Chapter Fifteen
“Where’s Gabe?” Lena pushed through the door of the sheriff’s office, her breath coming in gasps.
“He rode out to one of the southern ranches an hour ago. What is it? Are you all right?” Cash grabbed a chair. “Sit and tell me what happened.” He walked over to the stove and poured her a cup of coffee. “Here.” Handing her the cup, he leaned against the desk.
She wanted her husband, not coffee, but she wouldn’t refuse Cash’s gesture. Taking a sip, she sat back, thinking through what she’d seen at the mine.
“I just got back from the Devil Dancer. I wanted to check on the Chinese men I sent there a few days ago. This morning, the manager found all four beaten and tossed into one of the wagons. My God, Cash. They were bruised and bloody, hardly able to move. The problem is they don’t speak English. Even if they could, they don’t seem interested in helping us learn who hurt them. I need Gabe to help make them understand we need to know who did this.”
Reaching out, Cash rested a hand on her shoulder. “Gabe may not be back for hours. I’ll get John and ride out to the mine.”
“All right. Let’s go.” She stood, setting the cup down.
“Not you. Just John and me.”
“I’m responsible for what happens there. Of course I’m going.” She placed fisted hands on her hips, glaring at him.
“Lord… Are you this obstinate with Gabe?”
“Of course. I’ll get my horse and let Nick know what’s happening.”
Cash followed her outside, dashing toward the lumber mill. “Silas! Where’s John?”
“In the back. Why?” Silas trailed after Cash as he moved past him. “What’s going on?”
He stopped and looked around, not seeing John until Silas pointed to him.
“John, the deputy needs to talk to you.”
Cash saw a look of fear cross John’s face before he walked around several stacks of wood to join them.
“There’s been some trouble at the Devil Dancer. I need you to come with me to translate so I can find out what’s going on.”
John’s gaze shifted to Silas before returning to Cash. “Yes, I can translate.”
“Do you have a horse?”
“No horse.” John shook his head.
“Do you know how to ride?” Cash tilted his head, already thinking about where he could get a wagon.
“Take my wagon,” Silas offered. “It’s already loaded with a shipment for the mine. I can send Monty along to help unload.”
“Great. Let’s get going.” Cash hurried to the livery, saddled Hunter, then rode out onto the street to see Lena waiting for him. “John and Monty will be coming on the wagon. They have a load to deliver to the mine.” The words had just left his mouth when Monty, John sitting next to him, drove the wagon out of the lumber mill side yard and came to a stop.
“We’re ready, Deputy.”
Monty slapped the reins as Cash and Lena took the lead.
“I told Nick what’s going on. He’s going to find Beau and let him know.”
“Thanks, Lena. Don’t worry. We’ll find out what happened and arrest those responsible.” Cash felt his gut tighten. He had a bad feeling, believing the beatings would involve some or all of the miners who’d caused the disturbance at the lumber mill. The last thing the mine, or Lena, needed was a revolt over the hiring of Chinese workers.
The trip took almost two hours, the wagon lumbering along at a frustrating pace. At one point, Cash almost pulled John up behind him on Hunter so they could ride ahead, but he didn’t want to leave Monty to finish the journey alone.
They rode into the mining camp in early afternoon. A group of miners milled around near the office…some grumbling, others listening. No one seemed happy. Dismounting, Lena and Cash walked up to the group.
“Where is Reuben?” Lena stood, hands on hips, waiting for a response. “Well?” She glared at the man who’d been the leader of the miners who caused the problems at the lumber mill.
“Answer the lady.” Cash moved to within a foot of the man, his eyes cold, features hard.
Anger flashed in the man’s eyes before he turned, jerking his thumb toward a tent a hundred feet away. “He’s with those Chinamen he hired.”
“Come with me, John.” Cash signaled for him to follow, Lena keeping pace alongside.
“I don’t like any of this,” she whispered as they approached the tent Reuben used as a makeshift clinic.
Pulling back the flap, Cash looked inside, seeing the four men sitting near each other, Reuben doing his best to patch up their injuries. Their eyes widened when they saw John follow Cash into the tent, followed by Lena.
“Reuben, I’d appreciate it if you and Lena would wait outside.”
“No, I need—”
Cash fixed a hard stare on Lena when she began to protest. “You’ll wait outside, Lena. I’m here to get answers. They will talk more freely if neither of you are present.”
“He’s right, Mrs. Evans. If they decide to talk, we’ll find out what happened soon enough.” Reuben held the flap open for Lena to precede him out, not missing the scowl she aimed at Cash.
“All right, but I want you to tell me everything you learn.”
Cash nodded, watching her storm outside, then turned his attention to John.
“I need to know who did this and if they can identify them.”
John spoke in rapid Chinese, pointing to Cash a couple times. One of the men responded, the others shrinking into themselves, shaking their heads. After a few minutes, John nodded, then looked at Cash.
“Zhao says they can’t tell us. It was dark and the men wore hoods.”
