Coming out of the saloon he bumped into someone. Looking down he saw a young lady picking herself up off the ground. Extending a hand to her, he said, "Please let me help you up. I am truly sorry. I should watch where I am going."

Looking at him Eliza said as she brushed herself off, "I�m fine. Thank you." Then she turns and starts to walk away.

Richard touches her shoulder saying, "Excuse me, ma�am but its awful cold out here, and you look like you could use a warm meal and a place that�s warm to stay for the night. Please let me buy you dinner and pay for your hotel room. It�s the least I can do. I promise I will be on my best behavior." He smiles and raises his hand in a honest gesture.

She smiles at his attempt to be funny, thinking for a minute then says, "Okay a meal and a warm bed would be nice. Thank you very much."

Richards nods and says, "Okay, follow me over to the restaurant." She follows him to the restaurant and they enter. They find a table in the back of the room and sit down. They order and their food arrives. Richard looks on as she eats and says, "Where are your folks, Miss?"

Looking up from her plate she replies, "I don't have any folks. I don't stay in one place to long."

Looking at her he said, "Why don't you stay here in Dreamville for awhile. There are a lot of young people in town. I could introduce you to some of them if you would like."

Whipping her mouth with a napkin she answers, "I don't know. I am pretty much a loner. But a warm place to stay for the night would be great. I don't have many friends, but you have been so nice I would like to consider you my friend." Richard nods and finishes his meal.

They sat there and talked for awhile. Richards pays the .60 cents for the dinner and they head over to the hotel. As they enter they are greeted by Catherine Peige the hotel owner. She smiles at him and says, "Hello Mr. McDonald what may I do for you today? And who's your friend here?"

Richards smiles and says, "This is" . . . he turns to her and continues "I don't know your name."

"It�s Eliza. " She replies.

Richard says , "Well, its nice to meet you, Eliza.

Catherine hands her the key and says. "Here you go, Eliza. That will be .35 cents please. I hope you enjoy your stay here in Dreamville. It�s room three, third door on the left. "

Taking the key Eliza smiles and says, "Thank you."

Richards paid for the room and said, "Hey Eliza if you need anything just find me, and I'll see what I can do. I am usually at the saloon working or at the boarding house. Just ask around someone will know where to find me."