Mr. Owens said, “I also call him my friend but that doesn’t make what ever he does right, the law is the law and if he’s done wrong he well have to answer for it.” Mr. Owens asked, “You say you’re going to Paragould?” Bill said, “Yes I’m going to see if I can get a warrant to look inside that crate.”
When they came out of the barn Henry was just riding in. Mr. Owens said, “I’ll take care of your horse while you get cleaned up for lunch.” When he took Henry’s horse there was a strong odor of smoke about him. Mr. Owens thought he knew what Henry had been up to but said nothing. Bill had changed his mind about going to town and stayed at the boarding house and he and Henry helped Mr. Owens fix things that needed to be done around the farm. After dinner there was more talk and music, then Bill said it was time he went to his room as he was leaving early in the morning. Henry stood up and said, “If I miss you in the morning I would like to say it was a grate pleasure working with you and if at any time you need help from me I can be reached here and if I’m not here they well know how to reach me.” Bill took Henry’s hand and said good night. When Bill had left Henry said, there goes one of the best law man if not the best that I had the pleasure to work with, and I’m glad to call him my friend.
Mr. Owens didn’t know what to think about what Henry just said but he knew no matter what side of the law Henry was on, that they true friends and each would give up there lives to save the other that was because they were the best of friends.
Bill was down early the next morning, he went into the kitchen to find some kind of breakfast when he entered the kitchen he found Henry already having his, he said, “Good morning Henry and you to June.” June turned and gave Bill a big smile. While Bill ate Henry asked, “You still going to Boydville and Konb?” “Yes I want to look them over I have a few friends there and it’s been a long time since I’ve been to either, then home to see the family and from there back to Reno.” Being finished he got up to leave. Henry said, “June and I will see you off.”
As they entered the barn Mr. Owens was there and had Bill’s horse ready.” Mr. Owens said, “He’s ready to go.” Bill throw his saddle bags on the horse, then shook Mr. Owens and Henry’s hand. Then he looked at June then turned to Henry who gave a nod. Bill went up to June and gave her a big hug then give her a light kiss on the cheek, then said, “You are my big sister that I never had, then he give her another kiss on the forehead, then turned to his horse. June had to turn around as she had tears in her eyes. As they walked out of the barn Mr. Owens asked, “How is your family?” Bill said, “Father is more then likely as mean as ever, if it wasn’t for mother I wouldn’t go back.” Bill mounted his horse then smiles down at them then turned his horse and rode out.
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As Bill rode off Henry watch and thought to himself now why would he be heading that way, Bill was headed for the open field and that was the way to camp and the long way to town. Henry watched as Bill rode out of site he had a worried look on his face, for he know someone had been in camp digging in the fire pit and looking around. Although he knows it wasn’t Bill but he was still worried.
Bill had been gone a week and ever thing at the boarding house had returned back to normal. Henry and June had been enjoying themselves by taking walks and rides into town. On one of their trips June said, right out of the blue, “Damn you Henry Miller when are you going to ask for my hand?” Henry knew this was coming but he had hoped it would be later. Henry answered, “Soon but first I have to take a business trip.” June said, “But you just got back and you were gone almost a year.” “Yes but I was on a personal quest and not business, and this is business only.” June asked, “How long will you be gone?” Henry said, “About a week.” June and Henry said little on the ride back to the house. Mr. Owens saw June face when they returned and asked Henry about it. Henry said, “She’s upset because I’m leaving on a business trip.” Henry said, “You know Mr. Owens when June and I marry she will be leaving here.” Mr. Owens said, “I thought as much, but June need not worry there are a couple ladies near by that will be happy to take her place.”
Later that evening while they seat under their favorite tree Henry told June, “You know when we are married we won’t be living here any longer.” “Yes I know I have been waiting a long time to have a home to call my own.” June laid her head on Henry’s shoulder and watched the shadows play in the open field, and said, “You well be my husband and I will go where ever you take me.”
