Ralph Compton Whiskey River by Compton Ralph

Author:Compton, Ralph
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: PENGUIN group
Published: 2010-12-27T05:00:00+00:00

On the Star, Clemans and Nick Ursino stood by the rail facing the huge paddle wheel. It was difficult to see anything except the three steamboats following them.

“That amnesty we’ve been talkin’ about seems to be gettin’ farther and farther away,” Nick said. “Not only are we in the midst of a bunch of varmints who would kill us for any reason or no reason at all, we’re being pursued by a boatload of hombres with revenge on their minds.”

“Let us not forget the revelation that Amanda and Betsy may or may not be able to find that hidden gold,” said Vernon. “I’m startin’ to wonder if there is any gold.”

“Oh, there’s gold, all right,” Nick said. “I think old Jake Miles feared for his life, and he allowed Amanda and Betsy to take the gold and hide it. I believe it was Jake’s way of keeping them alive after he was gone.”

“Now they’re not sure they can find the gold again,” said Vernon. “If they can’t, they won’t be of any use to Estrello and these outlaws. You know what that means.”

The negative conversation came to an end when Mark, Bill, Amanda, and Betsy joined the duo at the rail.

“If they’re coming,” Mark said, “I’m surprised they haven’t caught up to us.”

“Maybe they’re waiting for dark,” said Nick. “Vernon and me was just wondering what had become of them.”

“Don’t be so anxious,” Bill said. “This could be more dangerous than anything else we have to face. There’s so much metal on these steamboats, a ricochet could take a man’s head off.”

“You’re right about that,” said Mark. “If they do catch up to us, Amanda, I want you and Betsy on the lower deck.”

“Let’s talk some more about that missing gold,” Nick said.

“There’s nothing more to be said,” Bill replied, irritated. “It’s been five years, and with wind, rain, and snow the land can change.”

“I don’t want any of you sparing my feelings,” Betsy said. “We all have to pay for our mistakes. Amanda and me made a big one.”

“Not necessarily,” said Nick. “After Jake had tried to be a father to both of you, how could you refuse to help him? I don’t fault either of you for that.”

“We’ll just play out the hand,” Todd Keithley said. “It’s all we can do.”

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.