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Bitter is the Dust
Chapter Six/Trailing the Dog
Scott A. Gese
Chapter 6
Trailing the Dog
Jason headed west along the same route he took with Mac and Sarah when they came to Fort Scott earlier in the year. His first stop would be Fall River. There were a few small encampments between Fort Scott and there, mainly used by drovers who had brought cattle up from Texas. Some of them were more interested in seeing this part of the country rather than heading straight back home. Most of them headed toward the west, but for those heading east, Topeka, Fall River and then Fort Scott was where the trail took them.
He was hoping he would meet up with Jim along the trail somewhere and not in Fall River. He traveled cautiously, always keeping his eye on the trail ahead. The first day didn't get him too far as he had started out late in the afternoon. He decided to make camp just before dark, next to an outcrop of large boulders shaded by one old cottonwood tree; as the rocks would afford him some protection against the cold night breeze. After taking care of his horse's needs, he gathered what wood he could find from the trees downed branches and built a small fire. Grabbing up the sack of supplies Ben had purchased for him, he opened it looking to see what he could find to eat and was surprised to see that Ben had also added a cut of bacon. He continued pulling out the supplies to see what else he might find when he came upon the money Ben had added to the sack. He was pleasantly surprised to find that Ben had added twenty dollars toward his travel expenses.
After eating his fill of beans and hard tack, and drinking a whole pot of hot coffee, he was tired and his bladder was full. A short walk away from the fire to relieve himself suddenly made him realize just how cold it was. He gathered a few more pieces of wood and piled a few rocks close to the backside of the fire in order to reflect a bit of heat and hold some warmth through the night. After stoking the fire he leaned his head against his saddle and covered up with a single wool blanket. Under the twinkling stars and the soft crackle of a warm fire on a cool October night, Jason slept soundly.
The following morning he awoke to a fire that, except for a few small coals, was all but out. Some dry grass saved from the night dew and a few breaths of air was all it took to get a new flame. He reached for a couple of sticks from the pile he had gathered the night before, but quickly pulled back. There on the pile laid a King snake. They weren't usually active at night especially in October, but the fire must have warmed the rocks where he was hiding enough to bring him out. Jason grabbed up the axe handle from its scabbard and clubbed it to death. "Breakfast," he thought as he began to skin it.
After eating and drinking his fill of hot coffee, he doused the fire with what was left, and then packed up camp. Today would be a full day of riding and the following would bring him to Fall River.
It was about noon when Jason first saw him, a rider heading his direction. He was too far away to make him out clearly, so caution was essential until they got closer to each other. Jason's heart was pounding harder with each step closer to the stranger. Thoughts were buzzing through his head. What if it's him? Do I just shoot him and be done with it, or do I say something, and then shoot him? What if he recognizes me first?" He pulled his hat down low in front, put his hand on his pistol and thumbed back the hammer. The stranger was no fool to caution. He raised his hands and shouted out, "Just passing, not looking for trouble." Jason stopped and hollered back, "Pass on by, and just keep your hands where I can see them."
As the stranger got closer, Jason realized it wasn't who he was looking for. A feeling of both relief and disappointment filled him.
"You're a mighty cautious kid," commented the stranger as he came alongside. "Thanks for not blowing me out of my saddle."
"Didn't mean to scare you," replied Jason, pulling to a stop. "I'm half expecting to meet someone along this trail that would just as soon kill me as see me. Where are you coming from?"
"Fall River yesterday, Topeka before that." The man pointed to his shirt pocket, and the took out his makings, rolling a smoke. He offered the tobacco to Jason.
Jason declined the offer of a smoke. "Are you from Topeka?"
"Originally from Laredo, Texas, but I spent several months in Topeka once we sold off our cattle."
"You didn't happen to hear of a man named McKinney, Jim McKinney, while you were there, did you?" He reached out, patting his horse's neck; calming the animal.
"McKinney, hmm, name doesn't sound familiar, but there's a lot of people in Topeka."
"He hung out in the Trails End saloon."
The man laughed. "I've been there a time or two."
"He drank a lot, and usually lost at the faro table. Does that sound familiar?"
"A lot of people drank too much and lost at the faro table. Why hell, I'm guilty of that myself. What else you got?"
"He might have been favoring a leg, like it had been broke recently."
The cowboy stroked his chin. "Now that does bring somebody to mind. I haven't seen him in a few weeks. Last I recall he was booted out of the Trails End for beating up on one of the women that worked there. The bartender paid off a couple of the boys to take him out back and gave him a shellackin' as payback. I figure he's holed up somewhere while he licks his wounds. Does that help any?"
"It sure does. Thanks for the information. How much further to Fall River?"
"Over a day's ride yet. Ride till dark, get an early start in the morning and you should be there by mid afternoon easy. I spent a few days in Fall River. Nice little town, but stay clear of the poker table. There's a man in there from down south, around the delta area I believe. I swear he cheats, He wins way too often, but he's too good to get caught at it."
