"Sleepy Hollow", early, by Andrew Kevin Walker



   









                             Sleepy Hollow



               Being the true storie of one Ichabod Crane
                       and the Headless Horseman


                  Kevin Yagher and Andrew Kevin Walker

      Based on "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" by Washington Irving





                   Screenplay by Andrew Kevin Walker








                                                     Third Draft
                                                     4/10/95









              A pleasing land of drowsy head it was,
              of dreams that wave before the half shut eye...










     EXT.  GNARLED FOREST -- NIGHT

     An UGLY MAN charges through on a horse, holding a lantern
     forward on a long pole. He looks back, terrified.

     INSERT TITLE:  1799 Sleepy Hollow, New York

     THUNDEROUS HOOFBEATS are HEARD behind.

     The ugly man glances back again.  His lantern swings wild...
     SHATTERS against a tree.  The jammed-up pole SLAMS the ugly
     man off his horse...

     He hits the ground.  He runs, trips, falls and scrambles up.

     DEEP IN THE FOREST, we glimpse the source of the HOOFBEATS: a
     HUGE FORM on a HUGE BLACK HORSE, already gone.

     The ugly man pushes through thorny bushes.  Jagged branches
     slit his hands and cheeks.

     He bursts from the briar patch and tumbles to a trail.  He
     lifts his bloodied face.  He runs.

     IN THE FOREST BEHIND: the hooves of the black horse rip
     underbrush.  HOOFBEATS DEAFENING.  A spur digs into the
     snorting steed's already bleeding flank.

     The pursuer's gloved hand draws a SWORD, blade RINGING.

     ON THE TRAIL, the ugly man runs on.  The shrill WHISTLE of a
     SWORD SWING is HEARD as the pursuer blurs past.

     The ugly man is still running when his head lolls back, at an
     impossible angle... tumbles off his shoulders... His headless
     body hits the dirt.


     EXT.  CITY STREETS -- NIGHT

     Empty cobblestone streets.  Crooked buildings.  A RAPIDLY
     CLANGING BELL breaks the silence from afar.

     INSERT TITLE:  New York City

     TWO CONSTABLES clamor round a corner, lanterns held high,
     listening.  They rush into an alleyway.

     ELSEWHERE, piers border the Hudson River.  The BELL is
     LOUDER. The two constables arrive, searching.  No one around.
     Constable One hefts his pistol, scared.

                             CONSTABLE ONE
               Where are you?!

                             MAN'S VOICE (o.s.)
               Here!  Over here!

     They hurry to the river's edge.  Down a hill, the MAN,
     another constable, stands with his back to us.  He's waist
     deep in water, tossing away his ALARM BELL.

                             MAN
               I need your help with this.

     Constable Two crosses on the peir above.  Constable One moves
     forward, wary.  The MAN grunts, lifting something.

                             CONSTABLE ONE
               Constable Crane?  Ichabod Crane...
               is that you?

     The MAN turns.  Meet ICHABOD CRANE, handsome, eyes piercing.

                             ICHABOD
               Yes, it is me.  But, not only me...
                     (lifting, struggling)
               I found someone here...

     He drags a bloated MALE CORPSE up from the murky water.

                             ICHABOD
               Someone quite dead.


     EXT.  WATCHHOUSE/JAIL -- NIGHT

     The elderly HIGH CONSTABLE lifts a blanket off the corpse on
     a wheelbarrow manned by Constable Two.  A snobby MAGISTRATE
     looks, disgusted.  Constable One and Ichabod wait.

                             HIGH CONSTABLE
               Burn it.

                             CONSTABLE ONE
               Yes, sir.

     Constable Two wheels the corpse inside.  Ichabod's dismayed.

                             ICHABOD
               Just a moment... if I may.  It is
               possible this man was murdered.

                             HIGH CONSTABLE
               He drowned.  Anyone could see.

                             ICHABOD
               There are surgical ways of telling
               how he died... by the water in his
               lungs...

     Ichabod follows the High Constable and Magistrate in.

     INT.  WATCHHOUSE, NIGHT WATCH QUARTERS -- NIGHT

     Constable Two wheels the body ahead past many "booking"
     tables.  A JAILER moves to unlock a massive door.

                             HIGH CONSTABLE
               He will be burned pursuant to
               statutes of health.

                             ICHABOD
               I could determine if he were dead
               before he went into the Hudson.

                             HIGH CONSTABLE
               Must we again hear these heretical
               rantings?

                             MAGISTRATE
               Yes, must we?

                             ICHABOD
               There is nothing heretical about
               science, sir.  The Chinese have
               written on it for hundreds of
               years... procedural study used to
               solve seemingly unsolvable crimes.

     The door is opened.  The corpse again leads the way.

     INT.  WATCHHOUSE, JAIL -- NIGHT

     A two-tiered prison, alive with MOANS of AGONY and CRIES of
     INSANITY.  Cells are full of wretched men in chains and iron
     gags.  Many are against the bars, watching.

                             ICHABOD
               Our first night watch is adequate
               against fire and some violence,
               but if we were more often able to
               ensure justice, after the fact,
               then criminals would truly have
               something to fear from law
               enforcement.

                             HIGH CONSTABLE
               Have they nothing to fear presently?

                             ICHABOD
               Without disrespect, look around you.
                     (motioning to cells)
               We overflow.  As do our courts.

                             HIGH CONSTABLE
               And, with disrespect, Constable,
               if jails and courts overflow, it is
               testimony to success, not failure.

                             ICHABOD
               But, how many innocents rot here?
               And, how many victims are buried
               without reprisal while guilty men
               roam our streets?

     The High Constable reaches a desk, taking a seat.  Guards
     wait to process beaten, bloody prisoners.

                             HIGH CONSTABLE
               Very few, if any.

                             ICHABOD
               Even though I have seen confessions
               pried from the lips of the accused,
               often quite literally?

                             HIGH CONSTABLE
               For one who calls himself a
               Federalist, your mouth reeks of
               Republican liberalism.

                             ICHABOD
               Not Liberalism.  Equanimity.

                             MAGISTRATE
                     (to High Constable)
               Um, sir... might I suggest...

     The Magistrate WHISPERS in the High Constable's ear.  Ichabod
     notices with worry that Constables One and Two wheel the
     corpse onwards into another room.

     The Magistrate finishes.  The High Constable smiles faintly.

                             HIGH CONSTABLE
                     (to Ichabod)
               There is a farming community
               upstate, Constable... ten days
               journey north in the Hudson
               Highlands.  It is named Sleepy
               Hollow.  Within a fortnight, three
               persons have been murdered there.
               Each with their head lopped cleanly
               off.
                     (holds up papers)
               The elders of the Hollow have sent
               dispatches to me, requesting
               assistance, and now, just this very
               moment, I have chosen you.

                             ICHABOD
               Chosen me?

                             HIGH CONSTABLE
               These "methods" of yours... there
               has been no practical application.

                             ICHABOD
               Not for lack of trying.

                             HIGH CONSTABLE
               Just so.  Granted.  And so you take
               your experimentations to Sleepy
               Hollow and catch the murderer who
               has tainted the place.  Bring him
               here to face our good justice.
               Will you do this for me?

                             ICHABOD
                     (swallowing doubt)
               I shall, gladly.

                             HIGH CONSTABLE
               Excellent.  Then, you are excused
               till morning.

     Ichabod moves away, heading to where the corpse was taken.

                             HIGH CONSTABLE
               Oh, and, Constable...
                     (off Ichabod's look)
               Do make certain that you meet with
               success.  Otherwise... perhaps you
               should not come back at all.

     The High Constable smiles a sardonic smile.

     INT.  WATCHHOUSE, INCINERATION ROOM -- NIGHT

     The corpse burns in a raging furnace.  Flesh sizzles.

     Constable One pumps bellows which fan the flames.  Ichabod
     steps from darkness nearby.  He watches with bitter regret as
     the corpse is consumed.


     EXT.  CITY -- DAY

     Market town streets bustle.  Filthy.  Pigs roam free.

     INT.  ICHABOD'S HOME, SECOND FLOOR -- DAY

     Decorated in Early-American Mad Scientist: books, papers and
     jars of chemicals.  Charts of anatomy above a small bed.

                             ICHABOD (o.s.)
               Such a day for such a sad farewell.
               But, this is goodbye, my sweet.

     At the window, Ichabod holds a bird cage with a red CARDINAL
     inside.  He opens the cage.  The bird flies free.

     Ichabod watches it go, then looks down.  A COACH halts in the
     street below.  The forlorn DRIVER looks up.


     INT.  ICHABOD'S COACH -- DAY

     In motion.  Ichabod absently studies his hands, touching the
     strange SCARS on both palms: evenly dispersed, tiny dots of
     tissue.  Many scars.

     Ichabod lifts a LEATHER SATCHEL, checking its contents.

     EXT.  UPSTATE FORESTS -- DAY

     TWO FAMILIES of MIGRANT WORKERS travel a path, leading over-
     burdened horses.  Ichabod's coach approaches from the other
     direction.  Ichabod looks out, unnerved.

     One GAUNT MAN watches Ichabod pass.  There is a dead, worried
     look in the man's eyes.  Others stare at Ichabod.


     EXT.  SLEEPY HOLLOW, THE LONG STRAIGHT ROAD -- DAY

     Ichabod faces two massive, vine-covered PILLARS, unsure.  He
     turns to watch the driver lead the coach away.

     Ichabod walks between the pillars to a long straight road.
     He does not notice, above: THREE DEAD RAVENS hang from a tree
     limb, twine wrapped round their necks.

     EXT.  SLEEPY HOLLOW, TOWN SQUARE -- DAY

     Ichabod walks on with baggage.  The square is empty, a CHURCH
     and GRAVEYARD at one end.  The road ahead is bordered by
     businesses and homes.

     CONVERSATION DRIFTS from a tavern.  A criminal sits in
     stocks.  A quiet CRYING is HEARD.  Ichabod hears...

     He looks for its source.  It's from a window above, LOUDER.
     SOUNDS like the SOBBING of an OLD WOMAN.


     EXT.  VAN TASSEL ESTATE -- DAY

     ICHABOD'S P.O.V.: a BELLTOWER stands tall, like a mast pole
     with a crow's nest basket atop.  There's a man in the basket
     and a huge BELL.

     Ichabod ponders this as he continues.  Ahead on a hill: the
     grand Van Tassel Manor House.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL MANOR HOUSE, SITTING ROOM -- DAY

     MANY CHILDREN, in a circle, taunt a BLINDFOLDED YOUNG WOMAN
     spun round by the handsome, barrel-chested man, BROM VAN
     BRUNT.  A few YOUNG MEN and LADIES watch.  Brom releases the
     woman.  Everyone quiets and avoids her searching hands.

                             BLINDFOLDED WOMAN
               This is such a silly game.

                             BROM
               Be a sport and stop complaining.

     The woman moves to Brom's voice.  He backs away, flanked by
     peers GLENN and THEODORE.  Children laugh.

     Ichabod enters, clearing his throat.  No one notices.  The
     blindfolded woman keeps grasping.  One LITTLE GIRL sees
     Ichabod and goes to him, finger to her lips.

                             LITTLE GIRL
               Play along.  You must.

     She tugs him.  Before Ichabod can protest, he is placed in
     the blindfolded woman's grip.

                             BLINDFOLDED WOMAN
               There, I have someone.  Am I
               finished?

                             LITTLE GIRL
               You have to tell who it is.

     The woman touches Ichabod's face.  He is uncomfortable,
     affected by this caress.  Brom watches jealously.

                             LITTLE GIRL
               At least make a guess.

                             BLINDFOLDED WOMAN
               I don't know.  Is it Brom Bones?

                             BROM
               Certainly not.

                             ICHABOD
               Excuse me, Miss...
                     (takes her hands)
               They have a laugh at your expense.

     She takes the kerchief off to reveal a stunning beauty:
     KATRINA VAN TASSEL.  Ichabod tries to compose himself.

                             KATRINA
               Forgive me, I didn't know.

                             ICHABOD
               I... I am looking for Baltus Van
               Tassel.

                             BROM
               We haven't heard your name yet,
               friend.

                             ICHABOD
               Well, unless your name is Baltus,
               you should not worry over mine.

     Brom grabs Ichabod's collar, pissed.  Ichabod's baffled.

                             BROM
               You need some manners.

                             KATRINA
               Brom!

     Brom looks at her, then reluctantly releases Ichabod.

                             MAN'S VOICE (o.s.)
               What is this, then... ?

     BALTUS VAN TASSEL, 45, has entered, a working-class
     aristocrat.  LADY VAN TASSEL, 40, stands behind, a mix of
     home-spun wife and well-kept lady.

                             BALTUS
               Can I help you, sir?

     Ichabod's relieved to have a proper focal point.  Children
     gather around Katrina and hide behind her.

                             ICHABOD
               I have been sent from the city
               with a letter of introduction.
               I am told you offer me room and
               board.

     Ichabod hands over papers.  Baltus reads, furrows his brow.

                             ICHABOD
               If we could speak alone.

                             BALTUS
                     (nods, looks to Katrina)
               This is not a time for frivolity,
               Katrina, is it?  Am I mistaken?

                             KATRINA
               They're only children, father.

     Baltus snorts, then exits with Ichabod.  The others huddle to
     gossip, except Katrina, who moves beside Lady Van Tassel to
     watch Ichabod and Baltus walk down the hall.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, PARLOR -- DAY

     DOCTOR LANCASTER, 50, dour and always sweaty, takes a seat by
     the fire, joining Baltus and three other elders.  A pretty
     servant, SARAH, brings a pipe cradle while Lady Van Tassel
     sets down food.  Ichabod is standing.

                             BALTUS
               That will be all, ladies.
                     (waits as they exit)
               We are joined by Doctor Thomas
               Lancaster, Constable.  And to his
               left are, Clergyman Steenwyck and
               our able magistrate, Samuel Philipse,
               both keeping order in their own ways.

     PHILIPSE is youngest, eyes bloodshot, mug in hand and pipe in
     mouth.  CLERGYMAN STEENWYCK is formidably built, wearing a
     constant look of disapproval.

                             BALTUS
               I myself am in charge of financial
               matters and the regulation of
               currency in our commonwealth.  And,
               lastly, this fine fellow is James
               Hardenbrook, our Notary.

     HARDENBROOK is oldest, ancient, with one eye pale and blind.

                             ICHABOD
               An honor, gentlemen.  In time I
               will need every detail of the
               three murderings you've had, but,
               for now, I ask only if you have
               any theory at all as to who the
               killer might be?

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER
               Excuse me?

                             ICHABOD
               I say, is there any one person
               suspect in these acts?

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER
               I was afraid of this.

     Philipse shoots a look to Baltus.  Angst amongst the elders.

                             PHILIPSE
               Well, Constable... are you aware...
               to be honest, you are not what we
               expected.  We sent for the militia.

                             ICHABOD
               The militia?

                             FATHER STEENWYCK
               Why not tell us what you have heard?
               Hmm?  How much have your superiors
               bothered to tell you?

                             ICHABOD
               All I know is three are slain, their
               heads found severed from their
               bodies...

                             FATHER STEENWYCK
               The heads were not found severed.
               The heads were not found at all.

     Withered Hardenbrook leans forward, his voice cragged.

                             HARDENBROOK
               Taken.  Taken by the Headless
               Horseman.  Taken back to hell.

                             ICHABOD
               Pardon me?

                             BALTUS
               You have not been well informed of
               our troubles, sir.  If you would...

     Baltus gestures for Ichabod to sit.  Baltus lights his pipe.

                             BALTUS
               The Horseman... he was a Hessian
               mercenary, sent to our shores by
               German princes to help keep
               Americans under the thumb of
               England.  However, unlike his
               compatriots who came as muscle in
               trade for currency, he came
               willingly.  For love of carnage.

     FLASHBACK -- AMERICAN BATTLEFIELD -- DAY

     The HESSIAN HORSEMAN rides his black steed into a gory,
     close-quarters clash, his cloaked uniform adorned with edged
     weapons.  He cuts down Americans left and right.

                             BALTUS (v.o.)
               He was infamous for taking his
               horse, Daredevil, hard into
               battle... chopping off heads at
               full gallop.

     He dismounts, hoisting a battle axe.  With sword and axe, he
     annihilates.  Blood gushes.  Bones crack.

                             BALTUS (v.o.)
               Just to look on him made your
               blood run cold, for he had filed
               down his teeth to rapiers... to
               add to the ferocity of his
               appearance.

     The Horseman lets out a war cry.  Jagged teeth.  Grotesque.

     FOREST BATTLEFIELD -- DAY

     Winter.  CANNONS can be HEARD BOOMING from afar.  Daredevil
     lies dead in red snow.  FOLLOW FOOTPRINTS away...

                             BALTUS (v.o.)
               He would not finally meet his end
               till the winter of seventy-nine,
               when New York City was held by
               Henry Clinton and Washington
               occupied West Point.  It was
               between those two places, not far
               from here...

     The Horseman flees, cloak flowing, chased by FIVE rag-tag
     REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.  Ahead, a steep, rocky area prevents
     escape.  Soldier one aims a rifle and FIRES...

     Blood explodes from the Horseman's arm as he runs.  His sword
     falls from his now functionless hand.

     Soldier Two grabs the sword.

     At the rocks, the Horseman faces the men.  Another Rifleman
     raises his rifle.  The Horseman reaches over his shoulder to
     grasp a sheathed knife, THROWS --

     THOCK!  The Rifleman jerks back, knife in his eye socket.

     The Horseman readies an axe.  The Revolutionaries move in
     with swords.  They battle, STEEL AGAINST STEEL.  The Horseman
     fends off blows from all sides.

     Soldier Three lunges, stabs his blade deep into the
     Horseman's side.  The Horseman roars, brings his axe DOWN...
     BREAKS the sword at the hilt...

     An UPWARDS stroke sends Soldier Three head over heels in a
     fountain of blood.

     The Horseman staggers, howling, trying to pull the blade from
     his ribs.  The remaining soldiers close in.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, SITTING ROOM -- NIGHT

     Pipe smoke wafts from Philipse's mouth.

                             PHILIPSE
               Cut off his head with his own sword.
               It's a legend told for twenty years.

                             BALTUS
               But, only recently has the Headless
               Hessian been seen prowling the
               Hollow, in search of a head to suit
               his shoulders.

                             ICHABOD
               Just a moment...
                     (sits back, incredulous)
               Are you saying it is he?

                             HARDENBROOK
                     (aggravated, loud)
               When a goblin leaps from the nether
               world, others follow.  Poltergeists
               of the air, water and earth follow
               and cheer his desecrations!

     Hardenbrook BANGS his cane on a table.  Baltus puts a calming
     hand on senile Hardenbrook's shoulder.

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER
               No one knows why he chose to now to
               climb out from his grave.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK
               It is very clear why.  Citizens
               here have long tried to hide sins
               behind closed doors.  Their failed
               faith has saturated the soil and
               called forth one of Satan's own.

                             ICHABOD
               Excuse me, gentlemen, but... who
               has seen this Horseman?

                             BALTUS
               Many have.

                             ICHABOD
               Then, name one person who has seen
               him with their own eyes.

     A long wait.  No reply from the elders.  Ichabod rises.

                             ICHABOD
               While I will do everything I can
               to find your assassin, I will look
               for a man of flesh and blood.  Not
               some goblin-demon from hell.


     EXT.  BELLTOWER FIELD -- EARLY EVENING

     The Belltower is covered in defensive spikes.  A man climbs
     down a rope ladder.  Below, many ARMED MEN gather.  Everyone
     grim.  Philipse moves to the center, on horseback.

                             PHILIPSE
               Gather round!  Gather and quiet!
               The hour has come to choose for
               this night.  Each man's name is
               in this box and has been checked.

     A box is handed up.  Ichabod and Baltus arrive on foot at the
     back of the mob.  Ichabod looks...

     At a nearby forest, men light TORCH POSTS in a line bordering
     the forest edge for at least a half mile.

     Philipse draws a folded paper from the box, holds it up.

                             PHILIPSE
               May the Lord watch over him...
                     (unfolds paper)
               "Jonathan Masbath."  Are you here?

                             JONATHAN (o.s.)
               I am.  I take my responsibility.

     The crowd parts as JONATHAN MASBATH, a dirt-poor farmer with
     a bow and quiver of arrows, moves forward.  His son, YOUNG
     MASBATH, 14, grips his arm.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               No, father.  Wait...
                     (up to Philipse)
               He's already been up once.  Why
               does he go again?

                             JONATHAN
               It is a lottery, son.  It just as
               easily might have been one of them.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               Then... I go with you.

                             JONATHAN
               No.  You obey my wishes.
                     (looks to crowd)
               Brom.  Look after him, will you?

     Brom steps up, nodding.  Jonathan kisses his son's cheek,
     then heads to the rope ladder.  Men pat him on the back.

                             PHILIPSE
               Someone leave him a horse.

     Young Masbath watches his father go.  Brom coaxes him away.
     At the back of the crowd, Ichabod watches skeptically, looks
     to Young Masbath as he and Brom pass.

                             ICHABOD
               You worry for naught, little man.
               Nothing will harm him there.
                     (looks up, sotto)
               It is problems here on the ground
               you people need begin to worry
               about.

     Ichabod watches Jonathan climb, very high above.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     Ichabod makes notations in a LEDGER BOOK.

                             KATRINA (v.o.)
               You will dream.

     Katrina strolls in, sits on the bed.  Ichabod is nervous.

                             KATRINA
               Did they tell?  It is something in
               the air so that dreams come to
               everyone.  According to the elders,
               an Indian prophet held powwows here
               before the land was taken, and
               spells cast then still linger to
               this day.

                             ICHABOD
               Do you often make a habit of
               sitting on strange men's beds?

                             KATRINA
               You are horribly old-fashioned,
               aren't you?

                             ICHABOD
               Feel free to form your own opinion.
                     (facing his ledger)
               Though it appears you already have.

                             KATRINA
               Well, I intended to apologize for
               the behavior of my friend Brom Van
               Brunt, but it seems I've made
               matters worse.
                     (getting up to go)
               I'll leave you to your business.

                             ICHABOD
               Excuse me... I should apologize.  I,
               um... I... have no great love of...

                             KATRINA
               Other people?

                             ICHABOD
               Small talk.

                             KATRINA
               It might have been more.  Might have
               been positively grand talk.

     Ichabod offers his chair, backing away.  Seeing it is the
     only one, he remains standing.  Katrina sits.

                             KATRINA
               Is it me, or are you this nervous
               around all women?

                             ICHABOD
               Perhaps it is because your suitor's
               hands were recently very nearly
               wrapped around my throat.

                             KATRINA
               My suitor?

                             ICHABOD
               The massive fellow... Brom.  For
               someone you call "friend," he
               misplaces a good portion of jealousy.

                             KATRINA
               He has proposed to me twice.

                             ICHABOD
               Which may explain his temperament.
               To have asked twice means the answer
               was "no" at least once.

     Katrina looks down, discards this with a smile.

                             KATRINA
               I've read a great deal about your
               New York City.  Do be a dear and tell
               me all about it.  Sounds like an
               extraordinary place to live a life.

                             ICHABOD
               Extra ordinary, yes.  But first, you
               tell me about the Headless Horseman.


     EXT.  BELLTOWER FIELD -- NIGHT

     The torches burn bright.  ABOVE, in the Belltower, Jonathan
     Masbath loads a rifle.  THUNDER BOOMS.

     Jonathan stands, looking to a sky that is all stars and moon.
     A HORSE is HEARD SHRIEKING.  Below, the horse tied at the
     base of the tower is spooked.

     A COMMOTION is HEARD, ground rumbling.  Jonathan grips a
     rifle, cocks it and moves to look...

     At the forest edge, a herd of deer stampedes out.  They
     sprint past the tower and across the field.

     Jonathan crosses to watch the herd scatter.  He crosses back
     to peer at the forest.  Bad news...

     A thick FOG creeps from the woods.

     As the fog overtakes the base of each torch, a tentacle of
     mist snakes up to the flame, killing it.  All along the
     forest, arms of vapor snuff torches... one by one by one...

     Above, Jonathan sights the rifle along the trees.

                             JONATHAN
               Come out, devil... come....


     INT. VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     Ichabod leans on a dresser.  Katrina's still seated.

                             KATRINA
               Not all think it is the Horseman.
               Many say witches come from the
               Western Woods to steal skulls for
               their cauldrons.  Some believe a
               person in this very town kneels
               before Lucifer, offering death as
               tribute.  And, still others believe
               none of it.

                             ICHABOD
               Are you so superstitious?

                             KATRINA
               To call a person superstitious is to
               imply they fear magic, but not all
               magic is black.

                             ICHABOD
               There is no such thing as magic.

                             KATRINA
               Really?  Then... what is your
               rebuttal to those romantic poets
               claiming proof of magic in a rose at
               full bloom, or even in a teardrop?

                             ICHABOD
               Poets have silly notions about
               plants and bodily secretions.

                             KATRINA
                     (laughs)
               You are funny.

     Ichabod doesn't get what's so funny about that.  The DISTANT
     TOLL of a BELL is HEARD.  Katrina looks fearful.

     She goes to open a window.  The BELL TOLLS...

     EXT.  SLEEPY HOLLOW, OVERVIEW -- NIGHT

     ... TOLLS mournfully over farms and forests...

     EXT.  FARM -- NIGHT

     ... TOLLS as a MAN comes from his barn, listening, then
     sprinting towards his home.

     EXT.  TOWN SQUARE -- NIGHT

     ... TOLLS across the deserted square.  Windows go dark.
     Shutters are slammed shut.

     EXT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE -- NIGHT

     ... TOLLS.  Ichabod bounds out to the lawn, halting to
     listen.  Katrina and Baltus come out on the porch.

                             BALTUS
               Constable, where are you going!?

     ... TOLLS... TOLLS... then, SILENCE.  Ichabod chases away.

                             BALTUS
               Come back, sir...
                     (watches him go)
               Madness.

     Baltus ushers Katrina back in.  The door slams.


     EXT.  BELLTOWER FIELD -- NIGHT

     Ichabod charges across the rocky field.  He slows, awed...

     The Belltower is down, its mast is splintered.  The horse is
     gone.  Ichabod moves to where the crow's nest lies smashed.
     No sign of Jonathan.

     EXT.  SLEEPY HOLLOW FOREST -- NIGHT

     Jonathan runs past, gripping his bow.  It's QUIET... till
     HOOFBEATS are HEARD in pursuit.

     Trees are silhouetted against the sky.  As HOOFBEATS get
     LOUDER, branches bend like arms and fingers yearning to
     touch.  As HOOFBEATS ROAR PAST, the trees relax.

     FURTHER ON, Jonathan runs.  WIND begins to BLOW.

     BEHIND, in motion, WE SEE Daredevil's snorting visage; eyes
     lizard-like, with vertical slits literally aglow.

     The Horseman's hand yanks a wooden WAR HAMMER from a saddle
     mount.  (No clear view of the Horseman.)

     HORSEMAN'S P.O.V.: closing in on Jonathan.

     Jonathan is overtaken.  The Horseman swings the hammer WHOOMP
     -- sends Jonathan sprawling.

     HOOFBEATS FADE.  Jonathan tries to get up, but pain shoots
     through him.  He crawls to retrieve his bow.

     Against a tree, he takes an arrow from his shoulder quiver
     and readies it.  Waiting.  A metal TAPPING is HEARD O.S.
     CLINK... CLINK... CLINK.  A HORSE SNORTS.

     Jonathan pulls the bow taut, pained, lips bloody.

     Elsewhere, Daredevil approaches slow.  The Horseman taps his
     sword on his spur, CLINK... CLINK... CLINK...

     Foliage moves as the Horseman's form pushes through.

     Jonathan releases -- the arrow WHISTLES...

     THWACK! -- imbeds in the Horseman's chest.

     CLINK... CLINK... CLINK... continues -- Jonathan readies a
     second arrow.  Pulls and releases -- O.S. THWACK!

     CLINK... CLINK... CLINK... Jonathan cries out, crawling away
     desperately.  Crawling through underbrush, over roots and
     rocks.  CLINK... CLINK... CLINK... Jonathan gives up, spent,
     face to the dirt.  He closes his eyes.

     CLINKING STOPS.  Daredevil halts astride Jonathan; two legs
     on each side of Jonathan's body.


     EXT.  SLEEPY HOLLOW FARMLAND -- MORNING

     Baltus and a large, DULLARDLY MAN ride.  Behind, Ichabod
     rides with Magistrate Philipse.

     Ichabod is not adept at riding his old nag, Gunpowder.

                             ICHABOD
               The Van Garretts died first; a man
               and his son, survived by a wife and
               two infants.  And the Widow Windsor
               was next...

                             PHILIPSE
               And now Jonathan Masbath.

                             ICHABOD
                     (looks back, ponders)
               Why would he flee this direction,
               with so much open ground to cross
               before he reached cover?

                             PHILIPSE
               He would not have gone into the
               Western Woods.  No sane man would.

     Philipse drinks from a whiskey flask, sees Ichabod watching
     and offers some.  Ichabod declines.

                             PHILIPSE
               Van Ripper there...

     Ahead, the dullard, VAN RIPPER, sloppily spits tobacco.

                             PHILIPSE
               ... found the body this morning.
                     (pause) 
               You do believe now, don't you?

                             ICHABOD 
               Believe?

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               You said yourself.  What mere man
               could have downed the Belltower?

                             ICHABOD 
               It is a prime tenet of science,
               Philipse, that because one thing
               appears improbable does not mean
               you embrace the utterly fantastical.

                             PHILIPSE 
               You need less big words, and more
               common sense.

     Philipse fingers an IRON KEY talisman he wears on a cord.

                             ICHABOD 
               What is that you wear?

                             PHILIPSE 
               My talisman.  It will, protect
               against the Horseman if I show a
               brave face.  But, I cannot run.  If
               I run in fear, it is worthless.

                             ICHABOD 
               Well... so much for common sense.


     EXT.  SLEEPY HOLLOW FORESTS, FURTHER ON -- MORNING

     Brom and Baltus stand at a HORSE'S CORPSE amongst jagged
     boulders.  The flesh has been stripped, guts exposed.
     Philipse and Ichabod arrive and dismount.

                             BALTUS 
               Was this Jonathan's?

                             BROM 
               Yes.  Seems he panicked across here
               and broke two legs.

                             ICHABOD 
               Who took the meat?

                             BALTUS 
               Must have been the Redman.  A Lenape
               Indian lives in the Western Woods.

                             ICHABOD 
               These woods of yours sound a bit
               crowded, what with all the witches,
               ghouls and Indians living there.

     Brom climbs up onto his own horse, a black beauty.

                             BROM 
               There's only one Lenape.  He eats
               small animals and lost children...
               and the occasional constable when he
               can get it.

     Brom rides.  Ichabod goes to the dead horse, digs in his
     satchel for a thin iron tool, which he uses it to pry off one
     HORSESHOE.  A WHISTLE is HEARD O.S.

     Everyone looks far ahead to where Van Ripper has ridden.  The
     doctor and others are there.  Van Ripper waves.


     INT. FOREST, MASBATH MURDER SITE -- MORNING

     Doctor Lancaster stands with SEVERAL ARMED MEN.  A coffin on
     a cart is covered by a blanket. Ichabod is crouched nearby.

                             ICHABOD 
               Why did you move the body, Doctor?

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER 
               To place it inside its coffin.

     Ichabod, nods, vaguely annoyed.  He puts the horseshoe into a
     hoofprint in the dirt.  It fits.

     Ichabod rises, walks, studying the ground, kicking up leaves.
     Brom, Van Ripper, Baltus and Philipse watch.

     Ichabod finds a deep hoofprint.  Huge.  He compares the
     horseshoe.  The hoofprint is much larger.

     Ichabod pulls his satchel off his shoulder, takes out a bowl,
     bottle of water and bag of brown powder; begins mixing water
     and powder with a fork to make plaster.

     The others watch, finding this bizarre, whispering.  Brom
     comes up to stand over Ichabod, irritated.

                             BROM 
               What the hell are you doing?

                             ICHABOD
                     (ignoring pause) 
               You are the blacksmith.  Ever shod
               a horse with a hoof this large?

                             BROM 
               Never.  A shoe that size I would
               have remembered.

     Ichabod starts to fill the print with plaster.

                             ICHABOD 
               Van Ripper.  Can you show where the
               body lay?

                             VAN RIPPER 
               I can show exactly.

     Van Ripper dismounts, wiping tobacco drool.  Ichabod rises to
     follow with his satchel.

                             VAN RIPPER 
               Here... in front of this oak, facing
               north.  Horrible...

                             ICHABOD 
               To the best of your recollection,
               where did the open wound fall?

     Van Ripper points.  Ichabod takes a BOTTLE of WHITE POWDER
     from his pocket.

     He uncorks the bottle, cautiously pouring powder in an x on
     the dirt there, then waiting.

     A chemical reaction causes the powder to bubble a bit.

                             ICHABOD 
               There was not much blood, was there?

                             VAN RIPPER 
               I didn't see none.

     Ichabod stands, puzzled.  He walks to the coffin cart,
     rolling up his sleeves.  Others come to watch, but keep
     distance.  Ichabod removes the blanket...

     Reveals Jonathan's headless corpse.

     Philipse can't look.  Ichabod takes strange spectacles from
     his satchel; wire-framed with many lenses.  MAGNIFICATION
     SPECTACLES.  He examines the gross neck wound, sniffs it.

     He pokes the flesh and severed spinal cord.

                             ICHABOD 
               No bleeding.

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER 
               What is that?

                             ICHABOD 
               This should have bled by the pint.
               Yet, no blistering or scorched flesh.
               How... ?  Whatever weapon was used...
               it cauterized somehow....

     Ichabod straightens, eyes weirdly big in the spectacles.

                             ICHABOD 
               It instantly burnt the wound shut.


     EXT.  CHURCHYARD AND CEMETERY -- DAY

     A coffin in a grave.  Headstone reads "MASBATH, 1799."  A
     CROWD gathered.  Young Masbath broods.  Clergyman Steenwyck
     steps forward to take a handful of newly dug dirt.

     Men with guns stand at the outskirts, like on guard.

     Steenwyck sprinkles dirt into the grave with prayerful words.
     In the crowd people whisper.  They steal glances at Ichabod,
     who stands with the Van Tassels.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, DINING/VARIOUS ROOMS -- DAY

     Dining room.  Sarah and two other servants collect plates.  A
     few people still sup, including Van Ripper, his warty WIFE
     and two kids.  Van Ripper guzzles ale, laughs at something
     his also-drunk wife says.

     IN the HALL and FOYER, funeral goers socialize quietly.

     FURTHER ON, in the SITTING ROOM, men smoke.  Young Masbath
     is confronting Ichabod, who is leaving...

                             ICHABOD 
               I am not here for revenge.  I am
               here to bring justice.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Whatever.  You still need a second
               to tend to your things.

                             ICHABOD 
               I manage fine alone.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               I deserve to help you.  Don't you see
               how much this means?  My father...
               he... he was a good man...

                             ICHABOD
                     (faces Masbath) 
               Young Masbath, I am sorry for your
               loss.  It is a great and sad tragedy.
               However... I cannot be the one to
               look after you now.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
                     (angry) 
               I did not ask you to, did I?

     Young Masbath exits.  Ichabod remains impassive.

     EXT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, FRONT PORCH -- DAY

     Ichabod comes out.  KILLIAN, a dashingly rustic man, carries
     his son, THOMAS, 5, and chats with Baltus.  Doctor Lancaster
     peers off at something through a SPYGLASS.

                             BALTUS 
               Hail, Constable.  How are you?

                             ICHABOD 
               Well enough.  Your gathering does
               honor to the deceased.

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER 
                     (still using spyglass) 
               We must be a curious sight to him.

                             ICHABOD 
               What are you spying on?

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER
                     (offers the spyglass)
               The Lenape.  He comes to gawk at
               civilization from time to time.

     ICHABOD'S POINT OF VIEW -- THROUGH SPYGLASS

     Searching a line of trees and foliage far away...

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER (o.s.)
               Do you see the Redskinned bastard?

     There he is -- the LENAPE.  A towering savage with misshapen
     features covered in tumors.  He ducks away.

     BACK TO SCENE ON PORCH

     Ichabod lowers the spyglass, a little awed.

                             ICHABOD 
               He is a behemoth.

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER 
               A diseased monster.

                             BALTUS 
               If you gentlemen will excuse the
               doctor and I... we have financial
               matters to discuss.

     Ichabod and Killian nod as Baltus and Lancaster head in.

                             KILLIAN 
               Master Crane, sir.  I'm glad we have
               time alone.  You've been told plenty
               about the Horseman, I'm certain.

                             ICHABOD 
               More than enough, actually. 
                     (tired laugh) 
               I beg you, no more, please.

                             KILLIAN 
               No, sir, no.  If you ask me, I say
               you just laid eyes on our murderer
               through that glass.

     Ichabod ponders, folding the spyglass.

                             ICHABOD 
               Tell me something. 
                     (pause) 
               What becomes of Young Masbath?

                             KILLIAN 
               Van Ripper and his wife agreed to take
               him.  They have children and a good
               home and good land.

     Ichabod nods.  He turns to look THROUGH THE WINDOW.  In the
     DINING ROOM, Van Ripper rises, ill.  His wife questions his
     health, but he holds her off and vomits.

     Ichabod notes this with a deep sigh.


     EXT.  VAN TASSEL ORCHARD -- EARLY EVENING

     Ocher dusk.  Ichabod rides to Young Masbath, seated on the
     ground, miserable.  Young Masbath does not look up.

                             ICHABOD 
               Find yourself a place in the servants'
               residence and wake me before dawn.
               Our first task will be an unsavory one.

     Ichabod rides.  Young Masbath runs to his horse and follows.


     EXT. CHURCHYARD AND CEMETERY -- DAWN

     Steenwyck is on horseback, looking down at Ichabod, furious.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               It is sacrilege!

                             ICHABOD 
               I cannot proceed without examining
               the previous victims.

     Steenwyck looks to men with shovels.  Killian's there.
     Philipse, hung-over, stands beside Young Masbath.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               Magistrate Philipse, surely you can
               stop this.

     Philipse just looks up with a helpless expression.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               I will not allow it.  I will not!

                             ICHABOD 
               Protest to my superiors if you like.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK
               Your superiors are two days away!

                             ICHABOD 
               Then, you should have left two days
               ago, because I have men willing to
               help me today.

     Ichabod motions.  Killian leads the men to the graveyard.
     Steenwyck watches, enraged.  He kicks his horse and rides.
     Philipse looks worried.

     EXT.  CHURCHYARD AND CEMETERY -- LATER MORNING (TIME CUT)

     A PSALM is HEARD READ by STEENWYCK O.S. while a coffin is
     exhumed.  Ichabod guides the lifting.  The coffin is put near
     the headstone "WINDSOR."  Ichabod looks...

     At the church, Steenwyck faces about fifty people who now
     take up the PRAYER.

     Across the cemetery, two coffins, one small, one large, are
     pried open.  "VAN GARRETT, 1799."  Killian leads the effort
     with Young Masbath's aid...

     The lids come off, revealing the HEADLESS BODIES of a MAN and
     a little BOY.  Young Masbath backs away.

     At the "WINDSOR" coffin, nails creak as Ichabod opens the
     lid.  WE DO NOT SEE inside, but when Ichabod does, he is
     aghast.  He looks to the men, angry.

                             ICHABOD
               Why was I not told of this?

     No answer.  Killian arrives, nods solemnly.

                             KILLIAN 
               The Widow Windsor.

                             ICHABOD 
               Is that all you say?  Look at her.

                             KILLIAN 
               It's not something people speak of
               openly.  She did not remarry.

     Ichabod kneels, studying.  Now, WE SEE: the belly of the
     headless corpse is bulbous, because the Widow Windsor was
     very far along in a pregnancy.

     Ichabod notices: a tear in the cloth of widow's blouse.  He
     reaches through the tear, feeling the stomach.

     He straightens, greatly troubled.


     INT.  DOCTOR'S RESIDENCE, MEDICAL ROOM -- MORNING

     Scissors cut open the widow's blouse.  There's an inch-long
     WOUND on the moldering belly; a sword puncture.

     Ichabod examines the corpse on a table.  Lancaster watches,
     anxiously mopping his face.  Young Masbath's in a corner.
     Ichabod goes to write in his ledger full of notes.

                             ICHABOD 
               What is the common thread between
               these victims?

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               I'm sure I don't know.

                             ICHABOD 
               We must discover it.  The reason the
               murderer chose these persons.

     Ichabod goes to look at the widow's corpse, pondering.

                             ICHABOD 
               The wounds are the same.  Cauterized.
               No chopping or half-measures either.
               One stroke took the head.  Have you
               seen, doctor... ?
                     (pointing to it) 
               Even the spinal bone... sliced as
               smooth as butter.

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER 
               I do not care.  You are welcome to
               use my work area, but I beg you...
               return her to her resting place.

                             ICHABOD 
               In time, doctor.  Soon as I finish.

     Ichabod picks up an iron knife.  He looks to Young Masbath.

                             ICHABOD 
               You should step outside.


     EXT.  CHURCHYARD CEMETERY -- EARLY EVENING

     Ichabod and others restore graves.  Ichabod looks to the
     church, where Clergyman Steenwyck stands in the door.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK
               The devil sent you, Ichabod Crane.
               The Lord will not forgive your sins.

     Steenwyck shuts the creaky doors.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     Ichabod sleeps, dreaming...

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- FARMLAND -- DAY

     A young BOY, 10, stands in a wheat field with his back to us.
     A FEMALE VOICE is HEARD FAINTLY, getting LOUDER.

                             FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)
               Ichabod!  Ichabod... come along.

