The Last Rest

1873 Kansas.

The sun hung high in the sky, casting long shadows over the rough terrain near Canyon Pass Station. The air was tense, thick with the anticipation of violence. Six men crouched behind the stable walls, guns ready, eyes scanning the horizon.

Samuel Turner and Elias Thompson were among them. They are part of a gang planning to strike it rich by robbing a treasure coach carrying a fortune in gold.

The stablemen lay bound and gagged inside the stable, helpless witnesses to the unfolding crime. The bandits had strategically positioned themselves, their revolvers poking through cracks between the logs. The leader, a grizzled man with a scar across his cheek, signaled for silence as the sound of approaching hooves grew louder.

The treasure coach came into view, its guards alert but unaware of the imminent danger. As it drew closer, the bandits opened fire. Bullets whizzed through the air, and the guards scrambled for cover. One guard is killed instantly, and two others are wounded, their cries of pain lost in the chaos.

The chief guard, a seasoned veteran, took cover behind a large pine tree. He exchanged a few shots with the bandits, the crack of gunfire echoing through the canyon. Seeing no other option, he called out, "I'll leave the coach if you let me go!"

The leader of the bandits considered for a moment, then shouted back, "Agreed! Leave now and you won't be harmed."

The chief and two guards, clutching their bleeding arms, slipped away into the woods, leaving the coach to the outlaws. Samuel and Elias, along with the others, approached the abandoned vehicle. They tied the driver to one of the coach's wheels, ensuring he couldn't raise an alarm.

"Bring the sledgehammer and chisels," the leader ordered.

Samuel and Elias worked together, their muscles straining as they pried open the heavy safe. The lid finally gave way, revealing their glittering promise of wealth.

The bandits divided the loot quickly, each man taking his share. Samuel's eyes gleamed with greed as he pocketed his portion. He glanced at Elias, who was equally entranced by the sight of their ill-gotten gains.

"Let's get out of here before more guards show up," the leader urged.

The men mounted their horses, ready to ride off in different directions to avoid capture. Samuel and Elias, as planned, stuck together and headed south.

As the memory of the robbery remained fresh, Samuel and Elias camped out by a small creek, celebrating their successful heist. They had managed to escape with a significant haul, and the promise of wealth filled the air with excitement. Elias is in high spirits.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over their camp, Elias clinked his tin cup filled with whiskey against Samuel's.

"Here's to our fortune, Samuel!" Elias toasted, his eyes gleaming with joy. "We've made it, my friend. We're rich men!"

Samuel forced a smile and raised his cup. "To our future, Elias."

They sat by the campfire, exchanging stories of their journey and dreams for their newfound wealth. Elias, ever the optimist, spoke of the life he planned to build.

"You know, Samuel, with this gold, I'm thinking of investing in some land and starting a cattle ranch in Texas," Elias said, gazing into the fire. "The railroads are expanding, and there's a huge demand for beef. We could make a fortune."

Samuel nodded, his mind already scheming. "Sounds like a solid plan, Elias. Texas is a good place to settle."

Elias grinned. "And you? What will you do with your share?"