Jul 7, 2022
Even in the middle of a blizzard, Lem and Fanshaw
find someone in need of help - outlaws have
taken over a Quaker hostel, holding the
proprietress' children hostage.
Written and Produced by Julie Hoverson
Cast List
Lemuel Roberts / Deadeye Kid - J. Spyder Isaacson
Clarence Fanshaw - J. Hoverson
Don Phelps - Reynaud LeBoeuf
Randall Cullom - J.D. Lloyd
Garrett Cullom - Shawn Connor
Burden Fayette - Beverly Poole
Will Fayette - Glen Hallstrom
Fayette Children - Al Aseoche, Krystal Baker, Molly Tollefson,
Reynaud LeBoeuf, Julie Hoverson
Music: Kevin MacLeod (Incompetech.com)
Editing and Sound: Julie Hoverson
Cover Design: Brett Coulstock
"What kind of a place is it?
Why it's the middle of a blizzard, can't you tell?"
*********************************************************
HOSTEL TERRITORY
Cast:
Olivia
Lemuel Roberts, the Kid
Clarence Fanshaw, the sidekkick
THE FAMILY
Burden Fayette, the woman
Faith, Hope, Fortitude, Courage, and Pious, the children
Will Fayette, the dead husband
Valor, the dog
THE OUTLAWS
Don Phelps, the leader
Randall Cullom, the rabid one
Garret Collum, the dying one
OLIVIA Did you have any trouble finding it? What do you mean, what kind of a place is it? Why, it's the only building for miles in a blizzard, can't you tell? Good thing it's a hostelry.
1 INCOMING
SOUND BLIZZARD
SOUND HORSES AND MAN WADE THROUGH SNOW
FANSHAW [not cold] Not much further.
LEMUEL [very cold] You been saying that fer the last hour.
FANSHAW And you've kept walking. If you look up, you can see the light from the window.
LEMUEL And get a snootful of frozen sleet? No thank you very much. Is there a barn?
FANSHAW Yes. It's a bit closer, why?
LEMUEL These here horses'll drop afore I do. Need to get 'em inside.
VALOR [distant howl]
FANSHAW I'll go and see if it's unlocked, then, shall I?
2_INSIDE
MUSIC
AMBIANCE INSIDE, BLIZZARD STILL RAGES OUTSIDE
SOUND DOOR CLOSES, WOMAN'S FOOTSTEPS
DON Well?
BURDEN [quiet] He ain't doing too well, but I think he'll pull through.
RANDALL You think?
BURDEN [sharp] My husband was the one with some doctoring. I am doin what I can.
DON You best keep on. [threat] Them children o'yours depend on you.
BURDEN [almost breaking] I know.
SOUND BABY CRIES, NEARBY
3_BARN
MUSIC
AMBIANCE INSIDE THE BARN - CLOSER TO THE STORM
SOUND HORSES BLOW, RUBBING SOUNDS
LEMUEL [to horses, and self] It ain't much, but leastways it's above freezin in here.
FANSHAW [coming on] I've taken the liberty of looking around, Lemuel. It is a hostel, so you're very lucky on that count. I haven't been inside, but a peek through the windows shows they're sitting down to dinner even as we speak.
LEMUEL [almost drooling] Dinner. Mebbe even coffee.
VALOR [distant but approaching - insistent barking]
FANSHAW Perhaps, but--
LEMUEL How could anyone leave a good dog out on a night like this?
FANSHAW You're certain it's not a wolf or a coyotay?
LEMUEL You mean a kai-yote? You could try to speak normal from time to time, y'know. Nah. Neither o'them barks like that. That's a hound, right enough.
FANSHAW Your guns?
LEMUEL What about em?
FANSHAW The hostel sign shows they're quakers. They do not allow guns in the house.
LEMUEL Idjits. Fine. I'll cache em here somewheres.
SOUND RUSTLING
VALOR [coming on, barking and panting, doesn't seem at all cold]
FANSHAW Oh, I say.
LEMUEL That explains a lot. You look after 'em. I got t'get inside and get around some grub.
