Sam Turner: All we want to know is what we rode here for.
Lane: What a gun rides anywhere for - money. The more of it the more chances you take.
Calhoun: Someone said this gold was already dug.
Lane: Keep digging.
Lane: I got a saddle that's older than you are, Mrs. Lowe.
Lane: If anyone tries to cross that river before we're out of sight - baptize 'em.
Lane: Gold has a way of bringing out the larceny in all of us, Mrs. Lowe.
Answer: It was established that railroad tracks were put through the desert. Probably a shortcut to save time or it was the only area they were allowed to build. Land deals, claim jumping and protected grounds were a big part of where tracks could be laid. It was after the train disaster that the tracks were discontinued.