The Last Ride of Caleb O'Toole (16 page)

“Her folks got killed by Sioux and she saves a gall-darn Indian?” Jake scoffed. “Story's full of holes, girl.” He slipped the gag back over her mouth and shoved her hard to the floor, where she landed painfully next to Tilly. Caleb tightened his grip on his rifle. He bit his lip as he watched his sister stand up to the outlaw, grateful she had not revealed anything about him. There were too many for him to fight. Even if he fired first and fast, surely he could not get all four before one or two of them would shoot him down. He relaxed his grip and calmed himself so his mind would stay clear.

The men sat gnawing on meat, drinking from a whiskey bottle. One threw a scrap to Tumble, who refused to eat it. The man lashed out and kicked Tumble with his boot. Tumble let out a painful yelp, bared his teeth, and tried to crawl toward Tilly.

“Tell you what,” said Wolf as he took out his Colt and checked it. Dead eyes peering out of his wolflike face sized up Tumble. “When I'm done eatin', I'm gonna take that mutt out and shoot it. Worthless dog darn near took my leg off today.”

“Should have shot it dead on the trail.” Trigger gave Tumble a second kick and laughed as Tumble strained against the rope to take a bite out of him.

“Joe Wolf, you have to be the biggest fool. Firing off your gun to kill a dog is a right stupid idea. You'll bring whoever owns these kids around to the Hole, maybe some Indians too,” said Jake as he took a swig from a bottle of whiskey. “You put the dog in that sack and throw him in the river and drown him. Besides, you should be out there anyway. It's your watch tonight.”

“Dang it, Jake, ain't no one out there. I checked. Ain't nobody can even find the Hole in the Wall.”

“You do what I say or you go find yourself another outfit to ride with,” ordered Jake.

“OK, boss, whatever you say.” Wolf picked up the sack. “Come here, you dern mutt.” Wolf took out his knife and cut Tumble's rope. Then he grabbed him by the scruff. Tumble immediately latched his jaws onto his sleeve as Wolf tried to cram him into the sack. “Get in there, daggone it. Time to meet yer Maker!” Tumble tore the outlaw's sleeve off as he tried valiantly to break free. Wolf took out his Colt and smacked it against Tumble's head, then shoved the dog into the sack and tied it shut. “Dang tough little beast.”

“What do we do with the Indian boy?” asked Trigger as he chuckled at Wolf's struggle.

“Hang him in the morning,” said Jake as he took another swig of whiskey.

***

Caleb followed silently some fifty feet behind, staying hidden in the shadows of the rocks as Wolf walked to the river with Tumble in the sack. On the way, the outlaw paused to throw some more wood on the fire, dropping Tumble close to the flames. “Ought to just burn you,” he mumbled as he picked up the sack. Caleb figured Tumble must be out cold from being hit on the head, for there was no movement inside the sack. As Wolf neared the river, Caleb sneaked up from behind, gripping the Henry rifle like a club. Wolf took hold of the sack with both hands. “Meet yer Maker, dang dog.” Wolf tossed the sack about ten feet into the river. “There you go!” Wolf laughed as he turned back toward the campfire.
SMACK!
With all his might, Caleb swung the heavy rifle and connected squarely with Wolf's jaw. Wolf went down in a heap, half in the river, unconscious. Instantly, Caleb waded out into the cold river and felt around for the sack. The water was only a couple of feet deep and it didn't take long before he kicked it with his foot. He yanked Tumble out of the water and carried the sack to shore, hiding it in the rocks. No time to see how Tumble is, he thought. Besides, it would be better to keep him inside the sack. He opened it a little to make sure air could get in and then he went back to Wolf. With all his strength, he dragged the man behind the rocks to hide him. A summer of rugged life on the trail had made him strong.

Caleb had to move fast. First he ran to the horses. He found Dusty and Patch's horse and led them around the cabin into the trees and tied them off. Then he returned and led the other horses away from the cabin, several hundred yards up the river, and smacked them on the flanks, the way Henderson had done it the many weeks ago in Dobytown. The horses scampered farther upriver. It would buy him some time if his plan went well, he thought as he ran back to the cabins.

