'm distressed about
the trouble you had
at the saloon.
I don't know what's
happening to this town.
Ever since Mr. Lincoln
was elected, it's been
tearing itself apart.
I've had my fill.
When Ben and I came here
four years ago,
this was the nicest town
you could imagine.
Then strangers started
moving in, bringing all
the trouble with them.
Killing each other over slavery.
This was the nicest town
you could imagine.
Then strangers started
moving in, bringing all
the trouble with them.
Killing each other over slavery.
It's outsiders who started it.
Poor Ben's caught
in the middle.
Clara...
Now, don't you go
worrying about me.
Of course, I worry about you.
How could I not?
Now, don't you go
worrying about me.
I'm gonna be just fine.
Of course, I worry about you.
How could I not?
They don't just talk about
freeing the slaves,
they take them.
How could it be right
to shoot your neighbor
just because he believes
something different than you?
Well, if your neighbor
steals your property,
you don't got much choice,
do you?
If you ask me, I think
both sides are wrong.
Even if it's wrong?
Well...
It's not for me
to decide, is it?
That's the law...
And I'm sworn to uphold it.
You don't got much choice,
do you?
Well, what do you mean by that?
It's the abolitionists.
They don't just talk about
freeing the slaves,
they take them.
The law is the law.
And every man that
has any property has a right
to protect it.
Just do your jobs and,
go on home, huh?
Folks forget that.
They take matters
into their own hands,
and then look what happens.
It's a war. It's getting
worse every day.
Lord knows how far
it's gonna spread
before it burns itself out.
You boys don't have
to get involved
in this trouble around here.
Just do your jobs and,
go on home, huh?
Lord knows how far
it's gonna spread
before it burns itself out.
You boys don't have
to get involved
in this trouble around here.
We were warned, all right?
I don't know,
with a little fixing...
Well, I got the best stock
in the territory.
Make you a fair deal.
Gardner! Hey, gardner!
You in there?
You the fellas from
the pony express?
Yeah, that's right.
Name's gardner.
Heard you're looking
to buy some horses?
- Anybody here?
- Yeah.
Name's gardner.
Heard you're looking
to buy some horses?
Yeah, could be,
if the price is right.
Well, I got the best stock
in the territory.
Make you a fair deal.
Gardner! Hey, gardner!
You in there?
Yeah.
I hear you fed two
fugitive slaves at your place.
You buy from him,
you'll make a lot of enemies.
We don't look kindly
on slave stealers.
Now, you get the hell out of
I hear you fed two
fugitive slaves at your place.
Hid 'em out.
Well, I got a right
to do anything...
We was just leaving, marshal.
Come on.
Here before I break every bone
in your body.
That's enough!
Enough, Brewster.
Go home, gardner.
But I ain't done nothing,
marshal.
I said go home, gardner.
Well, I got a right
to do anything...
- Hey!
- Stay out of it.
Enough, Brewster.
We was just leaving, marshal.
My place is five miles north,
if you're interested
in that stock.
Go home, gardner.
Gardner's lucky that
I didn't throw him in jail.
He broke the law
by hiding them slaves.
- Marshal, you saw...
- Son, don't you tell me
how to do my job!
Why'd you let them go,
marshal? They hit him!
Gardner's lucky that
I didn't throw him in jail.
And I won't tell you
how to do yours.
- Marshal, you saw...
- Son, don't you tell me
how to do my job!
And I won't tell you
how to do yours.
What the hell?
- Oh, Jimmy.
- What?
"Abolitionists hire
gunfighter, James hickok."
"Gunman of notorious
reputation is in the employ
of abolitionist forces."
Let me see that!
"Abolitionists hire
gunfighter, James hickok."
"Gunman of notorious
reputation is in the employ
of abolitionist forces."
Ah!
Jimmy!
It's a boldfaced lie!
- Who wrote this?
- That fella Harris.
Harris!
- Who wrote this?
- That fella Harris.
Now, Jimmy, hold on a second.
Ah!
I warned you, Harris!
You lied about me.
You know this ain't true!
That's close enough,
Mr. Hickok.
I work for the pony express,
that's it!
And I ain't leaving until
you print that.
Write a letter to the editor.
Hold it, Jimmy!
Harris!
- Mr. Fitzgerald...
- Harris!
Hickok's coming.
I ain't talking to you,
I'm talking to him.
Break it up!
What's going on here?
You tell 'em.
The plains-courier
is a disgrace!
Mind your own business, McCoy.
I never printed a lie
about any man.
Last week we heard
the free staters were
hiring gunmen
hold it, Jimmy!
I thought you newspapers
were supposed to print
the truth, you guys don't give a
damn about the truth!
You tell 'em.
The plains-courier
is a disgrace!
Last week we heard
the free staters were
hiring gunmen
to fight in the territory.
Then, you show up.
Well, I ain't one of them.
Look, ask the kid,
he's from the south.
That's right, Jimmy doesn't
work for any...
I ain't talking to you,
I'm talking to him.
Break it up!
What's going on here?
Hickok threatened us,
marshal. We're just
defending ourselves.
- That ain't so!
- Hush up!
I'm not gonna warn you again.
You do your job
and you get out of town,
or I'm gonna lock you up.
- That ain't so!
- Hush up!
Now, you've been in trouble
ever since you got here.
I'm not gonna warn you again.
I guess teaspoon
was wrong about you.
You got a beautiful
piece of land here, gardner.
If only beauty could
pay bills, huh?
Well, things are looking up,
Mr. McCoy,
you got a beautiful
piece of land here, gardner.
Well, things are looking up,
Mr. McCoy,
them fellas from
the pony express
are coming out,
probably buy 'em all.
You know, I hope you're right.
Be a shame to see
the bank foreclose.
We don't want this land
bought up by slave mongers.
Like that news fella,
Fitzgerald.
That ain't gonna happen...
Unless I don't get back to work.
I wish you'd reconsider
and take the best offer.
I appreciate it, Mr. McCoy,
but I ain't interested.
Now, you got to understand,
all my life I've wanted
a place like this.
Somewhere I could settle down,
raise a family.
I'm sorry, Mr. McCoy,
but I ain't selling my dream.
- Afternoon, Mr. Gardner.
- Afternoon.
Well, you won't be sorry.
I've got some
fine horses for you.
Think it over, gardner.
These are troubled times
we live in.
- Afternoon, Mr. Gardner.
- Afternoon.
Gentlemen.
Think it over, gardner.
When can you mount a raid?
- Tomorrow.
- Good.
Gardner's trying to sell
horses to the pony express.
I want him run off that land
like the others.
We came to look over your stock.
Well, you won't be sorry.
I've got some
fine horses for you.
Oh, don't pay Brewster
any mind, he just likes
to shoot his mouth off.
Matthew, do you know something
about these raids?
What did he mean about
burning out gardner?
