Bone Tomahawk Script

bone tomahawk
by s. craig zahler
contact
julien thuan united talent agency 310.860.3791
dallas sonnier caliber media 310.786.9210
white rev: april 2, 2013

white 2nd rev: april 29, 2013
white 3rd rev: may 22, 2013
FADE IN:
1 EXT. FLAT CLEARING NEAR A MOUNTAIN RIDGE - DAWN 1
Smoke rises from a dying campfire where three MEN lie in

their bedrolls, blood draining from their sliced necks.
Standing above the butchered trio, holding long knives
stained with gore are:
BUDDY, a dusty, potbellied forty-three-year-old brigand

with oily hair, a wild beard and several teeth, and:
PURVIS, a lean forty-seven-year-old with a long

pockmarked face, filthy overalls and cat pelts dangling
from his belt.
PURVIS
Why do they always wet themselves?
BUDDY
Get to the task.
Purvis walks to a blue rucksack hanging from a tree.

Buddy leans over and picks up a green valise.
One of the bleeding men blinks - a twenty-year-old

REDHEADED FELLOW (Red). Barely alive, Red moves his arm
inside of his bedroll. His revolver SCRATCHES against the
inner fabric, but the noise is no louder than a gnat. Red
monitors the exposed backs of the brigands.
Purvis opens the hanging rucksack, looks inside and

frowns.
PURVIS
They got books.
BUDDY
Shake em out. See if they got
money hidden in the pages.
PURVIS
It wont be listed in the table of
contents?
BUDDY
Save them jokes nobody likes for
the campfire.
Purvis pouts, withdraws a book from the rucksack, turns

it over and shakes it, FLAP, FLAP, FLAP. Buddy opens a
monogrammed wooden box, views its contents-- three felt
toothbrushes with mother of pearl handles.
(CONTINUED)
WHITE 3RD REVISION 5/22/2013 2.
1 CONTINUED: 1
BUDDY (CONT'D)
Fancy.
He runs his tongue across his remaining teeth. Behind

him, Red withdraws his elbow from the bedroll, the nose
of his gun catching on the inner fabric. Purvis, shaking
the book back and forth, frowns.
PURVIS
(disgusted)
Worthless.
As Purvis tosses the tome into the fire, he notices Red

is alive. They lock eyes. Red RIPS his gun out, but
Buddys boot STOMPS on the dying mans wrist, driving the
weapon to the ground, where it discharges:
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Buddy grabs a rock and slams it against Reds face,

CRACKING his skull. Glaring at Purvis, he wrests the gun
from the dead mans hand, pockets the gun and SPITS.
BUDDY
You didnt cut him deep enough.
PURVIS
Hes got a lot of blood. An... an
unusual amount.
BUDDY
Hes got the same as every other.
Therere sixteen major veins in
the neck and you gotta be sure and
get em all.
PURVIS
There arent sixteen.
BUDDY
An acquaintance of my Uncle was
once a doctor and thats what he
said.
(he SPITS into the
fire, which HISSES)
Now get back to the task.
Purvis nods, pulls another tome from the rucksack, shakes

it back and forth and tosses it into the fire.
BUDDY (CONT'D)
Dont throw no Bibles in there.
(CONTINUED)
1 CONTINUED: (2) 1
PURVIS
I know its bad luck.
(he withdraws a math
book)
Plus you can always sell one to
some idiot.
Buddy unbuttons Reds bedroll, pulling it wide, revealing

a beige union suit, stained with blood and urine.
Beside the corpses feet lies a little leather pouch,

which CLINKS as Buddy lifts it with pinched fingers.
PURVIS (CONT'D)
I heard money.
BUDDY
Shake them books.
Buddy unbuttons another bedroll and inspects it. He rolls

the corpse onto its side, which uncovers a plump grouch
bag that he tosses into the valise.
Across the fire, Purvis waggles a Bible back and forth.

Several dollar bills fall to the ground, and as he leans
over to get them, he hears something.
PURVIS
Buddy. I hear horses.
The brigands pack guns and provisions and flee the

campsite. In the far off distance, hooves RUMBLE.
2 EXT. NARROW GORGE IN THE RIDGE - MOMENTS LATER 2

Buddy enters the gorge, trailed by Purvis.
BUDDY
Gotta keep on. Need to be in good
position-
(he GASPS)
-in case they pick up our trail.
Purvis follows Buddy up an incline, around a bend and

onto a level stretch, where they catch their breaths.
After a dozen strides, an EERIE WHISTLE echoes along the

gorge. Purvis surveys the area and looks at his partner.
PURVIS
You hear that?
BUDDY
Its a gust.
(CONTINUED)
2 CONTINUED: 2
PURVIS
Its a real musical gust.
BUDDY
And?
PURVIS
Its ominous.
BUDDY
This aint the time for womanly
imaginings.
Buddy limbs a small rise and rounds another bend,

followed by Purvis where they find the skulls of two
birds affixed to the wall on either side of the gorge.
PURVIS
Are those buzzards?
BUDDY
Vultures, looks like.
PURVIS
This supposed to be a Keep Out
sign? Something like that?
Buddy brandishes his stolen revolver.
BUDDY
We got permission.
Purvis grips his purloined firearm as he follows Buddy.
Within the gorge, innumerable FOOTFALLS echo.

PURVIS
Are all those us?
BUDDY
Keep on.
They continue along the gorge, rounding a corner, where

brilliant sunlight sears their eyes. Blinded, they stop.
PURVIS
I thought the sun was in the other
direction.
BUDDY
Its over here now.
Squinting and shading their eyes, the two men look ahead.
(CONTINUED)
2 CONTINUED: (2) 2
The gorge slopes up, opening into a wider, brightly-lit

area, invisible from their vantage point. Buddy points
his gun forward.
BUDDY (CONT'D)
Lets.
PANTING, wiping sweat away, they ascend the incline. As

they reach the far end, they are forced to stop. A wide,
sunken area filled with leafless trees, rock piles and
poles upholding various animal skulls lies before them.
PURVIS
Looks like a burial ground.
Buddy points to an opening on the far side of the

depression.
BUDDY
Thats where were goin. Past
this place and deeper in.
Purvis, wary, nods. Buddy slides his gun into his belt,
puts the valise on his shoulder and scrambles down the
decline.
3 EXT. BURIAL GROUND - SAME 3
Buddy and Purvis descend, sending a cascade of CLICKING

stones with them.
Dusting off, they examine the walls. They spot a large

dark hole on the eastern face-- the mouth of a cave.
PURVIS
A jail on fire is safer than here.
BUDDY
Its better than sittin in that
damn gulch, riders comin from the
one way and savages comin from
the other. You want to go back in
there, go.
Buddy proceeds. Purvis SNORTS and follows. Soon, the duo

near the ring of engraved flat black stones that
encircles the burial ground. Buddy steps over it, trailed
by Purvis.
Eyes alert and guns raised, they wend piles of rocks and
upright poles that buoy the skulls of birds and wolves.
Purvis sees a large leafless tree dangling with white

fruit.
(CONTINUED)
3 CONTINUED: 3
Upon closer inspection, the objects are in fact cracked

open human skulls filled with thorny weeds that ensnare
small birds.
Skulls twist on leather straps, and the sun illuminates

the rotting birds. Purvis looks away from the traps,
anxiously following Buddy.
Something CLACKS within the cave mouth, startling the

duo. An EERIE WHISTLE sounds, bright and clear, sending
both men running towards the far side of the gorge.
PURVIS
If that was a gust-
(he GASPS)
-it learned a instrument!
After ten strides, the EERIE WHISTLE blares in front of

them. They skid to a halt, stabbing their guns forward.
BUDDY
Listen clear! Were passin
through no matter what! You hear?
The ECHO of Buddys proclamation fades. Silence expands

throughout the burial ground.
BUDDY (CONT'D)
You hear me? Ill kill any-
An arrow pierces Buddys throat. He tries to scream, but

can only GARGLE blood. He trips, falls and lands on his
buttocks with a THUD. Both men open fire: BANG! BANG!
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Smoke fills the air. Purvis scans the area, as Buddy rips
the arrow tip--a bloody bird skull--from his neck.
PURVIS
Buddy!
Stunned, Purvis watches Buddy desperately CLAMP his hands

over his throat.
Three EERIE WHISTLES blare. Purvis looks at Buddy and

shakes his head, fearful and apologetic.
PURVIS (CONT'D)
Sorry. Im sorry.
Buddy tries to speak, but only GARGLED blood erupts as

Purvis snatches the green valise from the dirt, and runs.
(CONTINUED)
3 CONTINUED: (2) 3
Behind him, an EERIE WHISTLE blares, and he hears Buddys

pistol fire thrice, followed by the CLINKS of its hammer
striking used shells.
Looking back, Purvis sees a HUGE MAN silhouetted in gun

smoke, as he swings a tomahawk down into Buddys stomach,
SNAPPING bone and pulling out intestines.
Terrified, Purvis runs out of the gorge, knocking over

wooden poles and scattering stones as he escapes.
Titlecard: Eleven Days Later...
4 EXT. OUTER PERMITER OF BRIGHT HOPE - NIGHT 4
A hanging hand-painted sign reads, Welcome! to Bright

Hope -- Our Population is: 268. Beyond it is a
collection of small, mismatched buildings.
5 INT. LIVING ROOM / ODWYER HOUSE - SAME 5
The room is furnished with lacquered tables, a cherry

sofa and two rose throw rugs that match the curtains.
Seated on the couch, reading a newspaper, is ARTHUR

ODWYER. He is a handsome, sun-bronzed twenty-nine-year-
old with loose tan clothing, dishevelled light-brown
hair, a sizable nose, and a thick broom mustache.
His right shin is swollen and bound by three wooden

braces, propped on a settee.
FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)

Would you like some coffee?
ARTHUR
No reason to stay up.
(he turns the page)
The more sleepin I do, the
quicker autumnll get here.
Something SLAMS in the adjacent room.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
Uh-oh.
SAMANTHA ODYWER, twenty-seven-year-old, marches in. She

pulls her wavy black hair away from her blue eyes, high
cheekbones, small freckled nose and tightly pursed lips.
SAMANTHA
Arthur ODwyer!
(CONTINUED)
5 CONTINUED: 5
ARTHUR
You look real pretty when youre
upset.
SAMANTHA
This isnt the time for
compliments.
ARTHUR
Yes maam.
SAMANTHA
Do you intend to sit and sulk for
the next twelve weeks?
ARTHUR
What do you want me to-
SAMANTHA
I advised you not to work on the
roof during that storm, but you
went up regardless-- because you
had a notion to get things done.
But theres no reason to go over
that again.
ARTHUR
Didnt you just?
SAMANTHA
So is this your intention?
ARTHUR
Is what my intention?
SAMANTHA
To sulk for twelve weeks?
ARTHUR
Im not sulking, Im sour.
SAMANTHA
Dont dodge.
ARTHUR
What do you want me to say?
Arthur shakes his head, setting his paper on the couch.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
I moved-
SAMANTHA
Not on the sofa.
(CONTINUED)
5 CONTINUED: (2) 5
Arthur puts the paper on the floor.
ARTHUR
I moved beeves all over the map
with all sorts of crews--from
terrible to worse--to get this
position. You know all that Ive
done. This was the big payoff,
and now Im stuck.
SAMANTHA
I understand how disappointing
this is.
ARTHUR
Lots of guys never get to be
foreman. And when I finally do,
this happens-
Arthur points to his injured leg. Samantha sits and puts

her hand on his shoulder.
SAMANTHA
Theyll be gone until autumn. And
youre here-
ARTHUR
I know the situation.
SAMANTHA
With me. Youre here with me for
a longer duration than any time
since we were married.
(quietly)
Cant you see that its not all
bad?
Arthur takes his wifes hand and kisses it gently.
ARTHUR
Of course I can.
Samantha smiles, pleased but embarrassed.
6 EXT. OUTER PERIMETER OF BRIGHT HOPE - LATER 6
A few hundred yards west, a dark FIGURE digs a hole in

the ground with a spade.
7 INT. THE LEARNED GOAT SALOON - LATER 7
The Learned Goat is a raised saloon, furnished with a

long bar, a dozen stools, and several tables.
(CONTINUED)
7 CONTINUED: 7
Sitting at a warped piano is an elderly PIANIST, resting

his bald head upon a pillow covering three octaves.
Beside the musicians left shoulder is a bucket with a

sign that reads: 1 song 3. 2 songs 6. 3 songs 10.
JOHN BROODER strides into the room through the saloon

doors. He is a strong, uncommonly handsome forty-year-old
with sharp blue eyes, a clean-shaven face, light blonde
hair, big fists, a confident gait and a gray suit.
CLARENCE
Good evening Mister Brooder.
BROODER
Good evening.
(surveying the
establishment)
Its like a church in here, though
it lacks even pious women.
CLARENCE
Why dont you patronage the man at
the pianoforte and enliven things?
Brooder approaches the Pianist, reading the sign atop his

instrument-- 1 song 3. 2 songs 6. 3 songs 10.
BROODER
Pardon me.
PIANIST
(without raising his
head)
Good evening.
BROODER
If one song costs three cents, why
do three cost a dime?
PIANIST
Thats the rate.
BROODER
Shouldnt the price per song get
cheaper when more are
commissioned?
PIANIST
I get tired after two, so the
third costs extra.
BROODER
Do four songs cost a dollar?
(CONTINUED)
7 CONTINUED: (2) 7
PIANIST
Buy a song or depart.
Brooder grins and drops a dime into the bucket. The

Pianist lifts his head from the pillow.
BROODER
That was a dime.
PIANIST
I know the sound of Lady Liberty.
After interlacing his long fingers, the oldster CRACKS

his knuckles, arches his back and turns his sign over,
revealing its hidden text-- Starting Fee = 1 Drink.
PIANIST (CONT'D)
Id like whisky.
8 INT. KITCHEN / THE HUNTS HOUSE - LATER 8
SHERIFF FRANKLIN HUNT, a solidly-built fifty-six-year-old

with silver hair, brown eyes, a thin mouth, a neat beard,
tanned skin, brown slacks and a patched blue undershirt,
pulls a WHISTLING kettle from a black iron stove top.
CHICORY enters. He is tall, gaunt, seventy-one-years-old

with big eyes, wild hair, a bushy beard and a ratty olive-
colored suit.
CHICORY
Good evening sheriff.
SHERIFF HUNT
Chicory.
CHICORY
I was out on a ramble and-
(he SNIFFS the air)
That tea smells gruesome.
SHERIFF HUNT
Its soup.
CHICORY
Can I have some? I havent had a
good meal today.
(he ruminates)
Maybe not anything.
SHERIFF HUNT
Sit.
(CONTINUED)
8 CONTINUED: 8
Hunt points to the table, and Chicory sits. The lawman

grabs two coffee mugs, and places them on the counter.
SHERIFF HUNT (CONT'D)

I cant find where Lorna put the
spoons, and I dont wanna wake
her. You think you can drink this
without burnin your mouth?
CHICORY
I like challenges.
Hunt pours soup into the mugs, snuffs the fire and closes
the stove door, CLANK. He then carries the meals to the
table, sets them down, and takes a seat.
CHICORY (CONT'D)
Smells good now that I know it
isnt supposed to be tea.
SHERIFF HUNT
You need to make sure you have a
couple meals every day. I cant
have my backup deputy pass out
cause he forgot to eat.
Chicory puffs up with pride and shakes his head.
CHICORY
No sir. That would be shameful.
Taking a sip, Chicory grits his teeth, pained by the

searing heat of the soup.
SHERIFF HUNT
Let it cool.
Chicory nods, exhales steam and sets the mug down.

