(majestic music) >> Narrator: I got a story to tell.

A yarn about cow country and cow punchers, cattle and men.

I was working for the Strobie Ranch, learning my trade.

Trade at worn leather, saddle blisters, and branding irons.

Trade with some song, some fun, some luck.

It was as good a job as a man could ask for.

Lonely sometimes, cold.

So much distance you thought you'd never get back.

But for me, a young kid, it was a fine time.

The memories are mostly good.

You're up there on top of the world where the air was clear, thin The only sound was the wind in the pines.

We were in the business of growing beef.

Always moving the cattle, looking for new feed.

They were those new bald-faced Herefords.

Not like the longhorns, wild and spooky, but friendly critters, gentle as a dog.

Seasons melted away, peaceful, from spring to summer, fall, and then winter.

Cows had to look out for themselves in the snow, the winter drift.

Soon as a man on horseback could get around, they'd go out and locate the cattle.

Spot 'em for the spring round-up.

They'd come back from the winter drift, cold and worn out.

Our foreman was Owen Daybright.

He knew what he was doing.

We all liked him.

And there was his foster brother, Lee Strobie.

Their father owned the ranch.

The night they got back, the trouble began.

>> Cal: Well, look what's turned up.

>> Hi ya, Cal.

>> People still drink whisky.

Hi ya, Lee.

>> Owen: I'm beat down to my shoes.

>> That's what comes from working for someone you've known too long, Lee.

>> See my wife this winter?

>> Cal: Jen come in town a couple times with your old man.

>> How'd Arch look?

>> Oh, just fair, I'd say.

Cold weather always seems to bother him.

>> How did Jen look?

>> Way to find that out is to go home and see for yourself.

>> Can I borrow your razor, Cal?

I don't want to scare her.

>> In the back.

>> Keeping you busy, doc?

>> The night-- >> Cal: I've been trying to get him all day, but that girl that used to work at the eating house.

>> Doc: Lily?

I wouldn't know her name.

>> What's her trouble, doc?

>> Oh, small variety.

About that big.

Arrived a couple hours ago, they tell me.

>> You wouldn't go?

>> That's right.

I don't take calls like this until I hear from the father.

And that isn't likely.

(suspenseful music) >> There's rifle on ya, cowboy.

Get down and walk over here so I can see who you are.

Get down now!

>> Owen?

Is that you?

>> Owen: Yeah.

>> Put that gun down, it's a friend.

>> What are you doing here?

>> Helping.

Nobody else would come.

>> So I heard.

>> How's Lee?

>> Wanting to see ya.

>> I'll be home as soon as she's asleep.

>> Who's he?

>> Her brother, Dick Fasken, from out of town.

He spent the day looking for the man.

>> Lily all right?

>> You've got company, Lily.

(serene music) (baby crying) >> Hello, Owen.

>> Lily.

Pan-sized.

>> And beautiful.

>> Good color, too.

>> Yes.

The doctor wouldn't come.

Jen came instead.

>> Don't you even think about it, Lily, not now.

>> I'm really pretty lucky, Owen.

I couldn't face up going back to the restaurant to work.

Mrs. Burke offered us work out at her place when I'm ready for it.

We're grateful too.

Sounds queer to say it here and now, but he'll have a good life, Owen.

>> I'm sure he will, Lily.

I'm sure he will.

>> Jen: Coffee?

>> Thanks.

>> You've seen me before, Owen.

>> There's been a change.

Somebody washed your face and got you a new dress.

>> Arch, and a tub in my own room.

I bathe every day now.

>> It's an improvement.

>> How was the winter?

>> Well, we stayed alive and we kept the cattle alive.

>> There was snowing at the ranch.

Didn't see our nearest neighbor in nearly five weeks.

We missed you, Owen.

>> I brought Lily some grub.

>> Owen.

Who was it?

>> Good night, Jen.

>> Hold a minute.

You live in these parts?

>> Around here.

>> Who's the father?

>> That would be Lily's business, wouldn't it?

>> I'll find out.

>> Sure.

>> I'll find out if it takes me a lifetime.

>> Fine, it's a nice country to live in.

(ominous music) >> Who was that?

>> Owen Daybright.

>> Your husband's foster brother, ain't he?

>> That's right.

>> How much?

>> $500.

He brought this food too.

>> Why?

>> You're wrong, he's good, and there's no one else around here like him.

>> And he keeps his aces a kicker and he draws to it every time.

Three times.

>> Mr.

Kicker.

>> It's a game of chance, boys.

We'll play again sometime, huh?

>> I ran your errand.

>> Thanks Owen.

>> It's paid for, like you pay for a coat.

>> I appreciate it.

This isn't the first time you saved my hide.

>> Why don't you grow up, boy?

>> Look, it happens.

I sleep good.

>> Your wife was there.

>> She have any idea?

>> Huh-uh.

>> Oh, it happened before I met Jen.

Even so, she wouldn't understand it.

You know what she's like.

>> Why should I know what she's like?

>> Well that's right, you don't.

She's what all the others weren't.

She's everything I ever wanted for myself.

It's been a long time, let's get back to the ranch.

>> Stop where you're at, Daybright.

You, move away.

You brought Lily $500.

>> That's right.

Don't she need it?

>> Not that kind.

That wasn't grub money, it was get out of town money.

I'll ask you one time.

Was it yours?

>> Point that gun to the floor, son, and turn around.

>> They'll be other times.

>> You're a conclusion jumper, my friend.

I don't like them.