Oh, don't pay Brewster
any mind, he just likes
to shoot his mouth off.
We're gonna burn out
that slave lover gardner.
What did he mean about
burning out gardner?
I want him run off that land
like the others.
Don't worry,
we'll take care of 'em.
Matthew, look at this.
I hope you don't have any hard
feelings towards him, James.
No, ma'am, marshal was
just doing his job.
That's right.
It's a terrible burden on him,
you can't imagine.
Matthew, look at this.
You'll have big news tomorrow.
We're gonna burn out
that slave lover gardner.
I'm so glad you could come.
I know how busy
you both must be.
It's our pleasure, ma'am.
Only what I read in the paper.
I'm so glad you could come.
I know how busy
you both must be.
Is there something wrong,
Mrs. Turner?
It's just the way folks talk.
They say Ben isn't fair,
but that's not so.
He's a good man, decent man.
It's our pleasure, ma'am.
Ben mentioned the fight
you had at the newspaper.
I hope you don't have any hard
feelings towards him, James.
It's a terrible burden on him,
you can't imagine.
Nobody appreciates
how hard it is.
I just don't want you
thinking ill of him.
It's a horrible thing.
They make you take sides,
and then if you don't,
everybody hates you.
He's a good man, decent man.
He's always done his best
to uphold the law impartially,
Times like this, it's hard
to know what to do.
Excuse me.
He's always done his best
to uphold the law impartially,
but this town won't let him.
It's a horrible thing.
Times like this, it's hard
to know what to do.
Mrs. Turner seemed
awful upset.
I sure would like to say
something to the marshal.
I don't think the marshal
is looking for any
advice from us.
Yeah, I just wish there was
something I could do
to help her.
The sooner we get
out of this town, the better.
That's the first time
I seen you turn your back
on someone in trouble.
Yeah, I just wish there was
something I could do
to help her.
There's nothing anybody can do,
these folks got to figure out
their problems by themselves.
I just see when there's
a problem that's bigger
than I am.
Now, ever since we been here,
these people have been
dragging us into their fight.
What?
I'm sorry, I had
no cause to say that.
It's just I can see
how this town is so divided.
Now, ever since we been here,
these people have been
dragging us into their fight.
It's like we're walking
into the swamp and
every step we take,
we just get deeper and deeper.
It's just I can see
how this town is so divided.
We just got here and we're
already set to argue.
Just think, if you and I
weren't friends,
that's the first time
I seen you turn your back
on someone in trouble.
I ain't turning my back.
I just see when there's
a problem that's bigger
than I am.
Now, ever since we been here,
these people have been
dragging us into their fight.
It's like we're walking
into the swamp and
every step we take,
we just get deeper and deeper.
Maybe if the marshal favored
the free-staters,
you'd feel a little different.
That ain't so, and you know it.
"Urgent we talk,
meet me tonight, Harris."
Just think, if you and I
weren't friends,
we might be on
opposite sides of this thing.
Yeah, we might have been.
Let's make sure
that doesn't happen, okay?
It won't.
There's a lot of work
to do tomorrow, let's go.
No, you go on ahead,
I think I'm gonna stay here
and get something to eat.
See you in the morning.
I'll see you in the morning.
"Urgent we talk,
meet me tonight, Harris."
Is anybody here?
Harris!
Har...
You're under arrest.
Come on, nice and easy, now.
Raise your hand.
Drop the knife.
Raise your hand.
A noble voice has been stilled.
A loyal son has been
cut down in his prime!
Come on, nice and easy, now.
No!
It's time we made these
murdering abolitionists pay!
I say an eye for an eye!
Who's with me?
A noble voice has been stilled.
A loyal son has been
cut down in his prime!
Are we gonna let his death
go unanswered?
No!
I'm asking you to clear out,
and let the law handle this.
Who's side are you on, Ben?
You siding with the
free-staters now?
Would you just look at it,
marshal?
It's a note Jimmy found,
it proves he's
telling the truth!
I say an eye for an eye!
Who's with me?
I am! Come on!
I'd sooner die than
let your kind take over!
I would be glad to oblige!
I'll oblige both of you
if you don't
clear out of here.
It's a note Jimmy found,
it proves he's
telling the truth!
How do I know
you didn't write it?
Because it's not
my handwriting, damn it!
Trouble.
I'd sooner die than
let your kind take over!
You know me better than that.
But, I'm not going
for any lynching.
You best remember
who your friends are
and get out of the way!
I'll oblige both of you
if you don't
clear out of here.
Now, all of you go home
and go about your business.
We want hickok! Hand him over!
- Right now!
- Hickok is gonna stand trial.
That murderer
don't deserve a trial!
No, give him to us.
I'm asking you to clear out,
and let the law handle this.
He was dead when I found him,
I didn't do it.
Who's side are you on, Ben?
You siding with the
free-staters now?
- Yeah!
- Shut up!
You know me better than that.
Doesn't end here.
Ben, how are you, you old coot?
You best remember
who your friends are
and get out of the way!
Hush up!
Need any help, marshal?
Teaspoon.
Teaspoon hunter?
I think these good folks
was about ready to leave
anyway, weren't you?
Doesn't end here.
I'm holding hickok for murder.
Ben, how are you, you old coot?
Can't say I'm sorry to see you.
Well, you don't need
to thank me, just saving
your bacon, like always.
What's all the fuss about?
Those boys had it easy,
didn't they?
Whiskey, teaspoon?
A little early, ain't it?
Why don't you and me
get some air.
He was dead when I found him,
I didn't do it.
Don't worry, son,
we'll get to the bottom of it.
Teaspoon will set
the marshal straight.
Ben, I don't envy your job.
Looks like you got to be
as smart as Solomon,
and as tough as job.
Ben, you and me,
we go back a long way.
We pulled each other through
some pretty tough scrapes,
huh?
Well, I guess you could...
I guess you could say that.
A little early, ain't it?
To you, sir.
Why don't you and me
get some air.
Now, Harris was arguing
with someone else.
Believe me, Ben,
Jimmy didn't do it.
Somebody's trying
to rustle that boy
into a noose.
Teaspoon, Fitzgerald called me
cause he heard them arguing.
Somebody's trying
to rustle that boy
into a noose.
That's what trials are for.
Ain't gonna be no trial
if that lynch mob
gets its way.
I guess you could say that.
That's why I'm asking you
to trust me when I tell you,
you got the wrong man.
I guarantee
he shows up for trial.
That's not the point.
All right.
Teaspoon, Fitzgerald called me
cause he heard them arguing.
He took me over there,
and I saw hickok standing
over the body.
Now, Harris was arguing
with someone else.
Ain't gonna be no trial
if that lynch mob
gets its way.
Why don't you just
hand him over to me, and
I'll move him some place safe.
I'm asking you as a friend.
You know what it's like
out here?
