The Horse Soldiers Page #4

back alive as I can.

(Secord) And so I still must protest.

What's more, I want that

on the record for General Hurlburt.

It is impetuous mass suicide.

(Marlowe) It's on the record,

but get this.

Unless enemy action allows you to

take my place, that's the way it will be.

Blow Newton Station off the map,

then through to Baton Rouge.

There will be no change.

Do you understand?

(Secord) All right, you're in command.

(Marlowe) Now let's go over it again.

Straight through to Baton Rouge.

We will not turn back.

Sorry for keeping you waiting.

Was the brandy satisfactory?

Excellent. Won't you join me?

- Goodness me, no. I never touch spirits.

My papa taught me that a girl ought

to keep her wits about her at all times.

Your father raised a very smart girl.

You're being sweet.

Would you like to see the garden?

Didn't you forget your shawl?

Why, Lukey.

Now, Lukey, you take that tray downstairs

and go about doing what you have to do.

You know, I remember the first time I tried

spirits, at the Governor's Ball in Jackson.

My escort, Adam Lovelace from Biloxi,

well, he gave me a mint julep.

You know, those Lovelace boys

are all very handsome, but fast,

if you know what I mean.

If I could tell you the thoughts that went

on in my mind after that one julep... My.

I'd rather know the thoughts

going on in your mind right now.

Kendall, what in the name of...?

- Sorry we have to interrupt.

Ask them what they think

your chances are...

...of blowing up Newton Station

and getting to Baton Rouge.

Are you drunk?

- Unfortunately, no.

They were listening upstairs.

Makes a pretty good stethoscope.

Don't feel guilty.

I was slow to catch on too.

Where were you, Kendall?

Well, a gentlemen thinks twice

before peeking into a lady's bedroom,

but sometimes it pays off.

Looks like she's made

a fool out of both of us.

Ding-dong. Ding-dong.

You know something, Miss Hunter?

You have put me to quite an inconvenience.

At least I've accomplished something, sir.

I don't suppose I could accept your word

of honour not to discuss this with anyone.

I don't hold to honour with any Yankees.

- Exactly.

So the whole state of Mississippi

will be alerted.

So could you possibly suggest

what I should do with you?

I noticed she was getting on your nerves.

Now's your chance to shoot her.

One more word out of you...

- Go ahead. Shoot us.

Shoot both of us.

But you'll never get away with your filthy,

murdering plans, Mr. Colonel Marlowe.

You Yankees and your holy principle

about saving the Union.

You're plundering pirates, that's what.

You think there's no Confederate army

where you're going?

Do you think our boys

are asleep down here?

They'll catch up to you

and they'll cut you to pieces,

you nameless, fatherless scum.

And I wish I could be there to see it.

If it happens, Miss Hunter, you will be.

Hurry it up.

All right.

You're an excellent rider, Miss Hunter.

Interesting country, isn't it?

I'm more interested in why you vandals

confiscated my dead father's clothes.

Well, they're for our cadets.

Scouts.

- Scouts.

Spies, you mean.

It's a wonder they don't crawl along

on their bellies like snakes.

You'll find out what happens

to spies down here.

My personal experience with spies

is limited. I've only known one.

Do you mind, Major?

I prefer to ride alone.

Ma'am.

Miss Hannah.

All right, forward. Yo-oh.

Back in line, Doctor.

(Hannah screams)...

These lady's drawers are almost dry.

- Yeah.

Aren't you getting chilly?

Don't tell me you're concerned

about my health.

If I give you back your clothes,

will you promise not to run away again?

I would, ma'am. There's a point

where pride becomes impractical.

Actually, if you could get a look

at yourself, I'd think you'd agree.

Very well. I do wish to keep my health.

I shall not try to run away again.

- Your word of honour?

My word of honour.

- To Yankees?

To Yankees.

- Cross your heart?

I gave you my word.

- All right, Lukey.

Help Miss Hunter with her clothes.

I'm glad you're being sensible.

You were beginning to worry me.

From a medical standpoint.

- Thank you, Doctor.

I wish I could be of further assistance, but

you Southern people have your own help.

(Kirby) Attention. Eyes front.

Rebs, sir.

Hopping that riverbank.

A full brigade, coming fast.

Horse, foot and artillery, sir.

It ain't militia, neither.

How far?

- Ten minutes.

All right, get out of sight,

get in those trees.

Enemy patrol. Take cover and choke up.

Bugler.

- Not bugler, you idiot. Hand signals.

Enemy across the river.

Move out. Keep it quiet.

Why doesn't he stand and fight?

He's got a full brigade.

(rebel troops sing 'The Bonnie Blue Flag')...

...(singing continues)

Hurrah. Hurrah.

For Southern rights, hurrah.

Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag

That bears a single star

Hurrah. Hurrah.

For Southern rights, hurrah.

Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag

That bears a single star...

...(horse snorts)

- Take it easy.

Come on, stop it.

(singing continues)

Hannah.

Hey. Help. Over here.

(muffled scream)

- Ouch.

Let go with those teeth.

I've got 800 men out there.

- Get some water.

Looks to be all clear across the river.

Well...

How many men does it take

to keep one lone female quiet?

Colonel, the prisoner

would like a word with you.

Yes, Miss Hunter?

I'm not here to complain

about what you did.

It was your duty as you saw it,

and you did it.

I'm sorry you had to break your word.

I gave my word not to run away. I didn't

give it not to cry out for assistance.

I suppose there's a fine point there,

but I have to ask you to give me

your word on that too.

I do that, here and now.

Or I suppose when I testify against you,

I'd be handicapped with a broken jaw.

I'd say so. Anything else, ma'am?

One slight item.

My constant companions there.

I don't know how it is up North,

of course,

but down South there are times when

Southern women feel the need for privacy.

You two.

We was respectful. Real respectful, sir.

You told us it was all right just as long

as we could see the top of her head.

You told them that?

- Well...

Then there's one more item.

I suggest you see a doctor.

Ding-dong. Ding-dong.

(gunshot)

Over there in that barn. Come on.

(gunshots)...

We was bushwhacked, Colonel.

- All right, smoke 'em out.

Hold your fire.

Hey, there. We're Confederates,

but we ain't hostile.

Honest.

- Drop your weapons and come on out.

Yes, sir.

Coming.

Hey, Virgil, come ahead on.

They's real bluebellies.

Watch it, Colonel.

Just the two of us, Cap. And one captive.

Howdy, Cap. Jackie Jo and me is sorry

about popping away at you people.

We thought you was

more sheriff's deputies.

What have you got

against sheriff's deputies?

That's a good one, huh?

- That's a slick one.

We just love sheriff's deputies.

They're deserters from the Confederacy,

sir. The lowest swine bred.

I take it you're the sheriff?

- Captain Henry Goodbody, retired.

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