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excitement. Seth made a note of his lack of attention to what might be happening around them.
    â€œNo, I chose to live instead.”
    Andrew sighed in disappointment. “So you just gave them your money.” He turned away and studied the house.
    â€œYes, I gave them my money and all my supplies, too.”
    â€œWhy didn’t you fight them?” Andrew faced him once more. The accusation in his voice caused Seth to pause. It seemed there was more to the question than just curiosity.
    â€œAndrew, there is a time to fight and a time to surrender. Knowing the difference can mean life or death.”
    â€œBut they took all your money and supplies.”
    Seth nodded. “Yes, but they left me with my life. There is no shame in not fighting when the odds are against you.” He laid a hand on the young man’s shoulder. It was obvious that Andrew had either backed down from a fight or had fought and lost.
    â€œMaybe, but I will never let a man take what is mine away.” Andrew straightened his shoulders and stepped away from Seth.
    It was obvious that the boy was hurting, but Seth didn’t think now was the time to confront that hurt. He decided to pray about it instead. “Well, I think I’ll turn in now. Do you need me to spot you for a few minutes? Or will you be all right until Philip relieves you?”
    Andrew’s shoulders drooped. “I’ll be all right. I don’t have much longer to wait now.”
    â€œGood night.” Seth walked away, leaving the young man to his guard duty and his own thoughts. Each boy had a story to tell. He couldn’t help but wonder about Andrew’s.
    In his room, Seth kneeled down beside his bed and prayed. “Lord, please help me as I work with these young men. I know Andrew is hurting. Please help him to overcome his past and look toward a bright new future. And, Lord, if I can be of service to You or him, please show me how. Amen.” He pulled himself up on the side of the bed.
    Working on the Young farm could possibly be more challenging than he’d expected. Seth couldn’t deny that he found Rebecca Young attractive and that made him cautious to even explore thoughts on the matter. How could a man, in such a short time, feel so strong a connection to another person? He could almost guess her next words and he read the expressions on her face and in her eyes so easily. Yet, when it came to the workings of her mind, she seemed to guard herself carefully. And that made him want to keep himself separated from Rebecca and the rest of her family, but, on the other hand, he also felt as if he wanted to jump in with both feet and help them in any way he could. But in doing so, would he regret the outcome?

Chapter Six
    R ebecca peered out the window, tongue-tied in surprise as the stage sloshed through the rain puddles in her front yard. What on earth was it doing here? The stage never passed this way. She stepped out onto the front porch.
    Seth dashed from the bunkhouse, trying to avoid the tracks made from the wheels. He pulled off his hat and arched a brow at her as he bounded up onto the porch. “I didn’t think the stage stopped here,” he said in way of greeting.
    â€œIt doesn’t,” Rebecca answered, watching as the stage came to a complete stop.
    The driver jumped from his seat up top. Water and mud splashed around his already soaked pant legs as he hurried to open the door in the pouring rain.
    Rebecca watched as a tall, thin, mustached man with graying hair descended the coach steps. He carried a briefcase and his boots shone like oiled lanterns. Rebecca almost cringed as he stepped from the last rung directly into the mud. Mr. James Bromley, one of the Pony Express division superintendents, had graced them with his presence.
    She whispered to Seth, “Were you expecting him today?”
    â€œNo, I was not,” he said with quiet emphasis. “I can only assume he’s here to check