TALL

By

Michael Hager

418 S. Emma Ave. Ventura, CA 93003 [email protected] 805-460-8301 FADE IN:

EXT. TEXAS DESERT - DAY (1850'S) The majestic desert. STORYTELLER (V.O.) In the Southwest, they say everything is BIG. That our rivers and canyons are vast. It takes a strong people to work this land. Behold: PECOS BILL (23, blonde and fetching); he sits astride his horse and wears an enormous ten gallon hat. He gazes out at the expanse.

STORYTELLER (V.O.) (CONT’D) Our most famous cowboy is a man with a big heart. He is also a friend to our people. We call him the Wind Rider; others call him Pecos Bill.

A cowboy regards his enormous ranch with satisfaction. He stands with radiance, a bigger than life hero with gleaming teeth and a magnificent tall white hat. BILL (to his excited horse) Woah! He is every cowboy every little boy has ever dreamed of - but he frowns as the story changes -

STORYTELLER (V.O.) Our first name we had for Pecos was Coyote Bill, since it was the coyote, my children, that raised Bill up from when he was a pup.

CHILD What's in your cup, Storyteller? STORYTELLER Nothing but pure river water, little one. The boy frowns in disbelief.

STORYTELLER (CONT’D) You don't believe me, and that's fair. I wouldn't have believed if I hadn't seen it for myself. 2.

EXT. TEXAS DESERT - DAY In a considerable sized and empty desert, in the white-hot afternoon. STORYTELLER Let's start where stories are supposed to begin. When Pecos was but a year old baby. CHILD He couldn't tame the wind when he was a baby. STORYTELLER No, but you better learn to tame your mouth so you can hear the story.

CHILD Sorry.

STORYTELLER Now, where was I? Yes. A covered wagon in the middle of the desert.

CHILD I don't like where this is going.

STORYTELLER (staring daggers) I understand. None of our people like this part. But, at least this little baby would grow up to be a friend to our people, and not a double-crosser like so many others.

CHILD But -

STORYTELLER Now, are you really ready to listen?

The boy gives up and nods. STORYTELLER (CONT’D) Okay. A Conestoga wagon moves along a dusty road. A throng of children hang on its back. The pockmarked road bumps past long dead animal skeletons. 3.

The sweat pours off the cowboy who dabs his face with a handkerchief. The children stumble, sullen in the heat. The wagon thumps into a rock.

PAPA COWBOY (O.C.) Whoa! What in tarnation?

The jolt causes a blonde-haired child to tumble out of the back of the wagon unnoticed. The driver rolls his family away into the shimmering desert. Hours pass: The toe-headed child sleeps in the merciless heat of the Texas summer. STORYTELLER (V.O.) The little boy was going to die out there on his own. He needed a miracle.

As the sun bakes the earth, buzzards circle nearby. The child does not wake. From nearby, a rustling in the bushes.

INT. DESERT CAVE - NIGHT

The child’s eyes open into a dark and blurry cave. Figures come and go quickly from his sight. They dart into view and are gone. Someone or something wraps fur around his torso. YOUNG BILL (whisper) Coyote? Well, I’ll be. The coyotes stand on their hind legs like people. MAMA COYOTE speaks to BILL in a soft GROWL. MAMA COYOTE You are my pup now. I will heal you, but it will take some licking. The boy looks at the coyote with a quizzical expression for a moment, he sits back and lets the Mama Coyote heal him. An old coyote comes to him and speaks in a GROWL: 4.

METHUSELAH What do they call you? I am Methuselah. BILL They call me Bill.

Suddenly the coyotes dart out of their lair. Bill, nonplussed, discerns them BARKING at the moon.

EXT. DESERT - DAY Coyotes assemble for a hunt. Bill stands nearby, watching the coyotes HOWL and PRANCE on their hind legs. Methuselah exhorts them to their duty. METHUSELAH Today we taste the blood of the rabbit. Find them in their burrows, seek them in their holes, and chase them till they wear out from the run. To the hunt! The other pups demonstrate sniffing the ground to Bill and he copies them. COYOTES Yip-yip. Howl! Bill crawls and sniffs the dirt imitating the coyotes. The pack dashes off to the hunt, and Bill follows on all fours.

EXT. SCRUBLAND - DAY The coyotes with Bill sniff at the air; dust particles cover the trail like a fog. They stop to sniff scrub holes for rabbits.

The chase goes on for hours and well into the dark. Eyes glow in the faded dusk.

COYOTES Yip! Bark! They mosey on the dusty trail headed in the same direction as the cowboys. Finally, both parties meet at a head.

EXT. SCRUBLAND - CONTINUOUS A collision: a horse hoof smacks Bill on the face and knocks him down. He yips and falls. 5.

He gets up out of the dust, filthy. He shakes himself; his fur now caked in dirt. A cowboy halts his horse, as the steed’s forelegs paw the air.

COWBOY Whoa!

The cowboy peers at Bill. He squints at the boy huddled in the dirt:

COWBOY (CONT’D) What do we have here? BILL Yip! The cowboy shakes his head.

COWBOY What are you doing, dressed like that, son? And yipping like one of these varmints?

Bill stares at him. He shakes cobwebs from his addled brain and speaks in a hoarse whisper.

BILL On account that I’m a varmint.

COWBOY You ain’t no varmint. No sir. You’re a man. And a feather-headed fool, to boot. Their eyes lock as the coyotes circle around and begin yipping at the men on their horses. Bill cracks a knowing grin.

He waves a finger. BILL But I must be a varmint. I have fleas.

The cowboy reaches down to Bill and grabs him by the arm and whips him up to his saddle. COWBOY We all have fleas, boy. 6.

With a shout the cowboys and Bill take off at a gallop, leaving the coyotes yipping and barking at their heels and headed for the family ranch.

EXT. RANCH - DAY

The cowboy dumps Bill without ceremony on the ground. Bill growls at onlookers.

Bill’s Mamma steps out of their house and wipes her hands on her apron as she peers curiously at the dust ball on the ground in front of her. She gazes at her son, laying on the earth, barking at his family.

MAMMA Is that really you boy? We thought we lost you. I mean, truly, couldn't find you for blame forever. BILL (puppy noises) His distraught Mamma examines him as ranchhands gather to stare at the filthy curiosity. MAMMA Did those varmints really raise you?

With a snuffle: BILL Yes, Mamma. MAMMA Well, I’ll be. ALL GATHERED Raised by varmints? Well, I'll be!

Someone dumps a bucket of water on Bill. He snorts and shakes off the excess.

MAMMA (wincing) Just like a pup, you are. And stink like one too.

The men pick wet Bill up and drag him inside. They give him beans, meat and bread; Bill plops his face in the food and doesn’t lift his muzzle out of the bowl until he’s done. His family looks on in horror. 7.

MAMMA (CONT’D) (distraught) My son eats like a varmint.

ALL GATHERED Like a dad-gang varmint!

INT. RANCH HOUSE - DAY

His Mamma dresses Bill. He wears cowboy pants and shirt. She smashes a ten gallon hat on his head.

MAMMA You do remember me, don’t you son?

He stands wooden and unsure in his family’s large ranch house.

BILL I don’t reckon I do, Mamma.

MAMMA (to the assembled) Is there anything sadder than a boy not knowing his own Mamma from which he came to this earth? ALL GATHERED (mournful) No, there sure ain’t!

The crowd seems somber. Then Bill brightens: BILL I reckon I do recall one thing. Cards. I remember cards.

MAMMA You were the best card player in the family. That's right. Sure tweren't bad for one years old. He looks up with a furrowed brow and scratches his head.

BILL And Pecos. What is a Pecos?

Slapping him on the head: MAMMA That's what we called you son, Pecos Bill. From that river that runs yonder. (MORE) 8. MAMMA (CONT’D) And on account of the whiskey you used to love so much comes from there.

BILL (whooping) I do remember that!

Bill whoops around his house as his new family celebrates with him.

Outside of the house ranch hands hear his coyote yips intermingle with the family’s celebration.

EXT. TEXAS DESERT - DAY

After some time. . . STORYTELLER So, Bill grew up, and when he had some years on him, he had grown up into the best cowboy in Texas.

Pecos Bill, tall, blonde, and two decades old leads his brothers and their cowhands as naturally as any cowboy who ever lived. Wide expanse of Texas all around: rolling hills and rushing rivers wind through verdant valleys; out of one of these valleys the cowboys gallop. They push cattle up a ridge that leads to the Pecos River of Western Texas.

Pecos Bill pushes his ten gallon off his head, wiping the gathered sweat.

STORYTELLER (CONT’D) He could squeeze a saguaro right into his mouth, Bill could. And, when he was thirsty, drink up almost an entire river.

He grabs a cactus and squeezes the juice into his mouth. BILL My land, I have one powerful thirst.

Bill watches the river flow by, and then, without ceremony, he and his steed Widowmaker jump in.

They splash through the water as the other cowhands follow suit. Pecos Bill smiles, whoops, and bounds again through the Pecos River; the water splashes in huge waves. 9.

All of a sudden he stops. He raises his hands and waits for something. BILL (CONT’D) Hush now, everyone. He peers down the river sniffs and waits. The cowhands stare as they halt in their tracks. Pecos Bill stands stock still in the water. His nose twitches. With a whoosh a huge object catapults out of the river; a fish? BILL (CONT’D) Whoa! STORYTELLER (V.O.) But, one day, Pecos would meet his match, when Sue jumped right out of the river, with a big ole' catfish caught right in her mouth. CHILD (V.O.) How does a person even do that? STORYTELLER (V.O.) She took real good care of her teeth, that's how. Out of the river the enormous catfish jumps as it carries a rider: SUE Yee ha! The rider hollers over the splash of the monster catfish.

COOKIE My stars, that’s a woman.

Tall, raven-haired, and fetching, SUE (22, fearless) stops and hog ties her steed. She then guts and slices her fish quick as a flea hop. Then she notices the cowboys who watch her, and she turns all the way round and faces Pecos Bill with a jolt of recognition. SUE Howdy! I didn't see ya’ll there. BILL (mystified) What did I just see you do, ma’am? 10.

SUE Just catching my lunch.

She gives Bill a curtsy.

SUE (CONT’D) They call me Slue-foot Sue, what do they call you, cowboy?

BILL Pecos Bill.

She eyes him with suspicion then surprise:

SUE Well, I'll be. They stare at one another, unblinking. Sue comes to:

SUE (CONT’D) These parts, lots of folks telling stories about you; did you really learn to round up doggies when you were just three years old?

