Chapter 3

The early morning sunlight woke Colin up as it shone through the crack in the certain, inviting him to a new day. He looked over at his sleeping wife and quietly slipped out bed, put on his work clothes and left the room, leaving his wife to sleep. As he walked outside into the crisp mountain air, he felt something was wrong, then he saw the empty corral.

Quickly he went back into the house, and into Rob's room where he was still asleep. 'Rob, Rob. Wake up. The stallion's gone!'

'What?' Rob leapt up. 'What did you say?'

'The stallion's gone, he's taken off.' Colin repeated as Rob hurriedly got dressed. 'But I think he had help.' He added as they ran out to the corral.

'I don't believe it.' Rob said as he picked up the lock, the hair pins still sticking out of it. 'Someone has stolen him.'

'It's a child who did it.' Colin said as he stood up from looking at the tracks. 'And by the looks of it, a girl. I'd say about ten to twelve years old.'

By now the entire household was up, and Matt ran out to them. 'What's going on?'

'Someone stole the stallion.' Colin repeated. 'By the looks of it, a girl around ten to twelve years old. She snuck up, opened the lock and rode off on him.'

'How do you know she rode off on him?'

Colin pointed to the ground. 'She got on him there, there's no footprints going away from here, only hoofprints.'

Matt looked at Rob. 'What do you want to do? Do you want to go after her? He is your stallion.'

Rob nodded. 'Even only just to talk to her and find out why. For him to go with her without a sound, she has to have a connection to him.'

'I'll ride with you.' Matt said, then he looked at Colin. 'Are you coming with us?'

Colin shook his head. 'I've got to get started on next week's sermon.' He looked at Rob. 'Go easy on her if you find her.'

'I won't hit her if that's what you mean.' Rob replied as they walked into the barn, then Kathleen came running over with some sandwiches.

'Be careful Matt.' She said as she gave him a kiss. 'I'm guessing she'll be quite the fighter.'

'Don't worry.' Matt took the bag of food. 'We'll be careful.'

'Your horse is ready.' Colin ran over leading Matt's horse and handed him the reins. 'If you come across the Blackwoods, don't tell them about the stolen horse till you find out why the girl did it.'

'Don't worry, I won't mention it.' Matt said as he mounted. 'We should be back by nightfall.'

Colin watched as Rob and Matt raced off, then looked at the women. 'I actually hope they don't find her, or the horse.'

'Me too Colin.' Kathleen agreed. 'Me too.'

Josie galloped Thunder to where she had left Trigger, then grabbed the mare and rode back to the camp. By the time she had gotten back, it was in the wee hours of the morning, and she was exhausted. The fire had long since died out, and it was getting colder. She tied up Trigger, then crawled into her bedroll, trying to get warm. Lass sensed her master was cold, and lay beside her till the sun rose to keep her warm.

When Josie woke up later in the morning, the sun was already high in the sky. She looked out from under her shelter and saw that Thunder wasn't there. 'Thunder? Thunder!' but he didn't come running. 'We have to find him.' Josie said to Lass as she quickly cleaned up the camp and tacked up the mare with everything she had packed in the saddlebags. She knew that people would come looking for the stallion, and she wanted to get him far away before that happened. 'Lass, follow.' she commanded as she mounted the horse and cantered out of camp, back into the scrub.

As they rode on, looking for Thunder, she didn't notice the panther following, leaping from tree to tree, hidden in the shadows until it was too late. With a horrible scream, the panther leapt down onto her, knocking her off her horse and spooking it.

Josie rolled over as the cat bit into her and scratched her with its claws. She pulled her hand free and gouged the cats eyes with her fingers. With a snarl, the cat began to rip her arms, legs, anything it could get, all the while trying to bite the girls neck, who was blatantly trying to stop it.

Suddenly Lass was there, barking and growling at the panther. The panther looked at the collie and snarled, then dropped the girl from its jaws to attack the dog. With a hiss, it leapt to pin the dog to the ground, but when it struck, the dog was no longer there. It snarled again as it rushed at Lass, but again the dog moved out of its reach.

Josie could hear the panther and Lass fighting faintly, trying to stay conscious. She knew she had to help her dog, as she heard her yelp as the panther ripped her with her claws. Mustering all the strength she had left, she grabbed her pistol and shot it into the air, then her arm fell weakly to the side as it fled.

Vaguely, she could hear Lass whining, and felt the dog nudging her, but she couldn't move. 'Go. Lass. Run.' she commanded, her thoughts only about her dog, her horse long since bolting. 'Go.'

Lass whined when she heard the command. She had been told to run, but her instincts knew the panther would be back. She didn't want to leave her master, but she knew she had to do something. With one last whine, and a nudge at her blood soaked master, she took off into the scrub, taking a piece of Josie's dress with her.

Emily was calmly sewing in the rocking chair after everyone had left for town, the only other person at the station being Colin who was sitting at the table working away at his sermon. 'Do you think Matt will find the girl who took the stallion?'

'I don't know.' Colin replied as he closed his Bible and looked at her. 'What I can't get is this. A horse that won't let us near it, calmly lets a child take it? The only way that is possible is if its her horse, but it can't be. He's a wild brumby.'

'There are stranger things in life.'

'Like what?'

Emily looked at Colin. 'Like why your more worried about your sermon then spending time with me.'

'Well, now that I've finished my sermon, I can remedy that.' Colin said as he walked over to her. 'What did you have in mind?'

'Hmmm, a walk down to the waterfall perhaps.' Emily said as she placed her sewing aside. 'Or a ride to Tylers Canyon.'

'A walk sounds great.' Colin stood up from where he had knelt in front of her. 'We can make it a long one too.'

'I'll just grab my shawl.' Emily replied as she stood up, then heard a scratching at the door. 'Do you hear that?'

Colin nodded as he grabbed the rifle from above the fireplace, then he saw Emily's questioning look. 'Protection on the walk. Go see who's at the door.'

Emily opened the door and looked down to see a dirty collie dog on the doorstep. 'Oh, you poor thing.'

'Emily, be careful.' Colin said as he leaveered a bullet into the gun just incase it went to attack her. 'It could be vicious.'

Emily knelt down in front of the dog and then saw it was dripping blood. 'Colin, its hurt.'

Colin lowered the gun and walked over to it. 'Where Emily?'

Emily parted the fur under the dogs chest. 'Here, looks like its been scratched by something.'

'It does.' Colin said as he looked at it, then realized what caused it. 'It had a run in with a panther!'

