Free Gun for Revenge by Steve Hayes

her.
    The obvious answer was bandidos de montana , as the locals called the renegades who roamed the Sierras. They had probably ambushed the wagon, gunned down Escalero when he tried to defend Ellen, found the gold and ridden off with her. But to where? And what did they intend to do with her? Torture her? Pass her around among each other? Give her to their whores for amusement ? Sell her to other bandits? The possibilities were endless. And what would happen to her once everyone grew tired of her?
    The answer to that chilled Gabriel’s blood. He sat up, his mind suddenly clear. He had to break out, track down the bandits and find a way to rescue Ellie. And he had to do it fast!
    He clamped his hat over his face to protect it from the flies, closed his eyes and began thinking of how he could escape.
    No one bothered Gabriel all day. He had expected to be interrogated again by Captain Morales, but afternoonturned into evening and the pompous, strutting little officer never showed. Neither did the jailor with food or water. Gabriel realized then that Morales was more interested in the gold than hanging him, and intended to force him into revealing its whereabouts by starving him.
    Well, he thought wryly, why not give the man what he wants?
     
    Dawn arrived. Since the cell had no windows Gabriel had to guess what time it was by the sound of the jailor stirring in the outer office. By now he had a raging thirst and could have eaten two of his own ham-eggs-and-biscuits breakfasts.
    Presently the door opened and Captain Morales strutted in. Gabriel had to hand it to him. Despite the heat and the early hour he looked as immaculate in his fancy uniform as any parade officer!
    Behind him slouched the jailor, carrying a small table and a chair. He placed them before Gabriel’s cell, withdrew then reappeared shortly with a bowl of fruit, two cups, pot of coffee and a pitcher of water. He set them on the table, saluted Captain Morales and left, locking the door behind him.
    The officer sat at the table and smiled at Gabriel. ‘I thought perhaps you would enjoy sharing my breakfast,’ he said affably.
    ‘Nothin’ I’d like better.’
    ‘First, you must share something with me.’
    ‘I’m way ahead of you, Capitán . The gold’s hidden in my cabin.’
    Captain Morales gave a wolfish smile.
    ‘It is not good to start a confession with a lie, gringo . My men have already searched what is left of your cabin. Thegold is not there.’
    ‘Oh, it’s there all right. You just didn’t look in the right place.’
    The officer studied him, not sure if he should believe him.
    ‘If you’ll take me there, Capitán , I’ll show you where it is.’
    ‘And if you are lying, gringo ?’
    ‘Shoot me.’ Gabriel grinned. ‘It’ll save you the price of a hangin’.’ 

CHAPTER FIFTEEN
    Hands tied to his saddle horn, Gabriel rode alongside Captain Morales at the head of the tiny column. The stallion , as if sensing the gravity of the situation, had made no attempt to act up during the entire ride. But now, as they crested a steep rocky rise and saw the vast desert valley spread out before them, the Morgan pricked its ears and, anxious to be turned loose, quickened its stride.
    Captain Morales kicked up his horse, making it keep abreast of the stallion.
    ‘Do not do anything stupid,’ he warned Gabriel. ‘My men have strict orders to shoot you if you try to escape.’
    ‘Don’t boil your brains,’ Gabriel advised him. ‘I ain’t goin’ anywhere.’
    It took them another thirty minutes to cross the flat, barren valley and reach the rancho . Captain Morales ordered his men to dismount and surround the blackened shell of the cabin. Despite the long ride and intense heat they obeyed at the double, sombreros flopping, spurs jingling, rifles held at the ready.
    Captain Morales then pressed his pistol against Gabriel’s back, ordered him to walk slowly, and together they entered the ruins.
    ‘Before I give you the gold,’ Gabriel