Snowy River: The McGregor Saga (1993) s02e11 Episode Script
The Long Arm of the Law
1 (calm music) It could be our brand Mr.
Blackwood.
Keep watch.
The old days are gone.
Justice will no longer depend upon who has the most land, the most men or the biggest fists.
The police are not here to take away your rights.
We are here to protect them.
[Man.]
What's a matter with the way it was before? [Man.]
We don't need your sort around here.
(applauding) Wether some of us like it or not, law and order is here, and it's here to stay in Paterson's Ridge and the man who's going to enforce that is Constable Edward Dengate.
(applauding) [Man.]
We don't need any troopers here.
[Man.]
Go home! (applauding) Get out of town.
(chattering) I don't understand, this is good news, why are they so resentful? Well the law means change.
Some of them aren't going to like it.
He's got a tough job.
One of the problems we're having at present is rustling.
Half a dozen cattlemen, myself included, have lost stock.
My statement's waiting for you in the police station.
Thank you, what about the others? Frank Blackwood over there's lost some horses.
Excuse me Mr.
McGregor.
Ah Commissioner Henry Dengate perhaps you remember my son Colin? Colin well how do you do? Nice to meet you.
Welcome to Paterson's ridge Constable.
Thank you.
I believe you've lost some horses to rustlers? I'd like you to give me a statement.
No need to trouble yourself Constable.
We solve out own problems at Bell Morrow.
Hey Ruth.
Constable, Ruth Whitney of the Chronicle.
Pleased to meet you Ms.
Whitney.
Nice to meet you too.
What are your first impressions of Paterson's Ridge? I'm sure it's a fine town.
Like Mr.
McGregor said I'm here to do my duty.
Rob, can you get the horses? Commissioner and Constable are coming over for lunch.
Do you think you could answer some further questions for me some other time? Sure.
(calm music) (dramatic music) He's not just any police officer he's the Commissioner's son.
Law on the last frontier.
Mrs.
O'Neil I am right in assuming that we agree that the responsibility for anything printed in this newspaper is mine? Despite the fact that you happen to own it.
I said that I wouldn't interfere Mr.
Gleeson yes that is correct.
But Ruth wrote a fine article last week which I'm sure you read.
But that is not the point.
Mr.
Gleeson a personal profile on Constable Dengate would make a fine story.
Personal profile? I'll give you two inches on page three.
But if that's not news than what is? One article does not make anyone a fully fledged correspondent Ms.
Whitney.
There is such a thing as learning the ropes, earning your stipes.
Making the tea.
Now Mr.
Gleeson wasn't suggesting that Ruth were you Mr.
Gleeson? You must walk before you can run, that is my poin Mrs.
Whitney, it takes experience to recognize a good story.
If Bat Masterson or Wyatt Earp rode into town you wouldn't give them two inches on page three.
Oh please.
I'm sure Mr.
Gleeson wouldn't object to you putting the article together in your own time Ruth, just as I'm sure he'd judge it fairly.
Well, I suppose if you write it, I shall have to read it.
Thank you sir.
(dramatic music) I've been trying to talk to you all day.
(laughing) Oh you have, what about? Sunday.
What about Sunday? Well after church you're gonna pack a picnic basket and I'm gonna show you the hills like I promised.
Rob, I like to be asked, I like to be invited.
What'd I say now? (laughing) How long ago? [Matt.]
15 years.
Oh no no.
I was struggling to get this place going and you were chasing horse thieves in the ranges.
Yes I was extremely upset when you caught them before I did.
I wanted the glory, I needed the promotion.
Well didn't do you any harm Commissioner.
No.
(laughing) We both got what we wanted.
I would've thought it would be Colin that would follow you.
It wasn't to be.
A country church.
Instead of the mighty spread in the mountains.
Now you can't tell me you agreed with that? No not at the time, but you can only plan their lives so far, after that you have to give them their heads.
(laughing) I disagree, you let them make up their minds at that age and they're more likely to throw their lives away.
But you're lucky, you have two sons.
Yeah Rob's fulls of anger.
Well Edward is all I have.
Thank heaven his career is something I can be proud of.
His superiors speak well of him.
Yes I heard about Ballarat.
I'm sure our first policeman will be the right man for the job.
I'm going on an inspection tour of the plains.
I'll be back through here in about a month.
Will you keep an eye on him for me please Matt? Yeah, of course.
(dramatic music) Well the police station's brand new.
I even helped build it myself.
Bars good and strong are they? Of course they are.
Everyone chipped in.
That's how we do things around here.
(calm music) That girl, Ms.
Whitney, the one who works for the newspaper.
She's new, what about her? She asks a lot of questions.
Yeah, yeah she does.
I don't trust newspaper folk.
Poking around, twisting the truth.
Well if you're new to this town Constable you better expect Ruth to be there.
I don't think she'll twist the truth though.
(knocking) Ruth.
Hello Rob.
Constable.
Ms.
Whitney, what can I do for you? Well there were just a couple questions I forgot to ask you.
I think I've told you everything you need to know.
Strong enough to hold anyone.
(rattling) (laughing) I'm sorry, I told you it was brand new.
I'll just be back with a hammer.
(calm music) (rattling) Constable since you seem to have some time on your hands, about those questions? She has neither the experience nor the qualifications.
And she's female, isn't that your point Mr.
Gleeson? Now why can't you just judge her on her work? She hasn't done any.
I mean if you want her to write let it be recipes or a social column, crime and the policemen are certainly not subjects for young women to be investigating.
Where is she Mr.
Gleeson? Well she's gone to collect the Reverend McGregor's inspirational piece for page three, but it's my guess that's she's popped over to the police station to bat her eyelashes at the long arm of the law.
This may amaze you Mr.
Gleeson, but it is possible for women to be engaged in business without allowing romance to sweep away their common sense.
