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Game Script by Shotgunnova //¯¯¯¯¯¯¯\\ | |
Email: shotgunnova(a+)gmail(.)c0m // /\ \\ | |
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I. SCRIPT [PART ONE: NEW AUSTIN] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SCR1
01) Exodus in America ............................................ WK01
02) New Friends, Old Problems .................................... WK02
03) Obstacles in Our Path ........................................ WK03
04) This is Armadillo, USA ....................................... WK04
05) Women and Cattle ............................................. WK05
06) Wild Horses, Tamed Passions .................................. WK06
07) A Tempest Looms .............................................. WK07
08) Political Realities in Armadillo ............................. WK08
09) Justice in Pike's Basin ...................................... WK09
10) Old Swindler Blues ........................................... WK10
11) Spare the Rod, Spoil the Bandit .............................. WK11
12) The Burning .................................................. WK12
13) Hanging Bonnie MacFarlane .................................... WK13
14) You Shall Not Give False Testimony, Except For Profit ........ WK14
15) Exhuming and Other Fine Hobbies .............................. WK15
16) Liars, Cheats and Other Proud Americans ...................... WK16
17) A Gentle Drive with Friends .................................. WK17
18) Can a Swindler Change His Spots? ............................. WK18
19) Let the Dead Bury Their Dead ................................. WK19
20) The Sport of Kings, and Liars ................................ WK20
21) A Frenchman, A Welshman, and an Irishman ..................... WK21
22) Man is Born Unto Trouble ..................................... WK22
23) On Shaky's Ground ............................................ WK23
24) The Assault on Fort Mercer ................................... WK24
25) We Shall Be Together in Paradise ............................. WK25
SCRIPT [PART TWO: MEXICO] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SCR2
26) The Gunslinger's Tragedy ..................................... WK26
27) Landon Ricketts Rides Again .................................. WK27
28) Lucky in Love ................................................ WK28
29) The Mexican Wagon Train ...................................... WK29
30) Civilization, At Any Price ................................... WK30
31) My Sister's Keeper ........................................... WK31
32) The Demon Drink .............................................. WK32
33) Empty Promises ............................................... WK33
34) Mexican Caesar ............................................... WK34
35) Must a Savior Die? ........................................... WK35
36) Cowards Die Many Times ....................................... WK36
37) The Great Mexican Train Robbery .............................. WK37
38) Father Abraham ............................................... WK38
39) Captain De Santa's Downfall .................................. WK39
40) The Gates of El Presidio ..................................... WK40
41) An Appointed Time ............................................ WK41
SCRIPT [PART THREE: WEST ELIZABETH] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SCR3
42) Bear One Another's Burdens ................................... WK42
43) Great Men are Not Always Wise ................................ WK43
44) At Home with Dutch ........................................... WK44
45) For Purely Scientific Purposes ............................... WK45
46) The Prodigal Son Returns (to Yale) ........................... WK46
47) And You Will Know the Truth .................................. WK47
48) The Outlaw's Return .......................................... WK48
49) Pestilence ................................................... WK49
50) Old Friends, New Problems .................................... WK50
51) John Marston and Son ......................................... WK51
52) Wolves, Dogs and Sons ........................................ WK52
53) Spare the Love, Spoil the Child .............................. WK53
54) By Sweat and Toil ............................................ WK54
55) A Continual Feast ............................................ WK55
56) The Last Enemy That Shall Be Destroyed ....................... WK56
57) Remember My Family ........................................... WK57
II. UPDATES & CONTRIBUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UPDT
III. LEGALITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LGLT
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_____________________________________________/ I. SCRIPT [NEW AUSTIN] [SCR1] |_
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01) EXODUS IN AMERICA [WK01]
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[At a port town, a crowd of passengers disembarks from a steamboat; among
them, a grizzled cowboy with a gun at his hip. Two lawmen escort him out.]
Newsie: Extra, extra, health benefits of smoking! Extra, extra, read all
about...hey! Watch it, mister!
[The cop had shoved him aside.]
Newsie: Extra, extra! Bill Williamson's gang...
[They walk out of range, ending up at Blackwater Station. The cowboy gets on
the train without speaking a word, and takes a seat as the steam engine leaves
town. Two ladies behind him, and a young lady and a preacher in front of him,
hold their own conversations.]
Lady: Well, I for one am grateful, Mrs. Bush, that they are finally bringing
civilization to this savage land.
Mrs. Bush: I could not agree with you more, my dear. My daddy settled this
land and I know he'll be looking down on us, pleased at how we
helped the natives.
Lady: Yes they've lost their land, but they've gained access to heaven.
[John listens to the young lady and the preacher in the seat ahead of him.]
Jenny: But Father, do you mean unless an innocent receives communion, they're
destined to go to hell? That hardly seems fair.
Father: What I mean to say, Jenny, is that there is a great deal of difference
between an innocent and a savage.
Jenny: I never thought of it that way.
Lady: Yes they live like animals. But they're happier now.
Jenny: Not only do people now have motorcars, father, but I heard pretty soon
we will be able to fly.
Father: No, angels can fly, Jenny.
Jenny: No, no, apparently people can fly. Didn't you hear? Out in Kansas a man
even got a car to fly.
Father: I hardly think so, Jenny.
Mrs. Bush: Apparently, Mr. Johns wants to run for governor, which is why he's
so concerned with cleaning up the state.
Lady: Nate Johns?
Mrs. Bush: Yes.
Lady: His family is nothing but hillbilly trash that came here after the war.
I don't want to be judgmental, but this state should not be ruled by such
a disgusting family. A family without class.
Mrs. Bush: Apparently the Johns family have made a lot of money, and he has a
lot of friends in politics.
Lady: Mrs. Bush, money isn't everything. There are many things that money
cannot buy.
Mrs. Bush: It seems that money can buy voters, though.
Father: What you must remember, my dear, is that we have been brought here to
spread the word. And the word and civilization, they are the same
thing. They are the gifts. It is the opportunity we have -- the chance
to live among people who are decent and who do not kill each other,
and who let you worship in peace.
Jenny: It's so confusing, father. Sometimes, I find it impossible to make the
distinction between a loving act and a hateful one. I mean, they often
seem to be the same thing.
Father: Yes, Jenny, it is confusing, but you only have to ask me if you need
help.
Jenny: Indeed.
Lady: Well, here we are, Mrs. Bush. Armadillo.
[Everyone disembarks into the sleepy frontier town. The cowboy hits the bar,
and a bearded coot fondling a girl on the couch calls out to him.]
Man: Mr. Marston! Over here! You must be John Marston.
Marston: Sometimes.
Jake: I'm Jake. Your friends from Blackwater hired me to guide you.
Marston: They ain't my friends but pleased to meet you, Jake.
Jake: I got the horses saddled up and ready out front. You ain't gonna find
sturdier horses than all of these in all of New Austin. Easy on the
spurs now. We don't need to draw undue attention.
[They hit the trail, letting the train pass by behind 'em.]
Jake: So, it's Fort Mercer you wanna visit?
Marston: That's right.
Jake: Ain't taken nobody up to the Fort in a long time. Strange place for a
decent fella to visit, if you don't mind me sayin'.
Marston: Who said I was a decent fella?
Jake: It's been abandoned for years now. Folks say it was built during the
Mexican War. All kinds of soldiers around back then.
Marston: Why'd they leave?
Jake: I ain't entirely sure. I heard they had to go up North to fight Indians.
Or maybe they got tired of being soldiers and went looking for gold, you
know how things is. So what are you doing up at the Fort?
Marston: I'm looking for an old friend.
Jake: Well, like I says, you ain't gonna find may folk round those parts these
days. And those you do find are 'bout as sociable as an ulcerated back
tooth. I mean, I ain't one to judge a man by the company he keeps, but...
Marston: Well, he ain't been friends for a long time...
Jake: Are you planning on spending any time in Armadillo, Mr. Marston?
Marston: I doubt it. I ain't planning on staying very long.
Jake: Well, if you're fixin' for some female company, you can do a lot worse
than Armadillo. Fine as cream gravy, they are. Not like Thieves' Landing.
Dang, those girls ain't even fit for a drinkin' man to hole up with.
Marston: I'm a married man, I'm afraid.
Jake: Ain't we all? Yeah, so it was the Marshal who hired me. Leigh Johnson, do
you know him?
Marston: I think I heard his name.
Jake: Says he got a telegram from some Blackwater big bugs askin' for a guide.
I guess it's none of my business.
Marston: That's right.
Jake: You ain't very talkative, are you?
Marston: No.
Jake: I'm just chewin' the dog, mister. It's how I am. I don't mean nothin' by
it.
Marston: Trust me. There's things you're better off not knowin'.
[They see some coyotes nearby.]
Jake: I tell you, Mr. Marston, those coyotes eat better than I do. Almost
there, Mr. Marston. Just over this hill.
[They come to Fort Mercer.]
Jake: Listen, mister. This here is what's left of Fort Mercer. Some gang rode
in and took the place over.
Marston: So I understand.
Jake: This is where we part ways, friend. You have yourself a good time.
[He rides off. Marston approaches the fort's closed double-door entrance.]
Marston: Bill! Bill, I've come for you! Bill Williamson. Come out here right
now.
Bill: Go away now, John. Don't make me kill you.
Marston: Nobody needs to kill anyone, Bill.
[Bill pops up over the wall's rim, his rifle transfixed on John.]
Bill: You must think I was born yesterday. You always did think I was an idiot.
Marston: That ain't fair, Bill. You were as my brother. I've come to try to
save you.
[Two rifle-toting henchman show up.]
Bill: Do I look like I need saving?
Marston: Bill please. They want to kill us all. I can help you.
Bill: Well, you never tried to save me before. You only seemed to save
yourself.
Marston: Bill, I implore you, think about this.
Bill: You implore me? You implore me? You always were one for fancy words.
Well, things are different now, John. Now, I'm in charge! No more Dutch,
and no more you. Implores. I, I implores you to go back and tell them to
send someone just a little bit more impressive next time.
Marston: Well...
[Marston draws his pistol but is shot in the abdomen.]
Bill: Poor John.
[Near dusk, a woman and a man put John's body in their wagon and drive off.]
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02) NEW FRIENDS, OLD PROBLEMS [WK02]
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[A blonde woman wakes John up in the 1-bedroom shack he'd been resting in.]
Woman: Well you're alive.
Marston: So it would seem.
Woman: So, how do you feel?
Marston: I don't know the polite word for it.
Woman: I do. "Stupid" is the word we use around here. What were you doing?
Marston: I was...I was doing something stupid.
Woman: Well, you'll be okay. Once you didn't die the doctor said you'd be fine.
He got the bullets out a couple days ago.
Marston: Good.
Woman: It cost us $15.
Marston: I'm sorry, madam. Ya should've left me there to die.
Woman: Did you want to die? I mean, was that it? Was that why you went straight
out to Fort Mercer and picked a fight with the worst bandit in the
county? To die, Mr. err...
Marston: Mr. Marston. John Marston.
Bonnie: Bonnie MacFarlane. Miss Bonnie MacFarlane.
Marston: Well, you may be right, Miss MacFarlane. I don't know.
Bonnie: So, what were you doing?
Marston: Was trying to give Mr. Williamson a chance. For old times sake.
Bonnie: You know Bill Williamson?
Marston: Knew him, long time ago.
Bonnie: Well, what was he like?
Marston: Dumb.
Bonnie: Just like you.
Marston: Thank you, miss. Seen my hat?
Bonnie: I have. And ah, what will you do now?
Marston: Now, I'm going to take my time and go after him the less kind way.
Bonnie: Well, that sounds very fun, Mr. Marston. Quite heroic, just like in
those penny dreadfuls my brother used to read. Meanwhile, if you'll
excuse me, I've got a ranch to run. Of course, if you're feeling
better, why not take a ride with me later and help me patrol the
perimeter. You can earn back some of that money we wasted on doctor's
bills.
Marston: Of course, and thank you, for saving my life I mean.
Bonnie: Next time, Mr. Marston, I strongly recommend you don't try to lose it
quite so earnestly.
Marston: I'll bear that in mind.
[Later, Marston visits her house. She's on the veranda.]
Bonnie: Mr. Marston! Back in the land of the living, I see.
Marston: I figured it's about time I started paying back that 15 dollars.
Bonnie: I sure can use an extra pair of hands 'round here. Let's see if we can
get you back in the saddle.
[She shows him around town.]
Bonnie: There's the Foreman's Office. It's also where we lock up good-for-
-nothin' outlaws such as yourself.
Marston: I'm happy enough with my current quarters right now, Miss MacFarlane.
Bonnie: I picked out a fine horse for you. Come on. It's time for you to see
what a real ranch looks like.
[They start touring the ranch.]
Bonnie: To your right is the general store. You won't find Parisian high
fashion, but it's good for the essentials.
Marston: Very convenient. I don't think I've ever seen a ranch with its own
store before.
Bonnie: And here's the corral. This one's for the horses. What do you think?
Marston: I'm no expert, but it certainly looks like a fine corral.
Bonnie: I suspect you've stolen more horses than you've broken.
Marston: Now where you'd get such an idea?
Bonnie: First impressions are hard to erase. That's the train station. Things
sure have changed since the line finally got finished, bringing in all
sorts of new folk like yourself.
Marston: Is that such a bad thing?
Bonnie: Change is only good when it makes things better. That's the barn over
there. Pa built it himself when I was just a little girl. And here we
are, back at the house. Let's stop for awhile before we head out on
patrol.
Marston: You'll get no complaints from me, Miss MacFarlane.
Bonnie: Come on. This is the only chance you'll get to rest.
[They head back to Bonnie's house.]
Bonnie: How about a cold drink, Mr. Marston?
Marston: Thank you, ma'am. Getting shot and then riding a horse seems to take
it out of you. I could use a rest.
Bonnie: Sure, come on in. I'll show you the house and you can sit for a while.
Marston: Thank you.
[That evening, Bonnie's voice awakens John from his chair.]
Bonnie: Mr. Marston.
Marston: Miss MacFarlane.
Bonnie: Remember me telling you about the trouble we've been having with
rustlers and other undesirables?
Marston: I do.
Bonnie: Will you help me keep watch on the property line this evening?
Marston: Sure.
Bonnie: I want to see just who's trespassing on our land.
Marston: This is a fine weapon.
Bonnie: Come. Let's head out. The country's really beautiful around this time.
Ready, Mr. Marston? Let's mount up and patrol the ranch.
[They get in the saddle.]
Bonnie: Right, follow me. Keep your eyes peeled for anything suspicious. Thank
you, Mr. Marston. I feel a lot happier someone's along with me.
Marston: I feel a lot happier now I got a rifle.
Bonnie: Well, with your trigger itch and my feminine intuition, we should make
quite a team. Goddammit! These rabbits are at it again. C'mon, let's
get rid of them once and for all.
[Marston starts taking 'em out.]
Bonnie: That's it! Kill those little varmints! You're better at shooting
rabbits than outlaws, I see. Much obliged for the help. Them rabbits
can be wily little critters. Mount back up. We should check out the
rest of the ranch. Let's get going. We've still got plenty of ground
to cover. If it's not the rustlers stealing our cattle, it's the
rabbits stealing our crops.
Marston: It ain't never easy, living off the land like this. Maybe you should
move to a big city, become a lady of leisure.
Bonnie: Was that a coyote? Get those pests before they scare the livestock!
[Marston guns 'em down.]
Bonnie: Looks like that was the last of the coyotes. Just a shame we had to
lose any of the chickens. Come on. I'll show you the way to your room.
You know, you can actually handle a rifle.
Marston: It's something I've had a little experience in.
Bonnie: Maybe Bill Williamson did get lucky after all.
Marston: Luck didn't really come into it, miss.
Bonnie: You're a useful man to have around the ranch, that's for sure. But
don't think I've forgotten what brought you here. We'll do whatever we
can to help you.
Marston: I sure do appreciate that, Miss MacFarlane.
[They come to his quarters.]
Bonnie: This is you, Mr. Marston. Thank you for your help, Mr. Marston. Makes
me kind of glad I saved your life. Get some sleep and I will see you
in the morning.
Marston: Goodnight, Miss MacFarlane.
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03) OBSTACLES IN OUR PATH [WK03]
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[Marston meets up with Bonnie at her house.]
Bonnie: Oh, Mr. Marston, how are ya doing today?
Marston: I'm well, Miss MacFarlane. Thank you. How are you?
Bonnie: Well I'm fine, thank you. So uh, how are your ribs?
Marston: Fine. A little sore, but apart from a couple extra scars, it will be
as nothing happened.
Bonnie: Good. Ah, come in, come in. You know, you never did tell me how you
met that Bill Williamson or what you wanted from him.
Marston: No, miss, I did not.
Bonnie: Well, why not? If you don't mind me asking.
Marston: I certainly don't mind you asking, if you don't mind me not telling.
See, it's a complicated and somewhat pathetic tale, and by telling
you, not only would I be putting your life in danger, but also
threatening lives of some people I hold very dear.
Bonnie: Well, I apologize if I seem to be prying.
Marston: And I apologize for my reticence. I hope you believe me when I say
that it's simply out of respect for you.
Bonnie: Of course, Mr. Marston. I understand that a city dweller such as
yourself likes to have some exotic secrets so us country folk are
impressed.
Marston: I'm no city man, miss.
Bonnie: Yeah, but I saw you get on the train at Blackwater. You with those
gentlemen in bowler hats.
Marston: I'm still no city man.
Bonnie: But, I bet you can't ride, Mr. Marston.
Marston: I hate to take money from a lady, miss.
Bonnie: Oh, you won't be. I'll race you right now...
Marston: If it makes you happy.
Bonnie: We'll see. Alright, I'll show you how we ride around these parts. On
the count of 3. 3, 2, 1. I trust you're not gonna be a gentleman about
this!
Marston: You don't know me at all, Miss MacFarlane! Neck and neck, Miss
MacFarlane!
[They finally finish the race.]
Bonnie: That was fun.
Marston: Sure.
Bonnie: You know, you should go pay the Marshal a visit in Armadillo sometime.
I'm sure he could help you deal with that nice Mr. Williamson.
Marston: Yeah, I might just do that, Miss MacFarlane.
Bonnie: You do whatever you think's best, Mr. Marston.
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04) THIS IS ARMADILLO, USA [WK04]
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[Marston meets Bonnie at the gate to her house.]
Bonnie: Ah, Mr. Marston, how are you?
Marston: Good, Miss MacFarlane, how are you?
Bonnie: I'm well... Would you mind riding with me to Armadillo? I've got to
get some supplies and could do with the company.
Marston: Of course.
Bonnie: You can take the reins. It wouldn't do for a terrifying bounty hunter
such as yourself to be driven around by a woman. Hop on up, Mr.
Marston.
[They start out on the road.]
Bonnie: You're looking much better. Considering you were almost buzzard food
a couple days ago.
Marston: I have you to thank for that, miss.
Bonnie: So do tell me, have you needlessly risked your life since we last
spoke?
Marston: No, miss, I have not.
Bonnie: Well, that's a relief. Perhaps there's hope for you yet.
Marston: I wouldn't bet on it.
Bonnie: Oh, there's always hope, Mr. Marston. You can't be a rancher in this
kind of country if you don't believe that.
Marston: An admirable attitude, miss.
Bonnie: I suppose so. I can't think of any other way to stay sane, to be
frank. What about you? Have you ever given up hope altogether?
Marston: Hope hasn't really entered into it. It's not really something I think
about.
Bonnie: A peculiar outlook. I can't really say I understand you.
Marston: I can't always say I do either.
Bonnie: Oh, don't be so deliberately enigmatic.
Marston: I'm not, miss.
Bonnie: Yes you are. You are being deliberately obscure as a substitute for
having a personality.
Marston: I just know there are two theories to arguin' with women. And neither
one works.
Bonnie: I'm not even going to dignify that gibberish with a response.
[Another conversation later...]
Bonnie: I think it's funny I found you dying on the side of the road and now
you're driving me into town.
Marston: You, have a strange sense of humor.
Bonnie: Well, you must admit...it's an unusual start to a friendship.
Marston: I didn't realize we were friends, Miss MacFarlane?
Bonnie: Oh, please. Now who's being funny? I know that business with Williamson
is your business, but... I don't know... You've been good to us...
And... I don't think you're a bad man. A little stupid perhaps, but not
rotten. I just worry about you gallivanting around these parts like
you're some kind of deranged bounty hunter. Like Pa always said, don't
go waking snakes.
Marston: I appreciate your concern for us lesser mortals, Miss MacFarlane, I
really do. And, if there was any other way out, I'd take it. I can
assure you of that.
[Another conversation later...]
Bonnie: You never did tell me where you live.
Marston: I have a small holding up in Great Plains.
Bonnie: A farmer? Yeah, and I'm the Queen of England. And at what point during
your day of hunting down outlaws do you find time to raise chickens?
Marston: Only been at it three years or so. I guess I'm kinda new to it.
Bonnie: You're telling me! So, who's looking after this farm of yours right
now?
Marston: Uncle. Well, he's not really my uncle...as far as I know. Just an old
dog who's as lazy as a lizard on a hot day. The kinda fella laboring
under the delusion that age brings wisdom.
Bonnie: Urgh...sounds like a perfect person to leave in charge of your entire
livelihood.
Marston: We go way back. And I didn't have a lot of choice.
Bonnie: I'd be getting back there if I was you.
Marston: That's what I'm tryin' to do, miss.
[Another conversation...]
Bonnie: How well do you know New Austin?
Marston: I don't. We talked about coming down here many times but we never made
it.
Bonnie: Who's "we"?
Marston: Me and the folks I used to, used to work with. Yeah, New Austin, the
last real outlaw country. Where the old ways still hold true. You do
a man wrong, he'll shoot you for it. You do a man right...well, he
still may shoot you for it. But at least you have an idea of what's
right and what's wrong here.
Bonnie: Dear oh dear, Mr. Marston... What dreadful novel did you get that
romantacized drivel out of? Those days are long gone, if they were
ever here at all. According to Pa, those days were just people shooting
each other because they lost at cards. We'll be lucky if our ranch
survives another 5 years. Businessmen are the new cowboys.
[They finally arrive in town.]
Bonnie: So, this is Armadillo. Manhattan it is not, but it does okay for us.
Most important thing for you right now is getting yourself into Doctor
Johnson's office to purchase some medicine. The first one's on me.
Marston: Thank you, miss. I'll pay you back.
Bonnie: I'm sure you shall. The doc's a good fellow, he saved your life, so be
polite to him. Meet me in front of the general store when you're done.
[Marston visits the doc's place and returns to Bonnie.]
Bonnie: Well, thanks for driving me. It was nice to be able to enjoy the view
for once. And a little company never hurts now and again.
Marston: You're more than welcome, miss. Least I can do. Thank you for the
medicine.
Bonnie: Why don't you have a look around Armadillo? You can always take the
stagecoach back to the ranch later.
Marston: I might just do that. Travel safely, miss.
Bonnie: Try not to get yourself shot. I won't be around to save you this time.
[She rides off.]
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05) WOMEN AND CATTLE [WK05]
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[Bonnie's sitting on her porch.]
Bonnie: Mr. Marston, I've been hearing about your plans.
Marston: Have you, Miss MacFarlane?
Bonnie: Yes, from Leigh Johnson. To settle here and build a life for yourself.
Marston: I'm afraid those aren't my plans. You see, I already have a life.
Well, I had one, and I'm trying to reclaim it. Or maybe what you could
say is that I had two, and I'm trying to end one of them so the other
can survive.
Bonnie: You do so love to talk in riddles, Mr. Marston. Do you do that, I
wonder as a substitute for having anything interesting to say?
Marston: Probably, Miss MacFarlane.
Bonnie: Ugh, call me Bonnie, you fool. Call me Bonnie.
Marston: Miss MacFarlane, I'm married. I have a son. I had a daughter, but she
died. Years before that I rode in a gang. We robbed banks, trains,
held people ransom. We killed people we didn't like. Bill Williamson
was in that gang. Now, if I don't capture my former brother in arms,
great harm will befall my family. Now, I don't suppose any of this is
very interesting to you but, I hope it explains why I wasn't so eager
to talk about it.
Bonnie: No, I do understand. I had no idea. You poor man.
Marston: Even in this new country, memories don't really fade. My father was
an illiterate Scot, born on the boat into New York. He never saw his
homeland, but to hear him talk about it, you would imagine he only
ate haggis and wore a kilt. And he hated the English for what they
had done to his great-grandparents he'd never met. People don't
forget. Nothing gets forgiven.
Bonnie: That's true, especially when it comes to money and you know even now,
after all his labors, my father's debts are still terrible. I worry
every day about us losing the ranch. It would kill him.
Marston: My father died when I was 8 years old. His eyes were...well, let's
just say he was blinded in a barfight south of Chicago. My mother
died during childbirth. She was a prostitute and he was her, well I
don't know what he was. 'Till I was sent off to an orphanage and ran
away and fell in with a gang.
Bonnie: My word, what a difficult life you've lived.
Marston: The leader of the gang taught me how to read. Taught me how to see
all that was good in the world. He was a great man in a way.
Bonnie: But you killed people?
Marston: Sure, and I've suffered for it. And that's the life I left, or tried
to leave. I've said too much, Bonnie. I'm an uneducated killer sent
here to do all I can do well, kill a man in cold blood so that another
man may do his part to cut crime in an area, and a rich man can be
elected governor on the back of these promises.
Bonnie: Civilization is a truly beautiful thing, Mr. Marston. Listen, can you
help me?
Marston: Well, I can try. What do you need? Money?
Bonnie: No. Nothing so complicated... I need an extra hand to take the herd
out to pasture.
Marston: Sure, point me in the right direction.
[She points; Marston climbs his horse.]
Bonnie: Right. Are you ready to learn how to herd some cows?
[They start riding to the cowpen.]
Bonnie: Thank you for telling me all that back there. It must have been hard
for you.
Marston: I hope you understand now why I've been playing my cards somewhat
close to my chest.
Bonnie: I didn't know you had a wife and child. Then again, I don't think I
ever asked. They're...they're lucky to have a man like you.
Marston: I ain't so sure about that, but thank you.
Bonnie: Get behind the herd. That should get them started in the right
direction, assuming they aren't put off by your smell!
[Marston moves behind the herd and shephards them out of the pen.]
Bonnie: Drive them down the road, Mr. Marston! This way! We need to take them
out to the pasture!
[They rejoin the herds.]
Bonnie: Now we need to move this entire herd out to the far pasture for
grazing.
[They do so.]
Bonnie: You're not bad with the herd. Ranching might be your true calling, Mr.
Marston. Either that or you were a cow in a past life.
Marston: Thank you, Miss MacFarlane.
Bonnie: I'll see you later. I have work to do back at the ranch.
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06) WILD HORSES, TAMED PASSIONS [WK06]
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[John finds Bonnie at home.]
Bonnie: Well hello, Mr. Marston, how are you?
Marston: Fine thank you, how are you?
Bonnie: I'm fine, thank you. Did you meet my father? John Marston, this is my
father, Drew MacFarlane.
Drew: Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Marston. Please.
[John takes a seat.]
Drew: So...my daughter informs me that you're here on some secret mission to
remove some undesirables from the county.
Marston: Something like that. I'm grateful for your hospitality, sir.
Drew: Ah ya know we've lived here for 30 years now. Came here from the East.
The land had never been settled. For 10 years we fought the Indians.
Tough men. Then we had outlaws and we had drought, and we had smallpox,
terrible winters, cholera. I've buried more of my children than I've
raised.
Marston: Sorry to hear that, sir.
Drew: I've seen strong men wither and die under that unforgiving sun. That
whole herds of cattle take sick and die. But I've never once doubted my
life here.
Marston: No, sir.
Drew: When I hear about this so-called Federal Government, sending out agents
to covertly murder and control people, then I start to worry. I mean,
alright, Williamson is a menace and men like him are the plague, but
isn't a government agent a worse menace? In all that symbolizes, I mean.
Marston: You may be right, sir.
Drew: Well, you're a brave man, and you're always going to be welcome here,
but you tell your friends out East that, we don't want to live like that
out here. Sneaking around, and spying, and secret missions. It's
preposterous.
Marston: Trust me, sir. I agree with you.
Drew: Good...good. Well, we won't insult you any further. Come on, Bonnie, we
got things to do.
Bonnie: Mr. Marston, do you want to join us? It's daddy's favorite pasttime,
apart from political discourse that is...
Marston: What is?
Drew: Breaking in horses. Come on. I hear you're a pretty decent rider. For a
city dweller, that is.
Bonnie: You're going to need this, Mr. Marston.
[She hands him a lasso.]
Bonnie: Let's see if we can put that new lasso of yours to good use. That ranch
hand said there's a pack of wild horses nearby.
[The family MacFarlane and John set out onto the trail.]
Marston: You sure have some interesting theories on what the government's
doin', sir.
Drew: They ain't theories, Mr. Marston. I saw the telegram the Marshal got
from Blackwater. It ain't exactly a state secret who sent you.
Bonnie: Well, is he wrong? I saw those men from the train.
Marston: The government can go to hell, if you ask me. Those sons-a-bitches'd
steal a coin off a dead man's eye.
Bonnie: Mr. Marston!
Drew: He's right. Now, I don't know much about politics...
Bonnie: Please, Pa, can we just enjoy the ride?
Drew: ...but I know we're only as free as they say we are. Power is like a
drink. The more you have, the more you want. And there's few men who can
handle it.
Bonnie: There's certain things in this country a woman could do much better,
if you ask me.
Marston: I ain't gonna argue with that, Miss MacFarlane.
[They find the horse herd.]
Bonnie: There they are! Let's get after them!
[John lassos one.]
Drew: That's it, hold him nice and still!
[John breaks the wild horse.]
Drew: Look at that! We'll make a cowboy out of you yet! Phew! I think that's
enough activity for an old-timer like me. I'll take this one back to the
ranch. See you later.
Bonnie: C'mon, Mr. Marston, let's rope another one! I'm coming don't lose him!
Jump on, I've a feeling this one's going to break easily.
[John gets another horse.]
Bonnie: You got him eating out of your hand! Nice work! I think that'll do it
for today. Let's get back to the ranch.
[They start back.]
Marston: I like your father.
Bonnie: I'm glad. He's quite a character.
Marston: You have a good life here. A life I want. For me and my family, I
mean.
Bonnie: We don't have a lot anymore.
Marston: You have enough. It's wanting that gets so many folks in trouble.
Bonnie: It'll sap your spirit and make you poor. But it's straight and it's
decent.
Marston: There's no better night's sleep than after an honest day's work.
Bonnie: It's no wonder you look so tired then.
Marston: Some deck must be shy a joker, Miss MacFarlane.
Bonnie: Who'd have thought you'd be such a natural at busting broncos?
Marston: That was fun.
Bonnie: I think you could be a fine rancher someday. If you can bear to stop
killing people for a living.
Marston: Sure.
[They arrive at the ranch.]
Bonnie: Well done, Mr. Marston. These are fine horses.
Drew: Hey Bonnie, Amos was saying some fine horses were spotted outside of
Armadillo.
Bonnie: Let's go, Mr. Marston. We could really do with these horses. C'mon
Mr. Marston, let's head for Armadillo.
[They hit the trail once again.]
Marston: You never did tell me why you were never married. Aside from the
snobbery, that is.
Bonnie: You sure ask a lot.
Marston: I'm just surprised, that's all. You must've been quite a catch.
Bonnie: The fact that you're talking in the past, says it all.
Marston: No...that's not what I meant. You must've had some suitors, that's all
I'm sayin'.
Bonnie: Some, I suppose...here and there. A ranch in the middle of Hennigan's
Stead ain't really the place to find a husband. Amos, he's a little...
well, you know, countrified.
Marston: Where'd you get your airs and graces, Miss MacFarlane?
Bonnie: From a couple of cheap governesses Pa hired to save us from being
savages. I'd like to talk about more than just cattle and chickens
sometimes, that's all. And after my brother left, it was up to me to
become the man of the ranch. He'd never admit it but my Pa's a lot
frailer than he looks.
Marston: You're worth two of any man I know, Miss.
Bonnie: I'll try to take that as a compliment.
Marston: In many ways, my wife is kind of like you, Miss MacFarlane.
Bonnie: Is that so?
Marston: She's always been a woman in a man's world.
Bonnie: You don't talk about her very much.
Marston: It's kind of painful. But she's never far from my thoughts.
Bonnie: Looks like the ranch hands up ahead. Let's drive them up the canyon,
where it narrows. We'll trap them there.
[They finally coax the horses into the canyon.]
Bonnie: Looks like we got the lot of them. What magnificent animals they are...
Hey, the stallion's getting away! Chase him down and bring him back!
[John pursues, captures, and breaks the stallion.]
Bonnie: Thanks for your help today, Mr. Marston. We got some fine horses. You
know, why don't you keep that stallion are your own. As a thank you
from all of us.
Marston: Thank you, ma'am. He's a fine animal.
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07) A TEMPEST LOOMS [WK07]
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[A ranch hand is trying to put the horses in a barn.]
Amos: C'mon, c'mon, let's go!
Bonnie: Amos!
Amos: Get 'em in there, c'mon, c'mon!
Bonnie: Amos!
Amos: Hey, miss. I've got most of the horses secure, and the chickens.
Bonnie: Well thank you, Amos, but it's the herd I'm worried about.
Amos: I know, they're scattered all over the valley and beyond. The weather
is coming in real fast.
Bonnie: So what do you suggest, Amos, we leave the herd out there to be
scattered by the storm and ourselves left here to die without a
livelihood?
[Marston walks over.]
Marston: Can I help?
Amos: No, miss. If the men get caught out in that storm, they're gonna die.
Bonnie: And if we lose our herd, we'll all die, you stupid man.
Marston: Doesn't sound like we're left with much of a choice, then. Come on,
Amos, round up your men. Let's get that herd.
Amos: Dang.
[They all mount up.]
Bonnie: Let's get going. Before the weather gets any worse. That sky don't
look good. I'm starting to think somebody up there's conspiring against
me. Are you a religious man?
Marston: Not in any real sense. Sometimes I tell myself things happen for a
reason. Like what brought me here was fate come-a-callin'. But nobody
made my path but me.
Bonnie: We all need to look for answers somewhere. Some in big ol' books. Some
in big ol' bottles of whiskey.
Marston: Believing in some kind of divine purpose ain't gonna get me my wife
and kid back. Past is who we are, Miss MacFarlane. And there ain't no
changing that. Faith is a luxury I can't afford.
Bonnie: We have two herds out grazing in different pastures. We'll need to
merge them and bring them all back.
Marston: I think we can handle that.
Bonnie: The cows get real ornery in bad weather. It's more work, but I'll show
you how to deal with them. I'm going to save my voice for the herd.
It's gonna be hard shouting over this storm.
[They merge the herds, but lightning strikes a tree, scaring the cows.]
Bonnie: They're spooked! We haved to stop the herd from stampeding! Do
something! They're headed for the cliff!
[Marston heads them off, preventing any deaths.]
Bonnie: Good work! Now let's round up those stragglers.
[They get 'em all.]
Bonnie: I think that's all of them. Let's get 'em back to the ranch before
this weather gets any worse.
[They finally get the cows back to the ranch.]
Bonnie: You saved the herd back there. You might make a decent rancher one day.
Marston: Thank you, Miss MacFarlane.
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08) POLITICAL REALITIES IN ARMADILLO [WK08]
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[John visits the sheriff's office.]
Marston: Excuse me.
Prisoner: Hey! Hey! You got a visitor.
[The sleeping deputy gets up.]
Deputy: Shut up you! And what you want?
Marston: My name is John Marston. You wanted to speak with me.
Deputy: I did?
Marston: Apparently so.
Deputy: Why?
Marston: I guess because we're both in the business of the law.
Deputy: You that fella from the train company?
Marston: No, I'm from Fort Mercer.
Deputy: Fort Mercer? You them, one of them Williamson boys.
Marston: Calm down.
Prisoner: Go on, shoot him, mister! Shoot him.
Deputy: Go on what...you being cute with me, boy?
Marshal: What's going on here?
Deputy: I got me one of them Williamson boys.
Marston: I got me one of them idiots who give marshals a bad name.
Marshal: Jonah, put your gun down. You must be the man from Blackwater.
Marston: Yes, sir. Listen, that dog ain't too bright, but he seems loyal.
Marshal: Jonah, get out of here for a minute.
Jonah: Yes, sir, Mr. Johnson, sir. And you. Oh, I done seen enough of your hide
around here, friend.
Marston: I think there's some schoolchildren down the way you could go
frighten.
Jonah: Oh, hardy fucking harr! Dickhead.
Marshal: What are you doing here, Mr. Marston? Apart from frightening my
deputies?
