Never underestimate the ability of the human animal to adapt to its environment.
— The nature of the deal is explained in my proposal. I've booked you a suite at the Midland Hotel. If you need anything in this city, just mention my name.
— So you want to impress me, Mr Shelby?
— Also in the envelope is a cheque for five hundred pounds for your wife. She can use it to buy a black dress, rent a black horse with black feathers, to pull a black carriage with your body in it, should you break the terms of the white flag. Now, please, enjoy the city it's my honour to represent.
— After your recent troubles, Tommy asked me to keep an eye on you.
— "Troubles"? Whilst working for this company, I have killed a man, I have lost a man, I have found a son, I have nearly lost a son, I have nearly lost my own life. Now, I will accept my job back, if the terms on offer are favourable...
— Hey, Bob Cody. I don't drive. And I don't like to hitch-hike. When hitch-hike, I'm at the marcy of the driver. But when I pay for the ride, I'm the employer, and I call the shots. That's how I like it. So... you wonna work for me?
— Well, I'm going to Danver. I wouldn't mind making some money.
— Good. I'm going to Renburg. It's on your way. Here's mine proposition. You pay for gas, pay for your meals. No alcohol while you're on pay role. I pick radio stations, I initiate all conversations. I'll pay you ten dolars casch every hour. And the mileage money, when we get to Renburg. In all other matters... You play straight with me, I'll play straight with you. So, we have a contract?
— We have a contract.
— So, who is my new employee?
— Neal Oliver.
— Mr. Oliver, you may call me «Mr. Cody». Or «sir».
— You got it sir.
— An Irishman. He knew that railroad coming through Flagstone would continue on west. So he looked over all this country out here untiI he found this hunk of desert. Nobody wanted it. But he bought it. Then he tightened his belt, and for years, he waited.
— Waited for what?
— For the railroad to reach this point.
— But how could he be sure the railroad would pass through his property?
— Them steam engines can't roll without water. And the only water for 50 miles west of Flagstone is right here. Under this land.
— He was no fool, our dead friend. He was going to sell this piece of desert for its weight in gold.
— You don't sell the dream of a lifetime. Brett McBain wanted his station. He got the rights to build it.
— How do you know all this?
— I saw a document. It was all in order. Seals, signatures, everything. One thing, though. In very small print, there is a short clause, which says that McBain or his heirs lose all rights if, by the time the railroad reaches this point... the station ain't built yet.
There is really no such thing as conditional love and unconditional love. There are conditions and there is love.