Burtonville was nothing like Jimmy Hickok had been expecting.  When Teaspoon Hunter, the Pony Express station master in Sweetwater had sent Jimmy and fellow rider, Buck Cross, on this particular special run, he’d told the two that both delivery points were new “camp” towns.  They had sprung up near a pair of gold strikes, the older man had related, and Burtonville was the newer of the two. Jimmy and Buck had made the assumption that the newer town would be at best hastily thrown together shanties and had decided flipping a coin was the only fair way to choose who would have the “pleasure” of spending the night there.  The other would ride on to the more established Evanstown.  Their plan was to meet back where they had split up the following afternoon. Looking down from a hilltop south of town, Jimmy decided maybe he hadn’t been the loser after all.  Burtonville consisted of several wood frame buildings bordering a wide street that seemed to lead to a large two-story house.  Smaller houses, all neatly kept, formed an outer ring around what appeared to be a commercial area.   Jimmy could make out a general store, a bank, a restaurant and a stable.  An additional office that, judging from the bars on the windows, could only be a jail, held a prominent place as the first building encountered.  Strangely enough, there was nothing resembling a saloon, nor did there appear to be a hotel. Urging his horse forward, Hickok started down the hill.  He decided his first stop would be the jail.  Hopefully, whoever passed for law in Burtonville would be able to point him in the direction of the man to whom he was to deliver his packet of mail. He had barely reached the valley floor when he came across a wagon moving rapidly in the other direction. “If you’re heading to Burtonville,” the driver offered, “take my advice and keep on riding.” “Why?” Jimmy asked curiously. “Town’s full of nothing but crazy people,” the man answered.  “And they don’t like strangers.” “Got me some business there,” Jimmy told him. “Well, can’t say I didn’t warn you!” the other man said as he urged his horses to pick up speed. Jimmy watched the man drive off, shrugged and rode on. Hickok’s instincts began sending signals almost as soon as he passed the sign that said “Welcome to Burtonville.”  He was being watched and that wasn’t a feeling he liked very much.  Reining to a stop in front of the jail, he dismounted and tied his horse to the rail.  He took a moment to look around-as if admiring the town.  The wide main street was empty except for the shopkeeper who was helping another man load a wagon.  While a bit unusual, it was getting on towards evening so it was possible that the majority of the townspeople where home eating their suppers.  His own stomach was telling him that it had been a long time since he had last eaten and the smells from the restaurant were taunting him.  The feeling of being watched had grown even stronger but he could see nothing that caused him to worry.  Mentally berating himself for letting the other traveler set him on edge, Jimmy pulled the mochilla from its place on his saddle.  Slinging the bag across his shoulder, he crossed the plank sidewalk and stepped into the building. The attack came in the few seconds it took for his eyes to adjust from the brightness outside to the dimness of the office’s interior. Before he could react, a man stepped in from either side, grabbing him by the arms and throwing him against the wall.  A third man stepped forward to pull his pistols from their holsters, then roughly jerked the mochilla from his shoulder. “What the . . .” Jimmy began, then wisely closed his mouth as the man in front of him pushed his own pistol into his neck. “Shut up!” the man growled. Jimmy was furious, but he wasn’t stupid.  The odds were against him and he knew it.  He stood stiff and still, waiting for an opportunity. For the first time he noticed a fourth man who sat in a high backed chair behind a large desk.  A silver star was pinned to the man’s chest. “Are you in charge he-“  Jimmy’s words ended in a loud “ooph!” as a fist slammed into his stomach. “I told you to shut up!” the talker repeated. Hickok sagged between the two men holding him as he fought to regain his breath. “Now, Roeber,” the seated man reprimanded.  “Is that any way to treat a newcomer to our fair town?” Rising to his feet, the lawman walked over to stand in front of the still gasping prisoner.  “You’ll have to forgive Roeber,” he intoned almost cheerfully.  “He has a tendency to be a bit-shall we say, enthusiastic?  Especially when it comes to dealing with a law breaker.” “What law did I break?” Jimmy gasped, preparing himself for another punch. The lawman waved Roeber off.  “Obviously you missed our sign stating that weapons of any form are illegal in Burtonville,” he explained.  “Unless, of course, you are duly authorized.” “I didn’t see any sign,” Jimmy protested. “Well now, normally I would say ignorance of the law is no excuse,” the other man countered.  “However, you being new to the town and all, I believe it’s possible for an exception to be made.” The sheriff returned to his chair.  “Please sit down, Mr. ??” he suggested.  An abrupt wave of his hand prompted the two men holding Jimmy to release him. The rider considered his options.  The anger he felt at the treatment he had received smoldered but again reason won out.  His pistols lay on the table just out of his reach while his four adversaries wore theirs conveniently on their hips. Deciding there would be another time to get even, he stepped forward to take the offered seat. “Name’s Hickok,” he answered shortly.  “And you are?” The brief narrowing of the lawman’s eyes and Roeber’s shifting of weight were the only indication Jimmy received that his name was recognized. “Sheriff Mark Scanlan, at you service,” the other man replied without missing a beat.  “What brings you to Burtonville, Mr. Hickok?” “I ride for the Pony Express,” Jimmy responded.  Nodding in the direction of the mochilla that now lay on the sheriff’s desk, he continued.  “I’m to deliver that to Jeremy Burton.” One of the men standing behind him inhaled sharply, earning a glare from Scanlan. “Well now,” the sheriff said thoughtfully.  “Given that you are here under the auspices of the Pony Express-I’m sure at great personal risk on your part-I suppose we can forgive your breaking of the law-this time.  I will be happy to see that your mission is accomplished.  That way you will be able to start back before nightfall.” That would be the easy way out Hickok knew.  But, as usual, his pride refused to allow him to take the easy way out of anything.  Pride and the irresistible desire that suddenly came upon him to become an annoyance to the man who sat facing him.  “Sorry,” he replied as sincerely as he was able.  “Company rules say I have to deliver the mail to the person it’s addressed to-personally.” He rose and started to pick up the mochilla only to have it knocked from his hand by Roeber.  Jimmy fought the temptation to take a swing at the other man.  Instead he stared pointedly at Sheriff Scanlan. After what seemed like an eternity, the sheriff looked away, motioning for Roeber to step back. “I suppose you must do as you have been ordered,” he intoned.  “However,” he continued as Jimmy reached for his pistols, “your weapons will remain here until you are prepared to leave Burtonville.” He held up his hand to forestall Jimmy’s protest.  “We quite simply can not and will not stand for a flagrant disregard for the laws of our town-no matter who might be involved.” Once again Jimmy’s options were limited.  He knew Scanlan was pushing just to see how far he could push.  The rider was determined not to allow the other man to knowingly get the better of him.  Noting with satisfaction the look of surprise on the sheriff’s face, he nodded and lifted the mochilla from the desk. “How do I find Burton?” he asked gruffly. “Mr. Burton will be at his home,” the sheriff replied, placing special emphasis on the “Mr.”   “Mr. Wilky and Mr. Turner will escort you there.” “I can find it on my own,” Jimmy protested. “I have my orders as well, Mr. Hickok,” Scanlan argued.  “Strangers must have escorts when meeting with Mr. Burton.” “Fine,” Jimmy said sharply.  “Let’s get this over with.” Scanlan nodded at his two deputies.  They turned as one and flanked Jimmy as he left the building. “So that’s ‘Wild Bill’ Hickok,” Roeber said as soon as he was alone with Scanlan.  “He don’t look so tough to me.” “You will find, Mr. Roeber,” Scanlan said thoughtfully.  “More often than not, those who do not appear to be tough are most often tougher than those who do.” “You expecting trouble?” Roeber asked. “Always.” “Nothing me and the boys can’t handle,” the deputy responded confidently. “I only hope you are correct,” the sheriff replied, reaching out to examine the twin revolvers his men had removed from the young gunslinger. The deputies made Hickok wait while one of them brought their horses from the livery stable.  Neither of them spoke as the three men started down the still empty street.  Even though he rode staring straight ahead, Jimmy caught more than one furtive movement from behind curtained windows as he rode past.  Once again his instincts sent up red flags, but other than note their presence, there was nothing he could do. The first thing that struck the rider as the trio approached the house, other than its immense size, was the smell.  The heady scent of fresh cut pine mingled with the tangy odor of fresh paint.  Hickok doubted the house had been standing all that long.  Whoever lived inside, he decided, had money to burn. An elderly black man answered the door.  Jimmy hoped it was just his heightened sense of paranoia that made him notice the way the old man’s eyes narrowed as he saw the two deputies.  Especially when he politely led them to a parlor just off the main foyer.   Ignoring his two silent escorts, the rider looked around the room. A stone fireplace, topped by an oak mantle, dominated one wall.  Above the mantle hung an almost life-sized portrait of a young family Jimmy assumed to be the Burtons in earlier years.  Opposite the fireplace, an oversized window famed the view of the town beyond.  Jimmy could only imagine what it had cost to transport a piece of glass that size from back east.  The sound of boots treading heavily on the tiled floor brought his attention back to the room. Jeremy Burton surprised Jimmy almost as much as the town that bore his name.  He had been expecting an older man-someone who wore the arrogance of a man in a position of power.  The man who stood before him was only a little older than depicted in his portrait-at least at first glance. Closer inspection revealed a weariness that Jimmy had come to recognize in those defeated by life.  The rider couldn’t help but be curious as to what would have had such a profound affect on such a young man. A none-too-gently nudge from one of the deputies brought him out of his reverie.  He realized that Burton had asked him a question-and that he had no idea what that question was. “Who was at the door, Washington?” “A man from the Pony Express, Miss Amanda,” the old man replied.  “He brung mail for Mister Jeremy.” “Was he alone?”  The hopeful note in the woman’s voice was almost too much for the aging servant. “No, Ma’am, Miss Amanda,” he replied sadly, watching her youthful face grow old again.  “Maybe I could get a message to him,” he offered. Amanda pondered only briefly before shaking her head.  “Not after what happened last time.”  A choked sob caught in her throat.  “We can’t take that chance again.” “Yes, Ma’am,” Washington agreed.  “But what if Mister Jeremy was to respond to one of them letters?”  At his mistress’ puzzled look, he explained, “The young man looked as like he might be pretty smart-“ “Of course!” Amanda interrupted.  “He’s sure to wonder why the mail would have to be reviewed by the sheriff before it was allowed to be sent.” “But Mister Jeremy, he won’t write nothing bad,” Washington reminded her gently. “It won’t matter,” she replied, excitement undampened.  “The mere fact that the review must be done should raise some suspicions on the part of the rider.” “I surely do hope so, Miss Amanda,” the servant agreed. “It must happen, Washington,” the woman breathed.  “It simply must!” “May I please have my mail?” Jeremy repeated, realizing Jimmy had not been paying attention. Hickok nodded quickly, then pulled the mochilla from his shoulder.  Reaching inside, he pulled out a bound bundle of envelopes. Jeremy accepted the bundle, then removing the string that bound the letters, began flipping through the individual items. “Some of these belong to my wife,” he said to no one in particular. Jimmy stood, uncertain as to whether his presence was necessary.  Finally he asked, “Will you be sending a reply back with me?” Burton looked up as if surprised to see he was not alone.  “I’m really not sure,” he replied.  “I’ll need to read them first.  It’s quite possible my wife will wish to respond as well.” Once again Jimmy felt distinctly uncomfortable as a tension seemed to build in the room.  He realized Burton was looking past him and could only assume the deputies were the source. “You will be staying the night of course,” Jeremy said with no question in his voice. “I’m supposed to meet up with my partner tomorrow,” Jimmy replied.  For a brief moment he saw a look of hope in the other man’s eyes-a look so quickly gone, he wasn’t sure it wasn’t imagined. “That should be fine,” the other man said nodding.  “I’ll have Washington make up a room for you.” “That won’t be necessary,” Hickok protested.  “I can get a room at the hotel.” “There is no hotel in Burtonville,” Jeremy countered.  “My wife would never forgive me if I turned you out.  She would love to hear any news you would care to share.” “All right,” Jimmy agreed finally.  “If you insist.” “That’s settled then,” Burton said smiling.  “I’ll have my man take care of your horse-unless you would prefer-“ “I’ll do it myself,” Jimmy told him.  The rider noted that while the man’s smile spread across his face, it didn’t quite touch his eyes. “Washington will show you the way,” the other man said, indicating the black man who had appeared as if by magic. Turning to the two deputies who stood watching the exchange with curious looks on their faces, Burton added, “You two are no longer needed.” “Sheriff Scanlan said-“ one of them began. “Tell Scanlan I will take full responsibility,” Burton interrupted. Jimmy had already left the room but his sharp ears still followed the exchange. “He ain’t going to like this,” the deputy replied. “He doesn’t have to like it,” Burton said sharply.  “Your being here will arouse suspicion.  Scanlan wouldn’t like that much either.” “You just remember-“ Jimmy would liked to have heard the rest of what sounded like a threat but couldn’t without seeming too obvious.  Shaking off his wariness with a sigh, the rider followed Washington to the stables. “He said what?!”  Mark Scanlan seldom lost his temper but he was losing it now. “What were we supposed to do, Mr. Scanlan?” Wilky asked cautiously.  “We couldn’t exactly argue with him in front of Hickok.” “Don’t worry, Boss,” Roeber assured the sheriff.  “Hickok is just going to have a little ‘accident’, that’s all.  Just like that poor Thorson fella.” “He has a partner,” Wilky offered, then cringed as both Scanlan and Roeber fixed him with a malevolent stare.  “He said he was supposed to meet his partner tomorrow.” “Did he happen to say where?” Scanlan asked. “No, Sir, Mr. Scanlan,” the deputy replied.  “But it was right after he said it that Burton got all uppity.” “He wouldn’t be that stupid,” Roeber stated, not so totally certain as he tried to sound.  “Would he?” “Being prepared, Mr. Roeber,” Scanlan intoned, “is what has kept us in this lucrative position for this long.  I’m sure we will be informed if anything should be said, but it never hurts to have plans in place.” Turning to the other two deputies, the sheriff began to lay out a plan.  “You two will arrange with Mr. Schultz and Mr. Black to maintain an around-the-clock watch on the Burton house.  One of you shall remain in the stable at all times.” Without waiting for a response, Scanlan turned back to Roeber.  “Mr. Roeber, you and I shall plan a surprise for the good Mr. Hickok-and his partner-just in case.” “You invited him to stay the night?” Amanda asked in amazement.  “And dismissed the guards?  What did he have to say about that?”  