BILL (with a wink) I don't quite remember. I was knee high to a heifer.

The catfish roasts in the background as the cattle walk by. But all the movement stands in contrast to Bill and Sue who continue to stare at one another. SUE Were they coyotes that were your mamma and papa? BILL Seems so. About when I was one or so. Hard to remember when you're that much of a young'un.

SUE So, how was that?

BILL Pretty dirty, but fun. I was never hungry, that's for sure. SUE Well, I'll be. 11.

BILL Well, I’ll be...

They lock their eyes on one another as fool grins appear on their faces.

EXT. CAMPFIRE - NIGHT Later, Sue peers through the campfire smoke at Bill. SUE So, let me get this all straight. She looks at him with mock-suspicion. SUE (CONT’D) You, if you were really raised by coyotes. How’d your people find you?

BILL (a far off stare) Well, we were on the hunt, the pack and I and we came upon all these furry rabbits, ripe for the picking. Sue clucks, then sits up, eager to ask:

SUE You don’t have fleas no more?

BILL No, woman, I’m clean.

She sits back and smiles as the firelight fades away. SUE Well- BILL I’ll be.

EXT. RANCH - DAY A wedding: Pecos Bill and Slue-foot Sue marry a week or so after they met one another on the Pecos. Sue wears a dress of giant hoop rings that lets her spring back and forth as she dances. A fiddler serenades one and all as the young couple and their guests dance ‘til dawn. 12.

EXT. RANCH - DAY The bride and groom dance; they slow waltz cheek to cheek then the pace quickens as the music brings down the house. Later, while slow dance once again, Sue looks at her husband with a thought: SUE My love, I had a notion that you could show how deep your affection might be for yours truly. BILL And just how would I do that besides marrying you and calling you my wife like I already did?

SUE I'll tell you how you can do that. Let me take a ride on your steed. She pulls him over to where the large horse idles.

BILL Let you ride Widowmaker? I reckon I could. ‘Course I'd have to change its name to Widower-maker. SUE Husband, you know I can ride any horse in this land.

Pecos Bill gives his new wife a skeptical look. She frowns back.

SUE (CONT’D) I can ride any two, four or eight legged animal. I've even been known to ride a scorpion big as your ring finger. That was one ornery varmint. She stands back from Bill who gives her a meaningful look.

SUE (CONT’D) He ain’t going to buck me into heaven, now come on. . . BILL I’m afraid- 13.

SUE You’re afraid I can ride that ole’ boy and you’ll look like a blame fool, aren’t you? Sue dashes over to Widowmaker. She mounts the mighty horse as her perplexed husband looks on.

EXT. RANCH - DAY Minutes on the back of the horse turn into hours as they ride back and forth, Widowmaker doing its best to knock Sue off. BILL Had enough yet, darling? SUE (back) I reckon it's a nice Sunday ride. (and forth) Darn right tranquil, thank you very much.

Widowmaker stops and pants. Foam appears around his mouth. He crouches, springs and lets an enormous buck and kicks his back legs out and flings Sue into the air. SUE (CONT’D) Yippee! Bill jumps up as she sails off the horse; but it all happens too quick-even for Pecos Bill. SUE (CONT’D) Caramba! Sue falls back and bounces on the hoops of her dress as the fall springs her high and far, out of the atmosphere. Bill stands and stare, his mouth agape.

STORYTELLER (V.O.) And just like that, Slue-foot Sue landed on the face of the full, pale moon sitting in the Texas sky. CHILD How was Bill going to get her down? STORYTELLER He would have to wait, and figure out what to do. 14.

CHILD That's not an answer.

STORYTELLER Bill didn't know what to do. All he could do is look up into the sky with sadness in his heart. As the family reacts in horror, Pecos Bill removes his hat and stares up through the clear day at the moon. BILL I'll get you down from there, darling; I promise I will never forget you.

EXT. TOWN - DAY Days pass: Pecos Bill shakes the cobwebs out of his eyes and regards the man standing on his porch. BILL I weren’t expecting company, stranger. What can I do for you? MR. BLACK My name is Black.

BILL Mr. Black.

A bow: MR. BLACK Very courteous sir. I am speaking to citizens of this fine town, offering my services. BILL And what services might you be pedaling? MR. BLACK A very personal nature, I assure you. I will cure your very ills.

His fury rises: BILL Do you know what we do to snake oil salesmen around these parts? 15.

MR. BLACK I am no seller of snake oil.

BILL Then what is it you’re hawking?

Bill strides forward, backing up the stranger. MR. BLACK Simple salvation, for your sins, sir.

BILL Stay right there, I’m getting my bullwhip. The man backs up and falls into the dirt as Bill kicks him in the back side. BILL (CONT’D) (turning away) What is the use?

The man heads down the street, looking back, red faced.

EXT. STREET - DAY Days of loneliness follow. Pecos Bill begins drinking whiskey for something to do. He visits the saloon often and stays there until he crawls out.

Bill’s acquaintances treat him poorly as well, stealing his money as he lays drunk. He is seldom by himself and today, finds himself in the company of two lacy ladies of the evening. STORYTELLER Bill was lower than a flea's flea and felt twice as small. He was helpless, and so he did was people do, he made the saloon his second home.

In front of a western town saloon, next to the brothel, Bill staggers out with two women on his arms. Another man follows.

Pecos Bill stumbles: JIM Pecos Bill, you are a mess. Full as a tick. Get a shave and ooh! A bath wouldn’t hurt neither. 16.

Bill stands as Jim grabs him by the lapels. He grimaces at Bill's breath while reaching into Bill’s pockets and stealing his money. After stealing from him, Jim throws Bill to the ground, while Bill's other companion laughs and staggers. HENRY Why Bill, you're drunk as a skunk.

Bill tries to stand: BILL I get a little tipsy and ya’ll let Jim take my dinero.

He searches his pockets in vain, then falls in the dirt once again.

HENRY He bamboozled you all right. Just like them women you lay with every night. ‘Course since your money’s gone they are too.

BILL (slurring) Blasted women. Ya'll have never been to the moon, now, have you? Because I know someone up there, I do. His companion laughs Bill off as Bill falls into the gutter, where a dog inspects then sniffs him and runs off with a howl.

INT. SALOON ROOM - NIGHT Pecos Bill wakes with a snort. Half asleep in the boarding- house bedroom, he lays disheveled and drunk as he is most days.

He wakes with another snort and mumbles; his eyes look through their corners as he spies a visitor who sits next to him. STORYTELLER (V.O.) One day, while Bill was lying drunk, Geronimo came to check on him. The man bends over Bill. He places his hand on Bill to check him for life. The man wears his raven hair in a pony tail and a shirt that flows past his waist. 17.

GERONIMO This is no way for a human being to live. You don't have kin? Bill only swallows and stares at the warrior with wide eyes. He shakes his head. GERONIMO (CONT’D) I have heard you are lost, my friend.

BILL And who’s that?

GERONIMO By your smell I see that you learned to drink fire water. Geronimo stands Bill up, and brings him to the wash basin and throws water on him. Bill howls. GERONIMO (CONT’D) You howl like a wounded coyote. BILL I ain't no coyote. GERONIMO That's good to hear, you're coming with me.

EXT. RANCH - NIGHT Geronimo loads Pecos Bill onto the back of a horse and he leads Bill away from his town. They trudge south through rivers and scorching desert until they arrive at the Apache village.

EXT. APACHE VILLAGE - DAY They sit in the sweat lodge, and as Bill undresses, he retches, as those nearby snicker. Geronimo regards him and frowns:

GERONIMO There is life inside you after all, Coyote Man. He studies Bill. He comes to a decision:

GERONIMO (CONT’D) I will teach you my people’s story. 18.

Geronimo rubs Bill's head and begins to mutter rhythmically.

GERONIMO (V.O.) In the beginning, the world was covered in darkness. In this never- ending night no moon or stars shone.

The words enter Bill’s mind like a he’s swallowed them. GERONIMO (V.O.) (CONT’D) Beasts and birds: coyotes, rabbits wolves, and eagles all spoke to each other and could reason like the Apache do now. The people huddled inside the earth, afraid to emerge. Beasts and birds held councils but they sometimes made war with one other.

Bill mumbles, hearing the name of his former enemy animals. GERONIMO (V.O.) (CONT’D) Usen, the creator, watched the destructive war. Inside the earth, the birds allowed human beings out into the light. Through these cruel wars, there remained a boy called Apache that Usen taught how to prepare herbs for medicine and how to hunt and fight. He pauses.

GERONIMO (V.O.) (CONT’D) Apache was our first chief. He taught the people to be wise and just. Usen blessed Apache and his people with this land.

He pauses and ends the story. GERONIMO Many of us believe the animals still can reason and speak. I think you know that this is true. Geronimo sees Bill blinking at him. 19.

INT. APACHE SWEATLODGE - NIGHT

The Apache inside the sweatlodge begin to sing in nearly imperceptible tones. The hum grows louder until it blocks all other sounds. Bill lays in the lodge and mutters and pleads for hours that turns into a day. He tries to crawl out to get fresh air but they stop him. BILL Please. Geronimo pours water down his throat and sets him back down on the lodge floor.

GERONIMO It is not long Coyote-Man Bill. This is how we shake you of your fire-water. We let the fire burn out. Whiskey is too powerful. We can only sweat it out of you. He takes a breath.

GERONIMO (CONT’D) And by the smell of it, we have much to do. Bill lays in the dirt; a pitiful sight.

BILL I reckon I’m ready.

Geronimo and the others drag Bill out of the sweat lodge. He lays prostrate. Geronimo shakes his head. They put Bill back. Hours later, they drag him out once again. GERONIMO Well? BILL I reckon the craving is gone. Geronimo shakes his head again.

GERONIMO Not strong enough. Put him back.

And while Bill puts up a mighty protest, the Apache drag him back into the sauna. 20.

INT. APACHE SWEATLODGE - NIGHT

Once again they drag him out of the lodge. Geronimo asks Bill about whiskey: BILL I hate it. Geronimo shakes his head impassively. Bill pleads:

BILL (CONT’D) I can't stand the thought of the stuff. GERONIMO Okay. Take this water. He gives Bill a bottle. Bill swigs it without a word. He smiles a serene smile. BILL See? I’m better now. GERONIMO That was whiskey. Put him back. More protests. They haul Bill back into the sweatlodge.

Soon, they drag him out. Geronimo puts the bottle of whisky under his nose, and Bill turns and retches.

GERONIMO (CONT’D) He’s ready.

