The Floating Outfit 20 by J.T. Edson

Author:J.T. Edson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: american civil war, piccadilly publishing, jt edson, ysabel kid, texas in the 1800s, dusty fog, mark counter, the floating outfit western series
Publisher: Piccadilly

Nine – The Power of Ole Devil’s Name

‘Come in, Captain Fog,’ Hoffenstall greeted, standing behind his Negro maid and beaming at the small Texan.

‘I reckon this’s hardly the time to call and talk business, Mr. Hoffenstall,’ Dusty said, entering the house and handing his hat to the maid. ‘Trouble being that I only just pulled in and have to leave as soon as I’m sure Beau Amesley’s company’s in good hands.’

‘Of course. I understand. If you will come into my study—’

In view of the information gained at Mama Lola’s house, Dusty once more revised his decision about visiting the banker. He wanted to strike before any word could reach Hoffenstall. Maybe Mama Lola, wishing to curry favor or clear herself of blame, would notify the banker of Dusty’s visit and what the small Texan had learned. If that happened, Dusty was unlikely to gain any information from the banker.

Relying on the power of Ole Devil’s name, Dusty told Mark and Farron of his intentions. Despite their acceptance of the Kid’s plan, neither Dusty nor Mark felt happy about their amigo going alone to Castro’s place. So Mark said he would wait at Farron’s home in case the Kid needed help on returning from the Mexican quarter.

Taking Dusty into his study, Hoffenstall seated him in a comfortable chair and offered the customary courtesies. With a glass of imported brandy in one hand and expensive cigar glowing in the other, Dusty got down to business.

‘I reckon you know that my uncle’s a major share-holder in Beau’s company?’

‘I’d say partner, to be more accurate,’ Hoffenstall answered.

‘Call it what you want. General Hardin sent me down to arrange for somebody to run things at this end. He can’t get here and wants a good man in charge until Beau’s affairs’re straightened out.’

‘My bank’s facilities are at your service, Captain Fog.’

‘I heard that you had a robbery.’

‘Yes,’ admitted Hoffenstall. ‘But I assure you that the loss was not great and we are entirely sound.’

‘Sound financially, maybe,’ Dusty drawled. ‘But are you safe?’

‘I don’t follow you,’ Hoffenstall said, looking like he wanted to ask for his drink and cigar back.

‘You know Tim Farron’s my uncle, I reckon?’

‘Yes.’

‘Well, he told me about the hold-up. Seems like that bunch got into the bank and opened its safe without raising sweat, noise or fuss. I don’t know what Uncle Tim thinks, but it looks an inside job to me.’

‘An inside job?’ squawked Hoffenstall. ‘Do you realize what you’re saying?’

‘I’m only saying what you must’ve been thinking all along.’

‘And I assure you, Captain Fog, that I’ve never regarded there being any possibility of an inside job as you call it.’

‘Show me I’m wrong. Uncle Devil was mighty concerned about leaving Beau’s money in a bank that gets robbed so easily.’

‘The bank itself did not get robbed. I doubt if any gang could have broken into our main vault with such ease.’

‘You can convince me of that?’

‘I can allow you to inspect the premises and make your own decision,’ Hoffenstall snorted. ‘Not tonight, but in the morning if you wish.

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