>> Con: Quit it Owen.

>> I'll handle this myself, Con.

>> Not as long as I'm sheriff.

>> Alright, Con.

You've scared me twice tonight.

Next time you point a gun at me, shoot it.

(majestic music) (serene music) (Arch snoring) (boys chuckling) >> Well, welcome home, boys!

>> How are you, Arch?

>> You look fit, son.

How are you, Owen?

>> Good, how's the leg?

>> Got the misery, same as every winter for 20 years.

>> Willoughby: Evening, boys.

>> Hello, Mr. Willoughby.

>> Mr. Willoughby.

>> Willoughby: Thought you might want some hot coffee, Arch.

>> Arch: Well, thank you, Mr. Willoughby.

>> Same old dish water?

>> You don't want any, huh?

>> Uh, no, I'm just kidding.

>> Then watch your language.

>> Owen: How's the bad stomach?

>> Owen, some days I doubt if I'll make it through sundown.

>> Well why don't you stop eating your own cooking?

>> Oh, I'm stuck here, can't help it.

Arch, these cigars ain't from Pittsburgh.

>> Kansas City.

>> Hmph.

Place sure is going downhill fast.

>> How it'd go?

>> Ask the foreman.

I just took orders.

>> You got a wife waiting for ya.

>> I haven't forgotten.

I'll look in on her.

Goodnight.

>> Goodnight, son.

>> Owen: Goodnight, Lee.

>> Boy looks trim.

>> Nobody could've worked harder this winter.

>> He's got a lot to make up for.

>> He'll come around.

Maybe Jen will have something to do with it.

Anyway, he can handle it alone now.

>> Well, it sounds like you're giving notice, Owen.

>> Well, he's married now.

Jen's a fine daughter for you.

I'm just crowding the place.

>> Oh, if you're not comfortable here-- >> I'm not forgetting, Arch.

You've done everything you could to make me belong.

When you picked me up I was just a, just a stray orphan, foul-mouthed and flea-bitten, 15 years ago.

It's been a long time, a good time.

Now it's time for me to go.

>> You really mean it.

>> Well, I want to push on, try my own wings.

>> Owen.

How do I say this?

When I took you, it was for Lee.

I couldn't get around outside and raise my own boys, so I picked you to do it for me.

What I didn't know then was, that I needed you too.

Need you now.

>> Alright, Arch.

I was just hitting ya for a raise anyhow.

Goodnight.

>> Goodnight.

>> Jen, will ya hurry up and come on out?

I don't know why all of a sudden you can't get dressed in front of me.

>> Jen: I'll be two more minutes, Lee.

>> On top of all winter, that's a long time.

>> Jen: I know that.

Better than you.

>> You mean you've missed me?

>> Of course.

(romantic music) >> You're beautiful.

>> Do you think so, Lee?

Do you really mean it?

>> First time I saw you, you were wearing a pair of split britches.

>> And you helped me come out of the back country, you and Arch.

This is the second Sunday dress I ever owned, Lee.

The first one I wore to my mother's funeral, and then I used it to bury my father, and then I burned it.

>> And now you're a lady of fashion, huh?

>> Well, that's, that's what it says in "Godey's Lady's Book".

>> I haven't done many smart things in my life, but marrying you is one of them.

>> We'll be happy, Lee.

>> Nothing can stop us, honey.

(upbeat lighthearted music) >> Chicken is last call!

>> Man: Where have you been?

(men chattering) >> Morning, Mr. Willoughby.

>> Morning, Owen.

Nice to see a real man back again.

>> Oh, thanks, Mr. Willoughby.

>> Morning, real man.

That nasty old noise wake you up or were you waiting for the sun to hit your dimpled cheeks?

(men laughing) >> You Sunday men haven't lost your sleep in so long, you've forgotten what you go to bed for.

>> Hey, Mr. Willoughby's buttering the foreman.

(men laughing) >> Alright, alright, I slept late.

Why is it that when a man's out on the range, all by himself and eating his own cooking, he looks forward to getting up for breakfast?

>> Because when he's home, he lies there and has to figure out if it's worth the belly ache getting up for.

(men laughing) >> You, uh, ain't done the contract with the South, Pedesterly.

Anytime my cooking gets so bad that you've got to go hungry, I could give you your time before you know what gave you the miseries.

>> That's telling him, Mr. Willoughby.

>> No offense, sir.

>> Mr. Willoughby accepts your apology.

>> I do.

Sure there's no hard feelings.

How about another cup of coffee?

>> Sure.

(train bell ringing) >> Have to move you, Sheriff.

Taking the census again?

>> Yeah.

I like to see who comes and who goes.

(train chuffing) >> Dick: Hello, Hub.

>> I got your letter a week ago.

>> You're an uncle.

>> How's Lily?

>> She's doing alright.

>> Who's that?

>> The law.

>> Brothers, ain't ya?

>> I'm gonna kill a man before I leave here.

>> Anybody special, or what I do?

>> I don't know the man yet, but I will.

Keep an eye on me, the name is Fasken.

Where are the horses?

>> Behind the depot.

(suspenseful music) >> Narrator: The Fasken boys were looking for Lily.

They heard she'd been taken in and given a home by a widowed woman name of Mrs. Burke who owned a ranch nearby.

(knocking at door) >> We're looking for Lily, we're her brothers.

>> I didn't know Lily had this much family.

Never said a word.

>> Maybe she's ashamed of us.

>> Not Lily, she's not that kind.

She's in her room.

I'll call her.