EXT. DESERT - DAY

Pecos Bill and Geronimo ride their horses to survey the border where both Mexico and the Apache have made raids on one another. GERONIMO The Mexican government wants my people gone from the earth. Bill contemplates this statement as they stand, watching the frontier.

GERONIMO (CONT’D) No man can tell another how he should live. No man should try to destroy another like we are his prey. We are all people. It is against the natural way. 21.

BILL What do you propose to do about it? GERONIMO I have chosen the warpath, Coyote Bill; they have left me with no choice. Just then a woman from the Apache rides up to join them. She looks at Bill. He looks back at her, then at Geronimo. GERONIMO (CONT’D) What are you looking at me for? She and Bill ride back to camp together headed for a secluded tipi.

EXT. APACHE VILLAGE - NIGHT That night the Apache scouts spy the Mexican army as it marches, intent on surrounding and destroying the Apache. The scouts return hastily to the village; they rouse one and all. Geronimo speaks to them. Bill pulls up his trousers as he exits. Geronimo tosses him a gun. BILL I'll take a bow and quiver full if I can. They trade weapons as Bill grabs a rope and readies himself for the soldiers.

After they hide the women and children, the warriors take up positions to ambush the soldiers. Geronimo and Bill confer.

GERONIMO I know their ways; the Mexican army will lob fire into the village to burn us, then kill us when we flee. BILL Then let’s throw water on their plan.

EXT. APACHE VILLAGE - DAY

Bill faces Geronimo. 22.

BILL Ya'll do one of those rain dances real fast, can you?

GERONIMO It doesn't work that way. The Mexican army has made camp, east of us. They intend to play with their prey before they move in for the kill. Geronimo looks at Bill:

GERONIMO (CONT’D) I have heard wondrous things about you. I think you must do something to save my people.

STORYTELLER (V.O.) Bill's reputation had preceded him. That means he was a legend. Geronimo was hoping Bill's powers could help him defeat the Mexican Army. BILL I’m going to need help. GERONIMO Talk to my medicine woman.

EXT. SOUTHERN TEXAS - DAY El Capitan of the Mexican Army paces on the hill overlooking the Apache village. EL CAPITAN These indios. I curse them and the moment I ever was sent here.

LIEUTENANT TORRES You insulted the governor’s wife, mi Capitan. I’m sure you remember.

EL CAPITAN I do. How was I supposed to know she is just fat and not with child? But with my victory, the boss will forget a petty insult.

They load their cannons. The Lieutenant squints at El Capitan. 23.

LIEUTENANT TORRES (mumbling) You don't know the boss very well, that guy really holds a grudge.

EL CAPITAN What was that, Lieutenant?

LIEUTENANT TORRES Nothing, El Capitan. Just thinking to myself. El Capitan looks dubious as his underling slinks away.

EXT. SOUTHERN TEXAS - CONTINUOUS

El Capitan stands, hand on the hilt of his sword. He preens in the beating sun.

EL CAPITAN LIEUTENANT TORRES, are we ready to achieve a glorious victory for Mexico?

Responding with a stiff salute: LIEUTENANT TORRES Yes, mi Capitan. I am at the ready. EL CAPITAN Fire when you are ready. LIEUTENANT TORRES Si senor. Are we to take prisoners, senor?

EL CAPITAN No, Lieutenant. They are too messy. We'll let the Lord sort out the heathen dead out.

EXT. SOUTHERN TEXAS - DAY Pecos Bill rides to the Pecos River. When he arrives he dismounts and looks into the water. Hearing EXPLOSIONS he says the words he learned from the Apache medicine woman.

In the distance he hears another cannon BLAST. He gazes up at the wide swath of water as it shimmers, then rises up out of the rushing river. 24.

Pecos Bill throws his rope, lassoing that water and driving it like an ornery bull back to the village.

BILL On now, you doggie; that's right.

He holds the water in the air with his rope and swings it up, over the army. It hangs like a silvery cloud.

He takes an arrow and shoots the water cloud.

The water bursts and comes crashing down over the Mexican cannons and soldiers and spoils their gun powder.

Fish flop on the dirt. The soldiers look around, bewildered and frightened.

The Apache turn their arrows on the army who retreat as El Capitan screams at them.

GERONIMO That’s what I had in mind. They watch the last of the Mexican Army flee.

BILL Glad to have helped, Geronimo.

Bill retrieves Widowmaker and rides north again.

INT. SALOON ROOM - DAY

Sitting in a bathtub back in his boarding house room, Pecos Bill blows rings of smoke with his pipe.

STORYTELLER (V.O.) Having saved the People from the bloodthirsty Mexican army, Pecos went back to his town. But he still was missing the person that made him truly happy.

BILL (singing) Sue, Sue, how am I to get you back - Oh Sue, Sue - honey you're making me so blue, now Sue, Sue!

STORYTELLER (V.O.) And it was right then that Pecos Bill invented country music. 25.

BILL Sue, Sue, how am I to get you back - Oh Sue, Sue - honey you're making me so blue, now Sue, Sue!

Suddenly a knock on the door:

CHARLES I think you better come out, Mr. Bill.

He drips water to the door and answers in a frilly robe borrowed from Alice the harlot.

CHARLES (CONT’D) (in a rush) Mr. Bill, there's trouble coming. A twister Mr. Bill, a twister, the town's clearing out.

Bill grunts and grabs his pants and rope.

EXT. STREET - DAY

Pecos Bill stands out on the street with the TOWNSFOLK. They gawk at the distant funnel cloud.

CHARLES What are we going to do, Pecos Bill?

The TOWNSFOLK begin to scurry away as Pecos Bill adjusts his hat; then he gazes back over at Charles:

BILL Boy?

CHARLES Yes?

BILL Fetch my spurs.

EXT. STREET - DAY

The twister sweeps high overhead and, like a cresting wave begins a descent into its middle. It lands on the saloon and destroys it. It heads for Pecos Bill who grabs his rope. BILL There's only one thing to do with this varmint. 26.

He throws the lasso as the twister turns and aims for him. BILL (CONT’D) Hoo wee! He swings himself around and, climbs to the top of the twister. With spurs that glint in the Texas sun, Pecos Bill shouts:

BILL (CONT’D) Out now!

The scattered townsfolk now stand and gape at the man as he rides the tornado like he's breaking a mustang.

Bill whoops once more as the twister falls to pieces and he jumps off.

CHARLES (pointing) Look at that sorry wind get.

Pecos Bill regards the broken tornado with scorn, a pitiful drunk he's thrown out of town.

BILL And stay out. Mangy varmint.

Bill faces the moonlit sky; a tear makes its way out of his eye:

BILL (CONT’D) Oh Sue. If I need to I will go to Hell itself to find her.

EXT. STREET - DAY Sitting in front of the saloon, Pecos Bill takes a siesta. At that moment a shadow covers his face. A man with a hat, flamboyant mustache and pointy beard stands before him.

STORYTELLER (V.O.) There are some guests a person should just run off. This was one.

The shadow covers his face. Bill sits up with a jerk

BILL Geronimo? I’m sober, I do swear. Unfortunate, but true.

MR. BLACK Afternoon, sir. 27.

Embarrassed:

BILL Afternoon. I thought you were someone else. MR. BLACK Might I reintroduce myself. He doffs his hat as Pecos Bill gives him a casual inspection.

BILL Good afternoon.

MR. BLACK It is nice to see you again, Mr. Pecos, although the last time we met was not a pleasant occasion.

BILL Should I remember you?

MR. BLACK You don’t? In that case, I have a business opportunity I urge you to consider without haste, sir. With casual interest:

BILL Is that right?

He twists his waxed mustache: MR. BLACK Yes sir. Now, for certain concessions of a personal nature, I will send you back your betrothed, a one Slue-foot Sue. Pecos Bill freezes. He leaps at Mr. Black, grabs his lapels and pins him against the clapboard wall. BILL Now I remember you, you’re that snake oil salesman I threw out on the street. Mister, I’m fixing to drag you down the middle of this street again, let me get my horse.

Mr. Black, scandalized: 28.

MR. BLACK Sir, unhand me and we can discuss this like gentlemen.

BILL Discuss what? If you can bring my wife back with snake oil, you better do so now.

MR. BLACK My skills can help you bring your woman back, Mr. Pecos. That is, if you desire. Or will the company of courtesans replace her for eternity?

Bill backs off, letting Mr. Black go.

BILL What do you want?

Mr. Black straightens his suit and attempts to regain his dignity.

MR. BLACK It's a simple arrangement whereby after services rendered your immortal soul will belong to me. BILL My soul? How can this be? MR. BLACK I assure you this is a standard agreement. I will collect my debt at a later time and place. I warn you: there will be no evading this eventuality.

He produces a parchment and quill, hands Bill the contract and when Bill nods Mr. Black pricks Bill in the finger.

MR. BLACK (CONT’D) I think you'll find it in order, Mr. Pecos, just sign on the line and we'll have your bride back in three shakes of a goat's -

Bill convinces himself and casts his eyes into the sky: BILL My life ain’t worth living without her. 29.

The moment the quill finishes they hear a yelling from down the road. Bill leaps off the porch and runs in the direction of the noise.

When he arrives, he sees Slue-foot Sue, still in her wedding dress; she bounces on the ground and uses her hoops as a spring. He runs for her and catches after yet another great bounce. SUE Hey darling, I thought you'd never catch me. BILL You ain't getting away again. He wraps her in his arms and they roll through the dirt, causing an avalanche that nearly squashes Bill's town.

EXT. TOWN - DAY As citizens of the town of Pecos, Slue-foot Sue and Bill keep the peace and folks also know they don't mind starting a war or two. Sue makes sure the animals don’t ever get out of hand.

SUE (to the gathered animals) Ya’ll settle down now, we don’t want trouble.

Pecos Bill and Sue decide to build a ranch. SUE (CONT’D) What do we call this ranch, Bill? BILL We’ll call it: New Mexico. One day, as they work they hear a thrashing of a cat. Sue and Bill drop their tools and race in the direction of the animal.

BILL (CONT’D) What do you suppose that sound is?

SUE Varmint in trouble.

They find a cougar who rips through town, Bill readies himself to take hold of the animal's ears, yet when he looks up he sees Sue attached to the cougar's back. 30.

She rides the cougar which rears on its hind legs until it tires.

SUE (CONT’D) I like this varmint. I think I'll keep him and call him Gary.

BILL Seems right.

She takes a close look at Gary:

SUE Now, I think Gary is feeling down in the mouth.

BILL I agree.

SUE Can't be because I wore him out; I wear every man out, ain't that right, darling?

