“Here, boys,” said old man Don, throwing the roll of money on the bed,
“divide this wad between you. There might be such a thing as using a
little here and there to sweeten matters up, and making yourselves
rattling good fellows wherever you go. Now in the first place, I want
you both to understand that this money is clear velvet, and don’t
hesitate to spend it freely. Eat and drink all you can, and gamble a
little of it if that is necessary. You two will saddle up in the
morning and ride to Powderville, while I will lie around here a few
days and try the market for cattle next year, and then go on to Big
Horn on my way to the Crow Agency. Feel your way carefully; locate the
herds of Field, Radcliff & Co., and throw everything in their way to
retard progress. It is impossible to foretell what may happen, and for
that reason only general orders can be given. And remember, I don’t
want to see that money again if there is any chance to use it.”
Powderville was a long day’s ride from Miles City. By making an early
start and resting a few hours at noon, we reached that straggling
outpost shortly after nightfall. There was a road-house for the
wayfaring man and a corral for his beast, a general store, opposition
saloons, and the regulation blacksmith shop, constituting the business
interests of Powderville. As arriving guests, a rough but cordial
welcome was extended us by the keeper of the hostelry, and we mingled
with the other travelers, but never once mentioning our business. I was
uneasy over the money in our possession; not that I feared robbery, but
my mind constantly reverted to it, and it was with difficulty that I
refrained from continually feeling to see that it was safe. Sponsilier
had concealed his in his boot, and as we rode along, contended that he
could feel the roll chafing his ankle. I had tied two handkerchiefs
together, and rolling my share in one of them, belted the amount
between my overshirt and undershirt. The belt was not noticeable, but
in making the ride that day, my hand involuntarily went to my side
where the money lay, the action never escaping the notice of
Sponsilier, who constantly twitted me over my nervousness. And although
we were tired as dogs after our long ride, I awoke many times that
night and felt to see if my money was safe; my partner slept like a
log.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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