Shatto's Law (Perry County Frontier) by Chandler Roy F

Author:Chandler, Roy F. [Chandler, Roy F.]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Action & Adventure
Publisher: Katherine R. Chandler
Published: 2013-08-13T16:00:00+00:00

Some things were changing however. Word drifted through the Mexican community that Chip Shatto had traveled north and had been gone so long that the ranch guessed he might not be coming back. That suited John P. Snyder and he began more serious consideration of how he might end up with the great trail drive and, of course, Ted Shatto's gold.

Since their side switching during Sibley's attempt to make Santa Fe Confederate, Snyder's horse company had lost favor with the town. Captain Snyder still found it disgusting that the Confederates had lost to Colonel Canby's regulars and had fled back to the safety of Texas. Snyder put the best face on the volunteer's activities that he could, but the responsible people of Santa Fe were not to be fooled a second time. Desirable doors closed and Captain Snyder's social position reverted to saloon keeper.

Instead, Snyder courted the hard bunch. Men on the fringe of the law came and went. Snyder's saloon became their stopping place. John P. collected their names and bought himself favor with free drink and occasional money assistance. The long riders remembered and Snyder expected that if he ever chose to move in force, he might marshal eighty to one hundred fighting men. The thought warmed him because all of the fast firing guns around couldn't save the Shattos from that size of an army.

Still, with Chip absent, only Ted Shatto stood between John P. Snyder and easy picking. Snyder began another plan, one that could not fail. All he had to do was keep Jed Gooley close and wait until Shatto came into town.

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With Chip gone, Ted had to make occasional runs into Santa Fe. If Beth wished to come in, Ted left Juan Santos to run the ranch and loaded his family into a spring wagon. On those trips he used a cordon of outriders all heavily armed and willing to fight anyone even looking hostile.

On other trips, Ted came in, riding light, with only a companion or two. They trailed pack horses and loaded whatever supplies they needed for an equally swift return. Ted's business was usually with Manito De Castella, the son who had accepted Don Mano's mercantile as part of his inheritance.

For nearly six years the De Castellas had enjoyed Ted Shatto's business. As a favored customer, Ted's requests were heeded and his needs anticipated. When he appeared unannounced on a cool spring morning, Manito De Castella dropped his intended schedule and sat down with his friend.

Ted had only a single rider with him, so Manito knew the visit would be short.

Within minutes, John P. Snyder also knew of Ted Shatto's arrival. His man went immediately to dig Jed Gooley from whatever bunk he had fallen into. Snyder waited impatiently to instruct Gooley in the few remaining details he had to know.

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