Hangman's Reach by Dale Graham

Author:Dale Graham
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780719821134
Publisher: Robert Hale

EIGHT

A REVOLTING STASH

The old abandoned cabin looked no better to Crado’s jaded gaze than it had the first time he set eyes on it. Surely there had to be better places to rest up than this heap of rotten lumber. Both windows were cracked. One of the leather door-hinges had given way since they had left, allowing entry for unwelcome denizens.

Hearing their approach, a scavenging coyote slipped out through the door, carrying a skinned rabbit in its jaws.

Batista hawked out a wrathful snarl, snatched his Merlin & Hubert .44 revolver and accurately dispatched the critter to the happy hunting grounds.

‘That’s mighty good shooting,’ Crado congratulated his partner. ‘A pity we can’t eat that critter. Coyote meat ain’t fit for a dog. And that rabbit it stole is likely rotten by now.’

‘Paah!’ sneered the outlaw. ‘You gringos lead an easy life. When hunger is an ever present gnawing at the belly like a bad headache, you will eat anything, even rattlesnake.’ Then his manner changed abruptly. But such was the fickle nature of the guy. ‘Do not worry yourself about food, amigo,’ he assured his associate. ‘Is plenty of tinned goods in cabin. El Vengador is always prepared.’

‘I’m glad to hear it,’ remarked Crado, tossing him a look of wary misgiving. He would do well to keep a vigilant watch on this guy. He was more unstable than a two-legged chair. ‘So let’s get the coffee bubbling and you can reveal all about this mysterious tale of yours.’ A note of warning crept into the faintly menacing suggestion. ‘And I hope for your sake it ain’t going to be another piece of smooth-talking eyewash.’

The Mexican laughed it off. ‘You are too much the cynic, Crado my friend. Place your trust in Juan Batista and you will be a winner every time.’

Crado couldn’t restrain a bout of sardonic chortling at that example of homespun philosophy.

The next hour was spent clearing up the mess left by the squatting scavengers. A fresh strip of thick deer hide was nailed to the door, enabling it to the closed. By the time they had finished, the sun had set over the tranquil hideaway. Batista busied himself cooking them a meal that turned out to be amazingly tasty. Crado couldn’t help noting that this guy was full of surprises. Stewed beef, pinto beans and sweet potatoes, all out of cans, was followed by pecan pie and strong coffee.

Fully replete, he went outside for a smoke. After the stuffy warmth of the cabin, the cool of evening was welcome. But only for a brief interlude. The crystal clarity of the starry sky ensured that night time in the desert was often very cold. Temperatures fell dramatically once the sun had dropped below the horizon. A stark contrast to the daytime heat that rose to furnace proportions.

The gentle rippling of the creek combined with a harmonious chirping of crickets put him in a nostalgic mood of wishful thinking. Where was Mirabelle Leguarde now? Was she still of a mind

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.