Summary:  The following script was submitted to Bonanza in early 1963 by a kind agent willing to take on an unsold writer.  The script was rejected as ‘well done, but too expensive in production.”

In working on the story I obtained transcripts of the actual post records from Ft. Churchill for that period.  Capt. J. N. McElroy was the officer actually in command of troop M of the 8^th Cavalry stationed at Ft. Churchill.  The action itself is fictitious but not unlike ones undertaken by the U.S. Calvary against Comanchero groups in the Texas-Mexican border area.

 

This story goes where none have gone before in actually taking Adam into the Civil War.

Adam mentions briefly in scene #33 that he was with Kilpatrick’s Cavalry.  This was Sherman’s cavalry force during the March to the Sea and the Carolinas Campaign.  These actions ravaged a civilian population stripping everything from a fifty-mile wide swath – not the sort of action likely to appeal to Adam.

The story contains no sex, not even a pretty girl.  There is some violence.

Let’s call it PG13.  (19,427 words)

 

This is the script for the story, The Contract.

 

 

BONANZA

 

“THE CONTRACT”

 

Teleplay

 

By Gwynne G. Logan

 

 

 

BONANZA

 

“THE CONTRACT”

 

 

CAST

 

ADAM

BEN

HOSS

LITTLE JOE

CAPT. McELROY

DELGATTO

SGT. DONOVAN

1. KAY

LUIS

LAGARTO

EXTRAS FOR CAVALRY TROOPS

EXTRAS FOR RAIDER BAND

 

SETS

INTERIORS:

PONDEROSA RANCH HOUSE

LIVING ROOM

DINING ROOM

ADAM’S BEDROOM

UPSTAIRS HALL

KITCHEN

OFFICE, FT. CHURCHILL

CANTEEN

ONE ROOM HUT IN RAIDER’S CAMP

 

SETS (CONTINUED)

 

EXTERIORS

 

RANGELAND  (VARIOUS)

SMALL RANCH  (BURNING)

1. CHURCHILL, NEVADA (SEE STORY NOTES)

SCENERY ALONG THE CARSON RIVER  (VARIOUS)

SMALL MOUNTAIN STREAM (SEE SCENE #80 FOR DESCRIPTION)

RUGGED MOUNTAIN TERRAIN  (VARIOUS)

THE RAIDERS’ CAMP  (SEE SCENE #86 FOR FULL DESCRIPTION)

PONDEOSA RANCHHOUSE YARD

FRONT, WITH HITCHING RACK

BACK, WITH WOODPILE

 

 

BONANZA

 

“THE CONTRACT”

 

FADE IN

 

1          EXT. OPEN RANGELAND  –  DAY  –  WIDE ANGLE SHOT

In the distance smoke and dust rise from a small ranch that is under attack.

 

• PAN IN ACROSS INTERVEENING RANGE TO RANCH BUILDINGS

A raid in progress on the homestead is revealed.  Flames begin to flicker up from the unpainted ranch house.  Men enter and carry out supplies of food, blankets, etc. from the house.  Others round up the three or four horses in the corral and still others drive off a small herd of cattle.  The raiders are Mexicans, Indians and renegade whites  – a Comanchero type group.            PULL IN TO:

 

• MED CLOSE SHOT

A dead man lies sprawled on the porch of the house  – the ranch owner.  He is face down a shotgun under his limp hand.  A raider stoops and takes the gun and hurries on with no regard for the former owner.

 

CUT TO:

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  DELGATTO

Delgatto is the leader of the raiders.  He is of a more pure Spanish type  – tall with olive skin and dark hair.  He is in his late thirties and has an air of strongly controlled violence and a hint of depravity in his make up.  He is mounted on a fine, dark horse with elaborate silver-mounted equipment, and he watches closely as his men work.  He carries an exceptionally heavy riding crop.  His LIEUTENANT (LUIS) rides across in front of Delgatto carrying a burning torch.  Delgatto calls to him and points toward the ranch outbuildings with his crop.

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  DELGATTO AND LUIS

 

DELGATTO

Luis, fire the other buildings and

collect the men!  This smoke may

draw in the cavalry.

 

LUIS

Si Delgatto, at once.

 

CUT TO:

 

 

• OPEN RANGELAND –  DAY  –  MED. CLOSE SHOT  –  ADAM

Adam has been hunting and rides across the prairie not far from the burning ranch.  There is a small deer tied across the back of his mount.  He glances toward the homestead o.s.

 

• QUICK SHOT –  LONG

Across the prairie, smoke and flames rise from the burning ranch house.

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  ADAM

He halts Sport and looks puzzled for a moment then turns and urges his mount toward the fire.

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

• THE BURNING RANCH –  DAY  –  MED. SHOT

Adam rides in from one direction just in time to see the last of DELGATTO’S BAND disappearing in a cloud of dust in the opposite direction.  He half pulls his rifle from the saddle boot to fire after them.  Then he realizes that they are out of range and thrusts it back in disgust.

 

ADAM

Out of range.

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  ANGLE ACROSS ADAM TO SHOW THE BODY ON THE PORCH OF THE BURNING HOUSE

Adam dismounts and crosses quickly to the dead man.

TRAVEL WITH ADAM AND PULL IN TO:

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  ADAM AND THE DEAD MAN

Adam stoops and turns the man over.  A quick look assures him that he is dead.  Adam has known him and is touched by his death.  He rises and steps to the door of the house and looks inside.  He would enter, but is driven back by crashing timbers and flames.  He turns and pulls the dead man clear of the burning structure.

 

CUT TO:

 

• SHOT –  A TWENTY MAN CAVALRY COLUMN

The column trots into the ranch yard.  They are led by a Captain of excellent military bearing.  He stands midway between Adam and Ben in age, and, although not tall or good looking, he is well set up and spruce.  The standard bearer carries on his nine foot lance the red and white cavalry guidon.  The top red half bearing the white letter “M” and the bottom white half the red regimental number “8”.  At the Captain’s side rides a burly Irish Field first with the three downward pointing chevrons and the diamond on his sleeves. They wear the Civil War uniform and forage caps with crossed sabers and the regimental number and troop letter above the visor.

 

• TRAVEL WITH THE TROOP

Pick up ADAM standing beside the rancher’s body and

PULL IN TO:

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  ADAM, THE CAPTAIN, THE SERGEANT AND

ONE OR TWO TROOPERS IN THE BACKGROUND.

The Captain draws his sidearm and levels it at Adam.

 

CAPT. McELROY

Stand clear of that man and don’t make a wrong move.

 

Adam steps back smoothly holding his arms carefully clear of his weapon.

 

CUT

 

 

(OPENING COMMERCIAL)

 

ACT  I

 

CUT IN:

 

• THE BURNING RANCH –  DAY  –  MED. CLOSE SHOT

ADAM, THE CAPTAIN, THE SERGEANT

Action resumes exactly where it was broken off.  The Captain speaks sharply to Adam.

 

CAPT. McELROY

Identify yourself.

 

ADAM

Adam Cartwright from the Ponderosa Ranch.

I was hunting  –  (cont.)

 

Adam gestures o.s.

 

• QUICK SHOT – ADAM’S HORSE WITH DEER.

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  ADAM, THE CAPTAIN, THE SERGEANT

 

ADAM

(continuing)

• out this way; saw the fire and rode

over just in time to see a large party

leaving in a hurry.

 

CAPT. McELROY

You can prove this?

 

ADAM

If necessary, but Sgt. Donovan there

should be able to save us the trouble.

 

Adam nods pleasantly at the Sergeant who is an old acquaintance.

 

CAPT. McELROY

(to the Sgt.)

You know this man, Sergeant?

 

• CLOSE SHOT – SGT. DONOVAN

 

SGT. DONOVAN

(with a smile)

Aye, indeed sir.  He’s Ben Cartwright’s

oldest son no doubt.  There’s many a good

remount he’s sold the cavalry, and always

at a fair price.

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT –  McELROY AND ADAM

The Captain holsters his Colt and dismounts to speak with Adam.  They are strongly different types and tend to rub each other the wrong way from the start.

 

CAPT. McELROY

Capt. McElroy, Troop M, Eighth Cavalry.

Your pardon Mr. Cartwright, but there’s

been too much of this to take chances.

 

ADAM

Don’t blame you a bit.  I assume this is

some of Delgatto’s work;  the first I’ve

seen  –

(angerly)

and I’d like to see him hang for it!  The

Lacey’s were decent people.

 

CAPT. McELROY

You knew these folk?

 

• ANOTHER ANGLE –  FAVORING ADAM

 

ADAM

Yes, Josh Lacey brought his family out

here right after the war and bought this

section of land from Pa.

He worked hard, but sure didn’t have

any money.  What did Delgatto want

from him anyway?

 

• CLOSE SHOT – CAPT. McELROY

 

CAPT. McELROY

Supplies I’d say  – fresh beef, grain, horses.

looks like he stripped the place before he

Burned it.  You mentioned a family?

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  ADAM

Bitterness and pain show in Adam’s expression as he answers;

 

ADAM

Wife and two little girls  – (cont.)

 

• CLOSE SHOT – ADAM AND CAPT. McELROY

 

ADAM

They were inside  – shot.

No chance of getting’ the bodies out

by the time I reached here.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – ADAM AND CAPT. McELROY

 

CAPT. McELROY

That filthy swine!

We’ve got to stop him!

 

ADAM

Why don’t you?

 

CAPT. McELROY

(with biting sarcasm)

Perhaps you’d like to explain how?

(cont.)

 

• ANOTHER ANGLE – FAVORING THE CAPTAIN

 

CAPT. McELROY

(continuing)

I’ve got 68 men, and we’ve all been in this area

less than thirty days.  Sgt. Donovan’s the only

one familiar with the country, and he’s only on

loan to me from Col. Devin’s staff.  Besides,

Delgatto’s impossible to track.  He knows every

trick in the book and a few unwritten ones!

If he weren’t a fox they’d have taken him down on

the border instead of just driving him up into these

endless mountains to prey on settlers and miners.

 

ADAM

You could hire some local men as scouts.

 

26        CLOSE TWO SHOT  – ADAM AND CAPT. McELROY

 

CAPT. McELROY

Could I now?  We’re chronically short of funds,

and the best I can offer is an Indian Scout contract –

sixteen dollars a month and forty cents a day found

for your mount.  The mines pay a lot better?

Do you want to volunteer?

 

27        VERY CLOSE SHOT  – ADAM

ADAM

I might.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – CAPT.  McELROY

 

CAPT. McELROY

Are you serious?  You realize that it’s dangerous?

If you ever fell into Delgatto’s hands there’d be

small chance of getting out alive, and it’s a grueling

job with no time off until we’ve finished.  Why

should you risk it?

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  ADAM

Adam has no intention of trying to explain himself to the Captain.  He glances down at the body by his feet.

 

• QUICK SHOT –  THE DEAD RANCHER

 

• BACK TO ADAM

 

ADAM

Let’s just say I object to the way Delgatto works.

Don’t you care for my help?  I know the country

quite well.

 

• TWO SHOT –  ADAM AND THE CAPTAIN

The Captain jumps at the offer.

 

CAPT. McELROY

I won’t give you two chances to back out.

Ride to Fort Churchill with us and sign your

contract.  Do you have any military experience?

 

 

ADAM

Some.

 

CAPT. McELROY

Care to elaborate?

 

ADAM

Not particularly.  I’d just as soon forget it.

 

CAPT. McELROY

I can use you more effectively if I know.

 

• VERY CLOSE SHOT –  ADAM

Adam realizes that this is true, but still answers reluctantly keeping it at a minimum.

 

ADAM

Subaltern in Kilpatrick’s Cavalry ’64 through ’65.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – CAPT. McELROY

He is pleased by the information.

 

CAPT. McELROY

Excellent!  Invaluable experience.

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  ADAM

He feels very differently about the subject.

 

ADAM

That’s one way to look at it.

 

• SHOT – ADAM, CAPT. McELROY, DONOVAN, TROOPERS

The Captain is anxious to get started before Adam can change his mind.

 

CAPT. McELROY

Can you come back with us now?  We need

to get started as soon as possible.

 

ADAM

I’ll have to let my family know where I am.

 

CAPT. McELROY

We can wire Virginia City from the Fort.

Get your horse.

 

36        CONTINUED

 

Adam turns toward his horse and out of the frame.  The Captain mounts and speaks to Sgt. Donovan.

 

CAPT. McELROY

Leave a burial detail here Sergeant

 

SGT DONOVAN

Yes sir.

 

Adam rides back into the frame stopping beside the Captain.

 

CAPT. McELROY

Ready?

 

ADAM

Anytime you say.

 

The Captain raises his arm and commands:

 

CAPT. McELROY

Troop.  Forward!

 

They ride out briskly.  Dust sprays up in the FRAME and then  –

DISSOLVE TO:

 

• CAPT. McELROY’S OFFICE AT FORT CHURCHILL –  NIGHT

MED. CLOSE SHOT  – THE CAPTAIN AND ADAM

The Captain sits behind his desk and Adam stands easy in front of it.  As the scene opens the Captain pushes a form toward Adam.  Their conversations carry overtones of animosity. Adam has gotten into the whole thing on the principle that he has a duty to help in the situation and not from any liking for the job or the Captain.  Adam tries to accept the consequences gracefully, but it is difficult.

 

CAPT. McELROY

I’ve made your contract for three months.

If you’ll just sign it we can get right to work.

 

ADAM

Can’t we dispense with the contract?

I offered to help if I could, but I don’t

like to get tied up for that long.

I’ve other responsibilities.  We’ll have to

locate Delgatto in the next few weeks anyhow,

or there won’t be much left of this country of protect.

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  ADAM AND THE CAPTAIN

CAPT. McELROY

Afraid I’ll have to insist on the agreement.

The Army wants first call on your services,

and, small as the pay is, we don’t ask a man

to risk his life for nothing.

 

They hold one another’s eyes for a long moment, but Adam finally nods his agreement and slowly takes the pen and signs.  He pushed the contract back to the Captain.  The officer indicates a chair and Adam sits down.

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  ADAM

 

ADAM

Now, what have you done so far to stop these raids?

 

 

40        TWO SHOT  – CAPT. McELROY AND ADAM  – FAVORING THE CAPTAIN

 

CAPT. McELROY

You’ve seen it — the column that I led today at

Lacey’s ranch.  We can’t locate Delgatto’s hideout

so I’ve been trying to keep him off balance by

turning up with a small force at first one place and

then another.

(with a head shake)

But he seems to know where I’m going to be almost

before I do.

 

41        ANOTHER ANGLE   – FAVORING ADAM

 

ADAM

The theory’s good, but you probably haven’t kept

your movements secret enough.  Had to ask directions

around the Post I suppose?

 

The Captain nods yes, and Adam continues:

 

ADAM

Delgatto undoubtedly has a spy at the Fort  —

one of your wagoneers or woodcutters probably.

Word of your whereabouts gets back to him in

a hurry.  We can use this.  (cont.)

 

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  THE CAPTAIN

He listens with considerable interest and growing respect to Adam’s plan.

 

ADAM

(voice only)

From now on only you and I will know where the

column is to be next.   (cont.)

 

• BACK TO ADAM

 

ADAM

(continuing)

We’ll give them time to feel the pinch; then

I’ll leak a piece of false information and see if

I can’t spot Delgatto’s inside man. Maybe he’ll

lead me to the camp.

