"Go!" "Go, boy!" "Hyah!" "Hyah!" "Heh!" "Heh, hyah!" "Heh!" "Hyah!" "Come on!" "Whoa." " Whoa." " Hold up, boys." "They ain't worth it, boss." "Let's go back." "Hyah!" "Looks like they gave up." "I'm getting real tired of this, Daniel." "Yeah, they were plenty mad... when I beat the big boy in arm wrestling." "One day that temper and big mouth of yours is gonna get you in deep trouble." "Haven't made the trouble I can't get out of." "We've run these horses long enough." "We'll set up camp about a mile or two." "Hyah." "Hyah." "One dozen eggs, fresh as they come." "Thank you, Mrs. Evans." " Hello, Ellen." " Sheriff Holden." "What brings you out here?" "Making my rounds." "Thought I'd look in on you and Cassie." "We're fine." "Would you like some cool water?" "No, I've still got ground to cover." "Looks like some repairs are in order." "We'll get to them." "I still don't need any hired help." " Good enough." " Your visits are always welcome." "Elbow's been throbbing some." "Looks like a storm's blowing in." "Really?" "It's awfully sunny, Sheriff." "Elbow never lies." "Could be a doozy." "I'd batten down the hatches." "Hyah." "Hyah." "So what are you cooking up for supper?" "There's plenty of game around here." "Why don't you get off your duff and go check the menu?" "The California hills are filled with gold." "When we hit our big strike, I'm gonna take my gold up to Oregon... buy myself a ranch the size of Delaware, huh?" "Find me a pretty little wife, start a family." "What about you?" "Think I'll catch one of them steamers out of San Francisco, head on up to China." "China?" "What's in China?" "I've always wanted to see that great big wall of theirs." "And after that, who knows?" "You gonna go hunting, or I gotta do everything?" " You know, you sound like my ma." " Best we built a shelter." "You know, you're always looking out for me, like a mother hen." "Yeah, well, somebody got to." "You do what you want." "I'll be fine sleeping under the stars." "And when we strike it rich, I'm gonna have a butler bring all my food for me." "Cassie?" "Cassie!" " Cassie!" " Ellen, I'm over here." "Where were you?" "You're supposed to be weeding in the garden." "Don't be in a huff." "I finished up in the garden, and I went and put flowers on Ma and Pa's graves, and..." "I know it sounds silly, but I stayed and talked to them for a while." " Lost track of time." " It's not silly." "I talk to them too." " You do?" " Of course I do." "Looks like there's a storm coming." "We'd best gather the laundry... get the livestock in the barn." "How's it look out there?" "Wet." "Windy." "Very windy." "It's a terrible storm." "I know that." "What I meant was, is the barn holding up?" "It's holding its ground." "How can you just sit there calmly sewing when the world outside is falling apart?" "I promised Mrs. Banks I'd get this skirt to her by tomorrow." "What if it's still raining?" "Finish drying the dishes." "It'll get your mind off of things." "Cassie, you'd best sweep that up." "I'm sorry." "I'll be more careful." "The thunder startled me." "The garden is a mess, but we can salvage the tomatoes and squash." "It'll take some time to get it back in shape." "It's a good thing you put the livestock in the barn last night." "Well, at least only the chickens got out." "Where do we start?" "We'll feed in the barn." "We'll gather the chickens." "Then we can go into town, so I can get paid on my work for Mrs. Banks's skirt." "What about putting this place back in order?" "First things first." "We can go into town and get some new fence posts at the hardware." "At least I could stay and start cleaning up the garden." "Cassie, you're coming with me." "Ellen, you are my sister, not my mother." "And?" "It's not nice for big sisters to order their little sisters around." "All right, Cassie." "Would you care to accompany me to town today?" "I would love to." "Could we get some apple pie at Millie's?" "When we're finished taking care of business." "Cassie Barlow, you can be one stubborn young lady." "I am your sister." "I'll gather the chickens." " Whoa!" " How you doing?" "Well, that's the last one." "Now can we go to Millie's?" "Well..." "I guess you earned it." "Come on." "Let's go get some apple pie." "Ellen, Cassie." "Not used to seeing you two days in a row." "Well, Sheriff, it looks like your elbow was right again." "Well, my elbow never fails me when it comes to a storm." "How'd your place weather it?" "It did considerable damage." "Maybe now you'll be looking for a hired man." "I could use some help around the place, and I can pay a proper wage." " You've been needing some help for some time now." " I suppose so." "Trouble is, all the able-bodied men got gold fever and took off for California." "But I don't have to remind you of that." "Sorry." "Didn't mean to open up an old wound about Jake." "That wound is long healed." "Well, I'll certainly keep my eyes and ears open." " I appreciate it." " My pleasure." "You wanna get those in the ground..." ""Millie's Café, home style cooking."" "Sounds good to me." "Ladies." "Good day." "We're here to eat." "No trouble." " Would you ladies like anything else?" " Oh." "No, thank you, Millie." " Where's Rose?" " Oh, she just ran out to get some flour." " She should be back anytime." " Millie, I want to catch up on the town gossip." " Do you have time to sit down?" " Well, as soon as Rose gets back to mind the store." "Ladies." "Well, Trinity sure has some good-looking womenfolk." "Is there something I can get you young men?" "A hot meal." "A good, hot meal." "We've been traveling a long time." "I've been doing most of the cooking." "Cassie, quit staring." "It's not polite." "Well, the special today is chicken and dumplings." " Sounds real good." " Yeah, I'll, uh..." "I'll take two orders." "All right." "Three orders of the special." "Anything to drink?" "Water will be fine." "Thank you." "All right." "Well, this sure seems like a real quiet town." "I'd hate to be stuck here." "Well, a lot of people like living like that." "Yeah, well, not me." "Excitement's what I crave." "Ladies, good day to