Dreadwood

Previously:

The Marshals checked in to the hotel, there were plenty of rooms available so each had a room to his or herself. They agreed to meet in the lobby in two hours—time enough to completely rid themselves of several layers of trail dust.

In the lobby they spoke to one another of the crappy assignment they had coming up in Wyoming Territory, which as they figured, was overheard by several locals and would be the topic of discussion in the saloon, barbershop, and general store for the next week or so.

You know how fast rumors spread, GENTLE READER, that rumor beat Kidd to Dreadwood by several days.

Season VI, Chapter 4 Predators and Victims, Episode 7:

The Triple Bar X Ranch was located just west of Dreadwood along the White River

The XXX Ranch located just west of Dreadwood along the White River, was for sale; it’s owner, Rufus T. Pinchpenny, had no children to take over for him and at seventy-five wanted to retire to the good life. Unfortunately, he had yet to find a buyer who could, or would meet his price; he began to despair of selling—short of giving it away.

He was at the Dreadwood Saloon telling his tale of woe to the barkeep and saloon owner, Timothy “Short-Shot” Carlson when his story was interrupted, “I beg your pardon sirs, I couldn’t help but overhear…”

He was a dressed as a “gentleman-cowboy” of about forty-five…

He was a dressed as a “gentleman-cowboy” of about forty-five with the slightly wrinkled and deeply-tanned face of a man who spent more time outdoors than behind a desk, and the man to his right looked experienced and dangerous with his low-slung revolvers, “…My name is McLintock, Benjamin McLintock, and I am looking to purchase some land., and this is Abe Wilts, an experienced ranch foreman from Texas.”

Pinchpenny, wary of yet another offer below his asking price; still, he could not overlook any interest in his ranch replied simply with his price and added, “I won’t sell my life’s work for a penny less, Mr. McLintock.”

McLintock, without hesitation, replied, “Fine. Perhaps we can draw up the papers?”

“What of my employees?”

“I’m sure we’ll keep most, Abe will talk to all of them. But I want a certain kind of cowboy and Abe knows what to look for. Rest assured, we’ll give everyone a chance.”

They went next door to the Miller & Blot, Lawyer’s office

Pinchpenny was still concerned, but more concerned about his retirement. They went next door to the Miller & Blot, Lawyer’s office and three hour later, Pinchpenny was a rich gentleman of leisure.

Meanwhile, an out-of-breath cowboy rode up to the marshal’s office, “Halp marshal, we bin bushwacked!”

To Be Continued…