'Oh, you poor thing.' Emily gently patted the dog, then saw a little bit of cloth protruding out of its mouth. 'Colin, look.'

Colin looked up at Emily from the dog and saw her holding a blood soaked piece of cloth. 'Where did that come from?'

'She had it in her mouth.' Emily replied. 'Colin, I think she's trying to tell us her owner has been injured. Why else would she be holding onto a piece of calico?'

'I think your right Emily.' Colin grabbed his coat off the rack. 'I'll see if she leads me to her. Emily, you stay here. If Matt or Rob shows up before I get back, tell them to come find me, and tell Montana I'll talk to her later.'

'I will.' Emily replied as she hugged him. 'Just promise me you'll be careful.'

'I promise.' He ran down the steps then looked back at the dog. 'Come on girl.'

Lass turned and followed him to the barn, where he tacked his horse up, then he galloped out of the barn following the dog, Emily watching him leave.

Colin followed the dog for a good hour, slowed a bit somewhat by the dog's injuries, going up higher and higher into the mountains. He was beginning to doubt if the dog knew where it was going when he rounded a corner and saw a heap of calico lying on the ground. He pulled his horse to a stop and leapt off, running over to the girl's side, the dog whining and nudging her. He felt for the girl's pulse on her wrist, but couldn't find it. He then felt her neck, and was relieved to feel a pulse. It was weak, but at least it was there. He turned his attention to the rest of her body, covered in blood wondering where to begin when the child spoke.

'Lass?' Josie asked strained, her eyes fluttering open. 'Lass?'

'She's right here.' Colin said as he knelt down beside the child and looked into her eyes. 'You're going to be okay, I'm here to help you.'

Josie nodded weakly. 'Good. Job. Lass. Bringing. A. Parson.' she panted, straining for every word. 'You. Think. I'm. Gonna. Die.'

'Ssh.' Colin said as he stroked the girls hair out of her face. 'Save your strength, your going to need it.' He looked up as his horse suddenly bolted off, taking the rifle with it. He groaned as he realised the horse had taken off with his only form of protection.

Josie heard the horse bolt and knew what it meant. The panther was back, and now it had two tasty humans to chew on. 'Panther. Back.' she struggled to get the words out. 'It. Knows. I'm. Hurt. Run. While. You. Can.'

Colin took the pistol out of the girls cold hand and checked how many bullets were in it. There was only four, but he wished he had four hundred. 'Ssssh, I'm not going to leave you.' He looked around and saw Lass staring at some bushes. 'The panther won't come near us while I have the gun.'

Josie knew four bullets were not going to go far. She knew they needed to get out of there. She tried to whistle for Thunder, but all that came out was a strangled rasp. 'Whistle. Thunder. Come.'

Colin didn't understand what she was talking about at first, then he realised. Thunder was the black stallion. He whistled long and loud, then looked at the girl. 'That surfice?'

Josie nodded weakly, but didn't have the strength to say another word. She looked at the Parson beside her, terror written on her face as she heard the panther roar.

Colin heard it too, but pretended not to as he took off his oil coat and placed it over her, trying to keep her warm, then he made sure that the gun was ready to shoot when the panther showed its face…

Emily was watching at the window for Colins return when Montana rode in at a gallop. She ran out of the house to meet her. 'Montana! Have you seen Colin?'

Montana shook her head as she pulled her horse to a stop. 'No, but we have a serious problem. I spotted two panthers on Randshack Ridge, and they were watching something. I took a shot at them, but they ran off. Is Matt and the boys here?'

Emily gasped as she realized Colin had ridden off in that direction. 'No, their out looking for the stallion. Colin took off after a dog that was attacked by a panther. He was headed in that direction.'

'Oh God.' Montana quickly kicked her horse into a gallop, taking the path that led to the Ridge.

Emily stood in the deserted station yard, too numb to move, praying, hoping that Colin would be okay. She was jerked out of her thoughts as Colins horse galloped around the corner, without his rider. Emily ran to it and saw the gashes on the horses rump and began to cry, collapsing onto the ground in a heap.

Montana rode her horse as hard as she could towards the Ridge, praying that Colin wasn't there. She took a couple short cuts through the scrub and was almost to the Ridge when the horse stopped dead. 'Go on!' she yelled, as she kicked it hard in the flanks with her spurs, the horse bolting forwards underneath her.

As the horse climbed to the top of the Ridge, she saw Colin kneeling beside something on the ground and rode over to him. 'Colin, are you alright?' she asked as she jumped off the horse and ran over.

'For the moment, but I won't be if the panther decides he wants a bite.' He looked at Montana. 'We've got to get away from here no-' he was cut off by another roar the panther made, spooking Montanas horse and making it bolt. 'Now now we are really in trouble.'

Montana looked around the landscape, looking for the panthers. 'I hate to break it to you like this Colin but their is two out there this instant.'

Josie's eyes opened again. 'Two. Panthers?'

Colin looked at the girl. 'Don't talk honey, we're going to get your out of here.' he saw Montana mouth the words 'How?' to him and he mouthed back 'I have no idea.' he held the girls hand tightly. 'Your going to be okay, you hear. Just stay with us, we're going to get you to safety just as soon as we can.'

'Colin.' Montana placed her hand on his shoulder. 'Look.'

Colin looked up where Montana was pointing and saw the panthers pacing around them. Not one, not two, but three, and they were hungry. 'How many bullets do you have?'

'Five.' Montana replied. 'The horse has my gun belt.' she watched the panthers circling them, then two disappeared. 'Do you think they've left?' the words had just left her mouth when two panthers sprang on top of them from the tree tops.

Lass leapt in and grabbed one by the throat, getting it away from the people, the other panther having missed his mark leaping in.

Montana rolled away from the panther, shooting it with her pistol, but the thing wouldn't die. When the gun was empty, she had to clobber the panther over the head with it, trying to keep it away from her. She could see out the corner of her eye Colin and the dog winning a losing battle against the other panther when suddenly from nowhere, the black stallion appeared.

Thunder galloped in and charged at the panthers, roaring and bellowing at them. He grabbed one of them in his teeth and flung it around, pounding it against the ground till it was killed, then he went for the other one but couldn't see it. Suddenly he felt something land on his back and dig its claws in. He reared and bucked, trying to get it off, then flipped over on his back, crushing it. He jumped up and pounded his hooves into it before it had a chance to rise, then he saw the third one hiding in the bushes. He bolted towards it, the panther turning tail and fleeing into the scrub, then he walked back to the people, and to Josie.

