CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Brian had watched the proceedings with an ache in his heart. He didn't see how Sully was going to get out of this. He knew what happened to people convicted of treason. He and Ma were the last ones left in the room as Matthew re-chained Sully and began ushering him out. As they passed Michaela and Brian, Matthew allowed him to stop a moment. Michaela and Sully touched hands. Then he leaned forward and kissed her. She had tears in her eyes and suddenly Brian felt angry.

"Why'd you do it, Sully?" he lashed out. What'd ya do it for? Didn't you know what would happen? Now Ma cries all the time and you're not around and I gotta do all the chores and they're gonna kill you and I won't have a Pa anymore ... "The rest of what he said was incoherent as he dissolved in tears.

He began hitting at Sully as Michaela cried "Brian!" and tried to stop him. She looked at Sully who shook his head at her. There were tears in his eyes as he reached for Brian who suddenly stopped hitting and threw his arms around Sully.

"I don't want you to die, Pa! Please don't let them kill you!"

"I'm sorry, Brian," Sully said in a choked voice. "I'm sorry for all I've put you through; you and your Ma and Colleen, Katie and Matthew. I did what I thought I had to do and it all blew up in my face. Now we're all suffering and I'm sorry for that."

Matthew, who had been looking uncomfortable, finally spoke. "I'm sorry, little brother I've gotta return the prisoner to jail."

Brian turned on him. "He's not 'the prisoner', Matthew, he's Sully. He's our Pa!"

Matthew just shook his head and began walking away with Sully.

"I love you, Michaela" Sully said.

"I love you, Sully," she replied.

"I love you, Pa!" Brian cried.

"I know," Sully said. "I love you."

"Matthew!" Michaela called as they neared the door, "will you come for supper tonight?"

"Can't" he replied as they exited.

Michaela sighed and put her arm around Brian. "Are you all right?" He leaned up against her and nodded.

"Let's go home, Ma" he said.

Outside, they ran into Dorothy. "Is everythin' all right, Michaela?"

"I guess so. Brian is upset and Matthew is acting so distant. Perhaps it would be best if Brian stayed home tomorrow."

"No, Ma!" Brian spoke up. "I'll be all right. I've got to be there for him. He's countin' on me."

"Michaela smiled and gave him a hug. "And he's very lucky."

Dorothy said, "I wouldn't worry about tomorrow. I happen to know that Peter Taylor has something special in mind when he presents his defense."

"How do you know that?" asked Michaela.

"Because I helped him!" Dorothy replied. And leaving Michaela and Brian staring after her, she headed off toward Loren's store.

**********************************

Roberta and Peter had found a quiet corner of Grace's Cafe where they could eat and talk and not be interrupted. "So how do you think it went?" she asked Peter.

"Hard to say," he replied. "When they brought up all those past offenses ... "

"Didn't you know about them?"

"Of course I did. Sully was completely open and honest with me but it's just that when they listed them all at once like that ... we're talking about things that happened over the past five years or more!"

"You said he wasn't guilty of all of them, too."

"He wasn't. Most of them he was just suspected of or seen in the area. Some of them he freely admits to, though."

"But it shouldn't have a bearing on the case."

"Shouldn't. But who knows? I can't read this Judge Winthrop. He's not the regular judge for this circuit, which is good because that judge has dealt with Sully two or three times before and might be prejudiced in spite of himself." Peter looked up as his children ran over to their table, followed by his father-in-law. "Hi, kids, did you have a good day?"

"Oh, yes, Father!" Bonnie cried. "We saw some real Indians!"

Roberta and Peter looked questioningly at Phillip Ross who said "Let's get something to eat and then I'll tell you about it."

As they dined on Grace's famous meatloaf, Phillip explained "The children and I want exploring today, saw what we could of the town. It was very quiet since I guess most people were at the trial. Then we got directions and rode out to the Palmer Creek Reservation. They didn't want to let us in but I happened to have a letter from President Grant handy for just such an eventuality." He paused and looked grim. "The conditions there are appalling. I don't know what it was like there before the 'incident' but what Indians are left out there are treated like prisoners. They're living in shacks to which they are confined most of the day. They're forced to dress in white man's clothes and they've all been given haircuts. they are not permitted to utter a word in their native languages or to practise their religion. They're given little food and what they are fed is disgusting. It is a disgrace and you can be sure President Grant will hear of this when I return!"

"What did it used to be like there, Grandfather?" Samuel asked.

"Well, Sam, I don't really know, but I know it wasn't like this!"

"Perhaps when your father gets Mr. Sully set free you can ask him. He used to live with the Cheyenne!" Roberta told the children.