Otherwise what must people be saying about you and me Me.
Gleeson? I've told you my brief and my methods what more do you want? I want to know, I want to know how you think, I want to know what you feel about your job? Well surely that's my business Ms.
Whitney.
Well I'm gonna need a lot more than this.
But I've given you the facts.
Look if I don't do my job, I don't have a job.
Here we go.
Edward the people of this town have never had a policeman watching over them before.
They're very suspicious, and what I write in The Chronicle could change all that.
I'm sorry Ms.
Whitney I've got work to do.
How far is Bell Morrow? Eight miles west, you'll see the gates.
Could I go with you? I won't get in the way, I'll just report what I see and I won't bother you with questions because I won't say a word, and I can show you the way.
Mr.
Custer? Mr.
Custer could I have Bonnet please? [Custer.]
Yes Miss, saddle her up right for you.
Alright, it doesn't have to be a picnic it can be, whatever you want.
Are you always this persistent? No.
Why don't you ask me when I'm not busy? Alright I will.
(calm music) I didn't do it.
I didn't do it.
Madness.
Pick him up.
Frank! What are you doing? Conroy horse whip.
[Jesse.]
No, no! We caught one of the rustlers.
I didn't do nothing Miss I swear.
You'll tell the truth when I'm finished.
(yelling) I don't think this is a good idea.
(whip cracking) No, Miss I didn't do it, I didn't do it.
Frank.
Mr.
Blackwood, I'm investigating your stolen horses.
We've got one of the culprits.
Please Frank just hand him over to the Constable.
What's your name? Jesse Morgan sir.
You been stilling horses Jesse? No I was just riding through.
There's no law against that is there? Where's the horses he's supposed to have stolen Mr.
Blackwood? He's riding one of them.
I'm about to find out where the rest are.
Put the whip down sir I'll question him at the station.
You keep your ears open, you'll hear everything you need to know.
You're not used to the law are you Mr.
Blackwood? I'll educate you.
You harm that man and you're breaking it.
Really? Well here's a word of education for you Constable.
This is Bell Morrow and here, I do as I please.
Hold him.
(whip cracking) (screaming) (horse whinnying) (thudding) You.
The word is policeman sir, and you are under arrest.
(dramatic music) (calm music) When I'm finished with you Constable you'll be lucky if they let you clean up behind the horses in the Melbourne barracks.
(door opening) (dramatic music) [Edward.]
Matt.
Tell him who I am.
I think he knows that Frank.
News travels fast Mr.
McGregor.
Yes I heard you got one of the rustlers.
You spotted the brand in town, you didn't report it, instead you followed him.
I thought he'd lead me to my stolen horses.
Until you decided it would be simpler to beat it out of him.
I think Mr.
Morgan probably is riding one of Mr.
Blackwood's horses.
There's been an attempt to disguise the brand, but Mr.
Morgan has a bill of sale.
That's right sir, I bought the horse four days ago.
I've never seen the bloke before.
I think he may be an innocent victim in all this so I'm letting him go for the moment.
The horse is stolen property Mr.
Morgan I will have to confiscate it.
What about the five pounds I paid? I'm sorry, that's the law.
I don't believe this.
(throat clearing) Do you mind me asking what Mr.
Blackwood's in for? Well he tried to give Mr.
Morgan a whipping sir.
That is a crime.
Matt, you brought him here.
Yeah you just cool down Frank.
Now does he have to stay in there? I can allow bail.
[Victoria.]
Mr.
McGregor.
Ah Victoria.
Has he been charged? Yes I'm afraid so.
Please try to talk some sense into him.
Sense? My stock was stolen, I tried to do something about it.
You broke the law Frank.
Doesn't matter if you're the master of Bell Morrow or the king of England, the law is here, get used to it.
(shouting) Who brought the law to Paterson's Ridge? Who's old mate happens to be the police commissioner? And who's son happens to be the new constable? And who bailed you out? Matt's been working to bring the law here for years Frank.
He didn't do it just to make life difficult for the Blackwoods.
Plead guilty Frank, the worst they'll do is fine you.
Guilty? Matt McGregor's not the only one with powerful friends in Melbourne.
[Victoria.]
What are you writing? A cable that will put our Constable Dengate in some hot water.
I doubt that Frank have you forgotten who his father is? The police commissioner.
All the more reason why he can't be seen to protect his son.
(dramatic music) Good day Constable.
Mr.
Custer.
What's up? Nothing, I hope.
Your feed all that it should be? Strong stuff.
What about your stock? Look after them like they was me own.
Do you check brands? Well I know most of the people that bring their horses here.
You stable your own horse here Constable.
What about drifters, people who pass though? How would I know where their horses come from? I had to question a man who bought a stolen horse by mistake Mr.
Custer.
Let me give you some advice.
Keep a record of brands from now on.
Turning a blind eye's no excuse.
If I find stolen horses here, I'll have no choice but to charge you.
(dramatic music) [Man.]
I'll show you who's smart.
(glass shattering) [Man.]
He's smarter than you, his breath is sweeter than yours and he's got half as many boys.
[Man.]
You mongrel, I've killed men for less than that.
Come on then if you're so tough start killing.
(shouting) (thumping) (groaning) It was just an argument.
Get off.
(horses whinnying) (dramatic music) Can't a man have an argument now Constable? Come on, up.
(dramatic music) (knocking) Hello Danni.
Hello, here's the special ointment you ordered for the horses Kathleen.
Oh thanks Danni, that's Michael's chore for after school.
Well where are they? I don't see them, both horses are gone.
(dramatic music) Have you any idea when the horses were taken Mrs.
O'Neil? No I didn't say that they were taken I said that they were missing.
And your son didn't move them? No.
â« There was a wild colonial boy Jack Dulen was his name Is it possible they were stolen? Well, yes I suppose it's possible.
