Earp and stage line manager Ed Watkins are talking in the street as the stage coach enters town with the driver wounded and the horses running on their own. The passenger is shot dead and $5000 in new silver dollars have been stolen. The driver Billy Hanley is rushed to Dr. McCarty who is able to save him. They summon the school teacher Miss Nancy to whom Billy is engaged. She and Earp talk to Billy who says a Mexican named Esteban and two men held up the stage. Earp goes to the stage depot where Esteban was last seen. Esteban is able to prove he was not involved. Upon returning the puzzled Earp is told by Hal that Billy was shot dead. Billy had asked for a gun but everyone thought he would be safe in the doctor's office. While talking with Ed, Earp learns Miss Nancy had a package arrive with a dress but $2 due on it. Earp takes it to her as he has more questions. She pays Earp the $2 due which Earp returns to Ed. At that point Ed and Earp realize the situation.
—Anonymous