Adam rode and rode, shivering in the October cold, despite his thick jacket. The ride served to dissipate his anger, if only slightly. He genuinely did not understand how someone could flog a tiny child like that. He knew his father was right but if it had been left to him he would have left Sullivan in his ignorance. If the man could not treat his daughter better than that he did not deserve to have one. At least Cassandra was safe and protected, if only for now.

The light was fading. As he cantered past the familiar landmarks, they loomed out of the dark like sinister shadows. It was strange how even a well-known landscape could change so much at night. He decided to fetch Roy before tackling Sullivan. The sheriff had to be involved; Roy would lend him added authority against that beast.

He arrived at the town just before eight o'clock at night and found the light shining out from the sheriff's office and jail, as usual. Roy had handed over to his deputy and was thinking of going home. He looked up in surprise as Adam came in.

"Adam!"

"Hello, Roy."

"What are you doing here so late?"

"I need your help."

"I'm just going home. Can Dean help you?"

The deputy sat forward at his desk, looking eager.

"No offense, Dean, but it's you I need, Roy." He saw the old lawman look rather reluctant. "Please, Roy. A child's in danger."

"A child?"

"One of Joe and Scamp's schoolmates. A little lass called Cassie Sullivan."

"I've met Sullivan. I had to go with Mr Thornbury to get the wretched man to let Cassie go to school." Roy wrinkled his nose. "He was drunk but the living conditions sound as if they've deteriorated the last couple of weeks. It was bad when we went, but not that terrible. What's happened?"

"She's been savagely beaten. I mean, savagely. She's covered in welts and cuts. If you could've seen her, Roy! Joe brought her home. She hadn't been to school in a couple of days and they went out to see if she was alright. They found her in squalor and filth. She was in rags, half-starved. She hadn't been bathed in weeks, by the looks of it. She's only five, Roy."

"Have you spoken to her father?"

"I don't know where he is. Joe said he didn't see him. The kids said the place was a hell-hole." Adam paused and then smiled sadly. "They also said there was a emaciated horse there. Well, you know what Scamp is like with horses, don't you? She was all set to bring the animal home but they had to see to Cassie first. Scamp is determined to bring him home tomorrow. Pa might forbid her, but knowing my sister, she'll risk punishment to help an animal who's in danger. Pa might rage at her, but he'll help the poor beast in the end. My father wouldn't throw a dying dog out. He's at home, looking after poor little Cassandra."

Roy had already decided. He was tired, having worked since the early hours of that morning, but he had a soft heart. "Our first job is to find Sullivan, Adam. Have you met him?"

"No, not yet. And I shall have a few words to say to him when I do."

"No violence, Adam. I mean it."

"You haven't seen that child, Roy. The welts are all over her back and legs. It's a wonder he didn't kill her. It looks like he used a switch."

Roy's face darkened. "Come on, let's go."