The following is not an episode transcript or a novelization but a copie of the script of the show. Even though it might be slightly different from the aired episode, most of the script should be fairly close, if not identical to the latter. This script is archived at "TWIZ TV.COM - FREE TV SCRIPTS DATABASE" courtesy of Branduin's Medicine Woman site. "DR. QUINN, MEDICINE WOMAN" and other related entities are owned, (TM) and © by THE SULLIVAN COMPANY in association with CBS TELEVISION. This transcript is posted here without their permission, approval, authorization or endorsement. Any reproduction, duplication, distribution or display of this material in any form or by any means is expressly prohibited. It is absolutely forbidden to use it for commercial gain. For entertainment and educational purposes only. No infringement intended.
==========================
TRANSCRIPT:
==========================


TEASER
FADE IN:

EXT. RESERVATION - ESTABLISHING - DAY ONE
A TOMAHAWK
comes flying through the air
WIDER
to see the tomahawk suddenly stop as the blade slams deep into a round piece of log that's been tied to a tree as a make-shift target.

ANGLE - INDIANS, CLOUD DANCING AND SULLY
in the middle of a little throwing competition. The observers nod and murmur in admiration of Cloud Dancing's toss. Some quick bets are made, the odds seeming to favour Cloud Dancing, then all eyes fall on Sully.

CLOUD DANCING
They don't think you can hit it.

SULLY
They don't?

CLOUD DANCING
You missed last time from here.

SULLY
I know.

And Sully walks another ten feet away.

SULLY
I shoulda been back farther fore I threw.

And he spins around, pulls out his tomahawk, throws smoothly at the log.

ANGLE - LOG TARGET
As Sully's tomahawk cuts inside of Cloud Dancing's throw, splitting the bull's eye in the center of the tree rings.

ANGLE - CLOUD DANCING AND SULLY
SULLY
Double or nothin'?

Cloud Dancing shakes his head.

CLOUD DANCING
The spirits are too much with you today.

Sully grins, looks off up to see ...

THEIR POV - YOUNG INDIAN BOY
racing into camp, quietly spreading an alarm as he passes by each teepee, finally arriving at Cloud Dancing, speaking urgently to him in Cheyenne.

CLOUD DANCING (to Sully)
Dr. Mike is coming. With soldiers.

Cloud Dancing and Sully exchange a look. This news seems to alarm not only them, but a couple of other Indians as well.

OLD KNIFE, AND WHITE EYE
look at each other, whisper something in Cheyenne. Old Knife, 40's, is a hardened warrior. White Eye, 20's, wears a dirty patch over an injured eye. He looks quite menacing. The Indians confer again, then disappear behind a teepee.

ANGLE - ROAD TO RESERVATION
as Mike rides in on Flash, leading a small freight wagon driven by two Army Soldiers that's carrying bags of beans, flour, corn.

ANOTHER ANGLE
Sully, Cloud Dancing, their eyes casually darting about, move to greet Mike and the Soldiers.

SULLY
Didn't expect you til tomorrow?

MIKE
The Arm wagon train showed up early. I talked these gentlemen into bringing the food right out.

Mike dismounts. Soldier #1 climbs down from the seat, moves to the back of the wagon, starts unloading. Soldier #2 looks off, sees something that catches his attention.

FAVORING MIKE
MIKE
Look, Cloud Dancing, there's corn and beans, too, and it's all good.

SULLY (covering)
We'll help you unload it.

Soldier #2 jumps down from the wagon, steps around Sully and heads towards one of the teepees. He passes by Walks on Cloud, Cloud Dancing's son.

MIKE
I've got a dozen sacks of flour and there's not a worm in it.

Cloud Dancing and Sully are watching Soldier #2. Mike realizes something's up.

MIKE
Sully?

ANGLE - SOLDIER #2
examines a horse with a war paint marking its face. He turns, looks at Sully. The Soldier starts to draw his Colt. Suddenly, White Eye steps from behind a teepee, sends an arrow into soldier #2's back. He falls out of frame.

ANOTHER ANGLE
as White Eye, Old Knife and six other Dog Soldiers appear from behind and out of the teepees, weapons drawn.

ANGLE - SOLDER #1
who drops a bag of flour, turns and runs for his life. Several arrows miss him, then a rifle shot rings out and he goes down.

ANGLE - OLD KNIFE
lowering the Sharp's rifle from his shoulder, tossing the empty shell.

ANGLE - MIKE AND SULLY
Both stunned by the suddenness of it all. The Dog Soldiers begin to strip the soldiers of their clothes.

MIKE
What are the Dog Soldiers doing here?

SULLY
They wouldn't have been here if you'd come tomorrow like you said.

MIKE
I didn't know they were here.

CLOUD DANCING (to Sully)
It is not her fault.

Mike looks and sees White Eye stripping the soldier he shot in the back with the arrow.

MIKE (to Cloud Dancing)
Don't let them do that. Stop them
Cloud Dancing shakes his head. Mike moves to White Eye.

MIKE
Stop that.

He doesn't, so Mike reaches out and grabs his arm. Big mistake. In an instant White Eye is on his feet, knife drawn, hand locked on Mike's wrist.

ANGLE - SULLY
as he reaches for his tomahawk, but it's still in the target.

SULLY (in Cheyenne)
You harm her you die.

ANGLE - WHITE EYE
who doesn't move for a moment. He knows he could kill Mike before Sully could reach him, and he seems to toy with the idea ... but there's something in Sully's look and in Cloud Dancing's expression that convinces him to finally let go. White Eye puts his knife away, shoves Mike roughly to Sully.

ANGLE - SULLY
as he catches Mike, takes her safely in his arms.

WIDER
White Eye continues to strip the soldier's body. Cloud Dancing gestures to other Indians, shouting orders. Mike and Sully watch as Indians grab the rest of the food off the wagon. Old knife grabs Mike's medical bag, opens it.

MIKE
No. That's mine.

A Dog Soldier standing next to Old Knife raises his Sharp's rifle at her, cocks it. Old Knife gives Mike a look, then dumps the medical bag in the dirt, squats down and picks through the items, looking for something he wants.

ANGLE - SULLY AND MIKE
as Sully holds her back.

SULLY (whispers)
Ain't worth dying for.

The village Indians pick up the stripped bodies of the dead soldiers, carry them off.

MIKE
What are they going to do?

SULLY
Bury em.

We hold on Mike and Sully
END TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:

EXT. RESERVATION - MOMENTS LATER
Two Dog Soldiers race off in the empty wagon.

Other Dog Soldiers gather up their belongings, pack their horses, get ready to ride.

The Indian Women rake dirt over the blood to cover it.

MIKE AND SULLY AND CLOUD DANCING
Mike picks up her medical supplies, puts them back in her bag.

MIKE
What are we going to do?

SULLY
Nothin'.

