At the blacksmith shop, Roy started loading the supplies he felt he would need. He borrowed camping equipment plus two rifles, and despite Tom's offers for help, Roy refused any assistance.
"Please stay in town and protect the people here. Sara and the boys should be safe with the McAllister family, but I need you to watch out for them Tom."
"You can count on me, Roy. What's your plan?"
Roy paused and stared at Tom. "Stop the Dixon gang and the killing."
"Roy, didn't you serve in the Army? You need a strategy or plan if you're going up against the likes of the Dixon gang."
"Tom, I once killed one-hundred and thirty-three Germans in less than thirty minutes. The Army even gave me some stupid medals for bravery. And you know what? I didn't have a plan that day either. Those Germans killed the best friend I ever had at the time, and that's the only strategy I needed. The Dixon gang has burned Sara's farm to the ground, destroyed my place and they're hell-bent on getting some money that isn't theirs. They'll kill anyone that gets in their way; just like those Germans. I don't need a plan Tom. I'm madder than a wet hen right now, and I'm declaring war on the Dixons."
Tom was speechless. He had never seen an angry side of the mild spoken and shy Roy Folsom. Not to mention, Tom was surprised to learn the news that Roy killed one-hundred and thirty-three Germans during the war. He suddenly felt like he did not really know Roy. Tom could see his friend was quite serious and displayed nerve Tom had never seen before.
"Well, Roy, I've got nothing to say except I've got your back covered."
"No Tom, do as I asked and protect my family."
Tom nodded in silence. Roy patted the blacksmith's shoulder.
"Thank you. You're a good friend Tom."
A man came running into the blacksmith shop out of breath. He bent over at the waist and placed his hands on knees. Once he caught his breath, he looked up.
"Seven riders coming in from the east and riding fast; it looks like the Dixon gang."
Roy looked at Tom. "Seems like I won't need this wagon or any of the equipment, after all. Saddle up Sugar-girl and tie her to the post outside, just in case I need to give chase. Make sure two canteens are strapped to the side. Stow the rest of this ammunition in your office. It's time for me to go to war Tom."
Roy loaded several boxes of rifle shells and ammunition into a saddle bag. He grabbed his father's pistols and belted them around his waist. Picking up the Winchester, Roy ratcheted the chamber open and started pushing shells into the side loader. When it was full, he pulled the handle closed and gently released the hammer with a thumb. Roy grimaced.