Blood on Mcallister by Matt Chisholm Read Free Book Online Page B

violently spurred horse, McAllister abruptly changed pace, suddenly doubling the tempo. Though Gage also increased his pace, McAlister shot away from him, making him look like a man standing still. Shultz shouted to his man and Gage strained. He got a little speed, but not enough to make any difference. McAllister in a matter of seconds was a dozen paces in the lead and going strong. Shultz showed his temper then, riding alongside Gage and cursing him without regard to the presence of the girl. The professional made another supreme effort, but it broke his wind and he started to pant. His pace began to lag. McAllister ran on, disappeared from view around the house and was standing leaning on the pump when Gage puffed agonisingly into the yard.
    Shultz hurled himself down from the saddle.
    â€˜I never seen such a disgustin’ sight in all my life,’ he cried. He hurled his hat into the dust. ‘You call yourself a runner? You let this beat-up cowhand run your ass off?’
    â€˜Tut, tut,’ McAllister said, ‘ladies present, Mr. Shultz.’
    â€˜What did you do that for, Rem?’ Pat said, dismounting. ‘I think that was real mean of you. I thought Mr. Gage did very well.’
    â€˜He did,’ McAllister said. ‘He did very well. He’ll practice that last spurt, he’ll get it an’ he’ll be unbeatable.’
    â€˜You were just showing off,’ Pat said.
    â€˜Sure I was,’ McAllister admitted. ‘Never could bear to be beat in front of a beautiful gal.’
    She said: ‘Oh,’ in disgust and stormed into the house.
    Panting, Gage laid a hand on McAllister’s arm. He was so winded that he could hardly speak.
    â€˜Where … where’d you learn … to run … like that?’ he demanded.
    â€˜Cheyenne Indians,’ McAllister told him.
    â€˜You mean they can all run … like that?’
    â€˜Not all of ‘em. But a good few can leave me standin’.’
    Gage looked dismayed.
    â€˜Hell,’ he said. ‘The foot-race is open to all-comers. You don’t think there’s going to be any there, do you?’
    McAllister grinned.
    â€˜Could be,’ he said.
    â€˜I’m disgusted,’ Shultz said. ‘This feller beats you at wrestlin’—now this.’
    McAllister said: ‘You don’t have to worry. I shan’t be competing in Clanton.’
    â€˜Thank God for that,’ Gage said.
    â€˜I’m real disgusted,’ Shultz said again and went into the barn to sulk.
    â€˜This Brenell guy, Rem,’ Gage said, ‘do you reckon he’s good.’
    â€˜Hard to tell. He sure looks like a has sand, I’ll say that. But he looks like he’s wild. Got a temper. Fighting—I reckon he don’t like bein’ hurt because nobody’s been able to hurt him in a long while. I seen you fight, Billy, an’ I’d reckon you have a good chance.’
    â€˜I reckon if I start losing, Harry’ll drop me like hot coals.’
    â€˜Would that be so terrible?’ McAllister asked.
    Gage looked at him. He seemed like a little lost boy.
    â€˜Why, Harry’s done everything for me,’ he said. ‘I wouldn’t be nothing today if it wasn’t for him.’
    McAllister said: ‘Get your breath back and we’ll fool around in the yard. Only don’t try kicking my teeth in again.’
    Billy laughed and put his head under the pump.

Five
    It was nice at the Rigbys’ in spite of the nauseous presence of the man Shultz, but McAllister hankered for town. Not only that, he wanted to visit with his old friend Mart Krantzwho was currently sheriff of the county with its seat at Clanton. And he felt too that if he bought a handsome present for Pat his chances might be increased. Though what he would use for money he had no idea because Shultz, when he had attacked him in the hotel, had cleaned him out down to his last dollar. All he had was loose