     The boy, YOUNG ICHABOD, turns, smiling.  He runs.  We FOLLOW
     to a clearing behind a frontier home.  MOTHER waits.  Lovely
     woman.  She kisses him.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- YOUNG ICHABOD'S BEDROOM -- NIGHT

     Dark.  Young Ichabod, in bed, has one eye open.  Across the
     room, Mother has her back to him.  She's WHISPERING something
     to no one.  She turns...

     Young Ichabod pretends he is asleep.

     A DRAWER is HEARD SHUTTING.  Mother exits.  Ichabod gets up,
     curious, opens a drawer... finds something behind clothing.

     It's a piece of reed grass, woven into an elaborate pattern
     with shafts of wheat twisted into the center.  Young Ichabod
     replaces it, closes the drawer.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- MARKET SQUARE -- DAY

     A busy, muddy street lined by wares and produce.  Young
     Ichabod walks with FATHER, an emotionless man.  Father stops
     to examine tools.  Young Ichabod stays by him, but something
     captures his attention...

     Across the way, Mother is involved in a argument with a
     FREAKISH-LOOKING WOMAN.  They shout.  People stop to watch.
     Can't make out words, but Freakish Woman is furious.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- STORM SKY -- NIGHT

     LIGHTNING flashes over tree tops.  THUNDER BOOMS.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     Ichabod jerks awake in his bed.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, KITCHEN -- NIGHT

     Ichabod enters with a lantern and his ledger.  He sits,
     studies notes, then notices there's a light down the hall.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, SEWING ROOM -- NIGHT

     Opposite an elaborate loom, Katrina reads by candlelight.
     She looks up, seeing Ichabod enter.

                             ICHABOD 
               Sorry for disturbing you.  I thought
               a forgotten candle was burning.

     Katrina self-consciously closes her shabby book, puts it with
     another on her lap and covers them.

                             KATRINA 
               You do not disturb me.  Please stay.
               Having trouble sleeping?

                             ICHABOD 
               May I ask... why do you cover your
               book that way?

                             KATRINA 
               You pay great attention to small
               things.  I hide these as I hide all
               my books.  Father would not approve,
               lest it were the Bible.

                             ICHABOD 
               I, um... I have something to show you,
               if you have a moment.

     Ichabod sits, looking through his ledger.

                             KATRINA
               These are strange... may I?

     She takes his hand, spreads the fingers to the palm.  She
     touches the many evenly spaced scars.

                             KATRINA 
               These scars.  How did you get them?

                             ICHABOD 
               I have had them since childhood.  I
               cannot remember what from.

                             KATRINA 
               It would be interesting to find out.

     Their eyes meet.  Ichabod gets back to the ledger.  Katrina
     seems to relish the effect she has.  Ichabod finds a paper
     disk on string, illustrated thusly:

                             ICHABOD 
               Here it is.  A bird on one side.
               His cage on the other.  Now,
               stare at it. 
                     (spinning it) 
               The bird seems to be in his cage.

                             KATRINA 
               Yes, he does.  May I try?

     Ichabod gives it.  She spins it, smiling.

                             ICHABOD 
               He only appears to be inside the
               cage.  The point being...

                             KATRINA
               You made this, and the drawings?

                             ICHABOD 
               Yes, but listen.  The illusion is
               easily explained.  The eye retains
               each image, till they combine.  And
               yet, some would call this toy magic.

                             KATRINA 
               Don't you see why?  Look closely a
               moment.  Put your intellect aside. 
                     (spinning it) 
               Can't you see what is inexplicable?

     Ichabod watches it spin.  He shakes his head, unimpressed.

                             KATRINA 
               Oh, you are hopeless.  May I keep
               it at least?

                             ICHABOD
               If you want.  But...

                             KATRINA 
               Then, I also have a gift for you.
               True magic which even you will not
               be able to deny.

     She hands him a book.  "ROMEO AND JULIET."  Ichabod stands,
     offering it back, but she will not take it.

                             ICHABOD 
               Thank you.  No.  Here...

                             KATRINA 
               I insist that you have it.

                             ICHABOD
                     (resigned, leaving) 
               Very well.  But, it will only sit
               gathering dust.

                             KATRINA 
               That would be a pity.  Those words
               might show you something you've never
               seen before.

     Ichabod stops at the door, looks back.  He exits.


     EXT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE -- NIGHT

     A light glows in Ichabod's window.  LOOKING IN: Ichabod's in
     bed, fully dressed.  He sits up.  Pause.  He crosses to pick
     up "Romeo and Juliet."  He begins to read.


     EXT.  PHILIPSE'S FARM -- DUSK

     Ichabod walks with Philipse.  Young Masbath follows with the
     horses.  CICADAS CHATTER from a vast corn field.

                             PHILIPSE 
               Not more than a year ago, a mob hung
               a man for stealing a horse.  For
               stealing a horse!  And, you dig up
               our dead.

                             ICHABOD 
               Are you saying I should be frightened?
               Is this a message passed on from
               Clergyman Steenwyck?

     The CICADAS SUDDENLY go SILENT.  Young Masbath notices.

                             PHILIPSE 
               We are farmers here, not lawyers or
               bankers, or even constables.  Every
               penny we earn comes from what we
               send down the Hudson.

                             ICHABOD 
               I know it.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               Um.... excuse me, sirs...

                             PHILIPSE
                     (still to Ichabod) 
               Because of the Horseman, our migrant
               workers flee for their lives.  There
               is a danger that our crops will rot.
               So, if you are going to help us, you
               stop the Horseman.  That is your
               task... to kill an undead thing.

     Young Masbath looks to a fenced grazing area, worried.  The
     sheep there are agitated, all running one direction away.

                             ICHABOD
               Listen to what you say....

                             PHILIPSE 
               No, you listen!  You may think we are
               a pack of superstitious dullards...

                             ICHABOD 
               At times I do.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Sirs... please!

                             PHILIPSE 
               What will it take for you to realize
               this is no laughing matter?

     The horses go crazy, braying and rearing.  The reins yank
     Young Masbath off his feet as the horses flee.

     Ichabod and Philipse look to Masbath.  A SOUND is HEARD,
     distant: THUNDERING HOOFBEATS.  Wind kicks up.  HOOFBEATS
     seem to come FROM ALL DIRECTIONS.

     Philipse looks to the corn field.  A flock of birds alights;
     a great sheet of black against the sky.

                             PHILIPSE
               Oh my... oh my oh my oh my...

     Philipse runs towards his house, past Masbath.  HOOFBEATS are
     LOUDER, CLOSER.  Ichabod faces the corn field.

     The field explodes open, stalks bending to make way as the
     Headless Horseman gallops into view atop Daredevil.

     Young Masbath runs, following Philipse.

     Ichabod's stunned.  He looks down to draw his flintlock
     pistol, but the Horseman blows by before he can raise it.  A
     blast of air knocks Ichabod off his feet.

     The Horseman chases Masbath and Philipse.

     Ichabod follows.

     The Horseman draws his sword.

     Young Masbath falls in the grass...

     Daredevil's pounding hooves will certainly crush him.

     Daredevil leaps over Young Masbath, continuing the charge.

     Philipse has a long way to go before home.  He looks over his
     shoulder.  No way he'll make it.

     Ichabod, running, watches Philipse slow.

     Philipse gathers all his courage and stops, turning.  The
     Horseman is closing, sword held high.

     Philipse raises his talisman.

                             ICHABOD 
               Philipse!

     Philipse holds the talisman up, trying to be fearless.  The
     Horseman swings -- WE HEAR the CLANK of sword on talisman...

     Philipse's severed head spins.  His body falls and folds.

     Ichabod runs past Young Masbath.

     The Horseman halts just as Ichabod reaches a point in front
     of dead Philipse, aiming his pistol.  Daredevil lets out a
     SCREECHY CRY.  The Horseman rides toward Ichabod.

     Ichabod gets on one knee, trying to steady his pistol.  The
     Horseman closes.  Ichabod sweats bullets.  FIRES...

     The slug SLAMS the Horseman dead center -- bursts through and
     rends his uniform without slowing him.

     The Horseman is almost on Ichabod.  Ichabod cringes, arms
     up... as the Horseman passes.

     The Horseman leans to skewer Philipse's head with his sword.

     With the head as his prize, the Horseman races away.

     Ichabod gets up, watches the Horseman head to the forest.
     Ichabod looks to Young Masbath, finds his legs will not
     support him, falls, trembling.  THUNDER BELLOWS.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, SECOND FLOOR HALL -- NIGHT

     Lady Van Tassel comes to a door, knocks.  Sarah stands behind
     with a tray of food.  Young Masbath is seated near.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL
                     (to Young Masbath)
               Has he not come out at all?

     Young Masbath shakes his head.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     KNOCKING is HEARD.  Ichabod sleeps restlessly.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- YOUNG ICHABOD'S BEDROOM -- NIGHT

     THUNDER BOOMS.  WIND and POUNDING RAIN blast open a window.
     Mother comes to it, then moves to comfort fearful Young
     Ichabod in bed.

                             MOTHER'S VOICE (v.o.)
               Don't be afraid... don't be afraid.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- YOUNG ICHABOD'S HOME -- DAY

     A keyhole.  Young Ichabod's eye peers in...

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- P.O.V. THROUGH KEYHOLE

     Mother is kneeled before flour on the floor.  She draws
     patterns in it, whispering.  She blows the flour away.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- YOUNG ICHABOD'S HOME -- DAY

     The Freakish Woman (who argued with Mother) walks towards the
     home, supported by a SAD MAN.  She weeps, carrying something
     in a blanket.

     Young Ichabod comes a window, watching, scared.

     The Freakish Woman is so weak that she falls.  The blanket
     opens... the corpse of an infant tumbles to the dirt.  The
     Freakish Woman's WAILING GROWS LOUDER.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- FRONT OF YOUNG ICHABOD'S HOME -- NIGHT

     TWO MEN in black drag Mother to a coach.  She looks back,
     fearful, pulled along.  A THIRD MAN in black follows.

     Young Ichabod struggles as Father restrains him.

                             YOUNG ICHABOD
               No... mother... no... !

     The Third Man peers back, a gray-haired, Cotton Mather-ish
     man with a villainous face.

                             FREAKISH WOMAN (v.o.)
               The night of the great storm, I saw
               her cross my windows.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- COURTROOM -- DAY

     Many people in the gallery.  The Third Man stands in front of
     the tearful Freakish Woman in the witness box.

                             THIRD MAN
               You are certain it was she?

                             FREAKISH WOMAN
               In the lighting, I did see her.
                     (points)
               Her.  Lady Crane...

     Mother sits in shackles.

                             FREAKISH WOMAN
               I will never forget.  The next moment,
               I found my infant dead... with the
               blood welt on his breast.

     Those in attendance cry out at this.  Ichabod is seated
     beside Father, eyes filled with tears.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- YOUNG ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     As before, a STORM RAGES.  Ichabod is in Mother's arms.

                             FREAKISH WOMAN (v.o.)
               The night of the great storm, I saw
               her cross my windows.

                             MOTHER
               Don't be afraid...

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S BEDROOM -- DAY

     KNOCKING is HEARD.  Ichabod gasps awake.

                             KATRINA (o.s.)
               Constable Crane?

     Ichabod looks at his hands balled into fists.  He opens them
     -- has ONE HALF of PHILIPSE'S TALISMAN in each palm.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, SECOND FLOOR HALLWAY -- NIGHT

     Katrina holds a tray of food.  The DOOR is HEARD UNLOCKING.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     Katrina enters.  Ichabod sits at his work table.

                             KATRINA
               Are you hungry?

     Ichabod shakes his head, won't look up.  Katrina crosses.

     She begins picking up pieces of the PLASTER HOOFPRINT CAST
     which lies shattered on the floor.

                             KATRINA
               You promised justice.

                             ICHABOD
               If these are the random stalkings of
               a monster, what good am I?

                             KATRINA
               People have put their trust in you.

                             ICHABOD 
               They have done nothing of the sort.

                             KATRINA
               Won't they still have that justice?
                     (patience waning)
               Or, was it a vain promise?

     Ichabod stews, head in his hands.  Someone is HEARD
     RUNNING... Young Masbath enters, frightened.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               Constable Crane... something has
               happened.


     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS -- DAY

     The Lenape Indian hangs dead in a tree, lynched.  TOWNSFOLK
     are gathered.  Ichabod makes his way through, followed by
     Young Masbath, looking up.

                             BROM (o.s.)
               We do not need you, Constable...

     Brom strides towards Ichabod from a group of men spreading a
     sheet under the tree.  Van Ripper's there.

                             BROM
               The men who did this have been taken.
               We do not need you here.

     Brom points to where TWO FILTHY MEN in chains sit in a
     horse-drawn cart.  An armed man guards them.

                             ONE FILTHY MAN 
               You should thank us.  The killings
               will end.  We saved you all!

     The armed man shoves the filthy man to shut him up.

                             BROM 
               They spend two days in chains.

                             ICHABOD 
               Two days... ?  For murder?

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               For poaching.  Or, would you remake
               our laws now that Magistrate Philipse
               has given up the ghost?

                             ICHABOD 
               Does that look like an animal hanging?

                             BROM 
               Looks like an Indian.

     Van Ripper cuts the noose rope at the trunk.  The Lenape
     corpse free falls, landing hard.

     The Lenape lies in a heap on the sheet.  Van Ripper and
     others come to lift the sheet with the Lenape in the middle.
     Ichabod watches, noticing...

     The Lenape wears a WOVEN PIECE of REED GRASS a cord on his
     loin cloth, twisted in a pattern.

                             ICHABOD 
               Wait.  Give me a moment...

     Ichabod kneels.  He removes the woven piece, looking across
     the diseased Lenape's body.  Something else...

     The Lenape's mouth is agape; teeth rotting.  Ichabod looks
     around, finds a twig.  He uses it to pull the Lenape's mouth
     open... gets close to peer inside the Lenape's mouth.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- DAY

     A DRAWING of the Lenape's WOVEN PIECE in Ichabod's ledger.
     The piece lies near.

     Ichabod sits staring at it, trance-like.  Masbath waits.
     Long silence.

                             ICHABOD
               The Lenape Indian had much to tell
               once I opened his mouth.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               How could he?

                             ICHABOD
               His teeth.  Someone had cut them and
               chipped off rotten pieces far back
               in his mouth.  The Lenape could not
               have done that for himself.
                     (closes his journal)
               Someone out there cared for him.

     Ichabod rises, deciding.  He picks up his satchel and exits.
     Young Masbath is surprised.  He follows.


     EXT.  WINDMILL -- DAY

     A massive, wooden WINDMILL, raised off the ground on a 7'
     center post.  Ichabod and Masbath walk to it.

     INT.  WINDMILL -- DAY

     Ichabod and Young Masbath enter via a ladder from the
     underbelly.  Gears and counter wheels turn millstones.  A few
     men work in the grain powder filled air.

     Ichabod leads the way to a staircase, up twists and turns.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               Where are we going?

                             ICHABOD 
               Up.

     EXT.  WINDMILL ROOF -- DAY

     Ichabod and Young Masbath climb out a door to the roof.  The
     rotors spin nearby.  Ichabod searches the countryside.

     Below, MANY MEN are ride up the long straight road.

                             ICHABOD 
               What is it?

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               It's payment day.  Loan monies are
               given to Baltus the last day each
               month.  Almost everyone borrows...
               for tools or to hire workers.

     Ichabod sits, takes a bowl from his bag and gives it to
     Masbath, then produces a bottle of water... fills the bowl.

                             ICHABOD
                     (points) 
               Out there.  What do you see?

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               The Western Woods.

                             ICHABOD 
               Look again.

     A plume of smoke rises from woods, far.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Smoke.  Chimney smoke.

     Ichabod holds a piece of straw in his mouth, rubs the point
     of a sewing needle against a small BLACK ROCK.

                             ICHABOD 
               Are you familiar with magnets?

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               What kind of nuts?

                             ICHABOD 
               Not for eating, I assure you.  Watch
               here.

     Ichabod shows the magnet grab the needle.  Young Masbath is
     amazed, reaching for it.  Ichabod watches him play with it.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               It's spectacular.

                             ICHABOD
                     (smiles, pause) 
               Yes... I suppose it is.  Keep it.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               No, I couldn't...

                             ICHABOD 
               I have others.  All I need is this.

     Ichabod takes the needle, poking its butt end into the tip of
     the straw.  Young Masbath studies the rock, pockets it.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Thank you.

                             ICHABOD
                     (nods, almost shy) 
               Now, hold the bowl steady.  Back to
               business.

     Young Masbath lifts the bowl.  Ichabod drops in the
     needle/straw which floats and turns compass-like.

                             ICHABOD 
               If the Western Woods are truly the
               Devil's Glen, we will see for
               ourselves.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
                     (uneasy) 
               Father said witches live there.

                             ICHABOD 
               Witches do not exist.  However...

     Ichabod uses a knife to notch the bowl lip where the needle
     points, then surveys the smoke, making a second notch.

                             ICHABOD 
               Not long ago, I would have said the
               same for Headless Horseman.

                             KATRINA (o.s.)
               Constable... !

     Katrina's on horseback below, unhappy.

                             KATRINA 
               I need to speak with you.  Alone.


     EXT.  VAN TASSEL GREAT LAWN -- DAY

     Ichabod and Katrina lead their horses.  A heated argument.

                             KATRINA
               Why would you do such a thing?

                             ICHABOD 
               No stone may be left unturned.  It
               may appear harsh...

                             KATRINA 
               I have misjudged you I think.  I did
               not imagine you were so cruel.

                             ICHABOD 
               You are not regarding it in full.
               The Widow Windsor had been run
               through by a sword.  I followed the
               bloodless wound, a wound whose path
               I could not comprehend till I had
               seen the Horseman with my own eyes.

                             KATRINA 
               What are you on about?

                             ICHABOD 
               The child she carried was eight
               months grown at least... near to
               birthing.  The sword had pierced its
               tiny heart exactly.

                             KATRINA 
               Must I hear this?

                             ICHABOD 
               There was no blind stabbing.  This
               singular thrust found its target
               omnipotently, as if the Horseman made
               certain the unborn child died with
               its mother.

                             KATRINA 
               And this gives worth to butchery?

                             ICHABOD 
               It was not butchery.

                             KATRINA 
               What is it then?  Scientific method?
               How can any of this matter in the
               slightest?

                             ICHABOD 
               I have no solution for its meaning
               yet, but I could not just ignore it.

                             KATRINA 
               Take a lesson from Young Masbath's
               desires, Ichabod Crane.  He follows
               with you to avenge his father's death.
               That I understand.  But, what do you
               want?

                             ICHABOD 
               To avenge his father, and the others.

                             KATRINA 
               But, why?  Tell me why.

     Ichabod struggles for a reply.

                             KATRINA 
               You falter with your answer because
               you strive without putting the whole
               of your heart into it.  Can't you see?
               You'll bring dignity to the dead even
               if you have to chop them into little
               pieces to do it.

                             ICHABOD
                     (fed up, growing anger) 
               If it had been surgery on a living
               person, done to save that person's
               life, you would not question it.  Not
               for a moment.  So, let me be the first
               to tell you, dear girl... on the other
               side of these sheltering mountains, a
               whole world has advanced beyond such
               plebeian thinking as yours.  And
               someday, no matter how much you fear
               it, that world will come to roust
               Sleepy Hollow out of its slumber.

     Katrina storms away.  Ichabod's already regretting.


     EXT.  BELLTOWER FIELD -- DAY

     Ichabod and Young Masbath ride to the Western Woods, horses
     loaded for expedition.  At the Belltower remnants, Ichabod
     slows, looking to the wreckage.

     At forest's edge, Young Masbath waits.

     Ichabod circles the tower.  With a sigh, he rides to join
     Young Masbath. They head into the woods.

     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS -- DAY

     Dark, dense and creepy.  Ichabod and Young Masbath move
     through.  Young Masbath halts his horse and looks around.

                             ICHABOD 
               What is it?

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Listen.

                             ICHABOD
                     (listens, looks)
               I hear nothing.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               No crickets or cicadas calling.  No
               bird songs.

     Stark quiet.  Ichabod notes this unhappily.


     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS -- LATER DAY

     Ichabod's hand drops the needle/straw in the water bowl.  The
     needle spins.  The bowl is turned to match notches.

     Ichabod points the way to Young Masbath.

     ELSEWHERE, SOMEONE WATCHES:  A MOVING P.O.V. WATCHES them as
     they ride, FOLLOWS.

     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS, FURTHER ON -- LATER DAY

     Ichabod and Masbath reach a hill crest.  They stop, uneasy.
     Below: a CAVE with a rock archway.  An ill-fitting door
     covers the mouth.  The chimney spews smoke.

                             ICHABOD
               We have apparently arrived.

     EXT.  CAVE HOME -- DAY

     The horses are tied to a tree.  Ichabod walks to the cave
     door.  Unsure, he hesitantly knocks.

     INT.  CAVE HOME -- DAY

     Ichabod and Young Masbath step in.

     Walls are hung with skins and skeletons, dry flowers and reed
     grass in patterns.  An OLD CRONE sits facing away.

     The old Crone, a mountain woman with matted hair and grey
     features, sits disinterested.  Ichabod edges closer.

                             ICHABOD
               Pardon.  You did not answer when I
               knocked.  Are we intruding?

                             OLD CRONE
               You are from the Hollow?

                             ICHABOD
               In a way, yes.

     Ichabod looks at tables of gourd bowls of dead insects and
     acorns.  Knifes, scissors, yellow bones.  He takes the
     Lenape's piece of reed grass from his pocket.

                             ICHABOD
               The Lenape who lived in these woods...
               do you know him?  The Redman?
                     (uncomfortable wait)
               I should tell you... he has been
               murdered.

                             OLD CRONE
               Leave me.  You are not welcome here.

     The old Crone places something on a table beside her -- a
     dead cardinal, bright red.

     Ichabod is afraid, backing away, but Young Masbath takes the
     woven piece and steps to the Crone.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               Were you a friend to the Indian?
                     (waits)
               You should have this... if you were
               his friend.

     Young Masbath puts the woven piece beside the cardinal.  He
     walks to join Ichabod in leaving.

                             OLD CRONE
               You seek remedy against the Horseman?

     The Old Crone reaches to pick up the weaving.  She stands,
     faces them.  Tall.  Ichabod nods.

                             OLD CRONE
                     (to Young Masbath)
               Go out and keep away, child.
                     (to Ichabod)
               You stay.  Follow with me.

     The Old Crone takes a candle and walks, deep into the cave.

     INT.  CAVE HOME, LOWER CAVE -- DAY

     The Old Crone comes through a passage in the wet walls.
     Ichabod enters, scared, bent under low ceiling.

                             OLD CRONE
               I hear him.  He rides to the Hollow
               and back.

                             ICHABOD
               The Horseman.  Yes.

                             OLD CRONE
               Sit.

     Ichabod sits on crooked stool.  The old Crone kneels with her
     back to him, gathers straw in a pile on the floor.

                             ICHABOD 
               Can you help?

                             OLD CRONE 
               You want to see into the nether world...
               I can show you.  Whatever you see, do
               not move or speak.  I will hold him.

     She gathers bowls, putting grass and powder on the pile.

                             ICHABOD
               What... what are you doing?

                             OLD CRONE
                     (turns, furious) 
               Close your mouth!  Keep silent.

     She takes two jars from a table, pours ashes on the pile from
     one.  She shakes the other roughly, takes the lid off and
     upends it.  A baby bat squirms on the floor, dazed.

     The Old Crone holds the bat, using a knife to cut off its
     head.  She soaks the straw with blood, SPEAKING IN TONGUES,
     guttural.  Using a wick, she lights the straw.

     She grasps two METAL CUFFS with chains attached, slides these
     onto her bony wrists, then bends to inhale smoke.

                             OLD CRONE 
               He comes now.

     Ichabod would like to leave now.

     EXT.  CAVE HOME -- DAY

     Young Masbath, waiting by the horses, looks up.  Through the
     trees, black clouds billow and block the sun.

     INT.  CAVE HOME, LOWER CAVE -- DAY

     The old Crone slumps, still with her back to Ichabod.  She
     does not move.  Wind howls through a hole/window.  Rain.

     Candles blow out.  Ichabod stands, worried.

                             ICHABOD
               Excuse me... um...

     She remains motionless.  The STORM outside intensifies.

     WE SEE the skin of the Crone's wrists transform; swelling in
     the cuffs, hardening, cracking and bleeding.

     Some thing Ichabod cannot see.  He inches closer.

                             ICHABOD 
               Are you alright... ?

     The Crone turns, hideous, leaping erect -- a half-human,
     half-demon CREATURE.  Its black clawed hands reaching.

     Ichabod recoils, crying out.

     Chains on restraining cuffs yank the creature back.

     Ichabod hits the floor, knocking over a table of bones.  The
     creature is chained, but still wants Ichabod.  It SCREECHES.

     The Old Crone's face seethes from transformation, eyes blood
     red, nostrils dripping, teeth now jagged.

                             CREATURE/OLD CRONE 
               You seek the warrior bathed in
               blood... the Headless Horseman.

     Ichabod slides back as far as possible while the creature
     claws the rock floor, yearning.

                             CREATURE/OLD CRONE 
               Follow the Indian trail to where the
               sun dies.  Follow to the tree of the
               dead.

     The creature pulls, testing the chains.  Behind, the BOLT
     holding the chains to the wall slips.  The wall cracks.

                             CREATURE/OLD CRONE 
               Climb down to the Horseman's soulless
               place and let loose his silent
               shrieking.  Do you hear?  Do you hear?!

     Ichabod nods, quaking, aghast.  He glances to the exit.

     The chain bolt gives more... coming loose...

                             CREATURE/OLD CRONE 
               He who holds fast the Horseman's
               desire will guide his reaping hand.
               Catch hold of his desire.

     Ichabod bolts for the door.  The creature HOWLS, leaping...

     The chain bolt breaks...

     Ichabod cries out, tackled to the floor...

     It is the Old Crone who landed on him.  She has returned to
     human form, semi-conscious.  Ichabod shoves her off.

     EXT.  CAVE HOME -- DAY

     Ichabod runs out into the howling storm, past Masbath.

                             ICHABOD 
               We are leaving.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               What happened?

     Ichabod scrambles onto Gunpowder, heading further into the
     woods, glancing back.  Young Masbath follows.


     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS, FURTHER ON -- EARLY EVENING

     No rain.  Dark.  A lantern's glow creates shifting shadows as
     Ichabod and Young Masbath ride.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Follow the Indian trail to where the
               sun dies.  To the tree of the dead. 
                     (looking back) 
               Maybe we passed it by.

                             ICHABOD 
               How could something named "the tree
               of the dead" fail to draw attention?

     A BIRD CRIES OUT.  Ichabod's startled, looking up.  The BIRD
     is HEARD ALIGHTING.  Leaves float downwards.

                             ICHABOD 
               We should not go much further in
               this murk.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Should we go back?

                             ICHABOD 
               We are far from the Hollow. 
                     (dismounts, troubled) 
               Loath to say it... better to get our
               backs against a tree and stay till
               morning.

     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS (TIME CUT) -- NIGHT

     Horses are tied.  Ichabod is seated against a tree.  A
     campfire burns.  Young Masbath lies on a blanket, rifle cross
     his chest, staring to treetops.

     Leaves and branches shift in the wind.  Bats fly wildly.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               What does it mean... climb down to
               the Horseman's soulless place?

                             ICHABOD 
               "Let loose his silent shrieking."
               Who knows, till we work at it?  I
               admit not being anxious to find out.
                     (pause) 
               "He who holds the Horseman's desire
               will guide his reaping hand."
               Whatever the Horseman's desire is,
               other than extinguishing lives.

     A SNAPPING BRANCH.  Ichabod raises his pistol.

                             ICHABOD
                     (to Young Masbath) 
               Do not move.

     Ichabod rises.  He creeps forward, pistol and lantern
     forward.  Foliage is thick.  CRUNCHING LEAVES are HEARD.

     Ichabod crouches, puts down the lantern and picks up a
     branch.  He tosses the branch to the foliage...

     SOME ANIMAL darts away, a running blur.

     Ichabod rises, following with his pistol.

     ANOTHER ANGLE, MOVING P.O.V.: low to the ground,
     moving swiftly at Ichabod...

     Ichabod spins, blindsided.

     Young Masbath fires his rifle -- CRACK!!

     The ANIMAL is KNOCKED DOWN mid-leap, yelping...

     The beast lands, a mass of grey fur.

     Ichabod comes to stare down.  Young Masbath arrives.  They
     both look to the beast, horrified.

     The creature lies helplessly spastic; a TWO-HEADED WOLF, with
     one head blown open to brain and gore.  Its living head
     lifts, MEWING sadly, eyes pleading.

     Ichabod step up with pistol.  FIRES.  MEWING STOPS.

                             ICHABOD
               What God-forsaken hell is this?

     Ichabod swallows back sickness, looking away.  Something
     catches his eye.

                             ICHABOD
               Christ...

     Through the forest: the SKY'S LIT UP.  Distant fire.

     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS, CAVE HOME -- EARLY EVENING

     Ichabod and Masbath ride up, confronted by the Crone's cave
     vomiting flame out all orifices.

     Ichabod approaches.  Embers swirl everywhere.  The Old
     Crone's body lies amongst bloodied leaves.  Headless.


     EXT.  TOWN SQUARE, DOCTOR'S RESIDENCE -- NIGHT

     Much commotion.  A MOB in front of the home marked
     "LANCASTER, PHYSICIAN."  Steenwyck addresses the rabble.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               You all stand idle, while this man
               goes about with a book of secrets and
               a bag filled with magic.  You all
               stand idle, while the shadow of the
               Devil falls over our town.

     Baltus, Lady Van Tassel and Katrina watch at safe distance.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               I say, if you do nothing, you share
               in the blasphemy of Ichabod Crane!

     Killian, on horseback beside his wife, BETH, and son, Thomas,
     rides to one side of the shouting crowd.

                             KILLIAN 
               Listen to me!  Do you want to save
               your crops?  Or would you rather see
               your farms go to ruin?

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               How is he saving our farms?  How?
               Ichabod Crane has brought into our
               midst the soulless, moldering corpse
               of a heretic!

     INT.  DOCTOR'S RESIDENCE, MEDICAL ROOM -- NIGHT

     Ichabod examines the Crone's neck wound with magnification
     spectacles.  Young Masbath is seated, ledger in his lap.

                             ICHABOD
               The wound is neither smooth nor
               cauterized, but jagged.  She bleeds
               like a fountain.

     Ichabod lifts her dead hand to show bruises and cuts.

                             ICHABOD
               She did not go quietly.

     INT.  DOCTOR'S RESIDENCE, PARLOR -- NIGHT

     Doctor Lancaster wrings his hands.  His WIFE rocks nervously
     in a rocking chair.  The CROWD outside ROARS as a bonfire
     lights up the curtained windows.

     The front door is POUNDED open.  ANGRY MEN enter.  Lancaster
     stands, lips quivering.  He points insistently to a door.

     INT.  DOCTOR'S RESIDENCE, MEDICAL ROOM -- NIGHT

     Angry men break in.  Ichabod looks up.

                             ANGRY MAN
               Step aside, Constable.  Step aside...

     Ichabod is shoved aside, spectacles knocked off.

     The group grasps the Crone.  Masbath stands on his chair,
     clutching the ledger.  Ichabod grabs one man.

                             ICHABOD
               What are you doing?

     The man slams Ichabod back.

     Magnification spectacles are crushed under foot.

     EXT.  TOWN SQUARE -- NIGHT

     Angry men carry the corpse to a raging bonfire.  The mob
     makes way.  Steenwyck cheers them.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK
               Let her burn!  Let her burn!

     Ichabod comes out, followed by Young Masbath.  The Crone's
     corpse is thrown in the fire.  Cheers all around.

     At Ichabod's side, a man tries to grab the ledger Young
     Masbath holds.  Young Masbath cries out, hanging on to the
     book.  Ichabod joins the struggle.

     Katrina watches, emotions conflicting.

     Other men grab Ichabod.  One punches Ichabod in the face.

     Katrina rides forward as Baltus calls for her to stop.

     Katrina leaps down, into the crowd, pulls men off Ichabod.

                             KATRINA
               Stop this!  Leave them alone!

     A SHOT RINGS OUT.  Chaos halts.  Everyone turns, quieting.

     The men around Masbath and Ichabod turn to face Brom Bones.
     Brom holds a smoking pistol, flanked by Theodore and Glenn.

                             BROM 
               Let them go
                     (pointing) 
               Are you going to beat an orphaned
               child, imbecile?

     Masbath is released, along with the ledger.  Steenwyck moves
     forward, pushing people aside.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               Are you Ichabod Crane's protector,
               Brom Bones?

                             BROM 
               Only for the moment.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               You side with him in this?

                             BROM 
               No.  I agree he has only made matters
               worse.  But, that will change, if you
               listen.

     He trades with Theodore, pistol for a long rifle.  Brom hefts
     the rifle, taking a round slug from his pocket.

                             BROM 
               Theodore, Glenn and I offer to ride
               each day and night to watch over the
               Hollow.  We will stalk the border of
               the Western Woods and haunt the
               Horseman for a change, with rifles
               like this... and slugs like this...

     Brom brings the slug to his lips, blows.  It WHISTLES.

                             BROM 
               Hollowed out and filled with powder.

     Brom smiles at Katrina, who watches unimpressed.

                             BROM 
               Constable Crane is not the only one
               who fights with science on his side.

                             ICHABOD 
               I fired upon the Horseman and the
               bullet did nothing.

                             BROM 
               You must have missed your mark.

                             ICHABOD 
               I hit him square.

                             BROM
                     (to the crowd) 
               I say... if the Horseman is solid
               enough to take the lives of our
               people, he's solid enough to feel
               this...

     Brom aims the rifle at a BARREL down the road.  FIRES.

     PLUNK -- the barrel is hit -- EXPLODES.  Smoke wafts.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     In bed, Ichabod is having unpleasant dreams once more.

                             FREAKISH WOMAN (v.o.) 
               The night of the great storm, I saw
               her cross my windows.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- COURTROOM -- DAY

     Young Ichabod is seated beside Father, eyes tearful.  We are
     back in the court where Mother stands trial.

                             FREAKISH WOMAN 
               In the lightning, I did see her.
                     (points to Mother) 
               Her. Lady Crane... I will never
               forget it.  The next moment, I found
               my infant son was dead, with the
               blood welt on his breast.

     The evil Third Man turns to a jury of TWELVE MEN.

                             THIRD MAN 
               You have heard it.  The blood welt
               is the mark of Satan's touch.

     As the crowd murmurs in fear, Young Ichabod looks to Father,
     who sits with hands clenched, emotionless.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- YOUNG ICHABOD'S HOME -- NIGHT

     In the quiet kitchen, Young Ichabod looks across the table.
     Father stares into his food.

                             YOUNG ICHABOD
               She was with me, father.

                             FATHER
               Nothing can be done against them.

                             YOUNG ICHABOD
               She was with me that night.

     Father doesn't even look up.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- CHURCH -- NIGHT

     Empty church.  Young Ichabod carries a lantern past pews.  A
     soldier is seated near the altar with a rifle.

                             YOUNG ICHABOD
               May I see her?

     The soldier exits through a white door.  Young Ichabod waits,
     looking up at the vast church.  The white door opens and the
     Third Man steps out.

                             THIRD MAN
               Go home.

                             YOUNG ICHABOD
               May I see my mother?

                             THIRD MAN
               You do not want to be here.  Go home
               to your father.

                             YOUNG ICHABOD
               She did not do it... please listen...

                             THIRD MAN
               She is guilty.

                             YOUNG ICHABOD
               No, sir, please... she is innocent...

                             THIRD MAN
               She has confessed.

                             YOUNG ICHABOD
               No.

                             THIRD MAN 
               She has admitted to her evil and
               signed a written confession.  Do
               you know what confession is?
                     (off Ichabod's nod) 
               All that is left for you now is to
               pray for her soul.

     The Third Man leaves through the white door.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- YOUNG ICHABOD'S BEDROOM -- MORNING

     Young Ichabod buttons his shirt.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- YOUNG ICHABOD'S YARD -- MORNING

     Young Ichabod comes out, looks to the lawn, not
     understanding.  Father loads a wagon full of belongings.

                             FATHER 
               We are leaving.
                     (long pause)
               She has gone away.

     Realization comes to Young Ichabod.  He runs, away across the
     lawn as Father calls after him.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- FOREST TRAIL -- MORNING

     Young Ichabod runs, weeping.

                             THIRD MAN (v.o.) 
               She has confessed.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- CHURCH -- MORNING

     Empty.  Doors are thrown open and Young Ichabod enters.  He
     goes down the aisle, towards the white door.

                             THIRD MAN (v.o.) 
               She has admitted to her evil and
               signed a written confession.

                             YOUNG ICHABOD 
               Mother.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- CHURCH, BEYOND WHITE DOOR -- MORNING

     Young Ichabod enters, halting.  The room contains TORTURE
     DEVICES: iron cuffs, thumb screws, knifes and needles.

                             THIRD MAN (v.o.)
               Do you know what confession is?

     He walks, numb, eyes locked forward...

     In the corner is a SPIKED CHAIR, adorned with sharp iron
     spikes.  Hundreds of spikes.  It is fitted with straps for
     holding down the "accused."

     Tears stream down Young Ichabod's face.  He kneels, hands on
     the spikes of the chair, pressing hard.

     As he sobs, blood runs down from his hands.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     In bed, Ichabod opens tear filled eyes.  He sits up, bringing
     his trembling hands to wipe his cheeks.  His hands trail
     blood. He looks to them...

     The old scars are bleeding.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, SITTING ROOM -- NIGHT

     Katrina comes to the door.  Ichabod is seated by the fire,
     eyes bleary, palms wrapped with bloodied cloth.

                             KATRINA 
               Constable Crane?

     Katrina comes beside Ichabod's chair.

                             ICHABOD
               Allow me some time.  I have spent
               every hour in the company of others.
               I need to be alone.

                             KATRINA 
               What troubles you?

     She moves in front.  Ichabod gets up and crosses to sit
     facing away.  Katrina takes the chair he deserted.

                             KATRINA
               The things I said to you before...
               I was wrong to say them.

                             ICHABOD
               No, actually, you were not.  Every
               word you spoke had truth in it.

                             KATRINA 
               What has happened?

     Ichabod sits silent, puts his head back, eyes closed.

                             ICHABOD 
               Lady Van Tassel... she is your
               stepmother, isn't she?  She bears so
               little resemblance.

                             KATRINA 
               What?

                             ICHABOD 
               She is not your birth mother, is she?

                             KATRINA 
               No, but... why do you ask that?

                             ICHABOD 
               What happened to your mother?  Is she
               still alive?

                             KATRINA 
               She died.  Her lungs were diseased...
               two years ago.  What is this about?

                             ICHABOD 
               Memories have come back.  I had them
               forgotten, and wish I could forget
               them again... but they are here now. 
                     (pause) 
               Lord, how I hate this place.

                             KATRINA 
               If you want me to go, I will.  Do you
               want me to leave?

                             ICHABOD 
               I... I do not know.  I no longer know
               what I think or what I feel.

     Katrina walks to him.  She touches his back.

                             KATRINA 
               Why are you so afraid of that?  Is
               there truly such harm in uncertainty?

     She kneels, smiles a little for him.  She reaches to touch
     his face, holds his head in her hands.  Leans to kiss him.

     He rests his head against hers, weary, putting his arms
     around her.  They kiss passionately.


     EXT.  THE HOLLOW -- EARLY MORNING

     Dawn light, is visible over forests pounded by rain.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, SECOND FLOOR HALL -- MORNING

     Ichabod exits his room, satchel in hand.  He looks down the
     hall, then steps back in to take a white rose from a vase.

     AROUND A CORNER, Ichabod comes to the last door.  He bends,
     slipping the white rose under the crack of the door.

     EXT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, FRONT PORCH -- MORNING

     Rain.  Ichabod comes out.  Across the lawn, Young Masbath is
     bringing the horses.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL (o.s.) 
               Good morrow, Constable.

     Ichabod turns to see Lady Van Tassel in a chair, sewing.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               Returning to the Western Woods?

                             ICHABOD 
               Yes, actually.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               Use caution.

                             ICHABOD
                     (nods, studies her) 
               Do you know... I think those are the
               first words I have heard from you my
               entire time here.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               As my husband says, a wife should be
               always like an echo, and at the same
               time, quite unlike an echo.
                     (off Ichabod's confusion) 
               Like an echo, she should speak only
               when spoken to, and unlike an echo,
               should never try to have the last
               word, or, at least that is what he
               believes.

     Baltus comes out the door, irritable, skillet in hand.

                             BALTUS 
               Constable... did you notice anything
               out of the ordinary during the night?

     Ichabod eyes the skillet, ill at ease, trying not to be.

                             ICHABOD 
               Um... I... I did not... no.  Why?

                             BALTUS 
               Sarah has gone missing... my servant
               girl.  Her things are gone.  Damn it.
               She has joined the migration out of
               town.
                     (to Lady Van Tassel) 
               What about breakfast, woman?  Or, am
               I to starve to death?

     Lady Van Tassel gets up and goes in, taking the skillet.

                             ICHABOD 
               I should be going... good day to you.

     Ichabod heads towards Young Masbath.  Baltus watches from the
     porch, disgruntled.  He goes in.


     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS -- DAY

     Heavy rain.  Ichabod and Young Masbath ride side by side.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               If the Crone's wound bled hard, that
               means she was not killed by the
               Hessian.  Someone only tried to make
               it look that way.

                             ICHABOD 
               You grow sharper by the minute, little
               man.  It boggles my mind, but I begin
               to prefer your company over all others.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Well... I'm one of the few people who
               likes you.

                             ICHABOD
                     (laughs) 
               True enough.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Then, who murdered the Old Crone?  And
               why?

