(narrator): Previously on When Hope Calls.
- How's the wound? - Right as rain. How's Jenny?
- She seems really eager to please.
- Enjoy it while you can.
I'm afraid it raises more questions than it answers.
- Now is not the time to start spending your gold.
- What gold?
- 26. - 27!
- No, no. Stop the auction.
The Lawrence Ranch is not for sale. This auction is over.
Will you stay on? Same name, nothing changes.
- Except your uncle's an actual rancher.
- Is that a yes?
- You're not named Jenny?
- My real name is Delores.
- We'll all miss you.
- I will miss you all too.
- But we can offer you
room and board in exchange for your help here.
- Thank you...
(gentle theme music)
(gentle music)
(restaurant din) - Nora. Morning.
- Thank you.
- Ah, breakfast's still on me, of course.
Gotta get used to picking up the tab.
- Yes... about that.
I have a telegram here from the Gold Office.
- So? Am I officially a rich man?
- I'm afraid not.
(somber music) - What? What do you mean?
(sighs) They denied your claim.
Another prospector says he worked the land before you.
- No, that can't be right.
- They say the claim predates yours.
- No one else worked that land.
I gotta go to Franklin. I gotta talk to the Gold Office.
I gotta set them straight!
- I don't think that that's the best idea.
- This is the kind of thing you have to do in person.
- I agree. I'll go tomorrow as your legal representative.
- Okay. Thanks, but I'm going with you.
- Honestly, in my experience, I get the best results alone.
(sighs)
I will do the very best I can for you, Sam.
Do you trust me?
- I guess... yes.
Thanks.
- Here we are.
- Sorry, Ronnie. Think I lost my appetite.
- You're not planning on skipping out on me, are you?
- I'll take the breakfast. And cover it.
- Oh, very well. Enjoy.
- Thank you.
- Thank you...
- So? Headed to Franklin tomorrow? - Uh...
Yes, I am.
- As it happens, I have to go to Franklin this week.
Mountie business.
Might I accompany you?
- That'd be nice. If you're sure it's convenient.
- I'm thinking there might be rattlesnakes
between here and Franklin.
You never know.
- Better to be safe than sorry, I suppose.
- Does 9:00 sound good?
- Sounds great.
(joyful music)
- Thank you.
(cows mooing)
- We've got a stray.
- I've got it.
Come on.
Come on. Hey?
- Ambrose.
- Hey, Ambrose! I said I've got it.
(sighing) Hey.
(sighs heavily)
(cows mooing)
(gentle music)
You're undermining my authority with the ranch hands.
- That was not my intent.
- I might be a little... rusty, but I could've gotten that cow.
I've worked this ranch before.
What?
- Worked? Really?
- I came here every summer for years.
My uncle Ray put me to work.
- Yeah. The thing is your uncle didn't really
put you to work. I'm sure he was just humoring you.
- Excuse me?
- That... came out wrong. - Well, you're right about that.
- Talking's not my strong suit.
- The Lawrence Ranch was here before you were the foreman
and it'll be here long after you're gone.
(somber music) - That's very true.
- Hey Ken! Seen any more wolves out at your place?
- Glad to say I haven't. Why? What's going on?
- Just... down a few head. If it's not wolves...
- Maybe something else.
Last year, we had some cougars coming through.
(sighing): Yeah. Maybe.
- Wouldn't want to be in your shoes when Tess comes home,
finds too many cattle missing.
(tense music)
- Ready to sign, Miss Lawrence?
It's the standard contract the bank issues all ranchers.
Everyone needs a line of credit this time of year.
- My St. Louis lawyer says not to sign something
unless I've read every word.
- Wise advice. When you've looked it over, you can sign,
and the money is yours for a year.
(playful music) - Page four, section 13b...
(sighing): Yes. I see the clause about your foreman.
- It says: "if the ranch is run without Wyatt Parker
or another bank approved foreman you can foreclose."
- That's right.
- Is that standard as well?
- I was advised that in your...
particular situation the bank needed this clause.
