Please Don't Leave Me : [ Chapter 1]
[Rustler Trouble ]
A month had gone by since Randy had come home to them , and all was well on Shiloh. Or , so it seemed. ''Now , Randy , are you absolutely sure you saw rustlers near the herd '' ? ; The Virginian asked as he got
ready to ride back with Randy to the herd. Sure as I'm standin'
here talkin' to you , boss , ; Randy said as they led their horses out.
Trampas told me to ride back here as fast as I could and get
you , ; Randy added. Well , let's get going , before they get away, ; The
Virginian said as they mounted their horses. There's Betsy by the steps , ; Randy said as they rode towards her. Hi , Randy , where are you two off to ? ; Betsy asked when they rode up to her. Me and Trampas saw some rustlers near the herd , so we're going to make sure they don't get any of the cattle , Betsy , ; Randy said quietly. Alright , Randy , be careful , ; Betsy said softly. You both take care , Randy , ; Betsy said warmly. I will , Betsy , don't you worry , ; Randy replied with a smile. See you later , Betsy , ; Randy said as he took the reins. See you later , Randy ! ; Betsy called out as he rode away . Randy and The Virginian rode over Shiloh , and it was'nt long until they reached where Trampas was keeping an eye on the rustlers. ''It's about time you two got here , Randy '', ; Trampas whispered when they rode up. I rode as fast as I could , Trampas , ; Randy whispered back. I know you did , Randy , ; Trampas said. Well , how many are there , Trampas ? ; The Virginian asked. I count four , so far , ; Trampas replied. What do you wanna' do about it , Virginian ? ; Randy asked quietly.
Well , Randy , the only thing to do is to try and surprise them before they get to us or the herd , ; The Virginian replied. Whatever you say , boss , ; Randy replied in his quiet Southern voice. I'll get the rest of the boys , bossman , ; Trampas said as he left. Now Randy , when we go in there , I want you to stay close to me , alright ? ; The Virginian said. Okay , Virginian , ; Randy said. And be careful , alright ? ; The Virginian said. Those men are dangerous , ; The Virginian added. I will , boss , ; Randy replied. And you be careful , too , ; Randy said in a friendly voice. I will , Randy , ; The Virginian said. Here comes Trampas now , boss , ; Randy said when he saw his friend ride up to them. The boys are ready now , ; Trampas said. Tell them to dismount , ; The Virginian said.
We go on foot from here , ; The Virginian said. Alright , boys , let's go , ; The Virginian said as they started walking. Remember , Randy , stay close to me , ; The Virginian said as they crept up on the rustlers campsite. That's them , alright , boss , ; Randy whispered when they reached the spot. You four , come with me , the rest of you , go with Trampas , ; The Virginian whispered. And Randy , you stay with me , ; The Virginian said. Sure , boss , ; Randy replied. Alright , let's surprise them , ; The Virginian said as they drew their guns. Akright , all of you drop your guns and get your hands in the air ! ; The Virginian said as they surrounded the rustlers. Drop em' ! ; Trampas said as they gave up their guns. How many of you are there ? ; The Virginian said in a mean business voice. There's four of us ! ; the leader said in a mean voice. I count five horses over there , mister , ; The Virginian said. Where's the fifth man ? ; The Virginian asked.
The sooner you tell me the better , ; The Virginian said firmly. He's standing right behind you ! ; said a menacing voice from the brush behind The Virginian and Randy. If I were you , mister , I'd drop that gun and get your hands up , ; The Virginian said as he turned to face the man. So you can take me to be strung up ! ; the man yelled. I don't think so ! ; the man yelled as he drew his gun and fired , only to be shot in self-defense by The Virginian. That was a close shave , boss , ; Trampas said as he gathered up the remaining rustlers. I did'nt want to kill him , but he gave me no choice , Trampas , ; The Virginian said solemnly. Where's Randy ! ; The Virginian exclaimed suddenly. He was here a minute ago , boss, ; Trampas said. I'm over here , boss ! ; Randy called out weakly. Randy , what happened to you , boy ! ; The Virginian said when he got to where Randy was lying hurt.