>> Never mind, this is the room?

>> Yeah.

(baby coos) >> Lily: So you sent for him.

>> The reason's over there.

>> I didn't ask for you to come.

I didn't ask for you to come, do you hear?

>> We're this kind of family.

We don't waste any love on each other.

We fought amongst ourselves.

We've even shot at each other.

We got one tie, we're blood relations.

>> Go away, Hub.

Go away.

>> You want to marry Owen Daybright, Lily?

>> I don't want him and I don't want you.

I'll manage myself without any help.

(baby crying) >> Dick: Daybright knows something.

If he can't talk when I get through with him, he'll write the name with his feet.

(baby crying) (chicken clucking) (horse snorts) >> Lee: Hee yah!

(men cheering) (horse whinnies angrily) Hee yah!

(men shouting) >> Ride him!

Ah, scratch him, boy.

>> Lee: Hee yah, hee yah!

Hee yah!

Hee yah!

>> Hey, Mr.

Kicker, you dropped something!

(horse neighing) >> Man: What he needs now is that fourth ace, ha-ha!

(whip cracks) (horse neighs) >> You know that's no way to break a horse.

Now get on him and ride him like you were taught.

(chicken clucking) (horse snorting) (men shouting) >> Man: At 'em, boy, at 'em, boy, at 'em.

>> Man: Hold him!

>> Man: Your eyes match his neck!

(men cheering) >> Man: Ride him!

>> Man: Scratch him more!

>> Did you have to use that whip?

>> Owen's touchy.

Stop being such a farmer.

A good whipping never hurt any philly.

Come on.

(chicken clucking) >> All those authorizations come in?

>> All but Mrs. Burke's.

>> I'll ride over.

Cut me a horse, Hewie, one for yourself.

(gentle music) >> Hi, Lily.

>> Hello, Owen.

Hello, Hewie.

>> Good day, ma'am.

How do you feel?

>> Feel good, why?

>> I just wondered.

That's mighty good to hear.

>> Why, thank you.

>> Well I just asked because, 'cause you look real fine, Lily.

Just fine.

>> Had your breakfast?

>> Owen: Mr. Willoughby's best.

>> I can out cook him with my two arms broken.

>> Business first, then we'll trade recipes.

Write me a note authorizing us to cut out your cattle at round-up and bring them home.

>> Been wondering if I was being snubbed.

>> Owen: The only thing could snub you is a mountain.

>> I'll get paper and pen.

>> Thanks, Owen, but I'm alright again.

>> You look fine, Lily.

>> Yeah, that's what Hewie said.

I wish I could find the words to thank you for bringing me the money, but I can't.

>> Well, don't try.

>> I hate to see you fronting for Lee.

>> Well I'm, I'm thinking of Arch.

>> I know.

You go on standing in front of Lee, protecting him, letting his dirt rub off on you.

>> Maybe.

>> I'm thinking of Jen and all she's done for me, and that's why I can't tell.

So we'll both keep it a secret.

>> Lily, it ain't right that you should.

>> Owen, I've been afraid of a lot of things this past winter.

What people would say about me.

How I'd raise a baby.

How I'd keep us both alive.

Well, now it's happened and I'm not afraid anymore.

I'm not glad it happened.

I was wrong, I know that.

I'm just not afraid of living anymore.

(ominous music) >> Daybright here?

>> In the house.

>> Start walking to that shed over there.

>> Why?

>> You won't get hurt if you don't break for the house.

>> Go on.

(dramatic music) >> What is this?

>> You bought your ticket, you'll see.

>> Sit down.

>> Owen: Goodbye ladies, see you after round-up.

(suspenseful music) >> Hub: Daybright.

>> So you sent for big brother?

Why didn't I remind myself to pack a gun when I visit my neighbors?

>> That money was yours, Daybright.

>> Oh, it was, huh?

>> That baby's gonna need a name, yours.

You want another helping?

>> Now, come on, pull the trigger.

First you shoot me and then you gotta shot Hewie because he saw ya.

Then you'll have to shoot Mrs. Burke and your own sister because they'll see ya.

Well, come on, pull the trigger.

>> Quit it, Owen, he'll do it.

>> I don't think he's got the guts.

>> Put that down.

>> Put that gun down, big brother, you won't use it.

And I'll break your arm if you keep it.

(handle clatters) >> Ugh!

(Hub groaning) >> Get off, Hub!

Dick, put that gun down.

>> Well go ahead, cut down on her, she's only your sister.

You gotta kill somebody.

>> Be careful who you poke in the belly.

>> Hewie, that's enough.

>> Whatever you say, Lily.

>> Alright, Hub, this is still our dance.

>> No, Owen!

Haven't I made enough trouble for myself, for my baby?

You wanna add murder too?

Owen take them to the sheriff.

>> If you need someone to sign the complaint I'll do it.

>> Alright, Lily, you got the right.

Come on.

>> Go on.

>> I hear the Lazy W is for sale.

>> How much?

>> They're asking $35,000 cash for it.

That reminds me, you owe me some money.

>> I generally do, Arch.

>> Joe Benson told me yesterday at the bank that you were overdrawn.

But don't worry, the old man covered it for you.

>> Thanks.

>> Still trying to fill those inside straights, huh?

>> I always forget what you told me.

>> Hey!

Have you been spending our money?

You know that's a joint account.

How much did he draw?

>> $500, said you'd do it in gold.

Makes a nice clink in the pocket at that.

>> I'll see ya later, I gotta get ready for work.

