Lou Silt Read online

  “Whoa, Bella,” I said as I pulled on the reins. “Hey cowboy; ain’t you a sight for sore eyes.”

  “Good to see you, Lou. I did not expect to meet up with you until Lost Path.” He waved his arm to the coming trail of soldiers behind him. “Look what I brought you. A bunch of greenhorn soldier boys with a raw West Point officer. At least they got a First Sergeant who knows what he is doing. Without him they would be wandering in circles for the next few years. I sure hope that them Nez Perce we been hearing about do not come our way. These army boys ain’t going to be worth the powder they are carrying. Come on in and see Breezy.”

  We turned our horses and headed back to the train which had stopped for the night. The wagons had drawn into a circle and some men were erecting tents. We approached and dismounted by the regimental colors. A very short officer with a scraggly beard stood waiting for us. He looked like a boy fresh off the farm.

  “Lou, this here is Lieutenant Scribine and this is Sergeant Gregg. Gentlemen, this is Marshal Lou Silt. He is the law in Lost Path.”

  I stepped forward and shook the hand of the Lieutenant and his sergeant. Gregg was a large and imposing man. His creased and weathered face held a lot of experience and a wealth of character. I saw right away what Hitch meant about him.

  “A pleasure to meet you both,” I said. “The town looks forward to your coming. As I told Captain Lawton, we have almost no trouble with the local Crow Injuns but all this talk of the Nez Perce coming our way has the populace a little on edge. It will be good to have your presence nearby.”

  “It is our duty and pleasure to be of assistance. Will you please join me for dinner once camp is set up?”

  “Glad to accept the invite. Right now I have to see a friend; please excuse me.”

  Hitch and me headed to a wagon at the rear of the train. I saw Breezy jump down from the wagon and come running. She was back in her men’s duds and looking like a real cowboy. I got down from Bella as she leaped into my arms.

  “Hey, Lou, it sure is good to see you.”

  I gave her a big hug. “Good to see you too, Breezy. How was your stay in Cheyenne?”

  “Well, it was an experience. Miz Tallis was right nice and all but them travelers that come to her place was mighty fussy and finicky. I never have seen the likes of such spoiled and lazy folks. Them that come from back east was hardly able to take care of themselves. They get way too soft in them cities. I will be glad to get back to Lost Path.”

  She stepped back from me and her face changed from happiness to a sad frown.

  “Hitch told me what happened with Rafe and Haydn. I am sorry you had to deal with my kin. I ain’t going to be shedding any tears over the likes of them. As for Josephus, you might have been better off finishing him. He is mean as all get out and will never let go of his hate. I only hope that Dorcus is well. When we return I will have to go and see her and find out what she will do. I will try once again to get her and the others off that mountain.”

  I put my hand on her shoulder. “I am sorry about all this Breezy. I never meant to kill your kin no matter how bad they was. I had no choice and regret it all. When we return I will be glad to go up to see Dorcas with you. I have not heard anything from them since Haydn died. We have them buried in Lost Path until we get word from Old Dorcas.”

  Hitch clapped his hands. “Hey, nothing we can do now. They settled their own fate. Let’s eat. You got any of that stew left, Breezy?”

  He turned to me. “Lou, after you get done with that little soldier boy, come on back and bunk down with us. We got plans to talk over. Me and Breezy decided to get hitched up and we been thinking of stealing Dorcas off that mountain and bringing her to town. It don’t sound like life is going to be all that nice up there what with all the leadership in jail or dead.”

  “Funny you bringing that up, Hitch, ‘cause me and Violett is about to do the same. Some of the boys is already planning the big day.”

  Both Hitch and Breezy started whooping it up at this news. We all congratulated each other and I promised I would be back as soon as I had my dinner with the lieutenant.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  I entered the mess tent that had been set up. Lt. Scribine had a camp table for himself at the back of the tent. He sat there stiff as a board surveying his troops.

  “Good evening, Lieutenant.” I said as I removed my dust covered hat. “Thank you for the invite. I could use some food.”