"If we get him set free, you mean" Peter said.

"I have every confidence in you."

"I wish I were as sure."

"Don't you have some people coming tomorrow to ... "

"Yes. I just hope it works" Peter sighed.

"It will," Roberta assured him. "It has to. We'll all pray that it does!"

**************************

When Dorothy got to Loren's store she had to wait a few minutes for Loren to get there and let her in. "Guess you'll be wantin' your own key again" he said.

"If that would be all right with you," she replied.

"Well, I guess so."

"I appreciate your lettin' me set up my old press in here again. When I get things going I'll be glad to pay you rent."

"That won't be necessary." Loren growled. "That Preston had no right doin' what he did. Still ... "

"Yes, Loren?"

"Well ... are you gonna keep printin' articles about the Indians and how you think they been treated bad?"

"I'm gonna print the truth, Loren," Dorothy said primly.

"That's what I was afraid of!" Loren threw up his hands then began dusting shelves.

Dorothy went over to the table she would be using as a desk and began reviewing the notes she had taken at the trial that morning. She had material for a good lead article and a couple of editorials, as well. Brian had written up some news from school and had written a story. There had been births, deaths, weddings ... the new paper would do fine.

She walked over to her old, familiar press and pulled off a sheet of newsprint, admiring the heading: THE COLORADO SPRINGS EAGLE. Brian had even drawn a picture of an eagle that she'd placed in the middle of the heading. She was so busy picturing the paste-up of her first edition that she didn't hear Preston enter the store.

"Dorothy! There you are. I'm surprised to see you here!"

"Why is that, Preston?"

"Well, I expected you to be over at the Gazette, writing up today's story while it was still fresh in your mind." He showed her a flash of teeth. "In, fact, I stopped by there before I came here so I could give my input on how we're going to present the story."

Dorothy gave him a level gaze from her blue eyes. "We, Preston? Perhaps you forget that we are no longer partners? That you dissolved our partnership when I was unable to pay off the loan?"

Preston couldn't make his smile work this time. "I thought I made it clear that the Gazette still needs to be put out and that you're the one to do it. We can discuss your compensation, if you like. I'm prepared to be very generous."

"There's no need for that, Preston. I don't know what you want to do about the Gazette, but I will be puttin' out my own paper," she showed Preston the paper she was holding "and it will include what I want, written the way I choose!"

"The 'Colorado Springs Eagle'. How quaint. And who do you expect to get to read your little paper?" Preston wasn't smiling at all now.

Dorothy, however, was smiling radiantly. "Why, I expect all the folks in town will want to read about this mornin's doin's, and since, as far as I know, the "Eagle" will have the only coverage, I imagine everyone will want a copy! You know," she went on, unable to resist a final dig, "the Cheyenne believe that eagles carry their messages and prayers to the spirits. Well, I guess my 'Eagle' will carry messages to the people!"

"We'll see about that" Preston looked decidedly grim as he tipped his hat. "Good day, Dorothy."

Loren looked up from his dusting as Preston left. The he turned to Dorothy. "Now, Dorothy, what'd you want to go talkin' to him like that for? I mean about the Cheyenne and everything. You'll just make him mad!"

Two spots of color had appeared high on Dorothy's cheeks. "Well, he made me mad, tellin' me how I had to write for him even though I'm not co-owner anymore. He acts as if he owns the world!"

"Well, he has become pretty powerful in the town. You'd best watch your step or you won't have any customers for that paper of yours!"

"I'll do just fine!" Dorothy declared, and she seated herself at the table and began to write furiously.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

The few people who were up and about before sunup the next morning were surprised to see Dorothy heading out of town in a wagon. It was forgotten, however, as people began to come together to walk over to the church for the conclusion of the trial. A number of people seemed to have taken greater care with their appearance than usual as if it would be they, and not Sully who would be on display today.

Michaela walked over with Brian, Collen and Roberta but stopped when she saw all the people crowding around the church lawn. "Look at all these people who have come to gawk!" she exclaimed. "I guess we haven't had enough excitement lately and they're just itching for a hanging" she said bitterly.

Roberta squeezed her arm. "Maybe they just came to show support for Sully" she suggested.

"I wish I could believe that" Michaela sighed.

"Look, Ma!" Brian cried. "There's Miss Dorothy in her wagon with a whole buncha people!"

"Why, those are homesteaders from out beyond Cripple Creek and some of the outlying areas! Is Dorothy trying to create a better newspaper story? I thought better of her than to try to make a circus out of this!"

