When Hope Calls (2019) s02e07 Episode Script

(NARRATOR): Previously
on When Hope Calls
- How's the wound?
- Right as rain. How's Jenny?
She seems really eager to please.
Enjoy it while you can.
I'm afraid it raises more
questions than it answers.
Now is not the time to
start spending your gold.
What gold?
- 26.
- 27!
No, no. Stop the auction.
The Lawrence Ranch is not for
sale. This auction is over.
Will you stay on? Same
name, nothing changes.
Except your uncle's an actual rancher.
Is that a yes?
You're not named Jenny?
My real name is Delores.
We'll all miss you.
I will miss you all too.
But we can offer you
room and board in exchange
for your help here.
Thank you
(GENTLE THEME MUSIC)
(GENTLE MUSIC)
- (RESTAURANT DIN)
- Nora. Morning.
Thank you.
Ah, breakfast's still on me, of course.
Gotta get used to picking up the tab.
Yes about that.
I have a telegram here
from the Gold Office.
So? Am I officially a rich man?
I'm afraid not.
- (SOMBER MUSIC)
- What? What do you mean?
(SIGHS) They denied your claim.
Another prospector says he
worked the land before you.
No, that can't be right.
They say the claim predates yours.
No one else worked that land.
I gotta go to Franklin. I
gotta talk to the Gold Office.
I gotta set them straight!
I don't think that that's the best idea.
This is the kind of thing
you have to do in person.
I agree. I'll go tomorrow
as your legal representative.
Okay. Thanks, but I'm going with you.
Honestly, in my experience,
I get the best results alone.
(SIGHS)
I will do the very
best I can for you, Sam.
Do you trust me?
I guess yes.
Thanks.
Here we are.
Sorry, Ronnie. Think I lost my appetite.
You're not planning on
skipping out on me, are you?
I'll take the breakfast. And cover it.
Oh, very well. Enjoy.
Thank you.
Thank you
- So? Headed to Franklin tomorrow?
- Uh
Yes, I am.
As it happens, I have to
go to Franklin this week.
Mountie business.
Might I accompany you?
That'd be nice. If you're
sure it's convenient.
I'm thinking there might be rattlesnakes
between here and Franklin.
You never know.
Better to be safe than sorry, I suppose.
Does 9:00 sound good?
Sounds great.
(JOYFUL MUSIC)
Thank you.
(COWS MOOING)
We've got a stray.
I've got it.
Come on.
Come on. Hey?
Ambrose.
Hey, Ambrose! I said I've got it.
(SIGHING) Hey.
(SIGHS HEAVILY)
(COWS MOOING)
(GENTLE MUSIC)
You're undermining my
authority with the ranch hands.
That was not my intent.
I might be a little rusty,
but I could've gotten that cow.
I've worked this ranch before.
What?
Worked? Really?
I came here every summer for years.
My uncle Ray put me to work.
Yeah. The thing is
your uncle didn't really
put you to work. I'm sure
he was just humoring you.
Excuse me?
- That came out wrong.
- Well, you're right about that.
Talking's not my strong suit.
The Lawrence Ranch was here
before you were the foreman
and it'll be here
long after you're gone.
- (SOMBER MUSIC)
- That's very true.
Hey Ken! Seen any more
wolves out at your place?
- Glad to say I haven't.
- Why? What's going on?
Just down a few head.
If it's not wolves
Maybe something else.
Last year, we had some
cougars coming through.
(SIGHING): Yeah. Maybe.
Wouldn't want to be in your
shoes when Tess comes home,
finds too many cattle missing.
(TENSE MUSIC)
Ready to sign, Miss Lawrence?
It's the standard contract
the bank issues all ranchers.
Everyone needs a line of
credit this time of year.
My St. Louis lawyer says
not to sign something
unless I've read every word.
Wise advice. When you've
looked it over, you can sign,
and the money is yours for a year.
- (PLAYFUL MUSIC)
- Page four, section 13b
(SIGHING): Yes. I see the
clause about your foreman.
It says: "if the ranch is
run without Wyatt Parker
or another bank approved
foreman you can foreclose."
That's right.
Is that standard as well?
I was advised that in your
particular situation the
bank needed this clause.
