Matthew

Josiah's laughter rumbled as he rummaged through his saddlebags for something to eat for the three riders until they stopped to make camp for the night.

"Please enlighten us, Mr. Sanchez," quipped Ezra, "I could indulge in a raucous chortle."

Josiah held a huge stack of Gayetty's Medical Papers in his hand. "Rebecca and I had a disagreement before I left, and this must be her subtle way of telling me she thinks I'm full of crap!"

Chris looked puzzled so Ezra explained, "Medical papers are the most civilized method of cleansing one's nether regions after elimination, Mr. Larabee. Obviously you have never indulged yourself in the luxuries of Rebecca's water closet!"

As Chris realized what Josiah was holding, he added, "From the size a that stack, she thinks we're all full a' crap!"

Thinking back on the discussion with Rebecca, Josiah agreed, "You're probably right!"

Then Ezra said, "Considering the advertisements for the medical papers, Rebecca might be proclaiming, in her own inimitable way, that one or several of us are a pain in the posterior!"

"You're probably right about that, too!" agreed Josiah. Josiah continued searching until he found some oatmeal cookies. Rebecca always had food for John to eat between meals because his appetite was insatiable! John was thin and muscled. These cookies were his favorite – oatmeal with dried apple chunks. Josiah passed the cookies to a grateful Chris and Ezra.

That's one of the things he loved about Rebecca – they could argue, but she never held a grudge.

Rebecca was about a foot shorter and a hundred pounds lighter, not to mention fifteen years his junior, and Josiah was completely enamored with her. Her unruly mass of auburn hair, clear green eyes, and beautiful face and figure excited him, even after a full year of marriage. Their three adopted children were their own, maybe not through blood, but through love. Thirteen year old John was taller than Rebecca and strong. With his blond hair and blue eyes, he was turning into a handsome young man. He grew out of his clothes every month and never shied away from hard work.

Mark was six years old with reddish blond hair and green eyes. He was sturdy, happy, and had a penchant for learning. Ruth was five. She was a tiny blue eyed, honey blond bundle of constant chatter.

And Josiah dearly loved all four.

Chris, Ezra and Josiah were on their way to Red Ridge; Judge Travis sent a telegram ordering the three to meet him there post haste.

M7M7M7M7M7

John walked into The Weaving Shop, told Rebecca the fabric she ordered hadn't arrived yet, and headed straight to his room. Rebecca immediately stopped weaving and followed him. She knocked and waited for admission.

"What happened?" was all she said.

"A woman in the store was saying that she doesn't know what you're doing with Pa and us kids. You're too good for us and you're wasting your time in Four Corners," repeated John, obviously hurt by the remarks. "Mrs. Potter was trying to ignore her, then tried to stop her when I walked up to the counter, but the woman didn't seem to care!"

Rebecca was seething, but she remained outwardly calm. "John, remember Ko-Je's lessons. We'll talk about what you're feeling and the best way to handle this, but first tell me about the woman. "

John thought for a few seconds, "I never saw her before and she was real uppity. She was dressed in fancy clothes and when she talked, she reminded me of Uncle Ezra!"

"John, stay here and try to put this into perspective. I'll be back in just a few minutes."

Rebecca called the little ones to put on their coats and they walked to the General Store. Maude was still there looking at the merchandise with disdain, and complaining about her accommodations.

"Good day, Mrs. Potter," said Rebecca politely. She put two pennies on the counter for candy for the children. Then she turned to Maude.

"Why, Miss Cole, it's such a pleasure to make your acquaintance again!" gushed Maude.

"It's Rebecca Sanchez, Mrs. Standish, and my son was upset by your publicly proclaimed opinion of my family situation." Rebecca stood toe-to-toe with Maude Standish; Maude was taller, but she seemed to shrink under Rebecca's glare.

Rebecca continued, " I'm sure you are familiar with the saying regarding opinions? Opinions are like armpits; everyone has them and they all stink! Actually, it was another part of the anatomy, but my children are present." Maude took a step backward and Rebecca advanced.

"My children are good, kind and loving. They are also beautiful and intelligent. Josiah is a loving husband and munificent provider. Maybe if you looked for a good man instead of a large bank account, you would understand what I mean!" Rebecca kept pressing Maude until Mrs. Standish was backed up against a wall.

Then Rebecca lowered her voice to barely more than a whisper and said, "And best of all, Josiah keeps me very, very satisfied! Maybe if you had a man to curl your toes and remind you that you are a woman, you would not be so shrewd, cold, and conniving! When my family is present, please keep your opinions to yourself, or I may forget that I am a lady! Good day, Mrs. Standish."

Rebecca walked to the counter, thanked Mrs. Potter, collected the children and walked back to the shop. She and John talked until they both felt better.