â« Near Castle Mayne I'll look into it.
â« Father's brightest hope â« His mother's pride and joy That's enough.
Talk to him Mrs.
O'Neil he's gonna cost me my job.
What's he done? Disturbing the peace.
I was arguing about a dog that's all.
I'll let him cool his heels in here for another hour or two.
A good lesson for the rest don't you think? The law is one thing, justice is another.
People like to see fair play and you have to live here too Constable.
I'm here to do a job Mrs.
O'Neil.
The sooner people realize that the easier it will be on everyone.
It's better to be hard at first to save trouble later.
I'll fight but not surrender cried the wild colonial boy (dramatic music) Get up get up.
(whip cracking) Get up.
(dramatic music) (whip cracking) (shouting) (whip cracking) (shouting) Well I've mustered the other mob into the yards into the bottom patty.
Good.
Colin first thing in the morning, take as many men as you need and comb that ridge to the north, see what you can find.
So now we're doing Dengate's job for him? Well he's only one man and it's a big mountain.
Well maybe he'd have more luck finding the rustlers if he wasn't so busy throwing his weight around in town.
I thought you liked him.
Dad everyone's starting to say that maybe Frank was right.
I think we were better off without the police.
Well Frank inherited one thing from his father, the ability to hold a grudge.
Listen you were the one who fought hard for the police station.
Who are they gonna blame? Well the man's just trying to establish his authority.
Now if we all start telling him how to do his job he'll end up with no respect at all.
Well I'm just saying that I don't think he's the right man for the job.
You might not being saying that if Ruth wasn't so interested in him.
Who asked your opinion? Well it's true.
Is it? It's not personal alright.
[Matt.]
Let's keep it that way.
(calm music) Morning tea Mr.
Gleeson.
Oh, skits, oh how very nice.
Cookies, I made them myself.
Yeah I don't understand him.
[Gleeson.]
Understand who? Constable Dengate.
It's as though he's conducting a one man crusade against the entire town, he's treating everybody as though they were about to break the law.
You don't think this is a matter for the police Ms.
Whitney? What is the police commissioner's son doing way up here in the wilderness.
So you think the police commissioner should show his son some favors do you? No.
[Gleeson.]
Then what? Every time I ask him about his career he evades the question, now why is that? Perhaps Ms.
Whitney he's a modest chap, or perhaps you've asked one question too many.
Maybe I've been asking the wrong person.
Mmm these biscuits really are delicious, you must write down the recipe and we'll, publish it.
(grunting) (tapping) (dramatic music) Constable Dengate.
Ms.
Whitney.
Arrested anyone interesting this morning? Is that the attitude of The Chronicle? Oh no no, no.
Mr.
Gleeson loves law and order.
But not the way I uphold it? Well I just don't understand what you're trying to prove and the rustlers are still out there.
My investigations have taken a new direction Ms.
Whitney.
You have a lead? Tell me this, where would you hide a tree? In a forest, why? And who has the biggest herds? Well the big properties obviously, the Blackwoods and the Murrays, the McGregors.
And that's where I'll be looking for stolen stock.
Glen Bray, Bell Morrow and Langara.
You're investigating Matt McGregor? And the rest.
But they've all had their stocks stolen.
They wouldn't steal their own.
(dramatic music) Ms.
Whitney.
Constable Dengate.
What brings you down here? Police business, I'm looking for evidence sir.
Evidence? There are two horses here with the O'Neil brand.
Mrs.
O'Neil reported them missing yesterday.
Yes well they obviously strayed into my heard.
Rob brought them in yesterday.
No doubt we would've noticed the brands when we cut them out ourselves, or perhaps you don't believe me.
You've made your explanation Mr.
McGregor, it's noted.
I'm going to examine some of your herd's for stray brands before I decide wether any action should be taken.
If you think it's necessary Constable.
(dramatic music) Dad.
(dramatic music) What's wrong? Dengate.
There are 100 horses on this station and thousands of McGregor cattle out there somewhere.
Now how do you plan on checking the brands, one by one? You're gonna need a lot of men to do that, reinforcements, and you're not going to get reinforcements unless you have proof that Matt McGregor has been rustling which you don't, you're bluffing, I know it, Matt must know it.
Why'd you come out here? I made my point.
Matt McGregor may be a friend of my fathers, but that doesn't mean he's immune from the law, people need to know that now.
No, see this isn't police work though this, it's like you're out to get somebody.
I just, I can't figure out who.
(galloping) (thumping) (horse whinnying) No one calls my father a horse thief.
Rob are you crazy? Can't you see what he's doing? He's hiding behind his uniform.
(groaning) (thumping) [Ruth.]
Stop it, both of you.
(thumping) You didn't come here to uphold the law, you came here to walk all over us so your father would have some kind of excuse to give you a promotion.
- Are you hearing this? - Cause this is what it's all about.
You just made two mistakes McGregor and they're gonna cost you.
Oh yeah, hitting a policemen comes high does it? You better believe it.
Well then I better get my moneys worth then eh? [Ruth.]
Stop it.
(groaning) You've just struck an officer of the law McGregor.
Assaulting an officer.
It was worth it.
Resisting arrest.
I'd do it again Dengate.
It might just be enough to get you promoted out of here.
(laughing) Promoted, you might even be right.
It's unjust.
Oh you were there Mrs.
Whitney, did Rob take a swing at the constable or not? Well he threw the first punch.
[Gleeson.]
Ah there you are.
Oh Ruth I forgot, this letter was delivered by the telegraph office.
This is gonna make Rob some kind of local hero I'm afraid, and half the men in town would like to take a swing at Dengate.
This newspaper will of course come down on the side of law and order.
[Kathleen.]
As long as we present both sides Mr.
Gleeson.
Excuse me.
