Things stayed pretty calm for the next several weeks. We put out two editions of the Union each week, and even though Ben managed to find his way back into Mrs. Kimmelmann's good graces, he nevertheless, continued to reside in the shack south of the Deadline. As a result, I had a bed all to myself and was hoping against hope that maybe Aida would pay me an unexpected visit some night.

When I wasn't pining for Aida, I spent a lot of time with Bill Tilghman, who had turned into quite an accomplished man hunter and lawman. I have to admit; I was envious of Bill. He was just six years older than me, and already he was a deputy sheriff who had earned a reputation as a man not to be trifled with.

The year before I arrived, Bill was part of a legendary posse that had hunted do...

Please subscribe to keep reading.