                             ICHABOD 
               Good questions, deserving answers, of
               which we are in short supply.

     A SOUND is HEARD.  Ichabod looks back, then to Masbath.

                             ICHABOD 
               Quicken pace.

     Ichabod rides faster.  Young Masbath keeps up.

     FURTHER ON, they charge over a hill.  Ichabod halts Gunpowder
     and climbs clumsily off.

                             ICHABOD 
               Ride on.

     Young Masbath obeys.  Ichabod takes out his pistol and wades
     into forest growth, backtracking.

     INSIDE THE FOREST, Ichabod bounds through underbrush, low.  A
     HORSE is HEARD SNORTING.  He pushes through branches...

     Moving behind a FIGURE IN A GREY CLOAK on horseback.

                             ICHABOD 
               Halt and turn.  I have a pistol aimed
               at your head.

     The figure stops, pushes off the cloak hood.  Katrina.

                             KATRINA 
               It is only me.

                             ICHABOD
               Katrina.  Why do you follow?

                             KATRINA
               I apologize if I worried you.

                             ICHABOD 
               A woman should not be out alone in
               these woods.

                             KATRINA 
               But, I am not alone, am I?  I only
               wished to see what you were up to,
               and...
                     (takes out WHITE ROSE) 
               To thank you.

     Ichabod softens, but doesn't want to.

                             ICHABOD
               Come along.

     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS, TREE OF THE DEAD -- DAY

     Raining still.  Ichabod, Masbath and Katrina come into a
     clearing, mouths falling open at the sight of...

     A monstrously huge TREE OF THE DEAD, at the clearing's
     center, with branches reaching far and wide, knotted and
     gross, like agony captured in wood sculpture.

     Ichabod dismounts, crossing a line beyond which grass and
     weeds will not grow.  Young Masbath and Katrina dismount.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               You were right... it does draw
               attention to itself.

     Ichabod stares up into the endless, dead canopy of branches.
     He circles the incredibly wide trunk.

     There's a VERTICAL WOUND in the bark, as if the tree once had
     a terrible vertical in it, now partially healed and
     disgustingly scarred.  Ichabod approaches.

     He feels the mushy scar, picking at its scabs till much sap
     begins to trickle. It is red and Ichabod fingers it.

                             ICHABOD
               Blood.

                             KATRINA
               What did you say?

     Ichabod goes to where Katrina and Masbath wait with the
     horses, digs in a saddle bag for a hand axe.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               What is it?

                             ICHABOD
               Stay back.

     At the trunk, Ichabod thumps the flat end of the axe against
     the suture.  It sounds hollow.  Ichabod begins to chop.

     He pulls away loose bark.  The tree drips more blood and a
     clear goo.  Ichabod uses both hands on the axe to hack at the
     festering suture.

                             KATRINA
               What are you doing?

                             ICHABOD
               Just... keep where you are.

     Ignoring, Young Masbath moves closer.  Ichabod keeps
     chopping, then grips a large, loose flap of wood, trying to
     bend it.  It's not easy.  Ichabod struggles.

     Katrina follows Masbath's slow advance.

     Ichabod's pulling... the flap suddenly gives, revealing a
     blood-soaked, wide-eyed, gap-mouthed HUMAN HEAD.

     Ichabod recoils.  Behind him, Katrina stifles a scream,
     taking Young Masbath in her arms to keep him from looking.

     It is Philipse's head, hanging off the trunk flap, held by
     roots grown around and into the flesh.

     Ichabod reapproaches, back of his hand to his mouth.

     FOUR other SEVERED, DECAYING HEADS are held by ingrown roots
     within the dewy innards.

                             KATRINA 
               My God... what has happened?

                             ICHABOD 
               He... he tries to take the heads...
               they will not pass.

     He looks to the branches towering above.

                             ICHABOD 
               Must be some sort of gateway.  But,
               why this place... ?

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               We should go.

                             ICHABOD 
               Why this tree?

     Ichabod begins looking at the ground, moving around the tree.
     He gets to his knees, pushing mud away.

     Uncovering a flush HEADSTONE carved with "666."

                             ICHABOD
                     (to himself) 
               "Climb down to the Horseman's
               soulless place."
                     (to Masbath) 
               Bring the shovel.


     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS, TREE OF THE DEAD -- LATER DAY

     Rain.  Young Masbath's crouched, muddy, rifle across his
     knees.  He's watching the tree.

     Behind him, Katrina climbs out of the shallow grave near a
     pile of mud.  Ichabod hands up the shovel.

                             KATRINA 
               Masbath, we've found it.

     Young Masbath goes to the grave.  Ichabod pulls at thick
     burlap cloth, straining as it comes away.

     Ichabod looks down, disbelieving.

                             ICHABOD 
               It cannot be true.

     WE SEE: roots have gripped the Horseman's bones and tattered
     uniform.  The skeleton is all there -- except the skull.

                             ICHABOD 
               Why is it every grave I open holds
               a new mystery inside?

                             KATRINA 
               The skull is gone.

                             ICHABOD 
               Yes.  I did notice that, thank you.

     Ichabod climbs out, weary in body and spirit.  LIGHTNING.
     THUNDER.  He stares at the bones.

                             ICHABOD 
               This is his silent shrieking... and
               his desire, to reclaim his head.

     Ichabod turns, looking to the bordering forest.

                             ICHABOD 
               "He who holds fast the Horseman's
               desire will guide his reaping hand." 
                     (pause) 
               Someone controls the Horseman.

                             KATRINA (o.s.) 
               Ichabod!

     Ichabod turns, looks...

     Katrina and Young Masbath back away, because the ROOTS in the
     grave are ALIVE, further entwining around remains.

     Ichabod spins to the twisted tree...

     The vertical SUTURE SEETHES, pulling inwards... sucking
     Philipse's head back in and closing, bubbling.

     Ichabod bounds over grave dirt pile, hastening Katrina and
     Young Masbath along as he flees.

     At the tree, the suture swells.

     Ichabod, Katrina and Young Masbath pass where their freaking
     horses are tied to a fallen trunk, heading for cover.

     A RUMBLING is HEARD from the twisted tree, which suddenly
     BURSTS wide, spitting smoldering cinders.

     At the tree line, Ichabod, Katrina and Young Masbath cower,
     looking back.

     From the tree wound, a glow brightens, till the Headless
     Horseman and Daredevil EXPLODE into existence...

     They hit the ground running.

     Ichabod watches the Horseman ride away with bolts of
     LIGHTNING STRIKING the GROUND BEHIND.

     The Horseman disappears in the forest.

                             ICHABOD
               His next victim is chosen!
                     (to Masbath)
               Give me distance, then guide her
               back to the Hollow.

     Ichabod runs towards the horses.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               Constable!

     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS -- DAY

     The Horseman rips past on Daredevil.

     EXT.  BEHIND IN WESTERN WOODS -- DAY

     Ichabod rides as fast as Gunpowder is able.


     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, KITCHEN -- DAY

     Small home.  Killian, Thomas and Beth have finished supper.
     Beth clears plates as Killian picks his teeth with a knife.

                             THOMAS
               May I be excused, father?

                             KILLIAN
               Do you deserve to be?

                             THIRD MAN
                     (shyly)
               I think so.

                             KILLIAN
                     (smiles)
               Then, go.

     Thomas gets down from his chair.  He goes to the fireplace to
     light a tallow wick, which he takes to the next room.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, WHITE ROOM -- DAY

     Thomas plops on the floor and lights his MAGIC LANTERN: a
     lantern with an outer sleeve of glass painted with
     silhouettes of lions and monsters.

     Thomas turns the lantern and looks to the walls where the
     creatures, shadows are thrown.  He roars for them, imagining
     them real and having a grand time.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, KITCHEN -- DAY

     Beth comes for more dishes.

                             BETH 
               Don't pick teeth.  You teach Thomas
               bad habits.

     Killian pulls her to him, playful.

                             KILLIAN 
               I am a bad habit.  There's nothing
               for it.

                             BETH
                     (kisses him) 
               No one knows better than I.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, WHITE ROOM -- DAY

     Thomas continues his fun, shadow animals circling him.

     In the shifting light, a baby spider comes from a crack in
     the wall.  Then, another spider skitters out.  More follow.

     EXT.  FORESTS -- DAY

     A black horse runs, hooves pounding the ground.  THUNDER is
     HEARD.  The horse slows and stops... it is Brom's horse, with
     Brom aboard.  Brom looks skyward.

     The storm harshens, roaring through the trees.  Distant
     HOOFBEATS can be HEARD.  POUNDING.

     Brom takes his rifle off his shoulder.  The HOOFBEATS grow
     LOUDER and PASS, far away.  Brom turns in the saddle and
     WHISTLES.  He kicks his horse and rides.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, WHITE ROOM -- DAY

     Thomas still watches shadow beasts, but sees something else.
     He goes to the crack where hundreds of spiders flee all
     directions. Thomas is amused.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, KITCHEN -- DAY

     Behind Killian, mantelpiece stones pulse, breathing almost
     imperceptibly.  Demonic faces form, then disappear and reform
     again, shifting.  WIND HOWLS.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, WHITE ROOM -- DAY

     Beth enters, looking at Thomas.

                             BETH
               What are you doing there?

     The magic lantern stops spinning.  Shadow creatures freeze.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, KITCHEN -- DAY

     The ENTIRE HOUSE CREAKS.  Killian looks up.  CREAKING STOPS.
     The HOWLING WIND is LOUD.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, THE WHITE ROOM -- DAY

     Beth comes to Thomas' side as he points.

                             THOMAS
               Spiders.

     Beth bends to see the swarming spiders.  She looks up,
     noticing the FEROCITY of the WIND.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, KITCHEN -- DAY

     Killian stands, looking up.  The HOUSE CREAKS again, then
     suddenly the WIND CEASES.  Silence.

                             KILLIAN
               Beth...

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, THE WHITE ROOM -- DAY

     Beth picks up Thomas.  The magic lantern creatures begin
     spinning anew, all around.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, KITCHEN -- DAY

     With a ROAR, the fire flares.  Killian looks.

     WHHOOOSH the fire shoots up the fireplace.  Gone.

     Behind Killian, the DOOR SPLINTERS INWARDS.  The Horseman
     steps in, a battle axe in each hand.  WIND BLASTS...

     The DOOR to the other room SLAMS.

     Killian grabs a kitchen chair and hurls it at the Horseman.
     The Horseman swings, smashing it aside.

                             KILLIAN
               Beth... run!

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, WHITE ROOM -- DAY

     Beth hugs Thomas to her as she backs away.

                             KILLIAN (o.s.)
                     (from kitchen)
               Get out!

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, KITCHEN -- DAY

     Killian grabs an iron skewer from the fireplace, swings it to
     fend off a blow from the Horseman.

     The Horseman swings the other axe.  Killian ducks.  The axe
     cracks fireplace stone, throwing sparks.

     Killian lunges, jamming the skewer into the Horseman.

     The skewer comes through the Horseman's back.  The Horseman
     swipes with the flat of one axe -- pounding Killian aside.

     Killian hits the wall, bashing his head.  Hits the floor.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, WHITE ROOM -- DAY

     Beth kicks a carpet to reveal a trap door.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, KITCHEN -- DAY

     The Horseman pulls the skewer out of his body, throws it.  He
     goes to lift Killian by the hair with one hand, brings back
     the axe in the other...

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, WHITE ROOM -- DAY

     At the trap door, Beth lowers Thomas to stairs leading to the
     cellar.  Thomas is crying.

                             BETH
               Don't let him get you.

                             THOMAS
               Mommy...

                             BETH
               You hide now... go...

     Beth closes the trap door, frantically replacing the carpet.
     The room's door flies open and the Horseman strides in,
     carrying Killian's severed head.  Beth shrieks.

     The Horseman steps forward, knocks over the magic lantern.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, CELLAR -- DAY

     Beth's SCREAMS are abruptly CUT OFF.  Her BODY is HEARD
     HITTING the floor above.  Thomas crosses the cellar,
     stumbles.  He scurries into the shelter of a wheelbarrow
     propped against the wall.  FOOTSTEPS are HEARD.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, THE WHITE ROOM -- DAY

     The Horseman's hands place Killian's and Beth's heads in a
     sack, cinching the sack shut.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, KITCHEN -- DAY

     The Headless Horseman enters, bends to retrieve the battle
     axe he left.  He stands.  Pause.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, CELLAR -- DAY

     Thomas' trembling hands pull the wheelbarrow closer.  QUIET.
     He tries to control his sobbing.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, KITCHEN -- DAY

     The Horseman turns, falls to his knees.  He starts to chop at
     the floor with both axes.  CHOPping,  CHOPping,  CHOPping...
     making quick work of it...

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, CELLAR -- DAY

     A hole appears in the ceiling as debris falls.

     Thomas looks up, terrified.  He gets up to run away...

     The Horseman's arm shoves through above, grasping Thomas and
     yanking him up.

     EXT.  KILLIAN'S FARM -- DAY

     Brom rides from the forest, charging across Killian's field.

     At Killian's house, Daredevil rides up as the Headless
     Horseman walks out with his sack of heads.  The Horseman ties
     the sack to the saddle and leaps up.

     Brom puts his reins in his mouth, raising his rifle.

     The Horseman heads away, past the barn, as Brom gains.

     Brom aims... FIRES!

     BOOM -- the slug EXPLODES, blowing the Horseman off
     Daredevil.  Daredevil keeps going.  The Horseman's smoldering
     body is left "face down."

     Brom halts his horse.  He climbs down, pleased.

     The Horseman moves.

     Brom backs away, satisfaction diminishing.

     The Horseman gets on his knees.

     Brom falls to one knee, begins reloading.  He fills the gun
     from his powder horn.

     The Horseman stands, unsheathes his sword and turns.  The
     blast has blown apart his uniform at the chest and shoulder,
     exposing rotten flesh and maggot-infested muscle.

     Brom readies his ramrod, jamming powder in the barrel.

     The Horseman charges.

     Brom stands, pulling out the ramrod.  The Horseman is on him.
     Brom swings the rifle, blocking.  Sparks fly.

     The battle is on, with Brom fending off the Horseman's sword
     with the gun -- CLANK -- CLANK -- CLANK.

     ACROSS THE FIELD, Ichabod and Gunpowder break into the open.

     UP THE FIELD, the Horseman makes a backhanded swing.  Brom
     goes down, his rifle sent flying.

     Brom rolls to avoid as the Horseman slashes.

     Brom flees.  The Horseman pulls and throws a knife...

     THWAP -- the knife imbeds in Brom's thigh.

     The Horseman runs towards Brom.

     Ichabod closes in, pulling an unlit lantern off his saddle.

     Brom tries to get up, bends to extract the knife.

     The Horseman, mid-run, changes his sword grip, blade down.

     He plants one foot on Brom's back, raising his sword, about
     to skewer...

     Ichabod arrives full gallop, SMASHES the lantern into the
     Horseman -- knocking the Horseman off Brom.

     AT THE EDGE OF THE FOREST, Theodore and Glen arrive on
     horseback.  They hold a moment, watching.

     Brom runs, limping, to the barn, goal in sight: farm
     implements propped there.  Brom grabs SCYTHES with long
     curved blades, one in per hand.

     The Horseman rises.

     Ichabod turns Gunpowder and leaps off, runs to Brom.

     The Horseman moves towards them, hefting a battle axe in his
     free hand.  Ichabod steps up, pistol aimed, furious.

                             ICHABOD
               For what it's worth...

     FIRES -- the bullet rips through the Horseman's stomach to
     reveal putrid innards as he keeps advancing.

     At the forest, Theodore looks to Glenn, turns and flees.

     Brom steps up, scythes ready.  He and the Horseman go at it.
     Brom blocks axe and sword, catching and deflecting blows.

     At the forest, Glenn follows Theodore away.

     Ichabod grabs a long handled SICKLE.

     Brom swings the scythes.  The Horseman avoids.

     Ichabod moves to the side, looking for an opening.  He swings
     the sickle. The Horseman blocks.

     The Horseman battles both at once, catching blows...
     countering every strike, METAL RINGING.

     Brom catches the Horseman's sword in one scythe, holding it
     off.  Catches the axe handle in the other scythe.

     The Horseman flatfoot KICKS Brom's chest, sending him down.

     Ichabod swings the sickle blade...

     Hits the Horseman, the blade embedding to the hilt.

     The Horseman drops his axe and grasps the sickle, jerking...

     The sickle handle SLAMS Ichabod's, knocking him away.

     Ichabod crawls, tries to shake off the blow.

     He looks up.  The Horseman staggers, spastically trying to
     pull the blade from his body.

     Brom limps to Ichabod, yanks him to his feet.

                             BROM
               We cannot win this.

     They head towards the forest.

     Behind, the Horseman extracts the sickle, throws it.  He
     strides after them, picks up his axe on the way.

     EXT.  RIVERBANK -- DAY

     Ichabod and Brom stumble down a hillside.  Brom points.

                             BROM
               There...

     They run to a DOCK at the edge of a wide, rapid river.  They
     jump into a FLAT BOAT barge.

                             BROM
               Go to the front and guide it.

     Ichabod goes.  Brom uses a scythe to slash the ropes.

     Ichabod picks up a GUIDE POLE.  The barge lurches, set free.

     Ichabod struggles to push the boat out.  it moves swiftly,
     caught in rain swollen current.

     Brom looks back.  No Horseman.  He leaves the scythe and
     moves to the front, hefting another pole to help guide.

                             BROM
               Let's see him catch us now.

     Ichabod looks to the shore.  Horror.

                             ICHABOD
               Look.

     LIGHTNING ILLUMINATES -- ahead, the Horseman stands on the
     bank with Axe and sword.  Daredevil near.

                             BROM 
               We'll pass right by the son of a bitch.

     Ichabod and Brom push with the poles, trying for speed.

     At the bank, the Horseman walks directly to the water...

     Just as he takes a step onto the water, the rain churned
     surface TRANSFORMS -- instantly BECOMING a SHEET of ICE...

     SPREADING and supporting the Horseman as he advances.

     ICE SHOOTS OUT ahead of him, towards a point in the river
     where it will intercept the barge.

                             BROM
               My Christ...

     The Horseman's ICE BRIDGE engulfs the barge, HALTING IT.

     Ichabod and Brom are thrown.  The barge is trapped.

     The Horseman nears.

     Brom runs to the rear to retrieve his scythe.  Ichabod holds
     up the only weapon he has, his guide pole.

     The Horseman steps on board.  Ichabod swings.  The Horseman's
     axe cracks the pole in half...

     The Horseman thrusts with sword -- into Ichabod's chest --
     clean through.  It SIZZLES as Ichabod screams.

     The Horseman lifts Ichabod up, flips him, pulling the sword
     out as Ichabod goes...

     SMASHING through the ice and under.

     UNDERWATER: water carries Ichabod, slams him against ice
     above. He's pulled down by undertow.

     ABOVE WATER, beyond the edge of the ice bridge: Ichabod comes
     up, gasping, choking on rain.

     He treads water, looking to the barge.

     ICHABOD'S P.O.V. -- FROM THE WATER

     Aboard the barge, the Horseman cuts Brom down... stands over
     him, chopping with sword.  Our VIEW grows BLURRY, and...

     FADES OUT/IN

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     Candlelight.  Ichabod, shirtless, feverish, opens his eyes.
     The wound at the top of his chest is raw.  Katrina inserts a
     needle in the skin around it.

                             KATRINA
               Lay still, Ichabod.  Do not move.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL
               Doctor, he is awake.

     Ichabod tries to sit.  Pain stops him.  Lady Van Tassel helps
     bleed the wound with the needle and a tube leading to a
     SUCTION JAR of blood.

                             ICHABOD
                     (barely a voice)
               What... what are you doing... ?

                             KATRINA
               I'm drawing bad blood from the wound.

     Doctor Lancaster comes to the bed.

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER
               Keep still, Constable.  You were
               half-drowned when they found you.

                             ICHABOD
               ... Brom Bones...

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER
               He is dead.  You would be also, if
               your wound had not somehow shut.

                             ICHABOD
               Bring Young Masbath here.

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER
               You need to sleep.

                             ICHABOD
               Bring him.

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER
               You need rest.

     Ichabod gives up, closes his eyes.  Katrina, needle in one
     hand, brings her other hand to hold Ichabod's.

     Blood drips into the suction jar.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- LATER NIGHT

     Ichabod is soundly asleep.  Across the room, Katrina is at
     his work table.  Ichabod stirs.  Katrina looks to him.

     Once she is satisfied he will not wake, she returns to what
     she was doing, turning a page.  She is reading his ledger.

     EXT.  SERVANT'S QUARTER'S, MASBATH'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     Young Masbath lies awake.  A glint of light crosses the
     window.  Masbath looks to it, gets up, peers out.

     THROUGH THE WINDOW, he can see the Van Tassel Manor House in
     the distance.  Lantern LIGHT crosses the lawn.

     EXT.  VAN TASSEL ESTATE, ORCHARD -- NIGHT

     The lantern light moves through the orchard, away from the
     house.  We cannot make out the person.

     Elsewhere, Young Masbath runs in pursuit.  He hides against
     one tree, leans to look...

     The light enters forest.  Young Masbath follows.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- MORNING

     Ichabod's hurting.  Masbath helps with a shirt.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               Someone left last night.  Looked
               like they headed to the square, but
               I lost them in the forest.

                             ICHABOD 
               Man or woman?

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               All I saw was their lantern.

                             ICHABOD 
               Business, best hidden is hidden best
               at night.

     Ichabod goes to his work table, organizing his satchel.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               If someone has the Horseman's skull...
               if they control the Horseman, then why
               haven't they sent him for your head
               yet?

                             ICHABOD 
               Because, I serve a fine purpose alive.
               It is perfection for our murderer if I
               return to New York City with nothing
               more than tales of a galloping ghoul. 
                     (pause) 
               We must uncover the reason these
               victims were targeted.  What was taken
               from them... other than their lives?
               Who benefits by their deaths?

     Ichabod fumbles the bottle of white powder.

     It bounces, cork popping out... rolls under the bed.

                             ICHABOD 
               Damn it.

     Ichabod kneels, pained.  A trail of the blood-detecting
     powder has spilled.  The bottle is out of reach.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               I'll get it.

     Young Masbath gets down, ready to crawl for it, but Ichabod
     stops him, peering under.

                             ICHABOD
               Wait...

     Far under, near the bottle, some powder is bubbling.

     Ichabod moves to the end of the bed and lifts, in pain. 
     Young Masbath helps. They drag the bed to one side.

     Under the bed: a Satanic PENTAGRAM has been DRAWN IN BLOOD.

     Ichabod stares, trying to grasp the implication.  Masbath is
     about to speak, but Ichabod puts a finger to his lips.

     Ichabod moves to lock the door.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
                     (whispers) 
               Who did this?

     Ichabod does not answer.  He picks up a wash basin and dumps
     the water to wash the Pentagram away.


     EXT.  TOWN SQUARE/CHURCH -- DAY

     WAGONS, HORSES and TOWNSPEOPLE swarm.  A CROWD loots the
     town's general store.  Provisions are passed along man to man
     and loaded on wheelbarrows.

     All up and down the long straight road, home owners board up
     windows with lumber.

     Ichabod and Young Masbath ride, passing many angry faces.

                             ICHABOD
               Panic has set in.

     They stop, tying their horses and climbing stairs to the door
     of the "NOTARY."  Ichabod looks off...

     DOWN THE ROAD, at the far end, people head to the church.
     Much activity there as well.

                             ICHABOD
               Sanctuary.  Or, so they hope.

     Families put up tents all around the church within the
     bordering wrought-iron fence.  Supplies abound.

     People work to build and erect massive wooden crosses.


     INT.  NOTARY PUBLIC, HARDENBROOK'S OFFICES -- DAY

     Tidy room.  Young Masbath watches Ichabod hand a slip of
     paper to the elderly Notary, Hardenbrook.

                             ICHABOD
               Do you have these persons' wills?

                             HARDENBROOK
               I have everything... last testaments...
               birth certificates, death certificates...
               deeds.

                             ICHABOD
               Yes, sir... but, do you have these?

     Hardenbrook studies the paper with his one good eye.

                             HARDENBROOK
               Certainly... certainly.

     Hardenbrook nods, handing the list back, grinning.  Ichabod
     stands waiting.  Hardenbrook is still nodding.

                             ICHABOD
               May I see them, Master Hardenbrook?

                             HARDENBROOK
               Hmm?  See them?

                             ICHABOD
               May we look at them now?

                             HARDENBROOK 
               Of course.  You want them... it shall
               not take long.  Wait here.

     Hardenbrook heads across the room.  Ichabod offers the list.

                             ICHABOD
               Maybe you should take this.

                             HARDENBROOK 
               A fine idea.

     Hardenbrook takes it and exits.  Young Masbath sits.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               What good is this?

                             ICHABOD 
               To discover what might have been taken
               from those who died, it will help to
               know what was there that could be
               taken in the first place.

     Ichabod waits.  After a moment, he looks uncertain.  He
     crosses to the half-open door...

     INT.  NOTARY PUBLIC, RECORDS ROOM -- DAY

     Ichabod sticks his head in, not liking what he sees.

     Hardenbrook's amidst unbelievable disarray.  Tables, shelves,
     and baskets of unevenly piled documents.

     Hardenbrook looks on a shelf, confused, then goes to a table,
     lifting papers, mumbling.

                             HARDENBROOK 
               Damn... damn... damn...

                             ICHABOD
               Master Hardenbrook...

     Hardenbrook turns, a bit startled.

                             ICHABOD 
               Perhaps, I could assist in finding them?

                             HARDENBROOK
               Well... that might be... helpful.

     INT.  NOTARY PUBLIC, RECORDS ROOM (TIME CUT) -- DAY

     Hardenbrook is asleep in a chair, snoring, blind eye open.
     Ichabod and Young Masbath face official-looking documents,
     with Ichabod focused on one will in hand.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               My father had farm land.  It was the
               only thing we owned of any value.

                             ICHABOD
                     (still reading) 
               And it now belongs to you, according
               to Baltus.  I heard him say it.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Yes.

     Ichabod turns the will in his hand to Masbath.

                             ICHABOD 
               Then look here at your father's will,
               and tell me why you are not listed.

     Young Masbath takes it, boggled.  Ichabod grabs another.

                             ICHABOD 
               Van Garrett had denoted his elder son
               in his last wishes; the same son
               murdered along with him.  But Van
               Garrett's wife and two infant children
               are not written... and they were spared.
                     (picks up another will)
               Do you see?  Philipse had no family to
               bestow his farm to.  But, here...
                     (picks up another) 
               The Widow Windsor was listed on her
               late husband's will.  After her
               inheritance, she amended the document
               to include her bastard child.  This is
               why the Horseman made absolutely
               certain to impale the unborn descendant.

     Ichabod sits back.

                             ICHABOD 
               Only the heirs were killed.  Proof that
               the Horseman slaughters by assignment.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               But, if the farm is not mine, who stole
               it away?

                             ICHABOD 
               No one yet, far as I can tell.  It has
               gone intestate.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               In test... what?

                             ICHABOD 
               Intestate.  Your farm... all the
               farms... they belong to no one.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               What does it mean?

     Ichabod stares off.

                             ICHABOD 
               Often in such cases, property which
               has gone intestate legally passes to
               whomever the deceased was indebted to.
               And, who in this town is owed a great
               many debts?

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
                     (realization) 
               Baltus Van Tassel.

                             ICHABOD 
               Did your father take a loan?

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Yes.  I rode with him on payment days.

     Ichabod stands, grim, gathering wills and his ledger.

                             ICHABOD 
               Tonight, we answer questions.  And, to
               discover who moves about the Van Tassel
               house after dark... all we need is a
               candle.

     A LOUD NOISE is HEARD from the other room.  Ichabod looks.

     INT.  HARDENBROOK'S OFFICES -- DAY

     Ichabod bursts in.  No one there.  A chair has been knocked
     over and the front door is ajar.  Ichabod moves...

     EXT.  NOTARY -- DAY

     Ichabod exits.  All around is the commotion in the square as
     before.  No telling who it was who just fled.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- DAY

     Young Masbath is seated, bored.  Ichabod writes in his
     ledger.  A KNOCK on the door.  They both look up.

                             KATRINA (o.s.)
                     (from outside door)
               Constable... are you there?
                     (long pause)
               Ichabod?

     The knob is tried and found locked.  Pause.  At the bottom of
     the door, a red rose is passed under.

     This saddens Ichabod.


     EXT.  CHURCH -- NIGHT

     Quiet night.  The church is a sight, with a yard resembling
     an empty squatter's tent city, surrounded by crosses.
     Boarded over windows leak shafts of light.

     MOVING PAST THE WINDOWS: many eyes peer out from the slats.

     UP IN THE BELFRY, TWO RIFLEMEN are on watch.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     Ichabod and Masbath are in darkness, still waiting.  Ichabod
     takes the cover off a lantern, looks at a clock.  Midnight,
     straight up.  Ichabod stands, picks up an unlit candle.

                             ICHABOD
               Midnight seems an appropriate time.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, HALLWAY -- NIGHT

     Ichabod and Young Masbath look out, cautious.  They move to
     the nearest door.

     Ichabod crouches, using the candle to mark the seam of the
     door and door frame.  He's making a low, wax seal.  If the
     door opens, the seal will break.

     They move to a second door, quietly.  Ichabod makes another
     low wax mark.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, MAIN ENTRANCE -- NIGHT

     Ichabod and Masbath come downstairs to a hall.  Ichabod
     continues his wax marking at each door.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, BALTUS' OFFICE -- NIGHT

     Ichabod and Young Masbath enter, shutting the door.  Ichabod
     walks to shelves at Baltus' desk, looks through ribbon bound
     DOCUMENTS and hands some to Masbath.

     Young Masbath pulls off the ribbon, pages through these "LOAN
     AGREEMENT" parchments.  Ichabod brings another pile.

                             ICHABOD
                     (whispering)
               They are alphabetical.

     Young Masbath has the M's.  "MARYIE," "MEGAPOLENISIS," AND
     "MELYN..." Not finding what he wants.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               There is no Masbath here.  My father's
               loan papers are missing.

                             ICHABOD
                     (regarding his documents) 
               There are none for Magistrate Philipse
               either.  "Paasch, James" "Pieter,
               Thomas" "Pos, William."

     A FLOORBOARD CREAKS.  Ichabod looks, blows out the lantern.
     He and Young Masbath stand frozen.

     Across the room, light comes under the door, stops, then
     continues.  A DOOR is HEARD OPENING and SHUTTING.  Ichabod
     crosses to follow, pointing back.

                             ICHABOD 
               Keep looking.  Then, hide in my room
               and bolt the door till I return.


     EXT.  FOREST -- NIGHT

     Lantern light moves, far ahead.  Ichabod follows.

     EXT.  FOREST, FURTHER ON -- NIGHT

     Ichabod stops, hidden.  He can see the light ahead, but it is
     no longer in motion.  He advances.

     EXT.  FOREST CLEARING -- NIGHT

     A lantern sits on a rock.  On a blanket, a semi-naked MAN and
     semi-naked WOMAN are in the midst of rough SEX.

     Ichabod crawls to peer from underbrush.

     The couple keeps coupling, with the man on top.  His grunts
     and gasps are particularly desperate.  He's all over the
     woman, who lays back... it is Lady van Tassel.

     Ichabod swallows, inches closer.

     Lady van Tassel pulls the man's shirt, exposes his flesh.
     She raises a small, sharp KNIFE behind his back.

     Ichabod's eyes widen.

     Lady Van Tassel brings the blade to her own hand, slicing
     deep in her palm.  Blood flows.  She rubs her cut hand over
     her partner's arching back, smearing blood.

     Lady van Tassel caresses the man's chest, neck, face...
     trailing blood.  The man lifts his head, in ecstasy, sucks
     the woman's bloody fingers... it's Clergyman Steenwyck.

     Ichabod backs away, having seen more than plenty.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     Young Masbath unlocks the door.  Ichabod enters.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               I was getting worried.  Who was it?

                             ICHABOD 
               Lady Van Tassel.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               What was she doing?

                             ICHABOD 
               Something I really wish I had not seen.
               Never mind it.  Did you find the
               victims' loan agreements?

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               No.  They are all missing.

     This troubles Ichabod.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               There is more, though.  While you were
               gone, I could hear someone else
               walking through the house.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, UPSTAIRS HALLWAY -- NIGHT

     Ichabod and Young Masbath creep round a corner.  Going to the
     LAST DOOR, Ichabod crouches, eyes narrowing...

                             ICHABOD
                     (whispers, to himself) 
               Katrina.

     The wax seal is broken, flecks of wax on the floor.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, FOYER AND HALL -- NIGHT

     Ichabod and Masbath come downstairs, checking all the wax
     marks.  Young Masbath finds one broken.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Here.

     Ichabod comes over, pushes the door...

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, KITCHEN -- NIGHT

     They enter.  The kitchen is empty.  Ichabod crosses to
     another door, crouches.  Another broken wax mark.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, SEWING ROOM -- NIGHT

     They enter... the room with the elaborate loom.  Ichabod
     moves his lantern to make a quick search, goes to table.

     He touches the top of a candle.  His finger comes away with a
     bit of still wet wax.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               There are no other doors.  This is as
               far as she could have gone.

                             ICHABOD 
               It is nothing.  She comes to read books,
               so her father will not find her.
                     (to convince himself) 
               It is absolutely nothing.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               What books?

                             ICHABOD 
               Fiction plays and novels.  Baltus does
               not approve.  Now, come.  It may not be
               long before Lady Van Tassel returns.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               But, sir... what books?  Where are they?

     Ichabod stops, looking around.  No books anywhere.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               If there is a secret place for books...
               it could be just as good for the
               missing loan agreements.

     Ichabod ponders this without saying anything.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, SEWING ROOM -- LATER NIGHT

     SEARCH MONTAGE:

     - Drawers are opened and searched, quietly.
     - Young Masbath uses a candle to look up the fireplace.
     - Ichabod opens a linen cabinet, unfolding blankets.
     - Young Masbath looks in a closet filled with big spools of
     sewing thread, on his knees, pulls a wooden box forward.
     Inside it, he finds only old cups and silverware.

     Ichabod pulls up a rug, feeling along the floorboards.

     Young Masbath crawls, doing the same.  He climbs under the
     loom, tapping on the floor.  TAP... TAP... TAP...

     He crawls further under the loom.  TAP... TAP... PLONK.  A
     hollow sound.  He taps again... PLONK... PLONK.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Constable.

     Ichabod comes over as Young Masbath lifts a loose board.
     Under the floor, there are piles of books.  Masbath brings
     them up, handing them to Ichabod, who studies the spines.

     Young Masbath reaches in up to his shoulder.  He comes up
     with "LOAN AGREEMENTS."

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Fie!  Here they are.

     Ichabod takes them.  Names are near the top: "Masbath," "Van
     Garret," "Philipse," and "Killian."

     Ichabod sits back, numb, his heart bitterly broken.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, KITCHEN -- MORNING

     Lady Van Tassel prepares food with two servants at the open
     fireplace/oven.  Ichabod enters, rushed.

                             ICHABOD 
               Excuse me, Lady Van Tassel... Katrina
               is not in her room.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               No.  She has gone out.

                             ICHABOD 
               Where?

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               She has taken the last of our grain
               to be milled.
                     (crossing to him) 
               You do have a background in the
               medical arts, don't you, Constable?

                             ICHABOD
               Very little.  I must be going...

     Lady Van Tassel holds out her cut palm, the gash sewn shut.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL
               Will you look at this?  I cut my hand
               this morning: I sewed it myself, but
               I am afraid it will go bad.

     Ichabod takes her hand, distracted and nervous.

                             ICHABOD
               It appears well.  It has already
               clotted.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               Look closer.  Do you have anything to
               clean it with?

                             ICHABOD
               It is fine.  Now, I must...

     Lady Van Tassel grabs Ichabod by the wrist, tight.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL
                     (whispering, close) 
               I know you saw me.

                             ICHABOD
               What... ?

     Lady Van Tassel glances to servants, keeps her voice low.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               I know you followed last night.  You
               must promise not to tell Baltus...

     Ichabod tries to pull away, but she grips tighter.  The FRONT
     DOOR is HEARD SLAMMING.  Ichabod is panicky.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               Have mercy on me.  Please... have mercy.

     Ichabod pulls away just as Baltus enters.  Lady Van Tassel
     goes back to work as if nothing happened.

                             BALTUS 
               Constable, it is urgent that we speak.

     EXT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE FRONT PORCH -- MORNING

     Baltus leads Ichabod to the porch.

                             BALTUS 
               Clergyman Steenwyck is calling a
               meeting.  This time he is determined
               to have you forced out, or worse.

                             ICHABOD 
               How did you hear this?

                             BALTUS
               He came to me.  He promised great
               violence.  Said I should cast you out
               for my own protection.
                     (troubled pause)
               I must speak honestly.  There is no
               reason to think he will not meet with
               success.

     Ichabod looks to barn, sees Masbath bringing the horses.  The
     CHURCH BELL is HEARD TOLLING far away.

                             BALTUS 
               That is the meeting bell already
               calling.  With the murder of Killian
               and Brom, no one sees any good from
               you.  If... if you were to leave...
               you might be saving your own life.

     Ichabod studies Baltus, then offers his hand.  They shake.

                             ICHABOD 
               I appreciate your concern.  I thank
               you, sir.

     Ichabod hurries off, across the lawn, exasperated.  He runs.
     Masbath runs to him.  Ichabod takes Gunpowder and climbs up.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
                     (mounting his horse) 
               What now?  Where is she?

                             ICHABOD 
               Things have become complicated.
               Katrina is at the mill.  Ride ahead,
               find her and bring her to meet me
               outside the church.  Find her at all
               costs.  Quickly.

     They ride, fast.


     EXT.  FOREST -- DAY

     A conjuring pile of straw burns.  Gloved hands unfold a paper
     filled with clippings of human hair.  The hair is sprinkled
     on the fire.

     A cloaked FIGURE is kneeled at the pile.  The figure turns to
     remove A human SKULL from a cloth bag.

     The skull is placed at center in the flames.  It's teeth are
     sharp, cut to points.  The HORSEMAN'S SKULL.


     EXT.  CHURCH -- DAY

     In the church yard refugee camp, food is prepared over fire.
     People inhabit the tents.

     INT.  CHURCH, STEENWYCK'S QUARTERS -- MORNING

     IN THE CHURCH: it's crowded with families.  Pews filled with
     bedding and belongings.  Steenwyck comes to CLOSE the DOUBLE
     DOORS of his quarters, turning, angry.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               You are astonishing, Constable.  Do
               you truly think your ridiculous
               accusations frighten me?

     Ichabod is doing nothing to hide his disdain.

                             ICHABOD 
               Only if I repeat them outside this
               room.  And, I will if I must...
                     (points to doors) 
               Out there, for all to hear.  Or...
               you may speak, as planned.  But, you
               tell them you feel compelled to move
               on to greener pastures.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               No.  You will not run me out.  No one
               will believe a word of what you say.

                             ICHABOD 
               Oh?  Far as I can tell, a rumor does
               not travel alone for long here.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               Are you a deist?  Is that it?  A free
               thinker who does not believe in
               divinity.

                             ICHABOD 
               It is only important what you are.
               An adulterer...

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               I am the Lord's voice in this town.

                             ICHABOD
               Wallowing in sin and lust...

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               They need guidance.

                             ICHABOD 
               Wallowing quite literally in blood.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
                     (snapping, quaking) 
               Damn you, sir!  God damn you to hell!

                             ICHABOD 
               He may.  But, not soon enough for
               you, and not on your behalf.

     Ichabod walks.  Steenwyck is humiliated.

                             ICHABOD 
               You are so upset now... and yet, you
               seemed in such good spirits last night.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               You cannot do this.  I am a man of God!

                             ICHABOD 
               Climb to the top of the tallest ladder
               you can find, Father.  That is the
               closest you ever come to God.

     INT.  CHURCH -- DAY

     Pews are packed.  Steenwyck enters, walks to the altar.
     EVERYONE QUIETS.  Steenwyck has composed himself, barely.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               My friends... dear friends.  Those of
               you still on your farms, I thank you
               for coming.

     He sees Ichabod near the back.  THUNDER is HEARD OUTSIDE.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               I... I address unfortunate business. 
                     (pause) 
               I am forced to take my leave from
               Sleepy Hollow.  I will be moving on to
               do the Lord's work elsewhere.

     The GATHERERS MURMUR shock.  Ichabod walks out.


     EXT.  THE LONG STRAIGHT ROAD -- DAY

     Raining hard.  Baltus and Lady Van Tassel ride.

                             BALTUS 
               Hurry along.  The meeting has most
               certainly already begun.  We do not
               want Steenwyck as our enemy.

     Lady Van Tassel trails.  WOOD is HEARD SPLINTERING...

     Just off the road, a tree falls...

     The trunk catches Lady Van Tassel's horse on its rear flank.

     The horse falls.  Lady Van Tassel hits the dirt.

     Baltus looks back, halting.

     Lady Van Tassel looks up to Baltus in fear, then turns.

     Behind her, the Headless Horseman trots from, the forest on
     Daredevil, stops.  Calm.  He takes his axe in hand.


     EXT.  CHURCH -- DAY

     Storming.  The meeting is letting out.  Near the churchyard
     gate, Young Masbath rides with Katrina following on a horse
     cart.  Ichabod walks up as Katrina dismounts.

                             KATRINA 
               What is so urgent?

                             ICHABOD 
               Come with me.

     Ichabod leads her to where they can talk away from others.

                             KATRINA 
               Why have I not seen your face for so
               long?  You look much better.

     She touches his face, but he takes her hand, places the loan
     agreements there.

                             ICHABOD 
               Explain these.  I found them secreted
               away in the sewing room.

     Katrina's expression changes just so slightly to guilt.