It's like tinder
waiting for a spark.
If I don't keep
a hold of that hickok boy,
it's gonna explode.
- Can't.
- I'm a U.S. marshal.
I guarantee
he shows up for trial.
It ain't that simple.
You that same man today?
Damn it, teaspoon.
You know what it's like
out here?
It's not like that anymore,
teaspoon.
If I don't keep
a hold of that hickok boy,
it's gonna explode.
You gonna kill an innocent man?
Well, maybe you better
stop wearing that badge.
Now, I don't understand.
Time was you'd face down
an angry mob without
breaking a sweat.
No matter who backed you,
who didn't, 'cause
you was the law.
Pull back, he's behind us.
Tear it down!
Spent every dime he had on it.
That's a damn shame.
Well, we came to pay
gardner for some horses,
we found him like this.
Thanks for coming, marshal.
I appreciate your
sending for me.
What brought you out here?
Well, we came to pay
gardner for some horses,
we found him like this.
He just bought this place
a year ago.
Spent every dime he had on it.
Gardner, here, he tangled
with them now and then.
I wouldn't be so
sure about that.
He just bought this place
a year ago.
Spent every dime he had on it.
Free-staters supposedly
burned that down, not slavers.
That would mean that
we're chasing one gang,
not two.
Who do you think did it?
I don't know, slavers, I reckon.
You see that horseshoe there,
it's got a bar on
the back side of it.
What about it?
I wouldn't be so
sure about that.
What is that supposed to mean?
Come look at these
tracks over here.
Harris must have found out.
That's why they killed him
and framed Jimmy.
My god, I helped them, didn't I?
Teaspoon, the kid was right.
Ben, this ain't no war between
free-staters and slavers.
What you got here is a
pack of outlaws
using that for a cover.
I found that same track out at
the pony express station.
Free-staters supposedly
burned that down, not slavers.
Come look at these
tracks over here.
Are you sure?
Well, we'll go have
a look at them tracks,
and you can see for yourself
if they match?
Umm-hmm.
Teaspoon, the kid was right.
What you got here is a
pack of outlaws
using that for a cover.
They steal from one side,
pretend to be fighting
for the other.
As long as they keep
folks blaming each other,
nobody suspects them.
Harris must have found out.
That's why they killed him
and framed Jimmy.
You know, they've
been stripped clean
by politicians in Washington.
And I always thought that I...
But I made one big mistake,
didn't I?
I listened to the wrong people.
My god, I helped them, didn't I?
Who you talking about?
If I've been played a fool,
it's up to me
to set it straight, isn't it?
Ben, being a fool once
don't mean you got to
make a habit out of it.
You're going against long odds,
me and the boys here,
we can help you even them up.
You know something, teaspoon,
I always tried to be
a good lawman.
You see, the folks grew up
around here believing that
the law was gonna take
care of them.
And now they're being told
that it won't.
I've seen friends that...
You know, they've
been stripped clean
by politicians in Washington.
I listened to the wrong people.
And I always thought that I...
Had to take care of
all these folks.
Hell, foster's killed
and Charlie's wounded,
we have to lay low for a while.
Move over there,
drop that shotgun.
Now, Ben,
you just don't understand.
Oh, I understand plenty.
I should have known
the night that Harris
was murdered.
You led me in there
just in time to see
that hickok boy.
Watch your back, marshal.
You fooled me.
You fooled me
with all that talk about
fighting for state's rights.
And you used me to
drive them people
off their land.
We still got eight good men.
Not anymore you don't!
Now, raise 'em.
You led me in there
just in time to see
that hickok boy.
You fooled me.
And you used me to
drive them people
off their land.
I checked the records,
Fitzgerald,
Looks like I got here
just in time.
In a ravine,
a mile east of town.
Say who he was going after?
Well, I got an idea. Jimmy,
who was with Ben
the night of his arrest?
The newspaper editor,
Fitzgerald.
Ben!
- Ben!
- That's his wife,
teaspoon.
I checked the records,
Fitzgerald,
you bought the land
dirt cheap, and then you
sold it for a big profit...
Looks like I got here
just in time.
Where'd you find him?
In a ravine,
a mile east of town.
It's true?
Now, hold it, Mrs. Turner,
hold it.
- Let me go!
- There's nothing you can
do for him now, ma'am.
- Ben!
- That's his wife,
teaspoon.
Cover him up.
Now, hold it, Mrs. Turner,
hold it.
I have to see him.
I'm teaspoon hunter, ma'am,
I'm sorry we have to
meet like this.
All right.
I'm teaspoon hunter, ma'am,
I'm sorry we have to
meet like this.
God!
Sorry.
I'll find out who did this,
ma'am, I promise.
Oh, god!
I'll find out who did this,
ma'am, I promise.
You get out of the rain, ma'am.
I know who did it, this town,
they killed my husband.
Excuse me, uh, Mr. Fitzgerald?
Yes.
I'm sorry to bother you
while you're eating, sir,
but could I talk to you,
it wouldn't take but a minute.
You wouldn't go printing this
in your newspaper, would you?
I...
Personally have great respect
for the press.
Now, you gentlemen are the
lifeblood of a free...
What is it you want?
It wouldn't take but a minute.
Certainly, marshal.
Thank you.
First off, I'd like to
apologize for riding up on you
like that the other day,
if I'd known it was you, I...
See, the trouble is,
I'm a stranger around here.
I don't know who to trust
asking for help.
I mean, what if I went
to that blacksmith,
for instance,
and he told the fella?
I found some tracks out at
the pony express station,
that I think might help me
identify one of the culprits.
One of the killers was
riding a horse
with a bar shoe.
It's about these raids
that's been going on.
I found some tracks out at
the pony express station,
You wouldn't go printing this
in your newspaper, would you?
No, no.
We don't want the
fella catching on.
Of course not, marshal.
That I think might help me
identify one of the culprits.
What kind of tracks?
That's very interesting.
See, the trouble is,
I'm a stranger around here.
Let me make some
discreet inquiries,
and I will report back to you.
One of the killers was
riding a horse
with a bar shoe.
Shouldn't be too tough to
spot if he don't change it.
I understand perfectly, marshal.
And I figured you being
the editor of the newspaper,
you'd know who to trust.
And he told the fella?
You can see my predicament.
I understand perfectly, marshal.
Well, I'm much obliged.
No trouble, marshal.
Glad to be of assistance.
And I figured you being
the editor of the newspaper,
you'd know who to trust.
Well, I would be glad to help.
Let me make some
discreet inquiries,
and I will report back to you.
Uh, good day to you, sir,
and, uh, please
finish your sandwich.
He went for it.
No trouble, marshal.
Glad to be of assistance.
Uh, good day to you, sir,
and, uh, please
finish your sandwich.
Kid, go around.
There it is,
this one has the bar.
