Ticket to Yuma Read Online Free PDF Page A

it.
    â€œNo,” he finally said, turned, and left.
    Something was on the lawman’s mind. Maybe after a few hours to think it over, while Clint talked with the chief, he might find a way to say what he wanted to say.

NINE
    In his office, Chief of Police Henry Blake stared out the window at the street below. He stood there, waiting for the Gunsmith to show up. He knew what the mayor wanted him to do, and he intended to do it. He was not intimidated by some Old West legend who was past his prime. These were modern times, and Henry Blake was a modern man. He knew his superior intelligence would serve him well if he came out West, and that eventually he’d be able to work his way back East—to Washington, D.C.
    * * *
    Clint finished eating, paid his bill, and left the café. Ben, busy with other tables, simply waved at him as he went out the door.
    From his walks around town the day before, Clint knew where the police station was. He walked that way, taking his time negotiating the busy streets. When he came within view of the place, he saw a man standing in a large window on the second floor, looking out. Instinctively, he knew this was the chief of police.
    Clint stood across the street for several minutes, just watching, making the man wait. Then he realized the man didn’t know what he looked like, so he stepped from the doorway he was in and walked across the street to the front door of the police station.
    Inside he presented himself to a uniformed policeman standing behind an oversized desk.
    â€œClint Adams to see the chief, please.”
    â€œDo you have an appointment, sir?”
    â€œI think he’ll see me,” Clint said.
    â€œSo he’s expectin’ you?”
    Clint decided to just say, “Yes,” and leave it at that.
    â€œWait here, sir.”
    The man disappeared into the bowels of the building, then returned and waved at Clint.
    â€œCome with me, sir.”
    The policeman led him down a hallway to an open door, which the man knocked on.
    â€œChief?” he said. “This here is Clint Adams.”
    â€œThank you, Officer,” the chief said. “You can go back to your desk.”
    â€œYes, sir.”
    â€œCome in, Mr. Adams,” Chief Blake said. “Have a seat.”
    Clint approached the desk and sat down. Neither man offered his hand. The chief sat also.
    â€œWhat can I do for you Mr. Adams?”
    â€œI think you know why I’m here, Chief.”
    â€œAnd how would I know that?”
    â€œI’m sure the sheriff has been to see you since yesterday. Told you I came to see him.”
    Chief Blake smiled. Clint noticed he had very white teeth.
    â€œLet’s pretend he didn’t come to me,” the chief said. “Why don’t you tell me what I can do for you?”
    â€œI’m looking for a man named Harlan Banks. I was given to understand that he had passed through Prescott. Do you know anything about him?”
    â€œNo, I don’t.”
    â€œThen I’ll have to ride on,” Clint said. “To Yuma. Maybe I’ll find him there.”
    â€œMaybe,” the chief said.
    â€œSo you’ve never heard of him?”
    â€œI said no.”
    â€œPerhaps the mayor—”
    â€œI doubt it,” Blake said. “No one passes through this town without me knowing it.”
    â€œSo you knew exactly when I arrived?”
    â€œI did.”
    Clint stood.
    â€œI think I should speak with your mayor.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œI think there might be something you’re not telling me.”
    â€œAre you calling me a liar?”
    â€œI’m saying maybe you’re . . . mistaken.”
    â€œAnd you think the mayor might know something I don’t?”
    Clint shrugged.
    â€œWho knows?”
    â€œThen be my guest,” the chief said. “Go and talk to the mayor. See what he tells you. But after that, you have to ride out.”
    â€œAre you running