Her emphasis left no doubt as to whom “he” was. “I haven’t spoken with Scanlan,” Jeremy replied.  “Even he will have to see though, that to do otherwise would raise the young man’s suspicions.” “With no guards around we could try-“ “No!” Jeremy interrupted emphatically.  “We don’t want another Thorson on our consciences.” “But perhaps this Hickok could-“  Her words stopped abruptly at the angry look her husband gave her. “We can’t risk it, Amanda,” he told her firmly.  “You heard what Scanlan said the last time.  We have to believe he meant it.” “You may have already signed Mr. Hickok’s death warrant, Jeremy,” Amanda argued.  “Simply by asking him to stay here tonight.  At least speaking to him will give him an awareness so that he can guard himself.” “Where else would he go?” Jeremy protested.  “Besides I’ll talk to Scanlan tomorrow.  I’ll make him understand that we said nothing.” “I still don’t know how he found out about Thorson,” Amanda mused, changing the subject.  She knew once Jeremy made up his mind, no amount of argument would change it. “A mistake was made somewhere,” Jeremy responded.  “Somehow the word leaked out.” “But only a few were aware,” Amanda countered.  “We may never know the answer,” Jeremy said.  “But for the very reason that it may have been someone we trust betraying that trust, we cannot take that kind of risk again.” “You don’t believe one of the servants-“ Amanda gasped. “We may never know,” Jeremy repeated.  “While I would like to believe the loyalty they show us is true, money can make men do disloyal things.  It may have even been something Thorson himself said.  We just can’t know for sure.” “I wish we had never found that mine!” Amanda said bitterly.  “For all the good it has done, there has been as much bad-if not more.” “We’ll find a way to make things right,” Jeremy whispered, taking her in his arms and holding her tightly.  “I promise you we will!” “I’ve got two of my men here where the road meets the main trail,” Roeber informed Scanlan.  “I’ll be behind him when he leaves town.  That way we’ll catch him and his partner from three sides.” “Very good,” Scanlan replied nodding. Roeber eyed Jimmy’s pistols, still lying on the sheriff’s desk.  “You going to give those back to him?” “Not to do so would raise far too many suspicions,” the lawman answered. “What difference will it make?” Roeber countered.  “The Burtons telling him everything will do that.” “There is always the possibility that the Burtons will say nothing,” Scanlan mused.  “Don’t worry Mr. Roeber,” he added, noting the deputy’s incredulous look.  “I don’t intend to take that risk.” Reaching out, he lifted one of the twin pistols from the table.  “To the victor go the spoils,” he murmured. “Huh?” Roeber grunted. “After you have disposed of Mr. Hickok-and his so-called partner-you may take from them what you wish.” Roeber’s smile almost split his face, revealing tobacco and whiskey stained teeth.  “Them was some nice boots he was wearing, too.” “Is your room to your liking, Mr. Hickok?”  Amanda asked. The trio sat in the parlor having finished one of the best meals Jimmy had eaten in some time.  They were now relaxing with after-dinner coffees served by the ever-present Washington. “Please call me Jimmy,” the rider said smiling widely.  “The room is great.  I can’t remember when I’ve had that much room-or a bed that comfortable.” “It must be so exciting riding for the Pony Express,” the woman said.  “However, I’m not sure I’d be willing to give up my luxuries.” “It has its moments,” Jimmy agreed.  “But I admit there are times when I wish I could settle some place.” Standing, he walked to the window.  “Your town isn’t what I expected,” he said absently. “You were expecting your average mining town?” Jeremy said with a grin.  “Full of drunken miners who live to rape the land, squander what money they make, then move on?” “Something like that.” “We’ve been very lucky,” the man replied.  He shot Amanda a sharp glance as she let out a very unladylike snort.  “The people of Burtonville know that with judicious planning the gold we have found will last all of us and our children many years.  They are decent, hard-working people and appreciate what we have built.” “How did you end up with a sheriff like Scanlan?” Jimmy asked impulsively. “A new town needs a firm hand,” Jeremy answered.  “We placed an ad in several major newspapers in the territory and he responded.  He’s done a good job of keeping the riff-raff out of Burtonville.” “If you gentlemen will excuse me,” Amanda interrupted.  “I find myself growing weary.  I think I’ll leave you to your coffee and go to bed.” Handing her cup to Washington, she rose and started for the door.  “It’s been a most enjoyable evening, Jimmy.  If you need anything-anything at all-don’t hesitate to ring for Washington.” “It’s been enjoyable for me too, Ma’am” Jimmy agreed.  “Rest well.” “Did you hear him?” Amanda sputtered. Washington, in the process of folding back the blanket, turned to give her his attention. “’ He’s done a good job of keeping the riff-raff out of Burtonville’,” she said in a precise imitation of her husband.  “He is the riff-raff in Burtonville.” “Please, Miss Amanda,” Washington pleaded.  “You musn’t go getting yourself all worked up.  You know Mister Jeremy is only doing what he thinks best.” “Best for whom?” Amanda challenged.  “Best for us?  Or for that parasite we call a ‘sheriff’?” Washington stopped his work to stare at his mistress. Catching his look, the woman sighed in resignation.  “Jeremy is right, of course,” she said wearily.  “It’s just that sometimes I wish . . .”  She sat down hard in a nearby chair and, covering her face with her hands, began to sob. The old servant, at a loss for anything better to do simply patted her shoulder as comfortingly as possible. “Things is going to be all right, Miss Amanda,” he murmured softly.  “You just wait and see.” Jeremy had been silent since Amanda had left the room.  He knew what had brought about her sudden “weariness” but honestly believed he was doing the right thing for all concerned.  He stared into the cup that he held tightly in both hands as if trying to divine the answers to his problems somewhere within the dark liquid. Finally looking up again, he noticed Jimmy looking at the portrait above the fireplace. “We commissioned that just after we realized our mine was going to be more than just a hole in the ground,” he explained. “Nice looking family,” Jimmy commented. “Joshua was only four and Janet had just turned two,” Jeremy said with a sad smile.  “We had a terrible time getting them both to sit still.” “I’ll bet,” Jimmy granted.  “Your son has the look of someone who’s full of the devil when he wants to be.” “The artist did a marvelous job of capturing their spirit,” the other man agreed. Jimmy started to ask what had happened to them, but quickly thought better of the idea, assuming that whatever had happened would only bring his host pain.  There was no sense in that, he decided. “Well,” he said instead.  “I think it’s time for me to say goodnight, too.  It’s been a long day and will be again tomorrow.” “That’s true,” Jeremy said.  “I’ll walk up with you.” The pair moved up the broad staircase to the second floor hall. “I hope you sleep well,” Jeremy told him. ”I’m sure I will,” Jimmy replied, turning towards his room. “Jimmy,” the other man said quietly.  “Please be careful riding tomorrow.  I’d hate for anything to happen to you.” “I’m always careful,” Jimmy told him, curiosity in his eyes. “I’m sure you are,” Jeremy said.  “But, please, be extra careful tomorrow.” “I will.” “Good night then.” “To you, too.” The two men moved to their respective bedrooms, neither aware that they were being watched by a third pair of eyes.  The owner of the eyes stood in the shadow of the hall until both bedroom doors were securely closed, then with a grace belying his age, moved quickly down the stairs and out to the barn. Jimmy woke the next morning, momentarily unsure of where he was.  Climbing out of the warm comfortable bed took most of his will power.  Moving to the window and pulling open the drapes, he looked out over Burtonville.  At least this morning there was some activity as people went about their early morning chores.  