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CHAPTER ONE

It had all seemed so simple. He couldn't understand what had gone wrong. It was just a simple trip to Eagle Bend to deliver a package from Judge Travis to the sheriff. He had volunteered for the job, glad to get out of town for while, away from everybody. It seemed Four Corners was getting bigger everyday, and this made the tracker uncomfortable. However, about half way to Eagle Bend something had gone wrong. He remembered, while riding, that he had seen something that look out of place off the trail. He had dismounted Peso, walked a short distance into the woods...then nothing. Well, nothing until he came to, with a splitting headache and tied to the center post of an old dilapidated cabin. The first thing he noticed was that his gun was missing. Looking around, he saw his saddle lying in a corner near the door, and from the scrapes on the floor he judged that his captor had literally dragged it into the cabin. He frowned when he looked over in the other corner and saw his saddlebags, contents dump haphazardly on the floor and evidently rifled through. He tried pulling on the hand restraints and found the ropes were not very tight. He knew that with very little effort he could free himself. Unfortunately, just as he realized this, he also heard a noise coming from outside and suddenly the front door burst open and Vin's eyes could not believe what he saw. There standing before him were six little girls. Vin judged their ages to be from about 5-10 years old. They all looked like they hadn't taken a bath in a very long time and their clothes were old and worn. None of them were wearing any shoes and they were all very thin, too thin. Vin figured they hadn't eaten in while. However, what struck Vin the most was the look in their eyes. They all had the same look, a combination of fear and confusion. None of them spoke, they just looked at him and then at each other. The youngest of the girls had backed up and was hiding behind the bigger girls. Vin sat up a little straighter and tried to speak but the gag in his mouth stopped him. Vin heard the sound of someone dropping wood outside and then he saw another little girl make her way through the group, into the cabin. When she was finally inside she stopped and looked at him. However, the look in her eyes was one of anger. Then her look changed and he could see she was trying to figure out what to do next. Again, he tried to speak but only managed a muffled sound. A girl with curly blonde hair stepped up and was about to remove the gag when the angry girl grabbed her arm.

"What are ya doing?" The angry girl asked.

"He's tryin' to say somethin' and he can't 'cause of the gag." Replied the blonde.

"I don't think we should. I mean what if he tries something?" The angry girl questioned.

"What's he gonna do Kristian? His hands are tied and so are his feet. All's he can do is talk if we remove the gag." The blonde said sarcastically.

Kristian put her hands on her hips and glared at the blonde, "Look, I said don't take it out. We'll only be asking for trouble if ya do."

The blonde came right back, "And I said it don't matter none!" Vin thought they were going come to blows but another girl, a little taller than the rest with long dark hair stepped up between them.

"Knock it off! Fightin' between us ain't gonna help us none. We gotta work together, if'n we gonna make it." She took a deep breath, "Look Kristian, it ain't gonna hurt to take the gag off, we gotta feed'm and give'm water anyways."

Kristian just glared at her and said, "Well, this wouldn't have been a problem if'n ya'll woulda done what I said in the first place!"

The blonde girl came back at her; "We couldn't just leave him there! He mighta got ate by some bear or somethin'. YOU'RE the one that knocked him out cold! Not us! You coulda kilt him!"

Kristian turned and started to walk off, but said as she left, "Do what ya want! I don't care! But when he starts trouble I'm gonna say I told ya so." With that said she stormed out of the cabin.

The blonde turned back to Vin and untied the gag.

"Thanks" Vin said.

"Yeah, just don't give Kristian a reason to say I told ya so, Okay?" Smiled the blonde.

Vin nodded his head; "I'll try not to." He looked around at the girls, "Can I ask ya a question?"

The blonde shrugged her shoulders, "I guess."

Vin studied the girls for a moment then smiled, "Who are you girls? Where'd ya come from? Where are your folks?"

The blonde eyed him for a minute before answering, "That's three questions but, okay. We're all orphans. We lived at the county home but the headmaster there, well, he's really mean, so we left."

Vin looked around at the all the girls, noticing a young black girl and said. So he pressed on, "I know ya'll ain't sisters."

The blonde smiled shaking her head, "Naw, we're just friends, but we feel like sisters. 'Cause we stick together no matter what. We fight like cats and dogs between us but if'n ya try to come between us, we stick like glue."

Vin smiled at that, "Well, it's good to have friends you can count on. Do ya'll have names or do I just say hey you?"

The blonde laughed, "Naw, we got names. My name's Cricket."

Vin looked puzzled, "Cricket?"

"Yeah, well really my name is Patricia, but 'cause I'm so little everyone calls me Cricket."

"I see." Vin smiled. "How old are ya?"

"I'm 9."

He turned his attention to the dark haired girl, "And what's your name?"

"I'm Debbie and I'm 10." She smiled back.

Vin looked at each girl as they said their names.

"I'm Robbie and I'm 8," said the only redhead in the group.

"My name's Laura and I'm 8 too." Said the little girl with blonde hair down to her waist.

"I'm Maria, I'm 9." Piped in the black girl of the group.

Vin grinned, "And how about you lil' lady? What's your name?" He asked the littlest one.

From behind Maria, Vin heard a little voice; "I'm McKenzie."

"How old are ya, McKenzie?" Vin asked. She held up five fingers. "Five! Wow, you're a big girl, aren't ya?" She peeked around Maria, smiling as some of her long dark uncombed, dirty hair hung down across her face, and she nodded her head yes. Vin looked back at Cricket, "Who's the other girl?"

Cricket looked at the door as if she could see the other girl, "Oh that's Kristian. She's 10, just like Debbie."

"What's she so mad about?" Vin asked.

"She's not really mad. She's scared is all." Answered Cricket.

Vin looked puzzled, "Scared? Of what?"

"Of you!" Laura offered.

"Me? Why's she scared of me?" He asked.

The girls looked at each other before Debbie answered, "Look, to tell ya the turth, we're all kinda scared. When Kristian knocked you over the head with there tree branch we got real scared. We thought maybe you was an injun by the way you're dressed. And we's scared of injuns. Then when we figured out you was white and we found that package you had addressed to the sheriff in Eagle Bend, we figured you to be some kinda lawman. And, we're afraid somebody will catch us and take us back to the county home. We don't want to go back there, it's really bad."

Vin nodded his head yes, "I can understand that. I lived in an orphanage for 3 years, along time ago and I remember how bad it was then. So, I know how ya feel. So maybe I can help ya."

"How?" Maria asked suspiciously.

He shrugged his shoulders, "Not sure right now. But, I know if'n ya untie me I can at least go outside and fetch us all somethin' to eat. That'll be a start."

McKenzie peeked out with a dirty face from behind Maria, "FOOD! You can find us some food? All's we can find is berries. I like berries but, ya get kinda tired of'm after a while."

Vin smiled at her, "Yeah, berries are good but after a while they kinda lose their taste. How does rabbit sound to ya?"

Ya want us to eat a bunny!?" A horrified McKenzie asked with eyes as big as saucers.

Vin chuckled, "Naw, I wouldn't ask ya to eat no cute fuzzy bunnies. I just catch them mean old ugly rabbits out there."

