The Hitch-Hiker

At the next intersection, why don't you turn south?

Chocolate Mountains were east last time we headed that way.

Who needs the mountains? Head for San Felipe.

There's nothing to do in San Felipe but fish.

Well...

That was the idea, wasn't it?

Yeah, I guess so.

We might just pick up a drink in Mexicale.

- Remember Floribel at the Alhambra Club? - Yeah.

She's probably dead by now. It was a long time ago.

Yeah. Poor old Floribel.

Well, there's no harm in drinking a toast to her.

Well, okay.

Except for the war, this is my first time away from Maudie and the kids.

- D'you wanna turn back? - No, no. We've come this far.

Mexicale's beginning to sound good.

Guess maybes.

I remember that joint.

Bienvenidos, caballeros! Bienvenidos a Mexico...

This is the place, señores, come in.

Juanita's starting her famous fan dance. You're just in time.

We might as well take a look. Hey, Gil! Gil?

Sorry, friend, no sale.

Oh, well. San Felipe, here we come.

- Out of gas? - Yeah.

Hop in.

We're going to San Felipe, you can pick up gas there and hitch a ride back.

- Waiting out there long? - Yeah.

Light me a cigarette.

Smoke?

No.

What are you doing, rolling 'em?

Face front.

And keep driving.

Sure, I'm Emmet Myers.

Do what I tell you, and no fast moves.

A lot of dead heroes back there got nervous.

From now on, when you're driving, keep both hands high on that wheel.

You, keep one hand on the top of this seat,

the other hand high on that window.

All right. Now turn off the next side road we come to.

Pull up.

Open the glove compartment.

What's the box?

- Cartridges, 22s. - Give 'em to me.

Close it.

Now this is how we get out, after this.

First, give me the keys.

Now we oughta get out the same side, this one.

I get out first, then you.

Stand away from the car. And then you.

Let's go.

Drop your jackets around your elbows.

Turn around.

We're gonna open the trunk. Move.

Pull your jackets up.

You, open the trunk.

Both of you, keep your hands on the lid.

Throw me the keys.

Now get the blankets.

You'd never make it!

Get the groceries, you.

- Whose gun is that? - Mine.

- Do you like to shoot? - Yeah.

So do I. So I'm warning you, don't try anything smart with me.

Move!

I told you my name. What's yours?

Mine's Gilbert Bowen. He's Roy Collins.

What do you do for a living?

I'm a draughtsman. He runs a garage.

That makes you smarter.

Or does it?

You're lucky. It hit an empty chamber. I used it a while back.

No fast moves! The last guy made that mistake.

When are you due back?

No particular time.

We told our wives to expect us home when we got there.

You got wives, huh? Any kids?

I have.

Just keep thinking how nice it'll be to see 'em again.

There's a checkpoint. Slow down. No talking.

If I give you the word, step on it.

This car rides pretty good.

When I get where I'm going, I think I'll sell it.

Where are we going?

Pull in at the next pump. We'll fill up and get a road map.

I got an idea.

A pretty good one.

- Aquí estás, señor. - Gracias.

- Speak English, you. - He doesn't understand English.

I don't understand Mexican.

Never mind the change, let's get out of here.

Loco!

Gimme the map.

Take the first side road we come to.

Pull up.

Keys.

All right, now get out like I told you.

Here, you're the smart guy. Spread the map out on the hood.

Get your hands up on the car. Look for a town called Santa Rosalia.

How far is it?

- About 500 miles. - Is it on the Gulf of California?

- Yeah. - Say anything about a ferry across the Gulf?

Friday.

Not bad.

We're loaded with time.

We can make that easy.

After that, I won't need you guys any more.

I guess we won't be having rabbit for dinner.

I wasn't trying.

Collins.

Put the can on that rock there.

Gimme the map.

Not that one! The other one.

That's it.

All right, Collins. Put the can back on the rock.

Don't forget, this is loaded too. You try. Let's see how good you are.

Go ahead.

Not bad.

Collins.

Pick up the can.

Take it onto that point there.

If you don't, I'll let Bowen have it.

Onto the point, that's right.

Further.

Now hold it up. You won't get hurt, your buddy's good with guns.

- You're crazy! I won't do it. - It's just a game. Go ahead.

Collins, hold it closer to you.

What's the matter, are you scared? Hold it closer.

You want me to try? I might miss this time.

Shoot.

Come on Gil, get going.

Nervous? Relax.

All right, Collins, come on in.

Fun's over.

You guys worked up quite a sweat.

Collins.

- Collins! - What do you want?

- Turn on the radio. - Why bother?

- All you get is Mexican commercials. - Never mind. Turn it on.

- Get something else. - Like what?

One of those news guys from the States.

Scheduled for 10am at the White House.

On the crime front, the police of 9 western states, from Washington in the north

to Colorado and Utah in the east,

have been alerted to keep a continue search

for Kansas desperado, Emmet Myers.

Reports have placed the killer in Florida, Detroit and Seattle,

although the police have discounted most of these. His latest victim,

William Johnson, a salesman from Portland, Oregon,

was found late yesterday in Imperial County, California.

The victim's car, possibly with Myers in it, has not yet been found.

- The United Nations... - Shut it off.

They're not even close!

You guys don't have to worry.

Not yet.

You can start sweating when they put me in this car...

If they ever do.

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, Sam Hayes reporting.

At the top of the news tonight there's a report

that Hitch-hike murderer, Emmet Myers, is still at large.

Yesterday, the devil thumbed another ride

and William Johnson of Portland asked him to hop in. Now, he is dead.

In an all-out effort to apprehend Myers,

the police have set up roadblocks on all major highways of the western states,

and all border stations are being closely watched.

Myers is slight, 28 years of age, is wearing a dark shirt,

dark grey trousers and a black leather jacket.

His right eyelid is partially paralysed.

If you are in possession of any information

regarding the whereabouts of this individual,

please communicate with your nearest office of police

or office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Pull up.

Keys.

Out.

Move.

Each of you take one.

Get around the car.

We'll camp here tonight.

I know what you're thinking, Collins.

You haven't got a chance.

You guys are gonna die, that's all. It's just a question of when.

Santa Rosalia, that's the end of the line.

If the cops find out we're together

or if you try to cross me up...

You know, you make pretty good targets from where I sit.

Anyway, you couldn't tell if I was awake or asleep.

I've one bum eye.

It won't stay closed.

Pretty good, huh?

We're getting out here and buy some grub.

We get out of the car like usual.

You guys go in the store ahead of me.

No Mexican. I'm talking to you.

When he tells you how much, you pay. Is that clear?

One other thing. I'll have my hand in my pocket.

So far, my record in Mexico's clean, I wanna keep it that way.

Let's go.

Buenos días, señores.