A Town Called Sunrise

What They Don't Know Won't Hurt 'Em

Colt heard the shots and knew they weren't from any target shooting. He ran behind the buildings so he could hurry without attracting attention or giving cause for concern. A few visitors had made their way behind the buildings, some for a shortcut, others for more personal reasons. All shuffled about quickly when Colt came by, nodding and smiling.

As he got close he caught a glimpse of the horses behind the bank and the single rider, then he saw Jeremy and he called out. The deputy ducked and scurried back to cover, and Colt arrived beside him seconds later.

"There's the two of them . . . Casey knows as well. I told him to stand down but . . ."

"I saw the rider taking his mule. I hope we can stop them before he does."

Colt sent Jeremy after the rider and he swung around the bank to the front. Nigel was resting against the wall, his large shotgun across his lap.

"You okay?"

The old man nodded. "Just forgot what a kick old Doris here had."

"You named your gun Doris."

"Yup, reminded me of my passed wife."

"Where's Casey?"

"The feller that was at the corner took off across the street after Jeremy left. Don't know where he is now."

"You sit tight, Nigel," Colt patted his leg. "No more shooting." Then he crept across the front of the bank.

******

Casey crossed the street and around the back of the livery. He managed to get Waites' attention and told him to keep the prospectors inside. The assayer tried to object but seeing the barrel of Casey's gun had him thinking he'd better just do it.

Colt suddenly saw Bowie making a run for the livery, and cursed because he couldn't shoot. There was a roar from the prospectors, and a shot that silenced them. Casey came around to the front of the livery, and Colt made a dash across the street.

"Casey, wait!" His call was wasted as the prospector pushed his way through the crowd of stunned miners.

Bowie was surprised to find Casey after him, and he bulled his way through to the desk in the corner, grabbing Waites and holding him as a shield.

"Just like a low dirty snake," Casey challenged.

"Come on. old man. See what it costs to hang on to yer claim."

"His claim is no good!" Waites cried out, struggling in Bowies grasp.

Everything seemed to stop. Casey jerked back, looking at the assayer.

Bowie tightened his grip. "Whatta ya talkin' about?"

"It was iron pyrite. Fool's gold."

"Yer lyin'"

"No! It's true! I'm sorry, Mr. Casey. I just couldn't tell you to your face."

"It's a lie! I know real gold when I see it."

"Nice try, Waites." Bowie brought up his pistol.

******

Jeremy had followed Jitter and the horses around the end of the corral and back to the rear of the livery. They both heard the shot and Jeremy halted, staying back out of sight. He worried about what it meant, then he saw the rider getting down and sneaking toward the back wall.

"Hold it right there, Mister. Drop that rifle."

Jitter turned in surprise, firing his rifle as he did. Jeremy reacted immediately, and Jitter slammed back against the wall with a painful shout. His young face locked in disbelief over the blood seeping out of his sunken chest. Jeremy came over carefully, picking up the rifle and watching the light leave the young man's eyes. He swallowed hard, seeing the rag doll stuffed in his belt.