End of the Vigil.

The next morning Paladin awakens with further suspicioon. He wakes up Deke because he still wants to see that arrow. Paladin wants to make sure that the Injuns killed the partner and not his own friends. Deke agrees to open the grave and "disturbing a man's eternal rest."

Adella observes Paladin's behavior and concludes that "it must be a terrible thing not to trust anybody or anything." Reamer complains of great thirst and implores Adella to fetch him some water. Adella steps away and Reamer reaches into her medicine bag and retrieves his knife which he conceals under a blanket.

Deke and Paladin are a few yards away taking the marker off the top of the gravesite. Deke wonders what Paladin intends to do if when they reach the dead body, there is no arrow. Paladin reaches for his gun in reply and directs Deke to "pick up those rocks."

Adella returns to Reamer who immediately pulls out the concealed knife and puts it to her throat. Paladin notices this and is distracted enought long enough for Deke to disarm him. The two men begin to brawl. Paladin gains an advantage and reaches for his weapon but Reamer with his knife blade at Adella's throat tells Paladin to drop his weapon which he does. Deke grabs the weapon and points it at Paladin. Reamer assured Adella that Deke is a "peaceful man who would never kill anybody." Reamer says all they want are horses so they can get out of the area before "small minded people arrive and miscarry justice with suspicion and a noose."

Deke and Reamer begin to take the horses when Deke notices Paladin's boots and surmises they might look good on Reamer. Reamer seems to agree but wonders what they should do with Adella. Deke says "you know we ain't got time enough for THAT. She's a mighty fine woman but she ain't worth hangin' for."

Deke climbs aboard Paladin's horse, still hiding Paladin's weapon. Paladin, unarmed, bootless and unhorsed asks Deke if they will send somebody back for them.  Deke says "don't worry about that because you ain't goin' nowhere." He points Paladin's gun at Paladin. Adella screams. Paladin pulls out a concealed Derringer and shoots Deke. He retirieves the knife from Reamer and slaps it into Adella's hand. Reamer falls to his knees and begs Adella, "please, please don't let him take me."

Paladin pulls Reamer from his knees and ties him to his horse.

With Reamer disabled, disarmed and tied to his horse, Paladin and Adella climb into their saddles. Paladin asks Della "which way?" Adella responds, "you think I should turn back don't you? I should stop imposing my help where it isn't wanted?" (These are of course the essential questions that this entire parable is about).

Should we all retreat from a situation in which our help is not wanted?

Should we be suspicious of strangers we meet along the way?

Do we need to unbury a body to check for arrows?

Paladin asks, "Is Goldfield still without a doctor." Adelle nods. Paladin understands and responds, "it's not too late tomow to be brave."

They head off to Goldfield which answers the essential question.

And OBTW.

In case you haven't guessed by now, this is me and not Jasper.

To hell with Jasper.

I don't need him yet nor do I want him. I'm suspicious.

When the time comes, I might take Casper or rather my grandchildren's children might choose Casper. My legacy, whatever it is belongs to the future. I hope the vigil helps clarify exactly what I mean.