The Adventures of the Lone Ranger by Paulits John & Paulits John

Author:Paulits, John & Paulits, John
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Two Gun Publishing
Published: 2021-11-12T16:00:00+00:00

“Belinda, this is the masked man and his Indian friend I asked you to come and meet,” Sheriff Hosgood said.

It was a few moments after three o’clock. The Lone Ranger and Tonto had spent the time since their morning meeting with the sheriff in camp, talking over ways to prove to the sheriff that Billy Grayson was, indeed, Shark Lawson. They’d come up with a plan—a very difficult plan to see through, start to finish—but one that would do the job, if everything went right. The Ranger and Tonto agreed they’d have to meet Belinda Burbage, though, and convince her to take part in the plan since its success depended largely on her.

The Ranger removed his hat. “I happened to hear you sing last night, ma’am,” he said. “You have a fine voice.”

“You were there? I don’t remember seeing a man with a mask in the audience.” She looked coldly at the sheriff. “I did see Billy Grayson, though.”

“I was in disguise. It’s because of Billy Grayson that I’m here to talk to you,” the Ranger said. “Sheriff, may Tonto and I speak with Mrs. Burbage alone for a moment?”

“I’ll be in a chair outside the door,” the sheriff replied, seemingly relieved at being dismissed.

“Let’s sit,” the Ranger said when the door closed behind the sheriff.

“So, what’s this all about?” Belinda asked.

“To state it simply; we believe—no, we know—that Billy Grayson is actually Shark Lawson, a wanted killer and thief and a member of Butch Cavendish’s outlaw band.”

“What! Why hasn’t Sheriff Hosgood arrested him then?”

The Ranger repeated the sheriff’s rationale for not taking Lawson into custody.

Belinda stood. “Why can’t you take Grayson back to be tried?”

“Tonto and I have no official authority. It might cause legal problems that would benefit Lawson rather than subject him to justice. What we need to do is convince the sheriff about the real identity of the man who killed your husband. If we do, the sheriff has promised to lock him up while Tonto and I go for the U. S. Cavalry. The cavalry will come for him, and justice will be served. I can promise you that.”

Belinda’s chin dropped onto her chest, and she sobbed. The Ranger and Tonto exchanged glances and gave her a moment. She composed herself and said, “My husband was a wonderful man.”

“I have no doubt he was,” the Ranger said quietly.

“He was writing a play.” Belinda went through her history with Reggie Burbage for the Ranger and Tonto. She concluded, “When we reached San Francisco… I’m certain the play would have been produced and been a success. We would have been happy. He loved to write.”

“And you love to act.”

Belinda offered an accepting smile.

“Tonto and I have a plan to convince the sheriff, but we’ll need your help. In fact, the plan cannot work without you. Your being an accomplished actress will be a decided benefit.”

Belinda’s chin lifted. “Tell me what I need to do.”

“Let me get the sheriff back in here.” The Ranger went to the door and beckoned him.

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