Chapter 22

The trial started at eight o'clock sharp, Ben and his sons sitting near the front row as the first man was brought in by the sheriff. It was the girls father, the man sitting smugly in his seat while the fancy San Francisco lawyer he'd hired fought for his innocence. There was hardly any point though with the evidence stacked up against him, the judge and jury listening closely to the charges and evidence brought up against him. Ben was called to the witness stand after sometime, testifying on his account of Missie's condition and also testifying on the girls behalf. The doctor was also required to speak and backed up what Ben had said in his testimony. An hour passed, the court adjourning for the jury to reach a decision.

It didn't take long before they reached a verdict and court was called back into session. Judge Jackson waited till everyone was seated, glancing over the crowd as they quietened. 'This court is now in session.' He turned to the spokesperson for the jury. 'Has the jury reached a decision?'

The man stood. 'We have your honor. We find the defendant guilty on all charges.'

A ripple of noise arose from the crowd but he silenced it with a bang of his gavel and turned to the defendant. 'Will the defendant please rise.' The man rolled his eyes and stood up slowly. He swallowed back his disgust of the man's behavior, continuing on with his sentence. 'Michael Donnington, this court finds you guilty on all charges brought against you. You are hereby sentenced to hang by the neck until dead in the public square tomorrow at noon.'

Missie sat staring at the grandfather clock, watching the minutes slowly ticking by. The men had been in town with the trial since early morning and hadn't returned yet, the girl sitting in the deafening silence by herself. The silence left her with nothing to do except ponder over her own thoughts and problems which she had been doing all day.

'Young Missie, time to eat.'

She sighed as Hop Sing cheerfully walked into the living room carrying a tray with steaming food. She hadn't felt hungry at all but the cook had been following Ben's orders of her to rest and eat to the absolute fullest. 'Thank you Hop Sing.' She exclaimed as he placed the tray across her legs. The cook bowed then headed back to the kitchen, the girl picking at the food gingerly.

The food was good, there was no denying that. Hop Sing was one of the best cooks she knew and normally she ate everything she was given with zeal but not today. She just didn't feel like eating. Slowly she worked through what she'd been served, knowing that Ben and Adam wouldn't be very impressed if they heard she wasn't eating. She knew they meant well but they just didn't understand what she was going through. Everything was catching up with her, taking its toll on her mind. She'd forced herself through it since she'd been taken, not allowing herself the luxury of dealing with it but now things were playing over in her mind. It didn't help that she was in pain either, her whole body still ached, especially her ribs. How she'd been able to run while having cracked and broken ribs was beyond her. She knew for certain though she wouldn't be running anywhere for some time.

The bowl was now empty, her meal finished off and she rested back against the pillows while she waited for the cook to take the tray back. At least she was able to feed herself, when her ribs weren't excruciatingly painful. She didn't like people having to feed her, she had her pride to maintain after all. The quicker she could heal and be able to do things for herself the happier she'd be.

'All finished?'

'Yes thank you Hop Sing.'

'Would Missie like more?'

'No thank you, I'm just really not feeling hungry today.'

'Alright, Hop Sing understand. You rest young Missie.'

That's all I've been doing day. She replied in her mind as the cook left again, returning to staring at the clock. It was getting late now, the sun had disappeared a couple hours ago and with it a sense of dread had filled her soul. She hated being in the dark, being alone. Easy, take it easy. She reminded herself as her breaths became faster and she forced herself to stay calm. Getting worked up would only hurt her ribs and that was definitely one thing she didn't want happening.

She turned her head, staring at the fire and watched the flames flicker and crackle. She wondered how the trail had gone, wondered what sentence her father had received.

The door opened after some time and she glanced around to see who it was. Ben and Adam were hanging their hat's up on the rack then proceeded to take off their gun belts. She didn't know what to say, waiting instead until they came over to her. 'Hey.'

'Hey Missie-' Ben sat down on the couch beside her while Adam took a seat opposite to them. 'how have you been?'

'Okay, sore but alright. Hop Sing has kept me well fed, despite my lack of appetite.' She paused, trying to read his face. 'How'd the trial go?'

He sighed heavily, wishing he didn't have to be the one to tell the girl about her father's death sentence. There was no nice way of saying it, despite him trying to think of one. 'The jury declared him guilty, the judge sentenced him to hang tomorrow. I'm sorry Missie, I don't really know what to say.'

