Ralph Compton Train to Durango (2 page)

BOOK: Ralph Compton Train to Durango
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“We used our bodies to kill two guards in Mexico City,” Tamara said. “Do all men not lust for the same thing?”
4

“You just answered that question,” said Renita. “In the prison in Mexico City, we had only the two men. Here, we have four. They come in only two at a time when they bring us food, and they don't come near us. I think they will control their lust until they have killed Wes and Palo.”

“I do not believe they will kill Wes and Palo,” Tamara said. “They will know it is but a trap, and they will find a way to save us.”

“Oh, I hope you're right,” said Renita.

“I am right,” Tamara said. “There is but one door, and the outlaws watch it, but this cabin is on the river bank, its back next to the river. Wes and Palo will not come through the door.”

“But the walls are built of heavy logs,” said Renita.

“The spaces between the logs are chinked with mud,” Tamara said. “Some of the sticks they've given us for kindling can be used to dig the mud out. We cannot escape, but when Wes and Palo come, there will be enough of a hole for them to learn we are in here. I am ashamed of myself for not having thought of it sooner. Time grows short.”

“You're right,” Renita said. “Let's start digging now.”

“One of us will dig at the chinking while the other listens at the door,” said Tamara. “They must not discover what we are doing. You listen at the door, and I will begin.”

•   •   •

Wes, El Lobo, and Silver followed the Rio Grande north, for it had been a dry year and the river was a ready source of water.

“We can follow the river right on into Santa Fe,” Silver said. “Riding north from El Paso, it's the most logical destination. If they aimed to leave a trail for us, we'll be findin' tracks.”

“Six horses will leave quite a trail,” said Wes, “but we can't be sure they're the right tracks. Could be some
hombres
from south of the border, riding north on a raid.”

“Not likely,” Silver said. “You and El Lobo raised so much hell in Mexico last year, the powers in Mexico City are having to make a show of patroling the border.”
5

After a few miles, the riverbank turned sandy, with little vegetation. There were tracks of deer, coyotes, and shod horses. El Lobo dismounted and began studying the horse tracks.

“How old are those tracks?” Silver asked.

“Week, per'ap,” said El Lobo.

But all the tracks were not visible all the time, and El Lobo studied the ground for almost a mile before he had accounted for all the horses. Nodding to Wes and Silver, he mounted his horse, and the trio continued along the river. Eventually there were open stretches of sand where Wes and Silver could see tracks of six horses.

“We'd better start thinking in terms of an ambush,” Silver said. “We know they're riding north, so we don't have to follow the actual tracks. We can parallel the river, riding back to it occasionally to be sure they haven't changed directions.”

It was sound thinking, and after riding a mile west, they again rode north.

“How far it be from El Paso to Santa Fe?” El Lobo asked.

“About three hundred miles, as I recall,” said Silver. “I can't imagine six riders undertaking such a ride, unless they're lawmen or outlaws. Texas Rangers would be somewhat out of their jurisdiction.”

Empty was well ahead of them, and they rode the rest of the day without sighting the riders they pursued.

“If we aim to have a supper fire,” Wes said, “we'd better eat before dark.”

Near sundown, they reined up, dismounted, and unsaddled their horses. Wes lit a small fire, putting it out when the coffee was ready and their bacon had been broiled. It was still early, so instead of turning in for the night, they talked.

“Silver,” said Wes, “we're obliged to you for joining us in our search for Renita and Tamara, but what do you aim to do after we've found them?”

“Washington allowed me a month to rest and recuperate,” Silver said, “and if we end this chase near Santa Fe, I'll still have two weeks that I don't have to account for. I aim to use that to learn as much as I can about the Golden Dragon. Since they've pulled out of California, I won't be surprised if they've left New Orleans and Carson City as well. That'll mean they've dug in somewhere else. If I can get some idea as to where they are—some kind of lead—then I'll telegraph Washington for permission to remain in the West for as long as it takes. Until I've broken this counterfeiting ring for all time, or until they have finished me.”

“That's about what I expected,” said Wes, “and I'm of a mind to throw in with you to the finish. I think El Lobo and me owe them a lot more than we've been allowed to repay. How do you feel, Palo?”

“Feel same,” El Lobo said, “but what we do with Renita and Tamara?”

“I appreciate your willingness to join me in pursuit of the Dragon,” said Silver, “but El Lobo has a point. This will be a fight to the finish, and entirely too dangerous for women, however courageous they may be. And you certainly can't risk returning them to El Paso, to Granny Boudleaux's.”