In my particular situation?
I admire your initiative in
taking on your uncle's ranch.
I do. But you must acknowledge
that you're not a standard rancher.
Our other clients have been running
their ranches for a long time.
I'm a quick learner.
I see that besides the ranch,
your only collateral is a dress boutique
- in St. Louis. Is that correct?
- Yes. That's my other business.
So you're asking me to
give money to a new rancher
who is distracted by another business,
and whose main focus
is designing dresses?
I can do both.
I'm afraid that we need
someone running your ranch
who knows what's what.
I see
Excellent.
I'm not comfortable with this contract.
The way it's written,
if Wyatt Parker decides
he doesn't want to
work for me or takes off
for any reason at all,
I could lose my uncle's ranch.
I have to think about this.
Unfortunately, we can't move
forward without that clause.
(SIGHING): I see.
(SOMBER MUSIC)
(PEN SQUEAKING)
(COWS MOOING)
You're not happy, boss?
(SIGHING): Not sure.
I need you to go up the
foothills to the south pasture
and do a rough count
of the cattle up there.
Want me to go too, boss?
Nope. Me and you have
fence post to tend to.
(SHOUTING): Ten
nine eight seven
(WHISPERING): Don't
say where I'm hiding!
(WHISPERING): I won't.
- (BOY SHOUTING): Five four
- Hey, Nora.
- (BOY): three two one!
- Sorry, I hate to interrupt.
I was hoping to have
a legal consultation.
(SHOUTING): Ready or not! Here I come!
Sure. We'll pick this
up later, children!
- (CHUCKLING): Thank you.
- Of course!
Okay, we'll play later, Miss Nora.
- But you're it!
- Hey!
(CHUCKLING) Come on.
- Thank you, thank you so much.
- Of course.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
Sam!
What's wrong?
- (GULPS)
- You're busy
I've always got time for you.
My gold claim got rejected.
Someone else said he was there first.
Nora's gonna try and
sort it out in Franklin.
Oh, I'm sorry but Nora
seems like a really good lawyer.
At first I couldn't
believe I might be rich.
Now I can't believe I might not be.
Well, let's see what Nora can do.
What if it turns out that I'm just
Sam the handyman again?
- (ROMANTIC MUSIC)
- Well, I happen to be rather
fond of Sam the handyman.
(CHUCKLES)
(SIGHING, DOOR SHUTS)
You wanted to see me?
There was a little wrinkle
in my loan application.
I found a way we can make it work.
Yeah?
I had Nora draw up a year-long
employee contract for you to sign.
Guarantees you your
position as foreman. Gives me
the insurance that you
won't leave me high and dry.
This way, I can sign the
bank loan and we're all happy.
Hmm. Earlier you implied
I was pretty irrelevant.
(SOMBER MUSIC)
I never used that word.
You're important here.
So important that I wanted
to guarantee you your job
for at least a year.
So if you could sign at the bottom.
(SNIFFS)
Go ahead. Read it all the way through.
- (CLEARING THROAT)
- You know what? No need.
Great. Then just sign here.
Yeah, I don't think so.
What? Why?
Never signed anything with your uncle.
Never had a lawyer draft up
a contract. We shook hands.
That was good enough for us.
Wait.
If you don't sign,
then I'm not comfortable
with the loan conditions.
And without that money, we
can't keep the ranch going.
At least, think about it.
(SIGHS)
(JOYFUL MUSIC)
What's the lady's name again?
Her name is Miss Ainsworth.
Miss Lillian asked the Children's Bureau
to send someone to
help while she's away.
Maybe this lady likes to
bake cookies and play catch.
Oh, I think that's her.
Are you Miss Ainsworth?
Yes, I am, young man.
I'm Nora Anderson.
I'm so sorry we weren't
there to meet you
when the stage coach arrived.
We were an hour early, so I understand.
May I carry your bag for you?
That's very kind of you.
(GRUNTING) Oh. Maybe I should carry it
and when I need a rest,
you can help me out.
(CHUCKLING): That'd be good. I'm Wally.
Very pleased to meet you, Wally.
- Thank you for coming.
- Oh, of course.
Now we can go get Miss
Debbie's cherry tarts.
They're really good.
