Extreme closeup shot of a single stalk of wheat plant. From the ground, pan up to the golden sheath at the top. Continue to an overhead shot of the entire wheat field - a sea of gold - to the horizon. Then zoom forward to a small horse cart in the near distance to reveal widow Sarah struggling to load wheat grains onto the cart. Her teenaged son, Malachi, is assisting her.
Zoom in to the pair. Sarah is on the cart, directing the loading. Malachi is on the ground, loading up sacks of grain.
That is it. The last load. The cart can't take anymore.
Malachi starts lashing the sacks at the back of the cart while Sarah tries to come down the cart. She trips and falls awkwardly; tearing her dress to reveal a badly-bruised rear upper thigh. She gasps.
Good Lord!
Malachi comes over to Sarah who starts rubbing the bruise just below the buttocks.
You alright, Ma ?
Sarah is still rubbing the bruise. She grimaces in pain.
I'm fine. Take the grain to Jake at Amos'.
Malachi looks sullen.
Not the Amos, Ma. I don't like going there.
Sarah looks up. She sighs.
She stops rubbing the bruise.
I know they are insufferable. But Jake needs the grain. His brood is ever growing.
Sarah sighs again.
Malachi is downcast.
Yes ma.
Just don't say too much to the Amos. And hurry back once it's done.
Mrs Sarah Pettigew; your case against the natives is dismissed.
Sarah rose to protest.
But your honor, they murdered my husband. And they they did this to me.
Sarah looked down, flushed with shame.
Be that as it may, madam. But understand this - the natives seek protection under therir own code of justice. They claimed your house was built on their land and under their law, they owned both the house and the people in it. They could do whatever they wanted to you. Besides, the Crown is presently settling land title claims with the natives and understandably does not wish to antagonize or provoke them. So in the interest of maintaining a harmonious relationship with our native neighbours, we have been instructed to avoid making waves over this incident of yours.
But your honor -
The judge leaned forward and cut her off.
My word's final. Besides, there is this matter of money owing to the town's grocer - a Mr Wan Fat Ching submitted a claim for $112.00 - your unpaid account with his store. How do you plea?
Sarah's lips trembled.
Your honor, I don't have no money. With my husband gone, there is no money coming in. And I have my boy to feed. I can't pay the account just yet.
A portly Chinese male rose to address the Judge.
Your honor, I am Wan Fat Ching. If I may ?
Yes, of course.
Ching pointed to a well-dressed middle-aged male seated beside him.
Your honor, this here is Mr Bucket and he has pledged to redeem Mrs Pettigew's debt if she will work 3 years with his establishment - a well known Gentlemen's Club.
Pan to Mr S. Bucket leering at Sarah. Sarah panicked.
But your honor, that man runs a whorehouse. I can't work there!
But sir, the deal's done. Mr Bucket has already squared off Mrs Pettigew's account. She has to work for him.
The judge looked confused. Mr Bucket and a brawny assistant manhandled Sarah. She resisted and screamed. The gallery crowd started murmuring. Suddenly a shot rang out. Pan to the back of the courtroom. A tall figure framed the open door - smoking gun in one hand. It was the preacher (Eastwood) - his face hidden by the light behind him. Everyone became still and silent. They looked at the Preacher as he made his way to the front. The people made way for him. They looked at him with a mixture of shock and fear. The Preacher stopped in front of the judge. He dropped a small cloth bag on the table.
Your honor, this here is $500.00. Take part of it and pay off the lady's debt. Give her the rest to start life anew.
Preacher turned and gestured with his peacemaker at the 2 men holding Sarah.
Let her go.
Mr Bucket and his assitant continued holding on to Sarah. The preacher pointed his gun at Bucket's head.
Slowly the 2 men backed off. Pan back to the judge who had divided the money from the cloth bag into 2 piles. Judge nodded to Wan Fat Ching.
Right, Mr Ching. Take this money to clear Mrs Pettigew's debt.
Then the judge turned to Sarah.
The rest of the money is for you, Mrs Pettigew - as provided kindly by this gentleman.