McKenzie relaxed, "Oh good. I don't think I could eat a bunny." All the others girls nodded their heads in agreement.

The girls looked at each other and then ran to a corner of the cabin behind Vin. He could hear them whispering but couldn't make out what they were saying. Finally, he heard footsteps come up behind him and then he felt little hands start to untie the ropes.

"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!" Kristian yelled from the front door.

We're hungry, Kristian, and he can catch us something to eat" replied Debbie.

We've been doing just fine on our own up 'til now. Why we gotta start depending on HIM to feed us all of a sudden?" Asked Kristian.

"We've been doing fine? How? We've only been able to find berries and we're sick of berries! We want some REAL food Kristian" Chimed in Robbie.

Kristian thought for a minute, "Okay, you want REAL food. I'll fetch us some REAL food. Just don't untie him." She said while pointing her finger at Vin.

"How ya gonna do that, Kristian? You don't know how to shoot his gun or make any traps that'll catch us anything to eat. 'Sides, even if ya did manage to catch somethin' we don't know how to cook it." Asked Laura.

Kristian just smiled and said, "look just give me 'til tomorrow morning. If'n I ain't back then ya can untie him, okay?"

All the girls looked at each other and slowly nodded their heads yes. Nevertheless, Cricket looked at Kristian with questioning eyes, "'Til ya get back. Where ya going?"

Kristian shook her head, "Never mind that. Just promise ya won't untie him. That you'll give me a chance to do it my way."

Cricket took a deep breath, "Okay, Kristian. Ya got 'til morning ta get us some real food. If'n ya ain't back by breakfast then we untie him. Deal?"

"Deal." Said Kristian as she turned to leave. Debbie followed her out the door and down to the creek where they had tied Peso. Kristian untied him and led him over to a large bolder. She turned to Debbie and handed her the reins. "Here, hold him steady while I get on him."

Alarmed, "Kristian, you don't know how to ride that good. Sure, ya rode the plow horses back on your pa's farm, but this don't look like no plow horse."

Kristian shrugged it off, "Aw, a horse is a horse. I can ride any of'um."

"I don't know Kristian." Debbie said with a shake of her head.

Kristian smiled, "Debbie, you're just an ole worry wort. I'll be fine." Kristian settled on the back of Peso and Debbie handed her the reins. Kristian pulled on the reins to turn Peso's head and headed up the hill towards the main road. She waved at Debbie who waved back. Once she reached the main road, she looked both ways before deciding on which direction to go. She knew that in one direction laid the county home, so she opted for the other. Taking a deep breath, she gave Peso a small kick and headed him in the direction she wanted to go.




CHAPTER TWO

She kept Peso at a slow walk. No sense taking any chances she thought. After all, she really wasn't sure about this horse. As Debbie had pointed out, he sure wasn't a plow horse. She'd been riding for a couple of hours when she came over a rise and saw a town in the distance. She smiled and gave the horse a little extra kick, but the horse smelled food. He picked up the pace very quickly and soon Kristian was doing everything she could to control the animal. She was more bouncing in the saddle than anything else. Although, she was unable to slow his pace much, she was able to steer him behind the town, down an alley. He didn't stop, though, until he reached the doors of the livery. Kristian dismounted on some nearby hay and led the horse back up the alley to where she had seen some food as they had past. Tying the horse to a post, Kristian looked around and found some bread cooling in a window. Making sure no one saw her, she climbed up on a crate and took the bread. She found some pillowcases hanging on a line to dry and after she took one down, she put the bread inside. Then she was off to find more food.

There were no prisoners in the jail, so JD decided to walk down the street to the saloon to get a beer. As he wandered down the boardwalk, something in the alley caught his eye. JD entered down the alley and found Peso with two pillowcases tired together, thrown up over his withers. He scratched his head and looked down the back alley for Vin. However. not seeing him, he turned back towards the main street. Once he reached it, he walked across the street to the saloon. As he entered, he paused to let his eyes adjust to the darkness of the room. As he looked around, he found his fellow peacekeepers sitting at their usual table, playing a hand of poker. There was Ezra in his favorite red coat, vest with gold trim and white ruffled shirt, along with his black felt hat, dealing the cards. To his left, sat Josiah, the preacher, studying his cards with his slouch hat hanging off his head by the cord. Next to him, sat Nathan, their healer. JD knew full well not call him a doctor, 'cause like Nathan always says, ain't no darkie doctors but maybe someday. JD's eyes moved to the leader of their group. Chris, dressed all in black, sitting in his usual corner with his back against the wall, playing poker, all the while observing everything going on in the room. As JD continued his scan of the saloon, he finally found his best friend, Buck. He was flirting with that new saloon girl, Marcy. As he walked up to the table, he sat down in a chair that Ezra had pushed out for him with his foot. Taking his hat off and laying it on the table he turned to Inez, "Beer please." Inez smiled at him and nodded her head as she went behind the bar to get the drink. JD watched her, and had to admit to himself that he found the Mexican woman attractive, what with her long dark flowing hair, tanned skin, soft brown eyes that twinkled when she smiled and those lips. He thought that if he closed his eyes he could actually feel those rich, full lips on his.

"Anything happening, JD?" Asked Chris, jerking JD back to reality.

JD shook his head, "Not sure. Have any of ya'll seen Vin?"

Chris shook his head no as he studied his cards, "Nope. He's still out on Patrol. He's late though. If he ain't back in couple of hours, we'll go look for him."

"Well, that's what I thought, too. But, I found Peso in the alley." JD said as he smiled at Inez when she set his beer in front of him.

Everyone turned their eyes to JD, "Where?" asked Nathan in concern.

"Across the street, behind the general store." Replied JD, taking a sip of his beer. Everyone looked at Chris, as he chewed on his cheroot. He took a deep breath, folded his cards and threw them on the table, "Let's go check it out."

As they followed JD, they crossed the street to the alley; they could see Peso at the other end. From around the corner in the back alley, they heard a small voice and stopped. "Okay fella, this is all the food I can find." They saw a little girl come up to Peso, stand up on a crate and throw two more pillowcases over his withers. As she was trying to mount him, she felt two hands grip her waist and pull her away from the horse. Kicking and yelling she cried out, "HEY! What do you think you're doing?! Leave me alone!" She kicked her attacker in the stomach and she heard him gasp for air as he dropped her to the ground. She scurried to her feet and ran under the barrel of the horse. She turned and saw several men chasing her down the alley. She ran to the outhouse and climbed up on top. When she reached the very top she turned and looked at them. She counted six of them. "Don't come any closer!"

They all stopped and looked up at her, she could see the questions in their eyes. All but one. A man dressed all in black. He looked angry and she could see her dirty footprint on his shirt. He put his hands on his hips as he looked up, "Or what?" He asked with a glare that Kristian tried hard to ignore.

As she tried to catch her breath from the hard run, Kristian looked at him in defiance, "Or I'll jump!" she said with a nod of her head.

The men looked like they were going to laugh. "And what do you think will happen when you jump?" asked the only black man of the group.

She looked at him as if he was crazy, "Ain't ya never heard of someone breaking their necks when they jump off a high building?"

