Valley of the Gun (9781101607480) Read Online Free Page A

added with a slight grin, “Even the merchants here welcome him. With all his wives and offspring, it’s like feeding an army.”
    â€œNot to mention his gunmen and bank robbers,” Sam said flatly, giving the sheriff a look.
    â€œI didn’t have to tell you, Ranger,” said DeShay “I could have kept it to myself. You’d never been any the wiser.”
    â€œI know you didn’t have to tell me,” said Sam, “and that brings me to wonder why you did.”
    â€œBecause I’m a lawman, just like you,” said DeShay. “I don’t want you thinking otherwise. But look where my town is.” He gestured toward the distant hills and vast stretches of desert land. “We’re far from everything and everybody. I have to do what’s best to keep this town on its feet. Making a fight with a man like Dad Orwick is a good way to put us out of business and get myself killed.”
    â€œEasier to just get along and look the other way when you have to,” Sam said.
    â€œThat’s right,” DeShay said defensively. “If him and his men ever broke the law here in Whiskey Bend, I’d be all over them—Orwick knows that. But that has never been the case.”
    â€œAnd if it came down to choosing sides, him or the law . . . ?” Sam asked, leaving the question hanging.
    DeShay nodded at the dead man on the ground.
    â€œYou tell me, Ranger,” he said. “Which side was I on?”
    Sam only nodded.
    â€œI want you to know,” said DeShay, “this man trying to ambush you in my town changes things. As far as I’m concerned, I’ll ride with you after the rest of the bunch—give them the message that I won’t allow that sort of thing here.”
    â€œSheriff, I’m obliged for your offer and for saving me from an ambush,” Sam said evenly. “But I’ll be riding after them alone.” He half turned to walk back to the barn.
    â€œOh? Why’s that?” said DeShay. “Is this the thanks I get for trying to be honest with you?”
    â€œNo,” Sam said. “I’ll be riding
alone
because that’s how I ride.” He walked away as the sheriff stared after him.
    â€œI’m a lawman same as you, Ranger,” DeShay pointed out.
    â€œI never said otherwise,” Sam replied without looking back at the sheriff. This was neither the time nor the place to argue the matter, he told himself.
    â€œAll right, then,” DeShay called out. “I’ll ride with the posse from Goble when they get here. I’ve no doubt they’ll welcome my help.”
    â€œDo what suits you,” Sam called back. “Tell them to watch for me. I’ll be on the trail in front of them.”

Chapter 3
    It was dark by the time the Ranger finished attending to the black-point dun and led the big copper-colored horse out of the livery barn, his riding duster draped over the saddle. As he stopped and put on the duster, the dun chuffed and blew and stamped a hoof as if in protest of the ensuing ride. Cradling the horse’s head in the crook of his arm, Sam patted its jaw with a gloved hand.
    â€œI know it’s been a long day, fellow,” he said quietly. “But you’re fed and rubbed and rested.” He paused with a thin, wry smile. “I wish I could say the same for myself,” he added, realizing that he hadn’t been off his feet since he’d walked into Whiskey Bend.
    The big dun sawed his head a little as if trying not to give in too easily. But he settled at the Ranger’s touch, liking the feel of his hand, the soothing tone of his voice.
    â€œAnyway, that’s all I’ve got for you right now,” Sam said with a firm final pat.
    He stepped into his stirrup and swung himself up into his saddle. Drawing his Winchester from its boot, he checked it out of habit and held it with its butt propped up from his thigh. Beneath him the