 

• ANOTHER ANGLE –  FAVORING THE CAPTAIN

 

CAPT. McELROY

A good plan; it should work.  We’ll try it.

(beat)

And Cartwright  —  one other thing …

 

ADAM

Yes?

 

CAPT. McELROY

I realize you are out of the habit, and between us

it makes no difference, but I’d appreciate it, now

that you’re under contract to the Army, if you

would pay close attention to military courtesy

before the men.  Wait for my orders; reply with

‘Yes, sir’ —  that sort of thing. I’m sure you

understand the necessity.

 

 

• ANGLE ACROSS THE DESK FROM BEHIND THE CAPTAIN TO PICK UP

ADAM IN A CLOSE SHOT.

As a former officer it rankles Adam considerably to be given the unnecessary reminder of the correct form, but he manages to swallow it (even though it goes down crossways).  He rises swiftly, stands very erect and answers stiffly  –

 

ADAM

Certainly, Captain.  I’m at your service.

(beat)

If that’s all for tonight …

 

CAPT. McELROY

Yes, of course.  The Sergeant will show you to

your quarters.  Good evening.

 

ADAM

Good evening, sir.

 

• TRAVEL WITH ADAM

As he turns sharply, crosses to the door and exits.

CUT TO

 

• JUST OUTSIDE THE CAPTAIN’S OFFICE –  NIGHT

Adam relaxes from his brace, and as he goes down the steps mutters to himself in a half amused tone:

 

ADAM

Three months at sixteen dollars a month.

Pa’s gonna think I’ve lost my mind.

CUT TO

 

• PONDEROSA RANCH HOUSE LIVING ROOM –  DAY

HOSS and JOE lounge comfortable while BEN stands in the middle of the room with a letter in his hand.

 

BEN

(at just slightly less than a bellow)

Has Adam taken leave of his wits!

First he goes out for a few hours hunting;

then we get a wire that he’s at Fort Church

and not to worry, and now a letter by messenger

saying he’s taken a job for three months as an

Army Scout and please to send his gear!

(continued)

 

 

• CONTINUED

 

BEN

(continuing)

Three months!  And it’s not six weeks till

round up.  This has to be a joke.  He doesn’t

need a job, and certainly not at what they’re

paying.

 

Ben looks around at Hoss and Joe for some explanation

 

49        QUICK SHOT  –  HOSS

He looks puzzled and slowly shakes his head.

 

50        QUICK SHOT  – JOE

He grins and shrugs expressively.

 

• THREE SHOT –  BEN, HOSS AND JOE

 

BEN

Well, any ideas?

 

HOSS

Hoss is willing to give Adam the benefit of the doubt.

 

I don’t know, Pa.  Adam’s nigh always got good

reason for what he does  —  even if we can’t see

it right off.

 

Joe can’t resist a good-natured dig at his big brother  –

 

JOE

Heck.  Anybody as sensible as that big brother

of ours had to crack sooner or later.  Probably

thinks he’s Kit Carson.  Reckon it’s harmless.

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  HOSS

Hoss ignores Joe’s comments.

 

HOSS

Might have somethin’ to do with this bunch of

robbers and hoss thieves been raiding hereabouts,

Pa.  I understand the Army’s after them, and you

know how Adam feels about that sort of no-goods.

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  BEN AND HOSS

Ben has calmed down.

 

BEN

You may be right.  Though I never thought

Adam’d willingly tie up with a military action

again after the war.

(beat)

Maybe some of it is beginning to fade for him

at last.  I hope so.

 

• THREE SHOT –  BEN, HOSS AND JOE

Hoss nods his agreement with Ben’s feelings, but Joe is still in a joking mood.

 

JOE

I still think we ought to go after him.

He’s probably been drinking some of

That tarantula juice they brew up at that

so called canteen out there. It’s guaranteed

to drive you loco.

CUT TO

 

• VERY CRUDE SHACK JUST BEYOND THE RESERVATION AT FT. CHURCHILL –  DAY  –  ESTABLISHING SHOT.

Most western Army posts with no town nearby were infested by a dreadful institution vulgarly called a ‘hog ranch’ by the troopers.  It was a rough shack set up just outside the reservation lines, operated by crooked bootleggers and offering fearful whiskey, gambling and a few aging and degenerate women.

PULL IN TO:

 

• CLOSE SHOT OF SHACK WITH HORSES TIED OUTSIDE –  INCLUDING ADAM’S

 

• THE CANTEEN –  DAY  –  ESTABLISHING SHOT

It is late afternoon and the bar and tables are crowded with soldiers drinking and playing cards.  There is a faro game running and a dispirited looking woman plays the piano dully while a soldier paws at her. At one table and impromptu quartet of well-oiled soldiers harmonize on  –

 

QUARTET

Ooooh   – they say some disaster

Befell the pay master,

And we’ll never be paid again  –

again.  We’ll never be paid again.

 

They trail off in laughter at the CAMERA.

 

• PAN TO A COMPARATIVELY QUIET CORNER

Where ADAM and SGT. DONOVAN share a table.  PULL IN TO:

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – ADAM AND SGT. DONOVAN

A bottle and two glasses are before them.  Adam pours a shot, lifts it, smells it gingerly and puts it back down with a look of suppressed horror.  The Sergeant watches amused.

 

SGT. DONOVAN

Sure now and it’ll put a fine finish on your insides.

 

ADAM

More likely destroy them entirely.  I don’t even

see how they keep the stuff corked.

 

The Sergeant laughs and then asks Adam in a friendly fashion  –

 

SGT. DONOVAN

Adam, me boy  –  ?

 

ADAM

Huh?

 

SGT. DONOVAN

Would you be after telling an old soldier somethin’

just to put me curiosity bump to rest like?

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  ADAM

 

ADAM

(with a slow smile)

Well now Clancey I might.  Just what was it you

had in mind?

 

• ANOTHER ANGLE –  FAVORING THE SERGEANT

 

SGT. DONOVAN

How is it that you nigh forced the Captain to be

givin’ you this scoutin’ job?  It’s certain sure not

the money at all, or for love of McElroy either  –

though he be a good officer and fair with the men.

The pair of ye were never cut out on the same bias.

I know your Da has much need of you at the ranch.

Why, for the love of old St. Pat, are you settin’ yourself up

in a fair way to be destroyed if Delgatto ever finds you out?

• ANOTHER ANGLE –  FAVORING ADAM  (DONOVAN JUST IN EDGE OF FRAME)

Adam pauses for a minute before answering, then begins slowly.

 

ADAM

Clancey, you fought in the war?

 

SGT. DONOVAN

(gravely)

I did that, and a cruel, bitter thing it was for this

grand country.

 

ADAM

(Adam nods his agreement with this)

Well, I fought too, and doing just about what

Delgatto’s trying here.  Sherman used armed,

trained cavalry troops to raid a civilian population.

Oh we had a purpose other than greed and blood lust,

and we didn’t slaughter women and children, but we

left behind plenty of dead men and burning homes

with empty pastures and store houses. (cont.)

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  ADAM

 

ADAM

(continuing)

Maybe it had to be done, Clancey; maybe someday

the historians will say that it shortened the war and

saved lives,

(These memories are still painful to Adam)

but I saw all I could stand and then some.

(beat)

Now here it is happening all over again  –  on my own

home ground, to people I know and care about and with

no purpose except the will of a vicious animal.  I have to

try and stop Delgatto, that is if I want to go on living

with myself.   (cont.)

 

 

• TWO SHOT – ADAM AND SGT. DONOVAN

 

ADAM

(continuing)

Will that answer your question, Sarge?

 

SGT. DONOVAN

Aye.  Aye Adam, that it will.  It takes a man to know

his own heart and follow it so true.

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  ADAM

Adam bends his head in acknowledgement of the compliment, and after a brief pause changes to subject.

 

ADAM

Clancey, do you know that man two table over?

(Adam gestures o.s.)

 

• QUICK SHOT –  ANOTHER TABLE NEARBY

It is occupied by a small, weedy looking half-breed who looks avidly toward Adam and the Sergeant.

 

• TWO SHOT –  DONOVAN AND ADAM

 

SGT. DONOVAN

That’ll be Lagarto  — new hand working for the

wood contractor.

 

ADAM

 

He’s been watching me from around corners for

this past week.  I think he may be the man I’m after.

Follow my lead.

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  ADAM

Adam gives the whiskey one more very suspicious look and tosses it off grimly (strictly in the line of duty) then slams down the glass with a crash.

 

• SHOT –  ADAM, DONOVAN AND THE SURROUNDING TABLES

The sound draws Lagarto’s attention.  He leans in their direction listening as Adam speaks loudly and as if he is feeling his liquor:

 

ADAM

So I told the Captain he was wrong.  No chance of

them touching that shipment after it leaves Reno.  (cont.)

 

• CLOSE SHOT – SGT. DONOVAN

He nods agreement as Adam continues o.s.

 

ADAM

(continuing – voice only)

Pull the column back there – right Donovan?

 

SGT. DONOVAN

No use hiring a scout if you don’t mind his

advice – guess you convinced him. (cont.)

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  LAGARTO

He listens eagerly as the Sergeant continues o.s.

 

SGT. DONOVAN

(continuing – voice only)

Them were the Captain’s orders to the letter.

“Accompany the silver shipment to Reno,” he says.

 

• TWO SHOT –  ADAM AND SGT. DONOVAN

 

ADAM

Glad to hear it – no use pounding our saddles

clear across the mountains for nothing I say.

Let’s drink on it.

 

Donovan pours and they drink  (Adam likes this one even less than the first drink, if possible.)                                                                             PAN TO:

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  LAGARTO

He rises quickly and slips quietly toward the door.

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  ADAM AND SGT. DONOVAN

 

ADAM

(in his normal tone of voice)

I think we’ve hooked one.  I’m gonna ease out

after him.  You notify the Captain.  If this whiskey

doesn’t do for me, I should be back by this time

tomorrow.

 

SGT.DONOVAN

 

Right – have a care for yourself lad.

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  ADAM

Adam grins and winks at Donovan as he rises, puts on his hat and steps away from the table.

CUT TO:

 

• BEYOND THE FORT TOWARD THE RIVER –  DAY  –  LONG SHOT

Camera PANS across the landscape to pick up ADAM following LAGARTO.  He is well back and using all the cover provided by the terrain.  FOLLOW for a minute then:

DISSOLVE THRU TO:

 

• NORTH BANK OF THE CARSON RIVER –  DAY  –  ADAM  –  MED. SHOT

He stands in his stirrups and looks ahead of him across the river.

 

• POV SHOT –  SOUTH BANK OF THE CARSON RIVER  –  LAGARTO

He rides ahead at a moderate pace headed west paralleling the river.

 

• BACK TO ADAM

He eases his mount into the river and begins to ford it.

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  LAGARTO

It is early afternoon as the little spy reaches a small stream emptying into the Carson from the mountains to the South.  As he turns into it, riding upstream in the water, the late sun catches a broken and fairly high rock formation running along the left-hand bank of the creek beginning a short distance up from its union with the Carson.  The fracture surfaces of the rock exhibit mica or crystal formations which catch the rays of the declining sun and flash them back in a glittering display.

LAGARTO DISAPEARS around a bend in the stream

 

• HOLD ON THE CREEK AND ROCKS

Presently ADAM rides into the frame.  He stops and dismounts examining the faint traces of Lagarto’s passage leading into the stream.  He remounts and turns his horse into and up the creek.  As he passes the shining rocks they flash brilliantly catching his eye.  He turns to survey them for a moment and mutters to himself:

 

ADAM

Unusual formation.

 

He continues up the stream and out of sight.  The rocks flash once more in the late afternoon sun.

CUT TO:

 

 

• A HIGH PINNACLE OF ROCK DEEP IN THE MOUNTAINS

One of the outlaws, a member of Delgatto’s band, is posted there as a lookout for the camp.  He surveys the area all around him then stops abruptly and looks down at:

 

• THE CREEK BED WELL BELOW THE OUTPOST –  SHARP DOWN ANGLE.

The view is an aerial one and a good stretch of the creek may be seen.  The bed carries only a small amount of water.  Both LAGARTO and ADAM, who follows well back, may be seen by the lookout.

 

• THE LOOKOUT

He watches the o.s. pair for a minute then turns, picks up a signal mirror and begins to flash a message toward another high point lookout further up into the mountains.

CUT TO:

 

• THE CREEK BED  –  DAY  –  CLOSE SHOT  –  ADAM

Adam continues to move slowly upstream after Lagarto. He watches cautiously all about him, but he fails to observe the lookout high above him.

CUT TO:

 

• THE CAMP OF DELGATTO  –  DAY  –  ESTABLISHING SHOT

DELGATTO and his second in command, LUIS, stand talking in the foreground.  Other men move about in the background among a cluster of rough cabins and lean-tos.  Several cooking fires are burning here and there; two or three women tend them.  The camp is located in a sheltered small valley.  The only entrance is a steep defile leading down from a high pass above the camp.

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  DELGATTO AND LUIS

Delgatto carries his heavy riding crop and slashed it impatiently against his leg.

 

DELGATTO

Where is that fool Lagarto?  Doesn’t he know he’s to

bring word of the column’s movements?  Does he think

I want to sit in these forsaken mountains forever!

 

LUIS

Si, si, jefe; he knows.  I sent a messenger only yesterday.

He will have the information soon;  (cont.)

 

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  LUIS

 

LUIS

(continuing with force)

then we can strike – like el tigre!  Once we have the

silver we can be gone from here – perhaps back to

Mexico?

 

• TWO SHOT –  FAVORING DELGATTO

 

DELGATTO

Perhaps, but the loot is rich in these mining towns.

We …

 

Delgatto is interrupted by a MAN who hastens up to him.

 

MAN

(somewhat winded)

Senor, signal from the lookout – Lagarto is

coming in …

 

DELGATTO

(pleased)

Bueno, bueno!

 

MAN

But a gringo follows him!

 

DELGATTO

(savagely)

What!  That stupid pig; he leads in a stranger!

Come we must make our new friend welcome.

 

They hurry off as the scene  –

DISSOLVES

 

• ROUGH, DIRT-FLOORED HUT –  DAY  –  GROUP SHOT

DELGATTO, LUIS, LAGARTO AND ANOTHER GANG MEMBER.  Delgatto is speaking smoothly to Lagarto, but his voice carries overtones of menace.

 

DELGATTO

Welcome Lagarto, welcome.

 

The little spy bobs respectfully to his leader.

 

LAGARTO

Gracias, patron.

 

DELGATTO

Will you drink?

 

Delgatto indicates with his riding crop a jug and glasses on the table.

 

LAGARTO

Si, si.

 

Lagarto pours himself half a glass of tequila and drains it.

 

LAGARTO

Ah, bueno.  It is very dry on the trail.

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT –  DELGATTO AND LAGARTO

 

DELGATTO

And now perhaps you have news for us?

 

LAGARTO

Si, at last patron.  Only last night I heard the

Sergeant speaking with the new scout.

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  DELGATTO

 

DELGATTO

And this new scout – what did he say?

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  LAGARTO

 

LAGARTO

That on the day of the bullion shipment the column

would guard it only as far as Reno.  (cont.)