                             ICHABOD 
               Why... why have I scrambled and run
               and clawed in all directions, only to
               find you against me?

     He stares at her.  Katrina stares back, in a small way
     defeated.  She looks for an out, but there is none.

                             KATRINA
               I have been reading your journal.
               I'm sorry.  I found it too fascinating
               to resist. 
                     (pause, ashamed) 
               I rode to catch up with you at the
               Notary, out of curiosity.  Before I
               found you though, I overheard what you
               were said.

                             ICHABOD 
               It was you there?

                             KATRINA 
               When... when you spoke father's name
               along with accusations, I could not
               believe it.  I had to hide these... at
               least till I could confront him myself.

                             ICHABOD 
               And, what did he say?

                             KATRINA 
               He did not do these things.  If you
               knew him, you would realize...

                             ICHABOD 
               What did he say, Katrina?

                             KATRINA 
               I have not been able to face him yet.

                             ICHABOD 
               The loans give the land to your father.
               It does not matter survivors are still
               on their farms.  They could be thrown
               off... tomorrow... a year from now.

                             KATRINA 
               Yes, I have seen that, and I told you
               why I hid them.

                             ICHABOD 
               What would you have me believe?

                             KATRINA
                     (tiring, angry) 
               If you think I am behind this, say it.

                             ICHABOD 
               The name Van Tassel is blackened.  You
               share that name.

                             KATRINA 
               Call me a liar, then, and a murderess.
               Say it, out and out.

     Many people are starting to notice the confrontation.

                             ICHABOD 
               Katrina...

                             KATRINA 
               Speak the words, Constable.  What is
               stopping you?  What has happened to your
               ability to transcend sentimentality?

     Emotions tear at him.  Rain seems to pound down harder.

                             KATRINA 
               Oh, no.  No.  Please... don't dare stand
               looking as if you still care for me,
               after all that you have said.  If I were
               to confess, would that ease your
               suffering?  Would that make it easier
               for you to hate me?!

     A TORTURED CRY is HEARD O.S.

     Baltus comes charging through the square on his horse.

                             BALTUS
               The Horseman is coming!

     He's barely hanging on.  He stops, practically falling off,
     running towards Katrina and Ichabod.

                             BALTUS
               Save me...

                             KATRINA
               Father?

                             BALTUS
               He killed her...

     Baltus grasps Katrina, fearful.  HOOFBEATS are HEARD.

                             BALTUS
               The Horseman has killed her.

     Far behind, the Horseman rides to follow, axe held up.
     Instant mayhem -- people scatter all directions, screaming.

     Baltus runs headlong to the church.

                             KATRINA
               Father!

     Katrina runs after Baltus.  Ichabod backs away, watching the
     Horseman come, then heads to the church with Masbath.

     Baltus pushes through the iron gate, into tent city, joining
     the swarm of townsfolk pouring into the church.

     The Horseman rides behind, closing the gap.  Men, women and
     children run for cover all along the square.

     Amidst the churchyard panic, Ichabod looks back...

     The Horseman reaches the open gate and Daredevil suddenly
     rears up, snorting, unwilling to enter.

     The Horseman grabs Daredevil's reins, tries to move forward
     again.  Same result.  Daredevil freaks out.

     INT.  CHURCH -- DAY

     Baltus makes his way in, shoving.  People are still clamoring
     in through the doors.

     Men pass rifles from stockpiles and climb onto pews at
     boarded windows.  Women herd children into a cellar.

     Baltus searches for a hiding place.  He looks across the
     church to see Steenwyck closing the doors of his living
     quarters.  Baltus moves...

                             BALTUS 
               Steenwyck!

     At the front doors, Katrina squeezes in with Ichabod and
     Young Masbath just as people are forcing the doors closed.
     It's madness.  People outside begin pounding.

     Katrina searches.

                             KATRINA 
               Father!

     Ichabod goes to a window, looking out between boards.

     EXT.  CHURCH -- DAY

     Across the yard, the Horseman gives his axe an underhand toss
     to the ground inside the gate.

     The AXE instantly BEGINS TO DEGRADE TO DUST in the rain.

     The Horseman rides, keeping outside the fence.

     INT.  CHURCH -- DAY

     Ichabod comes away from the window, looking to panicked
     citizens.  He sees Katrina moving up the aisle...

     She's heading towards Baltus, who slams against the door to
     Steenwyck's room.

                             BALTUS 
               Damn you, Steenwyck!  Help me!
               Let me in!

     RIFLES BOOM LOUDLY as men at the windows begin firing.

     EXT.  CHURCH -- DAY

     The Horseman circles, under fire.

     Great clouds of gun smoke shoot from the church.

     Men fire down from the belfry.

     Parts of the Horseman and Daredevil splatter red into the
     rain as slugs hit without effect.

     AT THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CHURCH, the Horseman comes around,
     heading to the town square.

     INT.  CHURCH -- DAY

     Rifleman shout to each other, running to the opposite windows
     to follow the Horseman.

     Young Masbath grabs a rifle and leaps to join the brigade.

     Baltus is still beating Steenwyck's door when a HUGE FARMER
     grips Baltus angrily and throws him...

                             HUGE FARMER 
               You'll kill us all!

     Baltus falls, knocking over pews.  Katrina's nearby.

                             HUGE FARMER 
               You're the one the Horseman wants.
               Why should we die for you!?

                             KATRINA
               NO!

     The huge farmer picks Baltus up, dragging him and shoving
     Katrina aside as she approaches.

     Ichabod's pushing past people, trying to reach them.

     EXT.  CHURCH/TOWN SQUARE -- DAY

     The Horseman brings Daredevil to a halt, yanking a large coil
     of ROPE off a hitching post.

     INT.  CHURCH -- DAY

     The huge farmer shoves Baltus to the floor again.

                             HUGE FARMER
               Get out!

     Others join the rage, pulling Baltus towards the front of the
     church, shouting.  Ichabod struggles to push them off.

                             ICHABOD 
               Stop this!

     Ichabod gets to Baltus' side, trying to protect.

                             ICHABOD 
               The Horseman cannot enter!  It does
               not matter who he wants, he cannot
               cross the gate!

     At the windows, ONE RIFLEMAN turns, crying out.

                             ONE RIFLEMAN 
               He's coming back!

     More panic.  The huge farmer moves towards Baltus.

                             HUGE FARMER 
               We have to save ourselves!

     Baltus pulls the pistol from Ichabod's holster, brandishing.

                             BALTUS 
               No!  Get away from me!

     EXT.  CHURCH -- DAY

     The Horseman rides past the front, fired upon.

     He halts at the wrought iron gate, reaching to yank off one
     POST which is pointed on top, like an arrow head.

     INT.  CHURCH -- DAY

     Baltus holds everyone's back with the pistol.

                             BALTUS 
               The next person to lay hands on me
               will have a bullet.  Stand off!

                             KATRINA
               Father...

                             BALTUS 
               No!  We're safe here.
                     (points at Ichabod) 
               You said it.  The Horseman will not
               have me.

     CRASH, the harpoon-like post SPEARS through a window,
     trailing rope tied to it...

     CRACK -- SKEWERS Baltus from behind, the bloodied point
     bursting out his breast bone.

     Baltus looks down, drops the gun... clutching the post with
     both hands.  Blood streams out his mouth.  Katrina screams.

     The rope yanks Baltus back.  He SLAMS into the WINDOW...

     EXT.  CHURCH -- DAY

     Baltus CRASHES out, hits the ground, dragged...

     Outside the fence, Daredevil runs with the rope tied around
     his saddle pommel.  The Horseman strides forward, sword out.

     Baltus SLAMS the fence and the rope snaps.  He is held there
     awkwardly, gurgling blood.

     The Horseman reaches Baltus... chops off his head.


     INT.  SLEEPY HOLLOW FORESTS -- DAY

     The storm has passed.  Empty forest.  Long, peaceful pause,
     till Ichabod makes his way through, searching the ground.

     Ichabod comes to look down a small hill.  The corpse of Lady
     Van Tassel lies headless, in a dirty, torn dress.

     Ichabod walks to the body.  Lady Van Tassel's arm is twisted
     behind.  The sewn cut on the palm of her hand faces up.

                             ICHABOD
                     (shouting back)
               Here!  I have found her...
                     (looking at corpse,
                      quiet and miserable)
               Here she is.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, UPSTAIRS HALL -- EARLY EVENING

     Doctor Lancaster comes out from where Katrina is asleep.  He
     closes the door, wipes his sweaty face.  Ichabod waits.

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER 
               It has been a terrible jolt to her
               nerves.

                             ICHABOD 
               You will stay at her side?

     Doctor Lancaster nods.  Ichabod walks.

     EXT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE -- EARLY EVENING

     It's getting dark.  Ichabod comes out and crosses the porch.
     A few of the Hollow's residents are here.  Young Masbath gets
     up and follows Ichabod onto the lawn.

     Ichabod walks without waiting.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               She's the one who controlled the
               Horseman, isn't she, sir?  Sir? 
                     (no answer)

                             ICHABOD 
               I need time for thinking.  Without you
               hanging on my coattails for a change.

     Ichabod keeps walking.  Young Masbath stops, wounded.


     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS, TREE OF THE DEAD -- NIGHT

     Ichabod stands holding a torch, looking up.  The whole area
     is bright from the light off a giant fire.

     There are broken lanterns and barrels around the agonized,
     twisted tree.  The tree is aflame, fire dancing up the trunk,
     and through every branch to lick the sky.


     EXT.  FOREST -- DAY

     Dawn.  Ichabod is seated overlooking the Hudson.  He stares
     at the beauty around him, brooding through bleary eyes.
     Gunpowder is tied to a tree.  BIRDS SING.

     The ledger is open in Ichabod's lap.  He thumbs pages
     absently, just keeps staring off.

     EXT.  FOREST -- DAY (TIME CUT)

     A fire burns in a circle of rocks.  Ichabod's ledger is
     thrown in.  The pages catch quickly.

     Ichabod watches, then walks away.  He's about to climb onto
     Gunpowder, but on second thought he opens his satchel and
     digs out a BOOK.  He walks back to the fire, throws it on...

     "Romeo and Juliet."  Flames devour it.


     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS, TREE OF THE DEAD -- DAY

     The clearing is silent.  The twisted tree still stands,
     smoldering, impressive as ever, or perhaps even more so with
     the alien appearance its blackened skin now affords it.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     Ichabod packs up baggage.  Young Masbath is miserable.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Won't you change your mind, sir?
               What can I say to convince you?

                             ICHABOD 
               Nothing.  To hell with this place
               and all the people here.

     Ichabod closes a bag, throws it with others.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Why... why are you like this?

                             ICHABOD
                     (pause, softening) 
               You do not know all that has happened.
                     (pause) 
               You cannot understand.

     EXT.  VAN TASSEL ESTATE -- NIGHT

     A coach, with Gunpowder as one of its team, waits in the
     orchard.  Van Ripper comes to meet Ichabod and Masbath.

                             ICHABOD 
               Half now.  Half when we reach the
               city.

     Ichabod hands Van Ripper money.  Van Ripper takes the
     baggage.  Ichabod looks to the Manor House.  Only one light
     shines, in a second floor window.

     Katrina can be seen there a moment as she closes curtains.

     Ichabod turns to Young Masbath, who is beginning to cry.

                             ICHABOD 
               This is farewell.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Take me with you.  There's nothing
               left for me here.

                             ICHABOD 
               I cannot.
                     (bends to Masbath) 
               You should not worry.
                     (pause, sorrow) 
               Van Ripper and his wife will look
               after you.  They will.  You will be
               well cared for.

     Young Masbath hugs.  Ichabod hugs back, swallowing.

                             ICHABOD
               I am sorry.
                     (quietly) 
               Forgive me.  I failed you.

     Ichabod releases and goes quickly away, finding this misery
     unbearable.  He climbs in the coach.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Do not go, Constable.  How can you
               leave?

     INSIDE THE COACH, Ichabod slumps back in darkness and closes
     his eyes.  He pounds twice on the coach wall.

     OUTSIDE, Van Ripper whips the reins.  The coach starts.
     Young Masbath follows.  The coach picks up speed on the long
     straight road.

     Young Masbath stops, wiping tears.

     EXT.  TOWN SQUARE/CHURCH -- NIGHT

     Ichabod's coach moves through the town square.  A few people
     in the churchyard's tent city come out to watch it pass.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     The door is pushed open.  Young Masbath enters, looks around
     the empty room.  He goes to sit in a chair at the work table,
     crossing his arms and resting his head.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, SITTING ROOM -- NIGHT

     A plate of food sits untouched.  Katrina is slumped down in a
     chair, heartbroken, staring into the fireplace.

     Behind her, a shadow moves across the room.


     EXT.  THE LONG STRAIGHT ROAD -- NIGHT

     Van Ripper leads the coach through the stone pillars marking
     the entrance of Sleepy Hollow.

     INT.  ICHABOD'S COACH -- NIGHT

     Ichabod takes off his hat, sets it on the seat.  The window
     between him and the driver slides open.

                             VAN RIPPER 
               Sir... this is yours.
                     (offering something) 
               The Van Tassel girl said to give it
               to you after you were gone.

     Ichabod takes it.  It is the bird/cage spinning toy.  He
     studies it.  What melancholy.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, DINING ROOM -- NIGHT

     Katrina sits with her eyes closed.  A BOARD is HEARD
     CREAKING.  She sits up. Suddenly, a FIGURE in black is behind
     her as she turns.  WHACK! -- a gloved fist strikes.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     A dull THUD is HEARD downstairs, like a body falling.  Young
     Masbath takes notice.  He moves to the door...


     INT.  ICHABOD'S COACH -- NIGHT

     Ichabod turns the strings on the bird/cage toy, ponders it.

     The paper disk spins, images flickering until the bird
     appears to be inside the cage.

     Ichabod keeps spinning it, looks out the window.

     A tear rolls down his cheek.

     The bird cage toy's rotation slows... stops.

     Ichabod looks at it a long moment, then pockets it and leans
     forward to the window at front.

     OUTSIDE THE COACH

     Ichabod's face appears behind Van Ripper.

                             ICHABOD
               Van Ripper, turn the coach about!

                             VAN RIPPER
               What did you say?

                             ICHABOD
               Turn around.  Now!


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, FOYER -- NIGHT

     Young	Masbath comes down the stairs, looking around meekly.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               Hello?  Katrina?

     Masbath starts down a hall.  He does not see, in another
     room, Katrina's body is dragged across the floor.


     EXT.  TOWN SQUARE, DOCTOR'S RESIDENCE -- NIGHT

     The coach comes to Lancaster's.  Ichabod climbs out before it
     even stops fully, satchel in hand.  He hurries...

     INT.  DOCTOR'S RESIDENCE, PARLOR -- NIGHT

     Doctor Lancaster, half asleep, comes to answer BANGING on his
     door.  Ichabod pushes past, taking Lancaster's lantern.

                             ICHABOD
               Pardon the intrusion...

     INT.  DOCTOR'S RESIDENCE, MEDICAL ROOM -- NIGHT

     Ichabod enters.  There are two coffins on the floor.

                             ICHABOD
               I never examined these bodies.

     Ichabod removes the lid from one coffin.  Lancaster is about
     to say something indignant, but then just looks disgusted.

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER
               ... help yourself, you pompous ass.
               I will be in bed.

                             ICHABOD
               Would you stay, doctor?  I may need
               assistance.

     Lancaster reluctantly remains.  Ichabod stares at the dead
     Lady Van Tassel.  The neck wound is covered by a stained
     brown cloth, which Ichabod unwraps.

                             ICHABOD
               Stains of blood.

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER
               What of it?

     Ichabod takes out one of the lenses that survived the
     magnification spectacles, bends to examine the neck.

                             ICHABOD
               Jagged flesh. 
                     (pause)
               The Horseman did not do this.

     Ichabod moves to the side of the coffin, lifting the hand
     with the stitched gash on its palm.

                             ICHABOD
               Here, Doctor.  Hold this just so...

     Lancaster holds the lens so that Ichabod can study the cut
     through it.  Ichabod takes a scalpel-like knife from his
     satchel, lifts the hand and cuts stitches.

     THROUGH THE LENS: the gash spreads easily, soft, bloodless.

                             ICHABOD 
               No clotting or gathering of pus.  No
               healing at all.

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER 
               What?

                             ICHABOD 
               When this cut was made, this person
               was already dead.
                     (stands straight)
               This is not Lady Van Tassel.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, KITCHEN -- NIGHT

     Young Masbath enters.  The door swings shut.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Katrina.
                     (steps forward) 
               Is anyone here?

     Behind him, the door SLAMS open -- Lady Van Tassel reaches to
     grab Young Masbath by the throat.


     EXT.  CHURCH/TOWN SQUARE -- NIGHT

     Ichabod charges up to the church doors, pounding.

                             ICHABOD
               Open the door.  Open up, damn it!
                     (pounds, shouting)
               Lady van Tassel is alive.  The Horseman
               is her puppet.  Please... 

     The door opens and Huge Farmer points a rifle at Ichabod.
     Frightened people peer out from behind.

                             HUGE FARMER 
               Aren't we rid of you?

                             ICHABOD 
               Listen to me.  Lady Van Tassel has
               faked her death.  I need able men...

                             HUGE FARMER
               She's dead, and you have gone mad.

                             ICHABOD
               No...

                             HUGE FARMER 
                     (steps forward) 
               Get out!  Isn't it enough that you have
               ruined this town?  Go!

     Ichabod backs away from the gun, frustrated, runs...

     At the DOCTOR'S RESIDENCE, Van Ripper is still on the coach.
     Ichabod sprints over, breathless, taking out his pistol.

                             ICHABOD
               Van Ripper... do you have a gun?

                             VAN RIPPER
               Yes.  Here...

     Van Ripper hold up a rifle.  Ichabod holds out his hand.

                             ICHABOD 
               May I see it?

     Van Ripper's confused, but hands the rifle over.  Ichabod
     immediately points his pistol at Van Ripper.

                             ICHABOD
               Get down.  Hurry!

     Van Ripper climbs off.  Ichabod climbs up, whips the horses.

                             ICHABOD 
               Sorry.

     Van Ripper watches the coach leave, still with his hands up.


     EXT.  FOREST -- NIGHT

     In a wooded area, Katrina lies unconscious.  Gloved hands
     reach to her hair and cut off a clump with SCISSORS.

     A conjuring pile has been made, containing a small animal's
     heart with an iron nail through it.  Katrina's hair is added
     and the pile is lit to burn.

     Nearby, Young Masbath watches, on his belly with his hands
     tied behind his back.

     Lady Van Tassel whispers over the fire, her white horse tied
     nearby.  She looks to Katrina, who stirs.

     Lady Van Tassel takes the Horseman's skull from a bag over
     her shoulder, places the skull in the flames.  THUNDER is
     HEARD.  Lady Van Tassel looks up, smiles.

     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS, TREE OF THE DEAD -- NIGHT

     The wind tosses leaves in swirls.  The twisted tree opens
     wide, with a RUMBLE -- shafts of light shooting out.

     EXT.  THE LONG STRAIGHT ROAD -- NIGHT

     Ichabod drives the coach hard ahead.

     EXT.  FOREST -- NIGHT

     Katrina sits up, groggy.  Lady Van Tassel looks down at her.

                             KATRINA 
               You... you are alive.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               Am I?  Or, are you and Young Masbath
               dead along with me?

     Katrina sees Young Masbath, and beyond him, the dying fire.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               She commands the Horseman.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               And, quite beautifully done, wouldn't
               you say?  It is almost over.

     THUNDER again.  Wind starts to pick up.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
                     (of the wind) 
               He rides tonight.

                             KATRINA 
               Father saw you die.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               He saw me thrown... saw the Horseman
               looming over me as I fled.  Things I
               wanted him to see.  But, as long as
               I govern the Horseman, he cannot harm
               me.  Baltus did not stay enough to
               see that.  He ran as a coward,
               unfettered by my fate.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Then, whose body was it... ?

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               The precious servant girl Sarah.  I
               killed her and kept her body hidden,
               till I needed it.  And, when I
               return to the Hollow tomorrow, my
               version of the truth will come to
               pass. 
                     (faking meekness) 
               I mean, there I was that fateful day,
               following Baltus into the woods.  I
               did not know what he was up to...
               where he was going.  I worried for
               his safety.

     Katrina cautiously moves the hand she's supporting herself
     with, feels a rock and clutches it.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               Imagine my surprise, finding him on a
               liason with a common servant.  A girl
               who had apparently become his secret
               love.

                             KATRINA 
               No one will believe your lies, whore.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               This whore will see your mouth shut
               forever very soon.  But... I am not
               going to kill you.  Not me...

     She picks up the Horseman's skull in her gloved hand.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               He will have that honor.

     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS -- NIGHT

     The Horseman rides Daredevil, a freight train of moldering
     flesh, heading towards a chasm with no bridge.

     They reach it, galloping in mid-air to the other side.

     EXT.  LONG STRAIGHT ROAD/VAN TASSEL ESTATE -- NIGHT

     Ichabod guides the coach into the Van Tassel orchard.

     EXT.  FOREST -- NIGHT

     Lady Van Tassel admires the skull.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL  
                     (mock sorrow) 
               Woe is me... that spying on my husband
               in his filthy indiscretion, I saw he
               and Sarah attacked by the Horseman.
               Oh pity me... so overcome was I that
               I wandered in the Western Woods...
               dazed... nearly blind from terror.

     Lady Van Tassel crouches, rubbing dirt on her face.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               And, tomorrow is my grand performance,
               having barely survived the elements...
                     (more emoting) 
               By sheer luck I found my way back to
               the Hollow.  But... what do I find
               here... ?  My dear, sweet step-daughter
               Katrina is dead.  Why has God forsaken
               her?

     Seeing that Lady Van Tassel lavish attention on Katrina,
     Masbath takes this opportunity to ease onto his knees.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL
                     (of herself, pleased) 
               No one will suspect this sad woman who
               has been through such an ordeal.  With
               only the empty solace of her money and
               land to comfort her.

     EXT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE -- NIGHT

     Ichabod leaps from the coach, bounds up the porch.

                             ICHABOD
               Katrina!

     EXT.  FOREST -- NIGHT

     ICHABOD is HEARD.  Lady Van Tassel turns, astonished.

                             KATRINA
               Murderer!

     Katrina slings the rock -- strikes Lady Van Tassel in the
     head, a glancing blow that knocks her down.  Katrina runs.

     Katrina grips Young Masbath, helping him up...

     But, Lady Van Tassel scrambles up, grabs Katrina and throws
     her back to the ground.

     Lady Van Tassel steps hard on Katrina's ankle, touches her
     forehead, bleeding, pissed.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               You've been a naughty girl.

     Young Masbath leaps to action, charging head first -- slams
     into Lady Van Tassel, sends her backwards.

     Katrina runs and pulls Masbath up.  They flee.

                             KATRINA 
               Ichabod!

     Lady Van Tassel rolls, recovering, not very concerned.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               Little bitch.

     EXT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE -- NIGHT

     Ichabod comes out the open front doors... hearing...

                             KATRINA (o.s.) 
                     (far away) 
               Ichabod!

     Ichabod climbs back on the coach, taking off.

     EXT.  FOREST -- NIGHT

     Katrina and Young Masbath run out from a line of trees.

                             KATRINA 
               Ichabod!

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               Here we are!

     BEHIND IN THE FOREST, Lady Van Tassel rides her white horse,
     in no hurry.  Wind kicks hard.  HOOFBEATS are HEARD.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               Run, Katrina!  Fast as your pretty
               legs will carry you.  It makes no
               difference.

     ON THE LAWN, Ichabod drives towards Katrina and Masbath.

     Behind, at the tree line, Lady Van Tassel holds up the
     Horseman's skull, wind tossing her dress and hair.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               Nothing will stop him now!

     At mid-field, Ichabod reaches Katrina and Masbath.

                             ICHABOD
               Climb up!

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               Lady Van Tassel...

                             ICHABOD
               I know.  Hold on.

     With Katrina and Masbath on board, Ichabod turns the coach.
     Katrina unties Masbath's hands.  HOOFBEATS GET LOUDER.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL
               Olly-olly oxen-free!

     Ichabod looks back towards Lady Van Tassel.

     At the treeline, the Horseman breaks into the open, hell on
     horseback.  Full speed ahead.

                             ICHABOD
               Christ.


     EXT.  THE LONG STRAIGHT ROAD -- NIGHT

     The coach hits the long straight road, away from the house.

     Katrina and Masbath hold on as the coach shakes violently.

                             KATRINA
               Where are we going?

                             ICHABOD
               I do not know.  Away.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               Here he comes!

     Behind, the Horseman can be seen on the forest bordered road.
     Closing fast.  Breakneck pace.

                             ICHABOD
               We might make it to the church.

     Masbath takes a lantern, crawls back to the roof.

                             KATRINA
               Masbath... !

     He ignores, reaching the rear of the coach and throwing the
     lantern at the Horseman.  It smashes on the trail.

                             ICHABOD
               Damn it, boy, get back here!

     Young Masbath slides back.  Katrina helps him.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               What can we do?

                             ICHABOD
               Take the reins.

     Young Masbath takes them.  Ichabod slings Van Ripper's rifle
     over his shoulder and starts back.  Katrina grips him.

                             ICHABOD
               Masbath is right.  We must do something.

     She releases.  Ichabod gets to the luggage area at the rear,
     struggling to open a storage box.

     Behind, the Horseman draws his sword, closer.

     Ichabod opens the box, hefting out a long, jagged SAW.

                             KATRINA
               Ichabod!

     Ichabod looks.  The Horseman rides up, swinging...

     Ichabod recoils -- THWACK -- just missed by sword.

     The Horseman lets the coach get ahead, shifting to the
     other side of the trail... coming along side.

     Ichabod backpedals, looking to Masbath.

                             ICHABOD
               Keep him off!  Block him!

     Masbath guides the horses over.  The Horseman must fall
     behind to avoid the wheels.

     The coach hits a large, fallen tree trunk.

     Ichabod bounces, falling...

     He hangs off the side of the coach.

     Katrina climbs to offer her hand.  Ichabod offers the saw.

                             ICHABOD
               Take it!

     Katrina takes the saw.  Now with both hands, Ichabod tries
     for better purchase.  He grips the coach door.  It opens...

     Ichabod clings to the open door as branches slam him.

     He's reaching to the coach threshold, reaching...

     Ichabod pulls himself inside.

     BOOM -- the door hits a tree trunk, bashed to pieces.

     Ichabod looks out from the coach, dazed.  He climbs.

     Katrina looks back as Young Masbath guides the coach to block
     the Horseman again.

     The Horseman sheaths his sword, riding... reaching to grip
     the back corner of the coach.

     The Horseman dismounts, clinging, climbing...

     Ichabod takes the rifle off his shoulder, aiming...

     BANG! -- splattering the Horseman's hand point blank.  The
     Horseman hangs on with his other hand.

     The Horseman re-grips with the blasted hand, amazing since
     it's now all mush and bone.

     Ichabod throws the rifle on his way to the driver's perch,
     taking the saw from Katrina.

                             ICHABOD 
               Move forward!

     Katrina looks to the horses, then at Ichabod.

                             ICHABOD
               Go!

     Ichabod takes the reins from Young Masbath.

                             ICHABOD 
               Help her.

     Reins in one hand and saw in the other, Ichabod waits.  The
     Horseman rises up and moves in, taking out his sword.

     Young Masbath climbs down to the wooden pole connecting the
     coach to the bridles, puts out his hand.  Katrina takes it.

     Behind, the Horseman swings.  Ichabod blocks with the saw.

     Young Masbath guides Katrina as she leaps onto one horse.
     Bareback.  Young Masbath straddles the horse beside her.

     The Horseman swings, backhanded knocks the sword from
     Ichabod's hand as Ichabod falls back...

     Ichabod hits the bridle post, hanging onto straps for dear
     life.  His feet drag on the trail.

     Above, the Horseman comes to the driver's perch, close enough
     to kill Katrina.  He raises his sword...

     Katrina screams, ducking, helpless...

     Below, Ichabod pulls a bolt from the coach's hitching-rod.

     He shoves off with his feet.

     The Horseman swings.... missing.

     The horses detach from the coach, dragging Ichabod along.

     The coach careens out of control.

     It flies off the trail, hits an incline and sails off,
     throwing the Horseman.

     The coach hits a tree trunk and SMASHES.

     FURTHER DOWN THE TRAIL, the coach horses stop.  Young Masbath
     and Katrina climb off as Ichabod gets to his feet, hurting,
     clutching his previously wounded shoulder.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               What now?

                             ICHABOD
               I doubt that's the end.

                             KATRINA
               The church.

                             ICHABOD
               He moves too fast.

     Ichabod unhooks a lantern off the bridle rail.  The trail
     behind is silent, till a bone chilling SCREECH is HEARD.

                             KATRINA
               What was that?

                             ICHABOD
               His horse.

     They start moving.  Ichabod looks around.  He sees...

                             ICHABOD
               There...

     Through the tree line, the Hollow's massive windmill can be
     seen against the sky.  Katrina and Young Masbath run.


     EXT. WINDMILL FIELD -- NIGHT

     Ichabod, Katrina and Young Masbath book into this open area,
     heading to the windmill.  Another HORRIBLE SQUEAL echoes.

     Ichabod looks over his shoulder.

     Heavy, low hanging BRANCHES and VINES at the forest edge
     creep to life, parting... forming a sort of black tunnel.

                             ICHABOD 
               He's coming!

     The Horseman gallops out, throwing leaves in his wake.

                             ICHABOD 
               Hurry!

     The Horseman readies a battle axe.

     Ichabod gets under the windmill, helping Young Masbath up the
     ladder and in.  Katrina next.

     The Horseman is almost there.

     Ichabod follows Katrina.  He gets in, feet dangling.  The
     Horseman dismounts...

     INT.  WINDMILL -- NIGHT

     Ichabod leaps up and struggles with the heavy trap door...
     slams it.  He closes the latch just as the Horseman hits.
     The door buckles.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               It won't hold.

     Ichabod goes to a large GRINDSTONE against a wall.  He
     struggles to roll it.

     Young Masbath helps him roll it to the trap door.  It falls
     on top with a thud.  The Horseman's sword jabs up through the
     grindstone's center hole.

     The sword withdraws.  A POUNDING begins.

     EXT.  WINDMILL -- NIGHT

     The Horseman chops at the door with his axe.

     INT.  WINDMILL -- NIGHT

     POUNDING CONTINUES.  The grindstone shifts.  Katrina and
     Young Masbath back away.  Ichabod holds his lantern up,
     desperate for ideas, searching.

     Above, to the right, is the milling platform, where grain is
     ground and bagged.  To the left is the crooked staircase.

     Ichabod picks up a bailing hook, a plan forming.  He gives
     his lantern to Katrina and points.

                             ICHABOD 
               Get up those stairs.  Open the door to
               the roof and wait.

     Katrina and Young Masbath obey.  Ichabod crosses and climbs
     the ladder to the milling platform.  He grasps a wooden
     lever, pulling it.  Gears above begin to turn.

     EXT.  WINDMILL -- NIGHT

     The windmill's rotors CREAK to life, spinning.

     UNDER THE WINDMILL, the Horseman keeps chopping.  His axe
     exposes grindstone, throwing sparks.

     INT.  WINDMILL -- NIGHT

     Katrina looks down from the stairs.

     The Horseman's axe pries at the seam of the trap door.

                             KATRINA
               Ichabod...

                             ICHABOD
               Keep climbing.  I will follow...

     Ichabod pulls bags of grain, lining them up at the edge of
     the milling platform.

                             ICHABOD
                     (under his breath) 
               Hopefully.

     ABOVE, Young Masbath reaches the ceiling, throws open the
     door to the roof.

     BELOW, Ichabod cuts holes into the grain bags, so milled
     grain spills out and falls to the floor, creating dust.

     He grabs one open bag and dumps it.  More grain dust.

     EXT.  WINDMILL ROOF -- NIGHT

     Masbath and Katrina come out.  Rotors spin behind them.

     INT.  WINDMILL -- NIGHT

     Ichabod sees below... the Horseman sticks a hand through,
     trying to push the grindstone aside, then withdrawing.  The
     RACKING axe continues.  Won't be long.

     Ichabod grabs one half-full bag of grain, swings it with
     effort, throws...

     The bag smashes on the grindstone, busting the door...

     EXT.  WINDMILL -- NIGHT

     The grindstone falls through, SLAMMING the Horseman down...

     INT.  WINDMILL -- NIGHT

     Ichabod slices into a sack hanging from a pulley system.
     More and more dust rises.

     Below, the Horseman enters.  Katrina shouts from above.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               Look out!

     The Horseman moves toward the ladder milling platform ladder,
     but Ichabod grabs it, pulling it up...

     The Horseman just misses the final rung.

     Ichabod throws the ladder aside as the Horseman backs off.

     Ichabod looks to the staircase.  No way to climb down from
     the milling platform and get there.

     The Horseman runs and leaps, grabbing a hanging chain...

     The Horseman climbs the chain, swinging...

     Ichabod runs across the platform, jumps...

     Ichabod grasps the frail rail of the staircase, barely.

     The rail creaks, about to break.  Behind, the Horseman lands
     on the milling platform.

     Ichabod is losing grip.  Young Masbath races down the stairs,
     grabs his hand.  He pulls Ichabod up.

     Ichabod's pistol slips from its holster and falls.

     Ichabod and Young Masbath look...

     The Horseman, following Ichabod's lead, runs across the
     milling platform and leaps...

     Grabs the staircase rail, only a few feet from Ichabod and
     Masbath.  Ichabod kicks the rail, breaking it...

     The Horseman falls in billowing dust, crashing below.

     Ichabod pushes Masbath up the stairs.

     EXT.  WINDMILL ROOF -- NIGHT

     Katrina helps them onto the roof.

                             KATRINA
               Quickly, close it.

                             ICHABOD 
               No.
                     (takes lantern, points) 
               Get to the crest of the roof and be
               ready to jump.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Jump?  Jump where?

     INT.  WINDMILL -- NIGHT

     The Horseman runs, agile, up stairs.

     EXT.  WINDMILL ROOF -- NIGHT

     Ichabod shepherds Katrina and Young Masbath to the edge where
     the rotors spin close.

                             ICHABOD 
               The blades will carry us to the ground.
               Face front and wait for me.

                             KATRINA 
               I... I can't do this.

                             ICHABOD 
               We have no choice.

     Ichabod moves back to the trap door.

     Katrina and Young Masbath look at the rotors, and down at the
     long distance between them and the ground.

                             ICHABOD 
               Be ready...

     Ichabod throws the lantern into the windmill and runs.

                             ICHABOD
               Now!

     INT.  WINDMILL -- NIGHT

     The Horseman continues up.  The lantern falls past.

     EXT.  WINDMILL, ROOF -- NIGHT

     Young Masbath jumps.  Ichabod grips Katrina and jumps...

     They hit one rotor and cling to the frame and cloth.  The
     rotor begins its downwards swing.

     INT.  WINDMILL -- NIGHT

     The lantern hits the ground and shatters.  FLAMES EXPLODE!

     Grain dust is consumed instantaneously -- FLAMES ROAR
     upwards, filling the windmill...

     Engulfing the Horseman.

     EXT.  WINDMILL -- NIGHT

     The rotor is halfway to its lowest point.  Masbath, Katrina
     and Ichabod hang on as the entire structure trembles.

     BOOM -- flames shoot out the windows, doors and seams,
     lighting up the night.

     On the rattling rotor, Ichabod struggles to hold the frame
     with one hand and keep a grip on Katrina.

     Masbath drops.  Ichabod releases Katrina, then drops.

     They hit the ground.  Ichabod rolls, gasping, holding his
     shoulder.  They all look at each other in disbelief a moment.
     Ichabod lets out a sort of rasping laugh, standing.

                             ICHABOD 
               Okay... come on...

     Ichabod ushers them across the field, uphill.  Running.
     Lightning flashes across the sky.  THUNDER RUMBLES.

     A bolt strikes the windmill, and it EXPLODES...

     SHOCKWAVE DEAFENING.  The rotors bust apart.  Splinters of
     burning wood spin all directions.

     ACROSS THE FIELD, Ichabod, Katrina and Young Masbath keep
     running.  There is a WOODEN CART parked ahead.

     IN THE WINDMILL RUBBLE, the Horseman rises, shoving off
     burning debris.  His flame-ravaged uniform smolders.

     ACROSS THE FIELD, Ichabod stumbles onwards, but notices
     something horrible...

     In the distance, Lady Van Tassel's white horse roams free.

                             ICHABOD
                     (as this registers)
               Oh, no...

     Young Masbath and Katrina are just past the cart when Lady
     Van Tassel rises from behind it, swings a plank...

     SLAMS Ichabod in the chest and sends him down.

     Lady Van Tassel grabs Katrina's hair, drags her.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL
               Should have stayed away, Constable.

     Ichabod gets up slow, furious, reaches to his holster, only
     to find it empty.  He moves forward.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL
               Keep back, or I kill her.

     She takes out scissors, holds them to Katrina's neck.
     Katrina ceases struggling.

     Ichabod keeps Masbath behind him, keeps his distance.  Lady
     Van Tassel shoots a glance...

                             LADY VAN TASSEL
               See him...

     Par off, the Horseman strides from the wreckage.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL
               You cannot kill what is already dead.

                             ICHABOD
               Let her go!

                             LADY VAN TASSEL
               Yes... yes.  I think I will...

     Lady Van Tassel spins and throws Katrina in the cart, shoving
     against it.

                             ICHABOD
               No!

     The cart rolls downhill.  Ichabod moves forward.

     Lady Van Tassel turns, brandishing the scissors, slashing and
     missing.  Ichabod backs off.

     DOWNHILL, the cart picks up speed, headed for the Horseman.

     The Horseman starts running to meet it.

     UPHILL, Lady Van Tassel grins.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               Say goodbye to her.

     Lady Van Tassel lunges, stabbing.  Ichabod avoids, puts all
     his fury behind his fist -- punches her in the face.

     Lady Van Tassel hits the ground and her bag falls open,
     sending the Horseman's skull rolling out...

     The skull rolls... rolls... landing far away.

     DOWNHILL, Katrina leaps out from the cart...

     She lands hard...

     The Horseman shoves the empty cart aside, still on the move.

     UPHILL, Ichabod sees the skull.  He runs towards it.

     Lady van Tassel grabs Ichabod by the ankle.  He falls.

     DOWNHILL, Katrina runs back.  The Horseman is catching up.

     UPHILL, Ichabod tries to pull f ree from Lady Van Tassel.

     Young Masbath comes behind her - BAM - hits her in the head
     with the wooden plank.  She's out.

     Ichabod scrambles to his feet.

     DOWNHILL, the Horseman catches Katrina, taking her by the
     hair as she falls to her knees and screams.

     UPHILL, Ichabod runs... grasps the Horseman's skull.

     He runs towards the Horseman and Katrina.

     DOWNHILL, Katrina struggles, but the Horseman holds her ready
     by her hair... raises his sword...

     UPHILL, Ichabod throws the skull...

                             ICHABOD 
               Horseman!

     The skull spins through the air...

     The Horseman drops Katrina, reaches up...

     Catches the skull.

     Katrina runs.

     Ichabod runs to meet her, grabs her as she falls, exhausted.
     Together, they back away from the Horseman.

     The Horseman holds the skull out, then brings it to his
     shoulders, to its rightful place.  THUNDER POUNDS.

     TRANSFORMATION begins -- blood and flesh rise up from the
     Horseman's throat and grip the skull.

     Young Masbath drops the plank, watching in awe.

     The Horseman's reformation continues.  Muscle forms.  Liquids
     become solids.  He is made whole once more, the same evil,
     human face we saw in Baltus' stories.

     He looks to Ichabod and Katrina, touches his restored face.

     Daredevil rides up, SCREECHING.  The Horseman replaces his
     sward and climbs into the saddle.

     He rides towards Katrina and Ichabod, but passes them by.
     They are so exhausted they fall down.

     Young Masbath backs up as the Horseman comes, but the
     Horseman does not want him either.

     The Horseman leans to grab Lady Van Tassel's unconscious
     form, pulls her up across Daredevil's back.

     He rides away with her.

     Ichabod and Katrina watch him go.  They look at each other,
     then kiss gratefully.

     Ichabod looks to Young Masbath.

                             ICHABOD 
               How are you?

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Tired.

     Ichabod smiles and holds out his arm.  Masbath comes over.
     Group hug.  Lightning brightens the farmland around them.


     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS, BURIAL GROUND -- NIGHT

     HOOFBEATS.  The Horseman enters the clearing, keeping a hand
     on Lady Van Tassel.  Ahead, the twisted tree awaits.

     Lady Van Tassel is awakening, face bloody.  She turns her
     head and looks forward.  She screams.

     The twisted tree's wound opens, wide and glowing.

     Daredevil picks up speed...

     Daredevil leaps just as a lightning bolt blasts down,
     striking the Horseman.

     For an instant, Horseman and horse are transformed, SKELETONS
     OF LIGHT, entering the tree.

     Silence and smoke.  At the tree, Lady Van Tassel's hand
     sticks out from the tight-shut suture.

     The sewn wound on her palm seeps blood.


     EXT.  NEW YORK CITY STREET, ICHABOD'S HOME -- DAY

     A bright, busy day in New York.  A coach pulls up to
     Ichabod's home.  Ichabod is the driver.  He gets off, goes
     and opens the coach door.  He helps Katrina down.  Next,
     Young Masbath sticks his head out.

     Ichabod goes about unloading bags.  Katrina holds Young
     Masbath's hand, and they look down the street in wonder.

