Wild Horse Canyon Mystery

By Ann Kemp

Gentry and Belle, teenage brother and sister, are out of school for the fall harvest season and anticipating special times with their friends—until they receive an alarming letter from their Aunt Julie.

 

Ride with this gutsy duo into the deserts and mountains of Wyoming as they face Wild West bank robbers and other dangers, all the while experiencing God’s strength when theirs is failing, and learning to trust His guidance. Driven by the knowledge that their widowed aunt has never allowed the Lord into her life, Gentry and Belle feel desperate to reach her - but will they find her before it’s too late?

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Sep 29, 2018
• ISBN: 9781973619017

Ann Kemp

A former chemistry graduate and senior manager within industry, I spent my early years in South Wales. University beckoned and in the absence of any better ideas, I went first into teaching – not my best decision. Industry was a much better fit, so I moved around the UK, ending up in an American multi-national - a highly pressured job. Retraining as a psychotherapist was a better decision and it was that which allowed me to express my creative side – both in painting and poetry. Now I am retired and happily married – probably my best decisions of all.

Book preview

1

A DAY OF SURPRISES

Wyoming 1885

Gentry came into the hot kitchen, fragrant with the smells of dinner cooking, and found his parents, Virginia and Daniel Madison, poring over a piece of yellow paper in his father’s hand.

Is that a telegram? he asked in surprise. We never get a telegram! Who’s it from?

It’s from your Aunt Julie, his father said. Doesn’t say much, just, ‘Please send Gentry and Belle right away.’

Gentry took the message from his father’s hand, questions immediately swirling inside his head. Why do you think she wants Belle and me right now? Doesn’t she realize we just got out of school to help with fall harvest?

"I’m sure my sister knows that, even though her ranch won’t be harvesting for a couple more weeks since she’s at a higher, cooler altitude. I can’t imagine what she has on her mind, but I know she wouldn’t send for you right now unless she really needed you. However, I don’t think it could be too serious, or she would’ve sent for me."

So do you think we should go, Pa? Gentry asked as Belle came into the room. He handed her the telegram so she’d know what the discussion was about.

Yes, I do, son. I can’t turn down a request from my sister, especially since she’s a widow. If she were given to hysteria, it would be one thing, but she’s one of the most level-headed women I know. I’m sure she has a good reason for asking you to come right now.

Then we should leave this afternoon, since the telegram sounds pretty urgent, Gentry said. It won’t take Belle and me long to get ready. No, wait. The longer I think about it, the more things I remember we’ll need to take. It’ll take us a few hours just to gather all the camping gear, feed for the animals, and other stuff. Belle, you can pack our clothes and some food for the trip. Maybe you’d better make a list, so we won’t forget anything.

Virginia put an arm around her daughter. I’ll help get the food ready for the two-day ride, so you won’t have to do all that. But you may want to wash some of your things and hang them out to dry before you pack.

Belle’s eyes rounded. How long do you think we’ll be gone?

I don’t know, Sis, but I think we should take enough for at least a week, or maybe longer. What do you think, Pa?

I agree. It’s best to have plenty of clothing.

We’ll need our slickers and extra socks and anything else we can think of for traveling in bad weather. It might rain on our way there. Besides, even in early autumn, some days can get pretty cold, and the nights even colder—like last night.

I’ll say, said Belle. When I woke up this morning, I thought winter had come already!

I’ll pack both our tents and the rest of the camping gear, Gentry said, and take kindling and matches to build fires as we need them. But is there anything we can do to help you and Ma before we go? We should have enough time for a couple of chores this afternoon.

Actually, I just thought of something, Mr. Madison said. I need to send you to the bank after dinner to withdraw cash for me to pay the extra hands I’ll have to hire to help me harvest the hay and oats and a woman to help your mother put up the garden vegetables.

Virginia Madison put her hand on her son’s shoulders. And since you’ll be going anyway, would you mind to pick up twenty pounds of flour and ten pounds of sugar, so I can feed all the extra mouths?

Gentry held back a sigh at his mother’s request. After all, it wouldn’t be that hard to bring back a few things. Sure, Ma, he said with a grin. Just make me up a list—but remember to keep it light since I’m not taking a wagon!

I will, dear, his mother said with a smile that bathed him in motherly love. I’ll have the list ready in just a minute or two.

And can we eat dinner a little early so I can get to town and back quicker? Gentry asked.

I could go to the bank and the post office while Gentry gets the supplies, Belle offered.

That’s a good idea, sis.

Well, since you’ll both be gone, do either of you need me to wash anything for you? The sun’s out, and there’s a nice breeze, so things will get dry on the line while you’re in town.