 

• CLOSESHOT –  DELGATTO

 

LAGARTO

(continuing – voice only)

From there on we can take it like the mouse takes

the cheese.

 

94        CONTINUED

DELGATTO

(with a snarl)

Yes!  And we would be the rats in the trap!

A new scout, eh lizard, and perhaps he could

teach you a few tricks!

 

• GROUP SHOT OF HUT INTERIOR

DELGATTO calls outside:

 

DELGATTO

In here!

 

ADAM is forced into the room through the blanket-hung doorway at gunpoint by TWO OF DELGATTO’S MEN.  Adam’s right cheekbone bears an ugly cut and bruise, but he is mad and offers some resistance. His guard slams him roughly to a halt before Delgatto.  Adam and Delgatto gage one another appraisingly.

 

• CLOSE THREE SHOT –  DELGATTO, ADAM AND LAGARTO

Delgatto gestures toward Adam and speaks with deceptive gentleness to Lagarto:

 

DELGATTO

Is this the one of whom you speak?

 

LAGARTO

(totally surprised)

Madre de Dios!  El descubridor – Senor Cartwright.

How did he come here?

 

Delgatto permits his rage to lash out.

 

DELGATTO

Fool!  He gave you false information, then

followed you!  You know what happens to

those who betray us.

 

• GROUP SHOT

DELGATTO   gestures to ADAM’S GUARDS to take LAGARTO.

 

LAGARTO

(frantically)

No, patron!  No.  I am always loyal to you!

He must track like a wolf; I don’t know …

 

 

 

97        CONTINUED

 

DELGATTO

The fool is more to be feared than the traitor.

(To the two guards)

Finish him – outside.

(To the other gang members in the hut)

Cover this one.

(He indicates Adam)

 

The man draws a pistol and aims it at Adam.  Adam glances at him briefly in disdain and looks back at Delgatto as Lagarto is drawn struggling and whimpering from the hut.

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT –  ADAM AND DELGATTO

Delgatto recognizes an equal in Adam and addresses him as such.

 

DELGATTO

Senor Cartwright did he say?  An illustrious

name in this country, but surely not the Ben

Cartwright of the Ponderosa; a son perhaps?

 

Adam gives what amounts to his name, rank and serial number and lets it go at that.

 

ADAM

Adam Cartwright, Scout, United States Army.

And you’ll be Delgatto, leader of this band of

cutthroats?

 

DELGATTO

(with courtly sarcasm)

Your servant, senor.  You came to view our

humble camp.  Por favor, allow me to be

your escort.

 

Delgatto indicates the doorway with his crop, and the guard prods Adam toward it.  They exit.  Adam maintains a cool, unperturbed manner.

CUT TO:

 

 

• DELGATTO’S CAMP –  DAY  –  FULL SHOT

DELGATTO, LUIS, ADAM and HIS GUARD stop outside the door to Delgatto’s command hut.

 

DELGATTO

Impressive no?  Men, arms, horses, supplies,

even that essential of any fighting group –

discipline.  But, I almost forgot – the prize –

captured from an Army supply train in Texas –

observe …

 

Delgatto points with his crop up the defile which leads down into the camp from the pass and off to the left.  Adam follows his gesture.

 

 

 

• POV –  SLOW PAN SHOT

Pan up the slope and PULL IN on a Gatling gun mounted to cover the trail leading down into the camp.  An efficient looking TWO-MAN CREW mans it.

 

• BACK TO SCENE

 

DELGATTO

By day it is always manned.  You see,

I have complete command of the approaches.

No one enters this camp unless I will it.

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  ADAM

 

ADAM

Which should about bring us to the point of

this little farce.  You obviously don’t intend

to let me ride out of here with this information.

Why not just turn that gun on me as I came in and

be done with it?

 

• TWO SHOT –  ADAM AND DELGATTO

 

DELGATTO

Are you so impatient to die?  Come, we will

talk further on this inside.

 

They push aside the blanket and enter the hut.

 

 

• DELGATTO’S COMMAND HUT – DAY  – CLOSE SHOT.

ADAM AND DELGATTO

 

DELGATTO

Now, Senor Scout, you have learned what you

wanted.  Perhaps you will oblige me in return?

 

Adam just watches Delgatto waiting for an opening he can turn to his advantage.

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  DELGATTO

He snaps out:

 

DELGATTO

The column’s movements?

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  ADAM

 

ADAM

(lying calmly)

I don’t know them.  The Captain keeps his own council.

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  DELGATTO

He is beginning to lose his temper.

 

DELGATTO

I’m not a fool, Cartwright.  Before you came

the Army blundered all over this country.

Everyone knew where that column was going

and when.  They hire a scout and suddenly

begin to appear and disappear like shadows.

Not even the soldiers know where they will

be next  –

(cont.)

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  ADAM

 

DELGATTO

(continuing, voice only)

• but you do, and you’re going to tell me!

 

ADAM

Why should I?

 

 

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT –  DELGATTO AND ADAM  –  FAVORING DELGATTO

He suddenly becomes cajoling.

 

DELGATTO

What do you owe the Army?  Why leave your

padre’s rich lands and ride yourself saddlesore

for them?  For the money?  I think not.  For

adventure then?  May be. In any case, I can

offer you more of both.  I need a good scout

who knows this country, who can be depended on.

Throw in with me and you’ll see more gold and

higher excitement than you believed possible.

(cont.)

 

• ANOTHER ANGLE –  FAVORING ADAM

Adam views Delgatto’s offer with contempt.

 

DELGATTO

(continuing)

Give me the column’s schedule and we can

take the next bullion shipment  –  over a

million and a half dollars – a tenth share

is yours.

 

ADAM

And the alternative?

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  DELGATTO

He answers with violence in his voice and actions.

 

DELGATTO

This!

 

He lifts the heavy riding crop and slashes the lead-loaded grip against the heavy clay jog on the table beside them. The vessel bursts into fragments.

 

• QUICK SHOT –  ADAM

His expression is grim, but he does not flinch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT –  DELGATTO AND ADAM

 

DELGATTO

(caressing the whip)

Made for me by an old Mexican craftsman –

flexible, lead-loaded, capable of subduing

the most unruly horse. If you force me to

use it, you will suffer much the same fate

as the jug – only slowly, ever so slowly.

You will talk; never fear, you’ll beg to talk!

Quickly – the column?

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  ADAM

He shakes his head slowly and firmly.

 

ADAM

No.

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  DELGATTO

 

DELGATTO

Why, what can you hope to gain?

You must know what’s coming.

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  ADAM

 

ADAM

I don’t believe my reasons would have

any meaning to you.

 

117      CLOSE TWO SHOT  – ADAM AND DELGATTO  –  FAVORING ADAM

 

DELGATTO

Try me.

 

Adam gives Delgatto a long, searching glance, almost doesn’t bother to answer, and then shrugs – why not?

 

ADAM

When you hold the lives and property of

others in your hand, it ceases to be entirely

a personal concern.

 

 

 

 

• ANOTHER ANGLE –  FAVORING DELGATTO

 

DELGATTO

What can you possibly care about them –

these others  –  now?  Make no mistake

the forfeit in this game is your life.

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  ADAM

He answers quietly with a quotation from Juvenal.

ADAM

 

“Summum crede nefas animam praeferre

puderi, Et propter vitam vivendi perdere

causas.”

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  DELGATTO

 

DELGATTO

(with sarcasm)

Ah, Latin no?  Wealth provides so many of

the little pleasures of life – including a fine

education.

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  ADAM

Having gone this far Adam translates. He is not offering heroics – just a flat statement of his beliefs.

 

ADAM

“Count it the greatest of infamies to prefer

life to honor, and to lose, for the sake of

living, all that makes life worth having.”

 

• TWO SHOT –  ADAM AND DELGATTO

Adam’s statement enrages Delgatto.

 

DELGATTO

Honor!

 

He strikes Adam a blow with the butt of the riding crop along the left temple which stuns and staggers him.

 

DELGATTO

(furiously)

We will see how much comfort your honor

is when your ribs are crushed and each

breath is agony!

 

He cuts Adam hard in the lower left side over the floating ribs bring the air out of his lungs with a grunt. Adam bends inward toward the injured side, and as he does so, Delgatto hits him again with the heavy crop handle across his spine and kidneys.  The blow straightens Adam, and he jumps at Delgatto in rage beyond the pain.

 

• CLOSE GROUP SHOT –  ADAM, DELGATTO, LUIS, THE GUARD

There is a brief struggle as Luis and the Guard wrench Adam away from Delgatto’s throat and hold him struggling and infuriated.  Delgatto pauses, the crop upraised in his hand.

 

DELGATTO

Once more, use your head!  Serve me

and you will be well rewarded.

 

Adam, teeth clenched in pain, gives Delgatto the glare of an eagle and slowly, with infinite, deliberate contempt, shakes his head no.  The raider slashed down viciously with the crop.

CUT

 

(COMMERCIAL)

 

 

ACT II

 

FADE IN

 

• DELGATTO’S COMMAND HUT –  NIGHT  –  CLOSE SHOT  – ADAM

Adam lies unconscious, face down on the dirt floor.  Around him may be seen the booted feet of Delgatto and his men.  Someone nudges his roughly in the ribs with his foot.  There is no response from Adam.  PULL UP AND BACK TO:

 

• GROUP SHOT –  DELGATTO, LUIS, THE GUARD, ADAM

Delgatto strokes the crop through his hand and looks down at Adam.

 

DELGATTO

Rouse him Luis.

 

LUIS

I do not think it will be possible this time.

 

However, he takes a dipper full of water from a bucket and dashes it over Adam’s head.  There is no response.

 

DELGATTO

Is he faking?

 

Luis stoops and roughly turns Adam over.

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  ADAM

Adam has a dark bruise along his left temple and the cut across his right cheekbone is swollen and ugly.  A trickle of the frothy red blood of the lungs has run from his mouth.  His shirt is torn in places and stuck to him with partially dried blood. He is completely unconscious.

 

127      GROUP SHOT

 

LUIS

No. He is finished.  See, already his

lungs bleed.

 

DELGATTO

Fool!  I would have used him well had he

only been reasonable.  I need men like this.

 

LUIS

We’ll tie him up outside so the men can

Have their sport with him in the morning.

 

 

127      CONTINUED

 

DELGATTO

No. Leave him here.  He’ll die soon enough.

Pico can watch.

(He indicates the guard.)

 

LUIS

Los hombres – they will miss their little joke.

 

 

128      CLOSE SHOT  – DELGATTO

 

DELGATTO

Our people have a very old saying, Luis.

“There are no jokes about courage.”

Leave him here.

(This is an order)

 

• QUICK SHOT –  ADAM

He lies sprawled his head to one side. Fresh blood trickles from his mouth.

 

• GROUP SHOT

Delgatto turns and walks from the room followed by Luis.  Pico is left alone with Adam.  He picks up a bottle from the table and retires to a corner with it. He drinks, then drinks again.  Adam remains unmoving.

DISSOLVE

 

• DELGATTO’S HUT –  DAWN  –  CLOSE SHOT  –  PICO

The guard sits hunched in a corner a blanket draped around him.  He is asleep with the empty whiskey bottle beneath his hand.

PAN ACROSS THE ROOM TO:

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  ADAM

He lies as before.  Then very slowly and without a sound his eyes open and he looks about him.

 

• QUICK SHOT –  THE SLEEPING GUARD

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  ADAM

Adam is badly hurt but a long way from dead.  Like an injured animal his one drive is survival, his one thought to reach home.  When he realizes his guard is asleep he rolls over and up to a forward sitting position.  He holds his chest as tightly as possible with one arm and braces himself erect with the other.  The movement brings a spell of coughing which Adam fights to suppress.

 

• QUICK SHOT –  THE SLEEPING GUARD

 

• BACK TO ADAM

The coughing brings a fresh gush of blood from his lungs.  Adam wipes his hand across his mouth and looks at the blood on it dazed.  After a moment he wipes his hand across his pants and begins to inch the short way to the table.  Slowly and painfully he uses the table to raise himself to his feet. Many of his ribs have been cracked or broken, some in several places, and he holds his chest finding it impossible to straighten fully against the pain.  His spine and kidneys are bruised making walking difficult, but after a quick glance at Pico  –

 

• QUICK SHOT –  THE SLEEPING GUARD

He stirs slightly but does not wake.

 

• BACK TO ADAM

He forces himself to the doorway, and bracing against the frame, pushes aside the blanket and looks outside.  Adam is almost exhausted by the effort he has made.

 

• WIDE ANGLE SHOT –  THE CAMP

Adam’s horse is still tied with two or three others near the hut.  The camp is quiet in these first few minutes after sunrise.  No one is in sight.

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  ADAM

TRAVEL with Adam as he moves painfully away from the door and toward his horse.

DISSOLVE

 

• THE TOP OF THE PASS INTO THE CAMP –  DAY  –  MED. LONG SHOT

Adam rides slowly up into the pass pulled low over his mount’s neck.

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  THE GUARD ABOVE THE PASS

The guard leans against a rock and dozes standing, his rifle beside him.

 

• SHARP DOWN ANGLE SHOT INTO THE PASS

The guard does not arouse as Adam passes quietly below.

LAP THRU TO:

 

 

• THE GUARD POINT WHICH ORIGINALLY SIGHTED ADAM COMING IN –  DAY  –  MED. SHOT

The sun is higher now.  The guard here stretches, pulls a bit of jerky from a pocket and begins to gnaw it.  The faint sound of a hoof striking a rock draws his attention to the creek bed below him.

 

 

• DOWN ANGLE SHOT

The second guard sees Adam easing past the guard point.  He immediately throws down the meat, grabs his rifle and pulls off a snap shot at Adam that goes wild. At the crack of the rifle Adam sets spurs to his horse and puts him into an all out run crouching low over his neck.  The guard continues to pump bullets after the wildly racing Adam until they are out of range.

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  THE GUARD

The guard flings down his rifle and grabs the signal mirror and begins to flash the other guard post.

 

• DELGATTO’S CAMP –  DAY  – GROUP SHOT

DELGATTO, LUIS and four or five men are hastily mounting to ride after Adam.  Delgatto speaks to Luis:

 

DELGATTO

He’ll try for the Fort.  We must stop

him before he reaches there!

 

LUIS

He can’t ride far – maybe a miner’s

camp or ranch?

 

DELGATTO

No.  He knows we’ll check them all.

 

LUIS

His home – this Ponderosa – they may

have many men there.

 

Delgatto mounts ready to ride.

 

DELGATTO

And it’s twenty miles away across the mountains.

He’d never last to reach it.  No, it has to be the

Fort!

 

• CONTINUED

Delgatto lashes his horse and moves rapidly away.  The others follow.

 

CUT TO:

 

 

 

 

 

• ROCKY MOUNTAIN TRAIL –  DAY  –  MED. SHOT  –  ADAM

Adam’s horse picks his way cautiously along the almost dry streambed.  Adam just clings to him holding desperately to the frayed edge of consciousness.  He is beyond reasoning or planning.  He only wants the safe haven of home; the Fort never occurs to him.  Adam painfully lifts his head and looks off West.  He tugs at his horse to turn him in that direction.

PULL IN TO:

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  ADAM

 

ADAM

Home Sport, have to get home.