Roberta leaned over and whispered, "Peter asked her to bring them. It will be all right. You'll see." Michaela looked dubious but Roberta nodded encouragingly and together they entered the church and found their seats. As they walked through the crowd the men tipped their hats and many of the women touched her arm. She heard murmurs of 'Hope it all works out' and 'We're prayin' for you all, Dr. Mike' and she was touched.

Judge Winthrop called for order and got things under way quite quickly. In the interest of saving time he declared that all witnesses who had been sworn yesterday would remain under oath today. Peter called Sully to the stand first.

"Mr. Sully," he began, "yesterday you told us that you went out to the Reservation on May 15 and provided horses and a distraction in order to try to get some of the Indians, most especially the Indian Cloud Dancing, off the Reservation. Would you tell us, please, what made you decide to take this risk?"

"About a week before that day my wife, Dr. Quinn, was called out to the Reservation to treat an injured Indian. It turned out that Indian was Cloud Dancing, a very close friend of our family, who had been badly beaten by one of the soldiers for returning late on a day pass." Sully looked grim. "Since I was no longer allowed on the Reservation, I had to rely on my wife to bring me news and to carry messages to him." He shook his head. "I couldn't stand that no more so one night I snuck in so I could see him for myself. It was awful. He was kept in a little shack and had to rely on friends for food, water, medicine. They had taken away his own clothes and dressed him like a veho, a white man. It's crazy - a white man can wear Indian clothes" he indicated his own buckskins, "but they're not allowed to wear what they've worn all their lives. The Indians with him, they thought I was still the Indian agent, thought I could help them. They begged me for help. I couldn't turn 'em down. I knew I had to get Cloud Dancing out of there and I figured having a few more along wouldn't be no more trouble. I didn't know they were going to make war like that. If I'd've known, I never would've agreed to help them. That's not how I do things. I'd've gotten Cloud Dancin' away and that would've been it."

"Thank you, Mr. Sully" Peter said.

Captain Fogarty rose. "Mr. Sully, did you know that by setting foot on the Reservation you were breaking the law?"

"Yes" Sully answered.

"And did you further know that by agreeing to help him escape, let alone whoever else came along for the ride, that you were committing an act of treason?"

"Yes."

"And are you now willing to suffer the consequences of that act?"

Sully looked him in the eye. "Yes." Sully was dismissed and Peter called Sgt. McKay to testify.

"Sgt. McKay," Peter began, "what was the first thing you saw when you arrived with the new garrison at the Palmer Creek Reservation?"

"I saw a soldier, one Corporal Billings, disciplining an Indian, name of Cloud Dancing."

"Could you define 'discipline', please?"

"He was ... he was administering corporal punishment."

"In what way?"

"He ... was hitting him and kicking him."

"What was Cloud Dancing's condition when you arrived?"

"He was unconcious."

"Yet he was still being beaten?"

"Yes."

"Did this manner of punishment seem excessive to you?"

"Well, yes it did."

"What was the crime for which he was being so severely punished?"

"He had returned late on a day pass."

"And for this he was beaten senseless" Peter shook his head. "What action did you take at that time?"

"I relieved the Corporal of his duty and I sent one of my men back to town for the lady doctor. She had treated one of my men earlier that day."

"Thank you, Sgt. McKay."

Captain Fogarty rose. "Sergeant, aren't the men permitted to discipline wayward Indians as they see fit?"

"Within reason, yes, sir" Sgt. McKay answered.

"And isn't it true that sometimes extreme measures must be taken to keep the savages in line?"

McKay seemed uncomfortable. "I suppose so sir, but in this case ... "

"Just answer the question" Fogarty growled.

"Sometimes, yes."

"Thank you."

Peter rose again. "I call on Dr. Michaela Quinn to testify." Michaela came forward quickly, was reminded that she was already sworn, and sat down. "Dr. Quinn, " Peter said, "you were called out to the Reservation to treat Cloud Dancing for wounds sustained from a beating he received. Can you describe those wounds, please?"

Michaela nodded and spoke up clearly. "Cloud Dancing had sustained multiple lacertions and contusions as well as broken ribs and severe internal injuries. One of his arteries was severed and I was forced to operate. I was unsure at the time if he would survive."

"Excuse me," Captain Fogarty stood up "but this trial is not about the beating of some Indian and I don't see why we're spending all this time on it or what it has to do with the case at hand."

"With your Honor's permission," Peter answered, "I am trying to establish extenuating factors germaine to the case."

"I'll allow you to continue" Judge Winthrop said, "But please keep it brief. I would like to conclude today."

"Yes, sir." Peter had no further questions for Michaela and since Fogarty didn't wish to question her, she was allowed to step down.

