The Pathway To Peace

Kevin slipped his .44 up and down a few times in its holster to make sure it was loose, then he cocked his Winchester.

“All set?” he looked to the other two.

They nodded.  “Ready.”

“Remember, don’t shoot to kill if possible,” Kevin reminded them.  “Better off takin’ them in.”

Louisiana nodded but Kevin saw Silverado shoot him a sidelong glance.  “Why not kill?” he asked.  “They are bad men and the court will have them hang anyway.”

Kevin didn’t quite know why he shrank from killing them.  “Just do it this way.”

They tensed their horses for the steep ride down into the canyon.  Kevin glanced over at Louisiana.  “Well?”

“Yeah,” Louisiana replied.

Kevin let out a yell and fired his rifle into the air, sending Red charging down the slope.  His feet skittered on the stones but he didn’t falter.  Kevin could hear the other two pounding down behind him.

When they reached the bottom they galloped along the creek toward the south end of the canyon.  They charged around the corner into the outlaws’ camp and suddenly all three of them stopped short.  There was total silence.  There was no one there.

“Wal, whar are dey?”  Louisiana spoke into the seeming emptiness.

Silverado shrugged.  “Maybe left while we sleep.  But fire still on.”

Kevin suddenly had the chilling premonition that they were being watched.  He quickly scanned the rocky walls and caught the glare of sun on a rifle barrel.  “Quick- back!” he cried.  “Ambush!”