We're gonna have to
get another horse.
Check your horses.
One of you is riding a horse
with a barred shoe.
Your men ready, Brewster?
Just say when.
Check your horses.
One of you is riding a horse
with a barred shoe.
I'm going after 'em!
All right, boys,
throw down your guns,
this is marshal hunter.
There it is,
this one has the bar.
Nice and easy now, boys.
Let's get along.
All right, boys,
throw down your guns,
this is marshal hunter.
Teaspoon! McCoy and Fitzgerald
went inside.
I'm going after 'em!
Nice and easy now, boys.
Let's get along.
Go ahead. Go ahead!
Jimmy.
What?
This town was the only home
Ben and I had together.
I hate the thought of leaving,
but I don't know if I could
live here without him.
Go ahead. Go ahead!
I could make you a rich man,
Mr. Hickok.
No time soon.
Well, with the threat of war,
Russell, majors and waddell
wants to keep that
way station open so we can
get the mail to the west.
I could make you a rich man,
Mr. Hickok.
Is that how you
bribed Harris before
you killed him?
Well, you just take your time
getting things together,
let me know if I can help you,
'cause me and the boys,
we're gonna be around here
for a little while.
I hate the thought of leaving,
but I don't know if I could
live here without him.
Well, you just take your time
getting things together,
let me know if I can help you,
this town was the only home
Ben and I had together.
Mr. Hunter.
Way station open so we can
get the mail to the west.
If I'd known we were staying,
teaspoon, I would have brought
a few more of my things.
Knowing you're here
will make it easier
if I decide to come back.
'Cause me and the boys,
we're gonna be around here
for a little while.
- We are?
- I knew it.
You're not going back
to Sweetwater?
No time soon.
Ben carried this with him
every day, even after he quit
the Texas rangers.
Yeah, it looks like
I'm gonna take over
as marshal around here.
Well, they couldn't have
made a finer choice.
If I'd known we were staying,
teaspoon, I would have brought
a few more of my things.
Not to worry, Cody,
the company is gonna
send for the others,
they'll bring everything
with them.
Yeah, it looks like
I'm gonna take over
as marshal around here.
Mr. Hunter.
Ben carried this with him
every day, even after he quit
the Texas rangers.
He spoke often of
the two of you...
How much he loved those days.
Ready to go, ma'am.
I just wish it meant
more to others.
It meant a lot to him.
He would have wanted you
to have this.
How much he loved those days.
I'm sure he loved you
a lot more, ma'am.
Please, I insist.
It meant a lot to him.
I just wish it meant
more to others.
Slim, take it away.
---
What in the blazes is going on?
Stop! Please don't shoot,
we ain't armed!
- Hold it!
- Ahh!
Hold your fire, men. Hold it!
You got the wrong place,
mister, this here is
a pony express station.
Stop! Please don't shoot,
we ain't armed!
What in the blazes is going on?
You got the wrong place,
mister, this here is
a pony express station.
We ain't got nothing valuable.
We know who you are,
you work for the slavers.
No, I swear!
You carried these warrants
for runaway slaves,
Please, mister.
You're lucky
we don't kill you.
Burn it all down!
No, no, no, stop! Please!
No! No!
You're helping the
bounty hunters
track 'em down.
Mister, we just
carry the mail,
we don't know what's in it.
You're lying!
Nebraska is free soil.
Your kind ain't welcome.
Please, mister.
No, no, no, stop! Please!
No! No!
Relax.
You'll do just fine.
- Give me that.
- I quit!
Nobody can teach
those greenhorns.
Let go!
You'll do just fine.
Rider coming.
- Give me that.
- I quit!
Would you just shut up!
Fighting will get you fired.
Boys... get over here.
- I've had enough.
- Good, you're fired.
Let go!
That's right, the company
needs new riders.
They'll get the hang of it.
If they don't
kill each other first.
He knocked me off.
You didn't let go, fool.
Would you just shut up!
Fighting will get you fired.
If they don't
kill each other first.
All right, break it up!
Come on, come on.
- I've had enough.
- Good, you're fired.
Fine.
And leave the horse.
Says here,
free-staters attacked the
rock creek station last week.
Run off the riders,
burned it down.
Where's that?
Nebraska territory,
north of Kansas border.
Don't make sense.
Free staters are attacking
the pony express?
They don't know
friends from enemies.
Well, they're fighting
to decide whether Nebraska is
gonna be a slave state
or free soil.
Don't make sense.
Free staters are attacking
the pony express?
Nothing makes sense
in those parts.
Folks there have been
fighting for so long,
I wouldn't be so sure.
Russell, majors and waddell
want me to send two riders
to rock creek
to rebuild the station.
What?
Gonna be a slave state
or free soil.
I'm glad we're not involved.
I wouldn't be so sure.
Russell, majors and waddell
want me to send two riders
what?
It's just temporary till
they can train
the replacements.
Why us?
They know my boys
will get the job done.
Well, he was,
then he got married.
His wife wanted him
to take a safer job.
Sounds about as safe
as sitting on a powder keg.
Why do I always end up
drawing the short straw?
I drew the other one.
When you get to rock creek,
look up Ben Turner.
He's the marshal there.
I thought he was a Texas ranger.
Well, he was,
then he got married.
They know my boys
will get the job done.
I drew the other one.
Come on, Jimmy,
a change of scenery
might do us both good.
Yeah, if we live through it.
When you get to rock creek,
look up Ben Turner.
He's the marshal there.
You boys get in trouble,
you can count on him.
I'll be along as soon as I can.
Shouldn't be more than
a couple of days.
I seen him put down
a riot once single-handed
without firing a shot.
You boys get in trouble,
you can count on him.
You take care of yourself, you.
Sounds about as safe
as sitting on a powder keg.
Ben's an old friend of mine,
solid as an oak.
I seen him put down
a riot once single-handed
without firing a shot.
Oh!
Well, it's a change
of scenery, all right.
It will probably be safer
to put a new station in town.
Well, then, let's get
to rock creek.
It's worse than I imagined.
Ah, that's strange. Well...
There's no sense in
trying to rebuild here.
It will probably be safer
to put a new station in town.
Like teaspoon said, it is a war.
Ah, that's strange. Well...
God bless you!
You're going to be free,
may you have a
safe journey north.
Could use a hot meal.
Damn federals!
Freeing the coloreds again.
Sure are a lot of soldiers
around here.
Those damn slavers
are terrorizing the town.
Honest folks aren't safe
in their beds,
it's you hothead free-staters
causing all the trouble,
McCoy.
Your kind burned down
the pony express station.
It's you and your
damn newspaper
that are stirring folks up
honest folks aren't safe
in their beds,
I hear it every day in my store.
It's you hothead free-staters
causing all the trouble,
McCoy.
Don't you dare question the
integrity of Mr. Fitzgerald!
He's the finest...
