Just one. In chapter 13 Joe Starret is speaking.
“I can’t see the full finish. But I can see this. Wilson down and there’ll be an end to it. Fletcher’ll be done. The town will see to that. I can’t beat Wilson on the draw. But there’s strength enough in this clumsy body of mine to keep me on my feet till I get him, too.” Mother stirred and was still, and his voice went on. “Things could be worse. It helps a man to know that if anything happens to him, his family will be in better hands then his own."
Shane being there gave Joe the peace to do what he felt he had to do. No matter what happened he knew that Shane would look out for his family.
As for Shane it was his moment of truth. He was offered everything he wanted in that moment. Everything that was Joe's would be his. All he had to do was, nothing.
Instead he chose to take Joe's place knowing he could die and also knowing that he would lose everything even if he survived.
In a odd way the theme of this book is "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” Joe for the other farmers and Shane and Shane for Joe.
a.cricket
Yes, yes, yes. You hit it right on the head.
Excellent!