Nels huddled over the small bonfire while Charles and Doc Baker stood next to sheriff Redden and watched the men begin their decent down into Ugly Gulch. "I'll go back to be with Nels," Baker said and left the other two men.

"Nels?" Baker's southern voice was somewhat soothing, "How are you holding up?"

Nels looked up from the fire, "I just can't believe all of this is happening," he swallowed and looked past the doctor to see Redden and Charles Ingalls assisting one of the men who was going down to the wreckage.

"I can understand," Baker also turned, "I guess part of it is just not knowing."

"And the other part is just wondering." Nels stated. Doctor Baker nodded, "We're here for you, of course," he placed his hand on the store-owner's shoulder. "It means a lot to me. I feel badly for Reverend Alden too, of course."

"Of course you do. He's been a leader in the community for so long," Baker looked back to Nels, "I know for one, I'm worried for him. He's been a good friend."

"I know. I just regret that it seemed like Harriet always had it in for him," Nels shook his head in sorrow. "I doubt that she'd a say a word about it during this ordeal, though."

"Well, maybe she did. I guess we'll just have to wait to see what the men find at the bottom," Baker replied as he stuffed his hands into his trouser pockets and looked at the fire.

A few moments had passes and Charles joined them, "What time have you got Doc?" The doctor pulled his watch from his vest pocket and adjusted it to the fire for light, "Almost four-thirty now. Sun should start to come up anytime," Baker looked to the horizon.

"I just wish they could move faster or let me help. I feel so useless," Ingalls stated while watching Redden and his men.

"I know the feeling, Charles," Oleson said sadly, "I just don't know that I would have the strength..."

Baker smiled weakly, "You'd be surprised at how much something like this can make a person strong. But," he looked at Nels Oleson, "Redden isn't going to risk you too."

Nels tried to smile, "Thanks doctor, I think I rather be alone for a while," Oleson stepped away from the fire to one that was further up the hill.

Charles watched the mercantile owner walk away, "What do you think Doc? Will Redden's men find them down there?" he thumbed over his shoulder.

Baker pursed his lips, "I'm not a betting man, Charles, you know that," Baker began to walk toward the cliff edge, "But if I were, I bet that Robert Alden and Harriet Oleson are alive - somewhere. Alden maybe stoic, but if push came to shove, he'd make a formidable enemy and I'm glad he's on my side!"

Charles tried not to smile, but he couldn't resist, "You know, I think you're right." There was a twinkle in Ingalls' eyes.

Doc Baker stepped closer and looked over his shoulder before he spoke in case someone might over hear him, "The worst of it is, he's stuck with Harriet, wherever he is!"

Charles choked as he held back his laugh, "God help him in that one. He's gonna need it."

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Reverend Alden shifted and the strange object draped over him caused him to jump. He didn't know what it was. Slowly he opened his eyes and looked down at the half blanket that covered him and wondered where the object came form all of a sudden. Then he remembered that he'd given a blanket to Harriet Oleson at the crash site. He sat quickly thinking that Mrs. Oleson had given him the blanket, however, he was relieved to see that she had in fact cut it in half and shared it with him. A kindly smile spread across his face and he again rested back against the rock and closed his eyes.

The sounds of the forest were more active now as song birds hopped from tree to tree calling for their mates or for rain. If one were to listen, they could also hear larger animals such as deer walking through the thicket. Alden sighed; there was no sense trying to get back to sleep.

The Reverend pushed himself up to his feet and wrapped the blanket over his shoulder for it was still quite cool and the little blanket offered some warmth and he was thankful for it.

With a little self-doubt, he wondered if walking for help was the best thing they could have done. Perhaps Harriet Oleson was right. This maybe the stupidest of ideas but at the time it was rational.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The dawn sun was finally lifting the darkness and several men did finally reach the crashed stagecoach. It looked as if it had flipped several times on its way to the ground and finally landing on its roof. The whole coach was flattened and only one wheel was somewhat intact.

He men slowly moved to the pile of debris and began slowly pulling wood and other metal prices away when one of them saw the fabric of a dress, "Dear Lord..." Smith said.

"What a way to die..." Johnston said to no one in particular.

Smith looked up to the men at the top of the cliff, "We think we found the woman," he yelled.

Smith's voice echoed through the valley and stabbed Nels Oleson in the heart, "Oh, dear God, no!" he took two stepped forward before he fell to his knees and sobbed. Both Charles and the doctor raced to their friend's side, "Easy, Nels," Baker rubbed his hand over the mercantile owner's back as Nels remained on his hands and knees crying.

Charles looked up, "He said they only thought..." He looked down at Nels, "Nels you have to believe! You have too!"

Nels looked up at Ingalls, "It's easy to say when it isn't your wife..." He looked away and continued to cry.