Colin and Montana watched in amazement, panting, as the stallion blew in the girls face, trying to wake her, then backed away as they moved over to her.

Colin felt the girls pulse again. 'We have to get her back. She's going to die if we don't do something soon.'

'We'll need to carry her.' Montana replied as the stallion raced back off, disappearing in the scrub, then looking back at the girl. 'We need to move her now.'

Colin wrapped her in his coat, not worried that he was cold and picked her up. 'Which way is the shortest back to Langara?'

'That way.' Montana pointed down the trail, then stared in amazement as the stallion herded her horse towards them. 'Well I'll be.' she exclaimed as she caught its reins and stopped it. 'Colin, you take her back on my horse. I'll follow on foot.'

'Are you sure?' Colin asked he handed the girl to her so that he could mount the horse. 'The other panther is still out there.'

'I'll be fine.' Montana replied as she handed the limp child to him. 'The dog will protect me.'

'Alright.' Colin clapped his heels into the horses sides and bolted off towards Langara.

Montana sighed after he left, then started the long walk back when the stallion stopped her with a snort, as if inviting her onto his back. Carefully she vaulted on, the stallion not moving till she gently nudged him forward with her feet, the horse jumping into a thundering gallop.

They caught up with Colin quickly, the dog following as best she could. Colin stared at Montana as she rode the horse up to him. 'Well, that's a sight I never thought I see.'

Montana looked at the girl in Colin's arms, the girls face extremely pale. 'Colin, stop talking and start riding harder. She's not going to make it.'

Colin glanced down at the girl, her floppy head nestled in his arm. He nudged the horse faster, following Montana as she took a shortcut to the station. When they got back, he pulled his horse to a hard stop, the stallion sliding in beside him. 'Emily!'

Emily heard his voice from in the barn and run out to him. 'Thank goodness you're alright. When your horse returned without you, I was worried you were hurt.'

'I'm fine.' Colin assured as he passed the girl to Montana so he could dismount. 'But this child isn't. She's hurt bad.' He dismounted and took the child back in his arms and led the way inside. 'Where do you want her?'

Emily looked around for a good place. 'Just put her on the table for now, the guest bedroom needs to be cleaned.' she saw blood dripping out of the coat the girl was wrapped in as Colin placed her on the table. 'And so does the floor.'

'What do you want me to do?' Colin asked as Emily went to the girl.

'Boil some water, and get me some clean cloths. Montana, you can stay with me.' she replied as she unwrapped the coat from the girl and gasped. 'Oh my lord.'

Montana nearly fainted when she saw the girl injuries. She'd seen blood in her lifetime, but this child was almost torn to shreds. 'What can I do?' she gulped down the nauseating feeling in her stomach.

Emily began to tear off the girls dress, to reach the wounds better, throwing the blood stained clothes on the floor. 'Grab me the napkins in the drawer, I've got to stop the bleeding.' she replied as she stripped the girl to her chamesol. 'She's got gashes on her back too, that panther definitely had a good go at her.'

Montana quickly grabbed the cloths and gave them to Emily. 'She's going to need stitches, and lots of them.'

'I know.' Emily replied as she held pressure on the worst wounds. 'Trouble is, I've never done stitches.'

'I have.' Colin returned with the hot water. 'I can do it.'

'Great.' Emily handed him the cloths. 'Clean her gashes with the water and stop the bleeding. I'll go grab my sewing kit.' she quickly walked out of the room.

Colin looked at Montana as he began to clean the girls wounds. 'This is not how I imagined I'd be spending my afternoon.'

'Me either.' Montana replied as she put pressure on the gash in the girls chest. 'This one's probably one of the worst. It won't stop bleeding.'

'Let me look.' Colin glanced over and saw she was right. 'The vein has probably been nicked.'

'What do we do about it?'

'I'll have to stitch it.' He replied as he dipped the cloth into warm water and cleaned the dirt out. 'I've never done anything like that though, I don't know if I can do it.'

'You have to try Colin. She'll die if you don't.'

'I know.' He looked up as Emily rushed in. 'I need your finest thread and your smallest needle. One of the veins has been nicked and it needs to be stitched.'

Emily quickly found what he requested and handed it to him. 'You alright?'

He nodded as he took the needle and thread. 'I've just never done it before.' he closed his eyes and said a quick prayer, then began to repair the vein. It felt like an eternity to him, but in reality it was only five minutes till it was fixed. He breathed a sigh of relief as he cut the thread. 'That's done, now the rest of the wounds to do.'

The clock ticked away as they tried to save a girl they didn't even know, but finally they were finished. 'Done.' Colin exclaimed as he closed up the last wound. 'I just hope it's enough.'

'You did your best Colin.' Emily encouraged as she and Montana began to dress and bandage the stitched wounds. 'And if she dies, it's not our fault. We did our best. It's infection I'm worried about now, and the amount of blood she's lost. For a child her age and size to lose so much isn't good.' she placed the dressings into colloidal silver, then onto the wounds to try and prevent infection. 'Colin, while we bandage her up, can you go find one of Danni's old nightgowns for her to wear? Her dress is ruined.'

'Sure.' Colin nodded as he walked out.

'Do you think she's going to make it?' Montana asked as she bandaged the girls leg. 'She's so fragile.'

'I don't know.' Emily replied as they finished bandaging her. 'She's so weak now from blood loss that infection now would finish her off. It's a good thing she's unconscious, otherwise I don't think we would have been able to stitch everything up.' She looked at the child's face, streaked with blood and grime. 'I just wonder what a child her age is doing up here. I've never seen her before.'

'I haven't seen her either.' Montana replied as she dipped a cloth in water so she could wash the blood off the girls face, but finally the pain from her own wounds was to strong and she sat down on the floor quickly.

'Montana, are you okay?' Emily asked as she ran around the table to her. 'Are you feeling dizzy?'

Montana nodded slightly as she took off the jacket she used to hide the wound on her arm. 'Colin and I both had a run in with the panthers too.' she gritted her teeth as Emily tore her sleeve and began to clean the gash from the panther's claws. 'The girl was the main thing on both our minds.'

'Did Colin get hurt as well?' Emily asked as she realized she had just assumed the blood on his shirt was from the girl.

'No, the panther missed him and got me instead.' Montana chuckled. 'You should have seen Colin though protecting the girl. I've never seen him so protective. He would have ripped the panther apart with his own hands if the stallion hadn't shown up and killed two of them.'

Emily raised her eyebrow. 'And just how many panthers were you guys up against.'