I'm sure they are.
Nevertheless, it's too early for sweets.
And I imagine there are chores waiting.
Miss Ainsworth's right.
- Right this way.
- (GENTLE MUSIC)
Woah
- What's going on, miss?
- Missing a few head.
Wondering if you've had any problems?
Got Fenton over in the
south pasture right now,
doing a head count.
We may have lost a few more than usual.
Wanna go check it out with me?
I'd like to get an answer before
Tess comes back from Cape Fullerton.
Hi. You must be Hannah
Lawrence. I'm Lucy Clay.
Nice to meet you. Tom Clay's daughter?
That's right.
I remember seeing you
a few times in town
when I visited my uncle.
Ray was a good man. I'm
very sorry for your loss.
Thank you.
Would you like to come in for a coffee?
I'd love to. But I actually came over,
hoping to borrow your foreman here.
And why is that?
I'm Tess Stewart's foreman
now, and We think we might
have a problem with a predator.
Oh. I didn't know.
Wyatt over here is probably
too modest to tell you, but
he's the very best tracker around.
I was hoping he could help me out.
Of course.
I'd love for a rain check
on that coffee though.
Absolutely.
Thanks for lending me Wyatt.
Ready?
Let's go.
(ADVENTUROUS MUSIC, HORSES GALLOPING)
Goodbye, Charlotte.
Bye Miss Nora.
I'll see you tonight, have a nice day!
(CLICKS TONGUE)
You smell good.
Oh, thank you! That is my French scent.
Parfum de Jonquils.
(CHUCKLING)
Oh! I forgot to ask
Miss Nora to do my hair.
If you wear a French scent,
can you make a French braid?
Oh. We do have to get
going with our day, dear.
I'll give you a nice, quick,
tidy ponytail instead. Mm-hmm?
Oh okay.
(JOYFUL MUSIC)
I don't think we've
met. I'm Miss Ainsworth.
- Hi. My name is Delores.
- You work here?
In exchange for room and board.
Did you make these lovely sandwiches?
I did. It's laundry day for Eleanor,
so I made lunch. (CHUCKLING)
They look scrumptious. Shall we?
I cut off the crust just how you like.
Oh. Seems like a waste
of good bread to me.
Well, it's the little things
that make this place a home.
- (SNEEZING)
- Oh! Bless you.
Delores makes the best sandwiches!
- (PLAYFUL MUSIC)
- I'm sure she does,
but manners, please. We must
finish eating before we speak.
I told him that before.
After lunch, we can show
you the doll Delores made me.
And finish our ball game.
Well, we'll see. We must
finish our chores first.
And have some vegetables.
They will help you grow big and strong.
- (SNEEZING)
- Oh. Another sneeze.
Doesn't sound good.
I'm fine. I think.
Maybe it's just the funny smell in here.
- (SNEEZING)
- Oh. Delores?
Where is your cod liver oil?
I believe Steven here is
in need of a good dose.
(FOOTSTEPS RECEDING)
(PLAYFUL MUSIC)
So what takes you to Franklin?
Going to give a deposition.
On one of your former cases?
A lawyer is trying to get a
bad guy off on a technicality.
My deposition should put him in prison.
Does that offend you?
Not at all. If that's
where you think he belongs.
You're not rooting for the accused?
Not if they're guilty.
Think you can help Sam?
(SIGHING): I'm gonna try.
(DOOR OPENS)
Oh, hello! You must be Miss Ainsworth.
I'm nurse Maggie. Nora told
me you'd be helping out.
Pleased to meet you.
- You feeling okay, Steven?
- I'm afraid he's not.
He has been sneezing since I came.
Of course, I had him wash up
with a strong disinfectant.
(PLAYFUL MUSIC)
- Oh. I see you did.
- She did.
I gave him a good dose of cod liver oil
and cooked up some nettle soup.
I see you gave him nettle soup.
She did.
But he is still sneezing,
so I thought I'd better bring him in.
Mm-hmm. Alright,
Steven. Let's take a seat
and we'll have a look.
Okay. Put this under your
tongue. Thank you. Mouth closed.
Let me check your pulse.
Hm?
Everything seems alright. Maybe
just take it easy for the day?