Caleb could still hear voices arguing and laughing in the main cabin as he crept silently to the campfire. Several torches that had been dipped in pine pitch were stuck in the dirt nearby. He set the Henry behind a rock and gathered some kindling near the fire and tucked the wood under his arm, then snatched up a burning torch. Careful to keep it lit, he jogged a couple of hundred yards or so away from the cabin and back up the river. He stopped and set the kindling down, picking up twigs and leaves and sprinkling them over the kindling. Then he set the torch on top and blew on the flames until the fire spread. Satisfied it was burning strong, Caleb reached into his pocket and took out a handful of bullets. Carefully, he placed them into the flames. He had to hurry. He had exploded bullets this way before behind the schoolhouse, even gotten himself into trouble with his father for it. He knew they wouldn't shoot off like they would from a gun, but the noise of the shots would prove a distraction, an important piece to his plan. He ran as fast as he could back to Patch's cabin. Grabbing his Henry, Caleb crept quickly to the window. Patch was lying on the floor. It was hard to tell in the moonlight, but it looked like his eyes were closed. Caleb climbed into the shack and crawled over to him. Softly, Caleb shook Patch's shoulder and the young Sioux instantly awoke. Terrified, he backed to the wall. Caleb put his fingers to his mouth to signal to Patch to be quiet. Patch nodded his head. Quickly, Caleb took out his knife and cut the ropes that bound him. Then he led Patch out of the cabin and they headed into the trees to the horses. Caleb helped Patch onto his pony. Patch raised his hand in a gesture of peace. Caleb nodded to the Indian and raised his hand in a sign of farewell, then he pointed toward the dangerous path along the cliff to the stone archway. Quietly and swiftly, Patch and his pony disappeared through the trees and rocks.

Caleb raced back to the cabin. If the plan worked, they could get away; if not, their fates would be sealed forever in the Hole in the Wall. Caleb hid near the side of the cabin and held his breath. Suddenly, several blasts broke the silence of the night as the bullets ignited and exploded up the river. Jake, Trigger, and Larson ran from the cabin, guns drawn. Caleb hid in the rocks and drew a bead on them with his rifle.

“They took the horses!” yelled Larson as he searched around the campfire. The bullets continued to explode, echoing through the ravine.

“Wolf must be holding them down!” shouted Jake. “Trigger. You stay with the two girls. Whoever's out there must be after them! Keep a gun on 'em. We'll head up the river. If they get through us, shoot 'em.”

“Right, boss!” Trigger headed back inside, his pearl-handled Colt dancing in his hands.

“Larson. Let's go!” Jake yelled as he and Larson ran toward the gunshots.

Caleb sneaked up close to the window and carefully peered inside. Trigger, his Colt drawn, stood by the door and looked out. Then he advanced on Tilly, reaching out his free hand like a sidewinder, and removed her gag.

“What do you think there, little princess?” said Trigger. “Lordy, you are like a fairy girl. You like fairy tales?”

“Yes,” said Tilly meekly. “And a knight is coming to rescue me.”

“Ha!” laughed Trigger as he holstered his pistol. “That's a good one. Well, you want to come with Sir Trigger to Mexico? I bet you'd bring a thousand dollars, I do.”

“No!” yelled Tilly. Suddenly, she kicked out with her foot and connected with Trigger's shin.

“Son of a…!” exclaimed Trigger as he danced on one leg. Julie sprang like a cat and cracked Trigger's other leg with a thunderous kick. Trigger backhanded her across the face, knocking her back against the wall. Blood spurted from Julie's lip as Trigger grabbed her and slammed her against the wall.

“Hold it!” shouted Caleb as he pointed the Henry at Trigger.

“Caleb!” exclaimed Julie, her gag slipping down as she struggled in Trigger's grasp.

“Well, well,” Trigger hissed as he let go of Julie. “Looks like we got ourselves a family reunion. Careful with that rifle, boy. Kind of big for you, ain't it?” Trigger shot his hand out like a rattlesnake and grabbed his Colt. Like lightning, he swung it toward Caleb.

The Henry fired and blew Trigger against the wall, shattering his shoulder. Caleb ran around to the door and burst into the room. Trigger tried to reach out for his pistol, but Caleb kicked it away. Then he smashed the Henry into the side of Trigger's head. The outlaw went limp.

“Come on, we've got to hurry!” Caleb took out his knife and carefully slashed Julie's ropes, freeing her hands. Then he went to Tilly and cut her ropes.

“Oh, Caleb,” exclaimed Julie as she ran to Tilly and scooped her up. “Lord, I was praying you would come! How did you manage…?”

“There's no time!” Caleb rushed them out the door. “They'll be back once they figure it out. I'll explain later. Let's go!”

“I'll just take this with me.” Julie grabbed Trigger's pearl-handled Colt.