>> Is there some cream there, Jen?

>> Excuse me.

>> Yeah.

(suspenseful music) >> You don't believe that story about the $500, do you?

>> No, I don't.

>> Well look, honey, there's certain things that you've got to understand.

I don't like Arch knowing everything that's going on.

>> Yes.

And I can understand your not wanting him to know.

>> That $500 is a lot of money.

And I didn't like taking it out of the account either, but, well, it, uh, it was for a lady's honor.

>> Stop it Lee, stop it.

I know all about you and Lily.

>> Oh, I know what you're thinking.

Oh, honey.

That $500 was to help Owen out.

I don't want Arch or anybody else to know about it.

But, now that the fat's in the fire, I guess I'll have to tell you the truth.

You see, Owen got in trouble with Lily.

And the least I could do to help them was, well, you know how much I think of Owen.

The least I could do to help him was to give him the money.

>> You're a liar.

You're a mean, contemptible liar.

(dramatic music) >> Hey.

>> You're all alike.

You and Arch and Lee.

>> You could be a little clearer.

>> You'll all a pack of liars.

Well I'm through, I'm leaving.

>> Slow down to a walk.

>> That $500 you gave Lily, I know where it came from.

>> Now wait a minute, Jen.

>> Protecting him again?

Fighting with Lily's brothers.

You've known all about her and Lee from the start.

>> It's just a lot of talk, I'd paid it no mind.

>> Owen, why can't you be your own man?

>> These misunderstandings happen.

All married people have a quarrel once in a while, I guess.

>> I hate him.

>> Jen.

You and I are kinda in the same fix.

Arch is all the family we got.

With him, we belong to somebody.

Shouldn't we give him back a little bit in return?

>> Owen, what can I do?

What can I do?

>> Stay around, for Arch.

>> Alright.

But all I'll do is stay.

(hammer ringing) >> Lee: Morning, Mr.

Kicker.

>> Hey, hey, Owen.

What fell on ya?

>> Couple of hard cases, brothers, name of Fasken.

>> Fasken?

Two of them?

>> Lily's clan is gathering.

>> Do they know?

>> You're still alive.

>> Do you think they'll find out?

>> Well, not for awhile.

Sheriff's got 'em locked up.

>> How long?

>> A week.

They'll try again.

>> Who'll tell them?

>> Well, Lily might.

She doesn't want to but they're, they're kind of hard to handle.

>> Well what do I do?

>> You wouldn't do it.

>> Let's see.

>> There's only one way, take Jen and get out.

Stay away from here, begin all over again, because you've worn this place out and all your friends with it.

>> Sure.

>> It's either that or get shot.

>> With me gone, the ranch is yours.

>> Nobody can stop you thinking that, but don't say it to me.

>> Alright.

>> Richard.

>> One day you'll dump me once too often.

>> Now you boys are going out on a big round-up.

If you ride with a short or underfed string, you might as well be a foot.

Now here's a horse you can have cheap.

A real Saturday afternoon bargain.

Sound of limb and body.

>> Rune, he's been burned so often he looks like a brand book.

>> Just give me an offer.

>> Um, he got about 12 brands, what do you say, Lee?

>> Oh, I'd say a good round dozen.

>> That means 12 unhappy customers.

Nuh-uh, Rune, I pass.

>> Oh, alright, anybody else?

>> Man: Take him away.

>> Man: Put him out to grass.

>> Alright, alright.

I got the best cow horses this side of K.C.

I got a pedigree comes with this one.

Name your price.

>> Well, this looks more like it.

Here let me take it.

Open the gate, boys.

Haw!

(horse neighs) Hee, ja, hee!

(hooves pounding) (horse heaving) Good horse, Rune.

Only thing wrong is she's a whistler.

She leaks air.

>> Call that a leak?

(men laughing) >> Owen, you know better than to ride a horse that way through town on Saturday.

That team at Wilfont's took after you and almost ran away.

>> Well, don't blame me, blame the horse.

He whistles and everything follows.

(men laughing) >> Hey, hold on.

I ain't through yet.

>> Man: You sure are.

>> Can't you hold your breath a minute?

>> Put him away.

(men laughing) >> I wonder if the Fasken boys are comfortable?

>> Who cares?

>> Let's go look in on 'em.

>> Pick me up later at the saloon.

>> John: Oh, Owen.

How are things?

>> Quiet, John.

Getting ready for round-up.

>> Tough job.

>> How'd you like to sign on?

$30 a month and meals.

>> Oh, not me.

I sleep in a soft bed every night.

Help ya?

>> I'm bringing the Fasken's some cookies.

>> Better twist 'em into their cage with a stick.

They're a troublesome pair.

Want inside?

>> Might be catching.

I understand the judge gave you boys a week?

>> Judge?

The stinking justice of the peace.

>> Owen: Well, maybe next time we can arrange a real judge.

Claw hammer, coat and all.

>> Next time will be different.

>> Look, Lily's doing alright without you boys.

Why don't you leave her alone?

>> I don't see no Mrs. in front of her name.

>> Well, that happens.

>> Not to a sister of ours.

>> Alright, act like jackasses and you'll be treated like them.

When you get out, the sheriff will put you on the train himself.

Show your faces after that and you'll be back, right here, for six months.

>> You scare me.

>> Just say the word and I'll order some curtains for this place.

(gentle music) >> By the way, I've decided to go on round-up with you.

>> Not so easy, Lee.

There's some things and some people you can't run away from.

>> Well, I'll think about that when I get back.