'Three.' Montana replied simply. 'They spooked my horse and it took off, taking my rifle which silly me hadn't taken. Colin had a pistol too, I think it was the girls though, but it didn't seem to have much effect. Anyway, it's over.' she finished as Colin came back in.

'Got it.' He said, then saw Emily and Montana sitting on the ground. 'What happened to you?'

'Oh, the panther.' Montana replied as Emily finished bandaging the wound.' Thanks.'

Emily stood up and looked at him. 'Any wounds your hiding too?'

'No, I got lucky.' He looked at his wife. 'I'm fine, but Montana didn't tell me she was injured.'

'Takes more than a scratch to stop me.' Montana said as she stood up. 'I had better be on my way, get changed out of these clothes.' she looked at Colin. 'I can send a telegram to the doctor if you like about the girl.'

'I'd appreciate that Montana, saves me the ride to town.' Colin shook her hand. 'Thanks for the help.'

'"Your welcome.' Montana replied sincerely, then walked out of the house and rode off.

'Where are we going to put her till you fix the guest room up?' Colin asked as Emily placed the nightgown on the child.

'I was thinking our room.' Emily replied. 'If you don't mind. Just till she's a bit stronger. The guest room doesn't have a window and its too small anyway.'

'I don't mind.' Colin said as he picked the girl up and carried her to their room, Emily following. 'It's only temporary anyway.'

'One of us is going to have to stay with her.' she pulled back the bedcovers so Colin could lay the child down. 'Just to watch her, incase she wakes up.'

'I'll stay.' Colin offered. 'She sort of knows me anyway, she was conscious when I found her. It might be less of a shock.'

'Alright.' Emily accepted, then jumped a little as the clock struck five. 'Oh my gosh! The others will be back any minute and the dining room is an absolute mess!' She quickly ran out of the room and set to work cleaning.

She had only just started when Matt and Rob returned. 'Looks like you slaughtered a pig in here Emily.' Rob teased. 'Or butchered a cow.'

'What happened Emily?' Matt asked as he walked over to her, dodging the pile of blood soaked rags on the floor.

'Colin found an injured girl and brought her back here, he's with her now. We put her in our room.' Emily explained.

'Oh I can't wait to hear this.' Rob leaned against the door frame. 'Did he accidently shoot her or something?'

'She was mauled by a panther.' Emily vigorously wiped the table with vinegar. 'A dog led him to her.' she suddenly stopped. 'I forgot the dog! She was hurt by the panther too.'

'It's fine Emily.' Matt assured. 'We'll take care of her. Where is she?'

'On the front verandah. If that girl wakes up and her dogs dead, she's going to be so upset.'

'Like I said, we'll take care of it. Come on Rob.' Matt led the way outside and found the dog lying near the doorstep. He walked up to the dog slowly, so that he didn't startle her. 'Had a run in with a panther did you?'

'Looks like it gave her a run for its money to.' Rob said as he knelt beside Matt and the dog. 'Poor thing.'

'I think with some salve, a good meal and rest, she'll be fine.' Matt patted the dog on the head. 'She probably wants to see her master.'

'Dad, look.' Rob exclaimed as he saw the stallion walking around the side of the barn towards them. 'Now, why do you suppose he's here?'

Matt gave the dog one last pat and cautiously walked down to the stallion. The stallion shook his head and pawed the ground, but made no inclination to get away, letting Matt walk right up to it. 'I'm guessing the girl inside is the one who took him last night. He must belong to her.'

'I think your right.' Rob walked over to the horse and stood on the side opposite Matt. 'He's been attacked too.'

'And trampled the panther as well.' Matt said as he looked at the dried blood on the horses hooves. 'Come on boy, let's take you into the barn.' he pulled a piece of twine from his pocket and placed it around the stallions neck. 'Lets go.'

Kathleen quietly entered the room where the girl was later that night with a bowl of soup for Colin. 'How is she?'

'No change.' Colin said as he took the soup. 'Montana was sending a telegram to the doctor when she went to town. I just hope he can help her. There's nothing else we can do.'

'You kept her alive, and got here here. That's the main thing.' Kathleen said as she sat in a chair beside him. 'Did she tell you her name when you found her?'

'No.' Colin began to eat. 'But the dog's name is Lass, and the stallion is Thunder. I still can't believe that that wild thing is hers, or that it killed two panthers single handedly.'

'I can't believe it either.' Kathleen said as she looked at the dog lying in the corner. 'Matt and Rob made a place for him in the barn.' she looked at the clock. 'I can stay with her if you want to get some sleep.'

Colin shook his head. 'I'll stay with her. You've got the newspaper office and school to teach tomorrow.'

'Are you sure?'

'Yes, I'm sure.' Colin handed her the empty bowl. 'Thanks anyway.'

Kathleen nodded as she stood. 'Your welcome. I'm thinking I'm going to hit the hay. Night Colin.'

'Night, Kathleen.' Colin said as she left, then looked back at the girl. Even though she had been badly injured, he could see scars on her back from being beaten, and it made him mad to think of any child being treated like that. It made sense now why she had been alone up there. She was running away, from something even worse than a panther. It made him angry that a person could be so cruel to another human being, and a young child at that. There was nothing on earth that she could have done to earn being justly beaten like that. Nothing at all.

As Colin gazed into her pale face, he gently began to stroke her hair, wondering what her story was, wondering who she was. But one thing was certain; if the person who had abused her like that came looking for her, he didn't think he could contain himself. 'No one is going to hurt you ever ever again.' He promised to the unconscious girl. 'Never.'

Matt was walking out of the house the next day to go to see if a telegram from the doctor had arrived when Frank Blackwood and Victoria came riding up. 'Frank, Victoria.' He tipped his hat. 'What can I do for you?'

'We found this horse wandering amongst our stock this morning.' Frank said as he and Victoria dismounted. 'We were wondering if you knew anything about it, it was in the pasture that borders both our properties.'

'No.' Man said as he looked at the horse. 'I've never seen it before.' he looked at the ruined saddle and opened the saddle bag to see if there was anything that could identify the owner. 'Did you happen to find the horse near Randshack Ridge?'

'Yes.' Victoria said as she held her horses reins. 'Why?'

'A girl was attacked by panthers yesterday there. Colin found her. I'm guessing this is her horse.' He began to lead the horse to the barn, the Blackwoods following. 'She's in a bad way too.'

'How bad?' Victoria asked as they entered the barn.

'We're waiting for the doctor to arrive, but it doesn't look good.' Math explained as he took the saddle off the mare. 'Colin and Montana were attacked too.'

