Blood on the Tracks (An Apache Western #8) by William M James

Author:William M James
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: elmore leonard, us cavalry, renegades, apache indians, piccadilly publishing, laurence james, ralph compton, bn rundell
Publisher: Piccadilly

Chapter Seven

CUCHILLO TOLD JOHN Hedges of everything that had happened to him since he veered off the Gila River Trail to go in search of the source of the smoke he saw in the sky. And Hedges listened without comment and without expression. Beyond the stout walls of the law office, Tyler Bend continued to be busy with the morning routine. The occasional passerby peered in through the big windows, the contempt on his or her face equally divided between the Apache and the visitor.

But Gruber always sent the curious scuttling away with a shout of abuse. He was in front of the Tyler Bend Saloon, which was next door to his office.

Although Cuchillo’s story was truthful, he did not tell the whole truth. He omitted the fact that John Colt was being supplied with weapons by a White Eyes, did not tell of the Chiricahua chief’s ambition, and did not reveal the location of the camp.

When the tale was told, Hedges remained pensively silent for long seconds. Then: ‘Feelings against Apaches are running high in this town, Cuchillo. It was hardly a town at all until the railroad company came here and made it a base of operations. A great many people came here then, and they’re making a great deal of money. At first, the raids by the troublemakers threatened only their livelihoods. But this latest attack—with so many lives lost—is viewed far more seriously. I was in town yesterday when news of what happened at the east camp arrived. You’re lucky you weren’t lynched on sight. For the mere fact of being an Indian, irrespective of the damning evidence of the horse you rode.’

Cuchillo nodded. ‘I know this, John. Had it not been for the man of the law, I would not be speaking with you now.’

Hedges pursed his thin lips and peered into infinity. ‘Sheriff Gruber’s a strange individual. A good lawman, compared to many others I have known. A man of honor, but only by his own code.’

‘This I also know, John. He did not have you brought here as a favor to me. I fear he will use you. To try to learn what I cannot tell him.’

‘Will not tell him,’ the schoolteacher corrected.

‘Will not tell him. When he seeks to use you in this way…should he demand to know what I have told you, you may comply, John. For you know nothing that will endanger the Chiricahuas.’

‘On the other hand…?’ Hedges said softly, with a meaningful look at his Apache friend.

Cuchillo nodded. ‘We have a great understanding of each other, my friend. Should the man of the law threaten you in an attempt to force me to talk, then I cannot save you in such a way. This is why I fear your presence in this town, John.’

‘You saved my life when we were both prisoners of the ill-named Children of Jesus,’ Hedges said softly. ‘Gruber can neither threaten nor carry out anything worse than the vile fate that hovered over me then.’

‘There are no debts between such friends as us, John.

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