The judge pointed at the preacher. Pan to Sarah's face - showing a great relief. She collapsed into a chair. Preacher took her share of the money from the table, nodded at the judge, then lifted Sarah onto her feet and walked her out of the courtroom and deposited her in her horse cart. Sarah recovered to see Preacher mounting his horse. He handed her the money which she took without a word. He then tipped his hat at her.
Ma'am, take the money and go in peace.
But, but I don't know you. I can't take your money.
Take it - you will need it to start a new life.
Who - who are you ?
Preacher's horse was trotting off when he reined it in and turned to face Sarah.
I just collected a bounty from the Sheriffs office when I heard you screamed.
He paused and looked away.
Sarah looked down at the money in her hands.
But where do I go from here ?
Go West, find someplace quiet.
Preacher rode off. Camera rose high for a long shot of the Preacher riding off; Sarah remained in the Camera's foreground.
Strange, that's not a rain cloud. Hope Malachi returns safely.
She looks out the window for a while.
CUT TO Malachi driving cart along dirt track in a sea of golden wheatfield. He whistles as he enjoys the idyllic pastoral scenery - peaceful solitude. Pan to the cloudless blue sky meeting the golden wheatfield at the far horizon. Birds chirping. Pan back to Malachi. Camera rises to give a long shot of cart receding in the distance.
CUT TO the Amos' homestead - a majestic double-storied mansion resplendent in white paint. Pull back to reveal Malachi's cart driving slowly towards the house. Rises to tree top level to show Malachi's cart stopping in front of the porch. Zooms in to Malachi on cart speaking to housekeeper Anne who is standing by the porch.
Get Jake here !
One of the men goes off to the barn. Pan back to Malachi standing rather uncomfortably, holding his hat. Seth snorts at him and resumes watching the fight. Pan to the fight. Caleb bloodies Cain's nose; and the latter falls to the ground. Fight halts. Both boys pant heavily. Men cheer.
That is the way, my boy. Hit hard and draw blood. Be a man!
The men become silent as Seth speaks. Caleb lifts his right fist in Seth's direction.
I've won, Pa. I've done you proud.
Well done, Caleb. I always knew you would measure up. You look good, son.
Caleb smirks. He looks around and spots Malachi. He points at Malachi.
I can take him on right now, Pa. I feel strong as an ox.
Sure, why not. Practice makes perfect.
Seth gestures to Malachi.
Come, boy. Step in the ring with Caleb. Show him what you have got.
Malachi backs away in fear. He shakes his head several times. 2 of Seth's men go over to him and starts to drag him towards the ring. Just then Jake, a gauntlooking man, appears. Jake hurries over to Malachi and stops the men from dragging him.
Leave him alone. He doesn't belong here.
Voice-over from Caleb.
Come on. What are you waiting for ? Are you yellow ?
Jake looks at Seth.
Mr Amos, Sir. Malachi is just a kid. He ain't done nobody no harm.
He pauses and looks beseechingly at Seth.
Let him go.
Seth is silent. He looks at Jake, then at Caleb, who is still eager to have a go at Malachi. Then Seth turns to Jake.
He's standing on my property, ain't he. He will do as I say.
Jake steps protectively in front of Malachi. He looks desperate.
Sir, I will fight Caleb then. Let Malachi go.
Pan to Caleb who is impatient.
What the hell is going go, Pa ? Is he fighting me or not ?
Seth raises his voice in anger at Caleb.
Now you hold your tongue, boy. You have no cause to speak to your old man like that.
Everyone becomes silent. No one moves. After pondering a while, Seth speaks up.
Jake looks relieved. Jake turns to Malachi.
Thank you, sir. The Lord blesses you.
Hurry to your cart now.
Jake and Malachi rounds the corner. Camera follows them to the front where Malachi unloads the sacks of grain in front of Jake. Then Malachi climbs onto the cart.
Thanks, Jake. For -
It's alright, son. Just avoid these folks next time.
Jake waves goodbye as Malachi drives off. He watches as Malachi's cart disappears down the track. Pan to Anne who emerges from the front door onto the porch.
Jake, come to the Hall. Mr Amos wants to see you.
Jake follows Anne throught the front door into the house. Continuous shot from the exterior following the two into the interior of the house. Jake stays in the hall while Anne disappears into the house. Soon, Seth appears.
