- [while Regret and Cutter are tied up as prisoners]
- Paul Regret: I wonder if they know how much trouble they're in.
- Ranger Capt. Jake Cutter: You think I'm simple minded.
- Paul Regret: Yes, I think you're simple minded.
- Ranger Capt. Jake Cutter: Well, don't make a point of saying it too often... and once more would be too often!
- Ranger Capt. Jake Cutter: Let him make a run for it, I'd say to myself.
- Paul Regret: And then what would you say?
- Ranger Capt. Jake Cutter: And then I'd say back to myself, you can't let him run. You swore an oath whent they put that badge on you.
- Paul Regret: And that's important to you?
- Ranger Capt. Jake Cutter: I said I swore an oath.
- Paul Regret: Words!
- Ranger Capt. Jake Cutter: Mon-sewer, words are what men live by... words they say and mean.
- Circuit Court Judge Thaddeus Jackson Breen: Major here has told me what your troubles are. I've been thinking it over and in light of my forty years experience in legal jurisprudence, I have come to the positive conclusion that there ain't no way to do this legal and honest... but being good sensible Texans, we'll do it illegal and dishonest! Now all the boys here in the room have agreed to sign a paper I have prepared. They all are going to commit perjury. That's legal language for just a plain, dumb blasted lie.
- Gireaux: Many others will be sorry to see you hang.
- Paul Regret: Hang? They've never enforced the laws against dueling before.
- Gireaux: The son of Judge Bouvier has never been killed before. Yes, most certainly, he will have you arrested before nightfall and hanged before the week is out. I'm sorry, it will take the incentive out of dueling.
- Paul Regret: Well, I wouldn't want to spoil it for the rest of you.
- [last lines]
- Ranger Capt. Jake Cutter: Well, Mon-Soor, looks like I've lost you again.
- Pilar Graile: Mr. McBaine, or whatever your name is, we'll miss you. We've kinda gotten used to you.
- Paul Regret: Big Jake, don't forget to mend those fences!
- Paul Regret: Mind a suggestion friend? Trouble with you is you don't enjoy the game for its own rewards: stimulation, relaxation, pleasant association, and interesting conversation.
- Tully Crow: Shut your mouth.
- Ed McBain (gunrunner): Now that I can look back on it, I can see how bad it was. That's how I came to give myself up.
- Ranger CO Maj. Henry: Yep, after breaking one ranger's jaw and slicing up two others with a Bowie knife.
- Ed McBain (gunrunner): Oh, I feel bad about that. I wasn't using my head.
- Ranger CO Maj. Henry: You used everything else! Feet, fist and teeth!
- Ed McBain (gunrunner): Yes, sir. But them rangers won me over. If I had just known men like that, I might never have fell in with bad companions.
- Ranger Capt. Jake Cutter: It's time we both quit, Crow. You don't like losing to me, and I don't like winning from you.
- Ranger Capt. Jake Cutter: You see those dark markings? A cross patch over light. It makes him look like a rattler. But you can see a thousand like him. But when you see your first rattlesnake, you'll know the difference.
- Paul Regret: You still haven't told me how you tell a Commanche from a tame Indian.
- Ranger Capt. Jake Cutter: Just like your first rattler. One look and you'll know.
- Circuit Court Judge Thaddeus Jackson Breen: Most say, except for them who are unfair minded, that I have the finest legal mind in the entire southwest. So you can have faith in your lawyer, son. How much money you got?
- Paul Regret: I don't have any.
- Circuit Court Judge Thaddeus Jackson Breen: Well, I'm beginning to doubt your chances against the law.
- Ranger Capt. Jake Cutter: It would break my heart if I had to put a bullet in your back.
- Paul Regret: It would make me sad also.
- Paul Regret: Gentlemen, let's remember we're gentlemen.
- Ranger Capt. Jake Cutter: Forget it! He's just spittin' out words to see where they splatter.
- Paul Regret: Am I to believe that you weighed and appraised and then selected me out of all the men on this boat?
- Pilar Graile: Do not be too conceited. It's not a very large boat.
- Paul Regret: Give me one good reason why you don't marry that woman.
- Ranger Capt. Jake Cutter: Why don't you mind your own business?
- [pause]
- Ranger Capt. Jake Cutter: I don't have one good reason.
- [first lines]
- Gireaux: Since there is no reconciliation, we proceed. You will please stand with your backs to one another.
- Emil Bouvier - Duelist: It may amuse you to know, monsieur, I never believed you cheated at cards.
- Paul Regret: Well, maybe I don't have your sense of humor.
- Emil Bouvier - Duelist: There's a lady who prefers your attentions to mine. I intend to... simplify her choice.
- Paul Regret: Rachel?
- [Emil snickers]
- Paul Regret: Margo? No.
- Gireaux: When I begin to count, you will each take 10 paces. You will turn and fire on the count of 10. If either man stops or turns before the count of 10, it will be my distasteful duty to shoot him down. Good luck.
- Paul Regret: Thanks.
- Ranger Capt. Jake Cutter: Are we going somewhere?
- Amelung: Trial.
- Paul Regret: Trial?
- Amelung: To see whether you live or die. You'll die.
- Ranger Capt. Jake Cutter: I always figured to die. The question is when.
- Tully Crow: McBaine, you try walking out on me now, see how far you get, deal or no deal.
- Ranger Capt. Jake Cutter: You need me as much as I need you, Crow. Just give that some thought.