- The Seven help an elderly rancher and her niece against a land baron trying to drive them off their property.
- An elderly woman and her pretty niece ask the Seven for help when a cattle baron tries to force them off their land. Chris learns that the land grabber has run off or killed the small ranchers along a stretch of land that could become a railroad right-of-way and who uses any means at his disposal to obtain the land, including hiring a murderous one-eyed marshal who holds a long-standing grudge against Chris.—David Bassler
- Cattle baron Guy Royal systematically chases small farmers, forcing them to sell for peanuts and even adding 'presents' he hand-picks, which the seven realize will be worth a fortunate when the railroad arrives. They defend and protect in town feisty crone Nettie Wells and her niece Casey, a tomboy who has the hots for J.D. who isn't enthusiastic about Buck's love-coaching. Josiah can't concentrate on the case, until he finds that his dream woman, traveling show star Emma Dubonnet, whom he mistakenly believes to remember he once proposed but ventured off, is dating none other then Royal. The baron hired the lynching services of dodgy Marshal 'Top Hat' Bob Spikes, whose mysterious hatred for Chris stems from a lumberjack competition in their Indiana youth.—KGF Vissers
- Four horsemen ride up to the ranch house of Nettie Wells, and their leader Guy Royal tells the others to drive off the horses while she handles the old woman, Nettie. Nettie sees them coming and goes to get her shotgun. gives her niece Casey a revolver, and tells Casey that there are six bullets and she should save the last one for herself if need be. The elderly woman grabs a carbine and goes out to confront Guy.
Guy tells Nettie to hand over the carbine, and Nettie orders him and his men off her property. Unimpressed, Guy tells her that it's best if she stay alive to protect herself and Casey. His man Curly comes up behind Nettie and takes her carbine, and Nettie tells Guy that he's not getting her land like everyone else's.
Going into the ranch house, Guy finds an antique chair and "suggests" that Nettie give it to him as a gift. She refuses, saying it's a family heirloom, and Nettie yells to Casey to blow Guy's head off. He kicks in the storage room door and finds Casey inside, aiming the revolver at him. Guy yank the gun away and says that he isn't after her virtue, takes the bullets out, and takes a music box and leaves. Meanwhile, Guy's men tear down the corral fences.
Nettie tries to stop Guy from leaving with the music box, and he says that Casey gave it to him. He shrugs both women off, and Casey throws a rock at his back as he leaves, and tells him to rot in hell. Guy just turns ad glares at her, then mounts up and tells Nettie to be out of the territory the next day. If Nettie tells anyone that he was there, Guy promises to throw Casey to his men. Guy rides off with his men, as Nettie and Casey watch.
Later in Four Corners, Nettie comes in and tells Mary, Chris, and Vin about Guy's raid. She explains that he's a rancher who wants to expand his owning, and has driven out all the other small land owners in the area. Chris checks a map of the area and determines that Guy has been "buying" property in a line. He figures that the railroad will come in a line when it comes, and the owners will have to deal with whoever owns the land.
J.D. comes up outside Mary's office and finds Casey waiting for her aunt. She tells J.D. that he can't go own in because they're having a meeting, and he says that he's one of them. Casey looks at him flirtingly and says that she's seen J.D. around riding, but he's not as good as she is. When J.D. questions her, Casey invites him to race and he refuses to race a "girl". She asks if he's afraid, and J.D. rolls his eyes.
Chris comes out as Buck arrives, and Chris asks Buck if he'd be interested in partaking in a "little show of force" at Guy's ranch. Buck is more than glad to help, and Nettie tells Vin that she and Casey are staying at the town hotel for the time being. He offers his arm and takes her over, and Nettie is much obliged and tells Casey to come along. Vin says that he's impressed by Nettie's courage and she deserves an escort.
J.D. tells Buck that Casey gets on his nerves, and given she dresses like a man, figures she's hardly a girl. Buck, amused, knows better and tells J.D. he's blind.
As they walk, Nettie tells Vin that she's lived in the territory since she was a girl. Vin is impressed by her talking about her shooting skills.
As the Seven ride out to Guy's ranch, Josiah stops when he sees a poster for dancer Emma Dubonnet. Nathan rides over, and Josiah tells him that God has answered his prayers. When Nathan wonders if he's been praying for Emma to come into town, Josiah just smiles and rides on with the others. He tells them that he's not doing anything that will keep him out of town when Emma performs, but refuses to go into details.
The gunmen ride onto Guy's property and Guy comes out to see them, wielding a revolver. Vin tells him to hand Nettie's things over, and Guy claims that the small ranchers give him gifts because they love him. Buck points out that Guy is going to make a profit when the railroad comes through, Vin says Guy's men aren't good enough to face him, and Guy is a coward who threatens women. Guy backs down and tells Curly to return the two horses Nettie "gave him".
Guy leads Vin into the house, and Vin gets the chair. When Guy says that he's a "collector" of sorts, Vin tells him to stay clear of Nettie if he knows what's good for him, takes the music box, and leaves with it and the chair. Once the gunmen leave, Guy tells Curly that he's riding to Lobo County that night.
