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“YOU’RE REALLY GONNA do it ain’t ya?” Jed asked as he picked up the lead rope of his donkey. “You’re gonna take yourself to the Sheriff over ta Hester, and see if you’re a wanted man.”
“I am,” Titus said. “If nothing else maybe he’ll know of someone who went missing, or if someone’s been reported killed.”
“Well it don’t make no sense to me,” Jed said. “Ifn’ you was an outlaw, I think you’d wanna’ stay as far away from the Sheriff as you can, so to my thinkin’ you must be an honest man.”
Titus smiled, “Then I don’t have anything to worry about do I?”
Jed shook his head, shooing the younger man with his hand. “You do what you like, but the first thing I’m doing when I draw my money is get me a bath.”
Titus laughed, days of hard work and the constant dust of their job had baked a hard rind on both of them, and even with a quick wash at the spring, the dirt and dust of a mining operation had worked its way into everything.
“Maybe I’ll do the same,” he commented, “then the Sherriff will be able to see my face properly.” He laughed at the look Jed shot him, but noted the old man’s hidden smile.
***
“YOU COME ALONG WITH me young fella,” Old Jed called as he walked out of the assay office. “We need to make a stop before we go anywhere else.”
Titus fell into step with the old man following him along toward the general store. “What’s the hurry Jed?” he asked as they pulled open the door.
“Don’t you worry none about that. Just let me get what’s needed then we’ll talk.”
He walked toward the counter a big grin on his face.
“Howdy old-timer,” the store owner greeted, “what can I do for you today?”
“Well, I find I got myself a few varmints over ta my place,” Jed began, “snakes and such like. I thought I’d best buy me a shootin’ iron afore I head on home.”
The clerk eyed the old man, wondering about the request. Jed had been in to Hester several times in the past couple of years and never needed a pistol before.
“Let me show you what we’ve got,” the shopkeeper said. “Sure is nice seeing you here again Jed.”
“Always nice ta come in ta Hester,” Jed agreed, “been thinking of headin’ over ta Arizona way, though.” He mused, “Might find more color over there.”
Titus studied the old man, trying to keep any expression of surprise from his face. He’d been with Jed for nearly three months already and the man had never mentioned going to Arizona or needing a pistol.
“Well, I wish you good luck,” the shopkeeper said with a smile. “Now what kind of pistol are you looking for?”
A half hour later, Jed shoved a cold 45 and a worn holster into Titus’ hands. “You best carry that young fella,” Jed said. “I ain’t got the eyes for it no more. I’ll stick with my old shotgun.”
“But why do we need a gun?” Titus asked, ducking closer when Jed shushed him.
“Cause when I was over ta the assayers office, he said I found me a fine thread and that my silver was worth top dollar,” Jed whispered.
Titus blinked, was the old man saying they’d struck it rich?
“Wished the confounded fella would a’ had the sense ta keep his voice down though, they was some rough lookin’ men hangin’ about, and I didn’t like the look in their eyes when I took my money.”
Titus cast a glance around them but didn’t see anyone nearby. “What’d we get?”
Jed stopped, “That depends,” he said eyeing Titus. “You still headin’ over to the sheriff’s office after we get warshed up?”
“I am,” Titus stated determinedly. “If he knows anything, I want to hear it.”
“Alright then, we plumb made us one thousand dollars.”
Titus stopped dead in his tracks. The nagging voice in his head saying he needed money ringing like an alarm bell, but not offering him any answers.
If Old Jed really did split the haul with him, he’d be set for a long, long time.
“What ya waitin’ for,” Jed said, motioning him forward with a hand. “That bath ain’t gettin’ any closer with us standin’ in the street.”
***
“I’M SORRY SON. I’VE never seen a poster with your picture on it. Now if you want to claim responsibility for some nefarious activities, I’ll be glad to toss you in a cell.”
The sheriff of Hester Nevada smiled, his refined tones, and sophisticated language making Titus feel at ease.
“No sir, I don’t suppose I’d like to take the blame for anything I didn’t do, but if I remember I promise, I’ll come right back in.”
The sheriff chuckled, “Any man whose willing to come to the office, and see if he’s on a wanted poster is most likely not the kind of man I’m looking for,” he said.
“That’s what I been tellin’ him sheriff,” Jed spoke up. “Besides he’s been workin’ his tail off with me, and most men what falls in with a group of rep-ro-bates, ain’t much inclined ta hard work.”
“I couldn’t agree more Jed.”
Titus shook his head. He was no closer to knowing who he was, or where he’d come from.
No missing persons had been reported to the law, and he didn’t match a single description or drawing on a wanted poster.
“Besides,” Jed was saying, “I wouldn’t make no scaly-wag, a partner on my claim now would I?”
Titus turned incredulous eyes to the old prospector. “You don’t need to do that Jed,” he protested.
“Sure I do,” the old man grinned. “If you hadn’t been swingin’ the pick, I’d a been ages finding that seam. I made it official when I was down to the office, so’s that why I bought you that gun.”
The sheriff looked between the two men, one tall, and young with brown hair, and blue eyes, the other old, stooped, bearded and crotchety.
“Sounds like you earned it son,” the law man mused. “Anyone who can put up with Jed for more than a day or two’s earned whatever he can get.”
Together the Sheriff and Titus laughed while Jed glared at them.
“Well if that’s how you’re gonna be, I’m takin’ myself on over to Dom’s and getting me a steak. You can just eat hard tack and jerky.”
The old man spun on his rundown heel and headed for the door.
“Thank you for your help Sheriff,” Titus said, reaching across the desk to shake the other man’s hand. “I’ll check in with you the next time we’re in town.”
“You do that son, and watch your back. If anyone get’s wind of Jed’s strike there’s likely to be trouble.” The lawman’s hard eyes were serious.
“Yes, sir,” Titus agreed, adjusting the pistol on his hip. He didn’t even know if he could shoot it.
