FADE IN:
INT. ARDEN'S SUBBASEMENT - NIGHT
The room is quickly filling with smoke. Jim tugs at one of the bricks
attached to his right leg. It pries free, and he flips the switch on
his shoe. The blade in the point pops out, West picks the lock on his
other shoe. With both legs free, he pulls them straight up and uses
the blade to pick the lock on his right hand. Once free, he grabs the
lock pick in his lapel and frees his left hand. He coughs from all
the smoke, and sweats from the flames; there are only minutes to get
out alive. Stumbling toward the spiral staircase, Jim can't see.
We FOLLOW him up the staircase, and, into,
INT. CELLAR - CONTINUOUS
Jim dives through the first window leading outside, and we FOLLOW
HIM,
EXT. ARDEN'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
The house is consumed in flames. Jim whistles for his horse, climbs
on him and gallops away. On his exit, we,
CUT TO:
INT. PARLOR CAR - NIGHT
Arte paces through the car. Jim enters.
Thank god...are you all right?
WEST
Relax, Arte, I'm fine.
(beat)
I found Constance Warner, but
I lost her.
GORDON
You lost her? Really James, you're
slipping, my boy.....
WEST
Apparently. I did find out the who'
in this puzzle...
(off a look)
Keller Arden. Former cattle rancher
turned would-be-despot.
GORDON
Just what the world needs....
WEST
Yeah, and worse, I don't know where
they are now, and we're running out
of time.
(beat)
And speaking of time, why are you
still up? Artemus....were you
worried about me?
GORDON
Of course not. I just couldn't sleep
is all....
WEST
Uh-huh.
GORDON
I've been thinking...
(off a look)
What if Dr. Warner made it known that
he didn't want to wait any longer to
trade his research for his daughter?
WEST
But Arte, we can't let--
(nickel drops)
Ah....they're not going to get
the Dr. Warner they're expecting...
GORDON
(smiling)
Exactly.
A SCREAM from Arte's sleeper interrupts
them. They both take off at a run.
Daddy! Daddy.....help me!!
We FOLLOW WEST and GORDON through the car and
into,
INT. GORDON'S SLEEP CAR - CONTINUOUS
Arte rushes into the room, with Jim right behind. Gordon sits on the
bed, picks up the screaming girl, and holds her close.
Shhhh......it's okay, honey, you're
just dreaming.
MADELINE
Daddy.....
GORDON
I'm here, sweetheart. Daddy's
here.
ANGLE WEST; Arte's heart is lost to this
little girl. RESUME.
Madeline wakes up and sobs so hard she can barely breathe. She wraps
her arms tightly around Arte's neck. He holds her close.
It was just a nightmare, darling.
Shhh....
Jim lingers a moment, longer, and on his
exit, we,
CUT TO:
INT. PARLOR CAR - DAY
Arte sits in a chair at the table, Jim enters. He walks over to his
friend. Gordon looks like hell; no sleep, just worry. It's not
lost on West. Jim pours himself a cup of coffee.
Couldn't sleep?
GORDON
No.
WEST
You all right?
GORDON
Yeah.
WEST
Madeline still asleep?
GORDON
Yeah.
WEST
Heard from Richmond this morning?
GORDON
No.
Jim can feel Arte's stomach
flip-flopping. He pats his friend on the shoulder.
You worry too much, Arte.
GORDON
I'm not worried. Who said anything
about being worried?
WEST
Arte, whenever you answer me in
monosyllables, I know you're
preoccupied.
(off a look)
Did you advise Richmond about our
plan?
GORDON
Yeah.
WEST
Arte....
GORDON
I'm sorry, Jim. Richmond's on his
way with Warner and.....
WEST
And?
GORDON
(mutters)
A nanny.
WEST
A what?
GORDON
A Nanny. They're sending a nanny.
Jim can't keep the huge smile from
lighting up his lips.
(annoyed)
Oh, wipe that smile off your face.
I have to educate the child....
WEST
One day, and you've completely fallen
for the girl.
GORDON
(melancholy)
Just like her mother.
