Authentic Tales of the West: Part 5

Plan B

Arnold Ashford’s Journal Entry #5

Authentic Tales of the Wild West: Part 5

Turns out, Denver’s famous “Plan B” didn’t actually involve Denver. At least not a Denver that was still breathing. After Sweet Alice Sweetwater shocked the folks of Dodge City and ended their long running struggle against the Fields Gang, it seemed like the town itself breathed a sigh of relief, right down to the dirt road that Denver died on. It was a short breath.

Barely an hour later, the Fields Gang came riding back into town, whooping and hollering like their boss was still riding at the head of the pack. They slowly, and loudly, made their way through town; didn’t stop for nothing ‘cept to briefly admire a horse owned by George Wesley, who owns the local General Store. They all seemed to defer to a man that I hadn’t previously seen about town. It was him what stopped short to appreciate the beautiful black mare owned by George.

George called out to the man that was eyeing his horse, “Don’t you know what happened to the last Outlaw who came about here? Haven’t these loggerheads told you?” The man’s affect immediately changed from appreciation of the impressive horse to utter disdain for the man who had addressed him. “’Course I did. Why do you think I’m here. I knew Denver well, and I’m here to take up for him.” He spit at George’s feet. “And I think I like your horse. We’ll be seeing you.”

He slowly continued his ride through town, not stopping, but curtly nodding his hat at Alice as he rode past the Jail. Once he and the rest of the gang were out of sight, I approached Alice and asked if she knew who this newcomer was. “Not sure” she said. “But if I had to guess, the way he was looking at George’s charger, I reckon that might be Hoss. Stay alert Ash.”

— Check back next Monday for a new entry in Ashford’s journal —