The Iron Horseman Read Free

fences.
Normally, he would have just thought them coincidences, but something in Levi’s
gut told him otherwise. It was only those designated as rail towns that were
being hit. Supplies and knowledge of farming and ranching were vital out here
and part of his job was to ensure they would survive the harsh winters. Along
with the provisions, each settlement needed to be equipped with at least a
sheriff and deputy.
    While
Flat Plains had been spared any incidents thus far, Levi had worked with the
townsfolk to assure that patrols kept watch during the evening hours—at least
for now. He would be grateful once the railroad was finally completed and hoped
that would see the end to the rabble-rousers that obviously didn’t want that to
happen.
    Hissing
steam released into the air as the train came into view. It moved even slower
than usual and it seemed to be making an odd clunking sound.
    “That
can’t be good,” Levi said as he stroked Apollo’s neck.
    It
took several more minutes, but the engine finally came sputtering to a rest in
front of the station followed by Levi’s sleeping compartment and a mixture of
several other coaches including the dining car, a livery, and numerous supply
cars.
    Levi
hopped up onto the loading platform, grabbed his first bag and tossed it up
onto the landing of his compartment, then the other. He turned to see a few
townsfolk who had gathered around and waved.
    Thud.
Thud.
    Both
of his bags had been thrown back down onto the platform at his feet and he
looked up to see the conductor, a short man with a thick blond mustache and
spectacles.
    “I’m
sorry, Mr. Redbourne,” James said heartily, “but I am afraid the train won’t be
leaving ‘til morning.” He stopped at the foot of the stair and pulled a watch
from his vest pocket. “There’s a problem with the water injector pump. We’ll
need to have a new one crafted by the local blacksmith.” He leaned closer to
Levi. “There is a blacksmith in this little town, right?”
    Levi
pointed to the tent with a wooden sign that read, Smithy . Although, he wasn’t
sure the blacksmith, who was young and still new to the trade, would be up to
the task. Too bad his brother Ethan couldn’t be here. He’d have new parts
molded in no time at all.
    “Good,”
James said. “While the smithy is making the part, we’ll have to refill the
water tanks manually. Then, I figure the crew and our,” he cleared his throat
and sent a fleeting glance toward Levi, “passengers can disembark and have a
stroll through…” he looked toward the main street, “…town.”
    “Passengers?
This train was supposed to be comprised only of crew and supplies. No
passengers. What happened?”
    James
shrugged. “One guess.” He glanced out at the crowd that had gathered around the
station.
    Thomas
Durant. It had to be. The man was the ingratiating Vice President of the Union
Pacific Railroad and generally got whatever he wanted.
    Levi
closed his eyes. He was tired and the last thing he wanted was to entertain
some hoity-toity businessmen from back East. At least the trip to River City
would only last a few hours. He could simply greet them then retire to his
compartment for the remainder of the trip. He imagined that James would take
good care of them.
    “I’ve
already checked out of the hotel, so I’ll just leave my bags in my
compartment.” Levi motioned to the coach with his sleeping quarters. The coach
wasn’t the same type of luxury sleeping compartment as was often afforded the
train’s important guests, but it was a place to sleep—small as it was.
    James
stood in front of the short metal staircase. “I’m sure the proprietor would be
happy to give you back your room. It will be much more comfortable.” The man’s
face twitched, his moustache scrunching up briefly toward his eyes. “I’m afraid
we haven’t had time to prepare it for you.”
    Levi
eyed the man warily, but said nothing.
    “If
you’ll excuse me, sir, I need to head back