Reluctant Tin Star by Dale Graham

Author:Dale Graham [Graham, Dale]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Robert Hale
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

No Easy Target

After Chad had wandered off to consider the thorny issue of getting Buzz Moran off his back, April saddled her horse and headed back to Cimarron. The marshal had to be warned about Moran’s murderous intentions towards him.

The man in question had arrived back in Cimarron and gone directly to the council office to apply for that all-important search warrant. He knew it would take some time to arrive. Back in his office a plethora of matters needed his attention. Minor infringements of the law were left in the hands of the local officer on the spot to deal with otherwise the system would grind to a halt. Only major crimes such as armed robbery and murder were decided by court action.

So it was left to Troy to collect the fine exacted from a sheep farmer who had allowed his animals to trespass onto the adjoining cattle spread. In normal circumstances, sheep and cattle on the same range spelled big trouble. But in Colfax County, the two factions had thus far managed to avoid any serious conflict. Troy had every intention of ensuring that situation continued. Swift action was accordingly required when a complaint was made by either side.

‘You make sure those woollie backs stay off’n Wishbone M land in future,’ the marshal asserted firmly as he wrote out a receipt for the imposition. ‘Next time I might not be there to stop your animals being shot out of hand. And McAllister would be well within his rights as well. You got off lucky this time.’

‘Much obliged, Marshal, we are very sorry,’ the Swedish herdsman apologized in a thick accent while bobbing his head. ‘It will not happen again.’

As the man backed out of the office, a far more welcome visitor arrived. Instantly the sheepherder was forgotten as Troy lurched to his feet and ushered the girl to a seat. ‘This is a pleasant surprise, Miss Prescott. I didn’t expect to see you again so soon after our last rather unfortunate meeting.’ He pushed a finger through the holed hat. ‘Although I am beginning to get rather attached to this hole. It gives me something to talk about on my rounds.’

‘This is not a social call, Marshal,’ the girl declared somewhat haughtily. The brusque putdown instantly wiped the smile off the lawman’s face. ‘I’m here to warn you that Moran and his cronies are planning to ambush you. I thought it only fair to come and let you know in person.’

‘Well I much appreciate that.’

‘I was also hoping that you might go easy on Chad.’ The girl’s aloof demeanour had thawed as she nervously played with her own hat. ‘It’s not his fault that he’s become involved with Moran. The skunk has turned his head by lending him money he can’t pay back. The man has him over a barrel.’

Troy held up his hand. His own manner had measurably hardened. ‘I’ve been hired to bring law and order to Cimarron and anybody who goes up against that will be dealt with in an appropriate manner.

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