You see a lot of strange things in the Rockies. But Pontifex was really taken aback by a rider leading a second horse. On that horse was a beautiful woman gagged and with her hands tied behind her back. Pontifex had enough trouble. He was wanted for murder and robbery, his ranch had been stolen and if he showed his face in town he was likely to be shot on sight not to mention the rider leading the woman's horse was a notorious gunslinger. This was not the time to take on extra troubles. But fools rush in where angels fear to tread.