by Kay Stuart
“Yes Sir,” Collingsworth answered.
“Milton Ferguson’s horse,” Royce replied. His conviction was growing. As impossible as it sounded even to him, Royce was certain Miss Ferguson and Milton were one and the same person. “An accomplished actor that can fool everyone into believing he is a demented halfwit could also convince people he was a woman.”
The startled look on Marshal Tinsley’s face was amusing and Royce grinned at his superior. “We will need Doctor Thomas’ assistance,” Tinsley declared. “Collingsworth go get the Doctor and bring him here.”
“Yes Sir,” Collingsworth replied.
“You interfering fool,” Milton snarled grabbing for Royce’s neck. Royce felt Ferguson’s hands tighten around his throat and knew he did not have the strength to fight the man off.
Sheriff Walden cuffed Ferguson hard across the back knocking the man off balance. He collided with Royce both men falling to the floor. Milton screeching obscenities and foaming at the mouth twisted in Walden’s hold as the sheriff drug him to his feet. “I thought you were a lady,” Walden scoffed.
“You think you’re clever,” Milton sneered. His heated eyes burnt Royce as he struggled against Sheriff Walden’s hold on him.
“It is Dean that was clever,” Royce said calmly. “I just followed in the man’s footsteps. He put the case together long before I did. You shouldn’t have tried to kiss Miss Gaines. From that time forward your identity was in jeopardy.”
“No one ever guessed the truth,” Sheriff Walden said. “When you started asking about School Board Members I thought you were way off your mark. Seems you were right. Mayor Pillsdale knew Milton Ferguson was Frank Barlow all along.”
“There we are both wrong,” Royce replied. “Pillsdale is Barlow. He used Ferguson to cover up his true identity.”
“You lie,” Pillsdale roared.
“Not so,” Royce replied. “I had plenty of time to think while lying in bed. I puzzled over the conversation I over heard between John Layfield and Ferguson. The night I trailed them it was clear Ferguson wasn’t the person in charge. Then there were a number of little things that gave Pillsdale away. Things I didn’t hear about until after Miss Gaines had left for Carrington City. You can thank Doctor Thomas for his insight. If you hadn’t shot me you probably would have gotten away with your deception. I knew Ferguson was out of town. So was Turner. It could have been Hardin but it wasn’t. He had a witness as to his whereabouts and that witness was Doctor Thomas. While I was recuperating I asked Banker Jordan some questions and he obligingly checked into Pillsdale’s bank account and discovered several large deposits that coincided with known robberies.”
“I know my rights,” Pillsdale shouted from his jail cell. “All that Mr. Hargadon has is circumstantial.”
“You were my first candidate for Barlow,” Royce explained. “Only you did not fit his description.”
“Me. Why did you choose me,” Pillsdale demanded. His face was pasty, his blue eyes round marbles. “What about Ferguson. He led the robberies.”
“Shut up,” Ferguson shouted. He reached between the bars for Pillsdale. The little man cowered away.
Royce’s grin was calculated to irritate. His green eyes glowed with hidden fires as he looked at the pompous little man. “I think I chose you because you believed you were more important than you really are,” Royce stated sarcastically, “You had an arrogance that placed you above the law.”
Pillsdale sputtered finding offence in Royce’s declaration.
Royce watched as Sheriff Walden locked the cell door behind Ferguson. Walden tossed the ring of keys to Marshal Tinsley. “I wish Marshal Dean had been more forthcoming with his information,” he said. “He played his cards too close to his vest. When his body was discovered I didn’t have enough to go on. I knew Barlow was one of several men. He had told me this much. If I was a betting man, I would say his number one suspect at the time was Jim Cook. He certainly did not like the man.”
Jim Cook protested loudly. “I’ve been locked behind bars for four days.” With his hands wrapped around the bars he shook the cell door. “I had nothing to do with Miss Gaines disappearance.” He reminded giving Royce a cynical look.
Royce made his way to Sheriff Walden’s desk and sat down wearily on the chair. His feeling of weakness were returning. His head throbbed and his breathing was labored. “Your being in jail guaranteed Miss Gaines safety,” Royce replied speaking slowly. “Your shouting you were innocence convinced everyone you were as guilty as sin.” Royce smiled at Jim Cook’s outrage. “Call it your Community Service if you like. While you remained behind bars Barlow and Ferguson felt safe.”
Jim Cook growled obscenities.
“A lady is present,” Royce said indicating Miss Ferguson with a wide grin.
“Go to blazes,” Jim roared. “When are you going to let me out,” He demanded of Walden.
“I am still trying to decide if you’re part of Barlow’s gang,” Sheriff Walden replied. “Ferguson and Layfield was always hanging around the Feed Store.”
“Probably picking up information,” Cook snapped giving the sheriff a dark scowl. “You are forgetting about the rustling going on in these parts. What better place to find out when cattle are being trailed to the railhead than at the Feed Store.” Jim Cook’s face was growing bright red with anger. His eyes bulged from their sockets.
