DISCLAIMER: The Young Riders is the creation of Ed Spielman, and the property of Ogiens/Kane productions in association with MGM/UA television. This Story is created for entertainment purposes only, no infringement intended. Not to be copied without permission from the author.
It took a further three days for the circuit judge to arrive and as expected Donovan was tried and convicted. Whilst it did not bring any joy to the riders they all witnessed the hanging, needing to see the completion of this episode of their lives.
The riders all contributed to the decision making in the Marshall's Office and as their last act they all decided at Buck's suggestion that John Breen appointed Town Marshall. He was called into the Office completely unaware of what was about to happen.
'You sent for me Marshall Cain.' he spoke as he walked through the door
'My colleagues here have told me that you were a deputy here when they arrived' Sam started
'Yeah' he answered a little confused wondering where this conversation was leading.
'How would you like the top job.' Sam continued 'Pay's not good, but it's a good town and you get somewhere to live' he finished
'I'd love to' he spoke a wide smile on his face
By the time they arrived back at Sweetwater, Buck's shoulder was beginning to heal nicely and whilst still tender he was able to ride relatively normally, Lou however was a different matter. Despite the fact that the boys all quite happily carried her anywhere she needed to go, her independent streak meant that she was still walking. That of course meant that her feet were not healing as quickly as they should. Even riding was difficult because the pressure of her feet on the stirrups was actually reopening the wounds. After several teary attempts to ride she ended up doubling on Katy with Jimmy leading Lightning behind his horse. They all knew that now they had arrived back at Sweetwater, they would not be able to carry her anywhere for fear that Teaspoon would find out about her gender. In gratitude Sam had offered to let her stay in town in the jailhouse where the doctor could have easy access to her. Teaspoon seemed to accept this explanation and the riders all breathed a sigh of relief.
Emma was overjoyed to see her riders back and safe once more shrouded under her protective wing. She fussed over Buck and made a trip into town each day to visit Lou and dress her feet, and just give her some female company, Sam tried his best but he couldn't replace a good girls chat.
When Lou's feet were well enough to allow her to return to the station and walk on her own Sam made the trip to the station with her. Sam made sure that all the riders were there before he spoke to them.
'I got a message from the territorial Governor yesterday, but I wanted to make sure you were all here before I came out to tell you.'
'What is it Sam?' Jimmy asked as eager as the rest of them for Sam to spit it out
'He has sent an official letter of commendation for all of you and has asked me to advise you that you are to receive a reward of $100 each.'
The riders all looked at each other in disbelief.
'Why?' Buck asked the question that everyone was thinking
'Lambert had a $500 bounty on his head and Donovan was $100.' he paused as he watched the realisation sink in 'He was more than happy to split the $600 between all of you.'
'I'm fine' Sam shook his head 'You kids did all the work, besides I suggested the reward money to the Governor. I want you to have it, think of it as a thank you.' he watched their faces as the realisation of what they could now do with the money.
They looked at each other silly grins on their faces. Whilst they all knew that they had not done it for the money, they were happy to take the money to add to their meagre grubstakes and their lives after the Express and their futures. They knew that they would have many adventures in their future and that this would not be the last time that the Marshall would call on them for help, but for now they could put their most recent adventure behind them and contentedly return to just deliverin the mail they were paid to.
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