Alright. Steven? Let's head back.
Oh
But perhaps he's a trifle warm?
I don't think he has a fever.
It may be old fashioned,
but you know, my parents
swore by leeches.
You know what? Maybe I
should keep an eye on him
because we wouldn't want him
to infect everyone at the orphanage.
- Oh, yes. Perhaps a good idea.
- Yeah.
Definitely a good idea.
- Unless you're feeling better?
- (FAKE SNEEZING)
Okay. Thank you Miss Ainsworth.
(MUFFLED): Mm-hmm.
- (KNOCKING AT THE DOOR)
- Come in.
Sorry, ma'am.
Wondered if you knew
where I might find Wyatt?
He had to head out.
What can I help you with?
Oh. Nothing, ma'am.
It's just Fenton's
still up in the foothills
and there's a lot of
chores to get through.
- Oh, I can help!
- No, ma'am!
I got chores in the corral, in the barn.
You'd get all dirty
You worked for my uncle, right?
Sure did. Good man.
You think Ray Lawrence would
let his niece spend summers here
without pitching in with chores?
No. That doesn't sound like Ray at all.
He'd expect you to do your share.
- (CHUCKLING)
- Exactly.
I may need some reminders, but
I'm not afraid of hard work.
(SIGHS)
- (GENTLE MUSIC)
- Okay.
Thank you.
We've brushed your shoes
clean, we've let the polish dry.
I will show you how to buff
them into a lovely shine.
Art, if you would be so kind
as to hold the shoe down for me.
I'll show you how to
buff them correctly.
(SIGHING): See how nice
that's starting to look?
Let's see you finish it up.
Wally can hold the shoe for you.
Then maybe we can play?
Of course! You can play
for 25 minutes after chores.
(SIGHING)
Okay, I'm done. I can
do the other one now.
(CHUCKLING): Well, let's see.
You're off to a nice start,
but I do believe you've
missed a few spots.
You want the whole shoe to shine.
(PLAYFUL MUSIC)
And when Steven feels better,
you can teach him how to
polish his shoes perfectly.
I would, but I think maybe (COUGHING)
Maybe I'm catching what Steve has.
Oh, dear. You do sound ill.
Should I go to the infirmary?
You know, that might be wise.
I could try the cod liver oil.
(GROANING)
Or I could just take
you to the infirmary
before you infect anyone else.
The infirmary's probably safest.
Mm-hmm.
(COUGHING)
Oh, ma'am. I can do the rest.
No, you're tired too.
I'll help finish this up.
Thank you, ma'am. You're
okay climbing up there?
I'm fine.
I'm not gonna lie, I'm
not fond of heights.
I'm happy to help.
I might not be as strong
as you, but I can climb.
Sure do appreciate that.
Would also appreciate
it if you didn't mention
any of this to the boss?
I mean the other boss.
Won't say a word.
So the other boss Wyatt.
How is he to work for?
He's one of the finest men
I know. Not saying he's easy.
Tough, but fair. Loyal. He's the best.
That's that's good to know.
Yeah, couldn't ask for a better foreman.
I mean, he'd certainly give
me the what for if he knew
I let you do all those chores
and climb up there, but
(SCREAMING)
Glad to know you're
so good with heights.
(GROANING)
(GENTLE MUSIC)
Upon my review, I found a
claim by one Rufus Shepherd
predated your client's
application by six months.
I'd like to review this competing claim.
I can't just open my books
to anyone who walks through the door.
I'm a lawyer.
Then go to court.
But I'll tell you the
determinations of our office
have never been reversed.
There's a first time for everything.
(KNOCKING AT THE DOOR)
Excuse me for just a moment.
(CURIOUS MUSIC, INDISTINCT CHATTER)
I'm sorry. My supervisor
is in Clearwater.
He'll be back tomorrow.
I'm sorry I couldn't be more help.
If you'll excuse me.
Of course. Thank you.
(CHILDREN LAUGHING, JOYFUL MUSIC)
Um hello.
- Sorry!
- (CHUCKLING): That's okay.
- Are you okay?
- I am.
But what is going on
here? Children all sick?
(GRUNTING): Not exactly.
It's a long story.
I'm helping Miss Maggie organize.
