Before Ray Teal became sheriff in Virginia City there was a lot of lawlessness and
it had an organized protection racket headed by Robert Middleton one of the
mine owners. In its early days there was a lot more emphasis on mining which
was why Virginia City was founded.
In any event Nancy Dealle's husband resisited and one of Middleton's thugs,
Gregory Walcott just shot him down. Both Dan Blocker and Michael Landon
were witnesses and testify as such.
For the life of me I don't know why Walcott didn't ask for a jury trail. He's one
hateful lout of a human being, but you would think Middleton could intimidate
enough for at least a hung jury.
So in a bench trial he's convicted and he's scheduled to hang promptly. But
Middleton and his gang grab Ben Cartwright and threaten to hang him if
Walcott swings.
It's here where the Cartwright sons themselves have have a disagreement over
what to do. Some fine acting and dialog between Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe.
A good story to wrap season one of Bonanza.