In town, Jarrod drops by the Sheriff’s office (Mort Mills) to confront Korby and warns that no lawyer will represent him under the circumstances. Korby shocks him by revealing that their almighty Colonel Ashby’s wealth comes from trading in opium and that the Chinaman slaughtered him in that alley during the payoff. He was chasing after the real criminal when Heath jumped him and beat him senseless. He insists on being the victim of a mistaken identity.

           

He rides over to the Kyles’ farmhouse to speak with Jacob. While engrossed in conversation, Emmet and Alan steal silver coins from his saddle bag. Evidence that the Kyles are corrupted to the bones doesn’t deter Jarrod from his moral duties.

           

Jarrod’s secretary comes in with the news that the town judge has requested that Matt Cooper (Karl Held) handle the Kyles’ file. Jarrod discovers that the young self-centered lawyer was appointed to the case against his own judgment, and that his only concern is losing in court, knowing that it might hurt his career. Matt’s belief that Korby Kyles is the killer profoundly disturbs Jarrod.

Later that night in the barn, Heath gets a surprise visit from Jacob and his two boys who threaten him against testifying.

           

           

Tension is palpable at the breakfast table when it is announced that Mrs. Ashby has withdrawn her offer to donate the land. Jarrod pledges to his distraught sister that he will use his influence to obtain another plot of land for the orphanage once the trial is over. He then preps Heath for the grilling he’ll face in court and the young sibling assures him that he’s ready for whatever big brother will throw his way.

           

Jarrod is next to call in his witness, Special Detective Asa Harmon who is investigating the illegal opium importation and sales. Colonel Ashby, a man of spotless reputation, was in fact an active member of an illicit narcotics traffic ring for over twenty years. It is therefore highly probable that his contact murdered him that night.

Heath is next to take the stand. Jarrod grills him up to the point where the young Barkley comes to dispute his own belief of what he truly witnessed that night.

           

Korby becomes restless. He panics at Bingham’s accurate description of the crime scene and as a result, he inadvertently winds up incriminating himself.

Back at home, Jarrod is clearly ashamed to face the family in light of the outcome of the trial. However, much to his astonishment, all act as if nothing happened and assure Jarrod that the incident is now a thing of the past.