Chapter Five

Early next morning, Ben, Mr. Hawes, and I prepared to ride out to Battles Gap. Mr. Hawes, who was more portly than the rest of us and didn't fancy a half day's ride on the back of a horse, rented a spring wagon at the livery.

As we were preparing to leave, Bill Tilghman waved us down. "Hold on. Are you fellers ridin' out now?"

"Why, yes, we want to see if we can bring this transaction to a close," Mr. Hawes said.

"I sure wish you'd wait a bit. Wyatt and I thought we might ride out with you, but we have some business to transact this morning."

Bill had recently bought a saloon south of the Deadline called the Oasis, for his brother Frank to run; and Bill had to sign some papers to conclude the transaction. Wyatt had...

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