     THE ENDSleepy Hollow



               Being the true storie of one Ichabod Crane
                       and the Headless Horseman


                  Kevin Yagher and Andrew Kevin Walker

      Based on "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" by Washington Irving





                   Screenplay by Andrew Kevin Walker








                                                     Third Draft
                                                     4/10/95









              A pleasing land of drowsy head it was,
              of dreams that wave before the half shut eye...










     EXT.  GNARLED FOREST -- NIGHT

     An UGLY MAN charges through on a horse, holding a lantern
     forward on a long pole. He looks back, terrified.

     INSERT TITLE:  1799 Sleepy Hollow, New York

     THUNDEROUS HOOFBEATS are HEARD behind.

     The ugly man glances back again.  His lantern swings wild...
     SHATTERS against a tree.  The jammed-up pole SLAMS the ugly
     man off his horse...

     He hits the ground.  He runs, trips, falls and scrambles up.

     DEEP IN THE FOREST, we glimpse the source of the HOOFBEATS: a
     HUGE FORM on a HUGE BLACK HORSE, already gone.

     The ugly man pushes through thorny bushes.  Jagged branches
     slit his hands and cheeks.

     He bursts from the briar patch and tumbles to a trail.  He
     lifts his bloodied face.  He runs.

     IN THE FOREST BEHIND: the hooves of the black horse rip
     underbrush.  HOOFBEATS DEAFENING.  A spur digs into the
     snorting steed's already bleeding flank.

     The pursuer's gloved hand draws a SWORD, blade RINGING.

     ON THE TRAIL, the ugly man runs on.  The shrill WHISTLE of a
     SWORD SWING is HEARD as the pursuer blurs past.

     The ugly man is still running when his head lolls back, at an
     impossible angle... tumbles off his shoulders... His headless
     body hits the dirt.


     EXT.  CITY STREETS -- NIGHT

     Empty cobblestone streets.  Crooked buildings.  A RAPIDLY
     CLANGING BELL breaks the silence from afar.

     INSERT TITLE:  New York City

     TWO CONSTABLES clamor round a corner, lanterns held high,
     listening.  They rush into an alleyway.

     ELSEWHERE, piers border the Hudson River.  The BELL is
     LOUDER. The two constables arrive, searching.  No one around.
     Constable One hefts his pistol, scared.

                             CONSTABLE ONE
               Where are you?!

                             MAN'S VOICE (o.s.)
               Here!  Over here!

     They hurry to the river's edge.  Down a hill, the MAN,
     another constable, stands with his back to us.  He's waist
     deep in water, tossing away his ALARM BELL.

                             MAN
               I need your help with this.

     Constable Two crosses on the peir above.  Constable One moves
     forward, wary.  The MAN grunts, lifting something.

                             CONSTABLE ONE
               Constable Crane?  Ichabod Crane...
               is that you?

     The MAN turns.  Meet ICHABOD CRANE, handsome, eyes piercing.

                             ICHABOD
               Yes, it is me.  But, not only me...
                     (lifting, struggling)
               I found someone here...

     He drags a bloated MALE CORPSE up from the murky water.

                             ICHABOD
               Someone quite dead.


     EXT.  WATCHHOUSE/JAIL -- NIGHT

     The elderly HIGH CONSTABLE lifts a blanket off the corpse on
     a wheelbarrow manned by Constable Two.  A snobby MAGISTRATE
     looks, disgusted.  Constable One and Ichabod wait.

                             HIGH CONSTABLE
               Burn it.

                             CONSTABLE ONE
               Yes, sir.

     Constable Two wheels the corpse inside.  Ichabod's dismayed.

                             ICHABOD
               Just a moment... if I may.  It is
               possible this man was murdered.

                             HIGH CONSTABLE
               He drowned.  Anyone could see.

                             ICHABOD
               There are surgical ways of telling
               how he died... by the water in his
               lungs...

     Ichabod follows the High Constable and Magistrate in.

     INT.  WATCHHOUSE, NIGHT WATCH QUARTERS -- NIGHT

     Constable Two wheels the body ahead past many "booking"
     tables.  A JAILER moves to unlock a massive door.

                             HIGH CONSTABLE
               He will be burned pursuant to
               statutes of health.

                             ICHABOD
               I could determine if he were dead
               before he went into the Hudson.

                             HIGH CONSTABLE
               Must we again hear these heretical
               rantings?

                             MAGISTRATE
               Yes, must we?

                             ICHABOD
               There is nothing heretical about
               science, sir.  The Chinese have
               written on it for hundreds of
               years... procedural study used to
               solve seemingly unsolvable crimes.

     The door is opened.  The corpse again leads the way.

     INT.  WATCHHOUSE, JAIL -- NIGHT

     A two-tiered prison, alive with MOANS of AGONY and CRIES of
     INSANITY.  Cells are full of wretched men in chains and iron
     gags.  Many are against the bars, watching.

                             ICHABOD
               Our first night watch is adequate
               against fire and some violence,
               but if we were more often able to
               ensure justice, after the fact,
               then criminals would truly have
               something to fear from law
               enforcement.

                             HIGH CONSTABLE
               Have they nothing to fear presently?

                             ICHABOD
               Without disrespect, look around you.
                     (motioning to cells)
               We overflow.  As do our courts.

                             HIGH CONSTABLE
               And, with disrespect, Constable,
               if jails and courts overflow, it is
               testimony to success, not failure.

                             ICHABOD
               But, how many innocents rot here?
               And, how many victims are buried
               without reprisal while guilty men
               roam our streets?

     The High Constable reaches a desk, taking a seat.  Guards
     wait to process beaten, bloody prisoners.

                             HIGH CONSTABLE
               Very few, if any.

                             ICHABOD
               Even though I have seen confessions
               pried from the lips of the accused,
               often quite literally?

                             HIGH CONSTABLE
               For one who calls himself a
               Federalist, your mouth reeks of
               Republican liberalism.

                             ICHABOD
               Not Liberalism.  Equanimity.

                             MAGISTRATE
                     (to High Constable)
               Um, sir... might I suggest...

     The Magistrate WHISPERS in the High Constable's ear.  Ichabod
     notices with worry that Constables One and Two wheel the
     corpse onwards into another room.

     The Magistrate finishes.  The High Constable smiles faintly.

                             HIGH CONSTABLE
                     (to Ichabod)
               There is a farming community
               upstate, Constable... ten days
               journey north in the Hudson
               Highlands.  It is named Sleepy
               Hollow.  Within a fortnight, three
               persons have been murdered there.
               Each with their head lopped cleanly
               off.
                     (holds up papers)
               The elders of the Hollow have sent
               dispatches to me, requesting
               assistance, and now, just this very
               moment, I have chosen you.

                             ICHABOD
               Chosen me?

                             HIGH CONSTABLE
               These "methods" of yours... there
               has been no practical application.

                             ICHABOD
               Not for lack of trying.

                             HIGH CONSTABLE
               Just so.  Granted.  And so you take
               your experimentations to Sleepy
               Hollow and catch the murderer who
               has tainted the place.  Bring him
               here to face our good justice.
               Will you do this for me?

                             ICHABOD
                     (swallowing doubt)
               I shall, gladly.

                             HIGH CONSTABLE
               Excellent.  Then, you are excused
               till morning.

     Ichabod moves away, heading to where the corpse was taken.

                             HIGH CONSTABLE
               Oh, and, Constable...
                     (off Ichabod's look)
               Do make certain that you meet with
               success.  Otherwise... perhaps you
               should not come back at all.

     The High Constable smiles a sardonic smile.

     INT.  WATCHHOUSE, INCINERATION ROOM -- NIGHT

     The corpse burns in a raging furnace.  Flesh sizzles.

     Constable One pumps bellows which fan the flames.  Ichabod
     steps from darkness nearby.  He watches with bitter regret as
     the corpse is consumed.


     EXT.  CITY -- DAY

     Market town streets bustle.  Filthy.  Pigs roam free.

     INT.  ICHABOD'S HOME, SECOND FLOOR -- DAY

     Decorated in Early-American Mad Scientist: books, papers and
     jars of chemicals.  Charts of anatomy above a small bed.

                             ICHABOD (o.s.)
               Such a day for such a sad farewell.
               But, this is goodbye, my sweet.

     At the window, Ichabod holds a bird cage with a red CARDINAL
     inside.  He opens the cage.  The bird flies free.

     Ichabod watches it go, then looks down.  A COACH halts in the
     street below.  The forlorn DRIVER looks up.


     INT.  ICHABOD'S COACH -- DAY

     In motion.  Ichabod absently studies his hands, touching the
     strange SCARS on both palms: evenly dispersed, tiny dots of
     tissue.  Many scars.

     Ichabod lifts a LEATHER SATCHEL, checking its contents.

     EXT.  UPSTATE FORESTS -- DAY

     TWO FAMILIES of MIGRANT WORKERS travel a path, leading over-
     burdened horses.  Ichabod's coach approaches from the other
     direction.  Ichabod looks out, unnerved.

     One GAUNT MAN watches Ichabod pass.  There is a dead, worried
     look in the man's eyes.  Others stare at Ichabod.


     EXT.  SLEEPY HOLLOW, THE LONG STRAIGHT ROAD -- DAY

     Ichabod faces two massive, vine-covered PILLARS, unsure.  He
     turns to watch the driver lead the coach away.

     Ichabod walks between the pillars to a long straight road.
     He does not notice, above: THREE DEAD RAVENS hang from a tree
     limb, twine wrapped round their necks.

     EXT.  SLEEPY HOLLOW, TOWN SQUARE -- DAY

     Ichabod walks on with baggage.  The square is empty, a CHURCH
     and GRAVEYARD at one end.  The road ahead is bordered by
     businesses and homes.

     CONVERSATION DRIFTS from a tavern.  A criminal sits in
     stocks.  A quiet CRYING is HEARD.  Ichabod hears...

     He looks for its source.  It's from a window above, LOUDER.
     SOUNDS like the SOBBING of an OLD WOMAN.


     EXT.  VAN TASSEL ESTATE -- DAY

     ICHABOD'S P.O.V.: a BELLTOWER stands tall, like a mast pole
     with a crow's nest basket atop.  There's a man in the basket
     and a huge BELL.

     Ichabod ponders this as he continues.  Ahead on a hill: the
     grand Van Tassel Manor House.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL MANOR HOUSE, SITTING ROOM -- DAY

     MANY CHILDREN, in a circle, taunt a BLINDFOLDED YOUNG WOMAN
     spun round by the handsome, barrel-chested man, BROM VAN
     BRUNT.  A few YOUNG MEN and LADIES watch.  Brom releases the
     woman.  Everyone quiets and avoids her searching hands.

                             BLINDFOLDED WOMAN
               This is such a silly game.

                             BROM
               Be a sport and stop complaining.

     The woman moves to Brom's voice.  He backs away, flanked by
     peers GLENN and THEODORE.  Children laugh.

     Ichabod enters, clearing his throat.  No one notices.  The
     blindfolded woman keeps grasping.  One LITTLE GIRL sees
     Ichabod and goes to him, finger to her lips.

                             LITTLE GIRL
               Play along.  You must.

     She tugs him.  Before Ichabod can protest, he is placed in
     the blindfolded woman's grip.

                             BLINDFOLDED WOMAN
               There, I have someone.  Am I
               finished?

                             LITTLE GIRL
               You have to tell who it is.

     The woman touches Ichabod's face.  He is uncomfortable,
     affected by this caress.  Brom watches jealously.

                             LITTLE GIRL
               At least make a guess.

                             BLINDFOLDED WOMAN
               I don't know.  Is it Brom Bones?

                             BROM
               Certainly not.

                             ICHABOD
               Excuse me, Miss...
                     (takes her hands)
               They have a laugh at your expense.

     She takes the kerchief off to reveal a stunning beauty:
     KATRINA VAN TASSEL.  Ichabod tries to compose himself.

                             KATRINA
               Forgive me, I didn't know.

                             ICHABOD
               I... I am looking for Baltus Van
               Tassel.

                             BROM
               We haven't heard your name yet,
               friend.

                             ICHABOD
               Well, unless your name is Baltus,
               you should not worry over mine.

     Brom grabs Ichabod's collar, pissed.  Ichabod's baffled.

                             BROM
               You need some manners.

                             KATRINA
               Brom!

     Brom looks at her, then reluctantly releases Ichabod.

                             MAN'S VOICE (o.s.)
               What is this, then... ?

     BALTUS VAN TASSEL, 45, has entered, a working-class
     aristocrat.  LADY VAN TASSEL, 40, stands behind, a mix of
     home-spun wife and well-kept lady.

                             BALTUS
               Can I help you, sir?

     Ichabod's relieved to have a proper focal point.  Children
     gather around Katrina and hide behind her.

                             ICHABOD
               I have been sent from the city
               with a letter of introduction.
               I am told you offer me room and
               board.

     Ichabod hands over papers.  Baltus reads, furrows his brow.

                             ICHABOD
               If we could speak alone.

                             BALTUS
                     (nods, looks to Katrina)
               This is not a time for frivolity,
               Katrina, is it?  Am I mistaken?

                             KATRINA
               They're only children, father.

     Baltus snorts, then exits with Ichabod.  The others huddle to
     gossip, except Katrina, who moves beside Lady Van Tassel to
     watch Ichabod and Baltus walk down the hall.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, PARLOR -- DAY

     DOCTOR LANCASTER, 50, dour and always sweaty, takes a seat by
     the fire, joining Baltus and three other elders.  A pretty
     servant, SARAH, brings a pipe cradle while Lady Van Tassel
     sets down food.  Ichabod is standing.

                             BALTUS
               That will be all, ladies.
                     (waits as they exit)
               We are joined by Doctor Thomas
               Lancaster, Constable.  And to his
               left are, Clergyman Steenwyck and
               our able magistrate, Samuel Philipse,
               both keeping order in their own ways.

     PHILIPSE is youngest, eyes bloodshot, mug in hand and pipe in
     mouth.  CLERGYMAN STEENWYCK is formidably built, wearing a
     constant look of disapproval.

                             BALTUS
               I myself am in charge of financial
               matters and the regulation of
               currency in our commonwealth.  And,
               lastly, this fine fellow is James
               Hardenbrook, our Notary.

     HARDENBROOK is oldest, ancient, with one eye pale and blind.

                             ICHABOD
               An honor, gentlemen.  In time I
               will need every detail of the
               three murderings you've had, but,
               for now, I ask only if you have
               any theory at all as to who the
               killer might be?

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER
               Excuse me?

                             ICHABOD
               I say, is there any one person
               suspect in these acts?

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER
               I was afraid of this.

     Philipse shoots a look to Baltus.  Angst amongst the elders.

                             PHILIPSE
               Well, Constable... are you aware...
               to be honest, you are not what we
               expected.  We sent for the militia.

                             ICHABOD
               The militia?

                             FATHER STEENWYCK
               Why not tell us what you have heard?
               Hmm?  How much have your superiors
               bothered to tell you?

                             ICHABOD
               All I know is three are slain, their
               heads found severed from their
               bodies...

                             FATHER STEENWYCK
               The heads were not found severed.
               The heads were not found at all.

     Withered Hardenbrook leans forward, his voice cragged.

                             HARDENBROOK
               Taken.  Taken by the Headless
               Horseman.  Taken back to hell.

                             ICHABOD
               Pardon me?

                             BALTUS
               You have not been well informed of
               our troubles, sir.  If you would...

     Baltus gestures for Ichabod to sit.  Baltus lights his pipe.

                             BALTUS
               The Horseman... he was a Hessian
               mercenary, sent to our shores by
               German princes to help keep
               Americans under the thumb of
               England.  However, unlike his
               compatriots who came as muscle in
               trade for currency, he came
               willingly.  For love of carnage.

     FLASHBACK -- AMERICAN BATTLEFIELD -- DAY

     The HESSIAN HORSEMAN rides his black steed into a gory,
     close-quarters clash, his cloaked uniform adorned with edged
     weapons.  He cuts down Americans left and right.

                             BALTUS (v.o.)
               He was infamous for taking his
               horse, Daredevil, hard into
               battle... chopping off heads at
               full gallop.

     He dismounts, hoisting a battle axe.  With sword and axe, he
     annihilates.  Blood gushes.  Bones crack.

                             BALTUS (v.o.)
               Just to look on him made your
               blood run cold, for he had filed
               down his teeth to rapiers... to
               add to the ferocity of his
               appearance.

     The Horseman lets out a war cry.  Jagged teeth.  Grotesque.

     FOREST BATTLEFIELD -- DAY

     Winter.  CANNONS can be HEARD BOOMING from afar.  Daredevil
     lies dead in red snow.  FOLLOW FOOTPRINTS away...

                             BALTUS (v.o.)
               He would not finally meet his end
               till the winter of seventy-nine,
               when New York City was held by
               Henry Clinton and Washington
               occupied West Point.  It was
               between those two places, not far
               from here...

     The Horseman flees, cloak flowing, chased by FIVE rag-tag
     REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.  Ahead, a steep, rocky area prevents
     escape.  Soldier one aims a rifle and FIRES...

     Blood explodes from the Horseman's arm as he runs.  His sword
     falls from his now functionless hand.

     Soldier Two grabs the sword.

     At the rocks, the Horseman faces the men.  Another Rifleman
     raises his rifle.  The Horseman reaches over his shoulder to
     grasp a sheathed knife, THROWS --

     THOCK!  The Rifleman jerks back, knife in his eye socket.

     The Horseman readies an axe.  The Revolutionaries move in
     with swords.  They battle, STEEL AGAINST STEEL.  The Horseman
     fends off blows from all sides.

     Soldier Three lunges, stabs his blade deep into the
     Horseman's side.  The Horseman roars, brings his axe DOWN...
     BREAKS the sword at the hilt...

     An UPWARDS stroke sends Soldier Three head over heels in a
     fountain of blood.

     The Horseman staggers, howling, trying to pull the blade from
     his ribs.  The remaining soldiers close in.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, SITTING ROOM -- NIGHT

     Pipe smoke wafts from Philipse's mouth.

                             PHILIPSE
               Cut off his head with his own sword.
               It's a legend told for twenty years.

                             BALTUS
               But, only recently has the Headless
               Hessian been seen prowling the
               Hollow, in search of a head to suit
               his shoulders.

                             ICHABOD
               Just a moment...
                     (sits back, incredulous)
               Are you saying it is he?

                             HARDENBROOK
                     (aggravated, loud)
               When a goblin leaps from the nether
               world, others follow.  Poltergeists
               of the air, water and earth follow
               and cheer his desecrations!

     Hardenbrook BANGS his cane on a table.  Baltus puts a calming
     hand on senile Hardenbrook's shoulder.

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER
               No one knows why he chose to now to
               climb out from his grave.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK
               It is very clear why.  Citizens
               here have long tried to hide sins
               behind closed doors.  Their failed
               faith has saturated the soil and
               called forth one of Satan's own.

                             ICHABOD
               Excuse me, gentlemen, but... who
               has seen this Horseman?

                             BALTUS
               Many have.

                             ICHABOD
               Then, name one person who has seen
               him with their own eyes.

     A long wait.  No reply from the elders.  Ichabod rises.

                             ICHABOD
               While I will do everything I can
               to find your assassin, I will look
               for a man of flesh and blood.  Not
               some goblin-demon from hell.


     EXT.  BELLTOWER FIELD -- EARLY EVENING

     The Belltower is covered in defensive spikes.  A man climbs
     down a rope ladder.  Below, many ARMED MEN gather.  Everyone
     grim.  Philipse moves to the center, on horseback.

                             PHILIPSE
               Gather round!  Gather and quiet!
               The hour has come to choose for
               this night.  Each man's name is
               in this box and has been checked.

     A box is handed up.  Ichabod and Baltus arrive on foot at the
     back of the mob.  Ichabod looks...

     At a nearby forest, men light TORCH POSTS in a line bordering
     the forest edge for at least a half mile.

     Philipse draws a folded paper from the box, holds it up.

                             PHILIPSE
               May the Lord watch over him...
                     (unfolds paper)
               "Jonathan Masbath."  Are you here?

                             JONATHAN (o.s.)
               I am.  I take my responsibility.

     The crowd parts as JONATHAN MASBATH, a dirt-poor farmer with
     a bow and quiver of arrows, moves forward.  His son, YOUNG
     MASBATH, 14, grips his arm.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               No, father.  Wait...
                     (up to Philipse)
               He's already been up once.  Why
               does he go again?

                             JONATHAN
               It is a lottery, son.  It just as
               easily might have been one of them.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               Then... I go with you.

                             JONATHAN
               No.  You obey my wishes.
                     (looks to crowd)
               Brom.  Look after him, will you?

     Brom steps up, nodding.  Jonathan kisses his son's cheek,
     then heads to the rope ladder.  Men pat him on the back.

                             PHILIPSE
               Someone leave him a horse.

     Young Masbath watches his father go.  Brom coaxes him away.
     At the back of the crowd, Ichabod watches skeptically, looks
     to Young Masbath as he and Brom pass.

                             ICHABOD
               You worry for naught, little man.
               Nothing will harm him there.
                     (looks up, sotto)
               It is problems here on the ground
               you people need begin to worry
               about.

     Ichabod watches Jonathan climb, very high above.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     Ichabod makes notations in a LEDGER BOOK.

                             KATRINA (v.o.)
               You will dream.

     Katrina strolls in, sits on the bed.  Ichabod is nervous.

                             KATRINA
               Did they tell?  It is something in
               the air so that dreams come to
               everyone.  According to the elders,
               an Indian prophet held powwows here
               before the land was taken, and
               spells cast then still linger to
               this day.

                             ICHABOD
               Do you often make a habit of
               sitting on strange men's beds?

                             KATRINA
               You are horribly old-fashioned,
               aren't you?

                             ICHABOD
               Feel free to form your own opinion.
                     (facing his ledger)
               Though it appears you already have.

                             KATRINA
               Well, I intended to apologize for
               the behavior of my friend Brom Van
               Brunt, but it seems I've made
               matters worse.
                     (getting up to go)
               I'll leave you to your business.

                             ICHABOD
               Excuse me... I should apologize.  I,
               um... I... have no great love of...

                             KATRINA
               Other people?

                             ICHABOD
               Small talk.

                             KATRINA
               It might have been more.  Might have
               been positively grand talk.

     Ichabod offers his chair, backing away.  Seeing it is the
     only one, he remains standing.  Katrina sits.

                             KATRINA
               Is it me, or are you this nervous
               around all women?

                             ICHABOD
               Perhaps it is because your suitor's
               hands were recently very nearly
               wrapped around my throat.

                             KATRINA
               My suitor?

                             ICHABOD
               The massive fellow... Brom.  For
               someone you call "friend," he
               misplaces a good portion of jealousy.

                             KATRINA
               He has proposed to me twice.

                             ICHABOD
               Which may explain his temperament.
               To have asked twice means the answer
               was "no" at least once.

     Katrina looks down, discards this with a smile.

                             KATRINA
               I've read a great deal about your
               New York City.  Do be a dear and tell
               me all about it.  Sounds like an
               extraordinary place to live a life.

                             ICHABOD
               Extra ordinary, yes.  But first, you
               tell me about the Headless Horseman.


     EXT.  BELLTOWER FIELD -- NIGHT

     The torches burn bright.  ABOVE, in the Belltower, Jonathan
     Masbath loads a rifle.  THUNDER BOOMS.

     Jonathan stands, looking to a sky that is all stars and moon.
     A HORSE is HEARD SHRIEKING.  Below, the horse tied at the
     base of the tower is spooked.

     A COMMOTION is HEARD, ground rumbling.  Jonathan grips a
     rifle, cocks it and moves to look...

     At the forest edge, a herd of deer stampedes out.  They
     sprint past the tower and across the field.

     Jonathan crosses to watch the herd scatter.  He crosses back
     to peer at the forest.  Bad news...

     A thick FOG creeps from the woods.

     As the fog overtakes the base of each torch, a tentacle of
     mist snakes up to the flame, killing it.  All along the
     forest, arms of vapor snuff torches... one by one by one...

     Above, Jonathan sights the rifle along the trees.

                             JONATHAN
               Come out, devil... come....


     INT. VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     Ichabod leans on a dresser.  Katrina's still seated.

                             KATRINA
               Not all think it is the Horseman.
               Many say witches come from the
               Western Woods to steal skulls for
               their cauldrons.  Some believe a
               person in this very town kneels
               before Lucifer, offering death as
               tribute.  And, still others believe
               none of it.

                             ICHABOD
               Are you so superstitious?

                             KATRINA
               To call a person superstitious is to
               imply they fear magic, but not all
               magic is black.

                             ICHABOD
               There is no such thing as magic.

                             KATRINA
               Really?  Then... what is your
               rebuttal to those romantic poets
               claiming proof of magic in a rose at
               full bloom, or even in a teardrop?

                             ICHABOD
               Poets have silly notions about
               plants and bodily secretions.

                             KATRINA
                     (laughs)
               You are funny.

     Ichabod doesn't get what's so funny about that.  The DISTANT
     TOLL of a BELL is HEARD.  Katrina looks fearful.

     She goes to open a window.  The BELL TOLLS...

     EXT.  SLEEPY HOLLOW, OVERVIEW -- NIGHT

     ... TOLLS mournfully over farms and forests...

     EXT.  FARM -- NIGHT

     ... TOLLS as a MAN comes from his barn, listening, then
     sprinting towards his home.

     EXT.  TOWN SQUARE -- NIGHT

     ... TOLLS across the deserted square.  Windows go dark.
     Shutters are slammed shut.

     EXT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE -- NIGHT

     ... TOLLS.  Ichabod bounds out to the lawn, halting to
     listen.  Katrina and Baltus come out on the porch.

                             BALTUS
               Constable, where are you going!?

     ... TOLLS... TOLLS... then, SILENCE.  Ichabod chases away.

                             BALTUS
               Come back, sir...
                     (watches him go)
               Madness.

     Baltus ushers Katrina back in.  The door slams.


     EXT.  BELLTOWER FIELD -- NIGHT

     Ichabod charges across the rocky field.  He slows, awed...

     The Belltower is down, its mast is splintered.  The horse is
     gone.  Ichabod moves to where the crow's nest lies smashed.
     No sign of Jonathan.

     EXT.  SLEEPY HOLLOW FOREST -- NIGHT

     Jonathan runs past, gripping his bow.  It's QUIET... till
     HOOFBEATS are HEARD in pursuit.

     Trees are silhouetted against the sky.  As HOOFBEATS get
     LOUDER, branches bend like arms and fingers yearning to
     touch.  As HOOFBEATS ROAR PAST, the trees relax.

     FURTHER ON, Jonathan runs.  WIND begins to BLOW.

     BEHIND, in motion, WE SEE Daredevil's snorting visage; eyes
     lizard-like, with vertical slits literally aglow.

     The Horseman's hand yanks a wooden WAR HAMMER from a saddle
     mount.  (No clear view of the Horseman.)

     HORSEMAN'S P.O.V.: closing in on Jonathan.

     Jonathan is overtaken.  The Horseman swings the hammer WHOOMP
     -- sends Jonathan sprawling.

     HOOFBEATS FADE.  Jonathan tries to get up, but pain shoots
     through him.  He crawls to retrieve his bow.

     Against a tree, he takes an arrow from his shoulder quiver
     and readies it.  Waiting.  A metal TAPPING is HEARD O.S.
     CLINK... CLINK... CLINK.  A HORSE SNORTS.

     Jonathan pulls the bow taut, pained, lips bloody.

     Elsewhere, Daredevil approaches slow.  The Horseman taps his
     sword on his spur, CLINK... CLINK... CLINK...

     Foliage moves as the Horseman's form pushes through.

     Jonathan releases -- the arrow WHISTLES...

     THWACK! -- imbeds in the Horseman's chest.

     CLINK... CLINK... CLINK... continues -- Jonathan readies a
     second arrow.  Pulls and releases -- O.S. THWACK!

     CLINK... CLINK... CLINK... Jonathan cries out, crawling away
     desperately.  Crawling through underbrush, over roots and
     rocks.  CLINK... CLINK... CLINK... Jonathan gives up, spent,
     face to the dirt.  He closes his eyes.

     CLINKING STOPS.  Daredevil halts astride Jonathan; two legs
     on each side of Jonathan's body.


     EXT.  SLEEPY HOLLOW FARMLAND -- MORNING

     Baltus and a large, DULLARDLY MAN ride.  Behind, Ichabod
     rides with Magistrate Philipse.

     Ichabod is not adept at riding his old nag, Gunpowder.

                             ICHABOD
               The Van Garretts died first; a man
               and his son, survived by a wife and
               two infants.  And the Widow Windsor
               was next...

                             PHILIPSE
               And now Jonathan Masbath.

                             ICHABOD
                     (looks back, ponders)
               Why would he flee this direction,
               with so much open ground to cross
               before he reached cover?

                             PHILIPSE
               He would not have gone into the
               Western Woods.  No sane man would.

     Philipse drinks from a whiskey flask, sees Ichabod watching
     and offers some.  Ichabod declines.

                             PHILIPSE
               Van Ripper there...

     Ahead, the dullard, VAN RIPPER, sloppily spits tobacco.

                             PHILIPSE
               ... found the body this morning.
                     (pause) 
               You do believe now, don't you?

                             ICHABOD 
               Believe?

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               You said yourself.  What mere man
               could have downed the Belltower?

                             ICHABOD 
               It is a prime tenet of science,
               Philipse, that because one thing
               appears improbable does not mean
               you embrace the utterly fantastical.

                             PHILIPSE 
               You need less big words, and more
               common sense.

     Philipse fingers an IRON KEY talisman he wears on a cord.

                             ICHABOD 
               What is that you wear?

                             PHILIPSE 
               My talisman.  It will, protect
               against the Horseman if I show a
               brave face.  But, I cannot run.  If
               I run in fear, it is worthless.

                             ICHABOD 
               Well... so much for common sense.


     EXT.  SLEEPY HOLLOW FORESTS, FURTHER ON -- MORNING

     Brom and Baltus stand at a HORSE'S CORPSE amongst jagged
     boulders.  The flesh has been stripped, guts exposed.
     Philipse and Ichabod arrive and dismount.

                             BALTUS 
               Was this Jonathan's?

                             BROM 
               Yes.  Seems he panicked across here
               and broke two legs.

                             ICHABOD 
               Who took the meat?

                             BALTUS 
               Must have been the Redman.  A Lenape
               Indian lives in the Western Woods.

                             ICHABOD 
               These woods of yours sound a bit
               crowded, what with all the witches,
               ghouls and Indians living there.

     Brom climbs up onto his own horse, a black beauty.

                             BROM 
               There's only one Lenape.  He eats
               small animals and lost children...
               and the occasional constable when he
               can get it.

     Brom rides.  Ichabod goes to the dead horse, digs in his
     satchel for a thin iron tool, which he uses it to pry off one
     HORSESHOE.  A WHISTLE is HEARD O.S.

     Everyone looks far ahead to where Van Ripper has ridden.  The
     doctor and others are there.  Van Ripper waves.


     INT. FOREST, MASBATH MURDER SITE -- MORNING

     Doctor Lancaster stands with SEVERAL ARMED MEN.  A coffin on
     a cart is covered by a blanket. Ichabod is crouched nearby.

                             ICHABOD 
               Why did you move the body, Doctor?

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER 
               To place it inside its coffin.

     Ichabod, nods, vaguely annoyed.  He puts the horseshoe into a
     hoofprint in the dirt.  It fits.

     Ichabod rises, walks, studying the ground, kicking up leaves.
     Brom, Van Ripper, Baltus and Philipse watch.

     Ichabod finds a deep hoofprint.  Huge.  He compares the
     horseshoe.  The hoofprint is much larger.

     Ichabod pulls his satchel off his shoulder, takes out a bowl,
     bottle of water and bag of brown powder; begins mixing water
     and powder with a fork to make plaster.

     The others watch, finding this bizarre, whispering.  Brom
     comes up to stand over Ichabod, irritated.

                             BROM 
               What the hell are you doing?

                             ICHABOD
                     (ignoring pause) 
               You are the blacksmith.  Ever shod
               a horse with a hoof this large?

                             BROM 
               Never.  A shoe that size I would
               have remembered.

     Ichabod starts to fill the print with plaster.

                             ICHABOD 
               Van Ripper.  Can you show where the
               body lay?

                             VAN RIPPER 
               I can show exactly.

     Van Ripper dismounts, wiping tobacco drool.  Ichabod rises to
     follow with his satchel.

                             VAN RIPPER 
               Here... in front of this oak, facing
               north.  Horrible...

                             ICHABOD 
               To the best of your recollection,
               where did the open wound fall?

     Van Ripper points.  Ichabod takes a BOTTLE of WHITE POWDER
     from his pocket.

     He uncorks the bottle, cautiously pouring powder in an x on
     the dirt there, then waiting.

     A chemical reaction causes the powder to bubble a bit.

                             ICHABOD 
               There was not much blood, was there?

                             VAN RIPPER 
               I didn't see none.

     Ichabod stands, puzzled.  He walks to the coffin cart,
     rolling up his sleeves.  Others come to watch, but keep
     distance.  Ichabod removes the blanket...

     Reveals Jonathan's headless corpse.

     Philipse can't look.  Ichabod takes strange spectacles from
     his satchel; wire-framed with many lenses.  MAGNIFICATION
     SPECTACLES.  He examines the gross neck wound, sniffs it.

     He pokes the flesh and severed spinal cord.

                             ICHABOD 
               No bleeding.

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER 
               What is that?

                             ICHABOD 
               This should have bled by the pint.
               Yet, no blistering or scorched flesh.
               How... ?  Whatever weapon was used...
               it cauterized somehow....

     Ichabod straightens, eyes weirdly big in the spectacles.

                             ICHABOD 
               It instantly burnt the wound shut.


     EXT.  CHURCHYARD AND CEMETERY -- DAY

     A coffin in a grave.  Headstone reads "MASBATH, 1799."  A
     CROWD gathered.  Young Masbath broods.  Clergyman Steenwyck
     steps forward to take a handful of newly dug dirt.

     Men with guns stand at the outskirts, like on guard.

     Steenwyck sprinkles dirt into the grave with prayerful words.
     In the crowd people whisper.  They steal glances at Ichabod,
     who stands with the Van Tassels.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, DINING/VARIOUS ROOMS -- DAY

     Dining room.  Sarah and two other servants collect plates.  A
     few people still sup, including Van Ripper, his warty WIFE
     and two kids.  Van Ripper guzzles ale, laughs at something
     his also-drunk wife says.

     IN the HALL and FOYER, funeral goers socialize quietly.

     FURTHER ON, in the SITTING ROOM, men smoke.  Young Masbath
     is confronting Ichabod, who is leaving...

                             ICHABOD 
               I am not here for revenge.  I am
               here to bring justice.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Whatever.  You still need a second
               to tend to your things.

                             ICHABOD 
               I manage fine alone.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               I deserve to help you.  Don't you see
               how much this means?  My father...
               he... he was a good man...

                             ICHABOD
                     (faces Masbath) 
               Young Masbath, I am sorry for your
               loss.  It is a great and sad tragedy.
               However... I cannot be the one to
               look after you now.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
                     (angry) 
               I did not ask you to, did I?

     Young Masbath exits.  Ichabod remains impassive.

     EXT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, FRONT PORCH -- DAY

     Ichabod comes out.  KILLIAN, a dashingly rustic man, carries
     his son, THOMAS, 5, and chats with Baltus.  Doctor Lancaster
     peers off at something through a SPYGLASS.

                             BALTUS 
               Hail, Constable.  How are you?

                             ICHABOD 
               Well enough.  Your gathering does
               honor to the deceased.

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER 
                     (still using spyglass) 
               We must be a curious sight to him.

                             ICHABOD 
               What are you spying on?

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER
                     (offers the spyglass)
               The Lenape.  He comes to gawk at
               civilization from time to time.

     ICHABOD'S POINT OF VIEW -- THROUGH SPYGLASS

     Searching a line of trees and foliage far away...

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER (o.s.)
               Do you see the Redskinned bastard?

     There he is -- the LENAPE.  A towering savage with misshapen
     features covered in tumors.  He ducks away.

     BACK TO SCENE ON PORCH

     Ichabod lowers the spyglass, a little awed.

                             ICHABOD 
               He is a behemoth.

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER 
               A diseased monster.

                             BALTUS 
               If you gentlemen will excuse the
               doctor and I... we have financial
               matters to discuss.

     Ichabod and Killian nod as Baltus and Lancaster head in.

                             KILLIAN 
               Master Crane, sir.  I'm glad we have
               time alone.  You've been told plenty
               about the Horseman, I'm certain.

                             ICHABOD 
               More than enough, actually. 
                     (tired laugh) 
               I beg you, no more, please.

                             KILLIAN 
               No, sir, no.  If you ask me, I say
               you just laid eyes on our murderer
               through that glass.

     Ichabod ponders, folding the spyglass.

                             ICHABOD 
               Tell me something. 
                     (pause) 
               What becomes of Young Masbath?

                             KILLIAN 
               Van Ripper and his wife agreed to take
               him.  They have children and a good
               home and good land.

     Ichabod nods.  He turns to look THROUGH THE WINDOW.  In the
     DINING ROOM, Van Ripper rises, ill.  His wife questions his
     health, but he holds her off and vomits.

     Ichabod notes this with a deep sigh.


     EXT.  VAN TASSEL ORCHARD -- EARLY EVENING

     Ocher dusk.  Ichabod rides to Young Masbath, seated on the
     ground, miserable.  Young Masbath does not look up.

                             ICHABOD 
               Find yourself a place in the servants'
               residence and wake me before dawn.
               Our first task will be an unsavory one.

     Ichabod rides.  Young Masbath runs to his horse and follows.


     EXT. CHURCHYARD AND CEMETERY -- DAWN

     Steenwyck is on horseback, looking down at Ichabod, furious.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               It is sacrilege!

                             ICHABOD 
               I cannot proceed without examining
               the previous victims.

     Steenwyck looks to men with shovels.  Killian's there.
     Philipse, hung-over, stands beside Young Masbath.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               Magistrate Philipse, surely you can
               stop this.

     Philipse just looks up with a helpless expression.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               I will not allow it.  I will not!

                             ICHABOD 
               Protest to my superiors if you like.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK
               Your superiors are two days away!

                             ICHABOD 
               Then, you should have left two days
               ago, because I have men willing to
               help me today.

     Ichabod motions.  Killian leads the men to the graveyard.
     Steenwyck watches, enraged.  He kicks his horse and rides.
     Philipse looks worried.

     EXT.  CHURCHYARD AND CEMETERY -- LATER MORNING (TIME CUT)

     A PSALM is HEARD READ by STEENWYCK O.S. while a coffin is
     exhumed.  Ichabod guides the lifting.  The coffin is put near
     the headstone "WINDSOR."  Ichabod looks...

     At the church, Steenwyck faces about fifty people who now
     take up the PRAYER.

     Across the cemetery, two coffins, one small, one large, are
     pried open.  "VAN GARRETT, 1799."  Killian leads the effort
     with Young Masbath's aid...

     The lids come off, revealing the HEADLESS BODIES of a MAN and
     a little BOY.  Young Masbath backs away.

     At the "WINDSOR" coffin, nails creak as Ichabod opens the
     lid.  WE DO NOT SEE inside, but when Ichabod does, he is
     aghast.  He looks to the men, angry.

                             ICHABOD
               Why was I not told of this?

     No answer.  Killian arrives, nods solemnly.

                             KILLIAN 
               The Widow Windsor.

                             ICHABOD 
               Is that all you say?  Look at her.

                             KILLIAN 
               It's not something people speak of
               openly.  She did not remarry.

     Ichabod kneels, studying.  Now, WE SEE: the belly of the
     headless corpse is bulbous, because the Widow Windsor was
     very far along in a pregnancy.

     Ichabod notices: a tear in the cloth of widow's blouse.  He
     reaches through the tear, feeling the stomach.

     He straightens, greatly troubled.


     INT.  DOCTOR'S RESIDENCE, MEDICAL ROOM -- MORNING

     Scissors cut open the widow's blouse.  There's an inch-long
     WOUND on the moldering belly; a sword puncture.

     Ichabod examines the corpse on a table.  Lancaster watches,
     anxiously mopping his face.  Young Masbath's in a corner.
     Ichabod goes to write in his ledger full of notes.

                             ICHABOD 
               What is the common thread between
               these victims?

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               I'm sure I don't know.

                             ICHABOD 
               We must discover it.  The reason the
               murderer chose these persons.

     Ichabod goes to look at the widow's corpse, pondering.

                             ICHABOD 
               The wounds are the same.  Cauterized.
               No chopping or half-measures either.
               One stroke took the head.  Have you
               seen, doctor... ?
                     (pointing to it) 
               Even the spinal bone... sliced as
               smooth as butter.

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER 
               I do not care.  You are welcome to
               use my work area, but I beg you...
               return her to her resting place.

                             ICHABOD 
               In time, doctor.  Soon as I finish.

     Ichabod picks up an iron knife.  He looks to Young Masbath.

                             ICHABOD 
               You should step outside.


     EXT.  CHURCHYARD CEMETERY -- EARLY EVENING

     Ichabod and others restore graves.  Ichabod looks to the
     church, where Clergyman Steenwyck stands in the door.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK
               The devil sent you, Ichabod Crane.
               The Lord will not forgive your sins.

     Steenwyck shuts the creaky doors.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     Ichabod sleeps, dreaming...

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- FARMLAND -- DAY

     A young BOY, 10, stands in a wheat field with his back to us.
     A FEMALE VOICE is HEARD FAINTLY, getting LOUDER.

                             FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)
               Ichabod!  Ichabod... come along.

     The boy, YOUNG ICHABOD, turns, smiling.  He runs.  We FOLLOW
     to a clearing behind a frontier home.  MOTHER waits.  Lovely
     woman.  She kisses him.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- YOUNG ICHABOD'S BEDROOM -- NIGHT

     Dark.  Young Ichabod, in bed, has one eye open.  Across the
     room, Mother has her back to him.  She's WHISPERING something
     to no one.  She turns...

