The Lawful Reckoning

By Randy L. Swindle

Two young U.S. Marshals are sent across the wide-open plains, in search of train robbers, thieves and rustlers, but they soon discover that the one that sent for help is actually the ring leader of the problem who has eyes set on greedy and selfish gains.

But once justice is served though, they find themselves on the other end of the chase as a slew of rowdy, uncivilized townspeople band together to bring revenge on them and bring them down. This very well could be the end of their careers, as well as their lives, unless some unseen fate is willing to step in and change the odds in their favor.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Crystal Frazier
• Release date: Jun 20, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386696483

Book preview

Two young U.S. Marshals are sent across the wide-open plains, in search of train robbers, thieves and rustlers, but they soon discover that the one that sent for help is actually the ringleader of the problem who has eyes set on greedy and selfish gains.

But once justice is served though, they find themselves on the other end of the chase as a slew of rowdy, uncivilized townspeople band together to bring revenge on them and bring them down. This very well could be the end of their careers, as well as their lives, unless some unseen fate is willing to step in and change the odds in their favor.

What’s wrong Sis? Dawn asked, looking around trying to find what her sister was looking for.

That old buzzard ain’t nowhere to be seen. I guess that he got what he was after, Dusty answered.

Yeah, I guess you’re right, and I don’t feel no one on our back trail either, Dawn replied, looking back over her shoulder.

Me neither. Maybe that’s a good sign for a change, Dusty said.

As they rode for a few hours, Dawn spotted a creek. They headed to it, so they could water their four Palomino horses as well as refill their canteens.

Let’s allow the horses to rest a bit, Dusty suggested as she reached into her saddle bag and pulled out two airtights of peaches for them to eat. She handed one to Dawn and opened hers.

They sat there and ate in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. When the peaches were gone, and the juice drank, they put the empty containers back in Dusty’s saddle bag.

What are we gonna do now? Dawn asked, absent mindedly fingering the Marshall’s badge pinned to her shirt front.

First, we are gonna go after those train robbers. After that, I really don’t know, Dusty responded I really don’t want to go back home just yet. Just too much hurt is still there.

Same here, Dawn said, scooting closer to Dusty and putting her arm around her, I thought that after we got them Buck Williams fellas that things would somehow feel better, but I still miss Ma and Pa really bad.

Yeah, me too Sis, Dusty responded, also putting her arm around Dawn and pulling her into a hug.

After a bit, they remounted and started riding again.

You know, sixty thousand in gold is awfully heavy. I’m thinking they are gonna need pack horses or a wagon to carry it all, Dusty said as they rode.

Yep, you are right about that. They won’t be making no fast get away either, Dawn replied, Once we get to higher ground, we can use those field glasses that we got in Kanfield to see if we spot anything, Dawn suggested.

They rode on for another hour, not seeing anything when they heard some gunshots coming from further up trail from where they were at. They kicked their horses into a fast trot and as they got closer the shots and screams got louder. Knowing that they were near where the gunshots were coming from, they slowed their horses and dismounted and found a place to tie their horses up. Grabbing their rifles as they left the horses, they ran to the edge of the tree line and could see a buggy smashed against a boulder and two horses lying on the ground with arrows stuck in their carcasses.

As they watched, they could make out six different Indians making various attacks on a pile of boulders. Every so often, when an Indian came in close enough, either a rifle or a pistol would emerge from behind the pile of rocks to fire at the Indian as he passed, yet, not succeeding in hitting one. At the same time, the gutsy Indian would let loose an arrow towards the rocks before galloping away to safety.

Raising her rifle to her shoulder, Dusty took aim as an Indian made his way in to make an attack on the rocks. When he was within a fair distance, Dusty pulled the trigger, knocking the Indian off of his perch on the back of the horse he was riding. There was another shot followed closely behind Dusty’s as Dawn too leveled her Henry and shot the next incoming Indian. That didn’t seem to faze the other four Indians as they continued their onslaught attack on the rocks. A few shots later from Dusty and Dawn, the Indians soon found their own numbers dwindled down to just two. Before those two could rethink their situation, Dusty dropped one-off horseback at the same time that Dawn unseated the other. When all six Indians were lying on the ground, and the shooting all stopped, Dusty and Dawn remounted and rode out into the clearing, keeping a wary eye on their surroundings as well as the six bodies on the ground.

Hello the rocks! Dusty called, We’re friendly!

A second later, a man stood and came limping out from behind the rocks, followed by two women, a young boy and a young girl. The young ones appeared to be no more than twelve or thirteen.

Dusty and Dawn rode closer to the folks and looked at them for a minute while still looking around to ensure that there wasn’t any Indians lurking in the surroundings waiting for a chance to get them off guard.

What happened here? Dusty asked as she and Dawn dismounted.