When Bill rode away from the boarding house he headed for the camp site he knew Henry was there the day before and he wanted to see if he could find anything to help in his investigation. But he found nothing the camp was clean he then headed for Konb. Bill was known in town and as he had been gone a long time he knew he could ask a lot of questions. When he left Konb, he had found out about his friends and other town news but very little else. Bill rode on to Boydsville it was larger then Konb and he had friends here as well and he was better known here. He rodeed up to the general store as it was the news center of the Town.
When he entered the store a man sitting in a chair said, “Well I’ll be if it isn’t Marshal Bill Anderson, howdy marshal.” Bill looked at the man and said, “Howdy Mr. Jones.” If Bill remember right Mr. Jones as well as the rest of the men were still sitting in the same places as when he left over a year ago. Nothing changes in a small town that was one reason he left. One of the men asked if he was still marshaling Bill told them he was. After the conversations had slowed a little he said, “You all know my friend Henry Miller I was wondering if he comes into town much?” Mr. Jones said, “Sure we all know Henry, comes to town about once a month but never stays long.” “Oh.”
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Mr. Jones explained “When he comes in he just goes to the post office window and gets his mail which is always a lot, then goes to the News Paper Office and brings out a lot old news papers then leaves town. Bill asks, “Nothing else.” Mr. Jones answers, “Oh once in a while he’ll stay for a while and talk but doesn’t say much.” Bill asks, “Has any one asked about all the mail he gets?” Mr. Jones answered, “Bill you worked with him long enough to know better than to ask him about his business, unless you want your head handed to you.” Bill put his hand on his chin and said, “Yes I learned that lesson very well.”
Bill wasn’t learning much so he give up and was about to leave then asked, “Have any of you seen my step-father lately?” Mr. Jones said, “Norman was in last month and he was mad as hell seems as some of his cattle got out and if any one said any thing to him he would bite heir heads off, son I hate to say this but he is one mean son-of a bitch.” Bill said that there wasn’t nothing to be sorry about for he felt the same way about him. When he left town he headed north the farm was in between Boydsville and Leonard it was about four miles a head. When Bill came onto the farm he found that it still looked the same the house was unpainted and the out buildings had fallen into disrepair, and there was washing hanging on the line. As he got off his horse Norman Anderson came out of the barn, Bill said, “Norman.” Norman said, “Well if it not the great marshal.” Boy how Bill hated him. Bill asked, “Whereas mother?” He answered, “She’s out back on the hill.” Bill headed that way. The hill he was talking about was in back of the house it over looked a little valley his mother always went there when she was upset or unhappy it made her feel better as she loved the little valley.
As Bill walked up the hill he couldn’t see his mother maybe she was below the hill Bill thought, he started calling for her but got no answer, as he got near the top he saw the sun shining off a white stone that set at the top of the hill. He ran up to the stone and read, Elizabeth L. Anderson, 1840-1886, Bill fall to his knees as if him had been hit in the stomach and started to sob. Bill had no idea how long he had been kneeling next to his mother, but when he did get up his eyes were red and he was full of rage and started down the hill.
When he got to the bottom he found Norman feeding the hogs, he asked, “When did she die?” Norman said, “About three months now.” Bill asked, “How did she die?” Norman answered, “She got sick then sicker then she just gave up.” Bill asked, “Why didn’t you write you Knew where I was I would have came back to see her.” Norman said, “Why should I if you had cared for her you won’t have left in the first place, and maybe she won’t had to work so hard.” Norman went on, “You were worthless as a boy and as a man you’re still worthless. The rage in Bill just kept building. “Your mother was always weak and not made out for farming as I see it she was just as worthless as you were.” Before Bill know what happen his gun was in his hand, and his step-father was lying in the mud with a pail of slop lying next to him. Bill looked down on Norman there was a hole in his forehead he felt nothing.
