Heathen Elisabetta said on one Sunday morning
What? Sath said
You're late, Only heathens arrive late to a church service Elisabetta said
Uncouth. Seth said
Me? Uncouth? Elisabetta said
Only the uncouth whisper during a sermon. Seth said
Little time tater
Why does the company feel the need to send its spies even to a Sunday school? Elisabetta said
Because, clearly, some people in this town don't trust each other. It's my job to find out why Seth said
The next day
You're going to get trampled. Come on up here. Good dog. Seth said
This is a Latin phrase: "Ut hora fugit vita." Hora, does that sound like an English word? It means "hour." "Ut hora fugit vita." As an hour life flies. Our lives are made Elisabetta said
Later that morning
Well, look who's here If you're moving in, you're going to need a name. I'm calling you Rip, as in Rip Van Winkle. Seth said
Excuse me, might I have a moment of your time? a preacher said
Of course, Seth said
I was happy to see this hat ride into town. a preacher said
I hope you haven't been too disappointed in the head under it. Seth said
I trust I won't be; like the official lawman in town, there is an unresolved case that requires your attention. An arson case. Someone burned down my church twelve weeks ago. a preacher said
That's a pretty serious charge. And what makes you think it was arson, not just an accident? Seth said
It was too coincidental. On the same night, as we held a vigil for forty-seven deceased miners, my church burned. a preacher said
Well, I understand you questioning coincidence, but I don't understand the motive. Seth said
My position here at Valley Spring has always been delicate. I have always tended to the spiritual needs of the people, but... something changed. A preacher said
After the mine explosion. Seth said
People stopped seeing me as a man of God and started only seeing me as a company man. Pacific Northwest Mining funds my salary. a preacher said
Maybe they don't like praying at an altar paid for by the coal company. But why burn down the church? Seth said
People were sad and angry. They lashed out at the company and at God. In both cases, their anger was misplaced and fueled by Caitlin Montfort and her preaching. A preacher said
Do you think Caitlin Montfort somehow burned down the church? said Seth
Oh, I am not making any accusations, but I do know my church burned. The Pinkerton men were unable to find out how the fire started, and ever since then, Mrs. Montfort has enjoyed, shall we say, a larger audience? I am asking you to investigate. That is the duty your uniform represents. a preacher said
I'll have a look around the burn site. Seth said
Thank you, I would appreciate at least finding out what. Mrs. Montfort knows. I am not a vindictive man, but everyone deserves justice. Even a preacher. a preacher said
Same time later
Morning. I wonder if you happen to know what this can is. Seth said
Oh, maybe. Not sure. Neil Yeoman said
I'll take your best guess Seth said
That's whale oil. Neil Yeoman said
Really Seth said
That's my best guess Neil Yeoman said
Do you sell it here? Seth said
I don't know if you are aware, but the world hasn't used whale oil for a couple of decades. Neil Yeoman said
Well, any idea that I might need to use it today? Seth said
Maybe someone is making foul-smelling soap, or an Eskimo doesn't see many or all of them around here. Neil Yeoman said
I can't say I have either. Thank you, Neil. You've been helpful. Seth said
Oh, good afternoon, constable. Caitlin said
Afternoon, ma'am Seth said
What can I do for you? Caitlin said
I have a question, but I will come back at a more convenient time. Seth said
Nonsense. With three children, trust me, no time is convenient. Please, come in. so long as you don't mind talking while I'm preparing dinner Caitlin said
No, Seth said
Gawain Give it back to your brother. Can you clean up the table for me, Morton? Caitlin said
yep. Morton said
And lay those out once you're done. Okay, please say hello to the constable. Caitlin said
Gawain. And keep that thumb in line. There you go. Seth said
So, what was the question you wanted to ask? Caitlin said
Oh, um... I was just wondering if you had a spare coal caddy. When I took over the jailhouse from the Pinkertons, they, you know, stripped it bare. Seth said
Uh, yes, please take that one. We have a spare in the shed. Caitlin said
