Read Online The Return of Caulfield Blake by G. Clifton Wisler - Free Book Online Page B

the dam burst. But the route to town led past the Simpson ranch buildings, and no one crossing the Diamond S after the explosion could expect a friendly greeting.
    The following morning Caulie met with Marty and Dix at the cabin. The three old friends pored over the rough map, then argued about the plan.
    â€œYou know this is like touchin’ off a powder keg under old man Simpson,” Dix said, scratching his head. “It’ll mean open war.”
    â€œHasn’t it come to that already?” Caulie asked. “Water out here’s life.”
    â€œHe could send riders over to Hannah’s place,” Dix pointed out. “It could get really rough. Who’s goin’ with us anyway?”
    â€œUs?” Caulie asked. “It’s certain you can’t come.”
    â€œNothin’ short of death would stop me,” Dix declared. “I always rode at your side when General Forrest had somethin’ of this sort in mind.”
    â€œNot this time, Dix. If you leave town, someone’s bound to take note. If it doesn’t tip Simpson, you’re sure to catch the blame once it’s done. This way you can invite somebody over, maybe sup with the minister or die sheriff.”
    â€œCaulie’s right,” Marty agreed. “But that argument hardly applies to me. I can slip away anytime I care to, and nobody’s the wiser. Shoot, I stay out on the range three nights out of four in the summer. All that wailin’ of the little ones drives me to drink.”
    â€œYou’d best change that habit,” Caulie said, frowning. “Once trouble starts, you’ll want Eve to have somebody around.”
    â€œShe will, Caulie. Caleb and Court’ll be there. That Caleb’s close to as fine a shot at ten as you were.”
    â€œThis isn’t shootin’ turkeys, Marty. There’ll be dyin’. I wouldn’t want Carter or Zach facin’ those Jenkins brothers.”
    â€œYou know about that, do you?”
    â€œWe had a disagreement last year up at The Flat. Seems Abe was playin’ with his sleeves when he should’ve been dealin’ top cards.”
    â€œYou must’ve mellowed some, Caulie,” Dix observed. “Time was you shot card sharks.”
    â€œThey mostly get themselves hung, but we had the money, and I guess we considered that satisfactory. Wish I’d known then I’d wander across those two again down here. Might’ve saved some trouble.”
    â€œSimpson’d only’ve hired himself another pair,” Dix said, angrily staring out the door toward the Diamond S. “One thing Texas hasn’t been short of since the war’s men long on shootin’ talents and short on cash money. And that doesn’t take into account all the renegade bluecoats run off from the army posts or the washed-up buffalo hunters.”
    â€œNo,” Caulie agreed. “Next thing is to get hold of some dynamite. We’ll need fuse, too. Five to ten minute lengths. Three charges ought to get the job done. Marty and I can set ’em. We’ll need a third fellow to tend the horses and watch our rear.”
    â€œI’ll speak to Hernando,” Marty offered. “He’s steady.”
    â€œNo,” Dix objected. “Anybody leaves Ox Hollow, a dozen folks’ll know. Better to speak to Joe Stovall. I use him sometimes on the ranch. I can send him out toward dusk, say he’s gone to mend fence or look to the stock.”
    â€œThen as soon as you get me the dynamite, we’re ready,” Caulie said, grinning grimly. “The rest is up to you.”
    â€œI’ll get the dynamite to Marty. You’ll be set to go tomorrow night?”
    Caulie nodded, then led his friends to the door.
    He thought to make a third and final scout of the dam that next afternoon, but he’d scarcely left the cabin when he came upon Abe Jenkins and a young cowboy.
    â€œShould’ve known you’d be