Thanks, Ma. That’ll really help, Gentry told her as he gave her a one-arm hug. He marveled at his mother’s generous offer. She had enough work to do, without adding theirs to her long list of chores. But it would help, since they’d be getting back too late to get their things dry before dark. He was feeling bad they’d be gone when their help was needed during harvest, but there wasn’t anything he could do about it, since his father insisted on them going.

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Belle let Gentry, riding Tumbleweed, set the pace on the ride into town, although it was going to be a test of her patience to set Marvel’s stride to match Tumbleweed’s pokey gait. Her spunky pony would’ve covered the distance in half the time, but it would’ve been hard on Gentry’s long-legged, long-eared donkey. Besides, she knew it wouldn’t be wise to tire either of their mounts before they started the long trip to Aunt Julie’s. She sighed in resignation.

They split up as soon as they reached Adobe Springs. Belle went to the post office first and then to the bank, while her brother went into the mercantile to pick up the list of supplies—and the bag of lemon drops she’d requested for the trip.

A customer was already being waited on when Belle entered the bank, so while she waited, she went over the list of things she needed to pack when she got home. It wouldn’t do to forget anything important, since her father had reminded them the weather could get cold and possibly rainy—especially since her aunt’s Rocking Double J ranch in Wild Horse Canyon was higher in elevation and almost as far north as the Blue Mountains.

She hoped her mother would let her wear jeans for the long trip. She only had two pairs of trousers and one split skirt for riding, but they were both clean, and she had enough shirtwaists and blouses. And she would take a dress, in case they went to church or to someone’s home.

Her musings were cut short when the man in front of her finished and went out the door. She stepped up to the cage and greeted the teller. Good afternoon.

Good afternoon, miss, the young man acknowledged her greeting with a professional-looking smile. What can I do for you on this fine day?

I’d like to cash this bank draft for my father, please, she said politely as she handed him the check.

The teller took it, counted out the money, and handed it to her. Absentmindedly, she shoved it into the deep pocket of her skirt.

Now I’d like to make some deposits, please. She plunked her reticule on the counter, stretched open the drawstrings, and withdrew some folded bills and two passbooks.

Please put three dollars into my savings, she said as she gave him her passbook. And four dollars and fifty cents into my brother’s.

He took the money and made careful notations in their personal booklets, as well as the bank’s accounting log, and then handed them back with a broad smile. Saving is very wise, Miss Madison. According to our records, you’ve both accumulated a tidy sum. Very commendable.

Belle smiled. I think so, too. Well, I must be on my way. I hope you have a pleasant afternoon.

Thank you, and I bid you a good day as well, Miss Madison.

Belle stepped aside to arrange things in her purse as the teller gave his attention to two customers who’d just entered. The first was a roundish, middle-aged woman with sparkling green eyes, wearing a very large, wide-brimmed hat. Belle knew her as the proprietor of the millinery shop in Adobe Springs—and the only lady in town daring enough to wear a purple hat with flowers and birds.

A thin, balding, older gentleman stood behind her. He was Herbert Conlin, the senior partner in Conlin, Trowalter, and Vickers Law Offices, as well as the owner of the Conlin Hotel and Conlin’s Haberdashery. He stood behind her, a bland expression on his face as he waited with his arms folded across his chest, dangling a light-gray cowboy hat in one hand.

As Belle turned to leave, she was astonished when two rough-looking men burst through the door and barged into the room, shoving her and the other two customers aside. She struggled to right herself and hang on to her reticule as one of them, spurs jingling, stomped ahead of the woman with the outlandish hat and slid a burlap bag toward the teller.

The teller’s mouth dropped open in surprise at the man’s rudeness. Sir, I must ask you to go to the back of the line and wait your turn!

I reckon this gives me the right to be waited on first, growled the surly, heavyset man with dirty-looking blond hair. In his hand was a gun, and it was pointed straight at the teller’s middle.

Belle was wondering if she should dare to try to get out the door, when the other intruder—a tall, thin, rusty-haired man, whose eyes glinted with malice—jerked out his weapon and then pulled the shades down and locked the door. With lips curled in a sneer, he turned to the customers and barked, "All right, folks, plop yourselves on the floor while we conduct a little banking business of our own. And keep your yaps shut!"

Belle, her legs suddenly wobbly, found it a relief to do as she was told. The wiry businessman also folded his legs and dropped to the floor. But to Belle’s astonishment, the woman behind Belle refused to sit.

Well, I never! Didn’t your mother teach you how to treat a lady?

The man smirked. "Shore did. She said to smile politely while you rip the jewelry off her fancy neck! Which reminds me … that there pin’s a mighty temptin’ piece, ma’am, he added, bowing with mock courtesy. Now be a nice lady and just fork it over. Them twinkly earbobs, too."

Belle saw the indignant woman’s eyes flash with anger at the evil glitter in the man’s green eyes and the grim expression on his face. She let out a breath in relief when the lady removed her costly gems and smacked them into his grimy paw without further comment.