You were gonna tell me about your
ramble.
CHICORY
Thats right! Glad you
remembered. I went out for a
night ramble-- to get some clean
air and set some fresh flowers on
Nadines grave.
Hunt blows on his soup, as Chicory, momentarily

distracted by old memories, finds the thread of his tale.
(CONTINUED)
8 CONTINUED: (2) 8
CHICORY (CONT'D)
So I decide to go the long way
around-- a big circuit like a
sereno does on his patrol over in
Spain. And when I do, I see this
man in the perimeter-- a tall
fellow I dont know.
Hunt swallows soup and looks at Chicory, who drinks from

his mug and wrinkles his nose.
CHICORY (CONT'D)
It tastes like corn.
SHERIFF HUNT
Its corn chowder.
CHICORY
Then things are lining up.
SHERIFF HUNT
Did he do anything? The stranger?
CHICORY
He changed his clothes, put some
luggage in a hole, covered it up
and went to town.
Hunt contemplates the information.
CHICORY (CONT'D)
It is the official opinion of the
backup deputy that his manner was
suspicious.
SHERIFF HUNT
Where is he?
CHICORY
The Learned Goat.
9 INT. BEDROOM / ODWYER HOUSE - SAME 9
A lantern lights floral wallpaper in the small bedroom as

Samantha straddles Arthur. She glances at his hurt leg.
SAMANTHA
Hows your tibia?
ARTHUR
Not thinking about tibias.
Arthur slides his hands onto Samanthas buttocks and

clasps it. He then cups her breasts and arches his back.
(CONTINUED)
9 CONTINUED: 9
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
Ow!
Samantha jerks upright and looks down at Arthurs face.
SAMANTHA
Did I hurt you?
ARTHUR
Lets do this the right way.
SAMANTHA
Is that a criticism?
ARTHUR
Its instinct.
Arthur positions himself atop Samantha, and maneuvers his

hurt leg. Beads of sweat DRIP from his nose.
SAMANTHA
Are you sure youre able to-
Arthur presses into his wife, and her breath catches.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D)
Please continue.
Together they find a slow, steady pulse as they kiss.
10 INT. THE LEARNED GOAT SALOON - MOMENTS LATER 10
The Pianist is asleep again. Brooder, Derby, and Cigar

watch Clarence walk to Purvis who sits on the last stool.
He looks leaner, darker, haggard.
CLARENCE
Whats your predilection?
Purvis looks up, his eyes are wild.
CLARENCE (CONT'D)
Looks like you could use something
potent. Or omnipotent.
Purvis nods and Clarence selects a bottle from the shelf

which a pitchfork on its label. He uncorks it and pours
some into a tumbler. Gizzard sits with sudsy glasses and
a dishrag at a table.
(CONTINUED)
10 CONTINUED: 10
CLARENCE (CONT'D)
My brother made this.
(he sets the tumbler
down)
Its like a tree fell on you.
DERBY
A redwood.
CIGAR
Petrified.
The saloon doors swing open, startling Purvis. Hunt

enters, wearing a dark blue suit, a black hat, a brass
star, polished boots and a pistol with an ivory handle.
Chicory follows, his olive suit like new.
CLARENCE
Things are slow enough without you
two chasing people off.
SHERIFF HUNT
Weve got business.
CHICORY
Important.
Clarence motions to Purvis. Hunt nods.
SHERIFF HUNT
Good evening.
Purvis looks up, and nods at the approaching lawmen.

You arent mute, are you?
PURVIS
No.
SHERIFF HUNT
In civilized towns--places like
Bright Hope--you look a man direct
in the face when you talk to him.
PURVIS
(looking up)
I didnt do anything. Im just
sitting here having a drink.
SHERIFF HUNT
I didnt say you did anything.
Whats your name?
(CONTINUED)
10 CONTINUED: (2) 10
PURVIS
(beat)
Buddy.
SHERIFF HUNT
Took a moment to recall, didnt
it?
PURVIS
My names Buddy.
SHERIFF HUNT
Whyre you here?
PURVIS
Im supposed to meet someone.
SHERIFF HUNT
Whats todays date?
Purvis is perplexed by the inquiry.

If you had a rendezvous scheduled,
it seems like youd know what day
it was.
Purvis does not offer an answer.

Let me give you an easier question-
- whod you steal those clothes
from?
PURVIS
(indignant)
I didnt steal anything!
Chicory motions for everyone to leave. Hunt rests his

right hand on his revolver and stares at Purvis.
SHERIFF HUNT
Youre real angry for a guy named
Buddy.
Everyone leaves, except Brooder, who lights a cigar.
PURVIS
Youve been squirting lemon in my
eye since you came in. I didnt
commit a crime.
SHERIFF HUNT
And whyre you talkin bout crime
now?
(CONTINUED)
Purvis does not respond. Brooder exhales smoke, grins.

Are you carrying a weapon-- a gun,
a knife, a letter opener with a
sharp point? Dynamite?
PURVIS
No.
SHERIFF HUNT
Deputy.
Head held high, Chicory approaches Purvis.

(to Purvis)
If you move in a hasty manner,
Ill put a bullet in you.
CHICORY
Raise your hands and stand up.
Purvis puts his hands in the air and rises. Chicory pats
him down. He finds a grouch bag and gives it to Hunt.
CHICORY (CONT'D)
Thiss the only thing.
PURVIS
I told you before, I aint got no
weapons.
SHERIFF HUNT
Because you put em in that hole
you dug?
Frightened, Purvis lunges for the door. In a flash, Hunt

pistol whips Purvis, knocking him unconscious.

(to Chicory)
Grab an arm.
Brooder opens the door for them as they drag him out.

Brooder.
BROODER
Sheriff?
SHERIFF HUNT
Roust Doc Taylor.
(CONTINUED)
Brooder nods.

Put coffee in him if hes
liquored.
11 EXT. OUTER PERIMETER OF BRIGHT HOPE - SAME 11
Clouds conceal the moon. A dry summer wind carries with

it the sound of an EERIE WHISTLE. People MURMUR.
CLARENCE (O.S.)
The entertainment is over. Step
back inside and spend some money.
12 INT. BEDROOM / ODWYER HOUSE - LATER 12
Arthur, wearing loose maroon long johns, lies in bed, his

splinted leg propped up on a pillow. Samantha enters,
holding a bowl of steaming water.
SAMANTHA
It should be elevated higher than
your heart.
ARTHUR
Is this why you buy so many
pillows?
SAMANTHA
I buy pillows because theyre
pretty.
Samantha sets the bowl down and puts more pillows under
his leg, until its eighteen inches above the mattress.
ARTHUR
This isnt very comfortable.
SAMANTHA
It isnt supposed to be.
ARTHUR
So its correct.
Samantha reveals his swollen, purple shin, which is

stitched in three places and braced by wooden splints.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
Hows it look?
SAMANTHA
The same.
(CONTINUED)
12 CONTINUED: 12
Samantha puts a washcloth on Arthurs leg. He tenses for

a moment, then relaxes.
ARTHUR
Once the hellish burnin stops, it
feels almost nice. Thanks.
SAMANTHA
You are very welcome.
ARTHUR
Youre takin real good care of me-
- anything I can do for you?
SAMANTHA
Yes.
She shows him an envelope addressed, To: Mrs. Samantha

ODwyer.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D)
Would you read this out loud?
Its the poem that you wrote in
Wyoming.
ARTHUR
It aint a poem. Just some things
I was thinking and...and some
emotions.
SAMANTHA
Would you read it to me?
ARTHUR
(embarrassed)
Itll sound stupid if I say it out
loud.
SAMANTHA
It will not-- its beautiful.
Whenever I felt lonely, I read it
and felt better. Please?
Samantha puts the envelope on Arthurs stomach.
ARTHUR
I cant think of a polite way out
of this.
SAMANTHA
Thats because th-
Somebody KNOCKS on the front door.
(CONTINUED)
ARTHUR
What time is it?
SAMANTHA
Half past ten.
Arthur attempts to rise, but Samantha stops him.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D)
Stay.
(she stands)
Ill see-
MALE VOICE (O.S.)

Mr. and Mrs. ODwyer? Its John
Brooder. Im here regarding a
medical matter.
Samantha grabs a black coat from a hook on the wall.
SAMANTHA
(calling out)
Ill arrive presently, Mr.
Brooder.
13 INT. LIVING ROOM / ODWYER HOUSE - SAME 13
Samantha, carries a lantern into the living room. She

hangs it on a nail in the wall, and opens the door.
Brooder nods, a gesture at odds with his smirk.
BROODER
Good evening, Mrs. ODwyer.
SAMANTHA
Are you hurt?
BROODER
Im not the injured party-- there
was a drifter who got quick with
the sheriff.
SAMANTHA
Shot in the leg?
BROODER
Shot in the leg.
SAMANTHA
Doc Taylors in his cups?
(CONTINUED)
13 CONTINUED: 13
BROODER
Deep.
(he raises a medical
bag)
I took his equipment.
SAMANTHA
I have my own.
Brooder opens the bag, revealing its cluttered interior.
BROODER
Does yours contain two bottles of
vodka?
SAMANTHA
Wheres the drifter?
BROODER
In jail.
Samantha reaches for a pair of gray button-up boots.
SAMANTHA
(calling out)
Arthur?
ARTHUR (O.S.)
Yeah?
SAMANTHA
I need to extract a bullet. Mr.
Brooder shall escort me.
ARTHUR (O.S.)
Okay. John?
BROODER
Yeah?
ARTHUR (O.S.)
If you make any flirtatious
remarks in my wifes presence,
therell be a reckoning.
BROODER
Ill behave, cowboy.
Samantha claims her medical bag from a shelf.
14 INT. SHERIFFS OFFICE & JAIL OF BRIGHT HOPE - LATER 14
Purvis lies on a cot, unconscious, his wrists and ankles

manacled, a bloody kerchief wrapped around his thigh.
(CONTINUED)
14 CONTINUED: 14
Hunt inspects Purvis exhumed possessions, including the

valise and revolvers, all of which are caked with dirt.
Chicory plays a game of checkers with a baby-faced twenty-

four-year-old deputy named NICK. He has kind blue eyes
and a sheer mustache. Nick jumps three red chips.
CHICORY
(impressed)
You have a gift.
NICK
I have four brothers and grew up
in cold weather-- all we did was
checkers.
CHICORY
You ever beat Nick in a checkers
match?
SHERIFF HUNT
No. Though we only played twice.
CHICORY
I havent had a different result
in
a hundred games.
(he thinks)
Maybe I shouldnt bet on this.
Hunt withdraws a long hair from the green valise.
CHICORY (CONT'D)
Whats that?
SHERIFF HUNT
A blonde hair. Looks like from a
woman.
CHICORY
I told you that his manner was
suspicious.
Hunt puts the hair inside a wax envelope labelled

Evidence,. Somebody KNOCKS on the front door.
SHERIFF HUNT
That you, Doc?
BROODER (O.S.)
Its John Brooder. I brought Mrs.
ODwyer.
Hunt and Nick rise. Chicory opens the door, revealing

Samantha and Brooder. They incline their heads.
(CONTINUED)
CHICORY
Good evening, Mrs. ODwyer.
NICK
Maam.
Brooder escorts Samantha into the office.
SHERIFF HUNT
Thanks for comin.
SAMANTHA
Im happy to help.
Hunt looks at Brooder and points outside.
SHERIFF HUNT
You can go.
BROODER
Youre welcome.
Brooder departs. Hunt looks at Nick.
SHERIFF HUNT
Fling the gate.
Nick makes another quick move, then claims a key ring,

which JINGLES. Hunt turns his attention to Samantha.

What do you need from us?
SAMANTHA
An additional lantern and a pot of
boiling water.
CHICORY
Ill get them.
Nick opens the cell and Hunt escorts Samantha inside. She
walks to Purvis.
SAMANTHA
Can you remove his chains?
SHERIFF HUNT
No maam.
SAMANTHA
Hes that dangerous?
Hunt points to the guns on his desk.
(CONTINUED)
SHERIFF HUNT
He buried that stuff outside town.
It isnt his, and its got
bloodstains.
Samantha sets her wrist on Purvis sweaty forehead.
SAMANTHA
Hes boiling.
SHERIFF HUNT
I only shot him in the leg.
NICK
Thats his hobby.
SHERIFF HUNT
Deputy.
SAMANTHA
Not every man who leaps in front
of your pistol is hale.
Hunt looks at the brigand and shrugs.
SHERIFF HUNT
Do what you can for him. Very
likely hes gonna get hanged, but
itd be nice if the families of
the people he bushwacked could
come to town and see him go purple
on the rope.
NICK
That should inspire her.
SHERIFF HUNT
Deputy.
Chicory hangs a lantern over Purvis.

(pointing at Nick)
Stay here tonight and help Mrs.
ODwyer with whatever she needs.
Lock up everything and escort her
back home when shes done.
NICK
Isnt this why we have a backup
deputy?
CHICORY
(nodding)
Ill take care of things.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CHICORY (CONT'D)
I dont sleep more than a few
hours anyway.
SHERIFF HUNT
Nick stays.
(to Chicory)
I want you to get some rest-- you
had a lot of activity today.
CHICORY
Yessir.
SHERIFF HUNT
You did real good.
Chicory puffs up with pride, nods and withdraws from the

cell. Samantha sets her medical bag on the adjacent cot.
SAMANTHA
Does he have a name?
SHERIFF HUNT
He proffered Buddy, but thats
probably somebody he hates or
whos dead.
SAMANTHA
Very well. Please let my husband
know not to wait up-- Ill need to
stay and monitor the patients
fever after the surgery.
SHERIFF HUNT
Yes maam.
Hunt picks up his hat and opens the front door.

Chicory.
Chicory looks at the checkerboard.
CHICORY
Did I lose some while I was away?
NICK
A couple. Well finish up
tomorrow.
The dim sound of an EERIE WHISTLE coming from outside

causes Purvis to shudder.
15 INT. BEDROOM / ODWYER HOUSE - LATER 15
Hunt stands in front of Arthur.
ARTHUR
Thanks for lettin me know.
SHERIFF HUNT
Thanks for loanin her out.
ARTHUR
Deputy Nicks gonna bring her
back?
SHERIFF HUNT
He will.
ARTHUR
Hows your wife doing?
SHERIFF HUNT
Better.
(he nods a few times)
Thought it was pneumonia, but
seems like it was just a bad cold.
ARTHUR
Good to hear. Give her my
regards.
SHERIFF HUNT
I will. Gnight.
ARTHUR
Gnight.
Hunt leaves. Arthur looks at the envelope marked, To:
Samantha ODwyer. He withdraws the letter.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
(reading)
Dear Samantha,
I am in Wyoming now. The ride
has been long and difficult and
the foreman had to discipline a
lot of men and let some go, which
made things harder for the rest of
us, especially in this cold
weather.
When I look at the faces of the
other cowboys, I know theyre
miserable all the way through, but
since I met you, I dont get that
feeling anymore like I used to.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
15 CONTINUED: 15
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
You give me this warmth in my
direct center that wont turn cold
no matter what happens out here.
I saw these hills on the border
and the shapes of them reminded me
of you when you are next to me in
bed on your side, and sometimes I
see you in waterfalls and clouds
and always you have that real
happy look on your face like when
I come back from being away and we
are about to kiss for the first
time in months.
Two weeks ago, I took charge of
the night roundup and organized it
better. I am tired and have lost
some weight and I dont know if
all of this makes clear sense, but
to me it does.
I hope things are going good
for you back in Bright Hope and
that Doc Taylor is drinking less.
I will try to find some nice
Wyoming jewelry for you even
though you said not to spend money
on that.
Sincerely,
Your husband Arthur
Arthur places the letter back inside the envelope.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
Aint a poem.
16 INT. SHERIFFS OFFICE AND JAIL OF BRIGHT HOPE - LATER 16
Purvis opens his eyes and looks at Samantha as she

removes the bullet. Nick stands near by, fidgeting.
PURVIS
My body feels like cotton.
SAMANTHA
I gave you some tincture of opium.
Samantha drops the bullet in a cup.
NICK
Are you done?
SAMANTHA
I have to clean the wound and sew
it shut.
(CONTINUED)
16 CONTINUED: 16
Samantha dips a swab into a vial of alcohol. The sounds

of horses WHICKERING and WHINNYING are heard outside.
17 EXT. WALLINGTON STABLE - SAME 17
Horses WHICKER and WHINNY, anxious as BUFORD, a seventeen-

year-old black man wearing a nightshirt and loose
overalls walks toward the building, YAWNING.
BUFORD
Im coming, ladies. Dont fret.
As he reaches the stable, Buford is confused by what he

sees-- latch undone, door is ajar. He looks inside.
BUFORD (CONT'D)
Mr. Wallington? Is that-
A bone tomahawk cleaves his throat. GASPING, unable to

scream, Buford drops the lantern and stumbles backward.
A bird skull arrow pierces his left eye and pokes out of
the back of the his skull. He is yanked into the
darkness, where three MISSHAPEN FIGURES await him.
Amongst the CRIES of horses are several EERIE WHISTLES.
Arthur sets the envelope on the night stand and blows out
the candle. He restlessly shifts his body and tosses one
of the pillows on to the floor.
19 INT. BEDROOM / ODWYER HOUSE - LATE NIGHT 19
Arthur awakens and sits up, wincing. He leans over and,

from underneath the mattress, withdraws a bed pan.
20 INT. BEDROOM / ODWYER HOUSE - JUST BEFORE DAWN 20
Sleeping, Arthur rolls on his side, bumping his hurt leg.
ARTHUR
Ow.
After he CLEARS his throat, he faces the hall door.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
Samantha? You back yet?
His words ECHO the house, but receive no response.
(CONTINUED)
20 CONTINUED: 20
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
Sam?
21 INT. KITCHEN / THE HUNTS HOUSE - EARLY MORNING 21
LORNA HUNT, a fifty-two-year-old with broad shoulders,

sharp eyes, a sharper nose and silver hair, stands at the
counter cutting onions in her robe. Hunt enters.
SHERIFF HUNT
Ill make breakfast. Why dont-
LORNA
Id like to do it-- Im feeling
better today.
SHERIFF HUNT
You were feelin better last
night.
LORNA
Youre a remedy.
Hunt kisses his wife and inspects the counter, where he

sees onions, cubes of bacon, eggs and a bag of dry flour.
SHERIFF HUNT
Makin frybread?
LORNA
Thats my intention. But whered
you put the spoons?-- theyre no
place logical.
SHERIFF HUNT
I thought youd explain that
enigma.
Somebody KNOCKS on the front door.
MALE VOICE (O.S.)