- In my particular situation?
- I admire your initiative in taking on your uncle's ranch.
I do. But you must acknowledge
that you're not a standard rancher.
Our other clients have been running their ranches
for a long time.
- I'm a quick learner.
- I see that besides the ranch,
your only collateral is a dress boutique
in St. Louis. Is that correct? - Yes. That's my other business.
- So you're asking me to give money to a new rancher
who is distracted by another business,
and whose main focus is designing dresses?
- I can do both.
- I'm afraid that we need someone running your ranch
who knows what's what.
- I see...
- Excellent.
- I'm not comfortable with this contract.
The way it's written, if Wyatt Parker decides
he doesn't want to work for me or takes off
for any reason at all,
I could lose my uncle's ranch. I have to think about this.
- Unfortunately, we can't move forward without that clause.
(sighing): I see.
(somber music)
(pen squeaking)
(cows mooing)
- You're not happy, boss?
(sighing): Not sure.
I need you to go up the foothills to the south pasture
and do a rough count of the cattle up there.
- Want me to go too, boss?
- Nope. Me and you have fence post to tend to.
(shouting): Ten... nine... eight... seven...
(whispering): Don't say where I'm hiding!
(whispering): I won't.
(boy shouting): Five... four... - Hey, Nora.
(boy): ...three... two... one! - Sorry, I hate to interrupt.
I was hoping to have a legal consultation.
(shouting): Ready or not! Here I come!
- Sure. We'll pick this up later, children!
(chuckling): Thank you. - Of course!
- Okay, we'll play later, Miss Nora.
But... you're it! - Hey!
(chuckling) Come on.
- Thank you, thank you so much. - Of course.
(gentle music)
- Sam!
What's wrong?
(gulps) - You're busy...
- I've always got time for you.
- My gold claim got rejected.
Someone else said he was there first.
Nora's gonna try and sort it out in Franklin.
- Oh, I'm sorry... but Nora seems like a really good lawyer.
- At first I couldn't believe I might be rich.
Now I can't believe I might not be.
- Well, let's see what Nora can do.
- What if it turns out that I'm just...
Sam the handyman again?
(romantic music) - Well, I happen to be rather
fond of Sam the handyman.
(chuckles)
(sighing, door shuts)
- You wanted to see me?
- There was a little wrinkle in my loan application.
I found a way we can make it work.
- Yeah?
- I had Nora draw up a year-long employee contract
for you to sign.
Guarantees you your position as foreman. Gives me
the insurance that you won't leave me high and dry.
This way, I can sign
the bank loan and we're all happy.
- Hmm. Earlier you implied I was pretty irrelevant.
(somber music)
- I never used that word.
You're important here.
So important that I wanted to guarantee you your job
for at least a year.
So if you could sign at the bottom.
(sniffs)
Go ahead. Read it all the way through.
(clearing throat) - You know what? No need.
- Great. Then just sign here.
- Yeah, I don't think so.
- What? Why?
- Never signed anything with your uncle.
Never had a lawyer draft up a contract. We shook hands.
That was good enough for us.
- Wait.
If you don't sign, then I'm not comfortable
with the loan conditions.
And without that money, we can't keep the ranch going.
At least, think about it.
(sighs)
(joyful music)
- What's the lady's name again?
- Her name is Miss Ainsworth.
Miss Lillian asked the Children's Bureau
to send someone to help while she's away.
- Maybe this lady likes to bake cookies and play catch.
- Oh, I think that's her.
- Are you Miss Ainsworth?
- Yes, I am, young man.
- I'm Nora Anderson.
I'm so sorry we weren't there to meet you
when the stage coach arrived.
- We were an hour early, so I understand.
- May I carry your bag for you?
- That's very kind of you.
(grunting) Oh. Maybe I should carry it
and when I need a rest, you can help me out.
(chuckling): That'd be good. I'm Wally.
- Very pleased to meet you, Wally.
- Thank you for coming. - Oh, of course.
- Now we can go get Miss Debbie's cherry tarts.
They're really good.