MIKE
Nothing?

SULLY
It ain't our business.

MIKE
Those men were murdered.

SULLY
Those men were killed by their enemy.

MIKE
They were shot in the back.

SULLY (half beat)
Anybody asks you, the soldiers dropped off the food. They left and you stayed behind.

MIKE
You're asking me to lie.

CLOUD DANCING
You tell the truth and the Army will come back and kill everyone here.

MIKE
But it was the Dog Soldiers who did it. Can't we just explain?

There's a shout O.C.

ANGLE - DOG SOLDIERS
mounting up on their horses. White Eye and Old Knife shouting orders at the others.

ANOTHER ANGLE
White Eye spins about on his horse. He fires off his rifle into the sky.

WHITE EYE (in Cheyenne)
Who will join us? Who wants to fight?

There is a cry from some of the other Indians in the village. Two Indians climb onto their horses, fire their rifles into the air.

WALKS ON CLOUDS
unties his horse, swings up.

WALKS ON CLOUD (shouting in Cheyenne)
I, Walks on Cloud, will fight!

There is a cheer from the other Dog Soldiers.

Cloud Dancing races to the boy, grabs the reins.

CLOUD DANCING
Don't go my son.

WALKS ON CLOUD
I will not stay here to die with the women and old men.

CLOUD DANCING
Stay with me.

WALKS ON CLOUD
No, my father. I have listened to you long enough. It is time to fight.

Walks on Cloud grabs at the reins, but Cloud Dancing won't let go. The horse fights, frightened by the gunshots and yelling, jerking his head, pulling away from Cloud Dancing.

Walks on Cloud can't stay on and falls, hitting the ground hard. The horse runs away.

The Dog Soldiers laugh at Walks on Cloud. White Eye kicks his horse, lets out a cry and leads his men out of the village.

ANGLE - WALKS ON CLOUD
as he picks himself up from the dirt. He's humiliated. Walks on Cloud gives his father an angry look, then chases after his horse. Cloud Dancing looks over to ...

MIKE AND SULLY
SULLY
Best thing to do is just forget it ever happened.

MIKE
How can I forget? (Half a beat) How can I?

We HOLD on them as we ...

CUT TO:

EXT. COLORADO SPRINGS - DAY ONE
Brian is walking along the board walk, passing in front of the saloon. He's preoccupied with undoing the wrapper on a piece of taffy.

The paper's sticking and he's holding it up in one hand when suddenly a horse's face enters shot, plucking the wad of taffy neatly out of Brian's hand.

BRIAN
Hey!

The horse chews the taffy. Brian looks at the horse. The horse looks at Brian. The horse leans over and nuzzles Brian, begging for more candy. It's love at first sight.

BRIAN
Don't. I ain't got no more. You ate the last piece.

The horse sniffs at one of his pockets. It nuzzles him again. Brian scratches his head. Behind Brian the saloon doors open and Hank exits, along with two other men, all of them holding cards in their hands. A few observers gather around.

HANK
Where is she?

MAN
Right there.

He points to the small horse by Brian
HANK
That ain't but half a horse.

Hank pushes Brian out of the way, reaches out, grabs the reins, jerks the horse's head up, examines her.

HANK
You're gonna have to throw in the saddle if you wanna see my cards.

The man looks at his cards, considers, then nods. Hank fans his hand for all to see.

HANK
Four Kings.

The other man looks at his cards and throws them in the air.

MAN
Mister, you got yourself a horse.

Hank smiles, grabs the reins again, jerks them.

HANK
Let's see what I've won.

Hank moves to the horse to mount up.

ANOTHER ANGLE
Hank starts right out abusing the horse. He tries to get the horse to back up.

HANK
Don't like that, do you. (To crowd) Feisty little girl.

ANGLE - BRIAN
watching. We hold on his trouble face as we hear Hank shouting at the horse and the horse crying out.

INT. CABIN - DAY ONE
Mike is mixing some pain medication. An older woman, Mrs. Caraway, lies in bed. She's got a full leg cast. Sully is stacking some wood by her stove.

MIKE
Now, Mrs. Caraway, this is going to take a few weeks to heal properly. You've got to stay put. You can't be doing chores on a broken leg.

The woman nods.

SULLY
I'll stop by every couple of days to see how you're doin'.

MIKE
And Grace will be sending out some food.

We hear some horses outside the cabin. Sully and Mike exchange a look. Sully goes to the window, looks out.

SULLY
Soldiers. (Looks again). General Custer.

Sully and Mike exchange a look.

EXT. CABIN - DAY ONE
Sully comes out as the column of Cavalry approach. Six men on horseback. Custer rides up, stopping in front of the cabin.

CUSTER
I believe I know you, sir.

SULLY
Name's Sully.

CUSTER (remembering)
Yes. Sully. (Half beat) I'm looking for Doctor Quinn. I was told I could find her here.

And Mike comes out of the cabin, sees Custer.

CUSTER (continued)
And so I may. Good day, Doctor Quinn,
SULLY
What do you want, General?

CUSTER (to Sully)
Dr. Quinn accompanied two of my men to the reservation to deliver supplies. They have not returned to post. (To Mike). Did you see them leave the reservation?

MIKE
Yes.

CUSTER
And what time was it?

Mike and Sully exchange a look.

MIKE (half beat)
I don't recall.

There's a long beat while Custer studies Sully and Mike
CUSTER (to Mike)
I suggest you stay closer to town from now on. There's been an increase in attacks by Cheyenne war parties. I suspect that is what happened to my men. (To Sully) Should that be the case, there will be hell to pay, I assure you.

Custer turns his horse, rides out followed by his men. We hold on Mike and Sully watching them go.

EXT. HOMESTEAD - ESTABLISHING - NIGHT ONE
COLLEEN (V.O.)
I vote for chocolate cake.

INT. HOMESTEAD - NIGHT ONE Colleen's at the stove. Mike at the table, Matthew sits in a chair, mending a harness. Brian sits across the table from Mike, doing homework.

MIKE
Let Brian decide, it's his birthday. What do you want?

BRIAN
I want a horse.

COLLEEN
A horse?

BRIAN
She's the best horse I ever saw. She's real smart, and she ain't too big for me. She ain't a pony, she's just too small for Hank.

MATTHEW
Hank? Hank owns her?

BRIAN
He won her in a poker game.

MATTHEW
How do you know he wants to sell the horse?

BRIAN
Hank don't even like her. I'm sure we could buy her.

MIKE
I don't know if we can afford another horse right now.

Mike looks at Matthew.

MATTHEW
Costs a lot of money to keep one, Brian.

MIKE
You can ride Flash anytime you want.

BRIAN
She's your horse. I want my own. I'm old enough.

MIKE
Brian ...

BRIAN (near tears)
Hank don't even like her.