Enough! You gentlemen
had your say.
It's you and your
damn newspaper
that are stirring folks up
by printing lies.
Don't you dare question the
integrity of Mr. Fitzgerald!
He's the finest...
You see, the truth
of the matter is...
That there's so much fighting,
that nobody knows
what's going on.
But I need evidence
to arrest someone,
not a bunch of hot air.
Seems to me you look
a whole lot harder
when one of your
slave owner friends hollers...
But I need evidence
to arrest someone,
not a bunch of hot air.
That there's so much fighting,
that nobody knows
what's going on.
I'm doing the best I can,
but I need evidence
to arrest someone,
not a bunch of hot air.
Now, you like it or not,
the law is bound to protect
the slave owners, too.
Now, get out of here!
When one of your
slave owner friends hollers...
Don't you run your
mouth at me, McCoy,
unless you could back it up.
Nobody's gonna
shove their politics
down my throat.
I got work to do.
Nobody's gonna
shove their politics
down my throat.
Now, you like it or not,
the law is bound to protect
the slave owners, too.
Marshal Turner?
Who's asking?
Uh, we work for
the pony express,
and we're here to fix up
the way station.
Teaspoon said you
might be able to help.
Who's asking?
James hickok. I'm a friend
of teaspoon hunter.
This here's the kid.
Teaspoon? Ha, ha, ha.
Well, I'll be darn.
You know, last time
I saw that old buzzard...
He was about one step
in front of a jealous husband.
How is he?
Same as always.
What brings you boys into town?
Uh, we work for
the pony express,
teaspoon said you
might be able to help.
I guess that's about
the least I could do.
I tell you what, fellas,
you come out to my place
for dinner this evening
I swear I thought they were
gonna kill all of us so,
I'm leaving.
All Russell, majors
and waddell has left is
that old livery stable.
Teaspoon? Ha, ha, ha.
Well, I'll be darn.
I tell you what, fellas,
you come out to my place
for dinner this evening
and we'll talk it over then.
My wife makes the best meal
in rock creek.
You be here at six...
Teaspoon.
I swear I thought they were
gonna kill all of us so,
I'm leaving.
All Russell, majors
and waddell has left is
that old livery stable.
Well, good luck, boys.
You're gonna need it.
Two sarsaparillas, please.
Well, good luck, boys.
You're gonna need it.
He paints a real rosy picture.
I'll buy you another one.
Excuse me, gentlemen.
I apologize
for interrupting your drink,
but the marshal neglected
to introduce us.
I'll buy you another one.
Two sarsaparillas, please.
But the marshal neglected
to introduce us.
I'm Matthew Fitzgerald,
editor of the plains-courier.
Pleased to meet you.
We'd like to ask you
a few questions
for our readers.
What kind of questions?
Exactly why have you come
to rock creek, Mr. Hickok?
I'm Matthew Fitzgerald,
editor of the plains-courier.
This is my associate,
Mr. Harris.
Pleased to meet you.
We're supposed to fix up
the pony express station.
Since when does
the pony express hire
gunfighters to carry the mail?
Exactly why have you come
to rock creek, Mr. Hickok?
We're supposed to fix up
the pony express station.
Gunfighters? No.
I work for Russell,
majors and waddell.
We know who you are, hickok.
Stay out of our business.
Hold it, Jimmy.
Since when does
the pony express hire
gunfighters to carry the mail?
Gunfighters? No.
I work for Russell,
majors and waddell.
His reputation was well known.
He was a thieving abolitionist.
Hold it, Jimmy.
We're not looking
for any trouble here.
We're just visiting.
But our readers have
a right to know if Mr. Hickok
is a hired gun...
For the free-staters.
No. I got nothing
to do with them.
Why would I?
If I'm not mistaken,
your father was
William hickok.
We're not looking
for any trouble here.
We're just visiting.
Neither are we.
But our readers have
a right to know if Mr. Hickok
is a hired gun...
Listen to me...
My father's dead...
And you talk about him
that way again,
you'll join him.
He was a thieving abolitionist.
I wouldn't do that
if I were you!
Listen to me...
And you talk about him
that way again,
you'll join him.
This ain't our fight.
Come on, Jimmy.
I'm distressed about
the trouble you had
at the saloon.
There's plenty more.
Well, ma'am,
I don't mind if I do.
I'm distressed about
the trouble you had
at the saloon.
I don't know what's
happening to this town.
Ever since Mr. Lincoln
was elected, it's been
tearing itself apart.
I've had my fill.
When Ben and I came here
four years ago,
this was the nicest town
you could imagine.
Then strangers started
moving in, bringing all
the trouble with them.
Killing each other over slavery.
This was the nicest town
you could imagine.
Then strangers started
moving in, bringing all
the trouble with them.
Killing each other over slavery.
It's outsiders who started it.
Poor Ben's caught
in the middle.
Clara...
Now, don't you go
worrying about me.
Of course, I worry about you.
How could I not?
Now, don't you go
worrying about me.
I'm gonna be just fine.
Of course, I worry about you.
How could I not?
They don't just talk about
freeing the slaves,
they take them.
How could it be right
to shoot your neighbor
just because he believes
something different than you?
Well, if your neighbor
steals your property,
you don't got much choice,
do you?
If you ask me, I think
both sides are wrong.
Even if it's wrong?
Well...
It's not for me
to decide, is it?
That's the law...
And I'm sworn to uphold it.
You don't got much choice,
do you?
Well, what do you mean by that?
It's the abolitionists.
They don't just talk about
freeing the slaves,
they take them.
The law is the law.
And every man that
has any property has a right
to protect it.
Just do your jobs and,
go on home, huh?
Folks forget that.
They take matters
into their own hands,
and then look what happens.
It's a war. It's getting
worse every day.
Lord knows how far
it's gonna spread
before it burns itself out.
You boys don't have
to get involved
in this trouble around here.
Just do your jobs and,
go on home, huh?
Lord knows how far
it's gonna spread
before it burns itself out.
You boys don't have
to get involved
in this trouble around here.
We were warned, all right?
I don't know,
with a little fixing...
Well, I got the best stock
in the territory.
Make you a fair deal.
Gardner! Hey, gardner!
You in there?
You the fellas from
the pony express?
Yeah, that's right.
Name's gardner.
Heard you're looking
to buy some horses?
- Anybody here?
- Yeah.
Name's gardner.
Heard you're looking
to buy some horses?
Yeah, could be,
if the price is right.
Well, I got the best stock
in the territory.
Make you a fair deal.
Gardner! Hey, gardner!
You in there?
Yeah.
I hear you fed two
fugitive slaves at your place.
You buy from him,
you'll make a lot of enemies.
We don't look kindly
on slave stealers.
Now, you get the hell out of
I hear you fed two
fugitive slaves at your place.
Hid 'em out.