- I'm sure they are.
Nevertheless, it's too early for sweets.
And I imagine there are chores waiting.
- Miss Ainsworth's right.
Right this way.
(gentle music)
- Woah...
- What's going on, miss?
- Missing a few head.
Wondering if you've had any problems?
- Got Fenton over in the south pasture right now,
doing a head count.
We may have lost a few more than usual.
- Wanna go check it out with me?
I'd like to get an answer before Tess comes back
from Cape Fullerton.
Hi. You must be Hannah Lawrence. I'm Lucy Clay.
- Nice to meet you. Tom Clay's daughter?
- That's right.
- I remember seeing you a few times in town
when I visited my uncle.
- Ray was a good man. I'm very sorry for your loss.
- Thank you.
Would you like to come in for a coffee?
- I'd love to. But I actually came over,
hoping to borrow your foreman here.
- And why is that?
- I'm Tess Stewart's foreman now, and We think we might
have a problem with a predator.
- Oh. I didn't know.
- Wyatt over here is probably too modest to tell you, but...
he's the very best tracker around.
I was hoping he could help me out.
- Of course.
- I'd love for a rain check on that coffee though.
- Absolutely.
- Thanks for lending me Wyatt.
- Ready?
- Let's go.
(adventurous music, horses galloping)
- Goodbye, Charlotte.
- Bye Miss Nora.
- I'll see you tonight, have a nice day!
(clicks tongue)
- You smell good.
- Oh, thank you! That is my French scent.
Parfum de Jonquils.
(chuckling)
- Oh! I forgot to ask Miss Nora to do my hair.
If you wear a French scent, can you make a French braid?
- Oh. We do have to get going with our day, dear.
I'll give you a nice, quick, tidy ponytail instead. Mm-hmm?
- Oh... okay.
(joyful music)
- I don't think we've met. I'm Miss Ainsworth.
- Hi. My name is Delores. - You work here?
- In exchange for room and board.
- Did you make these lovely sandwiches?
- I did. It's laundry day for Eleanor,
so I made lunch. (chuckling)
- They look scrumptious. Shall we?
- I cut off the crust just how you like.
- Oh. Seems like a waste of good bread to me.
- Well, it's the little things
that make this place a home.
(sneezing) - Oh! Bless you.
- Delores makes the best sandwiches!
(playful music) - I'm sure she does,
but manners, please. We must finish eating before we speak.
- I told him that before.
- After lunch, we can show you the doll Delores made me.
- And finish our ball game.
- Well, we'll see. We must finish our chores first.
And have some vegetables.
They will help you grow big and strong.
(sneezing) Oh. Another sneeze.
Doesn't sound good.
- I'm fine. I think.
Maybe it's just the funny smell in here.
(sneezing) - Oh. Delores?
Where is your cod liver oil?
I believe Steven here is in need of a good dose.
(footsteps receding)
(playful music)
- So what takes you to Franklin?
- Going to give a deposition.
- On one of your former cases?
- A lawyer is trying to get a bad guy off on a technicality.
My deposition should put him in prison.
Does that offend you?
- Not at all. If that's where you think he belongs.
- You're not rooting for the accused?
- Not if they're guilty.
- Think you can help Sam?
(sighing): I'm gonna try.
(door opens)
- Oh, hello! You must be Miss Ainsworth.
I'm nurse Maggie. Nora told me you'd be helping out.
- Pleased to meet you.
- You feeling okay, Steven? - I'm afraid he's not.
He has been sneezing since I came.
Of course, I had him wash up with a strong disinfectant.
(playful music)
- Oh. I see you did. - She did.
- I gave him a good dose of cod liver oil
and cooked up some nettle soup.
- I see you gave him nettle soup.
- She did.
- But he is still sneezing,
so I thought I'd better bring him in.
- Mm-hmm. Alright, Steven. Let's take a seat
and we'll have a look.
Okay. Put this under your tongue. Thank you. Mouth closed.
Let me check your pulse.
Hm?
Everything seems alright. Maybe just take it easy for the day?