And Brian gets up, goes into his alcove. We hold on Mike and the children.

EXT. GRACE'S CAFE - ESTABLISHING - DAY TWO
Mike and Sully are eating. Grace serves a table of soldiers, then sees someone standing nearby. Grace crosses to a soldier's wife.

GRACE
Afternoon. I'm still servin' lunch if you want a table.

The woman looks a little lost. She shakes her head.

SOLDIER'S WIFE
I'm lookin' for Doctor Quinn.

GRACE
That's her over there.

The woman nods, walks out of shot. We hold on Grace.

ANGLE - MIKE AND SULLY
At their table as the Soldier's wife enters shot.

SOLDIER'S WIFE
Doctor Quinn? I'm Anna Cottle.

MIKE
Yes?

SOLDIER'S WIFE
My husband rode out to the reservation with you. (Mike's look). I was just wonderin' ... if he said anything.

The wife looks over at the other soldiers, turns back to Mike. She's right on the edge of her emotions.

SOLDIER'S WIFE (whispers)
See, I was thinkin', maybe he deserted ... and you knew where I was supposed to meet him ...

The tears brim in her eyes. Mike looks at Sully.

A Lieutenant at the other table looks over at them.

MIKE
I'm sorry, he didn't say anything to me.

The Lieutenant gets up, crosses to them.

Mrs. Cottle, would you care to join us?

Anna nods. The Lieutenant escorts her back to their table.

ANOTHER ANGLE - SULLY AND MIKE
Mike is miserable with guilt.

MIKE
I have to tell her.

SULLY
No.

Mike looks over at Anna.

MIKE
She needs to know the truth.

SULLY
The truth is that if her husband had got away he would have come back with a hundred soldiers and killed everyone in the village.

There's a long beat.

MIKE
If they ask again about what happened, I won't lie.

SULLY
You know what that'll do?

MIKE
Those men had families, and they --

SULLY
Those men were soldiers. And there's a war goin' on here, and only a fool can't see it.

MIKE (beat)
If they ask me again, I'm not lying.

And with that Sully shakes his head, gets up, walks out. We hold on Mike as we
END ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN
EXT. TOWN - ESTABLISHING - DAY THREE
DOROTHY (V.O.)
Somethin' on your mind?

INT. BRAY'S GENERAL STORE - DAY THREE
Mike stands before the yarn bin, a couple of samples in her hands. She looks at the samples, then at Dorothy.

DOROTHY
You been starin' at those two skeins for almost ten minutes.

MIKE
I can't seem to make up my mind.

DOROTHY
They're both the same color.

Mike looks at them. She shrugs, places the yarn back in the rack.

MIKE
I really don't need yarn. I need advice.

DOROTHY
What kind?

MIKE (beat)
I saw something that happened. Something terrible. I've lied about what I know because I'm afraid if I tell the truth, far worse things will happen.

DOROTHY
Are you or the children in danger?

MIKE
No.

DOROTHY
If what happened is as bad as you say, it's got to be found out before too long. Then people will want to know why you didn't speak up sooner. (Mike's look). What did you see?

MIKE
I don't want this to end up in your Gazette.

DOROTHY
It won't ... I been readin' in my newspaper book about somethin' called "off the record." Means you can say what you want and I can't print it.

MIKE
I don't want you to print it or talk about this to anyone.

DOROTHY
Michaela, this is just between friends.

Mike sighs, nods her head, grateful for the chance of confession.

EXT. GENERAL STORE - DAY THREE
Looking through the window to see Dorothy listening to Mike. Camera adjusts to see Matthew walking down the street, heading into the saloon.

INT. SALOON - DAY THREE
Hank's at the bar. Matthew enters.

MATTHEW
Hank, I need to talk to you.

HANK
I knew you'd be back.

Hank grabs a bottle, pours a drink for Matthew.

HANK
Got a game startin' up in an hour.

He puts the drink in front of Matthew.

HANK
If you're a little short, I can cover you ...

MATTHEW
I didn't come to gamble. I came to buy your horse.

HANK
My horse? What horse?

MATTHEW
The one you got playin' poker.

HANK
You want to buy that horse?

MATTHEW
It's for my brother's birthday. How much?

HANK (looks; then)
Ain't for sale.

Hank slides the drink of whiskey back to himself.

HANK
But if you'd like to gamble for it ...

Hank smiles at Matthew.

MATTHEW
If you change your mind, let me know.

HANK
You too.

Matthew walks out. Hank drinks the drink himself as we ...

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. MIKE'S CLINIC - DAY THREE
Mike opens the door, escorts a patient out. Mike stretches, walks out a few steps, looks down the street past the telegraph office. She's about to go back inside when she seems something.

MIKE'S POV - THIN RAIL OF SMOKE
rising in the distance, only a few miles away.

BACK TO MIKE
She shields her eyes, looks again. We move with Mike as she crosses to the porch of the ...

EXT. TELEGRAPH OFFICE - DAY THREE
She stops in front of the door.

MIKE
Horace. Come out here.

Horace comes out stands, beside her.

HORACE
What is it?

MIKE
Look over there. What's that?

Horace looks out. A few others are stopping on the street to point.

HORACE
Smoke.

MIKE
Forest Fire?

HORACE
Nothin' but grass over there. Has to be a house. Probably the Klemmer ranch.

And then we can hear the faint sound of gunshots riding on the wind.

HORACE
That's gunfire.

Jakes comes running around the corner, napkin still tucked in his shirt.

JAKE (shouting)
Indian attack! Indian attack! Get your rifles. Let's go! Every man that can ride. Indian attack!

And Jake runs back towards his store.

HORACE
I better wire Denver.

Horace goes back inside the telegraph office. Someone begins to ring the fire bell. We hold on Mike, looking off at the growing smoke in the distance.

CUT TO:

EXT. KLEMMER RANCH - DAY THREE
CLOSE - MIKE
Looking at something that deeply disturbs her.

MIKE'S POV - KLEMMER RANCH - DAY THREE
What's left of it. Main homestead burned down. Fire still going on another structure, but nobody tyring to put it out. Bodies of the dead family are covered with blankets. No survivors. Hank, Robert E, Matthew, Jake, Horace, the Reverend and Dorothy are there.

BACK TO MIKE
as she surveys the damage. She sees Dorothy talking to another rancher. She's taking notes. Jake enters.

JAKE
Dr. Mike?

MIKE
Yes.

JAKE
Where we gonna bury em all?

For a moment Mike considers it a rhetorical question.

MIKE
I don't know, Jake,
JAKE
How bout under that oak over there?

MIKE
I'm sure that'd be fine.

Jake exits. Mike looks over to
DOROTHY
writing in her notepad. She looks up at Mike.