Ah, yes. Jake. I want you to do something for me.
Seth turns around to see that he is alone with Jake. Then he steps closer to Jake and lowers his voice.
Bring one of your kids to me tonight.
Jake is stunned. He stammers.
But sir, they are only babies. Please don't do it, sir. I beg of you.
For Christ's sake, it's just only a little fun. It won't hurt them.
No, sir. Please don't do it to my kids.
Now look here. You live on my farm, eat my food and work for me. Without me, you will be homeless and starving. You will do as I say.
Seth pauses.
Jake is downcast.
I won't hurt the kids. Just a little fun. Nobody will now. Or.
Seth pauses.
Jake is silent.
Or you and your family will be turned -out of here. You wouldn't want to be living in the bushes and starving all the time, would you?
Alright then! Bring your kid to me tonight.
Seth turns and walks away. Jake stands still, in a daze. After a while, he shuffles off.
Night. EXT. of Amos homestead. Pan to front door, then moves to INT. and in the hall. Pan up the stairs to a backroom. Whimpering of a young girl is heard. Move into the INT. of the room, showing a young girl tied to the bed, nude. Seth is seated beside her. He rubs his hand over her body from chest down to her knees and back again. He smiles evilly and whispers to her.
Don't cry. This won't hurt you. It is pleasure. It gives you joy. Enjoy it while you can.
The whimpering ceases. The girl starts smiling and giggling. Seth swiftly slaps her hard. He warns her.
You don't smile or giggle. Get it ? You will accept your lesson quietly.
The girl stops smiling and giggling. A tear slowly flows down her face. Seth continues rubbing her until her panting reaches a peak. Then she relaxes. Seth draws back.
There you go. That's how it is done. That is your duty to me. I am the master of this household and everyone here obeys then.
Seth gives a short sharp laughter. Then he undresses and climbs onto the bed. FADE OUT.
Mid-morning at town centre. High angle shot of the sun, then pan down to a huge barn housing the grain market. A hive of activity at the open side of the barn - carriages with sacks of grain, men working feverishly to unload them before the auctioneer. Pan to the auctioneer screeching the prices of each load of grain rapidly to the buyers seated inside the barn. Pan to Sarah struggling to find a spot to place her grain; jostling with the rednecks and thoroughly bullied by them. She steps forward to put down her sack; only to be shoved aside by a redneck who bulldozes his way into her spot. She tries again and again only to be shoved aside. Then a redneck passing by slaps her buttock really hard. Sarah snaps around, face contorted with fury. But all men around her chortled with laughter. Sensing the futility of confronting her molester, she bites her lip and resumes working.
Then Seth and his men pass by Sarah.
Alright men. Sales is done. Let's head for the saloon for a pint.
Sure thing, boss. Can use a cold one right now.
They chatter cheerfully as they walk along. Sarah pauses and looks at them walking away; she mutters bitterly to herself:
I have to struggle all my life while those big boys just breeze through.
Cut to Seth and his men approaching the saloon along the busy main street of the town centre. Pan to the sign (SALOON) hanging by the verandah. Then the saloon doors swing open and the saloon keeper Jezebel, a feisty woman cladded in the low neckline gown of a dancing girl, bursts out holding a deadbeat by his collar. She shoves him on to the ground and yells at him.
Get out and stay out !
Seth and his men laugh at the deadbeat who is already fast asleep at the spot where he falls. Jezebel looks at Seth's group.
Howdy gentlemen, care for a drink and some female company.
Seth's group turns towards her. She holds open the saloon door to let them in.
Step this way, gentlemen.
INT. of saloon. Pan from left to right side of saloon from just inside the door. A busy day. All tables occupied. Men drinking in pairs; single men with girls on their laps. Moderately noisy atmosphere. Seth's men clear Out 2 tables by unceremoniously shoving the occupants out or by intimidating them out of the saloon. One man dusts a chair by an empty table for Seth. Then Seth sits down at the table, followed by his men at the next table. Jezebel hurries over and leans close to Seth.
So what will it be ?
Seth takes a good look down her bodice and leers at her.
2 rounds of drinks for my men, and -
He points at the next table.
and for me, all of you.
