Cotton’s Inferno by Phil Dunlap Read Free Book Online Page B

strange man, and do something foolish that might imperil them both. Although, he couldn’t imagine what that might be, particularly in her present state. He placed her gently on the bed. He stuffed a thin pillow beneath her head and started looking around for something to bring her a drink of water in.
The cup at the well. Of course, how could I have forgotten that?
On his way back out, he glanced around to see if there was any food in the house. He could find no root cellar, no smokehouse for storing meats, no barrel of salt pork, and no firewood beyond the few spindly sticks making the wispy trail of smoke that had attracted his attention in the first place. That fire had all but gone out.
It looks like she hasn’t eaten for days, maybe more. I’m going to have to see what I can scare up in the way of a rabbit or two.
Knowing he’d never get close enough to shoot a rabbit with his six-shooter, he looked around to see if she might have a rifle somewhere. That’s when he spotted it: a single-shot sharpshooter’s rifle mounted above the fireplace, stock-mounted peep sight and all. He stared in awe at that rifle, barely able to take his eyes off it. He recognized it as a Springfield Trapdoor model of about 1873 or maybe ’75. He remembered that a fellow had come through Whiskey Crossing toting one. It got lots of attention, especially after the shooting exhibition he put on. Johnny took it down very carefully. When he opened the breech, he found it empty. He groaned in disappointment.
Now I’ll have to find something to shoot with
. It was one of the newer models, chambered for .45-70 cartridges. He began pulling out drawers and looking into cabinets.
Has to be some bullets around here somewhere
, he figured.
    As he mulled over where the best place to look would be, his attention was drawn to the lady.
Damn! If I don’t do something, and quick, she could die.
First, he brought her a cool drink, lifting her up enough so she wouldn’t choke on the water; then he set about finding some ammunition for the rifle. As he continued to move about, shuffling through her personal belongings, he thought he could feel her eyes following his every movement. But when he turned in her direction, she appeared to be sleeping. He’d been unable to find bullets to go hunting with, food for their immediate needs, and something to tide them over until he could figure how to get her to safety. He’d checked her little revolver and was shocked to find she’d fired off her last bullet at him. And there was nothing to indicate another soul inhabited the cabin. No men’s shirts, boots, long handles, or socks. So how had this poor young lady managed to survive all by herself without even sufficient ammunition to defend herself? He was puzzling over that very question when he was startled by a weak voice.
    â€œWhat might you be looking for? I’m too poor to have anything of value if thievery is your intent . . .” The lady had struggled up on one arm and was blinking as she tried to focus her eyes on him. “The last animal who came through here could find nothing but the food he took, either.”
    â€œOh, no, ma’am. You have me all wrong. I got no intention of robbin’ or hurtin’ you in any way. I was just lookin’ for some bullets for that rifle so I can go shoot us a rabbit or two for dinner.”
    â€œOh. I-I’m sorry.”
    â€œIt’s just that I figure in your weakened condition and all, you likely ain’t up to fixin’ a meal. Besides, I didn’t see hide nor hair of anything edible hereabouts anyway.”
    â€œWould you mind bringing me another drink of water?”
    â€œYes, ma’am.” Johnny filled the cup with more water and put it to her lips. She drank nearly the whole cup.
    â€œThank you,” she said, barely above a whisper. “I know what you’re thinking. I can see it in your eyes. You want to