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He looked around the farm one last time he didn’t bother going into the house there wasn’t anything that he wanted, he took to his horse and as he started to ride from the farm he took a look back at Norman who lay in the mud then rode off, Bill just left Norman laying there and thinking to himself maybe he’ll be worth something now.
The next morning Henry said his good bys to June then headed north towards Boydsville. When got there he went to the News Paper Office and asked about what he was looking for but found there was nothing available. Henry was about to ride on then decided to stopped in at the General store when he enter Mr. Jones said, “Good morning Mr. Miller.” Henry went over to the men sitting around the stove and asked about what he was looking for. Just as he was about to leave Mr. Jones said, “You might try up around Leonard the Anderson place is up for sale.” Henry asked, “You’re talking about Norman Anderson?” “Yes, he’s dead and his wife.” Henry asked what had happened. Mr. Jones said, “Well Bill was in about a week ago and said he was stopping off there then he came back later that evening saying that he’s mother had died some months before, then Bill got in an argument with Mr. Anderson and Bill shot him died.” Henry asked, “Will there be any charges made against him?” Mr. Jones said, “Bill said it was in self-defense and as he is a U. S. Marshal we took his word for it besides no one around here liked him any ways, he was a mean son-of-a bitch.” After he left the store he stood there thinking Bill well take his mother’s death hard. As he rode out of town he headed for Leonard.
When Henry got to Leonard he rode straight through as there was only four buildings that made up the whole town and knew there wouldn’t be anything here, he rode on to Tipperary. Tipperary was a town of about twenty buildings the town had no jail but had an acting sheriff. Henry headed for one of the General stores, as he knew these were the news centers of the small town. He had picked the right one for he heard about what he was looking for, after leaving town he followed the directions he was given and soon came to the place he was looking for, after he looked the place over he found it to his liking. It stood off the main road and not to far from Piggott an even larger town, which would have everything he needed if he couldn’t find it in Tipperary. Tipperary was located in the North West part of Arkansas and about ten miles from the Tennessee border and this made him feel a lot safer. Henry made all the arrangements the headed back to the boarding house.
Bill had been wandering aimlessly about the county for two weeks now not knowing or caring for that matter were he was going, the death of his mother was hard on him he felt alone and lost, but over time the pain started to subsided and he knew it was time to get back to his duty’s and headed for Paragould once more.
When he get to Paragould he headed for the stable while he took care of his horse he asked if it would be alright to sleep in the loft as he had little money left, and he was only staying one night as the train for Reno would leave about ten in the morning. The horse handler said for four bits it would be ok. Bill asked where he could wash up the man pointed to the back of the stable.
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Later that day Bill found his way in to the court house and soon found the judge. After he introduced himself the judge said, “Will marshal Anderson what can I do for you?” Bill gives an out line on what he wanted. The judge stated, “Marshal I can’t give you a warrant on what you have so far, let’s look at the facts.” “Do you know he’s done something unlawful?” “No.” “Have you any complaints on him stating he has been unlawful?” “No.” “If you look in that crate and find what you think is in it, will that tell you he is unlawful?” “No.” “Sorry marshal unless you have more evidence or can get more there will be no warrant.” Bill stood up and thanked him then went out the way he came in, back out street he found himself wandering about the town, till he found himself at the park. Bill walked about the park after a while he found a bench under a big shade tree after a while he saw way Henry liked the parks so much they were very restful. Bill had no idea how long he had been sitting there but the sun was almost down he got up and headed for the stable for some much needed rest. At ten o’clock the next morning found Bill boarding the train back to Reno.
Henry had been back three months now and he knew he couldn’t put it off much longer, it’s not that he didn’t want to ask her it was just all the unknowns. Then on an evening of the fourth month while playing her a love song he asked for her hand. At first June couldn’t say anything, then she said yes then she stated to crying and laughing all at the same time she was so beside herself she couldn’t take it any longer and started to run through the house calling. “Mr. Owens, Mr. Owens.” “Yes what is it?” June was dancing up and down as she said, “He finely ask me to marry him.” Mr. Owens said, “While it’s about time congratulations I hope you will be every happy.” Mr. Owens asked, “Have you set a date yet.” Henry who and just came in said, “If it can be arranged next month.