BACK TO MIKE
exchanging one last glance with Dorothy, before turning and walking away, past the flames, back to her horse.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. CORRAL - DAY THREE
By the livery. Brian unwraps a piece of taffy. He carefully sets it on the rail. A beat, then the horse steps over, grabs the candy. Brian pops a piece into his mouth, chews thoughtfully as he scratches the horse's mouth.

HANK (O.C.)
What're you doin' to my horse?

ANOTHER ANGLE
Hank is standing behind Brian.

BRIAN
Nothin'.

The horse reacts to Hank, suddenly very nervous.

HANK
Then why's she actin' so spooked?

BRIAN
Maybe she don't like you.

HANK
This horse? This horse loves me, don't you girl?

Hank steps up on the fence, reaches out for the halter, but the horse pulls back and he misses it.

HANK
Come here.

The horse backs up to the far side of the small corral. Hank looks around, finds a strip of bridle leather. It'll do. He slaps it on the wood, drops down into the corral.

HANK
Come here.

BRIAN
Don't hurt her. She didn't do nothin' ...

HANK
You leave my horse alone. You hear?

Hank cracks the leather.

HANK
Don't want some stupid kid spoilin' her.

Suddenly the horse rears up, strikes out at Hank. Hank jumps back.

BRIAN
No.

Hank swings the leather, driving the horse back. The horse retreats, kicks out with her rear legs, smashes down the rail, turns and runs for it right through
EXT. GRACE'S CAFE - DAY THREE
The horse crashes through the tables, sending customers flying, and takes one leap to bound over the fence. And right behind the horse is Hank, running after it.

HANK
Come back here!

Hank gives chase, dodging tables, jumping the fence himself.

ANGLE - THE HORSE
high tailing it for freedom up the fire road, past the school house.

ANGLE - HANK
slowing down, giving up, stopping in the middle of the road.

ANGLE - BRIAN
as he runs up to the fence, watches the horse disappear over the rise.

BRIAN (to himself)
Run girl. Run.

We hold on Brian.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. HOMESTEAD BARN - DAWN - DAY FOUR
Matthew is saddling up his horse. Brian hands him the blanket.

BRIAN (continued)
Where you gonna look first?

I'll follow Red Creek, see where the horse crossed it, track her from there.

BRIAN
I been thinkin'. She don't know you. If she's scared, I can talk to her. Maybe I better come with you.

MATTHEW
Brian, I'll try my best, but I might not find her. Even if I do, she's still Hank's horse.

BRIAN
I know (half beat). Please, Matthew, let me come with you?

MATTHEW (beat)
Better get another lariat.

Brian lets out a little cheer as he goes back into the barn. The door to the homestead opens and Mike exits, wearing her bathrobe. She's just awakened.

MIKE
Where are you going so early?

MATTHEW
Got some things to do in town.

Mike moves closer.

MIKE
I think you should stay closer to home until this trouble's over. (Half beat). I'm even thinking we should postpone Brian's birthday party.

MATTHEW
What for? Custer's got half the army patrollin' the valley. Dog Soldiers have all headed south.

Matthew swings the saddle up.

MATTHEW
Sully comin'?

MIKE
I don't know.

MATTHEW
Didn't you ask him?

MIKE
I haven't seen him for a few days. Have you?

MATTHEW
Nope. Sure would hate to see him miss it. I know Brian'd want Sully there.

Brian comes out of the barn with the lariat.

BRIAN (to Matthew)
I got one.

And then he sees Mike. Brian's about to try and hide the lariat. Matthew takes the lariat, drops it over the saddle horn.

MATTHEW
Ma, is it all right if Brian comes with me?

MIKE
You're just going into town and back?

BRIAN
Yes ma'am.

MIKE
I guess it's all right.

BRIAN
Thanks, Ma.

Brian kisses Mike. Matthew swings into the saddle and pulls Brian up behind him.

MATTHEW
We'll be back by supper.

As they turn to ride off.

MIKE
Just be careful.

MATTHEW
Yes, ma'am.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. WOODS - DAY FOUR
Matthew and Brian are riding along, looking for the horse. Matthew spots something.

MATTHEW (whispers)
There she is.

THEIR POV - THE HORSE
grazing on some grass by the edge of the woods.

BACK TO SCENE
MATTHEW (whispers)
Get down.

BRIAN
What're you gonna do?

MATTHEW
Rope her.

Matthew lowers his brother to the ground, picks up the lariat.

BRIAN
But you don't have to ...

And Matthew spurs the horse. The chase is on.

ANOTHER ANGLE
Matthew is riding hard through the woods, lasso up, chasing the small horse. The horse is smart, staying in the trees where Matthew can't make a clean throw and dodge branches at the same time.

ANGLE - BRIAN
watching from nearby.

BRIAN (continued)
You're scarin' her. Stop! You don't have to do that!

ANGLE - MATTHEW
as he cuts his horse back in the other direction, going after the horse.

BRIAN
Matthew. I can catch her. Let me try.

MOVING WITH MATTHEW
He gets a clear opening to make a throw, lets go of the lariat and doesn't dodge a branch in time. The branch snaps off and knocks Matthew from his horse.

ANOTHER ANGLE
as Matthew hits the ground. Brian comes running up to him.

BRIAN
Matthew! You all right?

Brian pulls the branch off Matthew, who leans up, shakes his head.

MATTHEW
You sure you really want that horse?

Brian looks over at the horse.

THE HORSE
standing in the woods, pawing the ground, ready for the next round.

ANGLE - BRIAN
as he takes a piece of taffy out of his pocket.

BRIAN
here girl. Got somethin' for you.

ANGLE - THE HORSE
looks at Brian, stops pawing.

ANOTHER ANGLE
as Brian moves closer to the horse, calming her with his voice, holding up the candy for the horse to see. Finally he's close enough. The horse moves to him. Takes the candy. Brian rubs the horse's nose. Slowly he places a rope around the horse's neck.

BRIAN
Matthew, it's all right. Come on over here.

Matthew walks slowly yup to them. He's amazed.

MATTHEW
How'd you do that?

BRIAN
She likes me.

MATTHEW
Look, she's hurt.

Matthew moves to the horse, touches a place. Blood.

MATTHEW
Must've done it breakin' out of the corral.

BRIAN
She gonna be all right?

MATTHEW
Don't know. If it gets worse she might go lame. (Half beat). And then she'd have to be put down.

BRIAN
No. We'll hide her. She'll get better. She will. Please, Matthew.

Against his best judgment.

MATTHEW
All right. We'll keep her out here til she's fit. It'll give us time to figure out what to do.

ANGLE - BRIAN
with the horse nuzzling him.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. CHURCH - DAY FIVE
The congregation exits after services. All the regulars and the Soldier's Wife are there. Mike exits, shakes the Reverend's hand.

MIKE (to Reverend)
Would you like to join us for some lunch?

Mike looks off.

