Busted Gulch vol 1

The Return of 3Gun (lyttlejoe)

The Return of 3Gun 

There was a hush on the street

just the horse's hoof beat,

3Gun trotted slowly through town

all covered in dust,

his spurs showing rust

and his weather stained Stetson pulled down

At the saloon he dismounted

all fear he discounted

and through the swinging bar doors he strode

The bartender nervously poured him a drink

just automatic, no time to think

a glass of Absolute with a big slice of lime

and 3Gun imbibed, taking his time

"I'm here for Ruechari, I'm payin' my dues

it's what a Fish player does when he happens to lose."

"She's with old Doc Vale, got shot in the thigh."

"I know, old timer, I carried her there,

but I figured by now she'd be back in that chair."

He lifted his chin toward the card table there.

"You best see Sheriff BillyBobPete

he's at the jailhouse 'cross the street.

Gamblin's forbidden in Busted Gulch now,

too many bad elements causin' a row."

3Gun frowned,his mind in turmoil

it was then that he spotted

escaped convict, OBoyle

"Heard you got rich

surrenderin' your hide

then with help of young Lean

you busted outside."

"You sure you ain't workin' with that

gunslinger from hell,

the sheriff's ex partner by the name of Spent Shell?"

OBoyle kept his mouth shut

his gun at the ready.

After that drink

3Gun didn't look steady.

"Maybe you should just pay up and leave,

don't need no more killin' and someone to grieve."

3Gun agreed with OBoyle, his voice low and thick.

"I hafta read out loud a Lean's hoss Limmerick."

He took a long breath and began...

"Lean lamented the loss of her horse

and the meds that it carried, of course

but when it showed up in town

the game was shut down

and Lean raced to her brother perforce"

"Perforce? Really?

What did them injuns feed you up there?"

3Gun finished his drink and looked at the speaker.

"I might be gettin' older a little slower on the draw

but don't you underestimate me, I can still outrun the law."

"Don't want no trouble, 3Gun."

"Well I think trouble's comin'. Heard word about

a varmint called Crazygoose supposed to be

some kinda scribe, is hangin' out in Busted Gulch

and writin' stuff about all the folks and all the goins on

and Highride Ali, an interestin' name,

heard she rode in competition,

that's how she got her fame

but now she's packin' six guns

and wants a gamblin' game."