"Yeah, I have. Seen it a time or too, also. But, from that height the only thing you're gonna break is maybe a leg or an arm." He replied with annoyance, "And then I'll have to fix you up."

"And then you'll have two problems." Said the man in black.

"Two?" questioned Kristian with raised eyebrows.

He nodded his head yes, "Yeah, two. 'Cause after Mr. Jackson sets your broken bones, then I'm gonna bust your backside."

She looked at him through squinted eyes, "What for?"

"What for?" he repeated. "Oh, let's see. How about you stole a horse, then you ride into town and steal food, you kicked me, you threatened to hurt yourself if we don't leave you alone, and oh yes, let's not forget that in order for you to have stolen that horse, you must have somehow hurt the man who owns him."

"He ain't hurt!" She blurted out a little more quickly than she wanted to. As she realized what she had just said she bit her bottom lip and tried to figure out how to get out of this.

The man in black came up next to the outhouse, "Get down here, now!" he commanded in a rather loud voice.

She took a deep breath and decided to do what was told. The tall man with the mustache helped her down once he could reach her; as he set on the ground, the man in black took her by the hand, "Let's go have a talk."

With just a little resistance on her part, they walked back down the alley. Kristian saw the youngest of the men take the reins of the horse as they walked. They entered the jailhouse and the man in black sat down in the chair behind the big desk. He held onto her and made her stand in front of him. Kristian looked around the room as the other men filed in and took up different positions in the room. As she looked around she saw two empty cells in the back of building, the keys hanging on a post near the old desk that seen better times, there was a pot-bellied stove in the center of the room, with a coffee pot sitting on it. As her eyes came back the man in the chair, she stiffened and stared at him. As scared as she was, she tried to look tough.

With his hands on both of her elbows he started over in a calmer voice, "My name is Chris Larabee, what's your name?" She looked around the room for help but saw none coming. He shook her to get her attention, "Your name. What is it?"

In a quiet voice, barely above a whisper, "Kristian."

The man had to strain to hear her but he did. "Kristian." He repeated louder for the other men to hear. She nodded her head yes. "That's a right pretty name. How old are you."

"10." Was her reply.

"And where is the man who owns the horse you rode in on?"

She looked at him and with determination, "I ain't telling ya."

The man looked at the other men and then back to her, "You ain't gonna tell us? Why not?"

"'Cause I don't want to. If'n ya let me go with the food, I'll let him go but if ya don't then you'll never see him again." She said with a little more confidence than she had.

One of the other men spoke up. Kristian had noticed that he dressed differently than the rest. He was dressed in a bright red coat and shirt with ruffles on it. "Young lady, and I use that term loosely, are you inferring that the owner of the horse in question is somehow being detained by you? And he cannot escape your confinement without your assistance." She thought to herself, he sure does dress nice, but I can't understand a word he's saying.

She looked at him and then back to the man in the chair. "What'd he say?"

Chris smiled, "He asked you if you were holding the owner of the horse as a prisoner? Are you holding him against his will?" He got no answer from her. She just stared at him. She just looked at him with a blank look in her eyes. "Can he leave if he wants to, right now, without help from you?"

"Nope." She said with a smug look on her face.

"And you aren't going to tell where he is?" She shook her head no. "I'm gonna give you one more chance young lady to tell us. Now where is he?" Again she shook her head no and glared at Chris. He looked at the other men and then back at her, "Okay let's try it this way." With that said, he picked her up, threw her across his knees, and smacked her backside several times.

She threw her hands back behind her and tried to protect herself, "OUCH! STOP IT." She began cry, "NO! STOP! I'LL TELL YA!"

Chris stood her back up in front of him. She rubbed her backside, while the tears rolled down her face, turning the dirt into mud. She looked around the room at the men, who just stayed where they were, not moving to help her. Chris took hold of her chin and forced her to look at him. "Where is he?" He asked in a softer voice.

While still rubbing her backside with one hand, she used her other hand to wipe the tears from her face smearing the mud and then wiped her nose on the back of same hand. She then wiped the hand on her dress as she sniffed, "He's at an ole cabin I found. Near a creek." The man in the red coat grimaced at this action, stepped forward, and handed a handkerchief to Chris, who took it and a canteen from the desk. Wetting the handkerchief, he then took her hands and wiped them off.

"How far away" The gray haired man of the group asked, while Chris was cleaning her up,

She shrugged her shoulders, "I don't know. It took me a couple of hours to get here, but I was going slow."

"Will you take us to him?"

As Chris re-wet the cloth and wiped her face off, she nodded her head yes. Chris took her hand and stood up, "Let's go find him." With that, they all left the jailhouse.




CHAPTER THREE

As they rode down the road towards the cabin, Kristian was riding Peso beside Chris. As they picked up speed, Kristian was having a more difficult time staying on the horse, so the men slowed up and allowed Kristian to set the pace. When they had walked for a few minutes, Chris reached over and picked her up, setting down in front of him. "We're gonna be all day at this rate and it's starting to get dark. JD, take Peso's reins and let's get this party moving. Again, they picked up the pace, with Kristian telling them where they were going.

Back at the cabin, Cricket came in with Vin's slouch hat full of berries. She sat down beside him and ate one. Then she picked one up and held it for him to open his mouth. When he did she put the berry inside and smiled. "Ain't much I know. But right now, it's the best I can do."

He smiled back at her, "Thanks."

Cricket looked deep in thought as she ate more berries and fed more to Vin. The silence was almost deafening. Finally, she looked up at him and signed, "She ain't all that bad." was all she said.

Vin leaned his head back against the post, "Who ain't all that bad?"

She smiled a little, "Kristian. She ain't all that bad. She's doing her best and we all know it. She's just scared that's all."

"Scared of being sent back to the county home?"

Cricket nodded her head yes, "For some reason, Mr. Fisher, we call him 'ole fish-face'" she giggled and Vin chuckled. "Anyways, Mr. Fisher don't seem to like any of us, but he really don't like Kristian. Can't figure out why. She ain't mean, or nothing. She's the one who makes sure us younger ones stays outta trouble by helping us with our chores and she's the one that'll give up her food to one of the other kids if'n there ain't enough to go around. Mr. Fisher's just plain mean to her. He beats her whenever he can find a reason, even if that reason is helping one of us. We ain't allowed to help each other with the chores. Mr. Fisher says that's so he can tell who's goofing off. But, whenever he catches Kristian helping one of us he'll beat her and then add to her chores, 'cause he says she ain't got enough to do to keep her outta trouble. "

Vin took a deep breath before answering, "She sounds like a real good friend."

Cricket looked Vin straight in the eyes, "She's the best friend I got. I sure hope she gets back here soon. I'm scared she's gonna get caught."

"Where was she going?" asked Vin. However, before Cricket could answer him, the door to the cabin opened and the rest of the girls came running in, with Kristian right behind them. Kristian stood in the doorway staring at Vin and he could tell she had been crying.

"What's wrong, Kristian?" Vin asked with deep concern.

Without warning, from behind Kristian, Chris appeared. He looked around before making eye contact with Vin who just gave him one of his lopsided grins. "So, how'd my tracker go and get himself caught by a bunch of little girls?"

Vin stifled a chuckle as he nodded his head yes, "Yeah, these are some real hard cases here, Chris. They're mighty dangerous."