- Alright. Steven? Let's head back.
Oh...
But perhaps he's a trifle warm?
- I don't think he has a fever.
- It may be old fashioned, but you know, my parents
swore by leeches.
- You know what? Maybe I should keep an eye on him
because we wouldn't want him
to infect everyone at the orphanage.
- Oh, yes. Perhaps a good idea. - Yeah.
- Definitely a good idea.
- Unless you're feeling better? (fake sneezing)
- Okay. Thank you Miss Ainsworth.
(muffled): Mm-hmm.
(knocking at the door) - Come in.
- Sorry, ma'am.
Wondered if you... knew where I might find Wyatt?
- He had to head out. What can I help you with?
- Oh. Nothing, ma'am.
It's just Fenton's still up in the foothills
and there's a lot of chores to get through.
- Oh, I can help! - No, ma'am!
I got chores in the corral, in the barn.
You'd get all dirty...
- You worked for my uncle, right?
- Sure did. Good man.
- You think Ray Lawrence would let his niece spend summers here
without pitching in with chores?
- No. That doesn't sound like Ray at all.
He'd expect you to do your share.
(chuckling) - Exactly.
I may need some reminders, but I'm not afraid of hard work.
(sighs)
(gentle music) Okay.
Thank you.
- We've brushed your shoes clean, we've let the polish dry.
I will show you how to buff them into a lovely shine.
Art, if you would be so kind as to hold the shoe down for me.
I'll show you how to buff them correctly.
(sighing): See how nice that's starting to look?
Let's see you finish it up. Wally can hold the shoe for you.
- Then maybe we can play?
- Of course! You can play for 25 minutes after chores.
(sighing)
- Okay, I'm done. I can do the other one now.
(chuckling): Well, let's see.
You're off to a nice start,
but I do believe you've missed a few spots.
You want the whole shoe to shine.
(playful music)
And when Steven feels better,
you can teach him how to polish his shoes perfectly.
- I would, but I think maybe... (coughing)
Maybe I'm catching what Steve has.
- Oh, dear. You do sound ill.
- Should I go to the infirmary?
- You know, that might be wise. I could try the cod liver oil.
(groaning)
Or I could just take you to the infirmary
before you infect anyone else.
- The infirmary's probably safest.
- Mm-hmm.
(coughing)
- Oh, ma'am. I can do the rest.
- No, you're tired too. I'll help finish this up.
- Thank you, ma'am. You're... okay climbing up there?
- I'm fine.
- I'm not gonna lie, I'm not fond of heights.
- I'm happy to help.
I might not be as strong as you, but I can climb.
- Sure do appreciate that.
Would also appreciate it if you didn't mention
any of this to the boss?
I mean... the other boss.
- Won't say a word.
So the other boss... Wyatt. How is he to work for?
- He's one of the finest men I know. Not saying he's easy.
Tough, but fair. Loyal. He's the best.
- That's... that's good to know.
- Yeah, couldn't ask for a better foreman.
I mean, he'd certainly give me the what for if he knew
I let you do all those chores and climb up there, but--
(screaming)
Glad to know you're so good with heights.
(groaning)
(gentle music)
- Upon my review, I found a claim by one Rufus Shepherd
predated your client's application by six months.
- I'd like to review this competing claim.
- I can't just open my books
to anyone who walks through the door.
- I'm a lawyer.
- Then go to court.
But I'll tell you the determinations of our office
have never been reversed.
- There's a first time for everything.
(knocking at the door)
- Excuse me for just a moment.
(curious music, indistinct chatter)
I'm sorry. My supervisor is in Clearwater.
He'll be back tomorrow.
I'm sorry I couldn't be more help.
If you'll excuse me.
- Of course. Thank you.
(children laughing, joyful music)
- Um... hello.
- Sorry! (chuckling): That's okay.
- Are you okay? - I am.
But what is going on here? Children all sick?
(grunting): Not exactly. It's a long story.
- I'm helping Miss Maggie organize.
- I can see that.
- Are you feeling sick, Sam?
