Tom Chantry awoke to the sun shining through a window, and slowly tried to stand up. Feeling a pain in his stomach however, he quickly laid back down. He then heard the humming of a woman, and looked to see one enter.
"On, Mr. Chantry, you're awake," She said.
"Yeah . . . say, your Bastian's wife right? Isn't it Drusilla?" he stammered out.
"Yeas it is Mr. Chantry, and we are glad to see you're alright."
"What happened . . . was I shot?"
"Yes, you took a bullet that cut horizontally across your chest; fortunately it did not hit anything major, so you should completely heal, though you will have a nasty scar on your chest for a while though."
Chantry chuckled, "Only a scar? I suppose it could have been worse. Is everyone else okay?"
Drusilla signed a little bit, and then responded, "It was some fight. Thirteen total are dead, and we've taken some injuries. Your friend McCoy got nicked in the knee, so he was in a crutch for a few days, buts he's doing better now. Sackett seems to have a few bruises, and Baca kind of went out for a bit, but everyone here is fine now."
"How long was I out?" Chantry questioned.
"Well . . . about four days,"
"Four days?" Chantry practically shouted as he sat up with a bolt of pain.
"Yes, you have lost a lot of blood, more than I have ever seen a man loose."
"Where is everyone right now?" Chantry asked.
"McCoy is out, I assume still looking for the attackers . . . it's all he's been doing since he recovered. Rountree, Sackett, and Baca are here, and Mike and Ben are off scouting range with a few friends." Drusilla responded.
They then proceeded to talk for a while about various things. Drusilla brought up her father, Ben Curry, and how she had come to meet and eventually marry Bastian. Chantry told her about his struggle with his father's killers and his wife Doris and their ranch. Eventually the talk faded, and Drusilla left to give Chantry more time to rest, seeing as he would probably be walking around by tomorrow.
Meanwhile, on the porch of the ranch house Tyrell Sackett, Cap Rountree, and Kim Baca were trying to figure out their next move.
"I don't think we should stay around here too much longer, I'm getting an itch to move on." Rountree commented.
Sackett nodded and replied, "Yeah, and I don't want to overstay the welcome we have had here. I say we take what information we can and chase that gang. Maybe we'll learn a thing or two along the way."
"I agree, but how do we pick up the trail? We followed their tracks the day after the attack, but they simply vanished. The rain wiped out any evidence we may have, and I'm sure their long out of this country by now." Baca said.
They all sat quiet contemplating, until they heard Bastian wife approach.
"Chantry's doing well. He should be mobile by tomorrow." She said.
"Good, maybe that will calm McCoy down some. He's been plum mad ever since he saw Chantry hurt, and he ain't been actin' the best lately." Rountree replied.
"You can't blame him," Baca stated, "Chantry was like a brother to him. He never knew his ma, and his pa died in the Joe Sackett murder case, and he was just a child when that happened. He's a man now, but he doesn't want to see Chantry die, especially after seeing his father die."
"Who knows though," Sackett said, "Maybe he'll find something."
They were then interrupted by the sound of horses hooves, and turner to see Bastian and Curry approaching, and with them, others. Rountree knew all of them-Doc Sawyer, Tex Garlin, Tubby Colley, and the man known as Roundy. (Rountree knew his real name, but like everyone else just called him Roundy). All were Former members of the Ben Curry gang, but were very light for outlaws, as they were all known as good, stable, and hard working men. Colley had been a foreman, and Doc had medical training, and Roundy was never known as a killer. Garlin was known as tough man-little known about him other than he was from Texas.
All four were members of the old gang, but were rather respected men in the west. Rountree knew they would stand with Curry; what's more they would go down fighting. There was something to be said about men who were loyal, and it would be good to have any of these men on your side in a fight.
Bastian explained how they hadn't found much, and that they were running out of options. The attack was days ago and something needed to be done. Sackett said as much, talking of how every day they tried to find them, the farther they got away.
"We have to do something soon. Let's go over what we now so far." Sackett said.