BILL Sure. But he's plum worn. Why don't we ask him what's the matter.

Sue leans down, putting her face near the wildcat's.

SUE What seems to be the trouble Mr. Varmint Gary?

The cat pants. Gary starts to speak in a shallow voice, and Sue and Bill strain to hear him.

GARY COUGAR We have been running away from the giant man with the axe and his blue beast. SUE Do you have a name for this giant man?

GARY COUGAR They call him Paul Bunyan.

SUE Cougar Gary, you have nothing to fear from that man, after all that's what he is, a man. 31.

With wide eyes:

GARY COUGAR He’s taller than three men.

Sue laughs and lets go of Gary. BILL You've heard of him? SUE Why, he's nearly as famous as Pecos Bill.

BILL He scared Gary something fierce by the looks of his shaking.

She gives Bill a knowing look.

SUE And being part coyote yourself I know how you feel about cats.

BILL You sure this Bunyan ain’t really dangerous? She nods to the window behind Bill.

SUE I think so, but why don’t you ask him right now? Looking up, Pecos Bill jumps: an eye the size of a wagon wheel stares into the saloon. They hear a man laugh hard enough to cause an earthquake. He is, (25, genial) young but bearded, and wears overalls, a red checkered shirt and an axe by his side. SUE (CONT’D) Well, I’ll be. With his arms out:

PAUL BUNYAN Sue!

With her hands on her hips, she gazes upward at the giant man.

SUE What brings you down here to Texas, Paul Bunyan? 32.

PAUL BUNYAN Oh, just took me a few steps to get here. Wanted to check out the ranch and meet your fella. Bill frowns, displeased. He cranes his neck to look the newcomer in the eye. BILL What line of work you in, mister? PAUL BUNYAN I'm a logger from Minnesota, you betcha.

BILL Oh, ya'll do plenty work up there?

PAUL BUNYAN A mighty fine amount, I'd say. He eyes the giant man with suspicion.

BILL So what are you doing down here, then? Paul Bunyan surveys the area:

PAUL BUNYAN Well, a fella likes to get out sometimes and see the world. I dropped my axe in the desert, and darn if I didn't make a canyon out of that red dirt. It's mighty grand.

BILL Sounds real nice.

Silence. BILL (CONT’D) You know what I think? I think you like to scare all the varmints in the wilds. Yes sir.

Defensive:

PAUL BUNYAN Well, those varmints are scared of any footsteps, most of all mine. 33.

BILL I'd like to challenge you to a duel. SUE Pecos Bill! Bill waves his finger in the air. He concocts a challenge for Paul: BILL A tree cutting duel would be unfair.

He slaps his knee: BILL (CONT’D) So let's say a pancake eating contest. This town of mine against you.

PAUL I eat more pancakes than there are leaves in the forest. BILL Well, we'll see about that.

EXT. NEW MEXICO RANCH - DAY The town of Pecos lines up, man, woman, and child; a mile in length. At dawn the cooks begin flipping flapjacks, pancakes, and corncakes.

STORYTELLER (V.O.) But Paul Bunyan can eat two cakes for every one eaten by the townsfolk. PAUL I sure am hungry. STORYTELLER (V.O.) Paul Bunyan drags a maple tree from two-thousand miles away. He squeezes the syrup onto his cakes.

Paul smiles and keeps eating while the townsfolk drop. Bill, from down on the ground, groans looking up at Paul. They hear a snort from nearby. The townsfolk shudder near Babe. 34.

PAUL She only bucks when I tell her to. The other day when she did, the old girl kicked up enough dirt to make a fifty-foot tall mesa in New Mexico.

They laugh as Babe gives a snort and the town backs off. PAUL (CONT’D) (to the townsfolk) He’s friendly. Once you get to know him.

He’s put his hands out to stop Babe from getting too ornery. The ox snaps at Paul and points his horns at him, so Paul picks up the ox with a frown. PAUL (CONT’D) Bad Babe. No, sir, that is not the way to act towards friends.

EXT. WEST - DAY

Paul and Bill explore the territory of southern Texas. They roast pecans and track coyotes.

BILL You know I was adopted by coyotes.

PAUL BUNYAN Ayep.

BILL You don’t believe me?

Bill gives up trying to convince him. BILL (CONT’D) I do believe there are Indians in this area.

PAUL It's a wonder we haven't seen 'em before, this being their territory.

BILL (examining the tracks) I wonder. They are a day out from here. That's a step for you.

They step up to the top of the next hill and peer down into a valley. The horses drink water while the men loiter nearby. 35.

Bill takes out a pipe and lights it. He blows smoke down into the valley. In a minute he and Paul are noticed.

BILL (CONT’D) Apache. I am one of 'em too. Geronimo himself adopted me. Paul Bunyan stares at him.

PAUL Now I’ve heard some tall tales. First coyotes, now Apache? BILL You can ask Geronimo; there he is. They take their time as they walk down into the valley, so as to not cause alarm. Bill and Geronimo greet one another. Paul smiles and they ease forward, into the Apache camp.

Geronimo looks up, staring at the scene of Pecos Bill and the gigantic Paul Bunyan standing before him. He gives a whoop to match Bill's. Geronimo grabs both of Bill's hands and the two embrace. Those who watch look on with wonder.

GERONIMO Scouts told me you were near. Difficult to miss, really.

BILL How’s folks around here?

GERONIMO (pointing towards Mexico) The Mexican Army torments my people and in return we must go on the warpath often. They have no honor.

PAUL What is happening?

BILL The Apache have been tormented by the Mexican Army. It's a well-known fact. I had to help ole' Geronimo deal with 'em before, didn't I?

GERONIMO But they will never go away. 36.

EXT. APACHE VILLAGE - NIGHT

They gather for the evening, and all eyes turn to the Storyteller; she takes her pipe and gazes into the campfire.

STORYTELLER (V.O.) They say that, days after Paul Bunyan was born, he fit into his father's clothes. And that his body-if he jumped into a river- could cause a wave as tall as a mountain.

The people laugh. Paul turns red. STORYTELLER (V.O.) (CONT’D) He hits his head on soaring eagles and uses a pine tree to clean his teeth.

The Storyteller pauses for the laughter to subside.

STORYTELLER He steps over hills like other men step over toads. And that the snorts of his ox cause the earth to quake and the rabbits and foxes to run in every direction! He uses rattlesnakes as lassos and when he stretches out he knocks his forehead into the moon!

Bathed in the firelight and covered in blankets Bill (with young women tending to him) and Paul fade into sleep.

They wake with a start; Bill looks out from heavy lids.

EL CAPITAN Good morning, my prisoners.

EXT. TEXAS DESERT - DAY

One Apache stands up to the Mexican soldiers and he receives a rifle butt to the face.

EL CAPITAN Cursed indios. Have you no honor?

The soldiers point their bayonets at the Apache women and children.

Geronimo watches, and grinds his teeth, his eyes trained on the soldiers. 37.

The soldiers surround Paul Bunyan, tying his arms and threatening to kill everyone if he causes problems.

BILL Capitan! It would do well for you to let the children of the Apache leave with the women. Don't you want to look like a good man?

EL CAPITAN My intention señor is to leave none of you alive. So, I am not concerned with your suggestion. These people are a menace to my soldiers, and so I have my orders to eliminate them. BILL (snorting) I doubt it.

EL CAPITAN You doubt my word?

BILL I think you're doing this to impress your boss. The one you insulted. Everybody knows. EL CAPITAN I thought she was pregnant. It was an honest mistake. Why must I be punished for life?

He looks around and summons a painful memory.

EL CAPITAN (CONT’D) Anyway, last time I came here, they used black magic and nearly drowned me. And you are their friend, you and El Gigante will join them. (to his men) Prepare the horses for El Gigante! The soldiers wrestle Pecos Bill in position; they tie him to a post and stand him in front of a firing squad. BILL This is a big mistake Capitan. EL CAPITAN Nothing personal Señor. This is an honorable way for you to die. 38.

BILL Honorable! (spits) Honorable?

He begins to curse like a man, and then howl like a trapped coyote.

EL CAPITAN Howling like a dog will not bring you honor, my friend. A soldier whispers something in El Capitan’s ear.

EL CAPITAN (CONT’D) It was you, wasn’t it? You mangy dog, spoiled my gun powder. That powder came out of my salary.

Bill puts his hands up, caught red handed. BILL Okay. Alright. It was. It was inspired, wasn’t it?

EL CAPITAN All the more reason to execute you now.

Undeterred:

BILL So now this is it. I give you five seconds to untie me. I'll go easy on you if you're smart enough to. Five.

EL CAPITAN You are hardly in a position to begin an ominous countdown.

BILL Four.

El Capitan forces a laugh but something about Pecos Bill’s assuredness stops him.

EL CAPITAN I would laugh if it weren't so pathetic. Oh well, I'll laugh anyway. Ha! Count all you want. There will be no clouds of agua to save you. 39.

He laughs, and his men join in. BILL Three. El Capitan, disgusted:

EL CAPITAN Really? Can't you Gringos just die like men? BILL Standing here against a pole in the dirt? It ain't right, no sir. Two.

El Capitan signals to his men who walk over and begin poking Paul Bunyan. Paul squirms.

PAUL I hope you know what you’re doing Pecos.

Bill gives him a weak smile. Paul groans. El Captain laughs:

EL CAPITAN Now as for El Gigante, he's next. He is rather threatening, I'm sure you'd agree, and the government doesn't like men who could crush us with but a step.

BILL He's never meant a cuss to you, mangy varmint. EL CAPITAN Oh no? El Capitan musters his dignity.

EL CAPITAN (CONT’D) Getting rid of him means I have eliminated a threat to Mexico, and I will get promoted and I will no longer have to work in the desert fighting these cursed indios. BILL I hope losing your honor is worth it. (he inhales) One. High pitched, hysterical: 40.

EL CAPITAN Ready! You cannot tell me how to prosecute-aim!-the orders I must carry out-f-

Suddenly: they hear a yell from somewhere nearby. The four soldiers' guns get shot out of their hands in succession.

Then more hollering when Slue-foot Sue enters the fray as her six shooter smokes.

EXT. DESERT - CONTINUOUS

In the ensuing chaos:

BILL I thought you’d never come to our little fiesta.

Shaking her head: SUE I can imagine you men were just standing around chewing the fat anyway.