There was something still missing though he couldn’t put his finger on it.  Something so normally there that it struck him funny.  He just wished he could figure out what it was.  Finally, sighing with determination, he turned back to the room and began to dress. The minute he opened the door to his room, the smell of breakfast cooking assailed him.  Smiling he decided to take advantage of at least one more good meal before making the trip back to Sweetwater.  Emma’s cooking was good, he admitted, but it didn’t hold a candle to what he had eaten since coming to the Burton household-not that he’d ever tell her that. Buck Cross woke with the sun as well.  Unlike his partner, he had spent the night on the trail.  His delivery to Evanstown had gone smoothly enough but, when no response had been needed, the Kiowa half-breed had decided he had already worn out his welcome.  Stoking the fire, he started a pot of coffee, then prepared to continue his journey. Mark Scanlan was at his desk bright and early.  He listened to the report his deputy brought him, then sat in quiet contemplation.  His source in the Burton household had passed the word that the family had said nothing to the Express rider.  The fact that the man had made no attempt to leave and was, in fact, having breakfast at the house, lent credence to the report. Scanlan looked across the room to where Roeber was cleaning his weapons.  He considered his options for a brief moment before coming to a decision. “You may call your men back, Mr. Roeber,” the sheriff said.  “There will be no need to put our plan into action.” “What do you mean?” Roeber asked.  “You don’t think Hickok’s going to be a problem?” “My source says that nothing was said to him,” Scanlan explained.  “I will receive confirmation that this remains true before Mr. Hickok leaves this morning, but, unless something happens over breakfast, there is no reason to dispose of him.” “I thought you said we shouldn’t take no chances,” Roeber protested. “Mr. Roeber!” Scanlan responded sharply.  “The loss of a homeless drifter is nothing.  Two Pony Express riders disappearing would, however, most assuredly start an investigation-an investigation that will at some point lead the law to Burtonville.” “So what?” the deputy argued.  “No one’s going to tie them to us.  No one in this town will say anything except they seen him leave town.” “And you, of course, have no intention of wearing either his guns or his boots while you remain here?” Scanlan queried.  “The boots might go unnoticed, but these pistols are far too distinctive.” He held up a hand to stop another protest.  “I’ve made my decision, Mr. Roeber,” he said firmly.  “Unless there is absolute proof that Mr. Hickok possesses knowledge that will be a danger to us, he will be allowed to return to his home unmolested.” He held his deputy’s eyes until the other man slumped in resignation and turned away. “It’s been a real pleasure, Amanda,” Jimmy said as he prepared to leave.  “Are you sure you don’t have anything you want me to take back with me?” “Not this time,” Amanda replied, just a hint of discouragement in her voice.  “Perhaps next time you ride through.” “For biscuits like you served at breakfast, I may just have to make a detour!” Jimmy promised with a grin. He looked up then as Jeremy appeared leading a second horse. “I thought I’d ride to the Sheriff’s office with you, Jimmy,” the man announced.  “I have some business to discuss with him.” “Fine,” Jimmy agreed.  Taking the reins from Washington, he mounted his horse.  Now that he was finally on his way, the rider wanted nothing more than to meet up with Buck and get home.  The fact that he would have to stop even long enough to pick up his cherished pistols chaffed at him.  “Thanks again, Ma’am,” he said, tipping his hat. Amanda watched the pair ride off before turning back to the house.  “I wonder if we shall ever see him again,” she sighed. “Why wouldn’t we, Miss Amanda?” Washington asked curiously.  “We didn’t do nothing wrong, did we?” “The question is can my husband convince him of that?” Amanda replied.  “Will he believe that Jeremy and I said nothing for an entire evening?” “I’m sure Mister Jeremy will convince him, Miss Amanda,” the old servant assured her.  “Most especially if Mister Hickok doesn’t act like he knows something.  You’ll see, everything’s going to be just fine.” Scanlan made Jimmy wait until he and Burton had completed their “business” before he allowed the rider to pick up his pistols.  Hickok made no attempt to hide his displeasure at the delay.  Pacing back and forth on the sidewalk outside the sheriff’s office, he waited, impatiently watching as the townspeople went about their business. Inside the office, Jeremy did his best to convince the sheriff that the rider’s impatience was due solely to the fact that he wanted to be on his way so that he could get back to Sweetwater before nightfall. “We said nothing,” the man vowed.  “We wouldn’t be stupid enough to make that same mistake twice.” “Given the consequences such action would precipitate, Mr. Burton,” Scanlan replied haughtily, “I’m inclined to believe you.  I’m even more inclined to believe given the assurances I’ve received from others.” Jeremy eyed the other man suspiciously.  Scanlan had just confirmed that someone close to them was a spy, he decided.  Given time, he’d figure out who it was, but for now his goal was to get Hickok on his way. Rising Scanlan walked to the door.  “You may come in now, Mr. Hickok,” he said, stepping back to allow the rider to pass. “I hope you have enjoyed your all too brief stay in our little town,” the sheriff said pleasantly.  “For the most part,” Jimmy replied.  “But I really need to get moving if I’m going to meet my partner and get back to Sweetwater before dark.” “Yes, of course,” Scanlan agreed. Reaching into his desk drawer, the sheriff removed the pistols and slid them across to Jimmy. “They’re not loaded,” he said.  “And it would be to your benefit for them to remain so-until you have left Burtonville,” he added as Jimmy reached for the pile of cartridges he sat beside the weapons. Jimmy stared disgustedly at the lawman.  For a brief moment he considered ignoring the man’s “suggestion.”  Then, shaking his head, he put the cartridges into his pocket and, returning his pistols to their holsters, turned on his heel and left the office without a backwards glance.  Jeremy followed him to his horse.  “Ride safely, Jimmy,” he said quietly. Jimmy responded with a short “Bye” before swinging up into his saddle and riding away. Roeber watched as Hickok rode quickly along the road.  The rider stopped as soon as he passed the welcome sign to reload his pistols.  The deputy eyed the weapons enviously.  He didn’t care what Scanlan said, he decided at that moment.  Everything was in place, Larson and Carter were in place, there was no reason not to go ahead with their original plan. “What Scanlan don’t know won’t hurt him,” the deputy muttered. If anyone were to ask Buck Cross what had triggered his senses enough to notice the two men who stood, hidden among the trees near the spot where he was to meet Jimmy, he probably wouldn’t be able to tell them. He noticed the one who waited farthest away first.  The second had been completely by accident, he admitted.  But two men hiding behind trees, both carrying rifles and watching the trail from Burtonville couldn’t be a good thing. Slipping from his horse the Kiowa made his way silently to a good spot where he would be able to keep an eye on the watchers. He didn’t have to wait long.  Even from a distance, Buck was able to identify Jimmy Hickok’s horse.  When the man to his left raised his weapon and began to sight the long barrel, Buck sprang into action. Jimmy’s instincts were all but beating him over the head as he rode easily along the trail.  He was being followed-he knew that as certainly as he knew his own name.  It had to be someone from Burtonville, he decided.  He’d passed no one on the road in either direction and Burtonville was at the end of the road. He heard the shot at almost the same instant he saw Buck wrestle the rifle away from a second man.  The Kiowa knocked the other man cold with his own weapon then fired past Jimmy into the trees on the other side of the trail. Hickok had no time to register who Buck was shooting at before a bullet whistled past his ear from behind him.  