As I walked out of Foster’s I heard shouting, “Where’s my horse!” came the angry voice. “If’n someone’s playin’ a trick I’m not carin’ much for it!” He looked at his two compadres.
He went out into the street and began looking up and down. Throwing his hands on his hips the frustration was apparent. Looking back at his friends, “Where’s the marshal’s office?”
“There ain’t no marshal, Lefty, he was killed a few days back,” stated one of his friends as he walked back to the boardwalk.
“Then the sheriff. I need my horse!” he exclaimed.
I walked up to him and started to speak, when he spotted my badge. “You the sheriff? I want my horse, what are you doin’ about it?”
“Now just simmer yurself,” I said. “I’m not the sheriff, he’s up to Silverton currently.”
The three of them looked at me, but the one called Lefty was surely puzzled. “You’re wearin’ a badge, can’t you do something? I’ve got to get back to the ranch, and that horse wasn’t rightly mine.”
The other two stood there nodding in agreement. I turned my attention to them. “You fellas got a name?”
One of them backed up a step when asked, but his partner spoke right up. “Jed Fountain.”
“And you?”
“Uhh,” he slurred something.
“Listen friend, all I asked for is your name. You runnin’?”
He lifted his chin, and blurted, “No sir, I, well, I did some time, and I know what some of you lawmen think of former inmates.”
I sighed, “Your name.”
“Link Doyle.”
Staring at him, I looked hard, “Listen Mister, I don’t care much for your past if you’ve paid your dues, I’m interested in the way your walkin’ now, so get that chip off your shoulder.”
“What I want to know is, what are you goin’ to do about my horse?” asked Lefty impatiently.
I could understand his frustration and anger. A man wasn’t much good around here without a horse, and now he was probably going to be in trouble with his boss. He may get fired, but if he’s a good hand, more then likely will take it out of his pay.
“Lefty, you got a last name?” I questioned.
“Monroe,” he blurted quickly the frustration showing.
“Well, Lefty, I’m a Deputy U.S. Marshal, and right now it’s out of my jurisdiction. So, I’m goin’ to wait for the sheriff to get back and hand it over to him.”
I watched him clench his fist. “Why, by that time he could be down in New Mexico, or, or anywhere.”
“Mister Lowell, ain’t gonna like you losin’ one of his horses,” spoke out Fountain.
Lefty uttered an oath, then slapped his hat against his leg. I could see he was a mite concerned over the situation, that was a good sign.
“Let me tell you one thing, Lefty, that kind of prayer won’t get you much. You ought to be askin’ the good Lord what to do next instead of cussin’, plus there’s women and youngsters present,” I informed him.
His eyes widened in surprise that I had chided him that way. It almost brought a smile to him.
I knew Bill Lowell, he was a good man. He had a nice spread on Yellowjacket Creek on toward Pagosa. He did most of his trade in Pagosa Springs, but lately he had been coming to Durango. Bill took care of his men, and I didn’t think Lefty would get fired, but I also knew that he wouldn’t take kindly to his horse being stolen.
The three men just stood there, then Lefty caught eye of Lucas. Anger rose in him again, “Say, Kid, did you see who took my horse?”
He took a step toward Lucas and I cut him off. “Leave him alone. He has already told me what he knows.”
I knew Lefty was just frustrated and he didn’t know what to do. I placed my hand on his shoulder, “Let’s go see Vexler. I’m sure he’ll loan you a horse. I’ll vouch for you to him and to Mr. Lowell.”
Looking at me with wide eyes again, “You don’t know me. I might just ride out of here.”
I looked at him and smiled. “I don’t think you will, plus if you do I’ll have to come after you.”
He looked confused. “You’d come after me, but you won’t go after who stole my horse?”
“Didn’t say that, I said I was goin’ to wait until the sheriff comes back,” I responded then looked at Molly then down at Lucas. My attention went to Fountain and Doyle. “Why don’t you guys go down to the diner. Molly, here, will get you a piece of pie, on me.” I slapped Lucas on the shoulder. “Your work is over for the day. Molly be sure Lucas gets a piece as well.”
I started to walk on, but Lefty lingered, his hat being rolled in his hands. “Ma’am,” he pleaded, “I sorta would like a piece as well…”