She loosens Paul’s rope, who rips them away. He swats the remaining soldiers who haven’t fled like flies and grabs El Capitan, all in quick succession. PAUL I’m taking you to jail, blaggard. As quick as he can step, Paul Bunyan leaves the scene; in his grip he holds the thrashing Capitan who screams about crystal goblets. The Apache wrap up the soldiers.

BILL I say let ‘em go. Here’s a horse.

The men grumble and curse as they pile onto one horse and head back the miles to their post.

EXT. NEW MEXICO RANCH - DAY

Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill and Slue-foot Sue return to the ranch.

PAUL This is where I take my leave, I reckon. Time to return to my great North. 41.

Smiling up at Paul: BILL We even got you talking like us. PAUL I reckon. They shake hands; Paul lifts Slue-foot Sue to hug her.

EXT. NEW MEXICO RANCH - NIGHT

Later: Pecos Bill and Slue-foot Sue take care of the wild animals around the ranch. Bill stops and looks at her:

BILL I never asked you Sue, how did you know we were hog-tied by that Cap- i-tan down near Mexico way?

SUE (furrowed brow) That was the queerest thing. I was roping a doggie yonder in the upper forty, when I looked up and spied this man with the strangest mustache you ever saw. And he made a proposition nobody took too serious.

A recognition dawns. Could it be the same man?

BILL Name of Mr. Black?

Innocent question: SUE You know him? Bill sighs.

BILL I’ve heard tale.

SUE Well, he gave me your location. I never knew where ya’ll were on account of Paul’s steps, so I went snooping, but then -

BILL What happened? 42.

Sue frowns and remembers the moment.

SUE Damnedest thing. I was lost, looking for ya'll and coming up with nothing when I blinked and I was right there outside the camp, and there you were standing at that pole counting and that ole’ Capitan was screaming at you something fierce.

She sighs and shrugs:

SUE (CONT’D) I was one place one second, then a different place the next. I can't really tell you why. BILL Mr. Black. SUE You think that man had something to do with it?

He smiles a knowing and patient smile. BILL Darling, I know that man had plenty to do with it. I’m plenty acquainted with his services too. How do you think I got you back? Sue stands, mouth open.

BILL (CONT’D) You’re going to catch flies with that open mouth. Mr. Black came to me a month or so after you disappeared up there. I was in a mean, terrible way. SUE And he made you the same offer? A nod:

BILL He did. I couldn't say no.

SUE Boy, you sound like this man was the devil himself. 43.

Bill gives a faraway stare. SUE (CONT’D) You're saying I sold my soul to the devil?

BILL It’ll be okay.

SUE No it won’t. The devil himself owns my soul. I should’ve known better. He smelled like the stalls after a rain. And -

BILL And?

SUE (ashamed) And I signed some paper with my blood. Which I guess was a - BILL Bad sign, I know. He takes his wife by the arms.

BILL (CONT’D) I reckon we better go get Mr. Black, before he comes to collect.

Frowning:

SUE It’s a fool’s errand. Even for you.

BILL What else would you have us do? Always be on the lookout for Black or his hired hands? SUE I reckon we did ask for it. BILL (with a shrug) Even so. . .

EXT. PRAIRIE - DAY

Pecos Bill and Slue-foot Sue begin a journey to Kansas City. 44.

BILL 'Cause that's where the slick city folks are, I reckon. Black has just got to be there.

Sue glides along on the back of Gary the Cougar. SUE These million head of cattle can make an awful racket!

They travel through the prairie, across rivers and over hills.

SUE (CONT’D) I hate to break it to you, darling, but there used to be a great mountain in this-here prairie. But thanks to these blame cattle-

BILL -this place is now flat as a flapjack. It looks like Texas, but the grass is too tall. BILL (CONT’D) I'll set my cattle to work on that. The cattle begin their eating, and soon those heifers mow the entire prairie. SUE I've never seen anything so, what’s the word? Stark. BILL (scanning the prairie) Except for that Indian tribe up there, I'd say it's blame barren. They arrive at a meeting place where they have a confab with an old friend: Geronimo.

GERONIMO We see you, Wind Rider with Slue- foot. BILL Geronimo! We haven't seen you since that varmint tied us up in Mexico. They greet each other as old friends. Geronimo is earnest, weary. 45.

GERONIMO I won't lie and say my people are doing well, my friend. If it isn't the Mexican pursuing us, it is the Cavalry. They are dangerous.

Bill looks Geronimo up and down. He puts his hand on his friend’s face for a moment. BILL Those men have aged you, my friend.

A bitter smile: GERONIMO The Cavalry.

SUE But Geronimo, I don't see why they would bother Bill and me. A far-off look:

GERONIMO These men are easily threatened. This land. This land they claim is theirs. They can no sooner own the land as I can govern the seas. But it's their rules now.

SUE And if ya'll don't dance to their fiddling they're going to do you in.

Geronimo looks down and gives an assent. BILL So what are ya'll to do? Stay on the run till this cavalry gets worn out? Ya’ll look pretty worn out as it is. GERONIMO They have a difficult time catching me, Wind Rider. My people -

He points to his people who tend their animals. GERONIMO (CONT’D) - we live, it is not for us to decide our fates. We live. Plus, it seems we’re too damn hard to catch. 46.

Geronimo gives as much smile as is his custom. BILL (laughing) Suit yourself. Just be careful who you tangle with. They shrug and part with Geronimo.

EXT. PRAIRIE - CONTINUOUS They walk on, heading north. The hours as well as the hills rolls by. Soon, the sounds of an approaching army meets them.

Horns BLARING, horses SNORTING, the United States Cavalry stampedes towards the area where Bill and Sue hold their drinking horses. In a moment, a red haired MAJOR CUSTER (30, flamboyant) arrives.

MAJOR CUSTER What have we here, cowboy? BILL Just some weary travelers on our way to Kansas City.

His eyes sweep the prairie. MAJOR CUSTER And who might you be?

BILL My name is Bill, folks down in Texas call me Pecos Bill. MAJOR CUSTER THE Pecos Bill?

The Major touches his sidearm. BILL I reckon, yes sir.

MAJOR CUSTER You’ve made quite a name for yourself, but you seem like you’re out of place. BILL I like to travel the West every now and again. 47.

MAJOR CUSTER I have heard some disturbing things about you, Mr. Pecos Bill. The Major strokes his orange mustache and beard, watching the curious Texan. BILL You don’t say. I can’t imagine what those things might be, Major. MAJOR CUSTER Your friendship with an outlaw by the name of Geronimo is something that is quite provocative. BILL He and I are friends. I warned him he shouldn’t run from the United States Cavalry. I told him. But -

Throwing up his arms: BILL (CONT’D) What can a man do? The Apache have their own mind, Major.

MAJOR CUSTER Their mind? Well, that’s not my concern. It’s their location my government worries about. They have been making quite a bit of trouble for our pioneering citizens. Yes, very provocative. His Cavalry draws near. BILL Pioneers and Apache can live together if everyone has land to call their own. Even the Apache would agree to that if ya’ll weren’t throwing them out and using -

Sue pulls on his arm. SUE Bill. BILL - now hold on darling, I’m talking to the Major. (MORE) 48. BILL (CONT’D) If you all weren’t breaking your treaties season after season - The Major backs up as his face reddens: MAJOR CUSTER I would like to say it was a pleasure Pecos Bill, but on behalf of the United States government you are under arrest. BILL I didn’t catch that, Major.

The Major signals his men who now surround both Pecos Bill and Slue-foot Sue and train their rifles on them. The wind whips up as the sky darkens.

MAJOR CUSTER Get them in before this storm arrives. The soldiers take Pecos Bill prisoner, and because she kicks up a fight.

MAJOR CUSTER (CONT’D) Take Sue. I can’t have her kicking up a storm. The Army chain both Slue-foot Sue and Pecos Bill and put them on horses with the Cavalry. They leave ahead of the storm.

INT. JAIL - NIGHT Sue and Bill sit in cells across from one another. They stare at the slim windows into the night. SUE What’s in that head of yours, Pecos?

BILL What I’m having for breakfast at the ranch. I’m thinking a half dozen eggs, some corn cakes, hot buttered with honey oozing all over ‘em.

He mimes eating his breakfast as Sue frowns at him: SUE What are you talking about? 49.

BILL I’m telling you what I’m having for breakfast. And I’ll be wearing my woolen slippers all the while. I love those moccasins.

He smiles, staring out his cell. SUE I don't know how I'm sleeping on scratchy straw.

Bill snaps out of his dream and paces around his cell. BILL That's it. She needs her feather bed!

SUE Are you making fun? BILL No, darling. Where's that blamed cougar? He could scratch these guards up. With a sigh: SUE Bill.

BILL Or how about someone kicking this wall down? Show me what you're made of, Sue!

She’s had enough: SUE Are you done? BILL Looks like I am if nobody's going to help us out. They'll get a noose and put our necks in it. One at a time I suppose. SUE Ain't going to be a hanging. BILL And why's that? Are you hiding some TNT? Are they just going to let us rot in here, then? 50.

He stands up and yells out the bars to no avail. SUE If you'd only listen.

BILL Some two-bit Indian-hating major ain't going to put a rope- She points:

SUE You’d see the eye. BILL I what?

SUE (pointing to his her own eye) Not I - eye.

Bill turns around and sees the white of an eye that stares at him. With impatience: BILL Well if it ain't Mr. Paul Bunyan. 'Bout time. SUE Shh. Why don't you just blow a trumpet now? We don't want to wake Major Red-beard and the rest of the United States Cavalry. Paul Bunyan removes the side of jail and allows Bill out. The giant man steps through the bars to let Slue-foot Sue through as well.

BILL (relieved) Mighty neighborly of you Paul. PAUL Did you see this?

EXT. TOWN - NIGHT Standing outside the jail, Bill and Sue look up. There in the dead quiet and darkness stands a gallows. 51.

SUE Well, I’ll be. . .

PAUL They were going to hang you two. BILL See, he's not talking Texan anymore. That's what happens when you stay away for too long. SUE How are we getting out of here? BILL Ain’t we riding on Paul? Paul shuffles his enormous feet and looks down. PAUL I, I'm sorry, you two, but -

BILL What is it? Looking distraught:

PAUL I'm sorry. They took Babe. And they're going to kill him. SUE Who took Babe? Why are you apologizing? PAUL This land man GENTRY. They are speculating the entire prairie, slicing up pieces larger than you can imagine. He takes a powerful sniff, and nearly takes all the oxygen from the air. PAUL (CONT’D) I tried to stop 'em. But they're too powerful. Gentry strides out of the darkness. He wears a silk hat and white suit and aims a long pistol at Bill and Sue.