M7M7M7M7M7

Vin was saddling up his horse to patrol the town perimeter. It was earlier than usual, but he wanted to check for tracks or some indication of trouble while the light was still good. Something wasn't sitting right with him and Vin wanted to deal with anything that might occur. Nathan was called out of town on an emergency without a firm indication of who needed help or where the person was located. J.D. and Buck were called to investigate a stage robbery and should have returned by this time. Judge Travis summoned Chris, Ezra and Josiah to Red Ridge, but the telegram was sent from Eagle Bend. Vin was troubled by the events.

As Vin turned to lead his horse out of the livery, four men entered and two walked past him. "You Vin Tanner?" asked the obvious leader.

"Who wants to know?" retorted Vin. Before he heard a name, Vin was hit in the back of the head by something hard. He collapsed on the floor and his weapons were removed and his hands tied. As he began to regain consciousness, he was placed on his horse and warned not to talk to anyone. If he tried, both he and the other person would be shot immediately. "We got papers on ya. Dead or alive, and dead seems easier," warned the leader.

Vin averted his eyes as he rode past the townspeople. These men were not just bounty hunters; they were murderers. He was not going to be responsible for any innocent deaths.

The four bounty hunters rode with Vin until sunset, then they stopped abruptly to make camp. They hogtied Vin – he lay on his stomach with his hands tied to his feet, more tightly than necessary. He was uncomfortable on his stomach and couldn't roll on to his side. The four took great satisfaction in his discomfort. As they passed him, he would receive a kick or cuff simply due to their malice. Vin did not recognize any of the men, and they gave no indication of a previous encounter or anything personal.

They kept Vin hogtied through the evening and into the night without the offer of food. He slept fitfully; partly numb, partly aching, stiff from the cold and lack of mobility, unable to find a tolerable position. But the very worst part was the knowledge that none of the other six would know to search for him until the trail was too cold to follow. He was alone and his prospects of escape were slim and none. Sometimes the lack of hope was more dismal than the actual situation.

Then he heard it, "Tu-hoo-weet!" Vin held absolutely still, even holding his breath. Was it his imagination? Then it came again, "Tu-hoo-weet!" Vin exhaled, noticeably relieved. His situation had not changed, but he was no longer alone; he once again had hope.

At sunrise, Vin had five minutes to eat and take care of his necessities before he was put back on his horse with his hands tied to the saddle horn. Five minutes wasn't even enough to get the numbness out of his hands and feet. They were riding to Tuscosa to collect the five hundred dollar bounty. When he tried to explain that Judge Travis lifted the bounty, Vin was gagged. His only thoughts were to watch for a means of escape and to stay alive.

M7M7M7M7M7

J.D. and Buck met Nathan on the road into Four Corners about mid-morning. J.D. and Buck rode most of the way to Eagle Bend and didn't find the stage; Nathan found no indication of anyone in need of medical attention. After realizing that their absences were arranged for a reason, they spurred their horses and rode into town, straight to the sheriff's office.

Fr. Stephen, Four Corners' priest, watched for the approach of any of the seven and sprinted to reach them as soon as possible. J.D. stared as he watched the priest run. Fr. Stephen was almost regal in his movements. Once a candle fell over during Mass and Fr. Stephen's alb caught on fire. The priest walked calmly over to the wall and rolled his sleeve against it. The flames were extinguished and he barely missed a word of the Credo!

"J.D.!" called the priest running to him, "Rebecca left a note in the desk drawer. John saw four men take Vin prisoner and ride out of town. John is tracking them and is marking the trail. Mark and Ruth are at Nettie Wells' cabin. Josiah, Chris and Ezra haven't returned and Rebecca followed John with supplies!"

"Thanks, Father!" they called as they rode out of town. They began to circle until they found the first of John's markers. They could ride faster following trail markers than having to slow down to track and read sign.

Later that afternoon, Chris, Ezra and Josiah rode into Four Corners. It seems that Rebecca had the presence of mind to telegraph the sheriff of Red Ridge. He hired a man to ride from Red Ridge to meet the men from Four Corners with instructions to return home immediately. Vin needed help.

Father Stephen greeted the remainder of the seven with the same information. They rode out without delay, found the trail markers and wasted no time catching up with the others just about nightfall.

"Any idea where John and Rebecca are?" worried Josiah.

"Best as I can tell, they're not too far ahead of us," surmised Buck. "We should catch up with them tomorrow mornin'."

"There's goin' to be a full moon, I'm gonna do some scoutin'," said Chris as he headed out of the campsite.

Thirty minutes later, Chris returned with John, Rebecca and three horses – Rebecca had a pack horse with food, clothing and ammunition. It took Josiah a full minute to recognize Rebecca in boy's trousers with her hair tucked under a hat, even though she looked exactly the same as the first time Chris saw her ransacking his room.

John described the bounty hunters and their habits, where their camp was located, the kinds of weapons they had, the way they posted guard and how they trussed Vin up when he wasn't on his horse.