     Young Ichabod pretends he is asleep.

     A DRAWER is HEARD SHUTTING.  Mother exits.  Ichabod gets up,
     curious, opens a drawer... finds something behind clothing.

     It's a piece of reed grass, woven into an elaborate pattern
     with shafts of wheat twisted into the center.  Young Ichabod
     replaces it, closes the drawer.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- MARKET SQUARE -- DAY

     A busy, muddy street lined by wares and produce.  Young
     Ichabod walks with FATHER, an emotionless man.  Father stops
     to examine tools.  Young Ichabod stays by him, but something
     captures his attention...

     Across the way, Mother is involved in a argument with a
     FREAKISH-LOOKING WOMAN.  They shout.  People stop to watch.
     Can't make out words, but Freakish Woman is furious.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- STORM SKY -- NIGHT

     LIGHTNING flashes over tree tops.  THUNDER BOOMS.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     Ichabod jerks awake in his bed.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, KITCHEN -- NIGHT

     Ichabod enters with a lantern and his ledger.  He sits,
     studies notes, then notices there's a light down the hall.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, SEWING ROOM -- NIGHT

     Opposite an elaborate loom, Katrina reads by candlelight.
     She looks up, seeing Ichabod enter.

                             ICHABOD 
               Sorry for disturbing you.  I thought
               a forgotten candle was burning.

     Katrina self-consciously closes her shabby book, puts it with
     another on her lap and covers them.

                             KATRINA 
               You do not disturb me.  Please stay.
               Having trouble sleeping?

                             ICHABOD 
               May I ask... why do you cover your
               book that way?

                             KATRINA 
               You pay great attention to small
               things.  I hide these as I hide all
               my books.  Father would not approve,
               lest it were the Bible.

                             ICHABOD 
               I, um... I have something to show you,
               if you have a moment.

     Ichabod sits, looking through his ledger.

                             KATRINA
               These are strange... may I?

     She takes his hand, spreads the fingers to the palm.  She
     touches the many evenly spaced scars.

                             KATRINA 
               These scars.  How did you get them?

                             ICHABOD 
               I have had them since childhood.  I
               cannot remember what from.

                             KATRINA 
               It would be interesting to find out.

     Their eyes meet.  Ichabod gets back to the ledger.  Katrina
     seems to relish the effect she has.  Ichabod finds a paper
     disk on string, illustrated thusly:

                             ICHABOD 
               Here it is.  A bird on one side.
               His cage on the other.  Now,
               stare at it. 
                     (spinning it) 
               The bird seems to be in his cage.

                             KATRINA 
               Yes, he does.  May I try?

     Ichabod gives it.  She spins it, smiling.

                             ICHABOD 
               He only appears to be inside the
               cage.  The point being...

                             KATRINA
               You made this, and the drawings?

                             ICHABOD 
               Yes, but listen.  The illusion is
               easily explained.  The eye retains
               each image, till they combine.  And
               yet, some would call this toy magic.

                             KATRINA 
               Don't you see why?  Look closely a
               moment.  Put your intellect aside. 
                     (spinning it) 
               Can't you see what is inexplicable?

     Ichabod watches it spin.  He shakes his head, unimpressed.

                             KATRINA 
               Oh, you are hopeless.  May I keep
               it at least?

                             ICHABOD
               If you want.  But...

                             KATRINA 
               Then, I also have a gift for you.
               True magic which even you will not
               be able to deny.

     She hands him a book.  "ROMEO AND JULIET."  Ichabod stands,
     offering it back, but she will not take it.

                             ICHABOD 
               Thank you.  No.  Here...

                             KATRINA 
               I insist that you have it.

                             ICHABOD
                     (resigned, leaving) 
               Very well.  But, it will only sit
               gathering dust.

                             KATRINA 
               That would be a pity.  Those words
               might show you something you've never
               seen before.

     Ichabod stops at the door, looks back.  He exits.


     EXT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE -- NIGHT

     A light glows in Ichabod's window.  LOOKING IN: Ichabod's in
     bed, fully dressed.  He sits up.  Pause.  He crosses to pick
     up "Romeo and Juliet."  He begins to read.


     EXT.  PHILIPSE'S FARM -- DUSK

     Ichabod walks with Philipse.  Young Masbath follows with the
     horses.  CICADAS CHATTER from a vast corn field.

                             PHILIPSE 
               Not more than a year ago, a mob hung
               a man for stealing a horse.  For
               stealing a horse!  And, you dig up
               our dead.

                             ICHABOD 
               Are you saying I should be frightened?
               Is this a message passed on from
               Clergyman Steenwyck?

     The CICADAS SUDDENLY go SILENT.  Young Masbath notices.

                             PHILIPSE 
               We are farmers here, not lawyers or
               bankers, or even constables.  Every
               penny we earn comes from what we
               send down the Hudson.

                             ICHABOD 
               I know it.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               Um.... excuse me, sirs...

                             PHILIPSE
                     (still to Ichabod) 
               Because of the Horseman, our migrant
               workers flee for their lives.  There
               is a danger that our crops will rot.
               So, if you are going to help us, you
               stop the Horseman.  That is your
               task... to kill an undead thing.

     Young Masbath looks to a fenced grazing area, worried.  The
     sheep there are agitated, all running one direction away.

                             ICHABOD
               Listen to what you say....

                             PHILIPSE 
               No, you listen!  You may think we are
               a pack of superstitious dullards...

                             ICHABOD 
               At times I do.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Sirs... please!

                             PHILIPSE 
               What will it take for you to realize
               this is no laughing matter?

     The horses go crazy, braying and rearing.  The reins yank
     Young Masbath off his feet as the horses flee.

     Ichabod and Philipse look to Masbath.  A SOUND is HEARD,
     distant: THUNDERING HOOFBEATS.  Wind kicks up.  HOOFBEATS
     seem to come FROM ALL DIRECTIONS.

     Philipse looks to the corn field.  A flock of birds alights;
     a great sheet of black against the sky.

                             PHILIPSE
               Oh my... oh my oh my oh my...

     Philipse runs towards his house, past Masbath.  HOOFBEATS are
     LOUDER, CLOSER.  Ichabod faces the corn field.

     The field explodes open, stalks bending to make way as the
     Headless Horseman gallops into view atop Daredevil.

     Young Masbath runs, following Philipse.

     Ichabod's stunned.  He looks down to draw his flintlock
     pistol, but the Horseman blows by before he can raise it.  A
     blast of air knocks Ichabod off his feet.

     The Horseman chases Masbath and Philipse.

     Ichabod follows.

     The Horseman draws his sword.

     Young Masbath falls in the grass...

     Daredevil's pounding hooves will certainly crush him.

     Daredevil leaps over Young Masbath, continuing the charge.

     Philipse has a long way to go before home.  He looks over his
     shoulder.  No way he'll make it.

     Ichabod, running, watches Philipse slow.

     Philipse gathers all his courage and stops, turning.  The
     Horseman is closing, sword held high.

     Philipse raises his talisman.

                             ICHABOD 
               Philipse!

     Philipse holds the talisman up, trying to be fearless.  The
     Horseman swings -- WE HEAR the CLANK of sword on talisman...

     Philipse's severed head spins.  His body falls and folds.

     Ichabod runs past Young Masbath.

     The Horseman halts just as Ichabod reaches a point in front
     of dead Philipse, aiming his pistol.  Daredevil lets out a
     SCREECHY CRY.  The Horseman rides toward Ichabod.

     Ichabod gets on one knee, trying to steady his pistol.  The
     Horseman closes.  Ichabod sweats bullets.  FIRES...

     The slug SLAMS the Horseman dead center -- bursts through and
     rends his uniform without slowing him.

     The Horseman is almost on Ichabod.  Ichabod cringes, arms
     up... as the Horseman passes.

     The Horseman leans to skewer Philipse's head with his sword.

     With the head as his prize, the Horseman races away.

     Ichabod gets up, watches the Horseman head to the forest.
     Ichabod looks to Young Masbath, finds his legs will not
     support him, falls, trembling.  THUNDER BELLOWS.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, SECOND FLOOR HALL -- NIGHT

     Lady Van Tassel comes to a door, knocks.  Sarah stands behind
     with a tray of food.  Young Masbath is seated near.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL
                     (to Young Masbath)
               Has he not come out at all?

     Young Masbath shakes his head.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     KNOCKING is HEARD.  Ichabod sleeps restlessly.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- YOUNG ICHABOD'S BEDROOM -- NIGHT

     THUNDER BOOMS.  WIND and POUNDING RAIN blast open a window.
     Mother comes to it, then moves to comfort fearful Young
     Ichabod in bed.

                             MOTHER'S VOICE (v.o.)
               Don't be afraid... don't be afraid.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- YOUNG ICHABOD'S HOME -- DAY

     A keyhole.  Young Ichabod's eye peers in...

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- P.O.V. THROUGH KEYHOLE

     Mother is kneeled before flour on the floor.  She draws
     patterns in it, whispering.  She blows the flour away.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- YOUNG ICHABOD'S HOME -- DAY

     The Freakish Woman (who argued with Mother) walks towards the
     home, supported by a SAD MAN.  She weeps, carrying something
     in a blanket.

     Young Ichabod comes a window, watching, scared.

     The Freakish Woman is so weak that she falls.  The blanket
     opens... the corpse of an infant tumbles to the dirt.  The
     Freakish Woman's WAILING GROWS LOUDER.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- FRONT OF YOUNG ICHABOD'S HOME -- NIGHT

     TWO MEN in black drag Mother to a coach.  She looks back,
     fearful, pulled along.  A THIRD MAN in black follows.

     Young Ichabod struggles as Father restrains him.

                             YOUNG ICHABOD
               No... mother... no... !

     The Third Man peers back, a gray-haired, Cotton Mather-ish
     man with a villainous face.

                             FREAKISH WOMAN (v.o.)
               The night of the great storm, I saw
               her cross my windows.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- COURTROOM -- DAY

     Many people in the gallery.  The Third Man stands in front of
     the tearful Freakish Woman in the witness box.

                             THIRD MAN
               You are certain it was she?

                             FREAKISH WOMAN
               In the lighting, I did see her.
                     (points)
               Her.  Lady Crane...

     Mother sits in shackles.

                             FREAKISH WOMAN
               I will never forget.  The next moment,
               I found my infant dead... with the
               blood welt on his breast.

     Those in attendance cry out at this.  Ichabod is seated
     beside Father, eyes filled with tears.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- YOUNG ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     As before, a STORM RAGES.  Ichabod is in Mother's arms.

                             FREAKISH WOMAN (v.o.)
               The night of the great storm, I saw
               her cross my windows.

                             MOTHER
               Don't be afraid...

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S BEDROOM -- DAY

     KNOCKING is HEARD.  Ichabod gasps awake.

                             KATRINA (o.s.)
               Constable Crane?

     Ichabod looks at his hands balled into fists.  He opens them
     -- has ONE HALF of PHILIPSE'S TALISMAN in each palm.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, SECOND FLOOR HALLWAY -- NIGHT

     Katrina holds a tray of food.  The DOOR is HEARD UNLOCKING.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     Katrina enters.  Ichabod sits at his work table.

                             KATRINA
               Are you hungry?

     Ichabod shakes his head, won't look up.  Katrina crosses.

     She begins picking up pieces of the PLASTER HOOFPRINT CAST
     which lies shattered on the floor.

                             KATRINA
               You promised justice.

                             ICHABOD
               If these are the random stalkings of
               a monster, what good am I?

                             KATRINA
               People have put their trust in you.

                             ICHABOD 
               They have done nothing of the sort.

                             KATRINA
               Won't they still have that justice?
                     (patience waning)
               Or, was it a vain promise?

     Ichabod stews, head in his hands.  Someone is HEARD
     RUNNING... Young Masbath enters, frightened.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               Constable Crane... something has
               happened.


     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS -- DAY

     The Lenape Indian hangs dead in a tree, lynched.  TOWNSFOLK
     are gathered.  Ichabod makes his way through, followed by
     Young Masbath, looking up.

                             BROM (o.s.)
               We do not need you, Constable...

     Brom strides towards Ichabod from a group of men spreading a
     sheet under the tree.  Van Ripper's there.

                             BROM
               The men who did this have been taken.
               We do not need you here.

     Brom points to where TWO FILTHY MEN in chains sit in a
     horse-drawn cart.  An armed man guards them.

                             ONE FILTHY MAN 
               You should thank us.  The killings
               will end.  We saved you all!

     The armed man shoves the filthy man to shut him up.

                             BROM 
               They spend two days in chains.

                             ICHABOD 
               Two days... ?  For murder?

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               For poaching.  Or, would you remake
               our laws now that Magistrate Philipse
               has given up the ghost?

                             ICHABOD 
               Does that look like an animal hanging?

                             BROM 
               Looks like an Indian.

     Van Ripper cuts the noose rope at the trunk.  The Lenape
     corpse free falls, landing hard.

     The Lenape lies in a heap on the sheet.  Van Ripper and
     others come to lift the sheet with the Lenape in the middle.
     Ichabod watches, noticing...

     The Lenape wears a WOVEN PIECE of REED GRASS a cord on his
     loin cloth, twisted in a pattern.

                             ICHABOD 
               Wait.  Give me a moment...

     Ichabod kneels.  He removes the woven piece, looking across
     the diseased Lenape's body.  Something else...

     The Lenape's mouth is agape; teeth rotting.  Ichabod looks
     around, finds a twig.  He uses it to pull the Lenape's mouth
     open... gets close to peer inside the Lenape's mouth.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- DAY

     A DRAWING of the Lenape's WOVEN PIECE in Ichabod's ledger.
     The piece lies near.

     Ichabod sits staring at it, trance-like.  Masbath waits.
     Long silence.

                             ICHABOD
               The Lenape Indian had much to tell
               once I opened his mouth.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               How could he?

                             ICHABOD
               His teeth.  Someone had cut them and
               chipped off rotten pieces far back
               in his mouth.  The Lenape could not
               have done that for himself.
                     (closes his journal)
               Someone out there cared for him.

     Ichabod rises, deciding.  He picks up his satchel and exits.
     Young Masbath is surprised.  He follows.


     EXT.  WINDMILL -- DAY

     A massive, wooden WINDMILL, raised off the ground on a 7'
     center post.  Ichabod and Masbath walk to it.

     INT.  WINDMILL -- DAY

     Ichabod and Young Masbath enter via a ladder from the
     underbelly.  Gears and counter wheels turn millstones.  A few
     men work in the grain powder filled air.

     Ichabod leads the way to a staircase, up twists and turns.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               Where are we going?

                             ICHABOD 
               Up.

     EXT.  WINDMILL ROOF -- DAY

     Ichabod and Young Masbath climb out a door to the roof.  The
     rotors spin nearby.  Ichabod searches the countryside.

     Below, MANY MEN are ride up the long straight road.

                             ICHABOD 
               What is it?

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               It's payment day.  Loan monies are
               given to Baltus the last day each
               month.  Almost everyone borrows...
               for tools or to hire workers.

     Ichabod sits, takes a bowl from his bag and gives it to
     Masbath, then produces a bottle of water... fills the bowl.

                             ICHABOD
                     (points) 
               Out there.  What do you see?

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               The Western Woods.

                             ICHABOD 
               Look again.

     A plume of smoke rises from woods, far.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Smoke.  Chimney smoke.

     Ichabod holds a piece of straw in his mouth, rubs the point
     of a sewing needle against a small BLACK ROCK.

                             ICHABOD 
               Are you familiar with magnets?

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               What kind of nuts?

                             ICHABOD 
               Not for eating, I assure you.  Watch
               here.

     Ichabod shows the magnet grab the needle.  Young Masbath is
     amazed, reaching for it.  Ichabod watches him play with it.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               It's spectacular.

                             ICHABOD
                     (smiles, pause) 
               Yes... I suppose it is.  Keep it.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               No, I couldn't...

                             ICHABOD 
               I have others.  All I need is this.

     Ichabod takes the needle, poking its butt end into the tip of
     the straw.  Young Masbath studies the rock, pockets it.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Thank you.

                             ICHABOD
                     (nods, almost shy) 
               Now, hold the bowl steady.  Back to
               business.

     Young Masbath lifts the bowl.  Ichabod drops in the
     needle/straw which floats and turns compass-like.

                             ICHABOD 
               If the Western Woods are truly the
               Devil's Glen, we will see for
               ourselves.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
                     (uneasy) 
               Father said witches live there.

                             ICHABOD 
               Witches do not exist.  However...

     Ichabod uses a knife to notch the bowl lip where the needle
     points, then surveys the smoke, making a second notch.

                             ICHABOD 
               Not long ago, I would have said the
               same for Headless Horseman.

                             KATRINA (o.s.)
               Constable... !

     Katrina's on horseback below, unhappy.

                             KATRINA 
               I need to speak with you.  Alone.


     EXT.  VAN TASSEL GREAT LAWN -- DAY

     Ichabod and Katrina lead their horses.  A heated argument.

                             KATRINA
               Why would you do such a thing?

                             ICHABOD 
               No stone may be left unturned.  It
               may appear harsh...

                             KATRINA 
               I have misjudged you I think.  I did
               not imagine you were so cruel.

                             ICHABOD 
               You are not regarding it in full.
               The Widow Windsor had been run
               through by a sword.  I followed the
               bloodless wound, a wound whose path
               I could not comprehend till I had
               seen the Horseman with my own eyes.

                             KATRINA 
               What are you on about?

                             ICHABOD 
               The child she carried was eight
               months grown at least... near to
               birthing.  The sword had pierced its
               tiny heart exactly.

                             KATRINA 
               Must I hear this?

                             ICHABOD 
               There was no blind stabbing.  This
               singular thrust found its target
               omnipotently, as if the Horseman made
               certain the unborn child died with
               its mother.

                             KATRINA 
               And this gives worth to butchery?

                             ICHABOD 
               It was not butchery.

                             KATRINA 
               What is it then?  Scientific method?
               How can any of this matter in the
               slightest?

                             ICHABOD 
               I have no solution for its meaning
               yet, but I could not just ignore it.

                             KATRINA 
               Take a lesson from Young Masbath's
               desires, Ichabod Crane.  He follows
               with you to avenge his father's death.
               That I understand.  But, what do you
               want?

                             ICHABOD 
               To avenge his father, and the others.

                             KATRINA 
               But, why?  Tell me why.

     Ichabod struggles for a reply.

                             KATRINA 
               You falter with your answer because
               you strive without putting the whole
               of your heart into it.  Can't you see?
               You'll bring dignity to the dead even
               if you have to chop them into little
               pieces to do it.

                             ICHABOD
                     (fed up, growing anger) 
               If it had been surgery on a living
               person, done to save that person's
               life, you would not question it.  Not
               for a moment.  So, let me be the first
               to tell you, dear girl... on the other
               side of these sheltering mountains, a
               whole world has advanced beyond such
               plebeian thinking as yours.  And
               someday, no matter how much you fear
               it, that world will come to roust
               Sleepy Hollow out of its slumber.

     Katrina storms away.  Ichabod's already regretting.


     EXT.  BELLTOWER FIELD -- DAY

     Ichabod and Young Masbath ride to the Western Woods, horses
     loaded for expedition.  At the Belltower remnants, Ichabod
     slows, looking to the wreckage.

     At forest's edge, Young Masbath waits.

     Ichabod circles the tower.  With a sigh, he rides to join
     Young Masbath. They head into the woods.

     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS -- DAY

     Dark, dense and creepy.  Ichabod and Young Masbath move
     through.  Young Masbath halts his horse and looks around.

                             ICHABOD 
               What is it?

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Listen.

                             ICHABOD
                     (listens, looks)
               I hear nothing.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               No crickets or cicadas calling.  No
               bird songs.

     Stark quiet.  Ichabod notes this unhappily.


     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS -- LATER DAY

     Ichabod's hand drops the needle/straw in the water bowl.  The
     needle spins.  The bowl is turned to match notches.

     Ichabod points the way to Young Masbath.

     ELSEWHERE, SOMEONE WATCHES:  A MOVING P.O.V. WATCHES them as
     they ride, FOLLOWS.

     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS, FURTHER ON -- LATER DAY

     Ichabod and Masbath reach a hill crest.  They stop, uneasy.
     Below: a CAVE with a rock archway.  An ill-fitting door
     covers the mouth.  The chimney spews smoke.

                             ICHABOD
               We have apparently arrived.

     EXT.  CAVE HOME -- DAY

     The horses are tied to a tree.  Ichabod walks to the cave
     door.  Unsure, he hesitantly knocks.

     INT.  CAVE HOME -- DAY

     Ichabod and Young Masbath step in.

     Walls are hung with skins and skeletons, dry flowers and reed
     grass in patterns.  An OLD CRONE sits facing away.

     The old Crone, a mountain woman with matted hair and grey
     features, sits disinterested.  Ichabod edges closer.

                             ICHABOD
               Pardon.  You did not answer when I
               knocked.  Are we intruding?

                             OLD CRONE
               You are from the Hollow?

                             ICHABOD
               In a way, yes.

     Ichabod looks at tables of gourd bowls of dead insects and
     acorns.  Knifes, scissors, yellow bones.  He takes the
     Lenape's piece of reed grass from his pocket.

                             ICHABOD
               The Lenape who lived in these woods...
               do you know him?  The Redman?
                     (uncomfortable wait)
               I should tell you... he has been
               murdered.

                             OLD CRONE
               Leave me.  You are not welcome here.

     The old Crone places something on a table beside her -- a
     dead cardinal, bright red.

     Ichabod is afraid, backing away, but Young Masbath takes the
     woven piece and steps to the Crone.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               Were you a friend to the Indian?
                     (waits)
               You should have this... if you were
               his friend.

     Young Masbath puts the woven piece beside the cardinal.  He
     walks to join Ichabod in leaving.

                             OLD CRONE
               You seek remedy against the Horseman?

     The Old Crone reaches to pick up the weaving.  She stands,
     faces them.  Tall.  Ichabod nods.

                             OLD CRONE
                     (to Young Masbath)
               Go out and keep away, child.
                     (to Ichabod)
               You stay.  Follow with me.

     The Old Crone takes a candle and walks, deep into the cave.

     INT.  CAVE HOME, LOWER CAVE -- DAY

     The Old Crone comes through a passage in the wet walls.
     Ichabod enters, scared, bent under low ceiling.

                             OLD CRONE
               I hear him.  He rides to the Hollow
               and back.

                             ICHABOD
               The Horseman.  Yes.

                             OLD CRONE
               Sit.

     Ichabod sits on crooked stool.  The old Crone kneels with her
     back to him, gathers straw in a pile on the floor.

                             ICHABOD 
               Can you help?

                             OLD CRONE 
               You want to see into the nether world...
               I can show you.  Whatever you see, do
               not move or speak.  I will hold him.

     She gathers bowls, putting grass and powder on the pile.

                             ICHABOD
               What... what are you doing?

                             OLD CRONE
                     (turns, furious) 
               Close your mouth!  Keep silent.

     She takes two jars from a table, pours ashes on the pile from
     one.  She shakes the other roughly, takes the lid off and
     upends it.  A baby bat squirms on the floor, dazed.

     The Old Crone holds the bat, using a knife to cut off its
     head.  She soaks the straw with blood, SPEAKING IN TONGUES,
     guttural.  Using a wick, she lights the straw.

     She grasps two METAL CUFFS with chains attached, slides these
     onto her bony wrists, then bends to inhale smoke.

                             OLD CRONE 
               He comes now.

     Ichabod would like to leave now.

     EXT.  CAVE HOME -- DAY

     Young Masbath, waiting by the horses, looks up.  Through the
     trees, black clouds billow and block the sun.

     INT.  CAVE HOME, LOWER CAVE -- DAY

     The old Crone slumps, still with her back to Ichabod.  She
     does not move.  Wind howls through a hole/window.  Rain.

     Candles blow out.  Ichabod stands, worried.

                             ICHABOD
               Excuse me... um...

     She remains motionless.  The STORM outside intensifies.

     WE SEE the skin of the Crone's wrists transform; swelling in
     the cuffs, hardening, cracking and bleeding.

     Some thing Ichabod cannot see.  He inches closer.

                             ICHABOD 
               Are you alright... ?

     The Crone turns, hideous, leaping erect -- a half-human,
     half-demon CREATURE.  Its black clawed hands reaching.

     Ichabod recoils, crying out.

     Chains on restraining cuffs yank the creature back.

     Ichabod hits the floor, knocking over a table of bones.  The
     creature is chained, but still wants Ichabod.  It SCREECHES.

     The Old Crone's face seethes from transformation, eyes blood
     red, nostrils dripping, teeth now jagged.

                             CREATURE/OLD CRONE 
               You seek the warrior bathed in
               blood... the Headless Horseman.

     Ichabod slides back as far as possible while the creature
     claws the rock floor, yearning.

                             CREATURE/OLD CRONE 
               Follow the Indian trail to where the
               sun dies.  Follow to the tree of the
               dead.

     The creature pulls, testing the chains.  Behind, the BOLT
     holding the chains to the wall slips.  The wall cracks.

                             CREATURE/OLD CRONE 
               Climb down to the Horseman's soulless
               place and let loose his silent
               shrieking.  Do you hear?  Do you hear?!

     Ichabod nods, quaking, aghast.  He glances to the exit.

     The chain bolt gives more... coming loose...

                             CREATURE/OLD CRONE 
               He who holds fast the Horseman's
               desire will guide his reaping hand.
               Catch hold of his desire.

     Ichabod bolts for the door.  The creature HOWLS, leaping...

     The chain bolt breaks...

     Ichabod cries out, tackled to the floor...

     It is the Old Crone who landed on him.  She has returned to
     human form, semi-conscious.  Ichabod shoves her off.

     EXT.  CAVE HOME -- DAY

     Ichabod runs out into the howling storm, past Masbath.

                             ICHABOD 
               We are leaving.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               What happened?

     Ichabod scrambles onto Gunpowder, heading further into the
     woods, glancing back.  Young Masbath follows.


     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS, FURTHER ON -- EARLY EVENING

     No rain.  Dark.  A lantern's glow creates shifting shadows as
     Ichabod and Young Masbath ride.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Follow the Indian trail to where the
               sun dies.  To the tree of the dead. 
                     (looking back) 
               Maybe we passed it by.

                             ICHABOD 
               How could something named "the tree
               of the dead" fail to draw attention?

     A BIRD CRIES OUT.  Ichabod's startled, looking up.  The BIRD
     is HEARD ALIGHTING.  Leaves float downwards.

                             ICHABOD 
               We should not go much further in
               this murk.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Should we go back?

                             ICHABOD 
               We are far from the Hollow. 
                     (dismounts, troubled) 
               Loath to say it... better to get our
               backs against a tree and stay till
               morning.

     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS (TIME CUT) -- NIGHT

     Horses are tied.  Ichabod is seated against a tree.  A
     campfire burns.  Young Masbath lies on a blanket, rifle cross
     his chest, staring to treetops.

     Leaves and branches shift in the wind.  Bats fly wildly.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               What does it mean... climb down to
               the Horseman's soulless place?

                             ICHABOD 
               "Let loose his silent shrieking."
               Who knows, till we work at it?  I
               admit not being anxious to find out.
                     (pause) 
               "He who holds the Horseman's desire
               will guide his reaping hand."
               Whatever the Horseman's desire is,
               other than extinguishing lives.

     A SNAPPING BRANCH.  Ichabod raises his pistol.

                             ICHABOD
                     (to Young Masbath) 
               Do not move.

     Ichabod rises.  He creeps forward, pistol and lantern
     forward.  Foliage is thick.  CRUNCHING LEAVES are HEARD.

     Ichabod crouches, puts down the lantern and picks up a
     branch.  He tosses the branch to the foliage...

     SOME ANIMAL darts away, a running blur.

     Ichabod rises, following with his pistol.

     ANOTHER ANGLE, MOVING P.O.V.: low to the ground,
     moving swiftly at Ichabod...

     Ichabod spins, blindsided.

     Young Masbath fires his rifle -- CRACK!!

     The ANIMAL is KNOCKED DOWN mid-leap, yelping...

     The beast lands, a mass of grey fur.

     Ichabod comes to stare down.  Young Masbath arrives.  They
     both look to the beast, horrified.

     The creature lies helplessly spastic; a TWO-HEADED WOLF, with
     one head blown open to brain and gore.  Its living head
     lifts, MEWING sadly, eyes pleading.

     Ichabod step up with pistol.  FIRES.  MEWING STOPS.

                             ICHABOD
               What God-forsaken hell is this?

     Ichabod swallows back sickness, looking away.  Something
     catches his eye.

                             ICHABOD
               Christ...

     Through the forest: the SKY'S LIT UP.  Distant fire.

     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS, CAVE HOME -- EARLY EVENING

     Ichabod and Masbath ride up, confronted by the Crone's cave
     vomiting flame out all orifices.

     Ichabod approaches.  Embers swirl everywhere.  The Old
     Crone's body lies amongst bloodied leaves.  Headless.


     EXT.  TOWN SQUARE, DOCTOR'S RESIDENCE -- NIGHT

     Much commotion.  A MOB in front of the home marked
     "LANCASTER, PHYSICIAN."  Steenwyck addresses the rabble.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               You all stand idle, while this man
               goes about with a book of secrets and
               a bag filled with magic.  You all
               stand idle, while the shadow of the
               Devil falls over our town.

     Baltus, Lady Van Tassel and Katrina watch at safe distance.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               I say, if you do nothing, you share
               in the blasphemy of Ichabod Crane!

     Killian, on horseback beside his wife, BETH, and son, Thomas,
     rides to one side of the shouting crowd.

                             KILLIAN 
               Listen to me!  Do you want to save
               your crops?  Or would you rather see
               your farms go to ruin?

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               How is he saving our farms?  How?
               Ichabod Crane has brought into our
               midst the soulless, moldering corpse
               of a heretic!

     INT.  DOCTOR'S RESIDENCE, MEDICAL ROOM -- NIGHT

     Ichabod examines the Crone's neck wound with magnification
     spectacles.  Young Masbath is seated, ledger in his lap.

                             ICHABOD
               The wound is neither smooth nor
               cauterized, but jagged.  She bleeds
               like a fountain.

     Ichabod lifts her dead hand to show bruises and cuts.

                             ICHABOD
               She did not go quietly.

     INT.  DOCTOR'S RESIDENCE, PARLOR -- NIGHT

     Doctor Lancaster wrings his hands.  His WIFE rocks nervously
     in a rocking chair.  The CROWD outside ROARS as a bonfire
     lights up the curtained windows.

     The front door is POUNDED open.  ANGRY MEN enter.  Lancaster
     stands, lips quivering.  He points insistently to a door.

     INT.  DOCTOR'S RESIDENCE, MEDICAL ROOM -- NIGHT

     Angry men break in.  Ichabod looks up.

                             ANGRY MAN
               Step aside, Constable.  Step aside...

     Ichabod is shoved aside, spectacles knocked off.

     The group grasps the Crone.  Masbath stands on his chair,
     clutching the ledger.  Ichabod grabs one man.

                             ICHABOD
               What are you doing?

     The man slams Ichabod back.

     Magnification spectacles are crushed under foot.

     EXT.  TOWN SQUARE -- NIGHT

     Angry men carry the corpse to a raging bonfire.  The mob
     makes way.  Steenwyck cheers them.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK
               Let her burn!  Let her burn!

     Ichabod comes out, followed by Young Masbath.  The Crone's
     corpse is thrown in the fire.  Cheers all around.

     At Ichabod's side, a man tries to grab the ledger Young
     Masbath holds.  Young Masbath cries out, hanging on to the
     book.  Ichabod joins the struggle.

     Katrina watches, emotions conflicting.

     Other men grab Ichabod.  One punches Ichabod in the face.

     Katrina rides forward as Baltus calls for her to stop.

     Katrina leaps down, into the crowd, pulls men off Ichabod.

                             KATRINA
               Stop this!  Leave them alone!

     A SHOT RINGS OUT.  Chaos halts.  Everyone turns, quieting.

     The men around Masbath and Ichabod turn to face Brom Bones.
     Brom holds a smoking pistol, flanked by Theodore and Glenn.

                             BROM 
               Let them go
                     (pointing) 
               Are you going to beat an orphaned
               child, imbecile?

     Masbath is released, along with the ledger.  Steenwyck moves
     forward, pushing people aside.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               Are you Ichabod Crane's protector,
               Brom Bones?

                             BROM 
               Only for the moment.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               You side with him in this?

                             BROM 
               No.  I agree he has only made matters
               worse.  But, that will change, if you
               listen.

     He trades with Theodore, pistol for a long rifle.  Brom hefts
     the rifle, taking a round slug from his pocket.

                             BROM 
               Theodore, Glenn and I offer to ride
               each day and night to watch over the
               Hollow.  We will stalk the border of
               the Western Woods and haunt the
               Horseman for a change, with rifles
               like this... and slugs like this...

     Brom brings the slug to his lips, blows.  It WHISTLES.

                             BROM 
               Hollowed out and filled with powder.

     Brom smiles at Katrina, who watches unimpressed.

                             BROM 
               Constable Crane is not the only one
               who fights with science on his side.

                             ICHABOD 
               I fired upon the Horseman and the
               bullet did nothing.

                             BROM 
               You must have missed your mark.

                             ICHABOD 
               I hit him square.

                             BROM
                     (to the crowd) 
               I say... if the Horseman is solid
               enough to take the lives of our
               people, he's solid enough to feel
               this...

     Brom aims the rifle at a BARREL down the road.  FIRES.

     PLUNK -- the barrel is hit -- EXPLODES.  Smoke wafts.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     In bed, Ichabod is having unpleasant dreams once more.

                             FREAKISH WOMAN (v.o.) 
               The night of the great storm, I saw
               her cross my windows.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- COURTROOM -- DAY

     Young Ichabod is seated beside Father, eyes tearful.  We are
     back in the court where Mother stands trial.

                             FREAKISH WOMAN 
               In the lightning, I did see her.
                     (points to Mother) 
               Her. Lady Crane... I will never
               forget it.  The next moment, I found
               my infant son was dead, with the
               blood welt on his breast.

     The evil Third Man turns to a jury of TWELVE MEN.

                             THIRD MAN 
               You have heard it.  The blood welt
               is the mark of Satan's touch.

     As the crowd murmurs in fear, Young Ichabod looks to Father,
     who sits with hands clenched, emotionless.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- YOUNG ICHABOD'S HOME -- NIGHT

     In the quiet kitchen, Young Ichabod looks across the table.
     Father stares into his food.

                             YOUNG ICHABOD
               She was with me, father.

                             FATHER
               Nothing can be done against them.

                             YOUNG ICHABOD
               She was with me that night.

     Father doesn't even look up.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- CHURCH -- NIGHT

     Empty church.  Young Ichabod carries a lantern past pews.  A
     soldier is seated near the altar with a rifle.

                             YOUNG ICHABOD
               May I see her?

     The soldier exits through a white door.  Young Ichabod waits,
     looking up at the vast church.  The white door opens and the
     Third Man steps out.

                             THIRD MAN
               Go home.

                             YOUNG ICHABOD
               May I see my mother?

                             THIRD MAN
               You do not want to be here.  Go home
               to your father.

                             YOUNG ICHABOD
               She did not do it... please listen...

                             THIRD MAN
               She is guilty.

                             YOUNG ICHABOD
               No, sir, please... she is innocent...

                             THIRD MAN
               She has confessed.

                             YOUNG ICHABOD
               No.

                             THIRD MAN 
               She has admitted to her evil and
               signed a written confession.  Do
               you know what confession is?
                     (off Ichabod's nod) 
               All that is left for you now is to
               pray for her soul.

     The Third Man leaves through the white door.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- YOUNG ICHABOD'S BEDROOM -- MORNING

     Young Ichabod buttons his shirt.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- YOUNG ICHABOD'S YARD -- MORNING

     Young Ichabod comes out, looks to the lawn, not
     understanding.  Father loads a wagon full of belongings.

                             FATHER 
               We are leaving.
                     (long pause)
               She has gone away.

     Realization comes to Young Ichabod.  He runs, away across the
     lawn as Father calls after him.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- FOREST TRAIL -- MORNING

     Young Ichabod runs, weeping.

                             THIRD MAN (v.o.) 
               She has confessed.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- CHURCH -- MORNING

     Empty.  Doors are thrown open and Young Ichabod enters.  He
     goes down the aisle, towards the white door.

                             THIRD MAN (v.o.) 
               She has admitted to her evil and
               signed a written confession.

                             YOUNG ICHABOD 
               Mother.

     ICHABOD'S DREAM -- CHURCH, BEYOND WHITE DOOR -- MORNING

     Young Ichabod enters, halting.  The room contains TORTURE
     DEVICES: iron cuffs, thumb screws, knifes and needles.

                             THIRD MAN (v.o.)
               Do you know what confession is?

     He walks, numb, eyes locked forward...

     In the corner is a SPIKED CHAIR, adorned with sharp iron
     spikes.  Hundreds of spikes.  It is fitted with straps for
     holding down the "accused."

     Tears stream down Young Ichabod's face.  He kneels, hands on
     the spikes of the chair, pressing hard.

     As he sobs, blood runs down from his hands.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     In bed, Ichabod opens tear filled eyes.  He sits up, bringing
     his trembling hands to wipe his cheeks.  His hands trail
     blood. He looks to them...

     The old scars are bleeding.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, SITTING ROOM -- NIGHT

     Katrina comes to the door.  Ichabod is seated by the fire,
     eyes bleary, palms wrapped with bloodied cloth.

                             KATRINA 
               Constable Crane?

     Katrina comes beside Ichabod's chair.

                             ICHABOD
               Allow me some time.  I have spent
               every hour in the company of others.
               I need to be alone.

                             KATRINA 
               What troubles you?

     She moves in front.  Ichabod gets up and crosses to sit
     facing away.  Katrina takes the chair he deserted.

                             KATRINA
               The things I said to you before...
               I was wrong to say them.

                             ICHABOD
               No, actually, you were not.  Every
               word you spoke had truth in it.

                             KATRINA 
               What has happened?

     Ichabod sits silent, puts his head back, eyes closed.

                             ICHABOD 
               Lady Van Tassel... she is your
               stepmother, isn't she?  She bears so
               little resemblance.

                             KATRINA 
               What?

                             ICHABOD 
               She is not your birth mother, is she?

                             KATRINA 
               No, but... why do you ask that?

                             ICHABOD 
               What happened to your mother?  Is she
               still alive?

                             KATRINA 
               She died.  Her lungs were diseased...
               two years ago.  What is this about?

                             ICHABOD 
               Memories have come back.  I had them
               forgotten, and wish I could forget
               them again... but they are here now. 
                     (pause) 
               Lord, how I hate this place.

                             KATRINA 
               If you want me to go, I will.  Do you
               want me to leave?

                             ICHABOD 
               I... I do not know.  I no longer know
               what I think or what I feel.

     Katrina walks to him.  She touches his back.

                             KATRINA 
               Why are you so afraid of that?  Is
               there truly such harm in uncertainty?

     She kneels, smiles a little for him.  She reaches to touch
     his face, holds his head in her hands.  Leans to kiss him.

     He rests his head against hers, weary, putting his arms
     around her.  They kiss passionately.


     EXT.  THE HOLLOW -- EARLY MORNING

     Dawn light, is visible over forests pounded by rain.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, SECOND FLOOR HALL -- MORNING

     Ichabod exits his room, satchel in hand.  He looks down the
     hall, then steps back in to take a white rose from a vase.

     AROUND A CORNER, Ichabod comes to the last door.  He bends,
     slipping the white rose under the crack of the door.

     EXT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, FRONT PORCH -- MORNING

     Rain.  Ichabod comes out.  Across the lawn, Young Masbath is
     bringing the horses.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL (o.s.) 
               Good morrow, Constable.

     Ichabod turns to see Lady Van Tassel in a chair, sewing.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               Returning to the Western Woods?

                             ICHABOD 
               Yes, actually.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               Use caution.

                             ICHABOD
                     (nods, studies her) 
               Do you know... I think those are the
               first words I have heard from you my
               entire time here.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               As my husband says, a wife should be
               always like an echo, and at the same
               time, quite unlike an echo.
                     (off Ichabod's confusion) 
               Like an echo, she should speak only
               when spoken to, and unlike an echo,
               should never try to have the last
               word, or, at least that is what he
               believes.

     Baltus comes out the door, irritable, skillet in hand.

                             BALTUS 
               Constable... did you notice anything
               out of the ordinary during the night?

     Ichabod eyes the skillet, ill at ease, trying not to be.

                             ICHABOD 
               Um... I... I did not... no.  Why?

                             BALTUS 
               Sarah has gone missing... my servant
               girl.  Her things are gone.  Damn it.
               She has joined the migration out of
               town.
                     (to Lady Van Tassel) 
               What about breakfast, woman?  Or, am
               I to starve to death?

     Lady Van Tassel gets up and goes in, taking the skillet.

                             ICHABOD 
               I should be going... good day to you.

     Ichabod heads towards Young Masbath.  Baltus watches from the
     porch, disgruntled.  He goes in.


     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS -- DAY

     Heavy rain.  Ichabod and Young Masbath ride side by side.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               If the Crone's wound bled hard, that
               means she was not killed by the
               Hessian.  Someone only tried to make
               it look that way.

                             ICHABOD 
               You grow sharper by the minute, little
               man.  It boggles my mind, but I begin
               to prefer your company over all others.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Well... I'm one of the few people who
               likes you.

                             ICHABOD
                     (laughs) 
               True enough.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Then, who murdered the Old Crone?  And
               why?

                             ICHABOD 
               Good questions, deserving answers, of
               which we are in short supply.

     A SOUND is HEARD.  Ichabod looks back, then to Masbath.

                             ICHABOD 
               Quicken pace.