I can see that.
Are you feeling sick, Sam?
Not sick, but a little on edge.
- Why?
- I'm waiting for news
and I'm not too good at waiting.
(CHUCKLING): Neither are Steve or Art.
(CHUCKLING)
You know what calms me down though?
Having something to do.
Maybe I can help out here.
That would be great. Yes, please.
(CHILDREN LAUGHING)
(SIGHS)
(GENTLE MUSIC)
- (COWS MOOING)
- Woah.
What is it?
Could be a grizzly
could be a big one.
Hope not. (SIGHS)
Last time I ran into a grizzly,
I was a kid on my dad's ranch.
Heard your pa didn't take too
kindly for you working for Tess.
I didn't get a choice really.
My brother's getting the Clay ranch.
What about you? You know,
I've known you for a long time.
I don't think I've ever heard
you talking about your folks.
(GENTLE GUITAR STRUMMING)
- (SIGHS)
- Not much to tell.
When did you see them last?
Left when I was 17, went to
the rodeo, never looked back.
You haven't been home since you were 17?
Nope.
Guess Ray was kind of your
family for the last while.
Huh?
Yeah
guess he was.
How did the deposition go?
Good. That man's going
to jail where he belongs.
And the claim?
(SIGHING): Something's off.
The other miner, Rufus Shepherd?
He's got three claims at
the Gold Office right now.
Doesn't that seem suspicious?
Might be.
How'd you find that out?
I saw the files on the clerk's desk,
but he wouldn't let me
take a look inside them.
I'd love to know where
Mr. Shepherd's mines are
Investigative work. Right up my alley.
Sounds like we better go
back and check this out.
But the clerk said I couldn't
take a look at the files.
Right. But I have a plan.
I like a man with a plan.
(JOYFUL MUSIC, CHILDREN LAUGHING)
My turn!
You've got your hands full today.
I do. But Sam's been a big help.
- (INHALING SHARPLY)
- I bet that hurts.
I landed on my backside,
and the rung hit my knee.
More evidence for Wyatt that
I don't know how to be a rancher.
Well, it's not your
fault the ladder broke.
I guess, it's just that Wyatt's not
keen on working for me
and without his commitment,
I don't know if I can keep the ranch.
I get why you want
him to sign a contract,
but you know, Brookfield
is more just trust.
I trust Wyatt.
Doesn't mean I'm ready to risk the ranch
on whether he wants
to hang around or not.
You know, I didn't know
your uncle very well,
but I do know that he
trusted Wyatt completely.
(SOMBER PIANO MUSIC)
It's my uncle's 68th birthday today.
I was gonna come up
here and surprise him.
I had it all planned out. (CHUCKLING)
But
I'm so sorry, Hannah.
I don't know what else I
can tell you, Miss Anderson.
I need more information
about the other claimant.
It's only fair to my client.
My dear I simply cannot help you.
- (SIGHING): I understand.
- I'm glad.
Which is why I'd like to
follow up with your supervisor.
Oh
I'm afraid my supervisor
will not be available
until tomorrow. I assure you,
you will get the same response from him.
- Nonetheless
- (KNOCKING AT THE DOOR)
Constable?
- May I help you?
- Name's Fletcher. You are?
- (PLAYFUL MUSIC)
- Henry. Henry Smith.
There's been an incident.
I can't tell you much.
As a fellow civil servant,
I hope you understand
- the need for confidentiality.
- Of course.
- (PAPER CRINKLING)
- This is a rough likeness,
obtained by a witness
at a local teahouse.
This person is dangerous and
was last seen in this vicinity.
- May I?
- Yes. Look carefully.
Have you seen this man?
I don't think so.
Look again. It's important.
Take your time.
(CLEARING THROAT)
Sorry.
- You're busy Mr. Smith.
- Thank you. Mountie.
Rufus Shepherd has
claims in all three areas.
And within months of each other.
How can he work in all those
places at once? Something's off.
Did you get an address?
It's the same post office
box for all three claims.
That's odd.
Time to pay a visit
to this Rufus Shepherd.
(JOYFUL MUSIC)
Here comes Miss Ainsworth!
Everybody on the cots!
Lollipops, please!