>> You ought to think about it now.

>> Hold it.

There's a Cheyenne in that tree.

(gun firing) Got him.

>> Hey, that thing jumped in your hand.

How did you get it so fast?

>> Practice, son, you ought to try it.

>> Haven't got the time.

Lee, the old Cheyenne camp.

>> Yeah.

Remember the night we rolled the rocks down on 'em.

>> I remember when Arch caught us and the licking we got.

>> I'd sooner been scalped by the Cheyennes.

>> A couple of fool kids, playing with Indians.

>> We had time our times, didn't we?

(gun firing) (majestic music) (suspenseful music) >> Good morning, Arch.

>> Well, good morning, Lee.

Boy!

Phew, I'm getting too fat.

Well, did ya buy any horses yesterday?

>> Well, Obie Rune tried to push a wind-broked gelding off on us, but Owen caught him up.

>> Huh, Obie never quits trying.

>> No.

Arch, you know I got to thinking last night.

>> Come on, uh, tell me while we're walking.

Come on walk with me, walk with me.

>> Well, what started me thinking was that I saw a horse at Rune's that I'd like to own.

And I began talking about price before I remembered that I'm strapped.

>> Buy him, we always got money for a good horse.

>> Oh, I don't care about the horse.

I probably own too many.

No, Arch, the point is, that a man my age, with a wife, with a father who owns half the county, has to hold off buying a horse because his wages won't let him afford it.

>> Oh, listen, Lee.

>> You haven't been able to trust me.

Now that's in the past, Arch.

You were right, but it's done.

I've been a good hand this winter, haven't I?

>> Yes, you have.

>> You think I know the cattle business?

Maybe not as well as you or Owen, but well enough to make money at it, huh?

>> Of course, if you need more money, you'll get it.

Let me tell you, when you came home with Jen last fall, I thought it was another piece of foolishness like all the others, it wasn't.

Jen was something else, something right.

That's why I put you on a top hand's wages, I'll raise 'em.

>> Oh, no, Arch, that's, that's too easy.

Either I'm your son, entitled to your trust, with the ranch or anything else, or I'm not.

It's one or the other.

>> Well, what do you want?

>> I wanna be part owner of the ranch, Arch.

I want to share in it.

I'm married and settled down now.

Why here's where I'll raise my kids and die.

Here's where I'll help take over from you when you, had enough of the business.

I'm not just camping here for wages, I'm here to stay, Arch.

I'm your son.

>> I've been thinking about it too, more than you, a lot more than you.

You're my own blood.

A man has a debt to that.

>> Oh, you've got no debt to me, Arch.

>> Yeah, it's an old one.

Began the day your mother died.

You got it coming to ya, Lee, for doing without her.

>> (chuckles) Well, we've managed old-timer.

>> (chuckles) Beginning to feel like one.

I'll go in town tomorrow and draw up the papers.

From now on, half the ranch is yours.

>> Oh.

>> My half will go to Owen when I die.

>> Neally?

>> Dog Iron.

>> Sam?

>> Lazy S double O.

>> Frank, Peter.

>> Box Pitchfork.

>> Frank, Martin.

>> Let's see, uh, Box F. >> Double F. >> That's right, Double F. >> What do you carry them in your head for?

>> Well, you got 40 different brands.

The biggest shuffle you ever saw.

We'll have to move fast.

>> Talk to you a minute, Owen?

>> Sure, go ahead, Hewie.

>> I was back up in the mountains yesterday, looking for the last of the horses.

>> Well, we finished the tally this morning, they're all in.

>> There's a small jag of our cattle up there.

Brands were still haired over, but I could tell they was ours.

Couldn't stop 'cause I was trying to turn the horses and by the time we got 'em headed downhill, I was miles away.

>> You wanna pick 'em up today?

>> Why I aimed to this morning.

They're gone.

>> Well, they've probably been rounded up by the other crew already.

>> Nope, they was drove the other way.

>> Did you trail 'em?

>> As far as I could.

>> Let's go try again, Hewie.

>> I'll come with you.

Dust up and get my gun, Hewie.

Better get Owen's too.

(majestic music) >> Take a look at this shoe.

You see the two corks on the inside and how it's built up?

This rider signed his name for us.

>> Two horses and four steers.

>> These tracks go straight for awhile.

>> Got dark on me here and I turned back.

Good place to cross, if they went across.

>> You think like a cattle rustler.

Let's look on the other side.

>> Only one horse came out of the water here.

>> I was right, this horse is a decoy.

They either went up or down stream.

Hewie, you look below.

>> Yeah.

>> Hewie: There ain't even been a horse down this way.

>> There has been here.

And they've been driving some steers ahead of them.

>> Here's where they come out.

That's Backett's place.

>> Yeah.

>> Let's go over and have a look.

(ominous music) >> Here he comes, two of them.

>> You looking for something?

>> Owen: Four steers.

>> Well, they ain't in that watering trough.

Their ears would stick up.

>> Come here, Herb.

Notice that cork, and the built up inside of that shoe.

Who owns the horse that wears it?

>> Never seen it before.

(dramatic music) >> Here's another one, that's fresh.

What about it, Herb?

>> What about what?

>> Whoever rode that horse drove four of our steers in here.

>> Look, if you see your steers here, you can talk.

If not, I ain't account of 'em.

Get on your horse and get outta here.

>> Herb, I figure you butchered that beef and buried the hides but I can't prove it.

So I'm gonna do the next best thing, I'm gonna show you what you buy into, every time I track our cattle here.

