Ralph Compton the Evil Men Do by Ralph Compton Read Free Book Online

wrong.”
    Fred pulled out another chair anyway. “What else do you have to do? You’re not leavin’ until mornin’, right?”
    â€œAbout noon,” Tyree said. “I aim to sleep in. Haven’t had a wink in two days. Rode hard to get here so I can get back to Cheyenne that much sooner.”
    â€œWhat’s your rush?”
    Tyree didn’t answer.
    â€œYou’re a strange one, son,” Fred said. He chose
son
instead of
boy
in order not to anger him.
    â€œDon’t ever call me that.”
    â€œSee? Tetchy,” Fred said.
    â€œI’m no one’s son. I lost my folks when I was in the cradle. Been on my own ever since.”
    â€œThat explains a lot,” Fred said, and changed the subject by asking, “Doesn’t that saber poke you in the back when you sit in a chair?”
    â€œIt’s in a scabbard.”
    â€œWhy tote it around? What with those pistols and those derringers and that bowie, you hardly need it.”
    â€œIt was my grandpa’s,” Tyree said, “or so I was told. The bowie was my pa’s. The guns are just mine.”
    Fred began to see the kid in a new light; Tyree had a sentimental streak. “I have a watch that was my pa’s.”
    â€œGood for you.”
    â€œYou can quit bein’ prickly,” Fred said. “I’m the only friend you’ve got here.”
    â€œIs that what you are?” Tyree said. “It makes you the only friend I’ve got anywhere. Not that I need one.”
    Fred forgot himself and said, “A boy your age should have lots of friends.”
    â€œThere you go with that boy business again.”
    â€œSorry,” Fred said. “Habit.”
    â€œI don’t have time for friends,” Tyree said. “I work every day. Sundays too. When most folks are in church, I’m huntin’ wanted men down.”
    â€œEverybody needs a day off.”
    â€œNot me,” Tyree said. “Not so long as they’re out there, somewhere. I’ll find them, sooner or later.”
    â€œWho?”
    Instead of answering, Tyree nodded at the batwings. “Ain’t that your mayor moseyin’ on in?”
    Fred shifted. Sure enough, Crittendon had entered and was coming toward them. The last thing he needed was another argument with His Majesty. “What can I do for you, Horace?”
    Without being asked, Crittendon pulled out the last chair. “I’ve been looking for you. Stopped at the jail and tried to talk to Hiram. . . . Sorry, McCarthy . . . but he clammed up on me.”
    â€œAnd here you are,” Fred said.
    Crittendon smiled at Tyree. “How’s our bounty man?”
    â€œI’d tell you to go to hell, but you called me a man,” Tyree said. “Most are too dumb to do that.” He gave Fred a pointed stare.
    â€œAnyone who does what you do, that’s what he is, a man,” Mayor Crittendon said.
    â€œYou hear that?” Tyree said to Fred.
    â€œHe’s a politician. He always says what he thinks people want to hear,” Fred enlightened him.
    â€œNo need for insults,” the mayor said. He removed his bowler, placed it on the table, and ran his fingers through his stringy hair. “Now, then. I’ve been giving it some thought and I’ve come up with an idea.”
    â€œGivin’ what some thought?” Fred asked.
    â€œWhat were we discussing earlier? How Sweetwater will be a laughingstock when people hear about McCarthy pulling the wool over our eyes all this time.”
    â€œI doubt anyone will care,” Fred said.
    â€œ
I
care,” Crittendon said. “So does the council. We got together at my house and talked it over. That’s when I had my inspiration.”
    â€œI can’t wait to hear it.”
    Crittendon turned to Tyree. “If you don’t mind my asking, when do you plan to leave with your prisoner?”
    â€œLike I told your law dog,