ANGLE WEST; he hadn't meant to stir up
sad memories.
Fatherhood suits you, Artemus.
GORDON
Yes, I suppose it does. Who
would have guessed....
Madeline, rubbing her eyes from sleep,
enters. She looks upset.
Daddy?
Arte goes to her and picks her up.
What is it, sweetheart?
MADELINE
I miss mommy.
Arte kisses her and pulls her close. A KNOCK
on the door interrupts the scene. Jim opens the door to REVEAL
Richmond, DR. CLIFFORD WARNER, 50's, tall, glasses, mustache and
scar on his cheek and MISS MORELOVE, late 20's, gorgeous. They
enter.
Dr. Warner, Miss Morelove, may
I present James West, Artemus
Gordon, and Mr. Gordon's daughter,
Madeline.
Jim shakes hands with Warner and kisses Miss
Morelove's hand. Arte, still carrying Madeline, walks over,
shake Warner's hand and smiles at Morelove.
Miss Morelove, thank you so much
for your help with Madeline.
Madeline grabs Arte tightly around the
neck.
Daddy, I want to stay with you.
Please don't leave me them.
GORDON
I'm not leaving, sweetheart. Miss
Morelove is just going to work with
you for a few hours while Daddy
takes care of business, that's all.
ANGLE MORELOVE; she's enchanted at how
sweet he is with Madeline.
Do you promise?
GORDON
Yes.
(beat)
You go with Miss Morelove now,
okay, sweetheart?
Arte hands the child to Miss Morelove, who
takes her by the hand and the two of them exit into the next car.
Warner finally speaks; he has a thick GERMAN ACCENT.
Mr. West, Colonel Richmond tells me
you saw my daughter...
WEST
Yes, she's unharmed, sir.
WARNER
Thank god.
(to Richmond)
I don't like this; I don't like it
at all. I should go with my research
and get my daughter. If something
should go wrong.....
WEST
Dr. Warner, Artemus will have no
trouble convincing Arden and his
boys that he's you. I'll be tailing
him, and together, we'll get your
daughter out safely, without losing
you research.
WARNER
I don't care about my research,
Mr. West, I just want my daughter.
(to Gordon)
You're a father, you understand, ya?
GORDON
Dr. Warner, you have my word, your
daughter will be safe.
On Warner unconvinced, we,
CUT TO:
EXT. MOUNTAIN TRAIL - DAY
Arte, disguised as Dr. Warner, rides his horse up a small and windy
trail. A bad feeling overtakes Arte, and he shivers. He looks around,
as though expecting something. But there is nothing, he rides on.
CLOSE ON WEST a discreet distance away. He continues to follow Arte
up the trail.
RESUME
Arte turns round the next bend, and comes face to face with an
ambush. Arden and his men stand in the trail, pointing guns at
Gordon. Arden steps forward.
ARDEN
Dr. Warner, I presume. I'm Keller
Arden.
GORDON/WARNER
(German dialect)
What are you doing here? We're
supposed to meet several miles
up the trail.
ARDEN
Forgive me, doctor, but I felt
the need for a little change in
plans.
GORDON/WARNER
Where is my daughter?
ARDEN
She's safe.
GORDON/WARNER
I want to see her. Now.
ARDEN
In a moment, doctor. First, your
research notes....
GORDON/WARNER
My daughter, then my notes.
ARDEN
You're a tough old bird, aren't
you? Dismount, please.
Arte does nothing.
Dismount, or I will have you
dismounted.
Still Arte doesn't move. Arden nods to
Dan, who kicks his own horse, and races toward Gordon. He throws
himself at Arte, who in maintaining his guise as Warner, falls
awkwardly, suffering for it in the landing. Arte cries out, holding
his ribs. Dan grabs him and pulls him up to his feet.
It won't do Dr. Warner, to ignore me.
Arte stands slightly bent, clutching his ribs
in pain.
My daughter....
ARDEN
You're stubborn, I'll give you that.
Arden nods and another man brings Constance
out from behind a rock. Arte holds his hands out to her and she runs
to him. As she grabs him, he almost passes out from the pain, but he
pulls her to himself. She realizes he is not her father.