"I call Corporal Jonas Billings to take the stand." As a surly- looking soldier ambled forward, Peter continued, "I must tell the court that this is a hostile witness who is testifying under duress and at the orders of his superior." By this time Billings was seated, sworn and looking insolently at Peter.

"At your previous assignment, Corporal, did you come into contact with a Sgt. Patrick O'Connor?"

"So what if I did?" Billings replied. Peter waited for the judge to handle that one.

"Corporal, you will treat this court and its representatives with respect or I will hold you in contempt" he said. It was obvious from Billings' look who was holding whom in contempt but he remained silent. Peter repeated the question.

"Yeah" Billings spat out.

"Was he aware that you were to be transferred to Palmer Creek?" Billings remained silent. "I'll repeat the question. Was he aware ... "

"I heard you. Yeah, he knew."

"Did he speak to you about any of the people you would be likely to meet there?"

Again Billings took his time, looking around the room and lounging in his seat. Then he caught a look from Sgt. McKay and sat up a little straighter before answering. "Yeah. He told me to be on the lookout for some Injun name of Cloud Dancing. Said if I got a chance I should hurt him. Told me there was some half-breed Injun- lover in town who was real trouble and if I hurt this Injun it'd flush him out, get a rise out of him and maybe make him do somethin' stupid so we'd be rid of him once and for all. Guess it worked!"

There was a sound like a gust of wind through the room as the people whispered together, but it died before the judge needed to use his gavel. "How in the world did Peter elicit that information?" Michaela whispered to Roberta.

"Took him to Hank's, plied him with drinks" Roberta whispered back.

Billings was continuing. "I didn't do nothing I wasn't supposed to do. That Injun was late and it wasn't the first time. You just tricked me into tellin' that stuff about O'Connor but I didn't do nothin' I wouldn't have done anyway, nothin'! I was glad to have the chance to strike a blow against them savages. They deserve whatever they get!" Peter quickly dismissed him and he went stomping out.

Sgt. Claggerty was the next to be called and he reluctantly answered Peter's questions testifying that no, Cloud Dancing was not a trouble maker and that other than being late two times he had no infractions against him. He kept quietly to himself other than occasionally trying to break up fights among the others or when he had his visits from the newspaper lady. He did not take part in the angry discussions that the soldiers were always trying to break up. He accepted the way of life on the Reservation almost passively. "But he was late those two times" he interjected, "and they have to be disciplined severely if we're to keep them in line - just like children!"

"Would you beat your own children senseless for returning home late for supper?" Peter asked, then without waiting for an answer, he dismissed Claggerty.

There was some commotion over the next witness, an old Indian who testified that a group of renegades, who did not include Cloud Dancing, had already made plans to break away. They had already stolen some guns and ammunition and had not Sully helped them when he did, they would have made the attempt very soon.

"This is ridiculous!" Fogarty cried. "Everyone knows all Indians are liars, you can't believe a word they say!" Judge Winthrop silenced him with a look.

"I would now like to ask Mr. Sully to take the stand again," Peter said.

CHAPTER TWENTY

When Sully was seated, Peter spoke. "Mr. Sully, you have testified that you snuck out to the Reservation to see Cloud Dancing despite an injunction preventing you from setting foot on that Reservation. You, in fact, agreed to that stipulation when Cloud Dancing was brought back to Palmer Creek after having been taken to another Reservation. You also testified that you set off explosives as a diversion and provided horses in order to help the Indians escape the Reservation, a clearly treasonous act, one punishable by death. Will you tell us, please, why you took such a great risk for people who have been declared enemies of the government?"

Sully took a deep breath and seemed to be looking inward. "They ain't no enemies of mine," he said softly, almost to himself. Then he began his story. "I came out here in '59, lookin' for silver like everyone else. I fell in love, got married and settled here. Several years later my wife died in childbirth, takin' the baby with her." His voice broke as he relived his memories. "I went back East and joined the Army but it was no place for me. I was tricked into doing something horrible - killing a man, but not as part of the war. So then I ... I left. Came back here, went into the woods. Didn't care if I lived or died. Didn't eat, didn't sleep ... That's when Cloud Dancing found me. Brought me back to the Cheyenne village, took care of me. He helped me to heal, physically and spiritually. He taught me some of the Cheyenne ways-their language, medicine, how to fish, hunt and trap, how to defend myself without needin' a gun - I didn't want nothin' to do with guns after the war. The Indians taught me to care about the earth and everything in it - to respect every living thing." Sully took a deep breath. "I hadn't had no family since I was ten years old. The Cheyenne became my family. They helped me find my way. They taught me to look at the past and into the future, not just at now. When I left them I was able to be on my own again - I was at peace with myself and my world and those around me. I still missed Abigail, but I could live with the pain. And eventually ... " here he smiled at Michaela, "I was able to love again. And to let love in." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "I owe them my life."

