Free Ralph Compton Train to Durango by Ralph Compton

than an hour,” Silver said. “If we’re fortunate enough to board an eastbound train today, there’s a chance we can be on our way before the Dragon knows which way we’ve gone.”
    â€œThere’s always the telegraph,” said Wes. “That’s got to be the way they headed off El Lobo and me, when we left Kansas City. While I hate to give them that much credit, I’d be willing to bet they have contacts in every town of any size.” 14
    â€œEven Dodge?” Renita asked.
    â€œEven Dodge,” said Wes. “There’s nothin’ to be gained by playing down the danger. As you and Tamara know, we left you unprotected in El Paso.”
    â€œThat was my fault,” Silver said. “I cautioned you and Palo not to reveal anything that I had told you of the conspiracy.”
    â€œNow we have been told everything,” said Renita, “and whatever lies ahead of us, I am not afraid. I have a weapon to protect myself, and even if that bunch tracks us down and comes after us again, Tamara and me will be ready for them.”
    â€œ
Sí
,” Tamara said.
    â€œ
Bueno
,” said El Lobo.
    â€œBoth of you are more than worthy of being called Texans,” Silver said. “I’m hoping that when I lay a pistol in Molly Horrel’s hands, she feels the same way.”
    Being familiar with Boulder, Wes led the way to the railroad terminal.
    â€œLet me arrange for the tickets and a boxcar for the horses,” said Wes. “There may be some trouble getting a boxcar on short notice, unless there’s some folks here who may remember me from my days with the railroad.”
    Before Wes reached the ticket office, he heard a shout. He turned, his hand near one of his Colts, and to his delight, there was Harley Stafford.
    â€œI couldn’t believe it was you, hoss,” said Harley. “Where’s your Indian companero?”
    â€œHe’s here,” Wes said. “We’re on our way to Dodge, and we’re not alone. There’s plenty to tell you, but first, I reckon I’d better make some arrangements with the railroad. We’ll need a boxcar for our horses.”
    â€œI already have a boxcar,” said Harley. “Your horses can travel with mine. There’ll be a train east in about two hours. Just enough time for us to eat and talk.”
    Wes wasted no time introducing Harley to his companions.
    â€œI’ve heard a lot about you,” Silver said, taking Harley’s hand.
    â€œI’ve heard considerable about you,” said Harley, “but most of it from Nathan. Wes and El Lobo have told me nothing, except that a bunch of
hombres
were out to kill them. I could damn near have figured that out for myself, since the last time they were in Dodge they’d been shot full of holes.”
    â€œYou know more than Renita and me,” Tamara said, her eyes on Harley. “We not told they be shot in Dodge.”
    â€œSorry, ladies,” said Harley. “I didn’t mean to give away any secrets. They were shot before they reached Dodge. Foster Hagerman and me weren’t told anything, except that the trail they were riding might be their last. If all of you are returning to Dodge, I hope you can tell me somethin’ about this bunch with killing on their minds. If somebody’s shootin’ in my direction, I aim to shoot back.”
    â€œWes and Palo had been sworn to silence,” Silver said, “but things have changed to the extent that you can be told probably more than you’ll want to know. We have some talkin’ to do.”
    â€¢Â Â Â â€¢Â Â Â â€¢
    Gandy Franks wasted no time getting to the telegraph office. He sent coded messages to contacts in Cheyenne, Boulder, Kansas City, and Dodge. Only then did he call on Drade Hogan with his admission of failure and what he had done to counter it.
    â€œSo they’ve given us the slip again,” said Hogan.