We were headed to Kanfield for supplies when them Injuns come at us from both sides shooting arrows. One got me in the leg just before the buggy hit that boulder and threw us all out, the man said as he limped over and sat down on a lower boulder, holding his bleeding leg, We managed to get behind these rocks here. I still had my pistol and my wife found my rifle, but we didn’t hit nare a one of them scavengers. Then y’all come along and pulled our fat out of the fire. We are mighty thankful too.

Excuse me a moment folks while I make sure none of these Indians are playing opossum, Dawn said as she walked around and looked at the six bodies on the ground.

Sure, that the Indians no longer posed a threat, they both went and rounded up the six Indian’s horses and Dawn grabbed a few of the good arrows and an extra bow. When they returned to the folks, they noticed the odd looks on their faces.

What are you ladies doing with them horses and arrows? the man asked.

"Oh, my sister likes to collect arrows. As for the horses, I’m figuring that since y’alls look like a couple of pin cushions, y’all might be needing something to ride back home on. Unless you have got a better idea, looks like the two ladies there can ride double with

Us while the rest ride bareback," Dusty said.

It’s not that comfortable, but it beats having to walk all that way I can promise you, Dawn added as she tied the arrows and extra bow to her pack horse.

Where are my manners? the man said, I’m Mack Hubbard and this pretty lady is my wife Lacy. That there is my mother-in-law, Ann McGreagor, while these two rug-rats are mine and Lacy’s younguns, Mike and Melissa. We live on a ranch just south of here. We have more horses at home, and we have another wagon. Looks like our buggy and horses here are a total loss. But thanks to y’all, we still have our hair.

Well, we need to be getting a move on in case these Indians have any friends nearby, Dusty suggested.

Lacy, with Dusty’s help, was helped up on Dusty’s horse while Ann, with Dawn’s help, was helped up on Dawn’s horse. Mack helped the boy and girl up on horse each and then himself got on a horse bareback too, gritting his teeth against the pain of the arrow wound in his leg.

Do we need to tend to that leg there Mack? Dusty asked.

Naw, it’ll be alright until we get to home, Mack answered.

Dusty then climbed up on her horse, sitting behind the saddle where Lacy was riding side saddle. Dawn also climbed up on her own horse behind Ann who too was riding side saddle.

When everyone was ready, they started riding again. This time towards the Hubbard’s ranch.

About how far is your ranch from here? Dawn asked.

It’s only about five or six miles. Not that far, Mack answered, These cattle you are seeing around here, they are ours. Or, what’s left of them anyway.

Whatcha mean? Dusty asked.

We got some rustlers stealing us blind. Not only us but a lot of the other ranches as well. We thought it was the Injuns who were just hungry until one of the ranches caught them. They kilt two of the cowboys that chased them. That made the other cowboys pull back, Mack said.

How often does this happen and to who? Dusty asked.

It used to be about once a month. Then it happened liked every two weeks and then every week. Now it’s like every other day. That was the real reason that we were headed to Kanfield to get some help from the Sheriff, Mack answered.

Ain’t there a town closer to y’all? Dusty asked.

Sure is. It’s Battlefield, but a couple gunfighters moved in and kilt the Sheriff and took over the town. No one wants to mess with them two. They eat, drink and do anything else they want for free because they won’t pay no one and if someone tries to make them, they just shoot them. They are really fast on the draw. Or, so we heard, Mack answered.

Dusty just looked over at Dawn as they rode on to the Hubbard’s ranch. There was a knowing look in her eyes too.

A short time later, they arrived and saw a commotion in the yard. There were cowboys running all over the place. They kicked their horses into a trot and once they got close, Mack called out to one of the cowboys.

What’s going on here? Mack asked.

They just hit us again boss! the cowboy answered, They got away, but we got two pinned down in them rocks over on the west pasture. I just come for help and more ammo, the cowboy said and rushed off.

Dusty and Dawn jumped down off their horses and helped Lacy and Ann down. Dawn grabbed her bow and arrows along with her saddle bag that contained the sticks of dynamite that was tied to the pack horse. Then after tying their pack horses to a nearby tree, they both climbed back on their horses and followed the cowboy to the barn.

Come on and show us where those rustlers are, Dusty said to the cowboy.

I’m coming too! Mack said.

No, you get that leg tended to. We’ll handle it from here, Dusty said as the cowboy got on his horse and they all headed out of the gate.

They all left the ranch at a fast run. Ten minutes later, they all heard gunshots coming from nearby. Splitting up, Dusty and Dawn went one way while the cowboy went the other. When they were close enough that they could actually smell the burnt gunpowder, they both stopped.

Dawn get your sticks ready. I am going to try to talk them out but if they don’t see it my way, you can change their minds for them, Dusty said as she pulled two pair of iron cuffs out of her saddle bag and hung them on her belt.