Sliding from his saddle, the young gunfighter swung around, pulling his pistols from their holsters as he turned.  He didn’t even take time to aim, instead simply fired in the direction of his attacker. The other man jerked once, then a second time as Jimmy’s bullets struck their target.  The force of the projectiles drove him backwards to tumble from his horse. “Where is Mr. Roeber?” Scanlan asked as Wilky entered the office.  “I don’t know, Mr. Scanlan,” the deputy replied.  “Last I seen him, he was at the livery stable saddling his horse.” Scanlan inhaled, then ran his hand over his face.  “The bloody fool!” he swore. “Something wrong, Mr. Scanlan?” Wilky asked nervously.  “I thought Roeber was going to make sure that Hickok fella had a ‘accident’.” “Plans change, Mr. Wilky,” Scanlan replied.  “You want me to go find him?” “No.  I fear it’s far too late for that,” the sheriff sighed.  “I want you to go to the mine,” he said determinedly.  “Take our ‘guests’ from their current location and move them to tunnel seven.  Make sure they are secure.” “But, Mr. Scanlan,” Wilky protested.  “Tunnel seven’s been close to caving in for a long time now.” “Just do it!” Scanlan roared.  Fighting to regain control, the man added in a tight voice.  “Do as I ask, Mr. Wilky-or will it be necessary to find a replacement for you as well?” “No, Sir, Mr. Scanlan, Sir,” the deputy answered.  “I’ll get right on it, right now, Sir.” Buck took a moment to check on the man he had shot, then returned to the unconscious man.  He tied the man’s hands behind his back even though it didn’t appear the man would be coming around any time soon.  Finally the Kiowa walked to where Jimmy stood looking down at the body that lay sprawled on the trail. “You know him?” he asked quietly. “Yeah,” Jimmy replied in the same tone.  “His name is Roeber.  He is-was-a deputy in Burtonville.” “You sure know how to make friends where ever you go, don’t you?” Buck asked, a tight smile on his face. Jimmy stared at him for a second, then grinned.  “Guess I do at that,” he said.  “Just wish I knew what I’d done to make him like me so much.” The third thug was just coming around as Jimmy and Buck finished burying his companions.  “Doubt they had any family,” Jimmy rationalized.  “If they do, we can tell them where to find them,” Buck agreed.  “You still don’t have any idea why they wanted to kill you?” “Not at all,” Jimmy replied, shaking his head. “Well, maybe this guy can tell us,” Buck suggested.  Together the pair lifted the man into a seated position.  “Why were you trying to kill me?” Jimmy asked bluntly. The man stared at him angrily but refused to speak. “Way I see it Jimmy,” Buck said quietly as he pulled his knife from its sheath.  “These guys weren’t only looking to kill you.  It wouldn’t have taken three of them to do that.” Jimmy stiffened at the insult but then realized where his friend was headed.  “I did mention I was meeting my partner,” he admitted. “So odds are, they were out to kill both of us,” Buck concluded. Stepping closer to the man who had been watching, his eyes growing wider with fear with each passing minute, Buck reached out to grab a handful of hair.  Pulling the now terrified man’s head back, he muttered.  “I don’t think I like that very much.  I just hope I remember how to do this.  Been a long time since I’ve taken a scalp.” “Don’t let him do this!” the man cried at Jimmy.  “You can’t let him do this!” “Buck?” Jimmy said.  “Don’t do it.” “Aw, why not?” Buck asked. “You’re right,” Jimmy agreed.  “Sorry,” he said to the other man.  “He never did listen to me.” Buck grinned viciously at the cowering man.  “Good thing I sharpened my knife last night,” he murmured. “It was Scanlan,” the other man screamed.  “Scanlan ordered us to kill you both.” “Why?” Jimmy asked. “If I tell you, he’ll kill me!” the man sobbed. “That’s always a possibility,” Buck agreed.  “But you can be sure I will kill you if you don’t tell us!” The man hesitated until Buck gave his hair another jerk.  “He’s afraid you’ll find out!” he cried finally.  “Find out what?” Jimmy asked impatiently.  When the man hesitated yet again, he added, “Just go ahead and get it over with, Buck.  He’s not going to tell us anything and I’m tired of playing games with him.” Buck looked at him curiously, then shrugged.  “All right,” he said swinging the blade back. “NO!” the man screamed again.  “Scanlan’s got the kids!” “The kids?” Jimmy mused.  What had been wrong with the scene in Burtonville finally clicked.  There had been no children anywhere in the town. Reaching down, he grabbed a handful of the still blubbering man’s shirt and jerked him to his feet.  “What’s he done to the kids?” he demanded. “He’s holding them as hostages,” the man sobbed.  “Their parents are paying him a ransom and none of them will do anything cuz they don’t know where he’s keeping them!” “Do you know?” Buck asked, anger flashing in his dark eyes. “No!” the man cried. “If you’re lying-“ “I’m not!  I swear!  Only Scanlan, Roeber and maybe a couple of others know!”  Tears streamed down his face as he begged.  “You gotta believe me!  I really don’t know!” “You believe him?” Buck asked Jimmy. “Yeah I think I do,” Jimmy replied. “Then I guess we don’t need him anymore.” The deputy’s terrified scream ended abruptly as Buck’s fist connected with his jaw.  He fell to the ground, unconscious once more. “What are we going to do with him?” Buck asked as he removed the man’s boots and tied his feet together. “Leave him here,” Jimmy said quietly.  “We’ll pick him up on our way out-if he’s still here.” There was no discussion or doubt that the two riders were going to go back to Burtonville. “We could take him to Evanstown, to get some help,” Buck suggested. “They have law there?” Jimmy asked. “No,” his friend admitted.  “Doubt many of them would be interested in helping anyway.”  He turned the unconscious man on his side, then moved to his horse. On the ride back to Burtonville, Jimmy filled Buck in as much as possible about the layout of the town, the sheriff’s office and the Burton home. Amanda Burton inhaled sharply, preparing to scream when Buck stepped around the barn and into the garden she had been tending.  The air was never released as a hand clamped tightly over her mouth. “Amanda!  It’s me, Jimmy,” Hickok whispered in her ear. He kept his hand in place until his words sank in and the woman relaxed in his arms. “Amanda Burton, this is Buck Cross,” Jimmy introduced.  “He’s here to help me help you.” “Help?” Amanda gasped.  “How did you-“ “Scanlan made a big mistake,” Jimmy interrupted. “We know about the children,” Buck told her.  “Oh, thank God!” the women whispered as the tears began to trickle down her cheeks. “We need to talk,” Jimmy said firmly.  “Somplace safe.” “Come up to the house,” Amanda suggested. “No,” the two men responded simultaneously. “We can’t take a chance that someone will spot us and get word back to Scanlan,” Jimmy explained. Amanda stared at him, confused. “Trust me, Amanda,” Jimmy said.  “We’re going to help you get the kids back-but we have to do it our way.”   She nodded slowly.  “Follow me,” she said. The two men followed the woman, while at the same time keeping an eye open in case anyone was watching.  A few minutes later, the trio arrived at a small two-room shack set back in the woods. “This was our first home,” Amanda told them.  “Before we found the mine.  No one ever comes here.” “Good,” Jimmy said approvingly.  Judging from the layer of dust, no one had been there for a long time. Buck moved around the rooms, checking the windows, which were amazingly still intact.  Each was covered with the remnants of heavy curtains.  He then checked the cupboards and found an old lantern.  Giving it a shake, he nodded in satisfaction to hear some oil still sloshing around. “Let me get outside, then light the lantern,” he told Jimmy, then slipped quietly back out the way they had come. Jimmy counted to ten, then struck a match to the wick of the lantern.  Once the fire took hold, he adjusted the flame until the room was bathed in a soft yellow glow. “No leaks,” Buck confirmed as he rejoined them.  “But we better be careful after dark.” “All right, Amanda,” Jimmy said, turning to the woman who had been sweeping the dust from the table and chairs.  “Tell us everything you know about Scanlan and how he came to take the children.” “As Jeremy told you, Jimmy, when the town council decided Burtonville was big enough to warrant some form of law, we placed advertisements in several newspapers,” Amanda related.  “Scanlan was the only man to respond.  He had a very impressive resume and all of his references had nothing but praise for him.” “The references were probably phony,” Jimmy said. “Or the man isn’t really Scanlan,” Buck added. “The first months after he arrived everything was fine,” Amanda continued.  “He brought with him several deputies and more joined them.  They kept order without being overbearing.  What little trouble we had experienced up to that time virtually ceased as word of his presence became known.” A soft sob escaped the woman and she had to pause to regain her composure.  “One morning, my children were playing in the yard when they suddenly disappeared.  I didn’t expect them to be in danger in their own yard.  One of the servants or I were always watching them.  Somehow Scanlan’s men were able to get to them while they were unattended.” Tears streamed, unchecked, down the woman’s face.  Jimmy put his hand on her shoulder to lend her what comfort he was able. “What about the others?” Buck asked. “The kidnapping was carefully coordinated,” Amanda told him.  “Many of the children were in school.  They were all taken-even their teacher.  The few remaining who were too young to be in school were taken much the same as my Janet and Joshua were.  Nearly every family was affected.  The only children left were those babies too young to be left alone.” “Then what happened?” Jimmy prompted when she paused again. “Then Scanlan issued his list of ‘rules’,” She answered bitterly.  “We were to turn over any and all weapons, but continue to act as if nothing was wrong.  Each family is required to pay a stipend once a month.  He claims that when we have ‘contributed’ a certain amount, he will move on and send back word of where we can find the children.  That’s been five months ago!” “No one has tried to stand up to Scanlan?” Buck asked. “At first,” Amanda confirmed.  “Jeremy refused to pay.” “What happened?” “The children had a dog-a puppy actually,” the woman explained.  “We found him hanging from the front gate.  A note informed us that Joshua would be next.” ”What about the families with no kids?” Jimmy asked, drawing her thoughts away from what was probably a gruesome memory. “There were only three families with no children,” Amanda replied.  “One was the school teacher’s family, one is an elderly couple who run the general store.  Their granddaughter is one of those taken from the school so they are affected.  And then . . .” she hesitated as her voice caught again.  “And then there was Mr. Thorson.” “I’m sorry to have to ask this,” Jimmy said quietly.  “But we have to know what happened.” The woman nodded her understanding.  “Mr. Thorson decided to take a chance.  He didn’t believe that Scanlan would punish the town for his actions.  He volunteered to go to the territorial marshal for help.  The council decided to risk the action.  Two days later that awful man, Roeber, brought Thorson’s body back to town.  He said he had found him at the bottom of a ravine-the victim of being thrown from his horse, Roeber claimed.  But we all know better!  No one has taken a risk since.” “Does anyone have any idea where the children are being held?” Buck asked. “No,” Amanda said, shaking her head.  “We’ve searched as much as we are able, but no one has found any sign.” “How many children are there?” “The total count, including the teacher, is thirty-four.” Jimmy let out a low whistle.  He hadn’t anticipated a group that size. “You need to get back to the house before someone notices you’re missing,” he told the woman. Amanda nodded as she rose to her feet. “You need to keep absolutely quiet about our being here,” Jimmy cautioned.  “Tell only Jeremy and tell him well be in touch as soon as we come up with a plan.” “I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to thank you,” Amanda said sincerely. “Worry about that when we get the children back,” Buck told her. Jimmy waited until Amanda as out of earshot before turning to Buck.  “I didn’t figure on there being that many.” “I know,” Buck nodded.  “But it’s going to make things easier.” “How’s that?” “Not many places big enough to hold that many people-even kids-that can be easily guarded,” the Kiowa explained.  “Since our friend back on the trail did say only a few knew where they were, it must be someplace easy to guard.” “With a minimum of guards,” Hickok agreed.  “Otherwise, someone would have noticed them.” “Not likely we’re going to get a lot of help out of the town,” Buck stated simply. “Nope.” “So where do we start?” “I was kind of hoping you’d have an idea.” “So you’ll take the first watch on Scanlan’s office,” Jimmy said.  “And I’ll relieve you at sunrise.” The pair had discussed the situation at length, proposing and rejecting ideas as they thought of them.  Finally, they had agreed that, while it wasn’t likely Scanlan himself would go to the place where the hostages were kept, someone in his inner circle would at some point make a report to the “boss.” “He didn’t strike me as the type to trust a lot of people with that kind of knowledge,” Jimmy had told his friend.  “Each one is a possible leak.” “We just follow anyone leaving the jail and hope we get lucky,” Buck agreed.  “Hopefully there won’t be a lot of coming and going.” “Hopefully, there aren’t too many ‘deputies’ we don’t know about.” “Should we try to get hold of the Burtons?” “Not yet.  Let’s see what we come up with first.” Buck nodded, then left the cabin, careful to only open the door far enough for him to slip though. The next seventy-two hours passed slowly for the two riders.  None of the few visitors to Scanlan’s office led them to where they wanted to go.  They had chosen a vantage point and had been careful to remain unseen.  The position they chose gave them a clear view of both the front and rear doors of the jail as well as the main street and the alleyway behind the building.  No one could enter or leave the office without being seen. Amanda had returned to the cabin twice since the two men had begun their watch, bringing them what food she had managed to get out of the house without being too obvious. “Jeremy agrees that no one should know you’re here-not even the servants,” she told Jimmy.  “Something Scanlan said to him confirmed his theory that someone in our household is a spy.  We’re not going to take any chances.” Jimmy had questioned her about possible hiding places for the hostages but nothing had come to mind that hadn’t already been checked.  She was able to tell them that, to her knowledge, there had been seven deputies, including Roeber, and that four of them had rarely been seen in town. “They probably share the guard duty,” Jimmy mused, adding to himself that the odds were now more even. “That’s what Jeremy believes as well,” Amanda agreed.  “But we doubt anyone in town would be able to follow the men unseen.  No one was willing to risk the repercussions.” “That was most likely a smart idea,” Jimmy told her.  “But Scanlan didn’t count on Buck,” he added with a smile.  “If anyone can follow these guys, it’s Buck Cross.” The break they had been waiting for came at the best possible moment.  Just as Buck arrived to replace Jimmy for the night, a man rode up to the rear of the office.  Dismounting, he quickly moved to the door and tapped lightly.  The door was opened just enough to allow him inside then shut securely behind him. “That’s one of the deputies who was there when I first came into town,” Jimmy whispered.  “I haven’t seen him around since we got back.” “Me neither,” Buck responded.  “I’m going to try to get close to that window,” he added, pointing to a window on the side of the building.  “Maybe I can hear something useful.”  Soundlessly he slipped away.  Jimmy knew his friend was at the window a short time later, but aside from a momentary glimpse of a moving shadow, he couldn’t pick him out of the darkness. “There’s trouble in the shaft, Mr. Scanlan,” Wilky said cautiously.  “One of the older kids caused a cave-in.” “How bad was it?” Scanlan asked. “Nobody got hurt,” the deputy replied.  “But the little kids got scared.  Some of them are crying all the time now.  Kinda wears on a fella’s nerves.” “You’ll just have to learn to cope, Mr. Wilky,” Scanlan responded dispassionately.  “We can’t keep moving them about, someone might spot them.” “No word from Roeber or the others?” Wilky asked. “I fear Mr. Roeber and company have deserted us,” Scanlan said angrily. “But no one’s come looking,” Wilky offered.  “That’s a good thing, right?” “A very good thing, Mr. Wilky,” Scanlan agreed.  “However, I feel the time has come for us to move on as well.  Our next payment will be made on Friday at which time we shall slip away in the night.” “What about the kids?” “What about them?” “We gonna let them loose?” the deputy asked. “I’m of two minds here that matter is concerned,” Scanlan replied.  “While I do not relish the idea of close to one-hundred people knowing what we look like-and spreading the word, a less favorable option would be to have dozens of angry parents on our trail.”  Sighing softly, the bogus lawman continued, “I shall miss Burtonville, but perhaps moving south would be best.  I don so hate winter.” “So what do we do?” Wilky asked. “Prepare to move out as soon as we receive our final payment,” Scanlan told him.  “We shall simply leave the children where they are.  It will most likely be a day-possibly more-before they discover they are no longer being guarded.  That should be a sufficient head start.” Buck didn’t wait for a response.  He slipped away as quietly as he had come to rejoin Jimmy. The two riders followed Wilky at enough of a distance that the other man wasn’t aware of their presence.  Even if they lost him, Jimmy reasoned, there was enough moonlight available for Buck to track him if need be. Fortunately there was no need for the Indian’s skills.  The pair topped a small hill in time to see their prey tether his horse and duck into the entrance of an old mine.  A few minutes later he returned along with two other men, neither of whom were familiar to Jimmy. The three men stood talking for a few minutes, then one went back into the cave while the other two mounted their horses and rode away from the main road. “You think the kids are in the mine?” Buck asked. ”Probably,” Jimmy replied. “Only one way to find out.” “I want to know where the other two are headed,” Jimmy told him. “Which one you want?” “I’ll take the cave.  You want the riders?” “All right,” Buck agreed.  “Meet you back here?” “Back at the cabin,” Jimmy decided. “Right.” They met at the cabin less than an hour later.  Jimmy hadn’t even had to enter the mine.  The sound of the children crying could be heard from the entrance. “They have a line shack about a mile up the trail,” Buck informed him.  “We should be able to take them but it’s not going to be easy.” “When is it ever easy?” Jimmy replied.  “The mine is going to be a problem, too.  I could hear the timbers popping from the entrance.  If we have to use guns, we could end up with a cave-in.” “Then we don’t use guns,” Buck said simply, checking his knife. The pair was discussing their plans for a rescue when Amanda Burton arrived.  Buck heard her coming, but relaxed after checking to see who it was.  By unspoken agreement, the two men said nothing of their discoveries or their plans while the woman was there.  There was no sense, they reasoned, and quite possibly her knowing would result in their plans being revealed. “We have to make another payment on Friday,” she told them.  “The exchange always happens at exactly one o’clock.” “All you can do is pay one more time,” Jimmy replied.  “Hopefully it will be the last time.” “I pray for that every night,” Amanda agreed. She paused as Buck stiffened.  He motioned rapidly for them to keep talking, then slipped silently into the bedroom. “Are you hungry?” Amanda asked.  “I brought fried chicken.” “Smells real good,” Jimmy said.  “I can probably eat a piece or-“ His words stopped as the front door crashed open and Buck appeared, a second man securely held in his arms. “Washington?” Amanda gasped. “You know him?” Buck asked. “He’s their butler,” Jimmy supplied. The old servant looked at the rider in surprise.  “I thought you left!” he squeaked. “I came back,” the rider said, stating the obvious. “Why were you following me?” Amanda demanded. “I was worried about you, Miss Amanda,” Washington replied.  “It ain’t good for you to be out at night alone.” He tried to pull away from Buck but the younger man simply tightened his grip. “I didn’t do nothing wrong, Miss Amanda,” the black man protested.  “I just seen you leave the house and seen Abraham following you.  I thought you might be in trouble.” “Abraham?” Jimmy said, turning to Amanda. “One of our other servants,” Amanda informed him. “Where is he now?” Jimmy asked sharply. “No one else out there,” Buck said confidently. “When you turned off the trail on this old trail, Abraham kept going,” Washington explained.  “He don’t know about the old place like I do.” “You believe him?” Buck asked the woman. “I don’t know what I believe anymore,” Amanda responded.  “But I do know that the day the children were taken, Washington was in town running errands.” “Doesn’t prove anything,” Jimmy argued. “I think it does,” Amanda protested.  “The children made no sound.  That means they went with someone they knew.  I know for a fact that Washington was in Jeremy’s office when they were taken.” “So you trust him,” Buck stated. “With my life,” Amanda said firmly.  “And the lives of my children,” Buck glanced in Jimmy’s direction.  The other rider nodded and the Indian released the old man. “We need to get you back to the house,” Jimmy told them.  “But we need a reason for you to be out here and a way to keep Abraham from finding this place-or to take care of him if he does.” “No problem there,” Buck said confidently. “Mushrooms?” Washington suggested. “Of course,” Amanda agreed.  “We’ll need something . . . “  She smiled as she reached for the basket in which she had brought food. “Now all we have to do is find that patch of morels.“ “No problem,” Buck repeated, leading them out the door.  He stayed with them, standing watch, as they filled the basket and then made their way back to the main trail.  Once there the two began speaking, making no effort to be silent.  Buck nodded approvingly at their exchange. “I told you we’d find the mushrooms Mr. Burton loves so much,” Amanda said. “You surely did, Miss Amanda,” Washington agreed.  “Them mushrooms will go right well with dinner.” Buck remained in the shadows as a second black man passed him.  Looking neither right nor left, Abraham followed the other two back to the house.  Smiling, the Kiowa returned to the cabin. Jimmy and Buck spent the next two days watching the line shack and the mine entrance.  The second evening they compared notes. “Wilky and the other one pretty much stayed around the shack,” Jimmy related.  “Around ten another guy showed up with food.  He left about an hour later.” “That must be the guy who stopped at the mine a little before nine,” Buck offered.  “He didn’t even have to call for the guy inside to come out.  They hauled a couple of large baskets in and then the first guy left.” “We know they change the guard after they eat lunch and again late at night,” Jimmy said.  “But the fourth man didn’t stay either time.  He always heads back to town as soon as he leaves the line shack.” “Hopefully this is a regular thing,” Buck mused.  “It would make things a lot easier at the mine.” He looked down at the map he’d drawn on a scrap of paper he’d found in a cabinet.  “We could get rid of the delivery boy here, then follow his normal route.” “We need to get all four men,” Jimmy decided.  “We can’t risk them getting back to town to help Scanlan.” “I know,” Buck said.  “The question is, does Scanlan expect anyone to be there with him when he gets his payment.” “Bet he doesn’t,” Jimmy replied.  “From what I’ve seen, I’ll bet none of his men know how much he’s been collecting.” “You’re probably right, but we need to be sure.” “Only one way to find out for sure.” “I know,” Buck sighed. Jeremy Burton looked up, startled, as Buck and Jimmy appeared in the door of his office.  “You shouldn’t be here!” he whispered sharply, rising to quickly close the door behind them. “We won’t stay long,” Buck informed him. “We just need to know something about the money exchange,” Jimmy added.  “Amanda couldn’t tell us because she’s never been there.” “What do you need to know?” Jeremy asked. “Does Scanlan ever have any of his men there with him?” “Never,” Jeremy stated, noting the relieved look on the faces of the two men.  “Not even Roeber when he was around.” “Good,” Jimmy said. “What’s all this about?” the older man asked. “We’ll explain Friday,” Jimmy replied.  “Just keep doing what you’re doing as if nothing’s changed.” Buck snapped his fingers drawing their attention to the door.  He looked around and nodded towards the second door to the room, eyebrows raised in question.  Jeremy motioned for the other two to get into the room.  They were barely out of sight when Mark Scanlan strode into the room without knocking. “What can I do for you, Mr. Scanlan?” Jeremy asked with forced pleasantness. “I just wanted to remind you of Friday, Mr. Burton,” Scanlan replied.  “Are we all on schedule?” The man edged towards the door to the other room, attempting to peer inside. “We’ll be ready, as usual,” Jeremy said.  He stayed seated, hoping the boys had been able to get out of sight.  If he went to close the door now, Scanlan would be suspicious. “Fine, fine,” Scanlan said approvingly.  He glanced into the other room, then turned to reveal an almost disappointed look. Jeremy steepled his fingers.  “Is there anything else, Sheriff?” “No, I suppose not,” the lawman replied.  “I’ll let you return to your work.” “Goodnight, Sir,” Jeremy said.  “I’m sure you know your way out.” “Goodnight, Mr. Burton.” Burton waited until he actually saw Scanlan return to the sheriff’s office before moving quickly to the other room.  Neither Jimmy nor Buck was anywhere to be found. Friday morning dawned, overcast and drizzling rain.  Jimmy and Buck made their first stop at the Burton house.  They would need a wagon to bring the children home and this was the only place they could safely go.  Jimmy had just finished harnessing up the last of the horses when Abraham rounded the corner of the barn.  The servant’s eyes widened at the sight of the two men and he turned quickly to go the other way.  He only made it a couple of steps when he staggered and fell to the ground.  Jimmy looked around confused only to have a smiling Washington step out from the shadow where he had been hiding.  “I been wanting to do that ever since the other night,” he told Jimmy. “You can handle him?” the rider asked.  He received an affirmative nod in return.  “I’ll keep him tied up, nice and tight, Mister Jimmy,” the old man said confidently.  “You can count on me!” “Good,” Jimmy replied, then jumping into the wagon’s seat he urged the horses forward.  Buck followed leading Jimmy’s horse. By the time the pair was in place, they were soaked through but neither man really noticed.  They left the wagon hidden in the brush and waited patiently.  The unsuspecting rider never knew what hit him.  Just minutes later, Jimmy, now wearing the deputy’s poncho, rode on.  “You sure you can handle the distance?” he asked Buck.  “If you have to?” “I’m sure,” the Kiowa replied confidently. Their second man was even less of a problem.  Not wanting to spend any more time than was absolutely necessary in the rain, he rushed out to the horse almost before Jimmy brought the animal to a halt. “You’re late!” he reprimanded.  Looking up, he realized the man on the horse was not the man he expected. Gasping, he turned to run back to the mine.  Instead he ran directly into Buck’s fist.  He fell to the ground without a sound. Together, the two men dragged the unconscious man into the mine, then tied his hands and feet together.  Moving quickly on into the mine, they found the children huddled together at the far end of the main tunnel. An older woman Jimmy assumed to be the teacher stood as they moved close, putting herself between the two men and the children.  A couple of the older boys arranged themselves on either side of the woman. “We’re here to take you home,” Buck told them quickly. A hopeful cry went up from some of the children, but the teacher still looked dubious. “There’s a wagon about two hundred yards up the trail on the right,” Jimmy confirmed.  “Take the children and start back to town.  We’ll catch up with you.” The teacher was finally spurred into action.  Gathering the children around her, she quickly ordered the older children to take charge of the younger and moved the group up the tunnel and out to freedom for the first time in far too long. As they passed the unconscious deputy, many of the children moved as far to the opposite side of the tunnel as they could get.  One boy, however, stopped to ask, “Is he dead?” “No, Joshua,” Jimmy replied, recognizing the boy from the portrait above the Burton’s mantle.  “He’s just knocked out.” “I wish he was dead!” the boy cried. As they watched the group move to the wagon, Buck shook his head ruefully.  “This won’t be over for a long time, you know?” he said to his companion. “I know,” Jimmy replied softly. Another twenty minutes found the two men preparing for their final assault.  “This isn’t going to be easy,” Buck murmured. Sighing, Jimmy rode forward. Wilky came out of the house to greet the horseman only to find himself face to face with Jimmy’s twin pistols. “Call your friend out here,” the rider ordered.  “Now!” “Marcus, come on out, we need your help!” Wilky called obediently. The second man came out, guns firing as he did so.  He was able to get off only two shots before he slumped forward, struck squarely by a bullet from Buck’s pistol. Wilky spun around, pulling his own pistol from its holster as he did so.  Jimmy’s pistol barked just once and the deputy joined his friend on the ground. “Easier than I thought,” Buck said pragmatically as he stepped forward to check the two downed men.  “You okay?” he asked, picking up the dropped pistols.  “I’m okay,” Jimmy replied huskily. The riders caught up with the wagon less than half way to town.  The sun chose that moment to break through, shining brightly down on the children and their rescuers. Scanlan was just leaving Jeremy’s office as the wagon rumbled to a stop.  The children saw their parents at the same moment their parents saw the wagon.  The groups rushed to meet each other even as Scanlan realized he had lost his tenuous hold on the community.  Reacting quickly, he scooped up Janet Burton as she ran towards her father. “Put the girl down, Scanlan” Jimmy ordered. “I don’t think so, Mr. Hickok,” the man replied.  “Perhaps when I’ve gotten far enough away from this town to feel safe.  Please dismount and allow me to get to your horse.” “That’s not going to happen,” Jimmy told him.  “You have my word on that.” “Then I have nothing to lo-“  The man gasped in pain as Buck’s knife slashed across the upper part of the arm that held the little girl.  He let go and she fell forward onto the ground. Scanlan wasn’t ready to give up yet.  His hand flashed towards his holster with unbelievable speed.  He almost succeeded. Jimmy’s hand was little more than a blur as he brought his own weapon to bear.  A single shot and Scanlan’s reign of terror was over. “I don’t know how we’ll ever thank you, Jimmy, Buck,” Amanda said for at least the fiftieth time.  In the week since Scanlan’s death, Buck had ridden to Sweetwater and returned with Sam Cain and several of his deputies.  The children, reunited with their parents were gradually overcoming their fears but few ventured far from home. “I wish you would accept the reward the council authorized,” Jeremy added. “It’s not necessary,” Buck told them. “Seeing them,” Jimmy agreed, pointing to the children, “home safe and sound, is reward enough.” “You two ready to go?” Sam asked, riding up to join the group.  Two of his deputies would stay behind until replacements could be found.  “Ready when you are, Sam,” Buck acknowledged. “Ride safely,” Amanda and Jeremy called after them.  “Come back when you can!” “Just have some of those biscuits ready!” Jimmy called back with a smile. 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