FANSHAW Right-ho. Here boy. There's a good dog.
VALOR [enjoys the petting, then barks a couple of times]
4 DINNER
MUSIC
SOUND TWO TIN PLATES AND FORKS
BURDEN I haven't spoken grace yet!
DON Grace yourself, woman. We're hungry.
BURDEN For what we are about to receive, let the lord make us thankful. Amen
ALL CHILDREN Amen.
SOUND POUNDING ON THE DOOR
BURDEN [gasps, almost a scream]
CHILDREN [also react]
RANDELL Shut up! Tell em to go 'way.
BURDEN We are a stage stop - we have to take folks.
DON Not tonight. Go on.
SOUND CHAIR, WOMAN'S FOOTSTEPS, KNOCK ON DOOR AGAIN
BURDEN But if I send them away, they might could make it to Corvel in the valley, and tell folks--.
RANDALL We can't have no one--
BURDEN Even on a night like this, the sheriff would--
DON Let 'em in. [threat] We can deal with 'em, if'n we have to.
SOUND BAR REMOVED FROM DOOR, DOOR OPENS, LEM'S STEPS COME IN
BURDEN [as if trying to tell him something] Sorry about the wait, stranger - things are a mite rough here right now.
DON [saccharine] Never mind, dearest--
BURDEN [gasp]
DON Bring the gentleman on in.
LEMUEL I hope you don' mind - I already bunked my horses in the stables.
PIOUS What he say?
RANDALL [hissed] You'll keep shut if you know what's good fer you.
SOUND WOMAN'S BOOTS RUN TO TABLE
BURDEN Shh. Shh, Pious, honey.
SOUND CHAIR SCRAPE, MAN TAKES A COUPLE OF STEPS
DON Children. [forced chuckle] You got to take a firm hand with them. I'm Don Phelps, the proprietor here, and this here's my wife, [hint hint] right dear?
BURDEN [quiet] Yes.
RANDALL But--
DON And this here's her brother, Randall - he helps us around the place. [beat] We don't see many travelers in weather like this.
LEMUEL [playing a bit dumb] Reckon not. Well, I'm right lucky you're here, and, ma'am, I am pert near faintin with rapture at the smell o'your cookin - can you make some room at that table, with all them young'uns?
BURDEN Always room. And they's always food.
LEMUEL I should oughta tell you - I had to leave a parcel of my goods out in the woods, since the horses was flaggin. I kin go back fer it once the sky clears a bit, but all my money's in there.
RANDALL [too quick] How much?
DON Ssh. I kin see right well this feller's good fer the cost of a room and grub, even if the snow carries on fer a mite longer.
GARRETT [off, muffled groan]
RANDALL Garry! What's agoin on with him--?
DON Hesh now, Randall. Woman, you go and look in on [emphasized] your other ailing brother. I'll serve this good feller.
SOUND AFTER A SLIGHT HESITATION, FOOTSTEPS LEAVE, DOOR OPENS AND SHUTS
DON Well sir, we've got some good stew here, a load of turnips, and bread and butter.
FANSHAW Lem, there is something very much not right here.
LEMUEL Reckon I'll take whatever you got to spare.
FANSHAW I know you won't be able to reply to anything I say, but--
DON You tuck in, and I spect that tomorrow, once it clears some, my brother-in-law here and I would be happy to help you go and get your ... goods. How far out was you when you had to unburden yourself?
FANSHAW Goods?
LEMUEL Coupla hours back - so might coulda been a few miles, depending on how much headway we made. I kin find it again, though I doubt me anyone else could - I hid it real good. [chuckles]
FANSHAW Ah. I see you don't need me to tell you these fellows are up to no good. And carrying weapons - no quakers, these.
LEMUEL What's wrong with your friend in the back?
RANDALL None o' your goddamned--
DON Randall! Not in front of the children! He slid on some ice and broke his leg real bad.
FANSHAW Funny - I took a look back there, and I never saw a broken leg that required a bloody bandage to the chest before.
LEMUEL Hmm. That's a real bad one.