Quickly, they bolted from the cabin and ran over to Dusty. Julie grabbed onto Dusty's mane and vaulted onto his back. Caleb boosted his little sister up behind her.

“Head back up the trail to the cavern. Be careful. The moon is full and it's light enough to see, but it's a sheer drop on the right. I'll meet you on the other side by the wagon.”

“We'll be OK.” Julie took the rope that was tied around Dusty's neck and urged the horse forward.

“Tumble!” cried Tilly over her shoulder. “The man was going to throw him in the river!”

“Don't worry, Tilly, I'll get him. Go on!” Caleb turned and ran back to where he had hidden Tumble.

Caleb grabbed the sack and hefted Tumble over his shoulder as he picked up his Henry. Shouts from the outlaws told him they were on to his trick. They would be back in no time, most likely with their horses. Caleb ran to the campfire. He quickly grabbed another torch in his left hand and shifted the Henry into the crook of his elbow, then ran up the trail to Pride as fast as he could, his arms aching from the effort. If the torch would stay lit, the final part of his plan would fall into place.

Pride snorted and stomped his hoof as Caleb ran up to him. “Easy, boy,” said Caleb as he stuck the burning stick into the earth. With both hands, he lifted the sack with Tumble onto the saddle and tied it off to the saddle horn. He stuck the Henry into its scabbard. He could hear the outlaws shouting as they rode back to the cabin. They would be on him in less than a minute once they discovered the wounded Trigger. He quickly grabbed the torch, mounted Pride, and headed up the trail. He let Pride have his head, for he knew the horse could see better than he could. Two hundred feet below, the dark river roared. Caleb silently prayed that Julie had made it safely. The outlaws were racing up the trail just two hundred yards below. Caleb saw torches light up in the moonlight sky. They were on him now and closing. Caleb had to double his speed. He gave the reins a shake, urging the warhorse faster. Pride skittered for a moment on the rocky trail, nearly tossing Caleb to the river below. He yanked Pride to the left as the big stallion found his footing. They picked their way forward as fast as they could until they finally made it to the rocky cavern.

“Julie!” yelled Caleb as Pride led him through the stone passage.

“Caleb!” shouted Julie from the other side. “We made it!”

“Hitch up Dusty! They're coming! Hurry!”

Caleb burst out the other side as Julie brought the wagon around in a circle. Quickly, he dismounted and stabbed the lit torch into the ground at the entrance to the cavern. “Take Tumble!” he said, pointing to the sack hanging on the saddle horn. Julie ran over and lifted the sack with Tumble in it, then put it into the back of the wagon. Caleb took out his knife and started hacking up the tumbleweeds. “Quick. Pile these weeds into the cavern!”

Julie and Tilly frantically dragged the tumbleweeds and stuffed them into the stone passageway. Caleb could hear the whinny of the outlaw horses as they entered the other side. He took the burning sticks and began to light the weeds. “Go! Get out on the trail and head north.” Caleb hit the dirt as the outlaws fired through the cavern, gunshots ricocheting off the cavern wall. Then he leaped up and grabbed the Henry as the weeds caught fire.

“I'm not leaving you!” cried Julie as she grabbed the pearl-handled Colt. Julie lay on the ground and fired into the cavern. Caleb hit the dirt right beside her and let loose with his Henry. Smoke from the fire began to pour into the cavern as they fired side by side at the hidden outlaws.

“All right, let's go!” Caleb tossed some bullets onto the burning weeds, hoping they would explode and buy them some time. Then he sprinted to Pride and quickly mounted the big black stallion. Julie leaped aboard the wagon and grabbed the reins. With Caleb in the lead, they tore out as fast as they could. They could hear the gunshots behind them as the outlaws continued firing. They had to move fast. They had half the night ahead of them. Tracks would be hard to see in the moonlight. Caleb led them to the trail and jerked Pride north as Julie drove Dusty and the wagon right behind him. It was hard going at first, and the shadows of giant boulders obscured the trail at times. Rocks and ruts tossed the wagon to and fro, but Julie managed to hang on. Tilly took Tumble out of the sack and put her arms around him, willing the mutt to live. But there was no movement from the little dog. Up ahead, the trail split. The main road veered left. A smaller one headed east. In an instant Caleb chose the eastern route, hoping to fool the outlaws. He figured as long as he kept the mountains on his left, he could always find his way back to the Bozeman Trail. The eastern road cut through vast walls of rock. The road was narrowing as the sheer walls converged on the trail. Just as Caleb feared they would meet a dead end, the trail widened and they shot through into a giant ravine.