Sheriff Hunt?
SHERIFF HUNT
That you Clarence?
CLARENCE
Its me.
SHERIFF HUNT
The doors open.
Clarence enters.
(CONTINUED)
21 CONTINUED: 21

Whyre you in my breakfast?
CLARENCE
Theres a situation.
(he glances at Lorna)
Serious.
LORNA
Ill leave you two.
Lorna hangs her apron and exits.
SHERIFF HUNT
Talk.
CLARENCE
I went to tend to my colt this
morning--put a new shoe on his
hind leg--and I saw Buford--the
stable boy--lying there dead, torn
up into pieces.
SHERIFF HUNT
Did it look like an animal got him
or he was murdered?
CLARENCE
Cant tell. I- I didnt linger.
I jogged straight to your office
to get a deputy, but nobody was
there.
22 INT. SHERIFFS OFFICE AND JAIL OF BRIGHT HOPE - MOMENTS 22

LATER
Hunt bursts into the room, followed by Chicory, who keeps

his shotgun raised. Overturned desks, broken chairs,
bullet holes and bloodstains everywhere. Stuck in the
back of a chair is an arrow tip made of bird skull. He
inspects it.
CHICORY
Indians?
SHERIFF HUNT
Looks like it.
Chicory eyes the checker pieces strewn across the floor.
CHICORY
Do you think they got Nick?
(CONTINUED)
22 CONTINUED: 22
SHERIFF HUNT
(softly)
Yeah.
Hunt walks toward the open jail cell.

(quietly)
No.
CHICORY
What?
Hunt points at Samanthas medical bag.
SHERIFF HUNT
Fetch Tall Trees and bring him to
The Learned Goat. Give him this-
He puts the bird skull arrow in Chicorys hands.

Ill be there in twenty minutes.
CHICORY
Are you going to talk to Mr.
ODwyer?
SHERIFF HUNT
Yeah.
23 INT. LIVING ROOM / ODWYER HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER 23
Hunt approaches. Arthur opens the door, leaning on a pair

of wooden crutches.
ARTHUR (O.S.)
Sheriff, my wife still at the
jail?
Hunt continues up the drive, his face grim.
SHERIFF HUNT
Lets talk inside.
ARTHUR
Did something happen?
Hunt walks onto the porch and points into the house.
SHERIFF HUNT
Lets talk where you can sit.
(CONTINUED)
23 CONTINUED: 23
ARTHUR
Tell me here and tell me plain.
SHERIFF HUNT
Mrs. ODwyer was abducted.
Arthur stares ahead, as Hunt motions inside.

You should-
ARTHUR
Who took her?
SHERIFF HUNT
Looks like Indians. Got Nick,
too.
Were meeting at The Learned Goat
to talk about what can be done.
Arthur ambles down off the porch and Hunt walks into the
house and grabs a pair of boots for him.
24 INT. THE LEARNED GOAT - MOMENTS LATER 24
Hunt enters with Arthur. They walk to a table, and Arthur

sits. Emerging from the back, Chicory enters with TALL
TREES, a hawk-nosed thirty-six-year-old Native American
with slicked black hair, a tight beige shirt, blue jeans
and cowboy boots.
CHICORY
I retrieved our expert.
Arthur stares at the bird skull arrow in his hand. Hunt
pats Arthur, and walks to Tall Trees, shaking his hand.
SHERIFF HUNT
You know who did this?
TALL TREES
Theres only one group that hunts
with these.
The native waggles the bird skull arrow.
SHERIFF HUNT
Who?
TALL TREES
They dont have a name.
(CONTINUED)
24 CONTINUED: 24
SHERIFF HUNT
What kind of tribe doesnt have a
name?
TALL TREES
One that doesnt have a language.
Troglodytes. Cave dwellers.
SHERIFF HUNT
You know where they are?
TALL TREES
I have a general idea.
Brooder enters and finds a stool.
SHERIFF HUNT
Youll take us to them?
TALL TREES
I wont.
Gizzard sets a cup of coffee beside Arthur.
SHERIFF HUNT
Cause youre an Indian?
TALL TREES
Because I dont want to get
killed.
ARTHUR
Youre afraid of your own kind?
TALL TREES
(to Arthur)
Theyre not my kind any more than
some man in France is your kind,
simply because you and he have the
same coloring. Troglodytes are a
spoiled bloodline of inbred
animals who rape and eat their own
mothers.
Arthurs heart pounds. Tall Trees sets the arrow down,

and the bird skull CLACKS against varnished wood.
SHERIFF HUNT
Any reason they tore up the stable
boy, but took the others away?
TALL TREES
They dont eat Negroes.
(CONTINUED)
GIZZARD
(scratching his head)
I dont know how to feel about
that.
CHICORY
Do they think theyre poisonous?
SHERIFF HUNT
Chicory.
(to Tall Trees)
Youll show us where theyre at?
TALL TREES
Youll be killed if you enter
their territory. They-
Arthur POUNDS his fist against the table
ARTHUR
That wasnt the question.
The native regards Arthur.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
Show us where theyre at.
SHERIFF HUNT
We wont be dissuaded.
Resigned, Tall Trees nods.
TALL TREES
Bring me a map of the western
range.
Clarence dispatches Gizzard. Hunt, Chicory and Tall Trees
gather around Arthurs table. Mr. Wallington drinks
scotch, and Brooder glances at the doors.
BROODER
The mayors here.
People GROAN.
MAYOR PORTER enters with his wife, MRS. PORTER. He is a

short forty-five-year-old, wearing a pin-striped maroon
suit, a black bowler cap and thick glasses, while she is
a matronly forty-nine-year-old with a pine green double-
breasted sporting coat, matching leggings, a hard face, a
frown and penetrating eyes that fix on Hunt.
(CONTINUED)
MRS. PORTER
Why was my husband, the mayor, not
informed of this situation
immediately?
CHICORY
The sheriff told me to get him,
but Im old and forget things.
MRS. PORTER
Do you expect me to believe that?
CHICORY
Im hoping.
MRS. PORTER
(to Hunt)
Was it Indians?
SHERIFF HUNT
Cave dwellers. Troglodytes.
Gizzard unrolls a vellum map. Tall Trees studies the

western area of the illustration, while everyone else
studies him.
TALL TREES
(indicating map)
In this empty area is a mountain
range that is forbidden territory,
and has been for centuries. And
somewhere in the northwestern part
of it-
(he TAPS the vellum)
-is a place that my people call
The Valley of the Starving Men.
(to Hunt)
The troglodytes are said to live
there.
SHERIFF HUNT
All right.
CHICORY
Thats days from here.
Mr. Wallington gives a silver pen to Hunt, who nods his

appreciation, unscrews the cap and marks the vellum.
SHERIFF HUNT
How many of them do you think
there are?
TALL TREES
I dont know.
(CONTINUED)
Four concerned TOWNSFOLK enter, MURMURING amongst

themselves. Arthur and Hunt exchange a glance.
SHERIFF HUNT
(to the crowd)
All of you stay here. Be
watchful, and if you have to go
out at night, travel armed and in
a group. Im riding out with Mr.
ODwyer, because there isnt a
choice for either of us.
MRS. PORTER
Youll be killed.
Arthur dons his cowboy boots. As Hunt rolls up the

vellum, Chicory grasps his shoulder.
CHICORY
Im coming with you.
SHERIFF HUNT
I need you here-- keepin an eye
on things.
CHICORY
Im coming. They got Nick and-
(his voice snags)
-and...and this is what a backup
is for--helping in an emergency--
not staying behind. Im coming.
Hunt sees Chicory is fixed on the matter.
SHERIFF HUNT
(softly)
All right, old man.
Mrs. Porter waves her hands as if clearing away an odor.
MRS. PORTER
This is suicide.
Arthur rises, looks at Hunt.
ARTHUR
Ill be packed and in front of the
jail in fifteen minutes.
BROODER
As will I.
Everyone eyes Brooder, who rises from his stool.
(CONTINUED)
BROODER (CONT'D)
(to Arthur)
Im the one who fetched your wife
and got her involved. I have a
responsibility to you both.
(snuffing his cigar
on his boot bottom)
And Ive killed more Indians than
everyone here put together.
TALL TREES
Thats an ugly boast.
BROODER
It isnt a boast, but a fact.
Brooder flings his butt at the natives boots, grins and

follows Arthur through the swinging doors. Tall Trees
holds his tongue. Nearby, Hunt looks at Mrs. Porter.
SHERIFF HUNT
Telegraph Gatesville and let them
know what happened. And have them
send a couple deputies to watch
over things while Im gone.
25 INT. KITCHEN / THE HUNTS HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER 25
Hunt wraps a wedge of hard cheese in newspaper while

Lorna bundles two loaves of seeded bread.
LORNA
I hope that this doesnt sound
callous...but...do you truly
believe that theyre still alive?
SHERIFF HUNT
Im not gonna speculate on that.
LORNA
There are limits to the
responsibilities of a town
sheriff.
Lorna looks at Hunt, who gathers collops of cured beef.
LORNA (CONT'D)
Riding across the territory into-
SHERIFF HUNT
Lorna. Im going. There isnt an
option.
(he opens a rucksack)
Lets not have words on this.
(CONTINUED)
25 CONTINUED: 25
Lorna places the bundled bread into the open bag.
LORNA
(with tears)
Franklin, please come back.
He embraces his wife, kissing her forehead.
Arthur holsters a revolver, dons a cartridge belt with

sixty rounds, and slings a rucksack over his shoulder.
He ambles toward the door on his crutches.
Before he exits, he pauses, goes back and claims the

letter from the night stand. He then looks at a framed
daguerreotype of Samantha on the wall.
ARTHUR
Youll hear it soon.
27 EXT. SHERIFFS OFFICE AND JAIL OF BRIGHT HOPE - MOMENTS 27

LATER
Brooder loads his gun as his white Oriental mare trots up

to the Sheriffs Arabian horse tied to a post out front.
BROODER
Saucy. Hold.
Hunt emerges, carrying Samanthas medical bag.
ARTHUR (O.S.)
Thats my wifes kit?
Hunt sees Arthur astride a healthy chestnut stallion.
SHERIFF HUNT
It is.
ARTHUR
Ill carry it.
As Arthur claims the kits, his legs gives him pain.
SHERIFF HUNT
If we dont find Wallingtons
stock, can your stallion carry
both you and Mrs. ODwyer?
ARTHUR
Im carrying her.
(CONTINUED)
27 CONTINUED: 27
SHERIFF HUNT
Good. Nick can ride with me if he
has to-- this animals strong.
Hunt mounts his horse.

Mr. ODwyer.
Arthur looks over at Hunt.

I need to say this, and I dont
want you to get sore. Were gonna
make a five day journey in three
days--ridin long and sleepin the
bare minimum--but we need to take
care of these animals and
ourselves.
ARTHUR
I aint thinkin bout myself
right now.
SHERIFF HUNT
I know that, which is why Im
sayin this now. We dont have
any idea what our chances are, but
if our horses die before we get
there, or we go into hostile
territory weak and foggy with
exhaustion, we wont rescue
anybody.
Arthur considers Hunts words.

The only advantage weve got over
these troglodytes is bein
smarter. Lets not lose that.
ARTHUR
It aint gonna be easy makin camp
while those savages...
SHERIFF HUNT
I know it wont. But we need to
keep ourselves collected.
ARTHUR
It...it aint gonna be easy.
CHICORY (O.S.)
I got the dynamite.
(CONTINUED)
Hunt, Arthur and Brooder look over at Chicory who sits

atop his bony steed.
SHERIFF HUNT
How many?
CHICORY
Six.
BROODER
Thats not a handsome horse.
CHICORY
But he knows how to bite.
Arthur coaxes his stallion into action.
BROODER
Saucy. Hasten.
Brooder and Hunt follow.
28 EXT. OUTER PERIMETER OF BRIGHT HOPE - SAME 28
A wake of dust rises behind the four riders as they

traverse the sparse, flat outer perimeter of Bright Hope.
CLARENCE (O.S.)
Good luck and come back!
GIZZARD (O.S.)
Alive!
Hunt and Chicory glance over at Purvis hole. Brooder

slots a magazine into his rifle and slides the weapon
into the sheath tied to the front of his horse.
Arthur, pained by the jarring impact of his stallions

quick canter, stares forward, his mind filled with dark
thoughts.
29 EXT. HILLY REGION WITH SPARSE VEGETATION - LATER 29
Hunt, Arthur, Brooder and Chicory ride west.
ARTHUR
Sheriff.
SHERIFF HUNT
Yeah?
(CONTINUED)
29 CONTINUED: 29
ARTHUR
Theres a pond a little bit north
of here. Clean water.
SHERIFF HUNT
Take us there.
Arthur reins his stallion northwest, leading the way.
30 EXT. POND SURROUNDED BY ROCKS AND BRAMBLES - LATER 30
Brooder dismounts his horse and leads it to Chicory and

Hunt who water their animals. Arthur, perspiring and red,
grips his saddle horn, inhales deeply and leans to the
side.
ARTHUR
Ow! Damn.
BROODER
(approaching)
Let me help you down.
ARTHUR
I can do this.
BROODER
Not gracefully.
SHERIFF HUNT
Pain is how your body talks to
you, Mr. ODwyer. Listen to it.
Brooder puts his hands out. Embarrassed, Arthur accepts

his help. Once on the ground, he takes out his crutches.
31 EXT. HILLY REGION - EARLY SUNSET 31
Hunt, Arthur, Brooder and Chicory ride up a hill. Arthur

silently endures his pain.
SHERIFF HUNT
(raising his hand)
Hold.
ARTHUR
Whoa.
BROODER
Saucy. Hold.
CHICORY
Whoa, Peter. Whoa.
(CONTINUED)
31 CONTINUED: 31
Everyone holds except Chicory, who is forced to bribe his

horse with sugar cubes.
CHICORY (CONT'D)
Sweets?
Peter dances a few more before finally stopping.
SHERIFF HUNT
In two decades you think Peter
wouldve learned whoa.
Brooder lights a cigar. Chicory guides his ugly horse

back to the group.
CHICORY
He likes to negotiate.
(to the horse)
Heres your stipend.
Chicory gives Peter a few sugar cubes.
SHERIFF HUNT
(to Arthur and
Brooder)
We need to look for a spot to set
camp.
ARTHUR
Theres still light.
SHERIFF HUNT
Not much.
Brooding, Arthur, glances at the setting sun and SPITS.