  He acknowledged my presence with a half bow and gestured for me to sit.

  An orderly brought us plates of stew and cornbread along with steaming cups of coffee. As we ate Lt. Scribine told me of his hopes and plans for Lost Path and the coming of the railroad. He sounded mighty imperious and ambitious and seemed to have little or no thought about what the townspeople or the Indians might want.

  “As I see it,” he began to orate, “the west needs taming once and for all. As the Montana territory grows and gets more settled I see a great future, both for it and for me. I do enjoy the military but I am looking forward to a political career and here is where I will find my destiny.”

  I nearly bust out laughing at this pompous liitle greenhorn. I was loathe to comment on the grandiose visions of his future but was forced to halt his flow of self promoting blather to point out that maybe he was getting a little ahead of himself. I said that it might behoove him to first gain some understanding of the territory he felt destined to rule before anointing himself king. As he obviously looked upon me as some western bumpkin, he took no offense and merely rambled on. As soon as I finished my food I excused myself and lit out of that tent. I could see that if he was to be in charge of the post at Lost Path we would have to steer clear of each other. I did not believe that our small town could contain such a swelled head as rested on his West Point shoulders. For someone who had just ventured across the Mississippi for the first time he appeared totally blind as to what was around him. I guess he had yet to learn the lesson that Custer learned.

  As I exited the tent, I ran into Sgt. Gregg. “That Scribine seems to be awfully full of himself for such a new officer. I hope he has the capacity to listen to you or he will soon find himself at odds with both the townspeople and the Indians.”

  Gregg smiled and shook his head. “I seen these ambitious shave tails before. All full of piss and vinegar. They will learn or not. I will do what I can but I am afraid he will have to take some hard knocks before he understands what he is up against. I just hope it don’t cause any harm to my men. They are good troopers and I hope to make them experienced Indian fighters. I spoke at length with your pal Hitch and he filled me in on what we will be facing and also about your recent problems with the local outlaw family; Miss Breezy’s kin.”

  “Well, sergeant, they ain’t exactly an outlaw clan. I am hoping that the problems are over now, what with Josephus Larue being held and getting sent for trial. I hope we can work together and that your Lieutenant will grow up in one piece.”

  He smiled and shook out his pipe by banging it on his boot heel. When he looked up at me he only grinned. We shook hands and I went off to Hitch’s wagon. Breezy looked up as I approached. “Well Lou, how was eatin” with that little rooster? If he ain’t full of himself I sure don’t know who is.”

  “He is a piece of work, all right. He will change or he will not be out here long. Say Breezy, I thought Miss Camille would be coming back with you. The Doc seems a little low without her.”

  Breezy bade me to sit as she poured me a cup of chicory she had brewed. “Well, Lou, I don’t reckon she is coming back. We got right close down there in Cheyenne and she is one unhappy gal. Since they lost the boy things ain’t been the same with her and the Doc. I guess she blames the boy’s passing on him because the Doc wanted to come west and she thinks it was the winter cold that killed the poor thing. Plus she told me she was sick of the frontier. She come from some fancy family in Kentucky and was used to the genteel life. I know she wrote the Doc but I am guessing it were nothing he wanted to
talk about. I think she will stay in Cheyenne with the Doc’s sister or maybe go back to her kin. She loves the Doc but Lost Path just has too many bad memories for her. I don’t reckon she will ever get over the loss of her boy. I ain’t meaning to be cruel but between them dang travelers and Miz Camille being depressed all the time I was glad to get away from there. We have got to get up the mountain as soon as we get back. I fear for Dorcus and am not happy to hear you have had no contact with her.”

  “Sorry to hear that about Miss Camille. She is a fine woman and the Doc will surely miss her and her help. I just hope he don’t decide to go east with her. We will be in Lost Path by late tomorrow. As soon as I see to Josephus’ condition we will start up the mountain.”

  Hitch got up and refilled his cup. “How is that new fort coming, Lou.? Is it going to be ready in case we have to repel the Nez Perce coming to get us?” He grinned as he said this. “Well, Hitch, I know you think it is all silly but a lot of the town is scared. Why you think that renegade Injuns heading our way is a laughing matter?”