"Well, we know it has to do with the Ben Curry gang," Baca commented, "And that the attack and rustling all seem to be part of one plan. Whatever the reason, we know they have a lot of men. I know we have had trouble trying to figure out why, but a better question might be who?"
"What do you mean?" Colley asked.
"I mean, we know that Mike Monson and that Darrel Queen were some of the leaders of the attack. What do we know about Queen and Monson? If they were in charge of the attack he must have had a reason."
"Yeah-to wipe us out and get the range." Curry replied.
"That's not what I meant. I mean, how did Queen and Monson acquire those men? What do we know of Darrel Queen's past? We know some of Monson's, but not too much. I doubt their running this whole operation, but they play a major part in it. What I'm saying is, if we backtrack their history, then it might lead us to the cause."
"It's worth a short," Garlin commented with a shrug.
They were about to contemplate further when a loud yell was heard in the air.
"Bastian, Curry, I found something you might want to see!" One if the hands shouted as he ran over a small hill to the ranch house.
"What is it Peakens?" Curry shouted.
Peakens, out of breath, arrived at the ranch house out of breath with a letter inn his hands, which he handed to Curry.
"Found it in the saddle of one of the attacker's horses. We haven't had any time to check their stuff until today, so I came over quickly." He said.
Curry handed the note to Bastian, who proceeded to read it aloud.
This attack cannot fail. Make sure you get Chantry and Sackett, as I fear they may catch on to the plan. Boval and Lenard are both moving out to the Empty, the Ranch of the Talons. They will help the Ruffs take it, as it location is key to controlling the empire. A.J. Tuttle still owns most of the land, and most people still don't know it. As I am writing this he is acquiring the land at an alarming rate. However, I advise you be on your toes. Chick Bowdrie, I fear, is catching on to the plan. I know how much you want him dead Queen, and you'll get the chance, but don't rush into it. The Texas rangers are now on the case, and we have received word that the Pinkerton's have been hired as well. I have sent men after Ben Cownan, and the Bar 20 Ranch will be the next big target. Should your attack prove, unsuccessful, which I hope won't be the case for your sake, then you should go to the hideout outside of Stanley and wait for word from Tuttle. He will pass the word to you. Show this to no one. Betrayal will not be tolerated and will result in, shall we say, "Harsh punishment". Do not fail. I have already sent over the monthly pay through Tuttle to come to you-$150 for you and Monson, and $75 for the others. Succeed and I will send more.
"Well," Baca said thoughtfully, "I think we found our lead."
Elsewhere, in the town of Stanley, Seven miles out of Toadstool canyon, Billy McCoy was searching for answers. He had recovered from his knee nicking very well, and was furious at those who had shot Chantry. For days it had been all he could think about. That Dinsmore-he was the one. He was the one who shot Tom. He would find him.
He had left the ranch early that morning, and rode out as the sun rose. No one was quite up then, and McCoy hadn't been talking much since the attack. He had already checked several other areas, and the town seemed like a likely place to find the attackers.
Stanley was not a large town, just a few saloons, a stable or two, a general store, and old hotel, and some shattered shacks. The population was decent, and it was known as an overall good place with some hard working people. Being one of the few towns close to the canyon, McCoy thought they might have come here.
As he tied his horse to a post outside of the saloon, he noticed that the bar was crowded with men, all talking excitedly about something.
"No, I ain't kidding you! Their saying that Catlow, Blaine and Cassidy are all together in Ballistic city-something about a murder and the marshal, Turner Gates," One said.
"I'm just surprised that Catlow's back. He vanished for some time. I was wondering why he popped back up again?" Another asked.
"Something about an old friend. Do you think it's true, that their working together on something?"
"Can't be sure, but there's been a lot of talk lately. From Northeastern Arizona to Sonora, there's been talk of rustling and murder. I even heard that the rangers are looking into the case." A third man commented.
As they continued to talk, McCoy made his way to the bar.
"Get something for 'ya?" The bartender asked.
"Information. I on the lookout for a few men." McCoy responded.
The bartender raised an eyebrow, and spoke in a lower voice, "What kind of men?"
"Outlaws. I'm Hunting Denny Dinsmore, Mike Monson, and Darrel Queen."
