Paladin, Chapter 12

 INT. HOTEL DINING ROOM - NIGHT

PALADIN and SHERIFF ROGERS are sitting at table eating dinner of steak and potatoes and drinking beer.

PALADIN: Well, SHERIFF, I've decided to accept your offer to be deputy sheriff while you're gone.  

SHERIFF ROGERS: Great news.  You were my last hope.  I dunno what I'da done if'n you said no.

PALADIN: And you don't have to pay me.  I'm taking the position that, as a citizen of Windfall, POLLYANNA has already compensated me...$1,000...to do this service for her community.

SHERIFF ROGERS: More great news.  You saved the town $50.  Meet me at my office tomorrow morning at 9 and I'll swear you in.

PALADIN: So, exactly what do you want me to do?

SHERIFF ROGERS: Look, this is ordinarily a peaceful town.  You can sit on your ass in my office or you can wander the streets.  You might want to check the saloons a bit where trouble usually starts...if'n there's trouble.  

PALADIN: Are there any troublemakers I should look out for?

SHERIFF ROGERS: The only one comes to mind is an overgrown kid name of BILLY MORTON, a cowboy who works for BIG DAN.  Killed a guy in the saloon with his gun about six months ago.  Witnesses said it was self-defense.  Maybe they was scared.  BILLY likes to think he's tough.

PALADIN: Good to know.  I'll be there at 9.  Want more beer?

SHERIFF ROGERS: Sure, as long as you're payin.

EXT. PORCH IN FRONT OF HOTEL - NIGHT

PALADIN and SHERIFF ROGERS sit on porch in front of hotel smoking cigars.  SHERIFF ROGERS gets up to leave.

SHERIFF ROGERS: Gotta go.  Early day tomorrow.  Thanks for the smoke.  Night.

PALADIN: Good night, SHERIFF.  See you tomorrow.

PALADIN finishes cigar and re-enters hotel.