Well leave long before sunrise,
but nows the time to put in.
Chicory withdraws a spyglass from his bag, extends it and

puts it to his right eye.
CHICORY
What exactly is the backup deputy
looking for?
SHERIFF HUNT
A sunken area is good. Some green
for the horses and some waters
better.
BROODER
Ill employ the German.
(CONTINUED)
Brooder withdraws a fine ivory-and-gold spyglass, extends

it into place and puts it to his left eye. After a brief
survey, he points southwest.
BROODER (CONT'D)
I see a sunken region with some
vegetation, though I cannot tell
if it has water.
Chicory points his telescope in Brooders same direction.
CHICORY
I dont descry it.
BROODER
Its there.
(lowers his spyglass)
Are you disputing the veracity of
my claim?
Something dark lurks underneath Brooders easy grin.
SHERIFF HUNT
Nobodys disputing you. Lets
ride to your site.
Brooder collapses his spyglass, CLACK-CLACK-CLACK,

replaces it in his gear and redirects the nose of his
white Oriental.
BROODER
Saucy. Hasten.
As Brooder and Arthur get on their way, Hunt turns to

Chicory.
SHERIFF HUNT
Mind your words to Brooder. Hes
glossy on the surface, but filled
with teeth.
CHICORY
We need to collaborate.
SHERIFF HUNT
Deputy.
CHICORY
Yes, sheriff.
32 EXT. SUNKEN AREA WITH BUSHES - LATE DUSK 32
Within a sparsely-vegetated sinkhole, Chicory carries

dried twigs and sticks to the campsite. Arthur arranges
stones for the fire pit.
Hunt sets down three bedrolls and retrieves the rucksack

he and his wife filled earlier that morning.
Nearby, the horses chew bushes and drink from puddles,

except the white Oriental, which stands still while
Brooder removes two dense suitcases from its withers.
Chicory sits on a rock and withdraws a pocket knife as

Arthur unsheathes a long hunting blade. They claim sticks
and SCRAPE chips for kindling.
Brooder carries his luggage to his bedroll, which is set

apart. He puts it down, withdraws a key from his left
pocket, unlocks the smaller suitcase and reaches inside.
Something metallic RINGS causing Arthur and Chicory to

look up, along with Hunt.
Only Brooders back is visible. Again, something metallic

RINGS. Hunt looks at Arthur and Chicory.
Brooder closes his suitcase and rises, holding a wooden

box, the contents of which RING as he walks past the
seated men.
Brooder sets the box down on the far side of the

sinkhole, opens its lid and withdraws a large coil of
string, attached to which are hundreds of bells, small,
round and RINGING.
CHICORY
I just remembered that I forgot to
pack the Yule tree.
Brooder disperses the bells throughout the campsite.
BROODER
Are any of you somnambulists?
CHICORY
(indignant)
Thats private.
SHERIFF HUNT
Means sleepwalk.
CHICORY
Oh. No, I dont.
(CONTINUED)
32 CONTINUED: 32
SHERIFF HUNT
Me neither.
ARTHUR
No.
BROODER
Good. Sleep with your guns nearby
and shoot anything that rings a
bell.
Arthur, whittling wood, shakes his head.
ARTHUR
Could be a innocent animal or
somebody lost.
BROODER
Our horses are hobbled. Any
animal that comes at us is a
predator, and any person that
approaches a camp in the dark
without identifying himself is a
criminal or a savage.
Brooder continues to circumscribe the sinkhole with the

line of bells.
BROODER (CONT'D)
If you hear a jingle, point your
gun and shoot. I will probably
beat you to the draw, but dont
count on me to save you.
Chicory bristles.
SHERIFF HUNT
(to Chicory)
Let it go.
CHICORY
I cant.
(to Brooder)
Watch how you speak to the law--
the sheriff especially. You
arent the captain.
BROODER
No...but Im the most intelligent
man here, and I intend to keep us
alive.
CHICORY
Youre the most intelligent, huh?
Is that a fact?
(CONTINUED)
BROODER
It is.
(he fetches a new
line)
Sheriff Hunt has a wife, and so
does Mr. ODwyer. And youre a
widower.
CHICORY
What does that have to do with
anything?
BROODER
Smart men dont get married.
A smile cracks Chicorys face, and the tension is

dispelled. Bells JINGLE as a smirking Brooder continues
his task.
CHICORY
Thats because no woman would want
you.
BROODER
Many women invite me over for
dessert. Eleven in Bright Hope.
ARTHUR
John. I dont want to hear that
kind of talk.
BROODER
All right, cowboy.
Arthur SCRATCHES a match. The phosphorous head flares

white, turns orange and spreads across the pile of
tinder.
33 EXT. SUNKEN AREA WITH BUSHES - LATER 33
Flames CRACKLE. Using a rag, Hunt slides a covered pot

from the blaze onto the ground and lifts its lid: steam
rises. Chicory plunges a spoon into the stew and scoops a
hearty portion onto a tin dish, which he hands to Arthur.
ARTHUR
Thanks.
Chicory makes plates for Hunt and Brooder, then SCRAPES

together a smaller helping for himself.
SHERIFF HUNT
You got enough?
(CONTINUED)
33 CONTINUED: 33
CHICORY
Plenty.
SHERIFF HUNT
Blow on it first.
Brooder withdraws a linen bundle, which he unwraps,

revealing a fine set of silver utensils.
ARTHUR
Let us pray.
Arthur crosses himself. Hunt and Chicory bow their heads

while Brooder patiently waits.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
Bless us, O Lord, and these, thy
gifts, which-
Arthurs voice catches. The other men look at him as he

clears his throat, pressing on.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
-which...we are about to receive,
from...from...
Arthur tilts his head, unable to continue the ritual.

Hunt, Chicory and Brooder look away. Arthur crosses
himself, and the men eat.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
When do we leave?
CHICORY
Ill rouse everyone when I get up.
(blowing on his stew)
I never sleep more than four
hours.
Arthur nods and shovels the hot food into his mouth.
34 EXT. SUNKEN AREA WITH BUSHES - LATER 34
Arthur lies on his bedroll and gently sets his injured

leg atop a soft bundle of clothing. Across the fire, Hunt
and Chicory slide into their pouches and attempt to get
comfortable.
After some vacillations, Chicory glances at Brooder in

his plush bedroll. He reads a novel entitled, The Secret
Pleasures of the Orient, by candlelight.
CHICORY
Sheriff?
(CONTINUED)
34 CONTINUED: 34
Hunt adjusts his pillow (which is a jacket stuffed inside

of a sweater) and looks at Chicory.
SHERIFF HUNT
Yeah?
CHICORY
Can you read a book in the bath?
SHERIFF HUNT
I dont understand what youre
askin.
CHICORY
Im asking if youre able to sit
in a bathtub full of hot water and
read a book.
SHERIFF HUNT
Ive never tried.
CHICORY
I hear about people doing it all
the time, but each time I try, I
ruin the book. I splash some
water on it or I get it wet
turning the pages.
(he frowns)
Ive dropped some in.
SHERIFF HUNT
Whyre you so determined to read
literature while takin a bath?
CHICORY
I never feel better than when Im
sitting in that tub, but it gets
dull just looking at your toes the
whole time.
SHERIFF HUNT
Why dont you get a music stand?--
like the kind an orchestra fellow
uses or the choirmaster?
CHICORY
Thats an idea.
Hunt YAWNS and reaches for a bucket of sand.
SHERIFF HUNT
Put your book on that. Right next
to the tub.
Chicory YAWNS and nods.
(CONTINUED)

And keep a towel near-- so you can
dry your fingers before you turn
the pages.
CHICORY
First thing Ill do when we get
back is buy one of those stands.
Hunt smothers the fire with the sand.
35 EXT. OPEN PLAINS - NOON 35
Arthur contends with the sickening pain in his leg. He

glances at his wifes medical bag.
36 EXT. COPSE BY THE RIVER - SAME 36
Arthur holsters his revolver, reclaims his crutches and

ambles south, wending through vegetation until he reaches
a grassy lump and sits.
Wincing, he pulls off his right boot and raises the pant
leg, revealing his hurt shin, which is swollen and dark
red.
ARTHUR
Jesus goddamn.
(looking up)
Sorry.
Arthur covers his leg with a white kerchief, produces a

flask and pours a small amount of bourbon onto the
shroud. Pain climbs up his right side, as he POUNDS the
dirt.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
Damn damn damn.
The pain abates, and Arthur seals the container. He puts

it in his coat where it CLINKS against another vessel.
He withdraws a small stoppered bottle, labeled with a

picture of a poppy flower and the words, Tincture of
Opium. Arthur stares at the drug, ruminating.
37 EXT. ROCKY RIVERBED - SAME 37
Brooder lowers his spyglass and slides it into his coat

as Hunt and Chicory put away their canteens. Arthur
approaches on his crutches, head turned down.
(CONTINUED)
37 CONTINUED: 37
SHERIFF HUNT
You know when?
CHICORY
Yessir.
SHERIFF HUNT
Brooder. Dont step in the
middle.
BROODER
I shant.
Arthur nears the group, his mind elsewhere.
SHERIFF HUNT
Hows the leg?
ARTHUR
Swollen.
SHERIFF HUNT
Any signs of infection?
ARTHUR
I dont think so.
SHERIFF HUNT
Chicory should look at it tonight
when were camped. He did some
surgery in the war.
Arthur continues toward his chestnut stallion.
ARTHUR
Ill mind it myself.
SHERIFF HUNT
With that tincture of opium?
Arthur stops and faces Hunt.
ARTHUR
You went in my things? My wifes
possessions?
SHERIFF HUNT
I did.
Indignation burns within Arthur.
ARTHUR
You shouldntve.
(CONTINUED)
Chicory yanks Arthurs gun from his holster and steps

back.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
Give that back you dumb imbecile!
SHERIFF HUNT
Dont hurl insults at Chicory--
hes followin orders.
(he holds out his
hand)
Give over that bottle.
ARTHUR
It aint yours to claim.
SHERIFF HUNT
If you use that stuff, youll
spill from the saddle. Im tryin
to prevent that accident.
For a quiet moment, Hunt and Chicory watch Arthur

ruminate.
ARTHUR
I aint had any.
SHERIFF HUNT
I apologize for goin in your
wifes things. Will you yield it?
Arthur hands the bottle to Hunt. Chicory glances over.

The Sheriff nods and returns the revolver to Arthur.

Mr. ODwyer rides vanguard.
Brooder helps Arthur onto his stallion.
ARTHUR
(settling)
Mr. Kory.
CHICORY
Chicory.
ARTHUR
Chicory. Im sorry for hollerin
at you.
Chicory walks toward his ugly horse.
CHICORY
My wife called me a dumb imbecile
all the time.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CHICORY (CONT'D)
(he smiles)
Felt sort of nice.
38 EXT. FLAT REGION - TWILIGHT 38
Arthur is followed by Hunt, Chicory and Brooder.

Overhead, two birds wheel and KEEN.
SHERIFF HUNT
Brooder.
Brooder looks over at him.

Take a look with your German. We
need to put in soon.
BROODER
Ill make a survey.
CHICORY
Sheriff?
SHERIFF HUNT
Old man?
CHICORY
I know that the worlds supposed
to be round, but Im not so sure
about this part.
Sheriff Hunt surveys the flat environs and nods.
39 EXT. OPEN PLAINS - NIGHT 39
The horses doze beside a small weedy slope.
Nearby, a sunken campfire CRACKLES, radiating light upon

Hunt, Chicory and Brooder, all of whom have their faces
tilted toward steaming plates of pork and beans.
Arthur lies asleep on his bedroll, his bad leg raised and
uncovered, exposed to the night air. A twig POPS in the
pit, and the hungry riders chew. After a sip of water,
the sheriff glances at Arthur.
SHERIFF HUNT
Think hes gonna lose the leg?
CHICORY
It could go either way.
(CONTINUED)
39 CONTINUED: 39
BROODER
Have you ever performed an
amputation?
CHICORY
Yeah.
(he chews)
In the war.
(he swallows)
Even done correctly, the chances
arent good.
BROODER
That seems like an especially
miserable way to spend your final
days.
CHICORY
The worst.
Something CRACKS in the darkness. Hunt dumps sand on the

fire and draws his revolver; Brooder points his pistol;
Chicory raises his shotgun.
MAN WITH A MEXICAN ACCENT (O.S.)

Relax gentleman, relax. Dont be
scared.
A dark human shape blots out low stars thirty yards away.
MAN WITH A MEXICAN ACCENT

(CONT'D)
I am a friend.
SHERIFF HUNT
You arent. Youre a stranger and
a sneak.

I was about to announce myself.
SHERIFF HUNT
Strike a match so we can see you
clear or well light things up
with our guns.
(to Chicory)
Mind our backs.
Chicory turns in the opposite direction, shotgun raised.

One moment, por favor.
(CONTINUED)
A squat forty-year old Mexican fellow with a plump face,

thin mustache, big hands and bigger stomach SPARKS a
match.

(CONT'D)
My names Ramiro.
SHERIFF HUNT
You got any compaeros?
RAMIRO
I have an associate.
SHERIFF HUNT
Tell him to strike a match.
Ramiro turns his head.
RAMIRO
Do what they ask.
Fifteen yards behind Ramiro, a SCRATCHED match flashes,

shining in the foggy spectacles of a TALL MEXICAN with
long hair, a tattered suit and a pockmarked face.
SHERIFF HUNT
Just him?
RAMIRO
Just him.
SHERIFF HUNT
If we see any others lurkin
around, well execute you.
RAMIRO
I speak the truth. I was going
announce myself when-
SHERIFF HUNT
Be quiet and toss your guns.
Ramiro withdraws an old five-shot revolver from

underneath his jacket and drops it to the ground.
RAMIRO
My associate is unarmed.
SHERIFF HUNT
Come towards us. Dont drop your
matches.
(CONTINUED)
Ramiro and the Tall Mexican walk forward, their faces

illuminated from below by the small flames they carry.
Hunt taps Chicorys shoulder.

See if you can salvage the fire.
Chicory scoops sand out of the pit, unearthing a bed of

coals that bathe the campsite in scarlet light.
Ramiro RINGS the bells, causing Brooder to SHOOT him

dead. The Tall Mexican reaches into his jacket, but
Brooder kills him as well, before he can draw his weapon.

(to Brooder; furious)
Damn you!
Brooder looks at Hunts gun.
BROODER
Holster your gun.
Hunts baleful eyes do not leave Brooder. Nearby, Chicory

reaches for his shotgun.
SHERIFF HUNT
Deputy. Hold.
Chicory pauses. Hunt stabs his gun into his holster.

Opposite him, Brooder lowers his revolver.

You had no cause.
BROODER
Those men were thieves or scouts
for a raiding party.
SHERIFF HUNT
You dont know that. And I wanted
to get information from them in
any case.
BROODER
They wouldnt tell you the correct
year, much less anything else.
SHERIFF HUNT
I know how to interrogate people.
CHICORY
Hes got a system.
(CONTINUED)
BROODER
We need to pack up and make a cold
camp somewhere else-- some place
defensible. If you want to
question my morals, do it later.
SHERIFF HUNT
There arent any to question.
Arthur, awake and confused, watches Brooder and Hunt walk

away from each other.
ARTHUR
What transpired?
CHICORY
Mr. Brooder educated two Mexicans
on the meaning of manifest
destiny.
ARTHUR
(unsettled)
Did they deserve it?
CHICORY
I...I dont know.
Chicory, uncomfortable, glances at the bodies, which are

still and bloody, illuminated scarlet by the hearth
coals. Nearby, Hunt bundles his bedroll.
Further off, amongst the horses, Brooder ties heavy

luggage to the withers of his white Oriental.
ARTHUR
Are we breakin camp?
CHICORY
(to Arthur)
Go back to sleep-- Ill wake you
when its time. Or eat dinner--
we put some aside-
(points at a covered
dish)
Pork and beans.
ARTHUR
Thanks.
Arthur claims the plate. Chicory walks over to the dead

men, who are facedown. He rolls the taller one onto his
back.
(CONTINUED)
Clutched in the fellows hand is a pocket knife, and

dangling from his collar is beaded necklace with an ivory
crucifix.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
Was he armed?
CHICORY
Sort of.
Chicory walks toward his bedroll as Arthur eats.
ARTHUR
What time is it?
CHICORY
About nine, though it feels like
next week.
40 EXT. ROCKY REGION - LATER 40
Arthur opens his eyes to the sound of GRUNTS. He sees

Brooder, a towel stuffed in his mouth, and a knife stuck
in his shoulder, wrestling with a MEXICAN MAN. Arthur
draws and fires, BANG.
The assailant GRUNTS and SLAMS against a rock. Startled

awake, Hunt and Chicory pull guns.
ARTHUR
Ambush!
Arthur shoots the Mexican Man again, BANG. Brooder draws

his revolver, SPITS the rag from his mouth, aims into the
darkness and squeezes his trigger, BANG, BANG, BANG. By
the light of the gunfire, they see three MEN, retreating.
CHICORY
They took our horses!
SHERIFF HUNT
Blast!
ARTHUR
No.
Brooder and Hunt rise, guns pointing at the opaque

eastern horizon. Nearby, Chicory helps Arthur to his
feet. The dim sound of LAUGHTER echoes across the
landscape.
All four men point their guns, but they cannot see
anything or anyone to fire upon.
(CONTINUED)
40 CONTINUED: 40
SHERIFF HUNT
Dont waste your bullets. Theyre
beyond.
BROODER
I dont understand how they got
them all-- Saucy never wouldve
allowed some greaser on her back.
CHICORY
You trained her in bigotry?
BROODER
Shes smart and shes loyal.
Arthur surveys the landscape and sees a white lump forty

yards off, lying upon the ground, stained with dark
fluid.
ARTHUR
John.
Brooder looks at Arthur, who motions to the prone

creature in the distance. He sees it, hardens, pulls the
knife out of his shoulder and throws it at the dead man.
The point skewers his bladder and the ground below him
darkens with cold urine.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
Looks like she resisted.
BROODER
Blasted greasers.
SHERIFF HUNT
Brooder. How bads that shoulder?
Ignoring the inquiry, Brooder walks across the plain

toward the inert creature. The area is quiet but for his
FOOTFALLS, and a strained WHINNY that issues from the
lump.
BROODER
Im coming.
We see Brooder in the distance as he nears the dying

animal, draws his revolver and thumbs the hammer, CLICK.
Again, the dying beast WHINNIES.
BROODER (CONT'D)
Thank you for your services.
A GUNSHOT lights up the plain, resounding on every

horizon. The sound fades. Brooder rises and holsters his
revolver.
(CONTINUED)
BROODER (CONT'D)
(quietly)
Bye.
Arthur ambles over to Hunt and Chicory.
ARTHUR
We need to compact our gear, bury
the remainder and go. If we
sleep, it should be in hot
daylight, not now.
Chicory looks at Hunt, awaiting a verdict.
SHERIFF HUNT
That valley is a two day walk from
here.
ARTHUR
Ill try to match your pace. If I
fall behind, Ill catch up
whenever you sleep.
Hunt has obvious misgivings about Arthurs plan, but

knows there is no better alternative.
SHERIFF HUNT
All right.
Brooder returns to the camp and walks toward his gear.