THEIR POV
the pasture where people are starting to spread out blankets for a picnic. Matthew, Colleen and Brian are setting out a blanket. As they do, Sully approaches from the woods, wearing his buckskins, coming to join them.

BACK TO SCENE
REVEREND
Thank you, but I've already accepted an invitation from Mrs. Littlefield.

MIKE
Oh.

A few more people exit the church, shake his hand.

MIKE
Reverend, I was wondering if we might talk later this week?

REVEREND
Well, I'm leavin' for Denver in the mornin'. But I'll be back in two days.

JAKE (O.C.)
Look! It's General Custer.

REVEREND
Can it wait til then?

Mike turns to see ...

FOLLOWING GENERAL CUSTER
and his men, riding into town by the tents. Old Knife is tied to the Army horse he stole. Custer and his men spot the crowd, turn into the pasture and ride up to the church.

EXT. CHURCH - DAY FIVE
CUSTER
Dr. Quinn.

Mike steps out from the crowd. Sully crosses over to stand beside her.

CUSTER
I believe this belongs to you.

Custer holds up her stethoscope.

CUSTER
This Indian was wearing it when we captured him. He was also riding a stolen Army horse.

Custer throws the stethoscope down.

CUSTER
I know you were there, Dr. Quinn.

A beat.

MIKE (with difficulty)
Yes, I was.

CUSTER
I want to know what happened.

MIKE (beat)
The two men who came to bring supplies to the village were killed by Dog Soldiers.

The Soldier's Widow nearly faints. She cries out. Horace and Jake help hold her up. Mike turns to her.

MIKE
I'm sorry ... I ...

CUSTER
Was this Indian one of those who killed my men?

Mike looks at Sully, then back to Custer.

MIKE
Yes.

CUSTER
Did anybody else see what happened? Was anyone with you?

Mike doesn't look at Sully, but straight ahead.

MIKE
I was alone.

CUSTER (beat; then)
Did you see where my men were buried? I'd like to claim their remains.

Mike shakes her head.

CUSTER
Sergeant?

A Sergeant steps his horse up to Custer.

SERGEANT
Yes, sir.

CUSTER
Take this murdering Indian to Fort Collins and when you get there, hang him.

SERGEANT
Yes, sir.

CUSTER
And when you return with reinforcements, we're going back to that village.

ANOTHER ANGLE
Custer spurs his horse, rides away. We HOLD on Mike and Sully.

END ACT TWO
ACT THREE
EXT. RESERVATION - DAY SIX
LONG SHOT - MIKE AND SULLY
riding along a ridge line, heading into the hills. They rein up.

CLOSER
MIKE
Why are we stopping?

Sully gives her a look. He's still very angry.

SULLY
Quit askin' questions and do what I tell you. (Beat). We better get off and walk. Everybody's a little jittery right now. We go ridin' in we might get shot.

Sully dismounts.

MIKE
But we've got to warn them.

SULLY
Custer won't be here until tomorrow.

MIKE
How do you know that?

SULLY
Cause *men* usually do what they say.

Mike dismounts.

MIKE
And women don't?

Sully starts walking. Mike follows, leading her horse.

MOVING WITH THEM
SULLY
This whole thing shouldn't have happened.

MIKE
What were the Dog Soldiers doing in the village? I thought you and Cloud Dancing said you were keeping them away?

SULLY
They were only stayin' the night.

MIKE
Well, then it's as much your fault as mine, so you can stop blaming me.

Mike stops walking but Sully continues.

MIKE
I can't change the fact that two men died because I showed up a day early.

Sully stops.

MIKE
Two lives have been lost, and it doesn't matter if they were soldiers or Indians. What matters is how we stop his incident from becoming a terrible war.

Sully turns to face her.

SULLY
It's already too late to do that.

Sully looks off to see
EXT. RESERVATION
A frenzy of packing, horses, people running back and forth. A hurried exodus in progress.

ANGLE - MIKE AND SULLY
Cloud Dancing walks up to them
CLOUD DANCING
We will go into the mountains where his horses cannot follow us.

MIKE
What about your teepees?

CLOUD DANCING
We will come back for them when Custer is gone.

MIKE
What if he doesn't leave?

CLOUD DANCING
Then we will come back to fight.

ANOTHER ANGLE
Walks on Cloud rides up on his horse.

WALKS ON CLOUD
How did Custer find out his soldiers were here? Who told him?

CLOUD DANCING
It does not matter.

Walks on Cloud looks at Sully.

WALKS ON CLOUD
This man has scouted for the Army. Maybe he betrays us.

Walks on Cloud reaches back to his quiver for an arrow, but as his hand sets on the feathers, Sully has his tomahawk out and ready to throw.

MIKE
I told them!

Walks on Cloud slowly lowers his empty hand.

CLOUD DANCING
looks at Mike.

MIKE
I'm sorry. I couldn't lie.

Mike can't hold his eyes.

ANOTHER ANGLE
WALKS ON CLOUD
You who are my father's friends are now my enemies. If we meet again, I will kill you.

He pulls back on his horse, whirling away from them.

WALKS ON CLOUDS
I go to join the Dog Soldiers and fight. (To Cloud Dancing) run away with the women and children. You have become an old man and I will no longer listen to you.

Walks on Cloud rides out of the village.

ANOTHER ANGLE
Mike turns to Cloud Dancing.

MIKE
I'm sorry ...

Cloud Dancing walks away. WE HOLD on MIKE and SULLY, while the panic swirls about them.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. HOMESTEAD - DAY SIX
Matthew and Brian are doing chores outside the barn. Hank rides up.

HANK
Afternoon boys.

BRIAN
Ma ain't here.

HANK
Ain't your ma I'm looking for. (Beat). I'm lookin' for a horse.

MATTHEW
A horse?

HANK
You wouldn't have an extra one hangin' round, would you?

BRIAN
No, sir, no extra horses here.

Colleen comes out of the barn with a pail of milk. Hank looks into the barn, only sees the cow and Matthew's horse.

HANK
Thought you might since Loren says you was buyin' extra oats and ... (to Brian) ... extra taffy this week.

Brian and Matthew exchange a look.

MATTHEW
Your horse ain't here.

HANK
Well, if someone was to find my horse and still keep her when they knew I was out lookin' for her, I'd say that fellah was no bettern' a horse thief. Wouldn't you?

BRIAN
Horse thief?

HANK
And you know what happens to horse thieves.

Hank rides out.

COLLEEN
What is going on?

MATTHEW/BRIAN
Nothin'.

On their looks. We HOLD on Brian and Matthew.

CUT TO:

EXT. COLORADO SPRINGS - DAY SIX
The stage coach comes racing into town. The Reverend is driving. He pulls to a stop.

REVEREND
Help! Get Dr. Mike.

Loren comes racing out of the store. Dorothy runs to get Dr. Mike. Horace, Myra, Jake and Robert E come down to look.

