Man in the Red Hat

All good cowboys knew, that where there were no written laws, it might become necessary at times to take, inappropriate behavior and immoral matters of others, into their own hands. It sometimes required them to set aside personal plans to help when someone is in need.
This was a situation Joshua was facing. He hadn't before been involved in disputes but always felt that he was ready if he was to be tested. A cowboy did what he had to do without expecting to be paid for his efforts, even if he knew it might cause him the forfeiture of life.
What circumstances in life prepared him for what he knew he had to do? What gave him the mettle: the courage, bravery, determination, Intelligence, spirit, grit, resolve and valor needed is the lesson that should be taken from the story.