“No,” Wes said. “I'm not even considering that. Remember, I once worked for the railroad, and I have friends in Dodge City. We can put Renita and Tamara up at the Dodge House. I'll ask Harley Stafford and Foster Hagerman to look out for them.”
6

“That might work,” said Silver. “In fact, I could set up headquarters there, myself. At least until we have some sense of direction in this infernal situation.”

•   •   •

“My arms grow tired,” Tamara said. “It is your turn, while I listen at the door.”

Taking up the stick Tamara had been using, Renita began digging at the hardened mud between the logs. Using only a stick, it was tiring, difficult work, but Tamara had made some progress. After only a few minutes, Renita could feel cool outside air.

“I've broken through,” said Renita excitedly.

“Keep digging,” Tamara said. “We must widen the hole.”

“It's a little easier now,” said Renita.

Soon there was an inch-wide gap between two of the logs, and by the time Tamara was ready to take a turn, there was an open crack almost two feet long.

“I will begin digging between the next two logs,” Tamara said.

•   •   •

Wes, El Lobo, and Silver waited until daylight before lighting their breakfast fire. The meal was eaten quickly, and with Empty bounding ahead, the trio again rode north.

“We're covering at least a hundred miles a day,” said Silver. “Unless these
hombres
are holed up somewhere beyond Santa Fe, we ought to be catching up to them sometime late tomorrow.”

“They be in town, it be hell,” El Lobo said.

“It's unlikely they'll be in Santa Fe,” said Silver. “If they're planning to ambush you and Wes, they won't try it where the law's close enough to get involved. I think they'll be laying for us long before we reach town.”

•   •   •

Their third day on the trail, an hour before sundown, Silver, Wes, and El Lobo reined up to rest the horses. Empty came trotting back, and when he was a few yards away, the hound turned back the way he had come. He paused, and looking back, growled softly.

“He's found something or somebody,” Wes said. “I'll follow him. Maybe this is the camp we're looking for.”

Wes followed on foot, and Empty led him back toward the distant Rio Grande. Before they reached the river, within a tangle of brush, Empty waited for Wes. There was a faint odor of wood smoke, and three hundred yards away Wes could see the gable end of the log cabin. Smoke curled from the stick-and-mud chimney. Suddenly the cabin door opened, and two men emerged, laughing. One of them dropped a heavy bar in place across the door. There was no wind, and Wes was unable to hear their words, for they were walking away from him, toward the opposite end of the cabin. But he had seen enough. Quickly he returned to his companions.

“I saw only two men,” said Wes, “but there's a bar across the door of the cabin. Its back is facing the river. After dark, maybe we can approach it from the river and find out if Renita and Tamara are in there.”

“I go,” El Lobo said.

Wes and Silver said nothing, for they were well aware of the Indian's ability to move soundlessly through the night. Not daring to risk a fire, they ate jerked beef and drank river water. Two hours after darkness had fallen, El Lobo prepared to visit the cabin. The moon had not risen, and when the Indian faded into the shadows beneath the trees, Empty went with him.

“I'd be interested in knowing how he intends to find out if Renita and Tamara are in that cabin,” Silver said.

“So would I,” said Wes. “If there's a way, he'll find it.”

Reaching the river well below the cabin, El Lobo climbed carefully down the bank. The water ran shallow, and he avoided it when he could. When he could not, he lifted each foot carefully. Empty had crossed the river and had become a silent moving shadow on the opposite bank. The riverbank on which the cabin stood was high enough to conceal a man, and El Lobo was careful to remain in its shadow. Nearing the cabin, he could hear men's voices somewhere beyond it. He soon stood looking at the barren log wall that was the back of the cabin. There was no sign of a window. Suddenly his alert ears caught a sound that was foreign to the night. A rasping, scraping noise, it seemed to come from the cabin itself. Quietly, carefully, El Lobo crept up the riverbank until he was near the back wall of the cabin. He waited, listening, and the strange noise started again. He dropped to his knees, and between two of the logs there was a flicker of light. The fire inside the cabin!

“Tamara,” El Lobo whispered. “Querido.“

“Palo,” came the response, “this is Renita. Tamara is here.”

In an instant, Tamara was beside the wall.

“There are four
hombres
, Palo,” said Renita, “and they have taken our clothes. What would you have us do?”

“You have wood and you have fire,” El Lobo said. “Pile the wood next to the door and set fire to it. The fire will draw the
hombres
who take you prisoner. When they come, we will be waiting for them.”

“We will do as you say,” said Tamara softly. “Vaya con Dios.”