The five muttered curses, not wanting to offend Josiah by offensive language in front of his wife and son. They ate another cold meal – no point risking a fire that would draw attention – and planned their next move. They decided to surround the camp before sunrise and attack at first light. John and Rebecca would remain behind and guard the horses; that was a direct order from both Josiah and Chris. The six determined the order for guard duty, then turned in; they would be up early the next morning.

Josiah and Rebecca shared a bedroll. It was comforting just to be in the other's presence.

The night passed quickly; after another cold meal, the six walked silently out of the campsite. Rebecca had distributed the extra ammunition she brought, and she and John had both rifles and revolvers, fully loaded.

Finally John burst out, " I can't help it, Ma, I have to do what I can to help Uncle Vin. There's a cliff behind the bounty hunters' encampment that gives a good view of the camp. I can get there before dawn if I hurry."

"NO!" whispered Rebecca as loudly as she dared, "I'll go!"

"You'll never be able to find it in the dark and, besides, I'm a better shot. If Pa needs to punish me for disobeying him, I'll just accept it; this is something I need to do. Please understand!" pleaded John.

Rebecca hugged John and whispered in his ear, "I love you! Keep safe!"

John directed Rebecca to sit against a certain rock. She could watch the horses, and the brush would make enough noise to hear anyone coming up behind her. It startled Rebecca that John sounded so mature and confident!

John made his way to the top of the cliff silently in the dark. He saw the glowing embers of the bounty hunters 'dying fire and knew he was in the right location. John lay on his stomach and readied himself for whatever he had to do.

As the sun appeared in the eastern sky, J.D. called out, "This is Sheriff Dunne from Four Corners! Stand with your hands in the air! Now!" Instead of complying, the bounty hunters opened fire in the direction of the voice. The six returned fire.

John raised his rifle and waited. Suddenly one of the wounded bounty hunters turned to face Vin. John could see the evil in his face as he aimed his Colt at Vin. As he cocked the hammer, John fired and the bounty hunter fell. The remaining three were felled by shots from the six peacekeepers.

John began to climb down the cliff as the others checked the bodies and Nathan ministered to Vin.

In the other camp, Rebecca heard the shots in the distance and prayed that the eight would return safely. It wasn't more than forty minutes later that they came walking into the camp with four bodies tied to horses. Rebecca ran to hug Josiah and John. She turned to Vin; he was bruised, sore and hungry, but he was alive! "I don't reckon you want to get too close to me right now, Becca. They kept me hogtied most of the time in the dirt and my own filth," mourned Vin.

Rebecca searched through the packs and brought out clean clothes from the skin out and handed them to Vin. He gratefully accepted the change of clothes, soap and towel from Rebecca and headed for the run to clean up.

Chris suggested they have a hot meal before starting for home. Rebecca began unpacking food, Buck and J.D. gathered wood for a fire.

Vin and John had the largest portions, as usual. Those two always seemed hungry! No one talked about the way the bounty hunters were killed; Vin and John seemed to share a special bond; Josiah was very subdued and Rebecca couldn't wait a second longer.

"Will someone please tell me what happened?" pleaded Rebecca.

"Soon," said Josiah. "First John and I need to have a discussion."

Rebecca immediately jumped up and blocked Josiah's path. "I let him go. You can't punish him!"

Josiah leaned down and whispered in Rebecca's ear. She paled, took a deep breath and sat down.

Then Vin stood. "Josiah, I reckon it's not my place to interfere in family business, but John saved my life. And it's not like he was defiant or nothin', he just felt like he could help and he had a well thought out plan."

Josiah shook his head as he spoke to Vin. "Why does everyone assume that I'm so rigid? My son just shot a man and I want to be sure that he's alright with it!"

Vin stepped aside and let Josiah pass. John and Josiah took a walk and Vin sat down beside Rebecca. He explained how John whistled to let him know help was on the way, and what that knowledge meant to him! Vin described how John shot the wounded bounty hunter as he was about to shoot Vin, and how proud he was of the boy for being so brave throughout the entire ordeal. Rebecca fought back tears when Vin's voice broke.

Then Vin asked, "What did Josiah say to you, if you don't mind me askin'?"

Rebecca looked embarrassed and took a deep breath before she spoke. "He said, 'If you love me and trust me, you'll sit down.' Sometimes it's difficult, but I love Josiah and I trust him. I'm just worried about John…"

Vin put an arm around Rebecca's shoulders. "I'll take him back to see Ko-Je if he wants. Don't worry Rebecca, we'll all watch out for him." As Rebecca looked around, all heads nodded in agreement. Rebecca smiled at them, too choked with emotion to speak.

Josiah was satisfied that John had the shooting in perspective. John regretted firing at the man but realized it was necessary to save his uncle's life. He did not relish the experience, nor care to repeat it, but did not regret his decision.

After another meal on the way back to Four Corners, Buck decided that Rebecca should accompany them every time they rode out. She packs better food and a greater variety!