  “Hell, Lou, the Crow has always been friendly with the Nez Perce. I remember hearing tales about how they allied some years ago to fight the Sioux. I don’t think we got any worries coming from the Nez Perce. Most likely it is just another dispute over land and the army wanting them on the reservation. I expect we may have more trouble from our Crow Indians when that little shit Scribine tries to round them up. Most of the elders know it is futile to fight but the young warriors won’t be so easy to get convinced. That is why having an untested hand like the Lieutenant in charge can be just the spark to set off a war.”

  “I see what you mean, Hitch, but let us not get ahead of things. Maybe the army will send out someone else, someone who knows what they are doing. In the mean time between us and Sgt. Gregg let’s hope we can keep him on a short lead. Well, folks, I am for turning in. Scribine wants an early start so as to get to Lost Path before nightfall. If you don’t mind I will camp out under your wagon. And don’t you two children go makin’ a ruckus, you understand?”

  Breezy blushed and Hitch punched me in the shoulder.

  “Just who you callin’ children, Lou? I believe we is near the same age. Maybe it would be best if you go bed down with that Lieutenant.”

  We all had a good chuckle at the thought of that happening. We turned in for the night to the sound of wolves howling in the distance. CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  I was roused early by the noise of the troopers preparing to depart. The sun had yet to rise and the camp was filled with the comings and goings of shadowy figures. Horses neighed and the smell of coffee filled the air. A quick trip to the army’s hastily dug latrine and a sip of US government coffee got me to moving in a hurry.

  I got Bella saddled and rode up to the front of the troop to greet the Lieutenant.

  “Good morning to you,” I said, doffing my hat. “Looks like a beautiful day.” He nodded and asked, “How long do you estimate to arrive in Lost Path?”

  “Well, sir, if we keep to a lively pace I think we should arrive before nightfall.”

  He turned to Sergeant Gregg. “Sound the trumpet, Sergeant. Let us get moving.”

  At the sound of the trumpet the troop wheeled into formation and set off. I held back to join Hitch and Breezy. Following them were the equipment wagons, field artillery and the mess wagon. Tailing everyone was a squad of troopers bringing up the rear. Luckily the weather was dry and sunny so as not to cause any mud or excessive dust. The Sergeant led the men in marching songs and the troops colors fluttered in the light breeze. It was a sight to set ones heart soaring and we all joined in with the troopers songs.

  We kept to a steady pace throughout the day. We saw plenty of game. Elk, deer, and grouse dotted the prairie but we chose not to stop. As we were nearing a small rise that would eventually fall to the valley which held Lost Path, a tiny cloud of dust appeared in the far distance. Sergeant Gregg signaled to me to join the Lieutenant at the head of the troop. I heeled Bella around and galloped ahead.

  “What is it?” I asked.

  “Appears to be a single rider heading our way and he is in some kind of hurry.”

  We continued on and within a few minutes I saw it was Jess Waldo whipping his horse and riding hell bent for leather. He pulled up and leapt from his horse.

  “Lou,” He gasped. “We got trouble.”

  I jumped down from Bella and grabbed him by both arms.

  “Whoa there, Jess. Take a breath. What has happened?”

  He bent double and fought for breath. “It’s Josephus. He got free. We was watching him but I reckon he was in better shape than we thought. He jumped the Doc and shot Busy. I was at the Black Dog and heard the gunfire. I ran to the Doc’s place but Josephus was gone when I got there. The Doc was OK and was trying to help Busy. I heard more gunfire and ran back to the Black Dog. I nearly got trampled by Josephus as he was heading out of town. I would have taken a few shots at him but I was afraid of hitting Miss Violett.”

  I grabbed him by the throat. “What the hell are you saying? Where was Violett?”

  “Hell, Lou, he had her across his saddle.”

  I do not know what came over me but I struck Jess across the face and knocked him to the ground. I pulled my Colt and probably would have shot him but Sgt. Gregg stopped me.