you." "Uh, I don't mean to be rude." "My name is Daniel Whittaker." "Well, what are your names?" "Well, don't that just say it all, hmm?" "I'm being real nice, and these ladies are being rude." "How about we just eat and get out of here?" "You know, I'm being real friendly like to you women... and I can't even get a simple hello in return?" "Hello." " Excuse me?" " You said you wanted a hello." "I gave you one." " I wanted it from these ladies." " Well, it seems they don't want conversation with you." "Well, you two ought to mind your own business." "Now..." "Ah..." "Ladies, you don't have to go nowhere." "Daniel, we ain't looking for no trouble." "No, we're not." "But it seems like these two boys are." "No, we ain't looking for trouble." "But if you insist, we can step outside." "Look at it this way." "Walk away now, and you don't get hurt." "John, Samuel, what is goin' on?" "What's it gonna be?" "The streets... or walk away?" "Stop it!" "Stop it." "You listen to me." "I said stop it!" "Stop it!" "I got the flour." "Get up!" "I will shoot the man who throws the next punch." "Matter of fact, this old scattershot ain't too choosy." "She might just get all of you." "Put your hands up and sit down." " But, Sheriff, these two..." " I said sit." "Run those boys out of town." "They need to cool their heels, Sheriff." "Millicent!" " I'd like to know what happened here." " Well, I was in the kitchen." "Ellen came to get me, and I came out just as the fight started." "Well, let's get this sorted out, boys." "Step inside, gentlemen." "Uh, our horses are tied up on the street." "Don't go fretting about your horses." "I'll see they end up at the stables." "Of course, it'll cost you for board." "Pick a bunk." "I'm not sure how this is real fair, Sheriff." "Those two boys were just as guilty as we were." "Witnesses say your friend here threw the first punch." " Well, they provoked me." " Is that all you have to say?" "What about you?" "What do you got to say for yourself?" "Never did get a chance to eat." "Little hungry." "I'll order you up some food from Millie's." "If she'll feed you after what happened." "I'm much obliged, Sheriff." ""Never did get a chance to eat"?" "That..." "That's all you've got to say?" "We just got railroaded." "You caused this, again, and you know it." "The next big wind, and this is coming down." "That's why we'll have to get the newest posts in before then." "You and me aren't so good at digging postholes." "We'll learn." "Grab the hammer and nails." "We'll get the plank up so we can get the horses back in the corral." "Why did God bring such a terrible storm on us?" "Pa used to say the good Lord and the devil got credit for things they had nothing to do with." "Sometimes things just happen, natural course of events." "Sometimes it's all so confounding'." "That's why we have to have the faith of a child." "Sure was exciting at Millie's today." " I guess you could call it that." " What else would you call it?" "Crude and rude behavior." "Let's get the plank up." " Hello, Rose." " Hello, Sheriff." "Ma made this for the prisoners." "You can go on in." "They're harmless." "Hello there, little lady." "And you are?" "I'm Rose." "I'm Millie's daughter." "Oh." "Well..." "Oh, that smells tasty, Rose." "You know, Mama is mighty mad at you two for wrecking her place... but she decided to make that up for you anyways." "Said it was the Christian thing to do." "Thank you." "We're very grateful." "Thank you, Rose." "Well, one good thing..." "We got our chicken and dumplings." "You boys want some water, you can call the night deputy." "When you're finished with your food, slide the plates under the door." "And I'll see you in the morning." "Hey, Sheriff." "What's gonna happen to us?" " Depends." " Depends on what?" "If you plead guilty... you pay the assessed damages plus a fine." " What are the damages?" " Well, I haven't calculated that yet." "The window's boarded up." "I have no idea how much the new glass and repairs will cost." "Plus a table, chair or two." "Yeah, well, we're pleading not guilty." "Fine." "When the judge hits town, we'll hold a hearing in the jail." " When the judge hits town?" " Yeah." "Circuit judge." "Covers all the counties." "Should be back here in about 30 days." "I ain't staying in this jail for a month." " Well, then you'd best plead guilty." " Well, that ain't justice." " I-I don't know what that is, but it sure ain't justice." " We'll plead guilty." "No, we're not!" "Well..." "I can see you boys need some time to talk it over." "Take the night." "This ain't fair, Clark, and we're not pleading guilty." "You did throw the first punch." "We got about three dollars between us." "Th-That won't even cover a new window." "Well, maybe we can work it off." "Not me, old buddy." "I got bigger and better things to do... places to go, things to see." "In case you hadn't noticed, we're in a jail cell." "Well, there ain't a jail built I can't bust out of." "Neither one of us has ever been locked up before." "What are you talking about?" "You got no imagination, Clark." "You never did." "It's part of your charm, I guess." "Just eat your food and go to bed." "They'll shoot you." "It's not too late." "Come with me." "You really think you're gonna get away with this?" "Use your head for once, and let's pay our debt." "We didn't come this far just so we could sit behind bars." "If we don't get out of here now, we're never gonna make it to California." " Grow up and be a man." " Good luck, Clark." "Look me up when you get out west." "If you ever make it that far." "I gathered the eggs." "The hens didn't do so well laying." "Maybe the storm scared 'em." "They'll settle down." " Do you want some help in the garden?" " That would be great." "You know, if we made the garden bigger, we could grow more stuff to sell." "We could, after we fix the shingles on the roof of the house... and repair the barn door." "And get the new corral posts up." "We weren't this close when Pa was alive, were we?" "No." "Why do you think that is?" "I suppose it's the age difference." "And I was caught up in the trifles