True Grit Page #3

Let's restrict it to killed,

a more manageable figure!

Well, twelve to fifteen, stopping men

in flight and defending myself.

Twelve to fifteen? So many

you can't keep a specific count.

I have examined the records.

A more accurate figure is available.

Come now, how many?

Counting them two Whartons,

twenty-three.

I felt you'd come to it

with a little effort.

Twenty-three dead men in four years.

That makes about six men a year!

- It's a dangerous business.

- How much more for those you arrest!

Is it not true that

you sprang upon the Whartons

with a deadly six-shot revolver?

- I always try to be ready.

- Was this revolver loaded and cocked?

A gun that's unloaded

ain't good for nothing!

Just answer, if you please.

- The question don't make sense!

- Don't bandy words with counsel.

Yes, sir.

You testified you backed away

from old man Wharton.

- Yes, sir.

- Which direction?

Backward! I always go backward

when I'm backing away!

I appreciate the humour of that remark.

Aaron Wharton was standing by a pot

when you arrived?

More like squatting.

He was stirring the fire under the pot.

- How far did you back away?

- Six, eight steps.

Meaning Wharton advanced the same

distance? Six or eight steps?

- Sixteen feet?

- Something like that.

Then explain why the body was found

by the wash pot,

one arm in the flames,

the sleeve and hand smouldering.

Them hogs!

They may have moved the body.

Hogs, indeed!

Mr Goudy, do you have

any more questions?

None that I'll get a straight answer to.

I'm finished with him.

You're dismissed, Mr Cogburn.

Call the next witness!

Cecil Falling Leaf, take the stand!

Raise your right hand...

- Mr Rooster Cogburn?

- What is it?

I'd like to talk with you a minute.

They say you're a man with true grit.

What do you want? Speak up!

You've already wrinkled the paper...

It's pretty loose

because your makings are too dry.

I'm looking for Tom Chaney.

Well, who's he?

He shot and killed my father,

Frank Ross.

He's in the Indian Territory.

I need somebody to go after him.

- Who are you?

- Mattie Ross.

My family has 480 acres

of good bottomland in Yell County.

Mother's home looking after

my baby sister and brother.

Why don't you go home

and leave me alone?

They'll need help with the churning!

Mr Cogburn!

You can get a fugitive warrant

for Chaney and $2 for bringing him in,

plus 10 cents a mile for each of you,

and I'll give you $50 reward!

You've looked into this right smart.

Yes, I mean business.

What have you got in your poke?

By God, girl, that's a Colt's Dragoon!

You're no bigger than a corn nubbin.

What are you doing with this pistol?

My father carried it bravely in the war.

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