"Well, Adam certainly didn't lie when he said she'd been badly beaten," Daisy said as she led the child back into the main room.

"We've been using that salve on her. It seems to help."

"And she's badly malnourished," the doctor added. "Well, you can see that for yourself."

Cassie stood for a moment, the enormous nightshirt hanging on her. The garment was so big for her it was hooked up with a sash, spindly feet poking out.

"I'm going into town shortly to get her some clothes. That is going to fall off her."

Cassie looked up at the visitors and smiled for the first time. "And a doll! Uncle Ben said he was gonna buy me a doll! A great big one!"

Ben laughed. "The doll is much more important than the clothes!"

"Well, that's nice of him, isn't it, Cassandra?" Daisy asked.

"Yes'm. Francesca died, you see."

"Who's Francesca?"

"My doll. My old doll. Francesca's my Mama's name."

The doctor cleared his throat. "And where is your Mama, Cassandra?"

"She's dead, too, sir."

"I'm sorry to hear that, child. And is Mr Cartwright looking after you well?"

"Yes, sir. He's kind to me and doesn't hurt me. And he gives me lots of food to eat. Little Joe plays with me and is nice to me."

"So you like it here?"

"Yes, sir. Can I stay?"

"For now. I can see you're in good hands."

"I must thank you for caring for her, Ben," Roy said.

"Cassie's become part of the family. It's been a pleasure looking after her."

He held out his hands to her and she immediately ran to him. She behaved fearfully around other adults but she had learned to trust him. He held her, his arm tucked under her knees, and stroked her hair. "What a brave girl you've been!" He gave her a big kiss and tickled her nose. She giggled. "See? I told you Sheriff Coffee and the doctor weren't scary, didn't I? And Miss Daisy's a nice lady, isn't she?"

"Yes, sir."

"She was encrusted in filth yesterday, Roy. Her clothes were so tattered we had to throw them out. She cannot go back to her father, you know."

"She's a dear, sweet child," Daisy said, walking forward. She held out her hand to her and Cassie looked at her with huge eyes.

"Take Miss Daisy's hand, Cass."

But she hid her head into Ben's chest.

"She's timid, poor child," the lady said. "No wonder. Those welts! A couple looked like they had broken the skin. How long ago was she beaten, Mr Cartwright?"

"I don't know. The kids said she hadn't been to school for several days so it's been since then."

She shook her head. "I cannot understand how someone could do that to a tiny child."

"Nor can any of us, Daisy."

"I contacted the magistrate first thing. I hope he will get back to me today. It may take some time but he will come and investigate. Don't worry, Cassandra. The doctor and I and Mr Cartwright all know what's happened and we will help you."

"Please don't send me back to Papa, Mr Caffee!"

Ben laughed at her error. "It's Coffee, Cassie. Sheriff Coffee."

"Sheriff Coffee."

"Don't worry, little girl, no-one will send you back," said Roy. "Tell me, does your father often beat you?"

She lowered her head. "Sometimes. He says I'm bad. He shouts at me and then he gets his belt and he hurts me. But this time he got a switch. And, oh, it hurt!" She started to cry again.

"And you say you don't get enough to eat?"

"I do get hungry. But not since I came here. Uncle Ben always gives me lots of food...I...I don't mean to be bad, Sheriff Coffee. Honest I don't."

"I know you don't, sweetie. I'll have to go back to see him. I've been to the wagon a couple of times but I need to see it in daylight. I need to explain to him about the magistrate. Don't worry, Cassie, we're going to look after you now."