  “Hold up, Marshal, just what the hell are you doing? Ain’t this man your deputy?”

  By this time Hitch and Breezy had run up to me. “Shit, Lou,” Hitch said. “Get up Jess. Lou, you put up that pistol. Get a hold of yourself.”

  I was all in a jumble. I swung up onto Bella. “Josephus broke out and he has Violett. I have to get back to town. Jess, get up and let’s go. I am mighty sorry I struck you but hellfire, man you had a simple task and you were in the saloon.”

  Jess rose slowly and threw his badge on the ground. “I ain’t no deputy no more. You had no right to do that.”

  I glared down at him. “Pick up that badge and get mounted or I will kill you where you stand.”

  “Never mind that talk, Lou.” Hitch said, “You ain’t thinking clearly.” He turned to Jess. “Get back to our wagon and bring it in with the troopers. I will come with you, Lou.” Hitch climbed on Jess’ horse and told Breezy to go back to the wagon with Jess. She started to say something but thought better of it. She grabbed Jess and they ran back to the wagon.

  “Come on, Hitch. We ain’t got time to waste.” I turned to the troopers. “Sorry about this Lieutenant but we must go. Jess will lead you in to town.”

  The soldiers stood there in a confused state as Hitch and I wheeled our horses around and took off at a full gallop.

  My mind was swirling at the prospect of Violett being hurt. I chastised myself for ever leaving town while Josephus was not locked up. I felt my head would explode. We nearly ran our horses into the ground but managed to arrive in Lost Path before the sun began to sink. We leapt off our horses at Doc’s office and charged in. Doc had Busy on his operating table with two men holding him down. He looked up as we charged in.

  “I’m mighty sorry, Lou. He had me fooled and poor Busy paid the price.”

  With that Busy let out a howl as Doc was cleaning out his wound. Luckily the bullet had passed through him but he had lost a lot of blood. Doc patched him up as he lay moaning.

  “Any you men see what happened?” I said. They shook their heads. Al Berg came in the door.

  “Lou, thank god you are back. It happened so fast. Violett was outside for a breath and I heard her screaming and when I run out the door I saw Josephus riding off with her. He let off a couple of shots. A bunch of us ran out back to get horses from the stable but we found Bill Bird knocked unconscious and all the horses scattered. As soon as we caught one Jess took off to get you. We figured you must be close. We thought it was smarter to wait and see what you wanted to do. I imagine he will be heading back up the mountain.”

  I dropped to my knees. My head was spinning. What had I brought down on us? I put my hands to t
he side of my head. I had to think clearly. The Doc and Hitch lifted me up and sat me down. The Doc fetched a glass of water and made me drink it.

  I looked around the room and everyone was waiting to be told what to do and I realized I had to make some decisions. I put my hand to my badge that was pinned to my vest. I stood up. “Boys, this is my doing and I will take care of it. Hitch we need supplies and fresh mounts.” I turned to Al. “Have you rounded up the horses?” He nodded. “Is Bill OK?” He nodded again. “Good, we will get more ammo and supplies and head out. Jess and the army should be here soon. Inform Captain Lawton about what has

  happened. Let’s go, Hitch, I want to leave as soon as possible. There will be a full moon tonight and we can cover some ground.”

  I turned to leave but Hitch held me back. “Stop and think a minute, Lou. Tonight ain’t a good time to start. We got to get our gear in order. Besides he is probably going to hole up there and what are just the two of us going to do against a barricaded settlement that we don’t even know the full layout of? Let us wait for Breezy. She can tell us about the place and what our best chances are for getting close unseen. We go charging in there and we will most likely be cut down. That won’t do Miss Violett no good.”

  “I know all that but I can’t wait. Who knows what that bastard will do? I would never forgive myself if something happened to her.”

  “I know, Lou, but we must think a little. Old Dorcas is up there. Maybe she will talk some sense to him. Also he may not even be going there. Who knows where he might be heading. If he is running I doubt he will take a female with him. He may have just left her out on the trail and she is walking back now.”

  “If that is the case, then let’s go. You can read sign.”