 

Adam RIDES AWAY FROM THE CAMERA as he picks his way on into the scarred and ridged land that lies on the direct route to the Ponderosa.  As he DISAPPEARS BEYOND A CUT BACK, the HOOFEBEATS of several horses are heard behind him.

 

150      GROUP SHOT  – DELGATTO, LUIS AND HIS MEN

 

They ride hard toward the camera and on past Adam’s turn off point.

 

151      EXT. ROUGH MOUNTAIN TERRAIN  –  DAY  –  MED. CLOSE SHOT  –  ADAM

Adam rides on clinging to the saddle by sheer will power.

PULL IN TO:

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  ADAM

He again coughs blood and wipes his mouth across his sleeve.  He is aware that this is very serious, but is too numbed by pain and shock to be frightened.  He holds his chest tightly and urges Sport on.

 

• WHERE THE MOUNTAIN STREAM JOINS THE CARSON RIVER BY THE “SHINING ROCKS” – DAY  – GROUP SHOT.

DELGATTO, LUIS and the men are halted there.  They circle looking at the ground for tracks – in vain.

 

LUIS

He did not ride this way, jefe.

We have lost him.

 

ANOTHER MAN

What now?

 

LUIS

We must move the camp.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – DELGATTO

 

DELGATTO

No.  As long as he doesn’t reach the soldiers

we’re safe.  Post a man to watch and bring

word should he make the Fort.

 

• QUICK SHOT – LUIS AND ONE OF THE MEN

Luis jerks his head toward the far side of the river and the man rides off to carry out Delgatto’s order.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – DELGATTO

 

DELGATTO

Myself, I think he is dead – back there somewhere.

(He gestures toward the mountains behind them.)

He died in the saddle and his horse roams.

Send three men to search.

Delgatto turns and starts back up the stream.  The men separate to search.

 

DISSOLVE

 

• THE PONDEROSA RANCH HOUSE YARD – DAY  – MED. SHOT

Adam’s mount trots into the ranch house yard.  Adam is draped over his neck hands clenched in the mane.  The horse is sweaty, dusty and tired.  He goes to the hitching rack and stands.  PULL IN TO:

 

• VERY CLOSE SHOT – ADAM

Adam is just barely conscious enough to lift his head and look toward the house.

 

• QUICK SHOT – THE RANCH HOUSE PORCH AND FRONT DOOR

 

• CLOSE SHOT – ADAM

He is unable to call out and his head sinks back onto Sport’s neck.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – THE RANCH HOUSE PORCH AND FRONT DOOR.

The door opens and HOSS steps out with a piece of harness in his hands.  He calls back over his shoulder:

 

HOSS

Oh, talk up your big ideas to somebody else,

short shanks.  You couldn’t make money fallin’

down a shaft at eight-fifty a foot.

 

Hoss comes on through the door then stops frozen and looks toward Adam o.s.

 

• QUICK SHOT – ADAM

Adam has lifted his head and looks toward Hoss o.s., his torment written plainly in his face.

 

• SHOT –  HOSS AND ADAM

Hoss drops the harness and starts for Adam on the run.  He calls:

 

HOSS

Joe!  Joe!  Come quick!

 

Just as HOSS reaches ADAM, JOE bursts out of the door.

 

JOE

What is it!

 

Then he too sees Adam and comes on with one jump to clear the porch.  CROSS with JOE and PULL IN TO:

 

• CLOSE SHOT – ADAM, HOSS AND JOE

Hoss reaches up to Adam and Joe skids up.

 

JOE

Careful Hoss.  He’s hurt; he’s hurt bad.

 

Adam still clings to his mount. He looks down as Hoss gently takes hold of him.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – ADAM

 

ADAM

Hoss.  Be   –   be easy.

 

With the words come bubbles of bright blood.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – JOE

The knowledge of the extent of Adam’s injury lances through Joe like a sword of ice.  He own face is twisted in pain as he breathes:

 

JOE

Oh dear God.

 

It is a prayer and not a profanity.

 

 

 

 

• CLOSE THREE SHOT

Hoss begins to loosen Adam’s stiffened hands from their grip on the mane, and he speaks to Adam almost as to a child.

 

HOSS

Don’t you fret, Adam.  Ole Hoss ain’t

gonna hurt you none.  Just turn aloose

now.

 

Suddenly Adam relaxes and with perfect trust and one last effort rolls off and into Hoss’s arms choking back a cry as his brother’s grip tightens around his body.

 

HOSS

(to Joe)

Git Pa!

 

Joe bolts for the house as Hoss follows more slowly carrying Adam with great care.

DISSOLVE

 

• CAPT. McELROY’S OFFICE FT. CHURCHILL – DAY  – TWO SHOT

The CAPTAIN and SGT. DONOVAN converse.  The Captain is seated behind the desk; the Sergeant stands before it at parade rest.

 

CAPT. McELROY

(with irritation)

Well, where is he then?

 

SGT. DONOVAN

Sir, it’s sure I am that he’ll be reporting

soon as ever he can.

 

CAPT. McELROY

He’d better snap to it.  Twenty-four hours

and not a word!  Probably drunk somewhere.

Shiftless civilians!

 

• CLOSE SHOT – SGT. DONOVAN

 

SGT. DONOVAN

(quickly)

Aw no sir, not on your life!

(as an after thought)

Beggin’ the Captain’s pardon, sir, but

Adam Cartwright is a likely lad.

You can be dependin’ on him.

 

• TWO SHOT – CAPT. McELROY AND SGT. DONOVAN

 

CAPT. McELROY

He’s a civilian, and you can depend on them

to do just as they please.  Gone home for a

change of clothes no doubt.  (cont.)

 

• CLOSE SHOT – CAPT. McELROY

 

CAPT. McELROY

(forcefully)

Sergeant, I’ll personally see to it that he

Completes this scout if it kills him.

CUT DIRECTLY TO:

 

• PONDEROSA RANCH HOUSE LIVING ROOM – NIGHT  – TWO SHOT

JOE and HOSS sit tense and impatient looking toward the stairs.  As the scene opens the sound of a full-throated SCREAM from Adam o.s. practically lifts Joe from his chair.  He looks wildly at Hoss who motions him back down.  They sit again in heavy silence.

 

• CLOSE SHOT  – HOSS

Hoss is quiet but reveals his tension by endlessly turning some small object from the table beside him over and over in his hand.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – JOE

Joe looks upstairs, bites nervously at a fingernail, and finally drops his head into his hands.

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – HOSS AND JOE

The charged air is split by another scream suddenly choked off in mid-cry.  Joe is on his feet this time and headed upstairs.  Hoss catches him by the arm and points back to the chair.

 

HOSS

Woah, Joe.  You’d only be in the way up there.

 

Joe is practically trembling with nerves.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – JOE

JOE

If he screams like that one more time,

you’ll be pluckin’ me off the rafters.

What are they doing to him anyhow!

 

• CLOSE SHOT – HOSS

 

HOSS

Tryin’ to get them ribs strapped up I’d judge.

Delgatto sure didn’t miss much.

His back… pissing blood…

(Hoss breaks off and shakes his head.)

 

• TWO SHOT – HOSS AND JOE

 

HOSS

(continuing)

It’s a plumb miracle he got out of there.

 

JOE

Well, do they have to keep on hurtin’ him?

 

HOSS

There ain’t no easy way to do it, Joe.

Doc Kay’s gotta know what pains him and

what don’t.  An’ that bleeding from the lungs –

Adam’s likely to choke in his own blood if they

can’t keep him conscious till it stops.  Reckon

Doc’ll put him to sleep soon as it’s safe.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – JOE

 

JOE

It better be soon.

(beat)

Hoss, we’re not gonna let that butcher get away

with this are we?  We can’t!

 

• CLOSE SHOT – HOSS

 

HOSS

Don’t worry little brother; there’ll be an

accounting for every mark on Adam –

sure as drought in the desert!

 

• PONDEROSA RANCH HOUSE DINING ROOM – DAY

SHOOT LOOKING OUT through the window into the RANCH YARD.  It is morning, and it is RAINING, a steady, wet, dreary, gray rain.  PULL BACK TO:

 

 

• SHOT – DINING ROOM  – JOE, BEN AND HOSS

They are gathered at breakfast, an extra place is as yet unused. The mood is far from gala.  The monotonous DRUMMING OF THE RAIN fills the background. Joe gestures toward the window.

 

JOE

That looks about like I feel – completely

washed out.

 

HOSS

You!  How ‘bout Pa?  I don’t think he’s

closed his eyes in the last three days.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – BEN

 

BEN

Oh, I’ve caught a few catnaps.  It’s

Paul I’m bothered about.  He must be

exhausted.  (cont.)

 

• THREE SHOT

 

BEN

(continuing)

Hoss, why don’t you go up and see if you

can’t spell him for a while.

 

HOSS

Shore, Pa.

 

Hoss starts to rise as DR. PAUL KAY walks into the dining room.

 

1. KAY

No need.  Adam’s sleeping.  I think we

can safely leave him along long enough

for a little breakfast.

 

He sits down at the table.  During the following conversation Hoss serves a plate and passes it to the doctor.

 

BEN

Paul, I guess you know how grateful we are

to you for staying here like this – taking care

of Adam – I…

 

 

184      CONTINUED

Ben is very tired and very worried and the Doctor has no intention of letting him go on in this vein.

 

1. KAY

(interrupting Ben)

If you were about to thank me or something

foolish like that, forget it.  (cont.)

 

• CLOSE SHOT – DR. KAY

 

1. KAY

(continuing)

After all Ben, I’ve been looking after these

hellions of yours for quite a few years.  (cont.)

 

• CLOSE SHOT – JOE

 

DR.KAY

(continuing – voice only)

I want to see Adam pull out of this about as

badly as you do.

 

It jolts Joe to have his fears put into so many words.

 

JOE

Doc!  You said he was gonna be all right.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – DR. KAY

 

1. KAY

No, Little Joe.  You heard what you wanted

to hear.  I said he had a good chance.  (cont.)

 

• GROUP SHOT

 

1. KAY

(continuing)

The human animal never ceases to amaze me.

I can’t give you a single sound medical reason why

Adam isn’t dead out there somewhere in the mountains –

(cont.)

 

 

 

• CLOSE SHOT – BEN

 

1. KAY

(continuing)

• except that he wanted to live. (cont.)

 

• CLOSE SHOT – DR. KAY

 

1. KAY

(continuing)

Don’t ask me how he even got on a horse, much less

rode twenty miles, losing blood the whole way.

The will to survive is an incalculable force.  (cont.)

 

• GROUP SHOT

 

DR.KAY

(continuing)

If he can make it through another few days

without any complications, then, in time, he

should heal.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – JOE

 

JOE

(anxiously)

What do you mean by ‘complications?’

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  KAY

 

1. KAY

(beginning slowly)

With a chest injury as serious as your brother’s

Joe, the greatest danger is always pneumonia.

It’s the killer.  (cont.)

 

• CLOSE SHOT – JOE

 

1. KAY

(continuing – voice only)

On top of his other internal injuries, he

could easily be too weak to fight it and win

(cont.)

 

 

 

• CLOSE SHOT – DR. KAY

 

1. KAY

(continuing)

About all we can do to prevent it is to

keep him warm, quiet and as comfortable

as possible.  (cont.)

 

• CLOSE SHOT – BEN

 

1. KAY

(continuing – voice only)

I hope that stubborn Cartwright streak of

his keep on working.

 

• CLOSE GROUP SHOT – FAVORING JOE

They are all deeply concerned over Adam, but the enforced, uncertain wait is hardest on Joe.  Despite their occasional up and downs, he is profoundly attached to the older brother who has been counsel, protector and comrade for as long as he can remember.  His whole nature demands action, any action, to help Adam.  Joe drops his head and pushes the fingers of both hands roughly through his hair then slams away from the table and paces across the room and OUT OF THE FRAME.  Hoss looks after Joe, then rises and follows him.  TRAVEL WITH HOSS as he catches up with Joe by a front window where Joe stands staring out at the rain.

PULL IN TO:

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – HOSS AND JOE

Hoss puts a hand on Joe’s shoulder.

 

HOSS

Joe.

 

Joe looks back at Hoss as he speaks lightly but affectionately.

 

HOSS

Come on, simmer down an’ unkink ‘fore you

bust a cinch.  Ole Adam’s tougher ‘n a she-bear’s

hind tit.  He’s gonna make it.

 

 

Joe looks at Hoss for a moment, worry and tension still plain in his face, and then he relaxes a little, smiles and nods yes.  PULL IN VERY CLOSE AND THEN ON PAST JOE LOOKING OUT THROUGH THE WINDOW WHERE THE RAIN CONTINUES UNABATED

DISSOLVE THRU TO:

 

 

• PONDEROSA RANCH HOUSE YARD – DAY  – WIDE ANGLE SHOT –

A LITTLE WHILE LATER.  Into the yard, through the still misting rain, trots a small cavalry detachment composed of Capt. McElroy, Sgt. Donovan and three troopers all on horseback.  They accompany a wagon with a driver.  The Captain and the Sergeant dismount and walk toward the front door.

CUT TO:

 

• PONDEROSA RANCH HOUSE LIVING ROOM – DAY  – MED. CLOSE SHOT  – THE FRONT DOOR

There is a KNOCK on the door.  BEN walks INTO THE FRAME and opens the door on THE CAPTAIN and SGT. DONOVAN.

 

CAPT. McELROY

Mr. Cartwright?

 

BEN

Yes, and you must be Capt. McElroy.

Come in.

 

Ben glances out into the yard.

 

Have your men step into the bunkhouse

and dry off if you like.  It’s miserable

weather to be riding.

 

CAPT. McELROY

Thank you.

 

The Captain steps back out of the door toward his men.  Ben and Sgt. Donovan come into the living room.  They know each other.  The Sergeant begins to remove his hat and poncho.

 

BEN

Sgt. Donovan.  Good to see you again.

 

SGT. DONOVAN

Aye, and you sir.

(anxiously)

Young Adam now?

 

BEN

Beaten, tortured.  It’s bad Sergeant.

 

SGT. DONOVAN

(grimacing in anger)

Bloody divils!

 

• CONTINUED

 

The CAPTAIN REENTERS the living room and removes his wraps.  When he finishes they move into the room.

 

CAPT. McELROY

I received your message Mr. Cartwright, and

I’ve come to pick up my scout.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – BEN

Ben really can’t believe his ears.

 

BEN

You’ve what?

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – CAPT. McELROY AND BEN  – FAVORING THE

.     CAPTAIN

 

CAPT. McELROY

We’ve come to get Adam and take him to the

dispensary at the Fort.  He is the Army’s

responsibility you know.

 

• ANOTHER ANGLE – FAVORING BEN

Ben is incredulous and beginning to be angry.

 

BEN

Surely you don’t seriously suggest moving him

that distance in an open wagon in this downpour.

He’s hurt, Captain.  He needs medical attention.

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – BEN AND CAPT. McELROY

 

CAPT. McELROY

And he shall have it, rest assured sir.

The Post Surgeon is a very competent

doctor.  Now if you’ll just take me to him…

 

BEN

No!

 

• CLOSE SHOT – CAPT. McELROY

The Captain is trying to be his version of reasonable.

 

 

CAPT. McELROY

Sir, be sensible.  Your son is under

contract to the Army.  (cont.)

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  BEN

Ben is beginning to swell with indignation.

