Black Ransom Read Online Free PDF

too.”
    Stradd kept his eyes on the pair for several moments, as if assessing them, and then he glanced over his shoulder at the men behind him. Their expressions were set and mean. They looked as though they were ready to pull out the ropes to string the two up.
    Fortunately, the man called Bert Stradd looked to have some reason about him. He focused his attention back on Ehron Lee. “Bought some land, you say? And you’re ridin’ in from the west . . .”
    â€œThat’s right,” Ehron Lee said immediately. “And you’re comin’ from the east, where I assume this thievery took place. Well, let me ask yuh: Why’d we be comin’ back in the direction of where you say we stole the horses from?”
    Stradd’s eyes narrowed and his words came strong, laced with a suggestion of offense at what was perceived as Ehron Lee’s challenge.
    â€œRemember, we’re askin’ the questions here,” he said. “Anyhow, you tell me. All I know from where I’m sittin’ is that those are Elmer Bryant’s horses. And you’re ridin ’em. Ain’t sayin’ your story
might
not be true . . .” He paused and then exhaled a breath. “You got some proof of that land you say you bought?”
    For an instant Ehron Lee looked hopeful . . . until he remembered.
    â€œBill of sale was in the saddlebag of my horse,” he muttered.
    One of the posse sputtered out a laugh that sounded more like a cackle. “Well, ain’t that all-to-hell convenient.”
    Ehron Lee looked straight at the man and spoke with utter conviction. “We ain’t lyin’, mister.”
    â€œWhat ’bout the fella who sold you this land?” Stradd said. “Can he vouch for yuh?”
    â€œCould. Can give you his name,” Ehron Lee offered. “Albert Patterson. But first time we met him was at the farm, a deal set up through an acquaintance of his who heard I was lookin’ to buy some property.
His
name was Mike somethin’. Can’t recall. Didn’t really matter at the time.”
    â€œWhere could one find this Patterson?” Stradd asked.
    Ehron Lee lowered his eyes and sighed heavily. “That was a coupla days ago. Said he was movin’ on after the sale. Seemed to be in a hurry to close the deal. Didn’t say where he was headed. Don’t know how to reach him.”
    â€œAs I said, ain’t that just all-to-hell convenient.”
    Stradd said to his men, “Any of you ever hear of an Albert Patterson?”
    There was a mumbling among the posse that indicated no one knew of him.
    By now the sun had almost cleared the mountain-tipped horizon. The skies were clear, and as they reached across the pastoral vista, it promised to be a beautiful autumn day. Winston took note of this and was just hoping he’d be around to see the end of it. As it stood at the moment, things didn’t look so good.
    Bert Stradd confirmed Winston’s uncertainty when he gave his head a slow, almost regretful shake. He raised the brim of his Stetson over his brow and said, “Can’t say you got me convinced. As for neither of you havin’ weapons, well, that’s a mite suspicious, too, ridin’ unarmed in these parts.”
    â€œI told you, our guns were taken,” Ehron Lee said, nearing exasperation.
    â€œSome of the fellas who work for Elmer but who got there a little late said they never saw a gun pulled anyhow. The old man was jumped and just got beat pretty bad. By a big fella, they say.” Stradd regarded Winston appraisingly. “You look like you’re purty powerful.”
    Ehron Lee looked askance at his brother-in-law, who was starting to appear very nervous. That troubled Ehron Lee. These cowboys were eagerly waiting for
any
sign they could interpret as guilt.
    Ehron Lee tried to smooth away the tension. “Sure, Winston here’s a big man, but he