that tend to divert a young woman." "You mean Jake?" "Yes, Jake." " Do you miss him?" " I try not to think of it." "It's been over two years, and you haven't heard a word from him." " Do you think he's dead?" " I don't know." "Well, if he wasn't dead... he would have written or sent some kind of word from the goldfields." "We parted on disagreeable terms." "You part that way with a loved one, it... tends to make any loss more grievous." "Was he your true love?" "You need years with someone to know such a thing." "True love is born of experience, not fairy dust." "Do you think I'll find my true love?" "Yes, you will." "But first I need your help clearing this garden." "What have you got to say for yourself?" "When I went back to check on 'em, the cell door was open." "One was gone." "The other one was just sittin' there." " Excuse me?" " I don't know how it happened." "I'll tell you how it happened." "You fell asleep, and a prisoner escaped using a dinner fork." "I ought to lock you up in his place." "Get out of here." "I'll figure out what to do with you later." "Well, Mr. Clark Davis, looks like you're on your own." "Appears so." "Mr. Whittaker skipped over to the stable, broke in... took his horse and beat it out of town." "Sounds about right." " Don't suppose you know anything about this." " I'm here, aren't I?" "Yes, you are." " I was sleepin'." " You and my deputy both." "I woke up, and Daniel was fooling with the lock." "I tried to talk him out of it." " I suppose you're going after him now?" " Waste of my time." "He'll just end up on the wrong side of the law someplace else... if the devil don't get him first." "I will put his name out on the wire though." "We've been friends since childhood." "I'd be careful who I'd call friend." "I pled guilty." "Now what?" "The fine for public nuisance is $10." "The repairs at Millie's will probably be about 30." "I got $1.50." "That'll cover about three weeks' board on your horse over at the stable." "I'll go get you some breakfast since you'll be staying here." " Sheriff, wait." " What is it now?" "Isn't there some way I could work it off?" "Hyah." "Millicent, can I have a word with you?" "I'd like to run something by you concerning this young man." "I'm listening." "Sit." "So, what's this all about?" "Where's the other one?" "Slipped out last night while my deputy was sleeping." "Came in this morning, and this one's just sitting there." "The door's wide open." "Now why do you suppose he didn't leave?" "I believe he is a responsible young man who would like to do right by you and the town." "In fact, that's what I came to talk to you about." "I'm still listenin'." "Won't be much further now." "Do you mind if I ask where we're going?" "Nope." "No, you don't mind, or no, don't ask?" "Barlow Farm." "Ellen Barlow lives there with her sister Cassie." "They've been looking for some hired help." "Can't pay much, but it'll suit your needs paying off what you owe." " Two women living alone?" " Pa died last winter." "Mom died giving birth to Cassie." "And you're trusting me not to run?" "You give me your word you'll stay?" "You have my word on it." "Your word's good enough for me." "But if you run, I will find you... and I may have to shoot you." "You can make camp up there." "Close to work, out of the ladies' hair." "Plenty of game up there." "You'll make do." "Ellen!" "Cassie!" "Ellen, it's Sheriff Holden." "Hello, Sheriff." " Good day to you, Sheriff." " Ellen." "That fellow with the sheriff is the one that was in the fight at Millie's." "Yes, it seems so." "Sheriff, what can we do for you today?" "It's what I can do for you." "Ellen Barlow, Cassie Barlow, meet Clark Davis." "The solution to your hired hand problem." "Sheriff Holden, why don't you step down so we can talk in private?" "Yes, ma'am." "Cassie... make sure he don't run off." "You and those other fellas sure tore up Millie's place." "Yeah, we sure did." "I'm really sorry about that." "It was a grand fight." "Grandest fight I ever saw." "In fact, the only fight I ever saw." "Rose too." "Rose is Millie's daughter." "Cassie, hold the horse." "Stop talking." "Why'd you bring that criminal here?" " He's not a criminal." " Then what is he?" "He's an able-bodied man who will work for you to pay off Millie and the law." "He started a brawl." "He can't be trusted." "First of all, he did not start the brawl." "Millie and you said so." " That is beside the point." " No, it is not beside the point." "And secondly, I'm a damn good judge of human nature, and that boy has a good, solid character." "You have only known him for a day." "The other one broke out of jail and took off." "This one stayed to face the music." "That tells me a lot about his character." "We'll find someone else." "Ellen Barlow, you are as stubborn as your old man." "Besides, there is no one else, and you sorely need him." "Fine." "But only on a trial basis." "One week at a time." "Minus the $1.50 he already paid, he owes 38.50." "A month's wages ought to cover that debt." "I told him he could camp up there on the hill." " Thank you, Cassie." " You're welcome, Sheriff." " You leaving?" " Appears so." "Don't you worry." "I'll be back to check on you from time to time." " Good-bye, Sheriff." " Stay out of trouble, Cassie." "You too, Sheriff." "Cassie." "Miss Barlow, I just want to tell you it's a pleasure to meet you... and, uh, I really appreciate this job opportunity." "Look, Mr..." "What's your name?" "It's Davis." "Clark Davis." "Mr. Davis, I truly do not feel comfortable having the likes of you around... but we need some hired help, and you're all there seems to be." " The likes of me?" " I heard your friend say you were going to the goldfields." " Is there somethin' wrong with that?" " Dreamers, chasing' rainbows... lookin' for gold, get rich quick." "Well, there is gold to be found." "Look." "If you're gonna work here, you best get started." "Half a day's already gone." "If I'm gonna pay you a daily wage, I expect a full day's work." "Yes, ma'am." "You'll get a full day's work." "Just tell me where to start." "Well, there's plenty that needs