Jezebel wags a finger at him teasingly.
For you, a nice back rub. But only when your missus is out of town.
Seth roars with laughter as Jezebel goes to the bar. Pan to the bar and the barkeep; who looks up at Jezebel.
Give those 2 tables 2 rounds of drinks - on Mr Seth Amos' account.
She points out the 2 tables to the barkeep.
CUT TO the grain auction barn from which Sarah just emerges, exhausted and with dishevelled hair. She walks towards her now empty cart. Then Esther, a dainty nursery school teacher, appears.
Hi Sarah, sale's all done ?
Sarah stops and turns to Esther.
Oh Esther, it's you. It's nice to see a friendly face. The market is an animal. Those men behave like pigs.
A nattily dressed young man sticks his head out of the window of the carriage. He surveys the scene, then speaks in an exaggeratedly effeminate manner to his companions inside the carriage.
Oh, it's nothing. Just a peasant bitch.
His companions whoop and roar with laughter. The carriage drives off. Pan to the window of the carriage showing that young man kissing another young man inside the carriage. Pan to Esther's face - she blanches as she catches sight of that perverted act. Pan to Sarah who is observing the goings-on. Sarah hurries over.
Are you alright?
Did, did you see that? Awful! Mother of God
What!
She is perplexed. She looks at the departing carriage and back to Esther. Esther is speechless with indignation - she turns away and walks off. Sarah ponders a while, then climbs onto her cart and drives off. Long shot of Sarah's cart down the street leaving the town centre; then pan up to show a bright mid-morning cloudless sky with a strange dark cloud at the horizon.
CUT TO the dark carriage as it drives through the town centre and stops in front of a hotel. The 4 young people (2 men and 2 women) alight and retrieve their luggage from the carriage's roof Then they march into the hotel. INT of hotel - the lobby. The 2 males are standing at the counter checking in. Pan to below the counter top showing both of them holding hands. Then pan to the far side of the lounge where the 2 women are seated at the sofa shoulder to shoulder. Close up shot of the 2 males, one of whom is speaking to the hotel manager.
I am checking in, sir, for account of
Gephard, Anna, Yokarn and Sonya. We would like a suite please for all
4 of us.
Very good, sir. Just sign in here and I will take you up to your suite.
Pan to EXT of hotel and upwards to the sky. It's twilight. CUT TO night time. EXT of hotel - the facade of the building. Pan up to a lit window on the second storey. Zoom in on a table with the 4 queers sitting around it. INT of room. Pan to Gephard.
Look people, this town is an unknown quantity. We have to put out feelers before we signal to the main body.
That's what we are here for - as the advance party; we are here to test the water.
So how are we to do it - put up a sample of our ware or --
He pauses and looks around.
Should we ask around to see if the folks here are receptive ?
Ya, like conducting a survey.
And how do you do that ?
Well, just tell the folks here that we are conducting a survey for our company back East.
Ya, ya - and we are selling health products; something new and wonderful.
That will make us look like quack doctors peddling a hoax. it won't work.
He looks around at the group to emphasize his point.
Forget all notions of wonder cure for all ills. No mention must be made of its medicinal value. Try something else.
The group is silent. Then Anna speaks up.
Alright people - let's made it simple and straightforward. We put out a sample with every establishment - grocer, saloon, barber, even the Sheriffs Office. Make it free sample - tell the people it's a new form of entertainment - that it will not sound threatening. And stop asking questions - it will make us look like con-artistes. We must look confident - sure of our ware. Just put out a sample. People will try it.
GEPHARD smiles.
And once they do, we are in business for good. Very good Anna. Very well thought out.
So that will be it ?
Right. First thing tomorrow, we spread our ware throughout the town centre. I expect things to pick up in 3 days. Then we can signal to the main body to come on over.
All right then. Let's do it.
Pan to Gephard and Yokam kissing on the bed; and Anna and Sonya hugging each other on the sofa. Pull back from the room through the window and pan up to the night sky. full moon. Howling of coyotes in the distance. FADE OUT.