Hello nurse. I thought
I'd better come and see
how the children are doing.
Hi. I'm Sam Tremblay.
The local handyman.
It's a pleasure. I'm Miss Ainsworth.
How are they?
They're actually they're
doing surprisingly well.
Excellent! Perhaps well enough
to come back to the orphanage?
(COUGHING AND SNEEZING)
Maybe not that well. (CHUCKING)
May I?
Of course.
Hello children. How are you?
- Better.
- But still sick.
Oh, yes. Still very sick.
I think we should stay here. For now.
Mm-hmm. You all do
look a little flushed.
When she returns,
I'll let Miss Nora know
that you're on the mend.
Mm.
Nurse Maggie, Sam. You seem
to have things under control.
I will leave the children
in your capable hands.
That's quite the sweet
tooth you have there, huh, Sam?
(DOOR CLOSES)
Ta-ra.
(EXHALING LOUDLY)
Huh. Do I even wanna know what happened?
Oh
Miss Lawrence. There
was a little accident.
Hannah? She okay?
She was cut. More like a scratch really!
It was her idea, boss.
She insisted on going up!
What was she even doing here?
Well, you were with Lucy
and Fenton's still up on the foothills.
So you asked Miss Lawrence
to help you do your job?
She was set on helping.
Boss, really! I couldn't stop her!
She helped me do all kinds of chores.
She really is a hard
worker, that one. No quitter.
Where is she?
I don't know.
She went to town.
Saw her come back, but she
didn't stop at the house.
I know where she is.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
Woah
Is this the right place?
Yup. This is where
the postmaster told us
we can find Rufus Shepherd.
Looks more like a hunting
cabin than the home
of a rich gold miner.
Let's leave the wagon
back here. Something's off.
Okay.
- (KNOCKING AT THE DOOR)
- Mr. Shepherd?
(RAIN PATTERING)
Rufus?
Rufus Shepherd?
Doesn't look like the door has a lock.
We could just go in?
As an officer of the law,
I need a reason to enter someone's home.
(SIGHS, SUSPICIOUS MUSIC)
But I don't.
Wait (HORSE NEIGHING)
(WHISPERING): Careful!
(DOG BARKING)
- Okay, buddy!
- (BARKING)
Okay It's okay. (CHUCKLING NERVOUSLY)
Oh, oh! You're a sweetheart! (LAUGHING)
(TENSE MUSIC)
Mr. Smith.
Got a few questions.
Oh. You
you find that man you were looking for?
Sometimes you don't know what
you're looking for till you find it.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC)
(GROANING)
(GASPING): He's got a knife!
(SHOUTING): Get her! Go, get her!
(PANTING, GRUNTING)
Nice guard dog you got there.
That's no guard dog. Michael
let me introduce you
to Mr. Rufus Shepherd.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
- You're kidding?
- Nope.
(LAUGHING)
(SIGHS)
I'm trying uncle Ray. I'm really trying.
(SOMBER MUSIC)
I know you believed in me. I just,
I Not sure I believe in me.
Wyatt!
Sorry to intrude. I just uh
wanted to check on you.
I heard about your fall.
I'm fine.
Ambrose really appreciated your help.
He sure speaks well of you.
Guess you were thinking
about his birthday too?
I was
He always liked wild flowers.
I was thinking about bringing
peanuts and putting them out.
Then I realized the racoons
would've come and grabbed them.
(BOTH CHUCKLING)
Good choice.
Don't remember Ray being
too fond of the racoons.
(CHUCKLING): No.
(SIGHS)
Alright. I'll leave
you. Sorry to interrupt.
Could drop Mr. Smith in Franklin.
I know a few officers there.
They'll hold him once
I explain the charges.
I'll go to the Gold Office.
They'll have to approve Sam's claim now.
(BARKING)
(SIGHS)
What are we gonna do about Rufus?
Now that his owner is headed for jail?
(BARKS, WHINES)
(PLAYFUL MUSIC)
That's nice.
You think she'll like it?
I think she'll like it very much.
How are you feeling Ruby?
No coughs, no sneezes?
- I'm fine.
- Mm-hmm.
Why do you think that is?
Why didn't you want
to go to the infirmary
with the other children?
