Yes, there is a time and a way for everything, even as people’s troubles lie heavily upon them.” –Ecclesiastes 8:6 (NLT)
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“Oh, I do hope Betty likes the tea set,” spoke Molly giddily as she swayed from side to side moving with the train.
I smiled, thinking absentmindedly how I enjoyed riding the train. The swaying motion and the clickety-clack along the rails. I easily fell asleep when I rode a coach, but not on this trip with Molly. She was so happy with her purchases, and no, I didn’t have to rent another baggage car, but did have to invest in a small trunk for her gifts.
She looked out the window, then quickly glanced over at me. “Miles, I thought I saw some horsemen,” then she shrugged, and began talking about our trip. “What did you think of Governor Eaton?”
Pulling on my moustache, I pondered a moment. “I think at heart he is a good man. He is making changes with the ranching and farming aspects of the state, not dwelling so much on the mining industry as other governors did.”
“Is that good?”
“Probably good for the ranchers and farmers, but I’m not sure the mining conglomerates agree. He needs to remember that it was the gold and silver that built this state and at the same time help out the other business ventures out there. I was glad to see that he had Father Dyer with him on several occasions. I’m familiar with the ol’ Methodist preacher and I know he wouldn’t put up with any sham.”
“Why are you shaking your head?” asked Molly with a grin on her face.
“Memories, I guess. The Lord sure has put me through the experiences,” I paused, looking into her eyes, “and He has always seen me through them. And what’s more, He always will.”
She chuckled, “Oh, the Pale Rider.”
“Yes, the Pale Rider. I’ve told you about my experiences with that, that renegade.”
Her face turned grim. “Miles, we’re slowing down.”
My mind went to her comment, “men on horseback.” There was only one passenger car along with two baggage cars on this train, and only ten passengers besides Molly and myself. “Here”, I reached into my pocket handing her a couple of shells for the Greener. “If I give the shotgun to you, reload it quickly.” I stood up and moved to the other side of the coach. “Everyone in here, get down in your seats. I’m Colorado Ranger, Miles Forrest, and I’m prone to say we might be in for a mite of trouble. No matter what, stay down!”
“Miles…”
Before the train had stopped, a man was coming through the rear door with gun in hand. “Drop it!” I commanded,
Don’t know why, but very seldom do those miscreants listen to me. He fired, hitting the seat to my left near the window. I cut loose with one barrel of the Greener knocking him back outside. There had to be more, and I wasn’t disappointed, a man stepped over his fallen comrade, looking down at him, then up to the deadly twin eyes facing him. He fired wildly and I shot the other barrel knocking him back and down off the coach.
I rushed to give Molly the shotgun, then turned to face the other door which was just opening. I didn’t hesitate…