2

Two hours after sunup the next morning found the Ranger at the gate of the Rocking B Ranch. Two men were working a colt in one of the corrals. They stopped to watch Taggart while he eased Mike through the gate and into the yard. The younger of the pair kept his hand on the butt of an old Navy Colt hanging at his hip.

“What can we do for you, Mister?” the older man asked.

“Are you Troy Burnham?

“I am,” Burnham confirmed. “This is my boy, Tom.”

“We don’t care for strangers comin’ around,” Tom snapped. “The smartest thing for you would be to turn that fancy pinto of yours around and ride on outta here. Make sure you close the gate on your way out.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that,” Taggart replied. “I’m not here to cause you or your pa any trouble, but I do have to ask you some questions. My name’s Clay Taggart. I’m a Texas Ranger, and I’m after your brother Travis. Been on his trail for quite awhile now.”

“You ain’t gonna find him here,” Tom growled.

“I’d rather speak with your pa, son,” Taggart answered. “Mr. Burnham, would you mind if I got off my horse?”

“No, I don’t mind,” Troy replied. “Reckon I couldn’t stop you anyhow.”

“Thanks. I won’t take up much of your time.”

Taggart swung from his saddle.

“Now you’re dismounted. Speak your piece,” Troy said.

“All right. Is Travis here?”

“No, he ain’t!” Tom snarled.

“I was speakin’ to your father, not you,” Taggart retorted. “Mr. Burnham, is your boy here, or has he been here recently?”

The elder Burnham shrugged. A look of utter hopelessness crossed his face.

“There’s no point in lyin’ to you. You’d figure it out soon enough anyway,” he sighed. “Travis was here. Arrived the night before last. Took some grub, ammunition, and a fresh bronc. He lit out just after dark last night.”

“He say which way he was headed?”

“Don’t tell this lawman anythin’ more, Pa,” Tom urged.

“Son, I know you love your brother. So do I,” Troy responded. “But he’s no good. Hasn’t been since he growed

up. If this man doesn’t stop him, he’ll rob and murder more innocent folks. Sooner or later Travis is bound to die with a bellyful of lead, or hangin’ from a cottonwood limb. I’m not gonna protect him any longer.”

To Taggart he continued, “Travis didn’t say where he was goin’. He headed south from here. My guess is Mexico.”

“That’s what I figure too,” Taggart answered. “What’s he ridin’ now?”

“A big-chested bay gelding with a sock on his near forefoot,” Troy answered.

“That’s one good horse,” Tom broke in. “You’ll have a heckuva time catchin’ up to my brother with that pinto of yours. He’s pretty, but I’ve never seen a spotted horse with much bottom.”

“Well, you’re lookin’ at one now,” Taggart said. “Mike’ll outlast just about any other horse in Texas. But I won’t catch Travis standin’ here palaverin’. I’d best get ridin’.”

“You want some coffee or chuck, Ranger?” Troy asked.

“Can’t take the time. I’ve got plenty of grub in my saddlebags. But thank you for the offer, and the information. I know it wasn’t easy for you to answer my questions. I’ll try and take your boy alive if at all possible.”

“Don’t matter none.” Troy’s voice was thick with despair. “Travis made his choice a long time ago. I reckon it’d be best if you kill him with a bullet, rather’n him bein’ jailed and dyin’ at the end of a rope.”

“That’ll be his decision,” Taggart answered. “Tom, Mr. Burnham, again, muchas gracias. Adios.”