Thank you, ma'am Seth said
on the road coming from Caitlin Montfort's house
Seth, wait a moment! One of my students, Rebecca Stirring, will not speak; she simply would not say a word. I've been working with her, and I believe she was on the verge of a breakthrough when we saw a man, Wendell Backus. Elisabetta said
Slow down for a second. You big-city folk rattle a mile a minute. I'm just a country boy and a city boy who needs to understand this. Seth said
I'm concerned for one of my students. Elisabetta said
Rebecca Stirring, who doesn't speak, And why do you think Mr. Backus had something to do with that. Seth said
When she saw him, he stared at her, and it was like her blood froze. It just happened again. She saw him, and she just crawled back into her shell. There's something wrong here; I know it. Elisabetta said
Well, Wendell's a drinker if that's what you mean, but so are other miners. Seth said
It's more than that. Elisabetta said
Hmm... well, working in a mine can break a lot of men. It's not a pretty sight, but it doesn't mean that he's a bad man. Seth said
There's something wrong with him, and it's connected to why Rebecca won't speak. Elisabetta said
Well, how old is she? Seth said
She's only eight. Elisabetta said
Okay. I'll talk to him, Seth said
A few hours later
Okay. We're going to do it this time. Are you ready? Rip, okay, and fetch! Sorry, Reverend, have you ever seen a less mobile dog? Seth said
No, sir. I hope it's not catching. Reverend said
I beg your pardon. Seth said
I am questioning the slow pace of your investigation into the church fire. Reverend said
I'm happy with my pace. Seth said
Have you uncovered anything of interest? Reverend said
I can't discuss an ongoing investigation Seth said
Seth! Seth! Rebecca is missing The children were out for lunch, and the next thing I know, I see Wendell's car going down the road, and Rebecca is gone. Elisabetta said
Okay, when did this happen? Seth said
Just now, I told you about Wendell! Elisabetta said
We don't know anything yet. Maybe she went back to the schoolroom; did you look there? Seth said
Of course! She wasn't there. Elisabetta said
Maybe she went home. Are you sure you're not jumping to conclusions? Seth said
Seth, I think he's taken her. Elisabetta said
I know Wendell Backus. Ever since the explosion, he's been a troubled soul. You should hurry, Reverend said
Which way was his car headed? Seth said
Out of town. I think he was headed west out of town. Elisabetta said
Okay, go back to the classroom; she might return there. I'll track down Wendell. Go! Seth said
Is there anything I can do to help? Reverend said
Start knocking on doors on the main street; see if anyone sees something, Wendell! Wendell Backus! Seth said
What do you want? Say, what are you doing? Wendell said
Looking for a missing child. Seth said
Come on, now! Wendell said
Rebecca! Seth said
Hey! This is my house! What's going on, Wendell said
I need you to sober up right now. Wendell Seth said
You busted in here. I am not bothered you Wendell said
There is a little girl, Rebecca Stirring. Do you know her? She went missing from school today do you know anything about that Seth said
No no, of course not, you got any right to accuse me, Wendell said
You tell me what you know, Seth said
Nothing I haven't known anything my whole life, Wendell said
If you're lying to me... Seth said
What? What can you do to me that's worse than my life is now? Wendell said
If I find out that little girl is missing because of something you've done, I will personally see to it you are locked away in a medicine hat prison, shackled to the wall of a stone-cold cell for the rest of your miserable life. Seth said
I didn't do anything, I swear. Wendell said
Your eyes are telling me a different story. Seth said
It was a day a while back, a day I... sometimes, liquor gets the of me. I had a few too many a while back, and I saw that little Irish girl, and I asked her what day it was. She didn't answer she was being disrespectful. I'm an old mine hog. I'm not much, but you should show some respect. I have earned some respect! Wendell said
So, what did you do to her? Seth said
Nothing really, I raised my hand to her she drew back, and I could see how scared she was but I swear I never hit her never. But I know I put the fear of god into her that day. Wendell said