The information didn’t surprise Cash. Cowards generally struck in the middle of the night and hid their identity. “Did something happen since they’ve been here? Threats or arguments?”
John spoke to Zhao again, listening to his response. “I am sorry, Deputy Cash. Zhao will say no more. They do not want to cause trouble.”
“These men would rather be beaten again, or killed, than tell you what is going on?”
John lowered his gaze to the ground, shaking his head. “They need to work.”
“I know they need to work, John, but I can’t help them if they don’t tell me what they know.” Cash’s voice dripped with frustration. Scrubbing a hand down his face, he tried to think of something, anything that might encourage them to help. “If we let the miners get away with this, it could make it harder for other Chinese to work for the mines.”
“Yes,” John muttered.
“Tell them what I said,” Cash growled, muttering a curse when John hesitated. “These could be the same men who threatened you at the lumber mill. It will keep happening if we don’t stop it. Now, tell them.”
John shrugged, his face somber as he turned back to Zhao. This time, his voice was stronger, holding a trace of rebuke. When Zhao shook his head, John’s voice grew louder until he stood, glaring down at the others. The four turned their backs on John, talking in whispers. Finally, Zhao looked back at John and spoke.
Nodding, John turned to Cash. “There is one man who threatens them. They don’t know what he is saying, but he shoves them, pushes them aside, and takes their tools when Boss is not looking.”
Cash considered this a moment before walking to the entrance to the tent, sneaking a quick look outside. Closing the opening, he thought a moment, then looked at John.
“Can Zhao point out the man who has threatened them if he looks through this opening?” He indicated the flap of the tent. “No one should be able to see him.”
John spoke to Zhao, who glanced at the others. No one moved for a moment, then one of the men nodded. Zhao’s grim face turned back to John. They exchanged a few words before Zhao stood, joining Cash.
“John, come over here. I want Zhao to look at the men. If he sees him, he needs to tell you which man.” Cash stepped to the side, then drew the flap open a couple inches.
Zhao bent low, squinting as he looked outside into the afternoon sun. After a moment, his eyes adjusted and Cash could see him scanning the group of men milling about. Then his gaze lit on someone or something, causing him to jerk away. He spoke to John in a quiet, yet excited voice, his eyes widening and narrowing as he continued talking.
John straightened, meeting Cash’s gaze. “The tall, slender man with dirty black hat and red suspenders. He is the man.”
Cash motioned for the two to move away from the tent opening. Taking their place, he pulled back the flap and stepped outside, stretching his arms over his head as he casually scanned the crowd. Twenty feet away stood the man Zhao described. The same man who’d led the disturbance at the lumber mill. The same man whose confrontational attitude sparked others to action. The same man who’d reluctantly pointed them toward the medical tent today. The knowledge didn’t surprise him.
Lena came up beside him, her hand resting on his arm. Reuben was nowhere in sight. “Did the men identify who beat them?”
Cash turned her away from the crowd, toward the tent, then lowered his voice. “Zhao spoke for the group. They didn’t see who beat them. The men came in the middle of the night and wore hoods. Zhao was able to point out one man who has harassed them since they started.”
“Who?”
“First, Lena, you need to understand the men are fearful for their jobs and of further retaliation. Plus, we have no proof this man was involved in the beatings last night. All we know is he’s been hassling them since they arrived.”
“Then we have to get him to talk.” She started to turn away, stopping when Cash grabbed her wrist.
“Not yet. He’ll deny it, and my guess is enough of the other miners will back him up. The result will increase their anger and put the Chinese workers in more danger.”
Lena pulled her arm free, letting out a breath. “What do you suggest?”
“You need to hire a few men you can trust to guard all the miners, keep watch on what’s going on, especially at night. Right now, you have Reuben. Do you trust him?” Cash noticed the mine manager approaching from the office, stopping to speak with some of the men, glancing toward Lena and him.
Her eyes widened. “Of course.”
“Anyone else?”
“There are two men who guard the shipments to town. Gabe sometimes accompanies them. We take small loads and make the trip twice a week, mixing up the days. The schedule doesn’t attract as much attention as large loads once a week. I’ve never seen a need to hire more guards.”
“Seems there’s a need now. Unless you want to fire the Chinese men.”
“No. If I let them go, I’d be making them victims twice.” She fell quiet as Reuben stopped beside them.
“Any progress?” Reuben shot a quick look at the tent, a scowl crossing his face.
Lena answered. “They can’t identify who beat them, but did point out one man who’s been harassing them since they started.”
“Who?”
Cash nodded toward the men who’d begun to disperse, returning to their work. “The tall one with black hat and red suspenders.”
“Galt. The man’s been a pain in my side since he started. Problem is, he’s a good worker. Starts early, works late, and does about twice the work of most men.” Reuben whipped off his hat, scratching the thin patch of hair on top of his head. “He’s also got strong opinions and a loud mouth. I’ve told him if he has a complaint to come to me, but he’d rather stir up trouble with the men than find any solutions. If I didn’t need him so much, I’d have fired him months ago. What do you suggest, Cash?”