Missie nodded, a blankness coming across her face. 'I had a feeling that would be the outcome. What about the other men? What about the boys father? They're going to hang him too?'

'Some of them will be, yes, depending obviously on their crimes. I don't want to see that boy be made an orphan any more then I want to see you but in your case your father's crimes were a lot more serious. His father was only working for Donnington, he was paid to tend to the horses. He went along on some robberies but he didn't kill anyone. The court ruled him guilty but I spoke to the judge about him having leniency because of the boy. He's the only one escaping either jail time or the noose. I spoke to him this morning before his trial, he seems to be a good man that just got in with a bad lot.'

She sighed in relief. 'I'm glad the boy will be able to keep his father, I'm indebted to him for what he did for me. Didn't seem right him loosing his father too.' She paused, a question that had been playing on her mind the last couple days now wanting to be asked. 'Mr. Cartwright-' She didn't quite know how to ask to decided to blurt it out as fast as she could. 'Can you take me in to see my father before the hanging?'

Adam and his father exchanged a look, his father seemingly lost for words at the girls request. 'Why Missie? Why would you want that?'

The girl looked down at her hands. 'So I can tell him I forgive him and say goodbye. I don't want to hold onto him for my entire life or the things he's done. I need to let go otherwise my heart won't be open to anyone else. Ma said that when she married Pa, she said that before he went to prison. She told him she forgave him. I know it wasn't easy for her but she wouldn't have been able to move on without it. If you don't forgive you become bitter, angry. I don't want that to happen to me, I don't want his memory to hold that kind of power over me.'

The more he began to know and understand the girl, the more he was amazed by her. She was exceedingly mature for her tender age. 'Are you sure Missie?' Ben asked after a few moment's of silence. 'Is that what you want?'

She nodded slowly. 'I need to do it Mr. Cartwright, for my healing. Please, can you take me in?'

'What do you think Adam?'

'I think a young lady who's been what you've been through Missie and say you want to forgive who wronged you is a testament to all of us.' He replied with a tone of admiration in his voice. If he were in her position, having someone kill his family then treat him the way she'd be treated he highly doubted that forgiveness would receive even a passing thought. 'Your more courageous and strong then men I've known, you certainly are a remarkable young lady.'

'Then you'll take me in?'

Ben nodded. 'We'll take you in early, you can speak to him then we'll get you home before it begins.'

'Thank you. I don't want to see his end, I can still see Mamma in my mind-'

He placed his hand on shoulder, knowing how hard it was on the girl firsthand. When both Inger and Marie had died it had lingered in his mind for a long time and he was a man. Missie was still a child, no matter how mature she was it didn't change the fact of her age. 'You best get some rest then young lady, it'll be a long ride into town. I don't really want to be taking you anywhere but given the circumstances I think we can make an exception. On one condition though.'

'And what's that?'

'You let us know when it's getting too much for you so we can give you your medicine and let you rest.'

'Okay.'

'Good girl.' He smiled and stood up. 'Now I don't know about you two but I'm going to hit the hay. Good night.'

'Night Pa.'

'Night Mr. Cartwright.' She exclaimed as he headed up the stairs then turned to Adam. 'What was my father like at the trial?'

'What do you think he'd have been like?'

'Treating the whole thing as some kind of joke, he always had a sick sense of humor. I don't know why though.'

'Some people just naturally have a mean streak that when left to rule them turns into their ruin.'

'Ma said a man who couldn't control his temper was like a ship with no sails, no rudder and no sailor in a storm. The waves would eventually beat the ship to pieces, just like how my father's life has turned out.'

'Your mother sounded like a wise woman.'

'She was, everything I know I learnt from her, except what I learnt from Pa and Elizabeth that is.' She brought her hand to her mouth to cover a yawn. 'Hmm, I think that's my cue to hit the hay. Would you read me a story Adam?'

'Alright.' He chuckled, picking up a book from off the table. He began to read, glancing up on occasion from the words and a smile came across his face when he say she was asleep before he finished the last page. Quietly he blew out the lamp on the table then rose from his seat and fixed up the blankets over the girl. Gently he kissed her forehead like he did to Little Joe when he was younger and watched her sleep on for a moment. 'Sleep well Missie.'

'Time to wake up Missie.'

Missie turned her head away from the voice, burying her face between the back of the couch and her pillows. It wasn't time to wake up yet, was it? 'Go away.'