But you're not--
GORDON/WARNER
--hurt badly? No liebchen, my
ribs are just a little bruised, but
otherwise I am all right.
(sotto w/o dialect)
Play along Constance, I'm a
government agent, your father's
fine.
He pulls away from her and smiles.
(to Arden)
My daughter goes, now, and then
I give you the research notes.
ARDEN
I don't think so, Dr. Warner.
(to Dan)
Reach into his satchel and get it....
Dan walks over to the satchel, and Arte
discreetly takes Constance's hand in his own. Jim crouches
behind a rock, ready to spring. Dan opens the satchel on Arte's
horse, and the bag explodes with smoke. Arte pulls Constance with him
to cover behind the rocks, and Jim moves in, fists blazing. Gunshots
are fired, but with all the smoke, no one hits a thing. Arte move
toward the horses, gets Constance on his chestnut, and with
difficulty, climbs up after her. He looks back in time to see Jim hop
on his own horse, and they head down the trail full speed. ANGLE
WEST; he notices Arte looks awkward in the saddle. RESUME. West kicks
his horse and he gets close to Arte and Constance.
Arte, what's wrong?
GORDON
I'm fine, just go....
The horses continue to race down the trail,
and as soon as they are clear, West stops his horse, and Gordon
follows suit.
(in pain)
What are you doing?
WEST
(to Constance)
Can you handle a horse?
CONSTANCE
Yes, Mr. West.
WEST
Come on Arte, you're on with me.
GORDON
No, too risky. If something should
go wrong...
WEST
Arte, I can see you're hurt. The
pain's only gonna get worse as we
ride. By the looks of it, you
won't be able to hold on much
longer.
Jim gets off his horse and carefully helps
Gordon down. West helps Arte up onto his horse and climbs on behind
him, putting his arms around his partner to secure him in place.
(to Constance)
You're sure you can ride well enough?
CONSTANCE
Yes.
WEST
Then let's get going.
Jim slaps Arte's horse on the behind and
kicks his own. Arte moans in pain as the bumpy ride jars his
ribs.
Hang in there, partner.
GORDON
I'm okay....it's just....
WEST
What?
GORDON
It seemed too easy, didn't it?
WEST
Arte, we rarely get them that easy,
so let's not complain about it.
ANGLE GORDON; he has a feeling of ill ease,
and it ain't his ribs talking. He shivers slightly, and West
tightens his hold on his partner. On Jim's worried face, we,
CUT TO:
INT. PARLOR CAR - DUSK
Richmond paces back and forth. Dr. Warner sits quietly in the desk
chair. The door opens, and Constance enters; she runs to her father
who hugs and kisses her. Jim enters, supporting Arte, who is wincing
in pain. Richmond moves right to them, and helps Jim support his
partner.
What the hell happened? I got
a message from the 5th regiment
saying you never arrived at the
rendezvous point.
WEST
They ambushed Arte about half way
up the mountain trail. We managed
to get Constance and get away.
RICHMOND
Obviously.....Gordon, are you all
right?
GORDON
(in pain)
Yeah, I'll be fine.
They carefully lie Gordon on the couch. Jim
removes Arte's tie, and unbuttons his shirt. He checks
Arte's ribs and makes a face.
I'll bet those hurt, buddy....
Arte just nods. Warner and Richmond share an
uncomfortable look, and Warner walks to West and Gordon.
Mr. West, Mr. Gordon....words
cannot express my gratitude to
the two of you for bringing my
daughter home. You can't possibly
know what it means to me.
RICHMOND
There's a carriage waiting, Dr.
Warner....
West shakes the man's hand.
It was our pleasure to help, Dr.
Warner.
Constance kisses West on the cheek.
Thank you so much...for everything.
Jim kisses her hand, and then she looks down
at Arte, gently laying a hand on his forehead.
And you, stop masquerading as my
father, you see the kind of trouble
it gets you into.
GORDON
Stay well, Miss Warner.
