Thunder on the Plains Read Free

problem. All I want to know is what my role is in all of this.”
    Landers pulled at a dark, neatly trimmed mustache. “My father is on his way to Omaha. He’ll be here in a few days. He wants an experienced scout who can give him a rough idea of what would be the best route to take in building a railroad west. He just wants to get a feel of the land, to see if it really could be done. He’ll need to get a lot of financial backing for this, and before he can get others involved and talk them into investing, he wants to be sure he knows exactly what he’s talking about.” The man rose and began pacing. “Oh, there has been talk around Washington about such a railroad for a long time now, Mr.—I mean, Colt. There have even been one or two surveys done.” He ran a hand through his thinning hair. “My father is convinced that Congress will eventually pass a bill supporting such a railroad. He wants to get in on the ground floor—sees the possibilities. If it is a success, he’ll be an even richer man. Of course, if it fails, he’ll be a much poorer one. At any rate, he asked me to come out here and set things up, find a good scout.” He glanced at Colt and smiled nervously, a hint of fear in his eyes. “I would have hated to face him and tell him that after all this time I hadn’t come up with anyone. When my father barks, people jump, except for my older brother, Vince. They never have gotten along very well. But my father really is a good man, Colt. He’s just a man who worked hard all his life and is used to ordering people around, except for Sunny. She’s got him wrapped right around her little finger, but she doesn’t seem to take advantage of it.”
    Colt felt a little awkward hearing the added personal comments the man offered, wondering why he was telling him these things about their private family life. It mattered little to him, except that this sister the man kept mentioning did not sound like the type who should be trekking through dangerous country.
    Landers walked closer to Colt, putting his hands in his vest pockets. “Will you take the job? There will be a few rules because of Sunny’s presence, but I don’t think they will be things you can’t live with. I have a feeling you know how to behave around proper ladies. My father will pay five hundred dollars, and if something happens to your horse, he’ll replace it. Whatever supplies you say are needed, he’ll provide them.”
    Colt let out a light whistle. “Five hundred dollars?”
    â€œTo each of you, if your partner comes along.”
    Colt set the cigar in an ashtray and rose, standing a good four inches taller than Landers. “That’s a lot of money. A man would be a fool to turn it down, but in a case like this, once we’re out there, what I say goes. I can’t be spending half my time arguing with your father. I don’t care how many millions he’s worth, he’s got to listen to me once we’re out there on the trail.”
    â€œMy father has great respect for your kind, Colt. Our business was built on traders and trappers. My father did a little wilderness trapping of his own when he ·was younger. He understands these things. He’ll listen to you, especially if it means Sunny’s safety.”
    Colt nodded. “I’ll go talk to my friend and come back this evening with an answer.”
    â€œFine.” Landers put out his hand again, and Colt took it, trying to envision the “little sister” called Sunny. How little was little? And just how spoiled was she? He had a feeling it was the daughter who could end up being the real headache on this trip, but for five hundred dollars, he could put up with her smart-aleck talk and snooty ways. The girl would probably spend most of her time complaining about the discomforts of life on the trail and whining to go back home, but that was her problem.