(Merle Fugate), famed lawman Mark Sterling (only in his mind), stood in front of the stagecoach (school bus) and said, “Any trouble with injuns pilgrims?â€?
The kids on the bus looked at Merle Fugate, he wearing a ten gallon Stetson cowboy hat, boots with spurs, holster, vest, tin star and two six shooters (authentic replicas according to the pawnbroker).
One of the boys emerging form the bus answered, “No sir no injuns here sir.â€?
What Mark Sterling heard was, � we was ambushed at Apache pass and they took all the banks money, you got to get to back for us sheriff.�
“Have no fear, I’ll get your money back or my name isn’t Sherriff Mark Sterling, the biggest baddest lawman west of the Pecos,â€? Merle Fugate answered.
The kids on the bus just stared.
“Pay no mind to the nice man,â€? the bus driver said.
What Mark Sterling heard was, “Thank you kindly Sherriff, how will we ever repay you?â€?
“No need to thank me Ma’am, just doin my job,â€? said Mark Sterling and tipped his ten gallon Stetson as he walked away