Brooder. Compact your gear to the
essentials.
BROODER
(quiet)
I shall.
SHERIFF HUNT
Sorry bout Saucy.
CHICORY
Yeah. She was top quality.
BROODER
Thank you.
Hunt looks at Arthur.
SHERIFF HUNT
Well carry your stuff.
(he points west)
Go on and get ahead of us.
(CONTINUED)
Arthur nods, draws his gun, flings the cylinder, and

reloads. Nearby, Chicory picks up two canteens and
Arthurs hat.
ARTHUR
When you pack, be sure and get her
medical kit.
SHERIFF HUNT
We will.
Arthur receives his hat from Chicory and slings the

proffered canteens over his left shoulder.
CHICORY
Watch the terrain. One bad fall
could be the end of that leg.
ARTHUR
Ill be mindful.
Arthur turns away from Hunt and Chicory, ambling forward

as the lawmen sort through their possessions.
CHICORY
Over in Mississippi, Nadine and I
saw a cripple who had crutches and
only one leg race against a
regular man and win. He made
these huge strides--swinging
himself to and fro like a pendulum-
-and was uncommonly hasty.
Hunt empties a valise onto his bedroll.

SHERIFF HUNT
It isnt the same with a hurt leg.
CHICORY
Im just pointing out
possibilities.
41 EXT. OPEN PLAINS - JUST BEFORE DAWN 41
Arthurs eyes scan the ground for any aberrations that

might result in a fall, mindful of every stride.
42 EXT. OPEN PLAINS WITH GROWTHS - EARLY MORNING 42
Sunlight picks out rocks and scraggly vegetation, casting

their shadows long on the sere terrain over which Arthur
travels. His pain and pace are equally constant. A YAWN
like a slow scream spreads across his face.
(CONTINUED)
42 CONTINUED: 42
After he shuts his mouth, a stone CRACKS, and his right

crutch slips. Startled, he squeezes the grip, securing
the brace, keeping himself upright. Somewhere in the
distance, a bird KEENS.
A moment later, Arthur swings his legs forward and

continues.
43 EXT. OPEN PLAINS - EARLY MORNING 43
Arthur advances towards five jagged mountain peaks dimly

visible on the western horizon.
CHICORY (O.S.)
Mr. ODwyer!
The name ECHOES. Arthur turns around, squints and sees

three tiny figures-- two broad men of medium height and a
tall skinny fellow.
CHICORY (CONT'D)
You okay?
The inquiry ECHOES.
ARTHUR
Im fine!
The response ECHOES. Arthur drinks from his canteen,

closes the container and YAWNSe. He shuts his mouth,
turns around and continues his westward journey.
44 EXT. OPEN PLAINS - TEN OCLOCK IN THE MORNING 44

Arthur walks alongside Hunt, Chicory and Brooder. The
three able-bodied men are burdened with rucksacks,
valises, waterskins, bedrolls, canteens and guns.
CHICORY
I wonder if Peter will enjoy
Mexican food.
Nobody offers a comment. The sheriff glances at Arthur,

appraises his gait and returns his attention to the
horizon.
CHICORY (CONT'D)
I imagine hell like tamales.
Brooder, sweating and weary, looks over at Chicory.
(CONTINUED)
44 CONTINUED: 44
CHICORY (CONT'D)
But if they give him a hot pepper,
theyll get a hoof in the face.
BROODER
Arent you tired?
CHICORY
Of course. Were on the plain
pretending to be pack mules.
BROODER
But that doesnt in any way affect
the endeavors of your mouth?
CHICORY
Youd prefer to listen to trudging
footsteps and men breathing?
(he SPITS dust)
That makes it worse.
Arthurs crutch slips. He GRUNTS as he regains control of

the brace. The other men stop and look at him.
ARTHUR
Keep on. Ill catch up.
CHICORY
You sure?
ARTHUR
There aint a choice.
(he looks west)
And when you get to hard ground,
put four stones showin your route
every hundred yards.
SHERIFF HUNT
We will.
CHICORY
You should take this if youre
trailing-
Chicory produces his spyglass and hangs it by its leather

strap over Arthurs neck.
CHICORY (CONT'D)
We have Mr. Brooders German.
Hunt continues forward, flanked by Chicory and Brooder. A

moment later, Arthur resumes his pendulous gait, several
yards behind his companions.
(CONTINUED)
CHICORY (CONT'D)
I believe Peter will learn to
appreciate Mexican women.
Brooder drinks a swig from his whisky flask.
BROODER
Im starting to envy that horse.
45 EXT. INCLINED TERRAIN - NOON 45
The sun is directly overhead. Arthur ascends a mild

incline. He plants his crutches and pauses, surveying the
horizon. The vast mountain range looms before him, and
his companions are no longer visible.
Alone, Arthur continues his journey west, tremulous and

weak.
46 EXT. HARD TERRAIN - EARLY AFTERNOON 46
Pained by his leg, Arthur pauses and looks at the vista.

Within a distant nook, he sees several dark anomalies,
including three people.
He extends Chicorys spyglass, peers through its lens and

SIGHS with relief.
47 EXT. ROCKY TERRAIN - AFTERNOON 47
Arthur sits, leans his back against a big rock and looks
over his shoulder.
Fifty yards away, Hunt, Chicory and Brooder lie atop
their bedrolls, hats over their faces, guns in their
hands.
Arthur, concealed behind the stone, fills his lungs and

puts his cupped hands alongside his mouth.
ARTHUR
(calling out)
Thiss Arthur ODwyer! Im comin
into camp!
The words ECHO.
SHERIFF HUNT
We wont shoot.
CHICORY
Almost certainly.
(CONTINUED)
47 CONTINUED: 47
Arthur gathers his crutches.
BROODER
Mind the trip line.
48 EXT. COVERED NOOK - MOMENTS LATER 48
Arthur steps over a hidden wire and ambles into the nook,
joining his companions.
SHERIFF HUNT
Been here two hours. Were
leavin at twilight.
ARTHUR
Wake me then.
Arthur hobbles to the empty bedroll, which has a second

cushion at its bottom for his injured leg. He lies down,
puts his hat over his eyes and instantly falls asleep.
49 EXT. COVERED NOOK - TWILIGHT 49
Arthur rises from his bedroll. He sways, momentarily

light headed from his exertion, then finds his balance.
ARTHUR
Im comin with you now.
SHERIFF HUNT
Follow after at your own pace.
Brooder swallows beef and looks at Arthur.

BROODER
If we get there before you catch
up, Ill try to refrain from
flirting with Mrs. ODwyer.
Arthur CRACKS a fist across Brooders jaw. Overbalanced,

Arthur tumbles and SMACKS his shin on a stone. He YELLS.
The lawmen hasten to their fallen companion, whose

agonized cry ECHOES all around them.
Brooder SPITS, rubs his chin and looks at Arthur, who

holds his wounded leg, teeth clenched, eyes filled with
vitriol.
ARTHUR
Dont talk that way about my wife!
I know you had designs!
(CONTINUED)
49 CONTINUED: 49
BROODER
That was years ago, and she
refused me. And right now, Im
risking my life for both of you,
which perhaps entitles me to an
occasional innuendo.
ARTHUR
It doesnt! Shes my whole
everything and those savages got
her- and- and-
(tears fill his eyes)
And who knows- who knows whats
happenin to her right now, every
second we delay- and...and...
Hunt squeezes Arthurs shoulder in a conciliatory manner

and looks at Brooder.
SHERIFF HUNT
Remove yourself.
Brooder rubs his jaw, shakes his head in disbelief and

walks away from the others.
Chicory looks at Arthurs right leg. Fresh bright blood

stains the fabric.
CHICORY
Damnation.
(to the sheriff)
Will you unearth that medical kit?
Hunt walks to a rucksack, as Chicory looks at Arthur.

CHICORY (CONT'D)
Hold still while I make an
examination.
Arthur nods. Chicory removes his patients right boot and

sock and peels back his sodden pant cuff.
Three inches below Arthurs knee, a broken bone presses

against the skin, surrounded by torn stitches and blood.
CHICORY (CONT'D)
Damnation.
The sheriff sets the medical kit beside Chicory, who

looks up at him and shakes his head.
SHERIFF HUNT
All right.
(to Arthur)
Mr. ODwyer.
(CONTINUED)
ARTHUR
Yeah?
SHERIFF HUNT
Youre stayin behind.
Arthur is stunned.
ARTHUR
No. Im comin.
SHERIFF HUNT
You cant.
Arthur reaches for his crutches, but Hunt flings them

away. They SMACK against the wall and CLATTER to the
ground.
ARTHUR
(furious)
Go get me my-
SHERIFF HUNT
That leg cant be disregarded.
Youre stayin put.
ARTHUR
To Hell with your authority and
your way of doin things! You
shouldntve shot that drifter
back in Bright Hope and got my
wife involved, and Brooder
shouldntve executed them
Mexicans and made it all worse.
SHERIFF HUNT
I cant honestly say I know which
way it wouldve gone with the
Mexicans or if I left that drifter
alone. I am quick to shoot--maybe
too quick--though I know Ive done
a lot more good than bad over the
years. But heres where we are.
(he shakes his head)
If you press on right now, that
legll go bad and youll die for
certain. Look at it.
Arthur looks at his shin and is nauseated by the sight.

Chicorys gonna give you some
tincture and operate, so youll
have a chance.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
Well leave you with supplies
thatll last til we get back.
Arthur nods, then looks at the sheriff.
ARTHUR
Will you leave some stones for me
to follow? In case something
happens to you all-- so Ive got a
option.
SHERIFF HUNT
Ill mark the route.
ARTHUR
Thanks.
From the medical kit, Chicory withdraws the stoppered

bottle labelled, Tincture of Opium.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
Just give me the minimum so you
can operate-- I dont wanna wake
up next month. And take the rest
in case my wife needs it or Deputy
Nick.
CHICORY
Ill bring some in a whisky flask
and leave the remainder with you.
Dont take more than a spoonful in
a day.
Chicory plucks the stopper, and pours a small amount of

the rust-colored tincture into a wooden spoon. He hands
the opiate to Arthur and he ingests it.
CHICORY (CONT'D)
Lean back.
Arthur returns the spoon to Chicory, then scoots onto his

bedroll, and lies down.
ARTHUR
I dont know if Ill be awake when
you go, so I want to apologize now
for gettin hot at you all. I
dont lose my temper most times.
SHERIFF HUNT
We know you dont.
BROODER
Dont concern yourself over it.
(CONTINUED)
CHICORY
I thought it made things exciting.
ARTHUR
I appreciate what you all are
doin. Dont think I aint
appreciative. Just please get her
safe.
SHERIFF HUNT
We wont leave without her.
Sadness and gratitude burgeon in Arthurs breast, and for

a moment, he cannot speak.
CHICORY
Is the medicine taking affect?
Arthur waggles his fingers and clears his throat.
ARTHUR
My hands got some tingles.
Chicory looks at Brooder and Hunt.
CHICORY
Brace him. The tincture helps,
but this will penetrate.
Brooder grips Arthurs ankles, and Hunt secures his

shoulders.
From the medical kit, Chicory withdraws a steel, double-

sided bone hammer. Arthur reaches for his hat and puts it
over his face. Brooder and Hunt turn their heads.
50 EXT. MOUNTAIN CREVASSE - SAME (STOCK FOOTAGE) 50
An eagle sits on branch. In a far off part of the

mountain range, Arthur YELLS.
51 EXT. OPEN PLAINS - SAME (STOCK FOOTAGE) 51
The YELL resounds. A coyote eats from a carcass.
52 EXT. SALTPAN - SAME (STOCK FOOTAGE) 52
The YELL resounds again. A lizard crawls along the

ground.
53 EXT. COVERED NOOK - DUSK 53
Hunt, Chicory and Brooder, depart from the nook, leaving

behind Arthur who sleeps on his bedroll, his hurt leg
raised and covered.
BROODER
So long, cowboy.
Chicory glances over his shoulder, his face evincing a

mixture of concern and guilt.
54 EXT. ROCKY INCLINE WITH VEGETATION - SAME 54
Hunt, Chicory and Brooder ascend a moderate incline, and

the vast mountain range looms all around them. Held in
Hunts right hand is a compass.
SHERIFF HUNT
Will he survive?
CHICORY
He has a chance.
55 EXT. BARREN ROCKY INCLINE - NIGHT 55
Hunt pauses, drinks from a canteen. The other men stop

and reach for their containers. In the quiet, Hunt
descries a peculiar sound-- a distant EERIE WHISTLE.
SHERIFF HUNT
Hear that?
Brooder swallows water, listening, as does Chicory.
SILENCE.
BROODER
What are you hearing?
SHERIFF HUNT
It stopped. Just wait a-
The EERIE WHISTLE echoes again for a brief duration.
CHICORY
Thought I was imagining that.
BROODER
I am fairly certain that I heard
that sound back in Bright Hope--
on the night of the kidnapping.
(CONTINUED)
55 CONTINUED: 55
CHICORY
Lets ask the most intelligent man
amongst us what he thinks.
(he turns away from
Brooder)
Sheriff?
SHERIFF HUNT
Its a signal. Maybe an alarm.
Again, the EERIE WHISTLE resonates and dies.

Inspect your firearms. Weve been
spotted.
Brooder checks his pistol and unslings his rifle; Hunt

draws his revolver; Chicory wipes grit from his shotgun.
56 EXT. BARREN ROCKY PLATEAU - LATER 56
Hunt picks up several rocks and continues forward, a few

yards behind his companions, listening.
Nothing is audible to him except for the sounds that his

group generates-- FOOTFALLS and BREATHING.
Hunt sets a stone upon the ground, inches away, places

another, followed by two more in an even line.
CHICORY
backup deputy that leaving a trail
of rocks is a job for the backup
deputy.
SHERIFF HUNT
I told him Id do it.
Rejoining his men, the sheriff hears the EERIE WHISTLE.

