Autumn of the Gun by RALPH COMPTON Read Free Book Online Page B

know,” said Nathan, “but I have an idea. Barnabas bought and trained horses. Expensive horses. Let’s have a look in the barn.”
    There were no horses in the barn. Vivian stepped out ahead of Nathan, and he closed the door. Immediately he began looking for tracks, and there were plenty.
    â€œThe trail’s two days old,” Nathan said. “What I don’t understand is why they didn’t kill Barnabas and Bess instead of taking them along.”
    â€œEmpty’s found something,” said Vivian.
    The dog ran toward them, and with a yip turned and ran back the way he had come.
    â€œLet’s ride,” Nathan said. “He’s found a trail.”
    They rode at a slow gallop, Empty keeping well ahead of them, and when they reached a patch of bare ground, Nathan reined up, studying the tracks.
    â€œTen horses,” said Nathan, “four of them on lead ropes. Allowin’ mounts for Barnabas and Bess, there’s four of the varmints.”
    The trail led to the south; occasionally the distant blue of the Gulf of Mexico could be seen through the trees.
    â€œThis makes no sense,” Nathan said. “The way they’re headed, there’ll soon be water everywhere except behind them. That leaves just one possibility.”
    â€œA boat,” said Vivian.
    â€œYes,” Nathan replied, “and that’s where we’ll lose them.”
    But the trail began veering back to the west, following the shore line, and the blue of the gulf was clearly visible to their left. Entering a profusion of undergrowth, willows, and cane, they were forced to dismount and lead their horses. Suddenly, before them was the desolate remains of a cabin. The shake roof was gone, and the standing walls were so mossed over they were all but invisible.
    â€œWe’ll have to take it slow,” Nathan said softly. “They could be holed up here.”
    But somewhere within the ruins, Empty yipped three times.
    â€œEmpty says it’s safe,” said Nathan. “Come on.”
    They found Barnabas McQueen first. He lay face down, his hands bound behind him, and he had been shot twice. In the back.
    â€œVivian,” Nathan said, “see if you can find Bess.” Cutting the bonds, Nathan tried both wrists, but failed to find a pulse. Frantically, he sought the big artery in the neck, sighing with relief when he found a spark of life.
    â€œI found Bess,” said Vivian.
    â€œHow bad?” Nathan asked.
    â€œBad enough,” said Vivian. “She’s been stripped, brutalized, and shot, but she’s still alive. She’s burning up with fever.”
    â€œSo is Barnabas,” Nathan said, “but at least they’re alive. We must get them to a doctor, pronto, and we’ll need a buckboard. We’re only three or four miles south of town. I’ll leave Empty with you, and I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
    Nathan galloped away. The only livery he knew of was across the street from the St. Charles Hotel; he had no time to search for one any closer, so he went there.
    â€œI need a buckboard and team,” he told the liveryman. “I’d like to leave my horse with you and claim him when I return the buckboard. I have some sick folks in bad need of a hospital. Where’s the nearest one?”
    â€œFive blocks down St. Charles, on the left,” said the liveryman. “It’s the Le Croix.”
    â€œThanks,” Nathan said. Climbing to the box, he flicked the reins, guiding the team into the cobbled street.
    Waiting for Nathan, Vivian looked around for Bess McQueen’s clothing. Finding none, she wrapped the unfortunate woman in a blanket. She then went to see about Barnabas, and was startled to find his eyes open, watching her.
    â€œWho ... are ... you?” he croaked.
    â€œVivian Stafford. I’m with Nathan Stone. He’s gone for a buckboard.”
    â€œBess ... ?”
    â€œShe’s