As they ride back town, J.D. says that they could have beaten Guy's men easy. Vince isn't sure it's over, and point out that there are two more parcels of land on the railroad corridor, that Guy doesn't own. Buck figures that Guy won't walk away.
In Lobo County that night, Marshal "Top Hat" Bob Spikes and his men are burning out a farmer when Curly rides up. Curly tells Spikes that Guy sent him and told him to tell Spikes that he needs him, and will pay triple rates to deal with the Seven. Spikes has heard of the Seven, and says that he will come as soon as he finishes his "business". He tells Curly that he will eat the liver of any man who puts a bullet into Chris before he gets to Chris
The next day in Four Corners, Josiah buys a suit at the mercantile. He takes the suit even though it doesn't fit, and Mrs. Potter asks if he's sparking a young lady. Josiah tells her that he just likes dressing up, pays what's left of his money, and leaves.
Mary is walking past the land office, and Guy comes out and says that he just bought the mortgage on Nettie's ranch from the bank. He plans to call the loan, and tells Mary that he'll have the land legal and there's nothing the Seven can do about it.
At the Wells ranch, the Seven is helping Nettie repair the fence. Ezra looks on, relaxing and drinking, and tells Vin that a "gentleman" doesn't debate himself with menial labor. Nathan asks Josiah why he bought a suit, and Josiah swears him to secrecy then shows him a photo of Emma. He says that he's carried it net to his heart for half a lifetime, and says that he saw Emma's show in San Francisco years ago. It was true love, and he saw her four times after that. Josiah asked her to marry him, but said there'd be a delay of two years because he pursued a course of spiritual study with a Cherokee holy man. He wonders if that was a mistake, and is happy that now he can win Emma again.
Mary rides up on her carriage, and tells Nettie that Guy bought the mortgage and it's legal. Nettie says that she owes just over $300, and Vin looks over at Ezra and smiles. He tells Nettie that Ezra is saving up to buy a saloon of his own, and he has more than $300 tucked away in his boot. Ezra reluctantly hands it over when Vin insists, Vin saying that he'll pay Ezra back in an hour. The gambler agrees to lend Vin the money at 10% interest, 20% a day if Vin takes more than an hour to pay him back. Ezra gives the money to Vin, who gives it to Nettie,
Guy and his men ride up and Nettie gives him the money, and he wonders how she came up with the $300 and then leaves. Chris is waiting for Guy, and tells him to hand over the $300. The other Seven emerge from hiding, guns drawn, and Chris tells Guy that it isn't a robbery but a "donation" to the rancher repair fund. Guy hands the $300 over and advises them to invest some of the money into their coffins, then rides off with his men. Vin gives Ezra the money, and ignores his request for interest.
Later in town, Emma rides into town in her carriage. She invites people to come to the saloon to see the show, and Josiah sees her. He calls to her, and Emma greets him and tells him to come to the show. Emma clearly doesn't recognize him and goes into her hotel. Later, Josiah goes into the saloon and drinks, while Buck and J.D. joke how about how love-struck Josiah looked. A drunken Josiah asks them who wants to fight, and tells them to shut up when they balk. Once Josiah storms out, and Buck tells J.D. that Josiah should be able to take a joke.
The next day, a man rides into town and yells that someone is burning the other ranch. Vin, Nathan, and Ezra ride there and find the ranch burned down and the owner, Porter, strung up. They start to cut the body down, and Spikes and his men ride up shooting. He tells them who he is and that they should give a message to Chris that any "dealings" with Guy should go through him. Spikes tell Ezra to hand over his coat as a "gift" to Guy. When Ezra refuses, Spikes hits him and tells one of his men to get Ezra's coat. Before they go, the one-eyed Spikes tells Vin to tell Chris that the next time the two of them meeting, he's going to rip Chris' eye out.
Later in town at the hotel, Josiah nervously paces outside and Emma sees him through her window. She smiles at Josiah when he sees her, and he braces himself to go in.
J.D. is relaxing in front of the sheriff's office, and Casey comes by wearing overalls and sees J.D. He's playing with his knife, throwing it into the wood, and Casey draws her own pocketknife and competes with him. When he loses, J.D. complains that Casey is distracting him and goes inside. Buck shows up and tells Casey that she's not fooling anyone except maybe J.D. He assures her that she's a fine woman, and suggests that she let J.D. in on her "talents". Casey says that she can spit, ride, and rope better than any man. Buck suggests that she wipe off the mud and get herself a dress.
At the saloon, Vin passes on Spikes' message. Chris doesn't remember Spikes. Spikes and his men are outside, and Spikes calls out Chris. When Chris refuses to run, Vin goes out and Buck and Nathan join him. Chris comes out and asks Spikes who he is, and Spikes says that Chris has been scared of running into him again ever since they first me. Chris invites Spikes to draw, and Spikes says that he won't kill Chris without the satisfaction of Chris knowing why he's doing it. He says "rail-splitting", calls Chris a SOB, and rides off to deal with his "other business". Vin figure that Spikes' business is with Nettie, and the gunmen ride out to the Wells ranch.
