Experimental Conclusion

Scott has his own thoughts about Murdoch's "experiment."

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We both await Murdoch's lecture. Hopefully it will be easier than his deceptively quiet, compelling instruction to leave, that left Johnny uttering an uncharacteristically meek "Yes Sir" and me with a silent grimace.

He returned, looking serious. "I don't owe you an explanation," he began, "but I would like you to listen and try to understand why I undertook this experiment."

Johnny and I put on our obedient faces, mentally blowing off the thick layer of dust.

"This was a matter of second chances, to rebuild a life, even a very different one, for these men. The prison experience is certainly enough to forever change a man. The question is, having changed, what will he do with his life?"

Ah, you understand, Father. We have never spoken in detail, but you have an inkling about what the war and prison might have done to me.

"-This was to be an opportunity to explore that new life, and find a future in it."

Of course, there are few better than Murdoch to know about creating a new life. It pleases me too, that Murdoch, without overtly indicating, has seen what Lancer has done for me after leaving that decadent life no doubt mentioned in those Pinkerton reports.

"Especially after seeing what Lancer has done for Johnny, I hoped other men could put aside their rough, dangerous route to nowhere, for a very new road, something better. Johnny, you taught me this. I wanted to help set them up for a new world for themselves."

Oh. Johnny. This was because of Johnny?

So only Johnny changed with a new life, and showed you that it was possible? As if you didn't realize it before! What about you, who crossed an ocean, then a continent to build this empire, this new world for yourself? There was nothing like this in Scotland for you to guide your new life. You didn't just master this land, and dispatch your enemies, you shed that brogue and kilt for American six-shooter. Oh yes, you became a new man. And not only the ranch, but you found a second chance at love after my mother died. And yet, you speak only of Johnny.

So, my father, if you want to see successful second chances, just look in the mirror.

Or look at me.