Belle flinched, her fury mounting as the robber practically yelled at the poor woman. She had to clamp her jaws together to keep her anger from spewing forth. Now, set like I told ya! he demanded.

Her nostrils flaring, the woman dropped to the floor, though Belle could see that every inch of her body bristled with rage.

The robber turned to Belle, his eyes raking her small form. Hand me that reticule, girlie. She held it up with shaking hands, and he snatched it. Well, looky here, partner, he said, grinning as he read the notations in the two books inside. This little gal’s rich! Says she’s got fifty-five dollars in this here bank. Don’t reckon you mind if we help ourselves to yer fortune, do ya, missy?

Belle scowled as he moved on to the businessman, eying a gold chain draped across his embroidered vest. I’d appreciate your donatin’ that gold chain and watch—and anything you got in them pockets. And make it snappy!

Belle’s heart skipped a beat, wondering if the brutish man would ask her to empty her pockets, too. She was thankful she’d put her father’s money there, instead of in her reticule as she normally would have.

In the meantime, she realized the teller, at the burly man’s churlish demand, had opened the safe. She felt sorry for him, as she could see how his hands shook when he filled the robber’s bag with bills and coins.

Belle fumed, wishing she—or someone—carried a pistol or could do something to stop this robbery from happening. But she had nothing except her soft velvet reticule and that was empty but for the two small bankbooks. She was forced to sit, helpless, while the thugs got away with the town’s hard-earned money, hers and Gentry’s included—and possibly a good deal of her father’s as well. She had no idea how much was left in his account after she cashed his check. Her lips tightening into a thin line, she gritted her teeth until her jaws ached.

The overstuffed, blond-haired outlaw gloated as he held up the money-filled bag. We got what we come fer, partner. Let’s make tracks. He pointed his gun menacingly at everyone in the room. Just keep quiet until we get away—unless you’re hankerin’ to git shot!

He unlocked the door, and the two robbers were gone as suddenly as they’d come. Within seconds, the sound of horses galloping away told Belle and the others it was safe to move.

Would somebody please fetch the sheriff? The teller, his voice trembling, appeared to Belle as if he were on the verge of collapse. My father’s going to kill me, he muttered as he wiped his perspiring, pale face with a handkerchief. This was my first day on the job. Oh dear.

Sheriff Forbes is out of town, son, the businessman said gently. Meed’s Fort Bank was robbed yesterday. Their sheriff’s laid up with a broken leg, so he sent for Forbes to lend a hand. Told me he’d be gone a few days.

They heard a soft plop behind the counter.

2

RISKY BUSINESS

Gentry pushed Tumbleweed into an easy lope, intending to follow the outlaws. He noticed Belle had climbed onto her pony and was trotting after him. He stopped as soon as he realized she meant to come along.

Where are you going? she asked with her eyebrows raised. Home is the other direction, in case you’ve forgotten.

Gentry looked her in the eye. I’m following the bank robbers. But you best go on home, Belle. Ma and Pa wouldn’t want you to come with me.

"I don’t think Papa would want you to follow those outlaws, either." Belle glared at him with an annoyed expression.

All I want to do is find their hideout so I can tell Sheriff Forbes.

Belle’s face flushed a bright pink. I can’t let you go by yourself!

Seventeen-year-old Gentry frowned. I know you’re only a year younger than me, Sis, but what can you do? You don’t even carry a gun.

But we’re not expecting a shootout! We’ll just find out where they’re hiding and then go on home, she spluttered.

It’s too dangerous, Sis. What if you got hurt—or worse? How could I live with that? And how could I tell our folks that I let you go along?

Belle lifted her chin. I’m going with you. They stole our hard-earned money, and I want to help get it back. Just then, Belle’s chocolate-brown eyes twinkled as a grin spread over her face. But they didn’t get all of it.

What do you mean?

She pulled her father’s cash out of her pocket. I usually put money in my reticule, but for some reason, I put Papa’s in my pocket, she gloated.

Pa’ll be relieved to hear that, Sis. That’s a lot of money. Gentry sighed, his hand fisted on his thigh. But that doesn’t mean he’d be happy if you followed me to those hoodlums’ hideout.

She crossed her arms over her chest, her mouth set in a pinched pucker. He’d seen that posture enough times to know what it meant. When Belle had set her mind on something, she wouldn’t back down. He knew he might as well give up, since he couldn’t force her to obey. All right, kiddo, you win this time, but you’ve got to do what I say if something happens.

I promise.

Her triumphant smile set his teeth on edge. Since when has my bullheaded sister ever done what I told her to do? Not since she was five!

Gentry trotted Tumbleweed. The robbers were already out of sight, so he felt safe in setting a steady pace, keeping his eye on the ground so he’d notice if their tracks veered off the main road.