Marston: I'm here to capture or kill Bill Williamson.
Marshal: (laughing) Okay.
Marston: Can you help me?
Marshal: He's outside my jurisdiction, he's in the next county. Of course, Bill
Williamson and his boys have tended to keep themselves away from my
town.
Marston: So you're happy to have him out there?
Marshal: Well, I ain't happy, but I also ain't suicidal. My job is to keep this
town safe, not clean up all of these 3 counties. It's hard enough
around here.
Marston: Ya know...I hear you speak, and suddenly I'm reminded of how some of
the people I respected most in my life had a problem with authority.
What's wrong with you?
Marshal: Well, I'm sure you and your fine friends have enjoyed spending your
time running around pursuing noble causes. My cause is to keep this
town from turning into a living hell for the folks who live here.
Whole world has problems, mister, and I'm here, doing what I can.
Marston: Why? What's happening?
Marshal: Right now? I got the railway, the people who pay my salary trying to
get me to turn a blind eye to them burning down settlements up there.
I got a bunch of cattle rustlers out near box canyon need shutting
down, not forgetting the gang that keeps murdering homesteaders out in
the back country, and I got a bunch of hoods over in the saloon,
drunk, threatening to shoot up the whole town. That's all I got for
today, but it's early yet. Give me couple more days and there'll be
more.
Marston: Alright, tell you what, let's go deal with them hoods, in the saloon,
then we'll discuss Williamson.
Marshal: Okay, boy. You're a persistent little cuss, ain't ya?
Marston: Only when things matter.
Marshal: Let's head over to the saloon.
Marston: So who we looking for?
Marshal: A bunch of two-bit hoodlums, led by this fella called Walton. Goddamn
road agents who prey on the stages comin' in and out of town. Drivers
in Armadillo spend more time with their hands in the air than on the
reins these days.
Marston: And you're happy to let them drink in your saloon?
Marshal: Happy? No. But the way I figure it -- better they're carousin' in
there than out robbin' decent folk.
Marston: That's an interesting approach to law enforcement.
[They see Walton leaving the bar on horse.]
Marshal: There's the dumb rat-bastard now. Let's follow him. See what kind of
hole he crawls into. Mount up, Marston. Walton's our man.
[They start tailing him.]
Marston: If Walton's as bad as you say he is, why don't we just beef him now,
while we got the chance?
Marshal: Because that ain't how the law works.
Marston: Is that right, Marshal?
Marshal: And alive, he can still talk.
Marston: Doesn't sound like he's a man to be reasoned with.
Marshal: He ain't. But a few days of my hospitality and he'll be tellin' me
what I need to know. Walton's gang's been growing fast.
Marston: Outlawin's easy money for easy work.
Marshal: Cholla Springs, Gaptooth Ridge, these boys get around. Walton's a
start, but there's plenty more where he came from.
[The two see Walton went to Pleasance House, but they weren't too discreet...]
Outlaw: Looks like we got company, boys!
Marshal: Damn. Take cover! We'll work our way up this hill.
[Marston takes out the outlaws, then Walton, while the marshal covers him.]
Marshal: You're not a bad shot, Mr. Marston. Why don't you check in with me
next time you're in town?
Marston: I don't want to be no policeman, Marshal.
Marshal: Nor did I, my friend, I can promise you that. I'll see you soon, Mr.
Marston.
[He rides off.]
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09) JUSTICE IN PIKE'S BASIN [WK09]
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[The Marshal is talking into an antique telephone.]
Marshal: Hello? Hello? This is Armadillo 731. What is it with these things?
Hello? It's a new line. Hello? Hello?
Marston: Sounds fun. What's happening?
Marshal: I have no idea. If it's important, they'll send someone down like they
did with you.
Marston: Suddenly, the world is fully of "Theys".
Marshal: I remember, when we first got here, we used to consider people from
Dade county to be exotic. Now guys can get here from the Midwest and
they can do six days.
Marston: Things have changed.
Marshal: They've gotten away from me. Hello? I don't understand it no more,
boy. Honest to goodness.
Marston: I'm not sure I do.
[A fat deputy runs in.]
Deputy: Marshal! Marshal! Marshal! I just been up at the canyon, spying like
you said. I think I seen me a couple of them rustlers. I think it was
the Bollard Twins and a couple of Mexicans.
Marshal: They up there right now?
Deputy: Well, it was a group of four men rounding up Mr. Gulch's livestock
and none of them looked like Mr. Gulch's hands, so yes, sir. Right now.
Marshal: That sarcasm's most unbecoming, Eli. It's going to hold you back in
life worse than your lazy eye. Alright, let's go. You ride with us
again, Marston?
Marston: Will you help me?
Marshal: I will try.
Marston: Then it would be my pleasure.
[They start riding.]
Marshal: How long you been workin' for the government, Marston?
Marston: I don't work for the government.
Marshal: Well, I got a telegram from some federal clowns in Blackwater that
says otherwise.
Eli: Are you some kind of vigilante?
Jonah: You don't look like no government boy.
Marston: I guess it's complicated. I came because it was made impossible for
me not to.
Jonah: You sure are a tight-lipped son-of-a-bitch, mister.
Marston: I guess I am. I ain't gonna dig this hole no deeper.
Jonah: Ain't you all proud and superior? Don't forget you need us more than
we need you. Bill Williamson folded you up like an empty purse last
time, if I remember correctly.
Marshal: Simmer down, Jonah.
Marston: Listen to your boss, Jonah, there's a good boy. Otherwise, I'll put a
hole in your hillbilly head and watch your tiny brain run out.
Marshal: I'll be honest with you, Marston. I ain't for all this government
interference.
Marston: Believe me, Marshal, neither am I.
Marshal: I try to keep the federal boys happy. I mean, we need all the help we
can get, but what does a flannel-mouthed city boy who's never forked a
bale of hay in his life know about a state like New Austin?
Jonah: Nothin', I reckon.
Marshal: All this Manifest Destiny hogwash. Taming of wild lands. We're nearly
there. Keep your eyes out for the Bollards. Everybody dismount and
follow me. Be ready, boys. We're probably going to be outnumbered.
Eli: And those bastards ain't short on firepower neither. Let's see how many
there are.
Marshal: If we can take 'em alive, good; if not, smoke the sons-a-bitches.
Jonah: Music to my ears, Marshal.
[They find some snipers on top of a rock.]
Marshal: Damn! Those bastards were waitin' for us.
[They take out the gunmen.]
Marshal: Let's split up. You take the left, boys. I'll go right. Marston, you
can go with the deputies or cover me.
[Marston goes with the marshal.]
Marshal: Me and you again, Marston. Let's hope this goes as well as last time.
[They take out some guerillas along the cliff paths.]
Marshal: Good shootin', Marston. Looks like there some ammunition lying about,
if you need it. I'll meet you up the ridge.
[Marston rejoins.]
Marshal: Let's go. Be careful. I think I spotted some snipers.
[The snipers are eliminated. The deputies arrive near the canyon rim.]
Marshal: This looks as good a spot as any. Gather 'round, listen up. Let's try
to sneak up on them. The closer we are, the less chance they have of
makin' a run for it.
[Finally, the bandits are eliminated and the ranch hands freed.]
Ranch Hand: Thank you, Marshal. We're indebted to you with our lives.
Marshal: Just get them cattle back safe.
Ranch Hand 2: Alright. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you.
Marshal: Well done, Mr. Marston.
Eli: Yes, well done.
Marston: Now, about Williamson.
Marshal: I'll do what I can. You know, as you can see, this country is infested
with all manner of scum.
Marston: You can say that again.
Eli: One other thing, Marshal. Mr. Johnson, sir, it's Mr. West Dickens. He's
missing.
Marshal: Who?
Eli: Mr. West Dickens, the tonics merchant. He was due in town last week.
Marshal: Oh, the narcotic and bat piss salesman who cons housewives out of
their money with promises of eternal youth.
Eli: Yes, him, but I think you're being a little unfair...he's helped a great
many of the county and many of the townsfolk are really missing him.
Marshal: Ya hear that, Marston? We just butchered a gang of thieves and the
town is up in arms about a missing snake oil salesman? I'm so glad to
be serving such a wise and respectable people. Come on, Eli.
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10) OLD SWINDLER BLUES [WK10]
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[After hearing about West Dickens, Marston finds his wagon. A man lies nearby.]
Marston: Excuse me. Excuse me, sir, you need help? Mister, you alive?
West: Bugger fuck! Goddammit! Good heavens!
Marston: Excuse me?
West: I said, no, I'm not okay. Do I look like I'm okay?
Marston: You look pretty good for a corpse.
West: Praise be.
Marston: Move up, mister. Time to get you to a doctor, or an undertaker,
whichever you need once we get to town.
West: St. Peter, open up them pearly gates...I'm coming home.
Marston: Come on, mister. Come on.
[He helps the old-timer up.]
West: Hurry, sir. I'm bleeding like a badly butchered hog.
Marston: You'll be fine. Just focus.
West: You better take the reins. I don't think I'm strong enough. I'm finished!
Done for!
Marston: Just sit up straight, will you?
[They set out on the road.]
West: Head for Armadillo, friend! What is your name, friend?
Marston: John Marston.
West: Oh, good god! Out of the frying pan into the fire!
Marston: Excuse me?
West: How many outlaws can a man encounter in one day?
Marston: You must have me mistaken with somebody else, friend.
West: The Bollard Twins, Walton's Gang. I know who you are.
[The carraige is attacked by highwaymen.]
West: Good lord! It's those scoundrels once again!
[Marston takes 'em out but his driving suffers.]
West: Please drive carefully. Every bump is like getting struck by lightning.
[Marston takes out the other bandits.]
West: Excellent work, sir. Push on to Armadillo!
[They finally reach town.]
West: Death, I embrace you!
Marston: For chrissakes, man. You're going to be fine. We're nearly there.
West: Take me into your arms. Uh-huhhuuhh huuuuhuuuu
Marston: You need more than a doctor, my friend.
[John stops at the doctor's office.]
Marston: This is it. You're going to make it.
West: Ugghh... Where the devil are we?
Marston: Armadillo. We made it safe, you'll be happy to know.
West: Thank you, sir, thank you. You're a gentleman and a, a true man of honor.
Marston: Coming from you, I doubt that means much but, I appreciate the
civility.
West: I owe you, sir, and I always pay my debts. Jesus... But if I die, I'm
sorry for it. If not, I'll be your man, for...for...
Marston: Let's get you fixed up first. Then we'll decide what you're my man
for.
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11) SPARE THE ROD, SPOIL THE BANDIT [WK11]
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[Marston finds the deputies and marshal getting their rifles ready.]
Marshal: Ahhh. Since you're here, you want to make yourself useful?
Marston: Not particularly.
Marshal: Listen, son, I know you got a mission, but right now, I need another
gun.
Marston: Why, what's happening?
Marshal: We've had this problem for months with this group of bandits, who are
getting drunk and murdering settlers. Last night, they went to a big
place up near Ridgewood.
Eli: They burnt the place down, killed the men, burning most of them alive,
and raped the women. The women folk then got their throats slit. One of
them survived and walked in here this morning.
Marshal: Anyway. We got a posse gathering up near Ridgewood. Will you ride with
us?
Marston: I'll ride.
Marshal: Thank you, John Marston. It's going to be a bloody job.
Marston: I don't think I know any other kind, sir.
Eli: Hey! Wait up!
[The 5-man posse rides out of Armadillo.]
Marshal: Alright, boys. Let's move it out! Marston, I hear you caught up with
Mr. West Dickens.
Marston: I did. For a man who claims to have found a remedy to all ailments,
he's in pretty bad shape.
Eli: His tonic has helped a great many people. It's a medical breakthrough
from the East; the result of years of research.
Marston: If only it could cure him of his diarrhea of the mouth.
Eli: I wouldn't be so dismissive of science, if I was you. Times is changing
fast.
Marston: He's no more a scientist than I am a priest. But people can spend
their hard-earned money however they please.
Marshal: He's certainly a character, that West Dickens.
Jonah: I can't understand a goddamn word he says.
Marston: A more flannel-mouthed bunko artist, I've never met.
Eli: Hey Marshal, see those vultures?
Marshal: I see 'em. Marston, you and Eli go check it out.
[They find a campsite with everyone slaughtered, including the horses.]
Eli: Ain't no survivors here, Marshal. Man, this don't look too good.
Marston: Somebody was so busy killing people they went and dropped their gun.
[The posse rides again.]
Eli: What kind of man does that?
Marshal: A bunch of weak men. A pack of cowards is the most dangerous kind.
Jonah: Some men is just born plain evil.
Marston: I think it's this land that makes the men, as much as the other way
around. Men are born, and then they're formed, at least that's how I
see it.
Eli: Who could have done such a thing?
Jonah: Any number of people. Especially now that word's out we're cleaning up
the county.
Marshal: Between Walton's boys and the rustlers, we've been spillin' a lot of
blood. A man gets more evil when he's running scared.
Jonah: Look, Marshal. More vultures!
Marshal: We best take a look, boys.
[They investigate a campsite similar to the first.]
Marston: Man. More dead bodies. And the fire's still smoking. Those scumbags
must still be around!
Marshal: Come on! Let's pound leather, boys. Looks like they're headed for
Ridgewood Farm.
Marston: Sons-of-bitches!
Jonah: Didn't you once run in a gang of outlaws, Marston?
Marston: Yeah, but not like that. It wasn't our way. At least, it wasn't my
way.
Marshal: Killing and thieving's never right, boy, no matter how you dress it
up.
Marston: Unless it's ordered by a court of law, you mean?
Marshal: This is too quiet. I got a bad feeling about this. Split up and search
the area! John, you check the buildings and the barn.
[They look around but finally come to the barn.]
Marshal: There's no good reason for that to be boarded up. Come on, John. Shoot
that door open.
[Inside, many dead bodies hang, including one from the rafters.]
Eli: Holy sweet mother of mercy.
Woman: Please! Please don't shoot me. Some bandits came by and took us hostage.
They're holed up in the farmhouse. Some of my family's being kept
hostage inside.
Marshal: Alright, boys, we need to get into that house right now!
[They nix most of the bandits. One is overpowering a woman upstairs.]
Bandit: You and me gonna have ourselves some fun.
[Marston blows his brains out.
Lady: Oh thank god!
[In another room, he saves a hostage.]
Marston: There's a deputy waiting for you in the shed out back. Make a run for
it when it's clear.
Lady: Thank you! They said they were gonna kill us all!
[All bandits are slain.]
Marshal: Looks all clear, fellas. Let's check up on the farmers.
[Outside, they meet up with the survivors.]
Lady: Some folk tried escaping to the south, but then some robbers started
chasing 'em down, like wild dogs. I thought you were supposed to protect
us, Marshal? You folk ain't men. You ain't nothing. You're just some man
on a government payroll, taking money that the rest of us have to pay for
with our lives! What is wrong with this country?
Marshal: Mount up, men. The man that kills the boss of that bunch gets fifty
dollars.
Lady: It ain't about the money, Marshal. These are people's lives. People's
homes!
Marshal: Mount up, boys! We gotta get after those bandits.
[The posse rides once again.]
Eli: D'ya think they might be headed for Fort Mercer, Marshal?
Marston: What, Williamson's men?
Marshal: Maybe. All this sure looks like their handywork.
Jonah: Makes sense if they took this road.
Marston: Come on, Marshal. This might be our chance.
Jonah: What's your beef with Williamson anyways, Marston?
Marston: Let's just say he's the currency in a complicated transaction.
Jonah: What the hell you talkin' 'bout?
Marston: Some people I have the displeasure of knowing want him dead.
Jonah: Why does that involve you?
Marston: We used to run in a gang together. He was once like family.
Eli: If this is how you treat your family, I'd hate to see what you do to your
enemies.
Marston: That was a lifetime ago. And bearin' in mind we've moved past the
family part. He's left me for dead the last two times I seen him, I'm
about figurin'.
Marshal: Is that somebody on the cliffs?
[Some gunmen are up there, including Marston's old friend.]
Bill: You just walk away now, John. I didn't kill you before, but I sure as
shit will now!
Marston: Get yourself down here, Bill. You know you ain't man enough to stop
me. You know I don't want to kill you, but I will.
Bill: You always did have a high opinion of yourself, John. Dutch always said
you were an arrogant son of a bitch! I guess he was about right. Get 'em
boys!
Marshal: Everybody, take cover! In that shed.
[They find the leader of the bandits in the bloodbath's aftermath.]
Jonah: Hey, look what I got here! This son of a bitch is still breathing!
[Jonah pretends to ride him like a pig.]
Jonah: Come here, boy! Come on, Bessie! Giddyup! Aw...
Marshal: Norman Deek.
Norman: Fuck!
Marshal: Nice to see you again, buddy. Thanks for your help, John. Norman
here's gonna help us get to Bill. Ain't you, Norman?
Marston: Thank you, Mr. Deek. Mighty kind.
Norman: Fuck you!
Marshal: Hogtie him, let's get him to jail.
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12) THE BURNING [WK12]
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[Bonnie comes over as John's walking around town.]
Bonnie: Excuse me, Mr. Marston, have you seen my father anywhere?
Marston: No.
Bonnie: He went out this morning to ride the land and was supposed to be back
hours ago. I don't know. The ranch hands have been out looking, but
so far they found nothing.
Marston: Well come on, let's go look for him.
Bonnie: Let's head out. He couldn't have gotten far.
[They hit the trail.]
Bonnie: I've got a bad feeling about this. It's not like him to be away for so
long.
Marston: Don't worry. We'll find him.
Bonnie: He's not as young as he used to be. What if he's hurt himself?
Marston: Your father can still handle himself just fine, Miss MacFarlane. He's
built like an oak.
Bonnie: You're probably right. But I can't help worrying. He's all I've got.
Marston: Don't you have any brothers or sisters, Miss MacFarlane?
Bonnie: I had six brothers. But five of them died, either from sickness or
foolish choices.
Marston: And the other one?
Bonnie: He left for the East and never came back. Must be getting on for 10
years ago now. He's a high-and-mighty banker in New York, according
to his last letter.
Marston: He should be here helping you and your Pa.
Bonnie: I don't want his help. He can live his life any way he wants. But when
I see those city fellas coming in on the railway, all dressed up like
a sore toe, I fear a little for his soul. He switched his saddle for a
tie, and that's fine. I just never met a man in a tie I could trust.
Who's that over there? Come on, let's hurry!
[They find Drew, kneeling beside his dead horses and dead attackers.]
Bonnie: Daddy! What happened?
Drew: Nothing nice. Rustlers, I guess. Maybe the Bollard Twins, that bunch.
Now you head back to the ranch right now and fetch the wagon.
Bonnie: Yes, sir.
Drew: Marston, you watch after her!
Marston: I'll do that, sir.
[They start heading back to the ranch.]
Bonnie: What could have happened to those poor men? And their horses were dead
too.
Marston: I think we should get back there as soon as we can.
Bonnie: Who could have done something like that?
Marston: Your Pa seemed to have an idea who it was. Let's just do what he says
and get the wagon.
Bonnie: Those damn rustlers! I've got a good mind to head over to Pike's Basin
myself.
Marston: I don't think that's a good idea.
Bonnie: And you're no better. How many men have you killed?
Marston: Do you really want to know?
Bonnie: It's disgusting.
Marston: You never met the men I killed.
Bonnie: I've heard the way you talk about that gang you were in. Like there was
some twisted morality to what you did.
Marston: We all have a code, only some of us don't realize it.
Bonnie: The outlaw with a code? How wonderfully romantic! The reluctant
murderer, the noble criminal. There's nothing more depressing than a
man who's found a way to think the bad into good. Oh my god! The barn's
on fire!
[They arrive back at the ranch and stop near the burning barn.]
Bonnie: The doors are blocked! We need to find another way in! We have to find
another way in there!
[Marston scales the barn and gets inside, opening the entrance.]
Bonnie: He did it! Now get the horses out!
[Bonnie tries to go in but the smoke's too much.]
Bonnie: I'm choking. Somebody else get in there!
[Marston frees the horses and takes a breather by the corral pen.]
Amos: You sure know how to handle yourself. Thanks, Marston.
Bonnie: Yes, John, thanks, you...well, you saved the ranch.
Amos: If you'll excuse me, I have chores to attend to. Hey, hold on a second
over there!
Bonnie: Sincerely, John, thank you.
Marston: Well, I did all I could, Miss MacFarlane. Sorry about all the damage.
That gang seems to really want you out of here.
Bonnie: Yeah well, my father fought Indians. I scarcely think we're going to
be frightened by some white trash.
Marston: White trash can be pretty frightening.
Bonnie: Well they don't frighten me.
Marston: Good.
Bonnie: John... My family owes you a great debt.
Marston: I think you've got enough debt. You saved my life. All I ask of you is
this. If I get back home and get my farm started back up, you'll sell
me some cattle. I prefer doing business with people I know.
Bonnie: Of course, Mr. Marston. It'd be my pleasure. Um...well, you get some
rest. I've got to go and see how my father is bearing up.
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13) HANGING BONNIE MACFARLANE [WK13]
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[Marston walks into the marshal's office. Drew is there.]
Drew: I don't have a clue! Alright, but it's got to be something to do with
that government boy!
Marshal: We'll talk to him, find out what he knows.
Drew: Fuckin' is. Where is she, Marston?
Marston: Who?
Drew: Who? My daughter, you fucking scum. Where's Bonnie?
Marston: I don't know. I haven't seen her since after the fire. Why?
Drew: Why? Because she hasn't been seen since yesterday afternoon. I don't
think I can cope. If I lose another child--
Marshal: Now Drew, nobody's lost anything yet. I'm sure she's fine--
Voice: Oh, Mister Marshal... Mr. Marshal... Come out, come out, wherever you
are.
Marshal: Who the hell is that?
[They go out to see a bandit on horseback.]
Bandit: Even better. Good day, Mr. MacFarlane.
Marshal: Get down from that horse, boy, or I'll shoot.
Bandit: I wouldn't recommend that, mister. Not if Drew MacFarlane wants to see
his Bonnie back in one piece. Hey, Mr. MacFarlane, it's a nice girl you
got there.
Drew: Get down from there!
Bandit: You know, part of me's got to thinking I should just marry her myself.
Give her a baby and that.
Marshal: What do you want?
Bandit: That's better. I want Norman Deek. I want him set free. Then you get
your daughter back, mister.
Marshal: We don't do deals with outlaws, boy.
Bandit: Yeah you do! Let's not waste each other's time pretending otherwise.
Whole government themselves ain't much more than a bunch of crooks.
This is the land of opportunity, mister, and I'm giving you the
opportunity to get your daughter back before fifteen friends of mine
take out all their anger and their loneliness on her.
Drew: Where the hell is she?
Marshal: Where is she, boy?
Bandit: Bring Deek up to Tumbleweed in a couple of hours. And no getting no
funny ideas, or I will slit that whore's throat myself! You boys have
a pleasant afternoon. Ya!
[He rides away. The marshal calls a huddle.]
Marshal: What do we do?
Marston: We do as he says. You and me, Marshal. Mr. MacFarlane, I'll get you
your daughter back. I owe her that.
Drew: Please do.
Marshal: I'll teach you some respect for the law.
[Jonah carries a hogtied Deek out of the office.]
Marshal: Hurry up, boy. Let's go. Quick as you can, deputy, and make sure he's
tied on good.
Jonah: Stay with me, Marston.
Marston: I won't let anything happen to her, sir.
[The posse rides out of Armadillo.]
Marshal: Right, let's go get Miss MacFarlane back. See, this is what happens
when the federals interfere in our affairs. Are you happy now?
Marston: No, I ain't happy. And I already told you, I ain't with the
government.
Marshal: Ahh you say that, John, but the only thing I know for sure is who
sent you.
Marston: They made me come here. They gave me no choice. That's your federal
government, Mr. Johnson.
Marshal: They come down here, dressed as cocky as the king of diamonds, talkin'
a lot of flannel about helpin' us, about spreadin' peace and
civilization to the West, but they've brought nothin' but trouble and
taxes.
Marston: I agree with you. Wolves in sheep's clothing, all of 'em. Rob you,
then make you pay to have someone investigate the crime on your
behalf.
Marshal: People 'round here have been fooled into feelin' protected when
they're worse off than they were before.
Marston: The fellas I know don't care about people. All they care about is
linin' their pockets. Why's this sorry son-of-a-bitch so important to
them?
Marshal: Norman Deek's Williamson's right-hand man. In other words, a glorified
errand boy.
Norman: You wait, Marshal. I'll be back for you.
Marshal: Bill's standards have slipped.
Norman: We already filled you with lead once, you ugly bastard.
Marshal: Deek's the kind of man who's mean enough to be second-in-command but
too cowardly and stupid to ever be a leader.
Marston: Don't ever use that line near your deputies. You know, for his sake,
they'd best not have laid a finger on Miss MacFarlane. What is this
place we're headed?
Marshal: Tumbleweed? A lonely, godforsaken place. Some people say it's haunted.
It was quite a town, back in its day. Then they build the railroad in
Armadillo and went clean past Tumbleweed. And that was that. Pretty
soon, everybody had upped and left. Now it's just thieves, smugglers,
and bandits...scum like Deek here. Old popular spot for lynchin's too.
Marston: Let's try to avoid that if we can, Marshal.
Marshal: I just hope you're not taking advantage of the MacFarlanes, Marston.
Marston: They saved my life, gave me food and a bed when they had no idea who
I was. I owe them more than I can ever repay.
Marshal: It's just they've been through a lot and, well, they're both
vulnerable in different ways.
Marston: I wouldn't have been runnin' in and out of a burnin' barn to save
their horses otherwise.
Marshal: Oh, I know you helped. Just like you helped me. But you got your
reasons for doin' it.
Marston: It's no secret why I'm here, Marshal. I told you the very first time
I walked into your office.
Marshal: I trust you. It's just, all this business with Blackwater and
Williamson and the past. I don't know...sometimes it's hard not to
have doubts.
Marston: I understand. I never planned on being in the lawman business neither.
Marshal: How was this mess supposed to turn out? Sendin' an outlaw to do the
work of a lawman? That's madness.
Marston: Ain't much difference between the two, as far as I can tell.
Marshal: There have to be rules, Marston. Even you must understand that.
Marston: It's easy to make up rules, but they ain't much use if the people
don't understand why. Like my son. If I tell him not do do somethin',
he'll do it anyways, just to spite me. If I punish him, he resents me
for it. But if I show him why it's wrong, at least he has a reason not
to do it again.
Marshal: That's nonsense. Without laws, we're nothing more than animals. Just
look at Deek here.
Norman: Go to hell!
Marshal: Man has worked hard at civilization. Your boy steps out of line, you
whack him. He does it again, whack him harder.
Marston: You're a good man, Marshal. And I respect what you're trying to do.
But what I've seen since I've arrived here, the Law ain't really
workin'.
Marshal: Criminals are like weeds, Marston. Quick as you stomp one out, another
one sprouts up in its place. It's the nature of places. You know that
as well as I do.
Marston: The problem with laws is, everybody ain't the same. And why should a
bunch of rich university boys in the East get to decide how a man in
Armadillo should live his life?
Marshal: Ughh, well maybe you're right about that.
Norman: I can't wait for you to meet the boys. Stop spurrin' so hard, you
son-of-a-bitch! Only a coward hides behind a badge.
Marshal: Come on, boys. Over the bridge.
[They arrive at Tumbleweed and prepare to make the trade.]
Norman: Easy there.
Marshal: John, you'll be exchanging Bonnie for the prisoner in the middle of
town. Keep your eyes open. I sincerely doubt these scum plan to play
fair.
Norman: Fair my ass.
Marston: You bet. Besides, Norm here's going to be my shield. Ain't you, Norm?
Norman: It'd be my pleasure.
Marshal: John, you lead Deek into town and make the exchange.
[Marston and Deek start walking.]
Norman: I'm sure it's been nice for the boys to have a whore to play with. I
hear those rancher girls like it in the rear. Maybe she won't wanna go
home, she's been fucked so good. Get these ropes offa me, boys.
Marston: Where's Bonnie? I thought we had a deal?
Bandit: Well, you thought wrong. We don't make deals with the Law.
Marshal: It's a trap! Take cover! Quick, find Bonnie!
[Marston shoots through town and cuts Bonnie from the gallows.]
Marston: Bonnie, are you okay?
Marshal: I'm fine now, Mr. Marston. Thank you. Thank you. What the hell took
you so long, you stupid man?
Marston: Well, you weren't exactly helping me.
Marshal: If you think I'm going to lower myself by making a joke about being
"all tied up," you've got another thing coming. Come on.
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14) YOU SHALL NOT GIVE FALSE TESTIMONY, EXCEPT FOR PROFIT [WK14]
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[Marston finds Dickens yelling at the doctor.]
West: And I can tell you, with no uncertainty, that miracle cures are no
laughing matter. I bid you good day, sir! Ah, Mr. Marston, good to see
you. How have you been keeping?
Marston: I'm well, Mr...
West: Mr. West Dickens. Nigel West Dickens from East Cheap, London, New
Waverly, New York, and Armadillo, New Austin. At your service.
Marston: At my service?
West: At everyone's service. At the service of science. Of knowledge. Of life!
Marston: How are your wounds?
West: Oh! Much, much better. But then, they would be.
Marston: Would be?
West: I know a cure for all ailments, Mr. Marston.
Marston: Ah, I'm sure you do, and I'm sure for just two dollars and ounce, I
could live forever.
West: Oh, but for you, sir, I'd do a bulk discount of rate $1.95 an ounce,
as long as you buy 100 ounces or more. That's a lot of immortality.
Marston: Ah, give it up, old man.
West: That's Mr. West Dickens to you, boy.
Marston: Give it up, old man.
West: Listen, Marston. I'm broke, but this stuff is good. It works. I need a
healthy young man like you. Come along, let's ride over to my newest
customer at Ridgewood, and I'll explain while we go.
Marston: Okay.
West: Head for Ridgewood Farm, John. And hurry. There are people there in dire
need of my tonics.
[Marston drives West out of town on his "tonics chariot".]
Marston: I heard about you, Mr. West Dickens.
West: And I about you, John Marston.
Marston: Hoodwinkin' the weak and gullible out of their hard-earned money.
West: My dear boy, it is you who is gullible, if I may be so bold, for heeding
such ill-informed scuttlebutt.
Marston: You're as full of wind as a horse with the colic.
West: I have been blessed with the gift of language -- and for that, I will not
apologize -- but the West Dickens elixirs speak for themselves. My
thousands of happy customers attest to that.
Marston: Those men trying to kill you didn't look so happy.
West: Skepticism is the bastard child of progress, John. Knowledge makes a fool
into a doubting Thomas. It's a cross I bear as a pioneer in the fields of
commerce and medical research. If my tonic is such a sham, how do you
explain the fine fettle in which you find me? Last time you saw me, I
was knocking at Death's door.
Marston: You should thank the doctor for that. And I reckon you were acting it
up worse than it was.
West: Act I can, John. A more convincing Othello there has never been. And so
shall you a fair Iago or Cassio make.
Marston: I don't like the sound of this.
West: Showmanship, John. The flourish. The bow. We are operating in a
competitive marketplace. Our product must stand out.
Marston: And how does this involve me?
West: We're going to use your God-given talents to our advantage.
Marston: I'm really starting to regret this.
West: I'll drop you off at the outskirts of Ridgewood. That way, it won't look
like we came together. Once I'm set up, saunter nonchalantly into the
crowd that is sure to be forming. Eventually, I will call you up to try
my tonic. After extolling the virtues, I will have you perform a few
feats of wonder to amaze and impress the paying public.
Marston: Such as?
West: Oh, nothing out of the ordinary for a man in your line of work, I assure
you.
Marston: So it IS all a sham?
West: No, no. Just a little innocent ballyhoo to grease the wheels of
enterprise, that's all. Do you think that buxom young girl you see on
the Voyach camera posters knows the first thing about photography?
Advertising, my boy, is the way of the future.
Marston: You'd best be a man of your word.
West: You hop out here, John. Follow me in on foot. See you shortly. And
remember...showmanship!
[Marston complies and approaches the exhibition after it's been set up.]
West: Friends! Hard-working souls of...Cholla Springs! Gather round, gather
round. Do you suffer from Rheumatism? Lumbago? Acute, chronic, sciatic,
neurologic or inflammatory pain? Well, I represent the only company that
makes the GENUINE ARTICLE that cures headaches, neuralgia, earaches,
toothaches, backaches, swelling, sprains, sore chests, swelling of the
throats, contracted chords and muscles, anxieties and ravaged nerves,
stiff joints, wrenches, dislocations, cuts and bruises! And it adds
vitality and vigor to the healthy man!
Man: Well, can you prove it, old man?
West: Oh, I'm sure there's some customer here who could prove the qualities of
it by taking a drink right now! You, sir! Come up here! Step right up!
That's the spirit. Ladies and gentlemen, pay close attention. This poor,
wretched volunteer, entirely unknown to me, will demonstrate the effects
of Dr. West Dickens' Own Patent Tonic. Be you a cowpoke or athlete, this
miraculous elixir, developed with the wisdom of the East, keeps the
muscles supple and relaxes the chords. It loosens the joints and gives a
feeling of youth and vigor to the whole system! Not possible, I hear you
say. Well, doubt no longer. Faith can move mountains, but I ask not for
faith. I am a man of science and today science will be vindicated. Your
eyesight is greatly improved, is that not so, friend?
Marston: If you say so.
West: That's right, it is. You heard him! What a good sport you are, sir. Now,
gaze over yonder at that porch. If you squint, you may just be able to
make out the skull that's hanging there. Go ahead, friend. Shoot that
skull and demonstrate the miraculous eyesight you now possess.
[Marston shoots it with his pistol.]
West: Remarkable! The eyesight of an eagle, granted by imbibing Dr. West
Dickens' Own Patent Tonic.
Man 2: Any man can make that shot. This man is a fraud! If your eye is so damn
sharp, why don't you try shooting my hat out of the air?
West: My friends, our test case has been challenged to shoot a gentleman's hat
out of the sky above our heads!
Man 2: You can fool these people, but you ain't foolin' me. Right! Let's just
see how sharp you is with a moving target!
[John shoots the thrown hat.]
West: Have you ever seen such an eye? Behold the power of the elixir! Plucked
out of the sky!
Man 2: Hey! Hey! What, you think you can put a hole in the man's hat and just
walk away? Do ya? Well, it don't work like that around here, mister.
Come on! Are you a man or not?
West: A challenge of battle has been offered to our volunteer. Look at him!
The tonic is coursing through his veins.
[Marston beats up Aquila.]
West: There it is, skeptics and dissenters! Irrefutable proof! Do not let this
opportunity pass by!
Man: (to Aquila) Are you gonna let him get away with that? Look, he's over
there! Go get him!
Aquila: This ends now!
West: Watch out! He's got a gun!
Aquila: Who the hell do you think you are? You ain't leaving here alive,
stranger.
[Marston shoots the gun out of his hand.]
Aquila: Ow! My hand!
West: Marvelous shot, dear boy! The kind of deadly accuracy that can only be
afforded by the West Dickens Elixir! Come, I have plenty for all!
Aquila: Damn, that hurts. I nearly had him there. Hey. Hey! Where you going?
[The man who was helping him rushes to get some elixir.]
Aquila: No harm in trying one bottle, I suppose.
[Later, after the crowd's dispersed.]
West: Well, I think that went kind of well, don't you think?
Marston: I'm just glad that my normal job involves either chasing after cattle
or murderers, not the likes of you, mister.
West: Don't be like that.
Marston: Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to say my goodbyes, head on back to
the real world.
West: Wait, sir, I've been thinking. About your predicament, and I think I may
have an idea. I've been thinking I could be your cunning Odysseus. Beware
of the Greeks bearing gifts, sir. Williamson had better beware! We will
make them into Trojans!
Marston: I don't rightly get you.
West: I want you to go and see my old friend, Seth. He can come across as a
little curious, but I'm sure you two will get on. He's most often found
in Coot's Chapel. He's very devout.
Marston: Why see him?
West: Because between him and me, we can get those gates to open for you and
you can walk right in, just like in Homer's great Trojan yarn!
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15) EXHUMING AND OTHER FINE HOBBIES [WK15]
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[Marston comes upon a disheveled man graverobbing.]
Marston: Excuse me, are you Seth?
Seth: Who are you?
Marston: I'm a friend of Mr. West Dickens. My name's Marston. John Marston.
Seth: Goodbye, John Marston. It's been a great pleasure.
Marston: I need your help, Seth. We need your help. Me and Mr. West Dickens.
Seth: Let me be frank for one second, partner. I hate people. It was people who
got me in this mess in the first place.
Marston: What mess?
