Daniel rode his horse to the ehhaustion point. He tied the panting beast next to the watering trough and ran into the sheriff's office. Sheriff Mike Bax was busy sorting through old wanted posters when Daniel burst in. It's Ellen and Laura! They've been murdered! Sheriff Bax jumped to his feet. Calm down Daniel; tell me again what happened and slow down. Daniel took a deep breath and told him how he found his familywhen he got  home. Sheriff Bax opened the door and hollered for his deputy. Form up a posse now! We have a killing on our hands! All the townspeople in earshot heard the sheriff's order and came running to his office. Moments later a small mob formed in front of his office. Sheriff Bax opened a desk drawer and took out a bottle of whiskey. He poured out a drink and handed it to Daniel. Here, sit down and have a drink while I go out and run this mob off. Pastor Moore was attempting to push his way through the crowd. Let me through, he shouted! He managed to make his way to the porch when Sheriff Bax came out. Pastor, it's Daniel's wife and daughter. They've been murdered. Go in and see if you can find any thing else out while I tend this crowd. Daniel was sitting when Pastor Moore came in. He pulled up a chair next to Daniel and asked him what happened. Daniel slowly told him how he came home and found Ellen and Laura. Pastor Moore sat and listened, a knot forming in his stomach. Sheriff Bax came back in his office. We're rounding up every able bodied man and will be riding in half a hour. Mike, you have to hear Daniel's story. Pastor Moore repeated what Daniel had told him. Sheriff Bax shook his head in disbelief. I know the Murphy brothers were worthless, but I never thought they would stoop to something so low! I'll find those worthless bastards and bring them back! They'll hang for sure! Pastor, look out for Daniel while I'm gone. I deputized Joe the blacksmith and he'll be taking my place while we're out hunting those low-life's. Unlocking the gun rack he took out a Winchester and grabbed two boxes of cartridges. I'm kind of hoping they won't surrender. I'd just as much shoot them down for this. Take care, I'll be back in a few days. After Sheriff Bax left, Pastor Moore turned to Daniel. Why don't you wait here and I'll go over to the undertakers. Daniel just nodded his head without speaking. Daniel could hear the hushed voices outside the office. Reaching over to the desk he grabbed the whiskey bottle and poured another drink. Several thoughts raced through his mind. He sat there thinking when the door opened. I have everything taken care of Pastor Moore said. Why don't you come home with me tonight? I have a nice guest room and you know you are more than welcome to stay with Mrs. Moore and me as long as you like. No, I appreciate your offer, but I think I'll stay at the hotel for a couple of days instead. I want to be in town when the sheriff gets back. Besides, I want... his voice growing soft, to be here for the funeral. I understand, Pastor Moore said. I'm going to cancel tomorrow's events in light of what happened. Daniel shook his head 'no'. Ellen and Laura always looked forward to the Church social so much. I don't want it cancelled. I'd like it to be dedicated to them instead. Of course, Pastor Moore said. It would be only fitting. I'll see you at the service tomorrow then? Daniel shook his head 'yes' slowly and Pastor Moore turned and left. Sitting alone in the sheriff's office Daniel began sobbing. All that he loved had been taken away from him.