Continuity mistake: Jake and his prisoner arrive at the ranch where they find some dead killed by Indians. As they finish burying the people Jake's prisoner hits him with a shovel and then tosses it handle closes to him. When Jake wakes up the shovel is lying on the ground with the handle farthest away from him. (00:19:50)
Continuity mistake: When Jake Cutter and Paul Regret ride into the ranch yard, two of the victims are hanging upside down over the gate. In the close-up, there are three arrows imbedded in the gate posts. In the far shots, the arrows are not present.
Answer: There's no specific meaning. Metaphorically, it would mean that it is the beginning of something that is dismal, is going to be long and difficult to achieve, or may not end well. Basically, it's a "bad omen."
raywest ★