     Ichabod rides faster.  Young Masbath keeps up.

     FURTHER ON, they charge over a hill.  Ichabod halts Gunpowder
     and climbs clumsily off.

                             ICHABOD 
               Ride on.

     Young Masbath obeys.  Ichabod takes out his pistol and wades
     into forest growth, backtracking.

     INSIDE THE FOREST, Ichabod bounds through underbrush, low.  A
     HORSE is HEARD SNORTING.  He pushes through branches...

     Moving behind a FIGURE IN A GREY CLOAK on horseback.

                             ICHABOD 
               Halt and turn.  I have a pistol aimed
               at your head.

     The figure stops, pushes off the cloak hood.  Katrina.

                             KATRINA 
               It is only me.

                             ICHABOD
               Katrina.  Why do you follow?

                             KATRINA
               I apologize if I worried you.

                             ICHABOD 
               A woman should not be out alone in
               these woods.

                             KATRINA 
               But, I am not alone, am I?  I only
               wished to see what you were up to,
               and...
                     (takes out WHITE ROSE) 
               To thank you.

     Ichabod softens, but doesn't want to.

                             ICHABOD
               Come along.

     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS, TREE OF THE DEAD -- DAY

     Raining still.  Ichabod, Masbath and Katrina come into a
     clearing, mouths falling open at the sight of...

     A monstrously huge TREE OF THE DEAD, at the clearing's
     center, with branches reaching far and wide, knotted and
     gross, like agony captured in wood sculpture.

     Ichabod dismounts, crossing a line beyond which grass and
     weeds will not grow.  Young Masbath and Katrina dismount.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               You were right... it does draw
               attention to itself.

     Ichabod stares up into the endless, dead canopy of branches.
     He circles the incredibly wide trunk.

     There's a VERTICAL WOUND in the bark, as if the tree once had
     a terrible vertical in it, now partially healed and
     disgustingly scarred.  Ichabod approaches.

     He feels the mushy scar, picking at its scabs till much sap
     begins to trickle. It is red and Ichabod fingers it.

                             ICHABOD
               Blood.

                             KATRINA
               What did you say?

     Ichabod goes to where Katrina and Masbath wait with the
     horses, digs in a saddle bag for a hand axe.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               What is it?

                             ICHABOD
               Stay back.

     At the trunk, Ichabod thumps the flat end of the axe against
     the suture.  It sounds hollow.  Ichabod begins to chop.

     He pulls away loose bark.  The tree drips more blood and a
     clear goo.  Ichabod uses both hands on the axe to hack at the
     festering suture.

                             KATRINA
               What are you doing?

                             ICHABOD
               Just... keep where you are.

     Ignoring, Young Masbath moves closer.  Ichabod keeps
     chopping, then grips a large, loose flap of wood, trying to
     bend it.  It's not easy.  Ichabod struggles.

     Katrina follows Masbath's slow advance.

     Ichabod's pulling... the flap suddenly gives, revealing a
     blood-soaked, wide-eyed, gap-mouthed HUMAN HEAD.

     Ichabod recoils.  Behind him, Katrina stifles a scream,
     taking Young Masbath in her arms to keep him from looking.

     It is Philipse's head, hanging off the trunk flap, held by
     roots grown around and into the flesh.

     Ichabod reapproaches, back of his hand to his mouth.

     FOUR other SEVERED, DECAYING HEADS are held by ingrown roots
     within the dewy innards.

                             KATRINA 
               My God... what has happened?

                             ICHABOD 
               He... he tries to take the heads...
               they will not pass.

     He looks to the branches towering above.

                             ICHABOD 
               Must be some sort of gateway.  But,
               why this place... ?

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               We should go.

                             ICHABOD 
               Why this tree?

     Ichabod begins looking at the ground, moving around the tree.
     He gets to his knees, pushing mud away.

     Uncovering a flush HEADSTONE carved with "666."

                             ICHABOD
                     (to himself) 
               "Climb down to the Horseman's
               soulless place."
                     (to Masbath) 
               Bring the shovel.


     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS, TREE OF THE DEAD -- LATER DAY

     Rain.  Young Masbath's crouched, muddy, rifle across his
     knees.  He's watching the tree.

     Behind him, Katrina climbs out of the shallow grave near a
     pile of mud.  Ichabod hands up the shovel.

                             KATRINA 
               Masbath, we've found it.

     Young Masbath goes to the grave.  Ichabod pulls at thick
     burlap cloth, straining as it comes away.

     Ichabod looks down, disbelieving.

                             ICHABOD 
               It cannot be true.

     WE SEE: roots have gripped the Horseman's bones and tattered
     uniform.  The skeleton is all there -- except the skull.

                             ICHABOD 
               Why is it every grave I open holds
               a new mystery inside?

                             KATRINA 
               The skull is gone.

                             ICHABOD 
               Yes.  I did notice that, thank you.

     Ichabod climbs out, weary in body and spirit.  LIGHTNING.
     THUNDER.  He stares at the bones.

                             ICHABOD 
               This is his silent shrieking... and
               his desire, to reclaim his head.

     Ichabod turns, looking to the bordering forest.

                             ICHABOD 
               "He who holds fast the Horseman's
               desire will guide his reaping hand." 
                     (pause) 
               Someone controls the Horseman.

                             KATRINA (o.s.) 
               Ichabod!

     Ichabod turns, looks...

     Katrina and Young Masbath back away, because the ROOTS in the
     grave are ALIVE, further entwining around remains.

     Ichabod spins to the twisted tree...

     The vertical SUTURE SEETHES, pulling inwards... sucking
     Philipse's head back in and closing, bubbling.

     Ichabod bounds over grave dirt pile, hastening Katrina and
     Young Masbath along as he flees.

     At the tree, the suture swells.

     Ichabod, Katrina and Young Masbath pass where their freaking
     horses are tied to a fallen trunk, heading for cover.

     A RUMBLING is HEARD from the twisted tree, which suddenly
     BURSTS wide, spitting smoldering cinders.

     At the tree line, Ichabod, Katrina and Young Masbath cower,
     looking back.

     From the tree wound, a glow brightens, till the Headless
     Horseman and Daredevil EXPLODE into existence...

     They hit the ground running.

     Ichabod watches the Horseman ride away with bolts of
     LIGHTNING STRIKING the GROUND BEHIND.

     The Horseman disappears in the forest.

                             ICHABOD
               His next victim is chosen!
                     (to Masbath)
               Give me distance, then guide her
               back to the Hollow.

     Ichabod runs towards the horses.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               Constable!

     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS -- DAY

     The Horseman rips past on Daredevil.

     EXT.  BEHIND IN WESTERN WOODS -- DAY

     Ichabod rides as fast as Gunpowder is able.


     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, KITCHEN -- DAY

     Small home.  Killian, Thomas and Beth have finished supper.
     Beth clears plates as Killian picks his teeth with a knife.

                             THOMAS
               May I be excused, father?

                             KILLIAN
               Do you deserve to be?

                             THIRD MAN
                     (shyly)
               I think so.

                             KILLIAN
                     (smiles)
               Then, go.

     Thomas gets down from his chair.  He goes to the fireplace to
     light a tallow wick, which he takes to the next room.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, WHITE ROOM -- DAY

     Thomas plops on the floor and lights his MAGIC LANTERN: a
     lantern with an outer sleeve of glass painted with
     silhouettes of lions and monsters.

     Thomas turns the lantern and looks to the walls where the
     creatures, shadows are thrown.  He roars for them, imagining
     them real and having a grand time.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, KITCHEN -- DAY

     Beth comes for more dishes.

                             BETH 
               Don't pick teeth.  You teach Thomas
               bad habits.

     Killian pulls her to him, playful.

                             KILLIAN 
               I am a bad habit.  There's nothing
               for it.

                             BETH
                     (kisses him) 
               No one knows better than I.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, WHITE ROOM -- DAY

     Thomas continues his fun, shadow animals circling him.

     In the shifting light, a baby spider comes from a crack in
     the wall.  Then, another spider skitters out.  More follow.

     EXT.  FORESTS -- DAY

     A black horse runs, hooves pounding the ground.  THUNDER is
     HEARD.  The horse slows and stops... it is Brom's horse, with
     Brom aboard.  Brom looks skyward.

     The storm harshens, roaring through the trees.  Distant
     HOOFBEATS can be HEARD.  POUNDING.

     Brom takes his rifle off his shoulder.  The HOOFBEATS grow
     LOUDER and PASS, far away.  Brom turns in the saddle and
     WHISTLES.  He kicks his horse and rides.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, WHITE ROOM -- DAY

     Thomas still watches shadow beasts, but sees something else.
     He goes to the crack where hundreds of spiders flee all
     directions. Thomas is amused.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, KITCHEN -- DAY

     Behind Killian, mantelpiece stones pulse, breathing almost
     imperceptibly.  Demonic faces form, then disappear and reform
     again, shifting.  WIND HOWLS.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, WHITE ROOM -- DAY

     Beth enters, looking at Thomas.

                             BETH
               What are you doing there?

     The magic lantern stops spinning.  Shadow creatures freeze.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, KITCHEN -- DAY

     The ENTIRE HOUSE CREAKS.  Killian looks up.  CREAKING STOPS.
     The HOWLING WIND is LOUD.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, THE WHITE ROOM -- DAY

     Beth comes to Thomas' side as he points.

                             THOMAS
               Spiders.

     Beth bends to see the swarming spiders.  She looks up,
     noticing the FEROCITY of the WIND.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, KITCHEN -- DAY

     Killian stands, looking up.  The HOUSE CREAKS again, then
     suddenly the WIND CEASES.  Silence.

                             KILLIAN
               Beth...

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, THE WHITE ROOM -- DAY

     Beth picks up Thomas.  The magic lantern creatures begin
     spinning anew, all around.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, KITCHEN -- DAY

     With a ROAR, the fire flares.  Killian looks.

     WHHOOOSH the fire shoots up the fireplace.  Gone.

     Behind Killian, the DOOR SPLINTERS INWARDS.  The Horseman
     steps in, a battle axe in each hand.  WIND BLASTS...

     The DOOR to the other room SLAMS.

     Killian grabs a kitchen chair and hurls it at the Horseman.
     The Horseman swings, smashing it aside.

                             KILLIAN
               Beth... run!

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, WHITE ROOM -- DAY

     Beth hugs Thomas to her as she backs away.

                             KILLIAN (o.s.)
                     (from kitchen)
               Get out!

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, KITCHEN -- DAY

     Killian grabs an iron skewer from the fireplace, swings it to
     fend off a blow from the Horseman.

     The Horseman swings the other axe.  Killian ducks.  The axe
     cracks fireplace stone, throwing sparks.

     Killian lunges, jamming the skewer into the Horseman.

     The skewer comes through the Horseman's back.  The Horseman
     swipes with the flat of one axe -- pounding Killian aside.

     Killian hits the wall, bashing his head.  Hits the floor.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, WHITE ROOM -- DAY

     Beth kicks a carpet to reveal a trap door.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, KITCHEN -- DAY

     The Horseman pulls the skewer out of his body, throws it.  He
     goes to lift Killian by the hair with one hand, brings back
     the axe in the other...

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, WHITE ROOM -- DAY

     At the trap door, Beth lowers Thomas to stairs leading to the
     cellar.  Thomas is crying.

                             BETH
               Don't let him get you.

                             THOMAS
               Mommy...

                             BETH
               You hide now... go...

     Beth closes the trap door, frantically replacing the carpet.
     The room's door flies open and the Horseman strides in,
     carrying Killian's severed head.  Beth shrieks.

     The Horseman steps forward, knocks over the magic lantern.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, CELLAR -- DAY

     Beth's SCREAMS are abruptly CUT OFF.  Her BODY is HEARD
     HITTING the floor above.  Thomas crosses the cellar,
     stumbles.  He scurries into the shelter of a wheelbarrow
     propped against the wall.  FOOTSTEPS are HEARD.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, THE WHITE ROOM -- DAY

     The Horseman's hands place Killian's and Beth's heads in a
     sack, cinching the sack shut.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, KITCHEN -- DAY

     The Headless Horseman enters, bends to retrieve the battle
     axe he left.  He stands.  Pause.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, CELLAR -- DAY

     Thomas' trembling hands pull the wheelbarrow closer.  QUIET.
     He tries to control his sobbing.

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, KITCHEN -- DAY

     The Horseman turns, falls to his knees.  He starts to chop at
     the floor with both axes.  CHOPping,  CHOPping,  CHOPping...
     making quick work of it...

     INT.  KILLIAN'S HOME, CELLAR -- DAY

     A hole appears in the ceiling as debris falls.

     Thomas looks up, terrified.  He gets up to run away...

     The Horseman's arm shoves through above, grasping Thomas and
     yanking him up.

     EXT.  KILLIAN'S FARM -- DAY

     Brom rides from the forest, charging across Killian's field.

     At Killian's house, Daredevil rides up as the Headless
     Horseman walks out with his sack of heads.  The Horseman ties
     the sack to the saddle and leaps up.

     Brom puts his reins in his mouth, raising his rifle.

     The Horseman heads away, past the barn, as Brom gains.

     Brom aims... FIRES!

     BOOM -- the slug EXPLODES, blowing the Horseman off
     Daredevil.  Daredevil keeps going.  The Horseman's smoldering
     body is left "face down."

     Brom halts his horse.  He climbs down, pleased.

     The Horseman moves.

     Brom backs away, satisfaction diminishing.

     The Horseman gets on his knees.

     Brom falls to one knee, begins reloading.  He fills the gun
     from his powder horn.

     The Horseman stands, unsheathes his sword and turns.  The
     blast has blown apart his uniform at the chest and shoulder,
     exposing rotten flesh and maggot-infested muscle.

     Brom readies his ramrod, jamming powder in the barrel.

     The Horseman charges.

     Brom stands, pulling out the ramrod.  The Horseman is on him.
     Brom swings the rifle, blocking.  Sparks fly.

     The battle is on, with Brom fending off the Horseman's sword
     with the gun -- CLANK -- CLANK -- CLANK.

     ACROSS THE FIELD, Ichabod and Gunpowder break into the open.

     UP THE FIELD, the Horseman makes a backhanded swing.  Brom
     goes down, his rifle sent flying.

     Brom rolls to avoid as the Horseman slashes.

     Brom flees.  The Horseman pulls and throws a knife...

     THWAP -- the knife imbeds in Brom's thigh.

     The Horseman runs towards Brom.

     Ichabod closes in, pulling an unlit lantern off his saddle.

     Brom tries to get up, bends to extract the knife.

     The Horseman, mid-run, changes his sword grip, blade down.

     He plants one foot on Brom's back, raising his sword, about
     to skewer...

     Ichabod arrives full gallop, SMASHES the lantern into the
     Horseman -- knocking the Horseman off Brom.

     AT THE EDGE OF THE FOREST, Theodore and Glen arrive on
     horseback.  They hold a moment, watching.

     Brom runs, limping, to the barn, goal in sight: farm
     implements propped there.  Brom grabs SCYTHES with long
     curved blades, one in per hand.

     The Horseman rises.

     Ichabod turns Gunpowder and leaps off, runs to Brom.

     The Horseman moves towards them, hefting a battle axe in his
     free hand.  Ichabod steps up, pistol aimed, furious.

                             ICHABOD
               For what it's worth...

     FIRES -- the bullet rips through the Horseman's stomach to
     reveal putrid innards as he keeps advancing.

     At the forest, Theodore looks to Glenn, turns and flees.

     Brom steps up, scythes ready.  He and the Horseman go at it.
     Brom blocks axe and sword, catching and deflecting blows.

     At the forest, Glenn follows Theodore away.

     Ichabod grabs a long handled SICKLE.

     Brom swings the scythes.  The Horseman avoids.

     Ichabod moves to the side, looking for an opening.  He swings
     the sickle. The Horseman blocks.

     The Horseman battles both at once, catching blows...
     countering every strike, METAL RINGING.

     Brom catches the Horseman's sword in one scythe, holding it
     off.  Catches the axe handle in the other scythe.

     The Horseman flatfoot KICKS Brom's chest, sending him down.

     Ichabod swings the sickle blade...

     Hits the Horseman, the blade embedding to the hilt.

     The Horseman drops his axe and grasps the sickle, jerking...

     The sickle handle SLAMS Ichabod's, knocking him away.

     Ichabod crawls, tries to shake off the blow.

     He looks up.  The Horseman staggers, spastically trying to
     pull the blade from his body.

     Brom limps to Ichabod, yanks him to his feet.

                             BROM
               We cannot win this.

     They head towards the forest.

     Behind, the Horseman extracts the sickle, throws it.  He
     strides after them, picks up his axe on the way.

     EXT.  RIVERBANK -- DAY

     Ichabod and Brom stumble down a hillside.  Brom points.

                             BROM
               There...

     They run to a DOCK at the edge of a wide, rapid river.  They
     jump into a FLAT BOAT barge.

                             BROM
               Go to the front and guide it.

     Ichabod goes.  Brom uses a scythe to slash the ropes.

     Ichabod picks up a GUIDE POLE.  The barge lurches, set free.

     Ichabod struggles to push the boat out.  it moves swiftly,
     caught in rain swollen current.

     Brom looks back.  No Horseman.  He leaves the scythe and
     moves to the front, hefting another pole to help guide.

                             BROM
               Let's see him catch us now.

     Ichabod looks to the shore.  Horror.

                             ICHABOD
               Look.

     LIGHTNING ILLUMINATES -- ahead, the Horseman stands on the
     bank with Axe and sword.  Daredevil near.

                             BROM 
               We'll pass right by the son of a bitch.

     Ichabod and Brom push with the poles, trying for speed.

     At the bank, the Horseman walks directly to the water...

     Just as he takes a step onto the water, the rain churned
     surface TRANSFORMS -- instantly BECOMING a SHEET of ICE...

     SPREADING and supporting the Horseman as he advances.

     ICE SHOOTS OUT ahead of him, towards a point in the river
     where it will intercept the barge.

                             BROM
               My Christ...

     The Horseman's ICE BRIDGE engulfs the barge, HALTING IT.

     Ichabod and Brom are thrown.  The barge is trapped.

     The Horseman nears.

     Brom runs to the rear to retrieve his scythe.  Ichabod holds
     up the only weapon he has, his guide pole.

     The Horseman steps on board.  Ichabod swings.  The Horseman's
     axe cracks the pole in half...

     The Horseman thrusts with sword -- into Ichabod's chest --
     clean through.  It SIZZLES as Ichabod screams.

     The Horseman lifts Ichabod up, flips him, pulling the sword
     out as Ichabod goes...

     SMASHING through the ice and under.

     UNDERWATER: water carries Ichabod, slams him against ice
     above. He's pulled down by undertow.

     ABOVE WATER, beyond the edge of the ice bridge: Ichabod comes
     up, gasping, choking on rain.

     He treads water, looking to the barge.

     ICHABOD'S P.O.V. -- FROM THE WATER

     Aboard the barge, the Horseman cuts Brom down... stands over
     him, chopping with sword.  Our VIEW grows BLURRY, and...

     FADES OUT/IN

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     Candlelight.  Ichabod, shirtless, feverish, opens his eyes.
     The wound at the top of his chest is raw.  Katrina inserts a
     needle in the skin around it.

                             KATRINA
               Lay still, Ichabod.  Do not move.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL
               Doctor, he is awake.

     Ichabod tries to sit.  Pain stops him.  Lady Van Tassel helps
     bleed the wound with the needle and a tube leading to a
     SUCTION JAR of blood.

                             ICHABOD
                     (barely a voice)
               What... what are you doing... ?

                             KATRINA
               I'm drawing bad blood from the wound.

     Doctor Lancaster comes to the bed.

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER
               Keep still, Constable.  You were
               half-drowned when they found you.

                             ICHABOD
               ... Brom Bones...

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER
               He is dead.  You would be also, if
               your wound had not somehow shut.

                             ICHABOD
               Bring Young Masbath here.

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER
               You need to sleep.

                             ICHABOD
               Bring him.

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER
               You need rest.

     Ichabod gives up, closes his eyes.  Katrina, needle in one
     hand, brings her other hand to hold Ichabod's.

     Blood drips into the suction jar.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- LATER NIGHT

     Ichabod is soundly asleep.  Across the room, Katrina is at
     his work table.  Ichabod stirs.  Katrina looks to him.

     Once she is satisfied he will not wake, she returns to what
     she was doing, turning a page.  She is reading his ledger.

     EXT.  SERVANT'S QUARTER'S, MASBATH'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     Young Masbath lies awake.  A glint of light crosses the
     window.  Masbath looks to it, gets up, peers out.

     THROUGH THE WINDOW, he can see the Van Tassel Manor House in
     the distance.  Lantern LIGHT crosses the lawn.

     EXT.  VAN TASSEL ESTATE, ORCHARD -- NIGHT

     The lantern light moves through the orchard, away from the
     house.  We cannot make out the person.

     Elsewhere, Young Masbath runs in pursuit.  He hides against
     one tree, leans to look...

     The light enters forest.  Young Masbath follows.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- MORNING

     Ichabod's hurting.  Masbath helps with a shirt.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               Someone left last night.  Looked
               like they headed to the square, but
               I lost them in the forest.

                             ICHABOD 
               Man or woman?

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               All I saw was their lantern.

                             ICHABOD 
               Business, best hidden is hidden best
               at night.

     Ichabod goes to his work table, organizing his satchel.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               If someone has the Horseman's skull...
               if they control the Horseman, then why
               haven't they sent him for your head
               yet?

                             ICHABOD 
               Because, I serve a fine purpose alive.
               It is perfection for our murderer if I
               return to New York City with nothing
               more than tales of a galloping ghoul. 
                     (pause) 
               We must uncover the reason these
               victims were targeted.  What was taken
               from them... other than their lives?
               Who benefits by their deaths?

     Ichabod fumbles the bottle of white powder.

     It bounces, cork popping out... rolls under the bed.

                             ICHABOD 
               Damn it.

     Ichabod kneels, pained.  A trail of the blood-detecting
     powder has spilled.  The bottle is out of reach.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               I'll get it.

     Young Masbath gets down, ready to crawl for it, but Ichabod
     stops him, peering under.

                             ICHABOD
               Wait...

     Far under, near the bottle, some powder is bubbling.

     Ichabod moves to the end of the bed and lifts, in pain. 
     Young Masbath helps. They drag the bed to one side.

     Under the bed: a Satanic PENTAGRAM has been DRAWN IN BLOOD.

     Ichabod stares, trying to grasp the implication.  Masbath is
     about to speak, but Ichabod puts a finger to his lips.

     Ichabod moves to lock the door.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
                     (whispers) 
               Who did this?

     Ichabod does not answer.  He picks up a wash basin and dumps
     the water to wash the Pentagram away.


     EXT.  TOWN SQUARE/CHURCH -- DAY

     WAGONS, HORSES and TOWNSPEOPLE swarm.  A CROWD loots the
     town's general store.  Provisions are passed along man to man
     and loaded on wheelbarrows.

     All up and down the long straight road, home owners board up
     windows with lumber.

     Ichabod and Young Masbath ride, passing many angry faces.

                             ICHABOD
               Panic has set in.

     They stop, tying their horses and climbing stairs to the door
     of the "NOTARY."  Ichabod looks off...

     DOWN THE ROAD, at the far end, people head to the church.
     Much activity there as well.

                             ICHABOD
               Sanctuary.  Or, so they hope.

     Families put up tents all around the church within the
     bordering wrought-iron fence.  Supplies abound.

     People work to build and erect massive wooden crosses.


     INT.  NOTARY PUBLIC, HARDENBROOK'S OFFICES -- DAY

     Tidy room.  Young Masbath watches Ichabod hand a slip of
     paper to the elderly Notary, Hardenbrook.

                             ICHABOD
               Do you have these persons' wills?

                             HARDENBROOK
               I have everything... last testaments...
               birth certificates, death certificates...
               deeds.

                             ICHABOD
               Yes, sir... but, do you have these?

     Hardenbrook studies the paper with his one good eye.

                             HARDENBROOK
               Certainly... certainly.

     Hardenbrook nods, handing the list back, grinning.  Ichabod
     stands waiting.  Hardenbrook is still nodding.

                             ICHABOD
               May I see them, Master Hardenbrook?

                             HARDENBROOK
               Hmm?  See them?

                             ICHABOD
               May we look at them now?

                             HARDENBROOK 
               Of course.  You want them... it shall
               not take long.  Wait here.

     Hardenbrook heads across the room.  Ichabod offers the list.

                             ICHABOD
               Maybe you should take this.

                             HARDENBROOK 
               A fine idea.

     Hardenbrook takes it and exits.  Young Masbath sits.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               What good is this?

                             ICHABOD 
               To discover what might have been taken
               from those who died, it will help to
               know what was there that could be
               taken in the first place.

     Ichabod waits.  After a moment, he looks uncertain.  He
     crosses to the half-open door...

     INT.  NOTARY PUBLIC, RECORDS ROOM -- DAY

     Ichabod sticks his head in, not liking what he sees.

     Hardenbrook's amidst unbelievable disarray.  Tables, shelves,
     and baskets of unevenly piled documents.

     Hardenbrook looks on a shelf, confused, then goes to a table,
     lifting papers, mumbling.

                             HARDENBROOK 
               Damn... damn... damn...

                             ICHABOD
               Master Hardenbrook...

     Hardenbrook turns, a bit startled.

                             ICHABOD 
               Perhaps, I could assist in finding them?

                             HARDENBROOK
               Well... that might be... helpful.

     INT.  NOTARY PUBLIC, RECORDS ROOM (TIME CUT) -- DAY

     Hardenbrook is asleep in a chair, snoring, blind eye open.
     Ichabod and Young Masbath face official-looking documents,
     with Ichabod focused on one will in hand.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               My father had farm land.  It was the
               only thing we owned of any value.

                             ICHABOD
                     (still reading) 
               And it now belongs to you, according
               to Baltus.  I heard him say it.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Yes.

     Ichabod turns the will in his hand to Masbath.

                             ICHABOD 
               Then look here at your father's will,
               and tell me why you are not listed.

     Young Masbath takes it, boggled.  Ichabod grabs another.

                             ICHABOD 
               Van Garrett had denoted his elder son
               in his last wishes; the same son
               murdered along with him.  But Van
               Garrett's wife and two infant children
               are not written... and they were spared.
                     (picks up another will)
               Do you see?  Philipse had no family to
               bestow his farm to.  But, here...
                     (picks up another) 
               The Widow Windsor was listed on her
               late husband's will.  After her
               inheritance, she amended the document
               to include her bastard child.  This is
               why the Horseman made absolutely
               certain to impale the unborn descendant.

     Ichabod sits back.

                             ICHABOD 
               Only the heirs were killed.  Proof that
               the Horseman slaughters by assignment.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               But, if the farm is not mine, who stole
               it away?

                             ICHABOD 
               No one yet, far as I can tell.  It has
               gone intestate.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               In test... what?

                             ICHABOD 
               Intestate.  Your farm... all the
               farms... they belong to no one.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               What does it mean?

     Ichabod stares off.

                             ICHABOD 
               Often in such cases, property which
               has gone intestate legally passes to
               whomever the deceased was indebted to.
               And, who in this town is owed a great
               many debts?

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
                     (realization) 
               Baltus Van Tassel.

                             ICHABOD 
               Did your father take a loan?

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Yes.  I rode with him on payment days.

     Ichabod stands, grim, gathering wills and his ledger.

                             ICHABOD 
               Tonight, we answer questions.  And, to
               discover who moves about the Van Tassel
               house after dark... all we need is a
               candle.

     A LOUD NOISE is HEARD from the other room.  Ichabod looks.

     INT.  HARDENBROOK'S OFFICES -- DAY

     Ichabod bursts in.  No one there.  A chair has been knocked
     over and the front door is ajar.  Ichabod moves...

     EXT.  NOTARY -- DAY

     Ichabod exits.  All around is the commotion in the square as
     before.  No telling who it was who just fled.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- DAY

     Young Masbath is seated, bored.  Ichabod writes in his
     ledger.  A KNOCK on the door.  They both look up.

                             KATRINA (o.s.)
                     (from outside door)
               Constable... are you there?
                     (long pause)
               Ichabod?

     The knob is tried and found locked.  Pause.  At the bottom of
     the door, a red rose is passed under.

     This saddens Ichabod.


     EXT.  CHURCH -- NIGHT

     Quiet night.  The church is a sight, with a yard resembling
     an empty squatter's tent city, surrounded by crosses.
     Boarded over windows leak shafts of light.

     MOVING PAST THE WINDOWS: many eyes peer out from the slats.

     UP IN THE BELFRY, TWO RIFLEMEN are on watch.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     Ichabod and Masbath are in darkness, still waiting.  Ichabod
     takes the cover off a lantern, looks at a clock.  Midnight,
     straight up.  Ichabod stands, picks up an unlit candle.

                             ICHABOD
               Midnight seems an appropriate time.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, HALLWAY -- NIGHT

     Ichabod and Young Masbath look out, cautious.  They move to
     the nearest door.

     Ichabod crouches, using the candle to mark the seam of the
     door and door frame.  He's making a low, wax seal.  If the
     door opens, the seal will break.

     They move to a second door, quietly.  Ichabod makes another
     low wax mark.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, MAIN ENTRANCE -- NIGHT

     Ichabod and Masbath come downstairs to a hall.  Ichabod
     continues his wax marking at each door.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, BALTUS' OFFICE -- NIGHT

     Ichabod and Young Masbath enter, shutting the door.  Ichabod
     walks to shelves at Baltus' desk, looks through ribbon bound
     DOCUMENTS and hands some to Masbath.

     Young Masbath pulls off the ribbon, pages through these "LOAN
     AGREEMENT" parchments.  Ichabod brings another pile.

                             ICHABOD
                     (whispering)
               They are alphabetical.

     Young Masbath has the M's.  "MARYIE," "MEGAPOLENISIS," AND
     "MELYN..." Not finding what he wants.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               There is no Masbath here.  My father's
               loan papers are missing.

                             ICHABOD
                     (regarding his documents) 
               There are none for Magistrate Philipse
               either.  "Paasch, James" "Pieter,
               Thomas" "Pos, William."

     A FLOORBOARD CREAKS.  Ichabod looks, blows out the lantern.
     He and Young Masbath stand frozen.

     Across the room, light comes under the door, stops, then
     continues.  A DOOR is HEARD OPENING and SHUTTING.  Ichabod
     crosses to follow, pointing back.

                             ICHABOD 
               Keep looking.  Then, hide in my room
               and bolt the door till I return.


     EXT.  FOREST -- NIGHT

     Lantern light moves, far ahead.  Ichabod follows.

     EXT.  FOREST, FURTHER ON -- NIGHT

     Ichabod stops, hidden.  He can see the light ahead, but it is
     no longer in motion.  He advances.

     EXT.  FOREST CLEARING -- NIGHT

     A lantern sits on a rock.  On a blanket, a semi-naked MAN and
     semi-naked WOMAN are in the midst of rough SEX.

     Ichabod crawls to peer from underbrush.

     The couple keeps coupling, with the man on top.  His grunts
     and gasps are particularly desperate.  He's all over the
     woman, who lays back... it is Lady van Tassel.

     Ichabod swallows, inches closer.

     Lady van Tassel pulls the man's shirt, exposes his flesh.
     She raises a small, sharp KNIFE behind his back.

     Ichabod's eyes widen.

     Lady Van Tassel brings the blade to her own hand, slicing
     deep in her palm.  Blood flows.  She rubs her cut hand over
     her partner's arching back, smearing blood.

     Lady van Tassel caresses the man's chest, neck, face...
     trailing blood.  The man lifts his head, in ecstasy, sucks
     the woman's bloody fingers... it's Clergyman Steenwyck.

     Ichabod backs away, having seen more than plenty.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     Young Masbath unlocks the door.  Ichabod enters.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               I was getting worried.  Who was it?

                             ICHABOD 
               Lady Van Tassel.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               What was she doing?

                             ICHABOD 
               Something I really wish I had not seen.
               Never mind it.  Did you find the
               victims' loan agreements?

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               No.  They are all missing.

     This troubles Ichabod.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               There is more, though.  While you were
               gone, I could hear someone else
               walking through the house.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, UPSTAIRS HALLWAY -- NIGHT

     Ichabod and Young Masbath creep round a corner.  Going to the
     LAST DOOR, Ichabod crouches, eyes narrowing...

                             ICHABOD
                     (whispers, to himself) 
               Katrina.

     The wax seal is broken, flecks of wax on the floor.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, FOYER AND HALL -- NIGHT

     Ichabod and Masbath come downstairs, checking all the wax
     marks.  Young Masbath finds one broken.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Here.

     Ichabod comes over, pushes the door...

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, KITCHEN -- NIGHT

     They enter.  The kitchen is empty.  Ichabod crosses to
     another door, crouches.  Another broken wax mark.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, SEWING ROOM -- NIGHT

     They enter... the room with the elaborate loom.  Ichabod
     moves his lantern to make a quick search, goes to table.

     He touches the top of a candle.  His finger comes away with a
     bit of still wet wax.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               There are no other doors.  This is as
               far as she could have gone.

                             ICHABOD 
               It is nothing.  She comes to read books,
               so her father will not find her.
                     (to convince himself) 
               It is absolutely nothing.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               What books?

                             ICHABOD 
               Fiction plays and novels.  Baltus does
               not approve.  Now, come.  It may not be
               long before Lady Van Tassel returns.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               But, sir... what books?  Where are they?

     Ichabod stops, looking around.  No books anywhere.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               If there is a secret place for books...
               it could be just as good for the
               missing loan agreements.

     Ichabod ponders this without saying anything.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, SEWING ROOM -- LATER NIGHT

     SEARCH MONTAGE:

     - Drawers are opened and searched, quietly.
     - Young Masbath uses a candle to look up the fireplace.
     - Ichabod opens a linen cabinet, unfolding blankets.
     - Young Masbath looks in a closet filled with big spools of
     sewing thread, on his knees, pulls a wooden box forward.
     Inside it, he finds only old cups and silverware.

     Ichabod pulls up a rug, feeling along the floorboards.

     Young Masbath crawls, doing the same.  He climbs under the
     loom, tapping on the floor.  TAP... TAP... TAP...

     He crawls further under the loom.  TAP... TAP... PLONK.  A
     hollow sound.  He taps again... PLONK... PLONK.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Constable.

     Ichabod comes over as Young Masbath lifts a loose board.
     Under the floor, there are piles of books.  Masbath brings
     them up, handing them to Ichabod, who studies the spines.

     Young Masbath reaches in up to his shoulder.  He comes up
     with "LOAN AGREEMENTS."

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Fie!  Here they are.

     Ichabod takes them.  Names are near the top: "Masbath," "Van
     Garret," "Philipse," and "Killian."

     Ichabod sits back, numb, his heart bitterly broken.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, KITCHEN -- MORNING

     Lady Van Tassel prepares food with two servants at the open
     fireplace/oven.  Ichabod enters, rushed.

                             ICHABOD 
               Excuse me, Lady Van Tassel... Katrina
               is not in her room.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               No.  She has gone out.

                             ICHABOD 
               Where?

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               She has taken the last of our grain
               to be milled.
                     (crossing to him) 
               You do have a background in the
               medical arts, don't you, Constable?

                             ICHABOD
               Very little.  I must be going...

     Lady Van Tassel holds out her cut palm, the gash sewn shut.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL
               Will you look at this?  I cut my hand
               this morning: I sewed it myself, but
               I am afraid it will go bad.

     Ichabod takes her hand, distracted and nervous.

                             ICHABOD
               It appears well.  It has already
               clotted.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               Look closer.  Do you have anything to
               clean it with?

                             ICHABOD
               It is fine.  Now, I must...

     Lady Van Tassel grabs Ichabod by the wrist, tight.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL
                     (whispering, close) 
               I know you saw me.

                             ICHABOD
               What... ?

     Lady Van Tassel glances to servants, keeps her voice low.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               I know you followed last night.  You
               must promise not to tell Baltus...

     Ichabod tries to pull away, but she grips tighter.  The FRONT
     DOOR is HEARD SLAMMING.  Ichabod is panicky.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               Have mercy on me.  Please... have mercy.

     Ichabod pulls away just as Baltus enters.  Lady Van Tassel
     goes back to work as if nothing happened.

                             BALTUS 
               Constable, it is urgent that we speak.

     EXT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE FRONT PORCH -- MORNING

     Baltus leads Ichabod to the porch.

                             BALTUS 
               Clergyman Steenwyck is calling a
               meeting.  This time he is determined
               to have you forced out, or worse.

                             ICHABOD 
               How did you hear this?

                             BALTUS
               He came to me.  He promised great
               violence.  Said I should cast you out
               for my own protection.
                     (troubled pause)
               I must speak honestly.  There is no
               reason to think he will not meet with
               success.

     Ichabod looks to barn, sees Masbath bringing the horses.  The
     CHURCH BELL is HEARD TOLLING far away.

                             BALTUS 
               That is the meeting bell already
               calling.  With the murder of Killian
               and Brom, no one sees any good from
               you.  If... if you were to leave...
               you might be saving your own life.

     Ichabod studies Baltus, then offers his hand.  They shake.

                             ICHABOD 
               I appreciate your concern.  I thank
               you, sir.

     Ichabod hurries off, across the lawn, exasperated.  He runs.
     Masbath runs to him.  Ichabod takes Gunpowder and climbs up.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
                     (mounting his horse) 
               What now?  Where is she?

                             ICHABOD 
               Things have become complicated.
               Katrina is at the mill.  Ride ahead,
               find her and bring her to meet me
               outside the church.  Find her at all
               costs.  Quickly.

     They ride, fast.


     EXT.  FOREST -- DAY

     A conjuring pile of straw burns.  Gloved hands unfold a paper
     filled with clippings of human hair.  The hair is sprinkled
     on the fire.

     A cloaked FIGURE is kneeled at the pile.  The figure turns to
     remove A human SKULL from a cloth bag.

     The skull is placed at center in the flames.  It's teeth are
     sharp, cut to points.  The HORSEMAN'S SKULL.


     EXT.  CHURCH -- DAY

     In the church yard refugee camp, food is prepared over fire.
     People inhabit the tents.

     INT.  CHURCH, STEENWYCK'S QUARTERS -- MORNING

     IN THE CHURCH: it's crowded with families.  Pews filled with
     bedding and belongings.  Steenwyck comes to CLOSE the DOUBLE
     DOORS of his quarters, turning, angry.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               You are astonishing, Constable.  Do
               you truly think your ridiculous
               accusations frighten me?

     Ichabod is doing nothing to hide his disdain.

                             ICHABOD 
               Only if I repeat them outside this
               room.  And, I will if I must...
                     (points to doors) 
               Out there, for all to hear.  Or...
               you may speak, as planned.  But, you
               tell them you feel compelled to move
               on to greener pastures.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               No.  You will not run me out.  No one
               will believe a word of what you say.

                             ICHABOD 
               Oh?  Far as I can tell, a rumor does
               not travel alone for long here.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               Are you a deist?  Is that it?  A free
               thinker who does not believe in
               divinity.

                             ICHABOD 
               It is only important what you are.
               An adulterer...

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               I am the Lord's voice in this town.

                             ICHABOD
               Wallowing in sin and lust...

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               They need guidance.

                             ICHABOD 
               Wallowing quite literally in blood.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
                     (snapping, quaking) 
               Damn you, sir!  God damn you to hell!

                             ICHABOD 
               He may.  But, not soon enough for
               you, and not on your behalf.

     Ichabod walks.  Steenwyck is humiliated.

                             ICHABOD 
               You are so upset now... and yet, you
               seemed in such good spirits last night.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               You cannot do this.  I am a man of God!

                             ICHABOD 
               Climb to the top of the tallest ladder
               you can find, Father.  That is the
               closest you ever come to God.

     INT.  CHURCH -- DAY

     Pews are packed.  Steenwyck enters, walks to the altar.
     EVERYONE QUIETS.  Steenwyck has composed himself, barely.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               My friends... dear friends.  Those of
               you still on your farms, I thank you
               for coming.

     He sees Ichabod near the back.  THUNDER is HEARD OUTSIDE.

                             FATHER STEENWYCK 
               I... I address unfortunate business. 
                     (pause) 
               I am forced to take my leave from
               Sleepy Hollow.  I will be moving on to
               do the Lord's work elsewhere.

     The GATHERERS MURMUR shock.  Ichabod walks out.


     EXT.  THE LONG STRAIGHT ROAD -- DAY

     Raining hard.  Baltus and Lady Van Tassel ride.

                             BALTUS 
               Hurry along.  The meeting has most
               certainly already begun.  We do not
               want Steenwyck as our enemy.

     Lady Van Tassel trails.  WOOD is HEARD SPLINTERING...

     Just off the road, a tree falls...

     The trunk catches Lady Van Tassel's horse on its rear flank.

     The horse falls.  Lady Van Tassel hits the dirt.

     Baltus looks back, halting.

     Lady Van Tassel looks up to Baltus in fear, then turns.

     Behind her, the Headless Horseman trots from, the forest on
     Daredevil, stops.  Calm.  He takes his axe in hand.


     EXT.  CHURCH -- DAY

     Storming.  The meeting is letting out.  Near the churchyard
     gate, Young Masbath rides with Katrina following on a horse
     cart.  Ichabod walks up as Katrina dismounts.

                             KATRINA 
               What is so urgent?

                             ICHABOD 
               Come with me.

     Ichabod leads her to where they can talk away from others.

                             KATRINA 
               Why have I not seen your face for so
               long?  You look much better.

     She touches his face, but he takes her hand, places the loan
     agreements there.

                             ICHABOD 
               Explain these.  I found them secreted
               away in the sewing room.

     Katrina's expression changes just so slightly to guilt.

                             ICHABOD 
               Why... why have I scrambled and run
               and clawed in all directions, only to
               find you against me?

