The Story of the Foss River Ranch: A Tale of the Northwest

by Ridgwell Cullum

  CHAPTER XXII

  THE DAY AFTER

  Morning broke over a disturbed and restless community at Foss River. Thechief residents who were not immediately concerned in the arrest ofRetief--only deeply interested, and therefore skeptical--had gone to bedover-night eager for the morning light to bring them news. Their brokenslumbers ceased as daylight broadened into sunrise, and, without waitingfor their morning coffee, the majority set out to gather the earliestcrumbs of news obtainable. There were others, of course, who were not inthe know, or, at least, had only heard vague rumors. These were lessinterested, and therefore failed to rise so early.

  Amongst the earliest abroad was Doctor Abbot. Aunt Margaret's interestwas not sufficient to drag her from her downy couch thus early, but,with truly womanly logic, she saw no reason why the doctor should notglean for her the information she required. Therefore the doctor roseand shivered under the lightness of his summer apparel in the briskmorning air.

  The market-place, upon which the doctor's house looked, was almostdeserted when he passed out of his door. He glanced quickly around forsome one whom he might recognize. He saw that the door of "Lord" Bill'sshack was open, but it was too far off for him to see whether that lazyindividual was yet up. A neche was leisurely cleaning up roundLablache's store, whilst the local butcher was already busy swabbing outthe little shed which did duty for his shop. As yet there was no othersign of life abroad, and Doctor Abbot prepared to walk across to thebutcher for a gossip, and thus wait for some one else to come along.

  He stepped briskly from his house, for he was "schrammed" with cold inhis white drill clothing. As he approached the energetic butcher, he sawa man entering the market-place from the southern extremity of thesettlement. He paused to look closely at the new-comer. In a moment herecognized Thompson, one of the clerks from Lablache's store. Heconjectured at once that this man might be able to supply him with theinformation he desired, and so changed his direction and went across tomeet him.

  "Mornin', Thompson," he said, peering keenly into the pale, haggard faceof the money-lender's employee. "What's up with you? You look positivelyill. Have you heard how the arrest went off last night?"

  There was a blunt directness about the doctor which generally drovestraight to the point. The clerk wearily passed his hand across hisforehead. He seemed half asleep, and, as the doctor had asserted,thoroughly ill.

  "Arrest, doctor? Precious little arrest there's been. I've been out onthe prairie all night. What, haven't you heard about the governor? Goodlor'! I don't know what's going to happen to us all. Do you think we'resafe here?"

  "Safe here? What do you mean, man?" the doctor answered, noting theother's fearful glances round. "Why, what ails you? What aboutLablache?"

  Others had now appeared upon the market-place and Doctor Abbot saw"Lord" Bill, dressed in a gray tweed suit, and looking as fresh as if hehad just emerged from the proverbial bandbox, coming leisurely towardshim.

  "What about Lablache, eh?" replied Thompson, echoing the doctor'squestion ruefully. "A pretty nice thing Horrocks and his fellows havelet themselves, and us, in for."

  Bill had come up now and several others had joined the group. They stoodby and listened while the clerk told his story. And what a story it wastoo. It was vividly sanguinary, and enough to strike terror into thehearts of his audience.

  He told with great gusto of how Lablache had been abducted. How thepolice horses and the money-lender's had been stolen from the stables atthe store. He dwelt on the frightful horrors committed up at the Breedcamp. How he had seen the police shot down before his very eyes, and hebecame expansive on the fact that, with his own hands, Retief hadcarried off Horrocks, and how he had heard the raider declare hisintention of hanging him. It was a terrible tale of woe, and hisaudience was thrilled and horrified. "Lord" Bill alone appeared unmoved.A close observer even might have noticed the faintest suspicion of asmile at the corners of his mouth. The smile broadened as the sharpdoctor launched a question at the narrator of terrible facts.

  "How came you to see all this, and escape?"

  Thompson was at no loss. He told how he had been sent up by "Poker" Johnto find Horrocks and tell him about Lablache. How he arrived in time tosee the horrors perpetrated, and how he only managed to escape with hisown life by flight, under cover of the darkness, and how, pursued by thebloodthirsty Breeds, he had managed to hide on the prairie, where heremained until daylight, and then by a circuitous route got back to thesettlement.