'Are they alright?' Frank asked as he looked around the barn, then he spied the stallion and walked over to it.

'They are, thanks to him.' Matt replied as the stallion laid his ears back and bared his teeth. 'I wouldn't get too close to him Frank, he has a mean temper.'

Frank looked at the stallion from a faint distance, trying to figure out why he seemed familiar. 'Victoria, doesn't he look like Shadow's foal? The one that went missing a few years back?'

'He does Frank, but it couldn't be Shadow's foal. That ones too mean to be him.' Victoria said as the stallion reared up, kicking the door. 'Frank, just leave him alone. We don't need anymore horses, and this one is just plain trouble. Look at his eyes, he's too wild to be a tameable horse.'

Frank stepped closer to the stallion. 'I just want to make sure.'

'Frank.' Matt cautioned. 'That horse killed two panthers yesterday without batting an eye. He wouldn't think twice about hurting you. If you think it is Shadow's foal, was there anything that could identify him.'

'He had a scar above his left eye where he got kicked once.' Victoria said. 'If that's Shadow's foal, he'll have it.'

'Alright, I'll check him.' Matt cautiously approached the stallion. 'Frank, Victoria, stand back by the door. He doesn't know you and he's getting nervous. There, there easy boy.' He grabbed the halter and pulled the stallion's head down. Brushing the horse's forelock aside, he felt the fur above its eye. Sure enough, there was a scar. He sighed, realizing the stallion belonged to Frank.

'Well?'

'Its Shadow's foal alright, the scar is there.' Matt left the horse and walked over to them. 'What are you going to do about it?'

'Where did you get him?' Victoria cut her brother off. 'He's obviously been running wild for a long time.'

'We brought him in with a bunch of brumbies a couple days back, then the girl inside stole him back.'

'Like she stole him from us a few years back.' Frank said angrily. 'Where is she?'

'Frank!' Victoria snapped. 'We don't need another horse. If that girl can handle him, let her have it, but don't do something you'll regret later.'

Frank ignored Victoria. 'That kid stole a very valuable horse. I want you to hand her over to the troopers, or I'll come back and take her myself. And as for the horse, I'll be sending my men over to collect him.' He stared at Matt. 'And don't think you can stop me, because you won't.' He shot a cold glance Matt's direction as he stormed out of the barn.

'I'm sorry about my brother Matt.' Victoria said as she heard him gallop off. 'I'll try to reason with him about the horse and the girl.'

'I'd appreciate that Victoria.' Matt said as he rubbed his forehead. 'When they take the stallion, just promise me you wont go near him. He nearly killed Colin when we first caught him. The only thing that calms him is that girls presence.'

'Do you think she'll know when they take him? If they have a bond that strong she's going to know.'

'That's what I'm afraid of.' He patted the stallion to calm him down. 'If she knows his gone, I don't know how she'll react.'

'I'll try and talk some sense into him.' Victoria promised. 'Frank never cares about anyone but himself. That horse belongs with the girl, I can feel it.' They walked back out to her horse and mounted. 'Let me know how the girl is. I might be Frank's sister, but I'm not heartless.'

'I will.' Matt replied as he saw Montana galloping up. 'See you Victoria.'

'Bye Matt.' She cantered off, saying a passing greeting to Montana as she rode past.

Montana slid her horse to a stop in front of Matt. 'The doctors coming up from Melbourn on the train. He'll be here this afternoon.'

'Thanks Montana.'

'How's the girl?' She asked as she dismounted. 'Has she woken up?'

'Not yet.' Matt followed her into the house. 'Colin's been staying with her, but I need to speak to him, and I don't want to do it around the girl, incase she can hear me.'

'That wouldn't have to do anything with the fact that the Blackwoods were just here? Would it?'

'It would.' Matt sighed as he saves down at table, Mrs. Tan bringing them both a cup of coffee. 'The stallion belongs to Frank. Apparently the girl stole him as a foal. He wants the horse back, and he wants the girl handed to the troopers.'

Montana gasped. 'He can't do that, can he?'

'I don't think Frank cares about what he can and can't do.' He looked at the clock. 'I need to talk to Colin before I go into town. Would you mind sitting with her for a bit?'

'Of course not Matt.' Montana stood up. 'I'm happy to help.' She followed Matt to the room. 'Morning Colin.'

Colin looked up from a book he was reading. 'Morning Montana. Come to relieve me of my post?'

Montana chuckled. 'Actually, yes.' She saw on the other chair, the dog trotting over to her. 'Has she improved any?'

Colin shook his head. 'Not that I can tell, but she's fighting.' he saw his dad at the door, motioning for him to follow. 'Excuse me Montana.' He got up and followed his dad out into the living room. 'Yes?'

'Colin, I just had a visit from the Blackwoods.' Matt placed another lol on the fire. 'Thunder belongs to them, and Frank wants the girl given to the troops for horse stealing.'

'Wait, what?' Colin looked confused. 'How can that be? The stallion has been running with the brumbies as long as I can remember.'

'Frank said the horse was stolen when it was a foal. Guessing that the stallion is about a six year old, he was stolen about five years ago.'

'But that doesn't add up.' Colin did the math. 'Judging from the fact that the girl is only about ten or twelve, she would have been way too young to steal it.'

'I agree, but Frank is adamant.' Matt rubbed the back of his neck as he thought. 'But we can't go jumping to conclusions without knowing what happened, and we won't know till the girl wakes up.'

'What are we going to do if she did steal it? We can't let Frank get her hung.' Colin gazed out the window. 'Not with what she has already been through.'

Matt didn't quite get it. 'Pardon?'

Colin quickly realized he shouldn't have said that. 'She's run away from someone. Even though she's badly hurt, I could still see scars from a whip or a belt on her back. She's running away from someone who is abusing her.'

'And who probably stole the horse too.' Matt looked at Colin. 'Frank dropped a horse off that he found wandering on his property. I think it belongs to the girl.' he handed him the saddlebags. 'Look through and see if you can find anything that might identify her. I'm going to go meet the doctor. Montana said he was coming on the train.'

'Alright dad.' Colin called after Matt as he ran out, then walked back to his room where the girl was.

'Matt tell you?' Montana asked as he came in.

Colin nodded, then sat down to look through the saddlebags. 'He did.' he looked at Montana. 'You don't have to stay if you don't want to Montana, like I mean if you have things to do.'