attention." "You can start by fixing the barn door." "Okay." "She's not so ornery once you get to know her." "I might not live long enough to get to know her then." "There's tools and a ladder in the barn, and the lumber's out back." "Come on." "I'll show you, Mr. Davis." "Just call me Clark." "Mr. Davis is my pa." "You best be careful up there." "I will." "Thanks for the advice." " You sure you know what you're doing?" " Well... guess we're gonna find out." "Cassie, would you come here, please?" "Gotta go see what she wants." " Do you need me?" " Of course I need you." " But I'm helping with the barn door." " Come on inside the house." "Did you want to talk about something?" "I think it's better if we maintain a distance from him till we get to know him." "How do we get to know him if we maintain a distance?" "We know nothin' about him except he started a fight, and he got thrown in jail." "Now, please, just stay away from him for now." "I best get back." "He may need my help." "Cassandra Mae, did you hear a word I said?" "Every word, Ellen Louise." "You fixed it." "Hope so." "Sometimes I have to remind Ellen that she is my sister and not my mother." " She's concerned for you." " I can take care of myself." "Oh, yes, ma'am." "I'm sure you can." "Headin' to California..." "that sounds so very exciting'." "Your sister don't seem to think so." " That's 'cause of Jake." " Jake?" "Jake Weller." "He was Ellen's sweetheart." "Moved to California with gold fever about two years ago." "He wanted her to pack up and go with him, but she didn't want that." " Yeah?" "What happened to him?" " Don't know." "Haven't heard a word from him." "Well... that could prejudice someone against the pursuit of gold." "Yes, sir, it could." "She has very hard feelings against it too." "Yeah, seems so." "Hey, would you grab that two-by-four and slide it right under this door?" "Thank you." "You're a real big help." " Really?" " Really." "All fixed?" "I believe so." "It stayed up." "So far." "It's working." "Well, it's staying on the hinges." "That's the important part." "Cassie, we need to take my mending to town and deliver it." " Go pack the wagon and get ready to go." " Can't I stay here?" "I thought we'd go by Millie's for lunch." "You can catch up with Rose." " I'm going." " I'll hitch the team." "Well, looks like you fixed it." "Seems like it." "Can I give you a hand with that team?" "No, that won't be necessary." "I can manage on my own." "Okay." "What do you have in mind next?" "Corral." "One of the posts has rotted out." "Other three need mending." "The new posts are behind the barn, and all the tools you'll need are inside the barn." "I'll get right on it." "Me and Rose are going to the dry goods store." "Rose and I." "All right." "Rose and I are going to the dry goods store." "And please remember to see if my gingham material's come in." "You'll be back in time for the supper rush?" " Yes, ma'am." " Thanks." "I have to admit." "That fight was pretty exciting." "Oh, I don't know." "I take it you have a hired hand working for you now?" "Trial basis, one week at a time." "I don't know how I feel about trusting a man who gets in a fight." "Well, the sheriff brought him by here." "Seemed like a pretty solid fella." "We'll see." "And he's not too disagreeable to look at." "Millie, please." "I hadn't noticed." "Oh, of course you haven't." "Let your good and perfect will be done in Cassie's life." "Let no one stand in your way." "Not even me." "Good night, Ma." "Good night, Pa." " Good morning, Miss Barlow." " Good morning." "When you're finished with that post, Mr..." "Mr. Davis... don't forget the other three that are loose." "I won't forget." "Miss Barlow." "Yes?" "You know, I never intended on being here." "If I could have repaid that debt, I would have." "But I gave the sheriff my word I would see this through." " Your point is?" " Long as I'm here, I'm gonna be civil to you." "All I ask is you do the same in return." "I am being civil with you, Mr. Davis." "He's a real hard worker, ain't he?" "Isn't he." "He has motive to be." "Once he pays off his debt, he'll be on his way." "He's not like the other gold diggers we've met." "They're all the same." "After fortune and adventure." "He hums while he works." "Pa was always humming while he was workin'." "Does this fella remind you of Pa?" "No." "I was just wonderin'." " Here's your lunch." " Oh." "Ellen's the second-best cook in the whole county, next to Millie." "Of course, you know Millie's place real well." "Yeah, I'm afraid I do." "Thank you, Cassie." "This looks really good." "I appreciate it." "If you need a drink, there's a tin hanging from the pump." "This post is solid." "You're doing a real dandy job." "Dandy as a dandelion." " What?" " My pa used to say that all the time." "I've never heard anyone else say that before." "Yeah, I'd heard he had passed on." "I'm really sorry to hear that." "No, it's all right." "It's good to hear it again." "Cassie." "When you're finished, I need you." "She just can't seem to get on without me." "It's good to be needed." " Cassie, now, please." " I have to go." " Go on inside and put this on." "I took out the hem some." " Why?" "'Cause you're getting so tall, the dress is looking too short." "And I always want you to look your best." "Besides, the dance is comin' up." "I forgot about that." "You know, Cassie's right." "You're a real good cook." "Thank you." "Sew away, Sis." "He's humming again." "I can hear that." "There's no law against it." "You know, this time of year, we could get another storm." "If a body was camped outside, it sure would be miserable." "Is that your way of saying we should allow Mr. Davis to move to shelter?" "Oh, do you think so?" "Your concern for his well-being..." "it's duly noted." " Is that a no?" " Yes." "Now turn around so I can see the back." " Will you think about it?" " Would you hold still?" "You turned out to be quite the farmer." "I didn't even hear you ride up." "My grandpa was half Osage." "He'd sneak up on a rabbit, grab it by the ears with one hand." " You just riding by?" " Nope." "Rode