"Much obliged. Say, are you heading into Fort Scott by any chance?"
"That would be my next stop."
"Would you mind finding a Doctor Dunn's office and relaying a message for me?"
"No, not at all."
"There's a woman at the reception desk named Sarah. Tell her Jason's doing fine."
"“Jason's doing fine”, that's it?" the man echoed.
"Yeah. Sarah's my ma, she'll be worried, so if you forget my name, mention my red hair. She'll know."
"Got it. You take care now."
"And you as well."
Jason and the rider parted ways and he rode on without incident, only stopping toward dusk to make camp. It was a long cold night. The following morning a thin layer of frost blanketed the ground. Jason built up the fire to warm himself and heat up what was left of last night's coffee. He ate a meager breakfast of bacon and hardtack soaked in the fat. After packing up, he headed on toward Fall River. It was a cold morning ride, but the sun finally did show itself enough to warm things up and make for a pleasant afternoon.
It was early evening when the town first came into view. Upon arriving he stopped in front of the only diner. After watering his horse, he tied it to the hitch post and went in. His breakfast was long gone and hardtack wasn't appealing to him at the moment. His mind was set on a hot meal. The diner was quaint and tidy. Red and white checkered table clothes were neatly laid out and adorned with dried flowers. The cook was a middle-aged man; clean-shaven and what looked to be a new haircut. He wore an almost clean apron.
Taking a seat at a table next to the window, the waitress promptly and politely took Jason's order of steak and potatoes, two biscuits, hot coffee and a slice of fresh apple pie. The meal was served quickly and he took his time eating while watching the going's on outside the window. Sheriff Brass was talking to his sister, Ellie in front of her store, which reminded him to see about buying a warm jacket before he left town. As soon as he finished dinner, Jason got up and took the two biscuits with him. After paying for the meal he stepped outside and fed the biscuits to his horse, then led him across the street to the general store. Stewart was just about to close up when Jason walked in. He had to do a double take before realizing who it was.
"Well I'll be danged, Ellie, come on out here and take a looksee, you'll never in a million years guess who just darkened our door."
Ellie stepped out from the back room. "Why, I'd know that shock of red hair most anywhere. Jason McKinney, how the heck are you, son? How's your momma doing?"
"Ma's doing fine. She's got herself a real job in a doctor's office."
"Well good for her. I'm real happy to hear that. So tell us now, what brings you to Fall River, son?"
"I came by to buy a jacket. It's getting mighty cold out there at night."
"You came all the way to Fall River just to buy a jacket from us," laughed Stewart jokingly. "Well bless your heart. So are you planning to stay awhile or are you just passing through?"
"I'm on my way to Topeka, if I need to go that far."
"If you need to go that far?" questioned Ellie thoughtfully. "You're lookin' for someone, aren't you? Is it that no good skunk…what was his name again, Jim?"
Jason nodded. "Fraid so. Word is he may be on his way to Fort Scott, looking for me and ma. I figure on finding him before he finds us. Have you seen any strangers in town lately that might be walking with a limp? He more than likely would be hanging around the saloon."
Ellie and Stewart both thought about it for a moment. "No, no I don't believe we have. We've had a lot of drovers coming through here lately after they bring their cattle up from Texas. Most stay in Abilene or head back down south, but some decide to stick around to see this part of the country. Can't say as we've seen anyone with a limp though."
"I think I'll try my luck at the saloon. Maybe someone over there might know something. I'll stop by in the morning to pick up a jacket and a few supplies before I head out."
"Have you got a place to stay the night?" asked Stewart.
"I plan on getting a room. As long as I'm in town I might as well sleep in a warm bed. I'll be back in the morning."
"You're welcome to stay the night here, son."
"I appreciate the offer, but I may be out late. I think I'll just get me a room."
"Suit yourself, can't say we didn't offer."
Jason walked his horse over to the livery and bedded it down for the evening, then made his way to the boarding house where he rented a room for the night and stowed his gear. He had a few extra dollars in his pocket and thought as long as he was going to be at the saloon, why not try to make a few more at the poker table.
By the time he left the boarding house the sun had set, and even though he had never been in the saloon, the town wasn't that big, so he didn't think he'd have much trouble finding it. There were a couple of side streets off the main, and the first one he tried turned out to be the correct one. The sign out front read "Fall River Saloon'. "This must be the place," he thought to himself.
He entered cautiously as not to bring notice to himself and slowly surveyed the room. It was small and dimly lit. A stairway to the left led up to the second floor and the bar was straight ahead. The bartender looked up long enough to get a good glimpse of his newest customer, and then went back to busying himself behind the bar. There were four tables. Two had games in progress and two sat empty. At one of the games sat a man who Jason thought might be the fella he was told about, and three men stood at the bar. There was no piano, so other than the talk of the men inside, it was fairly quiet. After satisfying himself that Jim wasn't there, he headed for the bar. Anticipating his next move, the bartender met him as he walked up.