  "I tell you what it is, doctor," he finished up consequentially, "theBreeds are in open rebellion, and, headed by that devil, Retief, intendto clear us whites out of the country. It's the starting of another Rielrebellion, and if we don't get help from the Government quickly, it'sall up with us. That's my opinion," and he gazed patronizingly upon thecrowd, which by this time had assembled.

  "Nonsense, man," said the doctor sharply. "Your opinion's warped.Besides, you're in a blue funk. Come on over to 'old man' Smith's andhave a 'freshener.' You want bucking-up. Coming, Bill?" he went on,turning to Bunning-Ford. "I want an 'eye-opener' myself. What say to a'Collins'?"

  The three moved away from the crowd, which they left horrified at whatit had heard, and eagerly discussing and enlarging upon the sanguinarystories of Thompson.

  "Poker" John was already at the saloon when the three reached the doorof "old man" Smith's reeking den. The proprietor was sweeping the bar,in a vain effort to clear the atmosphere of the nauseating stench ofstale tobacco and drink. John was propped against the bar mopping up hisfourth "Collins." He usually had a thirst that took considerablequenching in the mornings now. His over-night potations were deep andstrong. Morning "nibbling" had consequently become a disease with him."Old man" Smith, with a keen eye to business, systematically mixed therancher's morning drinks good and strong.

  Bill and the doctor were not slow to detect the condition of their oldfriend, and each felt deeply on the subject. Their cheery greetings,however, were none the less hearty. Smith desisted in his dustyoccupation and proceeded to serve his customers.

  "We're having lively times, John," said the doctor, after emptying his"long sleever." "Guess Retief's making things 'hum' in Foss River."

  "Hum? Shout is more like it," drawled Bill. "You've heard all the news,John?"

  "I've enough news of my own," growled the rancher.

  "Been up all night. I see you've got Thompson with you. What didHorrocks do after you told him about Lablache?" he went on, turning tothe clerk.

  Bill and the doctor exchanged meaning glances. The clerk having found afresh audience again repeated his story. "Poker" John listenedcarefully. At the close of the narrative he snorted disdainfully andlooked from the clerk to his two friends. Then he laughed loudly. Theclerk became angry.

  "Excuse me, Mr. Allandale, but if you doubt my word--"

  "Doubt your word, boy?" he said, when his mirth had subsided. "I don'tdoubt your word. Only I've spent most of the night up at the Breed campmyself."

  "And were you there, sir, when Horrocks was captured?"

  "No, I was not. After you came to my place and went on to the camp, Iwas very uneasy. So, after a bit, I got my 'hands' together and preparedto follow you up there. Just as I was about to set out," he went on,turning to the doctor and Bill, "I met Jacky coming in. Bless you if shehadn't been to see the pusky herself. You know," with a slight frown,"that child is much too fond of those skulking Breeds. Well, anyway, shesaid everything was quiet enough while she was there and," turning againto Thompson, "she had seen nothing of Retief or Horrocks or any of thelatter's men. We just put our heads together, and she convinced me thatI was right, after what had occurred at the store, and had better go up.So up I went. We searched the whole camp. I guess we were there for nighon three hours. The place was quiet enough. They were still dancing anddrinking, but not a blessed sign of Horrocks could we find."

  "I expect he'd gone before you got there, sir," put in Thompson.

  "Did you find the bodies of the murdered po
lice?" asked the doctorinnocently.

  "Not a sign of 'em," laughed John. "There were no dead policemen, and,what's more, there was no trace of any shooting."

  The three men turned on the clerk, who felt that he must justifyhimself.

  "There was shooting enough, sir; you mark my words. You'll hear of itto-day, sure."

  "Lord" Bill walked away towards the window in disgust. The clerk annoyedhim.

  "No, boy, no. I'm thinking you are mistaken. I should have discoveredsome trace had there been any shooting. I don't deny that your story'strue, but in the excitement of the moment I guess you got rattled--andsaw things."

  Old John laughed and turned away. At that instant Bill called them allover to the window. The bar window overlooked the market-place, and thefront of Lablache's store was almost opposite to it.

