Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life.” –Ecclesiastes 5:18(NLT)
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McBride’s telegram simply stated, “All set, welcome aboard.” I was in the process of opening Blasco’s when a down-on-his-luck miner burst through the doorway. “Marshal, come quick. He’s killin’ them!”
I stood up, grabbed the Greener, then asked, “Killin’ who?”
“A big guy up at Death’s Door was stompin’ ol’ Gus, when the deputy tried to stop him,” the man stopped looking at the floor. “Poor guy,” he muttered.
Lucas, and with that thought I rushed out the door. Running up the hill, I then cut behind some buildings as the saloon mentioned was on the back street. Not a well-to-do place. Mateo was out of town checking on some stock at Thompsons. I prayed as I ran.
The saloon loomed in front of me so I slowed to a walk so I could get my breath back. I sure didn’t want to be going into a fight short of breath. Stopping at the bat-wing doors I breathed deeply a couple of times then peered over the doors. The man was right, a big man was kicking the life out of a man on the floor. I didn’t see Lucas at first, but then spotted a leg sticking out from under a table.
It was time to end this. “If you kick that man one more time I’ll blow your kneecap off!” I barked, leveling the shotgun.
He turned and snarled at me. Whooeee, he was a big-un; made at least two of me. “Now step back and take off that gunbelt.”
I started toward him. He grunted, “Big man with a shotgun. You put that down, we’ll fight even.”
“You just do what I say! Now, or I might have to thump you.”
The distance had closed between us, but I knew to keep enough space where he couldn’t grab the Greener. He feigned to unbuckle his belt, but lunged at me instead. I was half expecting something and instead of retreating I advanced, using the barrel of the shotgun like a bayonet. I plunged it hard into his gut. He groaned, giving out a muffled shriek and fell to his knees. I was tempted to thump him on the head for spite.
I looked around for a familiar face, but didn’t recognize anyone but the barkeep. “Fenny, here, hold this on him.”
Tossing him the shotgun I hurried over to Lucas lying on the floor, unconscious. He was breathing and I didn’t see any blood on him. I slapped him lightly on the cheek. Nothing.
“Marshal,” hollered Fenny, “Copper just slugged him, then kicked him.”
By that time Doc had arrived. He rushed to Lucas, then opened his bag. He had a little vial that he waved under Lucas’ nose. Lucas gave a jump, then tried to sit up. His eyes were open, but they were groggy. “Easy, easy there boy. You just lie back and get your bearings.”
Doc looked at me, “Now what did you do to that big fellow? You didn’t thump him did you?”
“No, he ran into the barrel of my gun.”
Doc, stepping over to the man. “The Greener I suppose? Help me get him into that chair.”
“Doc,” came a deep moan, “I feel busted up inside, I…”