Black Ransom Read Online Free PDF Page A

group of riders continued forward, not veering off as the two men had hoped. Luckily they weren’t hostile Apaches, known to ride this territory, though ongoing military maneuvers had pretty much kept their aggressions at bay, but cowboys, though they didn’t look any too friendly either. Once they got near enough, part of the group separated into two columns and formed a loose half circle around Ehron Lee and Winston. The lead riders held their positions in front and, with their revolvers drawn but not aimed, gestured for the two men to halt their horses.
    They had no choice but to obey, and they reined in their mounts, coming to a smooth stop, though Winston’s stallion seemed anxious and stamped its foreleg against the ground.
    Even though he was uncertain at the intrusion, Ehron Lee tried to speak confidently. “Mornin’. Anything we can do for you fellas?” he said.
    â€œSupposin’ you let us ask the questions,” came the curt reply.
    Both men immediately took note that no one in this group appeared to be wearing a badge. If they weren’t lawmen, had they lucked into another run-in with a bunch of desperados?
    â€œName’s Bert Stradd and these here are my boys,” the man who was obviously in charge said. Ehron Lee couldn’t help recognizing that both in appearance and authority, he, too, had likely been in the military.
    With that, Stradd flipped open the side flap of his unbuttoned gray duster and revealed a tin star.
    â€œDeputy sheriff, Cullen County,” he said.
    The knowledge that Bert Stradd was a lawman did little to lessen the pair’s apprehension. With a group of men this large, this looked to be serious business.
    Stradd’s own gun wasn’t drawn since he was well protected by his men. Instead his gloved hands rested easily on the pommel of his saddle.
    He continued. “Some of these fellas work for Elmer Bryant; the rest of us are his friends. We’re what you might call an unofficial posse.”
    â€œWhat’s that got to do with us?” Ehron Lee asked casually, though with his brow furrowed.
    â€œThose are Elmer’s horses you’re ridin’,” Stradd said straightly. Then he spoke over his shoulder. “Ain’t that so, Ed?”
    A man who looked like an old wrangler returned, “Would recognize Mr. Bryant’s stallions anywhere.”
    Stradd smiled an unfriendly smile. “Y’see, Ed here would know. He’s been Elmer’s ranch foreman for goin’ on ten years. Knows Elmer’s stock sure as the back of his hand.”
    â€œSure do,” Ed said in a drawl. “And Mr. Bryant’s stallions ain’t like none others bred in this county.”
    Winston spoke up. “Whoa, now hold on, mister. We know these horses is stolen. We got ours taken from us last night and got left with these two. Where they come from, we ain’t got no idea.”
    Stradd’s steely gaze shifted from Winston to Ehron Lee.
    â€œThat’s the truth,” Ehron Lee concurred. “We was campin’ out on our way back from doin’ some business when two fellas came up on us and said they wanted to trade their horses for ours. Since they were armed, we wasn’t about to argue.”
    Stradd squinted suspiciously. “Business, huh?”
    One of the riders cut in. “Business nothin’. These two look like a coupla saddle tramps to me.” He punctuated his remark by spitting tobacco juice out the side of his mouth onto the ground.
    â€œWas lookin’ at buyin’ some property,” Ehron Lee said simply.
    Stradd was silent though it was clear he was assimilating each word spoken, each gesture made by the pair.
    â€œWhich I did,” Ehron Lee added.
    â€œNotice neither of yuh is heeled,” Stradd observed with a tilt of his head.
    â€œHardly,” Ehron Lee said. “Grabbed our side arms along with our horses. As you can see, took our saddles,