Adam chuckled, she was as bad as Little Joe with early mornings. 'Now you don't want me to have to give you a cold bath to wake you up, do you? The pond is awfully chilly this time of year.'

'You wouldn't.'

'Oh I wouldn't, would I? We'll see about that-' He teased, starting to slip his arms underneath the girl. 'Your welcome to take the chance.'

The girl knew the game was up, sighing as she opened her eyes. 'I'm awake.'

'I thought that'd do the trick.'

'Is my older brother givin you trouble me lady?' Hoss exclaimed as he came down the stairs. The girl nodded and he playfully punched him in the shoulder. 'No one teases my Missie gal.'

'Your liable to hurt someone with those giant fists if yours.' Adam played along as the girl laughed gleefully. 'We'll finish this later Missie.'

'Sure, sure.'

'Smells like Hop Sing has bacon cookin, I'm goin to go swipe a piece.'

'We'll see Hop Sing chase him out of the kitchen with a rolling pin in a minute.' He remarked as he sat down on the couch with the girl. 'How'd you sleep?'

'Best as I could, I'm pretty sore.'

'You need some more medicine?'

'Please.' He grabbed a bottle off the table and measured out a dose for the girl. 'Ugh, I hate the taste of that.'

'Once you get better you won't need it anymore.' Adam put the bottle aside and turned back to her. 'We best get you ready, we'll be leaving right after breakfast.'

She nodded and he reached for the dress he'd brought her, her only dress she had so far. Rolling the covers back he sat her up then helped her put it on over her nightgown and did the buttons up for her. 'As soon as I'm better I'll have to figure out some way of earning some money to buy some more clothes.'

'You needn't worry about that Missie, we'll take care of it for you.'

'I don't want charity Adam.'

'Consider it an advance, if things hadn't happened you'd already be doing stuff around her. As soon as your ready we'll take you into Virginia City and buy you what you need. Right now though, all you need to concern yourself with is getting better. When we get home from seeing your Pa you'll be resting the rest of the day.'

'Yes Adam.'

'Good girl.' He finished fixing up her dress then turned to her hair. 'How'd you want this done?'

'Just a plait would be fine. How'd you get so good at doing stuff like this anyway?'

'Picked it up here and there.' His fingers made short work of the braid, tying it off with a piece of leather string. 'All done.'

'Thanks Adam, I'll be so glad to do this for myself again once I'm better. At least I can feed myself.' She glanced towards the kitchen, Hoss still hadn't emerged. 'You reckon Hop Sing might have dropped him where he stood?'

Adam chuckled as his father and Joe came downstairs. 'I'll go see what the hold up with breakfast is.'

'Morning Missie.' Ben greeted as he came in, stopping beside her as Adam went to the kitchen. 'You had a good sleep I trust?'

'Not really, Adam woke me when I was really enjoying it.'

'He used to do that a lot to me when I had to go to school, one time he picked me up and dumped me in the pond.'

'Really?' A look of horror crossed her face. 'He threatened to do that to me, I thought he was just foolin.'

'When Adam says something, you better watch out. He means it.'

She cringed. 'I better watch myself then, I don't want to end up in the pond.'

'Here we go, one breakfast fit for a lady.'

'Oh Hoss-' A smile came across her face as she looked at the tray he laid on her legs. There was more food then she thought she'd be able to eat and a small bunch of wildflowers on the side. She picked the flowers up, smelling them as her eyes began to water. 'Thank you. These flowers are beautiful.'

'I picked them fresh from Hop Sings garden, with his permission of course. I thought you might enjoy them.'

'Oh I do, they're gorgeous.'

'Breakfast ready. Come eat.'

'Right, that's us.' Ben exclaimed, the three of them heading to the kitchen where Adam was serving his plate.

Missie breathed in deeply of the flowers again then held them close to her. No one had ever given her flowers before, Hoss wouldn't know how much the little gesture meant to her. It really touched her, wiping a tear that rolled down her cheeks away.

'Missie like flowers?'

'They're beautiful, Hoss said they came from your garden. Thank you, there're absolutely lovely.'

Hop Sing beamed at the compliment. 'Hop Sing good with garden. Like growing vegetables and flowers. Want water to put them in?'

'Yes, thank you.'

'I go get vase.'