Seth: Look at me. Look. Scrambling around, looking for maps, half insane. I
ain't washed in 6 months, my hair's fallin' out, my mind's going.
Marston: What happened?
Seth: What happened? My partner! He stole half my map! I never would have done
that to him. Never. Look at me.
Marston: Who did this to you?
Seth: My partner. My boy. My man. Moses Forth. I don't have the facility to
tell you what I would have done for that man, and what I would do to him
now.
Marston: Why?
Seth: Because he stole half my goddamn map.
Marston: And what map's that then?
Seth: The map, partner. The map that tells where it is.
Marston: Where what is, friend?
Seth: I ain't telling you that. I ain't. Don't make me tell, partner. It's
mine. It's mine. All mine!
Marston: Sure. And where's this Moses now?
Seth: He's at Benedict Point. The law got him for exhuming. Some people...they
feel differently. Not Moses. Him, me, we the same. The self same.
Marston: Well, come on, Seth. Let's go see Moses, get you your map back. Then,
maybe you'll help me.
Seth: Alright, Partner. Let's go.
[They set out on the trail.]
Marston: How can you sink that low? Diggin' up graves and lootin' from the
dead.
Seth: Hypocrites, the whole damn lotta you! Are you sayin' it's better to steal
from the livin'? They're corpses. They don't care none.
Marston: These people been laid to rest.
Seth: You don't know nothin'. I talk to 'em, long after they been forgotten by
every other fella. I tell 'em it's alright to be scared and alone. I
embrace 'em when they're stinkin' and rotten.
Marston: I met some sick bastards in my time, Seth, but you, you're special.
Seth: Folk is cold and heartless all their lives. To me, they get warmer when
they're actually cold and heartless. Surely that makes sense, to even
you?
Marston: Not exactly it don't.
Seth: Are we really livin' anyway? Do you exist outside my mind? Maybe we're
both havin' the same dream and when we wake up we'll die?
Marston: I certainly seem to be in some kind of nightmare.
Seth: Have you looked in the cave, Seth? No, it's very dark.
Marston: What did you say?
Seth: I-I didn't say nothin'.
Marston: I just heard you say somethin'.
Seth: You're a crazy man. You should get that head looked at.
Marston: Seth, I need someone who can get a wagon inside Fort Mercer. I was
told you could help me but I'm not sure you even know what day it is.
Seth: I don't. I can't even tell you what year it is.
Marston: I knew this was a waste of time.
Seth: So, you wanna go after Bill Williamson, do you?
Marston: You know Bill?
Seth: Oh yes. I met Williamson and Deek and all them boys. Sometimes they call
me on when they got some special job needs doin'. I got a reputation as a
man who do things most other fellas won't.
Marston: Now, that I can believe.
Seth: I reckon you can get in there no bother. Assumin' you help me find this
map, that is.
Marston: What's so important about this map?
Seth: Nothin' much. Just unimaginable riches and such like. A spark of hope
that lit a ragin' fire I can't put out.
Marston: I thought as much. Another treasure hunter losin' everything in the
search for nothin'.
Seth: Oh, I've lost it all partner. My wife, my children, my business. Good
riddance to them all. I don't eat, I don't sleep, I don't wash, and I
don't care.
Marston: I know, I can smell you from here.
Seth: Used to be about the money, but now...I don't know who I am no more.
[They arrive at Benedict Point.]
Seth: Alright, this is it. Let's stop here a moment and come up with a plan. As
far as I know, Moses is bein' held in that shack. There's a couple
deputies keepin' guard outside. Can you distract 'em while I sneak in
for a quick parlay with that son-of-a-bitch?
Marston: I'm sure I can think of somethin'.
Seth: Lead 'em away from the shack and out of sight. Somewhere out past that
hill.
[John steals the horse and rides off.]
Deputy 1: What the hell you doin'?
Deputy 2: Hell shall rain on you!
[John returns to Seth.]
Seth: Good job getting rid of them clowns. Now keep an eye out in case they
come back. Moses? Oh...Moses? You got a visitor.
Moses: Oh my god. Seth? They arrested me. It weren't my fault.
[Moses bursts through the door and tries to take off.]
Moses: Get the hell away from me!
Seth: Get that slippery bastard! I need him alive, though.
[Marston retrieves the moron.]
Seth: Moses, you son of a bitch! Where's my damn map?
Moses: Damn you, Seth. Damn you, Seth. You've always been a twistly little
freak. I ain't telling you shit!
Seth: Then I'm gonna cut you up piece by piece, 'til ya find your tongue.
Marston: Friend, this man's gone crazy in the sun. I suggest you take my advice
and start talking.
Seth: Shut up, Marston, I wanna cut into a bonafide man's flesh! Ain't never
cut into a live one before.
[Seth gets his knife ready.]
Moses: Oddfellow's Rest! It's in Oddfellow's Rest! Now get away from me once
and for all!
Seth: Well ain't that a damn shame. I was starting to enjoy myself. I think
you've gone and pissed yourself, Moses. Those deputies went and put a
bounty on your head. Best we clear it now; don't need the law on our
backs. I don't have no money but, I got me a pardon letter. Here, take
it. You earned it for helpin' me with Moses. Come on, we can pay it off
in the telegraph office.
[They visit the office and return to their horses.]
Seth: So, mister, thanks for your help.
Marston: Don't worry yourself with thanks, Seth. Just help me when I come
asking.
Seth: No problem, mister.
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16) LIARS, CHEATS AND OTHER PROUD AMERICANS [WK16]
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[Marston catches up with West in Ridgewood.]
West: Ah, Mr. Marston. How are you, sir?
Marston: I'm alright. I met up with your friend Seth.
West: Oh, Seth of the dead. Yes, interesting fellow. You don't meet many men
these days with the moral fortitude to cut straight to the chase like
that, do you?
Marston: Thankfully not, Mr. West Dickens.
West: Yes, contemporary society is remarkably harsh on professional exhumers,
but did you know, in Ancient Egypt, it was an art form more highly valued
than literature? I believe Seth comes from that school of thought.
Marston: How very interesting. Look, you thought any more about our plan?
West: Ah, your plan, dear boy, your plan. I am merely the help, not mercifully
the arbiter of wisdom.
Marston: What you are, dear boy, is a man whose life I've saved twice now. A
man who sells lies and deceit to unwitting people. A man who if he
doesn't help me, I won't think twice about putting a bullet through
his skull, feeding to the vultures myself.
West: You see, Mr. Marston, you have the exterior of a violent man, but the
soul of an angel, and that is what I think I cherish most about you.
Marston: That's what I thought.
West: But, before we can attend to your particular problems, we need some extra
lubricant to oil the machinery of business, and this being America, that
lubricant with which we concern ourselves, is money.
Marston: Money? What are you talking about?
West: We need weapons, armor plate for the wagon, extra hands. And...I need
some danger money.
Marston: So, let's sell some more of these cures.
West: Sell cures? Around here? Do you want to see me lynched? No. The sport of
kings, racing my friend! The sport of kings. A noble activity, without
reproach. Exactly the kind of activity where a lying, cheating degenerate
like myself can prosper. But come, let's finish the loading and we'll
discuss it as we drive. Now, sir, to Gaptooth Breach!
[They start off.]
West: Seth is an interesting fellow, is he not?
Marston: I wouldn't say interestin'. More deeply disturbed. I can see why you
two get along.
West: I see the good in everybody, John. It's a flaw of mine. I have a soft
spot for life's flotsam and jetsam.
Marston: A connection with them, more like. You and Seth have a lot in common.
You both rob people, for one. Mind you, at least he waits until
they're dead.
West: Ah, my dear boy. Nobody is more critical of drinkers than a drunk who's
mended his ways.
Marston: What are you talking about?
West: Come on now, John. I've heard about you. You spent your life robbing
people. It's a little inappropriate to be taking the moral high ground
now.
Marston: I had the courtesy to put a gun in their face.
West: Whatever helps you sleep easily at night.
Marston: We stole from those who had too much. And tried to give to those who
had too little.
West: A Robin Hood with spurs. How romantic! You expect me to believe that
poppycock? Maybe I'll have the good fortune to be able to leave my
nefarious life behind one day and work on the government's dime.
Marston: Don't talk about things you don't understand.
West: Dear, oh dear. Simmer down, my boy. You need to start appreciating your
friends more. Folks around here don't see you as any different than Bill
Williamson.
Marston: I didn't think I'd have to huckster snake oil and dig up the dead,
that's all.
West: Take it from me, John. Collaboration is the key to success.
Marston: I can help you. Seth can help you. It's business. Nothing more,
nothing less. There's no need to make it quite so personal.
Marston: Suits me.
West: Anyway, John. We must talk about the race!
Marston: Yes, the race.
West: Oh, come on! Time to purge that negativity and start thinking like a
winner! You're going to have a whale of a time! They've been holding
these chariot races in New Austin for as long as I can remember. And...
we need the money.
Marston: Why are you racing then?
West: Me? Oh no, not my thing at all. You've already proven yourself as more
than adept at the reins, my dear boy, and under some stress. These races
are Byzantine in their ferocity and the terrain is treacherous. People
will do just about anything to win. Men die. It's a marvelous spectator
sport.
Marston: Sounds like fun.
West: And you are my wild card, John! They won't be expecting you.
Marston: So what's your role in all this?
West: Think of me as your spiritual guide.
Marston: Do I have to?
West: You are a free man, of course, but I strongly recommend it! Imagine,
just for today, you are not an aging bounty hunter and I am not an
avant-garde business pioneer. No sir. Today, we are gladiators!
Motivation, dear boy.
Marston: I'm definitely feeling motivated to get the hell out of here!
West: Here we are, John! Gaptooth Breach.
[John gets onto the wooden chariot.]
Referee: Drivers! Y'all know the rules...but for you newcomers this here's a
fair race. Keep to your manners and let the faster cart pass. So now
that's been said y'all can get to runnin' each other off the road
like always! Alright now! Countin' to three! Ready! Set! Go!
West: Fly like the wind, my boy! FLY LIKE THE WIND!
[Marston comes in first.]
Man: Helluva race, mister. I'll take care of this cart for Mr. West Dickens.
West: Come on, John. I suggest we beat a hasty retreat. Right, best remove
ourselves from the stage before somebody decides they want their money
back.
Marston: Fine by me.
West: Wasn't that fantastic? The cheers of the crowd! The thunder of the
wheels!
Marston: The falling rocks. The homicidal maniacs.
West: Oh come on, John. Even a coldhearted misanthrope like you must have found
that the tiniest bit exhilarating?
Marston: Not the friendliest bunch are they?
West: They take their racing very seriously in these parts. And your
participation was not entirely pre-approved.
Marston: That was clear.
West: Ah...sport, war and heartache! The guilty pleasures of mankind since the
dawn of time!
Marston: I'd get away from the men we just swindled before you start waxin'
too lyrical.
West: Yes, yes. Uh, of course.
[They come to a stop near Benedict Point.]
West: Well done, sir, well done! Having you as a ringer has netted us a fine
profit.
Marston: We seem to be wasting time, old man.
West: Oh, patience, my friend. The Trojan horse cannot run before it can walk,
if you'll forgive the metaphor. Next, we need to procure some grand and
overwhelming firepower. And for that, you need to contact an old friend
of mine, goes by the name of Irish.
Marston: Irish?
West: Yes, he's an interesting kind of fellow. He usually can be found in
Armadillo or some other town around here, on some bacchanalian revel or
such.
Marston: Great, an alcoholic arms dealer.
West: What could be better?
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17) A GENTLE DRIVE WITH FRIENDS [WK17]
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[John finds Seth loading a cart full of bodies.]
Marston: Seth!
Seth: Hey, John. Hey, partner.
Marston: You get what you need? You ready to help me?
Seth: Not quite...not quite ready. You see, I wasted a bunch of time, looking
for that last bit of map. And I gots to thinking, Moses was a liar and I
imagined myself doing all kinds of unpleasant things to his corpse and
then I realized...
Marston: Realized you were sick in the head, that needed to move on with your
own limited time on earth?
Seth: No, partner. I realized Moses weren't no liar. The issue was Aiden
O'Leary...who said he had the body. Aiden died in that flu epidemic and
the bodies weren't even buried yet. I've...I've...I've...I've...
Marston: Got the bodies sitting in the back of that wagon behind you?
Seth: Yes, sir.
Marston: You're not even going to wait until they're buried before you...
Seth: Well they don't care, do ya boys? Honest folk, off to a better place.
Apart from that Aiden O'Leary fella. I never liked him. They said he laid
with his sister. I don't like women, partner. I don't. Not since mammy
died.
Marston: Seth, what are you going to do with those bodies?
Seth: I'm going to take them back to a nice quiet spot and look for the map. I
needs the map, partner. I needs it. Let's go. We ain't the only ones with
an interest in these here fellas. Alright, I know a secluded spot where
we can search these sleepin' beauties.
[Marston sets out on the trail.]
Seth: Stay left, no need for the people of Armadillo to see my friends back
here. Where are you? Come on, don't be shy.
Marston: What did you say?
Seth: I didn't say nothin'.
Marston: Are you talkin' to them?
Seth: So what if I am? I feel less alone with them than in a crowd of people.
The way I see it, they lost their souls, just like me.
Marston: You're truly a sick man, Seth.
Seth: You remind me why I hate people. For a man who kills so much, you sure
seem to have a problem with the dead. Life kills everyone in the end.
They ain't so different from you and me.
Marston: Aside from them being dead and rotting, I guess they ain't... Alright,
Seth. Calm down. You talk to the corpses and I'll drive the wagon.
[Bandits appear.]
Seth: Oh my! It's them damn treasure hunters! Try and outrun 'em, partner!
I'm gonna look for the map back here. You try shake those damn rednecks.
See, we're one big happy family. All done with this one. Are you hiding
something from Seth? Oh, you naughty little boy! Somebody needs new
cologne. Ah, looky here. I found me a few bullets. It's been a pleasure
meetin' you.
[More bandits appear as Seth tosses checked corpses off the wagon.]
Seth: We're just goin' on a little trip. Well, look at this! Some elixir! Go
left here, partner! Sssh. This will all be over soon. Christ alive! It's
the map! I found the map! Go left up here! Looks like the treasure's in
Tumbleweed! That's where I was headed! It's fate! Keep goin', we're
almost there! Will you be my friends?
[They reach Tumbleweed.]
Seth: Finally! Months of searching! I'm gonna be rich beyond my wildest dreams!
Marston: Maybe then you can take a bath.
[Seth gets off.]
Seth: Thanks, mister. I reckon I'll sit here awhile...try 'n' figure this out.
I'm gonna be rich.
Marston: When you're done with that, get over to Fort Mercer. I need you inside
that place.
Seth: After I find my treasure, mister.
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18) CAN A SWINDLER CHANGE HIS SPOTS? [WK18]
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[Marston finds West in Plainview.]
West: Mr. Marston, sir! John Marston.
[John ignores him.]
West: Mr. Marston. Don't be so childish. Come on, sir. I implore you! Okay,
okay, okay so I made a few innocent mistakes when last we met, but my
plan is still sound. Together we can conquer, if not the world, then
certainly Bill Williamson.
Marston: But first, you need me to do you a favor?
West: You read my mind... I can only deduce, you've been taking my tonic, sir,
as instructed. It can give the most ordinary of intelligences a
remarkable insight.
Marston: I'll give you insight -- I'll show you what your guts look like.
West: Please, sir, this show of petulance is nothing short of embarrassing.
Think for a moment, sir. Think.
Marston: I'm thinking about how much of my time you're wasting.
West: Shhh...Shhh. Sir. Sir. I am about to do something which I greatly
discourage in all wise and rational men. A selfless act, for you. But,
sir, before I act selflessly, allow me to act selfishly and sell some of
my wares.
Marston: Fair enough.
West: Oh good, sir. Come. And let's go visit some of our fine friends in the
other oil business we have here in Plainview. These men need all the help
they can get.
[West gets his show ready.]
West: Friends! Hard-working souls of...Plainview. Do you suffer from
Rheumatism? Lumbago? Acute, chronic, sciatic, neurologic or inflammatory
pain? Well, I represent the only company that makes the GENUINE ARTICLE
which CURES headaches, neuralgia, earaches, toothaches, backache--
[Riders approach to interrupt.]
Man: Fraud! This man is a fucking charlatan. He just got done swindling down
in Cholla Springs with this song and dance!
Man 2: I say we tar and feather him right now.
Man 3: I say we shoot the bastard.
West: I think it's time we take our business elsewhere. (to oilmen) I apologize
if science is not your forte. Good day one and all.
Man: Somebody get that thieving bastard!
West: Looks like they've been scuppered! Let's get out of here. I'll drive, you
ride shotgun.
[The duo makes their escape, while John picks off the pursuers.]
West: It sure is lucky you came along when you did.
Marston: Lucky for who? Well, it looks like the global expansion of your West
Dickens elixir
West: Nonsense! Just another bump on science's bumpy road! Look! They've got
the road blocked up ahead! It looks like there's dynamite in there! See
if you can set it off!
[He does.]
West: Excellent, John! Now let's make haste for Cueva Seca.
Marston: For a man of the people, you sure aren't very popular.
West: I am up against the weight of plebian ignorance, my boy. Stay alert.
I'm not sure we're out of the woods yet.
Marston: Maybe you need to think about a change in career?
West: I will never give up on science, John!
[They kill a wagon's worth of foes.]
West: How can these people harbor such bitterness?
Marston: Well I ain't surprised. That tonic I drank in Ridgewood went through
me like a dose of salts.
[They finally evade the enraged workers.]
West: We made it, John! There's Cueva Seca up ahead! Well, that was a little
hairy. Thank you, my dear boy. You saved the day again. It always
impresses me the speed with which a group of men can turn from passive
sheep into murderous wolves.
Marston: I'm impressed with how you nearly got us killed back there.
West: Hm, yes, well perhaps we should shelve the tonics business for a period.
What say we try our hand at racing again? There's a meet at Rathskeller.
Marston: You're trying my patience, Mr. West Dickens.
West: Well, I'm sorry, dear boy, but I'm only an ageing vendor of exotic
elixirs, not the bloody U.S. cavalry! Forgive me if matters take some
time to prepare.
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19) LET THE DEAD BURY THEIR DEAD [WK19]
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[Seth is graverobbing in Tumbleweed.]
Seth: Oh, it's like that is it? Huh, not talking to Seth today? The old silent
treatment! Oh...that's quite a stench.
Marston: Hey, Seth! Seth, come back here!
Seth: Oh hey, partner, I was just looking for ya.
Marston: Looking for me? What, over there?
Seth: How ya doing?
Marston: I'm good.
Seth: Well...see ya later, partner.
Marston: Where you going, partner?
Seth: Nowhere.
Marston: Okay. Nowhere wouldn't happen to be where that thing you're looking
for is kept, would it?
Seth: No, sir. No, sir.
Marston: Come on, partner.
Seth: Okay, I was just foolin', partner. Ya know the thought of that treasure
does some funny things to me. According to the map, it's somewhere in
that big abandoned house.
[They start walking to the site but treasure hunters appear.]
Seth: The bastards followed me here!
Bandit: Thanks for all the hard work, Seth! Now kill 'em, boys!
Seth: Did you see these fellas?
Marston: Dubious as they looked, I figured they must be with you!
[They get to the mansion's porch.]
Seth: You gotta go now! It's our last chance! You gotta find that treasure for
me. Please, I'm beggin' you.
Marston: Damn, this one's locked. Let's check the back.
[Seth finds the treasure chest.]
Seth: Yeee Hooo! Finally, I see the light at the end of this very long, long
tunnel. Seth's gonna be rich after all these years...it's silk sheets
and Parisian whores from now on, mister...
[He breaks the lock off with his knife and opens it.]
Seth: What the goddamn hell is this? A glass eye?
Marston: I'm sure whoever that belonged to treasured it very much.
Seth: Stupid liars...with their stupid chicken-shit maps! Making a damn fool
of me. A glass eye! It's a glass eye!
Marston: Stop with the tears and help me with Williamson's gang. Then you can
come up with another excuse to go exhume one of your old friends.
Seth: Hunting dead men's treasure ain't done me no favors. Sure. Sure, I'm
ready for the living. I'll see you and Mr. West Dickens over at Fort
Mercer when you gentlemen is ready.
#10, 150 Fame, 100 Honor
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20) THE SPORT OF KINGS, AND LIARS [WK20]
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[Marston revisits Cueva Seca.]
Marston: Mr. West Dickens?
West: Ah, Mr. Marston, how wonderful to see you, sir...how wonderful!
Marston: Are we ready then?
West: Yes, sir. Nearly, sir. Fairly nearly, sir. I just need some cash to get
some extra hardware fitted to my old Trojan horse here.
Marston: Your what?
West: Never mind, sir. I can only presume that you have not enjoyed the
benefits of a classical education, so I will not take umbrage if some of
my allusions sail over your head, sir.
Marston: I won't pretend to understand you, but I will endeavor to make you
understand me, either we do this right now or I put a bullet in you
and get on with my day.
West: Please, I knew you were a violent man, Mr. Marston, but I did not think
you were a stupid one. We need money to outfit my carriage, to turn a
simple craftsman's vehicle into something more subterfuge. And, I'm about
to tell you how we are going to gain said cash. Now, I know that you ride
very well... So come, sir, to Rathskeller Fork!
[John rides alongside West.]
West: So how are you, John?
Marston: Okay, all things considered. Hopefully, we can get through today
without runnin' into another army of your satisfied customers.
West: Onwards and upwards! I refuse to let the blind stupidity of the
proletariat derail my calling in life.
Marston: Nothin' blind about it. I'd say they saw right through you.
West: Ahh before knowledge comes doubt, my dear boy.
Marston: Everybody knows you're as crooked as a dog's hind leg, West Dickens.
West: I resent that implication, John!
Marston: I wasn't implying, I was telling. If you're such a successful
businessman, what are you doin' livin' in a cave?
West: Delightfully Dickensian, isn't it?
Marston: If you say so.
West: Are you familiar with the concept of philanthropy, John?
Marston: I'm surprised you are.
West: Oh, I don't do any of this for myself, John. I hope you realize that.
Marston: You're crazy, old man.
West: It's been quite a ride, John, hasn't it?
Marston: We haven't gone that far.
West: No, I mean us. Ridgewood Farm, Gaptooth Breach, Plainview...we make quite
a team you and me. Brains and brawn. We should consider a more permanent
partnership.
Marston: This partnership ends as soon as I have Bill Williamson. I appreciate
your help but I've just about had it with all your schemes. You need
to realize what's at stake here.
West: I know, John, I know. Just win this race and we'll be ready. I give you
my word. There's Rathskeller Fork up ahead!
[They reach the destination and John takes his position.]
Referee: Gentlemen, this will be a fair race. No shooting, stabbing, cliff-
-pushing, rock-throwing, cactus-grinding, neck-lassoing, setting
fires, or other acts that causes a rider to unfairly lose his way,
nor bleed heavily or black out. Get yourselves ready. Ready! Set! Go!
[Marston finishes the race in first.]
West: He came, he saw, he conquered! What a fantastic spectacle, John! Let's
take a moment to bask in the glory of our victory!
Marston: Have we got enough money now?
West: Alright, alright, alright, alright. Ah, yes, once Seth and Irish have
furnished their side of the bargain, I think we should be ready. Quite
a team we've assembled, don't you think?
Marston: A bunko, a grave robber and a drunk. How can things possibly go wrong?
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21) A FRENCHMAN, A WELSHMAN AND AN IRISHMAN [WK21]
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[The titular Frenchman and Welshman dunk an Irishman's head in a trough.]
Welshman: Yes, boyo, you messed up bad this time. You little paddy bastard.
You thieving mick cunt...
Irish: You got it all wrong, Welsh. All wrong. It was French, I promise. He
said he was going to rip you off, now he's ripping me off.
Frenchman: Ya keep on talking there, Irish. In about 15 more seconds your whole
world's gonna turn black.
Marston: What's up, boys?
Welsh: Fuck off, boyo, this doesn't concern you.
Marston: When a man with a singsong voice tells me to fuck off, it always
concerns me, boyo.
French: Look here, this paddy bastard stole our gun. Tried to steal our horses.
Law is clear on the matter.
Irish: I never stole nothing, sir. Never did. Not in all me life. That French
cunt. He's playing with the Welchman's tiny and ineffective mind.
French: Hush your mouth.
Marston: Anyway y'all got horses now. No one needs to die. Leave him be.
Welsh: Who do you think you are, boyo? The bloody cavalry?
Marston: Your voice is really starting to get on my nerves, boyo.
Welsh: And you're getting on my nerves!
French: Welsh!
[Marston takes the two out when they attack.]
Irish: I always did have the last laugh, Welsh, me boy.
Marston: A Mister Nigel West Dickens said you'd help me locate a machine gun.
And since I just saved your life...
Irish: I can't thank you enough for takin' care of those two degenerates.
Untrustworthy, poor in personal hygiene, lacking in the finer qualities
of a gentleman.
Marston: What about the gun?
Irish: It'd be my pleasure. She's magnificent. Government issue. It'll be a
bit of a ride, but we'll get there soon enough. Follow me, fella.
Alrighty, me guardian angel. This way.
[They set out.]
Irish: This is turnin' into a hell of a day. What's your name, friend?
Marston: John. John Marston.
Irish: Stroke of luck you came along, fella. I thought I'd drunk me last
breakfast there for a second.
Marston: Who were those fine specimens of humanity?
Irish: They was me only friends in the world. And boy am I glad to see them
bastards dead. We all met on the boat over a few years back, we did.
Thick as thieves ever since, and that right there was the problem.
Marston: Is it normal for friends in Europe to drown each other?
Irish: Never trust a Welshman, me Pa always told me, and he got his throat
slit, so he should know.
Marston: You don't seem too upset about your friends gettin' killed.
Irish: Life's too short for regrets...and I'd outgrown them fools. Not far
now. The thievin' bastards are holed up at the cabin by the lake. Can't
wait to see the look on their faces when we blast in there. They'll be
more surprised than a slut dog with her first porcupine.
Marston: You'd best not be lyin' to me.
Irish: Listen, fella. I didn't ask for your help back there. I don't owe you
nothin'.
Marston: I'll decide what you do and don't owe me.
Irish: I've had enough of your overly aggressive manner, fella. You don't know
who you're dealin' with here.
Marston: Irish, I've met enough men like you to last me a lifetime.
[They come to the lake cabin.]
Irish: You can make quick work of those fellas if they give you trouble. The
gun's stored just inside that shack.
Marston: What about you helping me out?
Irish: Aaah...I'll cover you from the ridge...I'm better from long range. It'll
be a piece of cake, fella. Trust me.
[John cleans the bandits' clocks and searches the cabin.]
Marston: It's not here. That lying sack of shit!
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22) MAN IS BORN UNTO TROUBLE [WK22]
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[John finds Irish sleeping along a house at Benedict Point.]
Irish: (sleeptalking) That's a mighty fine corset you've got there young lady.
Let Uncle Irish untie them strings...
[Marston kicks him awake from his drunken dream.]
Irish: Who are you? What do you want? I, I see ya. Get away from me!
Marston: Right here. Where's that machine gun, Irish?
Irish: Aah, Mr. Marston. I found you one.
Marston: Found us one, Irish. We're in this together. You, me and an assault
on Fort Mercer. I'm the guy that saved you from getting killed back
there and who you owe your life to remember?
Irish: Not really. Happens to me all the time.
Marston: You don't want it to happen to you again do you, Irish?
Irish: No, friend. I wants to buy you a drink. I wants to tell you how much
you means to me. How special you is.
Marston: And I want to tell you, that if you don't produce a gatling gun within
the hour, you'll wish you'd been killed back there.
Irish: It's the whiskey, sir... It gives me the memory of a newborn babe. As
innocent as can be.
[John takes a swig.]
Marston: And it makes me violently angry. Shall we go look for that gun, sir?
Irish: Yes, let's do that. Not a fella to give up easily, are you?
[They set out on the road.]
Marston: You're not gonna pass out on me are you, Irish?
Irish: Me? No, I'm right as rain. Or at least stuck somewhere between fair and
middlin'.
Marston: Well, you're gonna be stuck somwhere between dyin' and dead if you
try to cross me again.
Irish: It weren't like that at all, fella. Me intentions were pure, I swear it
on me poor mother's life. I just gets a tad confused from time to time.
Honest mistake.
Marston: If there's anymore confusion, I'll finish what your friends in
Armadillo started.
Irish: Jesus, you're an impatient bastard aren't you?
Marston: Where's the gun, Irish?
Irish: I hear some miners been blabbin' about a machine gun they found.
Apparently, they got it stashed up at Gaptooth Breach.
Marston: What do miners want with a machine gun?
Irish: Shoot it at somebody, I suppose. Or sell it. I don't know. I never been
down a mine in all me life.
Marston: Sounds real fishy to me, Irish. I've just about had it with you and
your games. You and West Dickens are so crooked, you could swallow
nails and spit out corkscrews.
Irish: Maybe if you was more cordial with folks, they might be better inclined
to help you.
Marston: I saved your life, and you repay me by lyin', nearly gettin' me
killed, and makin' me shoot a bunch of men I didn't need to. I'm a
long way past cordial.
Irish: Not far now, Johnny. We should go around the side of Gaptooth so the
miners don't see us comin'.
Marston: I still don't know what miners would want with a machine gun.
Irish: Miners are always flighty bastards. Spend too long without daylight and
doxies and it starts playin' with your mind.
Marston: I never heard so much shit come out of one mouth.
Irish: Only telling you what I heard. Oh, and we'll need a wagon or somethin'
to get it out of there. That gun's heavier than sin.
Marston: So how was I supposed to move it by myself last time? You two-faced
little bastard.
Irish: Here we are. Let's stop here a moment to get the lie of the land.
[They survey the camp below.]
Irish: The entrance is plain to see, and there's a shaft them bastards use to
haul out heavy ore. We, I mean you, can use that lift to get you and the
gun to the surface. I'd do it myself, but the mines play havoc with me
sinuses. I'll find us a fine place to hide these horses, and then
return with a borrowed flat wagon.
Marston: I'll meet you at the mouth of the mine shaft. And Irish -- I strongly
suggest you don't run off this time.
Miner: You're trespassing. State your business or move along.
[Marston's bullets state his business. He gets the machine-gun to the shaft.]
Irish: I thought I'd be lookin' at your corpse being hauled up this lift! Load
up and I'll engage the gears. Ah, there she is...what a beautiful
weapon... God's own gun, ain't that the truth... I got us a borrowed
flatbed parked below. Don't let go of her. She's a beast!
[Marston makes it down the hill.]
Irish: What did I tell you? Piece of cake! A short wee ride now and we'll have
this executive peacemaker delivered to old West Dickens.
Marston: Just make sure it doesn't fall off on the way.
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23) ON SHAKY'S GROUND [WK23]
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[John finds Irish attempting to rob some nuns in Thieves' Landing.]
Irish: Up sister. Put them up.
Marston: Irish, what are you doing?
Irish: Who the hell are you?
Marston: Give me that. I'm your old friend, amnesia.
[Irish gets pistol-whipped.]
Irish: Oh good, blimey!
Marston: And I've come to tell you, if you ever pretend to forget my name or
your debt to me again, I'll make sure you reach heaven before these
two ladies. Now get down there.
Irish: Ah, Mr. Marston. How are you?
Marston: Ashamed. Ashamed to know you. What the hell's wrong with you, robbing
these gentlewomen and ladies of the Lord?
Irish: I thought they was doxies.
Marston: Ladies, I'm sorry about this man, he's unfortunately lost his mind to
the demon drink. At least I hope he has, and he wasn't this stupid all
along. So ah... Please excuse us. Now, Irish, that gatling gun doesn't
work, I find that rather upsetting, don't you?
Irish: Heartbreaking, which is why I was just coming to see you when the drink
got the better of me. Come on. I know where we can find the parts for
ya. Mother feckin' Mary!
[They start walking.]
Irish: Whew, that fresh air's got me head spinnin' like a top. Can't be good
for a fella.
Marston: Shut up, you lazy drunk, before I stop your head spinnin' with a
bullet.
Irish: I resent that, Johnny. I been workin' like a beaver on your behalf.
Marston: You been workin' like a weasel on my behalf. Bushwhackin' defenseless
ladies of the cloth? You must have been raised on sour milk, Irish.
Irish: What are you talkin' about? I'm a good Catholic boy.
Marston: You're a booze-blind coward.
Irish: And you're a hypocrite, Marston. You've robbed just as many innocent
folks as me.
Marston: I tried to rob only those who had more than they deserved.
Irish: Christ, the church has more money than everybody.
Marston: Where are we goin', Irish?
Irish: Just to the warehouse here in Thieves' Landing. I'm tellin' you, Johnny
boy, it's all set up. We're meetin' this pal of mine at the back door
to the office. Hobble-tongued fella by the name of Shaky.
Marston: And he's got the ammunition we need?
Irish: Jesus, stop frettin', will you? I knows about guns front, back and
sideways.
Marston: You're going to be real familiar with mine if things keep on this way.
Irish: Alright, we're here. Stay close. Damn it! That stutterin' bastard said
this would be open. Come on, let's see if we can get in around the back.
[They start for the backdoor.]
Irish: I'm startin' to think you're soft on me, Johnny boy. Can't even sneeze
these days without you bein' there to catch the drips.
Marston: This is your last chance, you good-for-nothing shyster. You've already
wasted too much of my time.
Irish: Keep your eyes open. Shaky's alright, but I don't trust that gang of
fools he runs with. Shaky's made the arrangements and he'll...
[They hear someone being beaten behind the door.]
Irish: Shhhhhhhh! Oh shite. Sounds like Shaky's only gone and got himself
found out.
[They eavesdrop. Shaky's tied to a chair, bruised and battered.]
Man: Alright, now all we have to do is find out who you work with. Ya hear me,
Shaky, you wretched fucking son of a whore!
Shaky: Suck my--
Man: Again.
[The beatings continue.]
Irish: Labor relations don't sound like they're exactly...at an all-time high.
You sneak in and get poor Shaky loose. I'll go get the wagon... Good
luck, Marston. He's a good man, that Shaky.
[Marston goes in, kills the enemies, and rescues Shaky.]
Shaky: I th-th-th-tha-tha-tha-tha-thank you for your kindness, mister. I
th-th-thought I wa- a dead man.
Marston: My kindness is only as good as the bullets you can fetch up for me and
your friend Irish. Let me down and you'll be a dead man.
[Someone shoots into their room.]
Shaky: This is gonna be one-one-one-one-one helluva fight. Alright, L-L-L-Let's
get out of here while I still g-got the chance.
[Marston takes it out.]
Shaky: Let's head f-f-f-for the door! Follow me! O-o-open the door! I g-got you
covered! Alright, come on. I'll show you where the am-a-a-ammunition
is.
[They finally kill the enemies and load Irish's wagon with ammo.]
Shaky: Now we're even.
Irish: Half-even, Shaky. You still owe me for them morphine pills to calm your
nerves, Shh-shh-shh-Shaky.
Shaky: You'll get your half, more you d-d-d-dirty f-f-fucking snake!
Irish: B-b-b-b-better!
Marston: Alright, gentlemen. Let's go.
Shaky: Fu-Fu-Fu-Fuckin' fuck.
Irish: Oh, my virgin ears. Alright, hop on. I'll get us out of here.
[They pile into the wagon.]
Irish: Did you have fun in there, you and Shaky?
Marston: I killed a lot of men for this damn machine gun of yours.
Irish: I'm sorry I missed all the dramas.
Marston: You always miss all of the drama. There must be cobwebs growin' on
that holster of yours.
Irish: Someone's gotta drive the wagon, don't they? Teamwork, Johnny boy.
That's the game. Not just the glory, like you. Shite! They're comin'
after us!
[John starts slaying the pursuing bandits.]
Irish: Jesus, we really ruffled a few feathers back there.
Marston: Seems half of New Austin wants me dead.
Irish: Christ, more sons-a-bitches! I don't know if I can take much more of
this. They're shootin' right at me.
Marston: You're a real cold-blooded killer, Irish.
Irish: I don't like this, Marston. My heart's beatin' like a bloody drum. Look
out! There's one on the bridge ahead!
Marston: Any time you want to shoot somebody, Irish, please feel free.
Irish: Sakes alive! How many are there? I'm warnin' ya, back the hell down!
They're not givin' up, are they?
Marston: I'm tellin' you, Irish. That machine gun had better work after all
this.
Irish: Don't you worry. You won't find a finer piece of artillery west of
Dublin. Well, I think you're ready for Fort Mercer. You got enough
ammunition here to take down a small country, fella.
Marston: I'm gonna need it. Bill Williamson's got himself an army.
Irish: So, I guess this is where we part ways, Johnny Marston?