Fogarty came forward to question Sully. "These Indians you 'helped' back in May, except for Cloud Dancing, they weren't Cheyenne. These weren't the Indians who helped you. Did you still feel obligated to help them?"

"I'd feel obligated to help anyone I felt was being treated unfairly or badly," Sully replied.

"So if you had it to do over, you'd do it again?" Fogarty asked.

There was a silence and then Sully replied, "I wouldn't have helped them if I knew they had guns and were going to be shootin' and burnin'. I never wanted that to happen and I wish there was some way I could make it right. If I'd known they were going to make war I'd've just got Cloud Dancin' out of there quietly and left the others alone."

"So you still would have attempted to help your Indian friend escape?"

"That's right."

"Mr. Sully, are you aware that the United States government and the Indians are in a state of war?"

"I got no quarrel with them."

"That was not my question. Are you aware that your government is at war with the Indians?"

"Yes," Sully answered grimly.

"What I want to know, Mr. Sully" Fogarty continued, "is, whose side are you on in this war?"

"I'm on the side of truth" Sully replied. "Truth and justice."

"If it's justice you want, Mr. Sully" Fogarty said, "you've come to the right place. I have no more questions."

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Michaela took the stand next to tell how the Indians had helped her since she had come to Colorado Springs 5 years ago. She told how they had helped her find Brian when he ran away after his mother's death, risking punishment from the soldiers for leaving the village. She told of the times the Indians had brought food during droughts and medicine during epidemics. "I learned a great deal from them, especially Cloud Dancing, who was their medicine man" she explained. "The things he taught me have saved many people in this town. Even my own mother back in Boston was cured by one of the remedies he taught me. When my family was held hostage at our homestead, Cloud Dancing helped Sully to rescue us. They have given us more than we could ever repay which is why it is very difficult for me to think of them as 'enemy'. My husband's family became my family and it has been very difficult to watch them being exterminated in the name of 'progress'".

Captain Fogarty came forward. "Dr. Quinn, these so-called 'friends' of yours have not always been so friendly, have they? Haven't they on numerous occasions tried to burn the town, including your clinic?"

"Well, I wouldn't say numerous..."

"And didn't they once capture and nearly kill Jake Slicker, one of the townspeople, causing your and Mr. Sully to risk your lives trying to save his?"

"That was only because Mr. Slicker had accidentally shot one of their people!" Michaela said angrily.

"And didn't these same 'friends' of yours kidnap you once, subjecting you to unspeakable conditions before Mr. Sully rescued you?"

"Those were Dog Soldiers, renegades, and ..."

"And didn't they call you out to their Reservation to treat an epidemic of typhoid, putting you and your family at great risk?"

"That typhoid, Captain Fogarty," Michaela said fiercely, "was introduced and spread by blankets that your army deliberately sent to the Reservation just so the Indians would take sick and die." She paused a moment to get herself under control. "There are bad people in any culture. It was a white man who came here two years ago and murdered a man and raped a girl. It was white men who robbed the bank and Loren's store. It was a white man and woman who hijacked our stagecoach one Thanksgiving, it was white men who held my family and me hostage on our own homestead, who shot and almost killed my husband." She looked at Fogarty. "Do you suggest we put all white men on reservations or perhaps exterminate them because of the bad deeds of a few? What about your own soldiers? What about the soldier who shoved me when I was pregnant and stepped on my husband's broken ankle, broken because this soldier had beaten him? What about the soldier who came out to our homestead and broke dishes and furniture, terrorising our children? Shall we lock up all the soldiers? Since I came to this town I've seen the Indians starved, diseased, massacred, denied the basic necessities of life, deprived of their language, religion, way of dress, customs, means of survival. Would any of us take that lying down? And you call them savages!" Michaela was too overcome to go on. There was a silence in the room following her tirade, then Peter said quietly, "Thank you, Dr. Quinn."

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

"Do you have much more to present, Mr. Taylor?" Judge Winthrop asked, looking at his watch.

"I believe we can conclude in about an hour."

"Then, if you don't mind, we'll press on. We'll finish hearing testimony then take a long break for lunch while I consider my verdict."