(dog barking) You know I couldn't understand why you were so reluctant to talk about your past.
I thought maybe you were ashamed of something, but you were a hero.
(laughing) Two men held up a stagecoach outside Ballarat and Constable Dengate took them on single handedly, so, here's my question Constable, what is a gold plated hero doing in a one man police station in Paterson's Ridge? - I don't want to talk about this.
- [Ruth.]
Why not? Surely the police can use all the heroes they can find? They're not so keen on heroes who want to get out.
(dramatic music) You mean leave the police force? (dramatic music) After Ballarat I, just didn't have the stomach for it anymore, and that as far as my father was concerned was the real crime.
(dramatic music) (suspenseful music) The Kelso boys, they held up a stagecoach near Eureka.
Thank you.
And rode into town like they owned the place.
I was green as grass.
I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, in the stockyards.
It all happened very quickly.
There was a gun fight? I buried the Kelsos and they gave me a medal.
I was going to be transferred to the city.
My father said the Kelsos were just the kind of luck he hoped would come my way.
That's just how he put it, well that's when I told him I wanted to leave the police force.
I couldn't live with that kind of luck.
Well that doesn't explain why you've been treating the entire town as though it were on trial.
Because that's the way he wants it.
I can't afford discretion, I can't afford compassion, I have to be the best.
If you hate the job so much why do stick with it? It's not easy turning your back on everything that's been pumped into you all your life.
After Ballarat when I tried to tell him how I felt, he wouldn't listen, and I didn't have the courage to go my own way.
So, here I am doing time in Paterson's Ridge.
There's your story Ms.
Whitney.
It's a good one, but one I'll never print.
(dramatic music) If you have no further business to conclude here Miss I must ask you to leave.
(dramatic music) Thank you sir.
(dramatic music) I am forced to return to investigate serious allegations in this case.
I put you here to give you a second chance.
It was an opportunity Edward to understand who you are, what you are, and what do you do? You manage to turn an entire town against you.
I have had to answer questions.
It is my career that they are now talking about.
Am I still Constable of Paterson's Ridge sir? Oh not for long.
I'm having you transferred, somewhere.
I don't know.
I don't know.
It is, a setback Edward that's all.
You must overcome it.
Dengate! Dengate! I see you got my cable Commissioner.
My foreman's got a bullet in his shoulder.
He surprised those rustlers.
One of them was the man you let go.
Where Frank? Up the Wild Crag.
Have you men ready to ride Mr.
Blackwood? I'm on my way.
My men won't ride with you, and don't bother trying to raise a posse in town you won't find any volunteers.
Understand Dengate, you're paid to be the law here, you're on your own.
(shouting) Come on get up.
I will take care of this.
You make sure that all the paperwork is done before I return.
You're going to be out of this town before sun up.
(dramatic music) Where are you going? To finish the job.
(dramatic music) I was a bit hard on you the other day Mr.
Custer.
I apologize.
Don't get yourself killed Constable.
You've got one volunteer.
Thanks.
(suspenseful music) Well I should've just followed them.
[Kathleen.]
Don't be ridiculous they don't want you dodging bullets.
But it would've been such a great story.
How can a man write deathless prose with all this racket going on? Now stop complaining about the story you can't write and get the one that's right under your nose.
What? There is a wounded eyewitness at Bell Morrow is there not? Right? Mr.
Gleeson, is this an official assignment? Get.
Town's going to the dogs, that will be my next editorial.
(calm music) And then what happened next Mr.
Conroy? They got the drop on us then we made a run for it Miss.
That fellow Morgan, he was the one with the rifle.
The man I caught in the first place Ruth.
The man your son released.
I will lead your men after them myself Mr.
Blackwood.
And you can put that away.
(dramatic music) Police! Hold it right there! (suspenseful music) (gun firing) (horse whinnying) Don't make me kill you Jesse.
Mr.
Blackwood, do you have a quote for The Chronicle? You bet I do.
You can tell your readers that when it came to the test, Constable Edward Dengate failed miserably.
He's finished in this town.
I wouldn't speak too soon if I were you.
(dramatic music) Well done.
(throat clearing) Ruth, although I own this newspaper I do have to rely on Mr.
Gleeson's professional judgment.
You mean? Mmhmm afraid so.
Young lady, I wouldn't use this on page three.
You wouldn't? No, no no no, this is page one.
Rustler's Apprehended hmm? Really? With a little experience and if you stand still long enough to take advice we'll make a corespondent out of you yet.
Thank you.
(calm music) Alright I'll be packed and out of here at dawn.
Edward, Edward not so hasty.
Because I caught a couple of rustlers? You made Frank Blackwood eat his words, his complaints will hold no water now, and no matter what the town thinks of you you proved yourself the right man for the job.
That's just it I'm not.
(sighing) Alright.
You feel that I've acted high handedly.
I hope we can always put that behind us.
I should've stood up to you.
Instead I've been taking it out on the town.
It's hardly fair is it? A bit rough on the next bloke they send here.
I'm not transferring you.
No you're not.
I'm leaving.
No Eddie.
It's your career, it was never mine.
All I have ever wanted and all that has ever mattered to me is that you make something of yourself.
And I will.
But I have to do it my way.
Try to understand.
(dramatic music) (calm music) I can't say that I fully understand but if you want to be a farmer at least be a good one.
I'll do my best.
I'm sure you will.
Well, (throat clearing) well I'm sorry to see you leave.
Give your father time.
He'll see it your way.
You know for once I think he will.
Edward, I hope you find what you're looking for.
Thank you sir.
Good luck.
[Man.]
All aboard! What's tomorrow's story Ruth? Constable departs, town celebrates? I don't think so.
Take care Dengate.
I'll keep reading The Chronicle.
Good luck.
(shouting) Get up there.
(shouting) Get up.
