The Stranger - Who is this Stranger

By John J. Law

"Lookit you. What's your problem?"
The stranger glanced at Ike, and he immediately knew that he and his boys were simply trouble, looking for more trouble. It was best not to add coal to the fire, and the stranger knew it. He simply looked away and continued drinking his whiskey. Perhaps if he ignored them, they would just leave it at that. Unfortunately, it was simply not to be.
"You look at me when I'm talking to you! Don't you know who I am? I'm Ike Ferguson, and I've killed men a lot bigger than you!"
Ike got uncomfortably close to the stranger. It was clearly a tense situation that threatened to boil over, but the stranger did not move. He seemed unaffected and unconcerned, even if a man as threatening as Ike Ferguson was right in his face.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.C. Hulsey Books
• Release date: Dec 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223778066

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Jim Randall ran out of the mine clutching a large, shiny piece of stone. Anyone half a mile away would instantly recognize that Jim was holding a piece of gold. A small and very rare, valuable piece of rock. Jim had hit pay dirt, and he was feeling rightfully excited over his find.

Boys! Boys! Lookit what I've got! he said.

The three men were camped outside the mine and lazily cooking food over a small fire. Jim's excited cries instantly caught their attention.

What'cha got there Jimmy boy? 

Elijah Sampson looked up at the shiny piece of rock that Randall held. He immediately knew what Jim was holding but he feigned innocence.

Gold! I found us some gold, boys! It's right there, just like I thought it would be! Randall said.

There was no hiding the excitement in Randall's voice, and rightfully so. He had worked very hard and persevered much just to find the mine. He had invested a lot of his and his wife, Becky's savings into prospecting for gold, and to find such a large chunk was almost divine.

I've got so many plans for me and Becky, and it's all comin' true! I just can't believe it! Dreams do come true!

The three men nodded and smiled at Jim. They looked happy enough, but there seemed to be something behind the smiles. Something sinister. Jim was simply too excited to notice it.

We're glad you found gold just like you said you would. Sampson said.

We always knew you'd find that there gold, Jimmy. We always believed in you.

We believed in you when they all laughed at your claims. Well, look who's laughing now?

It was Daniel Bland and Finn Bowden. They actually did speak something of the truth. After all, they all did show faith in Jim when he said they would find gold. The three of them accompanied Jim and had helped him get this far.

Don't worry boys. I haven't forgotten what y'all done for me. We're all going to split this gold right down the middle, like we talked about. It's going to go straight down the middle, just like we talked about. Randall said.

Elijah Sampson moved towards Jim and patted him on the back. His palm fell on Jim's back just a little harder than usual, but Jim hardly noticed. He was simply too excited to notice anything, and was eager to get back to the mine.

Thanks Jim. We really appreciate it. Sampson said.

Jim nodded with excitement.

Don't worry. I know how to repay people that deserve it. Mama Randall didn't raise no ingrate for a son. Well, if you'll excuse me, there's still some gold to clear out. Gold we can all divide and enjoy! Jim said.

Elijah smiled, and Jim disappeared back into the mine.

Well, I'll be a prairie dog caught dead in winter. I can't believe it. Randall actually did find gold. Daniel Bland said.