The Kid
(Cut 'Central Overland Express' Office Scene)
ANOTHER ANGLE
The Kid dismounts. He does not tie Katy's reins to the hitching post, but simply drapes them over. She stands easily as he enters the office.
INT. THE OFFICE - CENTRAL OVERLAND EXPRESS - DAY
The Kid enters quietly. A grey haired man in gartered shirtsleeves, vest and green eyeshade sits behind a darkly polished desk, busying himself with paperwork. He is the Overland Express Agent, HENRY LOVELL. He looks up.
Lovell
Help you, sonny?
(a pause)
The Kid
It's me on the sign outside
He looks The Kid up and down, taking his measure.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Lovell wordlessly opens a drawer and takes a green apple out of it. Carrying the apple, he comes from behind his desk and The Kid follows him out of the office through the back door.
EXT. BEHIND THE OFFICE - SAME SCENE - DAY
The whole of the endless prairie is behind them.
Lovell
Get your mount.
The Kid whistles, a sound like a cardinal's call.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Katy suddenly appears, trotting around to the back of the office where she stops beside The Kid. This unusual affinity registers with Lovell.
Lovell
I need to see you shoot on horseback.
The Kid swings up on Katy's back. He pats her neck.
Lovell
Hands in the air. At full gallop, then fire.
ANOTHER ANGLE
The Kid rides Katy to a distance of forty yards, then turns. He holds the reins in his teeth and his hands in the air.
Lovell
Come ahead.
The Kid spurs Katy on. Abruptly, Lovell tosses the apple high to his opposite side. In one motion, The Kid draws his old Remington and FIRES, the apple exploding into fragments as he charges past.
Lovell eyes The Kid without emotion of approval.
INT. THE CENTRAL OVERLAND EXPRESS OFFICE - SAME SCENE - LATER - DAY
Lovell looks at The Kid for a long moment to discern his character.
Lovell
No parents?