Mid-morning at Town Centre. Camera at tree-top level focus on the entrance of the Hotel. Door opens and out march the 4 queers. Pan to Gephard as he strides purposefully across the street to the town's barber. Zoom in on him as he enters the shop. INT of barber shop.
Good morning, my good fellow.
The barber finishes folding the face towels and hurries out to meet Gephard.
Good morning sir. A haircut for you, perhaps ?
Gephard settles into a chair.
Yes, that will be wonderful.
As barber places a towel under Gephard's chin, Gephard produces a handful of vials from his vest pocket and lifts them up high.
Look here, my dear sir. These are for you - to be used on your customers. It will make them feel good after a haircut. They will be most happy.
The barber takes a vial and peers into it.
What is it - all that grey powder ?
Gephard beams.
It is a new concoction. It will bring happiness to all who sniffs it. And what's more - these vials are free samples. And --
Gephard takes out a $5 bill from his fancy leather wallet and press it into the barber's hand.
Take this - for your trouble.
The barber looks at the $5 bill and shakes his head.
No sir, it's too much. The haircut is only a dollar.
Gephard again smiles.
No, my dear fellow. It's for your trouble - in showing these vials to your customers. Take these.
He puts all remaining vials into the astonished barber's hand. Then he settles back with a self-satisfied smile.
And now, a haircut will be nice.
The barber is surprised. Then he smiles happily.
Sure, sure mister! Whatever you say.
He puts the vials on a shelf and hurries to attend to this special customer. Pan up to the clock on the wall showing time as loloam. Fast-track to 1035am. Then pan down to Gephard rising from the chair with a brand new haircut.
Thank you, my good man. And don't forget the vials.
He shakes the barber's hand and walks out smiling brightly.
CUT TO Sheriffs office. INT. Yokam, red in the face, is about to lose his cool with the Sheriff.
Sir, all I am asking is you show these vials to your deputies, inmates and any person who walks in here. it will make them happy - too happy to want to commit a crime. You will have a crime-free town of happy citizens.
Yokam holds up the same grey powder vials. Sheriff looks skeptical. He shakes his head.
Look, I have wasted half an hour of my time with you. My final word is still NO. I don't trust these new fangled concoctions. My men are doing a dangerous job. They don't need these vials to mess up their heads. As for the criminals, I am not sure these happiness vials will make them more law abiding. So please sir, take your vials somewhere else. Not here.
Sheriff opens the door and waits. Yokam takes out a $10 bill and holds it out.
Sir, for you - if you will take these vials.
Sheriff flushes with embarassment.
Son, bribing an public official is a legal offence. Now, OUT!
Sheriff points through the open door to the street outside. Yokam sighs heavily and marches out the door. Sheriff slams the door shut, all the while shaking his head. CUT TO Grocer's store. Anna sticks a finger into her bodice and pulls it down so that the bespectacled grocer can get a better look at her bare chest. She smiles enticingly at him.
Now sir, aren't you happy with me?
The grocer flushes but doesn't move away nor does he say a word. His eyes remain transfixed on Anna's bare chest.
So if you want your customers to be as happy as you are right now - so that they will keep coming back to your store and give you more business; just give them these vials.
She slowly and salaciously pulls the vials from beneath her bodice and wave them before the grocer. He smiles at her and reaches out to take the vials.
Name your price - I will pay it.
Nein, nein. They are free. And what's more - here is $5 for your trouble.
She again pulls a $5 bill from her bodice and press it into his hand. Together they both laugh haltingly. Anna presses her forefinger across thegrocer's lips, then slinks out the door. The grocer, with $5 bill and the vials in his cupped hands, follows her out with his hungry eyes. He is about to drool. CUT TO the saloon. Just opened and with only 1 regular customer quietly nursing his drink at the bar counter. Sonya is engaged in heated discussion with Jezebel.
Madam, these vials will do wonders for your customers.
Howso?
It will fill them with joy. So much joy that they will not want to leave your saloon. And you will have lots more business.
She finishes with a winning smile and thrusts forward the vials. Jezebel hesitates.
I don't know. What if these vials make my customers so happy that they become full of energy and start fighting and breaking things.
Nein, nein. It won't. Trust me. Why, I will take it and show you.