The man with the mustache walked over to Vin and knelt down behind him to untie the ropes, "Ah Vin..."

Vin tried real hard not to laugh, "Yeah, I know Buck. They did a real good job at tying these ropes. I tried to get loose but they did too good a job."

Buck grinned, "Yeah, I can see that," he said as he released Vin from the ropes.

Vin stood up, dusting himself off as he the walked over to the corner and knelt down beside his saddlebags and began to replace his possessions. He saw McKenzie walk over towards Chris and tug on his duster. Chris looked down at her and smiled as she asked him in all honestly, "You gonna let him catch us a rabbit before ya take him?" Chris looked over at Vin with a raised brow and could see his shoulders shaking as he tried to stifle his laughter. After he regained some form of composure, Vin turned around at looked at Chris, "They're hungry, Chris." was all he said.

Nodding his head that he understood, Chris picked McKenzie up in his arms, "Don't worry, lil' one, we ain't goin' no where until all of ya have full bellies. Okay?"

"Promise?" She asked with wide eyes.

"Yeah, I promise." He answered giving her a hug before setting her back down.

Vin stood up with his saddlebags slung over his shoulder. "Come on Cricket, let's go find some real food."

Cricket looked nervous, "But, Mr. Vin, I don't know how to catch nothing."

Vin placed his hand on her shoulder and looked down at her, "That's okay, Cricket. I'll teach ya how and then you and your friends won't have to live off berries no more." Cricket smiled and nodded her head yes, "Great! Let's get going." They left the cabin, leaving his friends with the task of dealing with the other girls.

Chris took a deep breath and looked around, "Well, it won't take Mr. Vin long to find something to eat, so everybody down to the creek and wash up." The girls giggled as they ran out the door, all except Kristian who stood there, staring at the floor. Chris looked at her and then to his men, "Guys, why don't you go get a fire started and make sure the girls wash up good before we eat." The men nodded their understanding and left the cabin. Chris walked over to Kristian and knelt down behind her. As he put his hand on her arm, he turned her around so she would be facing him but she continued to stare at the floor. Using his index finger he lifted her head to look at him but her eyes remained downcast. "What's wrong Kristian?" She shrugged her shoulders. "Ya know a little water ain't gonna hurt ya none. Just get the first couple of layers of dirt off is all." He smiled. Still, she refused to even look at him. "Are you still upset about the spanking? 'Cause if ya are, I better tell ya that I ain't mad anymore. I've kinda figured out that you were just trying to help your friends." Chris said as he ducked his head to look into her eyes. She tried to turn her head away but, Chris held her chin firm. "Look at me, Princess."

Her eyes widened and she looked confused, "Why'd ya call me Princess?"

Chris studied her for a moment before he answered, "Well, Princess is a nickname grownups give to pretty little girls, sometimes. Why?"

As she searched her brain for an answer, she took a breath, "Ole fish face said I was ugly. Said I was the ugliest thing he'd every seen. That I was so ugly that nobody would want me to be part of their family," she finally said as the tears rolled down her cheeks.

Chris bowed his head to regain his composure before he spoke next, "Princess, I don't know who 'ole fish face' is but, I can tell you that he's wrong."

She looked at him, bewildered, "He is?"

As Chris wiped her tears away with his thumb, "Yep, he sure is. 'Cause I think you about the prettiest little girl I've seen in a long time." He then stood up and took her by the hand.

She beamed, "I am?"

"Yeah, you are." Chris said as they walked out the door, headed down to the creek.




Later that evening, as they sat around the campfire, the watched in amazement at the amount of food the girls were eating. Ezra had to remind Laura more than once that a lady did not gorge her food. Of course, Laura had no idea what gorge meant so she continued eating much to Ezra chagrin. JD was not faring much better, trying to watch over McKenzie. First, she still wasn't convinced that Mr. Vin was trying to make her eat a bunny, and then, after she had eaten some, she turned around to say something to JD and managed to wipe her greasy hands on his pants. Between greasy hands and faces, and trying to get the girls to eat enough but not enough so that they'd get sick later, all the men had their hands full. The girls chattered and giggled until all the food was gone and then the men took them down to creek and helped them wash up. As Chris was helping Kristian, he noticed that she had again become very quiet. He allowed the rest to start back to cabin to gather everyones belongs, while he and Kristian stayed down by the creek. She didn't say anything, just stood on the bank tossing pebbles in the water. Chris sat down on a nearby rock and watched her for a few moments and he thought how her eyes looked much older than her actual years. Eyes that had seen too much too soon and were afraid to face the future. Chris looked around and for the first time noticed how beautiful this place could be. No, not beautiful but serene. Someone could fix up the cabin, have a real nice view of creek with its soft trickling sound, and there was a place beside the cabin where there used to be a garden and could be one again. He wondered why someone would build here and then leave. However, as his mind wondered about the scene before him, he suddenly realized that Kristian was talking to him.

"Are ya gonna send us back now?" she asked in a whisper.

As he leaned forward to hear her, he touched her arm, gesturing for her to come stand beside him, "Send you back where, Princess?"

She looked him in the eyes, and in a voice that quivered she said, "You know we runned away from the county home. Are ya gonna make us go back now?"

Chris rubbed his face and dragged his hands back through his blond hair, "Kristian, I don't know what's gonna happen next. Tonight we're gonna take ya into Four Corners and let ya get some rest. Tomorrow we'll talk about the home. Maybe my men and I can find all of you little girls some nice families that'll take you in. Then you won't have to go back."

Kristian shook her head, "Nope, ain't gonna happen."

Chris smiled, "Why not? Tomorrow morning, first thing, you girls are gonna get a bath," Kristian looked like Chris had just made her eat the worst tasting thing she could think of and Chris had to laugh, "It's only water, Kristian, not a poison broth we gonna put ya in. You'll live I promise. And after the bath, I bet you girls will find brand new dresses just waiting to be put on."

Kristian's smile lit up her whole face, eyes full of anticipation, "Ya mean a brand new store bought dress? Like the ones I seen in the mercantile? No hand me down dress that some rich girl done got tired of and throwed away? No tears or patches or nothin'?"

Chris smiled as he placed his hand behind her head, pulling her closer to him and nodded, "No patches or nothing. In fact, if I recall, I think I remember seeing this pretty little light blue dress and matching bonnet in Ms. Potter's window, this week. Maybe it'll fit one little blonde haired, blue eyed, food snatching, horse thief I know."

Kristian giggled then became real serious, "I's sorry about stealing all that food. But I didn't steal Mr. Vin's horse. I only borrowed it."

Chris looked at her with suspicious eyes, "Borrowed?" She nodded her head yes. He sucked his tongue between his teeth making a hissing sound, then bit at the inside corner of his mouth, "Well, Okay. I guess you only borrowed him THIS TIME. But, next time you decide to borrow a horse you let me know first, okay?"

Kristian smiled and nodded her head, "Okay."

He reached out and took her hand, "Let's go catch up with the rest and get back to town." He turned to walk back up the hill with Kristian at his side.