Marston: Or maybe not, friend. You're going to be right alongside me when I
take that fort. After all you've put me through, it's time you pulled
the damn trigger for once. Show me what a big, bad killer you really
are.
Irish: Er, yes. Of course. What am I thinkin'? Don't worry, you can count on
me. I just hope I don't steal all your glory. Wouldn't be right or
proper.
[Marston gets out at MacFarlane's Ranch.]
Irish: Impressive, Marston. We'll have West Dickens' wagon rigged and ready to
go soon enough.
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24) THE ASSAULT ON FORT MERCER [WK24]
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[Marshal and his boys join Marston on a hilltop overlooking the fort.]
Marshal: John.
Marston: Marshal.
West: Gentlemen. It's time. We must go.
Marston: Why? What's happening?
[John looks through the spyglass to see Seth doing a crazy dance on the wall.]
West: Seth has managed to get himself inside, but we can't leave it too long,
or they will soon realize how very curious he is, and remove him from
the premises, or slit his throat and watch him bleed to death, but for
a minute, he will delight and amuse them. That's when he'll get us
inside.
Marston: Okay.
West: Marshals of the law, when the shooting starts, take that as your cue to
start awarding each other medals...
Jonah: Huh?
West: I mean, take it as a cue to get inside and clean up the mess.
Jonah: Oh!
Marston: All I care about is Williamson. It is vital we stop him.
Marshal: Agreed. That man is a stone-cold killer.
Marston: Williamson is a proud fool. Question is...which one will win out
between his pride and his instinct for survival.
West: Ensconce yourself in the back of my wagon, John, so that we can make our
grand entrance.
Marston: Come on.
[The deputies shut the wagon's door on Marston. West hits the trail.]
West: Alright, good. Now just stay put until I tell you otherwise. That
scoundrel Seth had better not let us down. Once we're inside and I've
lulled our adversaries into a false sense of security with some beguiling
sales patter, I will give you the signal.
Marston: What signal?
West: The moment you hear a sharp rap on the side of the wagon, rise like the
phoenix and start shooting like you've never shot before. This is it, my
dear boy. The moment of truth. Me and you, John. One last time into the
breach! This is going to have to be the performance of my life. I hope
my nerves don't get the better of me. I'll be honest with you, John, I'm
a little jittery. John? John?
Marston: It reeks of miracles back here.
West: Thank god. Now be ready with that machine gun, my dear boy. I'll be a
sitting duck in there.
[West pulls up to Fort Mercer's gate. Outlaws open the gate.]
Seth: Hey, hey there! Come on in, come on in. Welcome to my humble abode! Come
on.
West: Greetings, my good men! What would you say if I said, immortality was at
hand? What would you say if I told you, I could teach you to fly? What
would you say if I told you, I could turn a man into a beautiful woman?
Impossible? Yes, once but no more! Gentlemen, I bring you wisdom from
the East. I have here in this wagon some of the finest goods, the best
medicines and the newest inventions available for you and your families!
Exotic trinkets from the far reaches of the earth! Elixirs that give
vigor and strength! And...for you men of physical skill and athletic
physique, this miraculous elixir can keep the muscles supple and relax
the chords. It loosens the joints and gives a feeling of vigor and
freshness to the whole system! Why some men have reported to me that
after drinking it for one month, they can chew through steel!
[West raps on the wagon's side and Marston pushes the wagon's sides back to
reveal the juicy surprise in store for the outlaws. John mercilessly slays the
ones in sight, leaving way for the marshals to come in safely.]
Jonah: Fuck a dang pig, them cocksucking sons-a-bitches escaped to the other
side of the fort.
Marshal: Alright, let's go!
West: I think my work here is done. Godspeed, gentlemen, I bid you farewell!
[They hunt down the rest of the outlaws.]
Marshal: I think that's most of 'em, boys. Come on, let's regroup.
[They do so by the other gate.]
Marshal: That's the last of 'em. We still can't find Williamson anywhere.
Eli: Hey, it's the snake oil guy!
West: Gentlemen, let me in for goodness sake!
Marston: That fool must be hiding.
Marshal: Men, it is time to start tearing this place apart and find out where
he's cowering!
West: A sense of urgency here, please.
Eli: Open the gate -- it's the snake oil guy!
Marshal: Well, get the goddamn gate open and lock it behind him!
West: Oh, we've got company, gentlemen! These scoundrels have got
reinforcements riding this way!
Eli: Oh my good lord above! There must be a hundred of 'em!
[Marston exits the fort and mans the gatling gun, slaying the rest.]
Marshal: I can't see any more of 'em. I think we did it, boys!
Eli: Bill ain't here. We looked everywhere.
Irish: Hold on! Hold on...I missed it.
Jonah: Marshal! Mr. Marston! We got a live one. He says, Bill's already run off
to Mexico yesterday morning.
Bandit: You'll never get him!
Marston: Javier Escuella. He's gone to see Javier Escuella. That should make
things interesting. Where in Mexico?
Bandit: How should I know?
Eli: Where in Mexico, you little shit?
Bandit: Someplace near Chuparosa, I think he said. That's bandit country.
Irish: Chupa-fuckin-rosa? Oh, I'll take you there, John. I'm real popular down
there. You just meet me at the ferry. I've got lots of friends down
South.
Marston: I'll see you at the ferry, Irish.
Irish: I'll just get me things.
Marshal: I'm sorry about this, John. I guess you'll be heading to Mexico.
Marston: So it would seem. How is it down there?
West: Wonderful! A sweet, peace-loving people, with a love of social justice.
May you always find coin in your pocket! It's been a pleasure spending
time with you, boy.
Marston: You too, Mr. West Dickens. Marshal.
Marston: Alright boys, that's enough.
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25) WE SHALL BE TOGETHER IN PARADISE [WK25]
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[John goes down to Brittlebrush Trawl to meet Irish.]
West: Yes well, that's what makes you such an interesting fellow, Mr. Irish.
Ah, Mr. Marston...I've come to wish you well... How are you, sir?
Marston: I'm okay.
West: It seems that our friend Mr. Irish here is well-connected south of the
border.
Irish: Oh, it's true. They love me down there. It's like a second home. I've
got more friends than you can shake a stick at, should you so desire.
Marston: So, you know the way?
Irish: Oh, it's easy. We just get on me raft here and let the current sweep us
away to paradise. Come on then, dovey.
Marston: I'm not sure your idea of paradise and mine are the same, Irish.
Irish: Relax. We'll have a great time and we'll find your man Williamson, no
bother.
Marston: I hope so.
Irish: Hey, come on now. Look at it this way. I know we ain't exactly old pals,
but, y'know...have I ever done you wrong?
Marston: No, but not through lack of trying.
West: Well, you boys have fun down there. I shall miss you, John Marston.
Marston: Thank you, where are you headed?
West: Oh me? London or Paris or maybe Peking. I'm a travelling man, sir. This
land is much too small for the likes of me.
Marston: Well, try not to get yourself killed.
West: Oh well yes, we men of science are not a very loved bunch in this land
of myth and superstition. I'm off to the civilized world where men like
myself are revered and given medals.
Irish: Ha!
Marston: Have fun.
West: The same to you, sir, the same to you.
[The ferry starts across the river.]
Marston: Nice of you to turn up for once, Irish.
Irish: What do you mean?
Marston: In usual fashion, you conveniently missed all the action at Fort
Mercer.
Irish: What can I say? I woke up with me head in a pair of tits and it felt
ill-mannered not to get reacquainted with 'em.
Marston: At least you've got your priorities straight.
Irish: You know me, Johnny boy. I'll be late to me own funeral. They said God
invented whiskey to stop the Irish from rulin' the world.
Marston: Well, you're here now.
Irish: Look out! Bandits!
Bandit: Eres un traidor, Irish! Te voy a matar! (You are a traitor, Irish! I'm
going to kill you!)
Irish: I probably should've mentioned there's a bounty or two on my head in
Mexico. Alright, I'll beach this floatin' tinderbox once we lose these
sons-a-bitches.
Marston: This ain't exactly the reception I was expectin'.
Irish: They're not ones to forgive and forget, these fellas.
Marston: What the hell did you do to these fellas?
Irish: I recall it was something to do with money, and possibly a
misunderstanding about a fella's daughter, but the details escape me.
I came into this world fightin'. And I'll go out of it fightin'!
Marston: I expect you'll go out of it pissin' your pants.
[They fighting stops momentarily.]
Marston: This is the fourth time your so-called friends have nearly got me
killed. I thought you said they loved you over here?
Irish: They do...at least the lassies do. Oh, them big brown eyes. Turn stone
into butter, they would. The Mexicans know how to make a bottle of
liquor, too. That pulque! Now there's a drink that would take the frost
out of frosty mornin'. Ah, you're gonna have some fun.
Marston: I'm just here for Bill Williamson.
Irish: Well, I'm glad to be back. This place is a wild devil's paradise.
Marston: Apart from the fellas tryin' to kill you.
Irish: Down here, they call me El Rato. The cat. On account of me stealth and
cunning.
Marston: I'm pretty sure Rato means "rat," my friend. I like it, though, a
little more inventive than Irish.
Irish: Well, you Americans over here never were very creative with your use of
language, was you, John Marston? They're still comin'! Behind that big
rock!
Marston: I haven't stepped foot in this country and they're already tryin' to
kill me.
Irish: Well, you do insist on fraternizin' with a notorious Irish outlaw.
Watch the top of that cliff! They're shootin' down on us! What's the
word for cunt in Spanish?
Marston: You tell me. You must have been called it a few times.
Irish: Heads up! More of 'em up on the cliff to the left!
Marston: So much for your damn "connections," Irish!
Irish: I told you they knew me in Mexico, didn't I? I'll miss these escapades,
Johnny boy, I really will.
Marston: I doubt you'll remember any of it, Irish.
Irish: There's a beach up on the left. Hang on, we'll be on dry land soon.
Goddamn it, there's another two! We made it, thank the Lord. Am I glad
to be gettin' off that floatin' deathtrap.
[They disembark.]
Irish: These horses look fresher and healthy.
Marston: Before you degrade these poor fools any longer, tell me where I'm
headed.
Irish: Of course. Of course. Let me think.
Marston: You do know people down here? Aside from your friends who welcomed us
on the way?
Irish: Yes, I think so. I was really drunk last time I was here, John. You know
how it is. I met an American guy. Saw him shoot a man. Drank with him in
the village of Chuparosa. Funny guy... Or was that Canada...? No. That
was Canada. Guy here, not funny, but he's real nice. Failing that you
could try the provincal governor, Colonel something or other...some
Spanish name...he's based out of Escalera. I played Three Card Stud with
him...or was it Four Card Monty? I forget. He was a real nice chap or
maybe he was a real bastard. I was real drunk last time, John.
Marston: Well, thanks a lot for your help. Oh, let me guess. You've got to be
on your way.
Irish: The famed hospitality isn't what it once was and I've never been known
to overstay me welcome... So, off I go to greener pastures. Good luck,
John. You're an angry and a feck ugly man; but not a bad one.
[They part ways for the final time.]
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___________________________________/ SCRIPT [PART TWO: NUEVA PARAISO] [SCR2] |_
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26) THE GUNSLINGER'S TRAGEDY [WK26]
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[Marston walks into town.]
Bandit 1: Y que paso con el otro?
Bandit 2: No interrumpas, pendejo. Lo deje en la casa. Y les digo.
Bandit 1: De aqui para ace, chingan a su madre.
Bandit 2: Pere, que los...?
Bandit 1: Callese, guey. Y de aqui para ace, son pendejos.
Bandit 2: Eh, un forastero.
Bandit 1: Quedate ahi.
[They see Marston.]
Bandit 1: Eh, gringo, hablas espanol?
Marston: No, sir. Pardon, pero, yo habla un solo poquito espanol. Habla
English?
Bandit 1: Si, gringo, Hablo mucho ingles. Hablo "filthy fucking bean eater."
Hablo "slippery little Mexican." Hablo "little piece of shit."
Comprende, amigo? Comprende? Hey, what are you doing here, gringo? I
don't remember inviting you to my country.
Marston: I don't think you did, amigo. I mean you no harm.
Bandit 1: You mean us no harm? This is funny! What harm could you do to us,
exactly?
Marston: Nothing, amigo. Now, I appreciate the welcome committee but I'd hate
to spoil a beautiful afternoon on such beautiful land with any further
unpleasantries. Now, if you'll excuse me...
Bandit 1: Ah, hold it, gringo. I think you are forgetting something. A little
taxation. I have a large family.
Marston: I too have a family, friend. So that we may see our families again,
I suggest we part ways amicably.
[One bandit steals his hat.]
Bandit 1: Can I see the boots, gringo?
Marston: I think you can see them just fine from where you're standing, señor.
Bandit 1: Take off the boots, Americano.
Marston: As you wish.
[He kneels but then shoots them all, taking his hat back.]
Man: Oh, very good. Very good indeed, sir. What a great way to improve border
relations. An illiterate farmer crossing the river, coming into this
civilization and butchering the local peasants. Thank you very much, sir.
Marston: Don't mention it, old man.
Man: You kill peasants, you become a peasant.
Marston: I never aspired to be anything more.
Man: Ah, a socialist, huh? No wonder you left America.
Marston: I am many things, most of them bad, but a man of political principles,
no.
Man: Well then, I fear Mexico may not be for you, sir.
Marston: Don't you worry about me.
Man: Oh, but I do worry. An angry man, a long way from home. A man who handles
his gun as sloppy as you.
Marston: I can handle a gun okay, partner.
Man: Yeah, as long as you're killing quail or peasants. But if you have to
face another man, you don't stand a chance.
Marston: And you do?
Man: I can show you a few tricks. Come with me.
Marston: Hold on, what's your name?
Man: Ah, that doesn't matter anymore. And you?
Marston: I never had a name, mister. I was raised in an orphanage.
Man: A real American, huh? Wonderful, just wonderful.
[They walk off together. Later, Marston practices shooting bottles.]
Man: Well, you won't make it in the circus, but you can shoot. Keep on
practicing.
Marston: Thank you, old man.
Man: Now, who are you?
Marston: No one interesting. Who are you?
Landon: Landon Ricketts. Not a name that means much anymore.
Marston: It means a little. You were famous when I was a boy.
Landon: Ya, killing men's a strange kind of fame. I was the fastest in my time.
I must have been. I'm the only one left.
Marston: What are you doing here?
Landon: Living quietly, waiting.
Marston: For what.
Landon: I don't know, and you?
Marston: I'm looking for a couple of men, Bill Williamson, Javier Escuella.
Escuella is from here.
Landon: It could be, this whole place is teeming with a, Americans on the run,
mercenaries, locals hell-bent on revolution.
Marston: Revolution? Another one?
Landon: Yeah. Never really ends. This place has been a hotbed for revolution
since before the Spanish left. Now, there's another local guy running
around promising the peasants their freedom. Hah, just like the last
two or three. Local government, foul bunch. Colonel Allende, he runs
this place like a feudal king. He's an awful individual.
Marston: Is that so?
Landon: Yeah...until someone puts a bullet in his head. C'mon, let's get back
to it. You gotta keep that back straight, otherwise it makes the gun
jump. See if this Schofield makes a difference. Now that's a real gun.
[Marston breaks all the bottles in quick succession.]
Landon: Well done. Now that wasn't so hard was it? Follow me. We're going to
try something a little more challenging. The birds around here are
always raising hell. Scavenging and scaring the life out of the locals.
I say we put your new-found skills to the test, while doing a public
service for the good people of Chuparosa. Here will do. I'm gonna scare
up some birds. Let's see if you can take down more than one at a time.
[John does.]
Landon: Nicely done, sir. You've been taught well.
[They start walking back to town.]
Landon: I have to say, I'm surprised you've heard of Landon Ricketts. I would
have thought an old goat like me would have been long forgotten by now.
Marston: I heard many a story when I was a boy. Still do, sometimes.
Landon: What, these days? That's hard to believe. What do people say?
Marston: Ah, you know how those conversations go. Fellas arguin' over who's
the toughest, who's the fastest, and who shot people in the back.
Landon: I'd place good money on me still being the fastest.
Marston: Is that so, old man?
Man: Ay, Sr. Ricketts! Sr. Ricketts! Señor Ricketts! Señor Ricketts! Por favor,
señor. Our bank wagon's under attack just outside of town! We need your
help again.
Landon: Whoa, slow down, Ramon. We'll take care of it.
Ramon: Thank you, señor. Again, you are the savor of this town.
Landon: Well, my friend, are you ready to take a less theoretical exam?
Marston: Sure. I don't think I ever rode with no savior before.
Landon: Come on. These people need me.
[They head out.]
Landon: So, why are you looking for these two men?
Marston: It's a long story. We used to ride together. We was all friends once.
Landon: Only a buzzard feeds on his friends. There must be a high bounty on
their heads.
Marston: What would you do if somebody took the people you loved, and told you
they'd die if you didn't do as they asked?
[They come upon the banditos.]
Landon: There they are! Follow me.
[They take out the enemies.]
Landon: Keep your eyes peeled. These bandits don't give up easily.
Marston: I can see you haven't lost your touch, Landon.
Landon: Nobody said I had. You talk real big for a boy who couldn't shoot
straight a half hour ago.
Marston: And you talk big for a man who can't stand up straight no more.
Landon: You're a long way from being a Landon Ricketts, partner; young, old
or otherwise. All those stories you heard as a boy were true, you
know.
Wagoner: Mire, señor! Hay muchos de ellos.
[They take out more bandits.]
Landon: Looks like that's all of 'em. Come on, let's keep moving!
Marston: So much for this quiet life of yours, Mr. Ricketts.
Landon: I didn't say I'd become a coward. I'm not going to stand by and watch
good people suffer. They've been beaten down for too long. I give them
some hope.
Marston: They don't know how lucky they are.
Landon: Damn right they don't, my sarcastic little apprentice.
[They escort the wagon safely to town.]
Wagoner: Sano y salvo! Nunca podreagradecer lo suffiente!
Landon: Buy me a whiskey later, and we'll call things about even.
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27) LANDON RICKETTS RIDES AGAIN [WK27]
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[John finds Landon at the hotel.]
Landon: Muy intersante. Gracias amigos. Mr. Marston. How the devil are you?
Marston: I'm fine, how are you, Mr. Ricketts?
Landon: I'm good. I'm glad you're here, because these men were just telling
me about Mr. Escuella.
Marston: Javier Escuella?
Landon: Emilio, let me ask you something. His nombre es Javier? Señor Escuella
es Javier? Tusi?
Emilio: No sí señor.
Landon: He doesn't know.
Marston: I got that bit. Ask him if he was about five foot eight, mustache,
did he have an American in tow? A big American?
Landon: Emilio, estaba con grande Americano?
Emilio: Yo no se.
Landon: No.
Marston: Again, I got that.
Landon: But they do have his sister. Emilio's I mean. She's a fine young woman,
teacher, a human being. Not the clothed vermin so many people seem to
have turned into.
Marston: Tell him I'm sorry.
Landon: When a man's family is involved, you need a little more enthusiasm than
mere apologies.
Marston: I have enough worries, sir. This man's problems pain me, but they're
not quite my own.
Landon: Those who sit on the fence make a choice...in their own way. Don't
you think, Mr. Marston?
Marston: Of course. And what about you, Ricketts, a man living in the past,
a man who ran away from home, what choice did you make?
Landon: I'll tell you what choice I made. I'm a fighter, sir, and I'll fight
to the end. I think we should get going. I'm gonna take the train. You
can come with me, or ride to El Matadero. I've been hearing some things
about you, John Marston.
Marston: Really?
Landon: That perhaps you're more in need of my help than I thought.
Marston: Is that so?
Landon: That some recent encounters with this Bill Williamson fella haven't
gone exactly in your favor.
Marston: Funny how everyone seems to know my business, but nothin' about the
men I'm looking for.
Landon: It isn't easy getting the locals to talk.
[John joins Landon on the train ride.]
Landon: It's the only way to travel, or so they keep telling me. We'll get off
at Casa Madrugada and ride from there.
[They disembark at the designated spot.]
Landon: There should be some horses for us across the way. Alright, let's head
to El Matadero and see what they know about Luisa. We need to find a
man called Carlos. I was told he could help us. We'll ask around when
we get there. But we don't want to draw attention. See if you can keep
your gun holstered for once.
Marston: You're the hero around here, Mr. Ricketts, not me. What does the army
want with this Luisa girl anyway?
Landon: She's a rebel, and apparently close to their leader, Reyes. She's a
pretty young thing. That's normally reason enough for Allende.
Marston: So I've heard.
Landon: She's a good woman, a teacher. If they lay a finger on her, I swear
I'll feed those bastards their balls. Here we are. Looks kinda sleepy,
don't it? Alright, let's find this Carlos guy.
[They dismount and find Carlos at the butchery, carving a pig.]
Landon: Carlos?
Carlos: Si.
Landon: We're here for Luisa. Is she still being held up in the caves?
Carlos: Yes, she's still up there. Who's the cowboy?
Marston: We're here to help.
Carlos: Muy bien. I can distract the guards. You and the gringo can get inside.
Landon: Let's do it.
Carlos: I will keep them talking, señor. The rest I leave to you.
Landon: Alright, let's find Luisa.
[The gunmen wait while Carlos goes down to the guards.]
Guard: Hey, hola, que tal? Que quieres? No puedes estar aqui.
Carlos: Hace calor hoy. Bien bochornoso, verdad?
Guard: No lo voy a decir otra vez. No puedes estar aqui.
Carlos: Hey, oye, soy yo, Carlos! Pues trabajo en el matadero.
Guard: No me importa quien eres! Esta es una zona militar prohibida! Vete a
casa!
Carlos: Me gustan sus botas. Muy bonitas. Mi hermana tiene las mismas.
Guard: Pinche campesino de mierda! Te voy a colgar a lado de tus cerdos!
Carlos: Vayanse al infierno, traidores!
[Carlos leads the men down the road.]
Landon: Well, I say we've waited long enough. Follow me! We'll shoot our way
in there.
[They fight through the "traidores".]
Landon: She must be in here. I'm going to see if I can blow the door open. You
keep guard. There'll be more on the way. Get behind the table, I'm
gonna blow it! Stand back, dammit! Here it goes.
[He shoots the dynamite.]
Landon: Come on, boy. Poor girl is barely alive. Let's get the hell out of
here before any more of them show up. Looks like Carlos left us some
horses. Come on!
[They get on the horses and make it to safety.]
Landon: I hope he's coming. I don't want to wait longer than we need to. There
he is! Talk about cutting it fine.
Carlos: Luisa! Gracias a Dios.
Luisa: Thank you for saving me. You're good men. Friends of the people of this
land.
Landon: Was someone named Javier Escuella one of the men holding you?
Luisa: No...I don't know. I don't think so. But, I remember that name from
prison. Bad people spoke of him.
Landon: I told you, John, he's still in Mexico.
Marston: Okay then. I guess we'll keep looking.
Landon: Yup.
[Luisa and Carlos ride off.]
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28) LUCKY IN LOVE [WK28]
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[Landon is playing cards in Chuparosa.]
Man: I fold. No tengo nada.
Landon: Gentlemen, gentlemen, I thank you. Oh yeah. Hey, Mr. Marston. How you
keeping, sir?
Marston: Just fine, thank you. And you? Very well, sir. Thank God my wife died.
Unlucky in love, lucky in cards. Garçon, champagne for everyone!
Man 2: Keep playing, Mr. Ricketts.
Landon: Oh I'm sorry, Herr Muller. I'll keep playing you in servitude for the
rest of your life on earth, if that makes you happy! Yes, I shall
indeed, sir.
Muller: Well then, your deal.
Landon: Marston, would you like to join us?
Marston: I don't think so, I'm just going to have a drink.
Landon: Oh come on, sit down, sit down.
Marston: Okay then, gentlemen.
Muller: Na mach schon! What convenient timing for a friend to join, Mr.
Ricketts. I'll be watching you.
Landon: Muller, we might have to send you off prospecting for more silver soon.
Muller: Not for me.
Landon: Mr. Marston, I hope you realize you're in the presence of one of the
keenest German minds in all of Mexico.
[Marston ends up winning.]
Landon: Look at that, a little beginner's luck. I'll take a whiskey, if you're
buying, Muller. You know what I always say, Muller: if you find
yourself in a hole, it's best to stop digging.
[Marston wins the next hand, too.]
Muller: You fucking cheat!
Marston: Excuse me?
Muller: You fucking looked at my fucking cards, you fucking cheat.
Landon: Now, Herr Muller, let's calm down. There must be some mistake.
Muller: There is no mistake. Your Yankee friend here is a fucking cheat.
Marston: Easy there, Germany. Calm yourself down.
Muller: Oh yeah...you know exactly what you did.
Marston: Yeah, I know exactly what I did, friend, which was nothing. Now I'd
prefer it if we could all play a friendly game and no one get hurt.
Muller: You, you planted this guy, Ricketts.
Landon: Now, why would I do that? I've already beaten you. Now, calm down and
let's finish the game.
Muller: There is no more card game.
[He draws his gun, and everyone else does at the table as well.]
Landon: Ease up there, friend.
Muller: There must be a name for this.
Landon: An impasse, sir. An impasse. We can all die, here and now.
Muller: I'm not fighting you, Ricketts, but the Yankee. Him I don't like.
Landon: He's done you no harm, Muller.
Muller: He's done me no good, either. Outside, winner takes the pot.
Landon: The winner will take what he wants. The other man, will be in no
position to argue.
Muller: Sanchez will be my second.
Marston: As you wish, Germany. As you wish.
Landon: Walk with me, John. I want to make sure you know how this is gonna
work. A duel is all about timing. If you pull your gun too soon, you'll
be less accurate. After you draw, pick your shots carefully, like I
showed you. Once you've picked your marks, the rest, my friend, is in
the hands of fate.
Muller: Come on, Yankee! I am a busy man.
Landon: As soon as he draws, put him down!
Muller: You should have stayed home, Yankee!
[John puts his opponent down with a swift headshot.]
Landon: (laughing) Old Muller always did play his cards too early. Come on,
we've earned ourselves a drink. I think Mr. Muller is buying.
[They get their drinks and toast.]
Marston: Your health.
[A man comes over with a woman in an armlock.]
Man: You! The man they call Marston, si! You like killing? Watch me cut her
throat.
Marston: Nice friends you got here, Mr. Ricketts.
Man: tú y yo, Marston. Eh, peleamos ahora, eh? We fight now!
[Marston duels and blows the guy's head off, but more banditos come out.]
Landon: God, can't a man drink in peace? Come on, smoke these bastards up!
[They eliminate the morons.]
Landon: Well, I think we can safely say this poker game is over.
[They survey the bodies.]
Landon: Well, I must say, you tourists certainly bring peace and prosperity to
this land. Then again, I doubt Muller will be missed.
Marston: He wasn't much of a poker player.
[They tip their hats and part ways.]
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29) THE MEXICAN WAGON TRAIN [WK29]
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[Ricketts is having a drink in the hotel again.]
Landon: Hey, gringo!
Marston: Mr. Ricketts.
Landon: Come on in, sit down and have yourself a drink.
Marston: Sure. Say, any word of Javier Escuella?
Landon: No, nothing yet. Say, why are you after him anyway?
Marston: We're old friends. We was kinda educated together.
Landon: So what is this, some kind of high school reunion sort of thing?
Marston: Something like that. Well you, you've killed people, you've lived the
life.
Landon: (sighing) That I have.
Marston: And I tried to stop. I mean, I don't know. I tried to go straight. I
did. I left the gang after the gang left me. Left me to die after I'd
been shot. They'd all gone crazy anyhow. Our old leader, fella you
probably heard of...anyway, he more or less lost his mind, went and
shot a bunch of people unfair like. I got shot in a robbery. They left
me and I left them.
Landon: That's how it goes.
Marston: Already had me a woman. Got me a farm. Then I got me more trouble.
Landon: Sure.
Marston: I been sent to track down the men I used to run with. Track 'em, kill
'em.
Landon: Well, if you don't, someone else will. There's no escape. Look at me.
I spent twenty-five years killing men. Look at me now. Sitting around
here like some low rent would-be messiah. We're relics. C'mon, have
yourself another drink and let's wallow in a little self-pity.
Marston: Sounds like a plan.
Landon: To your health.
Luisa: Mr. Ricketts! Mr. Ricketts! Thank the lord I have found you. And you,
Mr. Marston.
Landon: Luisa, sit down. You alright?
Luisa: I'm well, sir, but Allende is sending more men to their deaths.
Prisoners who have not been tried. A prominent writer, Castillo, and a
local official whose only crime was not putting the small holders on the
street when they were late with taxes.
Landon: Writers and government officials. For once, I agree with Alende. Some
men need to be killed.
Luisa: Mr. Ricketts!
Landon: I was just joking. Where are they?
Luisa: Out near Escalera.
Landon: Let's hang up our self-pity and go shoot ourselves some bad guys.
You're going to be alright.
Luisa: Thank you, both of you.
Landon: Alright, here we go again.
[They hit the trail.]
Marston: Luisa was pretty shaken up.
Landon: She's angry. This war is getting dirtier by the day. People are being
executed just for having an opinion.
Marston: Allende seems to have more enemies by the day.
Landon: Perhaps you would know. Rumor has it you've been making all kinds of
new friends.
Marston: I don't pay much attention to rumors.
Landon: Just be careful, John. Keep jumping from one side of the fence to the
other, you might just get impaled on it.
Marston: I have to find these two men. With respect, how I do it, is no concern
of yours.
Landon: Choose your tone rightly, partner. Remember who you're talking to.
Marston: How could I ever forget?
Landon: And who are you, John Marston? Apart from a rat feeding every other
hand he can get? My name means something. All you've done is kill a
few peasants. And the only real outlaw you've taken on dropped you like
a bad habit.
Marston: Now, I politely ask you to watch your tone, Mr. Ricketts.
Landon: All I'm saying is...maybe there's a reason people around here don't
want to talk.
[They ride in silence for a bit.]
Landon: You must miss your family.
Marston: It's the only thing that keeps me goin'.
Landon: You know, you remind me a lot of myself. How I used to be. Stubborn and
angry.
Marston: You ain't changed all that much.
Landon: I always thought I'd lived a charmed life. I've known wealth, respect,
love, even fame.
[The wagon train cuts across the road.]
Landon: Do you see that? Prison wagons! That must be them! This is our chance!
See if you can take control of that first wagon!
[Marston and Landon clean up the federales.]
Landon: We need to get this wagon to America! They'll be safe there. Head for
the bridge!
[They cross the bridge after some resistance.]
Landon: We're safe. They know better than to follow us onto American soil.
[They free the prisoners, giving them the wagon.]
Landon: Now, we'll handle it from here. I know you got other matters to attend
to.
Marston: It's been nice riding with you, Mr. Ricketts.
Landon: And you too. You took me back to another time. Talk to Luisa. She'll
help you and she's well-connected in that other land. I hope you find
what you're looking for, Marston.
[They shake hands.]
Marston: You know what I'm looking for.
Landon: If you say so, Marston. If you say so.
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30) CIVILIZATION, AT ANY PRICE [WK30]
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[Marston approaches Allende's manor in Escalera.]
Captain: What do you want, gringo? What are you doing here? Have you heard,
there's a war going on?
Marston: My name's John Marston. I've been sent here to retrieve a couple of
men. Can I speak to your commander?
Captain: You want to talk to my boss, gringo?
Marston: I guess.
Captain: Because I am not good enough for you?
Marston: No, sir.
Captain: You think you're better than me? You come to my country, my poor
little country, and you think you can be friends with the president?
Marston: No, sir. I am sorry, sir. Things must have come out wrong. Maybe you
can help me?
Captain: You'll be sorry, friend.
[As the soldiers point guns at John, the captain bursts out laughing.]
Captain: Relax, amigo. Relax. I had you.
Marston: Sure, somewhere between the threatening stare and the soldiers armed
to the teeth, yeah, yeah you had me.
Captain: Welcome to Mexico, amigo! Let's come, eat, drink! And then we'll talk.
[They sit down at an outdoors table.]
Vincente: My name is Capitán Vincente de Santa.
Marston: John Marston.
Vincente: My country is in pain, John Marston. Terrible pain. The rebels have
seized the people by the throat and destroy our way of life.
Marston: I'm no politician, sir.
[The waiter comes over.]
Vincente: And I am no soldier. Tequila... But we are both beholden to our time.
A brave man, perhaps you have heard of him, Coronel Allende. He is
trying to preserve the order in our province, to keep our
civilization alive, it is tough. The people are confused, and usually
swayed. Sometimes in the service of what is right, you got to do
terrible things. It breaks my heart.
Marston: I also am no moralist, sir.
Vincente: I wish I enjoyed your freedoms, Mr. Marston.
Marston: I am trying to find a man, an American. An outlaw named Bill
Williamson. I believe he came here to seek protection from another
outlaw, named Javier Escuella.
Vincente: You're no moralist, but you hunt outlaws?
Marston: So it would seem. You heard anything of these men?
Vincente: I am the government, or what is left of it. Outlaws seek each other.
They are possibly hiding with thieves and killers who pose as freedom
fighters in the hills around here. They're united under one traitor
named Abraham Reyes.
Marston: Where can I find this Reyes?
Vincente: If I knew I would be there, hunting him with everything that is true
within me. Reyes finds you.
Marston: Like cholera.
Vincente: Something like that. But it's possible though. My men are trying to
lure him into a trap. Possibly you could ride with us? And if
everything goes okay, I am sure the Coronel will help you.
Marston: Okay.
Vincente: (to subordinates) Vámanos! You can take your horse or ride on the
wagon.
[John rides shotgun.]
Vincente: We must be quick! It is a long ride to Chuparosa. You did not expect
such a warm welcome from the Mexican Army, I can see.
Marston: I didn't know what to expect. I hadn't even crossed the border and I
was being shot at.
Vincente: You will hear a lot of words like "tyrant" and "oppression" here,
words that the peasants have been taught, but do not understand.
Meaningless words. The army is suffering...a crisis of reputation.
Marston: Even I've heard about the Colonel down here. He's not famous for his
compassion.
Vincente: This is the point. Have you met Coronel Allende? Do you know him?
No, like a papagayo, you just repeat lies you heard.
Marston: Maybe.
Vincente: Allende is a good man, a strong man. He carries the weight of a
million problems on his shoulders.
Marston: Am I supposed to pity him?
Vincente: You gringos are so quick to judge. You love to talk badly of other
people because it makes you feel better about yourselves. Maybe you
should look in the mirror.
Marston: You're the one talkin' about this. And I ain't here to make judgment
on the way of your government. I got enough problems with my own right
now.
Vincente: This isn't America, Señor Marston. We are poor. Kindness must take a
different form. What is better, to put your arm around a hungry man,
or to beat him until he grows some food to eat?
Marston: I think you need to answer that question yourself.
Vincente: Who are these outlaws you hunt? This Billy the cowboy and his Mexican
friend.
Marston: Bill Williamson's a fella I used to know, and Javier Escuella...well,
I knew him too.
Vincente: What do you mean, you know these men?
Marston: We was friends once. They're part of a past I can't seem to get rid
of.
Vincente: The past is all that's real, my friend. It cannot be erased. That is
the problem with the people here. They spend too much time dreaming
about imaginary futures.
Marston: I know I can't change the past but I'm sure gonna do somethin' about
the future.
Vincente: Whatever helps you sleep at night, amigo. My country is full of
American criminals, mostly in the service of the rebel pigs. Mexico
is an easy place for a man to lose himself, whether he wants to get
lost or not.
Marston: Hopefully not too easy. I ain't got much time to find these men.
Vincente: There must be a high price on their heads.
Marston: The highest price.
Vincente: Can I ask how much?
Marston: I'm not gettin' paid. It's...it's a long story. I'm bein' made to do
this.
Vincente: I will never understand you Americans.
Marston: Me neither.
Vincente: We have a system of law in Mexico, Señor, and we do not tolerate
people who think they can run with their own. However, if you help
us, we will help you. No one hides from Coronel Allende, for long.
This rebellion, it is a disease, and it is killing this country.
Marston: Don't people have the right to stand up for themselves?
Vincente: The right? The right? Don't you throw silly ideas at me! What do you
know about the rights of the Mexican people?
Marston: Very little. I'm just sayin' there must be something behind this
rebellion.
Vincente: I'll tell you what's behind it, Señor Marston. Lies. Insidious lies.
The peasants are stupid and, like cows, they can be herded. It only
takes a few men to move many.
Marston: Maybe they've just had enough of bein' called stupid?
Vincente: You are talking about things you do not understand.
Marston: If you ask me something, I'm gonna give you an answer.
Vincente: Are you a revolutionary? Is that why you are here?