'Oh, I don't mind.' Montana replied as she held the girl's hand. 'I passed Kathleen and Emily on the way here and they said you were with the girl, so I thought I'd keep you company.' she looked at the girl. 'Is it just me, or does she feel warm?'

Colin dropped what he was doing and placed his hand on the girls forehead. He looked at Montana, his expression matching her thoughts. He didn't say anything as he went to the wish basin and wet a cloth for her head, then went back. 'Infection.'

Montana looked at him, and saw the look on his face. 'You've gotten attached to her Colin. Haven't you?'

'Yes.' Colin placed the cloth on the girls head. 'I have. I know I shouldn't, but I have.'

'I think its sweet Colin.' Montana said as he watched him. 'It can't hurt her to get some love for a change.'

Colin guessed what she was referring too. 'You saw them?'

Montana nodded. 'I've seen enough children like that to know what happened to her. Back at home, there was this man who used to beat his kids, and badly too.'

'What happened to them?'

'The eldest girl wasnt more than this one's age. She ran away.' Montana bit her lip as the memories came back, of what she had seen. 'I was the one who found her. She had been attacked by a bear a few days before. I was the one who buried her miles in the middle of nowhere.' She glanced back at the child. 'I guess it got to me more then I realized.'

'How old were you when that happened?' Colin asked sympathetically.

'Sixteen.' Montana stared at the wall, trying to hide her emotions. 'She was my best friend. I swore I would protect her, but I failed Colin. I've never told anyone about it. It just hurt so much. She was the only friend I had. When I saw the girl like that yesterday, it brought it all back. It took me back. That's why I'm here. I might not have been able to save my friend, but I won't let this child go back to whoever abused her like that.'

Colin looked at Montana through new eyes. She had hidden so much hurt under her hard exterior, but he could see it now. 'Montana, it's okay to cry, okay to let it out.'

Montana sniffled it back and shook her head. 'I don't cry. Not in front of anyone anyway.' She wiped her eyes dry and changed the subject. 'Find anything in the saddlebags?'

'This.' Colin held up a photo of the girl, with a few other people. 'I'm guessing that's her family.' He handed it to her. 'But she doesn't look happy at all.'

'No, she doesn't.' Montana looked at the photo, then at the girl. 'The people don't seem to bear any resemblance to her, except the old lady. I'm guessing her grandmother.'

Colin continued looking through the saddlebags and pulled out a bible. As he opened it, a letter fell out with a photo, and he began to read it.

My dearest Josie,

The time has come my dear for me to make the journey heavenward. I'm asking you not to be sad or depressed about my going, but to instead be happy that I am in a better place. I wish there was some other way, some way that I didn't have to leave you but there's not. If I could relive my life over, I would be thankful to spend it with you. Take comfort that I'm back with your grandfather, and your parents. I know I never spoke of them much, but I know that they would be proud of the fine young girl you have become. There is another thing. I know you don't like your uncle, and I wish I could leave you in someone else's care but I can't. Please try to find the good in him, I know it can be hard to at times, but most of the time he is okay. Promise me though you won't go near him when he's drunk, I know what he is like and I wish I could change him, or stop him somehow but I can't do that, only God can.

Take care of yourself, sweetheart and give that darling stallion of yours a hug for me. Even though your uncle has done many bad things, the best thing he ever done was catch that horse. Give Lass a pat when your missing me and remember who gave her to you. I can still remember choosing that little cutie as a week old puppy. Lastly, take Trigger on a ride to our favorite spot and remember all the picnics we had together, that mare might be a bit naughty, but she's a connection to your mother, the daughter of the horse she used to ride.

Take care and know that I'm looking after you from above, even if I can't be with you on earth.

I love you, my little June rose.

Nanny

Colin wiped a tear from his eye as he finished reading the letter and looked at the photo of Josie and her grandmother. 'Poor girl.'

Montana looked up. 'What?'

Colin handed her the letter. 'She's lost both parents, and her grandmother, and I'm guessing that her uncle was the one to steal the horse.'

'And beat her.' she looked at Colin. 'What are you going to do about it?'

'I don't know. Legally he still has custody over her, but no human being deserves to be treated they way she was. I'll have a talk to dad about it, see what he thinks what we should do.'

'Well.' Montana said decisively. 'She's not going back, I'll make sure of that.'

Thunder snorted and pawed the ground in his stall with boredom. Normally at this time, he'd be flying across the ranges, the wind in his mane, and all the freedom in the world, but no, he was stuck here. He heard the barn door open and whined, hoping it was Josie, but it wasn't.

'Don't do this Frank.' Victoria pleaded as she tried to stop her brother. 'Just leave him alone.'

Frank turned to her. 'Do you realize how much money he is worth? I'm not going to some child get away with stealing him.' He looked at the five men standing behind him. 'Right, do your work.'

Thunder eyed the men suspiciously as they came closer, with ropes in their hands. This wasn't the man who had helped Josie, then he realized they where here to take him. He reared up, striking the air and calling for Josie, then leapt forward against the stall door, breaking it like it was a twig. He gathered his feet underneath him to bolt away when he felt the ropes land around his neck. He roared as he kicked out, spinning around, kicking and bucking, then he felt blow after blow of a whip on his back.

'Frank stop!' Victoria screamed as her brother beat the horse. 'Stop!'

'He's got to learn who's boss.' Frank snarled as he raised the whip to strike again, but he didn't get there.

Thunder leapt towards the man holding the whip dragging the men with him. His teeth closed around the lash, and he yanked it out of the man's hand, then screamed again as he reared, trying to get free.

'What is going on in here?' Colin asked as ran into the barn and grabbed one of the ropes on Thunder. 'Leave the stallion alone.'

Frank brushed himself off as he stood up. 'Stay out of this Colin. The horse belongs to me, and I'm taking him.'

Colin saw the means they were planning on moving him by. 'Not with choke ropes, chains and whips your not. He doesn't deserve to be treated like that.' He shot a glance to Frank as the men stepped back. 'It's a wonder he didn't kill you. If your planning on taking him, you can do it properly, like a real man would.' he quietly walked up to the stallion and let him sniff Josie's scent. 'You need to go with these men for the time being Thunder. Trust me, Josie will be back for you.' he rubbed her scent on a halter, then placed it on the stallion. 'Don't worry, I'll take care of her.'

Thunder sniffed in her scent strongly, then looked at the man in front of him, then at the rest of the men with a twinkle in his eye. Sure, he would play the game, but his way.

'There you go.' Colin handed Frank the stallion's leadrope. 'If you want him, take him.'

