Ch 14
Teaspoon, Cody, and Buck left early the next morning on the trail of the gang. They rode all day and made camp that afternoon right before dark.
"I figure that we made good time today. We have cut them to only a half days ride ahead of us." Said Buck.
"We should catch them before they hit town." Said Cody.
"Boys, we are gonna have to be on our toes. I ain't sure what we looking at. Ike and all." Said Teaspoon.
"I don't think they are going to go peacefully and I don't plan on giving them any mercy." Said Cody.
"What about Ike? We still don't know." Said Buck.
"What don't we know Buck?! He almost killed half of us!"
"It's Ike! I can't just kill him!"
"That's enough!" Yelled Teaspoon. "We will see how it goes when we find em. Now get some sleep. We got a hard day tomorrow."
Buck watched Cody as he went to sleep. He wasn't going to let him kill Ike. There had to be an explanation.
Buck tracked the gang the following morning until he came to a valley. The smoke up ahead signaled him that they had held up there waiting for everything to calm down after the robbery. He eased back to where he left Cody and Teaspoon.
"They're all there. Looks like they are waiting." Said Buck.
"Probably just trying to stay off the map for a few days which is good for us." Said Cody.
"Let's get closer and see what's going on." Said Teaspoon.
The trio eased onto an overlook watching the gang below. They counted five men.
"They don't appear to be worried about being found." Whispered Cody.
"They kill mostly everyone they meet so why would they." Said Buck.
"Y'all see Ike anywhere?" Asked Teaspoon.
"No, nowhere." Said Cody.
Buck flinched as he caught sight of a familiar figure as he walked out from the trees. He felt at a loss for words. He walking around freely just like he was at home.
"Teaspoon." Pointed Cody.
"My God. I wouldn't believe it if I didn't see it with my own eyes."
"What you wanna do?" Asked Cody.
"That's all six. We got the element of surprise boys. Spread out on all sides. Wait for my signal. If they draw, take em down." Said Teaspoon.
Cody nodded while Buck looked unsettled.
"We should talk to Ike first. Please Teaspoon."
"Buck if ya can get to him then see what you can do."
Buck nodded.
Buck and Cody split up and went around to get a better view. Cody readied his rifle as Buck readied his bow. Teaspoon stood up.
"This is Marshal Hunter, put your guns down and your hands up!"
Teaspoon heard laughter pass through the camp.
"Sure old man!" Yelled Ike.
Teaspoon looked on in shock. He spoke.
The gang pulled their weapons and started to fire. Cody raised his rifle. He shot one then another. Buck pulled back his bow. He shot two men also leaving only two men. Buck ran down into the camp toward Ike. He stumbled into the clearing. Ike saw and raised his gun right at Buck. Buck froze.
"Such a fool!" Laughed Ike.
"Ike? What's going on? Please talk to me. Let me help you."
"Whatever." Laughed Ike as he went to pull the trigger.
Ike jumped back as his gun was shot out of his hand. He looked to see Teaspoon running. He ran for the trees. Cody slid down the hill. Buck ran after Ike while Teaspoon looked for the last man. Teaspoon came around a small rock when he heard the gun cock. He put his hands up waiting for the shot. A shot rang out as Teaspoon closed his eyes. He opened them to find the man dead and Cody behind him.
"Buck ran after Ike!" Yelled Cody.
Cody and Teaspoon ran in the direction that they had went. They came to a small clearing in the trees to find Buck standing with his gun pointed at Ike. Cody and Teaspoon looked on in confusion. Buck stood pointing, his gun shaking. There wasn't just one Ike. There were two identical Ike's standing in the clearing with their hands up.
"Don't move!" Yelled Buck.
"What the hell?!" said Teaspoon and Cody at the same time.
"One of them ain't our Ike!" Yelled Buck as he pointed his gun shakily from one man to the other.
Both Ike's stood there looking back and forth.
"Teaspoon! I don't know which one!" Blurted Buck.
One Ike pointed to the other. The other pointed back shaking his head. Teaspoon didn't know how to answer. Cody just stood with his mouth gaped open. Buck went back and forth.
"Which one of you is Ike?!" Yelled Buck not really expecting an answer.
Both Ike's just stood still watching Buck. Buck looked at each one carefully. He picked one and pulled the trigger. The bullet struck Ike square in the chest and he fell down to the ground dead. Buck slowly lowered his gun. Teaspoon looked on watching Buck tremble. The other Ike ran over to the fallen one. Teaspoon eased over.
"Ike? Is that you?"
Ike looked up and nodded.
'It's me. This was my brother that I thought had died.'
Buck dropped his gun to the dirt and ran over to Ike.
"I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry."
'It's ok. It will be ok. He was always evil. He deserved to die.'
"How did you know which one?" Asked Cody.
"I watched his eyes." Answered Buck.
Teaspoon nodded and went to get the payroll. Buck helped Ike to his feet and gave him a hug which Ike returned.
"A twin. A twin. I'll be damned." Said Cody still staring.