 

CAPT. McELROY

(continuing – voice only)

I have every legal right to remove him to

the Post and to have you forcibly restrained

if necessary.  (cont.)

 

• CLOSE SHOT – JOE

Disbelief rapidly changes to anger and his hand drops to his pistol.

 

CAPT. McELROY

(continuing – voice only)

He’ll have the best of care, but it is necessary

that he be in our hands.  (cont.)

 

• CLOSE SHOT – HOSS

His face wrinkles with concern.

 

CAPT. McELROY

(continuing – voice only)

We can protect him, and he has

information we need.  (cont.)

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – BEN AND CAPT. McELROY  – FAVORING BEN

 

CAPT. McELROY

(continuing)

Now, isn’t that logical!

 

Ben takes a deep breath on the verge of explosion, pauses, thinks better of it and answers with icy control.

 

BEN

Capt. McElroy, I am forced to admit that

You have both logic and the law on your side…

 

CAPT. McELROY

(with relief)

Well, I’m pleased you realize …

 

209      CONTINUED

 

BEN

(interrupting)

However, there is just one issue in this

argument that you’ve failed to grasp.

 

210      CLOSE SHOT  – CAPT. McELROY

 

CAPT. McELROY

(puzzled)

What’s that?

 

211      CLOSE SHOT  – BEN

 

BEN

(hotly)

That we’re not discussing a problem in

military tactics from a West Point text book –

the case in point is that of my son, my oldest

son, who’s hurt –  (cont.)

 

212      CLOSE SHOT  – CAPT. McELROY

Ben’s shock tactics begin to take effect as some of the message reaches the Captain.

 

BEN

(continuing – voice only)

• so badly hurt that if you carry out your

proposed plan you’ll almost surely kill him!  (cont.)

 

213      CLOSE GROUP SHOT  – BEN, THE CAPTAIN, HOSS & JOE  – CENTER ON BEN

 

BEN

I’ll put it to you as plainly as I know how.

logic, law and the whole lot of you be damned;

The only way you’ll take Adam out of this house

will be over my dead body!

 

Ben stands glaring defiantly at the Captain.  Joe and Hoss back him.  Their expressions clearly indicate that Ben might as well have said “over their three united carcasses.”

 

 

 

214      CLOSE SHOT  – CAPT. McELROY

The Captain stares at Ben in surprise for a moment then his expression softens, and he answers very quietly.

 

CAPT. McELROY

My apologies Mr. Cartwright; you’re perfectly

right of course.  I’m afraid I sometimes forget

to take the human element into account.

It’s a bad fault.   (cont.)

 

215      TWO SHOT  – BEN AND CAPT. McELROY

 

CAPT. McELROY

(continuing)

Naturally I don’t want to endanger your son

any further, but I must have the intelligence

he was willing to risk his life to obtain,  (cont.)

 

216      GROUP SHOT  – BEN, THE CAPTAIN, HOSS  – JOE & DONOVAN IN BACKGROUND

 

CAPT. McELROY

(continuing)

and I need a scout.  Perhaps you can suggest

a solution?

 

Ben looks a little nonplused now that he has suddenly been handed the ball.

 

BEN

Well…

 

HOSS selects this time to chine in.  PULL IN TO:

 

217      THREE SHOT  – HOS, BEN, CAPT. McELROY

 

HOSS

Pa, I know all this country round here good as

Adam does, maybe even a little better, an’

Delgatto’s made this a down right personal matter

with us now.  Why don’t I take Adam’s place and

finish out that contract for him?

 

This idea pleases the Captain.

 

CAPT. McELROY

That would be fine.

217      CONTINUED

Ben is dubious of risking another son.

 

BEN

I don’t know …

 

218      CLOSE SHOT  – HOSS

 

HOSS

You know this has to be done, Pa.

It ain’t just Adam these buzzards done

hurt, but women ‘n kids on little

backwoods holdings, an’ old prospectors

alone in the hills.  (cont.)

 

219      CLOSE THREE SHOT  – HOSS, JOE AND BEN  – FAVORING HOSS

 

HOSS

(continuing)

Adam knew they had to be stopped, and

since he can’t finish the job, I kinda think

he’d like us to.

 

220      ANOTHER ANGLE  – FAVORING JOE

 

JOE

(hotly)

Hoss n’ I’ll both go.  All I want is to get

a gun sight on ‘em.  I’ll give ‘em hell

with the hide off!

 

BEN

Not this time, Joe.

 

Joe wants to go badly and pushes hard.

 

JOE

Yes, Pa!  The two of us can cover

twice as much ground.

 

221      ANOTHER ANGLE  – FAVORING BEN

 

BEN

No Joseph.  This business has gotten you

tied up in too many knots.  The Captain

wouldn’t be able to depend on your judgement.

 

222      CLOSE SHOT  – CAPT. McELROY

 

CAPT. McELROY

Your Father’s right son.  You can’t start

out after men like these single-handed.

You’d only get yourself killed, and lose

them for us.

 

223      TWO SHOT  – BEN AND JOE

Joe turns from the Captain o.s. to Ben pleading a little.

 

JOE

But Pa. Adam…

 

Ben is slightly angry at Joe’s persistence.

 

BEN

If you’re so all-fired concerned about Adam

stay home and lend a hand with him.  He’s

going to need all the care and attention we

have to give him for a while.

 

This mollifies Joe considerably and he subsides:

 

JOE

Sure Pa, sure.

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – BEN AND CAPT. McELROY

 

CAPT. McELROY

Well, I have my substitute scout; now if

we may see Adam and get his report – ?

 

BEN

I don’t think that will be possible.

 

CAPT. McELROY

Not possible!  But…

 

• CLOSE SHOT – HOSS

 

HOSS

(interrupting)

Ain’t no call to go botherin’ Adam, Captain.

Shouldn’t take me too long to locate ‘em nohow

 

• CLOSE SHOT – CAPT. McELROY

 

CAPT. McELROY

I wouldn’t be too sure of that!  It took your

brother nearly three weeks, and he only

managed by spotting one of their spies and

tracking him.  You can be sure that won’t

work twice.  (cont.)

 

• THREE SHOT – BEN, CAPT. McELROY AND HOSS

 

CAPT. McELROY

(continuing urgently)

He must tell us what he knows, and it

has to be now!

(to Ben)

Mr. Cartwright?

 

Ben realizes the urgency of the situation and is torn between concern for Adam and the need to recover the information that only he has.

 

BEN

I don’t know; I just don’t know.

He’s not conscious Captain.  He was in

so much pain…  Dr. Kay’s had him under

sedation for the last thirty-six hours and plans

to continue for another few days.  If there

were some other way  –

 

• TWO SHOT – BEN AND CAPT. McELROY  – FAVORING THE CAPTAIN

He is trying to decide:

 

CAPT. McELROY

Believe me sir, I sympathize with your dilemma,

but there isn’t any other way, and you must be

aware of it.  Everything we need so desperately

to know is locked up in your son’s mind.  It

would only take a few minutes at most?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  BEN

He is trying to decide:

 

BEN

Yes.  Yes, and it was important to Adam too.

He tried so hard to tell me the camp’s location

while we were working on him, but –

(beat)

it was so terrible for him just to breathe,

let alone speak.

(beat)

Perhaps —

 

 

• CLOSE SHOT – CAPT. McELROY

Eagerly but not pushing:

 

CAPT. McELROY

Yes?

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – BEN AND CAPT. McELROY

Ben reaches a final decision.

 

BEN

I’m not insensible to the urgency and

importance of you mission here Captain.

If Dr. Kay agrees that it can be done at all,

we’ll wake Adam; get as much information

as he’s able to give us.

 

CAPT. McELROY

Splendid sir!  That’s all I ask.

You won’t regret it.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – BEN

 

BEN

(fervently)

I hope not.  I certainly hope not!

 

• PONDEROSA RANCH HOUSE, ADAM’S ROOM – DAY

MEDIUM CLOSE SHOT

BEN opens the door into Adam’s room and enters flanked by HOSS and THE CAPTAIN.  DR. KAY follows them.  It is still raining outside.  Ben looks toward Adam’s bed o.s.

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  JOE AND ADAM

Joe sits beside Adam who is beginning to come out of his drugged sleep.  Joe rises as they enter and stands close to Adam’s side with a somewhat protective air.  Adam is supported in a well-up semi-sitting position by several pillows in order to make breathing as easy as possible. His chest is strapped from waist to breastbone, and the marks across his temple and cheek are very dark.  There are no really comfortable positions just now; his breathing is shallow and painful, and he is running a high temperature brought on largely by massive tissue damage and shock.  As they enter he is not fully awake.  Joe looks toward Ben o.s.

 

• GROUP SHOT – INCLUDING BEN, HOSS, THE CAPTAIN, DR. KAY, JOE

AND ADAM

 

BEN

(to Joe)

Is he awake yet?

 

JOE

Comin’ around.  He’s spoken to me a

couple of times ‘n then dozed off again.

 

1. KAY

That’s to be expected considering the extent

of his injuries.

(to the Captain and Hoss)

You understand this has to be brief.

He’s going to be in severe pain and any

upset could have serious consequences.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – CAPT. McELROY

 

CAPT. McELROY

We understand that sir, but he has information

that’s vital to the whole territory.  He must

tell us where to find Delgatto.

 

• THREE SHOT – HOSS, DR. KAY AND THE CAPTAIN

 

HOSS

I’ll be talking to him Doc, and I shore

don’t aim to hurt Adam no more if

I kin help it.

 

1. KAY

All right Hoss, but remember – he’s probably

going to be pretty confused and groggy.

 

• GROUP SHOT

HOSS replaces JOE beside ADAM.  BEN and the DOCTOR go to the other side of the bed.  The CAPTAIN stands behind HOSS and JOE takes a seat in the background.

 

• VERY CLOSE TWO SHOT – HOSS AND ADAM

Hoss leans close and calls his brother.

 

HOSS

Adam.  Adam, can you hear me?

 

Adam opens his eyes and gradually focuses on Hoss.

 

ADAM

(very softly)

Hoss?

 

HOSS

How you feelin’?  Think you could

talk to me for a little while?

 

• ANOTHER ANGLE – FAVORING ADAM

Adam nods his head yes and then, taking stock of his confused sensations, asks:

 

ADAM

What – what’s wrong with me Hoss?

I hurt – hurt all over – my back, chest…

 

Adam’s sentences are broken into short bits just as he can gather the breath to force them out.  Hoss patiently waits as he speaks and then tries to help Adam clear his mind.

 

HOSS

Do you remember being taken by

Delgatto and tortured?

 

• CLOSE SHOT – ADAM

The drugs have dulled Adam’s time sense, and he has no idea how long he has been out.

 

ADAM

Yeah.  But – but I got away, got home –

so long ago.

 

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – HOSS AND ADAM  – FAVORING HOSS

 

HOSS

Only three days.  Doc’s kept you asleep

most of that time.

 

ADAM

Why?

 

Hoss answers gently; he knows Adam deals best when fully informed, and he wants to be honest, but he also wants to avoid frightening Adam if possible.

 

HOSS

You’re hurt some inside Adam.  Guess you

know you got busted ribs, an’ Doc says

your lungs, ‘n spine, ‘n kidneys are all bruised –

shaken up sorta.  You just have to be real quiet and

rest for a while till they can heal.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – ADAM

He thinks this information over for a minute comparing it with his own feelings and accepts it quietly.

 

ADAM

I see.

 

• TWO SHOT – THE CAPTAIN AND HOSS

The Captain is beginning to get impatient and pushes a little.

 

CAPT. McELROY

Find out where they are.

 

Hoss nods yes and turns back to Adam.

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – HOSS AND ADAM

 

HOSS

I – I hate to torment you when you –

when you’re like this, but I’m gonna try ‘n

find that bunch again for the Captain here.

Can you tell me where the camp is; how

you found ‘em?

 

 

 

 

245      CONTINUED

Adam, morphine-clouded and fever touched, fails to comprehend that what is needed is a full intelligence report on his scouting mission.  He attempts to answer Hoss’s direct questions, but for the most part is unable to make the connection and offer information about which his brother could not know to ask.  As the narcotic fades in his system, Adam becomes restless and hectic with pain and fever, and his answers are even less coherent.

 

ADAM

Sure.  They’re pretty close in really, but

well hidden.  You follow the Carson River

upstream from the Fort a few miles until you…

 

During the above speech PULL IN TO:

 

• CLOSE SHOT – ADAM

The prolonged use of breath causes Adam to cough, and the violent movement of his lungs clamps his chest in a vice of pain.  He breaks off speaking and presses his left side tightly until the pain eases a little.  He has completely lost the thread of what he was saying. He passes his hand across his eyes and looks up at Hoss.

 

ADAM

What – what was I tryin’ to tell you?

 

• TWO SHOT – HOSS AND ADAM

 

HOSS

About where you found Delgatto.

You went up the Carson a ways…

 

ADAM

Yeah, yeah.  Till you find a stream – the stream

by the shining rocks.  Follow it southeast up

around Rawe Peak…

 

• CLOSE SHOT – HOSS

He is puzzled by the directions and interrupts:

 

HOSS

‘Stream by the shining rocks?’

 

• CLOSE GROUP SHOT – ADAM, HOSS BEN, DR. KAY

 

ADAM

(becoming agitated)

Yes, and Hoss – listen Hoss…

 

• CONTINUED

Using his arms Adam forces himself almost erect in his urgency to get through to his brother.  Ben reaches out to restrain him, but Adam persists.  The doctor half rises looking very upset.

 

BEN

Easy son.

 

ADAM

The lookouts!  Two.  One – one close in –

where you’d expect, but another – out, way out.

Signal system – that’s how they picked me up.

Be – be careful Hoss.

 

Adam is panting and begins to cough from the exertion.  The spasms are agony to his broken ribs.

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – ADAM AND BEN

Ben takes Adam in his arms and forces him back onto the pillows where he lies fighting for each breath.

 

251      GROUP SHOT  – DR. KAY, BEN, ADAM, HOSS, THE CAPTAIN.

 

1. KAY

(somewhat angrily)

I was afraid of this.  You’ll have to

cut it short.

 

252      CLOSE SHOT  – THE CAPTAIN

Pleading urgently with them:

 

CAPT. McELROY

Just one or two more questions.  Please!

This is important.   (cont.)

 

253      THREE SHOT  – HOSS, THE CAPTAIN AND ADAM

 

CAPT. McELROY

(to Hoss)

Find out their strength.

 

Hoss turns again to Adam.  The Captain stands close behind him.

 

HOSS

Adam, try to tell us.  How many of ‘em are there?

 

• CLOSE SHOT – ADAM AND HOSS  – FAVORING ADAM

Adam’s breathing is steadier and he is able to answer.

 

ADAM

About – about thirty men, a few women,

Some hangers on – maybe forty in all.

(beat)

Hoss,  I’m so hot – thirsty.

 

• ANOTHER ANGLE

 

HOSS

You got a little fever; don’t fret, it’ll pass.

Do you want water?

 

Adam nods yes, and Hoss, taking a glass from the table, lifts him enough that he can drink.  Adam does so eagerly.  Hoss gently pulls it away from him after a few swallows.

 

HOSS

Go slow big brother.  A little at a time is best.

 

He lowers Adam to the pillows again.