You put the fear of a very flawed man in her. Not god said Seth said
I shouldn't even be alive. I should've died in that mine with the rest of them I was sick that day so my best friend worked the shift for me it's like I killed him myself. Wendell said
And ever since you've been doing your best to die. Drink yourself to death. Seth said
That's about right. Wendell said
Maybe you were spared for a reason. It's not too late to do something good with your life, Wendell Seth said
Meantime at the schoolhouse
Did Rebecca have a favorite place where she might have gone? She's a smart girl. I think she'll sit with us tomorrow morning, right there, in her spot class, open your readers to chapter six please, and read on your own. Elisabetta said
I found Wendell. She wasn't there I don't think he knows where she is then I went by the Stirring home she hadn't turned up Monica and some of the other mothers are searching right now Seth said
Poor Monica. Elisabetta said
Most Valley Spring kids, they can take care of themselves, but from what you've told me about Rebecca .. Seth said
I think we need an all-out search Elisabetta said
Yeah, I think you're right. Seth said
that night
Rebecca! Rebecca! Anything at the south end. Monica said
Nothing over her some of the women said
Aw, get some rest. You'll need it for the morning Caitlin said
How can I rest? I'll never be able to rest when she's out there somewhere. She could be in trouble, no, I'll not rest now, or ever until I find her. Monica said
We keep looking. Elisabetta said
Okay, some of you follow Monica. And the rest of us, let's check the east side. Caitlin said
I'll head to the school maybe she made her way there. Elisabetta said
Rebecca oh, my god you're it's okay, it's okay. I'm here now. You're all right. You're all right. Oh, sweetheart, I am so glad I found you. The whole town has been out looking for you. Did you know that? You're safe now. Rebecca, I found your picture, and I think I know why you came here. You wanted to bring your daddy his lunch, didn't you? Elisabetta said
I... I didn't bring him his lunch. That day, my friend Anna asked me to play. I wanted to play, and I didn't bring him his lunch then the boom came. Rebecca said
Sweetheart, look at me. It is not your fault that your daddy lost his life in this mine Elisabetta said
What will mommy say when she finds out I didn't bring him his lunch? Rebecca said
She will tell you that she loves you more than life itself all right, it's time to go home now Elisabetta said
Mommy! Mommy! Rebecca said
Rosa... Monica said
They've found her Caitlin said
The searchers all rushed toward Rebecca when they saw she was back safe in her mother's arms, The Reverend, The mothers, many of the miners, and even Weddell Backus Elisabetta said
I'm sorry, Mommy Rebecca said
The light of love restores every lost voice Elisabetta said
The next day
Can anyone say this? Yes Gawain Elisabetta said
Sol omnibus lucent? Gawain said
Very good, Gawain. Sol omnibus lucent. Rebecca, would you like to guess what the sol means? Elisabetta said
Does it mean "sun'' Rebecca said
Yes Elisabetta said
This means, "The sun shines for everyone." that's all for today. Enjoy the sunshine. Elisabetta said
A very good lesson. Seth said
Thank you. Elisabetta said
I... I owe you an apology. Seth said
For what? Elisabetta said
For jumping to conclusions about your character when I first got to town but last night once again, you proved me ergo, Seth said
Ah! The Latin word for mistaken you know Latin, do you? Elisabetta said
A little, for instance, Bella. Seth said
Oh. Elisabetta said
Did I pronounce that correctly? Seth said
Yes, I believe you did. Elisabetta said
Well, there's also Perisic. Seth said
I'm afraid I don't know that one also, why are you whispering? Elisabetta said
It means... wake up. Seth said
Gawain is your mother home? Seth said
She's in back, gardening Gawain said
Mind hanging onto this guy for a minute? Seth said
Yes, sir. Gawain said
You're getting good at that. Seth said
Thanks, Gawain said
Hi there, Caitlin said
Hi, I came to return this. I have one of my own now but thank you for the loan. Seth said
Oh, you're welcome. You can just put it in the shed for now. Caitlin said
Yes ma'am Seth said
Oh, I see you've found my supply of whale oil. Caitlin said