Marston: I was once, I suppose, in a twisted kind of way. Thought I could
change something if I fought hard enough.
Vincente: Change what?
Marston: I don't know. Maybe that was the problem.
Vincente: Revolution is always selfish. It is nothing but greed and ego.
Individuals putting their own needs above those of others. It is
people fighting for change, when they have no idea what change is.
Marston: If you're a poor man beaten down all his life, any change is gonna
seem good.
Vincente: What? You think that overthrowing the government is going to make a
poor man rich?
Marston: If you're not helpin' them, it's only natural they're going to look
for someone else who will.
Vincente: For a tired, old revolutionary, you are very naive. What do you want
us to do? Walk around giving out money to every poor person in
Mexico?
Marston: What a terrible idea.
Vincente: First, they need to look at why they are poor. Then, they need to go
out and do some work rather than sitting on their culos talking about
freedom.
[They ride a bit.]
Marston: Who is this man we're looking for, the leader of the rebels?
Vincente: Abraham Reyes? He is a traitor, a liar, a coward and a sinner. A hero
who has done nothing. I have more respect for the shit I took this
morning than I ever will for that pathetic worm.
Marston: That's a nice image.
Vincente: He is from a rich family. A man born in a golden cradle, who pretends
to fight for the poor. He is taking advantage of the ignorant and the
weak-minded.
Marston: He must be telling the people something they want to hear.
Vincente: Of course he is. All that bastard does is stand on a balcon giving
speeches. It is easy to make promises you can never keep.
Marston: It takes more than a few promises to build an army.
Vincente: It is not far now. Are you ready?
Marston: Ready for what?
Vincente: We will lure the rebels into a trap. There is a train leaving
Chuparosa soon and we're going to escort it. They will think it is a
supply train, but there are no supplies on it!
Marston: Very clever.
Vincente: We must draw the rats out of their holes. Give them some bait they
can't refuse.
[They arrive at the train station and get on their horses.]
Vincente: We cannot let the Coronel down. We must not fail.
[They ride a ways.]
Vincente: Carajo! It's the rebels!
[They defeat the rebels' attack.]
Vincente: We did it! They are retreating!
[They regroup in Casa Madrugada.]
Vincente: Todo bien, compadre? You did a good thing for Mexico today, Coronel
Allende will be very pleased.
[Later, rebels attack some guards.]
Guard: Los rebeldes estan robando el tren!
Vincente: Levantese, perezaso! Para que le estoy pagando? Marston, you're
going to have to do something.
Marston: What?
Vincente: You have to go out there and stop that train before it crosses the
bridge!
Marston: Got it.
Vincente: Levantese! Ustedes tambien! Muevase! Que pasa con usted? Ay, Dios
mio! Levantese! Animo!
[Marston successfully stops the train.]
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31) MY SISTER'S KEEPER [WK31]
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[Marston finds the Fortuna women on their porch.]
Daughter: No pesa mucho. Esta bien, mama. Esta bien.
Mother: No, no.
Luisa: Ah, Señor Marston! ¡Mama, papa, este es el gringo que me salvo!
Father: Muchas gracias! My family is indebted to you. Forgive my English.
Marston: What's happening?
Luisa: Great and terrible things! The revolution is coming! The country will
be in turmoil once more. This time, we hope is the last time.
Marston: Does that seem likely?
Luisa: With Abraham Reyes, anything is possible!
Marston: Where is your family going?
Luisa: My parents and my brother are headed to the hills. My sister has to
flee. The army have an unfortunate way of treating women.
Marston: And you?
Luisa: Don't worry about me, Mr. Marston. I am living in history. I am not
afraid to die.
Marston: Your nobility's almost as affecting as your naivety.
Luisa: I would rather be dead than a cynic like you, Mr. Marston.
Marston: I would too...
Luisa: I know you're not really like that. You saved me.
Father: Luisa. ¿Quien va a salvar a Miranda? Tenemos que llevarla al puerto!
Su barco sale al anochecer. ¡No queda tiempo!
Luisa: Mr. Marston, can I ask one more favor of you? Can you take my sister
to the docks? We are sending her to work for a kind man in the Yucatan.
She is too young for revolution.
Marston: Okay. Anything I can do to help out.
Luisa: The boat leaves at sundown. Miranda, vamos.
Mother: (crying) Adios, Miranda. Ten cuidado!
Miranda: Emilio works as a driver. We will take his stagecoach.
[They set the wagon off.]
Miranda: Let's go. Before I change my mind.
[They run into a checkpoint a little ways down.]
Guard: Paren! Papeles! Esta camino esta prohibito!
Miranda: What do they want now? Act normal. It's nothing to worry about.
Guard: Te conozco! Eres una pinche rebelde!
Guard 2: Disparen! No los dejen escapar!
[They kill the guards and make it to the docks in time.]
Miranda: Gracias a Dios! We made it in time. Thank you for everything! Will I
see you when I return?
Marston: Not likely. I ain't planning on stayin' very long.
Miranda: In some other life, then.
Marston: Maybe. You should get going. Travel safely.
[Miranda and her helpers go downriver.]
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32) THE DEMON DRINK [WK32]
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[John arrives at Allende's mansion to find the coronel berating Vincente.]
Allende: Eres llordo, maricon. Me das asco. Hablas de lealtad pero eres
transparente. ¿Esteras aplaudiendo cuando mi cabeza esta empalado,
verdad?
Vincente: No, no, no, mi Excelencia. Mis hombres y yo estamos trabajando noche
y dia por su honor.
Allende: Mi honor? Que eres? Un muchacho? Jovencito sinverguenza. Que diablos
es este cabrón?
[Allende notices John.]
Vincente: That's...that's the man who helped us defeat Reyes. The man I spoke
to you of. A friend of Mexico.
Marston: Hello, sir.
Allende: Hola, gringo. So you are the bounty hunter, huh? Have you found your
prey yet?
Marston: No, sir.
Allende: Ah, perhaps you come to hunt me, eh? Your country loves to make
trouble in mine.
Marston: Perhaps, but it isn't so.
Allende: Ah, perhaps I should tie you to a horse and let it drag you around
town, or let the dogs fight you, huh. Then, see what you say?
Marston: I'd say the same thing. I'm here to bring two men to justice. Nothing
more. Your politics or ideas of entertainment are not my concern.
Allende: I suppose not. (to de Santa) Pero son tuyos. Sinceramente, espero que
me encontraste alguna compania mas intersante que esa bruja que me
trajiste anoche?
Marston: Let me ask you this, sir. Do you know anything of the men I'm looking
for?
Allende: Escuella is from this province. His father was a borracho, a drunk who
worked as a laborer on land cultivated by my uncle. Men like that are
natural allies for Reyes. My people have lived and worked here for a
hundred years. We brought civilization, and these people, these
fucking monkeys, despise us. We brought them God, and they turned
their back on him. Now, I fight to help them from themselves. To save
them from themselves. I see in their faces, that they would kill me if
they could. They see only a tyrant. That is the way it is. These
people need a ruler.
Marston: Well, I'm sorry to hear that.
Allende: Sorry? Why be sorry? It is the way of mankind. A fight between two
forces. Que sera, sera. What will be, will be. But, I know one thing,
Señor Marston. Force, force must be used, if you are to have your own
way.
Marston: I'm sure.
Allende: Now, perhaps you can do me a favor, while I find these men for you.
Marston: After we find the men, then I'll help in any way I can.
Allende: You are in no position to negotiate. Now, por favor, a bunch of this
idiot's men are fighting at Tesoro Azul. Now, you head there and you
lend your support.
[Marston goes to leave.]
Allende: (to de Santa) Baboso! Cuantes veces voy a decirte. No ponga detras de
mi! Que eres, cabrón? No esta mi sombra. Vaya! Pendejo!
Vincente: Follow me! We must hurry.
[They set out to Tesoro Azul.]
Marston: So I finally met your great leader. He certainly lives up to his
reputation.
Vincente: What would you know about leadership?
Marston: Only that most can't handle power.
Vincente: It is easy to criticize power, when you have never had it yourself.
Maybe it is because you have never been in the presence of a strong
man before. I have seen the pictures of your country in the
newspapers. Men preening and decorating themselves like women. Vanity
is the legacy the British left behind.
Marston: Look, I don't know the fella. Just sayin'...if that's how he treats
his own men?
Vincente: Coronel Allende controls any situation he is in because he knows the
situation can never be allowed to control him. It is what a leader
must do. And, in case you had not noticed, we are fighting a war.
We're all under a lot of pressure.
Marston: Pressure to find young girls?
Vincente: The Coronel needs recreation like anybody else. He does not have time
to court women. He's waging a war on ignorance, and is impatient for
victory. He is trying to inspire wisdom in those more stupid than
himself. We must hurry. You Americans think you can ride, do you?
Come on, I will race you there.
[They race a bit.]
Vincente: We are close to Tesoro Azul now. If my men are dead, the rebels will
all die. If they are alive, they have failed me, and the rebels will
all die.
Marston: So, I guess we ain't takin' any prisoners then?
Vincente: These traitors will be made to suffer. Shown that we will not
tolerate their rebellion any longer. They are animals, and we will
slaughter them accordingly.
[They arrive at town.]
Espinoza: De Santa! Por que tardaste tanto? Y quien es este gringo?
Vincente: No debe un favor. Cada hombre ayuda.
Espinoza: I hope you fight better than this little girl, gringo. Come, let's
have some fun!
[They kill the rebels. The captain comes to main street with a girl in tow.]
Espinoza: I heard the little whores crying in that house over there. Remember,
nobody tastes them before Allende!
Marston: We did all this just to get women for Allende?
Espinoza: No, that's just a bonus. This village is riddled with rebels. Make
sure they don't have a home to come back to. There are fire bottles
over there. Use them to burn down some of these houses.
Marston: And what makes you think I'd do that?
Vincente: You want to find Javier Escuella, don't you? John, you're helping
Mexico. Vámanos, muchachos! Buen trabajo!
[Marston begrudgingly burns the houses down.]
Soldier 2: Isn't that beautiful?
Marston: You really are pathetic.
Soldier 2: You need to relax. Come back to the villa and sample some of the new
girls before they spoil.
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33) EMPTY PROMISES [WK33]
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[John arrives at Allende's manor just to see De Santa's crew taking off.]
Vincente: Mr. Marston, ride with us! We've been betrayed!
Marston: What's happened?
Vincente: There is no time! Ride with us! Then we'll find the men you seek.
Come!
Marston: What's the hurry, de Santa? Where we goin'?
Vincente: The rebels have taken control of an abandoned fort on the other side
of Nuevo Paraiso. Many men. A place called Torquemada. We cannot
allow them to establish a stronghold. The Coronel has given me urgent
orders.
Marston: Which are?
Vincente: To kill them all.
Marston: I shoulda guessed.
Vincente: Leave your horse here. You will ride with me.
[Marston rides shotgun in the carriage.]
Vincente: Captain Espinoza already has men there. We must get to him before he
tries anything stupid.
[After a long ride...]
Vincente: Stay alert. Something doesn't feel right.
[The wagon ahead blows up.]
Vincente: It's an ambush! Cover us! We need to get to the camp! Now let's see
what mess that idiot Espinoza has made!
[They arrive at the camp below the fortress, at long last.]
Marston: Was he that deranged captain at Tesoro Azul? Is he leadin' this
attack?
Vincente: Leading? Espinoza does not lead anything!
Marston: I thought you was the same rank?
Vincente: He is an angry dog we let out to run sometimes. That is all. I'm in
charge here. Follow me. We will leave the wagon here.
Espinoza: Y donde carajo esta los otros que necesitamos? Nos van a masacrar
con estos pocos.
Vincente: Rebeldes, que tú y tus hombres se deberian haber encargado nos
atacaron. Y ten cuidado con ese tono de voz. Marston, come on! Ignore
this stupid dog!
Espinoza: Shut your mouth, office boy! Gringo, take that sniper rifle over
there. We have men's work to do. Vamos! Siguanme al bloqueo!
[They finally defeat the Rebeldes. In the background, survivors are executed.]
Espinoza: La victoria es nuestra, soldados! Ustedes son todos heroes!
Vincente: Tengo hombre. Lo que sea, mujer. Amigo! Amigo! Que pasa? A killer
like you, deserves fine women and wine. The best pleasures Earth can
give a man.
Marston: I need some information, De Santa.
Vincente: All in good time. My men and I will finish our business here and we
can talk back at Escalera.
Marston: The next time I see you, I need some answers, Captain.
Vincente: (laughing) Go get drunk! Go get a woman! Enjoy life! It is a
beautiful struggle!
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34) MEXICAN CAESAR [WK34]
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[De Santa is shepharding a couple girls into Allende's manor.]
Vincente: Andanles, lindas, sean patrioticas!
Waiter: Dale, que ustedes son putes y lo saben!
Woman: ¡Por favor, no me obligues!
Vincente: Oh mi amor, nadie ti esta obligando a hacer nada. Solo quiero que
animes al hombre que va a salvar a tú padre. ¿Tu quieres a tú padre
cierto que si, linda? Ah?
Marston: What's going on here, Captain De Santa?
Vincente: Just a little recruitment. Nothing for you to be concerned about.
Marston: You boys using women soldiers now?
Vincente: Our customs are none of your concern.
Marston: Apparently not.
Allende: De Santa, mariconcito! Me encontraste aste alguna chicas? Ay mamacita,
donde es estado toda mi vita? Ven, ven mujeres. Ay, me gusta!
Vincente: These two patriots were keen to make your acquaintance, Coronel.
Allende: Fantastic. I love patriots. Hey, Señor Marston! You here to fight the
war? At least we'll make a patriot of you yet.
Marston: I hope so. Any word of those men?
Allende: Ah, yes. I heard they were riding with Reyes. I wanted to talk to you
about it. De Santa, hable con el, tell him what I wanted, huh?
Vincente: His Excellency, El Coronel, would like to employ you in escorting a
train down rebel country. The job is dangerous but you'll have the
honor of...
[A man chases a captive girl through the speaking men.]
Marston: Another patriot?
Vincente: Of knowing that you served Mexico in her fight against forces that
would destroy our country.
Marston: How much you offering?
Vincente: 20,000 pesos and information as to the whereabouts of Javier
Escuella.
Marston: Okay then.
Vincente: Mexico loves you, Mr. Marston.
Marston: She has a funny way of showing it.
Espinoza: Hurry! We must go. Andale! A Chuparosa!
[Marston leaves and rides shotgun with Espinoza.]
Espinoza: So it looks like it is you and me again, gringo?
Marston: And there was me, thinking my dance card was full.
Espinoza: What do you mean?
Marston: Just that it's a pleasure to see such a noble patriot at work.
Espinoza: Your sarcasm is childish and pathetic. This is an important
assignment. Our orders are to deliver these munitions to Chuparosa.
They will finally help to crush the rebels.
Marston: I hate to break it to you, Captain, but I think you're going to need
a lot more than this.
Espinoza: I know. Most of the supplies are already in Chuparosa. We will
deliver them all by train to our base camp in Diez Coronas. Our
forces are close to establishing control in that region.
Marston: Why didn't De Santa come with us?
Espinoza: Why do you think? Because he is hardly a soldier. I'm sure has other
important business, like mailing letters or sweeping floors or
flirting with barmen.
Marston: He fought with you at Torquemada.
Espinoza: Are you defending that pathetic little errand boy? I did not see him
fight. Without me, we would have lost the battle. He knows less than
nothing of how to lead men.
Marston: Yet he's the Colonel's second-in-command.
Espinoza: That is a good joke. You are a funny man, gringo. De Santa licks the
Colonel's boots and plays with his waiter friend. That is all. I am
Allende's brazo derecho. His right arm. I am one of the few men he
respects.
Marston: Is that right? You and him have something special do you?
Espinoza: The Coronel needs a maid, a woman he cannot fuck. De Santa is that
woman.
[They ride a bit.]
Espinoza: The battle at Torquemada was hard. But Tesoro Azul, now that was
some fun. Am I right, gringo?
Marston: Fun? Burnin' people's homes, killing innocent people? That's your idea
of fun?
Espinoza: When a woman picks up a rifle, when a child picks up a rifle, they
become soldiers.
[He stops.]
Espinoza: Does it seem quiet to you?
Marston: I don't know. You tell me.
Espinoza: We have not seen a single rebel yet.
Marston: I'd say that's a good thing, wouldn't you?
[Someone attacks the wagons.]
Espinoza: Una emboscada! Abran fuego!
[Marston takes 'em out.]
Espinoza: I think that is all of them. Bien hecho, compadre. That was close. I
don't know. This doesn't feel right to me.
Marston: We're on our way to escort a train through rebel-held country. An
ambush feels about right to me.
Espinoza: (to other wagon) Soldado, quien eres? Cual escuadrón?
Wagoner: Somas nuevos reclutas, Capitán. Es nuestra primera asignación.
Espinoza: I knew I had not seen these men before. They are new recruits. In
Escalera, people have been talking about the rebels planning a large
attack. If these supplies are so important, why have we been given
such few soldiers?
Marston: Don't ask me. You're the captain. I thought you were supposed to be
fearless.
Espinoza: I am fearless, but not brainless. There is something wrong, I feel
it.
Marston: Maybe you just need to take a piss or somethin'.
Espinoza: The Coronel told me that De Santa had praised my actions at
Torquemada and called me a hero. He asked for me to be given this
important assignment. Why would he do that? The cabrón hates me.
Marston: Yeah, but doesn't everybody hate you?
Espinoza: Maybe we should turn back or wait for reinforcements.
Marston: If Allende says he knows where Javier Escuella is, we're doin' what
he asks. I thought you obeyed orders?
Wagoner: Ojo! Rebeldes!
[They slay more rebels. Later, John sees a train pass by.]
Marston: Is that our train?
Espinoza: Yes, it seems to be on schedule. At least one thing is going right
for us.
Marston: I agree we ain't off to a good start.
Espinoza: You shoot well, gringo. Tell me something...what is your weapon of
choice?
Marston: What do you mean?
Espinoza: Come, my friend. Your belt is full of weapons. Which is your favorite
for attacking a man?
Marston: You ain't right in the head, Captain.
Espinoza: Do you want to know what mine is?
Marston: Not particularly.
Espinoza: Truth. We are close to Chuparosa now. I still have a bad feeling
about this. Tell me, why are you here? What did they promise you?
Marston: 20,000 pesos and Javier Escuella.
Espinoza: That is a lot of promises.
Marston: Do you know where Escuella is?
Espinoza: You think I am going to tell you that? Before you have fulfilled your
obligations? Do not take me for a fool!
Marston: I've given you no reason not to trust me.
Espinoza: You must understand why we are suspicious of you. Most American
vigilantes come here to help the rebels. It is strange that you have
chosen to work for the army.
Marston: I'm not working for you. How many times do I have to say this?
Espinoza: Call it what you want, gringo. We are exchanging favors, then.
Marston: I ain't seen many favors come my way yet.
Espinoza: Abraham Reyes is trying hard to recruit gringos to fight for him.
His propaganda is everywhere. He promises women, gold. And, of
course, you come. Money and the chance to interfere in business that
is not your own. How can any American resist?
Marston: I've done everything you've asked for me. If Allende doesn't give me
Escuella and Williamson after this, I think it's best I go ask the
rebels directly.
Espinoza: Is that a threat? Be warned -- you are only alive right now because
of me. Here we are, at last. Soldados! Abordamos el tren!
[They board the train.]
Espinoza: I do not think we have seen the last of the rebels. New recruits
can't win a fight like this. I need you to man the gatling gun.
Marston: I ain't the soldier here, Captain.
Espinoza: Do not question me, gringo. Just do as I say. Andale! Ojos abiertos!
Take your position NOW! I hope you know how to use that gun.
Marston: It can't be that hard. Just point and pull the trigger.
Espinoza: Por Dios! We will all be killed!
Marston: Don't worry, Captain. I've used one of these before. For a cold-
-hearted killer, you an anxious son-of-a-bitch, ain't you?
Espinoza: We have already been ambushed. Our squad is made up of new recruits
and the two men De Santa hates the most. I think it is right to be
anxious.
Marston: Yeah, well, I wasn't exactly expecting a pleasant picnic by the
seaside, myself.
Espinoza: Look! Do you see them? Now who is paranoid? Somebody must have told
them about the supplies!
Marston: They best give me Escuella after this, I'm tellin' you!
Espinoza: Worry about that later. You must hold them back. Keep them away from
the steam engine.
[Marston mans the gun, slaying the attacking rebels.]
Espinoza: We are nearing the town! No pares el tren! I think that is all of
them. We do not have far to go. The base camp is just at the top of
this hill.
Marston: That was madness.
Espinoza: You did well, compadre. Very well. Whatever Allende promised you in
return, you have earned it.
Marston: I don't think De Santa expected us to come back from this.
Espinoza: Do you want to kill him, or should I?
Marston: No, until I find Escuella, he's more use to me alive.
Espinoza: Here we are. Thank God! We are lucky to be alive. Go to the base
camp. The commander will want to speak to you.
Commander: Señor Marston, thank you for you efforts. The escort was a success.
Marston: At least some of your men survived.
Commander: I didn't think to survive myself. My whole life I have dreamed of a
glorious death. Vamos, rapido, ante que nos ataquen otra vez. These
socialist pigs cannot be allowed to win.
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35) MUST A SAVIOR DIE? [WK35]
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[Luisa sits on the stoop of her burnt-down home.]
Luisa: Oh, Mr. Marston! Mr. Marston!
Marston: What's wrong, Luisa?
Luisa: I don't weep for myself, but for my country! Abraham Reyes has been
captured!
Marston: He has?
Luisa: He was coming to meet me at Roca Madera. It's a very romantic spot. It
was a beautiful night, yet he was ambushed by a patrol. My heart is
breaking, but I cry for Mexico.
Marston: Where's he being held?
Luisa: El Presidio... You know, in our hearts, we are married already, but his
family does not approve. How could they, when I am little more than a
peasant girl? But that's what makes Abraham Reyes the man he is. He
doesn't care for the bourgeois, snobbery, or elitism. He sees the real
me. The woman.
Marston: I'm sure.
Luisa: I am going to go rescue him or die trying.
Marston: Whoa, I don't think that's such a good idea. Ride with me to the jail,
we'll figure out how to rescue him.
Luisa: Mr. Marston, you are truly a friend to this land.
Marston: So everyone keeps informing me.
Luisa: El Presidio is to the north. We must hurry. Who knows what they will do
to him.
[Marston rides shotgun.]
Luisa: We are almost there! He is still alive...I feel it! El Presidio. There
it is. You have to find a way in.
Marston: I'll do my best.
Luisa: There is a partially broken-down wall. You should be able to scramble
over it. Hurry, but please be careful. There are guards everywhere. If
they see you, they will kill you both.
Marston: Well, if he's alive, I'll try to make sure he stays that way.
[John gets to the sniper's nest inside.]
Executioner: Pensabas derrocar a Allende? Nadie va a llorar por ti. Pagarás por
tu traición, Abraham Reyes. El fin ha llegado, Reyes. El Infierno
te espera. Formen el pelotón de ejecudión! Apunten!
[John slays the firing squad and cuts Reyes free.]
Marston: Luisa sent me. We have to meet her by the river.
Abraham: Que?
Marston: Luisa. The girl you're marrying.
Abraham: Oh, yes. Such a devoted thing. El amor de mi vida.
[Reyes hops on Marston's horse.]
Abraham: Now ride like the wind, my friend!
[They escape the citadel.]
Abraham: What is your name, my friend?
Marston: John Marston.
Abraham: No? The American who is working for Allende?
Marston: I ain't workin' for nobody. I'm here because Luisa asked for my help.
Abraham: As I thought you were a friend of Allende's, I was planning on putting
a bullet in your back!
Marston: Well, try to resist the urge.
Abraham: How do you know my young lover, Laura?
Marston: It's Luisa. I saved her life awhile not so long back.
Abraham: I will not forget this, compadre. You will be rewarded. Money, women
...Luisa, if you want her.
Marston: I'm here for two men, and that's it.
Abraham: You have been spending too much time with Captain De Santa.
Marston: Very funny. Not like that. I'll explain later.
Abraham: I am free again! I will write a poem about this day!
Marston: This is from a man who was tied to a post with a gun in his face a
few minutes ago.
Abraham: I wish I could see Allende's face when he finds out I have defeated a
hundred of his men!
Guide: Luisa is up ahead. Buena suerte, compadres!
Abraham: There she is! I remember her now. Mi amiga!
[They go to meet her.]
Luisa: Abraham, Mr. Marston.
Abraham: Oy.
Luisa: The revolution will live on, thanks to you.
Abraham: Yes indeed, John. You are as a brother to me, and my people need a man
such as you to help our cause. My ranch is in Agave Viejo, and let me
say, my brother, that we await you.
Marston: Well, best of luck to both of you, but I need to find two men so I
can return to America.
Abraham: No problem. I will help you find these those men, and in return, you
will win a people her freedom.
Luisa: Viva México!
Abraham: Y adonde túva, bella? Bye, John. Vente commigo. (singing) Tú sabes
quéen esta luz, puedo ver el fuego en tus ojos. Laura, dame la fuerza
para luchar...
[The two raft downriver.]
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36) COWARDS DIE MANY TIMES [WK36]
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[John finds De Santa waiting for him near Allende's mansion.]
Vincente: John Marston! Good news! Good news! The Coronel himself wants to
speak to you! Come.
[The coronel is fondling a woman on a patio bench.]
Allende: Un besito! Besito! Don't be so conventional! Look at that ass...
magnificent! I'll save her for later or I'll kill her and all her
family. They're probably rebels anyway. Anyways it is good to see you,
amigo. Good to see you. You know, you are a rare find. A gringo who is
also a friend of our country. Bienvenido. We welcome you.
Marston: Okay.
Allende: Relax, relax. I have some wonderful news for you! Quite wonderful in
fact... You know the men you hunt? They have been captured in
Chuparosa. I want you and De Santa to ride out there and then you can
take possession of them. It is my gift to you. For all your help,
señor. Although part of me wishes, that you would remain here and
enjoy more of our hospitality.
Marston: Thank you. If it's all the same, I'd like to collect the men. I have a
wife and son at home whom I miss.
Allende: Don't we all, amigo, don't we all? De Santa, I want you to take care
of Señor Marston. Vámanos, cabrón! Go! Adelante! (to previous girl)
Mi amor! Mi amor!
Vincente: Follow me! A wagon has already been prepared.
[Marston rides shotgun.]
Vincente: This is very good news, my friend! Didn't I say the Coronel would
find these men for you?
Marston: For your sake, you'd best be tellin' the truth!
Vincente: You have my word.
Marston: After that trick you pulled on me with the munitions train, I ain't
sure that means very much!
Vincente: You have Espinoza to blame for that! Come now, John, after everything
we been through, I think we can trust each other, don't you?
Marston: How did you find them?
Vincente: They were captured just outside Chuparosa! Every rat must come out
of his hole eventually. They are being held in the church! A chance
for them to contemplate heaven, before you send them to hell. We have
the area surrounded. Oh cheer up, John! This is what you came for.
You are so tense all the time. Come, let's have some fun! A little
competition with my soldiers to see who is the best shot. What do you
say?
Marston: Anything's better than talking to you.
Vincente: Excellente! Ok, each man gets five shots at the local wildlife.
Whoever kills the most, I will give 25 dollars. Carlitos, múestrale
cómo se hace!
Soldier: Con mucho gusto! Vamos, gringo!
Vincente: You never did tell me why you are hunting these outlaws.
Marston: I guess it beats getting a real job.
Vincente: You know, if you were less secretive, people might be more inclined
to trust you.
Marston: Are you married? Or do you rape young girls like your Colonel?
Vincente: No, I could never touch a woman like that! It is not my way! But,
for them, it is an honor to please their leader.
Marston: My wife and child have been taken from me. That's why I have to find
these men.
Vincente: I can sympathize with you, Señor Marston. I am married to my country
and these rebel traitors, they are trying to take it from me. No, I
never took a wife. A woman can be a powerful force. Like my mother.
Or a destructive force. Like my mother. I find it better to avoid
them. Too many strong men become weak by giving in to temptations of
the flesh. Are you ready for another? Vas tú, Canizales!
Soldier: Now you will see, gringo!
Vincente: So this means your time in Mexico is coming to an end? You know, I
will be sad to see you leave.
Marston: No you won't.
Vincente: You have helped many people. I am just glad Colonel Allende was able
to offer you this gift in return. From one brave man to another.
Marston: Does your brave Colonel ever leave his villa? I haven't seen him
anywhere near a fight yet.
Vincente: He is the military commander, but he also governs the province. He
must be protected, kept out of harm's way.
Marston: Abraham Reyes, the rebel leader, I hear he rides with his men.
Vincente: And how would you know that? Reyes is a coward, blinded by love for
himself. All he does is write poems and songs about winning battles
he never fought in. Should we have one more? Molinas, sigues tú!
Soldier: I can shoot the wings off a fly, señor!
Vincente: See, isn't this fun? Don't you feel more relaxed?
Marston: Sure, whatever you say.
Vincente: You will when you have Williamson and Escuella.
Marston: I'll believe it when I see it.
Vincente: My men have them completely surrounded. There is nothing to worry
about, I promise.
Marston: Like the 20,000 pesos you promised, when you sent me on a suicide
mission with Espinoza?
Vincente: Yes, it has been a busy time for you in Mexico.
Marston: What do you mean?
Vincente: I mean, you have built quite a reputation for yourself.
Marston: Just followin' orders, Captain.
Vincente: So many stories of your brave exploits. Your actions will not be
forgotten, compadre.
[They reach Chuparosa.]
Vincente: Here we are. Go, my friend! They're in the church. Don't worry, I am
right behind you.
Marston: Very reassuring. Why are they in the church?
Vincente: It is as good a place, as any, to judge a man, wouldn't you say?
Marston: Are they armed?
Vincente: No, they are prisoners. Take a deep breath. Calm yourself, it will
be like lambs to the slaughter.
[Marston goes in the church.]
Vincente: Mr. Marston. Gracias, for your service to this land!
[A soldier rifle-butts him into unconsciousness. He comes to when his head
starts being dunked in a horse trough.]
Vincente: Levánten esta pieza de mierda, levántenlo! Marston. Hey! Marston.
You have betrayed this land enough. I hope you have a clear
conscience, 'cause you are about to meet God.
[Reyes kills Marston's would-be killer.]
Abraham: My brother! They will kill you if you don't get your ropes off! Over
here, I will free you!
[Reyes cuts his restraints.]
Abraham: It is lucky for you, I arrived when I did.
Marston: I guess we're even then.
Espinoza: I knew you were a traitor!
[John kills the captain. Later, Reyes gathers his rebels in town.]
Abraham: My brothers! Today, we have proven that the days of this evil regime
are numbered. Soon, we shall be free! Living together in a noble
republic, justly ruled by fine men. But, but, but... El trabajo, the
job, is not done...our struggle is not over! We will fight on, day and
night...until local tyrants like Allende are no more...and him and all
his dogs are brought to the sword! We shall be free. This time things
shall be different for every man and woman in this land. And, and one
day, and one day soon, Allende will know justice! My brothers, fight
on! In our hearts, we are all free. Let us make it so. Viva la
revolución! Viva México!
Crowd: México! México!
[Marston turns his back on the grandstanding and leaves.]
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37) THE GREAT MEXICAN TRAIN ROBBERY [WK37]
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[Marston goes to the Agave Viejo ranch encampment.]
Marston: Where is Abraham Reyes?
Abraham: Here, amigo, here! Well...well...well, look who it is. The American
bandit turned bounty hunter who is about to win the Mexican
revolution!
Marston: I don't know about that, mister.
Abraham: No, but I do, Mr. John Marston. I do. A man like you -- or me -- with
just a few men, I tell you I could rule the entire country. (standing
on stump) Ay! Hermanos unidas! Set my people free! Libre México! Libre
México! Viva la revolucion! (gets down from stump) Their energy...it
is like food to me. I feel I was sent for them, and they were sent to
me.
Marston: Good for you.
Abraham: When I rule these people, I will be fair and judicious and wise. How
so you ask? Very simple...I know these people! I know this land. In
short, I can make them better.
Marston: It must be pleasant to be a man so at one with his country.
Abraham: Ay, amigo, I don't do it for myself, John Marston. I do it for my
people.
Marston: Well, exactly.
Abraham: Sarcasm, my friend...should be beneath a man such as you. Don't you
think?
Marston: Very little is beneath a man such as me.
Abraham: Okay, well in that case, I assume a little robbery will be a pleasant
day's work. All in a good cause of course. Come, my brother, let us
strike while the iron is hot.
Marston: Okay.
Abraham: Follow me. We must hurry!
[They mount up and hit the trail.]
Abraham: You must tell me more, John. Are my sources correct? Have you come to
Mexico to murder your two best friends?
Marston: Not exactly. We were friends once. A lot's changed since then.
Abraham: Now that we are friends, I hope you will give me some warning if you
get the sudden urge to kill me.
Marston: You'll be the first to know when I kill you, I promise. So where are
they?
Abraham: Who?
Marston: Williamson and Escuella!
Abraham: I am not sure exactly where. They are definitely in Mexico.
Marston: That much I know already. You told me you'd found them.
Abraham: And I will. I have my very best men working on it.
Marston: If I find out you're lyin' to me, Reyes, you'll really see the man I
used to be.
Abraham: I will give you your friends, I promise. Just give me time. So how
did you meet this Williamson and Escuella?
Marston: We ran in the same gang together. Under a fella called Dutch. We were
all bad kids; lost, angry, and forgotten. He kinda saved us.
Abraham: And turned you into criminals?
Marston: Dutch didn't see it that way. We robbed banks, stole from the rich,
and we gave the money to people who needed it more.
Abraham: So he was a revolutionary too? Like me?
Marston: I suppose. He saw that the system of power was rotten; that good
people had been crushed for too long, and he believed that change
could only succeed if it was brutal and relentless. Make America what
he felt it was supposed to be.
Abraham: I like the sound of this, Dutch. Another violent idealist! Where is
he now?
Marston: I don't know. But I gotta find him once I'm done with them two. In the
end, he went insane. Lost faith in everything and everyone
Abraham: You have quite a story, John Marston. I really am a little jealous.
Marston: Jealous?
Abraham: Of its poetic potential, I mean. It would make an excellent corrido.
Marston: A bullfight?
Abraham: No, mi hermano! That is a corrida. No, a corrido is as Mexican as
Mexico itself! A song, a story, a poem, a ballad! A musical tribute
to a heroic man and their great deeds. There are over a hundred
written about me.
Marston: Remind me to stay away from men with guitars.
Abraham: In a country where most people cannot read the newspaper, song is a
powerful means of communication. We do what we can to battle the lies
and propaganda of the government
Marston: I know. I've seen your posters.
Abraham: In the capital, they are already talking about my legendary escape
from El Presidio. How I fought off a thousand Mexican soldiers with
my bare hands!
Marston: Finally the people have the truth.
Abraham: I have to know. What did you think of Agustin Alende, John?
Marston: I saw enough to know he ain't a good man.
Abraham: It is bad enough he beats the people he swore to protect. But it is
worse that he enjoys it.
Marston: Something must have made him that way.
Abraham: Cowardice made him that way, my friend. That and Sánchez, of course.
Marston: Who?
Abraham: General Ignacio Sánchez. Our country's kind and generous dictator.
Everything comes from him. It is like a father who beats his son, and
then the son his dog outside and rapes it.
Marston: That is a very specific example, Abraham.
Abraham: Allende es una marioneta...how do you say...a-a a puppet? Everything
he does is controlled by Sánchez.
Marston: In America, they told us Sánchez was making things better here.
Abraham: Not far now. Chuparosa is just up ahead. We must hurry, the train will
be leaving soon.
Marston: What's on that train that's so important?
Abraham: I received information that the army is transporting a vast quantity
of supplies to distribute to their forces.
Marston: Do we have a plan?
Abraham: I will explain when we get there. But those supplies won't be
arriving.
Marston: I figured as much.
Abraham: Today Allende will pay a high price for his treason.
[They reach town.]
Abraham: So listen, this train is filled with valuable supplies we need, but it
is also filled with government troops. We'll set off a very loud
distraction, you can board the train, and then you can disconnect the
army cars. Huh?
Marston: Okay.
Abraham: Ok, but listen, we've got to get this done before the train rolls out
of the station.
Marston: You make it sound so easy.
Abraham: Well...did I not promise you fun times, amigo? Eh? There are too many
soldiers; we must surprise them. Here, take this knife. You can use it
to kill the guards quietly. Wait until I distract them. Then get on
that train as fast as you can, John!
[Later, John hands the stolen train over to Reyes.]
Abraham: You moved like a cat onto that train, John. Magnificent! Go ahead and
blow the armored car and take whatever you need, my brother.