Was that it?
BROODER
Yes.
SHERIFF HUNT
Sounds further than before.
CHICORY
Maybe theyre frightened?
(CONTINUED)
56 CONTINUED: 56
BROODER
Of us? No.
Chicory looks at Brooder and attempts to read his face.
CHICORY
How many of them did you kill?
BROODER
Not enough.
Hunt frowns, but holds his tongue.
CHICORY
They were--what do you call them--
braves? Warriors?
BROODER
Mostly.
CHICORY
Some werent braves?
BROODER
Some werent men.
CHICORY
Oh.
Hunt and Chicory are disturbed by what they have just

learned about their travelling companion.
BROODER
An Indian woman is still an
Indian. She knows how to use a
bow and a spear, and so do her
children.
CHICORY
Why do you hate them so much?
BROODER
You should ask my mother and my
sisters.
CHICORY
I never met them.
BROODER
Thats correct. You never did.
A moment later, the implication of Brooders response

becomes clear to Chicory.
(CONTINUED)
CHICORY
Indians got them?
SHERIFF HUNT
Let him alone, old man.
Brooder walks, his mind heavy with very unpleasant

memories.
BROODER
A thing like that makes a
considerable impression upon a ten-
year-old boy.
CHICORY
Im sorry that happened to them,
but I couldnt ever kill a woman
or a child, even if-
SHERIFF HUNT
Deputy. Quiet.
57 EXT. EDGE OF THE PLATEAU - DAY 57
Hunt places the fourth rock in a line, rises and walks to

Chicory and Brooder, who stand at the edge of a plateau.
Employing his German telescope, Brooder scans the area.
SHERIFF HUNT
See it?
BROODER
I see several.
Brooder studies his subjects.
CHICORY
Can you tell which ones the
Valley of the Starving Men?
BROODER
I cannot.
Brooder offers the gold-and-ivory instrument to Chicory.
CHICORY
You trust me with the German?
BROODER
Ive seen you operate.
Chicory puffs up with pride, claims the fine instrument,

and with it, surveys the western depression.
(CONTINUED)
57 CONTINUED: 57
CHICORY
Oh my Lord.
Hunt and Brooder look at Chicory.
CHICORY (CONT'D)
I wish I had this when I went to
the rodeo. The clarity and
magnifying power are-
SHERIFF HUNT
Do you see the valleys?
CHICORY
I see a few.
58 EXT. DECLINING SLOPE - LATER 58
The three men walk down an incline, treading softly,

their eyes alert.
Brooder, at the vanguard, sees something of importance

and motions to his companions. Hunt and Chicory join.
BROODER
Horse tracks.
CHICORY
Mr. Wallingtons or ours?
SHERIFF HUNT
See if you find a set where one
horse--a smaller one--is missing a
shoe on a hind leg.
They survey the hoofprints, looking for the specific
pattern.
CHICORY
Here.
With the toe of his boot, Chicory taps an unshod

hoofprint.
CHICORY (CONT'D)
This is Clarences colt?
SHERIFF HUNT
Almost certainly.
CHICORY
So were changing course?
(CONTINUED)
58 CONTINUED: 58
SHERIFF HUNT
Yeah.
Brooder continues forward, trailed by Chicory. Behind

them, Hunt places four more rocks on the ground.
59 EXT. SOTOL BUSHES / GORGE ENTRANCE - DAY 59
Brooder enters a broad gorge, puts his left eye to his

telescopic sight, scans the twelve foot walls on either
side of the passage and proceeds west, monitoring the
line of sotol bushes that parallels the wall on his
right.
Fifteen yards behind, Chicory and Hunt follow. Brooder

pauses, turns around and looks through the spyglass,
where he sees nothing that concerns him.
60 EXT. WIDE GORGE - SAME 60
The three men proceed along the pass. Brooder catches

sight of three small white objects. He looks at them
through the lens atop his rifle. After a derisive SNORT,
he lowers his weapon and continues forward until he
reaches the anomalies.
Affixed to the gorge wall are the skulls of a boar, a

wolf and a vulture.
Brooder continues on. Moments later, Chicory passes by

the three sentries, unsettled by their presence. Shortly
afterwards, Hunt walks past the same spot, frowning.
Brooder slows his gait, takes a few more steps, and
stops. Ahead of him is a blind corner where the gorge
turns sharply to the right. He motions to Hunt and
Chicory, and they gather beside him.
SHERIFF HUNT
(quietly)
Think theres an ambush around
that bend?
BROODER
(quietly)
Ill signal once Ive made a
determination. If you dont hear
from me in thirty seconds, go-
Brooder points back to the gorge entrance. Grave

expressions darken the faces of Hunt and Chicory.
(CONTINUED)
60 CONTINUED: 60
CHICORY
(quietly)
Whats the signal?
Brooder claims a fist-sized rock from the ground.
BROODER
(quietly)
This.
Brooder pockets the stone, grips his rifle and walks

toward the bend. Behind him, Hunt withdraws a timepiece,
and Chicory caresses his shotgun as if it were a pet.
After three more strides, Brooder disappears around the

corner. Hunt looks down, and the second hand on his watch
TICKS past the number 5.
Brooders FOOTFALLS grow too quiet for Hunt and Chicory

to hear. Chicory looks at the watch, and the second hand
TICKS past the number 6.
Hunt raises the spyglass. After an appraisal, he returns

his attention to the watch. The small hand TICKS past the
number 8, indicating fifteen seconds have passed.
Concerned, Hunt and Chicory glance at each other and look

toward the bend. Upon the timepiece, the small hand TICKS
past the number 9. Twenty seconds have passed.
Hunt and Chicory point their guns toward the bend. The
watch TICKS. Something CLACKS beyond the corner, and the
rock rolls into view. Hunt replaces his timepiece,
glances back and walks toward the bend, flanked by
Chicory.
61 EXT. VALLEY OF THE STARVING MEN - SAME 61
Hunt and Chicory round the corner and join Brooder.
Ahead of him lies a valley that has a sunken floor and

steeply-inclined sides, which are more than ninety feet
tall.
High up on the west wall are the four dark cave mouths
that Brooder monitors with his telescopic sight.
SHERIFF HUNT
(whispered)
See any activity in those?
A stone SMACKS Brooders skull. An arrow pierces Hunts

left shoulder, and a bone tomahawk wipes the hat from
Chicorys head, SCRAPING his scalp.
(CONTINUED)
61 CONTINUED: 61
Prone, Brooder reaches for his rifle. A tomahawk cuts off

his left hand.
Hunt and Chicory spin to the close wall, where two shadow-
obscured FIGURES leap from a raised niche, bearing bone
tomahawks.
Chicory, blood running from his scalp, squeezes his

trigger, BOOM! An attacker SLAMS into the wall, sounding
an EERIE WHISTLE.
Hunt fires upon the other, BANG, BANG. Blood sprays, and
the man stumbles back, sounding an EERIE WHISTLE.
Hunt and Chicory pull triggers. GUNSHOTS ring out, and

the slain men quaver on the ground, dying and WHISTLING.
Nearby, Brooder clutches his shorn left wrist.
BROODER
Chicory. Tie this off.
Chicory hastens to Brooder, pulls a kerchief from his

jacket and wraps it around the gory stump.
Pale and perspiring, Brooder sits up and leans his back

against the wall.
BROODER (CONT'D)
I need the repeater.
Hunt gives to Brooder his rifle, then pulls the arrow

from his own shoulder.
BROODER (CONT'D)
Supply me with dynamite and dont
return until Ive used it.
SHERIFF HUNT
Brooder. We can take you some-
BROODER
Were too isolated, and I am far
too vain to ever live as a
cripple.
(he stamps the ground
with his left boot)
This is my spot.
Seeing Brooder is fully resolved, Hunt wastes no more

words. Chicory sets four sticks of dynamite beside
Brooder.
BROODER (CONT'D)
Id like a cigar.
(CONTINUED)
Chicory draws a cigar from Brooders pocket, pokes it

between his lips and SCRATCHES a match.
BROODER (CONT'D)
The answer to your question is one
hundred and sixteen.
Chicory, surprised, touches the flame to the cigar.
CHICORY
Thats how many Indians?
Brooder EXHALES a plume of smoke. Hunt TAPS Chicorys

left shoulder, prompting him.
CHICORY (CONT'D)
Goodbye Mr. Brooder.
SHERIFF HUNT
Well make sure all this has
value.
BROODER
Please do.
(he looks away)
I shall kill as many as I can.
Hunt and Chicory hasten from the valley, leaving Brooder

alone. For a moment, tears sparkle in his eyes, along
with an awareness of many, many things.
As quickly as it came, the sadness departs, and Brooder

turns his attention to the nearer of the two dead
TROGLODYTES.
The strong, long-haired native is covered with dirt and
has various animal bones attached to his body (ribs on
his chest, bird skulls in his hair and talons on his
fingertips) and a swollen horizontal slit across his
throat from which protrude a cluster of conjoined
skeletal pipes.
With the stock of his rifle, Brooder WHACKS the

Troglodytes stomach. The throat pipes produce the
familiar EERIE WHISTLE.
The call is answered by an EERIE WHISTLE from one of the

four cave mouths along the western wall, and Brooder
grins.
Again, he WHACKS the corpses stomach, producing the

EERIE WHISTLE. This time, Brooder and the corpse receive
no reply.
(CONTINUED)
Brooder aims his repeater rifle at the responsive cave,

closes one eye, looks through his telescopic sight and
waits.
Nearby, a TROGLODYTE rises from a crease in the valley

floor and throws a bone tomahawk at his head.
A GUNSHOT echoes from beyond the bend, and Hunt and

Chicory glance back.
SHERIFF HUNT
Well get to that place where-
An arrow WHISTLES and pins Chicorys right forearm to his

hip. His shotgun CLATTERS on the ground.

No.
Hunt points his gun, but sees no target at which to

shoot.
From a niche in the south wall speeds a troglodyte who

wears a hollowed WOLF SKULL in front of his face. Hunt
turns and fires, BANG.
The bullet CRACKS the lupine mask, but does not divert
the attacker, who SLAMS Hunt to the ground and discards
his gun.
Chicory, his right arm skewered to his hip, withdraws a

knife. A thrown rock SMACKS the back of his head, and he
falls to the ground, glimpsing a MISSHAPEN TROGLODYTE
that has uneven eyes, a dented face and a collapsed nose.
Hunt, pinned to the ground by Wolf Skull, punches his

assailant in the chest and face, bloodying his knuckles
on bone armor. The troglodyte jams the handle of his
tomahawk into the lawmans mouth and screws it in.
Hunt COUGHS and struggles, and the native presses the

wood deeper. COUGHS become GARGLES. The stick goes deeper
and Hunt cannot breathe at all.
The Misshapen Troglodyte leans over and SMACKS a rock

against the side of Hunts head, who passes out.
63 EXT. VALLEY OF THE STARVING MEN - SAME 63
Hunt and Chicory are dragged by their ankles into the

valley, pulled by Wolf Skull and the Misshapen
Troglodyte. Hunt is unconscious as Chicory struggles to
remain awake.
Chicory sees Brooder, leaned against the valley wall, his

face split in half by a bone tomahawk.
Opposite the sitting corpse lies a dead Troglodyte who

has eagle skull epaulets and a bullet hole in the exact
middle of his forehead.
Chicorys dwindling hopes are further diminished by the

sight.
CHICORY
(mumbled)
Need to let him know.
Chicory glances at the Misshapen Troglodyte who drags

him, sees that his attention is elsewhere and extends his
free hand.
Rocks accumulate in his cupped palm and he releases them

in a linear grouping of four.
Wolf Skull tilts his head back and blows his throat
pipes, producing the EERIE WHISTLE. Chicory looks up.
Two ropes flit like birds from a cave mouth fifty feet
overhead, fall through the air and THUD upon the ground.
Lying in the cloud of raised dust are a pair of nooses.
The Troglodytes fit the loops around the necks of Hunt
and Chicory and blow their EERIE WHISTLES. Hunt is jerked
awake by his noose and pulled up the incline toward the
cave. Rocks trickle down in his wake.
CHICORY (CONT'D)
Help us, Lord Jes-
The cinched noose precludes Chicorys prayer, and he

SCRAPES up the valley wall.
The arrow that pins his right arm to his hip snags in a
crevice and is torn loose. His eyes water, but he does
not have enough air in his lungs to produce a yell.
64 INT. CENTRAL DEN / THE TROGLODYTES CAVE - SAME 64
Hunt and Chicory are dragged into a chamber lit by two

diagonal shafts of daylight and the red-orange coals of a
fire pit.
The natives discard the ropes, and Hunt and Chicory pull
the nooses from their necks and GASP.
A moment later, a native walks past a squat alcove

barricaded by a row of thick wooden posts and stands
beside a hallway.
Hunt, WHEEZING, draws a kerchief from his pocket and

points at Chicorys most significant injury.
SHERIFF HUNT
Let me t-
He COUGHS. Chicory extends his right arm, and Hunt wraps

a kerchief around the wound and ties a knot. Somewhere,
something SHUFFLES.
WOMANS VOICE (O.S.)

Sheriff Hunt? Mr. Kory?
Hunt and Chicory, surprised, look at the barricaded

alcove.
SHERIFF HUNT
Mrs. ODwyer?
SAMANTHA
Im here.
The bruised and scratched face of Samantha ODwyer
appears on the far side of the wooden posts.
SHERIFF HUNT
Are y-
A Troglodyte kicks Hunt in the ribs and waves his bone

tomahawk at a barricaded alcove that is missing two
wooden posts.
SAMANTHA
Go in or theyll kill you.
Hunt and Chicory crawl into the nook. Behind them, the
native slides a wooden post into a two foot deep hole and
installs its neighbor, so there is no gap in the
barricade.
He slots thick pegs through the grooves at the top of the

wooden bars, CLACK, CLACK, securing them to the wall.
(CONTINUED)
64 CONTINUED: 64
Hunt and Chicory look outside. Across the glowing coals

is the pale oval that is Samantha ODwyers face.
SHERIFF HUNT
Are you hurt?
SAMANTHA
Im alive.
SHERIFF HUNT
Is Nick with you?
SAMANTHA
Hes not well.
SHERIFF HUNT
The drifter?
SAMANTHA
They ate him.
Hearing FOOTFALLS, she sees something that makes her

shudder.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D)
Not him.
BOAR TUSKS enters.
He is a massive troglodyte with vulture skulls on his

chest and groin, a huge tomahawk in his left hand, an
open nasal cavity and ten sharpened Tusks protruding from
his cheeks.
He points at Samanthas alcove, tilts his head back and

BLASTS his throat pipes. Samantha covers her ears.
Across the way, Hunt grips the posts as Chicory trembles.
CHICORY
Were in Hell.
(he wipes his eyes)
This cant be any other place.
Heeding the chieftains command, the two subordinate

Troglodytes walk to Samanthas alcove and enter.
SAMANTHA
Dont take him!
The Troglodytes drag Nick from the alcove by his ankles.

His clothing is torn, and his bloody body covered with
bruises.
SHERIFF HUNT
Nick! Wake up!
(CONTINUED)
SAMANTHA
Dont do this. Please!
Samantha seizes Nicks arms, and a Troglodyte SMACKS her

skull with the side of his tomahawk, causing her to pass
out.
SHERIFF HUNT
Stop!
CHICORY
You cant do this!
SHERIFF HUNT
Nick! Wake up!
Hunt grips a post with both hands and pushes forward.

Beside him, Chicory applies himself to the same task.

Weve gotta break these!
The Troglodytes set Nick near the coals, and Boar Tusks
SKIRLS his neck pipes. Consciousness returns to the baby-
faced deputy.
Hunt and Chicory strain desperately against the

barricade, their red faces purpling, but the thick posts
are unaffected by their exertions.

Harder, old man! Weve gotta.
A bone tomahawk CRACKS into a post, through Hunts left

hand. He SHOUTS, and Chicory pulls him back.
Beside the long toenails of Wolf Skull are the tips of
Hunts pinky and a ring fingers.
NICK
Sheriff Hunt?
(he looks around)
You here?
Hunt, clutching his bleeding hand, looks beyond the posts

at the young deputy, who is obviously sick and weak.
SHERIFF HUNT
Im here.
NICK
You were right about that drifter.
He killed a lot of people-
(he COUGHS wetly)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
NICK (CONT'D)
Butchered them in their sleep and
robbed them. His name was Purvis.
The subordinate Troglodytes grab Nicks arms, sit him

upright and brace him.
NICK (CONT'D)
And he desecrated the burial
ground of these Indians-- if
thats what they are. He raved
about it all in the end.
SHERIFF HUNT
Thanks for telling me.
Boar Tusks leans his tomahawk against the wall and draws
a bone knife from a leather sheath.
NICK
That man deserved to die.
Hunts guilt is not alleviated by Nicks remark.
SHERIFF HUNT
All right.
NICK
Will you send my possessions back
to Michigan?
(he COUGHS wetly)
A lot of that stuff belongs to my
brothers.
SHERIFF HUNT
Ill send it.
NICK
Thank y-
The chieftain clamps Nicks face and slices into his

scalp. The deputy SHRIEKS, and the subordinate
Troglodytes tighten their grip.
Boar Tusks cuts a circuit around his head, rocking the

blade back and forth.
Chicory turns away from the awful scene, shaking, his

eyes wide with terror. Hunt watches, nauseated.
(CONTINUED)
SHERIFF HUNT
Nick. I want you to know that all
these savages are gonna be
massacred-- the cavalrys on its
way and theyre gonna butcher
every last one of these godless
things.
Nick kicks the ground, squirming and SHRIEKING. Boar

Tusks peels the scalp from his head, revealing pink and
yellow tissue and hard white bone.
Tears shine in Hunts eyes, but he does not look away

from his deputy. Boar Tusks RIPS the flap loose, and Nick
YELLS.
The chieftain balls up the scalp and shoves it into the

deputys mouth. The young man squirms, CHOKING on his own
hair and skin.