Before Henry knew it the time had come, the boarding house was full of guests. A number of June’s family was there and some of Henry’s best friends were there. Bill would be Henry’s best man and Mr. Owens would give June away. Joel was there and Mrs. Webber and Jimmy also. The bar and dinning room was all decorated in wedding trimmings. Bill and Henry stood before the preacher and waited, and then the piano begins playing, “Here Comes the Bride.” Henry watched as June descended the stairs, Henry thought how beautiful she looked in her white gown and veil, then the preacher started to read the wedding vowels, after the vowels were said Henry turned to June and lifted her veil and sealed the vowels with a kiss. After the kiss all the men gave a holler and the women cheered. Then Henry and June stood in line while the quests passed and shook Henry’s hand and gave June a Kiss, when the line had passed every one went to the front porch. The unmarried women stood in the yard while June stood on the porch, when they were ready June turned her back and throw the bouquet into the air the party had begun, June and Henry got the party going by having the first dance.
Through out the evening ever one was having a good time the men were at the bar telling stories and slapping Henry on the back and the women were whispering and giggling in a corner of the dinning room.
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During the evening when Henry and Bill were alone Henry said, “I know Frank would have like to have come but not feeling good of late he just couldn’t make it.” Bill just nodded; he had met Frank James once or twice in his travels together with Henry. Henry thought of Jesse James, he would have found the predicament Henry found himself every funny and then would have wished him good luck. But Jesse was no longer among the living, he was murdered in, 82 by a coward by the name of Bob Ford, shot Jesse in the back of the head will hanging a picture back on the wall. When Henry was at the funeral he said if he ever saw Ford he would kill him on the spot for his cowardly deed, but Henry won’t have to keep his promise as Ford would later do himself in over the love of a woman.
The party was winding down and Henry was getting tired and he know June would be, Henry found her and said it was time to say good night to their guests. After everything was said and done they headed for their room. As they started climbing the stairs the guests started to cheering and hollering and by the time June got to the top of the stairs she was beet red. Now Henry knew where the saying of “Beautiful as a Blushing Bride” came from. When they entered the room they found it all decorated and the women had brought in a screen so June could dress and undress in private. When June came out from behind the screen Henry was already in bed, he looked on her and told her how beautiful she looked then he held out his hand and led her to the bed.
Henry leaned over and kissed her softly on the neck and worked his way to her mouth and kissed her more passionately all the while his hand was working its way under her night gown, as his hand moved up her creamy white thighs she tremble with delight. When his hand touches her fiery mound it was wet with desire. Henry helped her to lift her night gown over her head and she lay before him in all her beauty. He leaned over her and kissed her small but firm breasts and her buds begin to bloom. All the while he was kneeing her thighs to open wide and then he leaned over her and pushed his readiness into her fiery mound and as she squealed with delight she wrapped her legs around his waist and they became one.
The next morning when Henry and June came down both were red eyed from lack of sleep, those of the guests that were still there said nothing but smiled. Henry went to the bar and June went to the kitchen where she found Mrs. Webber cleaning up from last night. June said, “Mrs. Webber I’ll do that.” It’s alright dear I’ll do it beside you look like you could use the rest.” and she started to giggle. June face turned beet red and she turned away. Bill was in the bar when Henry came in and when Bill saw him he said, “Didn’t you get any sleep?” Then he started to laugh, Henry acted as if he was going for his gun, Bill put up his hands and said, “Ok, ok I’ll let it lay.” then started laughing again. Later that morning it was time for Henry and June to leave on their honeymoon, Mr. Owens would drive them to the train station. Henry’s friends came out to see them off. After they all had said there good bys, Mr. Owens started off and as the buggy a rounded a corner there was a big sign on the back that read “Just Married”.