 

• TWO SHOT – CAPT. McELROY AND HOSS

The Captain is impatient at the delay.

 

CAPT. McELROY

See if he knows when their next raid is to be

and where?

 

Hoss stares at the Captain rather grimly then turns once again to Adam.

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – ADAM AND HOSS

 

HOSS

Did you find out anything about their plans.

Who are they gonna hit next?

 

ADAM

They want – wanta take the silver shipment by

Overland, but – but they’re afraid of the column…

 

 

 

• CLOSE SHOT – ADAM

Adam breaks off to press his hands to his chest. He rolls his head from side to side in a futile effort to escape the pain.

 

• QUICK TWO SHOT – BEN AND DR. KAY

They glance at each other with grave concern registering in their expressions.

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – ADAM AND HOSS  – FAVORING ADAM

 

ADAM

(he is still trying his best)

Won’t strike ‘till – ‘till they can get a new

report on the column’s movements.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – CAPT. McELROY

 

CAPT. McELROY

(thoughtfully)

That means we’ll have to go in after them.

(cont.)

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – CAPT. McELROY AND HOSS

 

CAPT. McELROY

(continuing)

Ask him for a better fix on the camp.

 

Hoss is very reluctant to comply.

 

HOSS

I don’t like it.

 

CAPT. McELROY

 

Try.  Please.

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – HOSS AND ADAM

 

HOSS

Tell me once more Adam.  How do you reach

the hideout?  There’s a hundred little cricks

n’ washes run into the Carson from them

mountains.

 

 

 

263      CONTINUED

ADAM

Follow the water in.  You’ll know it by

The rocks – rocks that shine  (cont.)

 

• ANOTHER ANGLE – FAVORING ADAM  – HOSS JUST IN EDGE OF FRAME

Adam’s hands clench and unclench in the covers as he tries to keep the pain in check.

 

ADAM

(continuing)

Hoss, Hoss, they play rough;

watch yourself.

 

Adam is beyond his strength.  He turns his cheek to the pillow and closes his eyes.

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – THE CAPTAIN AND HOSS

 

CAPT. McELROY

That’s not good enough!  He’s got to

give us better directions.

 

Hoss lashes out at him in anger:

 

HOSS

Ask him yourself then; I’m through!

Hasn’t he done enough?  You just hired

a scout for your blamed sixteen a month

and found; you didn’t buy his last breath!  (cont.)

 

• GROUP SHOT

 

HOSS

(continuing)

Don’t worry McElroy.  I’ll fill that contact

for you.  I’ll be able to smell them skunks!

 

Adam rouses and looks from Hoss to Ben in confusion.  This news seriously disturbs him.

 

ADAM

Pa.  The contract.  What does he mean?

Does Hoss have to go in my place?

 

They hasten to reassure Adam:

 

266      CONTINUED

 

BEN

It’s all right son.  Hoss is doing what he

wants to do.

 

HOSS

Don’t you worry none Adam.

 

• VERY CLOSE SHOT – ADAM AND BEN  – FAVORING ADAM

Adam is exhausted by the interrogation, his mind confused by fever and opiates. The pain in his body tears at him savagely.  He turns to Ben, unwilling to beg for help, even as badly hurt as he is, but almost desperate for release.

 

ADAM

Pa.  Pa, please.  So – so tired.

 

It is heartbreaking for Ben to watch Adam suffer like this and be able to do so little for him. He reaches down to stroke his son’s bruised face.

 

BEN

I know son.  I know.

 

• CLOSE SHOT –  KAY

 

1. KAY

(decisively)

This has gone entirely too far. (cont.)

 

• GROUP SHOT

 

1. KAY

(continuing)

Clear the room please Ben.  I’m putting

Adam back to sleep immediately.

 

He picks up his bag and begins to prepare a hypodermic syringe.  (They came into use during the Civil War, although large and crude compared to today.)  Ben stands very erect and looks steadily at Capt. McElroy.  Hoss too faces the officer grimly.  The Captain begins to give ground slowly toward the door as Ben and Hoss follow.

 

 

 

 

• CLOSE THREE SHOT –  KAY, ADAM AND JOE

JOE WALKS INTO THE FRAME and to Adam’s side as the doctor administers a shot of morphine then closes his bag and prepares to leave.  He speaks to Joe.

 

1. KAY

Stay with him Little Joe, and don’t let

anything else excite him.  He must rest.

 

JOE

(grimly)

I’ll see to it sir; you can depend on that.

 

The Doctor EXITS FROM THE FRAME.  PULL IN FOR

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – JOE AND ADAM

Joe leans over Adam to smooth the covers.  Adam opens his eyes, sees Joe and catches at his arm.  His mind is cloudy, but he realizes vaguely that he has missed some essential item in his report.

 

• ANOTHER ANGLE – FAVORING ADAM

 

ADAM

Joe!  Something, something Hoss should know.

If I could only think…

 

JOE

(soothingly)

Don’t worry older brother.  Hoss will manage

real fine.  You go to sleep now.  You’ll feel

better soon.

 

Adam begins to slip under.  His speech slurs.

 

ADAM

Forgotten – should know.  Joe…

 

JOE

Sleep Adam.  I’ll be right here.

 

• FORT CHURCHILL – DAY – WIDE ANGLE SHOT OF THE PARADE GROUND AND SURROUNDING BUILDINGS

It is early morning.  THE BUGLER, standing near the flagpole, sounds WORK CALL.  Small groups of soldiers and individuals move variously across the parade ground.  Some go into offices; others head toward the stables and corral.  A prisoner detail under guard begins to clean up the area.  PULL IN TO:

 

• CLOSE SHOT – EXT. THE CAPTAIN’S OFFICE  – HOSS

HOSS exits from the Captain’s office, crosses the porch and unties his horse from the hitching rail.  He mounts and rides toward the gate.

 

• TRAVEL WITH HOSS

As he rides across the parade ground and away from the Fort.

DISSOLVE TO:

 

• SOUTH BANK OF THE CARSON RIVER  – DAY  – MED. CLOSE SHOT

HOSS slowly works his way upriver watching the ground closely for tracks.  He investigates a short distance up several small streams that flow down from the mountains into the Carson searching for some sign of Adam’s ‘shining rocks.’

DISSOLVE TO:

 

• THE RIVER EDGE  – LATE AFTERNOON  – MED CLOSE  – HOSS

He reins up under a tree to rest his mount.  PULL IN TO:

 

• CLOSE SHOT – HOSS

He pushes back his hat with a sign and shakes his head puzzled by the failure of his search.  He says half under his breath:

 

HOSS

“Rocks that shine.”  What got into Adam

anyhow?  Was he plumb out of his head?

 

Hoss reluctantly gives up for the day and turns back toward the Post.

 

• THE CAPTAIN’S OFFICE AT FT. CHURCHILL  – NIGHT  – TWO SHOT  – HOSS AND THE CAPTAIN

 

CAPT McELROY

Sorry now you didn’t try for better

directions?

 

HOSS

(staunchly)

No sir.  I’ll find ‘em.

 

CAPT. McELROY

But when, that’s the question.  Time is

running out on us.  Delgatto can decide

to strike again or move on any day.

We’ve got to locate him!

 

 

HOSS

Adam mentioned Rawe Peak.  I’ll start soon

as it’s daylight and have a look up that way.

 

CAPT. McELROY

(with a head shake)

That’s a lot of country up there, but go

ahead and try.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – HOSS  – TRAVEL WITH HOSS

As he crosses to the door.  Just as he has his hand on the knob the Captain calls and he turns back.

 

CAPT. McELROY  (o.s.)

Cartwright.

 

• TWO SHOT – HOSS AND CAPT. McELROY

 

HOSS

Yes sir?

 

 

CAPT. McELROY

Watch your step huh?  Scouts are getting

mighty hard to come by.

 

HOSS

(with a grin)

Yes sir.

 

He gives a sloppy salute and exits.                                                     DISSOLVE

 

• MOUNTAINOUS SEMI-WOODED LAND – DAY

ANGLE DOWN on HOSS who is searching deep in the mountains east of Rawe Peak.    TRAVEL WITH HOSS as he rides along a faint trail.  He reaches a fork in the trail and pauses.  He glances to the left.

 

• PAN LONG TO THE LEFT FORK OF THE TRAIL

Which leads gradually down hill and into heavy woods.

 

• BACK TO HOSS

Hoss looks up the right hand fork of the trail.

 

• PAN RIGHT ACROSS COUNTRY TO A HIGH PINNACLE

Where one of Delgatto’s guards is posted.                                 PULL IN TO:

 

• CLOSE SHOT – THE GUARD

He crouches watching Hoss o.s. through field glasses.  He gropes for the signal mirror with his free hand.

 

• BACK TO HOSS

He still sits his horse undecided at the trail fork. He looks right once more then shrugs and turns into the left-hand path and moves down it and AWAY FROM THE CAMERA

 

• CLOSE SHOT – THE GUARD

He puts down the signal mirror and watches Hoss o.s. a minute longer then relaxes.                                                                                   DISSOLVE:

 

• FT. CHURCHILL – NIGHT  – TRAVEL WITH HOSS

As he enters the gate and rides toward the Captain’s office. As he reaches it and dismounts the door opens and the CAPTAIN COMES OUT.  He stops, pleased to see Hoss.

 

• TWO SHOT – HOSS AND CAPT. McELROY  – BEFORE THE OFFICE

 

CAPT. McELROY

I’m relieved to see you.  I was thinking of

calling out a patrol to start a search.

Have any trouble?

 

HOSS

No, nor no luck neither.  Had a feelin’ I was

close a few times, but you could lose and army

up there – it’s mighty rough country.

 

CAPT. McELROY

What now?

 

HOSS

I ain’t real sure.  Lem’me sleep on it.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – CAPT. McELROY

 

CAPT. McELROY

Oh, your Father sent over a rider from the

Ponderosa today with a message for you.

 

 

 

 

 

• CLOSE SHOT – HOSS

 

HOSS

(anxiously)

How’s Adam?

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – HOSS AND CAPT. McELROY  – FAVORING HOSS

 

CAPT. McELROY

About the same apparently.  Said he’s still

not too clear in his mind, but he does keep

mentioning this stream with the rocks that

shine.  Does it mean anything at all to you?

 

HOSS

No, no it don’t, but it must to Adam.

(beat)

That settles it.  I’ll try workin’ up the

Carson once more.  Maybe I just missed

it before.

 

• ANOTHER ANGLE

 

CAPT. McELROY

I hope you’re right, and – good luck.

 

HOSS

Thanks.  I could use some

DISSOLVE

 

• SOUTH BANK OF THE CARSON RIVER – DAY  – TRAVEL WITH

HOSS

As he rides slowly along and comes to the stream of the ‘shining rocks.”  He dismounts and examines the ground closely squatting down to do so.

 

• POV SHOT – THE SKY

It is cloudy and the crystal formation in the rock face does not shine.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – HOSS

He finds a rock or two turned over damp, soil-stained side up and squints up the stream trying to reach a decision.  Presently he rises.

 

 

 

• TRAVEL WITH HOSS

As he goes back to his horse and takes his canteen from the saddle and walks back to the stream squatting down to fill it.

 

• POV SHOT – THE SKY

Suddenly the sun breaks out from behind a cloud.

 

• SHOT OF THE STREAM AND CRYSTAL IMPREGNATED ROCKS – HOSS IN EDGE OF FRAME

The rocks twinkle brightly in the rays of the declining sun.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – HOSS

A flash catches his eye and he looks up full into the face of ‘the rocks that shine.’

 

• QUICK SHOT – THE ROCK FORMATION

 

• CLOSE SHOT – TRAVEL WITH HOSS

As he rises slowly smiling to himself and steps back to his mount with the canteen.  As he replaces it he speaks softly to Chub.

 

HOSS

Well fellow, reckon ole Adam did know what

he was sayin’ after all.  Think we better take

the rest of his advice and watch mighty careful

for that lookout.

 

Hoss mounts and starts to ride very slowly up the creek.                  DISSOLVE

 

• FT. CHURCHILL – DAY  – TWO SHOT  – CAPT McELROY AND SGT. DONOVAN

The stand on the verge of the parade ground.  The Captain sounds worried:

 

CAPT. McELROY

No sign of him, Sergeant?

 

SGT. DONOVAN

No sir, and the watch reports no movement

about the Post during last night.

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – CAPT. McELROY AND SGT. DONOVAN  – FAVORING THE CAPTAIN

 

CAPT. McELROY

Sgt. Donovan, we can’t lose another of that

man’s sons

 

305      CONTINUED

 

SGT. DONOVAN

(grimly)

No sir.

 

CAPT. McELROY

Mount a ten-man patrol, your best men.

We’ll go have a look.

 

SGT. DONOVAN

(with alacrity)

Yes sir!

 

As Sgt. Donovan turns away to obey  —                                            CUT TO:

 

• MED. SHOT – THE GATE OF THE FORT  – HOSS

The guard at the gate looks up as Hoss gallops through the gate and on into the compound pushing his tired horse hard.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – TRAVEL WITH HOSS

As he crosses the parade grounds to the Captain and Sgt. Donovan.  PULL IN TO:

 

• THREE SHOT – HOSS, CAPT. McELROY AND SGT. DONOVAN

Hoss reins up and quickly dismounts saying gleefully to the Captain.

 

HOSS

We got ‘em!  Found the sidewinders

Captain.  Slickest hideout you ever saw.

Delgatto’s got himself a regular village.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – CAPT. McELROY

 

CAPT. McELROY

(elated)

You found the camp?

 

• CLOSE SHOT – HOSS

 

HOSS

(with a big grin)

Shore did, exactly like Adam kept trying to tell us.

You ride up a little crick almost to the camp, and

that there stream is lined with rocks what got

little bits of crystal all thorough ‘em  (cont.)

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – HOSS AND CAPT. McELROY

 

HOSS

(continuing)

When the sun hits just the right way, they

sparkle and shine like a new silver dollar.

 

CAPT. McELROY

(abruptly)

How far from here to the camp?

 

HOSS

About twelve miles.  It’s down in a narrow

valley just inside the timber up on Rawe Peak.

Only one way in and there’s plenty of lookouts.

Had to wait for dark to slip past ‘em.

 

• THREE SHOT – CAPT. McELROY, HOSS AND SGT. DONOVAN

 

CAPT. McELROY

(very pleased with Hoss)

This is fine.  I’ll want a full report.

(to Donovan)

Sergeant.

 

SGT. DONOVAN

Yes sir?

 

CAPT. McELROY

Have the entire troop ready to ride by one o’clock

with supplies for twenty-four hours and a full issue

of ammunition.  And have someone bring Hoss

a meal in my office.

 

SGT. DONOVAN

Aye sir, and it’ll be coming right along.

 

The SERGEANT MOVES OUT OF THE FRAME.  The Captain puts his arm about Hoss and turns him toward the office.  As they start in the Captain asks:

 

CAPT. McELROY

What about the sentries?

 

 

 

312      CONTINUED

 

HOSS

Adam had it right, but I think I got a way all

figured out that we can take the first one by

surprise going in…

 

THEY WALK OUT OF THE FRAME

DISSOLVE

 

• PONDEROSA RANCH HOUSE – UPSTAIRS HALLWAY OUTSIDE ADAM’S DOOR  – DAY

BEN, DR. KAY AND LITTLE JOE pause outside the door.  Joe had his hand on the knob to enter.

