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Dawn came sooner than expected, bringing with her gleaming rays the yawns and stretches of two sluggish awakenings. A brief knock at the bunkhouse door wooke them up a little. It was Marshall Cain and station cook Emma Shannon. Cain was the first to greet them. The riders thanked Emma. "Don't forget to say grace," she replied, leaving the bunkhouse. Marshall Cain turned to follow her. Jimmy Hickok and the "Kid" ate their breakfast and dressed. Marshall Cain met them outside with their horses already saddled and packed. As Emma came up to the Marshall, he already knew what was on her mind.
"Ugh, my head," complained Hickok still half asleep.
"Shouldn't have stayed up so late swapping stories with the Marhsll," said the rider known simply as Kid, equally cranky.
"Morning, Kid."
"Morning, Marshall."
"Morning, Jimmy."
"Is it? I just got to sleep an hour ago," Jimmy groaned. Somebody in another bunk continued to snore. Marshall Cain gave Emma a look. Emma held out two plates of breakfast.
"Here you go boys. Eat up and get dressed. Remember it's an honor to be deputized."
"Marshall, aren't you eating?" Kid asked.
"Already ate," the Marshall replied. "Just waiting for the two of you so hurry up. We've got a lot of ground to cover."
"We should be back before sundown if everything goes alright. I'll take care of the boys."
"Who's gonna take care of YOU?"
"I'll be fine."
"Be careful, Sam."
"You know I will." And with that, Marshall Cain set out with the riders. Their goal was to find solid evidence against a band of clever outlaws known as the Thorn gang and bring them to justice. A successful capture would ensure the safety of the town for yet another day. Jimmy and Kid figured it would also make for a great story to amuse their fellow riders at the supper table.
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