LOREN
What happened?

REVEREND
Indians attacked the stage about two miles from here.

JAKE
You're hit.

The Reverend looks at his jacket, sees the blood.

ROBERT E
We'll help you down.

Jake and Robert E move to help him.

LOREN
Where's the driver?

REVEREND
Dead.

Loren's looking in the window of the stage.

LOREN
So's everyone in here.

Mike comes running up with Dorothy as they help the Reverend down to the ground. She checks the wound.

LOREN
Indians attacked em.

MIKE
Who else is hurt? Where are they?

LOREN
He's the only one survived.

They look at Mike. A beat, then ...

MIKE
Can you walk?

REVEREND
Yes.

He starts to stand up but collapses. Jake and Robert E catch him.

MIKE
Hurry. I've got to stop the bleeding.

She leads and they follow with the Reverend, heading for the clinic.

EXT. WOODS - DAY SIX
Brian is walking along a path. He passes CAMERA. He's carrying a rucksack.

A moment later, colleen appears, coming up the trial, following him. Brian stops for a moment. We HEAR a HORSE WHINNY somewhere nearby. Brian takes off running.

ANGLE - COLLEEN
behind a tree, watching him disappear deeper into the woods, and then she follows after him. As she runs we HEAR the horse again.

CUT TO:

EXT. WOODS - TEMPORARY CORRAL - DAY SIX
Matthew and Brian have built in the woods. Some poles tied between trees/ They've made a shelter over a hay crib. Brian is feeding the horse some taffy. Colleen appears behind him, hiding in the trees. Brian has unpacked his knapsack, has some medicine out and is rubbing it on the horse's leg wound.

BRIAN
This is for your leg.

Colleen moves closer, touched by what she sees her brother doing. The horse smells her now and whinnies a warning. Brian looks about, sees Colleen.

BRIAN
You followed me!

COLLEEN
You said you weren't doin' nothin'. Looks like you are.

She moves closer. The horse is cautious.

BRIAN
It's all right, she's my sister. She won't hurt you.

The horse calms down. Colleen examines the wound.

COLLEEN
What happened to her?

BRIAN
She did it runnin' away from Hank.

COLLEEN
This is Hank's horse? (He nods). The one you wanted?

BRIAN
And she's mine now.

COLLEEN
You can't keep her. You heard what Hank said. It's the same as stealin'.

BRIAN
But she ran away.

COLLEEN
And she's gotta go back.

BRIAN
I lover her, Colleen. I want to keep her.

COLLEEN
This horse is hurt bad. That cut looks infected. She could die.

BRIAN
You can make her better. You can do it, Colleen, please?

COLLEEN
No, I can't. I don't know how. You gotta take her to Robert E. He'll know what to do.

BRIAN
But I do that, Hank'll get her.

COLLEEN
If you really love this horse, you'll do what's right for her, no matter what happens.

We HOLD on BRIAN
CUT TO:

INT. CLINIC - DAY SIX
Mike bandages the Reverend's arm, rests it in a sling. Dorothy is there, taking notes.

REVEREND
We'd stopped to water the horses and Aspen creek. Suddenly there was all this shouting and guns going off. Driver got killed, so I grabbed the reins. (Beat). Never driven a stage coach in my life.

MIKE
You were very brave.

We HEAR HORSES riding up outside.

EXT. CLINIC - DAY SIX
Custer and a detail of six MEN. In the back of a wagon are several Dog Soldiers. Mike and Dorothy exit the clinic, followed by the Reverend. Custer has dismounted, is looking over this prisoners.

CUSTER
This one's dead .. . him, too ... this one's alive. (To Mike). See what you can do for this Indian. (To Soldiers) Well, get him down from there.

The two soldiers start to pull the wounded Indian from the back of the wagon. Custer sees the Reverend's wound.

CUSTER
What happened to you, Reverend?

DOROTHY
He was on a stage coach that got ambushed by Cheyenne.

CUSTER
When did this happen?

DOROTHY
This mornin'.

MIKE
General, I'd like to know why the Army isn't doing a better job of protecting us?

CUSTER
We're doing our best, Doctor Quinn, but it's difficult to prevail as long as prominent citizens continue to foster sympathy for the renegade Cheyenne.

ANOTHER ANGLE
The Indian Mike is examining breaks free from the soldier's grasp with one last burst of strength. He shouts a wary cry and lunges for Mike, grabs her by the throat.

Custer takes a rifle from one of the soldiers and slams the butt into a bloody wound on the Indian's back. The Indian screams and lets go of Mike, falls to the ground, unconscious. Mike holds her throat, coughs.

CUSTER
Here.

Custer offers Mike his canteen. She shakes her head.

MIKE
I'm all right.

The Sergeant kneels by the Indian, checks his eyes. He looks up at Custer.

SERGEANT
He's dead, sir.

CUSTER
Well, I lied, Dr. Quinn. I won't be needing your services after all. I apologize. I'm sure you don't like being lied to anymore than I do. (To Sergeant). Sergeant, muster up a burial detail. (To Reverend). Perhaps you'd like to say a few words over their graves, Reverend.

REVEREND
I hope they burn in hell.

Mike is disturbed the Reverend's comment. The Reverend walks away towards his church. We HOLD on Mike and Custer watching him go.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. ROBERT E'S BARN - DAY SIX
Robert E is dressing the wound on the horse.

ROBERT E
Well, I've done the best I can. The rest is up to her.

BRIAN
Thanks, Robert E.

Brian unwraps a taffy, offers it to the horse, but the horse doesn't want it. Brian sadly puts the candy back in his pocket.

MATTHEW
I better go tell Hank we found his horse.

Brian looks like he's lost all hope. Matthew starts out.

BRIAN
Ask Hank again, will you?

MATTHEW
Brian, he ain't gonna sell.

BRIAN
There's gotta be a way. Ask him. Please?

Matthew nods, thinks for a moment. Then he walks away. We HOLD on Brian and Robert E.

INT. SALOON - DAY SIX
Matthew enters. Myra is at the bar.

MYRA
Hey, Matthew.

MATTHEW
Myra. Is that poker game still on for this week?

MYRA
Sure is. You gonna play?

MATTHEW
Thinkin' about it.

MYRA
Thought you gave up gamblin'.

MATTHEW
I did. Where's Hank?

MYRA
In back. You want me to tell him you changed your mind?

MATTHEW
I will.

Matthew isn't too happy about doing this as he heads out the back of the saloon.

INT. WINDOWLESS BACK ROOM - SALOON - DAY SIX
A single oil lamp flame reflects on three half-full whiskey bottles lined up on a board. There's a funnel sticking in one of them. A stream of water rushes down it.

WIDER
to see Hank cutting his whiskey with water from a dirty pitcher. He fills the whiskey bottle with water, corks it, sets it in a case on the floor. He's nearly done.