She nodded as he left, smelling the flowers one last time then placed them back on the tray and slowly started on her breakfast. She still didn't feel like eating but knew she had to too keep her strength up.

'Missie don't like breakfast.'

'No, it's great Hop Sing, I'm just not really hungry.'

'What Missie favorite breakfast?'

'My Ma used to do really good pancakes-'

'Tomorrow, pancakes then.' He put the flowers in the case then put it on the table. 'Missie look nice in dress.'

She blushed. 'Thank .' The cook bowed and went back to the kitchen, the girl returning to her breakfast. She really didn't feel hungry at all, her stomach felt like it was in knots and she placed the fork back down on the tray. Her father was going to be hung today in less then six hours, the last remaining person of her family. With him dead she'd be alone, truly alone. Oh, what was she doing? Thinking she could go in there and say to his face that she forgave him. He killed her family, her Ma, her Pa and her siblings. How could she forgive him for that? Missie, we forgive those who have wronged us so we don't become like them. If you hate someone, you're no better than they are. Her mother's voice echoed through her mind, a shiver running up her spine. She knew her mother was right but if it had been her that was alive, would she have forgiven him?

She felt sick, really sick. The smell of the food was making it worse, the girl trying to turn to put the tray down in the table but her ribs couldn't stand it. 'Adam, can you come take this please?'

'Coming.' He wiped his mouth with a napkin and walked over, seeing how little she'd eaten. 'You not feeling hungry?'

'I think I'm going to throw up.'

He quickly took the tray off her and placed it on the table, kneeling down beside her. 'I'd say take a deep breath but I know that ain't going to help your ribs any. You feeling real sick?'

She nodded. 'I really don't want to throw up, it hurts too much.'

'I know, broken ribs aren't fun at all.' He replied sympathetically. 'What's making you sick?'

'Thinking about my father.' She sniffled, looking down at her hands as she tried to keep back the urge to vomit. 'Adam, he's the only family I've got and he's going to be hanged. Once he's gone I've got no one, I've got no family.' Her bottom lip quivered. 'I'm scared.'

'I know you are sweetheart.' He touched her cheek gently, making her look at him. 'Missie, you don't have to go into town to see him, you know that. We wouldn't think any less of you if you changed your mind.'

'No, I've got to go in.' Her voice was soft, breaking with emotion. 'I'll never forgive myself if I don't do it. You understand, don't you?'

Adam nodded after a moment. 'Missie, I admire your courage, I really do. You know we'll be with you.'

'I know, thank you.' She looked down at her hands again. 'With my father dead I'll be an orphan I guess. Not to many people would want me with my family history. They'll be scared I'll turn out just like him.'

'That's not true.'

'Is it?' She sighed. 'I know all too well what people are like Adam, I saw the way they treated my Ma. I know she and I don't come from 'respectable' backgrounds but we're still human beings. People seem to forget that.'

'They certainly do.'

'And what of you guys when people start talking? I've gathered your family is quite respected in this community. I don't want my presence here to tarnish that.'

'Don't you worry about us, we've dealt with worse things then gossip before.'

'But what if you get tired of me being around? What happens then? I don't want to be a burden, your all grown men with your own lives to live. You shouldn't have to concern yourself with a child like me.'

'Your scared of being alone.'

She nodded after a moment. 'I just want to protect myself from being hurt. I know I accepted your fathers offer of staying but I think it's best if as soon as I'm able I leave.'

'And where would you go? What would you do?'

'Plenty of saloons want a new face for the men, that's all I'll ever be good for. Whoring.'

'Missie Dennning.' He planted both his hands on her shoulders firmly. 'Don't you speak of yourself that way. You are a bright girl with a bright future, I don't want to see you end up in that kind of life.'

'Plenty of girls do it, I don't have much choice without an education.'

'I won't let you do it Missie, there is no way that kind of life is one you should lead.' The girl shrunk back at his louder tone and he could feel his father and brothers looking in their direction. 'What are you so afraid of? You know you can stay here, you don't have to go and you certainly don't need to go into that line of work. What is really going on?'

'I'm scared-' Her voice broke as her lip quivered again. 'With my father gone I've got no family, I'll be alone. I'm scared of being alone. Don't you see? I have to go. I couldn't stand it if you guys got tired of me and sent me away. I have to protect myself.'