 

1. KAY

I haven’t given him anything at all this

morning Ben.  He should be back with

us before too long.

 

BEN

Will he still be in so much pain?

 

1. KAY

(reassuringly)

No, no he shouldn’t be.  It’s been almost a week

now – the worst is over.  Oh, he’ll be uncomfortable

all right, but his lungs are clear, the internal bleeding

seems to have checked, and his fever’s down.

 

 

• CLOSE SHOT – JOE

 

JOE

If I know Adam, he’ll want to be out of that

bed and after the hombres that did this to him

soon as he figures out he’s still in one piece.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – DR. KAY

 

1. KAY

(quickly)

You’d better not let him try it!

He must stay quiet for some time yet

or he’ll start the bleeding again, and his

ribs are just beginning to knit.   (cont.)

 

• TWO SHOT – BEN AND DR. KAY

 

1. KAY

(continuing)

Ben you are driving me over to the Widow

Barkley’s place aren’t you?

 

BEN

(doubtfully)

Maybe I’d better have Joe do it Paul.

I want to be here when Adam wakes up.

 

1. KAY

Oh nonsense Ben, you need the fresh air!

You’ve been with Adam day and night

since he rode in here, and we’ll probably

be back before he comes around anyhow  (cont.)

 

• THREE SHOT – JOE, BEN, DR. KAY

 

1. KAY

(continuing)

You’ll keep a sharp eye on your brother

won’t you Little Joe?

 

JOE

Sure Doc.  Go on Pa; it’ll do you good.

 

BEN

(still reluctant)

Well – all right.

(more lightly)

Besides, maybe I can talk Mrs. Barkley out

of some of those fine strawberry preserves

of hers.  Adam’s crazy about ‘em.

 

JOE

Aren’t we all.

(He turns to enter Adam’s room)

See you later.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – JOE

Joe opens the door and enters Adam’s room pushing the door closed behind him.

 

 

• QUICK SHOT – ADAM

Adam is sleeping quietly.  His chest is still strapped and the bruises on his face are faintly visible.

 

• TWO SHOT – JOE AND ADAM  – TRAVEL WITH JOE

As he walks toward the bed, looks down at Adam for a moment and adjusts the covers.  Joe picks up a book, sits in a comfortable chair near the bed and begins to read.

 

• SAME SCENE

Time is an hour or so later.  The room is brighter and Joe pauses in his reading to glance up at the clock.

 

• QUICK SHOT – THE CLOCK

The time is a few minutes past noon.

 

• TWO SHOT – JOE AND ADAM

Joe looks toward Adam who still sleeps peacefully. Joe puts aside his book, gets up and tiptoes quietly out of the room.  The door closes behind him.

 

• PAN BACK TO ADAM

GRADUALLY PULL IN ON ADAM who sighs softly in his sleep and stirs just a little.

 

• PULL IN TO VERY CLOSE SHOT – ADAM

His eyelids flutter but do not open.  He makes a slight sound as the CAMERA PULLS ON IN AND DISSOLVES WITH A BRIEF DOUBLE IMAGE INTO THE DREAM SEQUENCE.

 

• DELGATTO’S CAMP AND THE TRAIL LEADING INTO IT – DAY WIDE ANGLE AERIAL SHOT.

Beyond the last ridge before the defile leading down into the camp we see remotely the figures of Hoss and the Captain leading a column of soldiers.  Faint martial music drifts under.

 

• PULL IN TO MED. SHOT – THE GATLING GUN AND CREW

The grimly efficient looking two-man crew gives the weapon a final adjustment and glance o.s. to:

 

• SHOT – SENTRY POST AND SENTRY

The lookout on the high point just above the entrance to the defile. He points back over the hill toward the troop as the faint martial music swells.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – THE GATLING GUN CREW

They nod their readiness and begin to take aim along the down trail.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – HOSS AND THE CAPTAIN

Part of the troop may be seen behind them.

 

• LONG SHOT – HOSS, THE CAPTAIN AND THE COLUMN

The CAMERA is placed at the top of the ridge at the beginning of the defile down into camp.  Hoss, Capt. McElroy and the troop ride TOWARD THE CAMERA grim faced and silent. At the very top of the hill they pull up and look down toward the camp.

 

• QUICK SHOT – DELGATTO’S CAMP FROM THE RIDGE.

The camp appears deserted.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – HOSS AND THE CAPTAIN

Hoss glances from one side of the descending trail to the other, but he does not see the well-camouflaged gun.  Hoss nods at the Captain and urges his mount forward.

 

• MED CLOSE SHOT – HOSS, THE CAPTAIN AND THE TROOP

The Captain signals the column forward, and they ride down into the defile.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – THE GUN CREW

The martial music is stronger as the gun crew watches the sentinel high above the column.

 

• QUICK SHOT – THE SENTINEL

He stands with arm upraised ready to signal ‘commence firing.’

 

• QUICK SHOT – THE TROOP

They move down into the narrow trail leading to the camp.

 

• QUICK SHOT – THE GUN CREW

They grin wickedly as they take final aim.

 

• QUICK SHOT – THE SENTINEL

Suddenly he drops his arm and a thunderous stutter fills the air as the gun begins firing.

 

• GROUP SHOT – THE TROOP

The column is raked with deadly accurate gunfire.  There is total confusion.  Men and animals scream, horses rear.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – HOSS

He is ripped from his rearing mount by the shuddering blows of a stream of bullets as he is thrown to the ground             –                       CUT TO:

 

 

• PONDEROSA RANCH HOUSE – DAY  – ADAM’S ROOM  – CLOSE SHOT  – ADAM

Adam comes fully awake and jerks straight up in the bed with an inarticulate cry.

 

ADAM

Hoss!

 

Adam shakes his head to clear it and realizes that he has been dreaming.  He becomes aware of the pain in his chest; groans and drops back onto the pillows.  Then alarm crosses his face as he is struck by the significance of the dream.  He looks about the room for a moment in search of someone to tell and sees that he is alone.  All he knows is that Hoss has gone to look for Delgatto without this vital piece of information. He has no idea how long ago, or where everyone is, but a sense of urgency drives him to make the effort himself.  He pushes back the covers and painfully, slowly begins to force himself out of the bed.

CUT TO:

 

• PONDEROSA RANCH HOUSE – KITCHEN  – DAY  – MED. CLOSE SHOT  – LITTLE JOE

Joe is making himself some lunch.  He has a loaf of bread, roast of meat, slicing knife, etc. and whistles contentedly under his breath as he slices the bread and meat and prepares himself a sandwich.                              CUT TO:

 

• PONDEROSA RANCH HOUSE –  ADAM’S ROOM  – DAY  – CLOSE SHOT  – ADAM

Adam is up and has gotten his pants on.  His upper body is bare, but heavily bandaged.  He leans against the dresser for support and works at getting his shirt on.  He is very weak and in considerable pain.

CUT TO:

 

• KITCHEN SCENE –  CLOSE SHOT  – JOE

He leans easy against the sideboard eating his sandwich and drinking a glass of milk.                                                                                            CUT TO:

 

• BEDROOM SCENE –  CLOSE SHOT – ADAM

He looks about for his gunbelt.

 

• QUICK CLOSE SHOT – THE GUNBELT

Adam’s gunbelt hangs on a wall peg across the room from where Adam stands.

 

• BACK TO ADAM

TRAVEL WITH Adam as he starts toward his weapon. Each step is an effort as he must drive the commands through his bruised spine. When he reaches the wall rack he has to reach up to lift down the heavy gunbelt.  The pull on his chest is almost more that he can stand, but after a couple of tries he lifts it down and begins to buckle it on.                                                                                CUT TO:

 

• KITCHEN SCENE –  TRAVEL WITH JOE

As he puts his plate and glass into the sink and saunters out of the kitchen headed back upstairs.  He pauses in the living room to select an apple from a bowl. He tosses it up casually and goes on toward the stairs.                           CUT TO:

 

• BEDROOM SCENE – CLOSE SHOT  – ADAM

Adam leans over to pick up his boots from a corner. He is beyond his strength and as he bends over the pain from his ribs catches him and he grunts sharply.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – THE BOOTS  – AS ADAM SEES THEM

The boots fade out of focus, stabilize for a second, then blur again as a blackout begins to creep up around them.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – ADAM

With a terrific effort he manages to straighten and hangs onto the dresser with both hands, his head low, drenched in a cold sweat of exhaustion.        PAN QUICKLY TO:

 

• CLOSE SHOT – THE DOOR

It opens and JOE enters.

 

• TWO SHOT – JOE AND ADAM

Joe sees Adam where he stands hanging onto the dresser trying to stay conscious.

 

JOE

Adam!

 

After a moment of shocked surprise Joe unfreezes and gets an arm around Adam steadying him.  Adam lets Joe take his weight.

 

ADAM

(weakly)

Dizzy.

 

In his anxiety Joe speaks sharply to Adam.

 

JOE

You crazy fool, what do you think you’re

doing!  You want to kill yourself!

 

Joe carefully eases Adam into a nearby chair.  Adam lets his head drop back and fights to steady his breathing.  Then he lifts his head and says urgently:

 

ADAM

Joe.  Hoss, he’ll be killed.  The gun; I forgot

the gun.  Gotta get to him.

 

354      CONTINUED

 

Adam attempts to rise and Joe restrains him.

 

JOE

The only place you’re going is back to bed.

You’re still delirious Adam.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – ADAM

 

ADAM

No Joe.  I’m all right.  Believe me.

Delgatto has a gun, a Gatling gun.

It covers the only trail down into his

camp.  They can wipe out the whole

column.  Got to warn ‘em!

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – JOE AND ADAM

Joe looks at Adam closely and feels his forehead.

 

ADAM

(almost frantic)

Joe!  In heaven’s name!

 

JOE

I believe you Adam.  I’ll go as soon as

I can get you back into bed.  Pa and the

Doc will be here shortly; you got to

promise me you won’t try to move

again till they come.

 

ADAM

You don’t know where the camp is, and

the gun’s hidden.  I want to go with you.

 

Obviously Adam would never make the ride, but this doesn’t prevent him from wanting to go.

 

JOE

And I want to keep both my brothers

alive in this mess.  You promise, or

nobody goes.

 

Adam realizes the sense of this and after a pause agrees:

 

356      CONTINUED

ADAM

Yeah, yeah, okay.  I’d only slow you

up anyway.

 

JOE

That’s better.  Now tell me all you know

about this gun and how to find it.

DISSOLVE

 

• NEAR THE PONDEROSA RANCH HOUSE –  DAY – MED. SHOT

LITTLE JOE rides rapidly away from the ranch house spurring his horse hard.

CUT TO:

 

• FT. CHURCHILL – DAY  – FUL SHOT

HOSS, CAPT. McELROY, SGT DONOVAN AND TROOP M move in column formation out of the gate and away from the Post

CUT TO:

 

• SOUTH BANK OF THE CARSON RIVER – DAY  – MED. CLOSE SHOT

LITTLE JOE pushes his mount along the bank of the river toward the stream with the ‘shining rocks.’

 

• THE POINT WHERE THE ‘SHINING ROCKS’ STREAM ENTERS THE

CARSON  – DAY  – MED. SHOT

The Troop turns into the creek by the shining rocks.  HOSS points them out to the CAPTAIN as they ride slowly by.

DISSOLVE TO:

 

• AERIAL SHOT OF THE COLUMN AND MOUNTAINS AT DELGATTO’S CAMP USED IN SCENE #326. USE SAME MUSIC.

 

• SENTRY AT LOOKOUT POINT ABOVE THE PASS LEADING TO DELGATTO’S CAMP – DAY  – MED. SHOT

 

• QUICK SHOT – THE COLUMN FROM SENTRY’S POINT OF VIEW

 

• BACK TO SENTRY

The LOOKOUT registers surprise, hastily grabs his signal mirror and begins to flash the gun post. o.s.

 

• QUICK SHOT – THE GATLING GUN AND CREW

One of the two-man crew stands reading the flashes from the lookout’s mirror.  They stop and he turns hurriedly toward the gun.

CUT TO:

 

366      EXT.  A POINT ALONG THE CREEK BED NOT FAR FROM DELGATTO’S CAMP

JOE pounds up the creek bed, water flying under Cochise’s hooves. He catches sight of the tail of the COLUMN.

CUT TO:

 

• THE HEAD OF THE COLUMN JUST BELOW THE CREST OF THE

RIDGE FROM WHICH THE DEFILE LEADS DOWN INTO DELGATTO’S CAMP  – DAY  – FULL SHOT

JOE races INTO THE FRAME.  TRAVEL with JOE as he comes up beside the COLUMN and slides to a halt beside HOSS who looks at him amazed.  CAPT. McELROY throws up his arm indicating a halt.                      PULL IN TO:

 

368      MED. CLOSE THREE SHOT  – HOSS, THE CAPTAIN, JOE

JOE speaks quickly and quietly to HOSS.  Hoss turns to the Captain.

 

CAPT. McELROY

Well?

 

HOSS

Little job that got overlooked.  Just hold

everything till we get back.

 

Hoss and Joe ride away OUT OF THE FRAME to the right

CUT TO:

 

369      EXT. THE GATLING GUN AND CREW  – DAY MED. CLOSE SHOT.

The gun crew waits tensely watching the sentry on the high point o.s.  Suddenly JOE and HOSS break from cover on either side of the gun position and after a short, but fierce struggle overcome the gun crew.  They straighten, grin at each other and solemnly shake hands.

 

JOE

For Adam.

 

HOSS

(nodding yes)

For Adam.

 

They look up o.s. to see:

 

370      QUICK SHOT  – THE LOOKOUT – MED. LONG SHOT

He scrambles off his lookout peak and down a side trail toward Delgatto’s camp.

 

 

371      CLOSE SHOT  – HOSS, JOE, THE UNCONSCIOUS GUN CREW

 

HOSS

Let’s go!

 

They each grab one of the limp bodies of the gun crew and drag them unceremoniously off into the woods.

CUT TO:

 

372      EXT. THE COLUMN HEAD ON THE RIDGE  – DAY  – MED. CLOSE SHOT

CAPT McELROY still holds the column waiting nervously.  HOSS and JOE

RIDE BACK INTO THE FRAME.

 

HOSS

Move ‘em out Captain.  Delgatto knows

we’re comin’ now.

 

The Captain signals, the BUGLE SOUNDS ATTACK and the column charges over the crest and down the defile  – dust and dirt SPRAYING INTO THE FRAME.

FADE OUT

 

(COMMERCIAL)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACT III

 

FADE IN

 

373      INT. PONDEROSA RANCH HOUSE   – ADAM’S ROOM  – DAY – ESTABLISHING SHOT

Adam has spent two pain-filled weeks, each slow-counted hour with a full measure of discomfort.  Everything is difficult – breathing, sleeping, eating, just existing, and most galling of all to Adam is his helplessness, his prolonged need for care and assistance even in the simplest matters.  He has borne it well and managed to maintain some sense of proportion and humor, but his body has almost drained its reserves in order to repair and rebuild, leaving Adam feeling depressed and very thinly drawn around the edges.  Ben is aware of this, and in their conversation, works gently, affectionately to buoy up Adam’s spirits.

