Ali Asp was brought to justice and the authorities led her to the town jail. Her second attempt at murder ended in an astounding failure.

Not only had Ranger Mask saved the day in his heroic fashion, but Ruby, a simple girl from New York who never defended anyone in a court of law, managed to uncoil the plot like a rattlesnake. (With a few hints from her mentor of course.)

Even Colonel Slanders, a sitting judge couldn't help but stutter in disbelief. "Why in all my years of judgin' I've never seen a sweet young lady go head to head with an appointed court prosecutor before!"

He turned to face the jury, several good people, including saloon workers, tavern owners, cowboys and store owners.

"After what transpired, I reckon we don't even need a jury. But we are a reputable court, contrary to popular belief. They will decide if Miss Prettipenni walks free."

"Come-bloody-on!" Priscilla swid, yanking at her pigtails and offering a grimace.

Ruby smiled at her and she eased her tizzy. Even if due process was mandatory, the young attorney had a good feeling about the proceedings. Especially after she nearly died in them.

As the jury deliberated, Lonesome Cowboy Larry strolled up to the defense. He was less glowing. "You just got lucky little fillie. If I had my lucky horse shoe, I wouldn't have picked such a lousy witness."

A loud squawk of laughter came from behind him. "Seems my little court experiment managed to work out in my favor!"

Larry turned around to see Mr. Lawson grinning with his fingers in his belt loops.

"Nate!" Ruby exclaimed, so full of gratitude for her mentor.

"What experiment?" Larry said, turning around.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

There was a wide grin on Nate's face. "To see if a sweet girl could trounce a court appointed boob like you! And with a lil bit of guidance, she did."

Larry growled with all the ferocity of an angry raccoon. "Lawson. You were always the oddball at the academy. The only reason this little fillie won was because of you."

Ruby's arms sank. It was true. Like it or not, the most crucial hint had been given to her on a golden platter. Doubt returned to her mind.

Nate remained steadfast. "My protege, Ruby, she's as genuine as you are a fake Texan."

"Wait," Ruby gasped. "He's not an actual Texan?"

"No siree!" Nate said, slapping his trousers and laughing. "He's the world's only New Jersian cattle rustling prosecutor!"

Larry balled up his pasty fists. "How dare y'all say that! I was born a bonafide rootin-tootin Texas cowboy!"

Nate massaged his goatee, giving his foe the side eye. "That's not what your mom said."

Suddenly, Larry looked visibly hurt. "H-how…d-d-are you…"--he removed his glasses and rubbed his mole-like eyes.

With a whimper, Larry rushed back to the prosecutor's desk, crying like a child.

Ruby was delighted the pest scurried away but she couldn't help but feel it was a tad rude what Nate said. Childish too.

"Nate, I'm glad he's gone, but did you really have to make a joke about his mother like that?"

Nate Lawson merely shrugged his shoulders. "What? I talk to his mother every Wednesday over take out. Nice lady. I don't know where her son came from though…"

Ruby rolled her eyes and smiled. That was classic Nate the Great for you.

At last, the jury returned from deliberation. Even if Ruby was still feeling a bit down from Larry's insults, she still had absolute conviction in her case. After all, Prissy was her best friend and she'd never kill anyone. Unless it was over a bad cuppa tea.

As the jury assembled one by one, a mustached man in a black vest, a red bow tie and perfectly trimmed trousers stood in front. He looked like the proprietor of a tavern or a saloon. Perhaps one that wasn't as ill reputed as the Snakepit, Ruby hoped. "We the jury have reached a verdict your honor."

Colonel Slanders chortled. "I do declare. What do you have to declare?"

"We declare…that the defendant is…"

Priscilla grabbed her pigtails and practically hid her face in them.

"Innocent!"

Priscilla threw the pigtails back and exclaimed, "Bloody well right! I knew it!"

"We both knew it!" Ruby yelled hugging her as everyone erupted in cheers and talking.

But the jovial moment was short. It was silenced by a loud bang coming from outside the courthouse in Holy Toledo. Someone had fired a gunshot.