Frank Kane - The Hanging Tree

By John J. Law

The bandits were all brandishing weapons, and they had barged into the bank on a particularly busy day. There were several depositors just going about their business and depositing their savings. It was the perfect time for them to strike.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.C. Hulsey Books
• Release date: Dec 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223347484

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

The Robbery

The lone bank in the middle of the small town stood like a giant cave with treasures beckoning within. John Hicks and his boys simply could not resist the allure of the treasure within.

You ever heard the story of Ali Babba, Ken?

Hicks spoke to his right-hand man, Ken Masterson. Masterson was a dashing blonde whose handsome looks were hidden behind the red bandana covering his mouth.

I can't read, boss.

Oh, sorry. I forgot about that little detail. Well, you know it's about this common thief that discovers this magic cave fulla gold in it! An' he learns about the magic words that open up that there magic cave from the other thieves guardin' it. He says ‘Open Sesame!’ and the whole blasted cave opens up, an' he can take the gold for himself!

Wait a sec, boss. So yer sayin' this here thief stole the gold from other thieves? Where's the honor among thieves there?

Hicks shrugged his shoulders.

I didn't say nothin' 'bout honor among thieves, Ken. I'm just saying that cave's just like that there bank over there. We just say the magic words, an' the gold's ours.

Ken gave his gang leader a strange look. That don't make no sense boss. I mean, firstly, that was just one Arabian feller in the story, and we're five men. Secondly, we ain't going to use no magic words to get the money in the bank. We're going to be using guns n' maybe dynamite to open the vault an' such. Thirdly, I...

Hicks raised his hands, clearly in frustration. All right, all right. I get what you're saying, Ken. Let me put it another way. Have you heard of John Wesley Hardin?

Ken smiled and nodded at Hicks. Yeah, yeah. Of course, I've heard of John Wesley Hardin. One of the baddest men in any territory there is. Aside from his enemies, I heard that he's gunned down women and children. Even heard that he shot a man in his sleep 'cause the feller was snoring. Now, that's one bad man I do not want to cross.

Hicks nodded at Masterson. Exactly, and you shouldn't be messin with me, got that?

Ken looked at Hicks. Hicks was staring a hole right through him. He glanced at Hicks' hand. It was dancing close to the holster on his belt where one of his six-shooters were. Just like everyone in the gang, Masterson realized that Hicks was more than a little out there. He was prone to mood swings and bursts of anger at the most inopportune times.

Ken smiled at Hicks. You know, that's a great story there, boss. I can really see what you mean, real good.

Hicks smiled at Masterson. The anger in his face drained away, and he suddenly seemed much more cheerful. It was almost as if someone had flipped a switch and Hicks changed moods instantly. "Ah, I knew you would