Читать книгу Settling The Score - George McLane Wood - Страница 47

Chapter Ten

There, just ahead, way off, directly into the sun, Jeff could see him plainer now. He’s still walking beside his horse, his head’s down, and his poor critter’s limping too. So your pony lost his shoe, has he, Lester? Don’t look around yet, Lester. Jeff eased Winnie up to the crook of his arm where she was used to riding and he put her on half cock.

“Do you see something up ahead, Jeff?”

“Yeah, I do,” Jeff whispered, “and keep your voice low. A loud voice carries far over flat country and I wanna catch up to that hombre.”

“I don’t see nobody around us, Jeff.”

“Shush, you!”

Jeff slid off the rump of Ed’s gelding and started walking. He picked up his pace into a faster walk, and like an Indian, he was walking lightly, like a cat, and being careful so he didn’t scuff his boots or kick a rock and make noise. Ed began dropping farther back. That was okay. I won’t need him, Jeff thought. He kept gaining on Lester. Ed was trailing farther behind. Jeff kept up his rapid pace, but he stayed far enough away from his prey; he knew he’d better stay out of pistol range. Lester was walking slowly. With his head down, he’s gotta be gettin’ tired. Most horsemen are never used to walking much, and this man still hadn’t looked back. Lester’s poor pony was limping along beside him.

Lester must be in deep thought; his mind’s wrapped around my killing and how they’ve planned it. Well, old son, you’re getting ready to get your chance, only you ain’t gonna have an edge. This edge is going go to someone else this time, pard’.

Jeff turned and hand-signaled, Stay behind me and be quiet. Ed understood and did as instructed; he slowed his horse down to a stop, knowing he was about to witness a killing.

Jeff was facing the sun. Lester did have that advantage. Careful now, he cautioned himself. Jeff pulled his hat brim low, just over his eyes so the glare wasn’t so bothersome. He eased Winnie to full cock, and at seventy-five yards away, he stopped, set her butt plate against his right hip, planted both his boots square in the road, and took a deep breath. Jeff loudly cleared his throat.