The Dangerous Land

by Ralph Compton

another exciting Ralph Compton

  Western adventure

  TRAIN TO DURANGO

  Available from Signet.

  El Paso, Texas, March 19, 1885

  “It’s hard to believe Nathan Stone’s dead,” said Bryan Silver, as he and Molly Horrel stood before the grassed-over grave. “I’ve been reluctant to question Wes, since he didn’t know Nathan was his father until after the shoot-out and Nathan was gone. If it isn’t too painful, perhaps you can fill in the missing parts.”

  “I’ve accepted it,” Molly said, “but I still miss him. I’ll tell you as much as I can.”

  “If it isn’t too personal,” said Silver. “I have the feeling that you and Nathan were more than just friends.”

  “We were,” Molly said, “and I could never talk about him to just anyone. But I feel comfortable with you, because you knew him so well. Perhaps you can understand when I tell you that Nathan was sick of killing, of having to prove himself with his guns.”

  “I understand only too well,” said Silver. “He came west after the war. He was riding a vengeance trail, seeking the seven deserters who had murdered his family in Virginia. But when he had found and held them accountable, he had the reputation of a fast gun. He had become a killer, and it grieved him.”

  “I thought—hoped—he had put the past behind him,” Molly said. “He had rescued me from a bad situation in south Texas. When he brought me here to Granny Boudleaux’s boardinghouse, we became close. When Nathan returned to El Paso for the last time, he put away his guns. I believed there was a chance for me—us—until . . .”

  “Until Nathan learned Wes was his son,” said Silver.

  “Yes,” Molly said, swallowing hard. “Wes was so much like him—lightning quick with a gun and always ready to take a stand for what he believed was right—it was scary. Wes made enemies on both sides of the border, and when they came for him, Nathan had to choose between me and the son he had known only a few days.”1

  “You still have a grudge against Wes,” said Silver. “It’s in your eyes, when you look at him.”

  “Yes,” Molly said, “and I’m sorry. But he’s Nathan all over again, and when I look at him, I’m reminded of all that I lost. I—I almost . . . hate him.”

  Her voice broke, and silent tears crept down her cheeks. She seemed so very young, so vulnerable, that Silver put his arms around her. But she soon got control of herself, drawing away from him.

  “What about Renita, the girl Wes left here when he rode into Mexico after the outlaws who gunned down Nathan?”

  “I resented her, at first,” said Molly. “It seemed like . . . she had everything that I’d lost. I was almost glad when outlaws stole her away and took her across the border. I suppose I was hoping that they’d use and abuse her, and that Wes would no longer want her.”

  “They did use and abuse her,” Silver said. “Wes found her in a Mexican whorehouse.”

  Molly laughed. “He is just so damned much like Nathan. I was living with King Fisher in south Texas, and Nathan knew it. Yet, when King turned nasty and I ran away, I came to El Paso and Nathan took me in. Ma always told me to behave myself, because no decent man wanted used goods.”2

  “All men are not alike,” said Silver. “Palo Elfego— better known as El Lobo—found a girl south of the border, as well. She had been sold to a whorehouse, and her own father had disowned her.”

  “I—I didn’t know about either of them,” Molly said. “They never spoke of those days in Mexico, after Wes and El Lobo brought them here. Now they’ve been taken away again, and they may be dead. I feel just terrible. I’m a dreadful woman, for not having been more understanding. Wes and El Lobo didn’t deserve losing them again.”

  “They haven’t lost them yet,” said Silver. “If they’re alive, we’ll find them.”

  “You’re actually going with them?”

  “I am,” Silver said. “This same bunch of outlaws they fought in Mexico is now north of the border, and stronger than ever. They’re engaged in activities that could bankrupt the United States. Wes and El Lobo agreed to go after them, and through their efforts the gang was defeated in California. Renita and Tamara have been taken in an attempt to lure Wes and El Lobo into a trap.”3

  “And you’re riding into it with them,” said Molly.

  “If I have to,” Silver replied. “I’d never send any man on a mission that I don’t have the guts to tackle myself.”

  “Small wonder that you and Nathan were friends,” said Molly. “You think and talk just like him.”

  “I’ll take that as a compliment, ma’am,” Silver said.

  “When will . . . or will you ever be coming back here? Will I see you again?”

  “Well, now,” said Silver, “do you want to see me again?”

  Blushing furiously, she turned away. Placing his hands on her shoulders, Silver turned her around until she faced him.

  “Yes,” she said, her eyes not meeting his. “Now you know me for the shameless, forward woman that I am.”

  “You want to see me again because I remind you of Nathan,” Silver teased.

  “No,” said Molly. “You think and talk like Nathan, but you’re not like him. I . . . mean . . . you . . . Oh, I don’t know what I mean.”

  Silver’s hands were still on her shoulders, and when he drew her to him, she didn’t resist.

  “You’re an honest woman, Molly Horrel,” Silver said, “and if you’re willing, I’d like to know you better.”

  “Promise me you won’t ride off and get yourself killed,” said Molly.

  “This is still the frontier, and I can’t make such a promise,” Silver said, “but I promise to do my best. Having a pretty girl wantin’ to see me again makes a difference.”

  The sun had set, its crimson rays beginning to fade, as the first gray fingers of twilight painted the western sky. Molly’s eyes met Silver’s in silent understanding. He kissed her long and hard, and she didn’t resist.

  1The Dawn of Fury, The Killing Season, The Autumn of the Gun

  2The Autumn of the Gun and The Border Empire

  3Sixguns and Double Eagles