The Andre Norton Megapack - 15 Classic Novels and Short Stories

scout did.”
    “What scout—that Indian who got away with your partner? I heard rumors that Kitchell had links with bronco Apaches, but I didn’t believe any white man could stoop so low.”
    “That Indian”—Drew felt as if he were walking a very narrow mountain ledge in the dark, with a drop straight down to the middle of the world on one side—“was a Pima, one of the Stronghold scouts.”
    “So—Hunt Rennie did know about those horses!” Bayliss pounced.
    “He did not! He sent us to the mustanger camp with a message, and the Pima rode scout for us. It’s a regular order on the Range—take one of the Pimas if you are goin’ any distance from where you can fort up. You can find out that’s true easily enough.” Drew was striving to keep a reasonable tone, to find an answer which must pierce through Bayliss’ rancor. After all, Bayliss could not have held his present rank and station so long and been all hot-headed plunger.
    “What was this so-important message Rennie had to have delivered to a camp of Mex mustangers?” Bayliss bored in. Even in the lantern’s restricted light Drew could see the flush darkening the other’s face.
    “They are havin’ trouble with a wild stud—a killer. Mr. Rennie wants him killed, quick. He sent the two of us out to help—thought with more hands it could be done.”
    “Kirby!” Bayliss’ fists were on his hips, his head pushed forward from his shoulders until his sun-peeled face was only inches away fromthe bars between them. “Do I look like a stupid man, a man to be fed stories? You ride into town on a blooded stud, with a mare of like breeding, and a belt loaded down with gold. You give out that you served with Forrest—Forrest, a looting guerrilla and a murdering butcher! You’ve heard of Fort Pillow, Kirby? That’s what decent men remember when anyone says ‘Forrest’ in their hearing! Only you can’t even prove you were one of that gang of raiders, either, can you? Now I’ll tell you just who and what you are.
    “You’re one of Kitchell’s scavengers, come into town with gold for supplies and a chance to contact the people you want to meet. I’ve known for a long time that Topham, Rennie, and probably a dozen other so-called citizens of that miserable outlaws’ roost are backing Kitchell. Now here’s a chance to prove it!”
    “Not through me, you don’t,” Drew cut in. “I’m just what I said I was from the beginnin’, Captain. And you can’t prove anything different.”
    “I don’t have to prove it; you’ve convicted yourself, Kirby. You can’t account for the gold you’re carrying. And, if you rode with Forrest, where’s your parole? You know you were told to carry it. I can deal with you just as any horse thief is dealt with. Why, I’ll wager you can’t even prove ownership of those horses you brought with you. Where’re your sale papers? On the other hand, Kirby, if you do give us the evidence we need against Kitchell and those who are helping him, then the court might be moved to leniency. How old are you? Nineteen—twenty—? Rather young to hang.”
    “Captain, I can prove everything I’ve told you. In Kentucky I have kin. They can—”
    “Kentucky!” Bayliss snorted. “Kentucky is far away, Kirby. Do you expect us to sit around waiting for some mythical kin of yours to appear from Kentucky with another set of lies to open this door?” He pounded with one fist against the cell portal. “I’m a reasonable man, Kirby, and I’m not asking too much—you know that. What’re Kitchell, Rennie, Topham to you that you’re willing to face a noose for them?”
    “Kitchell I know nothin’ about—except what I’ve heard and that’s not good.” Drew sat down on the bunk, partly because the chill which had crept down his back had poured into his legs and they felt oddly weak under him. “Reese Topham and Mr. Rennie—as far as I’m concerned they’re honest men. I don’t think, Captain, that you can prove I’m not, either.”
    “There is such a thing as over-confidence, Kirby, and it always comes to the fore in your kind!” Bayliss returned. “But after you do some serious thinking I believe you’ll begin to see that this is one time you’re not going to be able to lie or ride yourself out!”
    He left without a backward glance. Drew picked up the plate, pushed the spoon back and forth through the congealing mess left on it. He could not choke down another mouthful. Just how much power did