MR. GENTRY And we're awful rich too. Pick 'em up Bunyan. 52.

Paul picks up the squirming Bill and Sue.

BILL I am madder than a hornet's nest in a rainstorm, Paul Bunyan. PAUL I am sorry Bill. He’s only taking you to his jail not to the gallows. Gentry walks over to Paul with a glint in his eye. The white suited man gives a crooked grin.

MR. GENTRY There's been a change of plans. These two are too much of a nuisance. Sorry but they must be hung. PAUL What was that, mister? Spitting mad: MR. GENTRY My client does not want anymore trouble with you and your woman. He was very precise about his orders. Bill turns to Paul. BILL You happy now Bunyan? That's what happens when you make a deal with the - SUE Devil.

PAUL No! I didn’t mean for this to happen. They arrive at another gallows.

EXT. TOWN - DAY The next morning: Paul claps Bill and Sue in chains and hauls them outside in the bright sunlight. They spend the night at a ranch in Kansas City equipped with its own gallows. A man twirls his greased mustache as he smiles at the two chained prisoners. 53.

MR. BLACK Well, I believe we have some outstanding business to transact. He squints before the men standing before them.

BILL (to Gentry) Sold your soul to this man, did you? MR. BLACK There's no talking to him, Mr. Bill, he's confounded at this moment. I'm sure he'll be right a few days hence. With a shrug:

BILL The devil does what the devil does, I have no doubt. BILL (CONT’D) (meant for Paul) It's when a man changes his character that is most irritating. It's downright despicable. Paul, red in the face, verges on tears. He paces and stomps up and down. Sue grits her teeth, angry at her husband. SUE What are you doing Pecos? BILL I'm speaking the God’s honest truth now. Paul Bunyan was a hero. But now he's a dastardly, mangy, horrible varmint no different than these men here.

Paul cries and yells out, with large tears that stream down his face. The tears roll away and flood down river. SUE Such a ruckus. Paul's going to wake up the dead.

BILL I hope so. Suddenly Babe the Ox stomps and demolishes the wooden walls. 54.

Chains hang off his haunches, he snorts and searches for Paul. A mighty whirlwind breaks out, started by the weather and Babe. Paul Bunyan turns on his bosses. Babe runs over to him and in the process tramples Mr. Gentry. Dark, acrid smoke surrounds Mr. Black. BILL (CONT’D) I believe our ride is here, darling. Mr. Black’s yells ring in their ears as they escape: MR. BLACK I will have satisfaction!

He takes a whip out and all gathered watch as the whip glows molten red. SUE What is it that he’s swinging?

BILL It’s fire whip, darling. After he spots the man with the fiery whip, the mighty ox spooks and rears and nearly tramples all the other humans in his way; Babe runs to Bill and Sue. PAUL Take Babe home. Bill swipes a nearby rope, throws it around until it's a lasso, and ropes the Ox who snorts with his own excitement. SUE Yee-hah! BILL (to Babe) To Texas please. SUE I guess that big galoot knew what he was doing after all.

BILL Yeah, just wish we were in on that plan, too. 55.

EXT. PRAIRIE - DAY Bill and Sue gather their cattle, many lost because of their arrest by the cavalry. They rope thousands of head on their way back to Texas, and they soon arrive. SUE That devil is hypnotizing all them speculators and they're buying up all the prairie. BILL Those fellas sold their souls - SUE - to be rich. Yes sir. And you know what they'll do to anyone who ain't in on the plan. She runs a finger across her throat.

BILL At least we signed with that devil - SUE - to be with each other. I just wonder what that man has in mind for the two of us. Smiling: BILL It’s time for breakfast, ain’t it?

EXT. NEW MEXICO RANCH - DAY Working the ranch, Bill ropes and rounds up the doggies. He jumps down off his horse and heads over to the ranch house to quench his thirst. BILL (teaching) First you rope 'em with the lasso, lay 'em on the ground gentle as you please and tie that varmint up. He demonstrates, earning awe and whoops from all around. BILL (CONT’D) Now let's see who can rope them doggies the fastest. 56.

For her part, Sue organizes the other animals to get all their work done on the ranch. Gary the Cougar rolls up cotton in a giant mountainous ball that the horses stomp on until the cotton seeds pop out like bullets out of a six-shooter. SUE And they said a ranch couldn't work with animal power. Yee hah!

EXT. RANCH - DAY Bill jumps down off his horse and heads over to the ranch house to quench...

BILL A powerful thirst. After drinking a few gallons, he dusts himself off, and straightens up.

Then he collapses, moaning and writhing in the dirt. The ranch hands and Sue notice Bill laying on the ground. SUE Bill, what's gotten into you? Bill?

One and all surround Bill who's still rolling in pain in the dirt. They study Bill, looking for a reason for his pain, when finally Sue notices a cowboy who hasn't come over. She whispers to one of her ranch men. SUE (CONT’D) Go get that dude. In the next moment there's a scuffle as the ranch hand and a cowboy roll around the dirt, wrestling. As they fight, Bill stops his writhing. The men help him up. Bill grabs his six-shooter and squeezes off a round at the cowboy. Something flies out of the man's hand.

SUE (CONT’D) Bill, what is that? BILL I believe I know.

Fingering a cowboy doll, she smiles. 57.

SUE It's you. It's a Pecos Bill copy right down to the Texas mustache and snake boots. BILL Poking me in the guts with a pin? Get him out of here. The man yells as he’s being dragged away: COWBOY The man promised me my own ranch if I killed you. My own ranch. BILL Whoa. This man, greasy mustache and smells like sulfur?

COWBOY That’s him. Black’s his name. With a shrug: BILL I am familiar with his work.

EXT. RANCH - DAY Sue and Bill sit on their porch whittling with worry. Sue more than Bill. SUE (calmly) That cowboy tried to kill you, Bill.

Bill subconsciously pats his stomach. BILL That varmint? Just gave me a pain in the belly is all.

SUE Pecos Bill. BILL Here it comes.

Shaking her head, her raven hair moves like a curtain: 58.

SUE You know Black ain't giving up on us yet. We sold our souls. Sold; not lent out like he borrowed a mule.

Bill lets out a puff of air and she puts her head on his shoulder.

EXT. NEW MEXICO RANCH - DAY

A celebration, the fiddling and dancing begins as the ranch celebrates the anniversary of neighboring Texas’s statehood. STORYTELLER Bill and Sue lived their lives in happiness, all the while knowing that their bill with Mr. Black would soon come due. It's a massive party and continues for three days. They invite most all of Texas.

Bill and Sue continue their dancing to the fiddler's waltz when all of a sudden the sky turns to black ink: BILL What in tarnation? Storm's a coming; ya’ll take this party inside. But the storm gains strength, and begins to attack their ranch. People scatter back to their ranches, leaving Bill, Sue and their ranch hands alone.

INT. HOUSE-DAY The wind whips trees into sticks and ranch, barn and house it reduces to rubble. Bill, Sue and all their ranch hands flee underground.

Sue senses what's happening: SUE It’s got to be Black again. I curse the day I ever crossed paths with that son of a bitch. He has Sue by the shoulder. BILL We’d be dead if we hadn’t. 59.

SUE We’re going to worse fates for it. The storm both drenches and blows away everything in its path. When Bill and Sue come to the surface after days, the storm has decimated their world. Pecos Bill and Slue-foot Sue gaze at their land and the broken world:

SUE (CONT’D) Ain’t nothing left. BILL I reckon.

Bill searches the landscape. BILL (CONT’D) This ain’t right. No sir. I smell something here, Sue.

SUE I smell something too; what’s that now? She looks up. Even with drenched ground a fire is blazing towards them.

EXT. RANCH - CONTINUOUS Their buildings, every scrap of wood, is now in the path of seething flames.

The fire burns all brush and wood in the ranch, and soon has encircled Sue and Bill. They stand at the center. BILL I guess this is it.

SUE Let the devil have his due, I reckon. They feel the flames heat the air, and oxygen disappears.

They gasp and hold each other. Then: a whooshing sound. Bill and Sue embrace, readying for what happens next. Yet it’s not the flames that wash over them. 60.

A flood of water slams into the burning Texas brush from somewhere and knocks them down, dousing the flames in a flash. They lay drenched on the ground and pant. BILL Where’d that come from?

SUE Him. Paul Bunyan stands on a hill looking down at them. He waves as he bounds down to them.

PAUL BUNYAN Hi ya’ll. I hope you’re okay. Bill stands up, dusts himself off and Sue and peers around. BILL I have to say, I am not happy I met that man. PAUL BUNYAN Black? He did this?

Sue gives a weary look. SUE No. But all his new customers have. BILL Now we’re waiting on a plague of locusts to finish us off. SUE Don’t tempt him, Bill.

BILL Now, what about you? Bill throws a piece of wet, charred wood at his old friend. PAUL What? He holds out his ten-gallon hat. BILL You ruined my hat.

PAUL I-what? 61.

BILL Ten gallons, damn busted. Sue rolls her eyes at her husband. SUE (to Paul) Don’t you know that a hat is worth more than a life to a cowboy? Steamed: PAUL You’re welcome, Pecos Bill. Bill spits. Paul stands up to his fullest height. He looks down at Bill. PAUL (CONT’D) Gratitude. SUE (to her husband) What’s gotten into you?

He folds his arms: BILL I never forget when a man turns on me.

SUE He just saved us from being turned to charcoal. SUE (CONT’D) (to Paul) How’d you know what was happening down here? PAUL I saw the storm; by the time I arrived the fire was heading toward you all.

Bill continues his stubborn act. BILL That’s ‘ya’ll’.

SUE (to Bill) Mule. 62.

Paul shrugs his shoulders. PAUL I can’t win. Drained, Bill sits down and sleeps for the next three days, while Sue and her animals begin reassembling the ranch.

INT. HOUSE - DAY Weeks of labor follow; Pecos Bill and Slue-foot Sue rebuild their house and begin to bring in cattle once again. Bill broods and maintains a look of fury. SUE That Mr. Black is still eating you up, ain't it? BILL I don't mind saying it is. SUE Well, you're just going to have to - Defiant: BILL - forget it? SUE For now. Pacing, Bill turns and faces Sue:

BILL How can I, when that man hasn't finished us off yet? SUE What should we do about it? Kill the devil himself? BILL I do believe that's what we're going to have to do.

She shakes her head at her husband. SUE I think that storm scrambled your brain. 63.

Shrugging his shoulders, Bill gazes at the wall. BILL We need to be somewhere Black finds most of his customers- From outside they hear the snorts of horses riding up to the house and men talking. SUE I didn't know we were taking visitors. Bill spots badges glinting in the sun. BILL Marshals.

