Cotton's Devil (9781101618523) Read Online Free PDF Page A

question.” Cotton’s voice had quickly changed from casual observer to the man in charge. This turnabout in attitude didn’t elude the other cowboys that had apparently been behind the man claiming ownership of the remuda.
    The man in the bowler looked around at several of the other men. None still had his hand hovering over a six-shooter. Two had sat back down. The man seemed to be getting more and more nervous. He removed his hand from the butt of his gun and wiped at his forehead.
    â€œNo, they ain’t nearby. I-I sold ’em…to the army. A-ain’t got ’em no more.”
    â€œSo, I’m guessin’ there wasn’t a Campbell brand on ’em, and they likely
did
belong to these fellows. Did I guess right?” Cotton’s eyes narrowed as the man nodded.
    â€œIt’s possible…”
    Just then Bear Hollow, who had heard every word, spoke up.
    â€œSounds like you just admitted to horse stealin’, friend. That’s a neck-stretchin’ offense around here.” He pointed his Sharps at the man, who had now begun to rock back and forth. “I’m thinkin’ you best cough up a hundred dollars apiece for them horses or plan on meetin’ up with the meanest judge these parts ever saw. He sure does love a hangin’.”
    â€œBut, I…”
    â€œAnd you best unbuckle that gun belt, too, ’cause you’re goin’ to visit my jail until you can find it in your heart to pay what you owe these folks,” Bear Hollow said. He thrust the business end of the Sharps at the man, just to make sure there were no doubts as to his intentions.
    Cotton fished out his own badge and pinned it on his shirt. He looked back at the other cowboys, who gave every impression they were preparing to leave town while they still could.

Chapter 5

    P retty clever the way you buffaloed that fella. What was it made you think the fool kid wouldn’t plug you?”
    â€œHe wasn’t a killer, and I had my doubts whether that old gun would even shoot. It was rusty and he hadn’t cocked it, either. He was bluffing. Now, the old man was a different matter altogether. He looked near to the breakin’ point. He was the one that worried me.”
    â€œWell, by gosh it turned out right and proper. The old fellow and his boy got paid for their horses, and I doubt we’ll ever see that horse-stealin’ scoundrel in these parts again,” Bear said with a gleam in his eye. “Thanks to you, Sheriff.”
    â€œJust returnin’ a favor.”
    â€œJust so’s you know, I’m obliged. I learned something about gettin’ myself out of a tight spot, thanks to you.”
    Cotton started out into the street to reclaim his mare. He patted the horse on her neck, took the reins, and swung into the saddle. Bear Hollow had followed him outside.
    â€œYou plannin’ on goin’ after that Thorn McCann fella, Sheriff?”
    â€œOnly if his tracks lead back in the general direction of Apache Springs. Got no hankerin’ to traipse all over the countryside to find a man I don’t know for sure did anything wrong. A hunch says so, but…”
    â€œI know what you mean. It’s only a hunch. Some fellas got a knack for swayin’ folks with an easy way about ’em, real likable sort. He’s one of them. Hope you’ll drop in next time you’re in the area. I think I owe you a meal. Or if you’re feelin’ generous again, I’ll gladly join you in one on you.” The marshal gave a gleeful snicker and went back inside to get out of the sun.
    Before he left town, Cotton decided to stop at the stage depot. As he strolled down the street, he couldn’t help thinking that the description of ‘Eve Smith’ closely matched Delilah Jones. He began to search his memory for some sense that Thorn and Delilah Jones had been more than casually involved during the Bart Havens affair. She had been