"Well then, we need to get you to town and the marshal. This ain't right no matter who you are or how you cut it! Somethin' gotta be done." He Put the young man in the saddle and climbed on behind him, this way he had control of both the boy and the horse, he planned to push it once they cleared the farm.

"By the way, what's yer name Billy, sir, Billy Caron, but my dad calls me Rip." He answered.

Okay Rip, might grab the horn, I plan to kick 'er up some." He warned. And then trotted away from the remains of the Caron farm for the main trail already upping the speed of his horse, there was no time to waste worrying about comfort, as they road for the main trail and town.

Continued in: Courthouse "This Ain't Right"

"I know it's not my job, but I believe I'll have a ride out there and have a look-see at the place. I doubt there would be any clues to find, but I expect there's some buryin' that needs doing. And you, you need to get that stuff up to the Queen, which leaves us with Rip here." Speed said.

"That's not a problem, Speed, I'll take him along if he's willin'. Like you said, there's plenty of room up there, so that won't be a problem. Collect me a horse for him, some clothes, an' we can be on our way, was he willin' ta tag along up to the mine till things settle down, we locate his kin an' all." Ty offered.

Speed looked at the boy, "Up to you Rip, This is a good man here, and he'll look out for you while we trace for kin."

"Ain't none. That's why we come here, an' Pa bought the place." Rip said plainly, then he looked up at Ty and back to Speed. "Sure, I'll go with him." that part was matter of fact as if he felt he had no choice in the matter, and it might be better, he thought, than being pawned off on some family. Well, at least for a while.

"Well then, Ty, have Gunther bill me personally for the horse and tack. He fished out some coins and picked out a five-dollar gold piece, "This should be more than enough for the mercantile. Hang onto the change."

"Okay, Speed. I'll see to it. 'mon Rip things to do, places to be."

"Marshal, you find them that done this and kill 'em all!" Rip blurted out and then began sobbing, Ty hugged him.

"We will,Rip, we will." Ty promised.