[He blows the car's roof hatch off.]
Abraham: Muy bien, John. Now take a look inside. Maybe Allende has another gift
for us.
[Marston loots the train.]
Abraham: Not a bad day of robbing the establishment to give to the poor, eh,
Mr. Marston?
Marston: Very noble, I'm sure, but I need to know where Williamson and Escuella
are holed up.
Abraham: All in good time, amigo. I'm off to deliver these goods. I see you
back at the ranch. Oh... My spies tell me they soon will have the
information you need.
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38) FATHER ABRAHAM [WK38]
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[Marston goes to take a piss.]
Rebel: Eh, señor?
Marston: You want trouble, friend?
Rebel: Manos arriba! Póntelas!
Rebel 2: Tranquilo, tranquilo amigo, tranquilo...ya lo tengo.
Rebel: Muévese, cabrón.
[They take his gun and make him walk to Luisa, who's talking with a rebel.]
Luisa: El mundo es muy dificil. Tenemos qué jugarlo bien. Mr. Marston! I knew
you would come.
Marston: Thanks for the welcoming committee.
Luisa: I'm sorry. We cannot be too careful. The world is very dangerous.
Marston: Especially, when you great it with a gun.
Luisa: Please.
[They sit by the campfire.]
Luisa: Mr. Marston, my father was killed yesterday. The army found him and
accused him of treason. They cut out his heart and fed it to their dogs.
Allende did this. Then, he took the honor of two young girls.
Marston: I'm sorry to hear that, Luisa.
Luisa: My father must not die in vain! His death must mean something.
Marston: It'll mean that war is brutal and unnecessary and good people die and
that's all it will mean.
Luisa: That is not enough.
Marston: Well, you know I'll do whatever I can, but I have problems of my own.
Luisa: We all have problems. This is about the people! My father died for his
people. For these men and millions like them, that they may be free.
Marston: While there are guns and money, there won't be any freedom, Luisa.
Luisa: Mr. Marston, the movement is on the brink of a great victory. Allende
knows this. And has sent for reinforcements. Abraham Reyes asked
personally, that you stop them reaching Escalera. They are coming by
the old trail. You must ambush them.
Marston: I have my own family to worry about.
Luisa: Mr. Marston. I have lost my father. My mother is in the United States.
My sister has fled. I have no family, just the cause. Please. Good
actions make you a good man.
Marston: Then, I'm doomed, but I will help you, out of respect for your loss.
Luisa: Thank you, Mr. Marston. Thank you. Come on. The army convoy is already
on its way. You can ride with me in the wagon or follow on your horse.
[He rides shotgun.]
Marston: I'm sorry about your father.
Luisa: His death must not be in vain. Now we shall fight even harder to win
power for Abraham.
Marston: I admire your devotion.
Luisa: He is a true revolutionary. A man who puts the needs of others before
his own. A man who fights out of love rather than hate. But you know
this already. I heard about the battle at Chuparosa, how he killed
nearly a hundred soldiers to save your life.
Marston: It'll go down in legend, I'm sure of that.
Luisa: Can I trust you, Mr. Marston?
Marston: In what way?
Luisa: You have done so much for me and my family, but I still can't forgive
you for helping Allende, for what you did to the rebels.
Marston: I'm here for two men, that's it, not to take sides. And certainly
not to fight a war that isn't mine, and makes no sense.
Luisa: You make a choice by not making a choice, you know.
Marston: Allende betrayed me, and I saw him do bad things. Things that disgust
even me.
Luisa: Allende es pura maldad. One day I will cut his heart out.
Marston: But you, me, him...we're all shootin' people. Don't really seem like
we're too very different.
Luisa: The difference is WHY, Mr. Marston. The ideals we hold. There can never
be a revolution without blood.
Marston: Until people forget what they're shooting for, and just enjoy killing
for its own sake.
Luisa: You Americans forget too quickly, that is the problem. If it wasn't for
your revolution, you would still be making tea for the English.
Marston: At least we knew where we stood. It's more difficult to understand why
your own people treat you like shit.
Luisa: It is the same here. We fought off the Spanish. We fought off the
French. We even fought off the Americans. Finally Mexico won its
independance and all we've done since then is fight each other.
Marston: At least you're keeping up traditions.
Luisa: It will end when Abraham takes control. When the Spanish left, we
renamed this province Nueva Paraiso. New Paradise. One day it will live
up to its name. Why do you doubt our revolution so much, Mr. Marston?
Marston: I guess I can't pretend to understand your country's politics.
Luisa: But you think we are fighting for nothing?
Marston: Take no notice of me. I ain't got much faith in power right now.
Luisa: That is exactly why we must continue to fight for change.
Marston: Nothin' ever really changes.
Luisa: You are a man who has lost his spirit.
Marston: No doubt. I once believed it was possible to make a difference. The
men I'm chasin', they did too. That, if we spilled enough blood, we
could change the way people think.
Luisa: Revolutions are always won with blood.
Marston: And after the fighting's done.
Luisa: Freedom.
Marston: We ain't never free.
Luisa: Be honest with yourself and you will be free.
Marston: That must be what I've been getting wrong all these years.
Luisa: Thank you again for helping my mother and Miranda to escape. If only I'd
sent my father as well.
Marston: You did everything you could.
Luisa: They know nothing of my father's death. I feel terrible, but it isn't
safe for them here anymore. After we win, they can return to a new
Mexico.
Marston: And what about you?
Luisa: I will stay and fight. I am ready to die if necessary. Emilio too. We
are a close family. Do you have children, Mr. Marston?
Marston: I have a son at home and a daughter in heaven.
Luisa: Is he looking after your wife?
Marston: I hope so. He not much younger than you but...I don't know...he's
still young. We tried to protect him. Give him a gentler childhood
than what we had. Guess I failed at that.
Luisa: It is not far now. The army convoy will be coming from the east.
Marston: We going to steal their supplies?
Luisa: No, destroy them! And kill everyone. Abraham wants to send a message.
Do you have experience with explosives?
Marston: A little. Been a long time.
Luisa: Good. Because we do not. You will man the detonator. My men are waiting
there for us. They will also need your help setting up the dynamite.
Marston: I'll do my best.
Luisa: We will do this for my father, John. There they are!
[They arrive at the train bridge.]
Luisa: These men will help you rig dynamite to the road. Please tell them where
to place it. I'll be waiting up above, watching for the wagons.
Marston: Okay, follow me, gentlemen.
[Marston puts the charges down and rejoins Luisa.]
Luisa: Good, I am glad you are here to help us. They are coming. Get ready,
John.
[John gets on the detonator.]
Luisa: Every time Allende hits us, we hit him back harder.
[They destroy the convoy.]
Luisa: Thank you, Mr. Marston. We are a step closer to power. My father would
be very proud.
Marston: I hope it was worth it.
Luisa: I must return to Campo Mirada. Meet me there when you can. I will do my
best to return the favor.
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39) CAPTAIN DE SANTA'S DOWNFALL [WK39]
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[John meets Luisa at the campsite. The rebels are readying their rifles.]
Luisa: John! John! Thank God you have come. That wretched animal, De Santa has
been sent to oversee a massacre in El Sepulcro. Come, we must stop him
and finally kill that vermin and all of Allende's other followers. Go
now. My men will show you the way. I will stay with the camp. Maybe
De Santa can tell you where to find Javier Escuella?
[John starts riding.]
Rebel: It is good that you are helping Luisa.
Marston: It ain't right what happened to her father. She's a brave girl.
Rebel: She can fight as well as any man.
Marston: She ain't the only woman I've seen fighting for Reyes.
Rebel: Yes, women...even children. Everybody must become a soldier if we are
to win this war.
Marston: That's a lot of sacrifice. I just hope it's worth it.
Rebel: It is better to die free than to live as slaves. Were you a soldier
once, compadre?
Marston: A soldier? No, I never was much good at takin' orders.
Rebel: So where did you learn about explosives?
Marston: I guess some banks ain't easy to get in on the weekends.
Rebel: It was impressive what you did at the bridge, destroying that convoy.
The army is getting weaker by the day.
Marston: I'm sure there's more supplies where those came from.
Rebel: And we will destroy those too. Allende is scared, and making mistakes.
We are closer to victory than you think. We will speak when we get
there. We must save our energy. El Sepulcro is just up ahead.
[They arrive at the graveyard.]
Marston: Tell your men not to open fire 'til I make a move. We don't want to
give them a chance to escape. And leave De Santa to me. I need him
alive.
Rebel: We will wait for your lead, Señor.
[At the graveyard, Vincente has a rebel digging his own grave.]
Soldier: En al nombre del gobierno no provincial del Coronel Allende y del
estado de este pais, te condeno a muerte por traición! Tienes algunas
últimas palabras?
[De Santa shoots him in the head.]
Marston: Come on. Quick!
[John starts killing the federales.]
Vincente: You're a traitor, Marston!
Marston: Where is Javier Escuella?
Vincente: If you kill me, you'll have the entire Mexican army after you.
[John captures and interrogates his buddy, one fist at a time.]
Vincente: You fucking pig! Go back to your country.
Marston: Where is Javier Escuella?
Vincente: Wait, wait, wait. Okay. Alright! Alright... Shit... Alright. Casa
Madrugada. He's holed up there. Hurry up and kill me or just let me
go. Okay?
Rebel: Can we kill this piece of shit now, señor, or would you like the
pleasure yourself?
[IF MARSTON KILLS DE SANTA HIMSELF...]
Marston: Now we're even, Captain.
Rebel: Sí! Viva Abraham Reyes! It is done. Come on, now we find your friend.
I am glad it was you, compadre.
Marston: There's some things you gotta finish yourself.
[IF MARSTON LETS THE REBELS HAVE HIM...]
Marston: He's all yours, fellas. I got what I need.
Rebel: Esto es para Mexico! It is done. Come on, now we find your friend. Thank
you, compadre. It really should have been you.
Marston: I don't like to kill a man on his knees, even if he did deserve it.
[EITHER WAY, Marston hits the trail to Casa Madrugada.]
Rebel: That man is responsible for hundreds of innocent deaths, maybe even
thousands. He will burn in hell.
Marston: We all will, my friend.
Rebel: Espinoza is dead. De Santa is dead. The army is without leaders. We
must move on Allende now before it is too late.
Marston: First you need to help me find Javier Escuella.
Rebel: Why are you looking for Javier Escuella?
Marston: We was friends once, a long time ago. But not anymore.
Rebel: Old friends make the worst enemies.
Marston: You're tellin' me.
Rebel: Escuella is known in this province. He was a revolutionary once but
then he went to your country. Now they say he kills for anybody who will
pay.
Marston: That sounds about right.
[They get to Casa Madrugada.]
Marston: This place is deserted. Is it always this quiet?
[A woman walks about the carnage.]
Marston: Hey you, lady. Where's Javier Escuella?
Lady: Javier Escuella? He hasn't been seen around here in months. You shot up
this place for him, huh? I wouldn't spit on him if he was on fire.
Marston: I don't blame you. But Captain De Santa said he was here.
Lady: And you believed him? You must be more stupid than you look. Go shoot
up some place else.
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40) THE GATES OF EL PRESIDIO [WK40]
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[John goes to Agave Viejo to find Abraham having sex with some broad.]
Woman: Tú eres la major puta qué he chingado. Ay, qué rico!
Abraham: John! Excuse me! Oye mamita. Cuándo te vea la próxima vez, que sea un
poco mas durito, eh? And I mean rougher, huh.
Marston: What would your most loyal follower, Luisa say about that?
Abraham: Who?
Marston: Luisa. The girl from Campo Mirada.
Abraham: Ah, her. A gentleman never tells, but she was a most wonderful, ay...
I just say she was incredible, yes. Let me tell you something. I
strongly recommend her. You take her when you have the chance, my
brother.
Marston: She thinks she's your wife.
Abraham: My wife! These peasant girls. They believe every word a fellow says.
So naive! It's really quite charming. I love peasants. Don't you love
peasants? I love them, they have such purity.
Marston: Are you going to marry her?
Abraham: Marry a peasant? My dear boy, don't be absurd. I'm going to be the
next president of Mexico. My wife will meet ambassadors, kings, other
great men. The very thought that I would marry some peasant girl with
a tight cunt, and the hands of a farmer, well I really don't think so.
My mother, qué Dios la cuide, will turn in her grave.
Marston: Interesting.
Abraham: But come on, let's run. I've got an amazing present for you my
brother, oh yes. The man you seek...together, we will bring him to
justice! Let's go.
[He rides shotgun with Reyes.]
Abraham: Bien! Vamos, hermanos! My brother, I just received word of your fight
with Allende's men at El Sepulcro. Finally De Santa is dead! I am
happy it was your bullet, John, after what he did to you in Chuparosa.
Marston: I wasn't goin' to give him a second chance to kill me.
Abraham: It must have felt good.
Marston: Not particularly. He was hardly worth a bullet. Where are they,
Abraham?
Abraham: They are at El Presidio, John. Can you believe it? The place we first
met. The scene of one of my greatest victories of Allende's traitors.
You could not write a better story!
Marston: It's a story I want to finish.
Abraham: It is a story we both want to finish, my brother. If my rebels can
take El Presidio, then we can move on Escalera. The revolution is
happening, John.
Marston: Are you sure they're there? Escuella and Williamson?
Abraham: Javier Escuella is there, that much I am sure of. I don't know about
Williamson.
Marston: Escuella will do for now.
Abraham: I am told they paid Allende to hide them. They have been in his
protection since you arrived in Mexico. You see, you should have
trusted your brother, Abraham, all along.
Marston: When we have them, then you can start making me feel bad, immediately
after you thank me for everything I've done for you, amigo.
Abraham: I knew I had heard the name Javier Escuella before. He is from this
province. They tell me he was once a notorious bounty hunter, and also
one of the early revolutionaries.
Marston: That sounds about right.
Abraham: All before my rebellious urges took hold, of course. I think I was
still travelling in Europe at the time. I was living in Madrid with
the ambassador's wife.
Marston: That sounds about right, as well. Escuella was always a torn man. A
cynic who desperately wanted to be a romantic.
Abraham: Whereas you, John, are a romantic who wants to be a cynic.
Marston: Javier would die fightin' for what he believed in. He had a lot of
passion, but no love. Although he really admired Dutch, of course,
but then we all did.
Abraham: He was the leader of your little group of fortune hunters, verdad?
Marston: When Dutch started fallin' apart, it hit Javier harder than any of us.
He went crazy. It was like the one thing he'd ever believed in turned
out to be a fraud.
Abraham: You talk about him fondly.
Marston: It ain't exactly fondness. We was close once. But he never cared for
me or anybody else, not any of his so-called brothers. He left me to
die, when he had the chance to save me.
Abraham: And he didn't teach you any Spanish during all the time you were
together?
Marston: I remember cabrón being used a lot.
Abraham: Well now you get to pay that cabrón a surprise visit.
Marston: I ain't here for revenge. I just need him and Williamson.
[They ride a bit.]
Marston: So who was that girl back there?
Abraham: Another loyal supporter of free Mexico. What, you want a name?
Marston: You can't even remember the name of the girl you're marrying.
Abraham: Have you ever known power, John?
Marston: I'm a semi-literate farmer and hired killer. I ain't in the power
game.
Abraham: Then you will never have the knowledge that any woman will bear your
child? That, for her, it will be an honor?
Marston: I've known about enough bastards without making too many more of my
own.
Abraham: A man like me cannot be with just one woman. It would be an injustice
to the people I have devoted my life to serving.
Marston: You have an interesting way of servin' the people. Kind of like a
national gigolo.
Abraham: I owe it to the future of Mexico to breed, my brother. If I can get
noble blood flowing through the veins of peasants, can you imagine how
great this country can be? An army of Reyes! Of Kings!
Marston: I wish I'd never asked.
Abraham: Have you enjoyed your time in Mexico, John?
Marston: It ain't exactly been a vacation. Why you talkin' like this is already
over?
Abraham: I don't know. One way or another, this might be the end. What do you
think of the Mexican people?
Marston: I ain't sure. Some of 'em been kind, but a lot of them have tried to
kill me.
Abraham: Come, my brother. I know what you Americans call us. Greasers, sun-
-grinners, pepper-guts... For a land of immigrants, you don't like
foreigners very much.
Marston: I don't care who a man is, what he does or where he's from. If he
treats me right, I'll do the same.
Abraham: It's that simple for you, is it? You would make a fine socialist.
Marston: What about the Chinese workers here? I heard you ain't exactly made
them very welcome.
Abraham: That is different. They are an inferior race.
Marston: You have all the makings of a great leader, Abraham.
Abraham: The revolution is gaining momentum! Do you have any idea how many
times I have thought about the day I will march into Escalera and
storm Allende's mansion?
Marston: I think I have some idea.
Abraham: Soon it will be me sleeping on those silk sheets, and the colonel
lying with the cucarachas!
Marston: From what I've seen of Allende, you might want to wash those sheets.
Abraham: (laughing) You migh be right, my friend.
Marston: Do you really think the revolution can work? Do you have enough men?
Abraham: Revolution begins with one person, John!
Marston: One person ain't gonna defeat the Mexican army.
Abraham: The poor are many, and together we are strong. They are ready to
fight.
Marston: If it does work...
Abraham: It will.
Marston: If it does work, and you take down Allende, what then?
Abraham: I will give the greatest speech of my life!
Marston: But after all the fighting, and all the speeches, are over, what will
you do?
Abraham: I will march on the capital and take on Sánchez himself!
Marston: Alright, when Mexico is yours, when you have all the power you desire,
what will you do with it?
Abraham: Like any great leader, my brother, I will delegate.
[They ride a bit.]
Abraham: I have to say, I am not usually in favor of American interference. But
it will be sad to see you go.
Marston: I ain't goin' nowhere till I have Bill Williamson.
Abraham: What will you do when this is over?
Marston: I want to go home, work my land and grow old with my wife.
Abraham: That is hard for me to imagine.
Marston: It's hard for me too. But I've pulled this trigger too many times. I'm
getting tired.
Abraham: Well, get ready to pull it a few more times. El Presidio will be
heavily guarded.
Marston: Oh, I think I got a few more left in me.
Abraham: Maybe one day you can return to Mexico, like Landon Ricketts. A famous
outlaw come to die in the sunshine. I can always use a cynical
American renegade on my staff.
Marston: I'll bear that in mind.
Abraham: Allow me some silence on the journey. I have the weight of a nation on
my shoulders. El Presidio is just up ahead. Préparate, mi hermano.
This is our time.
[They finally reach the citadel.]
Abraham: My men will launch a ruse attack on the side entrance to the fort.
Meanwhile, you, my American friend, will drive this wagon to the front
gate and jump off when you're close. It's been packed with 5 crates of
TNT.
Marston: That sounds crazy! How long is the fuse?
[He lights the fuse right then.]
Abraham: Yes. Like I say, fun times. It's plenty long enough I think? I'll see
you in there, amigo. Remember to jump my friend!
[Marston blows up the gates and the rebels rush in.]
Abraham: Go look for Escuella! We will deal with these cabrónes!
[Marston finds Javier in a storeroom.]
Marston: Hello, old friend. It's been a long time.
Javier: Hello, brother. It's good to see you. I heard you was coming. You took
your time, no? Come on, you're not going to shoot your own brother, are
you? We was family.
Marston: Yeah, we were, then you and Dutch went crazy, and family didn't mean
so much.
Javier: So now you do the government's work?
Marston: And what do you do? You just work for a different government.
Javier: Come on, brother, I think we should go our separate ways, huh?
Marston: What you and Dutch did was wrong. And the way you left me was wrong.
Now, I ain't the judge, but as it turns out, it's you or me, the way
I see it, it might as well be you.
Javier: We thought you was dead, brother. I promise. I'm telling the truth.
Besides, I can give you Bill. And Dutch...Dutch is in Colombia. I can
take you straight to him.
Marston: You left me to die, to save your own skin and now you expect me to
care about you?
Javier: You got it all wrong, brother. I've always loved you, even now.
[He pushes a crate on him and leaps out a window.]
Javier: Go back to your farm, John!
[Marston ends up capturing him anyway.]
Marston: Where's Bill, you son-of-a-bitch? Do you think I won't kill you,
brother?
Javier: He ain't here, brother. He's with Allende.
Marston: You're going to be locked up for a hell of a long time, unless they
choose to hang you.
Javier: It's a little late for revenge, John.
Marston: I ain't here to kill you, Javier. This is just business.
Javier: Come on, amigo. Abigail wouldn't want this.
Marston: Abigail would've killed you already. She alwys thought you was a
creep.
Javier: We was family, brother. You and me.
Marston: Like Cain and Abel, I guess, leaving each other for dead.
Javier: You don't understand what happened. It wasn't like you thought it was.
Marston: Whatever you say, old friend.
[He brings him to the fort's jail.]
Javier: Ah, you piece of shit. I hope you sure know what you're doing, brother.
You sold me out. Didn't that life we had mean nothing to you?
[He tosses him on the stone floor.]
Javier: Ah, ah, you puto. Ah. One day, one day I promise you, you're gonna
regret this.
Marston: One day is about all you got left.
Javier: I hope you and your wife, and children, rot in hell.
Marston: You know that life we lived is over. And when we was living it, it
didn't mean nothing anyway. It was just an excuse and we all knew.
Javier: What I knew was that you was always a puto. And you're still a puto!
Abraham: Marston! Come with me. The Army's sent reinforcements. Come!
Javier: Yeah, go with your puto!
[John takes down the reinforcements by manning a cannon.]
Abraham: We did it, my brother! El Presidio is ours!
[John fetches Javier from the cell.]
Abraham: Two old friends reunited. It is a beautiful thing.
[Marston meets the federal agents near the border bridge.]
Ross: Mr. Marston. Fancy seeing you down here. I must say, it's a pleasant
surprise to see you.
Archer: You've done well, Mr. Marston. Now, Javier here gets to see how far
the hand of justice can reach. Come on you...get in the damn
automobile!
Marston: Can we assume one of my commitments is cleared?
Archer: Unfortunately, nothing is cleared, John, until your obligations are
met. We need you to find Williamson, then head to Blackwater as quick
as you can. We have reason to believe Dutch van der Linde is in the
area.
Ross: Oh, your wife sends her regards.
[They drive off.]
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41) AN APPOINTED TIME [WK41]
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[Marston finds Reyes captured and getting beaten up in the town square.]
Soldier: Otra vez.
Abraham: Welcome to México. My brothers and I are just discussing the future
of our country!
Marston: Okay, let this man go.
Soldier: And who are you, gringo?
Marston: I'm no one...but unless you want this town to tear you and your boys
to shreds, I suggest you let him go.
Soldier: And you think you can tell me what to do, friend?
Abraham: Oh, you should listen to him, friend.
[Marston's drawn his gun in the blink of an eye.]
Marston: Look at that. You want to risk it?
Abraham: The American is a drunk. If I were you, I'd pull that trigger.
Soldier: Put the gun down, Americano.
Abraham: Ya, ya matalo.
Luisa: Déjen mi hombre!
[Luisa rushes with a knife but gets shot down easily. John shoots two gunmen.]
Soldier: Ay, Dios mio! Santa Maria!
Marston: You want to settle this now, friend? Or do you want me to shoot you
in the head right now, for that poor girl?
Soldier: Okay, but we fight like men, not like dogs.
[Marston defeats Raul Zubieta in a duel.]
Abraham: Thanks my brother. Now the people are finally ready. Today we
overthrow the Coronel!
Rebel: Señor, there are prisoners in jail who will fight on our side. Can you
save them?
Abraham: Some of my best men are held in Allende's jail. They will be a great
help to us.
[Marston goes to the jail and kills the guards.]
Rebel: Libéranos, amigo! Somos leales a Abraham Reyes!
Rebel: Que Dios te bendiga, amigo. Ahora, ayudamos a Abraham!
[They all rejoin Abraham and start the assault.]
Abraham: Vamos, mis hermanos! Tomamos la mansión de Allende!
Rebel: Move forward! We need to capture that machine gun!
[They defeat the forces nearby.]
Abraham: Go for the machine gun, John! We will blast through the door with
gunpowder barrels! We will set up the barrels. Wait for my signal!
Now, John!
[Marston mows down the soldiers inside the gates.]
Abraham: They are retreating! Adelante! A la mansión!
[They remove the remaining enemy force.]
Soldier: Traigan hachas! Echen la puerta abajo!
Soldier: Ojo, compadres! Aquí vienen más! Están subiendo la cuesta!
Abraham: Defend the gate, John! Nobody gets through!
[The rebels finish chopping down the mansion's door.]
Allende: Come on! We can still get to my stagecoach!
Bill: Go, then! I'll cover you!
Abraham: It's Allende and Williamson! Come on, John!
Allende: Vamanos! Date prisa, cabrón!
[Allende and Bill escape in the stagecoach.]
Abraham: Come on, John! Let's get to the horses!
[John catches up to the stagecoach and stops it.]
Bill: What the hell are you doing?
Allende: Buying my freedom, pendejo! Now shut up, you dumb ape, and get out of
the wagon! Apurate! I'm coming out! Don't shoot! Here. Take
Williamson. Just let me live. I will leave the country. I promise.
[Marston kills Bill and Reyes, Allende.]
Abraham: Allende is dead...Mexico is mine! My people are free, and it's all
thanks to you, John.
Marston: And to the people who laid down their lives. People like Luisa.
Abraham: Oh yes, she was very brave, and she will be missed. Who was she again?
Marston: Your peasant girl wife to be...
Abraham: Oh yes, of course. She will have a day named after her. Laura's Day!
Marston: Luisa.
Abraham: What? Oh yes. I knew a Laura as well. Magnificent girl. Like riding a
pampas bull, it was, amigo. You never saw anything like it. Anyway,
enough about sport. Let's get back to politics. I trust you will join
in riding on the capital?
Marston: I'd love to, but with Williamson dead, my jailors need me back in
Blackwater.
Abraham: Qué hacen? Levántanese! Well, I must say I will miss you, John
Marston.
Marston: I doubt you'll even remember me, Abraham, but it's been an experience.
Good luck with the revolution. If you win power, remember why you
wanted it.
Abraham: Well, travel safely, amigo. Vámanos.
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42) BEAR ONE ANOTHER'S BURDENS [WK42]
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[Marston walks into the Blackwater police station.
Teller: (to self, counting money) 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106.
Marston: I'm here to see Mr. Ross.
Teller: 107, 109...
Marston: Edgar Ross.
Teller: 113. Upstairs on the right. 114, 115, 116, 117.
[John goes upstairs.]
Archer: Mr. Marston! So glad to see you. How was your journey?
Marston: Where's my wife and son?
Archer: Being well looked after. Well looked after.
Marston: I want to see them.
Archer: Mr. Ross wants to speak with you. We've had some important
developments.
Marston: You want me to take out a gun and blow a fucking hole in your head,
right here, right now? You want that?
Archer: Mr. Marston.
Marston: You want that?
Archer: Mr. Marston, I ask you to calm down.
Marston: Why? Why? I did what you asked. I got you Williamson and Escuella.
It's over. Stop playing games with me.
Ross: No one's playing games with you, Mr. Marston! But if we were to play some
games, there'd be some interesting ones we could play. Like hanging you
for murder, or confiscating all your property, like that little farm of
yours or having you put in the electric chair. Those are the sort of
games we could play, but we choose to play a different game, so calm
down, and play along with us.
Marston: Where's my wife?
Ross: I forget...but I hear it's very nice this time of year... Mr. Marston,
please, I've never insulted your meagre intelligence. Do not insult mine.
We've done this little deal for your freedom in exchange for all the men
from your old gang. You gave us Williamson and Escuella. We still don't
have Van Der Linde, but now we know where he is.
Marston: Then go and shoot him.
Ross: No, sir, I want you to shoot him for me. And then I'll let you be. The
last thing I want to do is make martyrs out of all these people. He can
be killed by some petty squabble by another lowlife.
Archer: We believe Van Der Linde is holed up with a group of renegades near the
wreck of the Serendipity riverboat.
Ross: Ah, yes. Another group of renegades, obviously, the first group, your
group has, shall we say, been disbanded. Anyway, Mr. Fordham, Mr.
Marston, shall we go? Oh, Mr. Marston, your wife and son are doing well.
Let's both try to ensure things stay that way.
Archer: (to John) After you, sir.
Ross: Oh, Mr. Marston, one more thing. This is for you.
[He takes out a pistol, pokes it into his chest, then gives it to him.]
Marston: You're too kind.
Ross: See, I have nothing but your best intentions at heart.
Marston: Let's hope it doesn't go off by mistake.
[They go downstairs.]
Teller: 343...
West: I have a patent for that, sir! This is an outrage. Ah, Mr. Marston.
You're alive.
Marston: Hello, West Dickens. I thought you were headed to Peking.
West: So did I...so did I...a long story, but now it seems I'm...being put
under arrest and charged with narcotic possession or some other such
nonsense.
Marston: Ross, have 'em release this man.
Ross: Why?
Marston: Because he's a harmless old fraud. The kind of man that built this
country. And because he helped me get Williamson.
Ross: Did you hear that, officer, the man's a hero. Let him go. Come on,
Marston. Moral degeneracy waits for no man. Let's hurry along.
Teller: 344...345...347...348...3...
[West Dickens leaves. Ross and friends pile into an automobile and start off.]
Ross: Head for the Wreck of the Serendipity, Mr. Fordham. Isn't this something?
Lawmakers and lawbreakers working together for the good of civilisation?
Archer: Like you always say, sir, the higher the stakes, the smarter you have
to play the game.
Ross: I can't imagine I ever said anything quite so trite. In any case, I'm not
sure Mr. Marston would agree with us.
Archer: Unfortunately, Mr. Marston isn't broad-minded enough to appreciate the
unique opportunity we're offering him.
Marston: Son-of-a-whore.
Archer: You'd best watch your damn mouth.
Ross: And it's strange you should say that, Mr. Marston, because, according to
my files you are the whore's son. Now, what else can I recall from the
files? Oh let's see. You killed hundreds of innocent people. You robbed
at least 40 banks that we're aware of...
Marston: They told us there was a prize when you got to 50.
Archer: I'm glad this is all such a joke to ya.
Marston: I want my family.
Ross: And I'm sure all the men you murdered wanted their families too. Come
now, you're stupid, but you're not that stupid. We both know how this has
to be. And it could be all over today. As soon as we find Dutch van der
Linde, you can go back home and play being a farmer again, or whatever
else you've been pretending to do for the last few years.
Marston: First it was Bill, now it's Dutch. After Dutch, it'll be somebody
else. Where does it end?
Archer: It ends when we say it ends. You're in no position to make demands.
Ross: The life you lived...you don't just walk away from that, buy a few
chickens and make it all disappear. You should be dead or rotting in a
jail cell by now. We are giving you a chance at new life, a chance at
redemption. You can't erase your past, Mr. Marston, but we can.
Archer: She's running well, sir.
Ross: Such an elegant way to travel. What do you think of this automobile,
Mr. Marston?
Marston: Slow.
Ross: But so convenient and reliable. Are you comfortable?
Marston: No.
Ross: You see this, Mr. Fordham. The brooding cowboy. There aren't many of
these left, you know. A bit of a cliche, admittedly but still a dying
breed. Like the buffalo, just as dumb but not quite as noble.
Archer: They move most cows by rail these days, I hear.
Marston: Not where I'm from they don't.
Archer: But you aren't from anywhere.
Ross: A new dawn is breaking, Mr. Marston. This is the age of the machine.
Marston: And soon we'll all be livin' on the moon.
Ross: Maybe. This is the future. Anything is possible. Finally this godforsaken
land is entering the twentieth century. Prosperity has arrived. It's not
far now. The old Serendipity has been used as an occasional criminal
hideout for years. We were informed that Van Der Linde and his gang are
making camp there. We'll stop on the cliff above and you and Agent
Fordham will go on foot. I'll stay with the vehicle and keep watch.
Archer: And you'll do as I say, Marston. Don't try anything stupid.
Ross: Oh, I think he knows what's at stake. Don't you, Mr. Marston?
Marston: Let's find Dutch and finish this.
Archer: Come on then, Marston. You're with me. Keep quiet and stay close.
Marston: Yes, sir.
Archer: Van Der linde is the priority. We go in, take him down and get the hell
out of here. Quick and clean.
Marston: You leave Dutch to me. We don't want you gettin' that suit dirty.
Archer: If you step out of line even once, well...I hope you're aware of the
consequences.
[They investigate the wreck, which seems deserted.]
Archer: Seems real quiet, don't you think?
Marston: You tell me.
Archer: Maybe Dutch caught wind of things. That informant better not have been
lying to us. Keep your eyes open.
Marston: They are open. I don't see nothin'.
Archer: It doesn't feel right. This place is usually teeming with lowlifes.
Did you hear that? Go see what's happening up there. I'll wait here.
[Marston finds the informant on the upper deck.]
Marston: Over here! I've found him.
Archer: Good god, that's our informant. Nastas, what the hell's going on here?
Nastas: It's a trap!
Archer: Shit. Marston, you'll have to carry this man. I don't think he can
walk.
[Marston slays the renegades.]
Archer: I can't see any more of them! Come on, follow me!
Ross: Who's this? What in god's name is going on? Marston, life this fellow
into the back seat.
Archer: Put him in the care so we can get out of here! Let's go, there might
be more of them.
[They all set out for Blackwater again.]
Ross: Christ alive! What the hell happened down there?
Archer: It was a trap. They were waiting for us.
Ross: And who is this savage? A prisoner?
Archer: This is the informant, sir.
Ross: Do you speak English?
Archer: Yes he does, sir. he's the informant. Nastas.
Ross: Don't get snarky with me, Fordham.
Archer: We found him tied up on the boat. Then they jumped us.
Marston: Nice of you to help us out. Hell of a plan sendin' in two men to take
on an entire gang of outlaws. Especially when one of them's an office
clerk or social secretary or some such.
Archer: You shut your mouth.
[The car breaks down.]
Archer: Come on, not now!
Ross: What's wrong?
Archer: I don't know, the motor just gave out.
Ross: Well fix it, you fool! We need to get this man to a doctor.
Archer: Of course, sir. It's Dutch's men!
Ross: Marston, we'll hold them off. Fordham, you'll fix that damn engine!
[They hold off the fighters.]
Ross: I can't see any more of them. Fordham, are we ready?
Archer: Yes, sir, I think so.
Ross: Come on. Let's get back to Blackwater.
[They recontinue their journey back.]
Archer: Damn that was close.
Ross: We're lucky to be alive. I'm beginning to see why Mr. Marston has made it
to such a ripe old age.
Marston: You'll make me blush with all these kind words. So much for this
automobile of yours. If this is the future, God help us all.
Ross: It's not the automobile. A bad workman shouldn't blame his tools. Perhaps
if Mr. Fordham maneuvered it with a little more finesse.
Archer: I was trying to escape an ambush, sir.
Marston: Even if it was runnin' fine, they'd still have caught us. I can walk
faster than this piece of crap. Give me a horse any day. So what now?
Do I get to see my family?
Ross: Where is Dutch van der Linde?
Marston: I don't know.
Ross: In that case old boy, no, you don't get to see your family. It's a fairly
simple agreement, Mr. Marston, even for a man as devoid of intellect as
yourself. If you'd like me to explain it again, I'd be more than willing.
Marston: No, you've said enough.
Ross: We'll find Van Der Linde soon enough. For now, however, I suggest we call
it a day.
Marston: So how does it feel? Taking a man's wife and child from him? Does it
make you feel good?
Ross: How does it feel to kill hundreds of men in cold blood?
Marston: You're a coward.
Ross: You're a murderer. Actions have consequences, Mr. Marston. Come now. Try
to look on the bright side.
Marston: The bright side? There ain't no bright side.
Ross: Your family is enjoying a much-needed vacation. And in far more luxurious
surroundings than those to which they're accustomed to, I assure you.
Soon you will be able to start a new life together, absolved of all your
sins. We should take the Indian to Professor MacDougal. See what he can
get out of him.
Archer: Good idea, sir.
Ross: I just can't communicate with them.
[They reach downtown.]
Ross: Here we are. Thank god for that.
Archer: So, this is the office of an anthropologist named MacDougal. He was
thrown out of Yale for degeneracy.
Ross: Which should tell you something.
Archer: Indeed, but he's been helping us deal with the natives in this area.
Ross: They see him and they presume we're all idiot academics.
Archer: Give me a hand here, Marston.
Harold: Mr. Ross. Mr. Fordham, good day, good day, what on earth's going on
here?
Marston: Kid got shot in the leg, beat up pretty good.
Archer: We'll send a doctor. Now, MacDougal, we need information from this
fellow about Dutch van der Linde. Can you see what you can find out
for us?