- Not sick, but... a little on edge.
- Why? - I'm waiting for news
and I'm... not too good at waiting.
(chuckling): Neither are Steve or Art.
(chuckling)
- You know what calms me down though?
Having something to do. Maybe I can help out here.
- That would be great. Yes, please.
(children laughing)
(sighs)
(gentle music)
(cows mooing) - Woah.
- What is it?
- Could be a grizzly...
could be a big one.
- Hope not. (sighs)
Last time I ran into a grizzly, I was a kid on my dad's ranch.
- Heard your pa didn't take too kindly for you working for Tess.
- I didn't get a choice really.
My brother's getting the Clay ranch.
What about you? You know,
I've known you for a long time.
I don't think I've ever heard you talking about your folks.
(gentle guitar strumming)
(sighs) - Not much to tell.
- When did you see them last?
- Left when I was 17, went to the rodeo, never looked back.
- You haven't been home since you were 17?
- Nope.
- Guess Ray was kind of your family for the last while.
Huh?
- Yeah...
guess he was.
- How did the deposition go?
- Good. That man's going to jail where he belongs.
And the claim?
(sighing): Something's off.
The other miner, Rufus Shepherd?
He's got three claims at the Gold Office right now.
Doesn't that seem suspicious?
- Might be.
How'd you find that out?
- I saw the files on the clerk's desk,
but he wouldn't let me take a look inside them.
I'd love to know where Mr. Shepherd's mines are...
- Investigative work. Right up my alley.
Sounds like we better go back and check this out.
- But the clerk said I couldn't take a look at the files.
- Right. But I have a plan.
- I like a man with a plan.
(joyful music, children laughing)
- My turn!
- You've got your hands full today.
- I do. But Sam's been a big help.
(inhaling sharply) I bet that hurts.
- I landed on my backside, and the rung hit my knee.
More evidence for Wyatt that
I don't know how to be a rancher.
- Well, it's not your fault the ladder broke.
- I guess, it's just that Wyatt's not...
keen on working for me and without his commitment,
I don't know if I can keep the ranch.
- I get why you want him to sign a contract,
but you know, Brookfield is more just... trust.
- I trust Wyatt.
Doesn't mean I'm ready to risk the ranch
on whether he wants to hang around or not.
- You know, I didn't know your uncle very well,
but I do know that he trusted Wyatt completely.
(somber piano music)
- It's my uncle's 68th birthday today.
I was gonna come up here and surprise him.
I had it all planned out. (chuckling)
But...
- I'm so sorry, Hannah.
- I don't know what else I can tell you, Miss Anderson.
- I need more information about the other claimant.
It's only fair to my client.
- My dear... I simply cannot help you.
(sighing): I understand. - I'm glad.
- Which is why I'd like to follow up with your supervisor.
- Oh...
I'm afraid my supervisor will not be available
until tomorrow. I assure you,
you will get the same response from him.
- Nonetheless... (knocking at the door)
- Constable?
May I help you? - Name's Fletcher. You are?
(playful music) - Henry. Henry Smith.
- There's been an incident. I can't tell you much.
As a fellow civil servant, I hope you understand
the need for confidentiality. - Of course.
(paper crinkling) - This is a rough likeness,
obtained by a witness at a local teahouse.
This person is dangerous and was last seen in this vicinity.
- May I? - Yes. Look carefully.
Have you seen this man?
- I don't think so.
- Look again. It's important.
Take your time.
(clearing throat)
- Sorry.
- You're busy Mr. Smith. Thank you. Mountie.
Rufus Shepherd has claims in all three areas.
And within months of each other.
How can he work in all those places at once? Something's off.
- Did you get an address?
- It's the same post office box for all three claims.
- That's odd.
Time to pay a visit to this Rufus Shepherd.
(joyful music)
- Here comes Miss Ainsworth!
- Everybody on the cots! Lollipops, please!
- Hello nurse. I thought I'd better come and see
how the children are doing.
- Hi. I'm Sam Tremblay. The... local handyman.
