Ralph Compton Sixguns and Double Eagles by RALPH COMPTON Read Free Book Online

it.
    â€œIt’s good to hear you say that, sir,” Wes said. “I told you we mean you no harm, and while we can’t identify ourselves, we’re on your side. We must find a member of the gang who can be made to talk.”
    â€œI know nothing about them,” Reed said shakily, “and I don’t want to know. They’ve talked to me ... threatened me ... three times, and I ...”
    Suddenly the angry bark of a rifle broke the Sunday morning stillness. Narrowly missing Wes, a slug ripped into the door just inches from Reed’s head. Wes drove his shoulder into the door and Reed stumbled backward, allowing Wes and El Lobo into the house. El Lobo kicked the door shut just as more slugs slammed into it. A second rifle had opened up, but by the time Wes and El Lobo reached a front window with drawn Colts, the firing had ceased.
    â€œNow are you convinced we’re not part of the gang?” Wes asked.
    â€œI ... I suppose so,” said Reed, struggling to his feet.
    Martha Reed sat on a sofa, her face buried in her hands, but not for long. Suddenly she was on her feet, and El Lobo being the closest, flung herself at him.
    â€œDamn you,” she cried. “Damn both of you for coming here. Next time, they’ll murder us.”
    It was Oliver Reed who restrained the frantic woman.
    â€œMartha,” said Reed, “they weren’t shooting at us.”
    â€œNo,” Wes said, “because you’re no danger to them. They’re after us, and you’ve told us where you stand, so we won’t bother you again. But we do need to ask you a question about the mint here in New Orleans.”
    â€œAsk then,” said Reed. “Perhaps I’ll answer and perhaps I won’t. It depends entirely on the question: ‘
    â€œYou have two men—DeShazo and Morgan—who are in charge of security, and these men see to getting the newly minted coins to various banks,” Wes said. “How far can you trust these men? Would either or both of them sell out, if the reward was great enough?”
    â€œI ... I don’t know,” said Reed. “They’re family men, with responsible positions, and I’ve no reason not to trust them. So I can’t answer your question. Now will you please go?”
    â€œWe’ll go,” Wes said, “and do an investigation of our own. Sorry that we had to bust in with them shooting at us, but there was no cover.”
    El Lobo eased the door open a little, then closed it.
    â€œThere be hombres watching,” said El Lobo.
    â€œLikely the neighbors,” Wes said. “Reed?”
    Ignoring the frantic cries of his wife, Oliver Reed opened the door.
    â€œIt’s the neighbors,” said Reed. “Nobody else.”
    Without a word, Wes stepped out the door, El Lobo following. Empty was barking at the half-dozen curious men who stood across the street. Ignoring them, Wes and El Lobo mounted their horses and rode away. Empty followed, satisfied they were leaving the strangers behind. Before they reached the livery, Wes reined up. El Lobo looked at him questioningly.
    â€œSomething about the Reeds is bothering me,” said Wes. “I think we’ll pay a visit to Morgan and DeShazo. Morgan first, because he’s closest.”
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    â€œDo you think they believed us?” Martha Reed asked after Wes and El Lobo had gone.
    â€œI don’t know,” said Reed. “You were convincing enough, but I’d better warn Morgan and DeShazo. I think we’d be wise to hold up any further distribution until these young troublemakers are out of the way.”
    â€œThey’d be out of the way now,” Martha said shortly, “if you hadn’t allowed them to shove their way in.”
    Reed said nothing. Taking his hat, he left by the kitchen door and went to the stable. Quickly he harnessed his team to a buckboard and drove away.
    Â 
    Wes and El Lobo found the Morgan house near a