(quietly)
Im sorry.
Boar Tusks tilts Nicks head back and thrusts the knife
into his mouth, pinning the scalp to his hard palate. A
moment later, the GURGLING young man passes out.
A SKIRL emerges from Boar Tuskss throat, and the other

Troglodytes release Nick, who tips over, muzzled by his
own hair and skin.
The chieftain reclaims his huge bone tomahawk. Hunt

weeps, but he doesnt look away.
The natives grab Nick by the ankles and lift him so that
he hangs upside down. They pull his feet far apart so
that his groin is exposed to the ceiling.
Boar Tusks raises his bone tomahawk.

Dont!
The axe CHOPS into Nicks groin, and the inverted man
awakens, squirming, agonized, CHOKING on the hairy gag
that is his own scalp. His bare skull CLACKS against the
floor.
Boar Tusks yanks the bone tomahawk loose and swings it

again. A wedge of skin sloughs from the victims nexus,
followed by a torrent of blood.
The chieftain SKIRLS and the subordinate Troglodytes yank

Nicks ankles in opposite directions. Something SNAPS.
(CONTINUED)
They pull harder and the inverted mans fractured pelvic

bone CRACKS.
His waist stretches. Skin and sinew RIP, and coils of

intestines burst from the opening.
Hunt dry heaves, but does not avert his eyes. Behind him,
Chicory faces the wall, sobbing.
65 INT. CENTRAL DEN / THE TROGLODYTES CAVE - LATER 65
All of the troglodytes have departed with their meals,

excepting Wolf Skull, who picks up a pale right leg,
bites into it and carries it toward the western hallway,
pulling on pale tendons with his long teeth.
Hunt, his shorn fingers wrapped with a necktie, watches

the native depart and glances over at Samantha, who
remains unconscious in the resealed western alcove. Hunt
looks at Chicory, who stares at his boots.
CHICORY
That wasnt true, was it? What
you said?
SHERIFF HUNT
What?
CHICORY
About the cavalry on its way?
Chicory raises his head, his eyes shining with that one
desperate hope.
SHERIFF HUNT
No. It wasnt.
Chicorys eyes go dim and he looks at his boots.
CHICORY
I thought there was a possibility
that you had a secret backup plan.
SHERIFF HUNT
Sorry old man.
Silence hangs heavy. Outside the alcove, coals CRACKLE.
CHICORY
Whyd you say that to him?
(CONTINUED)
65 CONTINUED: 65
SHERIFF HUNT
If they were doin that to me,
its the only thing Id want to
hear.
CHICORY
That youd be avenged?
SAMANTHA
What happened to my husband?
Hunt and Chicory look between their posts, see the pale
face of Samantha ODwyer.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D)
Is he dead?
SHERIFF HUNT
Hes alive.
Relief washes over Samantha, but the feeling ends the

moment her next thought occurs.
SAMANTHA
Arthur wouldnt have allowed you
to attempt this rescue without
him.
SHERIFF HUNT
He came along, but got injured a
day ago. Hes convalescing.
CHICORY
We put a trail for him.
Anger darkens the womans face.
SAMANTHA
Why did you do that?
CHICORY
So he could follow us.
SAMANTHA
Here? To this place?
Chicory moves his mouth, yet produces no words. Hunt

squeezes Chicorys shoulder and looks at Samantha.
SHERIFF HUNT
We didnt know what it was like.
SAMANTHA
This is why frontier life is so
difficult.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
SAMANTHA (CONT'D)
Not because of the Indians or the
elements, but because of the
idiots!
SHERIFF HUNT
Im sorry maam.
CHICORY
Were sorry.
SAMANTHA
Youre idiots! And Arthurs no
better. I told him not to go on
that roof, but he-
Samantha loses her voice. Tears shine in her eyes, and

she turns away, sad and furious.
SHERIFF HUNT
I implored him not to follow, but
hes determined, and I expect
hell arrive in a day or so.
Across the way, Samantha wipes her eyes and SNIFFS, her
back facing Hunt and Chicory.

We need to do what we can before
he gets here-- so that he has a
chance against them. We already
killed two.
CHICORY
Brooder got one.
SHERIFF HUNT
Three then. Mrs. ODwyer-- do you
know how many are in this clan?
The sheriff and Chicory await an answer.

Mrs. ODwyer?
SAMANTHA
Twelve males, possibly more. And
two pregnant females who are blind
cripples.
SHERIFF HUNT
All right.
(to Chicory)
You still have that whisky flask?
(CONTINUED)
CHICORY
Yeah, but it has that tincture
stuff.
Surprised, Samantha turns around and looks at Hunt and

Chicory. Chicory hands the steel vessel to Hunt.
SAMANTHA
You have tincture of opium?
SHERIFF HUNT
We do.
(he shakes the flask)
How many troglodytes can we poison
with three fingers worth?
66 EXT. COVERED NOOK - TWILIGHT 66
Arthur sleeps, his bad leg raised and a hat over his
face. A cruciform shadow glides across the stones and its
airborne owner KEENS, rousing Arthur.
ARTHUR
Big James. Check and see if any
calves went stray.
Arthur removes his hat from his sweaty face and wipes his
eyes, disappointed by the world into which he has arisen.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
Hell.
He sits up and grabs a canteen. After several significant

GULPS, he looks at his leg.
Arthur RIPS a long swath from his bedroll and wraps it
around his hurt shin, until the limb is surrounded by
five inches of padding.
He picks up tinder sticks, sets them atop the fabric and

braces them with sash so they will act as bumpers.
Holding his breath, he pulls the cord tight.
ARTHUR (CONTD)
Jesus goddamn!
Beads of sweat run down his pained face.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
Sorry.
Arthur knots the rope atop his makeshift cast.

67 EXT. BARREN ROCKY INCLINE - EARLY EVENING 67
Arthur ambles up the incline, a rucksack over his

shoulder and a gun on his right hip. He locates four
stones that lie in a straight line, directing him west.
ARTHUR
Thanks Sheriff.
68 EXT. BARREN ROCKY PLATEAU - MIDNIGHT 68
Arthur sits directly beside a line of rocks. His entire

body shakes with pain and hunger.
From his rucksack he withdraws the squirrel bag, which

RATTLES. He unties it, pinches a nugget of hard cheese,
crosses himself, shuts his eyes and mouths a prayer.
69 EXT. DECLINING SLOPE - THREE IN THE MORNING 69
Arthur ambles down the slope.
ARTHUR
Son of a bitch slope.
He reaches the intersecting column of hoofprints, which

are marked with four stones that lie at a forty-five
degree angle to his current route.
After a loud SNEEZE, Arthur pivots on his crutches and

SLAMS to the ground.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
Son of a bitch slope!
Arthur WHACKS the ground with his palm, glares at his

right leg and SPITS.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
You wont stop me.
Arthur reaches into his rucksack and withdraws the bottle

labelled, Tincture of Opium. He wrests the cork loose,
pours a small amount into his cupped palm, and SIPS.
70 EXT. DECLINING SLOPE WITH SPARSE VEGETATION - DAWN 70
Arthur advances, YAWNS, stumbles, SLAMS to the ground and

GRUNTS. He pulls the boot off his injured leg and upends
it.
(CONTINUED)
70 CONTINUED: 70
Blood agglutinates and turns into red beads. After a

derisive SNORT, he glances at his bloody exposed sock.
Arthur looks east. Morning light strikes his face, and he

squints.
ARTHUR
You watchin? You seein all this
clear?
He pulls the boot back over his right foot, slings his
rucksack, claims his crutches and rises.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
Thiss why I prayed my whole life.
For help right now.
71 EXT. DECLINING SLOPE WITH SPARSE VEGETATION - MORNING 71
A YAWN spreads across Arthurs weary face, and his

eyelids grow heavy.
ARTHUR
Son of-
(he YAWNS)
-a bitch tincture.
Arthur swings his legs forward, and his right hand slips.
He plants his boots, YELLS and falters, though somehow
remains upright.
His eyelids close, and he falls asleep, standing like a

tripod on his crutches and one good leg.
A hot wind blows, tilting his hat and carrying the sound
of an EERIE WHISTLE.
Arthur startles awake, draws his gun and SLAMS to the

ground. He surveys the area, but sees nothing. An
instant later, his eyelids close.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
Not here.
Arthur opens his eyes, claims his crutches and rises.
72 EXT. SOTOL BUSHES / GORGE ENTRANCE - MOMENTS LATER 72
Entering the wide gorge, Arthur YAWNS. He sees the sotol

bushes that run along the northern wall, pivots toward
them, stumbles and lands on his good knee.
(CONTINUED)
72 CONTINUED: 72
After tossing his crutches at the shrubs, Arthur crawls

across the grit, dragging his bad leg like a tail.
He wedges himself in a narrow space in-between the yard-

high growths and the hard mountain wall.
After he drinks the remainder of one of his three

canteens, he catches sight of a heavy stone, which he
picks up and smashes it against the container until it is
flat.
Arthur pulls its strap behind his neck, and uses the
metal like a breastplate. YAWNING, he places his hat atop
the rock so that it resembles his sleeping head.
Shielded by sotol bushes, stone and steel, Arthur passes

out.
Wolf Skull and two of the subordinate Troglodytes enter

the central den, and as they pass through, a flickering
light inside the eastern alcove garners their attentions.
They approach Hunt, who holds his whisky flask, its

nozzle pressed to his lips as he GULPS, pretending to
drink. Behind him sits Chicory, pointing at the vessel,
acting.
CHICORY
Let me have some of that! Its
delicious!
Wolf Skull withdraws a bone knife from a leather sheath.

Samanthas stomach sinks.
SAMANTHA
Sheriff.
Hunt continues to feign libation and GULP air. Wolf Skull

thrusts his knife between the posts, and its tip CLINKS
against the glimmering flask.
Hunt offers the open container to the troglodyte, who

snatches it away and withdraws, flanked by the other
natives. Wolf Skull tips the flask on its side, and amber
fluid drains from its nozzle.
Hunts stomach sinks; Chicorys eyes widen; Samanthas

breath catches.
SHERIFF HUNT
(muttered)
Drink it.
(CONTINUED)
73 CONTINUED: 73
Wolf Skull rights the vessel and SNIFFS its remainder.

(muttered)
Drink it.
The native drinks from the flask, GULPS twice and stops,
SMACKING his lips distastefully.
CHICORY
It has to taste better than
people.
Wolf Skull SPITS a small amount into the coals, and hands
the flask to a subordinate, who drinks three full GULPS.
The remaining troglodyte reaches for the vessel, but

knocks it to the floor, where it CLATTERS, spins and
spills.
SHERIFF HUNT
Blast.
CHICORY
Damnation.
The clumsy subordinate fetches the flask, and drinks the

dripping residual.
Wiping his lips, Wolf Skull departs through the east

hall, followed by the other natives. Samantha and Hunt
make eye contact.
SAMANTHA
The one with the wolf skull will
lose consciousness for a long
period of time, but may live. The
second drinker will die, and the
last one will not be affected.
SHERIFF HUNT
All right.
Hunt rubs his bandaged fingers and exhales through his

nose, disappointed.
CHICORY
Two more is respectable.
Across the way, Samantha grows morose.
SAMANTHA
So my husband will face at least
seven of them. Including that
huge one with the Boar Tusks.
(CONTINUED)
CHICORY
Arthur ODwyer is a very
determined man.
SAMANTHA
And crippled.
74 EXT. SOTOL BUSHES / GORGE ENTRANCE - MOMENTS LATER 74
The two tall TROGLODYTES approach the sotol bushes behind

which Arthur sleeps. One of them grips a bone tomahawk,
and the other carries a bow fitted with a bird skull
arrow.
Across the grit they quietly pad, monitoring the hat and
boots of their sleeping prey, who SNORES erratically.
The bowman draws his arrow and releases. The shaft

lances Arthurs hat and CRACKS on the rock below.
Startled awake, Arthur sweeps his gun in a blind arc

through the bushes, squeezing the trigger, BANG, BANG,
BANG, BANG.
The first two bullets go wide, but the third and forth
impact the Troglodyte who holds the tomahawk, knocking
him over.
The other native fits a second arrow to his bow, and

Arthur aims at his lopsided face.
ARTHUR
Dont!
The Troglodyte pulls twine, and Arthur fires, BANG. Bone
CRACKS, and the natives head jerks back, but he remains
upright, skeletal splinters protruding from the gash in
the side of his thick skull. Again, he draws on his
bowstring.
Arthur squeezes his trigger, BANG.
The natives bow SHATTERS, splintering, and his chest

spits blood. But still, he remains upright.
Arthur dumps the spent cartridges of his revolver, while

five yards away, the Troglodyte picks up the bone
tomahawk.
Arthur plucks two bullets from his cartridge belt and

slots them into grooves. The bleeding Troglodyte hastens
forward.
(CONTINUED)
74 CONTINUED: 74
Arthur SNAPS the cylinder. A shadow covers him, and he

raises the gun. GUNSHOTS flash; the axe comes down.
Salmon-gray clumps burst from the natives skull, and the

tomahawk CLANKS against the flattened canteen that covers
Arthurs chest.
WHISTLING from his neck, the brainless Troglodyte THUDS

upon the ground.
Arthur dumps out spent cartridges, loads six new ones,

SNAPS his weapon shut and looks around, pulse racing.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
Awake now.
Arthur looks at the nearer native, focusing on the

cluster of white pipes that protrude from the slit across
his throat.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
Is that jewelry?
He crawls to the body and pulls on the protrusion, but

cannot wrest it loose. An idea occurs to him.
Arthur withdraws his hunting knife, pokes its point into

the dead mans neck and cuts around the cluster of pipes,
sawing through skin, sinew and venous matter.
After completing a full circuit, he sheathes his blade,

grips the anomalous extrusion and pulls. Bones CRACK and
SNAP, and the throat pipes comes loose, trailing tendons
and nerves.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
Goddamn abomination.
He cuts the dangling cords, wipes gore from the stolen

anatomy, and puts it in his pocket.
He gathers his crutches and rises from the stained

ground, the flattened canteen depending from his neck.
Arthur advances along the gorge, scarfing some nuts and a

nugget of hard cheese.
An EERIE WHISTLE sounds from the south, and is answered

by one in the north. Inexorably, Arthur continues west,
passing the hanging skulls of a boar, a wolf and a
vulture.
(CONTINUED)
75 CONTINUED: 75
Arthur sees something on the ground and stops - signs of

a struggle, globs of agglutinated blood, two drag marks
that disappear around the blind corner ninety feet away.
ARTHUR
(muttered)
This is where it capsized.
Arthur sees two sets of bare feet footprints and follows

them until they disappear inside a narrow hidden passage.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
(muttered)
The back way.
76 INT. NARROW GULCH - SAME 76
Arthur enters the slender gulch, and his progression

along the tight passage is not much easier.
He nears a blind corner and stops. Arthur lies down,

draws his gun, and produces the purloined throat pipes,
placing them against his mouth like he would a harmonica.
He SPITS out dangling veins, purses his lips and blows,

sounding the EERIE WHISTLE for three seconds.
There is no response.
He crawls forward, dragging his bad leg, throat pipes in

his mouth, revolver in his right hand.
The distance between Arthur and the bend diminishes to

several yards, and again he pauses and blows, producing
the EERIE WHISTLE.
An answering WHISTLE comes from around the corner,

followed by the Misshapen Troglodyte stepping into view.
Arthur squeezes his trigger, BANG, BANG, BANG, and a

flung bone tomahawk whirls over his back. The native
SLAMS into the gulch wall and collapses, SKIRLING.
Arthur fires again, BANG, and the Misshapen Troglodytes

throat pipes SHATTER.
Silence returns to the gulch.
Arthur proceeds forward, peering around the corner.