'Your scared of us abandoning you?' He asked after a moment as what she was getting at started to sink in to dawn on him. The girl nodded again, refusing to look at him. 'Missie, if we wanted to do that we wouldn't have spent three days looking for you. What do I have to say to you for you to realize that we care about you?'

'I don't know. I'm just frightened, scared of the unknown.'

'I know, I know you are. You've got to believe me when I say though that you've got a place here, a place here with us. You don't have to be scared, we'll take care of you. I made you a promise, didn't I? I don't make a promise I don't intend to keep.'

'Why don't you go finish your breakfast Adam?' Ben interrupted in the silence that followed, he'd come over without them noticing. He moved over closer, kneeling down beside the girl and looked up at Adam. 'I want to talk to Missie.' The girl refused to look up as his son left and returned to the dining table and he sat down on the couch in his place. 'Missie, I overheard a little of what you said to Adam. I would like it if you told me what was going on.'

She shook her head. 'I already said too much, you'll think me ungrateful and weak.'

'No Missie, I wouldn't. I know you're going through a hard time, I don't think that at all.'

'Your a good man Mr. Cartwright.' Missie brought her hand to her mouth with a slight winch, chewing hard on the skin beside her nails. 'I don't want to be a burden on you.'

'Missie, you are not a burden young lady.' He replied, touching her chin gently and he made him look up at her. 'I know you are struggling, you've got doubts, fears, worries. You're scared and you have every right to be experiencing every single emotion you have right now. You're scared of the future, you're scared of the present. You feel alone, you feel out of place. You feel like you don't belong anywhere. You're worried about what's going to happen to you and you're afraid of losing more people if you get close to someone again. Your wanting to protect yourself by locking yourself up in a cage, building walls to keep yourself safe. Am I correct?'

The girl nodded slowly after a moment, looking towards the ground. 'You read me well Mr. Cartwright.'

'I thought as much, I've raised three sons. If I managed to raise them I'm pretty sure I can take a good guess at how a person is feeling based off their expression and demeanor. Missie, you know your welcome here as long as you like, I don't wish to see you leave based on a notion that you're a burden on us. If that's your only reason for wanting to leave then I think it's very selfish on your part.'

'Selfish? How could not wanting to be a burden on you be selfish?'

'Because we want to look after you. We care for you Missie, deeply-'

'Why me though? There's thousands of girls just like me you could choose from if you really were looking to take someone in. Why me? Because you feel sorry for me? Because you feel responsible for me?'

'Yes, yes that's it exactly.' He replied in a slightly louder, more stern tone. 'What started out on an obligation on our part to care for you since you were injured on our land has grown into more then just a matter of moral duty. You've touched our lives Missie, you've brought something to our home that has been missing for a long time. When you were missing it felt as if someone had taken one of my sons. Don't you get it Missie? We love you like you were part of our family.'

Missie didn't quite know exactly just what to say, her eyes filling with tears. 'I'm sorry, I didn't realize you felt this way. I'm sorry for being selfish-'

'It's alright my girl.' He said softly, wiping her cheek. 'You needn't apologize. You've been through something awful, you've been through your own hell. It's going to take time for you to feel better and move on. We won't leave you or send you away, we'll be here for you. Like I've said before, I hope you'll come to think of us as family.'

'I don't know what to say. I really am undeserving of this kindness.' She bit her lip. 'I can't repay what you've done for me.'

'You don't have to, that's the beauty of grace. It's the same grace God extends to us in giving his son to die on the cross that we might live in him. It's a gift, it doesn't need repaying. Are you understanding what I'm saying?'

'I think so.'

'Good.' He smiled, pulling a handkerchief from his pocket. 'Now blow your nose, we need to get a move on if you still intend on going to see your father.'

'I do, is that okay?'

'It is honey. We'll be with you the whole time.'

'Thank you.' She blew her nose softly, trying not to aggravate her ribs any further. She took as deep a breath as she dared then handed him back the handkerchief. 'I'm ready.'

Missie looked up at the imposing gallows being built in the town square as Ben drove the buckboard through the street, the boys riding along behind. It was early in the morning but there were already a number of people on the boardwalks with tied horses lined up outside the buildings. She shuddered, watching the workers testing the gallows, the trap door opening with a loud crash as the buckboard went on past.

Ben pulled the team to a stop outside the sheriffs office, putting the brake on and tying the reins around it then got down to help Missie. 'Easy now-' He helped her move off the seat and into his arms, the girl yelping softly in pain. 'You alright?'

