Ride Him, Cowboy

("They'll Be Coming Around the Mountain" plays)

Now listen, I know Gaunt got the money,

so don't come back without it.

If you get a chance, take a shot at that Duke horse.

He attacked me again yesterday.

All right.

We'll get him when he comes out.

Move on.

What was that?

Sounded like Duke.

No, no grand-daddy, please don't go.

It may be the Hawk.

That's just why I've got to go.

Get back there.

Get out here, take this.

- Webb! - Webb!

All right. Take him in the house and get the doctor.

He's just breathing, that's all.

Hurry up, boys and be careful.

Help.

Henry Sims.

How did you get here?

What happened?

Well, I just happened to be riding by

when I heard a lot of commotion.

And I arrived just in time

to see that horse Duke

strike Webb down.

Then he attacked me.

That's strange.

Duke never attacked anybody before.

- Why, he's ready to do murder anytime he gets a chance.

You can't trust him any longer.

There's only one thing to do with a horse that's gone bad.

How is he, doc?

Is there any improvement, doctor?

- Well, this is the third day he's been unconscious.

It's impossible to say how long,

but he'll come out of it alright.

- First time I ever heard 'em

holding court for a horse.

- I never knew they tried Duke for anything.

- Granddaddy, you're not gonna let them kill Duke.

We must do something to save him.

Honey, Judge Bartlett is a fair man.

He'll give Duke a fair trial.

We'll have to abide by the judge's decision.

Hello.

Howdy, Mr. Gaunt.

Gosh, Ruth. Ain't it ridiculous

the fuss some folks make over a poor little horse?

He bit me! He bit me!

Hold him. Tie him down.

Everything ready, Lem?

All ready, Your Honor.

This court is now in session.

Folks, this trial is unusual in my experience.

But there ain't no reason I can see why

a horse shouldn't have a fair trial, same as a man.

If there ain't anybody who got any objections,

we'll proceed.

Sheriff, who's bringing the charges?

Henry Sims, Your Honor.

Oh.

This is a painful moment for me.

And if I didn't think it was my duty-

Yeah, you can skip that part, Henry,

and get down to bedrock.

Very well, Your Honor.

This horse, Duke, who everyone here knows is an outlaw,

has turned killer.

- Well, buddy, let's go see what all this ruckus is about.

And now that he has turned killer,

every man and woman in this town is in danger

as long as he remains alive.

- Sure made this horse out to be a confirmed sinner, Henry.

And I'm afraid you're right.

Well, you've heard the case for the prosecution, folks.

Anybody here gonna speak on behalf of the horse?

Uh, I'd like to say a word, Judge.

I realize that Duke is a very spirited animal.

Maybe more so than is good for him.

But if you'll give him another chance,

I take the responsibility

of seeing that he don't run wild again.

Gaunt, I'd...

I'd like to do what you ask, but the evidence shows

that Duke is a dangerous and vicious horse.

And I can't allow sentiment

to interfere with the safety of the people of this town.

- Judge Bartlett, I know Duke is no killer.

Oh, you must believe me.

See how gentle he is with me?

Do you think if he were a killer, that I'd dare go near him?

Oh, please, Judge. Let me keep him.

I'll be responsible for his good behavior.

- Why, the horse is gentle.

- Well, yes. He don't seem to bother her.

- Look here, Judge. You're not gonna allow this-

Henry Sims, you're on order.

I'm trying this case.

- Miss Ruth, I'd keep away from that horse if I was you.

- You got all the proof you need now, I guess.

All I say about that horse is true.

- That Sims hombre seems to rub that horse the wrong way.

- Which proves that the horse is plumb loco, mister.

Henry Sims is one of the finest men in town.

- Yeah, but that don't always fool a horse.

Order!

I am about to pass sentence in this case.

As the judgment to this court

that this Duke horse is a menace to this community.

And whereas, no one has been able to ride him

without risk to life and limb.

And whereas, he has wantedly attacked two men

and shown the disposition of a killer.

The Sheriff is ordered to-

Just a moment, Judge.

- How dare you interrupt this court, young man.

Well, I'm awful sorry, Your Honor,

but I didn't figure I had time to be polite.

I was afraid I'd be too late.

Too late for what?

- Well, to save you folks from killing a good horse

just because he's a little spirited.

See, where I come from we don't shoot horses

when they get honorary. We tame 'em.

Now, if you'll give me a chance-

- You're out of order. This case is closed.

- Henry Sims, if I have to remind you again

that I'm conducting this trial.

I'll fine you for contempt of court.

Now, what's on your mind?

- I heard you say that nobody could ride this horse.

Well, I'm willing to tackle him,

providing he goes free if I ride him.

Ride him, cowboy!

He's not from this county!

I refuse to permit such a thing.

Why, it'd be murder.

This man'll be trampled to death

before he ever got in the saddle.

Oh, let him ride it.

Well, folks.

Looks like you've decided for the court this time.

Let the stranger ride. We'll accept his proposition.

I don't know how to thank you.

But are you sure you can ride him?

He's thrown every man on the range,

and some of them have been seriously hurt.

- It's a fine thing you're doing, young man.

But you have no idea

what that Duke horse is when he gets going.

Well, uh, I may have to pull leather,

but I'm just stubborn enough

to stick to that animal till he gives up in disgust.

Shut that gate!

If I'd known it would have saved

Duke's life just to ride him,

I'd have done it in a minute.

- Maybe it ain't too late to take his place.

Why don't you ask him, Clout?

- Oh, I ain't butting in on another man's plate.

Besides, everybody around here knows what I can do.