Lovell's Prize

by Randy D. Smith

  Chapter 27

  Lovell made the final adjustments to his new, brown, herringbone, three piece, sack suit and pinned his badge on the vest. He pulled on a new, low-crowned, black, broad-brimmed Stetson and studied himself in the mirror above his vanity. He did look like a federal marshal, even if he said so himself. He thought of Amelia. She had agreed to marry him and move to Tahlequah. In fact she was excited about his appointment. As soon as the doctor released her they were going to have Parker marry them in a civil ceremony. She was a good woman and would make him a good wife.

  Lovell smiled and thought of his good fortune. For the first time in his life it looked like everything was going to go right for him. He had a good job paying more money than he had ever expected to earn in his life, a good woman had agreed to be his wife and he had a solid future in front of him. After all those years of heartbreak and struggle he was finally going to see something from it, in a job he liked and was good at performing.

  He studied his face in the mirror. Nix was right. He had earned the job. All he had to do now was his best and the rest would fall into place. Lovell knew he would make a good federal marshal if he didn't allow himself to get the big head. If he used his judgment and experience the way it should be used he would be damned good at his job. Down deep inside he knew that.

  But first he had to officiate at the hanging of Trace Nodine. Putting Nodine away for good seemed almost inconsequential now with everything else going on in his life but it had to be done. Lovell thought of Leah Walsh and her children, the bodies of the man and boy at the homestead, and the tortured remains of Taylor and his whores at Black Fork. It wasn't vengeance that he expected to gain from this execution; it was an accounting that Nodine owed. No man should have the right to do such things to others. Nodine had to pay and justice had to be done. It was no worse than putting a rabid dog out of its misery.

  Lovell's eyes cut to his Schofield resting on the bureau in its holster, wrapped in a fully loaded gunbelt. He wondered if he should wear it, decided not to and started out the room. He hesitated at the door and looked back at the gun. Nodine had escaped before, jumping through the courthouse window, and he had watched him with his finger up his butt because he had left his revolver at home.

  "Not this time, Trace," Lovell said as he retrieved the revolver and strapped the belt around his waist. "I won't be unarmed this time." He left the house and went to his buckskin tied in front. He rode slowly through the dawn light studying the houses lining the streets of Fort Smith. It was still early but there would be a lot of commotion later. Hanging Nodine would attract a considerable crowd. People had come from as far away as Harper and Wagonza to see justice done. Word was that even the Kansas City and New Orleans papers had reporters there to record the execution.

  As he passed the hospital he considered stopping to see Amelia but decided that it was too early. She would still be asleep. He would see her in the afternoon after the hanging when she could be up and feeling good. He smiled as he thought of their evenings on her front porch swing talking and laughing.

  As Lovell neared the courthouse the stallion shied at the alien sound of Maledon making one final test of the gallows' deadfall. The weighted sack and trap door created a rhythmic, mechanical sound as the door tripped and the rope strained under the sudden weight. The gallows stood at the southwestern corner of the old five-sided military fort. Originally each of the corners was to have been crowned with a blockhouse. When the fort's role changed in the 1840s to a supply depot the foundations were used for other purposes. The old pentagon-shaped building had a strong, freshly painted, white oak platform attached to it about twenty feet square and twelve feet high, with a long trap door in the floor, swung on iron hinges for the deadfall. A twelve-step stairway led from the ground to the platform. Over the platform about ten feet higher, framed on upright posts and firmly braced, was a long rope beam with six ropes attached. The ropes were ceremonial as new ones were used for every execution. In the middle of the beam was secured a three-foot long iron trigger bar secured to the facing of the platform door. When the lever was tripped back by Maledon, the bar was released and the door dropped down. A trench was dug under the scaffold so that the feet of the condemned would not touch the ground after the six-foot drop. There were plans of putting a roof over the scaffold and surrounding the entire affair with a high board fence. Nodine would be one of the last public executions. Lovell could not think of a more fitting man to fill the role.