MATTHEW
Hank?

MATTHEW
standing in the door.

ANOTHER ANGLE
Hank turns around, blocking Matthew's view of his profitable work with his body. Hank remains cool. In the dark there's a chance Matthew didn't see anything.

HANK
What do you want?

Matthew looks at Hank, then down at the box on the floor. He's seen enough to know he doesn't have to say anything.

MATTHEW
I came to tell you I found your horse.

HANK
You did?

MATTHEW
It's over at Robert E's. She got hurt runnin' away, but I think she'll be all right.

HANK
Much obliged. Anything else? I'm busy.

MATTHEW
My brother wants to buy that horse. He's willin' to work for it, doin' chores for you. What do you say?

HANK (beat; then)
You let me back you in the next big poker game, you can buy the horse with your share of the winnin's.

MATTHEW
I could do that, but it'll mean more to Brian if he earns it himself. He'll understand the value of workin' hard and gettin' what you pay for. Wouldn't want to cheat him out of that, would we?

Matthew looks at the bottles. Hank knows he's been had.

HANK
No, we wouldn't.

MATTHEW
When do you want him to start?

HANK
Tomorrow would be fine.

MATTHEW (smiles)
I'll tell him
Matthew exits. Hank frowns, picks up a bottle of his whiskey, takes a drink.

CUT TO:

EXT. FOREST - NIGHT SIX
Wolf and Sully walk through the woods, stop to check a trap. It's empty. Sully hears something, looks up.

SULLY'S POV - HORSES MOVING THROUGH THE TREES
but barely visible. Gradually we can make out buckskin covered legs, moccasins, rifles.

CLOSE - SULLY
holding his breath, gesturing to Wolf not to move. He pulls back behind a tree, hidden in the shadows. Looking left and right. Nowhere to run.

A CHEYENNE WAR PARTY
Ten Dog Soldiers move through the trees, dark, dangerous, carrying unlit torches. One of them hears something, stops the horses. He points.

INDIAN'S POV - THE WOODS
to see Wolf running away.

BACK TO THE WAR PARTY
who ride on, thinking it was only an animal out hunting. They ride past the spot where Sully stood.

ANGLE - LARGE THREE BRANCH
where Sully holds onto a branch, suspended above them as they pass beneath him.

ANOTHER ANGLE
as the War party rides on deeper into the forest. A beat, then Sully drops down from the tree. He takes off running through the woods, going in a different direction around the war party.

EXT. CLINIC - NIGHT SIX
Mike is closing up. She steps out, shuts the door. She steps off the porch, looks over to the church. The lights on inside. She turns around and suddenly
SULLY
Is right behind her.

MIKE
Sully. You frightened me.

SULLY
Where is everybody?

MIKE
in church. The Reverend called a meeting. Where have you been?

SULLY
With Cloud Dancin', in the mountains. Come on.

He grabs her arm, starts pulling her with him towards the church.

MIKE
What's wrong?

SULLY
Where are the children?

MIKE
At home. Sully ....

They are just about in the middle of the road when Sully spots them coming.

THEIR POV - ACROSS THE BRIDGE
of the war party riding full out, torches blazing in the wind.

BACK TO SULLY AND MIKE
as Sully quickly pulls Mike in the other direction. The first rifle shot rings out, just missing them. They take refuge between the telegraph office and the clinic. Sully has his tomahawk out and shelters Mike with his body, ready to fight.

ANOTHER ANGLE
as the war party rides quickly through the town, throwing their torches at the buildings, escaping into the night. One torch lands on the second story of the clinic.

EXT. CHURCH - NIGHT SIX
As Hank and Jake come out the front door followed by a few other men.

JAKE
I heard a rifle. I know I did.

HANK
Look.

THEIR POV - TOWN - NIGHT SIX
with a few fires starting to break out.

BACK TO SCENE
JAKE
The town's on fire!

And with that they start running.

EXT. TOWN - NIGHT SIX
A fire burns on the telegraph porch.

Sully is throwing water on it with a bucket when Jake and Hank reach him.

JAKE
What happened?

SULLY
Indians.

MIKE
Sully! Up there! The clinic's on fire!

ANGLE - CLINIC
on the second story about six feet of the banister is starting to catch fire, flames licking to the roof.

Sully runs, springs off a wagon parked in front and leaps to the second story porch, swings over the railing, kicks the torch away, takes out his tomahawk, and hacks off the burning railing, shoves it into the street. He looks down at Mike.

SULLY'S POV - THE STREET
with the town fighting the fires, putting them out. Everything is going crazy.

ANGLE - MIKE
looking back at Sully, wondering what they've done.

We HOLD on her as we
END ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:

EXT. COLORADO SPRINGS - DAY SEVEN
The bell on the church is ringing an alarm. Wagons are parked in the meadow. We see the burned parts of buildings from the night before.

People are gathering at the church for a town meeting.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. CHURCH - DAY SEVEN
The Reverend at the pulpit, arm in a sling. Loren, Jake and Horace stand behind him. The church is filled with our regulars. Sully sits with Mike.

REVEREND
It's become evident that the Army cannot protect us any longer.

HANK
That's for sure.

REVEREND
So the citizen's committee is recommending everyone move into town until the Dog Soldiers have been captured.

HANK
Or killed.

JAKE
We're gonna barricade the roads comin' in, and we'll be takin' turns keepin' a lookout.

REVEREND
We need any man that can carry a gun to see us after this meeting.

SULLY
The Dog Soldiers won't be comin' back for a while.

HANK
How do you know?

SULLY
Because the Army's chasin' em.

HANK
Hope you're right, Sully cause any Indian that shows up, or anybody looks like an Indian is gonna get shot.

HORACE
Dr. mike, we was wonderin' if we could use the clinic as a shelter?
MIKE
Yes, you may, but I think we all should calm down first. Not every Indian in Colorado is a Dog Soldier trying to kill us.

HANK
Give em time, they will be.

There's a murmur of agreement from the crowd. We HOLD on Mike and Sully.

CUT TO:

EXT. CLINIC - DAY SEVEN
Mike stands at the door, assigning people to rooms as they arrive.

MIKE
Horace will show you upstairs.

HORACE
Right this way.

A family follows Horace through the door. Dorothy steps up.

DOROTHY
Got room for any more?

MIKE (looks at list)
Two beds left. Did you see Mrs. Caraway anywhere?

DOROTHY
No. Can't say I have.

MIKE
She broke her hip last week.

DOROTHY
I didn't know.

MIKE
I guess nobody else does either.

Another family walks up to Mike and Dorothy as we ...

CUT TO:

EXT. CLINIC - DAY SEVEN
Mike comes out with her medical bag, Matthew follows carrying some blankets.

