William MacDonald - Shoot Him On Sight

Finally, I made up my mind. I continued on until I found my buckskin pony, waiting at the hitch-rack, mounted and turned my head out of town. I wasn't pushing hard as I rode through the canyon, cutting through Buzzard Buttes; puzzled thoughts were churning through my mind. If I understood the setup correctly, why had Topaz acted to save my life, when she was supposed to be Shel Webster's woman? I winced, as that thought entered my mind. I hated the idea of her having anything a-tall to do with Webster. And how much longer could I carry out the bluff I was pushing? Eventually, Webster would realize what a fake I was. No doubt about it: a showdown was certain to come before much longer.

It was late when I reached the Box-CT, but there were lights in the ranchhouse, as well as in the bunkhouse. I rode down to the corral and found a vaquero lounging there to take care of my horse. That surprised me and I commented on it. He replied he'd had orders to await my return and unsaddle for me, adding, "We had something of worry, Señor Cardinal."

I told him, "Forget the 'Señor', Manuel. I'm Johnny to my friends. But why the worry?"

"There is much to worry over, when a friend stays late in Onyxton."

"I'll try not to let it happen again," I laughed, and thanked him.

A minute later in the living room of the house, I found Mike, Jeff and Mateo sitting before the fireplace. Mama Benita was still up too and hurried to bring coffee.

"We were beginning to fret a mite, when you didn't show up," Jeff smiled, though he still looked a bit uneasy. "Mike wanted to ride in and see what was keeping you— we all did for that matter—but decided to wait an hour longer. Thank God, you got here."

I explained what had detained me. The features of the others were grave by the time I'd finished.

"Good God!" Jeff exclaimed. "You might have been killed."

"I should have stayed with you," Mike scowled. "Of chances, you run too many, Johnny."

"Remember," I told them, "it was Topaz figured out a way so I wouldn't be hit. That mirror stunt was smart. I still can't figure why she double-crossed Webster. I'm certain he ordered that shooting."

Mateo nodded wisely. "Who can say in what direction a woman's heart may turn?"

"I'd feel a hell of a lot safer, Johnny, if you'd stay away from that Topaz girl," Jeff frowned.

"Sure, it might be safer," I conceded, "but I'm playing my hand the same as I've been doing, until I learn what's going on. If Webster is planning a revolution in Mexico, with that gang he has down in Heraldica, maybe I can learn things fast enough to stop it. So I intend to see Topaz every chance I get."

Mateo laughed softly. "Love is an abcess that forms in a man's heart and bursts in his head," he stated.

"Who said anything about love?" I bridled.

Mike grinned. "It is not much of the necessary, Johnny, for you to put it into words. We see, without you putting it into words."

I growled, somewhat abashed, "Oh, hell, let's forget that subject. Mike, what do you think of the lay-out?"

"Wonderful, Johnny. And to think you are the half-owner, and you didn't know it. Such good fortune. You are like the man who fell into a sewer and came up with a bouquet of violets in his hand."

We talked a while longer, then when somebody mentioned it was time to turn in, I realized I was, suddenly, desperately weary. So much, so much, had developed in the past few hours. Anyway, I wasn't running anymore. It was time I'd started to fight back.

XVII

I was awake much of the night, thinking over developments. By the time we were up and had breakfast, I knew what I intended. I was going to Onyxton again. Jeff, Mateo, and Mike all objected, then when they saw I'd made up my mind, they insisted on accompanying me. That I vetoed as too dangerous for them, pointing out that I was safe, so long as Webster thought he had a chance of using me to get rid of Jeff, despite his attempt on my life the previous night. There might be another attempt on my life, but now, seeing how the first project had come out, Webster, I figured, would do a lot of thinking.

I suggested that Jeff take Mike for a ride over the spread, let him get acquainted with the outfit. If I could prevent it, Mike would never leave my side again, and maybe, eventually, I could persuade Old Pablo and Mama Josefa to move their interests to this part of the country. Mike and Jeff finally fell in with my idea and I saw them ride off. Already they were getting along like brothers. Once they were out of sight, I asked Mama Benita to make up some sandwiches in a basket for me. I saw old Mateo look queerly at me, then smile and leave. Within a short time he was back with a bottle of wine to place in the basket.

I said, "What the hell?"

Mateo chuckled. "No vaquero carries a lunch basket to ride to Onyxton, unless he is planning what—how you say? A picnic? Si , that is the word. And it is said that wine will loosen a woman's lips and soften her heart."

I looked curiously at the old Mexican. He was shrewd, all right, guessing what I had in mind. I said, "Apparently, you do not take the same view of Miss Topaz as does Jeff."

Mateo shrugged. "Who am I to judge anyone? If the Señorita Topaz has strayed from the path of righteousness for a time, what matters? Always there is someone to show the right way, if she cares to listen. I, too, in my youth had a boiling of the hot blood, and knew many women. When came a time to settle, it made no difference to Mama Benita. Why should it not be what is right for a man, is also right for the woman? Vaya con Diós , my son."

I felt warm all over. What a man was old Mateo, generous, understanding. When I left on my buckskin, I led behind me a second horse, and roped to the saddle was the picnic basket.

It was nearing ten when I struck Onyxton. Instead of riding into town, I tethered the ponies down near the T.N. & A.S. station, then started on foot for Topaz' house. It was only about five minutes walk distant. When I arrived at the whitewashed adobe, her shades were drawn and I wondered if she had already left for the Onyx Bar. I glanced either way along the street, but there was no one to be seen, except a couple of kids playing in the road, a block distant. I entered the gate, passed through, closed it behind me, then approached the door and knocked.

I heard steps within, then Topaz opened the door. "Johnny!" she exclaimed. "You shouldn't be here—"

"What I should be doing and what I'm doing are two different things," I told her. "May I come in?"

She shook her head. "It wouldn't be wise, Johnny. Why did you come?"

"Topaz, you and I have to have a talk. It can't be delayed longer. I've brought an extra horse in with me. I hoped I could persuade you to take a ride—"

"No, Johnny. It wouldn't be safe for you. Or me."

"Say yes, Topaz. The horses are down by the depot. I can bring them here—"

"Johnny, we'd be crazy—"

"It might be fun, too," I grinned. I could see she was slipping. "How about it?"

"Don't bring the horses here. Some of Shel's men might see us. Look here, I'm a fool, but I'll go. I'll meet you at the depot at noon."

"Topaz—" I had no time to say more, as the door closed quickly in my face.

Mister, I was riding on clouds when I left her house, practically bursting into song. I slowed down after a minute and walked over toward Main Street. There were the usual collections of hoodlums scattered along the thoroughfare, and I received the usual respectful nods. I entered the Onyx bar. There were several men there, imbibing some of the hair of the dog that bit them to banish their hangovers. Shel Webster, face dark under his very whitish-blond hair, was talking to Turk Hofer at the far end of the bar. I sauntered up and joined them. Instantly, they stopped talking.