She kisses Jim once more, then she and Warner
exit. Jim looks over at Richmond, who is unusually tense. Jim
frowns.
Colonel...is something wrong?
Richmond looks sharply at West, and now West
is sure something's wrong.
Colonel?
Richmond walks over to the two men, and sits
on the coffee table.
Jim, sit down.
Something in Richmond's tone scares Jim,
who says nothing as he sits. Richmond moves close to Gordon, and in
an almost fatherly gesture, lays a hand on Arte's shoulder.
Artemus, something happened while
you were gone....I don't know how
to tell you this....
ANGLE GORDON; panic.
Madeline.... Is she all right?
ANGLE RICHMOND; he swallows hard.
I'm sorry Artemus, but they've got
her.
GORDON
Wh-what do you mean they've got her?
Richmond lets go of Arte's shoulder,
stands and paces.
About an hour before you got back, a
delivery boy showed up at the door.
Said he had a package for Artemus.
I signed for it, and set it on the
desk. Frankly, I forgot about it.
After awhile, it exploded, emitting
a gas. I succumbed to it, along with
Dr. Warner and Miss Morelove.
(beat)
When we came to, Madeline was gone,
and there was this note on the desk...
Richmond hands the note to West.
(reads note)
If you want to get your daughter
back, you will do exactly as we
tell you. If you make any attempt
at a rescue without meeting our
demands, Madeline will die.
GORDON
Oh god.
WEST
(reads)
We want Warner's research notes
in exchange for Madeline's life.
Perhaps Mr. Gordon will take it
more seriously if his daughter
is the one on the chopping block.
Arte pulls himself up, and starts to stand,
but the pain overwhelms him. West goes to him and takes a hold of his
arm.
Arte, sit down, your ribs aren't
gonna take much right now.
Arte pushes Jim away.
I lost her mother, Jim, I won't
lose her.
Arte buttons his shirt and winces as he puts
on his jacket.
Arte, you're in no condition to try
a rescue. We don't even know where
to look.
GORDON
(angry)
Unless you're planning on killing me,
there's nothing you can do to stop me.
WEST
Artemus--
RICHMOND
--That's enough, both of you.
GORDON
Surely you're not suggesting that
I just sit here and do nothing?
RICHMOND
Given the circumstances, Artemus,
yes, that's exactly what I'm ordering
you to do. Are we clear?
WEST
Colonel, we can't turn over Warner's
research.....
Gordon looks at Jim with betrayal. He grabs
Jim by the lapel.
(anger)
And what about Madeline?
WEST
Hey, it's me, remember? I won't
let anything happen to her, Arte.
GORDON
I'm sorry, Jim. I......I'm just
scared.
ANGLE WEST; he's never heard Arte admit
fear, and it shocks him. RESUME. Arte lets go of his partner.
It's okay buddy. Sit down and
relax a minute.
Jim carefully sits Gordon on the divan and
pulls the Colonel aside.
Jim?
WEST
(sotto)
Colonel, there's something about
all of this that isn't sitting right
with me.
RICHMOND
(sotto)
It does seem a little too convenient.
WEST
(sotto)
Can you check a few things out for
me?
On West and Richmond, we,
CUT TO:
INT. PARLOR CAR - NIGHT
Jim sits on the divan sipping coffee, watching Arte pace.
Why don't you try and get some
rest, Arte?
GORDON
I can't.
WEST
It might do those sore ribs some good.
GORDON
I can't sleep, Jim. I just can't.
West watches his partner continue his pacing.
The telegraph key springs into life. Gordon walks to it, listening to
the morse. He and Jim exchange a look. West sets his coffee down,
stands and walks over to his partner.
That's it then, the exchange takes
place in an hour, up in the mountains.
Arte picks up Warner's research notes.
Jim lays a hand on his arm, preparing to stop him.
Arte, we agreed that you and the
research are staying here, and I'm
going in. You're too emotionally
involved.
Arte looks into his friend's eyes.
I'm sorry Jim, but I'm afraid I
can't take that chance.
