Read Online Further Adventures of James Butler Hickok (9781101601853) by J. R. Roberts - Free Book Online

worry,” Tutt said, “I won’t.”
    He started for the door. She grabbed his arm and said, “Dave!”
    He shook her off and said, “I’ll be back in time for supper.”
    He went out the door.
    * * * 
    Hickok sat in the Straight Flush Saloon, an empty beer mug in his hand. He was wondering if he should have another or go out and get some air. But he knew that if he saw Dave Tutt in the street, and he was wearing his watch, something bad would happen.
    On the other hand, if he stayed inside, people might start to think he was afraid to walk the streets. He couldn’t have that. At the first sign of weakness, gunnies would be coming from all over to take their shot at Wild Bill Hickok.
    So he decided against the beer, and for the walk.
    * * * 
    Levi Rawson entered the saloon and joined Buck Williams at his table. Rawson wore a blue shirt, a vest, a black hat, and black leather gloves to match.
    â€œHeard you wanted to see me.”
    â€œYou hear about Leo Worthy?”
    â€œSome stranger came to town and gunned down him and his friends,” Levi said. “Why should I care about that?”
    â€œWell, they say he was pretty fast, gunned down all three of ’em before they could clear leather.”
    Levi looked interested.
    â€œIs that a fact?”
    â€œI know some said they never saw anythin’ so fast.”
    â€œWhat about Hickok?”
    â€œHe’s playin’ poker and drinkin’ beer,” Williams said. “And pretty soon him and Dave Tutt are gonna slap leather. You don’t wanna get in the middle of that.”
    Levi didn’t respond.
    â€œI got some help for ya,” Williams said. “We don’t want him to get away with this, Levi. We can’t have his kind comin’ in here and shootin’ our people.”
    â€œHis kind?”
    â€œA gunman.”
    â€œYou mean, like me?”
    â€œYou live here,” Williams said. “That’s different.”
    â€œWhat’s this Jasper’s name?”
    â€œClint Adams. Ever hear of him?”
    â€œNo,” Levi said, “but that don’t matter.”
    â€œYou take ’im,” Williams said, “and maybe Hickok could be next.”
    â€œYeah,” Levi said, “maybe.”
    They sat in silence for a few minutes, Williams giving Levi time to think.
    â€œYou want a beer?” he asked.
    â€œWhere is this Adams now?”
    â€œGant is tailin’ him.”
    â€œGant?”
    â€œYeah,” Williams said, “him and McQueen will back your play.”
    â€œAnd what about you?”
    â€œMe, too,” Williams said. “I wouldn’t miss it.”
    â€œThen let’s go and find him, and get it done,” Levi said.
    â€œNow?”
    â€œRight now,” Levi said, getting to his feet. “Why waste any time?”
    â€œYeah, okay,” Williams said. He finished his beer, stood up. “Let’s go.”
    â€œMcQueen’s outside,” Levi said.
    When they got outside, McQueen straightened up from the post he’d been leaning against.
    â€œWhere’s Gant?” Williams asked.
    â€œKeeping an eye on Adams.”
    â€œWhere?”
    â€œHow am I supposed to know?” McQueen complained. “I was gettin’ Levi.”
    â€œTake it easy,” Levi said. “We’ll find ’im. Let’s check the saloons.”
    â€œGood idea,” Williams said, looking at McQueen. “We’ll check the saloons.”
    Levi took the lead, and the others followed.

TWENTY-TWO
    Clint entered the small saloon, which was almost empty, and ordered a beer from the sleepy bartender.
    â€œNot much going on, is there?” Clint asked.
    â€œNot here,” the bartender said. “Not ever here.”
    Clint turned to glance at the door, waiting for the man who had been following him to come in. He didn’t.
    He never did.
    * * * 
    Gant saw the three