INT. HOUSE-CONTINUOUS Bill peers out again, eyes on the lawmen.

BILL Heck, just a couple marshals, I can take care of these fellas in no time at all. SUE And then what? We just going to be outlaws from here on out? BILL I'll make a deal with the marshals if you want. No sense in running around like headless hens. He looks through the window and calls MARSHAL JONES. Jones taps with his foot and shields his eyes from the Texas sun. BILL (CONT’D) Look here, Marshal. I sure would like to know what you fellas want. Maintaining calm: MARSHAL JONES We're here to serve a warrant for your arrest, Pecos Bill. Let's not have any trouble. BILL I ain't aiming to make trouble with United States Marshals. (MORE) 64. BILL (CONT’D) I just would like to know why ya'll want me in the hoosegow.

MARSHAL JONES I believe aiding and abetting fugitives and resisting law enforcement are the charges. He fingers an official paper.

BILL Now Marshal, it don't seem like a fair fight. MARSHAL JONES (shaking his head) We're not here to fight you; just surrender peacefully and nothing will happen. Bill sticks his head out the window to correct the Marshal:

BILL I mean danger to ya'll. I can't control Sue. You know how women get when their man is threatened. Downright protective.

MARSHAL JONES I know it. So let's not let it get violent. I don't like violence, not one bit.

EXT. RANCH - DAY The United States Cavalry arrives and takes positions behind the Marshals. The former Major, now General Custer in command.

STORYTELLER (V.O.) Bill and Sue were cornered. But, they had been in similar scraps before.

MARSHAL JONES I assure you again, Mr. Pecos, you are safe with us. This looks like a marshal retirement gathering more than a raid.

Bill shifts uncomfortably in his seat. He perspires and is not as confident as before. Sue taps him on the shoulder. 65.

SUE Mr. Pecos.

BILL What is it darling? SUE What that Marshal just said is queer is all. He shrugs: SUE (CONT’D) It's what Black calls you, you feather headed fool. BILL You don't think that Marshal out there has-

He nods. She throws up her hands: SUE It looks like that's it. BILL I guess we're lucky it's just him and some oldies.

EXT. RANCH - CONTINUOUS

The red-haired General unrolls a poster adorned with a picture of Pecos Bill. GENERAL CUSTER The orders are: dead or alive, Marshal.

MARSHAL JONES So if he comes out shooting - GENERAL CUSTER We open fire. It's a great day for the West, Marshal. Any friend of the Apache, well. . . MARSHAL JONES Right. And the man will have his due.

GENERAL CUSTER What's that? 66.

INT. HOUSE - CONTINUOUS Pecos Bill contemplates his weapons, a six-shooter and shotgun. Sue loads her own pistol. They don't notice the wind whipping up the earth outside.

EXT. RANCH - DAY The wind covers the cavalry men in sand and dust.

GENERAL CUSTER (to a captain) Get my visor. And my brush too captain. I say this airborne filth does abysmal things to my hair.

The General preens and brushes his locks as they wait. MARSHAL JONES General, don't you think we should just break down this hovel and get rid of Mr. Pecos?

GENERAL CUSTER What has gotten in to you sir? Where's your honor? MARSHAL JONES But you issued the dead or alive orders. Standing a his full height: GENERAL CUSTER It would be an honorable death for a legend. But one of those two choices is "alive" so we should give that a chance. Marshal Jones mutters about broken promises.

CAPTAIN LEXALL Sir, I do believe the weather may change our plans. GENERAL CUSTER Captain, the Seventh Cavalry can handle anything it meets and if it's one thing I know about, it's when I'm badly outnumbered. He surveys his men. 67.

GENERAL CUSTER (CONT’D) I can assure you that our Mr. Pecos Bill knows this fact. He's hopelessly outgunned. A man of his experience and stature should have an idea the situation. After a moment, the captain rides up to his commanding officer again. CAPTAIN LEXALL Sir, the horses are spooked. There are funnel clouds in the area. GENERAL CUSTER Captain, I did not make it to this level of immense leadership by turning around anytime the wind blows harder than a zephyr. Carry on. The wind whips and the sky darkens. The air churns up and spins around like a top.

INT. HOUSE - CONTINUOUS Sue peaks out the window.

SUE I don't like the looks of that air, Bill. He takes a look outside and then looks at Slue-foot Sue.

BILL Fetch my spurs. She looks at him. BILL (CONT’D) You and me are taking a ride. SUE I don't like this one bit.

EXT. RANCH - CONTINUOUS The funnel aims towards Pecos Bill and Slue-foot Sue's creaky sod house. As the tornado lands in front of their house Bill and Sue jump out the door and swing around. 68.

SUE How'd I let you talk me into this?

BILL I’m a legend! SUE Ain’t legends dead?

Pecos Bill hitches himself to that twister with Sue on his back holding on for dear life. BILL Yee ha! SUE We’re going to die! BILL Everybody’s going to one day... They ride the twister past the dumbstruck Marshals, through the gaping Cavalry and their preening General Custer and head east, out of Texas and out of reach of any authority or government man with a debt to Mr. Black. CAPTAIN LEXALL I tried to tell you. The man's a legend. GENERAL CUSTER I do believe I'll have you shot for that Captain.

The general removes his sword from its sheath and brandishes it at his captain as his underling backs away.

EXT. NEW ORLEANS STREET - DAY

The city sits steamy and hot, a fetid swampy, voodoo kingdom. Prostitutes stroll the stone, muddy streets. JOSEPH the trumpet player blows a horn on the dark corners. JOSEPH I don’t like these winds, no sir! In a moment he’s gone as dusk arrives and the wind picks up as other citizens flee to safety as well. As darkness makes its home in the streets the city shudders.

With the arrival of the wind the wooden structures sway. 69.

JOSEPH (CONT’D) (from a window) My land! What is that twister up to? The surprise tornado hovers and lands like a bird locating its nest. Sweeping through the city it flutters next to buildings but avoids them.

It makes to smash the bordello but stops in time. BILL Woah, now. We don't want to crash into this fine town.

Pecos Bill pulls on unseen reins and jumps off. He hauls Slue-foot Sue off as well. SUE New Orleans. I've never been anywhere so interesting. BILL I told you I'd take you places. Ladies of the evening wave from their mansion’s windows. Bill smiles and doffs his hat. BILL (CONT’D) You never know when you might need a night of relaxing.

SUE Friends of yours? He shrugs. A nearby noise causes people to scurry. Sue jumps. SUE (CONT’D) What’s that now? BILL Nothing. We’re safe. Pecos Bill smiles at his wife.

SUE Are we ever? BILL For the moment and that will have to be good enough.

SUE It ain’t. 70.

Smiling:

BILL You know coyotes. SUE They get themselves into all sorts of trouble. She winds up, hands on hips, even while nauseous. SUE (CONT’D) You know when a coyote’s nose gets into the wrong business, he gets it chopped off. BILL That’s the secret: a coyote is smarter than all them other varmints. He helps her up. She looks at him askance. SUE I don’t know how this mangy jackal has survived all these years. BILL He has clever friends, too. Punching him in the shoulder:

SUE Where in tarnation does this ride end? After a few moments, they stop arguing, look around and find that there’s an inn nearby.

EXT. NEW ORLEANS STREET - NIGHT Hours later: Sue and Bill grab some horses and ride through the streets of New Orleans. They ride by small shops and large hotels. They peer into the windows of all manner of businesses. Restaurants and taverns. They stop at a tiny hole in the wall. BILL I did some scouting. Let’s go in here. 71.

SUE I don't like the looks of this place. BILL You are right. But - SUE But we have no choice, do we? BILL No. SUE I hate having no choice. They step inside the shop.

INT. VOODOO OFFICE - NIGHT The smell of incense inside DR. HAITIAN's office as well as opaque darkness greets them inside.

When their eyes adjust they notice dolls and strings of beads decorating the room. Bill clears his throat. After a spell, an ancient creature, that anyone could mistake for a chair, stands.

DR. HAITIAN Greetings. SUE Tarnation you scared the life out of me.

The sack of bones man reaches his hand out to Bill and gives him a yellow-tooth smile. With a long laugh, the witch Doctor enjoys a puff from his pipe and both Sue and Bill shift in their seats

DR. HAITIAN Yet the life is still in you. Any liquor? SUE What’s he want? Holding out his thumb and forefinger: DR. HAITIAN Just a little rum. 72.

BILL Don’t worry. I have some. Never touch the stuff, myself.

Bill flinches as he presents a small flask to Dr. Haitian who sniffs it and takes a healthy swig. The witch doctor smiles at them then takes a puff of a pipe. DR. HAITIAN You are Bill. Pecos Bill. You are from the West. You have arrived by a great wind and the man - He points to the floor. DR. HAITIAN (CONT’D) - the man-you say-says you and your woman owe him your souls. Another puff of the pipe. A deep breath. Sue sighs and searches the office with her eyes. Finally:

DR. HAITIAN (CONT’D) It's not good mon, this thing you see was written in blood. Those are bonds that can’t be broken. BILL This Mr. Black, have you met him? DR. HAITIAN I wouldn’t know about such things, mon.

Sue grunts, disbelieving. SUE And I’m a bullfrog. DR. HAITIAN For true. I don’t go into that. Though. . . this is New Orleans, mon. There’s much going on. Many shadows. The witch doctor enjoys a long laugh and a puff from his pipe and both Sue and Bill shift again in their seats. DR. HAITIAN (CONT’D) I would say, the only way to get rid of this thing is give this devil what he wants. 73.

SUE He should take both of us down there you’re saying? Do you work for the varmint? He blows out a cloud of smoke, slow to answer: DR. HAITIAN It's the only way, mon.

SUE Well, that ain’t going to happen. DR. HAITIAN It’s the only way. Or. . .

He sticks a bony finger into the air. SUE Or what?

BILL What can we do? They lean forward in their seats, as they await his answer. DR. HAITIAN You could try to kill him, mon. Although. . . that guy is hard to kill, let me tell you. The witch-doctor gives an extended laugh.

SUE Yee ha. That’s what we aim to do. Let’s get out of here. They turn to leave when a shadow falls over them.

The shadow swings a truncheon and knocks out Bill and Sue.

EXT. NEW ORLEANS STREET - NIGHT A horse carries two lifeless bodies through the dim streets of New Orleans. Only the light from the brothels and bars light the way. The city streets echo from cobblestone. Even at the late hour scores of horses clop through the avenues pulling their carriages and riders. 74.

