When King Harris was caught and imprisoned it was Barbara Harris, his wife, who led the posse to him.  Now he's escaped from prison and looking for revenge.  His wife has returned to her deceased mother's house in Laramie and  seems to have passively accepted the fact that Harris is going to kill her.    As usual the cowardly townfolk (at least the ones who hang out in saloons) are afraid to face the bad guys and let Dan know he can expect no help from them.  They just want to get Barbara Harris out of town.  While Johnny  [and the few brave townfolk who want to see the law prevail] block off the street and take out the gang, Dan waits at Barbara's house for King Harris.