Mountain Man Jeb Carlyle

By John J. Law

I came upon the small shack in the middle of the woods that one, fine day. The sky was blue with nary a cloud in sight, and I could hear the birds singing their delight and praise of such a wonderful day. 
I couldn't help but smile as I noticed how agreeable the weather was. As a traveling writer I had seen my share of foul weather, after all. I had braved my share of rain and snow storms, howling tornadoes and everything in between.
I got off my horse and approached the cabin's front door. I calmly walked towards the door and was about to knock when I got a very rude and unwelcome surprise.
I heard the unsettling sound of a gun chamber clicking. It came from behind my head, and I realized that someone was pointing a gun right at the back of my head. Whoever this was, could fire at my head and blow it up like a ripe melon in less than a second now. This was definitely not the kind of welcome I had expected, nor wanted.
"Get your hands up where I can see 'em Partner."
There was nothing I could do, but simply comply. I raised both hands up to the sky. A trickle of cold sweat dripped from my forehead and I felt genuine fear and panic run up my spine. I wanted to wipe the sweat from my forehead, but I dared not make any sudden moves.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.C. Hulsey Books
• Release date: Dec 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223949701

Book preview

One: The Legend

I came upon the small shack in the middle of the woods that one, fine day. The sky was blue with nary a cloud in sight, and I could hear the birds singing their delight and praise of such a wonderful day.

I couldn’t help but smile as I noticed how agreeable the weather was. As a traveling writer I had seen my share of foul weather, after all. I had braved my share of rain and snow storms, howling tornadoes and everything in between.

The good weather was a welcome development for me. It had taken me considerable time and effort to track the small shack in the deeper parts of these woods. The shack was off the beaten path and could not easily be found by traditional methods. It was clear that the man inside did not want to be found. With everything he had accomplished in his life, I guess his reclusive behavior was justified.

I was also sure that he had also seen just as much foul weather, or probably more. He was after all, a living legend.

I got off my horse and approached the cabin’s front door. I calmly walked towards the door and was about to knock when I got a very rude and unwelcome surprise.

I heard the unsettling sound of a gun chamber clicking. It came from behind my head, and I realized that someone was pointing a gun right at the back of my head. Whoever this was, could fire at my head and blow it up like a ripe melon in less than a second now. This was definitely not the kind of welcome I had expected, nor wanted.

Get your hands up where I can see ‘em Partner.

There was nothing I could do, but simply comply. I raised both hands up to the sky. A trickle of cold sweat dripped from my forehead and I felt genuine fear and panic run up my spine. I wanted to wipe the sweat from my forehead, but I dared not make any sudden moves.

Listen Mister. I can assure you now, that I mean you no harm. I only came here so I could speak with Jeb Carlyle. This is his residence, I believe.

And how would you know that? the man said. The man spoke as if he had ice on his throat. I could tell that he would not hesitate to shoot me where I stood.

I asked around, did some tracking and a little research. I came upon this place as Carlyle’s residence. I must say that procuring such information was not easy.

Nor was it supposed to be! I came out here for a reason. I do not want to be disturbed anymore. I have had my fair share of dealing with the outside world. The natural world has always been much easier to deal with.

The man’s words were quite illuminating and only confirmed what I had suspected.

"You’re done