(gun firing) >> I always heard you were a pretty good saloon fighter, Herb.

How are you without a bottle, or a knife?

(punches pounding) Now we're gonna take four of your steers.

>> You licked him, why go to jail for stealing his cattle?

>> You talking as the new half owner?

>> You got a round-up to go to.

So have I.

How we gonna make it if we're in jail?

>> You coming, Hewie?

>> You're still foreman.

(suspenseful music) >> You gonna keep me from going to the sheriff?

>> Think back a ways, Herb.

Did I put a gun on ya?

Did I shoot the knife out of your hand?

Am I driving off your steers?

I got no part in this.

>> He's your foreman.

>> Sad but true.

Put a good price on your beef, Herb.

>> You can't buy me off, don't try.

>> It wasn't a $250 beating was it?

>> Alright.

It's a deal.

But I ain't done with him yet.

Long as I can look down a gun barrel, I ain't done with him.

>> Come on into town with me.

I'll get you the money.

>> Herb: I can't sit a horse until I get this hand fixed and get a drink.

(upbeat saloon music) >> Willoughby: Ain't you dancing tonight, son?

>> I'm drinking tonight, Mr. Willoughby.

>> Careful that applejack don't but your lights out.

>> Seen Owen?

>> Started bleeding again.

Jen took him to the house.

>> Too tight?

>> The tighter the better.

>> You seem to be getting in a lot of trouble lately.

>> Trouble?

>> You don't have to, you know?

You can stop them from saying those things about you and Lily.

>> Oh, I don't mind.

I happen to like Lily.

>> There.

Here, let me help you.

>> Thanks, Jen.

>> Owen, you can't make it up to Lily by yourself.

If Lee was half a man-- (door clicks) >> I wanna see Jen alone.

>> Jen: Wait, Owen.

Stay.

What do you want?

>> I'm leaving in the morning, honey, big round-up.

I'll be gone a long time.

>> Jen: I know that.

>> Well, I've gotta say goodbye, don't I?

>> Well, goodbye then.

>> Oh, no, not like that, not anymore.

>> Jen: Leave me alone.

>> Oh.

It's easy enough to lock one man out, as long as there's somebody else to take his place, huh?

>> You're drunk, Lee.

>> Drunk enough to see double.

To see you here with Jen.

(suspenseful music) >> Jen: Sorry you had to see that.

>> I wish I could help, Jen.

>> Just knowing you're around helps.

>> There are things I'd like to say.

>> What would you say, Owen?

>> I'd say I haven't got the right to help.

I'd say it's too bad.

(melancholy music) (suspenseful music) (knocking at door) >> What do you want?

>> I wanna talk to you.

How's the hand?

>> Still sore, sit down.

>> Still sore, huh?

I guess you don't have much love for Daybright?

>> My time will come.

>> I hear the Fasken boys are getting out of jail soon.

>> So I hear, and they'll still be looking for Papa.

If I got them figured, Daybright will be dead in another few days.

>> Nah, he'll be gone.

>> The round-up?

That ain't gonna be hard for 'em to find.

>> Oh, a couple of saddle tramps like them would be picked up in no time at round-up.

And, uh, in order for them to join, they'll have to have a letter of authorization from some well-known brand, like yours say.

>> Daybright would try to keep 'em out.

>> Sure, he will if they try to join the Western division.

But if they ride to the Eastern division, present your letter, they can get in.

I'll be with the Eastern, likely as wagon captain.

>> East and West division's meet, don't they, to finish up the round-up?

>> Yeah.

To finish up.

You know, Herb, I should've made that check much bigger.

That was a bad beating you took.

>> Yeah, an awful beating.

>> Jones, Western.

Hewie, you're with me.

Stu Miller, Western.

Orv, you're Eastern.

Hungover?

>> Lee: I feel fine.

>> How'd you make out with Backett yesterday?

>> Lee: I bought the steers.

>> Good price?

>> Lee: $250.

>> Just for cattle?

>> Yeah.

I've decided to take your advice, Owen.

I'm getting out of the country after this round-up.

>> You?

Starting all over again, working for a living?

>> Yeah, just like that.

>> What about Jen?

>> I'll send for her when I'm ready.

She'll join me.

>> Narrator: A nice morning, the day we left, the sun, warm on your shoulders, but we didn't feel good.

This time there was something under your wishbone that said we were in for grief.

>> Seems like they were just coming home from the winter drift.

We turn around, they're off again.

How do you feel about another month with me, scare ya?

>> You'll wait for him alone this time.

>> What's wrong, Jen?

Something to do with Lee?

>> I can't talk about it, Arch.

>> Oh, sounds final.

>> It is final.

I was going to leave without telling you.

>> Were you, Jen?

Can't I help you?

>> You can't always make it up for him.

>> I always have, 'til now.

>> That's part of the trouble.

Look, maybe it's my fault.

Maybe it never could've worked.

I'm restless here.

I've been alone so long I'm used to it.

>> We've never lied to each other.

We don't have to start now.

Are you running away from Owen because he loves you?

You're a good woman, Jen.

Your life should be rich and peaceful.

But if you run away from it now, you'll spend what's left with bitter memories and doubts.

Wait 'til they get back.

>> That's something like what Owen said.

>> It's good advice, Jen.

>> Narrator: Spring roundup is a cow hunt.

In the winter, they drift.

The aim is to get 'em back to the home range.

Besides that, there's the calves.

You make a tally, brand, crop, and de-horn.