Silently, El Lobo crept away. When he was far enough downriver, he climbed the bank and made his way hurriedly to where Wes and Silver waited. Quickly he related to them what he had learned, and what he had instructed Tamara and Renita to do.

“That's a stroke of genius,” Silver said. “We don't know where those varmints are, and we'd be prime targets, goin' near that cabin. But when that fire becomes big enough for them to see it, they'll come running. Then they'll become our targets.”

Quickly they took their Winchesters from their saddle boots, and leaving their horses where they were, started for the cabin on foot. They approached the cabin from the front, concealing themselves within rifle range, where they had a good view of the door. They didn't have long to wait. Flames were soon climbing the door and licking hungrily at the shake roof.

“By God, they've set the cabin afire,” Bolivar shouted. “Come on.”

Once the four men were plainly visible in the starlight and in the light from the cabin's flaming door, Silver shouted a challenge.

“You're covered. Stand where you are and drop your guns.”

But the challenge went unheeded. The four men went for their guns, firing at the sound of Silver's voice. But Silver and his companions were bellied-down with Winchesters, and the slugs sang harmlessly over their heads. Their return fire was deadly, and the four outlaws were cut down.

“Let's go,” Wes shouted. “There's still time to put out that fire.”

He reached the cabin first, tearing away the bar that secured the door. When it swung open, Silver and El Lobo ripped the flaming door loose. Wes kicked away the embers that had started the fire. In an instant, Renita was out the door, Tamara right behind her.

“Tarnation,” said Wes, “every time I rescue you, you're jaybird naked.”


Sí
,“ El Lobo said. “Tamara too.”

The response from Renita and Tamara was very unladylike. Bryan Silver laughed.

Chapter 1

Santa Fe, New Mexico, March 24, 1885

“I'll find the outlaws' camp,” Silver said. “We'll need at least two of their horses.”

“See if you can find clothes and boots for Tamara and me,” said Renita. “We're just not getting much sympathy from these two coyotes.”

Silver laughed. “I'll see what I can find.”

When Silver departed, Empty followed him.


Perro
‘fraid,” El Lobo said.

“He didn't like the stormy reception we just got,” said Wes.

“It was no worse than the reception we got,” Renita snapped. “We've been penned up here a week, afraid for our lives, and neither of you seemed concerned about how we might feel. Instead, you brought a strange man with you, and pointed out that both of us are naked.”

“Hell, both of you are naked,” said Wes, “and you've been among strange men for a week. The
hombre
with us is no stranger. He's Bryan Silver, and I'm fair-to-middlin' sure he's seen naked females before.”

Tamara laughed. “We are not strangers to strange men, having been held captive in Mexican whorehouses. The
Señor
Silver is welcome.”

“Thank you,” Wes said. “He was a friend of my father's, and he's a good friend to El Lobo and me.”

“Oh,” said Renita, “it was him who took you away for so long, leaving us in El Paso.”

“He didn't take us away,” Wes said angrily. “He asked for our help, and we went willingly.”

“We soon go again,” El Lobo added.

“Then I'm going with you,” said Renita. “You're not leaving me in El Paso, at the mercy of outlaws.”


Sí
,“ Tamara said, “I don't stay in El Paso again.”

“We don't intend to leave you in El Paso again,” said Wes. “We'll talk about it later. For now, for Silver's sake, try to keep a civil tongue. Keep clawin' at us like a pair of harpies, and Silver will be wonderin' why we bothered trackin' down either of you.”

Renita and Tamara said nothing, and Wes didn't know if they had accepted what he'd had to say, or if they had merely taken refuge in angry silence. Finally there was the thump of horses' hooves. Silver was returning.

“I kept two of the horses and turned the others loose,” Silver said. “There was a pile of clothes and boots, so I brought them all. Now we'll make ourselves scare, so you ladies can sort them out and get dressed.”

“You are caballeroso,” said Tamara, “but you need not go. You are a copanero.”


Gracias
,“ Silver said. “You are a dama, and I have heard much about you.”


Bueno
,“ said El Lobo, obviously pleased.

Renita said nothing, and Wes thought she seemed a little put out because of Silver's gracious attention to Tamara.

“I'm goin' to search those
hombres
we gunned down,” Wes said. “We just might find something useful.”

“I help,” said El Lobo.

Wes was somewhat amused, because Silver remained with Renita and Tamara, helping them untangle their clothing and to untie the knots for which the vengeful outlaws had been responsible.

“Squaw have sharp tongue,” El Lobo said, when they were far enough away that Renita couldn't hear.

“One more word from her, and I'll take a quirt to her behind,” said Wes. “Damn it, I had nothin' to do with her bein' penned up here, naked.”

