People began walking into the street to survey the carnage and began whispering among themselves. The crowd made a clearing as the Marshall and his deputy approached. They stopped periodically to check the dead men before the came to stop in front of the woman and boy. The Marshall stared at the two before he spoke.

"Some one want to tell me what in the sam hell is going on here?" The gray haired man demanded.

A portly man stepped forward, wiping his hands on his apron, "Those men were giving the boy some trouble and tried pushing him around. This woman stepped in and defended the boy. One of them tried to slap this lady here and she stuck her knife in his chest. The next thing I knew was they took it outside and that’s when the shooting started. It was all self defense Marshall." The bartender explained. Several murmurs went through the crowd as other agreed to what the man said.

"I suggest you two ride out of here. That man you shot over there is the brother of James Clancy. He has the largest ranch in these parts and I don’t want any more blood shed in my streets." The Marshall ordered the two.

As the Marshall walked away he stopped and looked at the woman, "Sam, stop by my office before you go." The man ordered before walking away. He chose men to clear the bodies out of the street and disappeared into his office.

Sam and the boy made their way to the livery to gather their horses. Sam knew that the person she was backing up was no boy but a woman. Just most folks couldn’t see past their noses.

"Much obliged for your help." The tiny woman stated when they were in the shadows of the barn.

"Your welcome. I didn’t like the odds anyways." Sam Calhoun stated.

"Lou McCloud." The smaller woman introduce, sticking out her hand.

"Sam Calhoun." Sam replied. Shaking the woman’s hand, not surprised by the strong handshake. She returned to saddling her horse, when she noticed a mailbag on the black horse.

"Pony Express rider?" Sam inquired.

Lou nodded her head, " Yeah, I just got transferred to a station in Dreamville. I was here on a special dispatch." She replied.

Sam’s eyes narrowed, "Dreamville? That’s where I am heading." She commented.

Lou smiled, "Since we are going the same way, we might as well ride together. More guns the better." She suggested.

Sam nodded, "Sounds good to me." She replied.

Before they left, they stopped by the Marshals office. The Marshall wasn’t as gruff this time as he was in the street. " Hey there Sam. Do me a favor, when you see your brother tell him that he owes me one." The man chuckled.

Sam leaned against the wall and crossed her arms over her chest. "What does he owe you one for?"

"I could have locked your butt up in jail for that stunt you pulled out there today. But seeings how it was self-defense, I ‘ll leave it at that. But provoking a fight is against the law." He reminded her. Then he threw her a small satchel with money in it. "A couple of them boys had prices on their heads. Ride safe ya hear?"

Sam nodded, "I’ll tell Justin when I get there. Take care Marshall." Sam nodded and walked out the door.

The time on the trail allowed Lou and Sam to get to know one another. Lou explained that after her mother died, her brother and sister and she were sent to an orphanage. Lou snuck out one night and found a job doing dishes and laundry for a house of ill repute. As she grew and matured the owner of the saloon came into her room one night and decided it was time Lou worked like the other women. Lou was able to run away and shortly after that cut her hair and dressed like a boy. She hired on with the Pony Express and made decent money. She sent most of her money to the orphanage for her siblings.

"Aren’t you afraid someone will find out the truth and you’ll get fired?" Sam asked.

Lou shook her head. "Naw. I am too careful." She smiled. "So how about you?" she asked wanting to know more about her friend.

Her father’s people, the Sioux, raised Sam after he and his wife were killed. The people had taught Sam how to survive and be like a warrior. She had no interest in being domesticated. She enjoyed her life with the people for many seasons. But one day the chief decided it was time she rode out to find herself like her brother. Sam knew she would always be welcomed home if things did not work out.

Sam had disguised herself as a man for a while and learned how to work cattle. A rancher and his wife took her in when she was a little past 19. They over looked her being a half-breed and the fact that she was a woman. They taught her about the white people and taught her what she needed to know in a white man’s world to survive. Lucky for her, she was never forced in to wearing white women’s clothing.

She was taught how to use a gun and she perfected her skills as time went on. One night while she was with the herd, there was an attack on the ranch by Pawnee and every one was killed. Sam and the men she rode with were lucky enough to have escaped with their lives. Sam took it upon herself to track down the men responsible for the deaths of her friends. When her revenge was fulfilled, she drifted across the territory in search of a home. A letter from her brother had caught up with her in St. Joseph, where she met Lou. Now she was on her way to her brother’s home.

"This is great! I hardly know anyone in Dreamville. Now I can actually talk to another woman who can keep a secret." Lou beamed.

Together they rode into Dreamville. They were met by Teaspoon as they were half way down the street.

"How was you ride Lou?" The man inquired.

Lou shrugged, "It was alright." Her short reply brought a smile to Teaspoon’s lips.

"Who’s your friend?" He inquired looking at Sam. Lou stared at the ground," This is Sam Calhoun. She’s the blacksmith’s sister." She replied with a low voice.

Sam hid a smile as she shook hands with the older man. "Nice to meet you Miss Calhoun. If you don’t mind me asking, how did you and Lou meet?"

"I didn’t like the odds being placed against Lou. He had some trouble with some bad hombres and I lent a hand to even up the score." Sam replied.

"Well, best get to the bunkhouse before Cody eats all the food Lou." Teaspoon commented to the short rider.

"See you later Sam." Lou nodded and left for the station.