The Promise

33. You heard right

"It's like a miracle, that you survived the explosion," Doc said, while he controlled Rango's state.
Rango pushed him aside gently. "I'm fine. We weren't inside the cave when it happened."
He sat on the chair in the saloon. Next to him Mister Owlden and Beans, who took a seat at the same table. Buford poured some drinks, while the little group recovered from the hard adventure.
For the rest, the saloon was empty. Just Jake stood rolled together in a corner beside the bar and drank a strong desert cognac.
"For me it's daily routine," the snake muttered into the round.
Rango rolled his eyes. "As if."
Jake hissed, but he ignored his comment.
Suddenly Rango lowered his glance. "But despite that, not all survived."
"He was a bad guy," Mister Owlden said seriously. "Never mind. He lost his life because of a glittering metal."
"Where did you know where the gold would be?" Beans asked.
"Long story, but I try to make it short. I've been searching for the gold for many years. In my investigations, I met one of the families of the robber who found an old telegram with these symbols, which Sheldon sent before he had killed himself."
He raised the paper into the air.
"Of course no one of the family knew where the place was. When I came to Dirt one year ago, I had a talk with Mayor John and I left the town for more researches. And by happenstance, I found out what the first symbols meant. "Mine" and I came to Dirt months ago to search which mines are in near of that town. Until I was sure that I found the right one. Well, when I came home, Mister Roscoe heard somehow from my searching and wanted to rob the train to get the paper. When I met you, Mister Rango, I knew, there would be a chance. But Roscoe couldn't get out something from me before I fled."
"And why that firework effect?" Jake asked darkly.
Mister Owlden cleaned his throat. "Well, I promised the family, if I couldn't bring the gold, I should destroy it. And because of the dangerous situation, I did. And by the way, why should we need the gold? I thought water is the most valuable resource in this area."
"Quite true," Rango admitted. "Sorry for the troubles which you had because of that."
"It doesn't matter," Mister Owlden said. "Somehow I have to say thank you. Who knows how things had come."
"Less anger," Jake muttered.
Mister Owlden chuckled. "Well, then, I think after all, I can leave you now."
He stood up and gave Rango his hand. "Thank you, and thanks for your help, sheriff."
Rango's smile froze. "Sorry, but I'm not a sheriff anymore."
"For your information, you are again," Jake said behind the chameleon.
Rango turned around in surprise.
"Yes, you are."
"Are you serious?"
"Yes.... on one condition."
"And what?"
"I can leave the town."
"Uh, of course you can."
Jake smiled mysteriously. "Nice, little man." He moved his tail and fished Beans beside him. "With her."
Rango were wide-eyed. "What?"
"You heard right. With her. We had a deal..."
"But Jake," Beans began. "It was just a..."
"Do you wanna break your deal?" Jake's eyes became fierier.
"No," Beans said quickly. "It's just..."
She stopped herself, and gave Rango a look. "Could you let us alone, just one moment?"
She gave Jake a sign to follow her outside. Jake agreed and together they left the saloon. The sun sat deep and the night wasn't very far away.
They walked along the street until they reached the end of the town. When Beans was sure, nobody was in near, she began: "But Jake, the gold wasn't under the town. So how can you say, our deal takes effect?"
Jake smiled. He pushed forward his gun slowly and lifted Beans's chin.
"You said, you would come with me and I will give him back the town, if you say a suggestion to find the gold under the town. Of course the gold wasn't under town, but you didn't say if you find the gold to give him back the town. No! Only for your idea. For nothing else. You made your deal with me. You gave me your idea and he will get his freedom in this town."
Beans was silent. Jake released her chin and looked at her seriously, with a little shadow of spitefulness.
"Any questions?" the gunslinger asked.
Beans lowered her glance. "No."
"Well, in this case. I want to leave that place now. If you want to take some things from your ranch with you, you can do. But that will be all. Would that be okay for you?"
Beans nodded obediently. "Yes."