El Lobo laughed. “You leave her in El Paso, and the Dragon use her to set trap for you,
amigo
.”

“Don't you dare say that where she can hear you,” Wes said, “or I'll take the quirt to you.”

Quickly they went about the gruesome task of searching the four dead men. Using a hat that had belonged to one of them, they collected the contents of their pockets. By the time they had finished, Renita and Tamara were dressed and tugging on their boots.

“We're not more than a few miles from Santa Fe,” said Silver. “Tamara and Renita are half starved. I think we should ride on into town.”

“I could use some grub, myself,” Wes said. “That jerked beef and river water is about used up.”

“We find much oro on dead outlaws,” said El Lobo. “Talking paper, too.”

“The gold's likely counterfeit,” Silver said, “but the paper could be interesting. We'll take a look at it by lamplight, when we reach town.”

Within an hour, they could see the lights of Santa Fe.

“Unless somebody has a better idea, I recommend the Santa Fe Hotel,” said Silver. “An all-night cafe is close by.”

“Empty knows the cook,” Wes said. “El Lobo and me have eaten at the cafe and spent some time at the hotel before.”

They went to the hotel first.

“How many rooms?” the clerk asked.

“One for me,” said Silver.

“Two for the rest of us,” Wes said.

“I hope you're not expecting Tamara and me to share a room,” said Renita, when they had taken their keys and started down the hall. “She's as tired sleeping with me as I am of sleeping with her.”


Sí
,“ Tamara agreed.

“The furthest thing from my mind,” said Wes. “In fact, I was thinkin' we could forget about the grub and go straight to bed.”

“Go on, then,” Renita said, “but Tamara and me are going with Mr. Silver. He's agreed to feed us, and we haven't had a decent meal since we were taken from Granny's place, in El Paso.”

“Oh, I reckon El Lobo and me can force down a few bites,” said Wes. “Besides, we got to keep an eye on Silver. He's promised to Molly Horrel.”

“Oh?” said Renita. “There must be something going on that Tamara and me don't know about.”

“Considerable,” Wes said, “and if you don't stop chewin' on my tail feathers, I won't ever tell you.”

“Just keep one thing in mind, ladies,” said Silver. “You can't believe everything this pair of coyotes tell you.”

Reaching the cafe, they found it virtually deserted, for the hour was late. There was no problem getting the cook to feed Empty, for he remembered the dog from the last time El Lobo and Wes had been in Santa Fe.

“I got steak, ham, eggs, biscuits, spuds, onions, coffee, and apple pie,” the cook said.

“Bring us some of all that,” Silver said. “Scramble the eggs and put on a second pot of coffee.”


Bueno
,“ said Tamara. “I follow the
Señor
Silver anywhere.”

El Lobo laughed, and Wes regarded him with some envy. Renita said nothing. There was almost no conversation, and when the food was brought, they all dug in. Nobody had anything to say until they were down to last cups of coffee.

“After lying around on the dirt floor of that cabin for a week, I'm terribly in need of a bath,” Renita said.


Sí
,“ said Tamara, “as am I.”

“A tub and hot water can be brought up to your rooms,” Silver said, “and while the two of you are taking your baths, Wes, El Lobo, and me can get together in my room. We still have to examine what was taken from the pockets of those outlaws.”

“Then we won't know what you discover,” said Renita.

“Wes and El Lobo can tell you as much as they feel it's safe for you to know,” Silver replied. “The outfit that took you and Tamara from Granny Boudleaux's has reorganized, and is probably more powerful than ever.”

“So you're going after them, taking Wes and Palo with you,” said Renita.

“Renita,” Wes said angrily, “it's not your place to interfere in Silver's business.”

“It's my place to interfere in anything that could get you shot dead,” said Renita, her eyes on Silver.

“She's right, Wes,” Silver said. “Once you commit yourself to a woman, you have to put her first. Just as I valued Nathan Stone's friendship, I value that of you and El Lobo, and I won't rope you into anything that might damage your relationship with these young ladies.”

Silver's gray eyes rested for only a second on Wes and El Lobo. He then looked at Renita and Tamara, and something about him had a profound effect on the two women.

“If it is something Palo feels he must do, I will never stand in his way,” said Tamara. “Not even if it costs him his life.”

“I feel the same way about Wes,” Renita said, “and I'm sorry that I have allowed my selfishness to take control of me.”

“This has been difficult for both of you,” said Silver, “and I in no way regard either of you as selfish. Wes and El Lobo have never faltered in the face of danger, and I have every confidence in their ability to accomplish what they set out to do. There's a diabolical conspiracy that could destroy this nation, and I'll fight it alone, if I must. Wes and El Lobo are almost solely responsible for the recent success in California, and if I have any choice, there's no other two men alive that I'd rather have siding me.”