- It's a pleasure. I'm Miss Ainsworth.
How are they?
- They're... actually they're doing surprisingly well.
- Excellent! Perhaps well enough to come back to the orphanage?
(coughing and sneezing)
- Maybe... not that well. (chucking)
- May I?
- Of course.
- Hello children. How are you?
- Better. - But still sick.
- Oh, yes. Still very sick.
- I think we should stay here. For now.
- Mm-hmm. You all do look a little flushed.
When she returns, I'll let Miss Nora know
that you're on the mend.
Mm.
Nurse Maggie, Sam. You seem to have things under control.
I will leave the children in your capable hands.
That's... quite the sweet tooth you have there, huh, Sam?
(door closes)
- Ta-ra.
(exhaling loudly)
- Huh. Do I even wanna know what happened?
- Oh...
Miss Lawrence. There was a little accident.
- Hannah? She okay?
- She was cut. More like a scratch really!
It was her idea, boss. She insisted on going up!
- What was she even doing here?
- Well, you were with Lucy
and Fenton's still up on the foothills.
- So you asked Miss Lawrence to help you do your job?
- She was set on helping.
Boss, really! I couldn't stop her!
She helped me do all kinds of chores.
She really is a hard worker, that one. No quitter.
- Where is she?
- I don't know.
She went to town.
Saw her come back, but she didn't stop at the house.
- I know where she is.
(gentle music)
- Woah...
Is this the right place?
- Yup. This is where the postmaster told us
we can find Rufus Shepherd.
- Looks more like a hunting cabin than the home
of a rich gold miner.
- Let's leave the wagon back here. Something's off.
- Okay.
(knocking at the door) - Mr. Shepherd?
(rain pattering)
- Rufus?
Rufus Shepherd?
Doesn't look like the door has a lock.
We could just go in?
- As an officer of the law,
I need a reason to enter someone's home.
(sighs, suspicious music)
- But I don't.
- Wait-- (horse neighing)
(whispering): Careful!
(dog barking)
- Okay, buddy! (barking)
Okay... It's okay. (chuckling nervously)
Oh, oh! You're a sweetheart! (laughing)
(tense music)
- Mr. Smith.
Got a few questions.
- Oh. You...
you find that man you were looking for?
- Sometimes you don't know what you're looking for
till you find it.
(dramatic music)
(groaning)
(gasping): He's got a knife!
(shouting): Get her! Go, get her!
(panting, grunting)
- Nice guard dog you got there.
- That's no guard dog. Michael...
let me introduce you to Mr. Rufus Shepherd.
(gentle music)
- You're kidding? - Nope.
(laughing)
(sighs)
I'm trying uncle Ray. I'm really trying.
(somber music)
I know you believed in me. I just,
I... Not sure I believe in me.
Wyatt!
- Sorry to intrude. I just uh...
wanted to check on you. I heard about your fall.
- I'm fine.
- Ambrose really appreciated your help.
- He sure speaks well of you.
- Guess you were thinking about his birthday too?
- I was...
- He always liked wild flowers.
- I was thinking about bringing peanuts and putting them out.
Then I realized the racoons would've come and grabbed them.
(both chuckling)
- Good choice.
Don't remember Ray being too fond of the racoons.
(chuckling): No.
(sighs)
Alright. I'll leave you. Sorry to interrupt.
- Could drop Mr. Smith in Franklin.
I know a few officers there.
They'll hold him once I explain the charges.
- I'll go to the Gold Office.
They'll have to approve Sam's claim now.
(barking)
(sighs)
What are we gonna do about Rufus?
Now that his owner is headed for jail?
(barks, whines)
(playful music)
- That's nice.
- You think she'll like it?
- I think she'll like it very much.
- How are you feeling Ruby? No coughs, no sneezes?
- I'm fine. - Mm-hmm.
Why do you think that is?
Why didn't you want to go to the infirmary
with the other children?
- I... I didn't want you to feel bad.
(chuckles)
- You, my dear, are a very sweet girl.
