Murdering Wells by G Mitchell & 9780719823718

Author:G Mitchell & 9780719823718 [Mitchell, Greg]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780719823718
Publisher: Robert Hale Fiction
Published: 2023-01-18T00:00:00+00:00

Coterill and the deserters had slept later than they intended and now the soldiers were scurrying about saddling horses and carefully removing any traces of their presence.

Sandy had fewer possessions than the others and quickly had his horse saddled and ready. Pierce ordered him to ride to the gate and act as a guard while the others made their final preparations. Though no longer in the army, the young man was still in the habit of following orders and Pierce, a dominant personality, had assumed the leadership role for the group.

While it was originally decided that the deserters should leave their American horses and use mustangs, the former could prove an embarrassment to the trader, so he wanted them out of the way. Provided he was not arrested, the horses could be swapped again before the journey to Murdering Wells and Mexico. With all trace of the deserters gone and no American horses, the trader was confident that he could bluff his way through any questions the lawmen might ask. He could plead ignorance of the failed ambush and claim that he was at Barrel Creek when it occurred.

Sandy’s former troop horse was fat and full of energy after weeks of good grazing and it snorted and spooked at a variety of imaginary dangers as he rode it to the rails that closed the hidden pasture. It also disliked being away from the others and moved about restlessly when its rider dismounted. The deserter hoped that the noise the animal was making would not betray his position but drew some comfort from the thought that a posse could not be expected for some hours yet. He thought that Pierce was being over-cautious but was happy to be away from the frantic activity at the hideout. From his position he would have a good view of the path that led straight to where he waited while bushes screened him from anyone approaching. He left his carbine on his saddle, being reluctant to load it unless absolutely necessary. The Spencer had justly earned its ‘fool killer’ reputation and careless handling had led to cartridges exploding in the magazine. Sandy saw no need to load it because he had no intention of becoming involved in a gunfight with any intruders. He would fire his revolver to warn the others, jump on his horse and flee back to the hideout.

He would not have been so relaxed had he known that he was already being stalked.

Luke knew where the gate to the hideout was situated and rightly assumed that a guard could be posted there. He waded through the creek at a point well away from where the regular crossing was, then quietly stole through the undergrowth and trees. His progress was slow because silent movement was difficult. He was only too aware that any careless move or accidental noise could betray him, with fatal results.

He heard the horse trampling about and snorting impatiently some distance before he could see it through the trees, so he knew that there was a sentry.

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