Yes, ma'am, I was just curious. You don't see it used very often these days. Seth said
You don't see it at all, as a matter of fact. I have to have that specially ordered you can't find it at all this day's Caitlin said
For your candle-making? Seth said
Yes yeah, it's a little side business I started after I lost my husband. I still have three mouths to feed. His death pension, it only goes so far Caitlin said
It must be a challenge caring for three children on your own. Seth said
Yes, it can be stressful. Caitlin said
Guess it might make a person angry, too. Seth said
I'm not sure I caught your meaning Caitlin said
Do you remember a special vigil Twelve weeks ago at the mine? Seth said
Of course. It was for the men we lost in the explosion. Caitlin said
But you chose not to attend. Seth said
I chose to grieve my husband privately. That's no secret to the people who know me Caitlin said
Or to those who marked that as the same night, the church burned down. Seth said
Well, you can tell the dear Reverend I did not set fire to his church. Caitlin said
Mrs. Morris, can you explain how a can of this very same whale oil might have ended up in the remains of the building? Seth said
Whale oil it was used to burn down the church? Caitlin said
It appears so. Seth said
Are you accusing me of arson constable? Caitlin said
Not accusing just asking a few questions. Mind if I hang onto this can? Seth said
Be my guest Caitlin said
Seth. Hello! Seth? (Scoffs)
The next morning
Good morning children Elisabetta said
Good morning, Miss Letcher. The children said
Miss Letcher, my ma asked if you could come by today after school. She said it's really important. Gawain said
Sure. Tell her I'll be there. Elisabetta said
After School
How could, Seth Thorndlike believe anything so ridiculous? Elisabetta said
So, he hasn't said anything to you? Caitlin said
No. Now I understand why he was so rude to me yesterday. Elisabetta said
I'll admit, after what happened at the mine, I was angry enough at god to want to burn down a church, but I swear, I didn't do it. Caitlin said
Where do you think all this suspicion is coming from? Elisabetta said
Apparently, Constable Thorndlike found a burned can of my whale oil in the wreckage of the church. Caitlin said
Whale oil? That's absurd. When I was a child, my father used that on his boats. Mostly, it just smokes and stinks to high heaven. Elisabetta said
Well, that may be, but... he thinks it started the fire and as far as I know, I'm the only one in town who uses it. Caitlin said
Still, anyone who thinks you're an arsonist needs his head examined, including Constable Thorndlike, Elisabetta said
I just wish I could get rid of this feeling that something bad is gonna happen. Caitlin said
The next day
Apologies for the interruption I just need a minute of your time. It's important. Seth said
Keep working on your math, boys, and girls. It'll only be a moment. You better have a good reason for interrupting my class constable. Elisabetta said
I'm sorry, but I needed to talk to you and it couldn't wait. Seth said
So, now you have time to talk to me? Elisabetta said
I was just trying to help Caitlin Seth said
By accusing her of arson? Elisabetta said
No, by trying to eliminate her as a suspect but it is not proving easy. Seth said
Then try using some common sense. What makes you think it couldn't have just been an accident? Elisabetta said
I'm not ruling that out completely but there is damaging evidence against her Elisabetta. Seth said
Certainly, you can't think she would jeopardize her children's welfare by doing something so foolish. Elisabetta said
That's why I need your help. I'd like to ask her's children a few questions. Seth said
No. No. Elisabetta said
Look, there's not a soul in town that can vouch for Caitlin's Whereabouts the night of the fire. Maybe her children can, but if she is in the room with them I can't verify her story legally. Seth said
Absolutely not. Elisabetta said
Elisabetta... Listen to me, she could be in a lot of trouble if you want me to have any chance of ruling her out as a suspect I'm going to need your help. Seth said
Did you think she was angry? Seth said
Yes. Morton said
Miss Letcher, are we in trouble? Emelina said
Of course not. Office Seth wants to ask you a few questions that's all. Elisabetta said
