EPISODE CIII - NO DON PEDRO, ELLA ES SUSANNA, YO SOY CHRISTINA



Reed and Lt. Scott rejoined their small party inside the saloon.

"We'll be getting reinforcements soon.", he said turning his gaze to Sgt. Stauch, "your men, Sergeant."

Stauch nodded, clearly approving of the commander's choice, but still looked troubled.  "That still leaves us a little short handed, sir."

"I've already thought of that.", Reed replied, glancing up as the Doody entered the establishment, "and I think it's time to inform the Sheriff of our plans."

Doody ambled over, thumbs jammed into his belt, a confused expression on his face.  "Well boys", he began, "I reckoned y'all woulda left town by now."  He spat near a brass jug stationed in the corner.  "Guess this means yer stayin', eh?"

"Yes we are, Sheriff", Reed admitted.  "In fact", he continued, "we've sent for a few more men."

Doody nodded.  "That's probably a good thing, Marshall, 'cept it still might not be enough."

"I'm glad you agree, Sheriff", Reed replied, "because I have a proposition for you."

The sheriff beamed.  "Well that's mighty neighborly of 'ya, Marshall.", Doody exclaimed, having confused Reed's verbiage for an offer of paid companionship.

"This 'Minnesota Tex' ", Reed explained, "is not just our problem.  It seems to me that this is your community's problem as well."

Doody's face skewed up in confusion.  "I don't quite foller ya', Marshall."

Reed continued.  "Tex has been bleeding this town for some time, from what you explained to me earlier.  Correct?"

Doody nodded.  "I reckon."

"And previously, you've had no means to effectively deal with his aggressions, right?"

The sheriff chewed over the unfamiliar words for a moment before replying, "I reckon that's key-rect, too."

"Then I propose a joint effort between our people", Reed explained, "in an effort to wrest the power from Tex's grasp."

The sheriff eyed them intently, but did not reply.  Reed assumed Doody would counter his offer with another, or simply refuse to help, but was unsure how to read the sheriff's silence.

After several seconds, Broski leaned forward.  "We want you", he began loudly, using his hands expressively, "and your town, to help us take out Minnesota Tex."

"Oh!", Doody exclaimed, "is that all?"  "Well", he said, running a hand over his bushy mustache.  "I reckon we can help ya'."

Reed leaned forward in his chair and smiled.  "Well, here's the plan..."