Hatfield checks the cards

This is in the scene where they're trying to decide whether to be escorted by the soldiers back to the first town or go on.

Anyone else notice that when asked whether he wants to risk going on, Hatfield cuts a deck of cards on the table, checks the bottom-most card, and it's the ace of spades, the "death" card? I like this subtlety more than the "dead man's hand" that Luke has towards the end of the movie because it's adds to Hatfield's character, whereas Luke's is pretty empty.

I like to think Hatfield is gambling on the outcome of his decision. He sees his fate but decides to continue on in order to honor his earlier promise to protect Mrs. Mallory.


'Gentlemen- control your rhubarbs.'