"Thank you, sir" Peter said. "You have heard testimony this morning that the Indians were Mr. Sully's family and because of that he felt compelled to help them, even if it meant risking his own freedom, even his life. But the Indians aren't the only people whom Mr. Sully treats this way. I would like to call Mrs. Elfreda Dodds to testify."

A small, gaunt woman, dressed obviously in her best, came nervously forward and was sworn. Peter smiled at her and said, "Mrs. Dodds, are you acquainted with the defendant, Mr. Sully?"

"Oh my, yes" she replied. "I expect everyone in these parts knows Sully".

"Will you tell us what you told me about what he did for you last winter?"

"All right. I guess a lot of you know last fall my husband, Bob, died in a farming accident. Things was real tough with two younguns and nowhere else to go. My brother come out to give me a hand but he had to settle up some things first. Mr. Sully, he came out two, three times a week to help with the heavy stuff. Never took nothin' for it. Said that's what neighbors are for. Then Christmas ..." her voice became choked up. "Well, come Christmas I had told the kids it wasn't no use expectin' Santa to come this year. But it's hard to explain that to 'em when they're only 3 and 9. Then Christmas morning right on our porch was a beautiful rockin' horse and the prettiest checkers set you ever did see". She looked up. "I know it was you, Sully. No one else around here does wood work like that. Besides, little Davy saw you. Wanted to know if you was Santa Claus!" She turned to the judge. "He saved Christmas for us and he made it so I could stay on that farm till my brother arrived. And for that I'm forever grateful!" She stepped down.

Then, one by one Peter called people to the stand - homesteaders, those from out beyond Cripple Creek to whom Sully brought supplies every year after the hard winter to tide them over until their farms started producing. "I know him and Dr. Mike didn't have no easy time of it, neither, with a girl in college and that growin' boy and the baby" one grizzled homesteader declared. Sully had gone through blizzards to deliver much-needed medicine from Dr. Mike, he'd helped out with farm chores, patched roofs, mended fences, fixed tools. It seemed there wasn't a person in the town or in the outlying areas that Sully hadn't given a hand to at one time or another. Michaela sat with tears glistening in her eyes, listening to their neighbors recount acts of friendship by Sully, some of which had included her and some of which she knew nothing about.

"The question to be derived from this," Peter declared "is, does Mr. Sully present a danger to this community or is he an asset? This very question was pondered in a case in New York back in 1860. One Orrin Hathaway had committed a crime in the course of protecting his family. it was shown that far outweighing the one bad act were the many good deeds he had performed for his community. he was a man worth letting live. So, I contend, is Mr. Sully. And I don't mean live to waste his life away in jail. I mean return him to his community which needs him so much. Let him begin to help make up for the damage that was done. Give him back to his family. Thank you."

Captain Fogarty rose. "It is very touching that Mr. Sully is so well-loved by the people of this community. But I disagree with Lawyer Taylor. I believe he is a danger to everyone as long as he is determined to place the importance of the red savages over that of himself and his white neighbors. Any man who decides to take the law into his own hands is a danger. If we set this man free, what are we saying to these people? That it is all right to make your own laws? That if you have a 'good reason' or 'extenuating circumstances' then any behaviour can be excused? Mr. Sully knew what he was doing when he chose the Cheyenne for his family. He knew he was choosing a family marked for extermination. Now he must suffer the consequences of his own choices and be an example to any who feel they can take the law into their own hands. We, the representatives of the Army of the United States of America, move that you sentence this man to hang. Thank you."

The judge heaved a sigh, removed his spectacles and rubbed his eyes. "Thank you, gentlemen. Does anyone else have anything to say?"

There was a stir from the people as Hank rose. "What I got to say is this. Sully would never let anyone - man, woman, child ... whore - black, white, Injun or whatever to be beaten, starved or treated unfairly even if he had to risk his own life to prevent it. Had a man come through here awhile back - killed a man, raped a little girl, woulda done it again in a heartbeat. Didn't care nothin' for no one. We hanged him. Can't see doin' the same thing to Sully. That's all I gotta say." And Hank sat down as a red-faced Loren stood.

"Well," Loren began, "Sully and me ain't always seen eye to eye, but, well, he's the only person I know who does things for other people without worryin' about what's in it for him" and looking extremely uncomfortable, he sat. Dorothy, who was sitting in front of him, turned and gave him a brilliant smile, reaching out her hand to him but Loren swatted it away. "Now don't go taking on like that!" he said.

Michaela stood next. "I know I've spoken twice before but there are some things I'd like to say that I haven't had a chance to , yet.