'Yeah, just the ribs.' She winched, waiting for it to pass. The ride in had been rather tough, sitting upright on the seat but it was better than lying flat on her back in the back. At least the seat provided a little extra suspension over the rough roads. 'I'll be alright.'

'Do you want some more laudanum?'

She wrinkled her nose. 'Only if it's real bad and this ain't. I hate the taste of that stuff, its down right horrible.'

'Well you just tell me when you do want some, alright?'

'Alright.'

'Hoss, Little Joe, I was thinking it best if just me and Adam go in with Missie.'

'Sure Pa.' Hoss replied as he tied his horse up beside Adam's. 'Come on Joe, we'll go find out what's been going on in this here old sleepy town.'

Adam glanced over as his brothers left then turned back to Missie. 'You sure you want to go through with this?'

'I'm sure.' She replied softly. 'Let's get it over with.'

Carefully Ben carried her up the stairs into the office, ignoring the curious glances from passerby's. Adam opened the door for them since his hands were full and Roy stood up as they walked in. 'Morning Roy.'

'Morning Ben, Adam, Missie.' He acknowledged. 'What brings you in here?'

'Missie was hoping to have a word with her father.' Ben explained. 'Would that be possible?'

'There's no law against it but are you sure it's the right thing to do?'

'Sheriff, I need to speak with my father.' Missie interjected, gently but firmly in a tone that meant she meant what she said. 'He's going to leave this life in a couple hours, there's a few things I wish to address with him before it's not possible.'

'You'd better let her.' Adam added. 'Once she sets her mind to something she makes sure to get her way.'

'Alright.' He finally gave in after a moment, picking up the keys off his table. 'You can see her for a short time.'

Missie shivered as Ben followed the sheriff to the cells out back, the sheriff relieving his deputies watching the prisoners for a moment. The men had been crammed into the two cells, obviously there being no place else to keep them. The other men made crude comments and remarks as they walked in but she ignored them, having one person only on her mind. 'Hello Father.'

'Missie, what a surprise.' He grinned but it looked more like a cat about to kill a mouse then a genuine smile. He nodded at the man carrying her and the one standing beside her. 'Looks like you've found some sorry scumbags to take care of you. Whatcha given them in return? Spreading your legs-'

She saw Adam about to grab him between the bars and quickly stopped him. 'Adam, he's not worth it. Don't bother.'

'How manly of you to take orders from a wimp like this one.'

'Father, I don't wish for Adam to waste his energy on beating up someone like you so I'll be brief. You murdered your own family, your own wife and children. You killed my mother and my siblings. I should hate you for it, but I don't. Hating you would make me no better then you and I don't wish to bring myself down to your level. You took from me everything I have but you can't take away my spirit. I forgive you solely for the reason that I need to move on. You have no hold over me any longer, you can't and won't hurt me again. You chose the path you took now the law will prevail. I didn't wish harm on you but you made your own choices leading up to this end. I wish to know why but I don't think even you have an answer for the way you behaved.'

'I do actually.' He sneered. 'I hate you. I hated your mother and every single mite that she bred. She was nothing more than a whore just like you. Those three years I was in jail and with her wanting a divorce I had plenty of time to plan my revenge. She should never have left me, she should never have gone against what I wanted.'

'You didn't own her.' She replied simply. 'Ma loved you though I don't know why or how. I don't know what she saw in you but she would have stayed if you hadn't treated her the way you did.'

Michaels face was red with rage, glaring at his daughter who dared speak up to him. 'You don't talk to me like this-'

'The truth hurts. There's nothing you can do about it father, your hours are numbered on the earth. Maybe instead of threatening me you should be more worried about the guy upstairs and eternity. Goodbye father, I'd like to say I'll miss you but I honestly can't. All I can leave you with is I forgive you and I'm going to move forward past all this and have a good life. That's more irritating to you then me saying I hate you, I know it is.' She looked up at Ben. 'I've said my piece, we can go.'

'You'll never amount to anything more then shit.' He yelled out after her, clutching the bars in anger. If he was out he'd kill her with his bare hands- 'I hope you remember how much fun we had together-'

'Shut it Donnington.' Roy re-taunted as he followed Ben out, pushing Adam on in front of him so he didn't take a swing at the man. 'That little girl is more man then you'll ever be.' He sent his deputies back in, closing the door to the jail as he entered his office again.