Well, I got a right
to do anything...
We was just leaving, marshal.
Come on.
Here before I break every bone
in your body.
That's enough!
Enough, Brewster.
Go home, gardner.
But I ain't done nothing,
marshal.
I said go home, gardner.
Well, I got a right
to do anything...
- Hey!
- Stay out of it.
Enough, Brewster.
We was just leaving, marshal.
My place is five miles north,
if you're interested
in that stock.
Go home, gardner.
Gardner's lucky that
I didn't throw him in jail.
He broke the law
by hiding them slaves.
- Marshal, you saw...
- Son, don't you tell me
how to do my job!
Why'd you let them go,
marshal? They hit him!
Gardner's lucky that
I didn't throw him in jail.
And I won't tell you
how to do yours.
- Marshal, you saw...
- Son, don't you tell me
how to do my job!
And I won't tell you
how to do yours.
What the hell?
- Oh, Jimmy.
- What?
"Abolitionists hire
gunfighter, James hickok."
"Gunman of notorious
reputation is in the employ
of abolitionist forces."
Let me see that!
"Abolitionists hire
gunfighter, James hickok."
"Gunman of notorious
reputation is in the employ
of abolitionist forces."
Ah!
Jimmy!
It's a boldfaced lie!
- Who wrote this?
- That fella Harris.
Harris!
- Who wrote this?
- That fella Harris.
Now, Jimmy, hold on a second.
Ah!
I warned you, Harris!
You lied about me.
You know this ain't true!
That's close enough,
Mr. Hickok.
I work for the pony express,
that's it!
And I ain't leaving until
you print that.
Write a letter to the editor.
Hold it, Jimmy!
Harris!
- Mr. Fitzgerald...
- Harris!
Hickok's coming.
I ain't talking to you,
I'm talking to him.
Break it up!
What's going on here?
You tell 'em.
The plains-courier
is a disgrace!
Mind your own business, McCoy.
I never printed a lie
about any man.
Last week we heard
the free staters were
hiring gunmen
hold it, Jimmy!
I thought you newspapers
were supposed to print
the truth, you guys don't give a
damn about the truth!
You tell 'em.
The plains-courier
is a disgrace!
Last week we heard
the free staters were
hiring gunmen
to fight in the territory.
Then, you show up.
Well, I ain't one of them.
Look, ask the kid,
he's from the south.
That's right, Jimmy doesn't
work for any...
I ain't talking to you,
I'm talking to him.
Break it up!
What's going on here?
Hickok threatened us,
marshal. We're just
defending ourselves.
- That ain't so!
- Hush up!
I'm not gonna warn you again.
You do your job
and you get out of town,
or I'm gonna lock you up.
- That ain't so!
- Hush up!
Now, you've been in trouble
ever since you got here.
I'm not gonna warn you again.
I guess teaspoon
was wrong about you.
You got a beautiful
piece of land here, gardner.
If only beauty could
pay bills, huh?
Well, things are looking up,
Mr. McCoy,
you got a beautiful
piece of land here, gardner.
Well, things are looking up,
Mr. McCoy,
them fellas from
the pony express
are coming out,
probably buy 'em all.
You know, I hope you're right.
Be a shame to see
the bank foreclose.
We don't want this land
bought up by slave mongers.
Like that news fella,
Fitzgerald.
That ain't gonna happen...
Unless I don't get back to work.
I wish you'd reconsider
and take the best offer.
I appreciate it, Mr. McCoy,
but I ain't interested.
Now, you got to understand,
all my life I've wanted
a place like this.
Somewhere I could settle down,
raise a family.
I'm sorry, Mr. McCoy,
but I ain't selling my dream.
- Afternoon, Mr. Gardner.
- Afternoon.
Well, you won't be sorry.
I've got some
fine horses for you.
Think it over, gardner.
These are troubled times
we live in.
- Afternoon, Mr. Gardner.
- Afternoon.
Gentlemen.
Think it over, gardner.
When can you mount a raid?
- Tomorrow.
- Good.
Gardner's trying to sell
horses to the pony express.
I want him run off that land
like the others.
We came to look over your stock.
Well, you won't be sorry.
I've got some
fine horses for you.
Oh, don't pay Brewster
any mind, he just likes
to shoot his mouth off.
Matthew, do you know something
about these raids?
What did he mean about
burning out gardner?
Oh, don't pay Brewster
any mind, he just likes
to shoot his mouth off.
We're gonna burn out
that slave lover gardner.
What did he mean about
burning out gardner?
I want him run off that land
like the others.
Don't worry,
we'll take care of 'em.
Matthew, look at this.
I hope you don't have any hard
feelings towards him, James.
No, ma'am, marshal was
just doing his job.
That's right.
It's a terrible burden on him,
you can't imagine.
Matthew, look at this.
You'll have big news tomorrow.
We're gonna burn out
that slave lover gardner.
I'm so glad you could come.
I know how busy
you both must be.
It's our pleasure, ma'am.
Only what I read in the paper.
I'm so glad you could come.
I know how busy
you both must be.
Is there something wrong,
Mrs. Turner?
It's just the way folks talk.
They say Ben isn't fair,
but that's not so.
He's a good man, decent man.
It's our pleasure, ma'am.
Ben mentioned the fight
you had at the newspaper.
I hope you don't have any hard
feelings towards him, James.
It's a terrible burden on him,
you can't imagine.
Nobody appreciates
how hard it is.
I just don't want you
thinking ill of him.
It's a horrible thing.
They make you take sides,
and then if you don't,
everybody hates you.
He's a good man, decent man.
He's always done his best
to uphold the law impartially,
Times like this, it's hard
to know what to do.
Excuse me.
He's always done his best
to uphold the law impartially,
but this town won't let him.
It's a horrible thing.
Times like this, it's hard
to know what to do.
Mrs. Turner seemed
awful upset.
I sure would like to say
something to the marshal.
I don't think the marshal
is looking for any
advice from us.
Yeah, I just wish there was
something I could do
to help her.
The sooner we get
out of this town, the better.
That's the first time
I seen you turn your back
on someone in trouble.
Yeah, I just wish there was
something I could do
to help her.
There's nothing anybody can do,
these folks got to figure out
their problems by themselves.
I just see when there's
a problem that's bigger
than I am.
Now, ever since we been here,
these people have been
dragging us into their fight.
What?
I'm sorry, I had
no cause to say that.
It's just I can see
how this town is so divided.
Now, ever since we been here,
these people have been
dragging us into their fight.
It's like we're walking
into the swamp and
every step we take,
we just get deeper and deeper.
It's just I can see
how this town is so divided.
We just got here and we're
already set to argue.
Just think, if you and I
weren't friends,
that's the first time
I seen you turn your back
on someone in trouble.
I ain't turning my back.
I just see when there's
a problem that's bigger
than I am.