  Bill pointed towards the store as the three men gathered round. "Oldman" Smith also ranged himself with the others.

  "Look!" Bill smiled grimly.

  A buckboard had just drawn up outside Lablache's emporium and two peoplewere alighting. A crowd had gathered round the arrivals. There was nomistaking one of the figures. The doctor was the first to giveexpression to the thought that was in the mind of each of the interestedspectators.

  "Lablache!" he exclaimed in astonishment

  "And Horrocks," added "Lord" Bill quietly.

  "Guess he wasn't hung then after all," said "Poker" John, turning as hespoke. But Thompson had taken his departure. This last blow was toomuch. And he felt that it was an advantageous moment in which to retireto his employer's store, and hide his diminished head amongst the balesof dry goods and the monumental ledgers to be found there.

  "That youth has a considerable imagination." The Hon. Bunning-Fordturned from the window and strolled leisurely towards the door.

  "Where are you going?" exclaimed "Poker" John.

  "To cook some breakfast."

  "No, no, you must come up to the ranch with me. Let's go right over tothe store first, and hear what Lablache has to say. Then we'll go andfeed."

  Bill shrugged. Then,--

  "Lablache and I are not on the best of terms," he said doubtfully. Hewished to go notwithstanding his demur. Besides he was anxious to go onto the ranch to see Jacky. The doubt in his tone gave John his cue, andthe old man refused to be denied.

  "Come along," he said, and linking his arm within the other's, he ledthe way over to the store; the doctor, equally eager, bringing up therear.

  Bill suffered himself to be thus led. He knew that in such companyLablache could not very well refuse him admission to his office. He hada decided wish to be present when the money-lender told his tale.However, in this he was doomed to disappointment. Lablache had alreadydecided upon a plan of action.

  At the store the three friends made their way through the crowd ofcurious people who had gathered on the unexpected return of the chiefactors in last night's drama; they made their way quickly round to theback where the private door was.

  Lablache was within, and with him Horrocks. The heavy voice of themoney-lender answered "Poker" John's summons.

  "Come in."

  He was surprised when the door opened, and he saw who his visitors were.John and the doctor he was prepared for, but "Lord" Bill's coming was adifferent matter. For an instant he seriously meditated an angryobjection. Then he altered his mind, a thing which was rare with him.After all the man's presence could do no harm, and he felt that toobject to him, would be to quarrel with the rancher. On second thoughtshe would tolerate what he considered the intrusion.

  Lablache was ensconced in his basket chair, and Horrocks was at thegreat man's desk. Neither moved as their visitors entered. The troublesof the previous night were plainly written on both men's faces. Therewas a haggard look in their eyes, and a generally dishevelled appearanceabout their dress. Lablache in particular looked unwashed and untidy.Horrocks looked less troubled, and there was a strong air ofdetermination about his face.

  "Poker" John showed no niceness in broaching the subject of his visit.His libations had roused him to the proper pitch for plain speaking.

  "Well, what happened to you last night, Lablache? I guess you're lookingabout as blue as they make 'em. Say, I thought sure Retief was going todo for you when I heard about it."

  "Ah. Who told you about--about me?"

  "Your clerk."

  "Rodgers?"

  "No, Thompson."

  "Ah! Have you seen Rodgers at all?"

  "No." John turned to the other two. "Have you?"

  Neither of the men had seen the clerk, and old John turned again toLablache.

  "Why, what's happened to Rodgers?"

  "Oh, nothing. I haven't seen him since I have been back--that's all."

  "Well, now tell us all about last night," went on the rancher. "Thismatter is going to be cleared up. I have been thinking of a vigilancecommittee. We can't do better."

  Lablache shook his great head. To the doctor and "Lord" Bill thereseemed to be an utter hopelessness conveyed in the motion.

  "I have nothing to tell. Neither has Horrocks. What happened last nightconcerns ourselves alone. You may possibly hear more later on, but thetelling by us now will do no good, and probably a lot of harm. As foryour vigilance committee, form it if you like, but I doubt that you willdo any good with it."