out to check on you, like I said I would." "You holding up all right?" "Uh..." "Yes, sir." "Ellen's a tad pushy and a bit headstrong, but she's a good person." "She's guilty on the first two counts, but I haven't seen the nice part yet." "Few do." "Gal's got a... heavy burden... what with keeping this place going and raising Cassie." "Yes, sir." "Well..." "Well, I'm still here, so you can rest easy." "I knew you were a man of your word." "But I never rest easy." "You'll be seeing me again." "I'll count on it." "Got an answer back on that wire I sent out on Daniel Whittaker." "Turns out he got himself arrested for rustling a few counties west of here." " Are they gonna hang him?" " Could be." "Funny how life is." "If you'd been with him, you could be facing the noose." "But here you are." "Hyah!" "Hyah!" "Yeah, here I am." "You make the best apple pie this side of the Mississippi." "What's wrong with my apple pie?" "Nothin'." "It just comes second to Millie's." "You are too kind." "So how's your hired hand doing?" "He allows me to help." "And he treats me like an adult." "Unlike someone else I know." "He seems to be a hard worker." "Ellen's being kinda ornery with him." "He works for us." "We're not meant to be his friend." "Well, you can be kinda ornery with a lot of folks." "Well, some folks deserve it." "Hello." " Mornin'." " Mornin'." "You're almost finished with the corral." "Couple more planks, it'll be there." "I'm gonna go pick wildflowers in the meadow." "Maybe one day you can pick some for me." "Sure." "Just tell me when." "Miss Barlow, how are you?" "Fine." " You do good work." " Thank you." "My pa taught me a lot about carpentry." "Come in real handy around here." "So, you have a trade, yet you decide to waste your life on trivial pursuits." "I guess you just got me all figured out, don't you, Miss Barlow?" "Well, I don't understand how a man can leave his family and his home... and travel clear across the country... in pursuit of a few little rocks, no matter how much they're worth." "Well, I think some men are just in pursuit of a better life." "Others want a shortcut." "I was in it for the adventure." "So, what's next?" "After you leave here?" "Probably keep heading west." "Catch a steamer out of San Francisco." "Head on over to China." "China?" "New adventure." "New places." "New people." "Doesn't sound like you have any plans to settle down anytime soon." "One day I would like to settle down." "Have a family." "Chickens have been laying real good since you got here." "Think they like ya." "Yeah?" "Guess that makes me a regular ol' rooster, huh?" "There's a dance in town this Saturday." "Never been to a dance." "There's plenty of good food, socializing and music." " Are you and your sister goin'?" " Never miss it." " Maybe you could go with us?" " You have to ask Ellen that." "Ask Ellen what?" "Well?" "I'm waitin'." "Could he go to the dance with us?" "Well, if he wants to, all right." "No, that's all right." "I, uh..." "I don't have any fancy clothes anyway." "I think we could find him a suit to wear." "Good to see ya again." "Sure hope this suit looks all right." "Looks better than all right." "Fits you better than it did Pa." "You look beautiful." "I haven't worn this dress in over two years." "Not since Jake left." "Cassie told me about him." "She can't keep her mouth shut to save her soul." "You still look very fetching." "I took it out of the closet just for today." "Ellen." "Look at you all slicked up." "There'll be no trouble here, boys." "Ah, we ain't lookin' for any trouble, Sheriff." "Ain't that right, John?" "Nah, just commentin' on how different he looks." "What is it that you boys want?" "Just wanted to shake this fella's hand." "And to tell him we feel partially responsible for his trouble." " Yeah, you mean that?" " My word on it." "Bygones are bygones." "Enjoy the dance." "You do look very spiffy." "Come on." "Let's dance." "John, would you be a dear and get me a punch?" "My pleasure." "Ellen?" "No, thanks." "I'm fine." "So, will we be seeing Mr. Davis at services tomorrow?" "I mentioned it to him on the way here." "Seems he's not a spiritual man." "Oh, my." "That's too bad." "Do you find him handsome?" "You know I do." "I find him passable at best." "Okay, slightly more than passable." "He's a hard worker." "Good craftsman." "Seemingly of pleasant nature." "He's got a good spirit." "Just needs a little cultivating'." "And he'll be leaving soon." "Thank you for the dance, kind sir." "My pleasure, madam." "Some fine dancing' out there, Mr. Davis." "You should dance with him, Ellen." "Now, Cassie, normally the fella asks the gal to dance." "Well, ask her." "May I have this dance?" "You may." "I'm gonna go find Rose." " Oh, they make a fine-looking couple." " That they do." "Now, Millie... don't you go playing' Cupid." "That boy is set on leavin'." "We'll see." "Cassie's so eager to grow up." "I can remember wanting' to grow up." "Have you?" "I think so." "I know what I want now." "So many of the things that I thought were the most important in the world... well, they turned out not to be." "I owe you an apology." "I don't think so." "When you first came into our lives, I prejudged you." "But you're not the person I believed you to be." "You don't have to do that." "It's fine." "Let me finish." "I feel like..." "I'm getting to know you." "The real you, not my perception of you." "I mean, I like you." "I like you too." "Cassie, you best hurry." "We don't want to be late for service." "I'm comin'!" "Good mornin'." "Mornin'." "Saw the team hitched up." "Figured y'all was headin' off to church." "We don't have a church in the usual sense." "Services are held outside in the common area." "I see." "Well, I invited you once before, and..." "I shall do it again." "Would you care to join us?" "I do appreciate the offer, but I think I'm gonna stay here and tend to the garden." "We could all use an ounce of faith." "Miss Barlow, I'm not even sure if I know what that word means." "Faith means believing' in somethin' greater than oneself." "A higher power." "Well, if it's all the