CHAPTER FOUR

The seven men rode back into town, their horses walked at an easy gait, and as the seven little girls had fallen asleep in the arms of the men. Chris held Kristian, who sat with her legs dangling off the left side of the big black gelding, Storm. Vin held Cricket in much the same position on Peso, along side Chris. Josiah and Nathan had their charges, Debbie and Maria, behind them. Their little arms wrapped around the men's waist and resting their head on the backs of their heroes. Ezra, Buck and JD had their little angels as Buck had described them, held up in their arms with their heads cradled on the men's shoulders. The horses plodded down the main street to the livery stable where Yosemite, the blacksmith, met them. He held the reins of each horse as the men dismounted attempting not to wake the girls. As the men shifted the girls so they were all resting their heads on the men's shoulders, the men walked down the darkened streets, lit only by the night street fires, to the boarding house. As they entered, they nodded to the desk clerk and walked up the stairs to their rooms. When each man entered their rooms, they held the girl in one arm, pulled back the blankets on the bed, and laid the girl on the bed. After he pulled the blankets back up over her, he sat in a chair near the window and fell asleep.

The following morning, Ezra, was sound asleep, deep into a dream of owning his own saloon, The Standish Tavern. From somewhere deep in his gut, he was aware that he was being watched. He was vaguely aware that the sun was up from the light shining through his eyelids. Having no desire to open his eyes to fullness of the sun, he dared a peek out of his right eye and found Laura staring at him. He sat up, opened both eyes, and looked more closely at her. Both her hands were on her hips, her pursed lips showing her annoyance, and her eyes glaring at him provided Ezra with enough information that she was not happy. Rubbing his face with both hands and taking a deep breath, "And what pray tell, my lovely young lady, are we doing up at this ungodly hour?"

"It's 8:30 Mr. Ezra. All the others are already gone. They's getting a bath and then they's all getting a new dress. Mr. Chris said so." As she pouted her lips, "Mr. Ezra, am I gonna get a new dress, too?"

Ezra stood up, stretched and then took her by the hand, "By all means. Let us depart our humble abode and take refreshment in a nice warm bath. After which, you shall be adorned in the most beautiful garment this little backwater town has to offer." Laura stared at him as she tried to figure out what he'd just said but, in the end, she just smiled as she took his hand and they headed for the bathhouse.

As Ezra and Laura entered the bathhouse, they could hear the giggles and laughter of the other girls. Mrs. Wilson, the wife of the owner of the bathhouse, came from the back as they entered. Mrs. Wilson was a short stocky woman, with long hair tied up in a bun that had turned gray many years ago. She smiled and looked at Laura, "You must be Laura, our missing angel." Laura smiled and nodded her head. "Good, I have a tub in the back with your name on it. The water is all ready for you."

Laura's eyes widened as she whispered, "Ya got a tub my name on it? Why'd ya write my name on yer tub? Does that mean nobody 'cept me c'n use it?"

Mrs. Wilson laughed as she shook her head, "No, sweetheart. Your name isn't really written on it. It's just a saying. It means I have a bath waiting for you."

Being a little disappointed with that, as she thought that maybe they thought she was special, "Oh." Was all Laura could think to say as she went with Mrs. Wilson.

As they disappeared behind the curtain, Mrs. Wilson stuck her head back out, "Oh, Mr. Standish. Mr. Larabee asked me to tell you, that when you decided to make your appearance, they would be at the mercantile, buying the girls a few things if you cared to join them."

Ezra smiled at her and tipped his hat, "Thank you, Mrs. Wilson. I do believe I shall wander over to our quaint little shop and see if there is anything suitable for little Laura to wear." With that said, he departed the bathhouse and headed for the mercantile.




Mrs. Potter was busy trying to help the men decide what they wanted to buy for girls. She had a deep affection for each of these men. They had been the only ones to stand up against the man and his family who had killed her husband in cold blood two years ago. They had seen to it that the man responsible was brought to justice and paid for his crime. She had to smile as she watched these hardened gunfighters fussing over which dress to buy for each of the little girls she had seen earlier. She had already set aside what each girl would need in the area of underclothes. She had to smile as she listen to each one of men, each more determined than the next, that the girls were to have nothing but the best.

Chris had promised Kristian the light blue dress in the window that had the matching bonnet. He was more than pleased to find out it would probably fit her. As he looked at it more closely, he realized that the blue in the dress was almost the same shade as Kristian's eyes. Ms. Potter handed him a pair of white stockings that brought out the little white flowers on the dress.

Vin had picked out a green dress with white spots on it. The green reminded him of the color of new grass. Much like Cricket, new and full of wonder. He also picked up some matching green hair ribbon that he knew would look great in her hair.

Josiah picked out a dress of royal blue. He said that with Debbie's long dark hair, this dress she would look like a little cherub. For her hair, he decided on a white bow with streamers.

Buck looked around and finding it hard to decide on just the right dress. But, he finally decided on the off white dress and matching stockings for his angel.

Nathan, too, was having a difficult time deciding. He was torn between the beige dress with the bonnet or the pale gray one with the ribbons. After much thought, he finally gave into the beige dress.

JD knew instantly which dress he wanted to purchase for McKenzie. It was the solid pink dress with the white apron. He couldn't make up his mind on the hair ribbon, so he bought both the pink and the white.

Ezra entered the store as the men were paying for their purchases and smiled to each of them. "I see that each of you have made your selections. And, I am more than grateful that none of you have chosen the dress I had desired to purchase for beautiful Laura." He walked over to the rack and pick up a red dress, with four layers of crinoline, white stockings, a white hair ribbon. "Mrs. Potter, what about shoes for the dear girls?"

She smiled, "Oh, Mr. Larabee and I discussed that before you arrived. After the girls have put on their dresses, you will bring them back here and I will fit them with proper shoes."

"I see," he said as he smiled while paying for his purchase. "Then I will see you shortly along with my companions escorting seven of the most beautiful young ladies to grace this town."

Mrs. Potter nodded her head, "So I've heard Mr. Standish. So I've heard."

The men all tipped their hats to Mrs. Potter as they left and headed back to bathhouse. As the men entered, Mrs. Wilson stepped out from behind the curtain and Chris handed her a package. "This here is their underthings." Holding up Kristian's dress, "And these are their dresses and such."

Mrs. Wilson smiled and took the dresses from the men and disappeared behind the curtain one more time. The men sat down on the bench in the waiting area. They could hear the giggles and laughter from the girls as they dressed. Then one at time the girls appeared from behind the curtain.

McKenzie was first in her pink dress and stockings. Her dark hair hung limply down her back as she ran to JD and wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him on the cheek. "Oh, it's so purty, Mr. JD. Thank you." she said with glee.

Maria was the next one out. She stopped just outside the curtain, uncertain what she should do. Nathan beamed at how pretty she looked and motioned for her to come to him, "Come here girl, don't just stand there. Let me see how pretty you are." She smiled and quickly walked over to him.

Cricket made the next debut. Vin looked at her in that green dress and he had to admit that he'd done a pretty good job, because the dress looked like it was made for her. The color brought out the tan of her skin and yellow of her hair. She walk up to Vin and spun around, all the while her smile went from ear to ear.