VALOR [Whines]
FANSHAW Shh. I know how frustrating it can be to smell food and not be able to have any. Believe me, boy.
DON What do you do, stranger?
LEMUEL [swallows hard, then] I - well, see, I'm a‑‑
FANSHAW Courier?
LEMUEL --a courier. Carrying important packages fer -- gold mining concerns.
VALOR [whining, tugging]
FANSHAW What is it? You can't--
VALOR [almost growling as he tugs]
RANDALL Gold mining?
FANSHAW I swear that man's eyes just lit up like the footlights at the Tivoli.
VALOR [GROWLING, getting intense]
FANSHAW Damn. Lem, the dog's not going to let up until I see what he wants to show me. [going off] I shall return shortly.
LEMUEL Bet them kids are a good lot of help running a hostel and all.
DON Not so much as you'd think. I'm only their step-daddy, you see, so they ain't taken to me much yet.
LEMUEL Ahh. At's a hard row to hoe.
SOUND DOOR OPENS, WOMAN COMES BACK, APPROACHES SLOWLY
BURDEN [whispering] I finally managed to stop the bleedin.
LEMUEL Bleedin? [low whistle] That's a bad break and no mistake.
DON Yes. Yes 'tis. [to Burden] Well, that's good, then. Sit and eat.
BURDEN I need to get the children to bed.
RANDALL No way, you--
DON Shh. Don't you have no hospitality in you, woman? Them kids can see to themselves while you stay here and keep us all comp'ny.
BURDEN Come here, y'all. A kiss goodnight then you run along.
FAITH Mama--
BURDEN Shh. You look after the little ones, Faith.
SOUND KISS ON THE FOREHEAD
HOPE [in tears, but quiet] I don't wanna--!
BURDEN You have to, Hope, sweetie.
SOUND KISS ON THE FOREHEAD
RANDALL Oh, get on with it. Are they like this every damn night?
DON [forced chuckle] He's just arrived fer a visit. These cowhands - not used to family living.
LEMUEL I'm purty much the same.
FORTITUDE Mama.
SOUND KISS ON THE FOREHEAD
BURDEN Don’t you forget your prayers just cause we have guests in the house, Fortitude.
FORTITUDE Yes, mama.
RANDALL Well, I gots to take myself outside for a bit. Y'all'll be all right without me?
BURDEN The outhouse is--
RANDALL This kind of weather, I ain't troublin to go that far.
SOUND FOOTSTEPS, DOOR, BLIZZARD UP, DOOR SHUTS
COURAGE [whimper]
BURDEN Have courage, Courage.
SOUND KISS ON THE FOREHEAD
DON Them names these children have.
LEMUEL Nothing wrong with good sound virtues.
SOUND KISS ON THE FOREHEAD
BURDEN Now, Courage, you take Pious by the hand and all ya'll run along t' bed. Hope, take baby Humility--
DON Baby can stay.
BURDEN [gasps]
DON They're too young to look after him. Sides, he's sleeping.
BURDEN You... y'all go on up, now.
SOUND PATTER OF FOOTSTEPS GOING UPSTAIRS
BURDEN I'll be listenin fer your prayers! [breaking slightly] I - I love y'all!
VALOR [distant mournful howl]
5 OUT BACK
MUSIC
SOUND BLIZZARD
VALOR [Howling mournfully]
FANSHAW Bloody dog. If you weren't a good solid dark color, I would have lost you long ago. So what is it, boy? Hmm? [horrified and stunned] Oh. My word.
6_PLAIN FARE
MUSIC
AMBIANCE INSIDE, BLIZZARD IN BACKGROUND
LEMUEL Well, ma'am, I must say that's the best meal I've aten in quite some time.
BURDEN [pleased] Plain fare. We weren't expectin no one.
LEMUEL Plain fare's the best. Hits the spot.
DON Randall's been gone a damn long time. Where could he'a got to?
BURDEN You want I should go an' check?
DON [sharp] No! [chuckles insincerely, softens] I mean, no, dear. Why donch you come and sit by me?