I’m ready when you are Sis! Dawn said, with a big smile on her face as she went about tying the sticks of dynamite to the arrows.

Try not to kill them, but if need be, rattle their hen house real good, Dusty said.

Will do, Dawn said as she took off at a low run around side of the hill.

Dusty gave Dawn a few minutes to get in position and then she headed straight up the center until she was close enough to the two rustlers that were hiding in the bushes.

Gentleman put down your guns. Y’all are under arrest, Dusty called out to the rustlers.

Yeah, we most certainly will missy. Who do you think you are? one of the rustlers asked.

U.S. Marshall and I’m not going to ask you twice either, Dusty called back.

Yeah? Well lady, you are crazy! the other rustler said and laughed as he shot a few bullets at where Dusty was hiding behind a big rock.

Suddenly there was a loud explosion and then another. Rocks and dirt went flying in all directions.

I told you I’m not gonna ask you twice, Dusty said when everything got nice and quiet.

Sheesh lady! Alright, we’re done! We’re coming out! one of the rustlers called.

Keep those hands held high boys or it’ll be worse the next time if y’all make me mad, Dusty called to the rustlers.

A moment later, two men come out of the brush all dusty, torn clothes, dirty, with blood here and there, staggering about but keeping their hands held high as Dusty walked up with a pistol in her hand.

That’s far enough boys, Dusty said as they got closer, Now be real nice and turn around, Dusty added and they obeyed, Now get on your knees.

When they did so, Dusty and Dawn walked up and placed the iron cuffs on them both.

Where’s the cattle and where’s your partners? Dusty asked as she walked around to stand in front of them.

They are gone. They left us to guard this pass. We just joined up with them and don’t know their names, one rustler said.

Where are your horses? Dawn asked, also coming to stand in front of the kneeling rustlers and making them do a double take at seeing the twins.

Where were y’all taking them cattle hoss? Dawn asked as one of Mack’s ranch hands brought the rustlers horses along with Dusty’s and Dawn’s horses.

About that time, they all heard horse hooves as Mack and a few other hands come riding up.

Get up. Y’all are gonna help us find them cattle, Dusty said.

We can’t ride with our hands behind our backs, one rustler said.

Help them up on their horses, Mack ordered a couple hands.

Wait! I want them on one horse each and in the saddle backwards, Dusty said.

One of the rustlers started protesting until he heard Dawn’s pistol cock inches from his head. You can go sitting backwards or belly down. Don’t much matter to me, Dawn said, stopping any more complaints, Be sure to tie their cuffs to the saddle horns and tie their feet together under the horse’s bellies too, she added.

When everyone was mounted and ready, they started following the tracks. Dusty looked over at Dawn and seen her tying dynamite sticks to arrows and stick them in her saddle bag with the feathered ends sticking out. Dusty had to smile because she just knew that given a chance, Dawn would make a real ruckus with those arrows.

As they followed the tracks, they could see that they led southwest towards some big mountains in the distance. After about an hour of riding, they come across some cattle, but no one was around. They could see by some other tracks that the other rustlers had headed west.

They’re not here no more. So, go ahead and round up your cattle so that you can herd them back to your ranch. Me and Dawn are gonna go take these two fellas on into Battlefield, Dusty said as she and Dawn led their horses over to a nearby creek to water them.

Ladies, I think it might would be a better idea if’n y’all just went back to Kanfield because I am telling you now, those two gunfighters are some dangerous fellas, Mack suggested.

Yeah, you told us that before, but me and my sister here stomp our own snakes and even behead them at times too. Thanks all the same though, Dusty responded.

Well, if’n y’all don’t mind, me and a couple of my hands would like to go with you, Mack said.

Naw, we wouldn’t mind that atall. You could even pick up your supplies there too, Dusty replied.

Why didn’t you tell us that you were Marshalls? Mack asked.

Because we are new at this ourselves Mack. Sorry. Oh, if y’all can use them ponies, ya are more than welcomed to them, Dusty said.

Thanks. I think my younguns would like them a lot, Mack said.

In that case, we are ready when ya are, Dusty said.

Mack gave orders to some of his hands to herd the cattle back to the ranch while he and a few other hands would go with Dusty and Dawn. So, as Mack’s cattle and hands went one way, Mack, Dusty, Dawn and a few of Mack’s hands headed towards Battlefield.

"Who’s the next ranch that we’ll come across? Dusty asked as they rode along.

That’ll be James Rodgers. He has the biggest ranch around these here parts. He has lost cattle as well, Mack answered.

Has he lost more or less than the smaller outfits? Dawn asked.

I want to say less, Mack said after thinking about it for a minute, But I don’t know how much less.

After riding for a short time, they come upon a town and all of them stopped their horses and looked down the valley at the town.