Frank tried to retain some resemblance of being in charge. 'Thank You Colin, we will be on our way now.' He led the horse out of the barn and mounted his horse, then as he turned to leave, the stallion refused to move. 'Come on!' Frank yanked the rope. 'Get along you stubborn mule!'

Thunder looked at him with a look that plainly said 'When im good and ready, and not before.' he planted his hooves in for a few moments, then decided he would go, but oh, what a limp he had. As the man led him away from the place, Thunder limped as bad as he could. Oh, this was going to be fun.

'Matt.' the doctor exclaimed as he shook his hand. 'Good to see you again.'

'You too.' Matt led the doctor away from the train station to the horses he had ready for the ride back to Langara. 'Thank you for coming so quickly.'

'The telegram said it was urgent.' Doc Peirce replied as he mounted the waiting horse. 'I'm just glad I was in the area.'

They rode back to Langara in silence, riding the horses hard. When they got to the station, Matt threw his horses reins to a worker and led the way inside. 'Colin, the Doc is here.'

'Thank God.' Colin stood up. 'She's getting a fever and her breathing is really shallow.'

'I understand she was attacked by a panther.' Doc Pierce said as he walked over to the girl.

'That is correct. Emily and I tried our best to stop the bleeding, and we stitched up most of the worst gashes, but she still lost a lot of blood.'

Doc Pierce nodded. 'I'll need to ask you all to leave while I examine her. It shouldn't take long.'

Matt patted Collins shoulder. 'Lets go get some coffee.'

'Alright.' Colin followed his dad out, and into the kitchen. 'Frank came around while you were gone.'

'Oh yeah?'

'He took the stallion.' Colin looked up as Montana walked in. 'I wondered where you got to.'

'I was just checking my horse.' She explained as she sat down. 'The docs in with Josie is he?'

'Josie?'

'That's her name dad.' Colin pulled the letter out of his pocket. 'There's something I want to show you.'

Matt quickly read the letter and looked at Colin. 'She's running away from her uncle?'

'That's what Montana and I think.' Colin sipped his coffee. 'Why else. The letter looks like its a few months old, so I'm guessing she hasn't just arrived here in the high country.'

'No, your right.' he looked back at the letter. 'I think this is proof that if someone stole that horse, it was her uncle, not her. She thinks it belongs to her, and morally it does.'

'But Frank took it.' Montana said simply. 'I don't think he's going to make it easy. If I know one thing about him it's that he only thinks about himself.'

'What's the stallion doing at the Blackwoods?' Rob asked as he walked in. 'Victoria rode out and told me Frank took him.'

'Apparently the horse was stolen as a foal, and Frank owns him. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. He wants the girl handed to the troopers.' Matt said as he poured Rob a cup of coffee.

'Great.' Rob said sarcastically. 'More trouble.'

'I don't think the stallion is going to make it easy for Frank.' Colin added. 'I wouldn't be surprised if he escapes and comes back here before morning.'

'Let's hope your right.' Montana swirled the coffee around in the cup. 'Josie knows he's gone. She regained consciousness for a moment while he was calling out, and I knew she heard it.'

'That's not going to be good.' Matt replied as the doctor walked in. 'How is she?'

'I'm not going to break it lightly. She's one very sick girl.' He looked at Matt. 'She has extreme blood loss, to the extent that I think she is going to need a blood transfusion. I need a doner though.'

Colin looked up. 'I'll do it. I did it once before when a college friend needed one.'

'Thank you Colin.' Doc Peirce looked at him. 'But even if she has the transfusion, I'm worried she still won't make it. Infection has set in, and in her condition, I'm not giving any guarantees a transfusion will save her. Its her best chance though.'

Colin nodded. 'I understand.'

'I'd like to do it now, if you don't mind, but you won't be able to do anything for the rest of the afternoon. A blood transfusion takes a lot out of the doner.'

'That's alright.' Colin stood up. 'I don't have anything planned.' He followed the Doc back Josie, the others quickly going out to check on the stock. 'Do you want me to sit or lie down next to her?' he asked as the Doc readied his instruments for the transfusion.

'Next to her Colin would be fine please. It's better if you lie down, so that way you don't get dizzy.'

Colin nodded as he laid down next to the girl. 'Will this be enough?'

'I hope so.' he inserted the needle into the girls vein, then prepared to do the same to Colin. 'To replace the blood she lost, she might need another one in a couple days.'

Colin bit his lip as he felt the needle go into his arm and stared at the ceiling. It felt weird to be giving blood to a child he had know for less than a day, but he didn't mind. If it gave her a better chance of pulling through, it was worth the discomfort of a transfusion. He turned his head and watched the blood entering the girls body, feeling it draining out of his. His promise he made to her that she would be alright came to mind as he lay there. Finally the Doc interrupted his thoughts.

'That's enough for today.' He said as he pulled the needle out of Colins arm. 'You're probably feeling a bit lightheaded aren't you?'

'Just slightly.' Colin nodded as he sat up, then rested back against the bedhead. 'Is there anything I can do to help her?'

'Stopping the infection is the main thing now.' Doc Peirce replied as he cleaned the instruments with carbolic acid, then put them back in his bag. 'If she wakes up, she's going to be in a lot of pain. I've already given her a morphine injection to help with that, but it will wear off in a couple days. Here's some pain killers if she regains consciousness, just mix them with some water. The main thing is keeping her quiet and letting her rest. When your wife gets back, get her to make some oatmeal poultices for the infected wounds. That's about all we can do for now, she has to do the rest.' He closed his bag and prepared to leave. 'I'll see myself out.' He looked at Colin. 'Make sure you rest yourself. There's no point you getting worn out.'

'Don't worry. I'll rest.' Colin said as the Doc shook his hand. 'Thanks again for coming.'

'My pleasure. I'll be back tomorrow to check on her.' The Doc walked out of the room and left, Colin still sitting beside the child.

'Josie.' Colin said softly as he smoothed her brown hair back. 'I know your hurt bad, but you've gotta fight honey. Fight to get better.' he paused for a moment. 'Fight because I care about you, and I will protect you, because I love you.'