I was with Owen in the Western division.

We worked hard and the hours were long.

We didn't measure time by the day, but by the greening of the grass.

It was all planned well and the work went even and smooth.

(dramatic music) (bell ringing) >> Get on.

>> What about our guns?

>> Get inside, I'll throw 'em on the back platform after the train starts.

You were gonna kill a man, remember?

>> I ain't through yet.

>> Next visit?

>> That's right.

>> Now I'm worried.

(train whistle toots) (train chuffing) >> Sheriff tell you to stay out?

>> What do you want?

>> Being neighborly.

Heard you're looking for Daybright.

>> Why do you care?

>> I run a business.

It's the business of moving cattle fast over long distances.

Mostly in rainy weather and at night.

Daybright bothers me.

>> Well, why don't you level on him then?

That shouldn't bother a man like you.

>> And hang?

No.

I'm looking for someone to shoot him who's got a right to.

>> You found him.

>> Here's the set up.

Daybright's on round-up.

I can get you into it legally.

Once you're there, you'll have no trouble finding him.

>> Hub: Go on.

>> When this train hits the top of Benchgrave, it'll be slowed to a walk.

We get off there.

I got three horses waiting.

>> Daybright will sure be surprised to see us.

>> Yeah.

>> Come on, here we are.

(dramatic music) >> Narrator: On the other side of the mountain, Lee was with the Eastern division.

(majestic music) >> More.

Cut out O-Bar brand, it's local.

Turn 'em over to Mr.Jenkins here.

>> Right.

Cut out O-Bar.

Cut out O-Bar.

(majestic music) (cows mooing) >> Lee!

Referee that brand.

>> I read O-Bar.

>> I take it back, it looked like mine.

>> Satisfied?

>> Satisfied.

>> He's yours, Jenkins.

>> What brand?

>> O-Bar.

>> See that pair with the packed horse behind Hardeson?

They brought this.

Claimed to represent an outfit near you.

>> Yeah, they're from our part.

>> Know these two riders?

>> Yeah, I seen 'em.

>> Alright, I'll assign 'em to your wagon.

>> No, no, some of the boys haven't a very friendly feeling for that brand.

>> Well, if they're wrong ones I'll send 'em whistling.

>> Well, you can't do that.

They got a right to their stock.

We'll keep a close look at the stuff they cut out.

Meanwhile assign 'em to another wagon.

Somebody who doesn't know 'em.

I don't want 'em around me.

>> Well, that's fair enough.

(cows mooing) >> Narrator: In Lee's division, work was the same as ours.

They'd make the combings, snake 'em out of the draws, gather 'em and push 'em toward the middle.

(majestic music) >> Hey, first of our stock we've seen.

>> Yeah, they've really wintered.

Heavier than anything on the home range.

>> Yeah.

>> Looks like a bonus for all hands.

>> Arch will be a rich man.

>> So will you.

You're a partner now, ain't ya?

>> That's right.

I was forgetting.

>> Well, I got a half a summer's work laid out.

I'm heading for Texas to restock.

>> How you gonna get your beef from Texas all the way home to Montana?

>> Yeah, by the time you buy your herd, Kansas will come up with new kind of fever and quarantine you out.

If you move to New Mexico, the same thing will happen.

I reckon you'll just have to stay put in Texas and that's no life.

>> Now, son, you must have heard of railroads.

I'm just gonna lock my herd up in air-tight box cars, put a bag of that clean Texas air in each car and unload in Montana.

(men laughing) >> Say, my name is Strobie.

I don't think I got you name?

>> Oh, Dave Allard.

>> I, um, I gathered you're sending your crew back to Montana with your strays while you head for Texas to restock.

>> That's right.

>> Well, I can save you the trouble.

I'll have 3,000 double wintered steers for sale at the end of round-up.

>> (whistles) In good shape?

>> You're picking them up every day.

Look at them, they've got our brand.

>> What price?

>> $14, laid down to wet mountain meadow.

>> $14.

You just made a deal.

I'll have to find the nearest telegraph station.

And it'll take a few days 'til I can cover a check for $42,000.

>> That's all right.

(majestic music) (hooves pounding) (man whistles) (rain pattering) >> Willoughby: Here's some hot coffee.

>> Well, thanks, Mr. Willoughby.

>> Why didn't I save my money and buy a nice warm store I could sit in?

>> Willoughby: I've seen them stores, they're drafty.

>> Beats washing away.

>> It sure does.

Come on in out of the weather, friend.

>> What are you, East or West division?

>> West.

>> Name's Allard.

>> Daybright.

>> Thanks, I needed this.

I need a horse too.

I wanted to ride on through tonight and mine's beat.

>> Hewie, get the man a horse.

Where you headed for?

>> I left the East division for a few days.

I'm looking for a telegraph.

>> Missed it in the rain, huh?

>> A man could miss anything in this.

I don't know whether I'm drowned or not.

(Owen laughs) >> Well, there's a telegraph at our meeting place, the wet mountain meadow.

Hewie, change the man's saddle while he finishes his coffee.

>> Say, is that your brand?

>> That's right.

>> I just bought your herd.

That's why I was looking for a telegraph, to get my credit in shape by wire.

>> Bought?

You must be mistaken, mister.

>> Does Strobie own the brand?

>> Yeah.

>> That's it, 3000 double winter steer delivered at the meeting place.

Strobe is the owner, ain't he?

>> He can sell them.

>> There anything wrong?

>> Not a thing, friend, not a thing.

>> Well, thanks for everything.