Harold: I'll do my best, sir.
Archer: Make sure you do.
Ross: Professor MacDougal has been a good friend to the U.S. government, Mr.
Marston. Just like you. Why don't you see if you can help him in his
study of the native problem in this country, that's a good fellow.
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43) GREAT MEN ARE NOT ALWAYS WISE [WK43]
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[Marston visits the lawmen again.]
Ross: What a pleasant surprise -- Mr. Marston! An informant just told us some
interesting news. Our mutual friend Mr. van der Linde is about to pay
call on his bank manager. What do you say to having a little financial
discussion with the fellow? This way.
Archer: Let's get up on the roof. We'll have a clear shot at them from there.
Ross: That door is the only way in and out of the building, so cover it tight.
Do you see the horses to the left, by the building across the street?
Dutch's boys hitched them there. They have to run that way to make their
escape. Don't start shooting until they're out in the open. If we spook
them, they may retreat back and hole up inside. Don't shoot until I give
you the signal. Keep your sights trained on that bank door. Nobody shoots
until I say.
[They take out a bunch of fleeing bandits.]
Ross: Marston, head into the bank with Hopkins and Manning. Get Dutch. Be
careful, there may be some innocent people there.
Hopkins: We can take 'em! Come on! Let's get in there!
[Marston saves the hostages.]
Marston: Everybody out! Run! Now!
Manning: Good work. Dutch ain't down here, he's gotta be hiding upstairs
somewhere. He must be in here! Marston, get the door, we got you
covered.
[They rush into the room. Dutch and his pal each have a woman hostage.]
Dutch: It's nice to see you, John.
Marston: Hello, Dutch.
Dutch: How's Abigail?
Marston: Well, I hope. I ain't seen her for a awhile...
Dutch: 'Cause you've been chasing me?
Marston: Let the woman go, Dutch.
Dutch: Of course, of course...how's your little boy?
Marston: He ain't so little now.
Dutch: No, he must be what, 15? 16? Doesn't time fly?
Marston: Don't it just. It's over, man.
Dutch: Of course, of course. I surrender, John. You're the master now.
Marston: I've been my master since you left me to die.
Dutch: We all make mistakes, John. I never claimed to be a saint. But equally,
I never took you for an errand boy.
Marston: Just trying to help my family, Dutch, by making compromises we all
have to. Now let her go, it's over.
Dutch: You want the girl, John? You always were the romantic sort. You know,
gentlemen, this man here, he married a whore. Used to ride with us. We
all had her, but he married her, and you know that makes him a better
man than us. He's a better man. Have the girl, John.
Marston: Easy, Dutch.
Dutch: She's a parting gift from me.
[He blows her brains out and pushes her towards John, making his escape.]
Marston: Goddamn.
Hopkins: Let's get after him!
Manning: What the hell happened in there? This is your fault, Marston!
Marston: You got a gun too, Sheriff.
Manning: You waited too long.
Marston: Next time I'll just shoot the girl.
[John rides out of town with the lawmen.]
Ross: What happened in there? We saw Van der Linde escaping with some men.
Archer: He stole off with the bank manager in an automobile.
Marston: Let's just say, Dutch ain't gone and got himself sane. He killed some
poor woman.
Ross: There's an old logging camp further down this road. It's been abandoned
for years. My guess is that's where they're headed. Come on, follow me!
So, that's the great Dutch? What a role model. The man who made who you
are.
Marston: I guess so.
Archer: Has he changed?
Marston: No, still the same crazy bastard he turned into.
Ross: How was it seeing him after all this time? Did it tug on your
heartstrings?
Marston: Kinda reminds me of you. Violent piece of shit who went and confused
himself with God.
Ross: Isn't that sweet of you? And now you must kill him. Your side is chosen.
Marston: My side ain't chosen. My side was given. I'd kill you a hundred times
before I killed Dutch, if it was an option.
Ross: Hallelujah! I think we're finally reaching an understanding, Mr. Marston.
Marston: Who the hell are you fellas anyway? Lawmen or army?
Archer: We are neither, Mr. Marston.
Ross: But I have the authority over both.
[They see a flaming wreck.]
Ross: There's the car! They must have abandoned it and continued on foot!
[They clear out the rebels fleeing through Tall Trees.]
Ross: Where's Dutch, Marston?
Marston: He got away.
Ross: Scared to shoot him? Too much to handle?
Marston: When the opportunity presents itself, I'll put a bullet in him, don't
you worry. Won't like myself for doing it, but I'll do it.
Ross: Good man, good man. You know, at the end of this, you'll probably get a
medal. I know I shall.
[They ride back to town.]
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44) AT HOME WITH DUTCH [WK43]
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[MacDougal stares into his microscope.]
Harold: Incredible. Simply incredible.
Marston: Hello, Professor.
Harold: Hello, sir! Mr. Marston, sir. Good day, good day. How are you?
Marston: Well, my family's health and wellbeing are being threatened by some
unscrupulous government agents and my own hard-won freedom is under
duress, but these problems aside, I suppose I'm fair.
Harold: Yes, the problems of civilizing nomads. Tell me, sir, are you of from
Norse stock?
Marston: Not as far as I know. I was raised in an orphanage. My father was
Scottish.
Harold: Unfortunate. You'd make an interesting case for my theory of natural
population characteristics.
Marston: Really?
Harold: Why yes, a white man obviously, but, but, but with a savage spirit.
Trust me, sir, I mean savage in the best possible sense. Natural
nobility, but also simple. Pure. I've been looking at some blood
samples through my microscope and you know what?
Marston: No.
Harold: Ah, well of course you don't. It's a remarkable breakthrough. I've been
looking at the blood of both natives and white men of corresponding
height, weight, and age and you know what?
Marston: Again, no.
Harold: They're exactly the same! It's remarkable. It completely refutes my
last book, but I'll tell you what, sir, this sabbatical in the field
may have been somewhat forced upon me by circumstance, but my
scholarship has benefitted enormously! Would you, like to partake of a
syringe of cocaine? I've quite enough for two.
Marston: Not right this minute, no.
Harold: It's a remarkable drug. It entirely restores the ego. Takes one back to
a primal state. Helps my thinking enormously. Oh, Nastas! Come on. Come
in, sir. (enunciating) Would you like to take off your slippers? Or
skin a rabbit? I know we cannot see the stars, but still my heart is
pure, and we meet as equals! (to Marston) These savages must be spoken
to simply in metaphors.
Nastas: No, sir. I grew up on a reservation and attended school.
Harold: Oh. Lovely.
Nastas: But I can show you what you want to see. I know where the group of
bandits you seek are hiding. Both of you.
Marston: Van der Linde has attracted a following of young men on the
reservation. They are turning to bad things.
Harold: The savage heart cannot be conventionally civilized! I was right all
along!
Marston: Where is Dutch van der Linde based?
Nastas: In the hills in Cochinay. Let's go. I know a way there that is not
guarded.
Harold: Marvellous. Simply marvellous. Time to do our bit for humanity, Mr.
Marston.
Nastas: Come. Let's hurry. Stay close.
[They get on their horses.]
Harold: So I understand we have a mutual interest in Mr. Van der Linde?
Marston: You gonna kill him too?
Harold: Kill him? Good God, no. What is it with your people out here? No, Van
der Linde fascinates me. A white man living among natives. A civilized
mind turned savage. It's 'reverse integration'...or 'regressive
acculturation'... I don't know, I haven't found a name I like yet.
Marston: He was never that civilized.
Harold: Ah, but of course! Edgar Ross mentioned your unique history with the
man, although I was away with the fairies at the time, I must admit.
Surfing great waves of euphoria. Well anyway, yes, some kind of Robin
Hood-Oedipus-communist tale of naivety and betrayal, if I remember
correctly?
Marston: We ran in a gang together, Professor. I wouldn't try to read too much
into it.
Harold: It's my job to read too much into everything, dear boy.
[They arrive at Tall Trees.]
Harold: These trees are quite forboding, Nastas. A-A-A-Are you sure this is the
right way?
Nastas: Yes, sir.
Harold: It's rather dark.
Marston: Ain't you never seen trees before? I thought you were a brave cultural
explorer.
Harold: Good lord, no. I rarely leave my room. I explore with the mind, Mr.
Marston.
Nastas: Enjoy it while you still can. Soon you will have cut down all of these
trees.
Harold: Me? Or are you making a sweeping statement about the white man in
general?
Nastas: There is no respect for the land anymore.
Harold: I'm sensing some hostility, Nastas. Some anger. Talk me through this
primal emotion, where it's coming from.
Nastas: Don't worry about it, Professor.
[They arrive at the place.]
Nastas: Here's the cliffs. We'll leave the horses here and climb the rest of
the way.
Harold: Remarkable...I'm afraid I don't really have much of a head for heights.
More of a head for highs...well, well anyway. I'm sure Nastas will help
you. I must be on my way. I've got work to do.
Marston: Thanks for the help.
Harold: Goodbye, gentlemen. Enjoy yourselves.
[MacDougal rides back to Blackwater.]
Nastas: Come on. I see a spot where we can climb up.
[They ascend the cliff. At a gate, the scaffold breaks, leaving Marston below.]
Nastas: See if you can find another route, Mr. Marston. I will have a look
around.
[They regroup.]
Nastas: I think there is a path through this cave. Yes, look at this. A mine
shaft. This way.
[A miner jumps out of the woodwork and is killed by Nastas. They escape the
cave before a cart full of dynamite blows 'em up.]
Nastas: I'm hurt pretty bad.
Marston: I don't think you should go any further.
Nastas: I'll be fine, but you go ahead. I don't want to slow you down.
Marston: Are you sure you're alright?
Nastas: Just need to take it slow. Go on. I'll catch up, or see you on the way
down.
[Marston climbs up, kills a scout, and steals his binoculars to spy on Dutch.
But Dutch gets the better of him, shooting the binocs and knocking him
unconscious in the fall backwards. He wakes up back in Blackwater.]
Harold: Mr. Marston. Mr. Marston. Mr. Marston. Here you go, Mr. Marston.
[He pushes the smelling salts away.]
Marston: Put that stuff away.
Harold: You banged your head. Nastas and I carried you down.
Nastas: (grumbles)
Harold: Well, Nastas heard the shots and he hurried up to rescue you, and he
carried you down. I improvised an escape plan. I'm more of a planner
than a man of action.
Marston: Thank you, gentlemen.
Nastas: Friends of mine are with Van der Linde.
Harold: We must try to reason with them, sir. Van der Linde's gang contains
several natives. We must meet with them and try to save them from
disaster.
Nastas: My people have already endured many disasters. Before, this was all our
land.
Harold: And now we have brought you civilization. Well sure it hasn't been
easy, but it hasn't been easy for anyone, Nastas. Why, I knew a man in
Yale whose father once shot 18 natives in one afternoon out in Wyoming.
The man was quite, quite traumatized. He took to lying with choirboys.
Nastas: For a wise man, you are a very stupid man, mister.
Marston: Gentlemen, I'm going to leave you to figure out right from wrong.
Harold: You are simple-minded, sir. Thus, I do not blame you for not
understanding reason... (timidly, as Nastas approaches) Then again...
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45) FOR PURELY SCIENTIFIC PURPOSES [WK45]
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[John comes in to see Harold on a cocaine trip.]
Harold: Mr. Marston, sir, it's good to see you, old bean, good to see you.
Marston: And you too, Professor.
Harold: Forgive me, I am in a state of remarkable agitation. Partly due to
standard narcotic impulses but also due to the fact that I have finally
solved the riddle that has tormented my mind these past 8 years.
Marston: What's that?
Harold: The nature of the savage soul! What makes some societies great, like
ours, and others...not worse -- I would never use a pejorative such as
worse -- but, but, but, but lesser!
Marston: Meaning?
Harold: Meaning: what makes these beings less human than us! Closer to beast
on the continuum between animal and god! You know. I argued with
Fortisque at Yale about this. It caused a minor scandal, but, I shall
be proven right, sir. I shall. Mark my words! I shall show them all
what civilization is all about. The redskins and the nobs at Yale!
Come, sir! I have a way to sate both our desires. I will bring you
Dutch van der Linde; and me, the evidence of savages reverting to type!
Come, sir!
[They go outside.]
Harold: Where the devil is Nastas? He should be here with the horses. Where is
he? Where is he? My heart's beating like a drum.
Marston: Try to calm down, Professor.
Harold: Calm down? I-I've never been so excited in all my life!
Nastas: Hello, professor. Mr. Marston.
[They all ride out of Blackwater.]
Harold: This is it! Years of research!
Marston: What were you talking about back there? Where we goin'?
Harold: Nastas has set up a meeting. A pow-wow, I think they call it. A meeting
of minds. Of souls! Indians and whites, academics and criminals, coming
together to find a common understanding!
Marston: Nastas, this fool's makin' no sense.
Nastas: Some of Van der Linde's men have agreed to meet with Professor
MacDougal up at Bearclaw cabin.
Marston: Why the hell would they want to do that?
Nastas: I think they are interested to find out what conclusions a white man
has reached on hundreds of years of culture and society from the
comfort of his hotel room.
Harold: Wonderful! Do you think I could ask for a skin sample from the soles of
their feet?
Nastas: I don't think that's a good idea.
Harold: I'm actually a little nervous, I have to say. A touch of the old
jitters.
Marston: No kiddin'.
Harold: It's no small relief to have the two of you along with me. Especially
you, Nastas. It's a bear! For the love of God! kill it!
[He starts shooting at it.]
Nastas: Are you crazy? What's wrong with you?
[They're forced to kill the enraged bear in self-defense.]
Harold: My god, that was terrifying. I say we leave before any of its friends
turn up.
Nastas: Here we are.
[They arrive at Bearclaw Camp and head for the cabin.]
Harold: Hello, gentlemen. We come in peace!
Indian: Those words mean nothing coming from people like you. Look at what you
have done to us, look at us! We live like animals, scrambling in the
dirt.
Harold: Well I...I...violence isn't the answer.
Indian: Maybe you live in a different America than we.
Harold: Men like Van Der Linde, will lead you disaster.
Indian: I think we've already experienced disaster. The likes which you could
only imagine. Put your hands up!
Harold: We come in peace! (whispering) Do as he says, Marston!
Marston: You call this a meeting?
Indian 2: Give me your damn weaponry!
Nastas: This is not what we agreed.
Indian: You shut your mouth, you treacherous snake.
[He shoots Nastas in the face.]
Marston: Holy shit... Damn you, Dutch!
[John kills the gangmembers.]
Marston: Professor, get down, now!
Harold: They killed Nastas! This is a nightmare! Do something, quick!
Marston: Just keep your head down!
Harold: Whatever you do, please don't leave me in here! I think I've had about
enough field work for today. Time to return home, sir.
Marston: Right, let's go now while we got the chance.
Harold: Yes, let's get out of this hellhole and back to civilization.
[They mount up and hit the trail.]
Harold: My god. I feel terrible. My head is pounding.
Marston: Gettin' shot at'll do that to you.
Harold: I'm completely drained. It's like my body has aged ten years.
Marston: Stop moanin' and ride. You're alive, ain't you?
Harold: I must say...cocaine can be a cruel mistress! It induces the most
remarkable clarity and vigor, but the aftereffects are truly punishing.
Oh my God, they're back! Do something, Marston!
[They take 'em out.]
Harold: Well I guess this completes my research! Finished, done, complete. Ship
the book with one sentence: "The savage mind cannot be civilized!"
Marston: We got ambushed by Dutch's gang. It's a little too soon to be drawing
conclusions about an entire people.
Harold: This can't be happening! Not again!
[They take out more bandits and return home.]
Harold: Safe and sound. Thank the Lord.
Marston: So much for a meeting of minds.
Harold: Thank you, Mr. Marston. I could be boiling in a pot right now, if it
wasn't for you.
Marston: Get some rest, professor.
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46) THE PRODIGAL SON RETURNS (TO YALE) [WK46]
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Marston: Professor.
Harold: Oh, it's you, dear boy. Come in. Come in. And shut the door.
Marston: What's going on? You leaving?
Harold: Yes, sir. Yes I am, sir. You know, you know the thing, the thing that
is vital without which scholarship cannot proceed, sir?
Marston: No, I don't.
Harold: Not having a bullet in your flipping neck, sir. I'm not cut out for
this. No, not cut out for this at all.
Marston: (laughing) Nope.
Harold: They're fucking savages! Savages!
Marston: I think we all are.
Harold: Not me, sir. I'm from Connecticut. I'm a professor at Yale! I write
books! I do not deserve to die out here! Where's my tincture? Oh yes.
[He mainlines some of that sweet, sweet coke to calm down.]
Marston: You okay, Professor?
Harold: Dandy, sir. Just dandy. (hears gunshot) Oh heavens above!
Dutch: Is that you, John?
Marston: Hello, Dutch.
Dutch: I think that's what they call, two for the price of one out here in this
wonderful place!
Marston: Maybe so, Dutch.
Dutch: You and your friend there the professor... We're gonna kill the both of
ya.
Marston: Why you want to do a thing like that?
Dutch: I don't know, sport, I guess.
Marston: Fair enough. Why don't I come out there, we fight. Let the professor
go and send your boys back to their families?
Dutch: Well that, that sounds like a beautiful plan, John. Only problem is, my
boys here, they already lost their families a long time ago. We aren't
thieves, John, we're fighting for something. A bit like you, only we're
fighting for an idea, not just for ourselves.
Marston: That's beautiful, Dutch. You always were a fine speaker.
Dutch: I was. Now, would you kindly send that academic out here, so we can show
him what we really think about the of anthropology?
Harold: Please, sir, what are you going to do?
Marston: I'm going to hand you over to them and watch them tear you limb from
limb.
Harold: What?
Marston: I'm just kidding. We're going to run across the rooftops, get you
back to your ivory tower.
Harold: Oh! Thank you, sir, thank you, sir.
Marston: Don't thank me, we're still here. Come on.
[They run next door where a couple's having foreplay.]
Harold: Good day, sir...madam.
Man: Look here, sir, what's the meaning of this...this outrage?
Marston: You two stay down and shut up.
Harold: Come on, we can get to the roof this way.
[They get to the roof.]
Harold: John! Help me, John!
Outlaw: (with Harold hostage) One more move and he's a dead man!
Harold: (after captor dies) My god, you took your sweet time! What'll we do
now? They got us pinned down from both sides!
[Marston takes 'em out.]
Marston: I think that's most of 'em. The coast looks clear.
Harold: Come on, then, let's make a break for it!
[They mount up.]
Harold: This really couldn't have gone more horribly wrong.
Marston: At least you got some good material for your next book.
Harold: You know, I dreamt of documenting the last days of the Old West. The
romance, the honor, the nobility! But it turns out it's just people
killing each other.
Marston: It always was, Professor. And the old West ain't quite dead yet.
Harold: Oh I know, Mr. Marston. Believe me, I know.
[They make it to the station.]
Harold: My research is complete; much as I thought, there's no civilizing this
savage land.
Marston: I could have told you that for nothing.
Harold: Ah, but they'll give me a prize in New Haven for this. Well, they
bloody better. Well...goodbye, Mr. Marston. (hugging) Best of luck,
dear friend.
Marston: So long, Professor.
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47) AND YOU WILL KNOW THE TRUTH [WK47]
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[Marston visits the lawmen's office again. They're getting guns ready.]
Ross: What do you want, Marston?
Marston: My family. I've done what you asked.
Ross: No you haven't. This is the land of opportunity and I gave you the
opportunity to save your family and you failed. How could I possibly
reward you?
Archer: Marston, you're a public menace. We should've had you killed.
Marston: I wish you had, but since you didn't, where's my family?
Ross: Oh spare me the noble savage fall on my sword tripe, already. It's
nauseating. You don't wish to be dead. You're an insignificant creature,
desperately clinging onto life like the rest of the scum in this town.
Yeah, I know it's tough. You like Dutch. He's a charming fellow. He makes
sense. He's like one of those nature writers from back East. Only he gets
things a tiny little step too far. Rather than just loving the flowers
and the animals and the harmony between man and beast, he shoots people
in the head for money. And disagreeing with him.
Archer: He's a goddamn killer.
Ross: Now, I'm not a great intellect, but the metaphysical leap from admiring
the flower to shooting a man in the head because he doesn't like the
flower, is a leap too far. So...I know it's easy. You see we -- me and
Archer -- we're the bad guys. We enforce the rules. Now, while the rules
may not be perfect, they're really not so bad.
Archer: Exactly, what's the alternative?
Ross: Yeah, see I'll tell you what the alternative is. It's not complicated.
It's about one man and his gun versus another man. Sure, civilization may
be dull, but the alternative, Mr. Marston, is hell.
Marston: And, the way you enforce this civilization, this freedom for men to
like or not like flowers or whatever in God's name you were just
talking about, is to kidnap a man's wife and son?
Ross: Well, I know there's contradictions. I'm not going to lie to you. As I
said, I'm not a great intellect. Now, after the debacle with the army and
the bank, we have to put Mr. Van der Linde to rest ourselves. Will you
help us?
Marston: Do I have any choice?
Ross: Now that you mention it, no.
Marston: Then, what was that pretty speech in aid of?
Ross: I don't rightly know, but it sure felt good saying it.
Archer: Shall we, Mr. Marston?
Ross: Let's go.
[They go outside to a vehicle with a gatling gun emplacement.]
Ross: Now keep your finger off the trigger until we get out of Blackwater.
Marston: This killin' machine of yours seems to be turnin' a few heads.
Archer: Our armed forces have no equal. We have made incredible progress the
past few years.
Marston: Is that what you call it?
Archer: And this isn't much more than a simple prototype. You should see what
they're working on in Virginia. Soon there will be no war we can't win.
Ross: The army has made camp a little way outside town. They put word out a
large cache of ammunition and food is stored there.
Archer: Van der Linde's gang need constant supplies, so that should be enough
to draw them in.
Ross: No mistakes this time. You hear me, Marston?
Marston: I thought you were talkin' to Fordham.
[They arrive at the camp.]
Soldier: Here they come! Look, they brought the machine gun!
Ross: What's the word, Captain?
Captain: We spotted one of Dutch's men about an hour ago. I think he took the
bait.
Ross: Let's get in position then. Have your men ready to run him down if you
have to. Are you ready to finish this, Mr. Marston?
Marston: I guess so.
Ross: Keep your eyes peeled. Targets on the horizon! Fire at will!
[Marston guns most down.]
Archer: Look, they're running! Move out, don't let them get away! Christ! This
thing's a lot bumpier off the road.
Ross: It's going to be a mess if we have to follow them into the woods! Can't
you hold this thing steady, Fordham?
Archer: I'm trying my best, sir!
Ross: Get those men behind the rocks!
Archer: That wagon's out of control. It's coming straight at our cavalry!
[The wagon's blown up. A gangmember overturns the vehicle with an explosion,
too, ensuring the rest of the gang's escape.]
Ross: Well, Mr. Marston, it seems like your mentor, Dutch, no longer looks
quite so kindly to his student.
Archer: That man is insane.
Marston: So it seems.
Captain: I think we need to get him before sundown.
Ross: As you say, Captain. Otherwise, he'll be gone again.
Marston: And what if I say no?
Ross: Well, before I shoot you myself, let me just point out the obvious. The
one person we have left who can appeal to Mr. Van der Linde is the last
person we know who knows him. Your wife.
Marston: That won't be necessary. Mr. Ross, Captain, let's go.
[They start riding to Cochinay.]
Ross: I can't believe Van der Linde has built himself a fortress in the
mountains.
Marston: He's crazy, but he certainly ain't stupid.
Ross: And you've already seen that place, right? MacDougal told me you went up
there with that Indian chap.
Marston: I've seen it alright. We'll be lucky to last five minutes with this
many men.
Ross: Governor Johns is going to be very pleased.
Marston: Nate Johns? What's he got to do with any of this?
Ross: Let's just say he has a vested interest in cleaning the filth out of this
region. I don't think our old friend Dutch realizes what a great favor he
has done us.
Captain: So you're the one who's going to kill him?
Marston: Dutch? Yep, that's what they keep tellin' me. But, if you feel like
doin' it, please be my guest.
Captain: This is suicide, if you ask me. My scouts have seen that fort of his.
I wanted to wait for more men, but them city boys back there weren't
havin' none of it.
Marston: And you answer to them?
Captain: Unfortunately, it seems that now we do. They said you was in a gang
with this Dutch van der Linde.
Marston: I was once. A long time ago.
Captain: Don't seem like the kinda fella you'd want to run with. Unless I
completely misjudged your character, of course.
Marston: When he turned crazy, I left. At least I tried to leave, 'til those
suits back there came a-knockin'. Threatened to kill my wife and son
if I didn't go after him.
Captain: Strange times we live in, partner, strange times. It's a funny
business. Army, government men...criminals. With all due respect.
Marston: You're tellin' me.
Captain: Too many hands on the tiller, if you ask me. This is how mistakes
happen. My boys don't know who's givin' orders no more.
Marston: Take it from me, mister. When we get up there, it ain't gonna matter.
It'll be every man for himself.
Archer: See, this is what happens when you fraternize with savages. How could
you ever follow a man like that?
Marston: How could you ever follow a man like Ross?
Archer: Van der Linde is a psychopath. A murderer and a rapist.
Marston: Ross don't seem too different. Dutch was a good man once, a far better
man than you.
Archer: So, what made him this way?
Marston: I don't know. Bastards like you. Seein' that things never change.
Archer: I hope you're ready to finish this mess.
Marston: Anything to get you sons-of-bitches off my back.
Archer: There's always somebody watching, Mr. Marston. I thought you'd have
gleaned that much by now.
Marston: You think you're so clever, don't you?
Archer: No, it's you who thought you were clever. You thought you could just
walk away from your old life. Make no mistake, we have been watching.
Marston: Don't speak to me.
Ross: You're really an ungrateful slug, Marston. Instead of punishing you for
your crimes, we are giving you a chance to kill the men who betrayed you.
Marston: You didn't have to punish my wife, too. When will this be over?
Archer: It's you who's been dragging it out, not us. We sent you to Fort
Mercer with the simple task of killing Bill Williamson. Next thing you
know, you're running all over Mexico like a headless chicken.
Marston: And now it's Dutch.
Archer: He's the last one of your merry band, is he not? Then you can go back
to your farm, or what's left of it. If need be, you can always send
your wife out to work. I hear she works hard.
Marston: Go to hell.
Ross: This old gang of yours just won't die easily, will it? I wonder how many
deaths you are all responsible for? How much money you took from pockets
of hard-working citizens?
Marston: We did more for the people with the money we took than the damn
government ever did.
Ross: Good God, this flawed philosophy of yours again. If you wish to argue the
finer points of ethics, I suggest you learn to read first.
Marston: And I suggest you learn how to shoot people in the front, not the
back.
[They come to Cochinay's massive wooden gate.]
Captain: You, blow that gate open! Move, soldier!
Soldier: Go! Get down!
[They blow the gate off.]
Captain: Forward! Move in!
Archer: It's time to kill these motherless bastards!
[They kill the enemies at the gate.]
Captain: Push forward! Let's go, men! Move into the village!
[They come to another gate.]
Captain: Right, Marston. We'll take two men with us. The rest will stay here
and take care of the wounded. They'll plant charges at the gate. You
and I will provide the cover fire. This is it men. Let's get that gate
down. Take cover, men! Here it comes!
[They reach the inner sanctum of the fort.]
Marston: You tend to the wounded. I got to face Dutch alone.
[Marston fights Dutch at the valley's end.]
Dutch: Looks like it's me and you, John. You should have stayed at home.
Working for the government, John. After all I taught you. I'm ashamed.
Marston: I don't have a choice.
Dutch: There's always a choice! You're just too blind to see.
Marston: They got my family.
Dutch: Your family? Abigail was any man's wife, John. And Jack, he's another
whore's son, just like you. You're weak. You always were. You never had
the stomach for this.
Marston: For what? You got no idea what you're killin' for.
Dutch: You never could see what I see, John. You were too scared. You'll never
get me to surrender! You better kill me, John!
Marston: If that's how it's gotta be.
Dutch: Well come on and get it then. Come closer! I got a surprise for you!
Marston: There's no more surprises. It ends here! So this is it? Your savage
utopia, up here in the mountains?
Dutch: You wouldn't understand.
Marston: It's all in your head, Dutch. That's what drove you insane. What have
you done? Apart from murder people. What have you changed, Dutch?
Dutch: More than you'll ever know.
Marston: Give it up! You're trapped up here. Army's got this place surrounded!
Dutch: Ha! You always were a bad liar, John!
[Marston shoots the oil lantern by Dutch, catching the walkway on fire.]
Dutch: Son-of-a-bitch! Goddamnit! You'll never take me alive, John!
[Marston chases him through the tunnels and walkways.]
Dutch: It's over, John!
Marston: I ain't leaving here without you!
Dutch: You're just like me, John. You can't change who you are.
Marston: I ain't like you.
Dutch: You can't erase the past, John. Killin' me, it won't make it go away.
Marston: That's where you're wrong.
[Dutch exits to a dead-end summit ledge.]
Dutch: Hello again, John.
Marston: Hello, Dutch.
Dutch: We gotta stop meeting like this!
Marston: Sure!
Dutch: I've got a plan, John.
Marston: You've always got a plan, Dutch.
Dutch: This is a good one.
[He throws down his gun.]
Marston: I don't doubt it.
Dutch: We can't always fight nature, John. We can't fight change. We can't
fight gravity. We can't fight nothing. My whole life, all I ever did
was fight.
Marston: Then give up, Dutch.
Dutch: But I can't give up, neither. I can't fight my own nature. That's the
paradox, John. You see?
Marston: Then I have to shoot you.
Dutch: When I'm gone, they'll just find another monster. They have to, because
they have to justify their wages.
Marston: That's their business.
Dutch: Our time is passed, John.
[He falls backwards, plummeting to his death. John goes to check the body.]
Ross: So, at the end, you didn't have the guts to shoot him?
Marston: The man's dead, Ross.
Ross: Sure. Can I see your gun?
[He shoots the corpse.]
Ross: Oh trust me, it looks better in the report that way.
Marston: Where's my family?
Ross: Your wife was killed in a prison riot last week.
[Marston points his gun at him.]
Ross: I'm only joking, dear boy. They were sent back to that scrabble ranch of
yours in Beecher's Hope. They're quite safe and sound.
Marston: They better be.
Archer: Thank you, Mr. Marston, for everything. I know this wasn't easy for
you, but I have to say, you've done your country proud.
Ross: Yeah, exactly. See you around. Try to stay out of trouble. Come on,
Archer, let's go find somebody else we can annoy.
[Marston rides home to Beecher's Hope to see his family.]
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48) THE OUTLAW'S RETURN [WK48]
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[John walks into his yard for the first time in a long while.]
Marston: Abigail! Jack! Anyone here? Anyone home?
[His wife comes out.]
Marston: Oh darling, I never thought I'd see this day again.
[She starts hitting him.]
Abigail: You no-good, hillbilly, piece of shit! I thought you was dead. I
thought you was dead, John. Huh! Where you been? Where you been?
Marston: You know where I've been, darling. You know.
Abigail: You saw Dutch, didn't you?
Marston: Yeah I saw him.
Abigail: And Bill?
Marston: Yeah, I saw him, too.
Abigail: And you didn't go back to 'em?
Marston: I left that life, just as you left yours. How did they treat you?
Abigail: I can take care of myself, John. One guard got funny on me one time,
but I wasn't so ladylike and he didn't try it again, nor no one else.
Marston: How's the boy?
Abigail: Like you, and like me. Well, he's like a kid growing up without a
father.
Marston: That ain't fair.
Abigail: What is fair?
Marston: Well, some trees flourish, others die. Some cattle grow strong, others
are taken by wolves. Some men are born rich enough and dumb enough to
enjoy their lives. Ain't nothing fair. You know that.
Abigail: We tried to change. I mean, ain't that what you're supposed to do?
Marston: We did change and it's over now.
[They embrace. Jack comes over.]
Marston: Jack! Jack, come here, boy.
Jack: Hello, sir.
Marston: Come here.
[He hugs John, too.]
Marston: How you been?
Jack: Coyotes ate all the chickens and, poachers took the cattle. I tried,
father, I tried.
Marston: I know you did, son. I know.
Uncle: And don't you go blaming me, boy. Don't you go blaming me.
Marston: I ain't blaming no one, old man. But since you're still alive, there's
four mouths to feed, and no cattle.
Uncle: That's a nice way to greet somebody. Why don't I gets a warm and tender
embrace?
Marston: Consider the fact that I ain't put a bullet in you your embrace, old
man. You were supposed to look after the place.
Uncle: I did...I did my best. Thing is, there was too many of 'em... I thought
you was dead... I wasn't drinking...
Marston: Hold your excuses until you've figured out which one to use. Jack, go
get you bags packed, boy. We've got work to do. We leave in the
morning. Go on.
Jack: Yes, sir.
Abigail: Where are you going?
Marston: Well, it's getting kind of dark now, but in the morning we've got to
go get ourselves some more cattle. I've got friends in MacFarlane's
Ranch, it's over in Hennigan's Stead, who can sell us some. Now,
Abigail, I hope you've learned to cook.
Abigail: Yes, didn't I say, rather than some prison, they actually kept me
incarcerated in a cooking school for young ladies.
[The next morning, father and son saddle up.]
Marston: Are you ready? Let's haul out. How you feelin', Jack?
Jack: I'm feeling fine, sir.
Marston: We got a decent ride ahead of us.
Jack: I've never been to Hennigan's Stead. How do you know these ranchers?
Marston: I met them while I was away. The MacFarlanes are good people. We need
folks we can trust right now.
Jack: Met them how?
Marston: I was sick, and they looked after me.
Jack: Sick how?
Marston: You sure got a lot of questions.
Jack: I don't often get a chance to ask them. Was it a gentleman's complaint?
What do they call it, the morning drip?
Marston: Good god, boy. No! Where do you learn these things?
Jack: Uncle told me about it.
Marston: Well he'd know, the dirty old fool. No, I just got weak for a while.
Acted foolishly. Got into trouble. Guess I was a little out of
practice.
Jack: Hey Pa.
Marston: What?
Jack: Where were you all that time? Where did you go?
Marston: What'd your mother tell you?
Jack: She said it was some kind of important government business.
Marston: That's about right. Some people thought I owed them some favors.
Jack: Why did they take us away?
Marston: They thought it wasn't safe for you here by yourselves. Those men harm
you?
Jack: Ah no, they were okay. Some of them even told me stories. I think I'd
like to be a government man someday, or-or a politician.
Marston: I'd rather you chose an honest profession.
Jack: Like you, you mean?
Marston: I know I ain't been the best father, Jack. I made some bad choices.
But all that...that life...it's over now.
Jack: Pa, was it something to do with Mr. Dutch and Bill? Why you went away?
Marston: Who told you that?
Jack: I kept hearing people say their names, that's all.
Marston: Yeah, I caught up with Bill and Dutch. We had some old business needed
settling.
Jack: Where are they now?
Marston: They're gone, son. We won't be seein' them again.
Jack: They were angry at you, weren't they? That's why we had to leave.
Marston: They was just good men who turned bad. I'll explain it to you one day.
Jack: And what does that make you?
Marston: I guess I'm a-a bad man who tried to be a good father, I don't know.
Every man has the right to change, a chance at forgiveness. Ain't
that what the good book says?
Jack: You've never read me the good book, sir.
Marston: Well, I imagine that's what it says. So, you ready to learn about
herdin' cattle?
Jack: I've never seen you herd anything, Pa. Apart from the odd pack of drunks.
Marston: The MacFarlanes were good to me, and I helped them out in return. I
learned a few things along the way. Wait till you see their ranch;
it's what ours'll be someday.
Jack: I read in the newspaper that ranching's dead. Soon it will all be
factories and businesses around here.
Marston: You shouldn't believe everythin' you read.
Jack: I was thinking maybe I might be a businessman.
Marston: I thought you wanted to be a writer.
Jack: Well I could be both. A rich industrialist who writes novels about the
Old West on the side.
Marston: You can be whatever you want, son, but for now let's concentrate on
gettin' some food on the table. Unless you're plannin' on strikin'
literary gold in the next day or two, that is. We shouldn't talk now,
Jack. We don't want to waste all our breath before we even get there.
There's the ranch. C'mon, let's see if we can find Mr. MacFarlane.
[They pull into the ranch.]
Drew: John Marston! Now, there's a face I thought I'd never see again. Now,
have our public servants in Blackwater sent you back on another homicidal
errand to protect and save us from Lord only knows what?
Marston: Thankfully not, sir. I was hoping you might still be able to sell me
some cattle.
Drew: My boy, it would be a pleasure. Bonnie's out at the corral now. She'll
be more than happy to help you.
