Ralph Compton Train to Durango Read Free Page A

they’ve dug in somewhere else. If I can get some idea as to where they are—some kind of lead—then I’ll telegraph Washington for permission to remain in the West for as long as it takes. Until I’ve broken this counterfeiting ring for all time, or until they have finished me.”
    â€œThat’s about what I expected,” said Wes, “and I’m of a mind to throw in with you to the finish. I think El Lobo and me owe them a lot more than we’ve been allowed to repay. How do you feel, Palo?”
    â€œFeel same,” El Lobo said, “but what we do with Renita and Tamara?”
    â€œI appreciate your willingness to join me in pursuit of the Dragon,” said Silver, “but El Lobo has a point. This will be a fight to the finish, and entirely too dangerous for women, however courageous they may be. And you certainly can’t risk returning them to El Paso, to Granny Boudleaux’s.”
    â€œNo,” Wes said. “I’m not even considering that. Remember, I once worked for the railroad, and I have friends in Dodge City. We can put Renita and Tamara up at the Dodge House. I’ll ask Harley Stafford and Foster Hagerman to look out for them.” 6
    â€œThat might work,” said Silver. “In fact, I could set up headquarters there, myself. At least until we have some sense of direction in this infernal situation.”
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    â€œMy arms grow tired,” Tamara said. “It is your turn, while I listen at the door.”
    Taking up the stick Tamara had been using, Renita began digging at the hardened mud between the logs. Using only a stick, it was tiring, difficult work, but Tamara had made some progress. After only a few minutes, Renita could feel cool outside air.
    â€œI’ve broken through,” said Renita excitedly.
    â€œKeep digging,” Tamara said. “We must widen the hole.”
    â€œIt’s a little easier now,” said Renita.
    Soon there was an inch-wide gap between two of the logs, and by the time Tamara was ready to take a turn, there was an open crack almost two feet long.
    â€œI will begin digging between the next two logs,” Tamara said.
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    Wes, El Lobo, and Silver waited until daylight before lighting their breakfast fire. The meal was eaten quickly, and with Empty bounding ahead, the trio again rode north.
    â€œWe’re covering at least a hundred miles a day,” said Silver. “Unless these
hombres
are holed up somewhere beyond Santa Fe, we ought to be catching up to them sometime late tomorrow.”
    â€œThey be in town, it be hell,” El Lobo said.
    â€œIt’s unlikely they’ll be in Santa Fe,” said Silver. “If they’re planning to ambush you and Wes, they won’t try it where the law’s close enough to get involved. I think they’ll be laying for us long before we reach town.”
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    Their third day on the trail, an hour before sundown, Silver, Wes, and El Lobo reined up to rest the horses. Empty came trotting back, and when he was a few yards away, the hound turned back the way he had come. He paused, and looking back, growled softly.
    â€œHe’s found something or somebody,” Wes said. “I’ll follow him. Maybe this is the camp we’re looking for.”
    Wes followed on foot, and Empty led him back toward the distant Rio Grande. Before they reached the river, within a tangle of brush, Empty waited for Wes. There was a faint odor of wood smoke, and three hundred yards away Wes could see the gable end of the log cabin. Smoke curled from the stick-and-mud chimney. Suddenly the cabin door opened, and two men emerged, laughing. One of them dropped a heavy bar in place across the door. There was no wind, and Wes was unable to hear their words, for they were walking away from him, toward the opposite end of the