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Mr. Owens got them there just as the train was arriving, there was little time for good bys Henry shook Mr. Owens hand and Mr. Owens give June a big hug, then June and Henry hurried to board the train, as they took their seats the train started to move, June looked at Henry and said, “Where are we going?” Henry answered, Kansas City.”
Henry and June were just getting off the train after a two day ride, June was beside her self she kept looking around she wanted to see every thing all at once, Henry just smiled at her as he lead the way. When Henry was always here before he always stayed in the lower part of the city, but this time he headed for uptown. They took a room at the Roosevelt, in midtown; after their room was ready they came down to the lobby and had lunch in the hotels fine restaurant, although June ate little as she was so excited. After lunch Henry went to a stable to rent a buggy. Henry drove through out the city looking at the water fountains, parks and they drove passed fine restaurants and opera houses. In the evenings they would drive through the city to see it all lit up at night it was a dream land for June. June and Henry would dine in some of the finer restaurants and one evening he took her to see a play in of the cities finest opera house. He even took her to the rive landing to watch the river boats run up and down the river, in the evening her brought her back to see them all lite up at night. Sometimes they would walk around the city looking in the stores windows; June like the evening walks the best as the city would be all lite up. June was so happy she didn’t want it to end but all too soon it came to an end and it was time to leave.
Two days later they found themselves back at Paragould, as Henry loaded up buggy June asked,” Are we going back to the boarding house?” Henry said, “No.” June then asked, “Where are we going to live?” Henry told her not to worry then smiled at her, then he helped her into the buggy and as they drove off they were headed towards Tipperary.
June wondered where they were going they had passed Knob and Boydsville and were still going. June knew if they kept going they would be leaving Arkansas and entering Tennessee. Henry soon came to a stop, he told her to close her eyes and not to open them tell he told her. Henry turned into the side road and drove about a half mile then turned in to a drive and pulled up in front of the house. Henry said, “Ok open your eyes.” June did as she was told and when she saw the house she said, “Oh! It’s beautiful is this our new home?” Henry said, “So long as the rent is paid.” June asked, “Can we go in?” Henry smiled and took a key from his pocket and walked to the door and unlocks it. He picked her up in his arms then looked down on her and smile and then carried her through the door way.
As soon as June’s feet touched the floor she begin running about the house, they were standing in the front room next was a little dining room off the dining room there were two door ways one lead to their bed room the other to the kitchen. In the Kitchen there was two doors one lead to the back yard and the other went up stairs where there were four bed rooms. The house was decorated modestly but to her it was beautiful.
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They went outside and looked the place over there was a horse barn a chicken house and a pig pen and of course the good old outhouse. As the sun was seating they went in side and they were finally truly a lone.
The stranger had tried to break his foot free of the stirrup as he was being drugged over the ground but couldn’t and he was being kick to death, the last thing he remembered was being hit in the head and pass out when he came to he was laying on the ground some how his foot came loose and he could hardly move, he saw his horse near by and called him over. The stranger knew he was hurt bad, he needed to get to his friends dugout he had been hiding him out and fixing him up when he need it. The stranger made his way there and when he reached it he called out to his friend. When his friend came to the strangers call he found him laying on the ground in pool of blood, his friend got him inside and on to a bed and begin working on him he found that the stranger had at lest four broken ribs and some of his scalp been tore so bad he could see his skull. His friend didn’t believe the stranger would live through the night. However at the beginning of the fifth month he was able to leave his friend and go on hunt again.
The stranger was in Reno he had to be careful not to be seen, but he won’t have to be in town long for he soon found out that Henry had gotten married and was living some where in Arkansas. The stranger knew of only of one place he could find the answer. The stranger had been on the train for two days when he got off at Paragould and by the end of the day he was riding towards Boydsville. Although he had only been to the boarding house once he still remembered the way, when he rode up to the house it was late and no one was about. The stranger walked in quietly with his gun ready. Mr. Owens was working behind the bar when he hear something behind him he turned around and suddenly recognized who was standing there and started to say something.