same..." "I think I'll spend my day doing something a little more constructive." "Worship is constructive, Mr. Davis." "It's the most important work of all." "Well, if it's okay with you, we'll just agree to disagree on that one." "But I do appreciate the offer to the dance." "You're welcome." "Cassandra!" "Mornin', Clark." "Cassie, please, in the wagon." "I don't want to be late." "Let me help you up." "We always have a potluck after services." " You'll have to scrounge for your lunch." " I'll make do." " Mr. Davis." " Miss Barlow." "It's the end of the week." "Your pay." " Wasn't Miss Millie at the service?" " She was." " You can just give it to her." " No, it's not my place." "It's better if you do." "All right." "Thank you." "The garden is looking wonderful." "Thank you." "The, uh, tomato's lookin' real ripe." "Eggplant's just about ready to be picked." "We can take it into town tomorrow." "I sell most of my crops at the general store." " You can visit Millie then." " Sure thing." "You know, I'm just about done here... so I'll probably pack up my stuff and head back up to camp." " We're just about to sit for Sunday supper." " Is that an invitation?" "It's the proper Sunday thing to do, Mr. Davis." "Well, then I'd be obliged to accept." "Miss Barlow." "Perhaps since you and I are gonna share Sunday supper together... maybe we can call each other by our given names." "All right." "You best wash up before you come inside." "Sure thing, Ellen." " Cassie, did you pick those flowers?" " For you." "Just like you asked." "You wouldn't mind if I took 'em tomorrow when we go into town, would ya?" "They're yours to do as you like with them." "I find gardening very relaxing and enjoyable." "Plant some seeds, add some water... a little sunlight, and life magically springs from the ground." "That sounds so very poetic." "I hear what you're sayin'." "I feel the same way." "We've been wantin' to expand our garden, grow some more vegetables." "I might be able to help with that." "With the boss's permission." "I suppose that would be all right." "Probably just need some wildflower seeds, we'll plant around the garden." "It'll look real nice." " Who wants to say grace?" " I'll say it." "It's my turn anyway." "Mr. Davis..." "I mean, Clark, would that be all right with you?" "It's perfectly all right." "Lord, thank you for this food that we are about to receive... and thank you for our new friend Clark." "Please watch over him." "Even though he doesn't much believe in you, he's still a kind and decent man." "Also, please keep watch over Ma and Pa." "Your friend, Cassie Barlow." "Amen." "See?" "That wasn't so hard." "I really appreciate the hospitality." "I really enjoyed the meal and the company." "Especially the company." " You're quite welcome." " Maybe we can do it again." "It was special for Sunday." "Maybe again next Sunday?" "Maybe." "Cassie was thinkin' you'd be more comfortable sleeping' in the barn instead of outside." "There's an old cot and everything." "You'd have a roof over your head." "Are you sure?" "She asked you." "Of course she's sure." "Well, I, uh..." "I better be up early... get the squash and tomatoes picked and packed up for town." " I'll help you." " After your house chores." "After my house chores." " Ladies, thank y'all again." " You're welcome." "He's hummin' again." "Yes, I can hear that." "We should put the dishes up." "Are you going to help me, or am I your slave?" "Go." "Go." "Get off." "Well... beats sleeping' on the ground." "Well, they're a little wilted, but I hope she likes 'em." "All women like flowers, wilted or not." "It's the thought behind them that counts." "So I'll meet y'all back here then?" "We're going by the dry goods store and then a few other places." " Will an hour do you?" " That's plenty enough time." "See y'all in an hour." "Who do you suppose those flowers are for?" "I don't know." "Some gal, I guess." "He said "she."" "Ellen." "Are you just curious, or are you a little jealous?" "Jealous?" "Rue the day." "Just curious." "Let's go by the dry goods store and check on that material." "Then we can go by Millie's." "I'm planning it for Tuesday." "Thank you." "Uh, Ma, you'd best get out here." "Well, you folks can get back to eating'." "Rose, you mind the stove?" "Uh, these are for you." "Sorry." "They're a bit wilted." "Nothin' a little fresh water can't fix." "You know, I never truly apologized to you." "But I am now." "Well, if you feel the need, then apology accepted." "These are very pretty flowers." "Uh, Cassie... she picked 'em." "You and Cassie gettin' along all right?" "Yes, ma'am." "Just fine." "Would you like to sit down, maybe have a piece of pie?" "Oh, I..." "I probably shouldn't stay too long." "The ladies are waitin' on me." "They're doin' a bit of shopping'." "Well, if they're shopping', it's gonna be a while." "Come on." "Rose, would you bring me a piece of apple pie?" "Yes, ma'am." "I also brought your payment." "You are a young man of principle." "My father." ""Be a man of principle and responsibility."" "In the old days, I would've told you to forget it." "I lost a lot of money that way." "Now I read the good book, and it tells me to be a cheerful giver and receiver." "So, I will cheerfully receive this money... and give you a piece of pie." " That's very kind of you." " Oh, not really." "I figured this is the only money you've got... and you probably couldn't afford to pay for the pie." "Rosie, would you do me a favor and go polish the silverware?" "Oh, yes, ma'am." "Teenage girls." "Full of curiosity and mischief." "Life can be very confounding, Miss Millie." "Something weighing' on you, Clark?" "It is an ever-changing adventure we are on." "Sure is a fact." "Be diligent." "Give life time." "We never do know what's right around the corner." "Well, lookee who dropped in." "With Clark here, I was wondering if you two were gonna stop by." "Well, if I'd known he was coming here, we would've come with him." "He brought me those flowers over there." "Kind of an apology gift." "Well, isn't that sweet?" "Rose is in the kitchen." "Ellen, come sit." " Yep, and I