"When I first came to Colorado Springs, most people here wanted to put me on the first stage coach back to Boston. The only people who even remotely made me feel welcome were Charlotte Cooper, who became my friend, and Sully who offered me his homestead as a place to live and operate my medical practice. After Charlotte died and her children became mine, Sully helped me all the more, bringing us food and firewood, doing repairs on the homestead, taking the children on outings. He accepted me and had confidence in me as a doctor even when I lost confidence in myself. He is the kindest, gentlest, most generous person I know. I love him and I can't imagine my life without him and I'm begging you to spare his life. I've spent a lot of time in the past several years begging the government to spare our Indian friends but my requests fell on deaf ears and I had to watch as old men, women and children were routinely slaughtered until there is almost no one left. I'm asking you to hear me this one time. Please, give my husband back to me. Thank you."

Judge Winthrop cleared his throat and looked around the room. "If no one else wishes to speak, then we will recess for two hours and reconvene here at 3:00 at which time I will render the verdict and mete out the sentence, if necessary." He banged his gavel and everyone rose as he strode out of the room.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Townspeople met in little groups during the break to discuss their opinions of the outcome of the trial. Jake strolled over to the bunch gathered in front of the saloon. "Well, are you all ready for a hangin'? Might as well start building the gallows!"

The others turned and looked at him. "I don't think they're ready" Hank indicated Brian and Michaela with a lift of his chin. They were seated on the bench outside the clinic and Michaela had her arm around Brian who was leaning up against her. "Seems a shame to break up the happy little family". There was an undertone of something other than mockery in his voice.

"I was madder 'n heck at Sully when he took my daughter away from me but, well, Abigail really loved him and goodness knows he loved her. He always treated her right. Now it's Brian I'm worried about. Be a shame for him to lose another Pa. Sully is a darn sight better than that Ethan was!"

"Well, I think it's a darn shame!" Dorothy declared. "I remember comin' back to town and seein' the two of them together and thinkin' how right it looked. What a pair! They'd both of them go to the ends of the earth for you but Michaela always has to know everythin' and Sully is just there for you - he doesn't ask how or why or what, he'll just stick by you, no questions asked."

Horace spoke up. "He and Dr.Mike were never anything but nice to me. Dr. Mike was so helpful with ... Myra when she left Hank and so supportive of us, and Sully was, too. And they both stood by me when I was going through ... through that depression awhile back."

Jake let out his breath slowly. "Well, he did stick by me when those Indians were going to kill me. I guess it was pretty handy he know how to talk to 'em."

The group stood in silent reflection as they watched Colleen emerge from the clinic carrying Katie whom she deposited in Michaela's lap.

"Well, here's a happy little gathering!" it was Preston, showing his teeth and rubbing his hands together. "Are we planning the hanging party, already? Drinks on the house, Hank?"

Throwing black looks at Preston, the little group dispersed. Preston spread his hands in a gesture of puzzlement. "What did I say?" he asked no one in particular, then shrugging, he headed on down the street.

Hank had wandered across the street to where Michaela was sitting. He stood awkwardly for a moment, watching her cuddle the baby, then he spoke. "Uh, Michaela, uh, you need a drink or anything before going back in there, it's on the house". It was kindly meant and Michaela, understanding that, flashed him a smile.

"Thank you, Hank" she said. He nodded and wandered off.

Sully, in his cell at the sheriff's office, was contemplating his future, wondering if he had one. Most of all, he worried about his family. He tried to make peace with himself about whatever fate might await him and he prayed for strength for himself and his family to get through the next few hours.

Matthew sat at his desk in the sheriff's office and watched Sully covertly. He tried to figure out how he was feeling but, truth was,he wasn't feeling anything at all. it was as if everything in him had been switched off and he was completely numb, almost like right after Ingrid died. He checked the clock. 45 minutes to go.

Roberta and Peter sat on a blanket out in the meadow, an untouched picnic sitting before them. "You did everything you could" Roberta said, touching him on the arm.

"I know" Peter said, "But I'm not sure it was enough. The case against him was very compelling and judges love to make examples in these cases. It tends to keep people under control. If they let him get away with it, they'll be afraid of losing control."

"Well, there's nothing more you can do now".

"Nothing except ..." Peter left the sentence open.

"Nothing except pray?" Roberta finished for him.

Peter nodded as he reached for Roberta's hand.

In the Church nearby the Reverend was already hard at work praying. He reminded God of all the good that Sully and Dr. Mike had already done and hinted at the future good that could be accomplished should Sully remain alive. He pointed out very severely that it would be best for the children to grow up with both parents. He talked to God about the treatment the Indians had received, not blaming Him, exactly, but implying that he could have been more involved. In the end he pleaded for Sully's life, but left it ultimately in God's hands.