But it was to late the stranger hit Mr. Owens over the eye with the barrel of his gun and Mr. Owens fell to the floor out cold. The stranger took a glass of beer off the bar and throw it into Mr. Owens face after he woke he found himself tied to a chair and then he asked, “What in the hell do you want?” The stranger said, “You know damn well what I want where’s Henry Miller?” “I never heard of him.” The stranger back handed Mr. Owens across the face. Mr. Owens knew if he told where Henry was the stranger would go after him and he may get killed or even June, so he sat here and took what the stranger had to give. The stranger give up after an hour and put the gun barrel between Mr. Owens eyes and pulled the hammer back, he thought this was his time. But the stranger stepped back and said, “No I’m not going to kill you, I went you to give Henry Miller a message, tell him I’ll be around and to remember Joan Brooks, then he turned and left.
After a month June had the house in order, June and Henry worked around the farm fixing things up, then Henry went to a nearby farm and bought some laying hens and a hog to fatten up for slaughter in the fall. When Henry went to town June would go along and as he went about his business she went looking in the stores.
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When they left town Henry would always bring home mail and news papers to read and in the evenings he would sit by the fire place and read, and when was done he would burn them. June never did know what he did for a living and why he got so much mail, she asked him once and only once as he got real upset and told her what did it matter what he did for a living it was his business and she was not to ask again, or say anything to any one else about it. June never asked again but all through they married life she felt that there was something wrong about his business in that it may not have been within the law.
One evening while they were have dinner June was saying how nice it would be if she had some of her things from her uncles farm, Henry thought about it a moment then said, “I don’t see why we can’t leave tomorrow.” June said, “It well to good to see Mr. Owens again.” Henry thought he too would like to see the old goat again. June was up early the next morning as she wanted to fix a lunch as it was a long ride. Henry told her to take a few clothes as they wouldn’t be able to make the trip in one day, and they either would have to stay at the boarding house or her uncles for the night. Henry said they would stop at Mr. Owens first and see if they could use a wagon, as the buggy would be too small. Henry turned the key in the door then took a seat next to June, then turned the horse and headed for the main road.
When Henry and June walked in Mr. Owens looked up and said, “Will I’ll be if it’s not the newlyweds.” Mr. Owens took Henry’s hand and gives June a big hug, then led them to a table. Then asked Henry,” Beer?” then he looked at June she said, “Tea please.” After he brought Henry’s beer he went to the kitchen to get June’s tea. While Mr. Owens was gone June turned to Henry and said, “Henry did you see poor Mr. Owens face I wonder what happen?” Henry said, “I don’t know but he’ll tell us in time when he’s ready.” Henry stopped talking as Mr. Owens was heading back to their table.
Mr. Owens brought June’s tea then took a seat, Henry asked, “We’d like the use of a wagon June would like to take some things back with us.” June asked, “Do you have a room for us for the night.” Mr. Owens answered, “You will always have a room here.” Mr. Owens knew Henry had been looking at his face and wanted to ask but knew he would tell the story in his own time. Mr. Owens said, “June Mrs. Campbell is in the kitchen why don’t you go see her she’d like that.” June looked from Henry to Mr. Owens and knew when she wasn’t wanted, June said, “Ok I know when I’m not wanted and you can keep your old secrets.” June stood up and headed for the kitchen, when she was gone Henry said, “Ok let’s have it.” Mr. Owens started, “It was about two weeks ago I was working here at the bar when I heard someone behind me and when I turned around he was just standing there, I didn’t recognized him at first as I only seen him once, then I remembered and started to say something to him and the next then I knew I was out like a light.” Henry asked, “It was the stranger?”
