Count Three and Pray

After the Civil War, Luke Fargo returns to his Southern hometown bearing trauma from Vicksburg. He declares himself a minister with a mission to rebuild the town's burned church. His shift from brawler to pastor sets the tone for his new life, though not everyone trusts him yet.

The townspeople greet Fargo with disbelief, and many resent his Union-aligned past. Friends like Matty show sympathy, but wide circles treat him with hostility. The new identity as minister is met with suspicion rather than faith.

Yancey Huggins tries to assert control over the town by sending Big to confront Fargo. Fargo accepts the challenge and defeats Big, proving his resolve and strength. The victory highlights the conflict between old power and the changed man Fargo has become.

Georgina Descrais, a Southern belle ruined by the war, returns and tries to rekindle their past romance. Fargo, though kind and generous, makes it clear he's not interested in resuming an old relationship. The moment underscores the distance between Fargo's new calling and his past entanglements.

Selma, the local madam, welcomes Fargo back and accepts him on her own terms. Her support contrasts with the town's hostility and foreshadows Fargo's complicated path as a community figure. This meeting reinforces that Fargo still has a varied set of allies.

Lissy, the teenage tomboy orphan, begins living in the parsonage and initially dislikes Fargo. Over time, her feelings shift and she grows to trust and lean on him. Her presence in the parsonage becomes a focal point of town gossip and tension.

To secure lumber for the church, Fargo reluctantly gambles on a Sunday with Albert Loomis and wins a horse race. The win demonstrates his willingness to bend church rules for a greater good. It also intensifies the town's scrutiny as the calendar's sacred day is used for a questionable wager.

Emboldened by the win, Fargo is goaded into fighting Yancey's men. He endures a brutal confrontation but walks away victorious, further establishing his changed identity. The clash stokes fear in those who doubt his reform and validates the town's fears about his past.

The bishop is called in to calm the growing turmoil and assess Fargo's true status. He discovers that Fargo has not been ordained, complicating his new role. The bishop recognizes Fargo's genuine good deeds, despite the lack of formal ordination.

After hearing about Fargo's community impact, the bishop ordains him, turning him into a real minister. This formal recognition cements Fargo's new path and gives him authority in the eyes of the town. The ordination marks a turning point in his relationship with the community.

With Fargo now a recognized minister, the bishop tries to arrange a marriage between Fargo and Lissy. Fargo remains reluctant, reflecting his inner conflict between duty and personal attachment. Lissy, impatient with waiting, confronts the situation directly.

In a defiant gesture, Lissy hands the bishop her rifle to press the reluctant groom. The moment crystallizes the tension between responsibility and romance and hints at a possible union. Fargo's hesitation is tempered by Lissy's audacious insistence.

Through his acts, Fargo shows significant positive change in the community, including rebuilding the church and guiding youth. The town begins to view him as a true leader, despite past prejudices. The bishop's intervention solidifies the transformation from outsider to shepherd.

The narrative culminates with the bishop guiding Fargo toward a proposed marriage with Lissy, symbolizing rebuilding both the church and personal life. Lissy's rifle act underscores her commitment and resolves to move forward. The church's restoration and the couple's decision reflect the town's shift toward unity.