>> I didn't think he could plan that far ahead?

>> You reckon that's why Lee made his bid to be partner?

>> That's why.

Sell the beef and get the money to clear out.

>> What's he running from?

>> There's people he has to answer to.

>> You always stand up for him, don't you, Owen?

>> When you're loyal to a man, Hewie, you're loyal to everything about him, even his faults.

>> I've been feeling that way a long time about somebody else, about Lily.

(majestic music) (cows mooing) >> Narrator: Day by day and hour by hour, the two divisions push closer together.

So did Owen and Lee, for the showdown.

>> Only an hour away, Owen.

Eastern division is over the next hill.

(dramatic music) (men calling) (cows mooing) (serene music) >> Hi ya, big fella.

>> Howdy, Owen.

>> Man: How you feeling?

>> Owen: I'm aching, too many days in the saddle.

>> Man: I'll take him.

>> Owen: Lee around?

>> Man: Yeah, Lee!

>> Owen!

>> How'd it go?

>> How are ya?

Oh, smooth as silk.

What's your count?

>> Owen: 2,000, yours?

>> Good, a little over 1,000.

>> Well, that gives you Allard's 3000 and some to spare.

>> Who's Allard?

>> Owen: The man you're gonna sell the herd to.

>> That's right, so it is.

>> It'll be news to Arch.

Especially since he's planning to get down to the Panhandle and buy more stock.

>> Lee: The deal's going through.

>> I'm Arch's foreman, Lee.

>> And I'm a partner.

I pay half your wages, remember.

>> Owen: You give me half my orders?

>> Your orders are to keep your nose out of my business.

>> And let you steal Arch's cattle?

I'm a little hard of hearing, Lee.

Day after tomorrow, we start for home.

It's a big herd.

A man in the way could get run over.

You better tell Allard it was a mistake, to forget about it.

>> Your orders are still to keep your nose out of my business.

>> Wait a minute, Lee.

I don't get it.

You don't think you can pull this off with me around, do you?

(cows mooing) Let's get on with the cutting.

>> Owen!

Figure this one out.

I was working down by the river, past the last of the wagons, it don't make sense.

>> What?

>> Well, passing one of the wagons, I saw those two Faskens.

>> You sure?

>> No mistake.

They been on round-up.

Stood there talking with the rest of the crew, needed a shave.

They've slept in wet clothes like us.

Lee knew it and didn't say anything.

>> And he isn't worried like he should be.

>> Owen.

You know, I've been thinking about that deal I made with Dave Allard.

>> Yeah?

>> I admit I made a mistake, like I always do when I haven't got you around to steer me.

>> Well, I'm glad you see the light, Lee.

>> Yeah, yeah.

Well, I'd better get down to the depot and stop Allard before he gets too involved in that deal.

>> Owen: Fine, you go ahead.

>> Will you come with me?

>> I'm pretty busy here.

>> Well, it'll be much more convincing with you around.

>> Alright, I'll tell Mead we're going.

Lee and I are going over to the telegraph.

We won't be long.

>> Alright.

(suspenseful music) >> Remember now, we don't blast 'til Daybright gets to that boulder.

>> Yeah, I'll remember.

>> Looks like this is our last round-up together, Owen.

Oh, I tried to pull a fast one on you by grabbing that Allard deal, but I couldn't.

So I'm going anyway, just like I told ya I would.

>> Fine.

>> I'm leaving you in a win right down the line, Owen.

I'm leaving everything, Arch, the ranch, Jen, you.

It's yours, the works.

>> You sure you thought this out good?

>> Ah, you've been trying to tell me for years how to do the right thing.

You gave me the straight line about getting away from here and beginning all over again.

I just kind of hate to do it, that's all.

Maybe it's because, uh, well, we've had a lot of fun together.

>> We have at that.

>> Remember that time in Kansas City when Arch took us to the Cattleman's Convention?

>> Yeah.

>> I played cards with a big Texan.

>> Yeah, I remember.

You beat him in five cold poker draws.

>> Right.

That's when I found out what good a kicker was.

>> Yeah, we sure had a lot of good times, Lee.

>> That's what I'll miss.

>> I'll miss 'em too.

No matter how old you get there's that part of growing up you never forget.

>> I'm glad you said that, Owen.

I'll remember that when I'm gone from you.

(suspenseful music) >> Now.

(guns firing) (dramatic music) (gun firing) >> Where's Owen?

>> Went with Lee over to the telegraph.

(guns firing) >> You hear that?

Somebody's in trouble.

>> Take some men and go see.

(guns firing) (dramatic music) (gun firing) >> Go around the other side.

Try to sneak up behind him, I'll cover you.

(gun firing) (dramatic music) (gun firing) (dramatic music) (water splashing) (dramatic music) >> Lee!

I'm taking you in, Lee.

We're gonna settle up.

>> Not a chance.

>> We're gonna face Arch and tell him the whole truth, for once.

Come on out.

>> You're forgetting, I still got my kicker.

I always could outdraw you, Owen.

>> I'll spot you that, but it won't change anything.

Come on out.

Or do I have to come in and get ya?

(gun firing) That's the whole story, Arch, all of it.

>> It was in front of me for years, Owen.

I refused to see it.

I lied to myself.

You lied, to make it easier for me.

You didn't kill him, I did, a long time ago, the day I looked away and hoped he'd change.

Hoped he'd work out.

(wagon creaking) I'll have to tell, Jen.

>> I'd like to tell her myself.

(majestic music)