Smokey Joe pulled the stage horses to a stop at the B Bar S Ranch. “Howdy, Buffalo. Shorty around?” “Yeah, in the barn rubbing down Dunnie. Looks like these horses need the same thing.” “Yeah, I’s runnin’ late an’ shor had to push um.” As they unhitched the horses, Shorty walked out. “Howdy, Smokey, how was yore trip?” “Hot an’ dusty. Got ah wire here for you.” “What does it say?” “I don’t read other folk’s mail. But yer in for ah long trip. I mean if yer ah mind to.” The letter read, ‘Shorty, I sure have a need for your help. A young friend of mine seems to have gotten himself into deep trouble and I have no idea how to help him. I thought if you wasn’t too busy, you would lend a hand. Signed, your friend, Robert Gentry.