Sonya opens a vial and sniffs the grey powder up her nose. She closes her eyes and seconds later, the red glow of euphoria appears on her cheeks. She opens her eyes and looks skywards, arms outstretched and half-circle on the spot.
WHOOEEE ! It's great. You see, just pure joy. Not violence.
I still have my doubts.
Here, take this.
She slips a $10 note down Jezebel's bodice.
Oh, alright. Just one tryout.
She takes the vials from Sonya.
And it's free, you say? No charge?
Yes, for now. Don't worry. It won't hurt your customers because it is a new form of entertainment, a way to pass time. Your customers will be very happy - so happy they will want to kiss you with joy.
She gives a short laughter and walks out. CUT TO the queers' hotel room. Time ilooam. The queers are seated around the table. Gephard pours out red wine into 4 glasses. The lesbians are ecstatic. Anna kisses Sonya's bare breast hard. Sonya arches back in ecstasy. Yokam looks glum.
Alright. Let's celebrate. You too, Yokam. 3 Out Of 4 tries is pretty good. Forget your failure, Yokam. Come, now.
All 4 raise their glasses for a toast. They laugh happily. Then they sober up.
Alright. Let's wait 3 days. Then visit our new found contacts. We will then see how the vials work their magic.
Mid day at town centre. High angle shot of the sun, then pan down to the street in front of the Sheriffs office. A deputy is hurrying along the street towards the office. Zoom in to his face - very worried looking. He bursts into the Sheriffs office and hollers excitedly. INT of office.
Sheriff ! Sheriff !
He stops, panting heavily. Sheriff is drinking from a cup.
Slow down, son. Take it easy. Now, what is it ?
Deputy finds his breath.
Sir, there is a riot at the barber's. The people have got wild! They are screaming and ranting.
Sheriff grabs his hat.
C'mon. Let's go.
They exit the office. Pan to the exterior of the office showing them go.
CUT TO verandah outside the barber's. A crowd Of 10-12 adults including 2 women are clamoring to enter the barber's.
Open up, I'll pay you good money. Please, I need it now. I feel so sick. Open up, or I will break down the door.
Someone starts pounding the door. Voice-over from the Sheriff.
Now, just you wait a minute.
Pan to the Sheriff. He marches to the barber's door and tries to push the mob back.
Now, folks, back off and calm down. Back off this minute.
Pan across the road to the 4 queers striding purposefully towards the mob. Each queer is carrying a large leather bag used by doctors. Gephard raises a hand and stops the group some distance off. He whispers to the group.
Wait a minute. Let's see how the Sheriff handle this.
Pan back to the Sheriff trying to fend off the mob. They try to push him away but he stays fast by the door. Then the men at the front of the mob pin the Sheriff to the door. One man pulls out the Sheriffs gun and shoots without hesitation. The Sheriff falls to the ground lifeless. The deputy, some distance back, hears the gunfire and immediately draws his revolver. He hurries forward and confronts the killer.
HEY YOU! NOW HOLD IT!
The killer swings around to face the deputy. He hesitates a while.
Put the gun down. NOW!
The killer promptly raises his gun and shoots the deputy. The deputy staggers back and manages to fire a round before he drops dead. The killer is hit - mortally. He collapses. The mob ignores them. They keep pressing at the door. One man throws a stone and smashes the glass pane of the door. Another reaches in and unlocks the door. The mob streams in - in a state of frenzy. INT of the barber's. The mob pushes the barber away from the door and against the wall.
Quick, hand it over. The vials of heavenly powder. I'll give you good money.
He raises his hand to show several dollar coins in it.
The barber, pinned to the wall, stammers.
But they are all gone. That's all there is to it. No more.
A brawny man pushes forward and grabs the barber by the collar.
Now you give it to me or I'll bust your face.
Barber starnmers desperately.
It's true. There ain't no more left. I was given only 5 vials.
The mob ignores him and ransacks the entire shop; pretty much smash the place up.
Pan to the 4 queers quietly observing the show. Then Gephard steps forward and bends over the Sheriffs body. He removes the Sheriffs star and pins it on his vest. He turns to the group.
Now I'm the law.
Yokam similarly picks up the deputy's badge and pins it on his shirt. Then the group moves to the barber's door. Gephard calls out to the mob inside.