MATTHEW
If Brian cleans up everyday for a few hours, Hank said he could pay it off in a month.

Matthew throws the blankets into the back of their wagon.

MIKE
I don't like the idea of Brian working in a saloon.

MATTHEW
Myra said she'd keep an eye out for him. Besides, it'll be durin' the day, and nothin's going' on then anyway.

Mike gives Matthew a look.

MIKE
He must really want that horse.

Sully appears.

SULLY
Where you think you're goin'?

MIKE
Mrs. Caraway is still at her cabin. Matthew and I are going to get her.

SULLY
I'll go with him. You stay here.

MIKE
Sully, I have to go. Her leg is broken. She'll need an injection of morphine to make the journey.

SULLY
Show me how. I'll do it.

MIKE
You can't. You wouldn't know how much to give. I'll be all right. You said the Army was chasing the Dog Soldiers and they wouldn't be back near us for a while.

SULLY
Truth is, there's no tellin' where they are or what they'll do.

MIKE
I can't leave her out there. If we go now, we should have no trouble.

It's against Sully's better judgment.

SULLY
Fine, have it your way. But I'll drive.

Sully swings up into the seat, pulls her up. Mike looks at Matthew.

MIKE
Tell Brian he can take the job, but I want you to watch out for him, too.

MATTHEW
I will.

MIKE
We'll be back by dark.

SULLY
Heyaah.

ANOTHER ANGLE
The wagon rolls out of town. Matthew watches it go.

CUT TO:

EXT. SALOON - DAY SEVEN
Brian walks along the boardwalk, after school. Myra is standing outside with a customer.

MYRA
Afternoon, Brian.

BRIAN
Hello, Myra
MYRA
Hank's expectin' you. He's around the side there.

Brian nods, walks around the building. He stops when he sees ...

ANGLE - HANK
HANK
Well, right on time. I like that in my employees.

BRIAN
What do you want me to do first?

ANOTHER ANGLE
to see Hank is standing in front of a table, half a dozen spittoons on it. There's a bucket, some soap, towels.

HANK
You can start with these.

Hank takes a last drag on his cheroot, drops it into one of the spittoons. We hear a HISS.

ANGLE - BRIAN
as he puts down his books, starts to roll up his sleeves. Hank walks past him.

HANK
Clean em out, make em shine.

EXT. STREET - LATER
SIX CAVALRY SOLDIERS including the Sergeant ride in, leading a wagon. In the back of the wagon is Mrs. Caraway.

EXT. CLINIC - DAY SEVEN
as the wagon pulls up, stops. Colleen comes out of the clinic with Matthew.

SERGEANT
Got a woman here with a broken leg. General Custer told us to bring her to Dr. Quinn.

COLLEEN
She's gone but I'll take care of her. Can you carry her inside?
The soldiers start to unload Mrs. Caraway.

MATTHEW
Colleen, that's the woman Ma and Sully were goin' to get.

ANGLE - SERGEANT
SERGEANT (announcing)
We expect reinforcements from Denver within a day. Until then, I suggest all of you stay close to town. The Dog Soldiers are raiding all around here.

BACK TO COLLEEN AND MATTHEW
MATTHEW
I gotta go get em.

COLLEEN
No, Matthew.

Matthew unties his horse, mounts up.

MATTHEW
You know Ma will keep lookin' for her. Longer they stay out, more chance of runnin' into war parties. (Half beat). Take care of Brian til I get back.

Matthew rides out. We HOLD on Colleen for a moment, then she goes into the clinic to see after her patient.

EXT. CARAWAY CABIN - DAY SEVEN
All seems peaceful and calm. Twilight. Mike's wagon tied up near the house. Camera moves to reveal a dead Dog Soldier near the wagon. And then another dead Dog Soldier.

INT. CABIN - DAY SEVEN
Mike and Sully sit side by side on the floor, backs to the fireplace wall. Sully is looking up at the ceiling. He's got a rifle in his hands, barrel pointed up. There's an Indian on the roof. He motions for Mike to be still. He cocks the rifle, follows the sound on the roof.

ANOTHER ANGLE
Sully fires. There's a hit and the Indian falls off the roof, landing outside the window. Sully ejects the shell, reaches down to the box of ammunition.

INSERT - AMMUNITION
only two bullets left.

BACK TO SCENE
as Sully loads the rifle. We can hear an Indian shouting something to them.

MIKE
What's he saying?

SULLY
They'll let me go if I give you up.

MIKE
Sully ...

SULLY
He's lyin'. They're gonna kill us both as soon as it gets dark.

MIKE
You've go to go.

SULLY
No.

MIKE
You could get away. You know you could.

SULLY
I won't leave you.

Mike moves closer to him. She looks deep into his eyes.

MIKE
I want to know you'll look after the children. (Half beat). Kiss me once, then go.

And Sully takes her in his arms. He kisses her deeply, with tenderness, and then kisses her harder, longer, with passion and she responds, pressing herself to him, tears filling her eyes, at last, surrender to it all. Finally they separate.

MIKE
Now, go ....

SUDDENLY THE DOOR
slams open and three Dog Soldiers race in. Sully pushes Mike to the side as a Dog Soldier tackles him, hitting the floor.

While Sully and the Indian fight, the other two Dog Soldiers grab Mike, pull her out the door. Mike screams and struggles.

ANGLE - SULLY AND INDIAN
on the floor, rolling around. The Indian has his knife out and they wrestle for it. Sully disarms the Indian, knocks him out with a kick.

Sully grabs the rifle, runs to the door.

EXT. CABIN - DAY SEVEN
Mike is being put up on a horse. A shot rings out, one Dog Soldier falls. They all turn to look.

ANGLE - SULLY
standing in the cabin door, reloading his last shell.

ANGLE - DOG SOLDIERS
and Mike on one horse. The rider turns to look at Sully. It's White Eye. Half a dozen Dog Soldiers return fire at the cabin.

ANGLE - SULLY
in the cabin door, pulling back as the gunshots splinter the log frame. By the time Sully steps back out again, the Indians are riding away. He raises his rifle ...

SULLY'S POV - THE DOG SOLDIERS AND MIKE
disappearing into the woods. Sully's gun sights on White Eye and Mike but not shot.

BACK TO SCENE
Sully runs a few yards after them, chasing into the woods, trying to get a shot, dodging their bullets. Wolf runs with him.

SULLY
Go boy, stay with her.

SULLY'S POV - THE INDIANS
splitting up and going in different directions as they get farther from him, disappearing into thick forest that's growing darker by the minute.

BACK TO SULLY
who runs another fifteen yards, then stops, not sure which way to go.

SULLY (shouting)
I will never leave you. I will find you!

END ACT FOUR - PART ONE

==========================
SCRIPT PROVIDED BY "TWIZ TV.COM - FREE TV SCRIPTS DATABASE"
==========================