Later. Clara nodded. They moved deeper into the trees. The attackers searched the creek road, but passed them. For almost an hour, Ethan and Clara stayed hidden beneath the cottonwoods.
Then distant gunfire sounded from the ranch. Not scattered shots. Organized shots. Ethan listened. Horses.
Clara looked at him. How many? A lot. They moved cautiously toward the edge of the trees. Lanterns filled the road.
At least 12 riders were approaching the ranch. At the front rode men wearing territorial marshal badges. Behind them came several railroad guards. Daniel had made it. Ethan closed his eyes for 1 second.
Then Clara touched his hand. It's over. He looked at her. Not yet. They walked back toward the ranch together.
By the time they reached the house, three attackers were already in irons. Two more had surrendered near the barn. The rest had fled. Walter Briggs was there, too. A marshal had dragged him from a wagon near the road.
His face was red with rage. You can't prove anything. Daniel stood beside a railroad official holding the original wires. I copied every message you sent. Briggs turned toward him.
You little fool. The marshal pushed Briggs toward the wagon. Save it for the judge. Ethan stood silently. Briggs looked at Clara.
His face twisted. You ruined everything. Clara stepped closer. No. Her voice was calm.
You did that yourself. By sunrise, Briggs and his men were gone. The ranch was damaged badly. The porch had burned along one side. Two windows were shattered.
Part of the kitchen wall was black with smoke. But the house still stood. So did they. The railroad official approached Ethan. Mr.
Cole, the company had no knowledge Briggs was using threats. Ethan said nothing. We still want a route through the valley. Clara looked toward him. Ethan folded his arms.
Then you negotiate with both of us. The official frowned. Both? Ethan turned toward Clara. Her eyes widened slightly.
He looked back at the man. Come back in a week. After everyone left, Clara and Ethan stood alone beside the damaged porch. Morning sunlight touched the valley. Clara looked at the burned boards.
We've got work to do. Ethan smiled. "I've heard that before." She looked at him. "You still want me here?" He laughed softly. "Clara, I wanted you here 17 years ago." Her expression changed.
He stepped closer. "I was just too young and too stupid to fight harder for the truth." "So was I." "No." He shook his head. "We were lied to." Clara looked toward the cottonwoods in the distance. "All those years." "I know." He reached into his coat. The old letter was still there.