“Alright,” Walden retorted. “You can go for now.” He unlocked Cook’s jail cell. “Remember if I find you hanging around Miss Gaines. Back in you go and I will throw away the key. I will enjoy watching you rot behind bars.”
Jim Cook slammed the office door. Muttering under his breath the man headed across the road pushing anyone he met out of his way. He was in a fine rage.
“A job well done,” Tinsley told Royce shaking his hand. “You look as if you need to lie down for awhile. Still have a fever I see.”
“I am alright Sir,” Royce said standing. He looked over the jailed Barlow gang. Feeling a sense of satisfaction in a job completed. Ferguson still wore a dress with his stringy hair hanging about his shoulders. Turner and Hardin occupied the same jail cell as Ferguson and were not too happy about the fact. As for Pillsdale, the man had run out of bluster. It was the end of the road for Frank Barlow and his gang.
“I think I will take your advice and go back to Doctor Thomas and lie down,” Royce said heaving a deep sigh. Now that his case was closed he could get some much needed rest.
Chapter Twenty Three
Three months later:
The town of Junction City lay under a thin blanket of Snow. Wind blowing off the mountains was cold forecasting a fresh round of winter weather in the near future. Royce rode Black Jack down the center of town halting at the Baptist Church. Snow crunched underfoot as he walked across the cemetery and stood in front of George Dean’s marker. He placed one hand over the rough wood. “You did a good job,” Royce said out loud. “Barlow and his gang have paid the ultimate price for your murder. The country is now free from their tyranny.”
Royce bowed his head for a moment of silence. He had worked on several cases with Marshal Dean and had respected the man’s integrity.
Retracing his steps Royce took up Black Jack’s dangling reins and stepped into the stirrup. In some ways his next visit was going to be harder than visiting Marshal Dean’s grave. Reverend Gaines had burnt his ears the last time he had seen the man. Faith’s father could forgive Royce for not telling him about Faith going for Marshal Tinsley but was having a harder time forgiving him over putting Faith in danger.
Royce could sympathize. He had worried about Faith going and had not breathed a sigh of relief until he knew she was back safely.
Snow had been cleared off the walk leading to the Gaines’ front porch. Royce stood a moment blowing hot air on his cold fingers in an effort to warm them before knocking on the front door. He felt butterflies fluttering inside his stomach. Faith had promised to wait for his return before making any decision regarding Mr. Cook and the man’s
proposal of marriage. Had she waited.
Laurie opened the door. “Marshal Hargadon,” she said in surprise.
“Laurie,” Royce greeted.
“Who is it,” Faith called from the dining room.
“Royce,” he called looking over Laurie’s head in hope of seeing Faith.
“Mr. Hargadon,” Faith said rushing into the parlor. Her eyes were brown jewels in a pale face. She had not heard from Royce since he had left town.
“Is it safe to come inside,” Royce asked, “Or should I be asking if your Father’s shotgun is loaded. After taking you away and not telling your father do I still need to dodge lead,” he asked and watched an amused smile play with the corners of Faith’s delectable mouth.
“Maybe,” Faith replied. “I do remember reading a commandment against murder.” Smiling, she extended one hand towards Royce. He drank in her loveliness like a drowning man. “I will set another place at the table,” Faith said calmly while wondering at the hammering of her heart inside her chest. One look from Royce’s green eyes had stampeded her emotions leaving her breathless with anticipation.
Lydia heard Royce’s voice and hurried into the parlor. She wrapped her arms around his chest giving him a hug. “You are well,” she asked shyly when he returned her hug.
“Yes,” Royce replied. “How do you like Miss Carter.” Miss Carter was the teacher he had replaced and when his tenure was finished she had taken over classes.
“I like her a lot,” Lydia replied. “Did you know Elizabeth is assistant teacher until a new Elementary Teacher can be hired? Mr. Cobb is paying her to help with the younger students. He now heads the School Board.”
“I haven’t heard,” Royce stated.
Laurie stood silently beside them her blue eyes shining brightly. “I go to school now,” she volunteered. “Elizabeth is my teacher.” She leaned towards Royce and whispered, “I have a new mom. Lydia is now my sister. I am going to live here forever. Isn’t that great.” The child gave Royce a wide smile.
“I think that is great,” Royce whispered. He placed an arm around the shoulders of each girl.
Reverend Gaines stood in the doorway watching Royce and his daughters. He would never understand the female heart. Mr. Hargadon had brought havoc to his home yet all the women not only forgave him but took him into their hearts. Well, he was not so forgiving.
“Reverend Gaines,” Royce said. Reverend Gaines grudgingly shook Royce’s hand. “I have come on business.”
“Oh,” Reverend Gaines replied cautiously. “I understand dinner is ready. I suppose Faith has set another plate.”
“Yes Father,” Lydia replied. She took Royce’s hand and led him into the dining room. “Look who is here,” she announced gaily.
“Mr. Hargadon,” Mary Gaines greeted. “How are you feeling? You do look much better than the last time I saw you. I quite forgive you for scaring me half to death,” she admonished softly.