“I’ve suggested Lena hire some extra men to patrol the mines day and night.”
“Can you afford extra men, Mrs. Evans? They’d have to be people you trust. I can’t watch over them twenty-four hours a day. I suppose we could let the Chinese workers go. That would stop the problems without hiring more men.”
“For how long, Reuben? No matter how much I pay them or the improvements to their living conditions, it seems the men always find something to complain about. Besides, it wouldn’t be right to punish the Chinese men more than they’ve already endured.” She let out a breath, thinking of the cost of adding guards. “Four men is the most I can add right now.”
Cash nodded. “Two men for each twelve hours should be enough. Their main job will be to keep watch on the Chinese men and make sure Galt, or any of the other miners, don’t cause trouble. Do you have any idea who you’d hire?”
“No, Cash. I plan to talk to Gabe and Nick. Do you have any suggestions?”
“Wish I did. I’m happy to pass the word, though. The sooner they’re out here, the sooner you can put this behind you and get back to the business of mining.” He looked up at the sky, noting the position of the sun. “We’d better start back. I’ll get John.”
“I had some men help Monty unload the wagon, Cash. He’s waiting for you on the other side of the office.”
“Thanks, Reuben. With luck, there’ll be some men out here to help you before too long. In the meantime, I’d appreciate it if you’d send word if there’s another attack…on anyone.”
Big Pine
“Ready?” Milt Penderville swung his horse in a circle as the sun began to drift behind the hills to the west. They’d waited long enough. It had been weeks since the failed bank robbery in Bloody Basin and their funds were getting low. Besides, Harry and he were tired of hiding out while their men went into town to gamble and carouse. They were the only two on wanted posters. The chance of getting recognized and arrested wasn’t worth a few hours of fun in one of several saloons in the territorial capital. They might be able to get away with it where they were headed.
Harry reined up alongside him. “Let’s go.” They’d decided to make a wide arc north, avoiding Big Pine to camp a few hours west. They’d camp overnight, then head out for Splendor early the next morning.
According to what their men had learned, the major threat of riding north was the potential of running afoul of a group of renegade Crow who populated the hill country beyond where the mines were located. The small band of young bucks concentrated their raids on ill-prepared and unsuspecting travelers. They’d swoop down from the hills, steal food supplies and cattle, take an occasional hostage, then storm back into the protection of the dense forest with hundreds of trails coming in and going out. Seldom did they kill. Still, they were a dangerous threat. Once the trail turned south, joining the main road out of Big Pine, the danger would lessen.
“The men heard they have a boardinghouse run by a pretty widow woman in Splendor. I say we stay there, clean up, and visit the local saloons. We should have a little fun before taking care of our business.”
A frustrated sigh and muttered curse was Milt’s reaction. “We stick with the plan, Harry, the same as we did in Big Pine. Showing our faces is too risky.”
“It’s been weeks since I had a hot bath and decent meal. You can stay at camp, but I’m riding into town with the men. You’re the one with a two thousand dollar bounty on your head. I’m worth no more than five hundred.”
Milt held his anger, knowing to show it would ignite a confrontation neither needed until they were well beyond Crow territory. Then he’d lay into his brother, put him in his place, and if necessary, pound some reason into him.
Milt had barely finished the thought when an ear-piercing yell split the night air. On their right, he could see a group of riders coming straight at them.
“Ride!” Milt kicked his horse into a run, bending low while reaching for his gun. He knew who was bearing down on them, and had been warned of the danger of traveling this trail.
The youngest son of the Crow chief had refused to participate in the annuity payments the United States government began disbursing to the tribe in 1868. His pride and arrogance led him and his followers—young men who believed the white men had taken what had been their birthright—to split from their tribe. Attacking white settlers was their way of recapturing some of what had been stolen from them.
The Penderville gang rode hard, putting little distance between them and skilled Crow riders. They couldn’t take time to glance over their shoulders for fear the effort would slow them down. Seconds felt like hours as they pushed their horses south toward the main road, the high-pitched cries from their painted enemies sending terror through each man.
Without warning, as if they’d passed through some kind of unseen barrier, the cries diminished. When all they heard was the pounding hooves of their own horses, Milt held up a hand, signaling them to stop. Counting, he breathed out a relieved sigh. All the men were alive.
“What was that about?” The fear in Harry’s voice mirrored the terror on the men’s faces.
“Hell if I know and I don’t care. We’ll rest our horses for a bit, then ride on to Splendor. I want to get out of this area before they change their minds and come after us.” Milt slid to the ground, bending at the waist, sucking in gulps of air. During all their months moving from town to town, robbing banks and the occasional train, they’d never been attacked by Indians. Perhaps that’s why he’d felt so cocky. He wouldn’t make the same mistake again.