SOUND HAND PATS CHAIR, RELUCTANT FOOTSTEPS, CHAIR SQUEAK
DON If Randall cain't find his own way back from relievin hisself, well, mebbe he deserves to have it freeze and snap off.
LEMUEL I can go and look? I should cast an eye over my horses, make sure they're warmin up.
DON Um... Certainly, certainly. That sounds just fine.
LEMUEL Be right back. [goodbye] Ma'am.
SOUND BOOTS, DOOR OPENS
7 BRAVING THE STORM
SOUND BLIZZARD UP
SOUND DOOR CLOSES, BOOTS IN SNOW
FANSHAW Lemuel, something terrible is happening here. You must come see--
SOUND DOOR OPENS
DON [shouting very loud] You bring Randall on back here the minute you find him, eh, stranger?
LEMUEL A'course.
SOUND DOOR SHUTS
LEMUEL [low] No chance of sneaking up on that kai-yote while he's rifling my saddlebags now, is there?
FANSHAW Oh, yes, I forgot to mention--
LEMUEL That's not what you wanted me to--?
FANSHAW He didn't find your guns, but he's still in the barn. Come along, this way.
8 BACK INSIDE
MUSIC
AMBIANCE INSIDE
SOUND DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES, FOOTSTEPS
RANDALL Colder than a witches--
DON Where the hell were you? That stranger went a'looking fer you - didn't you see him?
RANDALL Nope. Mebbe he got lost.
DON Well, that won't get us his goods, will it? We can search from now to kingdom come and--
RANDALL Keep yer shirt on. [leering] At least fer now, eh, wifey?
BURDEN [sharp intake of breath]
RANDALL [grumbling] And you told the fellow I'us her brother just so's you could get a leg up--
DON You should go find that feller. We cain't let him get to thinkin there's anythin wrong.
SOUND FOOTSTEPS, DOOR UNLATCHES
DON Oh, and - was there anything int'resting in his saddlebags?
RANDALL [grunt of annoyance] Not much. Mostly what you'd expect.
DON Mostly?
RANDALL Well, there was this metal jar might be worth a few bucks. But it wouldn't open. And was right heavy. [shrugs] Figured if'n we decide it's worth it, we can lift it later with the rest of his kit.
9 _ THE BODIES
MUSIC
FANSHAW Just a bit farther.
LEMUEL [snort] Like I haven't heered that before.
VALOR [bark, panting]
FANSHAW Watch where you step.
LEMUEL Blood?
FANSHAW Well, snow certainly doesn’t usually come in that color.
SOUND BRUSHING AWAY SNOW
LEMUEL It's fresh - no more'n a couple hours old.
FANSHAW The - source - is just ahead of you.
LEMUEL Hmm? Ah, hell. Who's he?
FANSHAW I suspect we have here this poor fellow's master. And just to your right--
LEMUEL Yep. The man'us kilt outright - shot through the head like that don't leave you moving much.
FANSHAW But - the blood trail?
LEMUEL That's your amigo there. Looks like even gut shot, he was tryin to go and get hep.
FANSHAW Did he freeze?
LEMUEL I hope so - I heer it hurts some less than a gunshot. But froze or bled out, he probably passed right about when we first heered him.
FANSHAW Poor fellow.
LEMUEL I swear'n he's the first animal spirit I've ever come upon-- Master around anywhere's?
FANSHAW I'll take a look.
DON [off, calling] Stranger? You lost?
LEMUEL Damn. See if you can pick up anythin. I'll circle round so's they cain't see I was out this way.
FANSHAW Righty-ho. Be careful, Lem.
LEMUEL Like a cowhand in his best boots.
SOUND FOOTSTEPS OFF THROUGH SNOW
A1 LEM RETURNS
MUSIC
AMB INSIDE.
BURDEN [fretting] I should check on the children.
RANDALL They're fine. Why'n't you give me a big kiss, li'l lady, while we have a chance to be on our lonesome.
BURDEN I will not.