Robbie came running from behind the curtain and jumped into Buck's arms, squeezing him with everything she had. "Mr. Buck, ain't no one every bought me a dress as purty as this one!" Buck just hugged her back and smiled at Chris.

Debbie walked out in the royal blue dress that Josiah had purchased for her and as far as Josiah was concerned she looked every bit the little cherub he knew she would.

Laura made her grand entrance as she stumbled through the curtain over a loose board. When she fell, Ezra was quickly at her side helping her up and dusting off her pretty red dress. She held his hand as they walked back to bench and stood quietly as he took his hair brush from his pocket and began to gently brush her hair.

Chris watched the curtain, but Kristian did not appear. Mrs. Wilson came out and motioned for him to come. He stood up and walked to the curtain and peek in. There, he saw Kristian staring at her reflection in a mirror. Tears rolling down her cheeks. He quietly walked over to her and knelt down behind her, looking in the mirror at her. "What's wrong darlin'? Don't you like the dress? We can take it back if you don't. There's lots of dresses over at the mercantile."

Kristian shook her head and looked at Chris through the mirror, "Oh, no. It ain't that, Mr. Chris. It's just that I ain't never had a store bought dress before and I sure ain't never had one this purty. I ain't got the words to tell ya how much I love it."

Chris turned her around to face him and smiled, "Darlin' you already have told me. I'm glad you like it. I thought it looked pretty in the window but, now that I see it on you," he shook his head, "girl, you are a treasure." She smiled through her tears and wrapped her arms around Chris's neck and he gently kissed her cheek. He stood up after she let go, took her hand and walked her out the waiting area with the other girls. Mrs. Wilson appeared again with combs and brushes and helped the men fix the girls hair.

A short time later, a tall, slender woman with long golden hair crossed the street from the Clarion Newspaper office and headed for the only restaurant in town. As she entered the restaurant, she was taken back by the sight of the seven peacekeepers having breakfast with seven little girls. Each one of the peacekeepers seemed to dote over a particular girl. Chris looked up to see her watching them, "Morning, Mary. Why don't you join us for breakfast?"

She smiled unsuredly, "Hmmm. Chris, who are these children? Where did they come from?"

Chris rose from his seat, as he took Mary by her arm, he led her away from the group, "They're orphans, Mary. Seems they ran away from the county home here recently. Said someone called ole fish face was mean to them. We found them, gave them a place to sleep, a bath, a new dress and breakfast. We're gonna try and find them each a family so they don't have to return to county home."

Mary sighed and shook her head, "Chris, that is not your responsibility. The ole fish face as they call him, is Mr. Fisher. He runs the home. I have met him, and yes he is strict but, he has many children to handle and so he must be in order to maintain some control. These girls must be returned immediately. That is your only responsibility to them, Chris. Nothing else. It is up to Mr. Fisher to find them homes, not you."

"But, Mary, they're scared." Chris protested. She nodded her head, "Yes, and they have every reason to be scared. Mr. Fisher will punish them for running away and causing such a fuss."

"What fuss, Mary?" Voiced a peturbed Chris.

Mary closed her eyes to control her temper, "Mr. Larabee, as one of the leaders of this town that you were hired to protect, I must insist that these girls be returned to county home TODAY. Do I make myself clear?"

"Perfectly." Sneered Chris as he pushed past Mary to return to his seat at the table. He picked up a napkin and wiped food off the face of a little blonde haired girl in a light blue dress. Mary saw the look of trust in the childrens' eyes. She knew that soon that look would be gone when the men returned them to the home later today.




"Ain't nothing we can do, Chris!" asked JD.

"Ain't like she owns the town, Chris." Buck added.

"No, but her opinion does carry a lot of weight." Injected Nathan.

"Chris, I promised them little girls that I'd try to figure out how to help them. Not help send them back. I know'd what it's like in them places. I ain't happy about this. It's ain't fair!" Vin said through clenched teeth.

"Perhaps Mrs. Travis could be persuaded to reason if she would just talk with the children. Perhaps she will see that what we are attempting to do is worthwhile." Ezra looked around at the distraught faces of his companions, "And perhaps she might actually show some compassion. But this is Mrs. Travis we are talking about isn't it." He sighed.

Chris looked at the girls, asleep in one of the jail cells. He took a deep breath before he spoke, "Best get it done once they're awake. No sense in putting it off. I'll have a talk with Mr. Fisher. Maybe he can be talked into not punishing them too harshly." All the men looked at him and just shook their heads not liking this one bit.




CHAPTER FIVE

They rode in silence. All you could hear was the plodding sound of the horses hooves on the hard dry ground. The autumn breeze blew gently through the trees and Kristian watched as a flock of birds flew over head, headed south for the winter and she wished she could join them. The girls each rode with the men they had hoped in their hearts would help them. None of them spoke a word when Chris had told them that they had to return to the county home today. They had just stood there and the men could see the betrayal in each of their eyes. Each of the men had returned to the mercantile and purchased a small toy for the girls but when the girls left the jailhouse to ride out to the county home they had laid the gifts on the desk and walked out quietly. No one felt like talking during the ride. No one wanted to take this trip. Chris could not stop the feeling in his gut that this was wrong. That something terribly wrong was going to come of this. However, not having any legal ammunition with which to fight with, he had no choice. When they arrived at the home a very angry Mr. Fisher greeted them. He stood there, silently, as the men dismounted and helped the girls down, depositing them in front of him. Everyone noticed the fury in his eyes. Without a word, he stepped aside and the girls walked past him, heads hung down, crying, as they walked up the steps into the home.

Chris walked up to him, "Mr. Fisher, I'm Chris Larabee. These are my men. We're the peacekeepers in Four Corners."

Thank you, Mr. Larabee, for returning my charges. I hope they didn't cause too much havoc on your community." Mr. Fisher said coldly.

Havoc? No they didn't cause any havoc. They were good girls. Just hungry, dirty and tired is all." Was Chris's answer. "I hope you can take it kinda easy on them. Don't think they meant no harm. Just wanted to find a family that would take them all in, I think."

Mr. Fisher looked annoyed, "Take them all in! Yes, that would be their stupid idea. Mr. Larabee, trust me when I say that any punishment I deal out for those girls will most certainly fit the crime." With that he turned and walked away.




Mary approached the men sitting in front of the saloon. She smiled at them, "Good morning, gentlemen. I heard from the Judge. He said he would be here tomorrow. He's bringing Billy with him." She turned her eyes to Chris, "Billy will be glad to see you again, Chris. I know how much he looks forwarding to coming here, so you can take him fishing."

Chris just glared back at her, "Billy ain't half as glad as Kristian would be to see me."

Mary bit her lip, "Chris, you and your men all know that it was for the best. In addition, it is the law. You just couldn't KEEP the girls. Why the town..." Suddenly, Mary noticed the men were not paying attention to her as they were looking down the street at the edge of town near the church. She followed their gazes and found six little girls, in rags, standing there, holding hands. They didn't move from the spot they were in until the men start towards them. Once the men made a move, the girls started forward again. Tears flowing down all the faces, girls and men alike.

"Chris, I don't see Kristian." Vin whispered as they were almost running toward the girls.

"I know." Was Chris's anguished reply. He felt fear grip his heart the closer he came to the girls.