Now, ever since we been here,
these people have been
dragging us into their fight.
It's like we're walking
into the swamp and
every step we take,
we just get deeper and deeper.
Maybe if the marshal favored
the free-staters,
you'd feel a little different.
That ain't so, and you know it.
"Urgent we talk,
meet me tonight, Harris."
Just think, if you and I
weren't friends,
we might be on
opposite sides of this thing.
Yeah, we might have been.
Let's make sure
that doesn't happen, okay?
It won't.
There's a lot of work
to do tomorrow, let's go.
No, you go on ahead,
I think I'm gonna stay here
and get something to eat.
See you in the morning.
I'll see you in the morning.
"Urgent we talk,
meet me tonight, Harris."
Is anybody here?
Harris!
Har...
You're under arrest.
Come on, nice and easy, now.
Raise your hand.
Drop the knife.
Raise your hand.
A noble voice has been stilled.
A loyal son has been
cut down in his prime!
Come on, nice and easy, now.
No!
It's time we made these
murdering abolitionists pay!
I say an eye for an eye!
Who's with me?
A noble voice has been stilled.
A loyal son has been
cut down in his prime!
Are we gonna let his death
go unanswered?
No!
I'm asking you to clear out,
and let the law handle this.
Who's side are you on, Ben?
You siding with the
free-staters now?
Would you just look at it,
marshal?
It's a note Jimmy found,
it proves he's
telling the truth!
I say an eye for an eye!
Who's with me?
I am! Come on!
I'd sooner die than
let your kind take over!
I would be glad to oblige!
I'll oblige both of you
if you don't
clear out of here.
It's a note Jimmy found,
it proves he's
telling the truth!
How do I know
you didn't write it?
Because it's not
my handwriting, damn it!
Trouble.
I'd sooner die than
let your kind take over!
You know me better than that.
But, I'm not going
for any lynching.
You best remember
who your friends are
and get out of the way!
I'll oblige both of you
if you don't
clear out of here.
Now, all of you go home
and go about your business.
We want hickok! Hand him over!
- Right now!
- Hickok is gonna stand trial.
That murderer
don't deserve a trial!
No, give him to us.
I'm asking you to clear out,
and let the law handle this.
He was dead when I found him,
I didn't do it.
Who's side are you on, Ben?
You siding with the
free-staters now?
- Yeah!
- Shut up!
You know me better than that.
Doesn't end here.
Ben, how are you, you old coot?
You best remember
who your friends are
and get out of the way!
Hush up!
Need any help, marshal?
Teaspoon.
Teaspoon hunter?
I think these good folks
was about ready to leave
anyway, weren't you?
Doesn't end here.
I'm holding hickok for murder.
Ben, how are you, you old coot?
Can't say I'm sorry to see you.
Well, you don't need
to thank me, just saving
your bacon, like always.
What's all the fuss about?
Those boys had it easy,
didn't they?
Whiskey, teaspoon?
A little early, ain't it?
Why don't you and me
get some air.
He was dead when I found him,
I didn't do it.
Don't worry, son,
we'll get to the bottom of it.
Teaspoon will set
the marshal straight.
Ben, I don't envy your job.
Looks like you got to be
as smart as Solomon,
and as tough as job.
Ben, you and me,
we go back a long way.
We pulled each other through
some pretty tough scrapes,
huh?
Well, I guess you could...
I guess you could say that.
A little early, ain't it?
To you, sir.
Why don't you and me
get some air.
Now, Harris was arguing
with someone else.
Believe me, Ben,
Jimmy didn't do it.
Somebody's trying
to rustle that boy
into a noose.
Teaspoon, Fitzgerald called me
cause he heard them arguing.
Somebody's trying
to rustle that boy
into a noose.
That's what trials are for.
Ain't gonna be no trial
if that lynch mob
gets its way.
I guess you could say that.
That's why I'm asking you
to trust me when I tell you,
you got the wrong man.
I guarantee
he shows up for trial.
That's not the point.
All right.
Teaspoon, Fitzgerald called me
cause he heard them arguing.
He took me over there,
and I saw hickok standing
over the body.
Now, Harris was arguing
with someone else.
Ain't gonna be no trial
if that lynch mob
gets its way.
Why don't you just
hand him over to me, and
I'll move him some place safe.
I'm asking you as a friend.
You know what it's like
out here?
It's like tinder
waiting for a spark.
If I don't keep
a hold of that hickok boy,
it's gonna explode.
- Can't.
- I'm a U.S. marshal.
I guarantee
he shows up for trial.
It ain't that simple.
You that same man today?
Damn it, teaspoon.
You know what it's like
out here?
It's not like that anymore,
teaspoon.
If I don't keep
a hold of that hickok boy,
it's gonna explode.
You gonna kill an innocent man?
Well, maybe you better
stop wearing that badge.
Now, I don't understand.
Time was you'd face down
an angry mob without
breaking a sweat.
No matter who backed you,
who didn't, 'cause
you was the law.
Pull back, he's behind us.
Tear it down!
Spent every dime he had on it.
That's a damn shame.
Well, we came to pay
gardner for some horses,
we found him like this.
Thanks for coming, marshal.
I appreciate your
sending for me.
What brought you out here?
Well, we came to pay
gardner for some horses,
we found him like this.
He just bought this place
a year ago.
Spent every dime he had on it.
Gardner, here, he tangled
with them now and then.
I wouldn't be so
sure about that.
He just bought this place
a year ago.
Spent every dime he had on it.
Free-staters supposedly
burned that down, not slavers.
That would mean that
we're chasing one gang,
not two.
Who do you think did it?
I don't know, slavers, I reckon.
You see that horseshoe there,
it's got a bar on
the back side of it.
What about it?
I wouldn't be so
sure about that.
What is that supposed to mean?
Come look at these
tracks over here.
Harris must have found out.
That's why they killed him
and framed Jimmy.
My god, I helped them, didn't I?
Teaspoon, the kid was right.
Ben, this ain't no war between
free-staters and slavers.
What you got here is a
pack of outlaws
using that for a cover.
I found that same track out at
the pony express station.
Free-staters supposedly
burned that down, not slavers.
Come look at these
tracks over here.
Are you sure?
Well, we'll go have
a look at them tracks,
and you can see for yourself
if they match?
Umm-hmm.
Teaspoon, the kid was right.
What you got here is a
pack of outlaws
using that for a cover.
They steal from one side,
pretend to be fighting
for the other.
As long as they keep
folks blaming each other,
nobody suspects them.
Harris must have found out.
That's why they killed him
and framed Jimmy.
You know, they've
been stripped clean
by politicians in Washington.
And I always thought that I...
But I made one big mistake,
didn't I?
I listened to the wrong people.
My god, I helped them, didn't I?
Who you talking about?
If I've been played a fool,
it's up to me
to set it straight, isn't it?
