Luke's Gold by Charles G. West Read Free Book Online Page A

mistreat him. He gently stroked the horse’s neck for a few moments. “You wanna go with me, boy?” he said as he slipped the bridle on. In answer, the gray willingly took the bit. Cade looked at Luke, who was wearing a silly grin on his face. Luke shook his head, still astonished, and the new partners led their horses back to the trees to get their saddles.
    A little after sunup, Becker arrived after having rewarded himself the luxury of spending the night in the hotel. He was to meet with an officer from nearby Fort Keogh who was coming to look over the horses Becker wanted to sell. Spotting Cade and Luke all saddled up and ready to depart, he rode over to talk. He seemed genuinely disappointed that Cade had decided not to go back to Texas with him, but understood the pull of the Montana country on a young man’s sense of adventure. “What have you got in mind?” Becker asked.
    â€œNothin’ in particular,” Luke was quick to answer for them. “We’re just gonna see what’s out there. Maybe do some huntin’ in the mountains, prospect a little, whatever suits our fancy.”
    Becker nodded as if he understood. “I see you picked your horses already. You’re probably gonna need a packhorse as well.”
    â€œI expect so,” Cade replied. “We were thinkin’ about maybe buying one offa you.”
    Becker looked at the two for a long moment before deciding. “Ah, hell, just go ahead and pick one. I expect the soldiers will take whatever’s left, and they always pay more than the horses are worth.”
    â€œMuch obliged, Mr. Becker,” Cade said. “And thanks again for offerin’ me that job.”
    Becker nodded again. “Good luck to you, boys.” With that he wheeled his horse, preparing to ride off toward the river where the rest of his crew were in the throes of early-morning hangovers. “If you don’t find what you’re lookin’ for, come see me in Texas,” he called back over his shoulder.

Chapter 3
    â€œI declare, Mr. Thompson,” Belle exclaimed while pretending to have lost her breath, “you are quite the lover.” She rose from the bed and slipped into her robe. “I almost feel guilty for charging you.” Then she laughed and said, “Almost.” She brushed her hair back while she waited for him to get his pants and shoes on. “How long are you gonna be in town?”
    â€œJust till morning,” Thompson replied, “then I’ll be on my way to Bozeman.” This was not the first time he had paid for the services of a prostitute, so he was not so naive as to believe he had actually caused her to lose her breath. He had arrived that morning on the packet boat Josephine with his supply of samples and merchandise. It didn’t take but a day to complete his business in Coulson.
    â€œI’m sorry to hear you’re leaving right away,” Belle said. “I’d kinda hoped you’d come back to see me.” When he only smiled in reply, while busily tying his shoelaces, she asked, “Are you staying in the hotel?”
    â€œThat’s right.”
    â€œIt’s early yet,” Belle suggested. “Maybe you might wanna drop back later for a little nightcap.”
    He looked up at her with a tired smile. “I’m afraid I’m done for the night. I’ve got to get started early in the morning. It’s a long ride to Bozeman.”
    â€œOh, well,” she said, “too bad—maybe next time you’re through Coulson.” She picked up his coat and held it till he was ready for it. “It must be exciting being a liquor salesman.”
    â€œIt’s like anything else, I guess—good times and bad times,” he said as he hastily took his coat and grabbed the doorknob. On a sudden impulse of generosity, he paused at the door, pulled out his wallet, and peeled off a few more dollars. “This was one of the