I I didn't want you to feel bad.
(CHUCKLES)
You, my dear, are a very sweet girl.
Oh, I appreciate you staying with me.
You'll be relieve to know
that all the other children
are making quite a speedy recovery.
In fact, I think they were
all enjoying lollipops.
I believe that you may be the only child
who didn't get one of these.
You knew?
Mm-hmm. I figured it out.
(CHUCKLES)
(JOYFUL MUSIC)
Who's a good boy?
Who's a good boy, Rufus?
I guess I'll be dropping you and
Mr. Shepherd at the Mountie Office?
It's just a practical decision, I mean,
a mountie can always use a good dog.
Especially one who
senses right from wrong.
Oh, yeah. I can see how that's
a purely professional decision.
Woah
(MELANCHOLIC MUSIC)
Here we are.
Thanks for your help today.
Sam will be very grateful, I'm sure.
My pleasure.
Thanks for the ride.
- Come on, Rufus!
- (BARKING)
Ruby, Miss Ainsworth.
Miss Nora, you're back!
I saw Eleanor hanging up the wash.
She told me the other
children are at the infirmary.
- What happened?
- They're fine.
I think they were just
What would you say Ruby?
Missing Nora, maybe?
- (CHUCKLING)
- They'll be glad you're home.
I believe it is time for me to go home.
What do you mean?
I mean
I'm losing touch with what
children really need and
I don't do well with
illness. Real or imagined.
What about the Children's Bureau?
I'm gonna ask them to send
a replacement if you'd like,
but I don't think you need one.
Delores and Eleanor
are such good helpers.
You have an amazing
community with nurse Maggie
and that Sam fellow.
- (EMOTIONAL MUSIC)
- And you. Well
The children love you.
Miss Nora? I drew this
for you. It's our family.
Oh Ruby.
It's beautiful.
Thank you.
(KNOCKING AT THE DOOR)
I'm just trying to catch up.
About that contract.
- (GENTLE MUSIC)
- You signed it.
Seems I've agreed to
work for you for one year.
Can I ask what changed your mind?
I know how much you
meant to your uncle Ray.
It's what he wanted.
You know what else he would want?
He'd want us to just shake on it.
That he would.
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
- Hello!
- Hello!
Miss Nora! Look what we made.
And I helped organize.
The children have been very helpful.
I see! Thank you for taking them.
It must be difficult to
have so many sick children
to take care of. All at once.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
The truth is we weren't too sick.
I was just pretending.
We weren't sick at all. We're sorry.
Okay.
Where's Charlotte and Wally?
They got a little tired
with all the excitement.
I see.
Well, children. Mountie
Fletcher has a surprise outside.
Thank you both for your help.
- They were a delight.
- Yeah, honestly. It was fun.
How did it
go in Franklin?
You, my friend,
are the official owner of a gold mine!
(LAUGHING AND SQUEALING)
- Thank you!
- You're welcome.
Sam! I'm so happy for you!
Oh, thanks for today.
It was fun. I love the kids,
you're so great with them.
You'd make such a good mother.
Not that I'm assuming you want
children with me with anyone!
I just mean
I do want children. Someday.
Come on, sleepy heads! Time to go!
Yup. He's my deputy. Mr. Rufus Shepherd.
You can call him Rufus.
Where did Annie and Steve go?
Mountie Fletcher gave them a penny
to buy a biscuit from Joe.
We're gonna feed it to Rufus.
(CHUCKLING)
Charlotte, Mountie
Fletcher has a new dog
and he's really sweet.
You wanna pet him?
- Yes, please!
- (CHUCKLES)
There he is.
(JOYFUL MUSIC)
Can I have a French braid tomorrow?
Of course!
Can we play hide and seek at home?
You sure can!
And can Rufus Shepherd visit us lots?
He would like that very much.
I'm glad you're home, Miss Nora.
I'm glad too, Charlotte.
I'm glad too.
(DOOR OPENING)
(SIGHS)
What's going on?
Tell her what you told me.
I counted heads up at the
foothills. We're down about 24.
Yearlings and some breeders.
24? What kind of animal
could do all that?
Something more dangerous
than a cougar or a grizzly.
We're in for real trouble.
(THEME SONG)