When the gunmen arrive, they find Nettie waiting with her carbine. She's expecting Spikes, and Vin suggests that they take Nettie back into town for her own safety. Nettie asks Vin why he's putting so much time into her, and figures that she reminds Vin of someone. Vin says that the woman Nettie reminds him of is gone and walks out.
Spikes and his men ride to Guy's ranch, and Spikes tells Guy that Porter's place is gone and tomorrow they'll burn out Nettie. He says that he isn't leaving with Chris' eye, and Guy tells him that he's welcome to Chris' eye after Spikes takes care of business.
Later in town at the show, J.D. and the others gather at the door to see Emma. J.D. sees Buck bringing Casey along, and Casey in a dress. J.D. and Casey smile at each other, and Buck smirks. Casey trips on her dress and pulls it down, revealing her pantaloons. She breaks into tears, hits Buck with the dress, and runs off. Buck shrugs to J.D. and goes after Casey.
On stage, Emma sings. and Josiah sits in the audience in his too-short suit, listening. Guy is at the bar and tips his drink to Emma. He applauds along with the rest of the audience when Emma finishes, and afterward approaches her as she leaves. Emma doesn't remember Josiah or their time together, and apologizes for leaving her. She vaguely says that she missed Josiah, and Josiah says that the thought of her has sustained him for years. Josiah asks if she could think of marrying him again, and Emma tells him that she's taken for the evening... and Josiah couldn't afford her. Guy arrives to pick up Emma, and Emma cheerfully goes with him.
J.D. finds Chris and Buck out on the boardwalk drinking, and joins them as they make lovesick cow noises. Sitting down with them, J.D. tells Buck that he doesn't know anything about women. Chris remembers Spikes from a rail-splitting contest when they were 17. Chris won, and Spike accuses him of cheating and threw a punch. Spikes lost his eye in the brawl, and J.D. points out that Spikes won't ever kill Chris if Chris never tells him that he doesn't remember the reason for Spikes' beef.
Vin suggests that they ride out to Guy's ranch that night, and Chris agrees. They to get the others, and J.D. asks Chris how he knows he can take Spikes. Chris just smiles.
Josiah comes out of the saloon, drinking, and the others ride up and ask if he's coming. Josiah sits down and the others figure that's a no, and ride on.
That night, Josiah continues drinking and finally drunkenly yells for God to forgive him. He manages to get on another man's horse and ride off after his friends.
The others scout out to Guy's ranch, and figure that Guy is in the ranch house with Emma. Buck and Ezra go to create a diversion with a stick of dynamite Buck has on him.
Josiah rides to the ranch, yelling that he's coming for Emma.
In Guy's bedroom, Guy and Emma kiss and Guy undresses.
Ezra manages to light a match and ignites the dynamite fuse. It fizzles out, and Josiah rides up yelling that he'll save Emma. The others figure that's their distraction and run to the ranch house. Guy's men run out, and Guy and Emma hear Josiah yelling. Guy goes to investigate, and Josiah punches the men grabbing him. The others run over and capture the thugs, and Spikes and his men come out.
Spikes asks Chris if he remembers him yet. Chris says that it was just a friendly contest, but Spikes doesn't believe it and blames Chris for his missing eye. They fight hand-to-hand, Spikes tackling Chris to the ground.
Josiah breaks into Guy's bedroom and calls to Emma. Guy shoots at him and misses, and Josiah grabs him in a bear hug. Emma tries to pull Josiah off Guy, and Vin runs in and quickly backs out. Josiah tells Guy to say he's safe in the arms of the Lord,
Chris and Spikes continue brawling, and Chris finally knocks Spikes down and tells him that he's going to stand trial for murder... and hang. Spikes tells Chris to shoot him rather than let him hang, but Chris refuses.
Emma yells at Josiah that he's ruining everything and pummels his back without effect. Guy finally says that he's safe in the arms of the Lord, and Josiah tells him that if he ever touches Emma again, he'll burn in Hell. Josiah releases Guy and tells Emma that she's safe, and she tells Josiah that he's a lunatic. She says that Guy paid her for the "privilege" of bothering her, and Josiah is shocked. He wonders about the two of them, and Emma says that she never saw Josiah before. Emma insists that she doesn't remember Josiah.
Vin and Josiah drag Guy out, and Vin tells Guy to return all the goods he stole and give back the land he stole. Emma comes out and looks at Josiah, who tells Vin that he's going with the others. Josiah walks off, leaving Emma behind.
The next day, the Seven collect all of Guy's "gifts" while Mary inventories it. Nathan tells Josiah that he's sorry that his romance with Emma didn't work out. Josiah says that the woman he has the photo is of Emma, not the current singer. Vin helps Nettie out of her wagon and back to her ranch house, and she asks if Vin is going to tell her about his mother. Vin says that his mother raised him until she was 5, and then she died of fever. Before she died, Vin's mother told him to live up to being a Tanner. Nettie tells him that he has.
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