Oh, I appreciate you staying with me.
You'll be relieve to know that all the other children
are making quite a speedy recovery.
In fact, I think they were all enjoying lollipops.
I believe that you may be the only child
who didn't get one of these.
- You knew?
- Mm-hmm. I figured it out.
(chuckles)
(joyful music)
- Who's a good boy? Who's a good boy, Rufus?
- I guess I'll be dropping you and Mr. Shepherd
at the Mountie Office?
- It's just a practical decision, I mean,
a mountie can always use a good dog.
Especially one who senses right from wrong.
- Oh, yeah. I can see how that's a purely professional decision.
Woah...
(melancholic music)
Here we are.
Thanks for your help today.
Sam will be very grateful, I'm sure.
- My pleasure.
Thanks for the ride.
Come on, Rufus! (barking)
- Ruby, Miss Ainsworth.
- Miss Nora, you're back!
- I saw Eleanor hanging up the wash.
She told me the other children are at the infirmary.
What happened? - They're fine.
I think they were just...
What would you say Ruby? Missing Nora, maybe?
(chuckling) - They'll be glad you're home.
- I believe it is time for me to go home.
- What do you mean?
- I mean...
I'm losing touch with what children really need and...
...I don't do well with illness. Real or imagined.
- What about the Children's Bureau?
- I'm gonna ask them to send a replacement if you'd like,
but I don't think you need one.
Delores and Eleanor are such good helpers.
You have an amazing community with nurse Maggie
and that Sam fellow.
(emotional music) And you. Well...
The children love you.
- Miss Nora? I drew this for you. It's our family.
- Oh.... Ruby.
It's beautiful.
Thank you.
(knocking at the door)
- I'm just... trying to catch up.
- About that contract.
(gentle music) - You signed it.
- Seems I've agreed to work for you for one year.
- Can I ask what changed your mind?
- I know how much you meant to your uncle Ray.
It's what he wanted.
- You know what else he would want?
He'd want us to just shake on it.
- That he would.
(knocking on door)
- Hello! - Hello!
- Miss Nora! Look what we made.
- And I helped organize.
- The children have been very helpful.
- I see! Thank you for taking them.
It must be difficult to have so many sick children
to take care of. All at once.
(gentle music)
- The truth is we weren't too sick.
I was just pretending.
- We weren't sick at all. We're sorry.
- Okay.
Where's Charlotte and Wally?
- They got a little tired with all the excitement.
- I see.
Well, children. Mountie Fletcher has a surprise outside.
Thank you both for your help.
- They were a delight. - Yeah, honestly. It was fun.
How did it...
go in Franklin?
- You, my friend,
are the official owner of a gold mine!
(laughing and squealing)
- Thank you! - You're welcome.
- Sam! I'm so happy for you!
Oh, thanks for today.
- It was fun. I love the kids, you're so great with them.
You'd make such a good mother.
Not that I'm assuming you want children with me... with anyone!
I just mean...
- I do want children. Someday.
- Come on, sleepy heads! Time to go!
- Yup. He's my deputy. Mr. Rufus Shepherd.
You can call him Rufus.
- Where did Annie and Steve go?
- Mountie Fletcher gave them a penny
to buy a biscuit from Joe. We're gonna feed it to Rufus.
(chuckling)
- Charlotte, Mountie Fletcher has a new dog
and he's really sweet. You wanna pet him?
- Yes, please! (chuckles)
- There he is.
(joyful music)
- Can I have a French braid tomorrow?
- Of course!
- Can we play hide and seek at home?
- You sure can!
- And can Rufus Shepherd visit us lots?
- He would like that very much.
- I'm glad you're home, Miss Nora.
- I'm glad too, Charlotte.
I'm glad too.
(door opening)
(sighs)
- What's going on?
- Tell her what you told me.
- I counted heads up at the foothills. We're down about 24.
Yearlings and some breeders.
- 24? What kind of animal could do all that?
- Something more dangerous than a cougar or a grizzly.
We're in for real trouble.
(theme song)
Subtitling: difuze