The room fell dead silent, and McCoy instantly realized he made a mistake. The outlaws may have friends here, and he still attracted attention.
The bartender had a worried and unpleasant look on his face as he replied, "Son, I know nothing of those men and hope I never do. Was I you, I would keep my mouth shut on such folks-they ain't ones to mess with."
McCoy gulped hard. There was no turning back now. He may have just run into enemies, or at least trouble. He had to stand tall now, as there was no way he was getting out of this easily.
"They are men I need to find. They are responsible for an attack on the ranch of Mike Bastian."
The room fell quiet at that, until a dark figure in the corner spoke up. McCoy had not noticed him until now, and a chill ran down his back as he heard the man speak.
"What makes you think that it was them fellows? I heard they wasn't even in this part of the country. You should just ride on boy, and save yourself any troubles. Queen's a man, I have heard, that doesn't like to be accused of things he didn't commit."
"We have proof it was them. And because of them some good men have died. I intend to see justice served for the all those men."
"If that's what you're after partner," the figure said in a dark voice, "Then you might as well be digging your own grave."
McCoy noticed how several men had left the saloon, and those who remained were pinned against the walls, mad at themselves for not seeing the tension and trouble that was building sooner.
"Why do you defend them? It seems you would be on their side." McCoy questioned.
"No son, I ain't. I just don't want to see a young man dead in his tracks-trust me boy, they will kill you, and if some of them get their hands on you, then you'll wish you were dead long ago. You should be moving kid; I know what Darrel Queen and Mike Monson are capable of.
"Monson is a poor leader-tough yes, but not the smartest. He's one of the fastest hands I have seen with a gun though, and he could cut you down in seconds. Queen is a whole 'nother story. Their isn't that much known on him, but he's a strange man, and he is worse than his brothers, who have done things no western man would do. Dinsmore is insane, and there isn't a chance of saving that man-he's pure crazy.
"Should you somehow get past them, then it'll only get worse. The Dunn Clan is in on the score, and Rocker Dunn is one of the most feared men in the west. Roman Bollen has the power, and he is a sheer brute who'll get what he pleases. Then there's Rebb-Johnny Rebb. They say he lost in a gun fight to Hopalong Cassidy, and that he's still after the man. I have no idea how he got caught up in this, but if you cross him you're sure to die, for he has a wicked cross draw.
"And, and this here ain't humanly possible, if should beat all of them, then you get the horns. There are men all over the country on this case. They even got an ally in the Capital! These men all over this fight all cashing in on the prize of a lifetime. They already in Sonora, and there's been shooting in the Apple Canyon in Texas. You can't stop them kid, so tell your friends. Get out now and stay out of the way-there is no mercy in any of these men, and they will get it."
"Get What? What is this about? How do you know? Tell me more!" McCoy demanded.
But the figure shook his head, and replied, "I have spoken too much son, and there coming for me too. That's why I told you what I did, 'cause their gonna kill me anyway. They always get the ones who break away. I thought I could outrun them, but I'm sure there get me soon. Stay out of this fight kid. Protect your land if you want to, but don't go after them. You will never figure out the enormity of this plan, and just like me, they'll get you. Run now kid-I have known men like you before. Men like you who are good, hardworking hands, who work their share and then settle down in the world. You don't want to end up dead in the dirt over this. It just isn't worth it."
"That may be the case for you," McCoy replied, "But I have to do this. Chantry was shot up by them, and I stand by my friends."
"Well, I tried, better keep your eyes open kid, because . . ." The figure started to say before the doors of the saloon busted open, and Mike Monson stood in the doorway. Behind him were at least five others.
"Pullman," Monson said loudly to the figure, "Queen said I should have made it quiet and pin it on someone else, but I'm 'gonna shut you up right now, and take the kid with you!"
As he spoke, Monson had already drawn his gun and brought it up firing. As the bullet left his gun the figure had just brought his gun up, but the shot struck his stomach, and the man sprawled over the table he sat at. Men behind Monson fired as well, aiming for McCoy.
