Waco's Badge by J. T. Edson Read Free Book Online Page A

feller!” the driver admitted bitterly, after a moment during which he appeared on the point of disregarding the counsel. “But I surely hope I meet the half-breed son-of-a-bitch some time when I’m packing iron. Trouble being, it’s not likely I’ll get the chance.” He swung his gaze from Eckland to each living passenger in turn and went on in tones of certainty, “That was Belle Starr, gents. Which being, she’ll have their get-away planned so god-damned well they’ll all be to hell andgone clear long afore we can set the law on their trail.”
    â€œThen let’s get going without any more delay!” Twelfinch demanded.
    â€œWe’ll light out just’s soon’s it’s safe to do it, Senator,” Tract promised, his voice cold, watching the gang riding away at a fast trot. “And after I’ve ’tended to Ben there. While I’m doing it, you gents can be getting Mr. Blenheim loaded.”
    â€œLoaded?” the politician repeated, looking with a mixture of revulsion and alarm at the body. “You mean loaded inside with m—us?”
    â€œNo!” Tract denied, making no attempt to conceal his annoyance and impatience. His tone became coldly challenging as he continued, “On the god-damned roof. But Ben’ll be riding inside—Happen you don’t have no objections, Senator ?”
    â€œI—I don’t!” Twelfinch asserted, refusing to meet the savage gaze of the driver and suspecting any other decision would not be supported by Jaqfaye or the young man.
    â€œI’ll wrap the body in a tarp while you’re attending to the guard, Mr. Tract, if you have one,” Franks offered, although he had appeared to be on the point of making a comment when the driver mentioned the well known woman outlaw, Belle Starr. But he had refrained and devoted himself to watching the gang taking their departure. “Then, if these gentlemen will lend a hand, I’ll put it on the roof.”
    â€œI will assist you, m’sieur, ” Jaqfaye offered, but the politician did not duplicate the sentiment.
    Instead, throwing a querilous glance across the range, Twelfinch inquired, “I—Is it s—safe for you to start moving about?”
    â€œSafe enough, I reckon,” the driver assessed, looking in the same direction. “By the time you’re getting the body on top, those son-of-bitches will be out of sight. But, to make sure, we’ll wait until they are afore we do anything.”
    â€œI agree with you, m’sieur, ” the Frenchman said firmly.
    â€œAnd me,” Franks supported.
    â€œAnd you, my young friend,” Jaqfaye went on. “I am greatly in your debt. There are many who would have allowed me to be killed.”
    â€œI suppose so,” Franks admitted, non-committally.
    â€œDo not worry about your losses,” the Frenchman said reassuringly. “I will personally refund all they took.”
    â€œThat’s very good of you and I’m obliged,” Franks replied, his gratitude genuine. “But, damn it, I hate being robbed.”
    â€œSo do I,” Jaqfaye seconded, his voice very quiet yet—to the youngest passenger at least—somehow as menacing as if he had screamed imprecations. “But, it is preferable to resisting, as M’sieur Blenheim proved. There is always another day.”
    â€œLet’s hope it isn’t long coming!” Franks said,thinking he would not care to be any of the outlaws who fell into the hands of the outwardly effeminate Frenchman. “Can we make a st—?”
    â€œOh my god!” Twelfinch yelped, pointing, before the question could be completed. “Look there. Are they more robbers?”

Chapter 4
GO AFTER THE GANG
    A TTRACTED BY THE ALARM IN THE VOICE OF THE politician, Walter Tract, Jedroe Franks and Pierre Henri Jaqfaye did as he had requested!
    Two riders, one leading a big paint stallion, were