     He stares at her.  Katrina stares back, in a small way
     defeated.  She looks for an out, but there is none.

                             KATRINA
               I have been reading your journal.
               I'm sorry.  I found it too fascinating
               to resist. 
                     (pause, ashamed) 
               I rode to catch up with you at the
               Notary, out of curiosity.  Before I
               found you though, I overheard what you
               were said.

                             ICHABOD 
               It was you there?

                             KATRINA 
               When... when you spoke father's name
               along with accusations, I could not
               believe it.  I had to hide these... at
               least till I could confront him myself.

                             ICHABOD 
               And, what did he say?

                             KATRINA 
               He did not do these things.  If you
               knew him, you would realize...

                             ICHABOD 
               What did he say, Katrina?

                             KATRINA 
               I have not been able to face him yet.

                             ICHABOD 
               The loans give the land to your father.
               It does not matter survivors are still
               on their farms.  They could be thrown
               off... tomorrow... a year from now.

                             KATRINA 
               Yes, I have seen that, and I told you
               why I hid them.

                             ICHABOD 
               What would you have me believe?

                             KATRINA
                     (tiring, angry) 
               If you think I am behind this, say it.

                             ICHABOD 
               The name Van Tassel is blackened.  You
               share that name.

                             KATRINA 
               Call me a liar, then, and a murderess.
               Say it, out and out.

     Many people are starting to notice the confrontation.

                             ICHABOD 
               Katrina...

                             KATRINA 
               Speak the words, Constable.  What is
               stopping you?  What has happened to your
               ability to transcend sentimentality?

     Emotions tear at him.  Rain seems to pound down harder.

                             KATRINA 
               Oh, no.  No.  Please... don't dare stand
               looking as if you still care for me,
               after all that you have said.  If I were
               to confess, would that ease your
               suffering?  Would that make it easier
               for you to hate me?!

     A TORTURED CRY is HEARD O.S.

     Baltus comes charging through the square on his horse.

                             BALTUS
               The Horseman is coming!

     He's barely hanging on.  He stops, practically falling off,
     running towards Katrina and Ichabod.

                             BALTUS
               Save me...

                             KATRINA
               Father?

                             BALTUS
               He killed her...

     Baltus grasps Katrina, fearful.  HOOFBEATS are HEARD.

                             BALTUS
               The Horseman has killed her.

     Far behind, the Horseman rides to follow, axe held up.
     Instant mayhem -- people scatter all directions, screaming.

     Baltus runs headlong to the church.

                             KATRINA
               Father!

     Katrina runs after Baltus.  Ichabod backs away, watching the
     Horseman come, then heads to the church with Masbath.

     Baltus pushes through the iron gate, into tent city, joining
     the swarm of townsfolk pouring into the church.

     The Horseman rides behind, closing the gap.  Men, women and
     children run for cover all along the square.

     Amidst the churchyard panic, Ichabod looks back...

     The Horseman reaches the open gate and Daredevil suddenly
     rears up, snorting, unwilling to enter.

     The Horseman grabs Daredevil's reins, tries to move forward
     again.  Same result.  Daredevil freaks out.

     INT.  CHURCH -- DAY

     Baltus makes his way in, shoving.  People are still clamoring
     in through the doors.

     Men pass rifles from stockpiles and climb onto pews at
     boarded windows.  Women herd children into a cellar.

     Baltus searches for a hiding place.  He looks across the
     church to see Steenwyck closing the doors of his living
     quarters.  Baltus moves...

                             BALTUS 
               Steenwyck!

     At the front doors, Katrina squeezes in with Ichabod and
     Young Masbath just as people are forcing the doors closed.
     It's madness.  People outside begin pounding.

     Katrina searches.

                             KATRINA 
               Father!

     Ichabod goes to a window, looking out between boards.

     EXT.  CHURCH -- DAY

     Across the yard, the Horseman gives his axe an underhand toss
     to the ground inside the gate.

     The AXE instantly BEGINS TO DEGRADE TO DUST in the rain.

     The Horseman rides, keeping outside the fence.

     INT.  CHURCH -- DAY

     Ichabod comes away from the window, looking to panicked
     citizens.  He sees Katrina moving up the aisle...

     She's heading towards Baltus, who slams against the door to
     Steenwyck's room.

                             BALTUS 
               Damn you, Steenwyck!  Help me!
               Let me in!

     RIFLES BOOM LOUDLY as men at the windows begin firing.

     EXT.  CHURCH -- DAY

     The Horseman circles, under fire.

     Great clouds of gun smoke shoot from the church.

     Men fire down from the belfry.

     Parts of the Horseman and Daredevil splatter red into the
     rain as slugs hit without effect.

     AT THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CHURCH, the Horseman comes around,
     heading to the town square.

     INT.  CHURCH -- DAY

     Rifleman shout to each other, running to the opposite windows
     to follow the Horseman.

     Young Masbath grabs a rifle and leaps to join the brigade.

     Baltus is still beating Steenwyck's door when a HUGE FARMER
     grips Baltus angrily and throws him...

                             HUGE FARMER 
               You'll kill us all!

     Baltus falls, knocking over pews.  Katrina's nearby.

                             HUGE FARMER 
               You're the one the Horseman wants.
               Why should we die for you!?

                             KATRINA
               NO!

     The huge farmer picks Baltus up, dragging him and shoving
     Katrina aside as she approaches.

     Ichabod's pushing past people, trying to reach them.

     EXT.  CHURCH/TOWN SQUARE -- DAY

     The Horseman brings Daredevil to a halt, yanking a large coil
     of ROPE off a hitching post.

     INT.  CHURCH -- DAY

     The huge farmer shoves Baltus to the floor again.

                             HUGE FARMER
               Get out!

     Others join the rage, pulling Baltus towards the front of the
     church, shouting.  Ichabod struggles to push them off.

                             ICHABOD 
               Stop this!

     Ichabod gets to Baltus' side, trying to protect.

                             ICHABOD 
               The Horseman cannot enter!  It does
               not matter who he wants, he cannot
               cross the gate!

     At the windows, ONE RIFLEMAN turns, crying out.

                             ONE RIFLEMAN 
               He's coming back!

     More panic.  The huge farmer moves towards Baltus.

                             HUGE FARMER 
               We have to save ourselves!

     Baltus pulls the pistol from Ichabod's holster, brandishing.

                             BALTUS 
               No!  Get away from me!

     EXT.  CHURCH -- DAY

     The Horseman rides past the front, fired upon.

     He halts at the wrought iron gate, reaching to yank off one
     POST which is pointed on top, like an arrow head.

     INT.  CHURCH -- DAY

     Baltus holds everyone's back with the pistol.

                             BALTUS 
               The next person to lay hands on me
               will have a bullet.  Stand off!

                             KATRINA
               Father...

                             BALTUS 
               No!  We're safe here.
                     (points at Ichabod) 
               You said it.  The Horseman will not
               have me.

     CRASH, the harpoon-like post SPEARS through a window,
     trailing rope tied to it...

     CRACK -- SKEWERS Baltus from behind, the bloodied point
     bursting out his breast bone.

     Baltus looks down, drops the gun... clutching the post with
     both hands.  Blood streams out his mouth.  Katrina screams.

     The rope yanks Baltus back.  He SLAMS into the WINDOW...

     EXT.  CHURCH -- DAY

     Baltus CRASHES out, hits the ground, dragged...

     Outside the fence, Daredevil runs with the rope tied around
     his saddle pommel.  The Horseman strides forward, sword out.

     Baltus SLAMS the fence and the rope snaps.  He is held there
     awkwardly, gurgling blood.

     The Horseman reaches Baltus... chops off his head.


     INT.  SLEEPY HOLLOW FORESTS -- DAY

     The storm has passed.  Empty forest.  Long, peaceful pause,
     till Ichabod makes his way through, searching the ground.

     Ichabod comes to look down a small hill.  The corpse of Lady
     Van Tassel lies headless, in a dirty, torn dress.

     Ichabod walks to the body.  Lady Van Tassel's arm is twisted
     behind.  The sewn cut on the palm of her hand faces up.

                             ICHABOD
                     (shouting back)
               Here!  I have found her...
                     (looking at corpse,
                      quiet and miserable)
               Here she is.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, UPSTAIRS HALL -- EARLY EVENING

     Doctor Lancaster comes out from where Katrina is asleep.  He
     closes the door, wipes his sweaty face.  Ichabod waits.

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER 
               It has been a terrible jolt to her
               nerves.

                             ICHABOD 
               You will stay at her side?

     Doctor Lancaster nods.  Ichabod walks.

     EXT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE -- EARLY EVENING

     It's getting dark.  Ichabod comes out and crosses the porch.
     A few of the Hollow's residents are here.  Young Masbath gets
     up and follows Ichabod onto the lawn.

     Ichabod walks without waiting.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               She's the one who controlled the
               Horseman, isn't she, sir?  Sir? 
                     (no answer)

                             ICHABOD 
               I need time for thinking.  Without you
               hanging on my coattails for a change.

     Ichabod keeps walking.  Young Masbath stops, wounded.


     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS, TREE OF THE DEAD -- NIGHT

     Ichabod stands holding a torch, looking up.  The whole area
     is bright from the light off a giant fire.

     There are broken lanterns and barrels around the agonized,
     twisted tree.  The tree is aflame, fire dancing up the trunk,
     and through every branch to lick the sky.


     EXT.  FOREST -- DAY

     Dawn.  Ichabod is seated overlooking the Hudson.  He stares
     at the beauty around him, brooding through bleary eyes.
     Gunpowder is tied to a tree.  BIRDS SING.

     The ledger is open in Ichabod's lap.  He thumbs pages
     absently, just keeps staring off.

     EXT.  FOREST -- DAY (TIME CUT)

     A fire burns in a circle of rocks.  Ichabod's ledger is
     thrown in.  The pages catch quickly.

     Ichabod watches, then walks away.  He's about to climb onto
     Gunpowder, but on second thought he opens his satchel and
     digs out a BOOK.  He walks back to the fire, throws it on...

     "Romeo and Juliet."  Flames devour it.


     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS, TREE OF THE DEAD -- DAY

     The clearing is silent.  The twisted tree still stands,
     smoldering, impressive as ever, or perhaps even more so with
     the alien appearance its blackened skin now affords it.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     Ichabod packs up baggage.  Young Masbath is miserable.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Won't you change your mind, sir?
               What can I say to convince you?

                             ICHABOD 
               Nothing.  To hell with this place
               and all the people here.

     Ichabod closes a bag, throws it with others.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Why... why are you like this?

                             ICHABOD
                     (pause, softening) 
               You do not know all that has happened.
                     (pause) 
               You cannot understand.

     EXT.  VAN TASSEL ESTATE -- NIGHT

     A coach, with Gunpowder as one of its team, waits in the
     orchard.  Van Ripper comes to meet Ichabod and Masbath.

                             ICHABOD 
               Half now.  Half when we reach the
               city.

     Ichabod hands Van Ripper money.  Van Ripper takes the
     baggage.  Ichabod looks to the Manor House.  Only one light
     shines, in a second floor window.

     Katrina can be seen there a moment as she closes curtains.

     Ichabod turns to Young Masbath, who is beginning to cry.

                             ICHABOD 
               This is farewell.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Take me with you.  There's nothing
               left for me here.

                             ICHABOD 
               I cannot.
                     (bends to Masbath) 
               You should not worry.
                     (pause, sorrow) 
               Van Ripper and his wife will look
               after you.  They will.  You will be
               well cared for.

     Young Masbath hugs.  Ichabod hugs back, swallowing.

                             ICHABOD
               I am sorry.
                     (quietly) 
               Forgive me.  I failed you.

     Ichabod releases and goes quickly away, finding this misery
     unbearable.  He climbs in the coach.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Do not go, Constable.  How can you
               leave?

     INSIDE THE COACH, Ichabod slumps back in darkness and closes
     his eyes.  He pounds twice on the coach wall.

     OUTSIDE, Van Ripper whips the reins.  The coach starts.
     Young Masbath follows.  The coach picks up speed on the long
     straight road.

     Young Masbath stops, wiping tears.

     EXT.  TOWN SQUARE/CHURCH -- NIGHT

     Ichabod's coach moves through the town square.  A few people
     in the churchyard's tent city come out to watch it pass.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     The door is pushed open.  Young Masbath enters, looks around
     the empty room.  He goes to sit in a chair at the work table,
     crossing his arms and resting his head.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, SITTING ROOM -- NIGHT

     A plate of food sits untouched.  Katrina is slumped down in a
     chair, heartbroken, staring into the fireplace.

     Behind her, a shadow moves across the room.


     EXT.  THE LONG STRAIGHT ROAD -- NIGHT

     Van Ripper leads the coach through the stone pillars marking
     the entrance of Sleepy Hollow.

     INT.  ICHABOD'S COACH -- NIGHT

     Ichabod takes off his hat, sets it on the seat.  The window
     between him and the driver slides open.

                             VAN RIPPER 
               Sir... this is yours.
                     (offering something) 
               The Van Tassel girl said to give it
               to you after you were gone.

     Ichabod takes it.  It is the bird/cage spinning toy.  He
     studies it.  What melancholy.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, DINING ROOM -- NIGHT

     Katrina sits with her eyes closed.  A BOARD is HEARD
     CREAKING.  She sits up. Suddenly, a FIGURE in black is behind
     her as she turns.  WHACK! -- a gloved fist strikes.

     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, ICHABOD'S ROOM -- NIGHT

     A dull THUD is HEARD downstairs, like a body falling.  Young
     Masbath takes notice.  He moves to the door...


     INT.  ICHABOD'S COACH -- NIGHT

     Ichabod turns the strings on the bird/cage toy, ponders it.

     The paper disk spins, images flickering until the bird
     appears to be inside the cage.

     Ichabod keeps spinning it, looks out the window.

     A tear rolls down his cheek.

     The bird cage toy's rotation slows... stops.

     Ichabod looks at it a long moment, then pockets it and leans
     forward to the window at front.

     OUTSIDE THE COACH

     Ichabod's face appears behind Van Ripper.

                             ICHABOD
               Van Ripper, turn the coach about!

                             VAN RIPPER
               What did you say?

                             ICHABOD
               Turn around.  Now!


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, FOYER -- NIGHT

     Young	Masbath comes down the stairs, looking around meekly.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               Hello?  Katrina?

     Masbath starts down a hall.  He does not see, in another
     room, Katrina's body is dragged across the floor.


     EXT.  TOWN SQUARE, DOCTOR'S RESIDENCE -- NIGHT

     The coach comes to Lancaster's.  Ichabod climbs out before it
     even stops fully, satchel in hand.  He hurries...

     INT.  DOCTOR'S RESIDENCE, PARLOR -- NIGHT

     Doctor Lancaster, half asleep, comes to answer BANGING on his
     door.  Ichabod pushes past, taking Lancaster's lantern.

                             ICHABOD
               Pardon the intrusion...

     INT.  DOCTOR'S RESIDENCE, MEDICAL ROOM -- NIGHT

     Ichabod enters.  There are two coffins on the floor.

                             ICHABOD
               I never examined these bodies.

     Ichabod removes the lid from one coffin.  Lancaster is about
     to say something indignant, but then just looks disgusted.

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER
               ... help yourself, you pompous ass.
               I will be in bed.

                             ICHABOD
               Would you stay, doctor?  I may need
               assistance.

     Lancaster reluctantly remains.  Ichabod stares at the dead
     Lady Van Tassel.  The neck wound is covered by a stained
     brown cloth, which Ichabod unwraps.

                             ICHABOD
               Stains of blood.

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER
               What of it?

     Ichabod takes out one of the lenses that survived the
     magnification spectacles, bends to examine the neck.

                             ICHABOD
               Jagged flesh. 
                     (pause)
               The Horseman did not do this.

     Ichabod moves to the side of the coffin, lifting the hand
     with the stitched gash on its palm.

                             ICHABOD
               Here, Doctor.  Hold this just so...

     Lancaster holds the lens so that Ichabod can study the cut
     through it.  Ichabod takes a scalpel-like knife from his
     satchel, lifts the hand and cuts stitches.

     THROUGH THE LENS: the gash spreads easily, soft, bloodless.

                             ICHABOD 
               No clotting or gathering of pus.  No
               healing at all.

                             DOCTOR LANCASTER 
               What?

                             ICHABOD 
               When this cut was made, this person
               was already dead.
                     (stands straight)
               This is not Lady Van Tassel.


     INT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE, KITCHEN -- NIGHT

     Young Masbath enters.  The door swings shut.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Katrina.
                     (steps forward) 
               Is anyone here?

     Behind him, the door SLAMS open -- Lady Van Tassel reaches to
     grab Young Masbath by the throat.


     EXT.  CHURCH/TOWN SQUARE -- NIGHT

     Ichabod charges up to the church doors, pounding.

                             ICHABOD
               Open the door.  Open up, damn it!
                     (pounds, shouting)
               Lady van Tassel is alive.  The Horseman
               is her puppet.  Please... 

     The door opens and Huge Farmer points a rifle at Ichabod.
     Frightened people peer out from behind.

                             HUGE FARMER 
               Aren't we rid of you?

                             ICHABOD 
               Listen to me.  Lady Van Tassel has
               faked her death.  I need able men...

                             HUGE FARMER
               She's dead, and you have gone mad.

                             ICHABOD
               No...

                             HUGE FARMER 
                     (steps forward) 
               Get out!  Isn't it enough that you have
               ruined this town?  Go!

     Ichabod backs away from the gun, frustrated, runs...

     At the DOCTOR'S RESIDENCE, Van Ripper is still on the coach.
     Ichabod sprints over, breathless, taking out his pistol.

                             ICHABOD
               Van Ripper... do you have a gun?

                             VAN RIPPER
               Yes.  Here...

     Van Ripper hold up a rifle.  Ichabod holds out his hand.

                             ICHABOD 
               May I see it?

     Van Ripper's confused, but hands the rifle over.  Ichabod
     immediately points his pistol at Van Ripper.

                             ICHABOD
               Get down.  Hurry!

     Van Ripper climbs off.  Ichabod climbs up, whips the horses.

                             ICHABOD 
               Sorry.

     Van Ripper watches the coach leave, still with his hands up.


     EXT.  FOREST -- NIGHT

     In a wooded area, Katrina lies unconscious.  Gloved hands
     reach to her hair and cut off a clump with SCISSORS.

     A conjuring pile has been made, containing a small animal's
     heart with an iron nail through it.  Katrina's hair is added
     and the pile is lit to burn.

     Nearby, Young Masbath watches, on his belly with his hands
     tied behind his back.

     Lady Van Tassel whispers over the fire, her white horse tied
     nearby.  She looks to Katrina, who stirs.

     Lady Van Tassel takes the Horseman's skull from a bag over
     her shoulder, places the skull in the flames.  THUNDER is
     HEARD.  Lady Van Tassel looks up, smiles.

     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS, TREE OF THE DEAD -- NIGHT

     The wind tosses leaves in swirls.  The twisted tree opens
     wide, with a RUMBLE -- shafts of light shooting out.

     EXT.  THE LONG STRAIGHT ROAD -- NIGHT

     Ichabod drives the coach hard ahead.

     EXT.  FOREST -- NIGHT

     Katrina sits up, groggy.  Lady Van Tassel looks down at her.

                             KATRINA 
               You... you are alive.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               Am I?  Or, are you and Young Masbath
               dead along with me?

     Katrina sees Young Masbath, and beyond him, the dying fire.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               She commands the Horseman.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               And, quite beautifully done, wouldn't
               you say?  It is almost over.

     THUNDER again.  Wind starts to pick up.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
                     (of the wind) 
               He rides tonight.

                             KATRINA 
               Father saw you die.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               He saw me thrown... saw the Horseman
               looming over me as I fled.  Things I
               wanted him to see.  But, as long as
               I govern the Horseman, he cannot harm
               me.  Baltus did not stay enough to
               see that.  He ran as a coward,
               unfettered by my fate.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Then, whose body was it... ?

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               The precious servant girl Sarah.  I
               killed her and kept her body hidden,
               till I needed it.  And, when I
               return to the Hollow tomorrow, my
               version of the truth will come to
               pass. 
                     (faking meekness) 
               I mean, there I was that fateful day,
               following Baltus into the woods.  I
               did not know what he was up to...
               where he was going.  I worried for
               his safety.

     Katrina cautiously moves the hand she's supporting herself
     with, feels a rock and clutches it.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               Imagine my surprise, finding him on a
               liason with a common servant.  A girl
               who had apparently become his secret
               love.

                             KATRINA 
               No one will believe your lies, whore.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               This whore will see your mouth shut
               forever very soon.  But... I am not
               going to kill you.  Not me...

     She picks up the Horseman's skull in her gloved hand.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               He will have that honor.

     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS -- NIGHT

     The Horseman rides Daredevil, a freight train of moldering
     flesh, heading towards a chasm with no bridge.

     They reach it, galloping in mid-air to the other side.

     EXT.  LONG STRAIGHT ROAD/VAN TASSEL ESTATE -- NIGHT

     Ichabod guides the coach into the Van Tassel orchard.

     EXT.  FOREST -- NIGHT

     Lady Van Tassel admires the skull.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL  
                     (mock sorrow) 
               Woe is me... that spying on my husband
               in his filthy indiscretion, I saw he
               and Sarah attacked by the Horseman.
               Oh pity me... so overcome was I that
               I wandered in the Western Woods...
               dazed... nearly blind from terror.

     Lady Van Tassel crouches, rubbing dirt on her face.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               And, tomorrow is my grand performance,
               having barely survived the elements...
                     (more emoting) 
               By sheer luck I found my way back to
               the Hollow.  But... what do I find
               here... ?  My dear, sweet step-daughter
               Katrina is dead.  Why has God forsaken
               her?

     Seeing that Lady Van Tassel lavish attention on Katrina,
     Masbath takes this opportunity to ease onto his knees.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL
                     (of herself, pleased) 
               No one will suspect this sad woman who
               has been through such an ordeal.  With
               only the empty solace of her money and
               land to comfort her.

     EXT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE -- NIGHT

     Ichabod leaps from the coach, bounds up the porch.

                             ICHABOD
               Katrina!

     EXT.  FOREST -- NIGHT

     ICHABOD is HEARD.  Lady Van Tassel turns, astonished.

                             KATRINA
               Murderer!

     Katrina slings the rock -- strikes Lady Van Tassel in the
     head, a glancing blow that knocks her down.  Katrina runs.

     Katrina grips Young Masbath, helping him up...

     But, Lady Van Tassel scrambles up, grabs Katrina and throws
     her back to the ground.

     Lady Van Tassel steps hard on Katrina's ankle, touches her
     forehead, bleeding, pissed.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               You've been a naughty girl.

     Young Masbath leaps to action, charging head first -- slams
     into Lady Van Tassel, sends her backwards.

     Katrina runs and pulls Masbath up.  They flee.

                             KATRINA 
               Ichabod!

     Lady Van Tassel rolls, recovering, not very concerned.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               Little bitch.

     EXT.  VAN TASSEL HOUSE -- NIGHT

     Ichabod comes out the open front doors... hearing...

                             KATRINA (o.s.) 
                     (far away) 
               Ichabod!

     Ichabod climbs back on the coach, taking off.

     EXT.  FOREST -- NIGHT

     Katrina and Young Masbath run out from a line of trees.

                             KATRINA 
               Ichabod!

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               Here we are!

     BEHIND IN THE FOREST, Lady Van Tassel rides her white horse,
     in no hurry.  Wind kicks hard.  HOOFBEATS are HEARD.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               Run, Katrina!  Fast as your pretty
               legs will carry you.  It makes no
               difference.

     ON THE LAWN, Ichabod drives towards Katrina and Masbath.

     Behind, at the tree line, Lady Van Tassel holds up the
     Horseman's skull, wind tossing her dress and hair.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               Nothing will stop him now!

     At mid-field, Ichabod reaches Katrina and Masbath.

                             ICHABOD
               Climb up!

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               Lady Van Tassel...

                             ICHABOD
               I know.  Hold on.

     With Katrina and Masbath on board, Ichabod turns the coach.
     Katrina unties Masbath's hands.  HOOFBEATS GET LOUDER.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL
               Olly-olly oxen-free!

     Ichabod looks back towards Lady Van Tassel.

     At the treeline, the Horseman breaks into the open, hell on
     horseback.  Full speed ahead.

                             ICHABOD
               Christ.


     EXT.  THE LONG STRAIGHT ROAD -- NIGHT

     The coach hits the long straight road, away from the house.

     Katrina and Masbath hold on as the coach shakes violently.

                             KATRINA
               Where are we going?

                             ICHABOD
               I do not know.  Away.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               Here he comes!

     Behind, the Horseman can be seen on the forest bordered road.
     Closing fast.  Breakneck pace.

                             ICHABOD
               We might make it to the church.

     Masbath takes a lantern, crawls back to the roof.

                             KATRINA
               Masbath... !

     He ignores, reaching the rear of the coach and throwing the
     lantern at the Horseman.  It smashes on the trail.

                             ICHABOD
               Damn it, boy, get back here!

     Young Masbath slides back.  Katrina helps him.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               What can we do?

                             ICHABOD
               Take the reins.

     Young Masbath takes them.  Ichabod slings Van Ripper's rifle
     over his shoulder and starts back.  Katrina grips him.

                             ICHABOD
               Masbath is right.  We must do something.

     She releases.  Ichabod gets to the luggage area at the rear,
     struggling to open a storage box.

     Behind, the Horseman draws his sword, closer.

     Ichabod opens the box, hefting out a long, jagged SAW.

                             KATRINA
               Ichabod!

     Ichabod looks.  The Horseman rides up, swinging...

     Ichabod recoils -- THWACK -- just missed by sword.

     The Horseman lets the coach get ahead, shifting to the
     other side of the trail... coming along side.

     Ichabod backpedals, looking to Masbath.

                             ICHABOD
               Keep him off!  Block him!

     Masbath guides the horses over.  The Horseman must fall
     behind to avoid the wheels.

     The coach hits a large, fallen tree trunk.

     Ichabod bounces, falling...

     He hangs off the side of the coach.

     Katrina climbs to offer her hand.  Ichabod offers the saw.

                             ICHABOD
               Take it!

     Katrina takes the saw.  Now with both hands, Ichabod tries
     for better purchase.  He grips the coach door.  It opens...

     Ichabod clings to the open door as branches slam him.

     He's reaching to the coach threshold, reaching...

     Ichabod pulls himself inside.

     BOOM -- the door hits a tree trunk, bashed to pieces.

     Ichabod looks out from the coach, dazed.  He climbs.

     Katrina looks back as Young Masbath guides the coach to block
     the Horseman again.

     The Horseman sheaths his sword, riding... reaching to grip
     the back corner of the coach.

     The Horseman dismounts, clinging, climbing...

     Ichabod takes the rifle off his shoulder, aiming...

     BANG! -- splattering the Horseman's hand point blank.  The
     Horseman hangs on with his other hand.

     The Horseman re-grips with the blasted hand, amazing since
     it's now all mush and bone.

     Ichabod throws the rifle on his way to the driver's perch,
     taking the saw from Katrina.

                             ICHABOD 
               Move forward!

     Katrina looks to the horses, then at Ichabod.

                             ICHABOD
               Go!

     Ichabod takes the reins from Young Masbath.

                             ICHABOD 
               Help her.

     Reins in one hand and saw in the other, Ichabod waits.  The
     Horseman rises up and moves in, taking out his sword.

     Young Masbath climbs down to the wooden pole connecting the
     coach to the bridles, puts out his hand.  Katrina takes it.

     Behind, the Horseman swings.  Ichabod blocks with the saw.

     Young Masbath guides Katrina as she leaps onto one horse.
     Bareback.  Young Masbath straddles the horse beside her.

     The Horseman swings, backhanded knocks the sword from
     Ichabod's hand as Ichabod falls back...

     Ichabod hits the bridle post, hanging onto straps for dear
     life.  His feet drag on the trail.

     Above, the Horseman comes to the driver's perch, close enough
     to kill Katrina.  He raises his sword...

     Katrina screams, ducking, helpless...

     Below, Ichabod pulls a bolt from the coach's hitching-rod.

     He shoves off with his feet.

     The Horseman swings.... missing.

     The horses detach from the coach, dragging Ichabod along.

     The coach careens out of control.

     It flies off the trail, hits an incline and sails off,
     throwing the Horseman.

     The coach hits a tree trunk and SMASHES.

     FURTHER DOWN THE TRAIL, the coach horses stop.  Young Masbath
     and Katrina climb off as Ichabod gets to his feet, hurting,
     clutching his previously wounded shoulder.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               What now?

                             ICHABOD
               I doubt that's the end.

                             KATRINA
               The church.

                             ICHABOD
               He moves too fast.

     Ichabod unhooks a lantern off the bridle rail.  The trail
     behind is silent, till a bone chilling SCREECH is HEARD.

                             KATRINA
               What was that?

                             ICHABOD
               His horse.

     They start moving.  Ichabod looks around.  He sees...

                             ICHABOD
               There...

     Through the tree line, the Hollow's massive windmill can be
     seen against the sky.  Katrina and Young Masbath run.


     EXT. WINDMILL FIELD -- NIGHT

     Ichabod, Katrina and Young Masbath book into this open area,
     heading to the windmill.  Another HORRIBLE SQUEAL echoes.

     Ichabod looks over his shoulder.

     Heavy, low hanging BRANCHES and VINES at the forest edge
     creep to life, parting... forming a sort of black tunnel.

                             ICHABOD 
               He's coming!

     The Horseman gallops out, throwing leaves in his wake.

                             ICHABOD 
               Hurry!

     The Horseman readies a battle axe.

     Ichabod gets under the windmill, helping Young Masbath up the
     ladder and in.  Katrina next.

     The Horseman is almost there.

     Ichabod follows Katrina.  He gets in, feet dangling.  The
     Horseman dismounts...

     INT.  WINDMILL -- NIGHT

     Ichabod leaps up and struggles with the heavy trap door...
     slams it.  He closes the latch just as the Horseman hits.
     The door buckles.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               It won't hold.

     Ichabod goes to a large GRINDSTONE against a wall.  He
     struggles to roll it.

     Young Masbath helps him roll it to the trap door.  It falls
     on top with a thud.  The Horseman's sword jabs up through the
     grindstone's center hole.

     The sword withdraws.  A POUNDING begins.

     EXT.  WINDMILL -- NIGHT

     The Horseman chops at the door with his axe.

     INT.  WINDMILL -- NIGHT

     POUNDING CONTINUES.  The grindstone shifts.  Katrina and
     Young Masbath back away.  Ichabod holds his lantern up,
     desperate for ideas, searching.

     Above, to the right, is the milling platform, where grain is
     ground and bagged.  To the left is the crooked staircase.

     Ichabod picks up a bailing hook, a plan forming.  He gives
     his lantern to Katrina and points.

                             ICHABOD 
               Get up those stairs.  Open the door to
               the roof and wait.

     Katrina and Young Masbath obey.  Ichabod crosses and climbs
     the ladder to the milling platform.  He grasps a wooden
     lever, pulling it.  Gears above begin to turn.

     EXT.  WINDMILL -- NIGHT

     The windmill's rotors CREAK to life, spinning.

     UNDER THE WINDMILL, the Horseman keeps chopping.  His axe
     exposes grindstone, throwing sparks.

     INT.  WINDMILL -- NIGHT

     Katrina looks down from the stairs.

     The Horseman's axe pries at the seam of the trap door.

                             KATRINA
               Ichabod...

                             ICHABOD
               Keep climbing.  I will follow...

     Ichabod pulls bags of grain, lining them up at the edge of
     the milling platform.

                             ICHABOD
                     (under his breath) 
               Hopefully.

     ABOVE, Young Masbath reaches the ceiling, throws open the
     door to the roof.

     BELOW, Ichabod cuts holes into the grain bags, so milled
     grain spills out and falls to the floor, creating dust.

     He grabs one open bag and dumps it.  More grain dust.

     EXT.  WINDMILL ROOF -- NIGHT

     Masbath and Katrina come out.  Rotors spin behind them.

     INT.  WINDMILL -- NIGHT

     Ichabod sees below... the Horseman sticks a hand through,
     trying to push the grindstone aside, then withdrawing.  The
     RACKING axe continues.  Won't be long.

     Ichabod grabs one half-full bag of grain, swings it with
     effort, throws...

     The bag smashes on the grindstone, busting the door...

     EXT.  WINDMILL -- NIGHT

     The grindstone falls through, SLAMMING the Horseman down...

     INT.  WINDMILL -- NIGHT

     Ichabod slices into a sack hanging from a pulley system.
     More and more dust rises.

     Below, the Horseman enters.  Katrina shouts from above.

                             YOUNG MASBATH
               Look out!

     The Horseman moves toward the ladder milling platform ladder,
     but Ichabod grabs it, pulling it up...

     The Horseman just misses the final rung.

     Ichabod throws the ladder aside as the Horseman backs off.

     Ichabod looks to the staircase.  No way to climb down from
     the milling platform and get there.

     The Horseman runs and leaps, grabbing a hanging chain...

     The Horseman climbs the chain, swinging...

     Ichabod runs across the platform, jumps...

     Ichabod grasps the frail rail of the staircase, barely.

     The rail creaks, about to break.  Behind, the Horseman lands
     on the milling platform.

     Ichabod is losing grip.  Young Masbath races down the stairs,
     grabs his hand.  He pulls Ichabod up.

     Ichabod's pistol slips from its holster and falls.

     Ichabod and Young Masbath look...

     The Horseman, following Ichabod's lead, runs across the
     milling platform and leaps...

     Grabs the staircase rail, only a few feet from Ichabod and
     Masbath.  Ichabod kicks the rail, breaking it...

     The Horseman falls in billowing dust, crashing below.

     Ichabod pushes Masbath up the stairs.

     EXT.  WINDMILL ROOF -- NIGHT

     Katrina helps them onto the roof.

                             KATRINA
               Quickly, close it.

                             ICHABOD 
               No.
                     (takes lantern, points) 
               Get to the crest of the roof and be
               ready to jump.

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Jump?  Jump where?

     INT.  WINDMILL -- NIGHT

     The Horseman runs, agile, up stairs.

     EXT.  WINDMILL ROOF -- NIGHT

     Ichabod shepherds Katrina and Young Masbath to the edge where
     the rotors spin close.

                             ICHABOD 
               The blades will carry us to the ground.
               Face front and wait for me.

                             KATRINA 
               I... I can't do this.

                             ICHABOD 
               We have no choice.

     Ichabod moves back to the trap door.

     Katrina and Young Masbath look at the rotors, and down at the
     long distance between them and the ground.

                             ICHABOD 
               Be ready...

     Ichabod throws the lantern into the windmill and runs.

                             ICHABOD
               Now!

     INT.  WINDMILL -- NIGHT

     The Horseman continues up.  The lantern falls past.

     EXT.  WINDMILL, ROOF -- NIGHT

     Young Masbath jumps.  Ichabod grips Katrina and jumps...

     They hit one rotor and cling to the frame and cloth.  The
     rotor begins its downwards swing.

     INT.  WINDMILL -- NIGHT

     The lantern hits the ground and shatters.  FLAMES EXPLODE!

     Grain dust is consumed instantaneously -- FLAMES ROAR
     upwards, filling the windmill...

     Engulfing the Horseman.

     EXT.  WINDMILL -- NIGHT

     The rotor is halfway to its lowest point.  Masbath, Katrina
     and Ichabod hang on as the entire structure trembles.

     BOOM -- flames shoot out the windows, doors and seams,
     lighting up the night.

     On the rattling rotor, Ichabod struggles to hold the frame
     with one hand and keep a grip on Katrina.

     Masbath drops.  Ichabod releases Katrina, then drops.

     They hit the ground.  Ichabod rolls, gasping, holding his
     shoulder.  They all look at each other in disbelief a moment.
     Ichabod lets out a sort of rasping laugh, standing.

                             ICHABOD 
               Okay... come on...

     Ichabod ushers them across the field, uphill.  Running.
     Lightning flashes across the sky.  THUNDER RUMBLES.

     A bolt strikes the windmill, and it EXPLODES...

     SHOCKWAVE DEAFENING.  The rotors bust apart.  Splinters of
     burning wood spin all directions.

     ACROSS THE FIELD, Ichabod, Katrina and Young Masbath keep
     running.  There is a WOODEN CART parked ahead.

     IN THE WINDMILL RUBBLE, the Horseman rises, shoving off
     burning debris.  His flame-ravaged uniform smolders.

     ACROSS THE FIELD, Ichabod stumbles onwards, but notices
     something horrible...

     In the distance, Lady Van Tassel's white horse roams free.

                             ICHABOD
                     (as this registers)
               Oh, no...

     Young Masbath and Katrina are just past the cart when Lady
     Van Tassel rises from behind it, swings a plank...

     SLAMS Ichabod in the chest and sends him down.

     Lady Van Tassel grabs Katrina's hair, drags her.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL
               Should have stayed away, Constable.

     Ichabod gets up slow, furious, reaches to his holster, only
     to find it empty.  He moves forward.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL
               Keep back, or I kill her.

     She takes out scissors, holds them to Katrina's neck.
     Katrina ceases struggling.

     Ichabod keeps Masbath behind him, keeps his distance.  Lady
     Van Tassel shoots a glance...

                             LADY VAN TASSEL
               See him...

     Par off, the Horseman strides from the wreckage.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL
               You cannot kill what is already dead.

                             ICHABOD
               Let her go!

                             LADY VAN TASSEL
               Yes... yes.  I think I will...

     Lady Van Tassel spins and throws Katrina in the cart, shoving
     against it.

                             ICHABOD
               No!

     The cart rolls downhill.  Ichabod moves forward.

     Lady Van Tassel turns, brandishing the scissors, slashing and
     missing.  Ichabod backs off.

     DOWNHILL, the cart picks up speed, headed for the Horseman.

     The Horseman starts running to meet it.

     UPHILL, Lady Van Tassel grins.

                             LADY VAN TASSEL 
               Say goodbye to her.

     Lady Van Tassel lunges, stabbing.  Ichabod avoids, puts all
     his fury behind his fist -- punches her in the face.

     Lady Van Tassel hits the ground and her bag falls open,
     sending the Horseman's skull rolling out...

     The skull rolls... rolls... landing far away.

     DOWNHILL, Katrina leaps out from the cart...

     She lands hard...

     The Horseman shoves the empty cart aside, still on the move.

     UPHILL, Ichabod sees the skull.  He runs towards it.

     Lady van Tassel grabs Ichabod by the ankle.  He falls.

     DOWNHILL, Katrina runs back.  The Horseman is catching up.

     UPHILL, Ichabod tries to pull f ree from Lady Van Tassel.

     Young Masbath comes behind her - BAM - hits her in the head
     with the wooden plank.  She's out.

     Ichabod scrambles to his feet.

     DOWNHILL, the Horseman catches Katrina, taking her by the
     hair as she falls to her knees and screams.

     UPHILL, Ichabod runs... grasps the Horseman's skull.

     He runs towards the Horseman and Katrina.

     DOWNHILL, Katrina struggles, but the Horseman holds her ready
     by her hair... raises his sword...

     UPHILL, Ichabod throws the skull...

                             ICHABOD 
               Horseman!

     The skull spins through the air...

     The Horseman drops Katrina, reaches up...

     Catches the skull.

     Katrina runs.

     Ichabod runs to meet her, grabs her as she falls, exhausted.
     Together, they back away from the Horseman.

     The Horseman holds the skull out, then brings it to his
     shoulders, to its rightful place.  THUNDER POUNDS.

     TRANSFORMATION begins -- blood and flesh rise up from the
     Horseman's throat and grip the skull.

     Young Masbath drops the plank, watching in awe.

     The Horseman's reformation continues.  Muscle forms.  Liquids
     become solids.  He is made whole once more, the same evil,
     human face we saw in Baltus' stories.

     He looks to Ichabod and Katrina, touches his restored face.

     Daredevil rides up, SCREECHING.  The Horseman replaces his
     sward and climbs into the saddle.

     He rides towards Katrina and Ichabod, but passes them by.
     They are so exhausted they fall down.

     Young Masbath backs up as the Horseman comes, but the
     Horseman does not want him either.

     The Horseman leans to grab Lady Van Tassel's unconscious
     form, pulls her up across Daredevil's back.

     He rides away with her.

     Ichabod and Katrina watch him go.  They look at each other,
     then kiss gratefully.

     Ichabod looks to Young Masbath.

                             ICHABOD 
               How are you?

                             YOUNG MASBATH 
               Tired.

     Ichabod smiles and holds out his arm.  Masbath comes over.
     Group hug.  Lightning brightens the farmland around them.


     EXT.  WESTERN WOODS, BURIAL GROUND -- NIGHT

     HOOFBEATS.  The Horseman enters the clearing, keeping a hand
     on Lady Van Tassel.  Ahead, the twisted tree awaits.

     Lady Van Tassel is awakening, face bloody.  She turns her
     head and looks forward.  She screams.

     The twisted tree's wound opens, wide and glowing.

     Daredevil picks up speed...

     Daredevil leaps just as a lightning bolt blasts down,
     striking the Horseman.

     For an instant, Horseman and horse are transformed, SKELETONS
     OF LIGHT, entering the tree.

     Silence and smoke.  At the tree, Lady Van Tassel's hand
     sticks out from the tight-shut suture.

     The sewn wound on her palm seeps blood.


     EXT.  NEW YORK CITY STREET, ICHABOD'S HOME -- DAY

     A bright, busy day in New York.  A coach pulls up to
     Ichabod's home.  Ichabod is the driver.  He gets off, goes
     and opens the coach door.  He helps Katrina down.  Next,
     Young Masbath sticks his head out.

     Ichabod goes about unloading bags.  Katrina holds Young
     Masbath's hand, and they look down the street in wonder.

     THE END