(shouting) Get up there, (shouting), get up.
(dramatic music) (calm music)
Blackwood.
Keep watch.
The old days are gone.
Justice will no longer depend upon who has the most land, the most men or the biggest fists.
The police are not here to take away your rights.
We are here to protect them.
[Man.]
What's a matter with the way it was before? [Man.]
We don't need your sort around here.
(applauding) Wether some of us like it or not, law and order is here, and it's here to stay in Paterson's Ridge and the man who's going to enforce that is Constable Edward Dengate.
(applauding) [Man.]
We don't need any troopers here.
[Man.]
Go home! (applauding) Get out of town.
(chattering) I don't understand, this is good news, why are they so resentful? Well the law means change.
Some of them aren't going to like it.
He's got a tough job.
One of the problems we're having at present is rustling.
Half a dozen cattlemen, myself included, have lost stock.
My statement's waiting for you in the police station.
Thank you, what about the others? Frank Blackwood over there's lost some horses.
Excuse me Mr.
McGregor.
Ah Commissioner Henry Dengate perhaps you remember my son Colin? Colin well how do you do? Nice to meet you.
Welcome to Paterson's ridge Constable.
Thank you.
I believe you've lost some horses to rustlers? I'd like you to give me a statement.
No need to trouble yourself Constable.
We solve out own problems at Bell Morrow.
Hey Ruth.
Constable, Ruth Whitney of the Chronicle.
Pleased to meet you Ms.
Whitney.
Nice to meet you too.
What are your first impressions of Paterson's Ridge? I'm sure it's a fine town.
Like Mr.
McGregor said I'm here to do my duty.
Rob, can you get the horses? Commissioner and Constable are coming over for lunch.
Do you think you could answer some further questions for me some other time? Sure.
(calm music) (dramatic music) He's not just any police officer he's the Commissioner's son.
Law on the last frontier.
Mrs.
O'Neil I am right in assuming that we agree that the responsibility for anything printed in this newspaper is mine? Despite the fact that you happen to own it.
I said that I wouldn't interfere Mr.
Gleeson yes that is correct.
But Ruth wrote a fine article last week which I'm sure you read.
But that is not the point.
Mr.
Gleeson a personal profile on Constable Dengate would make a fine story.
Personal profile? I'll give you two inches on page three.
But if that's not news than what is? One article does not make anyone a fully fledged correspondent Ms.
Whitney.
There is such a thing as learning the ropes, earning your stipes.
Making the tea.
Now Mr.
Gleeson wasn't suggesting that Ruth were you Mr.
Gleeson? You must walk before you can run, that is my poin Mrs.
Whitney, it takes experience to recognize a good story.
If Bat Masterson or Wyatt Earp rode into town you wouldn't give them two inches on page three.
Oh please.
I'm sure Mr.
Gleeson wouldn't object to you putting the article together in your own time Ruth, just as I'm sure he'd judge it fairly.
Well, I suppose if you write it, I shall have to read it.
Thank you sir.
(dramatic music) I've been trying to talk to you all day.
(laughing) Oh you have, what about? Sunday.
What about Sunday? Well after church you're gonna pack a picnic basket and I'm gonna show you the hills like I promised.
Rob, I like to be asked, I like to be invited.
What'd I say now? (laughing) How long ago? [Matt.]
15 years.
Oh no no.
I was struggling to get this place going and you were chasing horse thieves in the ranges.
Yes I was extremely upset when you caught them before I did.
I wanted the glory, I needed the promotion.
Well didn't do you any harm Commissioner.
No.
(laughing) We both got what we wanted.
I would've thought it would be Colin that would follow you.
It wasn't to be.
A country church.
Instead of the mighty spread in the mountains.
Now you can't tell me you agreed with that? No not at the time, but you can only plan their lives so far, after that you have to give them their heads.
(laughing) I disagree, you let them make up their minds at that age and they're more likely to throw their lives away.
But you're lucky, you have two sons.
Yeah Rob's fulls of anger.
Well Edward is all I have.
Thank heaven his career is something I can be proud of.
His superiors speak well of him.
Yes I heard about Ballarat.
I'm sure our first policeman will be the right man for the job.
I'm going on an inspection tour of the plains.
I'll be back through here in about a month.
Will you keep an eye on him for me please Matt? Yeah, of course.
(dramatic music) Well the police station's brand new.
I even helped build it myself.
Bars good and strong are they? Of course they are.
Everyone chipped in.
That's how we do things around here.
(calm music) That girl, Ms.
Whitney, the one who works for the newspaper.
She's new, what about her? She asks a lot of questions.
Yeah, yeah she does.
I don't trust newspaper folk.
Poking around, twisting the truth.
Well if you're new to this town Constable you better expect Ruth to be there.
I don't think she'll twist the truth though.
(knocking) Ruth.
Hello Rob.
Constable.
Ms.
Whitney, what can I do for you? Well there were just a couple questions I forgot to ask you.
I think I've told you everything you need to know.
Strong enough to hold anyone.
(rattling) (laughing) I'm sorry, I told you it was brand new.
I'll just be back with a hammer.
(calm music) (rattling) Constable since you seem to have some time on your hands, about those questions? She has neither the experience nor the qualifications.
And she's female, isn't that your point Mr.
Gleeson? Now why can't you just judge her on her work? She hasn't done any.
I mean if you want her to write let it be recipes or a social column, crime and the policemen are certainly not subjects for young women to be investigating.
Where is she Mr.
Gleeson? Well she's gone to collect the Reverend McGregor's inspirational piece for page three, but it's my guess that's she's popped over to the police station to bat her eyelashes at the long arm of the law.
This may amaze you Mr.
Gleeson, but it is possible for women to be engaged in business without allowing romance to sweep away their common sense.
Otherwise what must people be saying about you and me Me.