MR. BLACK You can only escape from the devil for so long. He surveys the late night. MR. BLACK (CONT’D) And I forgot my manners. Welcome to New Orleans, my friends. You should love it-for eternity. A laugh emanates from deep within his throat. Bill awakens.

BILL (whisper) Get up now, stop this siesta, woman. He grabs Sue’s hand, breaks through the carriage door and is out on the street. Mr. Black becomes the shadow; he takes off after them. The chase begins.

EXT. STREETS - CONTINUOUS They run through the streets of New Orleans, a shadow on their back. But the shadow moves faster than any man, and it surrounds them in an alley.

SUE I don’t like this. BILL Let me at it!

SUE It’s no use Bill. It holds Bill and Sue in a vice and drags them to the street to an opening in the sewer where it takes them down, below the surface.

INT. MR. BLACK'S LAIR - NIGHT Bill’s eyes adjust and he spies movement; snakes and other creatures slither from snakes normally home in the swamp. An arch stands at the end of his vision. A voice from beyond the arch: 75.

MR. BLACK Welcome to my home. I'm sure you'll excuse the condition. He steps out of the shadows which continue to surround him.

BILL What are you doing with these animals, Black? MR. BLACK My helpers are the shadows of people and animals I have encountered. They inform me of the whereabouts of my customers, like you two. The animal helpers move about in the shadows.

BILL Should’ve never agreed - MR. BLACK Yes, but you did, didn't you? And you got your beloved back from her lonely perch. And in return you owe me your soul. Sue looks away.

MR. BLACK (CONT’D) You found me. I’ve saved both of you and what is my thanks? Welshing. BILL Welshing? Now does anyone ever want to pay that fool debt back? MR. BLACK They are all around you. This could be you two.

Black twirls his mustache. MR. BLACK (CONT’D) Mr. Pecos, you could work under my employ.

BILL You must think I'm as much a feather-headed fool as Sue says I am. 76.

Bill swallows. MR. BLACK Both of your debts would be lifted. Just think of it. SUE Not even a chance will Pecos Bill work for a devil like you. BILL I was going to say it nicer. But no thanks. Mr. Black bows to Bill. MR. BLACK I’ve always admired your good manners, Mr. Pecos. SUE We don’t aim to pay you back, Black.

MR. BLACK Then your debts have come due. She grabs a distracted snake, whips it in the haunches and glides off.

Bill jumps on her back but the shadows engage as well and surround Pecos Bill. BILL Never fought a shadow before.

The snake rears and glides with them as fast an angry mustang. They glide through the sewer as shadows converge on them and burst through to the bright morning sunlight as Mr. Black follows in shadow form.

EXT. STREET - CONTINUOUS Mr. Black materializes:

MR. BLACK This is an unfortunate duty for me. Sue hisses to the snake. 77.

His snake turns on him quickly and strikes Mr. Black’s throat.

Three lightning bites later, Mr. Black lies unconscious in the street. Sue falls over, and then she stands, looking for Bill. A shadow flies into Sue’s throat, another, into Bill who lays on the ground in a heap. Sue leaps to him and grabs him as her fingers shake. SUE Bill.

It isn't him, it's a coyote. Relief; but where is he? SUE (CONT’D) Bill? That's you.

She screams and cries. He only barks and yips in return.

EXT. ROAD - DAY In her cart bound for Texas, Slue-foot Sue cradles a coyote in her arms; she tells people: SUE It’s called Pecos. He’s my coyote. WOMAN Didn't you have a man named that? SUE I did. At one time.

EXT. RANCH - DAY

The solitary coyote sits, staring at the horses as they run. STORYTELLER (V.O.) Pecos Bill was now Pecos the coyote. That was the price paid. This still made Sue very forlorn. Which means sad. The ranch busies itself as Pecos observes with a whine, his muzzle drooping in the dirt.

SUE Pecos, here doggy. 78.

She pets him as he wags his tail and rubs against her leg. Her tears fall. She bends down to look at the dog in the eyes. SUE (CONT’D) Are you happy as a varmint? I guess it's a good life. Laying around and scratching and licking yourself all the live-long day. Sue breaks down and sobs. SUE (CONT’D) I guess I'll have to get used to this arrangement.

INT. HOUSE - NIGHT Slue-foot Sue sits by the fire and knits. She sniffs as she does. She blows her nose. She throws her knitting aside and stares down at Pecos who sits at her feet. SUE How are you, varmint? Imagine being married to a coyote. I think I might be allergic to you. Pecos gives her a whine. SUE (CONT’D) That’s how I feel about it too. But there’s no sense crying about it, anymore at least. A KNOCK on the door. Her ranch hand stands, out of breath. The rain pours down on the plains.

ANTONIO Mrs. Sue, I have bad news: a land man is here. SUE I do not like this. Where's my cougar?

EXT. RANCH - CONTINUOUS Gary the Cougar by her side, Sue steps outside. Pecos follows as well. 79.

SUE That's right darling; I don't trust this rain neither. She glops through the rain and mud and finds a horse unknown to her tied up near the corral.

She checks the horse then turns around and with a hiss and a rattle, something large knocks her into the mud and unconscious.

INT. BARN - DAY Sue opens her eyes and sees hay and the horses she's seen the night before. A stirring in her peripheral vision: SUE Who’s that?

No answer. She sits up on her elbows and tries to clear her vision. Dizzy, she lays down again. Something slithers nearby, dried leaves and straw crunch draws her attention in several directions. Sue awakens again.

SUE (CONT’D) What in tarnation is that? She hears a yipping and whining of Pecos trying to enter the barn but prevented from doing so by the creature inside.

Sue stands. She trembles and finds her voice: SUE (CONT’D) Don't be a coward, whatever you are. Show yourself.

The man appears more snakelike than man but he stands on two legs. Cross cut scales of a rattler cover his body. He speaks in a hiss. SUE (CONT’D) Black? What have you done to yourself? MR. BLACK I survived.

SUE I guess you should get this over with. Seems your Mamma never told you not to play with your food. 80.

MR. BLACK It's not gentlemanly to consume a person when they're unconscious. The hiss of his words are dying away as he races up to her and she falls backward into the straw. MR. BLACK (CONT’D) But now . . . His body blocks her as he rears to strike; she squints and ducks and slips his grasp. He chases her through the barn until: Boom! An earthquake jolts the barn and her world darkens.

SUE My stars! Then: crash! They turn in a mass of legs and straw, screams and howls. Where once there was ground now there is roof.

Then, it is quiet. Only the sound of Sue’s breathing can be heard. Another voice chimes in: VOICE Come to me. You’ll be safe. Sue stops as the world around her stops turning. The sweat trickles down her back. She looks around for the source of the voice.

Then she hears another voice, this one more familiar. PAUL Sue, are you okay?

She peers through the slats of the overturned barn to find Paul. SUE I’m covered in this here barn.

VOICE Stay where you are, I’ll be right there. The mysterious voice moves from side to side and throws itself all over the barn. 81.

SUE Who’s that? VOICE It’s me, Paul. SUE Really? Then talk to me. The strange voice responds:

VOICE You betcha. I’m from the north and Babe is my ox. SUE Ain’t so. When you come here you talk Texan. Light flows in the barn and Sue sees the face of Paul Bunyan as he stares in. His eyes dart and search for her.

PAUL Don’t believe that snake, Sue. She crouches under hay in the corner when the Mr. Black-snake spots her. Once again he rears, ready to strike.

Paul spots the crouched snake, grabs it as Sue rolls out of the way. PAUL (CONT’D) Got you, varmint.

Mr. Black-snake comes to his senses and writhes in Paul's hands. MR. BLACK Unhand me.

Paul squeezes Mr. Black-snake like he's squeezing the syrup from a maple and throws the varmint to Babe, but at that moment another animal jumps in front of the mighty ox. Pecos and Babe stomp and chew up Mr. Black-snake into dust like they would any creature.

PAUL Ya’ll can’t haunt these people no more. SUE You said it. 82.

Shadows creep away from what's left of the snake and it writhes no more.

EXT. NEW MEXICO RANCH - DAY Slue-foot Sue sits and pets Pecos as the Texas sun dries the land. The barn lies in shambles. She looks out over her ranch and speaks to Pecos. SUE We’ll rebuild it. What else would I do?

Soon, the Apache arrive unannounced. They help Sue with the ranch. Looking at Pecos, Geronimo speaks to Sue. The mighty warrior gives the humble coyote a queer look: GERONIMO I know he can understand. He's too clever not to be thinking about everything we say. SUE And he’s ornery as a cuss. The corners of his mouth twitch.

GERONIMO So nothing’s changed. SUE I just wish...

GERONIMO There might be something we can do. Let me talk to my healer. Pecos licks Geronimo’s face.

GERONIMO (CONT’D) Good boy. Good Pecos.

EXT. RANCH - NIGHT

Geronimo returns to talk to Sue. STORYTELLER (V.O.) Geronimo brought the healer to see if maybe she could make Pecos into a man again. 83.

GERONIMO The healer would heal but, Pecos isn't sick. But for some reason he wouldn't leave her. The healer reveals herself to be a young, beautiful woman. Sue looks assured.

SUE Don't worry. He'll try again. I have no doubt about that. Trust me on this one.

Into the tent they go, hours turn into days, the coyote and the healer. PECOS [Puppy sounds]

SUE Yeah, you sound pitiful but I know you don't mind the healing. I don't think I can blame you. Sue waits nearby. She paces and sweats. Paul Bunyan and Babe pace alongside, digging a New Mexico canyon to rival the Grand one in Arizona. SUE (CONT’D) What are they doing in there?

Sounds from the tent: barks and yips, and chants by the healer. On the third day, the healer emerges from the tent with a satisfied smile, patting her head from sweat.

Sue looks at her and runs into the tent. SUE (O.C.) (CONT’D) It stinks like wet dog in here. Inside the tent, once again a man, lies Pecos Bill. He has the same look of satisfaction as the healer. BILL What did you expect now? Sue hugs him then swats at him as tears stream down her face.

BILL (CONT’D) It was part of the healing process, darling! 84.

SUE I’ll bet it was. You're more healed than a newborn calf, it seems to me. She hugs him no matter how he smells or what kind of a varmint he is. BILL Yip! Howl! SUE Yee-ha! STORYTELLER The healer had succeeded. Pecos the varmint was now Pecos Bill once again. He was free to roam the Southwest, free to be with Sue; free to help our people again. Pecos was free. END

FADE OUT.