Silas brings Al bad news about the new division of the hill country. In the meantime a shooting at Tom Nuttall's saloon requires the Sheriff's presence. Insulted by Swearengen and in defence of Alma's honor, the latter and Seth Bullock engage in a violent fight. In the meantime a stagecoach with the Sheriff's son and wife, as well as some friends of Joanie Stubbs, comes into camp.

Francis Wolcott, agent for the mining magnate George Hearst arrives in Deadwood. Al's condition severely deteriorates from his kidney stones. Enclosed in his room and unable to speak nobody knows about the bad state he is in though, thinking he is simply ignoring them. Farnum tries to con Wolcott by lying about the contents of Hickok's letter. Alma tells Ellsworth that she plans on buying the Grand Central Hotel. Meanwhile rumors start spreading that Deadwood's gold claims might be invalid.