“Bryan Silver,” said Tamara, “you are an inspiration. I do not know of this conspiracy, but I will urge Palo to join you. I would go myself if you would have me.”

“So would I,” Renita said.

Silver laughed, his eyes twinkling. “I am flattered, ladies. While the danger is such we can't allow you into the thick of the battle, you'll be considerably closer than El Paso, and I will be here until we have won. Wes and El Lobo will tell you more about what they have in mind. For now, I think we'd better be getting back to the hotel if you're to have your baths tonight.”

With Renita and Tamara safely in their rooms, Wes and El Lobo knocked on Silver's door. Not wishing to remain in the room with Renita, Empty had gone with Wes. Silver opened the door, closing and locking it when Wes, El Lobo, and Empty had entered. Wes held the hat in which he had collected the belongings of the four dead outlaws, and upending the hat, he spread the items out on the bed.

“Four thousand in double eagles,” said Silver, “and I'm betting every last one of them is counterfeit.”

“Let's see,” Wes said.

Removing a knife from inside his right boot, he scraped the surface of one of the gold coins. Beneath a thin coating of gold, there was base metal. Quickly he scraped a dozen more, with the same result.

“Enough,” said Silver. “Let's look at the rest of it.”

There were two of the Dragon coins, with a dragon head on one side and a numeral one on the other.

“Proof enough that we're closing in on the Dragon,” Wes said. “The coins they used in old Mexico had a numeral three, while those in California had a numeral two. Now these have a numeral one.”

There were two scraps of paper, and Silver was studying them.

“Not much to go on,” said Wes. “Just three words: Grand Hotel, Denver.”

“It could be a meeting place, a rendezvous,” Silver said. “Had these
hombres
successfully bushwhacked you and El Lobo, they would have gotten more money.”

“What about this piece of paper?” Wes said. “There's just one word: Stringfield.”

“Might be the name of a town,” said Silver, “or the name of a man. Maybe these two pieces of paper go together. Stringfield may be the name of the contact, and the place the Grand Hotel in Denver.”

“Should be easy enough to find out if there's anybody named Stringfield at the Grand Hotel,” Wes said. “In fact, if we're going on to Dodge, we'll be able to take the train from Boulder. To get there, we'll have to ride almost through Denver. If this Stringfield is still there, expecting to hear from his four killers, we don't have any time to spare. If we go on to Dodge and then return to Denver, too much time will have passed, and he'll know the bushwhacking failed.”

“You're dead right,” said Silver. “We'd better ride out in the morning. I'd say it's at least three hundred miles to Boulder. If Stringfield is a contact, and he's at the Grand in Denver, it could be the start of something big time. We'll eat early in the morning and be ready to ride at first light. You'd better break the news to Renita and Tamara tonight.”

“We will,” Wes said.

El Lobo knocked on the door, identified himself, and was let in. Wes knocked on his own door, and when he had identified himself, Renita let him in. The lamp was turned low. The tub was still there, towels draped over its edge. Renita wore nothing but a smile.

“I reckon that water's cold,” said Wes. “I could use some washing, myself.”

“It's not all that cold,” Renita said. “Wash, and I will watch.”

“You'd better get in bed,” said Wes. “We ride out at first light tomorrow, on our way to Boulder, Colorado.”

“I don't care,” Renita said. “We're going to have tonight, if we never have anything else.”

Wes didn't get into the tub, but soaked one of the towels, using it to wash away some of the trail dust.

“Why are we going to Boulder, Colorado?” Renita asked.

“From there, we'll be taking the train to Dodge City,” said Wes. “I once worked for the railroad, and was headquartered in Dodge. I have friends there. You and Tamara will be staying at the Dodge House. Silver will be there too, until this case is closed.”

“I believe Tamara and me have the right to know what this conspiracy is all about,” Renita said. “Silver seemed to think so too.”

“I reckon you're right,” said Wes. “In the left front pocket of my Levi's there are some double eagles with their faces mutilated. Get them.”

The half dozen coins were counterfeit, taken from the slain outlaws. Renita spread them out on the bed, and Wes told her as much as he felt she needed to know.

“You and Palo are involved in something truly grand,” Renita said. “But there are so many of them, and they're so powerful, how do you know where to start?”

“We found something on one of the dead men that might be a lead,” said Wes. “We'll find out when we reach Denver.”

BOOK: Ralph Compton Train to Durango
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