Why can't he ask us all at the same time? Emelina said
Well, I suppose we should think of it, as a little game likes to play. Elisabetta said
Doesn't seem like a very fun game. Emelina said
Gawain? Your brother, he said he didn't know where your mother went the night the church burned is that you understand, too? Seth said
All she said was she wanted to be alone, but that doesn't make her an arsonist. Gawain said
The three of you, you went to the vigil anyway, without your mother? Seth said
She sent us with Abby Sutton. So what? Gawain said
Gawain, was she athame when you got back? Seth said
No. She didn't get in till late after we had gone to bed. Abby stayed with us until she got there. That's all I know. Are we done yet? Gawain said
Yes. Hello, Emelina. Take a seat now; I have a few things I'm trying to figure out. Do you think you can help me? Seth said
I'll try Emelina said
Good, do you remember a special memorial service a while back? With lots of pretty candles and stories about the men who got hurt in the mine? Seth said
Like my daddy? Emelina said
Yeah. Like your daddy, but your mommy, she didn't go to that service, did she? Do you know why? I wonder where she went instead. Seth said
I don't know when she comes home the next morning, I asked her, but she was just too tired to tell me. Emelina said
Wait, you mean when she got home late that night? Seth said
No. The sun was up when she came in, and Mommy got in bed with me. Emelina said
Emelina, are you sure? Think really hard. Seth said
Uh-huh. The rooster was crowing, too. Emelina said
Huh well, thank you so much for helping me Would you mind waiting outside with your brothers Seth said
Did I get all the answers right, Miss Letcher? Emelina said
The truth is always right, Emelina you did just fine. Elisabetta said
The Caitlin's hiding something. Seth said
Later that night or the next morning, what does it matter? Elisabetta said
It matters enough for her to lie about it, and it is my job to find out why. Seth said
Well, I'm going along. Elisabetta said
I don't think so; your authority ends in the classroom. Seth said
If you're going to wrongly interrogate an innocent woman and a friend of mine, I'm going to be there. Elisabetta said
Mrs. Montfort, this is your last chance to tell me the truth. Both your boys say you told them you come home late the night of the vigil, but Emelina says it wasn't till the next morning. Which was it? Seth said
I didn't burn the church, Seth, I have a perfectly good explanation of where I was. Caitlin said
Ma? Why is he here? Gawain said
Go back inside, Gawain, please. Caitlin said
No, not until you tell me what's going on. Gawain said
Can you watch them, please? Caitlin said
Of course. Elisabetta said
Okay. You guys, go back inside with Miss Letcher, okay? She's going to help you with your homework. Caitlin said
Come on; let's get out your readers. said Elisabetta said
Gawain, you are too. Caitlin said
No, Gawain said
I'm sorry, Officer Seth I am not at liberty to discuss this right now. Caitlin said
In that case, we can continue this discussion at my office if that's the way you want it. Seth said
You're arresting her? Gawain said
Just take it easy, Gawain I'm just taking her in to ask her some questions. Seth said
It's okay Caitlin said
No! You're trying to arrest her. You can't do this. I hate you. Gawain said
Gawain, please stop! Stop! I need you to listen to me! Caitlin said
No, ma'am, you didn't do anything! Don't go with him. Gawain said
I know, I just... I just have to answer some of his questions, all right, and right now, I need for you to be a grown-up to be strong, okay? Caitlin said
I will ride out immediately to check out your story. The phone doesn't get hooked up until next week and the main store is always busy. If it does, this will be short-lived. I promise. Seth said
So, you still don't believe me? Caitlin said
One of the Pinkertons will watch things here while I'm gone. Seth said
Which one? said Caitlin
Does it matter? Seth said
The only thing that matters to me is getting home to my children. Caitlin said
same time latter
This is from Caitlin it's for her children. Seth said
You arrested an innocent woman in front of her son. Why Seth? Elisabetta said
I gave her every opportunity to talk she didn't talk to me until we got back to the jailhouse I was about to leave town to verify her story. It may exonerate her. Seth said