Before Jim realizes what hits him,
Arte's fist lands in his face, knocking him out. Gordon grabs
his ribs in pain, but catches his partner anyway. Arte gently lays
Jim on the divan, placing his head on a pillow.
Forgive me, James, but I don't
have a choice.
On Arte taking the research and exiting the
car, we,
CUT TO:
EXT. MOUNTAIN TRAIL - NIGHT
Arte's horse races up a trail, and we,
CUT TO:
INT. PARLOR CAR - NIGHT
Jim is just coming to when Richmond enters. He rushes to West and
helps him up.
Jim, what happened?
WEST
Arte knocked me out.
RICHMOND
You mean he took Warner's research
and left?
WEST
We have half an hour to catch him.
RICHMOND
I might have known Gordon would do
something like this.....
Jim begins preparing himself to leave.
Can you blame him, Colonel? They
have his daughter.
Richmond holds up a telegram.
Do they?
(off a look)
Lily Fortune isn't dead.
On West, considering all the possibilities,
we,
CUT TO:
EXT. MOUNTAIN TRAIL - NIGHT
Arte stops his horse and dismounts. He waits. A moment later, Keller
Arden and his men appear.
Mr. Gordon, how nice of you to
come. You're looking....younger
than the last time we met.
GORDON
Where's Madeline?
ARDEN
Where are the notes?
Gordon reaches into his jacket and produces
an envelope. Arden reaches for them, but Gordon holds them back.
My daughter, where is she?
Arden nods to Dan, who pulls Madeline out of
hiding.
Are you all right, darling?
The girl nods.
That's enough, Mr. Gordon, the
notes, if you please.
Arte hands the man the research, and starts
to walk toward Madeline. Two of the thugs strike him in the
midsection, and he goes down clutching his already fractured
ribs.
Daddy!
ARDEN
Get her out of here, and kill him.
West appears from behind some brush.
I don't think so, Arden.
ARDEN
I should have known, where one of
you is, the other is never far
behind.
WEST
Let the girl go, and hand over the
notes.
(to Gordon)
Arte, can you stand?
Gordon nods and painfully pulls himself
up.
Give Mr. Gordon the notes, Arden,
and let the little girl walk over
here.
Warner appears behind Madeline, and holds a
gun to her head.
I don't think so Mr. West.
ANGLE GORDON; terrified for Madeline's
life.
Drop your gun.
West hesitates.
Jim! Damnit man, drop it!
West drops the gun.
Now go stand next to your
colleague.
Jim complies, and puts an arm around Arte,
supporting him.
It's all starting to make sense
now.....Arden's ability to predict
our next move. The only thing I
don't understand, is why you would
want to steal your own research....
GORDON
Because he embezzled the money
our government paid him, instead
of investing it in his research.
It's all worthless, isn't it?
WARNER
Very good, Mr. Gordon, you're
really quite bright.
WEST
So you decided to kidnap your
own daughter, and demand your
research as payment.
WARNER
Yes, but you and Mr. Gordon ruined
that particular plan.
ARDEN
Enough. Let's kill them and go.
Warner cocks the gun he's holding at
Madeline's head.
Please, don't....don't kill her.
She's just a child, Warner.
Warner smiles.
Trasker.....you know what to do.
Howard Trasker steps out of the shadows and
takes a hold of the girl. ANGLE GORDON; he looks like he's been
hit in the stomach, his mind racing with the truth.
Yeah, I know what to do.
Trasker takes the child away. Arte starts
toward them, but Jim holds him back.
No! Don't! Bring her back! God,
please, no....
Jim gently squeezes Arte's neck, and
they share a look. A moment later, Jim lunges at Warner, and Arte
takes off after Trasker. West takes out Warner, and grabs his gun.
Arden and his men fire at West, who ducks behind some rocks. A
gunfight ensues. Jim takes out a few of them, and barely dodges the
flying bullets. He runs for another set of rocks, diving for cover.