  This refusal riled the old rancher. He was just in that condition whenit would take little to make him quarrel. He was about to rap out anangry retort when a knock came at the partition door. It was Thompson.He had come to say that the troopers had returned, and wanted to see thesergeant. Also to say that Rodgers was with them. Horrocks immediatelywent out to see them, and, before John could say a word, Lablache turnedon him.

  "Look here, John, for the present my lips are sealed. It is Horrocks'swish. He has a plan which he wishes to carry out quietly. The result ofhis plan largely depends upon silence. Retief seems to have sources ofinformation everywhere. Walls have ears, man. Now, I shall be glad ifyou will leave me. I--I must get cleaned up."

  John's anger died within him. He saw that Lablache was upset. He lookedabsolutely ill. The old man's good nature would not allow him to pressthis companion of his ranching life further. There was nothing left forhim to do but leave.

  As he rose to go, the money-lender unbent still further.

  "I'll see you later, John, I may then be able to tell you more. Perhapsit may interest you to know that Horrocks has discovered the path acrossthe keg, and--he's going to cross it. Good-by. So long, Doc."

  "Very well, I shall be up at the ranch. Come along, Bill. Jacky, Iexpect, is waiting breakfast for us."

  Lablache heard the old man's remark as the latter passed out, and abitter feeling of resentment rose within him. He felt that everythingwas against him. His evil nature, however, would not let him remain longdesponding. He ground his teeth and cursed bitterly. It had only wanteda fillip such as this to rouse him from the curious lethargichopelessness into which the terrible night's doings had cast him.

  The moment the three men got away from the store, Doctor Abbot drewattention to the money-lender's words.

  "Going to cross the keg, eh? Well, if he's really discovered the pathit's certainly the best thing to do. He's a sharp man is Horrocks."

  "He's a fool!"

  Bill's words were so emphatic that both men stared at him. If they werestartled at his words, they were still more startled at the setexpression of his face. Doctor Abbot thought he had never seen the_insouciant_ Bill so roused out of himself.

  "Why--how?"

  "How? I tell you, man, that no one knows that pathexcept--except--Retief, and, supposing Horrocks has discovered it, if heattempts to cross, there can only be one result to his mad folly. I tellyou what it is, the man should be stopped. It's absolutesuicide--nothing more nor less."

  Something in the emphasis of "Lord" Bill's words kept the others silentuntil the doctor left them at his home. Then as the two men hurried outacross the prairie towards the ranch, the conver
sation turned back tothe events of the previous evening.

  At the ranch they found Jacky awaiting the old man's return, on theveranda. She was surprised when she saw who was with him. Her surprisewas a pleasant one, however, and she extended her hand in cordialwelcome.

  "Come right in, Bill. Gee, but you look fit--and slick."

  The two young people smiled into each other's faces, and no onlooker,not even the observant Aunt Margaret, could have detected theunderstanding which passed in that look. Jacky was radiant. Her sweet,dark face was slightly flushed. There were no tell-tale rings about herdark eyes. For all sign she gave to the contrary she might have enjoyedthe full measure of a night's rest. Her visit to the Breed camp, or, forthat matter, any other adventures which had befallen her during thenight, had left no trace on her beautiful face.

  "I've brought the boy up to feed," said old John. "I guess we'll getright to it. I've got a 'twist' on me that'll take considerable tosatisfy."

  The meal passed pleasantly enough. The conversation naturally waschiefly confined to the events of the night. But somehow the others didnot respond very eagerly to the old rancher's evident interest andconcern. Most of the talking--most of the theorizing--most of thesuggestions for the stamping out of the scourge, Retief, came from him,the others merely contenting themselves with agreeing to his suggestionswith a lack of interest which, had the old man been perfectly sober, hecould not have failed to observe. However, he was especially obtuse thismorning, and was too absorbed in his own impracticable theories andsuggestions to notice the others' lack of interest.

  At the conclusion of the meal the rancher took himself off down to thesettlement again. He must endeavor to draw Lablache, he said. He wouldnot wait for him to come to the ranch.

  Jacky and Bill went out on to the veranda, and watched the old man as heset out with unsteady gait for the settlement.

  "Bill," said the girl, as soon as her uncle was out of earshot, "whatnews?"