RANDALL [snort] Won't kiss me? You'll do more'n that 'fore we hit the trail again, and having all them children, I'll bet you know jest what I mean...
BURDEN I am a righteous woman! You can't--
RANDALL Righteous or not, the parts all work the same.
SOUND SLIGHT STRUGGLE
SOUND DOOR OPENS
DON What'n hell you up to, Randall? We agreed--
RANDALL You agreed. I ain't had much choice.
DON If that feller walks in and sees this -
RANDALL I say we tie em both up, take what we want, and forget all this folderol.
DON Have you looked in that feller's eyes? He ain't the kind o' man to give in, even tied up and beaten. We gotta pull the wool over his eyes, but good. Shh!
SOUND BOOTS UP ONTO PORCH, STOMP OFF SNOW. DOOR OPENS
SOUND BURDEN PULLS FREE OF RANDALL, DASHES TO LEM
BURDEN [trying badly to sound normal] Let me hep you with yer coat. We thought you mighta got lost. [whispered] be careful.
LEMUEL Nah, Jest took the long road back, by way of the convenience - seemed logical, since I was already out in it. [whispered] I know.
BURDEN [normal tone, startled] You--?
LEMUEL Hold on, let me shake the snow out the door. [whispered] I won't put you or your brood in danger if'n I can hep it.
BURDEN Thank you kindly.
RANDALL [teasing] I do believe he's trying to make time with your wife, Don.
DON Oh shut up, ya pillock. Can we getcha anythin' else stranger?
GARRETT [coming on, yawning] Oh, boy do I feel a heap better. How about some grub?
LEMUEL [muttered] Damn.
A2 FANSHAW AND VALOR
MUSIC
AMB OUTSIDE
FANSHAW Hello? Are you here? Hmm. Hey boy! Find your master! Can you do that?
VALOR [panting, one bark, then a slurp]
FANSHAW Good boy!
A3 GARRETT
MUSIC
AMB INSIDE
GARRETT Randall? What's a'goin on?
RANDALL I spect we oughtta get you up to yer room fer the night, eh stranger?
GARRETT Randell! Dammit!
SOUND DOOR, FOOTSTEPS
BURDEN Pardon me, but we can't really go on calling you stranger, can we? You're our guest now.
LEMUEL [thinks for a moment] Lemuel Roberts.
RANDELL The Deadeye Kid?
SOUND SLAP AND DRAW
LEMUEL [quizzical] Who?
GARRETT The Deadeye Kid! Ain't that just--
DON Stand up and show me yer hands.
SOUND CREAK OF CHAIR, COAT BEING LIFTED
DON You never heered of the Deadeye Kid?
LEMUEL He an outlaw?
GARRETT He's a gunslinger.
RANDELL [disbelieving noise] He's just one of the meanest hombres out there. Kilt over 30 men they say - all showdowns.
LEMUEL [chuckles] I look like that kind of feller?
DON A bit, around the eyes.
GARRETT Funny - he din't actually say he weren't the Kid. Ask him again.
DON Well, at least you ain't strapped now. That's fine. Randall, you gotta jug on you?
BURDEN [gasps, then smothers it]
SOUND POP OF CORK, LIQUID POURS
RANDELL Here's hoping the snow runs away fast as a redcoat regiment.
GARRETT What's wrong? Why won't you ask him?
LEMUEL Sounds good.
SOUND DRINKING
A3 KITCHEN
MUSIC
AMB INSIDE, BUT NOT THE SAME ROOM
VALOR [bark, bark]
FANSHAW [coming on] In here? Aha! Sir?
WILL Who the hell are you? Another one of my wife's men?
FANSHAW What?
WILL The way she's carrying on out there - Them fellers are just about having their way with her--
FANSHAW "Them fellers" killed you, sir, and your good lady is in there trying to keep them from doing the same to your children.
WILL O'course you would say that - fancy pants like you, she'd be kissing your feet.
FANSHAW [long breath out] I am going to ask you one time, sir - do you have a weapon here somewhere that might help us?