“I was not worried,” Lydia said pulling out the chair on her father’s right and motioning for Mr. Hargadon to be seated. “You told me not to worry,” Lydia said taking the chair next to him. “Then you were taken ill,” she confessed, “I didn’t know what to do. I was sure you knew where Faith was only being so ill I didn’t want Sheriff Walden taking you off to jail. So, I didn’t say anything.”
“Lydia,” Reverend Gaines reproved. “You knew all this time and never said one word.”
“Sorry Father,” Lydia looked contrite. “If Mr. Hargadon knew Faith’s whereabouts she was not in any real danger,” Lydia explained.
“You trusted Royce,” Faith asked.
“Yes,” Lydia replied. “After all, I saw you kissing him. You wouldn’t let just anyone kiss you so Mr. Hargadon had to be special.” Lydia explained in a very grownup way while all her sisters laughed and Faith flushed a deep crimson.
“Lydia such matters are not to be spoken about at the dinner table,” Reverend Gaines glowered at his youngest daughter. “As for you Faith, we will talk later.”
“Yes Father,” Faith replied leaning to kiss her father on top of his head. “I will explain everything.” She bubbled with excitement now that Royce had returned.
“I am teaching school,” Elizabeth said as the bowls of food were passed around the table. “Miss Carter says I have an aptitude for teaching. She wants me to continue my education so that when I turn sixteen I can take my Teacher’s Examination. Mr. Cobb has promised me a position. This semester’s enrollment in elementary classes has doubled. He, Mr. Cobb that is says he’s seeing his grandfather’s dream come true. The children of Junction City are attending school.”
Not having any siblings Royce marveled at the fast moving conversation between the sisters. He was sure by the time the meal was finished he had heard all the local news and gossip.
“Miss Pillsdale has married Mr. Cook,” Valerie said before standing and gathering dishes off the table. “Mr. Cook has taken over running the Freight Company. He seems content married to his second choice,” she added softly.
Reverend Gaines darkly scowled at his daughter.
Royce knew this latter was aimed towards him. Valerie was the sister to answer his concerns. “Now that supper is over,” Royce said standing and drawing everyone’s attention. “I have business to finish concerning the Frank Barlow Gang.”
“I thought that business was behind us,” Mary Gaines said with a deep sigh. Concern over Faith’s safety showed in her eyes.
“Not yet,” Royce replied. “There are no reasons for alarm,” he added reassuringly. Reaching inside his vest pocket Royce took out a small black book. “This is for Lydia. Her comment about never seeing Miss Ferguson and Milton together led to the Barlow Gang being apprehended. Marshal Tinsley felt you should receive the Territory’s reward of six hundred dollars. It has been deposited in the Junction City bank. Mr. Jordan assures me it will draw two percent interest yearly. You will earn enough money to keep you in pretty ribbons and bonnets.”
Lydia blushed as she accepted the bank deposit book and looked over the entry in Mr. Jordan’s legible handwriting. “I don’t know what to say,” she whispered looking towards her mother.
“How about thank you,” Mary suggested.
“Oh yes! Thank you,” Lydia said shyly.
“You are welcome,” Royce replied. He took a five dollar gold piece out of his vest pocket and handed it to Lydia. “This is from Marshal Tinsley. To use until the bank pays interest on your account. He has been trying for years to put an end to Barlow and with your help he has now succeeded.”
“Father,” Lydia turned to Reverend Gaines. “May I keep the five dollars,” she asked.
“Yes,” Philip replied with a smile. “You have earned it.”
“Now we come to my next reason for being here.” Royce turned towards Faith. Saw her catch her breath and hold it for a long moment. She was pale with nervousness. “Marshal Tinsley has persuaded the Railroad to give Faith the reward offered for capturing Frank Barlow and his gang. Without her going to Carrington City the outlaws might have gotten away.” He took an envelope from his vest pocket and handed it to Faith. “Rather than a cash reward Marshal Tinsley convinced the Railroad you should receive ten thousand dollars worth of railroad stock currently paying six percent yearly dividends. You now have a personal income for life.”
Faith gulped for air her eyes widening in shock. She was now independently wealthy. She could marry anyone she wanted and still provide for her younger sisters if the need was to arise. “Ten thousand Dollars,” she whispered having trouble realizing there was that amount of money in the world. More importantly, she possessed the amount. Before she had time to think about the consequences of her actions Faith was out of her chair wrapping her arms around Royce’s neck and kissing him.
“I take it you approve,” Royce asked. His heart was fluttering inside his breast as he watched color darkening Faith’s cheeks. She was beautiful.
“Oh! Yes,” Faith declared whole heartedly. “I appr
ove of you kissing me,” she said and leaned back in Royce’s arms so she could see his face. A look of longing in her eyes while hope blossomed in her heart. “Now you will have to marry me,” she declared with a wide smile on her lips. “You kissed me in front of my family. Royce has to marry me now. Doesn’t he Father,” she asked turning in Royce’s arms to receive her Father’s blessing.