best be checkin' on the team." " No." "Stay." "They'll be all right." "Well, it's pretty hot outside, so they might need some water." "Thank you for the pie." "Looks like I run him off." "He's a very nice young man." "Not at all like the ones who caught that gold fever." " He's responsible." " It would seem that way." "There's a big difference between... just having a crush on somebody and truly being in love." "I dried out the vegetable seeds like you said." "All I have to do now is go get some wildflower seeds from the meadow." "Be careful in that tall grass." "The rattlers are out this time of year." "I will." "The garden is gonna be great." "She's very excited about the garden." " Thank you." " My pleasure." " You ready to plant soon?" " Yeah." "Just keep turning the soil for a bit, add some of that dry manure from the milk cow... water it for a couple days and plant." " You sure know a lot about everything." " Just basic things." " You read a lot?" " Some." "Mostly I learned from my pa." "He tried to teach me to be a well-rounded man." " You close to him?" " Very." "My ma too." "You know, we had some problems when I was growing up, but... nothing we couldn't get through without him shooting' me." "That would've been awful." "Then you wouldn't be here, digging in the dirt and playing in dry manure." "Your pa laugh a lot?" " Yeah." " Mine too." "You miss him." "I do." "Almost every day." "Sometimes I think I hear him laugh." "And I turn around, expecting him to be there." " Silly, huh?" " No." "No, it's not silly." "Those are memories." "Memories are what our lives end up being." " Your pa teach you that?" " And he learned it from my ma." "We gotta hang on to the good ones... let the bad ones go." "Never let 'em haunt us." " Shoot." " King me." "Your move." "I wouldn't move there if I were you." "I know what you're thinkin'." "Do you?" "Cassie's forming an attachment." "Cassie told Rose that Clark Davis reminds her of her father." "I suspected as much." "He'll be leaving soon." "Moving on to California, following his dream." "He's not like all the rest of 'em." "What?" "You said so yourself." "Oh." "Oh, my." "Oh, Millie." "Now don't go jumping' to conclusions." "You're sweet on him." "No, I'm not sweet on him." "I don't have the time, nor the inclination... for such luxuries." "He's a good man." "Which will make it all the more difficult when he leaves." "You've gotta think about Cassie." "She never knew her mother." "She lost her father." "How's she gonna handle him leaving?" "Have you seen Cassie?" "She told me she was gonna pick some flowers and visit your folks." "Oh." "Talkin' to them gives her peace." "Guess we all could use an ounce of that from time to time." "She's become really fond of you." "She's a special young lady." "Your commitment here will be over soon." "Reckon it will." "You'll be headin' out west to California?" "That's been the plan for a long time." "I don't think it'll set well with Cassie." "I don't think it's gonna set well with me either." "And you?" "What about me?" "My ma always told me that a person who answers a question with a question... is just avoiding' the first question." "You must be gettin' hungry." "I'll go fix your lunch." "Do you think the Lord holds a grudge against Clark for not keeping the Sabbath?" "I don't think the Lord holds grudges." "I think that's something we human beings are inflicted with." " Well, how was services?" " They were wonderful." "Millie made bread pudding for the potluck." "It was scrumptious." "She asked about you." "Rose did too." "Cassie, go on inside and change and put some flour on the chicken." "I'll be right in to mash the potatoes." "Payday." "Everything all right?" "Yes." "Well, thank you." " For?" " The money." "You more than earned it." "I wish it could be more." "No, it's fine." " It's Sunday." " That it is." " Will you be joining us for supper?" " Is that an invitation?" "Well, remember what your mother said about answering a question with a question." "Yes, I'd love to join you for supper." "Tidy up." "I've got chicken to fry." "I'll unhitch the team for you." "What happened next?" "So there were Daniel and I. We were creeping right behind these grave robbers... on this road so dark you couldn't even see your own two feet." " Were you scared?" " Little bit." "Them old boys, they got thirsty." "So they laid that corpse down on the road... and they headed off to the creek to get a quick drink." "And then what happened?" "Daniel and I, we grabbed that old poor dead fella... and we flung him in the ditch!" "And then Daniel gets down, just like this... and he stretches out in that corpse's place." " No foolin'?" " No foolin'." "Them old boys came back, they didn't realize their corpse was a few inches shorter." "And there was Daniel, lying back, just like this." "What did Daniel say?" "He said..." ""Am I gettin' heavy, fellas?"" "I was a bit rowdy in my younger days." "I bet you were." " Hello, Clark." " Miss Millie." " Is it that day already?" " Yes, ma'am." "Time just slips by." "Such a precious thing we can never get back." "Seems to be goin' faster too." "Probably 'cause I been so busy." "Being happy can cause time to fly too." "Yes, ma'am." "So, won't be long." "Won't be an indentured servant anymore." "Well, I guess I never thought about it quite like that." "Suppose you'll be heading west, following your dream?" "I reckon." "I thought about it a lot as of late." "It's been my plans for a long time." "Plans can change." "Yes, ma'am." "Hold up there, Mr. Davis." "Sheriff." "I got some news for you on, uh, Daniel Whittaker." " They hang him?" " Nope." "Escaped the noose this time." "Got six months on a chain gang." "That's good news." "Could be." "Or maybe they just postponed the inevitable." "I'm obliged you told me." "Yep." "Good seeing you at the dance the other night." " Ellen looked mighty pretty." " Yes, sir." " Yes, she did." " Mm-hmm." "Elbow's acting up." "Big storm brewin'." "Mind that old ladder." "Wouldn't want you to break your neck." "Very funny, Miss Cassie." "Good morning, Clark." " Mornin'." " Beautiful