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Mr. Ownes nodded and went on, “When I came to I was all tied up so I couldn’t fight back, then he started to ask questions about you and where you were.” Henry looked at Mr. Owens with questioning eyes. Mr. Owens saw the look and said, “When he got no answer he started to work me over, but give up after a while, and when his put that gun between my eyes I thought I was a goner.” Henry asked, “Did he do say anything?” Mr. Owens said, “He was going to kill me then changed his mind and told me to give you a message.” Henry asked, “What was the message?” Mr. Owens said, “He told me to tell you he was not leaving and would be around and for you to remember Joan Brooks.” Henry thought to himself, but I don’t know any Joan Brooks then he said out loud, “But I don’t know any Joan Brooks.” Mr. Owens said, “Oh you know her or at lest the name, remember the stranger said it was fifteen years ago.”
When June walked into the kitchen Mrs. Campbell looked up and saw June and said, “Well child it’s so good to see you.” June and Mrs. Campbell talked about June’s new home and the trip to Kansas City. Mrs. Campbell said, “I went there once it was sure big.” June and Mrs. Campbell went on talking for a while then June asked, ”What happen to Mr. Owens face its all bruised up.” Mrs. Campbell lowered her voice and said, “I don’t know but I came into work one morning about two week ago and there he was sitting in a chair in the middle of the bar all tied up, and his face was all messed up, I had to take him over to the doctors to have the cut over his eye sewed.” June asked, “Did he say who done it and why.” Mrs. Campbell said, “I asked and he told me to mind my own business and stay out his, but I can tell you he’s been nerves every sense it happen. June stood up and headed for the bar, as she walked up to the table Henry and Mr. Owens stopped talking, she looked at Henry and said, “Mrs. Campbell told me what happen to Mr. Owens, It’s the stranger isn’t it don’t lie I’m your wife and I have the right to know.” Henry looked at her then said, “Yes it’s him he found me again.” June said, “Oh lets go some where he can’t finds us, maybe Tennessee he won’t find us there.” Henry said, “No we can’t hide, he’ll just find us again, no we stay I’m not going to start running if we do we’ll never be able to stop, no it’s time to face him.”
Later that afternoon Henry and June went to her uncles and loaded up the wagon and when they returned to the boarding house Henry said he was going to Boydsville to send a wire and asked if June would like to come along. June said she would stay and visit with Mr. Owens as it may be a while, before they get back this way for a again. It felt good to be on the road again and alone, oh, don’t get him wrong he liked married life it’ just that a man likes to be all bye himself once in a while and without a wife hanging onto their shirt tails all the while.
Boydsville was busy to day a lot of horses and wagons going every which way. Henry rode to the wire office then he went over to the general store. Henry talked to some of the man in the store. Mr. Jones was saying, “No I haven’t heard any one asking about you of late, then a thought came to him, now that I think about it there was this one guy I never seen before came in asking questions but I haven’t seen him of lately”
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Henry asked what he looked like. Mr. Jones said, “As I recall he was about your size and his face was kind of messed up and he had a big scar on his forehead looked like some one tried to scalp him and he had a broken nose.” Henry thought it sounded a little like the stranger but for the face, then he remembers what happen to the strange in Reno, it could only mean that it was him. Henry stayed a little longer to see if he could learn any more but finding no more information he thank Mr. Jones and left the store. Henry had sent two wires one to John and one to Bill now all he could do was wait, as he was riding out of town a figure step out of the alley and watched him ride out of town with hate in his eyes.
Marshal John Wilson was just stepping out of his office when he was handed a letter, he open it and read, To Marshal John Wilson, My friend I’m hoping you can help me in this matter the stranger has followed me here I now have more information. John finished reading the letter it was signed, Henry Miller. John read the letter again then he headed for the wire office.