Ahead of him, the gulch widens and slopes down. He
pockets the throat pipes and crawls onward.
Sweat drips from his face as he nears the end of the

passage, beyond which shines clear daylight.
(CONTINUED)
76 CONTINUED: 76
As he reaches the mouth, he blows into the throat pipes

again, but the EERIE WHISTLE receives no reply.
He sees a leafless tree, hung with human skulls with

cracked domes wherein birds die or decompose amongst
thorny weeds.
Arthur looks up at the sky, angry.
ARTHUR
You seein this?
77 EXT. BURIAL GROUND - SAME 77
In front of the caves mouth is the troglodytes burial

ground: piles of rocks, animal skulls, obscure markers, a
tree hung with entrails, a perimeter of flat stones.
Arthur draws his gun.
Hunt, Chicory and Samantha stare at the headless birds

that lie beyond the posts of their alcoves.
SHERIFF HUNT
Mrs. ODwyer?
SAMANTHA
Yes?
SHERIFF HUNT
Have you eaten anything since they
took you?
SAMANTHA
A little.
SHERIFF HUNT
If its been longer than a couple
of days, you should eat some of
that bird they gave you.
Samantha looks at Hunt.
SAMANTHA
Why?
SHERIFF HUNT
Your body needs sustenance.
SAMANTHA
They wouldnt want us to grow
lean.
(CONTINUED)
78 CONTINUED: 78
Hunt does not reply, and Samantha shuts her eyes.
CHICORY
Ive been thinking a lot about the
flea circus.
(to sheriff)
Remember when it came to Bright
Hope?
SHERIFF HUNT
I remember.
CHICORY
Did you go?
SHERIFF HUNT
I wasnt able to.
CHICORY
I went with Nadine. It was run by
these two European men-- they were
brothers--possibly identical twins-
-though one was a little bit
taller than the other, so that
might disqualify them. I cant
remember their name.
SAMANTHA
The Struckbergers.
Hunt and Chicory look across the way.
CHICORY
You saw it?
SAMANTHA
Arthur wanted to go.
CHICORY
I dont know your opinion, but my
wife said it was all tricks. Even
after those brothers gave us
magnifying glasses, and we saw the
fleas pull that little stagecoach
into the depot and roll those tiny
canons across the battlefield,
Nadine said it was just dead fleas
glued to mechanical contraptions
that worked on their own-- like
timepieces or windups.
(he scratches his
beard)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CHICORY (CONT'D)
Still, I thought it was real and I
asked her to keep her voice down
so the performers wouldnt hear,
because who knows what kind of
hearing fleas have or if they can
sense friendliness in a voice like
the way dogs can?
(he thinks)
They drink dog blood, so maybe.
(he scratches his
nape)
But I think its real. I believe
that those fleas are alive and
talented.
SAMANTHA
Many flea circuses employ tricks,
but the Struckbergers use real
living fleas.
CHICORY
I knew it was authentic! I just
felt it. Thanks for verifying
that for me.
SAMANTHA
Youre welcome.
Hunt nods to Samantha and mouths the words, thank you.

She flashes a complicitous wink.
EERIE WHISTLES and louder SKIRLS are followed by the

SCRAPING sound of something heavy being dragged across
the floor. The captives all have the same fearful
thought.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D)
(whispered)
Arthur?
A Troglodyte enters, wearing the sheriffs holster and

gun, and drags a poisoned native to the Hunt and Chicory.
CHICORY
Looks like he figured it out.
SHERIFF HUNT
Appears so.
Throat pipes BLAST. Boar Tusks enters, gripping his huge

bone tomahawk as well as Brooders repeater rifle. Boar
Tusks points at Hunt, tilts his head back and BLASTS his
throat pipes.
(CONTINUED)
CHICORY
No! Take me-
(he SLAPS his chest)
Im ready. Im ready to see my
wife.
A Troglodyte opens Hunts cages. The lawman lunges

through the opening, directly at Boar Tusks.
The huge leader CRACKS Brooders rifle against the side

of Hunts head. Samantha watches helplessly, as Chicory
is locked back in, and Boar Tusk ties up the sheriff.
CHICORY (CONT'D)
Get up sheriff!
Boar Tusks STOMPS on the sheriffs neck, knocking him

out.
CHICORY (CONT'D)
Wake up!
Another native RIPS open Hunts shirt, exposing his pale

stomach and grabs the whiskey flask from the hot coals.
Samantha looks away. Chicory pales.
Boar Tusks presses the edge of his bone tomahawk over

Hunts stomach, cutting through skin, tissue and muscle.
CHICORY (CONT'D)
Stop! Stop!
Blood spills from the wound as Hunt gains consciousness,

confused, CHOKING. The subordinate shoves the glowing
flask into the incision. Blood HISSES and flesh CRACKLES.
CHICORY (CONT'D)
Sheriff! Ill make sure youre
avenged! Ill make sure of it!
Boar Tusks shoot the Sheriff in the arm. He then presses

the barrel of the weapon against Hunts testicles.
Chicory looks away. Hunt shuts his eyes. But when he

pulls the trigger, the gun is empty. He pulls the
trigger again, unaware as to why the gun is not firing.
CHICORY (CONT'D)
That dumb imbecile doesnt know
how to reload!
Hunt grins as the sound of an EERIE WHISTLE comes from

down the hallway. Boar Tusks looks at the other native
and SKIRLS his throat pipes. The subordinate departs.
(CONTINUED)
Boar Tusks continues fiddling with the rifle until he

pulls the trigger guard forward, ejecting the spent
cartridge.
CHICORY (CONT'D)
Uh-oh.
Boar Tusks loads a new bullet into the chamber. Two

GUNSHOTS flash from the hallway.
Boar Tusks points the repeater rifle toward the dark

passage and fires, BANG. He lowers the trigger guard,
CLICK, and lifts it, CLACK, and fires, BANG. The empty
shell falls into Hunts mouth, and he SPITS it out.
SHERIFF HUNT
Arthur! Theres one savage in
here with a-
GUNSHOT!
Chicory pales, horrified by the sight. Hunt WHEEZES and

COUGHS up blood. Boar Tusk has shot him in the chest.
Boar Tusks reloads and points the rifle at Hunts head as
the lawman lunges for the bone tomahawk.
A gun flashes in the hall, BANG, BANG, BANG. Boar Tusks

is hit twice in the ribs. Hunt severs the front half of
the natives right foot with the bone tomahawk, toppling
him. Boar Tusks BLASTS his throat pipes and Hunt brings
the axe down on the natives neck, over and over until
his head is severed.
From the darkness crawls Arthur, gun in hand, crutches on

his back, dragging his bad leg.
SAMANTHA
Arthur!
Arthur sees Samantha, crosses himself with his gun.
SHERIFF HUNT
How many did you get?
Arthur clears his throat.
ARTHUR
Four others.
SHERIFF HUNT
Then there are two more. At
least.
Arthur crawls beside his wife, kisses her, leans against

the wooden posts, flings his cylinder and reloads.
(CONTINUED)
ARTHUR
Brooder?
SHERIFF HUNT
Gone.
ARTHUR
You gonna make it?
SHERIFF HUNT
No.
Tears fills Chicorys eyes, and his open mouth trembles.
ARTHUR
You positive?
SHERIFF HUNT
I am.
(he looks at Chicory)
Deputy.
The backup deputy wipes his eyes and clears his throat.
CHICORY
Yessir.
SHERIFF HUNT
Im stayin here-- I intend to
finish off the rest of the males
since-
(he WHEEZES)
-since they know about Bright
Hope, and I wont survive anyhow.
I want you to escort the ODwyers
back home-- make sure they get
there safe. Take my gun off of
that one in the hall.
Chicory SNIFFS and wipes his eyes.
CHICORY
Yessir.
Hunt tries to pull the flask from his stomach, but its
too painful. Arthur opens Samanthas cage.
SAMANTHA
Hows your leg?
ARTHUR
Help Chicory.
Samantha helps Chicory to his feet.
(CONTINUED)
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
Sheriff. Anything I can do for
you?
SHERIFF HUNT
Go out the way you came in.
(he COUGHS blood)
Dont dawdle.
Samantha looks at Hunts stomach.
SAMANTHA
Thank you.
SHERIFF HUNT
Get goin.
Arthur tips his hat in gratitude and ambles from the

room, followed by Samantha. Chicory looks at Hunt.

Have a talk with Mr. ODwyer.
CHICORY
backup deputy that a talk with him
is a very good idea.
SHERIFF HUNT
All right. And say goodbye to my
wife for me.
(he WHEEZES)
Ill say hello to yours.
CHICORY
Yessir.
Hunt points for him to follow the ODwyers. Propped

against the wall, Hunt SPITS blood, and readies the
rifle.
79 INT. REAR TUNNEL / THE TROGLODYTES CAVE - SAME 79
Samantha and Chicory follow Arthur. Chicory claims the

sheriffs revolver from the dead Troglodyte.
Arthur holds up his hand, presses the throat pipes to his

lips and blows, producing the EERIE WHISTLE. No reply
issues from around the corner.
ARTHUR
(quietly)
Dont look at the shelves.
(CONTINUED)
79 CONTINUED: 79
SAMANTHA
(quietly)
Ive seen them.
They enter a space with eight horizontal nooks. Occupying

two of them are nude PREGNANT TROGLODYTES who have sticks
in their eye sockets and callused stumps at the ends of
their arms and legs. Chicory is sickened.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D)
(morosely)
We should-
ARTHUR
We cant. Lets keep on.
Arthur leads Samantha and Chicory out of the space.
CHICORY
Maybe a cavalry can get them.
They make their way to the exit.
80 INT. BURIAL GROUND - SAME 80
Arthur, Samantha and Chicory reach the cavern mouth that

overlooks the burial ground. After an appraisal of the
sacred region, Chicory SPITS and gestures with his gun.
CHICORY
This must be the troglodyte fair
ground.
81 INT. BURIAL GROUND - MOMENTS LATER 81
Ahead of Arthur, Chicory and Samantha is a dark vertical

line-- an opening (the same gorge Buddy and Purvis
entered).
82 EXT. NARROW GORGE IN THE RIDGE - MOMENTS LATER 82
The trio enter the gorge. Arthur blows the throat pipes,
producing the EERIE WHISTLE.
83 EXT. INCLINED EDGE OF THE MOUNTAIN RIDGE - DUSK 83
The trio descends from the ridge, onto grass. Samantha

takes out a kerchief, dampens it with water and offers to
Arthur.
(CONTINUED)
83 CONTINUED: 83
SAMANTHA
Id like a proper kiss, but-
(she shudders)
-those things that youve been
putting in your mouth.
Arthur wipes his lips, rinses with canteen water,

GARGLES, SPITS, then kisses his wife, who receives him
fully.
A GUNSHOT echoes, followed a moment later by two more

SHOTS. Chicory and the ODwyers looks at the mountain
range.
SAMANTHA (CONT'D)
Were those gunshots?
CHICORY
They were.
A sad smile shines upon Chicorys wrinkled face.
CHICORY (CONT'D)
Sheriff Hunts still shooting
people.
84 EXT. CLEARING IN A FORESTED AREA - EARLY EVENING 84
A pit fire CRACKLES. Chicory fills a plate with water

from a pond and Samantha unwinds the sash from around
Arthurs shin. She examines it as Arthur, anxiously
awaits her verdict.
CHICORY
How is it?
SAMANTHA
It looks a little worse.
ARTHUR
Only a little?
Samantha smiles, hugs her husband.
SAMANTHA
Thank God, thank God.
CHICORY
Thats terrific news.
The water boils, and Chicory gives the plate to the

ODwyers.
(CONTINUED)
84 CONTINUED: 84
CHICORY (CONT'D)
Id like to think that my
antebellum medical techniques had
a positive affect.
ARTHUR
They hurt like they did.
Samantha wrings excess moisture from a steaming towel and

sets it upon Arthurs shin, eliciting a GRUNT.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
Does it have to be so hot?
SAMANTHA
You practically have barnacles.
CHICORY
Do whatever you think is called
for, Mrs. ODwyer. A sheriff
needs to have two working legs.
The ODwyers are puzzled by the remark.
ARTHUR
Whatre you talkin about?
CHICORY
A one-legged sheriff can be
tripped by anyone, but a limping
sheriff has real character and
always knows where his feet are.
ARTHUR
Whered you get this notion about
me bein a sheriff?
CHICORY
Sheriff Franklin Hunt and the
backup deputy discussed it. And
after the way you dispatched those
troglodytes and rescued us, I know
for certain that youd get the
position.
Arthur glances at Samantha and looks at the ground.
ARTHUR
Im supposed to boss a cattle
crew. If I hadnt hurt my leg, I
wouldve been way up in-
Arthur plucks a few blades of grass, tosses them aside

and looks at Chicory.
(CONTINUED)
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
But I like this sheriff idea.
(he nods)
Cause I wouldnt be away from
Samantha. I could protect her--
and other folks--and be in charge
of how things run, just like a
foreman does.
(he looks at his
wife)
That sound good?
Samantha, eyes bright with joy, nods fervently.
SAMANTHA
Exceptionally good.
ARTHUR
So Ill be sheriff then.
Arthur pulls the letter out of his jacket, which is

crinkled and stained. Samantha sees it and LAUGHS.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
(to Chicory)
Can we have a little privacy? I
promised Id read this out loud
and I aint no orator.
CHICORY
What is it? A poem?
ARTHUR
It aint a-
Samantha silences his reply with a deep kiss.
CHICORY
Those must be some pretty words.
Cut to black.
The End.

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bone tomahawk

white rev: april 2, 2013

1 EXT. FLAT CLEARING NEAR A MOUNTAIN RIDGE - DAWN 1

Smoke rises from a dying campfire where three MEN lie in

BUDDY, a dusty, potbellied forty-three-year-old brigand

PURVIS, a lean forty-seven-year-old with a long

Purvis walks to a blue rucksack hanging from a tree.

One of the bleeding men blinks - a twenty-year-old

Purvis opens the hanging rucksack, looks inside and

Purvis pouts, withdraws a book from the rucksack, turns

He runs his tongue across his remaining teeth. Behind

As Purvis tosses the tome into the fire, he notices Red

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Buddy grabs a rock and slams it against Reds face,

Purvis nods, pulls another tome from the rucksack, shakes

Buddy unbuttons Reds bedroll, pulling it wide, revealing

Beside the corpses feet lies a little leather pouch,

Buddy unbuttons another bedroll and inspects it. He rolls

Across the fire, Purvis waggles a Bible back and forth.

The brigands pack guns and provisions and flee the

2 EXT. NARROW GORGE IN THE RIDGE - MOMENTS LATER 2

Purvis follows Buddy up an incline, around a bend and

After a dozen strides, an EERIE WHISTLE echoes along the

Buddy limbs a small rise and rounds another bend,

Buddy brandishes his stolen revolver.

Purvis grips his purloined firearm as he follows Buddy.

Within the gorge, innumerable FOOTFALLS echo.

They continue along the gorge, rounding a corner, where

The gorge slopes up, opening into a wider, brightly-lit

PANTING, wiping sweat away, they ascend the incline. As

Buddy points to an opening on the far side of the

3 EXT. BURIAL GROUND - SAME 3

Buddy and Purvis descend, sending a cascade of CLICKING

Dusting off, they examine the walls. They spot a large

Buddy proceeds. Purvis SNORTS and follows. Soon, the duo

Purvis sees a large leafless tree dangling with white

Upon closer inspection, the objects are in fact cracked

Skulls twist on leather straps, and the sun illuminates

Something CLACKS within the cave mouth, startling the

After ten strides, the EERIE WHISTLE blares in front of

The ECHO of Buddys proclamation fades. Silence expands

An arrow pierces Buddys throat. He tries to scream, but

Stunned, Purvis watches Buddy desperately CLAMP his hands

Three EERIE WHISTLES blare. Purvis looks at Buddy and

Buddy tries to speak, but only GARGLED blood erupts as

Behind him, an EERIE WHISTLE blares, and he hears Buddys

Looking back, Purvis sees a HUGE MAN silhouetted in gun

Terrified, Purvis runs out of the gorge, knocking over

Titlecard: Eleven Days Later...

4 EXT. OUTER PERMITER OF BRIGHT HOPE - NIGHT 4

A hanging hand-painted sign reads, Welcome! to Bright

5 INT. LIVING ROOM / ODWYER HOUSE - SAME 5

The room is furnished with lacquered tables, a cherry

Seated on the couch, reading a newspaper, is ARTHUR

His right shin is swollen and bound by three wooden

FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)

Something SLAMS in the adjacent room.

SAMANTHA ODYWER, twenty-seven-year-old, marches in. She

Arthur shakes his head, setting his paper on the couch.

Arthur puts the paper on the floor.

Arthur points to his injured leg. Samantha sits and puts

Arthur takes his wifes hand and kisses it gently.

Samantha smiles, pleased but embarrassed.

6 EXT. OUTER PERIMETER OF BRIGHT HOPE - LATER 6