day, isn't it?" "That it is." "None better." "You fixing' shingles?" "Probably take a few days to tighten them all down." " Sheriff's predicting rain." " I think his elbow is wrong this time." "At least not for a few days." "Looks like Sheriff Holden's elbow was right again." "Apparently so." "Could've held off a few days so I could get those shingles fixed." "Looks like the old roof's holding up just fine." " It's your move." " Will the stock be all right?" "Put 'em in the barn before it even started raining'." "It's still your move." "Still your move." "The storm's gettin' worse." "It seems that way." "Oh, I knew I should've fixed that when I first got here." " Where you going?" " Everything I need to fix it is still up on the roof." " It can wait." " It's rainin' outside." "Well, little bit of water never hurt nothin'." "Except a good checker game." "Clark, please, stay inside." "Lightning can hurt you." "Especially if you're on a roof." "Do you think he'll be all right up there?" "Lord, I hope so." "You need to tell him to get down." "All right." "I'll try." "If you haven't noticed, he can be a little stubborn." "Cassie!" "Is he dead?" "I'll probably wish I'd be tomorrow." "I'm sorry." "I'm gonna get back up to the barn." " No, no, no." " No." "You'll sleep here tonight." "We'll sleep by the fireplace, right, Ellen?" "You'll stay here tonight." "How does your head feel?" "Is it sore?" "Do you have a headache?" "No." "Good." "That's not a concussion." "Cassie... will you go and fix Clark some coffee?" "I was so scared when you fell." "I thought I'd lost you." "But I should've had faith that the good Lord who brought you here wouldn't take you away." "I prayed, and he answered." "He did answer." "Now, Ellen, I..." "Rest now... my love." "Lord, you deliver us from evil... you allow no weapons formed against us to prosper." "Thank you for protecting Clark." "Clark?" "Are you sure you should be out of bed?" "How's the stock?" "Everything's there except the milk cow." "Storm blew the door open last night." " She won't go far." " I'll check the meadow." "I'll check the woods." "She probably ran for cover." "I'll go with you." "You know, her milk might be spoiled for a couple days." "Fright tends to do that to a cow." "That's no matter." "You're walkin' a little stiff." "Feelin' a little stiff." "And sore." "I was so frightened when you fell last night." "I'm lucky I ain't crippled." "Or worse." "But nothin' happened." "It was a miracle, plain and simple." ""He is faithful who promised."" "Yeah, well, late last night... after the storm, when it got quiet..." "I said a prayer." "I haven't done that in years." "Clark." "You know, I think I might've gotten back some of that faith I used to have." "When I was a kid, Ma and Pa took me to church." "You never told me you used to go to church." "I don't know what happened." "I..." "I just sort of fell away from church." "Last night... you kissed me on the forehead." "You called me your love." "I thought you were sleepin'." "Did you mean it?" "Yes." "I meant it." "And I mean it now." "Thanks for breaking the mood, Sarah." "All right." "I can't wait." "I'll be right over." "So you're really not going to California?" "I've been thinking on it." "You know, like Millie said, sometimes plans change." "Something special changing those plans?" "Whoa." "Whoa!" " John, good to see you." " All right." " Go ahead and get out, folks." " Good to see you too." " How you doin'?" " All right." " Burt." " Sir." "How you doin', sir?" " Don't you think?" " Oh, I definitely agree." "Oh, my gosh." "What's wrong?" "Just need to get your signature right here." "That's him." "Who?" "Jake Weller." "What are you gonna do?" "I guess I should go talk to him." " What will you say?" " I don't know." "Clark, I..." "No, no." "It's, uh..." "You do what you must." "It's fine." "Hello, Jake." "Hello, Ellen." "You're alive." "Why would I be anything else?" "I never expected to see you again." "Well, I told you I would come back." "That was over two years ago." "And not a word from you since." "I thought you were dead." "It's so good to see you." "Cassie, why don't you wait on Ellen." "I'm gonna ride back." "I'll take you all the way to St. Louis." "Yes, ma'am." "Don't you wanna see what happens?" "That ain't nothin' I need to see." "Hey, is Millie still in business?" "Um..." "Yes." "Okay." "Well, let's go there, have something to eat." "We can catch up on lost time." "All right." "We can catch up on things." " You need some help?" " No, we're good." "All right." "I hit the big one." "Enough gold to buy a small country." "Bought a big, beautiful house in San Francisco, up on a hill." "You can watch the Pacific Ocean all day." "I'm real happy for you, Jake." "Oh, you're gonna love it there." "I... can't imagine living' in San Francisco." "Well, neither could I, but... look at me." "You seem very happy and sure of yourself." "Yeah, well, now I'm back, Ellie." "A rich man, just like I promised." "And I'm sittin' across a table from you..." "Asking you to marry me." "Are you proposing'?" "Yes." "Yes, I am, Ellen Barlow." "Will you marry me?" "Clark?" "I'm so sorry." "Me too." "I'm gonna go back up to the hill camp." "I'll finish my commitment up there." "I know you must be feeling confused and hurt." "Could be." "I'll be all right." "Millie once told me there's a difference between a crush and true love." "And I understand now what she meant." "You told me about bad memories that can haunt." "There's only room in my life for one man." "And he's the man I wanna marry." "And that man is Clark Davis." "Are you sure?" "I've never been more sure about anything in my entire life." "Nothin' I thought I wanted matters anymore." "Only you." "Will you marry me?" "I now pronounce you man and wife." "Son, you may kiss your bride." "Aw." "Clark Davis never did make it to California." "He never made his fortune in gold... nor saw the Great Wall of China." "Instead he found his way to the Barlow Farm... and into our lives and hearts." ""For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. "" "English" " US" " SDH"