The Gunslinger (Barnett Ranch) Read Online Free PDF Page A

at the man.  “You nearly got your chaw on my boots.”  The man narrowed his eyes at Jax.  “Well I guess it wouldn’t hurt them none.  A little bit of tobacco spit might be an improvement.”  Jax, stood up straight.  He cracked the knuckles in his fist and popped his neck to one side then the other.  He propped his hand on the hilt of his gun. 
                  The man’s eyes went immediately to Jax’s gun and he moved on past him.  “I ain’t looking for no trouble Mister, just want to get a bite to eat.”  “Well I guess you found the right place.” 
                  Virginia crossed the street, honey in hand and walked inside.  She took note of the scruffy bunch of men sitting down at a table in the corner.  Jax followed her inside and took his place at the end of the counter.  She carried the honey into the kitchen, then came back out to clear a table of dishes that had been left by the two gentlemen who’d recently left.  She overheard the scruffy looking men, whispering.  They were talking about Jax and looking his way.  One of them said, something that caught her attention.  “Fellows, I’ve seen him in action before.  I’m telling you that’s the Angel of Death.  I saw him down in Tucson.  They say he’s never killed a man that didn’t draw on him first, but the number of men who’ve gone up against him is way up there.  I’m telling you he’s killed more men than Wyatt Earp and Wild Bill Hickok combined.”  “I say you’re full of crap, Reeves .  You’ve been reading too many of those dime novels.”  “I ain’t done it, it’s him, I tell you.”
                  Virginia, stilled her hands and listened, then she cut her eyes toward him.  “I’m telling you, Reeves , even if it is him, I wouldn’t go around blabbing it to everybody.  You ever think the man might want to settle down somewhere, without some slick hotshot seeking him out to challenge him.  I mean that’s why Pa was never around, or didn’t you know that.  He stuck around long enough to get married and have us, then some stranger came into town looking for him.  That’s why he left and only came around about once a year.  I’m telling you let the man, be.”  “Yeah, I guess you’re probably right, Jimmy.  I won’t mention it again.” 
                  Virginia finished cleaning the table.  She carried the dishes to the sink and left them to be washed.  She found her way back out front and propped up on the counter.  She watched Jax out of the corner of her eye.  She pretended to be looking at the customers.  She took in the way he stood with his hand on his gun.  She watched the steady gleam in his eye.  Why had she not seen it before?  His very stance spoke volumes as to just how dangerous he was.  She took note of his intense gaze.  He carried himself like a gunslinger.  She recalled the day she’d rode up on him at the creek.  She’d challenged him but he sent her away.  He could have made a fool of her but he didn’t.  He chose not to humiliate her or maybe he just didn’t want her to figure it out. 
                  She watched as a man and woman walked in and took a seat.  She walked over to the ir table to tale them the special.  Her granny was bringing out food for the group of men when she walked through the kitchen door.  They got quiet when she walked up to the table.  Once their food was on the table they never opened their mouths again.  Virginia wanted to know more, but she wouldn’t get a chance to hear it from them.  They finished their meals and left. 
                  Shoot, she thought.  There went the only evidence she had of the Angel of Death. She remembered something one of them said about a dime novel.   That’s it, I’ll get a dime novel.  I’m sure I can order one over at the general store, she thought.  She looked over at Jax.  “I think I’m going to