Ben, being a fool once
don't mean you got to
make a habit out of it.
You're going against long odds,
me and the boys here,
we can help you even them up.
You know something, teaspoon,
I always tried to be
a good lawman.
You see, the folks grew up
around here believing that
the law was gonna take
care of them.
And now they're being told
that it won't.
I've seen friends that...
You know, they've
been stripped clean
by politicians in Washington.
I listened to the wrong people.
And I always thought that I...
Had to take care of
all these folks.
Hell, foster's killed
and Charlie's wounded,
we have to lay low for a while.
Move over there,
drop that shotgun.
Now, Ben,
you just don't understand.
Oh, I understand plenty.
I should have known
the night that Harris
was murdered.
You led me in there
just in time to see
that hickok boy.
Watch your back, marshal.
You fooled me.
You fooled me
with all that talk about
fighting for state's rights.
And you used me to
drive them people
off their land.
We still got eight good men.
Not anymore you don't!
Now, raise 'em.
You led me in there
just in time to see
that hickok boy.
You fooled me.
And you used me to
drive them people
off their land.
I checked the records,
Fitzgerald,
Looks like I got here
just in time.
In a ravine,
a mile east of town.
Say who he was going after?
Well, I got an idea. Jimmy,
who was with Ben
the night of his arrest?
The newspaper editor,
Fitzgerald.
Ben!
- Ben!
- That's his wife,
teaspoon.
I checked the records,
Fitzgerald,
you bought the land
dirt cheap, and then you
sold it for a big profit...
Looks like I got here
just in time.
Where'd you find him?
In a ravine,
a mile east of town.
It's true?
Now, hold it, Mrs. Turner,
hold it.
- Let me go!
- There's nothing you can
do for him now, ma'am.
- Ben!
- That's his wife,
teaspoon.
Cover him up.
Now, hold it, Mrs. Turner,
hold it.
I have to see him.
I'm teaspoon hunter, ma'am,
I'm sorry we have to
meet like this.
All right.
I'm teaspoon hunter, ma'am,
I'm sorry we have to
meet like this.
God!
Sorry.
I'll find out who did this,
ma'am, I promise.
Oh, god!
I'll find out who did this,
ma'am, I promise.
You get out of the rain, ma'am.
I know who did it, this town,
they killed my husband.
Excuse me, uh, Mr. Fitzgerald?
Yes.
I'm sorry to bother you
while you're eating, sir,
but could I talk to you,
it wouldn't take but a minute.
You wouldn't go printing this
in your newspaper, would you?
I...
Personally have great respect
for the press.
Now, you gentlemen are the
lifeblood of a free...
What is it you want?
It wouldn't take but a minute.
Certainly, marshal.
Thank you.
First off, I'd like to
apologize for riding up on you
like that the other day,
if I'd known it was you, I...
See, the trouble is,
I'm a stranger around here.
I don't know who to trust
asking for help.
I mean, what if I went
to that blacksmith,
for instance,
and he told the fella?
I found some tracks out at
the pony express station,
that I think might help me
identify one of the culprits.
One of the killers was
riding a horse
with a bar shoe.
It's about these raids
that's been going on.
I found some tracks out at
the pony express station,
You wouldn't go printing this
in your newspaper, would you?
No, no.
We don't want the
fella catching on.
Of course not, marshal.
That I think might help me
identify one of the culprits.
What kind of tracks?
That's very interesting.
See, the trouble is,
I'm a stranger around here.
Let me make some
discreet inquiries,
and I will report back to you.
One of the killers was
riding a horse
with a bar shoe.
Shouldn't be too tough to
spot if he don't change it.
I understand perfectly, marshal.
And I figured you being
the editor of the newspaper,
you'd know who to trust.
And he told the fella?
You can see my predicament.
I understand perfectly, marshal.
Well, I'm much obliged.
No trouble, marshal.
Glad to be of assistance.
And I figured you being
the editor of the newspaper,
you'd know who to trust.
Well, I would be glad to help.
Let me make some
discreet inquiries,
and I will report back to you.
Uh, good day to you, sir,
and, uh, please
finish your sandwich.
He went for it.
No trouble, marshal.
Glad to be of assistance.
Uh, good day to you, sir,
and, uh, please
finish your sandwich.
Kid, go around.
There it is,
this one has the bar.
We're gonna have to
get another horse.
Check your horses.
One of you is riding a horse
with a barred shoe.
Your men ready, Brewster?
Just say when.
Check your horses.
One of you is riding a horse
with a barred shoe.
I'm going after 'em!
All right, boys,
throw down your guns,
this is marshal hunter.
There it is,
this one has the bar.
Nice and easy now, boys.
Let's get along.
All right, boys,
throw down your guns,
this is marshal hunter.
Teaspoon! McCoy and Fitzgerald
went inside.
I'm going after 'em!
Nice and easy now, boys.
Let's get along.
Go ahead. Go ahead!
Jimmy.
What?
This town was the only home
Ben and I had together.
I hate the thought of leaving,
but I don't know if I could
live here without him.
Go ahead. Go ahead!
I could make you a rich man,
Mr. Hickok.
No time soon.
Well, with the threat of war,
Russell, majors and waddell
wants to keep that
way station open so we can
get the mail to the west.
I could make you a rich man,
Mr. Hickok.
Is that how you
bribed Harris before
you killed him?
Well, you just take your time
getting things together,
let me know if I can help you,
'cause me and the boys,
we're gonna be around here
for a little while.
I hate the thought of leaving,
but I don't know if I could
live here without him.
Well, you just take your time
getting things together,
let me know if I can help you,
this town was the only home
Ben and I had together.
Mr. Hunter.
Way station open so we can
get the mail to the west.
If I'd known we were staying,
teaspoon, I would have brought
a few more of my things.
Knowing you're here
will make it easier
if I decide to come back.
'Cause me and the boys,
we're gonna be around here
for a little while.
- We are?
- I knew it.
You're not going back
to Sweetwater?
No time soon.
Ben carried this with him
every day, even after he quit
the Texas rangers.
Yeah, it looks like
I'm gonna take over
as marshal around here.
Well, they couldn't have
made a finer choice.
If I'd known we were staying,
teaspoon, I would have brought
a few more of my things.
Not to worry, Cody,
the company is gonna
send for the others,
they'll bring everything
with them.
Yeah, it looks like
I'm gonna take over
as marshal around here.
Mr. Hunter.
Ben carried this with him
every day, even after he quit
the Texas rangers.
He spoke often of
the two of you...
How much he loved those days.
Ready to go, ma'am.
I just wish it meant
more to others.
It meant a lot to him.
He would have wanted you
to have this.
How much he loved those days.
I'm sure he loved you
a lot more, ma'am.
Please, I insist.
It meant a lot to him.
I just wish it meant
more to others.
Slim, take it away.