Return of the Gun. R. B. Conroy

       Table of Contents

       Table of Contents

       Cover

       Chapter 1

       Chapter 2

       Chapter 3

       Chapter 4

       Chapter 5

       Chapter 6

       Chapter 7

       Chapter 8

       Chapter 9

       Chapter 10

       Chapter 11

       Chapter 12

       Chapter 13

       Chapter 14

       Chapter 15

       Chapter 16

       Chapter 17

       Chapter 18

       Chapter 19

       Chapter 20

       Chapter 21

       Chapter 22

       Chapter 23

       Chapter 24

       About the Author

       Other books by R B Conroy

       Back Cover

      Return of the Gun

      by

      R B Conroy

      CCB Publishing

      British Columbia, Canada

      Return of the Gun

      Copyright ©2012 by R B Conroy

      ISBN-13 978-1-927360-24-8

      First Edition

      Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication

      Conroy, R B, 1944-

      Return of the gun / written by R B Conroy. – 1^st ed.

      ISBN 978-1-927360-24-8

      Also available in print format.

      I. Title.

      PS3603.O57R57 2008 813'.6 C2008-906629-4

      Additional cataloguing data available from Library and Archives Canada

      Cover image by Alton Vance: www.NHisLight.com

      Extreme care has been taken to ensure that all information presented in this book is accurate and up to date at the time of publishing. Neither the author nor the publisher can be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Additionally, neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

      All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the express written permission of the publisher.

      Publisher:

      CCB Publishing

      British Columbia, Canada

       www.ccbpublishing.com

      With Love To My Wife Cheryl,

      Thank you for believing in me.

      and

      To My Editor Amanda Woodiel,

      Thank you for your keen insights and great editing.

      Chapter 1

      The large boulders formed a narrow path as the lone rider struggled down the rocky knoll. Glimpses of a sparkling stream flashed ahead as he wove his way through the dark passageway. Soon a sandy basin was in sight. The trail broke open as the traveler spurred his steed forward into the flowing river, swollen by a morning rain. The mare whinnied and pranced nervously in the water, then calmed and began to drink. The rider dropped off, crouched down and began to sip water from cupped hands.

      “Freeze!” A voice shot out from the jagged rocks near the water’s edge.

      Startled by the loud voice, the man froze. The water slowly drained through his thick fingers.

      “Now put ’em up, mister, nice and easy. Any quick moves, and you’re a dead man!”

      The wary journeyman stood slowly, arms raised.

      “Now move away from that rifle, pronto!”

      The man glanced to the right at his Winchester in the saddle holster, tempted to go for it.

      Suddenly, another voice shouted from the far side. “You heard ’im! Get movin’!”

      Reluctantly, the traveler moved sideways in the stream, away from his horse and rifle. His eyes darted left and right trying desperately to get a look at his tormentors. “I don’t want any trouble, fellas—just passin’ through,” he shouted. His mind was racing. Alone and vulnerable, he wanted to get these cowards before they got him.

      Without warning, the robber to his left dropped down out of the rocks and bolted toward the stream. The water flew as he stomped through the shallow rivulet to the horse, yanked the saddlebag open and dug inside.

      The traveler watched from the corner of his eye. “Nothin’ in there, mister. You’re wasting your time.”

      “Shut him up!” the thief shouted to his cohort.