As Michaela and the children headed back to the clinic after their walk, they saw Judge Winthrop exit the bank, followed by Preston. As he and the judge stood on the steps shaking hands, Preston turned and saw Michaela, bared his teeth at her in the semblance of a grin and tipped his hat. Michaela ignored him as did the children.

With half an hour to go people were starting to head back to the church. The Reverend got off his knees and went back to his seat as people began to trickle in for the final phase of the trial.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Judge Winthrop called for order, then surveyed the courtroom over the tops of his spectacles. "The charge of treason is a very serious one," he began, "not to be taken lightly. If the United States cannot command loyalty from its citizens, then we are in very serious trouble, indeed. Some very compelling evidence has been entered in Mr. Sully's favor. The fact, for instance, that he was acting to help people whom he thought of as his family. These feelings are understandable and not to be dismissed. However, a man who robs a bank to get money to feed his family is just as guilty as one who does so for personal gain, and if someone is killed in the process that man's death is on his head. Mr. Sully, will you rise, please?"

Sully and Peter stood. Michaela closed her eyes and squeezed Dorothy's hand. Brian looked very pale. Roberta clasped her hands and held them over her mouth. "In the matter of the Army of the United States vs. Byron Sully, I find the defendant guilty as charged."

There was a collective gasp from the people in the room and one of the soldiers could be heard to say 'yes!'. The judge waited for quiet. "Mr. Taylor, you and your client may be seated while I impose sentence." Sully and Peter sat and there was a murmur from the people as they wondered what this might mean. The judge continued. "Mr. Sully, if you were a different sort of man, I would have no option but to impose the death penalty. However, I believe that you sincerely want to make things right and since I believe it is within your ability to do so, I am going to allow you that opportunity. Mr. Sully, it is the sentence of this court that you will spend the next two years attempting to make things right. You will begin your sentence with two weeks in jail. During that time you will do whatever work around there that Sheriff Cooper finds for you. Although most of the damage from the explosion and fire has been repaired, there is still work to be done. After that you will be released from jail and allowed to return to your family. Over the course of the next two years you will work to repair the damage done by the Indians you set free. This will include rebuilding the homesteads of Sheriff Matthew Cooper and Mrs. Theresa Morales, and doing repairs for anyone else whose property was damaged by fires the Indians set. I understand, Mr. Sully, that it is a Cheyenne custom for one who causes a death to make restitution to the family of the victim. Two soldiers were killed in the uprising at the reservation. You will talk with the families of those men and work out a method of paying them restitution. Mr. Sully, you will do this work at your own expense. I realise that you probably do not have that kind of money. I have spoken to Mr. Lodge at the bank. He has agreed to lend you the money with which to get started, accepting your homestead and the medical clinic as collateral. Mr. Lodge has agreed to be very generous with his loan, charging a minimum of interest and giving you the longest payback he is able. In return, Mr. Sully, you will add the completion of Mr. Lodge's homestead to your list of work. I will return in two years from this date to see how you have progressed, to see if we should give you more time and, hopefully, to declare your sentence completed. I advise you to stay out of trouble during that time. I imagine you will be too busy to get into much mischief. You are not to leave the area during this time except to go to the woods for necessary hunting and fishing. Sheriff Cooper will be overseeing you and report any problems to me. He will be sending me monthly reports. You, Mr. Sully, will report directly to Sheriff Cooper and see him in case of a need to violate any of the stipulations such as is an emergency would make it necessary for you to leave town." The judge, who had been referring to papers in front of him, put the papers down and looked at Sully. "I hope you will agree to these conditions, Mr. Sully. You expressed a desire to make things right and I would much rather give you the chance to do so, than order your execution. A lot of people belive in you. I'd like to see their belief vindicated. Mr. Sully, do you agree to the conditions and stipulations of your sentence?"

Sully rose, turned and glanced at Michaela who gave a slight nod. He turned back to Judge Winthrop. "Yes, your Honor" he replied.

"Good. Your sentence will begin at once. Sheriff Cooper will return you to the jail immediately. The materials needed for the jail repairs will be provided for you and you will make reimbursement upon your release at which time you will complete papers at the bank concerning your loan. Dr. Quinn, your signature will be required as well." Michaela nodded. "I believe our business here is concluded, then. I realise there are those who may not agree with this sentence," here he looked at the soldiers, "but Mr. Sully is not to be interfered with. He is to be left free to do the work we have given him. The sheriff will deal harshly with anyone who does not obey this injunction. That is all. This court is now adjourned." He banged his gavel one last time and all rose as he walked out.

Continue