WILL Oh, you'd like that wouldn't you? Take a man's own shotgun, poke his wife, and dance on his grave, eh? Well, Bessie is well hidden. You won't never find her - let the bitch and her bastard whelps die.
SOUND HARD PUNCH
WILL Hey!
FANSHAW So sorry, usually I would warn a gentleman before striking him.
WILL You bastard!
SOUND COUPLE OF JABS
FANSHAW But since you're not a gentleman...
SOUND PUNCH
WILL [going down] Uhh!
SOUND DOOR OPENS, QUICK FOOTSTEPS IN
FANSHAW Ma'am. Ahh. [frustrated noise]
SOUND SLOWLY POURING WATER TO COVER THE SOUND OF CRYING
BURDEN [crying]
FANSHAW Oh, Madam. I wish I could reassure you. Lemuel is very good at what he does. If there weren't the two of them, he'd have sorted this out long ago. Don't cry. If there is anything I can do - anything within my power, I -- [sigh, then annoyed] Of course there isn't--
SOUND FROM OFF [GARRET SCREAMING IN FRUSTRATION]
FANSHAW Or is there?
A4 SHUT UP
SOUND HER FOOTSTEPS TO DOOR, DOOR OPENS
LEMUEL [fading in after door opens] --spent a few weeks in California - nothing much there, cept'n round the train tracks...
GARRETT [screaming] What's going on?
FANSHAW What's--? [catching himself] Bloody hell.
GARRETT [screaming] This isn't funny! Randall!
SOUND SLAP
FANSHAW Calm down!
GARRETT Ow!
FANSHAW Come with me, now.
GARRETT Who in blazes are you?
FANSHAW [thinks for a moment, then] I'm the angel Gabriel. Who the devil are you?
GARRETT Gabriel? But I ain't -- Oh, lord am I dead? Shouldn't angels not be taking the devil's name in vain?
FANSHAW [arch and superior] Who do you think we should swear by? Our lord?
GARRETT [cowed] You got yerself a point. Sorry. What do I do now?
FANSHAW Firstly, you be quiet, and let people think.
LEMUEL [sigh of relief]
DON That's some good stuff, ain't it?
LEMUEL Let's just say, I have a special fondness for spirits.
DON I'll drink to that.
RANDALL You reckon I should look in on Garrett?
LEMUEL Let the lady do that. It's her job, making sure he [slight emphasis] stays alive, right?
BURDEN [distant] Yes..
DON What's wrong with you?
BURDEN [sniff, almost in tears] It's been a trying day.
DON Women. You get on now. Make sure Garret's comftable.
SOUND FOOTSTEPS, DOOR
FANSHAW Lem. I expect you've noticed Garrett's dead. I have him calmed down, but that may not last. Do you think she'll know what to do?
LEMUEL [muttered] She ain't screamed yet.
RANDALL What's that?
LEMUEL Your friend must be doin all right. Or your wife would have called for help.
RANDALL My sister. His wife?
LEMUEL Sorry, it's late. And that's some pow'rful strong stuff you got.
FANSHAW There's a shotgun somewhere in the house. If I find it, can you let that poor woman know? Her husband is - well, he - I had to "slug" him, I believe is the word.
LEMUEL Worst thing about late nights is the rambling on some folks do.
DON What?
LEMUEL Just thinking you're good company, you two, since you understand the value of silence.
FANSHAW Very well. [sigh] I shall go and look for the shotgun.
A5 DOGS CHOICE
MUSIC
VALOR [barks]
FANSHAW Some Quakers. Alcohol and guns. Tsk. Tsk. They're not even trying. All right boy, show me where the gun is?
WILL He's my damn dog. No way he's gonna betray me.
FANSHAW What's his name, then?
WILL Valor. Like it matters, since he won't answer to you.
FANSHAW Valor? Hmm. Here boy, here Valor.
VALOR [Panting, one sharp bark.]
WILL Don't listen to him, ya damn mutt.
SOUND SCRABBLING OF CLAWS ON THE FLOOR
FANSHAW The poor little fellow looks confused.
WILL Get over here, or I'll whup you good, and you know I will!