Marston: Take care now, Mr. MacFarlane. Good luck.
[They visit the corral.]
Marston: Alright, Jack. You're going to have an important job. I want you to
lead the herd, while I drive them from the back. Keep us all movin' in
the right direction.
Jack: Sure, Pa. I can do that no problem.
Bonnie: Good Lord, do my eyes deceive me? A devil walks among us.
Marston: I said I'd be back when this was all over, Miss MacFarlane. After the
barn fire, you remember?
Bonnie: Of course I remember, I just didn't believe a word of it. So, you've
come for some cattle?
Marston: Yeah. I'm finally starting up my farm again. Or...trying to, at least.
Bonnie: You'll be fine. You've been taught well. Come on then.
Marston: Jack, keep 'em headed towards the river.
Bonnie: I'll ride with you until you get them off the ranch.
Drew: Good luck, John! Come back and see us sometime.
Bonnie: So, what happened? Last I heard you headed for some exotic escapade in
Mexico.
Marston: It's a long story. Too long to tell without a drink in my hand.
Bonnie: So, is this your boy?
Marston: Yeah. Say hello to Miss MacFarlane, Jack.
Jack: Hello.
Marston: The arrogance of youth. He gets a little fur on his lip and he thinks
he knows best all of a sudden.
Bonnie: Ahuh. Must take after his father.
Bonnie: How's your wife?
Marston: She's well, I think. We haven't had much time to talk yet.
Bonnie: Well, I'm glad you're back together again.
Marston: It's gonna take some time. We've all been through a lot. How's the
ranch?
Bonnie: We're surviving. But it hasn't gotten any easier.
Marston: If you're still struggling, there's not much hope for me.
Bonnie: Looks like you got 'em under control. I'd best get back to Pa.
Marston: Nice to see you again, Miss MacFarlane. And thanks for everything.
Bonnie: Call me Bonnie, you dolt!
[She turns back.]
Marston: Alright, Jack! Let's get them through the river. You're doing a good
job, son. Just lead them straight up the hill towards home.
Jack: Will do, Pa.
Marston: Wait! Slow down! They look like rustlers! Stay back, son. I'll hold
them off. (after slaying them) I think that's all of them. Jack, wait
there! I'm comin'. You alright? You're not hurt are you?
Jack: No, I'm fine-I'm fine. I-I wasn't scared. Honest.
Marston: Sorry you had to see that, son. Those men won't be stealin' from
anybody else. Jack, head left up the road towards home.
Jack: I know where I'm going, Pa!
[They get back to the ranch.]
Marston: Alright, now lead them into the pen. Nice work, son.
Jack: We made it!
Marston: You did real good out there. Go on. Hitch your horse and wait for me
by the stable.
[They dismount.]
Marston: You did a good job, son. Nice shooting.
Jack: Thanks, Pa.
Marston: Make a rancher out of you yet.
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49) PESTILENCE [WK49]
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[Abigail's in the kitchen.]
Marston: What you cooking?
Abigail: The same thing I've been cooking the past 15 years with the hope of
poisoning you.
Marston: Ain't working so well.
Abigail: Not yet.
Marston: Be honest thought, it tastes bad enough to kill a man.
Abigail: I never was much of a cook, but I did try to be a good wife.
Marston: And you have been.
Abigail: Given what we was and where we came from, I think we've gone and done
okay. I look at Jack...I look at him and, I think we've been blessed.
Maybe he can be something more.
Marston: He's a good kid. He can be whatever he wants to be. He ain't going to
be no frontier gunslinger, killing and running in no gang though. That
way's over. Railroads and government and motorcars and everything gone
and done away with all that.
Abigail: And he ain't gonna marry no orphaned working girl running with a bunch
of hucksters, neither.
Marston: If he meets one like you, I hope he'll marry her.
Abigail: Stop. For an illiterate gunslinger, you sure know how to make a girl
blush.
[She looks out the window.]
Abigail: Goddamn crows! John, you have got to go deal with them. They've broken
into the silo again, and are eating all the corn out from it.
Marston: (tasting soup) Of course, my angel.
Abigail: Get out of there!
Marston: Alright, alright.
Abigail: Go on! Skat!
[John slays the birds.]
Marston: Finally. Now about that stew.
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50) OLD FRIENDS, NEW PROBLEMS [WK50]
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[Abby walks out the house.]
Abigail: John, we got a telegram from some lady friend of yours. A Bonnie
something or other. Something you ain't telling me?
Marston: Bonnie MacFarlane. She's a friend. Saved my life when I went after
Bill and nearly got myself killed again.
Abigail: Oh, and now you two's are in the habit of sending each other letters?
How very nice.
Marston: It weren't nothing like that. What's it say?
Abigail: I don't know. I can't...well you know I can't read.
Marston: Give it here.
Abigail: You read that thing out loud.
Marston: I ain't hiding nothing. "Dear Mr. Marston STOP. Need corn sacks STOP.
Emergency STOP. Weevils and moths ate entire county supply STOP. Can
you help?" Not exactly the most romantic request now, is it?
Abigail: I guess not, and she saved your life you say?
Marston: Yes, ma'am.
Abigail: Well, then you're going to have to go and help her and her family out.
We've got a plentiful supply of corn sacks over near the silo. 'Bout
the one thing Uncle didn't manage to have stolen while we was gone.
Marston: Okay.
Abigail: Hurry back, John...and John, what's she like?
Marston: Well, you know...a little bit like you, I guess. She's a woman in a
man's world.
[John loads up.]
Abigail: John! Wait! I changed my mind -- I'm comin' with you. Well, come on.
Let's get goin'. I don't think I can let you go off again without me.
Marston: Fair enough. I'm glad of the company, you only had to ask.
Abigail: Ask? I was waitin' for you to ask me.
Marston: I thought you'd want to keep an eye on the boy.
Abigail: Oh, while you were off cavortin' with cowgirls in the next county? I
don't think so, John Marston. You only just got home. That Jack has
seen enough of me for a lifetime. So, is she married, this Bonnie
MacFarlane.
Marston: No.
Abigail: What does she look like?
Marston: I don't know. Pretty normal, I guess.
Abigail: Normal? What normal like me?
Marston: What? No. Normal as in two eyes, a mouth, nose, that kind of normal.
Besides, ain't no woman fine as you.
Abigail: A little flattery. Now we're finally gettin' somewhere.
Marston: If you find yourself in a whole, the first thing to do is stop
diggin'.
Abigail: Another pearl of wisdom from John Marston. I sure do miss those.
Marston: I never took you for the jealous type, Abigail.
Abigail: I ain't jealous so much as curious.
Marston: You heard what she wrote. It's just some corn. She saved my life, and
she was decent enough to me, so I owe her this much at least.
Abigail: How did she save your life, anyway?
Marston: She found me half-dead on the side of the road and took me to the
doctor. Most folks would have left me there.
Abigail: Half-dead from what?
Marston: Bill didn't take so kindly to me visiting unannounced.
Abigail: Bill never did like surprises. How was he?
Marston: Same as he was when we left. Angry and dumb. Takin' his revenge out on
the world. People down there was really scared of him.
Abigail: Of Bill? You gotta be kidding me. He was only frightening if you was
afraid of dumb fools.
Marston: Bill weren't so bad, but when Dutch went crazy, Bill took it hard.
Abigail: For awhile we all thought we'd found somethin' right, a better way to
live, but it was just a lie. You saw it before they did.
Marston: Maybe. But they was still kind of a family.
Abigail: A family that left you for dead. You knew the truth, John, and they
hated you for it.
Marston: Where'd they take you?
Abigail: Who?
Marston: Those government bastards! Where did they take you and Jack?
Abigail: I ain't sure. They kept our eyes covered there and back. Can't have
been too far from here, though.
Marston: They treat you right?
Abigail: It ain't the first time I had a gun to my head, John. You're
forgettin' your marriage proposal.
Marston: Very funny.
Abigail: No, they learned pretty quick what would've happend if they had laid a
finger on me.
Marston: Sons-a-bitches.
Abigail: It wasn't them or bein' there. I didn't care about that. I've been in
far worse situations. It was the waitin'. I didn't know if you was
comin' back.
Marston: Of course I was comin' back.
Abigail: You were only supposed to be gone for a couple of days.
Marston: It took longer than I thought. The only thing Bill and Dutch was ever
any good at was not gettin' caught.
Abigail: I started thinkin' you'd gone back to them.
Marston: That life's over.
Abigail: I hope you're right.
Marston: Bill, Javier, Dutch. They're all dead. It don't get more over than
that.
[They finally arrive at the ranch.]
Bonnie: You came! Thank you so much. We lost the entire harvest.
Marston: Miss MacFarlane, I'd like you to meet my wife, Abigail.
Bonnie: Oh, ain't you quite the gentleman all of a sudden? It's a pleasure to
meet you, Mrs. Marston.
Abigail: Likewise. Thank you for savin' my husband's life. And for teachin' the
miserable old goat some manners...among other things.
Bonnie: I didn't teach him anything. I knew better than to try to change a man.
You should meet my father.
Abigail: Oh, people can change, Miss MacFarlane. John and I have to believe
that more than anybody.
Ranch Hand: This is a decent first harvest for you, John. You should be proud.
That's good land you got there.
Bonnie: How are you feeling, Mrs. Marston? From what your husband told me, it
must have been awful for you.
Abigail: I've been through worse. And I knew he'd be back before too long. He
can't cook a meal to save his life.
Marston: Abigail, in my darkest hours, when I was most homesick, just the
thought of one of your rat meat stews kept me pushing forward.
Abigail: Well, about as amusin' as a weepin' saddle sore, ain't he, Miss
MacFarlane? If you're gonna start yammerin' about women's work, John,
I'd say you might be in the wrong company.
Bonnie: I'd say so too.
Marston: I've never felt so outnumbered.
[Bonnie longingly watches the couple ride off back home. Amos walks by.]
Amos: Howdy, miss.
[She follows him into the store. John and Abby start off towards their stead.]
Abigail: So that was the famous Bonnie?
Marston: That was her alright.
Abigail: She's pretty.
Marston: She's normal, like I said.
Abigail: Well, you always wanted to be a rancher. I'd have thought she'd be
just your thing. The perfect rancher's wife, if I ever saw one.
Marston: I already got a rancher's wife.
Abigail: I'm only teasin'. I like her, and I'm glad she saved your life. Most
of the time, anyways.
Marston: The MacFarlanes are good people.
Abigail: She did blush redder than a shepherd's sunset when she saw you,
though.
Marston: I have that effect on women.
Abigail: You clearly had one too many blows to the head.
Marston: You ain't wrong about that, Mrs. Marston.
Abigail: That's quite a ranch they got there.
Marston: That'll be us someday. Soon as we get back on our feet.
Abigail: I don't know, John. How many times can we start again? An outlaw and
a workin' girl. We ain't exactly farmers.
Marston: We are now. Forget that life. It's over.
Abigail: Do you really believe that?
Marston: We have to. It's the only way we'll ever have a future.
Abigail: The life we led, that doesn't go away. It's never over. You think
those government men are just gonna leave us alone now?
Marston: The old gang's dead. I did what they asked.
Abigail: And that's it? A life of crime is forgiven?
Marston: We're back together, ain't we?
Abigail: Until they decide you owe them somethin' else.
Marston: Sometimes I think I was the stupid one for believin' I could get out.
Maybe Dutch, Bill and Javier were just bein' honest with themselves.
Abigail: You ain't perfect, John, and I sure ain't. But you're better than they
are...than they were.
Marston: Maybe we can't change, but we gotta try, for Jack's sake. Even if we
have to start again a hundred times, it's better than going back to
what we were. How is Jack doin'?
Abigail: Angry, upset. He's been through a lot.
Marston: I hope he's gonna be alright.
Abigail: It's gonna take time. For a while his world was safe...normal even.
Then it got turned upside-down again.
Marston: He ain't sayin' much about it.
Abigail: I've tried to talk to him, but how do you explain any of this? What do
you say when he asks about Uncle Bill and Uncle Dutch? They were his
family when he was a little boy.
Marston: He hides away in those books of his.
Abigail: Wouldn't you? It ain't like the real world's done him many favors.
He's just been kidnapped, he grew up with a gang. That's no life for a
boy.
Marston: We did our best to protect him.
Abigail: Come on, John. He saw things no boy should see.
Marston: Well, now we got a chance to make it right.
[They reach home and Abby gives her husband a smooch.]
Abigail: We did good today, John. I guess I better go fix us something to eat.
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51) JOHN MARSTON AND SON [WK51]
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[John finds his son reading 'neath a tree.]
Marston: What's the book, boy?
Jack: Nothing, sir.
Marston: What's it about?
Jack: It's an adventure, sir. Set out in the West and it tells the amazing
story of how people killed the savage redskins and how this man, this
brave man, hunts the man who killed his father.
Marston: I'm glad you're enjoying it. Talking of adventure, how'd you like to
learn to track elk? Really big ones in the valley this time of year.
We could use the meat.
Jack: I...I...
Marston: I know you'd rather read your adventures, trust me, this can be very
enjoyable in its own way. I suppose maybe it's a little less dramatic.
So, let's go, come on. You may get to see me gored by some big massive
wild beast, then you could write a story about that.
Jack: Very funny, Pa. I'd forgotten how funny you was.
Marston: Grab your things.
[They mount up.]
Marston: Alright, now stay close to the dog, son. When he finds somethin', you
stay back and I'll show you how to make a kill.
Jack: Whatever you say, sir.
Marston: You sure you're ready for this?
Jack: I guess so.
Marston: Now the trick to hunting is calm and patience. You gotta think and
move like an animal to catch an animal.
Jack: A rifle helps, doesn't it?
Marston: Elk don't stand still, son. You don't seem too excited about this.
Jack: What do you want me to say, Pa? Yippee?
Marston: Are you sure you're alright? I mean, I know all that business must
have been hard on you.
Jack: It wasn't nothin'. I'm not a kid anymore.
Marston: Well, it won't happen again. It's over.
Jack: Until the next time, you mean?
Marston: There won't be a next time.
Jack: Don't make no more promises, Pa. I've heard them all before.
Marston: You know, one time I hunted a bear up in Tall Trees. You never seen a
bigger animal in all your life...
Jack: I read this story about a girl who was raised by wolves. And she'd hunt
goats with them and everything.
Marston: Sounds like a tall yarn to me.
Jack: Taller than a boy being taken from his home and locked up in a dungeon?
Marston: I'm just sayin', maybe you spend too much time with your head in those
books.
Jack: I thought you and Ma wanted me to read?
Marston: We do. So long as you're not, well, hidin' from the real world.
Jack: It's a little late for that, Pa.
Marston: Look, I see one!
Jack: Yeah, I see it.
[Marston takes down the bull elk.]
Marston: Come on, I'll show you how to cut the meat.
Jack: I thought it was gonna get away. That was great, Pa!
Marston: You just gotta wait for the right shot, not rush it.
[John skins it.]
Marston: Hope you were watchin'. It'll be your turn next. Go on, Rufus, sniff
us out a couple more.
Jack: Find another one, Rufus!
[They come up upon a few more.]
Marston: You ready to take a shot, Jack?
Jack: Of course, Pa!
Marston: Remember, it's all about timing. Wait for your moment, don't snatch at
it.
Jack: I know, I know. I saw how you did it.
Marston: If you say so. Alright, when he finds them, you take the lead.
[Down a neary coulee...]
Jack: Look! They're over thee!
[Jack bags a few.]
Marston: You saw how I cut the meat, Jack. Now it's your turn.
[Jack does it, albeit slowly and with unsaid reservations.]
Marston: Nice work, son. You're a quick learner. Now, come on. Let's get this
meat over to the trading post at Manzanita.
[They mount up.]
Jack: Did you see me?
Marston: You did good, son.
Jack: Can't we shot some more?
Marston: Only kill what you need. We'll go out again soon.
Jack: You know, I didn't think I was going to like it.
Marston: I told you you'd have fun, didn't I?
[They reach Manzanita.]
Marston: Alright, here we are. Jack, you wait here. I'll be just a moment.
[John sells the meat and mounts back up.]
Jack: How much did you make?
Marston: Never you mind. Enough to keep Rufus out of the stewin' pot for a
couple of days.
Jack: And what about me? What do I get?
Marston: You get to eat, son.
Jack: But I did half the work! That ain't fair.
Marston: What can I say? I'm another corrupt landowner.
Jack: I'll be rich one day. Then you'll see.
Marston: I sure hope so. Then you can look after us when we get old.
Jack: What do you mean, "get" old. You are old.
Marston: We ain't old. Uncle's old.
Jack: Well, he should be in a museum.
Marston: Yeah, preserved in whiskey for the next thousand years. So, did you
enjoy your first huntin' trip?
Jack: It was great, Pa.
Marston: Herdin' cows, huntin' elk. You're growing up. Proud of you.
Jack: I always told you I wanted to help.
Marston: You know, you and me, if we work hard, we can make something of this
farm.
Jack: I'd like that.
Marston: And thank you for lookin' after your mother. She said you were very
brave.
Jack: I tried to be strong, like you told me. But Ma, she can look afte
herself. She soon put those fellas in their place.
Marston: I can only imagine.
[They arrive back home.]
Jack: Oh, Pa, that was so much fun. I can't rightly believe it. Just like in
the books.
Marston: We'll do it again soon. Now get to your chores.
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52) WOLVES, DOGS AND SONS [WK52]
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[John finds his son practicing with the rifle.]
Marston: You're tensing up.
Jack: I'm not!
Marston: You are. Your back's tense and it's making the rifle jump. You're
holding it wrong. Here, let me show you.
Jack: I don't need you to show me, Pa.
Marston: I guess not.
Jack: You'll show me and you'll just...run off again or something. It's better
I teach myself.
Marston: I ain't going nowhere.
Jack: Whatever you say, Pa.
Marston: Don't be like that.
Jack: Sorry.
[They listen in the distance.]
Marston: Wolves have been after the herd. Got to get out there and scare them
all. You wanna come with me? It's safer with two.
Jack: Okay.
Marston: Come on, the dog will soon sniff 'em out.
[They mount up.]
Jack: I can shoot. You know that. Why you gotta treat me like a kid?
Marston: It's what fathers do. I'm just tryin' to look out for you.
Jack: You can't just decide to be a father when it suits you. What about the
rest of the time?
Marston: Come on, Jack. That ain't exactly fair.
Jack: One minute you're tellin' me to be a man, and the next you're tellin' me
I'm just a boy.
Marston: It's gonna take awhile for things to get back to normal.
Jack: Normal? Was it ever normal?
Marston: I don't know, but it'll get better, son. I promise.
Jack: I'm sorry, Pa.
Marston: You don't need to be.
Jack: I don't mean to be moody. I'm glad you're home, I really am. It's just,
every time you go off, well I worry you're not coming back.
Marston: I swear, if it was down to me, I'd never have gone anywhere.
Jack: They can't make you, can they?
Marston: It's complicated, but seems they can.
Jack: What was your father like?
Marston: I didn't really know him. He died when I was just a boy.
Jack: Died of what?
Marston: Why do you want to know?
Jack: Oh it just sounds like a good story, that's all.
Marston: Come on, he's picked up a scent!
[They follow Rufus.]
Jack: Pa, is Uncle really your uncle?
Marston: No, at least I sincerely hope not! He's probably lots of people's
father, though.
Jack: Well why do you call him Uncle, then?
Marston: Folks always did. Probably 'cause he's always been older than
everybody else.
Jack: He was old when I was a kid.
Marston: He was old when I was a kid, son. God must have had some purpose for
keepin' him on this earth, but I sure as hell don't know what that is.
Look, son! He's sniffed 'em out!
[John guns down the wolfpack.]
Marston: Come on, Rufus. Where are the others at, boy? Jack, they're up ahead!
[They take 'em out.]
Marston: That looks like all of them. Good work, Jack. Alright, we should head
back now. We got out further than I thought.
[They head back.]
Marston: That was some good shooting, son.
Jack: So can I go out hunting by myself now?
Marston: Hold on there, cowboy. You ain't ready for that yet. One step at a
time.
Jack: Oh please, Pa.
Marston: We'll go out again soon. Catch something nice for your Ma to cook.
Jack: You know, we could be outlaws, you and me!
Marston: All we did was kill a few wolves.
Jack: Well I read a book about a father and son who robbed banks. One-arm
Willie, that was his name.
Marston: I'm happy with my two arms, if you don't mind.
Jack: Just imagine it though! John and Jack Marston, most wanted men in the
West!
Marston: And what about your Ma?
Jack: Well, I mean we'd still come home.
Marston: You live in a dream world. It ain't like they tell it in books. And it
ain't no way to live a life. It was ugly, and brutal.
Jack: Alright. Geez, I was only joking around.
Marston: You'll have a farm of your own. You can read and ride. Don't waste
your life, son. Don't live like I had to.
[They arrive back home.]
Marston: You're turning into a decent hunter, son. But try to stay out of
trouble.
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53) SPARE THE LOVE, SPOIL THE CHILD [WK53]
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[John goes out to Jack's "reading tree" to find him absent.]
Uncle: John! John!
Marston: What is it, old man?
Uncle: It's Jack. The kid...the kid...well, I just saw him out in the valley.
Seems your tales of hunting got the better of him. Said he was going up
to the pass, track down that grizzly that's been seen up there.
Marston: Kid can't hunt a grizzly, thing'll eat him alive.
Uncle: I know. I tried to stop him.
Marston: But you're as worthless as a lawyer at a lynching. Damn you, old man!
This is my son. Anything happens to him, you'll wish it was you that
bear attacked.
[John sets out, encouraging Rufus as his nose sniffs out his son.]
Marston: Go on. Find Jack, boy. Where's Jack? That's it. Good boy. What you
got, boy? You smell something? Hurry, Rufus! You can find him, boy.
Where's Jack? Where is he? Come on, boy! Where is he?
[Rufus leads John to the base of Nekoti Rock.]
Marston: Jack! Can you hear me, Jack? Jack! You up here?
[Marston gets to the summit and sees a bear. Behind him, Jack hides by a rock.]
Jack: Pa, help me! I'm hurt!
Marston: Jack! Stay down! Don't move! Keep your head down!
[When the bear charges, Marston puts it down.]
Marston: What the hell were you thinking, going off on your own? You're just a
boy.
Jack: No, I'm not! I can skin an Elk, break horses...
Marston: C'mon, let's get you home.
[Jack gets onto John's horse with him.]
Marston: Now hold tight. You all right?
Jack: Yeah, I think so.
Marston: You're lucky to be alive, you stupid boy. What did I tell you about
going off by yourself?
Jack: I go off by myself plenty. You just don't know about it. You're never
around.
Marston: So this is my fault? You disobeyed me.
Jack: I was trying to prove myself.
Marston: Prove what? By gettin' yourself killed?
Jack: You're always tellin' me I read too many books, that I'm not a real man.
Marston: I never said that.
Jack: I just thought if I could do something you'd like, maybe you wouldn't go
away again.
Marston: Son, I ain't goin' anywhere. And, believe me, neither are you for a
real long time. What's your mother going to say?
Jack: I'm sorry, Pa. Please don't be angry.
Marston: I ain't angry. I'm disappointed. Don't you ever run off on your own
like that again.
Jack: Alright, alright. I told you I was sorry.
Marston: What would have happened if I hadn't come along?
Jack: I don't know. I'd probably be dead.
Marston: You'd be a pile of bones right now.
Jack: What would you care? I'm just a nuisance to you anyway.
Marston: That ain't true, Jack. I'd do anythin' for you, you know that.
Jack: I guess there's only room for one hero in this family.
Marston: Trust me, son, I ain't no hero. I'm just glad you're safe. Going after
a grizzly? What were you thinkin'? You've only been hunting twice!
Jack: I'm not a little kid anymore. What were you doing at my age?
Marston: Bad things. Things nobody should do. But your Ma and me, we didn't
have what you have.
Jack: Yeah, yeah, I know. I should be grateful.
Marston: I'm not askin' you to be grateful. I'm askin' you to do what I say,
before you get yourself killed.
Jack: It's always one set of rules for you, and another set for everybody else.
You think I don't know what you did back in the old days? I'm not stupid.
Marston: You could've fooled me.
Jack: You think I didn't sit up and listen to Dutch and Bill telling all those
stories? You think I don't know who you are?
Marston: It ain't no secret I didn't get these scars fallin' over a church.
Jack: But nobody tells me anythin'. You and Ma pretend like nothin' happened.
Marston: We just want a better life for you, son. Now rest, we'll have you home
soon.
[They reach the ranch.]
Jack: I'm sorry I made you worry, Pa.
Marston: Don't be too eager to grow up, son. Ain't as much fun as it looks.
When you're ready to hunt bears, I'll take you.
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54) BY SWEAT AND TOIL [WK54]
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[John finds Uncle sleeping by the wagon.]
Marston: Get up, old man.
Uncle: I...I am up.
Marston: Get up!
Uncle: There, I'm up. Well, thank the good Lord you're back. Nothing worse for
an old man than sleeping in the warm afternoon sun.
Marston: You want a long sleep, Uncle? That can be arranged, and it'll cost me
less in food.
Uncle: You always were a hard and nasty man, John Marston.
Marston: And you always was a useless, conniving thief. Where's them cattle?
Did you take them to pasture?
Uncle: I was coming around to that.
Marston: When exactly?
Uncle: It's easy to pick on the elderly. It's easy but it ain't dignified.
Marston: Come on, old man. Let's do this together.
[They go to the herd.]
Marston: Alright. You stay in front! Come on, let's get them out to pasture.
[They get outside the ranch.]
Marston: Damn, this pasture looks overgrazed. Let's take 'em out to the plains.
[They see an explosion.]
Uncle: What the hell? Christ, John! They're stampeding!
[They see the train robbers continue after the train, ignoring them.]
Marston: Stay away from trouble, John! You don't need it!
[John defeats the bandits anyway.]
Marston: You folks okay?
Engineer: I think we're safe! Thank you! I thought we were done for!
Marston: Just helpin' out. Now you take care.
[He goes back to the herd.]
Uncle: The hero returns. They don't know how lucky they are.
Marston: Shut it, old man. C'mon, let's get this herd movin' again.
Uncle: Give them stragglers a kick up the ass!
[They find a new place to graze.]
Marston: You look after the herd, I'll ride back.
Uncle: No thanks, you got your pound of flesh from me today.
[Uncle rides off.]
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55) A CONTINUAL FEAST [WK55]
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[Uncle stands on a hilltop, looking through a spyglass.]
Marston: What are you looking at, old man?
Uncle: There's some mustangs and some such out there beyond that ridge.
Wondering if it was worth it getting you and round some of them up...
Marston: Fair enough. We're nearly out of money, the ranch is in turmoil, we
may not make it through the winter. What could we possibly want with
some good quality horses? Come on.
Uncle: That tone of voice ain't so becoming on you. Makes you seem all pent up
and angry, like some Blackwater would-be business tycoon with a bad case
of hemorrhoids.
Marston: I'll give you a bad case of someone just shot me in the head if you
don't hurry up.
[They mount up.]
Marston: What were you going to do? Just look at them horses all day?
Uncle: Well, God forbid I do anythin' round here without checkin' with his
royal highness first.
Marston: Yeah, you're real good at watchin'. That's about all you're good for
apart from bendin' you elbow.
Uncle: I can't do right for doin' wrong. You're an ungrateful bastard, you
know. I did my best when you was gone.
Marston: Your best is like anybody else's worst.
Uncle: Come on, I'm gettin' old. I gotta start takin' things easy.
Marston: You've been takin' things easy for forty years.
[Marston catches three.]
Marston: I think that's enough for now. Let's get them back to the ranch.
Uncle: That weren't half bad for a couple of old reprobates.
Marston: I learned a few things while I was away.
Uncle: Anythin' you wanted to know, you only had to ask me.
Marston: You? What the hell do you know about any of this?
Uncle: I was a rancher myself back in the day.
Marston: Firstly, I don't believe you. And secondly, if you was, why have you
been hidin' it all these years?
Uncle: You act like I never do anythin'. I do plenty.
Marston: You're asleep half the day, and the other half you're so drunk you
couldn't hit the ground with your hat in three throws.
Uncle: I've taught you a few things, John Marston.
Marston: Like how to steal beer when the bartender's not lookin' and piss
without takin' down your pants.
Uncle: All useful skills, partner.
[They arrive back at the ranch.]
Uncle: Look at these here horses. Like cream gravy. It sure will be nice to
have some money in our pockets.
Marston: Any money we make it goin' straight back into this ranch, not down
your gullet. Make sure there's enough fresh hay. We need to keep 'em
strong.
Uncle: Alright, damn, a little gratitude wouldn't kill you. Not a bad day's
work.
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56) THE LAST ENEMY THAT SHALL BE DESTROYED [WK56]
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[John finds Jack working a lathe in the barn.]
Marston: Hey, Jack.
Jack: Hey, Pa.
Marston: Need a hand with that?
Jack: No, sir, I've got it.
Marston: Looks like you have. You know, you're real good with them tools.
Jack: Thank you, Pa.
Marston: You'll make this land real nice one day. Me and your mother, we do
our part. By the time your turn comes, hell, this could be the nicest
farm in the county.
Jack: Maybe, Pa.
Marston: You just got to learn to shoot straight or you'll get yourself eaten
by some animal.
Jack: Very funny, Pa.
Marston: Thank you, son. Soon, it'll be quail season, we should have some fun
then.
Jack: Is there anything you don't like shooting, Pa?
Marston: Well, I ain't met the thing yet, but as soon as I do I'll let you
know. You can even put it in one of them books you read.
Jack: Yeah, maybe I'll do that..."The day John Marston stopped shooting."
Marston: Now, I ain't no literary man, but I don't think that'll sell. People
like shooting in them things.
Jack: I think you may be right there, Pa...
Marston: So uhh, you ever hear talk about them machines that can make a man
fly?
Jack: Well sure, Pa, everybody knows about that. You know, they're going to be
bringing one of those machines around the country next year for
demonstration. One of them machines can turn men into angels.
Marston: One of them machines can turn men into angels...
[Outside, Uncle looks through a spyglass.]
Uncle: John, come here. John, come quick! Take a look at that.
Marston: Jack. Get into the house. Lock all the doors. Whatever happens, don't
come outside. You hear me? Whatever happens.
Jack: Okay.
Marston: Come here, son.
[He gives him a hug.]
Marston: Whatever happens, keep the doors locked and your mother inside.
Promise me, son. Promise me.
Jack: Who is it, Pa?
Marston: Just some old friends. Me and Uncle take care of it. Now you go inside
and you keep the doors and the windows locked.
Jack: I hear you.
Marston: Then run.
Uncle: Yeah. Run boy!
[Jack leaves.]
Marston: Well, old man, looks like things is about to get settled once and for
all.
Uncle: So it seems.
Marston: Come on, old man. I'm gonna need you to help me hold them off.
[They kill the first wave.]
Uncle: Get in there. There'll be more coming!
[John goes in the house.]
Abigail: What are we gonna do now?
Jack: What's wrong, what's happened?
Marston: Stay inside, you hear? Like I said. There'll be more coming.
[Jack goes out to the porch anyway.]
Jack: Pa, what do they want?
Marston: I don't know, son. Whatever it is, it ends here.
Jack: Look how many there are. They're gonna kill us, aren't they?
[In the ensuing minutes, Uncle gets shot up.]
Jack: Uncle, are you alright?
Uncle: Dammit, I'm hit.
[They kill two more waves.]
Marston: Hang in there, Uncle. I'm gonna get you out of here safe.
Uncle: Ain't time, John. I ain't gonna make it off this porch anyhow. You take
Jack and Abi...take them and...don't worry about me. Just get 'em out of
here!
[Uncle dies.]
Jack: No! Uncle! Please! Oh my God! They killed him!
Marston: Come on, son. Ain't nothin' we can do for him now.
[He goes inside.]
Marston: We're leaving the farm. I'll watch from the silo. You two go to the
barn, get the horses ready.
Abigail: John...
Marston: I'll meet you there.
[They solemnly run past Uncle to the barn.]
Marston: We'll make a run to the barn. Stay close and keep your eyes open!
[Jack starts slaying the invading Army.]
Marston: Alright, you're covered. Now, go, GO! Now! Quick! Run for it!
[They get to the barn.]
Marston: Hey, come on. Now listen, Jack, darling, get on this horse. Get out of
here. Go find a place to hide.
Jack: You're coming with us, Pa.
Marston: I'll catch up. You keep riding and don't look back and don't be
worrying about me, you hear? Now get going...
Abigail: You stay out of trouble, John.
Marston: Ain't no trouble, Abigail. Ain't no trouble. I love you.
Abigail: I love you.
Marston: Now go. Git.
[They ride off. John walks out the other side of the barn and puts up a fight,
but gets mercilessly shot by overwhelming forces. On the nearby hill, those
fleeing hear the many gunshots.]
Abigail: Did you hear that? Jack, we have to go back for Pa!
[They ride back and find John dead; later, they bury him. In a flash-forward
event, years later, Jack stands at the same gravesite to bury his mother.]
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57) REMEMBER MY FAMILY [WK57]
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--- This is a stranger's task but it provides story closure, so it's listed ---
[In Blackwater, Jack finds a man at the train station.]
Jack: Hello, sir. You work with the government? You one of them agents?
Man: Sure, son. Why you ask?
Jack: Did you work with a man named Edgar Ross? I have something for him.
Man: Edgar Ross? No, but well knew of him. Fine man if you wanted results. Won
himself a chest full of medals. I think he went and retired about a year
ago. Last I heard him and his wife moved out to a cabin on Lake Don Julio.
Lucky guy, getting to take it easy. Beats fighting crime in this dump,
that's for sure.
Jack: Well thank you for the information, mister.
[Jack goes to the cabin to find Edgar's wife.]
Jack: Excuse me, ma'am.
Wife: Hello, young man.
Jack: Hi.
Wife: What are you doing out here? Are you out visiting the lake with your
family?
Jack: No, ma'am. I was looking to deliver a letter to Edgar Ross.
Wife: Oh, that husband of mine. That bureau just won't get its talons out of
him, even though he's retired. Edgar gave them some of the best years of
his life, they oughtta let him retire in peace. They'll not rest til
they've killed him with worry and he's such a sensitive man. I'm sorry, I
shouldn't get so angry. I don't suppose any of this is your fault.
There's no need to worry about him nowadays.
Jack: Well where is he?
Wife: He and his brother Philip went hunting on the south side of the San Luis
River. Be careful crossing over, they were saying it was dangerous.
Jack: I sure will, ma'am. And don't worry about a thing. I'm sure your husband
will be just fine.
[Jack goes to Rio del Toro in Mexico to find the Ross' brothers campsite.]
Jack: Hey there, mister! How's the hunting?
Philip: Oh pretty good, son. Got me a few rabbits, coyote, elk. Still looking
for some trophies for the parlor.
Jack: I've got a letter here for Edgar Ross. You know him? I heard he was down
in these parts from his wife.
Philip: Course I know him, he's my brother! He's gone downriver to duck hunt.
Must be a pretty important letter to have come all this way.
Jack: Yes, sir, real important. I'll be on my way home as soon as I deliver
this message.
Philip: You best be off, then. Just don't get on his bad side! He's got a
filthy temper.
[Jack goes downriver to meet Ross face to face.]
Jack: Excuse me. You Edgar Ross?
Ross: Do I know you?
Jack: Forgive me for startling you, sir. I have a message for you. My name is
Jack Marston -- you knew my father.
Ross: I see...I remember your father.
Jack: I've come for you, Ross.
Ross: And you, boy, have sure as shit found me.
Jack: You killed my father!
Ross: Your father killed himself with the life he lived.
Jack: You killed him! I saw you!
Ross: You keep saying that.
Jack: You sent him to do your dirty work, then you shot him like a dog!
Ross: And I'll shoot you like one too, you little piece of trash! Now get out
of here before I kill you as well!
Jack: I ain't going nowhere, old man!
[They have a duel and Jack blows Ross' brains out, watching his body fall back
into the river. He walks away.]
THE END
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II. UPDATES & CONTRIBUTORS [UPDT]
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06-05-10 -------------------------+ Started script
06-13-10 -------------------------+ Finished script
THANKS TO...
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• Sailor/Ceej, for hostin' my crap
• Landon Ricketts, for being so gatdang awesome
THINGS I NEED/NOTES TO SELF
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• How wagon dialogue in "Gates of El Presidio" changes if rebels killed DSanta
• Perhaps Spanish translations [and the accent symbols and stuff I skipped
last time 'cause I thought they were illegal ASCII characters, d'oh]. If a
fluent Spanish speaker wants to do mission translations, send me the finds
and I'll put 'em in.
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III. LEGALITY [LGLT]
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