  George Maledon was overseeing the removal of the weight when Lovell rode up to the scaffold. Maledon looked at him through hollow, expressionless eyes and tipped his hat. "Good morning, Marshal Lovell. Everything is ready for the execution."

  "Is there anything special I need to do?" Lovell asked.

  "Did you bring a watch?"

  "Yes."

  "Set the time with the clock in the courtroom. It will be your duty to proclaim officially the time of execution. At ten o'clock precisely you are to nod to me and I will trip the latch. Judge Parker will be watching from his office window. He will want the execution to take place exactly at ten."

  "I can do that. Is there anything else?"

  "You are to lead the procession to the scaffold. At five minutes before ten, the guards will secure the condemned man's ankles together with short leg irons in front of the trap. He will have wrist irons and chain binding his arms to his sides. You will ask for any last words then I will place a hood over his head and secure the noose. The Methodist minister, Longford Wills, will read a verse. Nodine will then be stepped onto the platform and I will take my place at the trip. You will wait on the platform and keep the time. Dr. Colby will pronounce him dead."

  Lovell listened carefully then asked. "When do we begin?"

  "We will assemble at Nodine's cell at nine-fifteen exactly. We need plenty of time in case he struggles. On one occasion we had to carry the man, kicking and screaming, from his cell to the gallows. I don't expect that from a hard case like Nodine. I imagine he will be defiant to the last but he will accept his punishment."

  Lovell nodded and turned his horse away.

  "Sometimes," Maledon added. "The marshals need a bracer before carrying out the execution. There is a fresh bottle of brandy in Marshal Nix's cabinet. Use it if you need to."

  Lovell turned to face him. "Do you?"

  "Oh, no, sir. I am a Christian prohibitionist. I do not touch the stuff."

  Lovell smiled grimly. "Neither will I. I have no problem with this man's death."

  Maledon nodded. "Vengeance is mine, sayeth the Lord."

  Lovell rode on. "The Lord and Judge Isacc Parker," he said to himself. He tied his buckskin in front of the courthouse and made his way to Nix's office. Nix was pouring himself a cup of coffee when Lovell entered. He put the cup on the stove, offering it to Lovell then poured himself another.

  "This is your first execution, isn't it? I seem to remember that you always managed to have something else to do," Nix said as he walked to the window.

  "Yes, it is. But I would have been present for this one no matter what."

  "You won't like it. It is a ghastly business," Nix said as he studied the scaffold.

  Lovell took a sip of his coffee. "I wonder if it will be anymore ghastly than dragging that woman and her two children out of that cave after they had been raped and butchered by that bastard."

  Nix turned. "Bass Reeves told me about that. He's in town today as well to witness this execution. It must have had quite an effect on both of you."

  "It was horrible. But so were the other bodies I found when I was tracking him. He's an animal, Evett. Nothing but an animal."

  Nix nodded and sipped his coffee. "We shall see. You might be surprised by what he does. Then again you might not. I've seen them beg. I've seen them whine for their mothers. I've seen them water themselves and shit in their britches just climbing the steps to the platform. We carried one man begging and screaming all the way from his cell to the execution. He cursed, spit
and even tried to bite us. We were wringing wet with sweat when it was over. And then there were others who took it like men, without any sign of fear or remorse. I believe I know how Nodine will act but one can never be sure."

  "Maledon told me there's brandy in your cabinet for the occasion."

  "Yes, I usually take a dram before beginning. It soothes the nerves. One thing about being stationed in Tahlequah—you won't be expected to be present for these. I'd like that. You're welcome to the brandy by the way."

  "No, thanks. I was just making conversation."

  "That's something you won't feel much like doing later today…making conversation."

  Lovell smiled. "Hell, Evett. I've never been any good at that, anyhow."

  Nix smiled and nodded.

  * * * *

  At nine o'clock Lovell left the office and went downstairs to assemble the guards and Maledon. They were already waiting for him. They waited a few minutes then proceeded to Nodine's cell in the basement. He was sitting on his bunk, smiling, when they arrived. Longford Wills was waiting by the cell, his bible closed in his hands.