Gleeson? I've told you my brief and my methods what more do you want? I want to know, I want to know how you think, I want to know what you feel about your job? Well surely that's my business Ms.
Whitney.
Well I'm gonna need a lot more than this.
But I've given you the facts.
Look if I don't do my job, I don't have a job.
Here we go.
Edward the people of this town have never had a policeman watching over them before.
They're very suspicious, and what I write in The Chronicle could change all that.
I'm sorry Ms.
Whitney I've got work to do.
How far is Bell Morrow? Eight miles west, you'll see the gates.
Could I go with you? I won't get in the way, I'll just report what I see and I won't bother you with questions because I won't say a word, and I can show you the way.
Mr.
Custer? Mr.
Custer could I have Bonnet please? [Custer.]
Yes Miss, saddle her up right for you.
Alright, it doesn't have to be a picnic it can be, whatever you want.
Are you always this persistent? No.
Why don't you ask me when I'm not busy? Alright I will.
(calm music) I didn't do it.
I didn't do it.
Madness.
Pick him up.
Frank! What are you doing? Conroy horse whip.
[Jesse.]
No, no! We caught one of the rustlers.
I didn't do nothing Miss I swear.
You'll tell the truth when I'm finished.
(yelling) I don't think this is a good idea.
(whip cracking) No, Miss I didn't do it, I didn't do it.
Frank.
Mr.
Blackwood, I'm investigating your stolen horses.
We've got one of the culprits.
Please Frank just hand him over to the Constable.
What's your name? Jesse Morgan sir.
You been stilling horses Jesse? No I was just riding through.
There's no law against that is there? Where's the horses he's supposed to have stolen Mr.
Blackwood? He's riding one of them.
I'm about to find out where the rest are.
Put the whip down sir I'll question him at the station.
You keep your ears open, you'll hear everything you need to know.
You're not used to the law are you Mr.
Blackwood? I'll educate you.
You harm that man and you're breaking it.
Really? Well here's a word of education for you Constable.
This is Bell Morrow and here, I do as I please.
Hold him.
(whip cracking) (screaming) (horse whinnying) (thudding) You.
The word is policeman sir, and you are under arrest.
(dramatic music) (calm music) When I'm finished with you Constable you'll be lucky if they let you clean up behind the horses in the Melbourne barracks.
(door opening) (dramatic music) [Edward.]
Matt.
Tell him who I am.
I think he knows that Frank.
News travels fast Mr.
McGregor.
Yes I heard you got one of the rustlers.
You spotted the brand in town, you didn't report it, instead you followed him.
I thought he'd lead me to my stolen horses.
Until you decided it would be simpler to beat it out of him.
I think Mr.
Morgan probably is riding one of Mr.
Blackwood's horses.
There's been an attempt to disguise the brand, but Mr.
Morgan has a bill of sale.
That's right sir, I bought the horse four days ago.
I've never seen the bloke before.
I think he may be an innocent victim in all this so I'm letting him go for the moment.
The horse is stolen property Mr.
Morgan I will have to confiscate it.
What about the five pounds I paid? I'm sorry, that's the law.
I don't believe this.
(throat clearing) Do you mind me asking what Mr.
Blackwood's in for? Well he tried to give Mr.
Morgan a whipping sir.
That is a crime.
Matt, you brought him here.
Yeah you just cool down Frank.
Now does he have to stay in there? I can allow bail.
[Victoria.]
Mr.
McGregor.
Ah Victoria.
Has he been charged? Yes I'm afraid so.
Please try to talk some sense into him.
Sense? My stock was stolen, I tried to do something about it.
You broke the law Frank.
Doesn't matter if you're the master of Bell Morrow or the king of England, the law is here, get used to it.
(shouting) Who brought the law to Paterson's Ridge? Who's old mate happens to be the police commissioner? And who's son happens to be the new constable? And who bailed you out? Matt's been working to bring the law here for years Frank.
He didn't do it just to make life difficult for the Blackwoods.
Plead guilty Frank, the worst they'll do is fine you.
Guilty? Matt McGregor's not the only one with powerful friends in Melbourne.
[Victoria.]
What are you writing? A cable that will put our Constable Dengate in some hot water.
I doubt that Frank have you forgotten who his father is? The police commissioner.
All the more reason why he can't be seen to protect his son.
(dramatic music) Good day Constable.
Mr.
Custer.
What's up? Nothing, I hope.
Your feed all that it should be? Strong stuff.
What about your stock? Look after them like they was me own.
Do you check brands? Well I know most of the people that bring their horses here.
You stable your own horse here Constable.
What about drifters, people who pass though? How would I know where their horses come from? I had to question a man who bought a stolen horse by mistake Mr.
Custer.
Let me give you some advice.
Keep a record of brands from now on.
Turning a blind eye's no excuse.
If I find stolen horses here, I'll have no choice but to charge you.
(dramatic music) [Man.]
I'll show you who's smart.
(glass shattering) [Man.]
He's smarter than you, his breath is sweeter than yours and he's got half as many boys.
[Man.]
You mongrel, I've killed men for less than that.
Come on then if you're so tough start killing.
(shouting) (thumping) (groaning) It was just an argument.
Get off.
(horses whinnying) (dramatic music) Can't a man have an argument now Constable? Come on, up.
(dramatic music) (knocking) Hello Danni.
Hello, here's the special ointment you ordered for the horses Kathleen.
Oh thanks Danni, that's Michael's chore for after school.
Well where are they? I don't see them, both horses are gone.
(dramatic music) Have you any idea when the horses were taken Mrs.
O'Neil? No I didn't say that they were taken I said that they were missing.
And your son didn't move them? No.
â« There was a wild colonial boy Jack Dulen was his name Is it possible they were stolen? Well, yes I suppose it's possible.
â« Near Castle Mayne I'll look into it.
