THORNE: How do you do

He turns to Bob.

(Smiling) I wasn't expecting you until tomorrow. We have to be careful in an isolated place like this.

SCENE 130
BOB - CLOSEUP
He watches Thorne steadily but appears to be nonchalant.

BOB: I don't blame you. We heard a couple of shots as we drove up.

SCENE 131
THORNE - CLOSEUP
Thorne is perfectly controlled by now.

THORNE:(Suavely) I thought I heard them, too...That's one reason I was suspicious of you. It was probably someone in the desert...taking pot shots at Jack rabbits.

SCENE 132
PAULA - CLOSEUP
She doesn't believe Thorne at all.

PAULA: You said that Mr. Madden isn't home?

SCENE 133
AT GROUP - MEDIUM CLOSE

THORNE: No...he's in Palm Springs. He'll be back tomorrow noon. PAULA: Did he mention the Imperial Picture Corporation to you...about using the ranch for location?

Thorne immediately freezes up into blunt coldness, and from this instant on, he and Paula clash.

THORNE: Then you're not here with Mr. Crawford? PAULA: No...they sent me to ask Mr. Madden if they could use the ranch Saturday. THORNE: (Brusquely) It'll be impossible.

SCENE 134
PAULA - CLOSEUP
She is resentful.

PAULA: But he said in his letter he'd be glad to if we let him know a few days ahead.

SCENE 135
CLOSEUP - THORNE
He is grim and terse, as if dismissing the subject.

THORNE: I know. I took the letter for him, but I can assure you he's changed his mind.

SCENE 136
TOWARD DOOR - MEDIUM CLOSE

PAULA: (Icily) You won't be offended when I come back tomorrow and ask him myself.

Thorne shrugs with a sardonic smile.

THORNE: Not at all. PAULA: (Icily) Thank you. Good night.

She starts for the door. Bob picks up his grip as if to leave. Thorne eyes the grip anxiously.

BOB: Ask Mr. Madden to call me at the hotel tomorrow. THORNE: (Over-cordial) Won't you stay here? The Chief would expect you to be his guest. BOB: Well...thanks - I will. Excuse me a minute.

He puts down the grip and hurries after Paula.

SCENE 137
EXTERIOR ENTRANCE - MEDIUM CLOSE PAN SHOT
He joins her outside the door. WE PAN WITH THEM across to the car, as they speak.