FANSHAW Valor. Help me help your mistress, boy.
VALOR [two sharp barks]
SOUND DOG RUNS TO FANSHAW
VALOR [panting]
FANSHAW Good boy. Yes, you are a good boy, aren’t you?
A6 FINAL FIGHT
MUSIC
SOUND BABY FUSSES
DON Can't you keep that thing quiet?
BURDEN It's noisy in here. He can't sleep.
LEMUEL If you need to absent yourself, ma'am. I'm sure we menfolk kin do without you.
RANDALL You don't know no such thing. Woman, sit!
FANSHAW Lem, your glass - tap it once for yes, twice for no. Understand?
SOUND One tap
FANSHAW Valor - the dog - showed me where the master of the house kept his shotgun. It's behind some turnip sacks on a shelf in the cellar.
SOUND ONE TAP
FANSHAW You think you can get at it somehow?
SOUND TWO TAPS
LEMUEL Ma'am?
FANSHAW What?
BURDEN Yes, Mr. Roberts?
LEMUEL Do you have some more of this fine whiskey?
BURDEN Of course not!
RANDALL [a bit drunk] Pious mealy mouth. We had t'bring our own, o'course.
LEMUEL Come now, ma'am. I bet you have something a bit more powerful - say, down in the root cellar? My momma allus used to hide hers behind some turnip sacks on a shelf.
BURDEN How do you know I have a cellar?
LEMUEL Let's jest say the spirits are calling to me.
RANDALL You don't know how true that just may be!
DON Shut it. I don't know that we need anything more to drink.
LEMUEL Ah, well. Yer prob'ly wise there. One more drink and I'll be toes up next to that fire snoring my life away, anyway.
DON Really? [sly] See what you can find, woman.
SOUND FEET CROSS ROOM, DOOR
SOUND BABY FUSSES
RANDALL I swear'n I'm gonna smother that critter.
DON That's no way to speak of your nephew, Randall. [apologetic] He's real close to toes up hisself, stranger.
LEMUEL I know that. Mm. One other hazard of liquor. I think I got to find my way outside again.
DON Nonsense. Much too cold now.
LEMUEL When you gotta, you--
SOUND GUN SLAPPED DOWN ON TABLE
RANDALL Man said no, Stranger.
LEMUEL a'right.
GARRETT [coming in] Gabriel? I been saying every prayer I know, and I'm plumb bored. Ain't no heavenly choir coming fer me, yet.
FANSHAW [sigh] I shall check on that. Wait in that room for me--
WILL [coming on] Dammit, you told that harlot where my gun is! And who the hell are you?
FANSHAW Mr. innkeeper, this is one of the bastards who shot you and your dog.
WILL What? You done that?
GARRETT That ain't very angelic, Gabriel. Besides, it was Don what actually shot him. Oof!
SOUND PUNCH
WILL I gotta feeling I can't whale the tar out of him, though.
SOUND FIGHT CONTINUES
FANSHAW [whispered] Garrett - perhaps I am really the devil and am damning you to be tormented by those you wronged. How do you like them apples?
GARRETT [grunts]
LEMUEL [laughs, turns it into a cough]
DON Where is that woman?
RANDALL [almost gone] Yeah?
LEMUEL She said she was going to the cellar.
FANSHAW I'll check.
LEMUEL She'll prob'ly be just another minute.
RANDALL I cain't wait another--
SOUND CHAIR SQUEAKS, HE STUMBLES A COUPLE OF STEPS, THEN FALLS TO THE FLOOR
SOUND BABY WAILS
DON Oh, god dammit.
FANSHAW Tip the table, Lem.
SOUND CREAK, SLIDE OF BASKET
SOUND BABY CRY SLIDES ALONG
LEMUEL [muttered] Thank you, I did think of that m'self. Check the kitchen.
DON What you doing?
SOUND BABY GURGLES
LEMUEL My fault, I guess I leaned on it too hard.
DON Damn table nearly took my head off!
LEMUEL Leastways, I caught the baby.