â« Father's brightest hope â« His mother's pride and joy That's enough.
Talk to him Mrs.
O'Neil he's gonna cost me my job.
What's he done? Disturbing the peace.
I was arguing about a dog that's all.
I'll let him cool his heels in here for another hour or two.
A good lesson for the rest don't you think? The law is one thing, justice is another.
People like to see fair play and you have to live here too Constable.
I'm here to do a job Mrs.
O'Neil.
The sooner people realize that the easier it will be on everyone.
It's better to be hard at first to save trouble later.
I'll fight but not surrender cried the wild colonial boy (dramatic music) Get up get up.
(whip cracking) Get up.
(dramatic music) (whip cracking) (shouting) (whip cracking) (shouting) Well I've mustered the other mob into the yards into the bottom patty.
Good.
Colin first thing in the morning, take as many men as you need and comb that ridge to the north, see what you can find.
So now we're doing Dengate's job for him? Well he's only one man and it's a big mountain.
Well maybe he'd have more luck finding the rustlers if he wasn't so busy throwing his weight around in town.
I thought you liked him.
Dad everyone's starting to say that maybe Frank was right.
I think we were better off without the police.
Well Frank inherited one thing from his father, the ability to hold a grudge.
Listen you were the one who fought hard for the police station.
Who are they gonna blame? Well the man's just trying to establish his authority.
Now if we all start telling him how to do his job he'll end up with no respect at all.
Well I'm just saying that I don't think he's the right man for the job.
You might not being saying that if Ruth wasn't so interested in him.
Who asked your opinion? Well it's true.
Is it? It's not personal alright.
[Matt.]
Let's keep it that way.
(calm music) Morning tea Mr.
Gleeson.
Oh, skits, oh how very nice.
Cookies, I made them myself.
Yeah I don't understand him.
[Gleeson.]
Understand who? Constable Dengate.
It's as though he's conducting a one man crusade against the entire town, he's treating everybody as though they were about to break the law.
You don't think this is a matter for the police Ms.
Whitney? What is the police commissioner's son doing way up here in the wilderness.
So you think the police commissioner should show his son some favors do you? No.
[Gleeson.]
Then what? Every time I ask him about his career he evades the question, now why is that? Perhaps Ms.
Whitney he's a modest chap, or perhaps you've asked one question too many.
Maybe I've been asking the wrong person.
Mmm these biscuits really are delicious, you must write down the recipe and we'll, publish it.
(grunting) (tapping) (dramatic music) Constable Dengate.
Ms.
Whitney.
Arrested anyone interesting this morning? Is that the attitude of The Chronicle? Oh no no, no.
Mr.
Gleeson loves law and order.
But not the way I uphold it? Well I just don't understand what you're trying to prove and the rustlers are still out there.
My investigations have taken a new direction Ms.
Whitney.
You have a lead? Tell me this, where would you hide a tree? In a forest, why? And who has the biggest herds? Well the big properties obviously, the Blackwoods and the Murrays, the McGregors.
And that's where I'll be looking for stolen stock.
Glen Bray, Bell Morrow and Langara.
You're investigating Matt McGregor? And the rest.
But they've all had their stocks stolen.
They wouldn't steal their own.
(dramatic music) Ms.
Whitney.
Constable Dengate.
What brings you down here? Police business, I'm looking for evidence sir.
Evidence? There are two horses here with the O'Neil brand.
Mrs.
O'Neil reported them missing yesterday.
Yes well they obviously strayed into my heard.
Rob brought them in yesterday.
No doubt we would've noticed the brands when we cut them out ourselves, or perhaps you don't believe me.
You've made your explanation Mr.
McGregor, it's noted.
I'm going to examine some of your herd's for stray brands before I decide wether any action should be taken.
If you think it's necessary Constable.
(dramatic music) Dad.
(dramatic music) What's wrong? Dengate.
There are 100 horses on this station and thousands of McGregor cattle out there somewhere.
Now how do you plan on checking the brands, one by one? You're gonna need a lot of men to do that, reinforcements, and you're not going to get reinforcements unless you have proof that Matt McGregor has been rustling which you don't, you're bluffing, I know it, Matt must know it.
Why'd you come out here? I made my point.
Matt McGregor may be a friend of my fathers, but that doesn't mean he's immune from the law, people need to know that now.
No, see this isn't police work though this, it's like you're out to get somebody.
I just, I can't figure out who.
(galloping) (thumping) (horse whinnying) No one calls my father a horse thief.
Rob are you crazy? Can't you see what he's doing? He's hiding behind his uniform.
(groaning) (thumping) [Ruth.]
Stop it, both of you.
(thumping) You didn't come here to uphold the law, you came here to walk all over us so your father would have some kind of excuse to give you a promotion.
- Are you hearing this? - Cause this is what it's all about.
You just made two mistakes McGregor and they're gonna cost you.
Oh yeah, hitting a policemen comes high does it? You better believe it.
Well then I better get my moneys worth then eh? [Ruth.]
Stop it.
(groaning) You've just struck an officer of the law McGregor.
Assaulting an officer.
It was worth it.
Resisting arrest.
I'd do it again Dengate.
It might just be enough to get you promoted out of here.
(laughing) Promoted, you might even be right.
It's unjust.
Oh you were there Mrs.
Whitney, did Rob take a swing at the constable or not? Well he threw the first punch.
[Gleeson.]
Ah there you are.
Oh Ruth I forgot, this letter was delivered by the telegraph office.
This is gonna make Rob some kind of local hero I'm afraid, and half the men in town would like to take a swing at Dengate.
This newspaper will of course come down on the side of law and order.
[Kathleen.]
As long as we present both sides Mr.
Gleeson.
Excuse me.
(dog barking) You know I couldn't understand why you were so reluctant to talk about your past.