McCoy's draw had been fast, nearly as fast as that of Monson and his gun fired just after Monson fired his. It was aimed at Monson, but the shift in Monson's position with his first shot caused it to miss. Fire now concentrated on McCoy, who dove for a bar bench for cover. Those who were still in the saloon put their hands in the air, to show they would not take part in the fighting. Monson continued his volley of shots, holstering his one gun and switching to another when it ran dry.
He and his men started to approach where McCoy was at when a roar of horse hooves was heard, and the shouts of men, men McCoy knew . . . Chantry, Sackett, and Bastian. McCoy recognized the voices as well, and darted for the back door. As he did Tyrell burst into the saloon firing, taking a man down in seconds. The others, like Monson made a break for the back door. As they exited, Baca, Bastian, and Curry stepped in behind Sackett, all with their guns ready. They began firing as the last of the men made it through the door.
"No use chasing after them," Baca said, "They'll be long gone in the woods by the time we find 'em. Besides, they seem to have friends in this town."
Sackett had gone over to help McCoy up, asking, "How are you holding up Billy? You okay?"
With a grunt and a sign, Billy replied "I'll be a little bruised, but I missed my chance."
"What do you mean?" Bastian asked.
"See that man over their?" He said pointing to the stranger sprawled on the table.
"Yeah" Rountree said dryly as he walked in.
"He was originally in all this mess. I tried to get him to talk, but he said he was a dead man, and sure enough, when Monson came in here he shot him dead. They must take being a whole part of this operation seriously.
"The problem is that with him dead I lost the trail."
"Not quite," Chantry said, hobbling though the door. At this McCoy let out a sign of relief knowing his good friend was okay.
"What do you mean Chantry?" He asked.
"Come back with us to the ranch. We found a note that might just give us a lead."
When they all made it back to the Ranch they settled down to discuss the situation. Chantry explained the letter, and what it meant for all of them.
"How did you guys know where to find me?" McCoy asked,
"We figured you were in town," Bastian said, "So when we made it to the town we checked around. A man stopped and said he had seen a young man ride in to town and head for the saloon, and he described you. He also described Monson, and when we saw him head for the saloon we came running."
"So . . . what happens now?" Colley asked.
"Well, I say our best bet is to head to the place the letter mentions, the Empty ranch. Maybe we can stop the attack there, or at least learn about it if it already happened. We cannot get much more by staying here, and I want to get to the bottom of this as soon as possible." Chantry said.
"The Empty ranch is over in Texas-so it will take us a few days." Baca said.
"I know the empty Ranch," Tyrell said, "it's owned by the Talons, some half-cousins of ours. They got the Sackett blood in them, so if they get attacked all of them will come running. Though I doubt they would be able to run old Em Talon out of that house."
"So you know the way Tyrell?" McCoy asked.
"Yes, I have never been their myself, but the trail has been told to me."
"Then it settled. I'm heading to the Ranch." Chantry said.
"That goes for me too, "Sackett said, "I said I would go with you, and I ain't 'gonna break that promise."
Baca, Rountree, and McCoy all nodded in agreement. While Drusilla turned to Bastian.
"You should go Mike," She said, "They will need your help."
Mike signed for a moment, and then asked, "Will you be alright here at the ranch? What if another attack is made?"
"I doubt it will happen, but if it does I can handle my own. We have plenty of loyal hands here to help as well, so I will be fine."
"Alright, "Bastian said grinning, "I guess I'm in too."
"Same for me!" Curry said.
"Are you sure old man?" Bastian asked questioningly
"Now don't you give me that," Curry said with a chuckle, "I was an outlaw for years, and while I said I was done with all that life, I could use one last go around with the wild side."
Bastian looked questioningly at Drusilla, but she responded, "I cannot stop him Mike. He's my father, and I know there is just no stopping him. It may be dangerous, but it's what he wants. Let him have it if he wants."
"What do you say Curry," Bastian asked, "You ready for one last go around."
Curry nodded, and Garlin, Sawyer, Colley, and Roundy all agreed to go along too.
Early the next morning, as the sun rose in the sky, a small party of riders headed out of toadstool canyon, heading east for the Texas country.