Alright my good people. I have the magic potion. It's $3 a piece. Come get it.
He pulls out several vials from his leather bag. The other queers do the -same - taking out the vials from their bags and offering them to the mob who rush over and start purchasing them. Some of them even administer the powder (by sniffing) immediately on the spot. The mob is becalmed and they wander off smiling, singing, laughing. The queers beam at one another. They put away the money. CLOSE-UP of Gephard.
Right. We have got our first group of lifelong customers. They can't let go of it now.
Pretty easy money !
Anna, go check the grocer's. Sonya, do the same at the saloon.
Camera rises for shot of Anna & Sonya striding off to their respective destinations. The other 2 queers remain in the camera's foreground.
CUT TO Anna arriving at the grocer's. She enters. INT of grocer's. The lecherous man looks up and smiles gleefully at Anna.
Howdy Missy? Good to see you again.
G'morning and how's business - my vials if you know what I mean.
Anna smiles and leans forward. The grocer's smile widens as he takes a peek down Anna's dress. Then he sobers up. He becomes apologetic.
Er, not too good, I'm afraid.
Anna's smile's disappears.
What do you mean - not too good?
Grocer goes to the shelf and returns with the 5 vials. He places them in front of Anna.
Nothing. Not a single sale. My customers are not interested.
CLOSE-UP of Anna's face as the news sinks in. She blinks a while.
Didn't you try to sell them ?
I did. But my customers are mostly women - y'know; farmers' wives. They are frugal and they are not easily swayed by any magic potion.
Anna glares at him. She puts the vials in her leather bag and snaps at him.
Those are not magic potions, you idiot.
The grocer continues looking down her dress. In a huff, Anna whips a shawl around her bodice and marches out the store.
CUT TO Sonya at the saloon's bar counter speaking with Jezebel.
No, no one seems interested. I've offered them all 5 vials and they simply down it with their drinks. Then they pass out.
Sonya blinks in puzzlement.
Now, that's strange. I never expected this.
Jezebel is bored. She yawns.
It could be the drinks. My customers must have been so used to the liquor nothingelse will stir them.
Sonya ponders a while.
Well, I better be going.
She turns to leave.
Better luck elsewhere.
Camera follows Sonya out of saloon.
CUT TO the queer's hotel room. Gephard is pacing the room. The others are seated at the table.
So, some luck here, no luck there.
Maybe we should try other places. Like going outside the town centre.
She pauses. The 3 look at Gephard. He paces a while.
No. No need. The farmers will have to come to town soon. We just wait here and set up shop.
He stops by the window and faces the group at the table.
I will have to telegram the boss back East. He won't like the report.
He turns around and looks out the window, hands behind his back. FADE OUT.
Mid-day. EXT hotel entrance. Gephard and Yokam walk Out. 2 old ladies walk past by. Gephard, with Sheriffs star shining on his vest, tips his hat at them.
Howdy ladies !
The 2 ladies stop, look at him curiously, then continues on their way. CLOSE-UP of the ladies as they speak between themselves.
That's the new Sheriff! Hear he just
steps in when a mob kills our Sheriff. He looks queer doesn't he,
very sissy. Sshhh, better mind your words.
They stop, turns to look at Gephard who again smiles and tips his hat at them. They do not return the greeting but hurry on their way. Gephard turns to Yokam.
Damn bitches. Well, I want you to send this telegram to the boss. Go to the railway station.
He hands over a piece of paper to Yokam. Yokam mounts his horse and rides off. Long shot of Yokam receding in the distance.
CUT TO a tree top shot of Yokam riding through the prarie. CUT To the railway station. Shot of Yokam arriving at the station. He dismounts and enters the Station office. INT of office. Yokam hands over the paper to the clerk there.
Send this telegram, please.
Very good, sir.
CLOSE-UP of the telegraph printer as the clerk keys in the message. The message appears on the printer :
Gephard to Flay Mint Gey & Co. STOP
Have secured town centre STOP
Response mixed STOP Prospect promising STOP
Await your arrival STOP
Pan to Office's door to EXT and up to the sky, showing a strange dark cloud. FADE OUT.