  "It's time, Nodine," the guard said as he opened the cell door.

  Nodine stood and put out his hands for the cuffs. He was surprised when the four guards surrounded him and began placing a heavy leather belt, with chain loops secured to it, around his waist. He stood quietly as they fastened his wrist irons to the belt. He looked up at Lovell and smiled. "I hears youse a mighty rich man a cause of me. You ought to be smiling rather than having that blood in your eye again. Ya know, I don't think I ever stole as much as they is paying you for bringing me in."

  Lovell didn't answer. He only watched the guards.

  "Oh, yeah, I forgets. You too good to talk to the likes a me, ain't you? You like them white folks I seen when I was a growing up. You too good for this nigger. I is beneath you."

  Lovell stared defiantly but did not answer.

  An evil expression came over Nodine's face. "You know she begged for you at the end."

  Lovell's eyes cut harshly to Nodine.

  Nodine knew he had him. "You know that woman with the kids. Banford's whore. She begged for you while we was a doing her and her daughter. What you do, Marshal? Did you do her, too? Why else would she even mention your name?"

  Lovell controlled his anger and gazed cockily at Nodine.

  "Oh, you real cool, Marshal. I thought I had you for a while but you real cool. Well, dis nigger is just as good as anybody in dis room. You hear? I'z just as good as any man in this room."

  Lovell pulled his watch. "It's nine-forty. We need to be going." He turned and started up the steps."

  They walked out into the sun and across the lawn toward the gallows, Lovell in front, then the guards surrounding Nodine and Reverend Wills. Lovell was surprised at the size of the crowd that had assembled for the execution. He had heard stories of a circus-like atmosphere during other hangings but these people were solemn, almost respectful. Although he had expected it, there was no booing or name calling as they led Nodine to the steps. There were at least three hundred people assembled in the courtyard.

  Dr. Colby and George Maledon waited at the base of the stairs. When they were within twenty yards, Maledon went up the steps and took his place beside the trap.

  Nodine hesitated at the base of the stairs and for an instant Lovell thought he was going to lose his nerve and whine for mercy. But he didn't. Nodine took a breath and went up the stairs slowly with Wills following.

  They stopped Nodine in front of the trap and George Maledon offered time with the preacher but Nodine refused with a headshake. Maledon then asked. "Are there any last words you care to make?"

  Nodine looked out at the crowd. "I came here to hang…not make speeches." He looked down at the floor and grinned.

  Maledon gave the signal to fasten the leg irons.

  Lovell stepped forward and drew Levi's pocketknife from his pants pocket. He held it forward in his open palm for Nodine to see. "I want you to have this on your way to hell." He slipped it into Nodine's pants pocket.

  Nodine grinned defiantly. "It may mean something to you but it don mean nothing to me."

  "Take it just the same. It may come in handy in hell," Lovell shot him a big toothy grin.

  Maledon slipped the hood over Nodine's head.

  Nodine muttered under the hood. "Dat don mean nothing. You hear? Dat don mean nothing."

  Lovell refused to answer as they stepped Nodine back on the trap.

  "Why don you answer me? Dat don mean nothing. What does dat knife have to do with anything?" Nodine asked softly.

  Maledon tightened and adjusted the noose.

  Nodine huffed and puffed then meekly, in an almost childlike voice, he whined, "Dat don mean nothing. What you mean bout dat?"

  Lovell watched his timepiece as Maledon took his place at the trip. At precisely ten, Lovell looked at Maledon and nodded. Maledon immediately pulled the trip and dropped Nodine through the trap.

  The crowd gasped as Nodine's body came to the end of the rope and his neck snapped. There was muffled conversation as Dr. Colby examined Nodine and pronounced him dead. After the pronouncement, the crowd left toward a gathering place in the City Park.

  Lovell watched them leave then started down the steps. He remembered Nodine's pleading, almost childlike voice begging for an explanation of the knife and he smiled. He felt some gratification that Nodine had suffered a little bit, but his chest felt like it had a hole in it. He knew that he would never be the same again.