This could take hours! Belle complained as long minutes passed with no sign of the robbers.

I know. That’s another reason I didn’t want you to go. We’ll be really late getting home and cause Ma and Pa to worry. Then we’ll be up even later finishing our packing. If you’d go home you could be getting us ready.

Well, you have to admit this is more exciting, Belle said with a mischievous grin.

Gentry frowned. I just hope that’s all it is! The muscles at the base of his skull knotted. The responsibility of keeping his spirited and unpredictable sister safe was giving him a headache.

Just think, Gentry, I was right there in the bank when those awful men came in waving guns and barking orders! It makes me shiver just to think about it! Her face had turned pale.

Well, I guess you got your fill of excitement that time. But I’m really glad you’re okay, Sis. When I came out of the store and saw their guns it scared me to death, knowing you were in there. I was sure relieved when I saw you come outside and I knew you were safe.

"It’s a good thing you came out of the mercantile when you did, because you saw which way they went. And then you knew we had to follow ’em, since Sheriff Forbes is out of town."

Gentry shook his head in exasperation at her use of the word we.

The outlaws had left a trail Gentry could’ve followed blindfolded, which could mean they were overly confident because they didn’t think they’d been followed—or else they knew they were being trailed and were waiting to ambush him and Belle. Either way, tiny niggles of fear traced up and down his spine as he rode. He’d accompanied Carson as a trail guide several times, but his sister hadn’t been along. His obligation to keep her safe weighed heavier every minute. He slowed their pace, trying not to raise any dust to give them away, and kept them to the shade whenever possible. He prayed they wouldn’t come around a curve or over a rise and meet up with the dangerous pair.

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In spite of the danger on that golden afternoon, the sun shone down on a beautiful field of wildflowers alongside the road. A solitary hawk traced silent, lazy circles across the cloudless blue sky, following ancient, invisible trails in its never-ending quest for food. The only sound, besides the creak of their saddles and the soft clopping of the animals’ hooves, was the buzzing of cicadas and other insects in the dry grasses and wildflowers flanking the dusty road. Gentry let out a sigh of satisfaction as he tuned his ears to the drowsy hum.

His mind turned toward the weeks ahead. He hoped he’d get back from Aunt Julie’s in time to help their father with whatever remained of harvesting. And their mother would be glad for Belle’s help with cooking and feeding the harvest crew and with canning and drying vegetables out of the garden.

He knew work wouldn’t take up all their time. The end of harvest meant happy gatherings of folks to celebrate. But his favorite pastime would be fishing with his pals in Silvertip River, the gentle stream that flowed through the northern section of the Madisons’ Leaning Bow Ranch.

Such daydreams were pleasant, but something more serious nagged at the corners of Gentry’s mind. He slapped at a horsefly that landed on his knee and tried to focus on the brief message from their aunt.

Belle’s voice suddenly crashed into his thoughts and scattered them like thistledown. You think Aunt Julie needs a couple of extra cowhands? If that’s the case, we can pitch in and make up for lost time as soon as we get there. But why didn’t she just explain, straight out, the reason she needs us?

Gentry shrugged as he pulled the rumpled telegram from his pocket and read it over once more, trying to fathom the meaning behind his aunt’s few words.

Please send Gentry and Belle right away STOP With love STOP Julie Henderson

Gentry shared Belle’s concern for their aunt. He felt bad they couldn’t leave as soon as the message came, since it sounded urgent. But he knew their parents’ advice was right about taking the day to prepare. But then the bank was robbed, and his conscience wouldn’t allow him to let the robbers get away without doing something to help in the sheriff’s absence. Surely leaving early the next morning would be soon enough. It just had to be.

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The heat of the afternoon sun lay like a thick wool blanket over the prairie. It pressed its burdensome weight on man and beast, robbing them of energy. Most of the desert’s natural inhabitants had found shelter and dozed under the shade of cactus and sagebrush. Gentry found himself nodding.

His senses sharpened, however, when the trail of the bandits suddenly veered off to the right. Since there were only two sets of prints, he thought it must be a private road leading directly to the hideout, and his heartbeat quickened. He motioned for Belle to dismount, and they led the animals quietly over the rutted road for another half hour. A dilapidated shack appeared in the distance, leaning tiredly against a rocky cliff. It looked deserted, but Gentry knew they were in the right place, since the men they followed were just pulling up to the door. He pushed Belle and her pony into a thick stand of trees and rocks, warning her to stay put while he moved closer.

I need to find out if others are waiting inside, he whispered as he detoured through the trees and brush to get a better look.

Without warning, Tumbleweed brayed a greeting to the thieves’ horses. Right away, the robbers slid off their mounts and opened fire as they dived inside