Without asking for their help, the whole town involved themselves in one area or another of Roy and Sara's project. Roy discovered more assistance than he ever imagined and appreciated the help, but felt claustrophobic trying to please so many new found friends. He shared his concerns with Sara.
"I feel like this isn't our house project anymore. Too many folks are telling me what to do. I'm suffocating Sara!"
Sara hugged Roy. "You must learn to say, thank you, smile, and then do what you want to. They're not trying to take over; they just love you and want to repay you for saving their town."
Roy ruminated on Sara's words "So, they won't get upset if I don't follow their instructions, even when some are so insistent?"
"No. Just remember to smile and say thanks."
Roy forced an awkward smile on his face, like someone gritting their teeth. "Thank you."
Sara burst out laughing. "Perhaps with just a little more sincerity, Roy."
As Roy and Tom were speaking one day, a stranger rode up with two mules tied to his horse. Roy recognized Sally and Molly immediately. As soon as he talked to the animals, the girls started hee-hawing and making their clucking sounds. The stranger looked down at Roy.
"Howdy. The mules seem to like you. Are you interested in buying my mules?"
"How can you say they're your mules?"
Roy started to get upset, but Tom pulled on his shoulder. He whispered in Roy's ear.
"Hold on Roy. Hear the man out first."
Roy nodded to Tom then walked up and inspected the two mules. Sure enough, Roy recognized the number branded behind the ears of the animals. Burn scars ran across Sally rump.
"Tell me stranger, how did you come by these two mules."
The stranger tightened his grip on the reins of the mules and squinted at Roy. "I found 'em running free in the desert. I didn't steal 'em."
Tom whispered in Roy's ear again. "Remember, this man found them fair and square, running free."
Tom interrupted. "How much do you want for them?"
The stranger wrinkled his nose and said, "A hundred dollars."
Roy blurted, "Each?"
"No sir, that's for the pair."
Roy was fuming mad. These were his and he wanted his mules back.
"Mind if our local veterinarian examines your mules?" Tom asked.
Roy jerked his head at Tom and mouthed the word 'veterinarian?'
The stranger reluctantly agreed. "Sure, why not."
"Come with me Roy; let's go find our veterinarian Bobby." Tom winked at Roy.
The three men hatched a quick plan and returned to the stranger.
"Our veterinarian Bobby will look over your mules and tell us if they're fit."