  "Two items of interest One, the very best, and the other--the veryworst."

  "Which means?"

  "No one has the least suspicion of us; and Horrocks, the madman, intendsto attempt the passage of the keg."

  "Lord" Bill jaws shut with a snap as he ceased speaking. The look whichaccompanied his last announcement was one of utter dejection. Jacky didnot reply for an instant, her great eyes had taken on a look of deepanxiety as she gazed towards the muskeg.

  "Bill, can nothing be done to stop him?" She gazed appealingly up intothe face of the tall figure beside her. "He is a brave man, if foolish."

  "That's just it, dear. He's headstrong and means to see this thingthrough. Had I thought that he would ever dream of contemplating such asuicidal feat as attempting that path, I'd never have let him see thecattle cross last night. My God! it turns me sick to think of it."

  "Hush, Bill, don't talk so loud. Do you think any one could dissuadehim? Lablache, or--or uncle, for instance."

  Bunning-Ford shook his head. His look was troubled.

  "Horrocks is not the man to be turned from his purpose," he replied."And besides, Lablache would not attempt such a thing. He is too keen tocapture--Relief," with a bitter laugh. "A life more or less would notupset that scoundrel's resolve. As for your uncle," with a shrug, "Idon't think he's the man for the task. No, Jacky," he went on, with asigh, "we must let things take their course now. We have embarked onthis business. We mustn't weaken. His blood be upon his own head."

  They relapsed into silence for some moments. "Lord" Bill lit acigarette, and leant himself against one of the veranda posts. He wasworried at the turn events had taken. He had no grudge against Horrocks;the man was but doing his duty. But his meditated attempt he consideredto be an exaggerated sense of that duty. Presently he spoke again.

  "Jacky--do you know, I feel that somehow the end of this business isapproaching. What the end is to be I cannot foretell. One thing,however, is clear. Sooner or later we must run foul of people, and whenthat occurs--well," throwing his cigarette from him viciously, "itsimply means shooting. And--"

  "Yes, Bill, I know what you would say. Shooting means killing, killingmeans murder, and murder means swinging. You're right, but," and thegirl's eyes began to blaze, "before that, Lablache must go under.Whatever happens, Bill, before we decorate any tree with our bodies, ifour object is not already obtained, I'll shoot him with my own pistol. Iguess we're embarked on a game that we're going to see through."

  "That's so. We'll see it through. Do you know what stock we've taken,all told? Close on twenty thousand head, and--all Lablache's. They'resnug over at 'Bad Man's' Hollow, and a tidy fine bunch they are. Thedivision with the boys is a twentieth each, and the balance is ours. Ourshare is ten thousand." He ceased speaking. Then presently he went on,harking back to the subject of Horrocks. "I wish that man could bestayed. His failure must precipitate matters. Should he drown, as hesurely will, the whole countryside will join in the hue and cry. It isonly his presence here that keeps the settlers in check. Well, so be it.It's a pity. But I'm not going to swing. They'll never take me alive."

  "If it comes to that, Bill, you'll not be alone, I guess. You can gambleyour soul, when it comes to open warfare I'm with you, an' I guess I canshoot straight."

  Bill looked at the girl in astonishment. He noted the keen deep eyes,the set little mouth. The fearless expression on her beautiful face. Herwords had fairly taken his breath away, but he saw that she had meantwhat she said.

  "No, no, girlie. No one will suspect you. Besides, this is my affair.You have your uncle."

  "Say, boy, I love my uncle--I love him real well. I'm working for him,we both are--and we'll work for him to the last. But our work togetherhas taught me something, Bill, and when I cotton to teaching there'snothing that can knock what I learn out of my head. I've just learned tolove you, Bill. And, as the Bible says, old Uncle John's got to takesecond place. That's all. If you go under--well, I guess I'll go undertoo."

  Jacky gave her lover no chance to reply. As he opened his lips toexpostulate and took a step towards her she darted away, and disappearedinto the sitting-room. He followed her in, but the room was empty.

  He paused. Then a smile spread over his face.

  "I don't fancy we shall go under, little woman," he muttered, "at least,not if I can help it."

  He turned back to the veranda and strolled away towards the settlement.