Thunder pawed the straw in his stall that night madly. He'd let the men take him from Josie, and he was cranky. He shook his head as he looked up towards the big house and snorted. All was quiet. He pulled back against the rope he was tied to the wall by, then with a quick yank, he broke the halter, it falling to the floor. He turned around and faced the stall door, wondering what to do to get out when he saw the moon light shining on the lock. Quietly he began to move it with his muzzle until it came undone, then he stepped out proudly into the corridor. He looked around, then saw the sacks of grain, and the tack hanging on the wall. With a glint in his eye, he approached them, then proceeded to yank the grain bags open. When he was happy with the destruction he had caused, his attention turned to the tack. Piece by piece he pulled it off the wall, throwing it around and trampling it, then he trotted to the door. He quickly figured out it was locked from the outside, so with one mighty kick, he busted the door down. Running into the yard as lights began to flicker on in the letter buildings, he reared up and neighed, then galloped off, jumping the fence as he ran. He was free!

Josie moaned weakly as she began to wake early the next morning. Everything hurt, her head, her arms, her back. She tried to move into a more comfortable position, but the pain was too much and she yelped.

'Don't try to move.' Colin said as he placed his hand on her forehead, to check her fever. 'You've been badly hurt.'

Josie's eyes fluttered open at his touch. 'Water. Please.' She rasped croakaly.

Colin nodded as he grabbed the glass of water from the bedside table and put it to her lips. 'Hey, hey, slow down.' he took the cup away for a moment to let her catch her breath. 'It's not going anywhere.' He lifted her head and let her drink again. 'Slowly.'

Josie drank the entire cup, then felt him lay her head back. 'Thanks.'

Colin smiled. 'Your welcome. How are you feeling?'

'Awful.' Josie looked at him, trying to figure out who he was and where she was. 'Where. Am. I? What. Happened?'

'Ssh, don't try to talk.' Colin said as he got the medicine the doctor had left for her ready. 'You were attacked by a panther. I brought you back here so we could look after you.' He got the cup ready. 'Here, this will help you feel better.'

Josie did not argue as she drank the bitter liquid, then looked at him as he laid her down again. 'Lass? Thunder?'

Colin didn't want to tell her the truth about the stallion. 'Lass is right here, and Thunder is safe. You need to rest now, so that you get better.'

'One. More. Thing.' Josie said, croaking from the exertion of talking. 'Who. Are. You?'

'I'm Colin McGregor.' He explained. 'You need to sleep now, alright. I'll be right here.' He watched as the girl closed her eyes, soon fact asleep. Rising quietly, he snuck out of the room to tell the others she was awake. He found them all in the dining room, entire breakfast. 'She's woken up.'

'That's great news.' Matt exclaimed as Colin sat down to have a quick bite to eat. 'How is she?'

'In a lot of pain.' Colin grabbed the last of the toast. 'And her fever hasn't gotten any better. If anything it's gotten worse.'

'Isn't the oatmeal working?' Emily asked as she handed him the butter.

'I don't think so.' He quickly buttered his toast. 'If your not going into town today, maybe we could try a bread and milk poultice. It might work better.'

'Sure.'

Kathleen looked at the clock as she folded her napkin. 'What are you and Rob planning for today Matt?'

'I thought we might take the extra cattle up to the east pasture when Rob's finished eating.' Matt teased. 'We could be waiting a while though. Then I was going to pays a visit to the Blackwoods about the stallion.'

Rob heard hoofbeats approaching and got up, going to the window. 'They've just saved you the trouble of going over to Balmoral.' He saw Frank and Victoria dismount and come up the stairs, both of them arguing with each other, then Frank knocked on the door. Rob walked over and opened it. 'Frank, Victoria.'

'Rob.' Frank stormed into the dining room. 'I need a word with you Matt.'

Matt stood up and walked over to him. 'Alright Frank. What do you want to talk about?'

'The stallion.' Frank took off his gloves. 'He went missing last night. I suppose you don't know anything about it?'

'If your asking if we took him, no Frank.' Colin said as he got up and joined his father. 'And don't go blaming the girl either, she won't be going anywhere for a very long time.'

'See.' Victoria said as she walked over. 'Didn't I tell you that the stallion just ran off?' She looked at Matt. 'He broke out last night and took off, at around one in the morning. He ruined about a hundred pounds worth of grain, destroyed the tack and broke up half the barn in the process.'

Matt looked at Frank with amusement. 'Sounds like he didn't like the accommodation you were offering. I warned you he was smart.'

Frank rolled his eyes. 'No horse is that smart. If I find out that your hidden him here, I'll have you under arrest for horse stealing.'

'Ah, don't worry Frank. I'm sure he'll turn up.' Colin said, amused at how he was acting.

'And about that girl. I've already called the troopers. They'll be here tomorrow to take her into custody.'

Victoria looked at Frank. 'For heaven's sake Frank! Just drop it! We don't need that stallion!'

'It's fine Victoria.' Rob said as he looked at Frank. 'Come on Frank, there's something you should see.'

'I'm not moving.'

'Don't make me make you.' Rob said with a look that Frank understood. 'Victoria, you can come too.' He led the way into Josie's room. 'This is the girl your wanting. Now, if you want to take care of her, be my guest.'

Frank looked at the kid. 'How do I know she's not faking it?'

Colin rolled his eyes as he walked over to Josie and gently pulled the covers back, showing them the girls body. 'That enough proof Frank?'

Victoria placed her hand over her mouth. 'What on earth has happened to that child?'

Colin placed the blankets back, then motined for them to leave the room, closing the drop behind them. 'She's been abused, and badly, and from her weight she's starving as well, not to mention being mauled by a panther into the bargain.' He looked at Frank and handed him the letter he had found. 'And it was her uncle who got the horse. Still want to hand her to the troopers Frank? Are you sure that it would help her, cause if you are, I'm sure you wouldn't mind looking after her till she was well enough for them to take her.'

Frank was still recovering from the shock of her condition. 'Why, um.'

'I think what my brother means to say is he will call off the troopers.'

Victoria elbowed him. 'After all, it was a brumby stallion who took the mare and the foal in the first place.' She cocked her head. 'Remember? I tried to tell you.'

Frank went red. Yes, she had told him, but he had chosen to ignore her, and now the embarrassment was the result of that foolish decision. 'I'm sorry Matt. My apologies. Yes, I'll drop the charges. Now, if you'll excuse me.'

He bolted out of the house like a scalded dog.

Victoria rolled her eyes. 'Imbecile.' She turned to Matt, Colin and Rob. 'Sorry about that. I tried to stop him, but he wouldn't listen.'

'Have you ever known Frank to listen?' Rob said as they walked back out to the dining room, where the women were hurriedly cleaning away breakfast.

'No.' Victoria laughed. 'But I think you won't have any more trouble from him for awhile. I best be on my way though.' she said goodbye, then followed Frank back to Balmoral.