He takes out Trasker and it's down to a shoot out with Arden and
Dan. Jim nails Dan, but is grazed in the head by Arden. It takes him
a second to recover, and Arden takes off on horseback. Jim shakes his
head and jumps on his own horse. They race down the trail, shooting
at each other. Arden turns to shoot at West, and doesn't see the
upcoming turn in the trail. His horse stops short, not wanting to
fall over the edge, but the forward motion propels Arden over the
front of the horse, plunging him to his death against the rocks. Jim
turns around and gallops full speed back up the trail. On this,
we,
CUT TO:
EXT. MOUNTAIN TRAIL - DAYBREAK
The sun is beginning to peak above the horizon. Arte has caught up
with Trasker and they are in a stand off. Trasker turns his gun on
the child, who is screaming for Arte.
Stop Gordon, or I'll kill her.
Arte drops the gun.
It's over Trasker, let me have the
girl.
TRASKER
No. The child and I are leaving,
and you're going to let us, or I'll
kill her.
ANGLE GORDON; he has no choice.
Please......let her go. I won't
follow you. Just give her to me.
An evil smile spreads on Trasker's face
as he cocks the gun to the child's head.
Trasker, don't.....please.......
I'll do anything, just don't hurt
her.
A SHOT rings out, and Arte slams his eyes
shut. Trasker falls and Madeline runs to Gordon. Jim puts his gun
back in its holster. Arte bends down and hugs Madeline closely to
him, tears rolling down his cheeks. ANGLE WEST; giving the girl up is
going to hurt Arte very deeply. On this, we,
CUT TO:
INT. PARLOR CAR - DAY
Jim stands protectively close to Arte.
You're sure Lil's all right?
WEST Yes, Arte, she's absolutely fine.
It was all a hoax, for the sake ofan insurance policy in case Warner's first ploy didn't work.
GORDON They counted on the fact that I'd bond with the child and believe that she was mine. WEST I'm sorry, Arte. I really am.
Arte nods.
What will happen to Madeline now?
WEST
Colonel Richmond found her mother in
Billings. Trasker kidnapped the
girl about a month ago, convinced
Madeline that her mother was dead,
and that you were her father.
GORDON
She looks so much like Lily....
West puts his arm around his partner.
You'd be a good father, Arte.
The door opens and Richmond, Madeline,
Morelove and BARBARA FETTLING enter.
Miss Fettling, allow me to introduce
Artemus Gordon and James West, and of
course you two already know Miss Morelove.
BARBARA
Thank you both for bringing my
daughter back to me.
WEST
It was our pleasure.
Gordon bends down on one knee and holds his
arms out to Madeline.
Can I have a hug?
The little girl smiles and hugs him tightly
around the neck. He holds her very close.
I'm going to miss you, Madeline.
Madeline kisses his cheek and pulls away.
Barbara takes her hand and they head toward the door. Madeline turns
back to Arte.
I'm sorry you're not really my
daddy.
Arte's soft brown eyes tear up.
Me too, darling, me too....
Barbara and Madeline exit. Jim squeezes
Arte's shoulder gently, and nods at Richmond.
Well Jim, we're going to be late.
GORDON
Where are you going?
WEST
The local theater.....
(beat, softly)
We thought you needed a little
special care, Arte, and since Miss
Morelove is a nanny....
GORDON
Oh, very funny, James.....I
hardly need a babysitter.
WEST
(sotto)
You sure?
Miss Morelove moves toward Gordon, and we get
the feeling that she will take very good care of him.
Jim smiles, and he and Richmond exit. Miss Morelove takes Arte by the
hand and leads him to the divan, sitting him down. She walks to the
table, pours him a glass of champagne and hands it to him.
Thank you, Miss Morelove.
MORELOVE
I'm sorry about Madeline....
GORDON
(melancholy)
Yes.....
She sits next to him and runs her fingers
through his hair.
You were very sweet with her.
GORDON
Really?
MORELOVE
Absolutely.
She moves closer, and her caresses continue
through his hair and move to his chest.
A man who is so loving with a child
is very......attractive.
She leans in and gently kisses his lips.
Morelove removes the glass from his hand, and takes his mouth in a
deep kiss. On the two of them, we,
FADE TO BLACK: