IT took me one day to reach Lincoln at a hard ride. When the town came into view, I slowed down to a trot. I steadied my self , and let go of the hands with ease. I had perfect balance as I pulled my hair back, and hid it under my hat. I rubbed my hand over the saddle wiping the stray dust off. I gave my face a good scrub, giving it a dirty look from the dust. A girl wearing pants and this many guns, would attract unwanted eyes. But Now I would get no more then a glance as pass buyers. I rode into town, and pulled my horse up to a rail in front of the saloon. It was very common for visitors to go to the saloon first. And, as I expected, the Sheriff came in soon afterward and walked straight up to me as I bought a bottle of whisky.

"Howdy." He said.

'Howdy." I said back, keeping my voice low and deep.

"What bring you to Lincoln?" the sheriff asked. I looked at him, my eyes clouded. They wandered to the silver star on his vest, then back to my drink. "Sorry to offend you, but see, I'm the law round these parts, and I keep the peace. I like to keep my eye on things… specially new comers."

"Just passing through. Maybe a day or two stay." I said, "Whiskey?"

"Don't mind if I do." He said. I bought another whisky and handed it to him. It was always good to get on the sheriff's good side. "Thank you." I nodded, "Names Daley." I stopped. My name… wouldn't be good for this man. Elisha? HA! No, think quick.

"Will." I said, the first name coming to my head.

"Well, Will, anything I can do for ya, just come holler." He said. He started to walk away.

"Sheriff?" I called. He stopped and turned around, "Since I am staying for a few days, and I hate boring cities, mind telling me if anything worth getting out of bed is going on round here?" The sheriff chucked and nodded.

"Well, we got a hanging tomarr'a morning. Some famous outlaws. Round nine." He said, "Then there's a party as Miss Cane's house. Anybody's invited." I nodded, and he left. Tomorrow morning? That didn't give me much time to plan. I had to think of something fast. It didn't take long, before an idea popped into my head. I grabbed the bottle of whiskey and walked out of the saloon. I walked my horse down to the jail house, where I saw the deputy was inside. Billy was without a doubt inside. But I had to talk to him. I knew they wouldn't let people talk to outlaws the day before a hanging. So how was I going to do this? Easy. I walked inside, and tipped my hat to the deputy. I gave him the bottle of whisky.

"For the young prisoner. Help settle his nerves if he has any." I said. The deputy hesitated then, nodded. He disappeared in the back, and I heard the faint voice of a young man. Billy. I left. Quietly and quickly. I tied my horse around the back of the buildings and found the jail outhouse. I found a spot hidden behind the buildings… and waited. I hate waiting you know that? It took three dang hours for Billy to finish off the whisky and figure he had to go to the bathroom. He came around, his hands in shackles, and held at gun point by the deputy who was close behind. The deputy shut the door behind Billy, and turned to guard. I pulled my hat down low, and took off my vest and over shirt, and pulled my handkerchief up around my nose. Now you couldn't recognize me. In a few minutes, I had gotten behind the outhouse, and knocked the guard out. I pulled the knife from my boot, and waited AGAIN. Finally Billy came out. In a flash, I had my knife on Billy's neck, and him in a tight grip. Billy froze and tenced.

"Where are your horses?" I asked.

"Idiot!" Billy hissed, "If all ya wanted was our horses, you could have asked the sheriff! They're free for anyone who claims the first!"

"Oh, but the sheriff doesn't trust me that much. I have a different purpose for them." I said, keeping my voice low, "Just tell me where they are. Besides, what are they do you anyway?" I said, tightening my grip as he tried to pull away. I was amazed at his strength in such a short build. And I was amazed at how I was able to hold him.

"In the barn behind the old shack." Billy said, "They ain't no good for breeding, so forget it."

"Oh, I don't want them for breeding, Billy." I said. He stopped.

"How do you know my…" he started.

"Just tell your gang to stay on their toes… and to hold their breath when the noose pulls tight." I let go. Billy swung, but hit only air. I was quick, and I was gone. I quickly found the sheriff and gave him the hint to go look by the outhouse. Billy was back behind bars, a odd expression on his face, and the sheriff thanked me. I had his trust now. I bit into my jerky, and trudged down the street toward the barn. I found their horses easy, but didn't take them. Instead, I put out a bad word for them, so no one would by them. I said they were old, used up creatures that wouldn't be worth the free price. That kept everyone well away from them. I didn't check into a hotel when it became darker. Instead I paid the barn keeper to watch over my horse, and I found a dark ally, and slept. The next day was going to be fun