Then why arrest her in the first place? Why not just give her the benefit of the doubt? Elisabetta said
Because I have a responsibility to treat everyone equally, whether it is Caitlin Montfort or Martin Gowen Seth said
She didn't do it. Elisabetta said
You may be right, but you'd be surprised what people are capable of when they're hurting, or when they're angry, now I hope that's not the case. I hope to verify her story, but I just need you to be patient. Trust me. Just let me do my job. Seth said
Then don't let me keep you. Elisabetta said
Just a minute! Coming. Elisabetta said
Good evening, Miss Letcher. Reverend said
Reverend Anderson, please come in Elisabetta said
I just came by to find out how the children are holding up Reverend said
As well as can be expected, although, obviously, they need their mother home. Elisabetta said
I understand. Caitlin and I may have our differences but when it comes to the welfare of these youngsters, that's another matter entirely. Reverend said
I said give it back! Now! Give it to me! Yes, I want it now! I want it! Morton said
Oh, dear, I had better... Excuse me. Elisabetta said
I can come back another time. Reverend said
Now, I want it! I said, give it! Give it to me! Morton said
Have you been praying for us, sir? Emelina said
That's enough! Elisabetta said
I said... Morton said
Of course, I have, my child. Reverend said
Thank you, Emelina, said
He's just being a baby. What does an 11-year-old need a bear for? Gawain said
I'd best go. Reverend said
Oh! Elisabetta said
I said give me it back! Morton said
Stop it! Stop that right now! Elisabetta said
I want it! Yes, I want it! Morton said
Boys come here! That's enough Elisabetta said
Miss Letcher, I found Mommy's necklace. Emelina said
Well, you must be confused, sweetheart. This necklace belongs to someone else I was going to return it tomorrow. Elisabetta said
No, the man who wanted to marry Mommy gave it to her, after Daddy died Emelina said
Who wanted to marry Mommy? Elisabetta said
Mr. Spurlock. Emelina said
The next afternoon at the jailhouse
Oh, I thought I'd seen the last of this Caitlin said
Why didn't you say something about you and Mr. Spurlock earlier? Elisabetta said
I didn't think it was important. His interest in a relationship was far greater than mine. Caitlin said
Caitlin yesterday, Seth accused you of hiding something and I defended you. Elisabetta said
Well, I guess you're going to know the truth soon enough please My Husband, Joe was a... a good man, Elisabetta. He was a wonderful father. But he made mistakes. He had a weakness, one that he was terribly ashamed of, and one that the children didn't know about. No one knew about it. Caitlin said
I don't understand. Elisabetta said
He liked to gamble. He played cards with some men the next town over. Oftentimes, he would win, but more often, he would lose. He kept chasing that big win that would get us out of debt. There was no talking to him I couldn't keep him from going. Caitlin said
Lord... Elisabetta said
He dug himself in a deep, deep hole. There was a card shark that saw a desperate man and just kept giving him more and more credit. A week after the mine disaster that man showed up looking for his money. Caitlin said
Did you explain that your husband was gone and couldn't repay the debt... Elisabetta said
He didn't care. He wanted what he was owed. I didn't know what to do. I couldn't go to my friends, I was too ashamed, and Joe was a good man there was no way I was going to let this town think poorly of him. Caitlin said
And how does Spurlock fit in? Elisabetta said
He's the only one who knew. He played cards with the same men, with Joe. He knew I was in trouble. He came to me and offered to help. He said he would pay off the debt if I would just... be friendly to him. Caitlin said
Oh, no. Elisabetta said
He played on my worries for my children. He actually thought that I was weak enough that... Caitlin said
I'm so sorry. Elisabetta said
He tried to give me that necklace and well, I was harsh in my rebuke. I was so furious. I told him I would rather live in a tent and I would starve before I would... I hurled that necklace back at him so hard, it landed in the creek. He was really angry. Caitlin said