I thought maybe you were ashamed of something, but you were a hero.
(laughing) Two men held up a stagecoach outside Ballarat and Constable Dengate took them on single handedly, so, here's my question Constable, what is a gold plated hero doing in a one man police station in Paterson's Ridge? - I don't want to talk about this.
- [Ruth.]
Why not? Surely the police can use all the heroes they can find? They're not so keen on heroes who want to get out.
(dramatic music) You mean leave the police force? (dramatic music) After Ballarat I, just didn't have the stomach for it anymore, and that as far as my father was concerned was the real crime.
(dramatic music) (suspenseful music) The Kelso boys, they held up a stagecoach near Eureka.
Thank you.
And rode into town like they owned the place.
I was green as grass.
I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, in the stockyards.
It all happened very quickly.
There was a gun fight? I buried the Kelsos and they gave me a medal.
I was going to be transferred to the city.
My father said the Kelsos were just the kind of luck he hoped would come my way.
That's just how he put it, well that's when I told him I wanted to leave the police force.
I couldn't live with that kind of luck.
Well that doesn't explain why you've been treating the entire town as though it were on trial.
Because that's the way he wants it.
I can't afford discretion, I can't afford compassion, I have to be the best.
If you hate the job so much why do stick with it? It's not easy turning your back on everything that's been pumped into you all your life.
After Ballarat when I tried to tell him how I felt, he wouldn't listen, and I didn't have the courage to go my own way.
So, here I am doing time in Paterson's Ridge.
There's your story Ms.
Whitney.
It's a good one, but one I'll never print.
(dramatic music) If you have no further business to conclude here Miss I must ask you to leave.
(dramatic music) Thank you sir.
(dramatic music) I am forced to return to investigate serious allegations in this case.
I put you here to give you a second chance.
It was an opportunity Edward to understand who you are, what you are, and what do you do? You manage to turn an entire town against you.
I have had to answer questions.
It is my career that they are now talking about.
Am I still Constable of Paterson's Ridge sir? Oh not for long.
I'm having you transferred, somewhere.
I don't know.
I don't know.
It is, a setback Edward that's all.
You must overcome it.
Dengate! Dengate! I see you got my cable Commissioner.
My foreman's got a bullet in his shoulder.
He surprised those rustlers.
One of them was the man you let go.
Where Frank? Up the Wild Crag.
Have you men ready to ride Mr.
Blackwood? I'm on my way.
My men won't ride with you, and don't bother trying to raise a posse in town you won't find any volunteers.
Understand Dengate, you're paid to be the law here, you're on your own.
(shouting) Come on get up.
I will take care of this.
You make sure that all the paperwork is done before I return.
You're going to be out of this town before sun up.
(dramatic music) Where are you going? To finish the job.
(dramatic music) I was a bit hard on you the other day Mr.
Custer.
I apologize.
Don't get yourself killed Constable.
You've got one volunteer.
Thanks.
(suspenseful music) Well I should've just followed them.
[Kathleen.]
Don't be ridiculous they don't want you dodging bullets.
But it would've been such a great story.
How can a man write deathless prose with all this racket going on? Now stop complaining about the story you can't write and get the one that's right under your nose.
What? There is a wounded eyewitness at Bell Morrow is there not? Right? Mr.
Gleeson, is this an official assignment? Get.
Town's going to the dogs, that will be my next editorial.
(calm music) And then what happened next Mr.
Conroy? They got the drop on us then we made a run for it Miss.
That fellow Morgan, he was the one with the rifle.
The man I caught in the first place Ruth.
The man your son released.
I will lead your men after them myself Mr.
Blackwood.
And you can put that away.
(dramatic music) Police! Hold it right there! (suspenseful music) (gun firing) (horse whinnying) Don't make me kill you Jesse.
Mr.
Blackwood, do you have a quote for The Chronicle? You bet I do.
You can tell your readers that when it came to the test, Constable Edward Dengate failed miserably.
He's finished in this town.
I wouldn't speak too soon if I were you.
(dramatic music) Well done.
(throat clearing) Ruth, although I own this newspaper I do have to rely on Mr.
Gleeson's professional judgment.
You mean? Mmhmm afraid so.
Young lady, I wouldn't use this on page three.
You wouldn't? No, no no no, this is page one.
Rustler's Apprehended hmm? Really? With a little experience and if you stand still long enough to take advice we'll make a corespondent out of you yet.
Thank you.
(calm music) Alright I'll be packed and out of here at dawn.
Edward, Edward not so hasty.
Because I caught a couple of rustlers? You made Frank Blackwood eat his words, his complaints will hold no water now, and no matter what the town thinks of you you proved yourself the right man for the job.
That's just it I'm not.
(sighing) Alright.
You feel that I've acted high handedly.
I hope we can always put that behind us.
I should've stood up to you.
Instead I've been taking it out on the town.
It's hardly fair is it? A bit rough on the next bloke they send here.
I'm not transferring you.
No you're not.
I'm leaving.
No Eddie.
It's your career, it was never mine.
All I have ever wanted and all that has ever mattered to me is that you make something of yourself.
And I will.
But I have to do it my way.
Try to understand.
(dramatic music) (calm music) I can't say that I fully understand but if you want to be a farmer at least be a good one.
I'll do my best.
I'm sure you will.
Well, (throat clearing) well I'm sorry to see you leave.
Give your father time.
He'll see it your way.
You know for once I think he will.
Edward, I hope you find what you're looking for.
Thank you sir.
Good luck.
[Man.]
All aboard! What's tomorrow's story Ruth? Constable departs, town celebrates? I don't think so.
Take care Dengate.
I'll keep reading The Chronicle.
Good luck.
(shouting) Get up there.
(shouting) Get up.
(shouting) Get up there, (shouting), get up.
(dramatic music) (calm music)