Ben looked down at Missie, the girl with her face hurried in his vest. 'You okay Missie?' She nodded, sniffling a little and he kissed her head gently. 'That took guts Missie, you did good but I think it's time we got you home.'

'Ben, if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to speak with you a moment.'

'Sure-' He looked at his son and he came over closer.

'I'll take her home. Come on Missie.' Gently his father handed her to him and he carried her back out to the buckboard. 'I'm proud of you Missie, you were very courageous in what you did.'

'I don't feel it.' She sniffled, holding onto his vest. 'I'm just glad it's over now.'

The time for the hanging was fast approaching, the townspeople starting to gather to get the best spots to watch the executions. Ben, Hoss and Joe were wearing deputy badges, glancing up at the clock in the Sheriff's office. Roy had asked them to help with the transporting of the prisoners since he only had a couple deputies and they'd agreed to help out. Adam had taken the girl back to the ranch, they were waiting his return so he could assist them as well.

'Adam's back.' Joe announced from his vantage point at the window. 'Wonder how he got on with Missie.'

'You've got a special girl there Ben, that's for certain.' Roy exclaimed with a glance at the clock. A quarter to twelve. 'She's got more guts then most men.'

'She does.' Ben agreed after a moment. 'I just can't help but worry for her though.'

'She can take care of herself Pa, I think we've seen that.'

'I mean more about how she's feeling. She might appear strong on the outside but on the inside she's only a little girl.'

'I know what you mean.' Adam added, closing the door behind himself as he came in. 'She wore herself out pretty bad, I slipped some of that sedative Paul left into her medicine when we got back, she's sleeping now.'

'That's good, she needs her rest.'

He nodded then noticed the badge his father and brother's wore. 'What's the badge for?'

'We're assisting with the carrying out of the sentencing.' He replied grimly. 'Roy needed a couple more men to help and those happened to be us.'

'Here-' Roy tossed him another star. 'Put this on. It's time to get them ready.'

One by one the men were brought out of the ceils, had their hands tied behind their back then were walked out into the yard behind the office. Joe and Hoss with another deputy were there to guard them before they were escorted to the gallows, waiting for the rest of the men to be brought out. There was no pleasure in the job, none of them wanted to see anyone die but justice was required to prevail. These men had killed, they were murders and murders had to be punished and the gallows were their due reward.

Finally all the men to be executed had been brought forth, held in the yard as they waited to take their final walk. Roy closed the door to the jail behind him then motioned for the men to start walking. Being closely guarded by the sheriff, his deputies and the Cartwrights they were shepherded together towards their judgment.

It seemed like the whole town had turned out to watch the hanging unfold, more then just the town in fact. Word had traveled fast of the capture, trial and sentencing of the gang that had the territory in its fear for so long and now justice would be carried out. It wasn't a moment too soon either, they'd earnt what they had coming to them.

Donnington was escorted up the steps first, Roy and Ben following behind to keep him moving. The hangman they'd hired was there waiting for him, placing the noose over his neck as he recited the declaration spoken at execution. The mans legs were tied together, Michael standing with a sly smile as he waited for his rescuer to strike.

Adam was watching his expression closely, following his gaze to a man at the back of the crowd, a long scar running down his face. 'We've got company.' He whispered to Hoss, motioning back at the man. 'I'll go take care of him.'

'Be careful Adam.'

He quickly slipped through the crowd, the hangman buying him time with his speech as it neared noon. Coming around behind him, he drew his gun and silently approached until the muzzle was in the man's back. 'Hands up and keep them up.'

Michael watched in horror as Adam Cartwright thwarted his plans of an escape, his friend holding his hands up as the last of the declaration was recited.

'May God have mercy on your soul.'

Right at the clock struck noon the trapdoor opened, the man struggling for a few moment's as he dangled from the rope then was no more. Michael Donnington was dead. No more would the territory would be at the mercy of him and his gang and especially a young girl sleeping back at the Ponderosa. 'You and I are going to take a little walk mister.' Adam declared as he took the man's gun from him, marching him in the direction of the jail while the body was removed from the gallows in preparation for the next man. The man went to protest as he held open the ceil door but his gun was convincing enough for him not to try anything and he walked in. He closed and locked the door behind the man, returning to the town square as the next man began his accent up the gallows. Justice had only just begun.