Bill was working at his desk when Jimmy came in and handed him a letter, Bill opened it and began to read, To Marshal Bill Anderson, My friend I just found out that the stranger is here near Boydsville, He paid Mr. Owens a visit about two weeks ago and messed him up pretty good but is fine now. “June is upset to say the lest, she wanted to run but I said no it was time to face him.” I’ve written Marshall John Wilson in Kansas and he’s looking into some information I have sent him. I’m writing this to let you know what’s going on up here and if anything strange happens to me or June or Mr. Owens you will know who to look for. I hope if the need comes and I have to ask you, will you come and help me take care of his matter, Signed Henry Miller.
Bill was just rereading the letter when Joel and Mat came into the office, Joel saw the look on Bill’s face and he asked, What’s up?” Bill handed him the letter he and Mat read it together. Joel said, “Boy, howdy have they got trouble up there, are you going?”
Bill said, “Yes if he asks, it’s a matter of pride for me as the stranger came to this town and not only tried to kill one of our citizens he tried to kill a marshal and if he’s not stopped soon he may come back and try for one of us, so if Henry wants help, help is what he is going to get no matter what.” Mat said, “I thought that his horse would have kicked him to death.” Bill said, “From what this letter says he almost did, but like they say if you don’t find a body keep looking.”
Henry was back at the boarding house and was saying, “I sent wires to Bill and John, I asked John to look into same information I give him and I sent one to bill asking if he would come if the need came up, it will be a day or two before I get any answers.” Mr. Owens said, “You know Bill will come if you ask.” Henry said, “Yes I know but I will only ask if I think there is a need.” Mrs. Campbell came in and announced that dinner was ready.
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During dinner June said that she had hoped that this trip would be a happy one but it’s not turning out that way. Mr. Owens said, “Yes you’re right my dear, this is men talk and not for young lady’s, well talk of more pleasant things.” The rest of the
evening they engaged in conversations about her trips and Kansas City. The rest of the evening was pleasant but soon June became weary and said she need her rest, she said good night to Mr. Owens then looked at Henry and ask if he was coming. He told her he be up in a little while and that he wanted to talk Mr. Owens a while longer.
The stranger had followed Henry as he rode out of town he knew that Henry was not living at the boarding house he was waiting to follow so he could find out where he was living so he could get to him any time he wanted. The stranger laid on his stomach in a clearing about a half mile away looking through a spy glass, there was so much hate in him as he watched Henry and June moved about, he thought how dare he be so happy and I had nothing. The stranger watch through out the day and into the evening then realizing they weren’t leaving tonight he went about opening a cold can of beans, as he was running a cold camp (a camp with out fire.) The stranger know it was time to sleep but sleeping was hard for him as he always had the same dream, and it was this dream that kept his hate for Henry alive.
The dreams were always the same; it was a bright afternoon and he young and so was the lady he was with her name Joan and they had been married only a week and they had came to town to get some things for their new home. The town was a quite little town and he remembers how brighter the colors seemed that day as if nothing was real, and as they walked down the board walk the quiet was broken by the sound of a gun shot then another and still more. The stranger took his wife’s hand and started to run for cover his wife let go as he found cover behind a horse trough and when he looked out and there was this young new deputy marshal running up the street firing at four horse men who were shooting back. When the shooting had stopped, the stranger found his wife was not at his side he looked around then he saw her laying on the board walk, he ran over to her and saw a red spot on her chest he held her in his arms till the life run out of her.
The stranger stirred in his sleep and sweat was forming on his face, then he woke up with a cry. It took him a moment to realize where he was, after realizing this he pulled himself together he looked at the sky and saw the sun would be up soon and he knew he won’t be able to sleep so he sat and waited for the sun to rise.
June woke well rested and went down to help Mrs. Campbell to fix breakfast and by the time the table was set Henry was down although a little red eyed as he and Mr. Owens were up late talking. Henry said, “I’d like to get an early start this morning as we have a long way to go and when we get back the wagon will have to be unloaded.” After breakfast June went to pack and when she returned Mrs. Campbell handed her a basket and said, “Something to eat on the way.” June said good by to her then headed to the barn where Henry and Mr. Owens were waiting.
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