Oh, that's why he paid Albert Bickley to look for the necklace by the creek. And what about the card shark? Elisabetta said
Well, it took a while. I used part of Joe's death pension, and I spent a lot of sleepless nights making candles, but, finally, I paid it back, all on my own. The night of the vigil. Caitlin said
That's where you were, settling the debt? Elisabetta said
Yes, Seth is trying to track down the card shark and I pray that he will confirm my story. Caitlin said
I don't understand, why didn't you say so from the beginning? Why not just tell the truth and avoid all this? Elisabetta said
Because I'm not the only one who adored my husband, Elisabetta. My children...my children have already lost so much I could not let them lose their good memory of their father, too I just... Caitlin said
I understand. But what if Seth can't find the man? Or what if he won't corroborate your story? He might not be so willing to admit he pressured a widow into repaying her husband's debt. Elisabetta said
Well, that's a risk I'll have to take. Caitlin said
So, you would rather keep your husband's secret, even if it means being prosecuted for a crime you didn't commit? Elisabetta said
I haven't looked that far into the future. Caitlin said
I hope you don't have to. Elisabetta said
A little time later
Mr. Spurlock? Mr. Spurlock. It's Elisabetta Letcher. Elisabetta said
Miss Letcher, what brings you all the way out here? Mr. Spurlock said
I came to return this. Elisabetta said
Ah, Caitlin Montfort, a sorry chapter of failed love. I'm afraid my heart's broken again to see her in the predicament she's in for that church business. Mr. Spurlock said
Mine, to Elisabetta, said
Well, thank you for returning this. Mr. Spurlock said
Good day to you. Elisabetta said
Whale oil Elisabetta said
You just can't help yourself, can you? Mr. Spurlock said
It was you, wasn't it? Elisabetta said
You've created a problem for me, Miss Letcher. Mr. Spurlock said
You planted that can at the church after the fire to make it look like Caitlin. You took that can from her shed and burned it right here. Elisabetta said
Stop talking, Mr. Spurlock said
She's an innocent woman; you had no right! Elisabetta said
Enough! You don't have any right to judge me. I was offering to save her and those kids, and she spurns me? Mr. Spurlock said
Please, you don't have to do this. S E T H! Elisabetta said
Are you okay? Seth said
Seth! Elisabetta said
Did he hurt you? Seth said
No, but how did you know I was here? Elisabetta said
When I got back to the jail, Caitlin told me that you were headed to Spurlock's. Seth said
He's the one who framed Caitlin. Elisabetta said
It's over now. Come with me. Seth said
The boys... They run... Mama! Emelina said
As a teacher, I'm drawn to the truth. Numbers don't lie. Facts are indeed facts, but sometimes, we need to trust each other, because the truth isn't always what it appears to be. Sometimes, oil can be found in a fire, but it is not what it seems to be, and sometimes love comes just in time to save your life.
The next afternoon
Thank you for joining me for this picnic lunch, Seth. I hope it doesn't make you uncomfortable. Elisabetta said
A free lunch never makes me uncomfortable. Seth said
I just thought it was the least I could do to show my gratitude for that little incident with Mr. Spurlock. Elisabetta said
Do you mean the little incident where I saved your life? Seth said
Yes that one Elisabetta said
No thanks are necessary. I would have done that for any citizen of Valley Spring. Seth said
Right. Of course, you would. I'd expect nothing less Elisabetta said
Though having a grizzled miner with a three-day-old beard jump into my arms would not have been as pleasant. Seth said
I hope you like roast beef sandwiches. Elisabetta said
Yeah, well, anything with beef in it is most welcome. Thank you, and you forgot it was in school, didn't you? Seth said
Yes, I did, and, to be honest, I'm still not the world's best cook. It seems I was born without that particular talent. Perhaps you've heard that rumor around town. Elisabetta said
No. Sorry, it looks like we have an uninvited guest. Seth said
What? Elisabetta said
Spider. Seth said
Please? Sorry. Elisabetta said
Don't mention it. You didn't prefer them in school, and yet you sit and don't say. Seth said
We probably shouldn't make a habit of that. Elisabetta said
Absolutely not. Seth said