When the two groups met, the girls rushed into the arms of the peacekeepers and tears were shed by all. Chris held back and barely noticing when Mary approached. He reached out his hand and touched Vin's shoulder. Vin turned to look at him as Cricket hung on to him as if her life depended on it. Vin nodded his head when he saw the look in Chris's eyes. He pulled Cricket away from him slightly, "Darlin', where's Kristian?"

Cricket sniffed and in a ragged breath, "Mr. Fisher, he got real mad cause we runned away. He said he knew it had to be Kristian's idea 'cause she's a troublemaker. We all got whipped for running off, but Kristian got it worsen' any of us. Then he put her in the meat cellar to teach her a lesson."

Chris was puzzled, "How is putting her in the meat cellar gonna teach her a lesson?"

"'Cause it's dark, Mr. Chris, and Mr. Fisher knows that Kristian is scared of the dark. And she's been there three whole days. He ain't even let her out to eat or do her business or nothing. And we ain't allowed near the cellar, neither. Ya gotta help her, Mr. Chris! She needs ya!" Cricket pleaded.

Chris took a deep breath before turning to Mary, "How about it, Mrs. Travis? Think maybe now is a good time for the law to step in? Think maybe these children need our protection as much as this town does?" When Mary didn't answer, Chris turned back to Cricket, "Darlin' just one more question. Where are the pretty dresses we bought you?"

"Mr. Fisher said we didn't deserve such nice clothes so he took 'em. Don't know what he did with 'em though." Cricket said with a hitch in her voice.

Chris rubbed the back of her head, "Mr. Fisher was wrong, honey. And we'll help Kristian and we'll get your dresses back for ya." Cricket gave Chris a small smile and then reached out to hug his neck.

"Vin, you reckon you can find that cellar, once we get to the home?" Chris asked with a little more pleading in his voice than he wanted, as they tightened the cinches of their saddles.

Vin nodded his head, "Cricket, told me exactly were to find it. We'll get her, Chris. None to worry."

They looked up as Ezra brought Envy to a halt, "Gentlemen, I do believe we are wasting precious time, if we are to rescue our lost little angel."

As Mary came out of the Clarion, she saw Chris and Vin mounting their horses as the remainder of the men rode up. Mary crossed the street, taking hold of Storm's reins. "Mr. Larabee, surely it won't take ALL of you to look for one missing child who, we all know, has probably just run away again."

Through clenched teeth, Chris hissed, "Mrs. Travis, I seem to remember, when your young Billy ran off, you wanted the whole blessed town looking for him." He jerked on the reins causing her to release them; "Now if you don't mind, there is a little girl out there who needs us." He gave Storm a quick kick and they were off.




Mr. Fisher was alone in his office. In front of him was a large plate of roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, biscuits, corn-on-the-cob, and broccoli. A bottle of wine was to his left and a goblet half full was to his right. In the middle of a bite of potatoes, the door to his office busts open with a little help from Mr. Larabee's boot against it. Fear came over Mr. Fisher when he was faced with six very angry men, with guns. He stood, pushing his chair back behind him trying to summon up enough courage, "How dare you! This is my office! You may be the law in Four Corners but you have no authority here! You are frightening the children with your guns. I must insist....." Unfortunately, he found that he was unable to finish that statement when he felt the coldness of metal against his temple and heard the obvious sound of a gun hammer being cocked. Chris stepped around his desk and came up next to him. "You've got about 5 seconds to tell us were Kristian is." Chris hissed.

Mr. Fisher shuddered, "Why g..g..gentle...gentlemen. Why on earth are you looking for that little she-devil?

Buck pressed the gun harder against his temple, "Just answer the question."

Vin came running in, "Chris! I found her. Nathan, come quick. She don't look so good." They all ran out of the office, with Buck shoving Mr. Fisher in front of him.

Vin lead them around back to a cellar door that had been pried open. As they stepped down into the cellar, they had to let their eyes adjust to the darkness. However, once they did, Vin pointed to a corner were they could see Kristian curled up into the smallest ball she could. Her eyes wide open with fear. When Nathan approached her, she tried to go further back in the corner. "Darlin', it's okay. You're safe now. It's me, Mr. Nathan." Kristian shook her head and whimpered.

Chris put his hand on Nathan's shoulder and motioned for him to step back. When he did, Chris knelt down in front of her and in a soft voice, "Kristian, baby, it's me, Mr. Chris." He reached out for her but, she pulled away. "Please don't, Kristian. Listen to me, I'm sorry. I didn't know."

In a such a soft whisper, Chris could hardly hear her, "Yeah, ya did. We told ya. But ya didn't listen. Grownups never listen."

Tears formed in the eyes of the gunslinger, as he tried again to touch her, "I'm sorry, Kristian. You're right, we didn't listen and we were wrong. But, we're listening now and we're here now. We're gonna put a stop to this today. Ya gotta believe me, baby."

Wide blue eyes looked up at him, "Why?"

Chris swallowed hard, "'Cause, I'm asking ya to. Everybody makes mistakes, even dumb grownups like us. But, hopefully, sometimes we can correct those mistakes, like we're trying to do now." Kristian just stared at him, "Your friends trusted us enough to come back to town and get us. They gave us a second chance to help. Can't you?" Kristian thought for moment then reached out her hand to Chris who took it and pulled her into his embrace.

"I's so scared, Mr. Chris. I's scared of the dark." Chris just hugged her closer and stood up facing the group.

Nathan stepped up to him, "Chris, I need to check her out. Make sure she's okay." Chris nodded and walked post the group, out of the cellar.

Chris looked at Mr. Fisher with cold green eyes, "Buck, lock him in the cellar 'til we're ready to leave."

"You got it, Chris." Buck said as he shoved a complaining Mr. Fisher into the cellar.




CHAPTER SIX

That evening five men rode back into town with one tired little girl resting in the arms of their leader. Mary stepped out of the Clarion, along with an elderly looking man in suit. The men pulled up their horses and tipped their hats to Mary. Chris turned his eyes to the elderly man, "Judge."

The Judge nodded his head, "Chris. Mary told me what's been going on."

Chris glanced at Mary and back to the Judge, "Has she now." The Judge looked at the one man who looked out of place, "Are you Mr. Fisher?"

"Yes, I am," he nodded. "Might I assume that you are the terrioritial judge?" The Judge confirmed this by nodding his head. "Good, I like to file a complaint against these men. They came barging into the home, scaring the children half to death, interfered with how I discipline the children and had the nerve to lock me in the cellar!"

The Judge looked from Mr. Fisher back to Chris, "Any of this true?"

Chris nodded, "Yep, all of it."

The Judge sighed, "Let's take this off the street and into the jailhouse, shall we gentlemen." As they started toward the jail Mary attempted to follow. "Mary, I think maybe you'd better stay here. Take care of Billy. We'll handle this from here on out."

"But Orrin."

"Mary, I think it's best this way."

She nodded her head and returned to the Clarion.

As the men neared the jailhouse, the Judge turned to Chris as he dismounted, "Where are Mr. Wilmington, Standish and Sanchez?"

Couldn't just leave all them kids alone. They're bringing the rest of the children to town tomorrow. Just until we find another person to take charge of the home."