  Chapter 28

  Lovell took his horse to the stable then walked to the park to see what the crowd was doing. Most of them were simply visiting although several were eating a picnic lunch. He saw Bass Reeves with his wife and children. Bass returned his wave and walked toward him.

  "Were you at the execution?" Lovell asked.

  "I was but my family wasn't. You walked right past and didn't see me when you brought Nodine out of the courthouse."

  "I'm sorry, Bass. I guess I had other things on my mind."

  "I figured that. I didn't think you were being uppity. Say, congratulations on your appointment. It was a good move on the judge's part. Several marshals have told me that they thought it was a good idea."

  "Thank you. It should have been Pete's assignment."

  "Yeah, Pete was a good man. He'd be happy for you. I hear by the grapevine that you're planning on getting hitched to C. W.'s widow."

  "Yes, news sure gets around, don't it?"

  "Well, congratulations on that, too. My misses and me think she's a real fine lady."

  "Thank you, Bass. I'll tell her that."

  "How about supper tonight? We're having fried chicken in the back yard. Heck Thomas, Chris Madsen, John Stillman and his wife, and Bob Wellman and his wife are coming."

  "I'd like that, Bass. I'll go visit Amelia and come over after that. Do I need to bring anything?"

  "No. You just bring yourself. We'll have plenty of vittles and drink."

  "Well, alright. I'll look forward to it."

  They shook hands and he started for the hospital. Bonny Black met him as he started across the street. He smiled, glad to see her.

  "I hear congratulations are in order," she said with a smile.

  "Thank you. How are you doing?"

  "John filed for a divorce. He moved out last night. I guess we're going to make it final after all."

  "Are you happy with it?"

  She smiled. "Yes, I am. It's better to end it before things get any worse."

  "Were you at the execution?"

  "No, I don't want to see that sort of thing, no matter how bad he was. Are you going to see Amelia?"

  "I thought I would. Would you like to walk with me?"

  "Yes, I was hoping you'd ask."

  They were silent as they walked across the street.

  "So, you're going to be the federal marshal for the Indian Territory," Bonny finally teased. "Who'll be around to rescue poor women with broken do
wn buggies?"

  Lovell smiled. "You just tell me when you're going to do something so stupid again and I'll try to be there to bail you out."

  "Do you mean that?" she asked.

  "Yes, I do. No matter what, Bonny. You will always be my friend. You can count on it."

  She nodded and smiled. "I know I can."

  They started down Porter Street toward the hospital. As they turned the corner, Chauncy Lightfoot and Boyd Manion stepped from an alley and followed. Lightfoot looked around for potential witnesses and when he was satisfied, drew his pistol. Manion followed his example. They hurried to close the distance.

  Bonny glanced over her shoulder. "Who are those men following us?"

  Lovell turned and instantly recognized Lightfoot. He grabbed Bonny by the arm and pulled her behind him away from them, drawing his revolver.

  Lightfoot raised his revolver and fired. Manion ducked for an alley.

  Lovell fired and pushed Bonny against the wall. He took a second shot as Lightfoot scrambled for the cover of Hamilton's storefront.

  "Run!" Lovell ordered. "Run away now!"

  Bonny was reluctant to abandon him but at his urging ran for the closest door.

  Lovell fired three rounds as she did.

  Lightfoot lost his nerve and followed Manion down the same alley.

  Lovell broke open his Schofield and ejected the cartridges. He drew six from his belt and reloaded.

  Several people from the park ran across the street and turned the corner.

  When Lovell recognized Bass Reeves, he yelled. "Hold them up. Chauncy Lightfoot and another gunman just tried to ambush me. They went into that alley by Hamilton's store."

  Reeves drew his revolver and ordered the crowd back. Lovell closed his Schofield and walked briskly toward the alley. He met Reeves and they turned down it together. They walked slowly side by side.

  "I think they're long gone," Bass said as they neared the end of the alley.

  "I think you're right. Gutless skunks, the pair of them."

  A voice sounded from the street. "Marshals! Here they are!"