ADAM is in bed supported in a half-sitting position and rests fairly comfortably on his left side and hip. He has a tendency to keep his hand pressed to his left side, which hurts him steadily.  He shifts his position slightly from time to time to ease it.  He is reading as BEN ENTERS the room, but puts the book down and looks up pleased – glad of someone to talk to for a while.  He lifts his hand in greeting.

 

• TRAVEL WITH BEN AND PULL IN

As he smiles at Adam and walks over to sit gently on the edge of the bed facing his son.

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – BEN AND ADAM

 

BEN

(lightly)

How’s it going son?

 

ADAM

(with a wry smile)

Slowly, Pop, very slowly.

 

BEN

Well, you know Virgil said that

“Every misfortune is subdued by patience.”

 

ADAM

And it has been remarked that,  “He preacheth

patience that never knew pain.”

 

This is a game between them that neither takes seriously.

 

 

 

• ANOTHER ANGLE – FAVORING BEN

 

BEN

Knew an old mountain man once who always

“‘Lowed as how there warn’t nothin’ like a good

spell of the miseries to take a feller’s mind offen

his troubles.”

 

Adam gives a snort between disgust and laughter and then is doubled over by the adverse response of his sore ribs.  Ben continues unrelentingly.

 

BEN

Same old coot made his own brand of tonsil

varnish out of fermented parsnips.

Swore it would cure anything.  Never had the

nerve to try it myself, but I once saw a drop

draw a blood blister on a rawhide boot.

 

• ANOTHER ANGLE – FAVORING ADAM

Adam has his arms pressed tightly around his chest and gasps half in laughter and half in pain.

 

ADAM

No.  Don’t.  Stop it Pa.

You’re killing me here.

 

Ben pauses until Adam can catch his breath and then asks:

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – BEN AND ADAM

 

BEN

So how about it?  Feel like seeing a

visitor for a few minutes?

 

ADAM

That’ll depend on who it is.  If it were

that new singer Joe was telling me they’ve

hired at the Crittendon House …?

 

BEN

Well you can disabuse your mind of that fancy;

it isn’t.  And if she’s the young lady I heard

Joe and Hoss remarking on, we couldn’t risk

running your temperature up like that anyhow.

 

 

• ANOTHER ANGLE – FAVORING ADAM

Adam smiles and with a questioning gesture asks:

 

ADAM

Who then?

 

BEN

Captain McElroy.

 

Adam is at first surprised and then slips quickly into a flare of temper.

 

ADAM

McElroy!  What does he want?  I’m not

ready for another scouting mission yet.

No, I don’t want to see him!

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – BEN AND ADAM

 

BEN

(calmly, pleasantly)

Do you think that’s quite fair?

After all, it’s a good ride over here

from the Fort, and he has been

concerned about you.

 

Adam is worn down a little too fine to be his usual reasonable self.  He shifts with considerable effort and snaps:

 

ADAM

Concerned!  Too bad he didn’t think of it

sooner.  If it weren’t for him I wouldn’t be

laid up here.

 

Ben continues patiently to try and ease Adam out of his none too logical mood.

 

BEN

Delgatto didn’t have anything to do with it?

You didn’t volunteer for the mission?

 

• CLOSE SHOT – ADAM

Adam gets the point and relaxes, a little amused with himself.

 

ADAM

You’ve got me there, Pop.  I asked for it.

(he becomes serious again)

But even after he saw what happened to me,

he let Hoss take the same chance.

(beat  –  remembering his dream)

That was so close.  I still get the shakes when

I think about it.  If I hadn’t come to; if Joe hadn’t

made it in time… (cont.)

 

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – BEN AND ADAM

 

ADAM

(continuing)

How does a man justify something like that?

 

BEN

If you want McElroy’s reasons why don’t you

ask him for them?  You may not particularly

like the man Adam, but I think he’s entitled

to your respect.  It’s men of his breed who

are bringing something more than lynch law

to the West.

The Army’s spread mighty thin out here,

and they have a big responsibility – to assist

the civilian law enforcement officials, to patrol

our borders, put down outlaw gangs like

Delgatto’s, and to control the hostile Indians.

It amounts to fighting a full-time war every day

for little pay and less thanks.  The Captain’s got

a tough job, but he’s doing it in the best way he

knows how.  It won’t hurt you to hear what he

has to say.

 

Adam realizes the truth of this and slowly nods his agreement.  Then, using his arms, he forces himself up off of the pillows and tries to pull more erect.  About half way he is caught by the pain in his ribs and must break off his efforts to clutch them with his right hand.  He is hung with his weight on his left arm unable to move in any direction.  Ben puts his arm behind his son and supports him.  Adam is in pain and angry at his need for assistance.

 

ADAM

Help me sit up, Pa.  I don’t want him to

see me like this.  I hate being so helpless.

 

BEN

It’ll pass son; it’ll pass.

 

 

382      CONTINUED

Ben helps Adam to turn and fixes the pillows so that he is held fully erect with his head unsupported. Adam is panting a little with the effort.

 

BEN

Better?

 

ADAM

Yeah, yeah.  Send him on in.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – ADAM’S ROOM

BEN steps to the door, opens it and calls:

 

BEN

Captain …

 

The Captain enters through the door that Ben holds open

 

CAPT. McELROY

Thank you.

 

BEN

(quietly)

Not too long.

 

The Captain nods yes and BEN EXITS closing the door after him.  Capt. McElroy stands hesitating just inside the room.  Adam still doesn’t relish another encounter with him and begins the conversation as prickly as a porcupine.  As the Captain crosses to the bed PULL IN TO:

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – ADAM AND CAPT. McELROY

 

CAPT. McELROY

(hesitantly)

How – how are you feeling?

 

ADAM

Like I’d been thrown and sat on –

by a tall horse.

(with a trace of sarcasm)

You’ll forgive me if I don’t stand to

attention.

 

 

 

 

384      CONTINUED

CAPT. McELROY

Yes.  Yes, of course.  That’s part of what

I came to tell you.  You needn’t trouble any

more about the contract.  We’ll carry you on

the sick book as wounded in the line of duty

until it expires.  From what the doctor tells me,

that won’t be too far wrong.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – ADAM

This is a surprise to Adam.  He really expected his illness to be bad time as far as the contract was concerned, but he is not about to argue.

 

ADAM

Why – ah – thank you Captain.

 

386      CLOSE TWO SHOT  – ADAM AND CAPT. McELROY  – FAVORING THE CAPTAIN.

There is a long pause as the Captain looks for a way to begin.  Adam tries to help.

 

ADAM

You mentioned something else you

wanted to tell me.

 

The Captain gathers himself and plunges in quickly:

 

CAPT. McELROY

Yes, I – I believe I owe you an apology.

 

387      CLOSE SHOT  – CAPT. McELROY

 

CAPT. McELROY

(continuing)

You and your family are civilians, and

I used you all pretty mercilessly – from

the time you rode into that burning ranch

until we captured Delgatto, even after you

were so badly hurt.  (cont.)

 

• CLOSE SHOT – ADAM

 

CAPT. McELROY

(continuing, voice only)

The only justification I can offer is that I had to have

the information you and your brothers obtained. (cont.)

 

• CLOSE SHOT – CAPT. McELROY

 

CAPT. McELROY

(continuing)

A commander can’t always afford to think

of individuals; sometimes he has to think in

terms of the risks necessary to complete a

mission  (cont.)

 

• TWO SHOT – ADAM AND CAPT. McELROY

 

CAPT. McELROY

However, I don’t like to risk civilians as

I did you and Hoss.

(beat)

There just wasn’t any alternative. No one

else offered to serve as scout, and it would

have taken my green troops months to locate

the camp.  Who knows what harm Delgatto

would have done by then?

 

• CLOSE SHOT – ADAM

The Captain has succeeded in making some of his problems of command clear to Adam.

 

ADAM

I volunteered; so did Hoss.

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – ADAM AND CAPT. McELROY

 

CAPT. McELROY

Yes, and I want you to know that I consider

your conduct of yourself and of your mission

to have been soldierly in every particular.

 

ADAM

And is there really such a difference between

a soldier and a civilian then?

 

The Captain takes this up quickly.

 

CAPT. McELROY

A soldier accepts personal responsibility for

the safety of the society of which he is a

member.  The civilian does not.  (cont.)

• CONTINUED

 

CAPT. McELROY

(continuing)

The soldier is willing to have his country’s

beliefs and ideals proved on his very warm,

fragile, living body if necessary.  (cont.)

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – ADAM AND CAPT. McELROY  – FAVORING ADAM

 

CAPT. McELROY

(continuing)

You acted as a soldier in placing the most

precious thing you have, your life, between

Delgatto and your home, your community.

It’s the noblest fate a man can endure.

 

Adam is indeed complimented and impressed and answers slowly.

 

ADAM

You know, Captain, I think probably I owe

you an apology.  I misjudged you rather cruelly.

 

• ANOTHER ANGLE

The Captain shrugs to indicate that it is of no consequence.

 

CAPT. McELROY

You carried out the mission without regard

to your personal feelings; that’s what matters.

 

ADAM

But surely any citizen,

(with a smile)

even a civilian, has a responsibility to

protect his society from the marauders;

to uphold the law and assist its officers (cont.)

 

396      CLOSE SHOT  – ADAM

 

ADAM

(continuing)

A man can’t just take freedom, and life and

livelihood from a land and not be willing

to yield it back if required of him.  Sweet

as life is, can we afford to surrender to the

forces of fear and violence in order to

preserve it?

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – FAVORING CAPT. McELROY

Adam looks at the Captain questioningly.  The officer slowly nods his head in agreement.

 

CAPT. McELROY

I may have been wrong about civilians,

(with a wink)

at least some civilians. Will you shake on that?

 

• ANOTHER ANGLE

The Captain extends his hand and Adam takes it.  They shake and then the Captain steps back  –

 

CAPT. McELROY

(aware that it is unlikely)

I’d be proud to have you serve with me

again anytime you’re looking for a

scouting job.

 

• ANOTHER ANGLE – FAVORING ADAM

Adam’s strength is still very limited, and he is beginning to tire.  His hand unconsciously drifts to his bandaged chest.

 

ADAM

(with a half-laugh)

Thanks, but not right away anyhow.

 

It is becoming hard for Adam to hold his head erect, and it dips toward the pillows.  Adam catches himself and snaps it up again quickly.  The Captain observes it however.

 

CAPT. McELROY

I’m tiring you, and I had fair warning not

to stay too long.  I’ll come again if I may?

 

• TWO SHOT – ADAM AND CAPT. McELROY

 

ADAM

I’d like that, please do.  Maybe we can manage

to get along a little better than two bobcats in

a sack now.

 

 

 

400      CONTINUED

CAPT. McELROY

(with a grin)

I think so.

 

McElroy walks to the door, and touches his brow in a quick salute to Adam.  Adam reciprocates and the CAPTAIN EXITS.

 

• CLOSE SHOT – ADAM

Adam looks after the soldier for a moment then closes his eyes and lets his head sink slowly onto the pillows, his hand once more pressed tightly against his bandaged chest.

PULL IN TO VERY CLOSE SHOT AND DISSOLVE THRU TO:

 

• PONDEROSA RANCH HOUSE YARD – DAY  – CLOSE SHOT  – ADAM

Adam is stretch out in a lounge chair in the warm sunshine.  He looks completely relaxed and utterly comfortable, there is an open book in his lap, but at the moment his eyes are closed, his breathing slow and steady.  He is probably asleep.  He wears pants and a light shirt open enough to reveal his chest still bandaged.  There is the SOUND of wood being chopped o.s.

 

• QUICK CLOSE SHOT

An AX BLADE bites sharply into a log.  PULL BACK TO:

 

• ESTABLISHING SHOT – EXT. PONDEROSA RANCH HOUSE YARD  – DAY

FOCUS is on LITTLE JOE who is chopping wood.  He works at a large pile of logs and has obviously been at it for some time. He is hot, sweaty and tired.  A water bucket and dipper stand near the woodpile.  Adam may be seen in the background as in scene #402 above.  Just as Joe manages to give the coup de grace to a particularly stubborn log with a solid grunt BEN walks into the frame.  He has an envelope in his hand.

 

• CLOSE TWO SHOT – BEN AND LITTLE JOE

Joe stops chopping, puts his hand in the small of his back and straightens up painfully with a deep sigh.

 

BEN

Enjoying yourself?

 

JOE

(with wry humor)

Oh, just dandy.  I don’t hardly know of

anything more refreshing – ‘cept maybe

being burned at the stake.

• CONTINUED

Joe takes a dipper full of water from the bucket and drinks.

 

BEN

(laughing)

A little honest work never hurt anyone –

least of all you.

 

 

406      CLOSE SHOT  – ADAM

He is still as in scene #402

 

JOE

(voice only)

Well, there’s nothin’ like havin’ a license

to loaf.  (cont.)

 

407      MED CLOSE SHOT  – BEN, JOE, ADAM IN BACKGROUND

 

JOE

(continuing)

There just has to be a law against anybody

lookin’ that comfortable – particularly when

I’m working!

 

Joe leans down and picks up the dipper full of water and turns in Adam’s direction with the intent of pouring it over his unsuspecting brother’s head.  Ben catches Joe’s arm and pivots him back around taking the dipper and pouring out the water.

 

BEN

(firmly but pleasantly)

Not so fast young man!  You leave your

brother alone – and that’s an order  (cont.)

 

408      CLOSE SHOT  – ADAM

Still as in shot #402.  He shifts his position slightly without awakening as Ben continues speaking more seriously.

 

BEN

(voice only)

You don’t know how good it looks to me

to see him stretched out there –

 

 

 

• CLOSE SHOT – BEN

His face reveals some of his previous concern over Adam and his present relief.

 

BEN

(continuing)

• free of pain, eating well, able to be up and
• around some and with his ribs almost healed. (cont.)

 

• TWO SHOT – BEN AND LITTLE JOE

 

BEN

(continuing)

Right now I don’t much care if he

never does another lick of work.

 

JOE

(seriously)

Yeah, yeah, I know what you mean, Pa.

When he rolled out of that saddle into Hoss’s

arms with blood bubbling out of his mouth

and his chest soundin’ like a sack of broken

glass, I though we’d lost him for sure.

Six weeks like he’s just been through are a

pretty stiff price to pay for doing what you see

to be your duty as a citizen.

 

BEN

(a little ruefully)

And he’s probably do it again if he thought

it was the only way.  (cont.)

 

Joe nods his agreement with Ben.

 

• SHOT – BEN, JOE, ADAM IN BACKGROUND

 

BEN

(continuing)

Speaking of payment though, Capt. McElroy

had Adam’s pay voucher delivered a few

minutes ago.

 

Ben exhibits the envelope.

 

JOE

How much?

 

• CONTINUED

 

BEN

Fifty eight dollars for the three months,

and I guess he’ll have to split with you

and Hoss.

 

JOE

Man!

(he figures in his head for a minute)

Nineteen dollars and thirty-three cents apiece. We’ll all be rich.

 

Ben and Joe laugh which wakes Adam.

 

• ANOTHER ANGLE – FAVORING ADAM

Adam yawns and looks at them questioningly as they walk toward him with the pay slip

FADE OUT

 

THE END

 

Tags: Adam Cartwright, army, Ben Cartwright, Civil War, Hoss Cartwright, Joe / Little Joe Cartwright