Sure, ain’t a lot of people moving around, Dawn pointed out.

Most likely they are all inside to stay out of the way of those two gunfighters, Mack suggested, Anytime they see someone, they like to start a fight with them, or if they see a woman, they try to have their way with them.

Let’s go in then. Maybe I’ll get lucky and get a date, Dusty said, smirking at the others.

As they rode into town, they couldn’t help but notice the way the town folk stared at them. There was even people peeking out of a few windows as they rode by, but no one would come out.

The jail’s down on the end of the street on the right side, Mack said.

When they were in front of the jail, Mack, Dusty and Dawn got down while the hands remained mounted, all keeping an eye on every direction. Seeing that the jail door was wide open, they all walked up onto the boardwalk and peered inside. No one was inside, so Dusty walked inside while Mack and Dawn waited outside.

Not being able to see much inside, Dusty found a lamp and lit it. Then, seeing the cell door keys hanging on a nearby wall, she went and lifted them off the peg and walked back outside.

Do they have cells? Dawn asked when Dusty walked back outside.

Sure do, Dusty answered, holding up the keyring.

A couple of the hands climbed down and helped get the two rustlers off their horses and led them inside where Dusty locked them in separate jail cells. Then, hanging the keys back on the peg on the wall, they all walked back outside.

When Dusty, Dawn and the two ranch hands walked back outside, they noticed that everyone else was standing there looking down the street. Following their gaze, they could see that someone had just walked out of the saloon and was now standing in the middle of the street, looking their way.

That’s one of them gunfighter there, Mack said.

What? That little short dwarf? Dusty asked, making Mack laugh.

Careful there, he is a bit touchy about his size. I mean, he’s at least five feet tall, but everyone still looks down at him, Mack replied.

I got this one. Watch for the other coward Sis, Dusty said to Dawn as she walked out into the middle of the street and started to walk towards the man.

What do y’all want in my town? the man asked, watching as Dusty continued to walk towards him.

Your town? You look like you had better go find some toys to play with and stay out of grown folk’s business, Dusty said, keeping her hand close to her pistol. She could tell that she had got his goat though.

Who do you think you are talking to lady? the man said, growing red in the face.

You! Who else do you see around? Maybe if you went over there and stood on that there boardwalk you might could see around better son, Dusty responded, making the man’s face turn even redder.

I’m a grown man lady and I’m not your son! the man spat.

Really? Then you must be one of those midget folk. Did you by chance escape from the circus? What kind of little tricks can you do? Dusty asked, making extra emphasis on the word little.

I’m known in these parts as Dastardly Bob and I’m not a midget. I have had enough of your foul mouth too. Here I was gonna let ya live and maybe be one of my women, Dastardly Bob said.

Sorry junior, I don’t change diapers, Dusty responded.

That set Dastardly Bob off and he reached for his gun, but before he could even wrap his hand around the pistol to draw it, he screamed out in pain as a bullet from Dusty’s drawn Colt went through his hand. Just as quickly, he reached for his other gun with his good hand and again screamed out in pain as another bullet smashed into that hand. Holding his hands against his belly, Dastardly Bob sunk to his knees, crying in pain.

Dusty walked up and stood in front of him. Reaching down, she took both his guns out of his holsters and stuck them in her belt before grabbing him by the collar and jerking him to his feet. As she started leading him towards the jail, she heard someone holler something a moment before a gunshot went off and someone screamed out in pain. Looking up, she seen Dawn standing on the far side of the street with her Colt in her hand and pointed towards the other end of the street. As she watched, Dawn pulled the trigger and as the gun went off, Dusty heard another scream. She turned around to look down the street and see a man bent over in the middle of the street with his hands tucked against his belly. She watched as Dawn walked down the street and grabbed the man by the collar and start leading him towards the jail as well. She also noticed that people started coming out of the buildings and looking at them.

Do y’all have a doctor here? Dusty asked a man nearby.

Yes Ma’am! I’ll go fetch him for ya, the man said and took off running down the boardwalk.

When Dusty reached the jail, Mack walked up to meet her.

Mack, can you lock this little man up for me? Dusty asked as she turned and seen Dawn walk up with the other gunfighter, who was also bleeding from bullet holes in both his hands, You alright Sis?

Oh, this was no problem. By the way, meet El Diablo, Dawn said and they both laughed, Where do they get these names from? Dawn added, again setting them both to laughing.

One of Mack’s ranch hands walked up and led El Diablo into the jail where he too was locked up. The ranch hand wrapped both of the gunfighter’s hands to slow the bleeding until the doctor could get there to take care of them.

Looks like y’all got yourself a crowd there ladies, Mack said, making Dusty and Dawn look over their shoulders at what looked like the whole town walking towards them. Standing at the edge of the boardwalk, they watched as