Chapter 2:

The next day Lassiter walks into the Campaign Headquarters of Mr. Wakefield, John Carter's opponent for Mayor of Redwood Falls and says the same thing. He says, ''I and my company own this land and through legal process also own everything on it. Including all persons residing on this land are considered employees of Lassiter and Company. Here are copies of legal precedents stating that your rights or either do as I say as my employees or vacate the premises."

Mr. Wakefield responds, "Mr. Lassiter, I have a aging dying mother she can't be moved if I'm elected Mayor you will get no trouble from me," as he hangs his head low in shamefulness.

Mr. Carter responds, "Mr. Lassiter, We will investigate this matter further if I'm elected mayor I represent the people that put me in office. I will answer to the majority not the greed."

Mr. Lassiter answers, ''That is strong talk from a man with no legs to legally stand on."

Mr. Carter takes a deep breath, opens wide his eyes, walks over to the door and says to Mr. Lassiter, "Have a good day!"

Mr. Lassiter walks out and says, "Remember what I said!"

Mr. Carter's face turns red, his neck muscles tense up but he does not tell Mr. Lassiter what he can do with his memory.

Mr. Carter arranges a Town meeting, friends as well as strangers attend. Who lives in Redwood Falls now after Walnut Grove was destroyed? All four of the Wilder's, Almanzo, Jenny and Rose are there. Rev. Alden Pastors the Town's Church, his wife Anna Alden runs a seamstress shop in Town. Willie and Rachel opened up his own business, 'Willie's Diner' best homecooked meals around. Much more homestyle than where Lassiter and Drew had their business Luncheon. Nels helps his son Willie at his Diner and Reverend Alden at the Church. Nels has more time on his hands these days since Harriet passed four years ago around Christmas. Nancy is working at the switchboard in Willie's Diner. Mr. Jones and his wife and seven children are there at the Town meeting. Mr. Smith and his wife also with seven children are there, (the Smiths tried to keep up). Mr. Blackman the Town Banker. Miss. Bowser runs a saloon inspite of the fact her father died by drinking too much one night and fell off the saloon roof to his death, As well as others in attendance. Farmers, Ranchers and others who live just outside of Town.

Mr. Carter opens the meeting and explains the intentions of Lassiter and Company. Laura Wilder stands up and says, "Well we will just bust some windows again!"

Mr. Carter says, "We can't, Lassiter has done his legal homework legally he's got us, apparently in every way."

Rev. Alden speaks, "Faith and caring shall always triumph, but HOW? HOW?"

Miss Bowers stands up to speak, "Yesterday," she started to say, "A man came into my place of business and gave me his business card as well as two other customers. He is a stock broker to Lassiter and Company. If we bought into Lassiter and Company wouldn't Lassiter have to listen to his stockholders?"

Nels Olsen grinned, stood up and started to say, ''I have just happened to have overheard a man visiting from the New York Stock Exchange talking with Mr. Brokaw at Willie's Diner, when I was refreshing their coffee which stock to buy for the most good."

John Carter speaks, "Alright! This will mean more to Mr. Lassiter than busting some windows. We will bust him in the pocketbook. Evidently that's all he understands. Rev. Alden please don't try to talk us out of it unless you have a different plan."

Rev. Alden speaks, "I'm not against your plan there was a King Agag in the Bible that got his big toes cut off. Financially speaking let's cut Lassiter's big toes off."

The Town pulls their finances together and buy stock into Lassiter and Company. Lassiter finds out and is furious. He bursts into John Carter's Campaign Headquarters and says, "How Dare You! How Dare You! I own this Town! I own this property! I legally own you since you are on my land and operate my businesses! You foolish hicks know nothing about business. I will fight you!"

John Carter responds, ''You may think of us as just dumb hicks but hicks stick together. We are not dumb and foolish, you see we outsmarted you! You may legally own the Town and property and sadly even our services to you but you don't and never will own our minds, hearts and spirits. Because of your greed we now own you. As stockholders you must do as we say or fold your business and we say, LEAVE Redwood Falls as it always was!"

Lassiter leaves Redwood Falls and gives up trying to control Towns for Land Development. Lassiter is never heard from again.

Miss Bowser goes to Church the next Sunday. There is hope for everybody.

John Carter wins the election and Redwood Falls grows to be even more successful without Lassiter and Company.

The End.