Ralph’s confidence

PREVIOUSLY: “That’s easy enough,” Slater smiled, “I was out looking for recruits for our operation and found you. That is part of my job.”

“Well, then, I reckon we’re recruits!”

Meanwhile, Mac and Ralph drifted back in line to speak quietly together, “Aren’t you worried that Lacy might recognize you from the station?”

“No Carl, she was standing further back—I don’t believe she got a good look at me. Besides, I was wearing an eye-shade visor I borrowed from the ticket-agent.”

“You’re sure she didn’t get a good look, then?”

“No, but I’m hoping.”

Season 12—Adventure 7—Saskatchewan Part Deux! Episode 12… They rode slowly into Dalton, Saskatchewan—and drew a lot of unwanted attention—they were wise enough to ignore it. As they approached Lacy “Clark’s” cabin, Ralph closely watched Lacy’s expression, using every bit of his people reading skills and detected no flicker of recognition.

Miles Slater moved to the head of the column, “I found us some more people, Lacy, good people who helped me get out of a fix with these other desperados—who have wisely chosen to join us.”

As Ralph had surmised, there was no hint of recognition in Lacy’s face as she replied, “Good—and the dog and bird?”

“Trained critters,” Miles replied, “They scout for trouble and bark or squawk when they see something.”

Lacy mulled this over, thinking, “This may be just what we need to control the road both north and south of O’Rouke’s Drift—a powerful road patrol to keep travelers safe as they come to visit our gambling operation.”

“Whaddya think, Boss?” Miles interrupted her thoughts.

She paused a little before answering, “I think this is a solution to keeping the highwaymen who’ve been attacking our customers at bay. We need two people to supervise, Miles, you run the south patrol. Who for the north?”

“That would be me,” Ralph replied, “I already head-up my four, give me a dozen or so more, and we can handle the south just fine. If you can’t spare that many—I can find more.”

Lacy was impressed by Ralph’s confidence, “You find that dozen—and you got the job.”

“Oh—I can indeed,” Ralph grinned, “But, we should have a few more—for our own protection. Let me choose a few in town here, over and above the dozen—and I guarantee you the north will be safe for travelers.”

“You drive a hard bargain, Ralph,” Lacy replied after thinking it over, “Deal.”

To be CONTINUED…