The Judge nodded and entered the jailhouse. Everyone followed him inside and took up various places around the room. The Judge noticed how Kristian waited until Chris sat down and then without hesitation climbed up in his lap. "Where are the other girls in question?"

"Mrs. Potter, was keep'm over at the mercantile 'til we got back." Vin replied.

"Very well, Mr. Tanner. If you would be so kind as to ask the young ladies to join us, I would appreciate it."

Mr. Fisher was becoming very annoyed, "Judge, I must insist that these ruffians be locked up and I be allowed to return to my duties"

"We shall see, Mr. Fisher, we shall see." was all the Judge had to say.

Mr. Fisher found a chair and sat down as he glared at the men.

Vin left but, returned shortly with the girls who ran in and circled Kristian and Chris. Kristian smiled at them and they all hugged each other. Then the judge noticed how Cricket immediately ran to Vin and leaped into his arms, while the littlest one with dark hair down to shoulderblade ran over to JD who picked her up. When he looked at Nathan, he saw that he was standing with a young black girl in front of him, his arms wrapped protectively around her. The other girls looked around and then to Chris who leaned over and whispered something to them that made them smile and they stood beside Chris. He also noticed that not one of the girls even acknowledge the presence of Mr. Fisher. The Judge took a deep breath, "All right, let's get this mess cleared up."

One by one each of the girls told the judge about her life at the home and how they were treated. They told him how when they had run away, Mr. Fisher had punished them and how he had been overly cruel to Kristian by placing her in the meat cellar for three days when he knew she was afraid of dark. Mr. Fisher was also allowed to speak and tell his version. The Judge also learned how the girls had ambushed Vin, and how Kristian had borrowed his horse. While the Judge listened to everyone's version, he watched carefully what was going on in the room. The little whispers between each man and child. The tender touches of the hardened men for the girls. He saw how each child looked at the men and how much they trusted them. After all was said, the Judge leaned back in the chair, "All right, gentlemen. I have heard enough. Everyone will have my decision tomorrow, after the rest of the peacekeepers return home. Until that time, Mr. Fisher, please do not leave town. Mr. Larabee, you and your men are responsible for these girls while they are here. Does everyone understand?" When everyone nodded that they understood the Judge stood up, "Good." With that he left.




The next day, Buck, Ezra and Josiah returned to Four Corners with a wagonload of ten more children. As Mary watched them rumble down the street, all she could do was shake her head and return to the Clarion. Once the wagon reached the jailhouse, Chris came out with Kristian in tow, while she sucked a piece of rock candy. Chris looked at the children, all with the same lost look about their faces. He noticed movement at his side and saw Kristian walk over to the wagon and hold up her bag of candy for the children to share. Chris smiled as he stepped down off the boardwalk to help with the children. Mrs. Potter came out of the mercantile, walked up to the wagon and placed her hand on Chris's arm.

"Mr. Larabee, I just wanted to tell you that, last night some of folks in the area got together and talked about these here children coming to town." Chris raised his head and stared at Mrs. Potter, not sure where she was going with this, but she smiled, "Don't worry. Nobody's gonna run them outta town just for being orphans. In fact, several families have expressed an interest in adopting them."

Chris put his arm around Mrs. Potter's shoulder, giving her a small hug, "Thank you, Mrs. Potter. You're a good woman."

Well, I don't know how good I am, but, I know a wrong done when I see it, and these children have been treated unfairly for no other reason other than they are orphans and that's wrong. So, now if you children will all come with me, I have some clothes and other things for you brought in by the families. The families themselves will be here directly." All ten children climbed out of the wagon and left with Mrs. Potter.

Kristian looked at Chris, "Should I go with her, Mr. Chris?"

"Not just yet, darlin'. Not just yet." He answered as he placed his hand on her head drawing her close to him.

Suddenly, the sound of giggles could be heard as Robbie, Laura and Debbie step out onto the boardwalk from the boarding house.

"Mr. Ezra!", "Mr. Josiah!", "Mr. Buck!" was all said in unison.

As Josiah climbed down from the wagon and Ezra and Buck dismounted their horses, they were all greeted by the three girls who smothered them in hugs and kisses.

Judge Travis stepped out of the jailhouse, "It's good to see you gentlemen back. Mr. Larabee, would you please tell everyone concerned to be here in the next 15 minutes?"

Chris nodded and tipped his hat, "Yes, sir." Chris took Kristian by the hand and walked down the street toward the saloon.

Fifteen minutes later the seven men entered the jailhouse and took seats around the room. "Where are the girls?" asked the Judge. "They're waiting outside. Wasn't sure you wanted them in here or not" was Chris's answer.

"Well, this all concerns them, so let them come in."

JD went to the door and opened it. He motioned for the girls to come inside and as McKenzie entered he took her by the hand and led her to his seat pulling her up into his lap. Each girl went to stand next to her hero as the door was shut.

"Anyone seen Mr. Fisher?" inquired the Judge.

Chris shook his head, "Yosemite, said he bought a horse last night sometime and lit out."

The Judge nodded his head, "Very well. Let's get this settled." He looked at each of the men, who each had a very protective hold on their charge. The Judge smiled and nodded his head. "I would say that we need to find these girls a good home, but I think maybe they've already found one." The men looked at the Judge and then at each other.

Vin was the first to speak, "Judge are you saying what I think you're saying?"

That depends, Mr. Tanner. Let me clarify. In all my years on the bench, I have never seen any adopted child that was meant to be with a family as I see here today. These girls need you gentlemen. These girls need the devotion that you gentlemen have shown toward them. These girls need the protection that only you gentlemen can offer. However, more importantly, you gentlemen need all the love these little girls have to offer. Therefore, unless I hear any objections I am going to leave these girls in your custody.

Chris swallowed the lump in his throat, "Judge, you letting us adopt them even though none of us are married?"

The Judge smiled, "That is my prerogative, gentlemen. Where the law would prefer that you were married, it is not mandatory. And, if I feel you are qualified then so be it." With that said, the Judge stood and left the jail, leaving fourteen confused people.

"Mr. Ezra, what just happened?" Laura asked with wonder in her eyes.

Ezra smiled, "It seems, my dear, that my six friend and myself have just become the proud recipients of seven exceptionally lovely gifts from the Judge. The Judge has decided to honor us with the pleasure of nurturing you young ladies into adulthood and beyond."

"Huh?"

"We've just become fathers."

Laura was still confused but Maria caught on, "Ya mean, ya'll are now our pa's?"

Nathan gave her a hug, "That's right darlin'. From here on out we're a family." Maria smiled and hugged him back.

Kristian turned to Chris, "This true, Mr. Chris?"

Chris tightened his hold on Kristian who was in his lap, "Yeah, darlin' it is. The Judge just bent a lot of rules to let this happen to. We owe him a lot of thanks."

Cricket looked up hopefully at Vin, "Does this mean I can call ya Pa instead of Mr. Vin?"

Vin picked her up and threw her in the air catching her on her descent, "You bet it does!"

All the girls wrapped their arms around the necks of their new fathers who stood and walked out the jail, into the bright sunshine of a new day.

THE END