SOUND BASKET SET ON FLOOR
SOUND BABY FUSSES
SOUND GUN DRAWN
DON Why don't you get up real slow?
LEMUEL Dammit.
SOUND CHAIR SQUEAK
SOUND DOOR CREAKS OPEN REAL QUIET
FANSHAW She has the gun, Lem, but I don't know if she'll use it.
LEMUEL I don't wanna hear that.
DON Who you talking to? You that drunk?
LEMUEL Look, you kill me, then what happens? Think about it - you got one man wounded and another drowned in corn likker. Which one you plan to carry when you make a run fer it?
DON Who says we're going anywhere? We dump your sorry hide outside and stay here, snug as a bug 'til the snow lets up.
LEMUEL Or til you hurt one of this woman's children.
DON Spare me. She ain't never gonna do nothing. Quakers don't believe in violence. I could butcher each one of the little brats and serve 'em to her in a stew, and she'd have to take it. [ridicule] for god.
BURDEN Stranger!
DON Huh?
SOUND METAL SLIDING ON WOOD, THE SHOTGUN SKIDS TOWARD HIM
DON You damn bitch!
SOUND GUN SHOT
BURDEN [scream]
SOUND DOOR SLAMS
SOUND SHOTGUN COCKS
DON Now you--
SOUND SHOTGUN BLAST
DON Uh!
SOUND BODY DROP
RANDALL [bleary] Whazzat?
SOUND SHOTGUN COCKS AGAIN
SOUND DOOR OPENS
BURDEN No!
LEMUEL What?
BURDEN That man is no threat. Get his guns, and I'll tie him up.
SOUND LEM TAKES RANDALL'S GUNS, PATS HIM DOWN
LEMUEL But he - he threatened you. And your kids.
BURDEN I will keep him tied up until the sheriff can get to us. That one may have been god's will, but I will not have any more killing in my home.
FANSHAW She has a great deal of conviction.
SOUND ROPES WHIPPING AROUND TO TIE UP RANDALL
LEMUEL You do realize you will be alone?
BURDEN Nonsense. I have seven children to help me look after him.
SOUND [baby wails]
LEMUEL Ma'am, let me do this for you then. Let me take the body - bodies, if I'm right about the man in the back room - outside. I'll put them in the shed, along with your husband.
BURDEN He is dead?
LEMUEL I saw his body. And the dog. That's what put me on my guard.
BURDEN Give me my baby and I'll leave you to your... work.
A7 DEPARTING
MUSIC
AMB OUTSIDE, COLD, BUT NOT BLOWING
SOUND HORSES BLOW, STAMP
BURDEN Stay to the left side of the road, it's a bit higher, and not so icy.
LEMUEL Thank you, ma'am. I hope things get better for you.
BURDEN Please don't think I cannot appreciate your help. Though I cain't abide violence, I -[breaking] I thank ye kindly for saving my children.
LEMUEL Not to worry, ma'am. As a man who lived by the gun, I'm... well, I'm tryin'.
BURDEN We will pray for you.
CHILDREN [assenting]
SOUND HORSES LEAVE
SOUND SLIGHTLY OFF, DOOR SHUTS
FANSHAW I say, Lemuel, how does a pious woman like that end up married to a beast like - well, you must have heard him?
LEMUEL Heard enough. Out here, most times it's better to have some man in the house than no man - no matter what a cuss he is.
FANSHAW Have you ever considered settling down? A hostel like that would be quite a nice little retirement.
LEMUEL I plumb cain't see myself putting down roots. You?
RANDALL [muffled, tied face down over a horse] Mm?
FANSHAW I haven’t any roots to put down.
LEMUEL If you did?
FANSHAW Well... At one point, I fancied an academic seat of some sort. Teaching, you know.
RANDALL [muffled] If I did what?
FANSHAW Pity. I rather hoped he would remain unconscious until we reached the sheriff.
LEMUEL If wishes were horses...
FANSHAW That kai-yote would be riding upright, instead of prone on a pack horse?
LEMUEL [chuckles]
MUSIC
END