"What can I do fer ya, young fella'?" he asked.
"I'll have a beer." Jason didn't normally drink beer, but he was hoping to get in on a game and didn't want to dull his sensibilities with whiskey. He could nurse the beer as he sat at one of the empty tables, waiting for an opening at one of the games. The bartender poured him a beer and Jason paid the man, then went and sat down. There was a deck of cards on the table, so he occupied himself by shuffling and cutting them for lack of anything better to do.
After about a half an hour one of the men at the card shark's table jumped up in disgust. "I've had it, you've cleaned me out. There's no way in hell a man can win that many hands and not be doing something fishy."
The gambler just smiled. "I beg to differ with you, sir, I seem to be doing everything right. That's why I have all of your money," stated the shark. "Are you accusing me of some sort of underhandedness?"
"Well, I won't go that far, but I'm done for the night. I won't be sittin' in on a game at your table again."
"If that's the way you want it, that's fine with me." He looked over in Jason's direction. "Hey, kid. Interested in sitting in? We seem to have an open chair."
Jason was hoping for an opening at the other table, but at the invitation thought, Why not, how good can this guy be? "Sure, I'll fill in," he replied.
As Jason got up, the man just leaving the game walked by his table on the way toward the door. "Watch him," he whispered. "I don't know how he's doing it, but somehow he's cheatin'."
Jason walked over and introduced himself all around.
The game had been going for about an hour and Jason was holding his own. He had won a few hands and was feeling confident. This guy isn't that good, he thought to himself. But not too soon after, the tide began to turn in favor of the shark and the majority of the bets were flowing his way. After the shark had won a close hand with one of the other players, the loser jumped up and demanded to see inside the shark's jacket.
"Your cheatin', mister. I don't know how your doin' it, but I know you're not playin' fair. Now stand up and take off that jacket so I can see what you got up your sleeve," demanded the player.
"I'll do nothing of the sort," replied the shark.
"The hell you won't." The player drew his gun, but before he had a chance to take aim, a shot rang out. The player grabbed his arm and spun to the floor as the shark stood up, holding a smoking gun in his hand. The players gathered up their money, as the game was obviously over.
Somebody ran for the sheriff and before long, he arrived along with another man who turned out to be the doctor.
"Don't anybody leave," he ordered.
Jason stood back and watched as the Doc checked the man who had been shot. He was still alive and able to walk. The doctor took him out as the sheriff began to question the shark. After he was through with him, he turned his attention to one of the other men who sat at the table, then soon turned his attention to Jason. As he looked at Jason, a sudden realization came over him.
"Well I'll be damned, if it isn't the red headed runt. Didn't I once tell you to leave and not come back?"
"No, you told me not to look back."
"And if I'm not mistaken, I believe you did. Just what brings you back to Fall River, Red? And if you say two hundred dollars, I'll lock you up and lose the key."
"I'm just passing through on my way to Topeka."
"And trouble follows you wherever you go, don't it," remarked the sheriff sarcastically.
"It ain't following me, I'm looking for it."
"Oh, still a smart ass, are you?"
"No sir, just stating a fact."
"Well here's a fact for you, son. Plan on being out of town tomorrow morning before the sun comes up, and if you should happen to find any more "trouble' between now and then, I'll surely lock you up, understand?"
"Perfectly, May I go?"
"Please do."
Jason left the saloon and headed back to his room at the boarding house. He'd come away from the table five dollars ahead.
The following morning, Jason was up early, but not as early as the sheriff had suggested, as he needed to pick up a jacket and a few supplies before he headed out. As he stared out the window of his room, contemplating how he could skirt around the sheriff, he noticed a rider coming into town from the west. The man pulled up in front of the general store and slowly dismounted. Watching the rider tie his horse and walk around the hitch rail to the boardwalk, Jason thought he had detected a limp. At first he thought his eyes were just playing tricks on him. He continued to watch the man as he stepped up onto the boardwalk and make his way to the door Stewart had just opened. As he walked into the store, it became clear that the man indeed had a limp.
Forgetting the fact that the sheriff might see him, Jason strapped on his gun and headed toward the store. He didn't know for sure if this was the man he was looking for, but there was only one way to find out. As he reached the store, the sheriff saw him from his office.
"That damn kid. I told him to be out of town by now." He grabbed up his hat and headed toward the store.
As Stewart was setting out some of his merchandise onto the boardwalk, he noticed the rider coming down the street. As he headed back inside, Ellie, who had also seen the rider, watched him tie up just outside. "Stewart," cried Ellie in a hushed voice. "That man outside. He has a limp."
As the stranger came inside, it was plain to see that the man had quite a pronounced limp. Ellie busied herself straightening a display in front of the counter as Stewart greeted the man.
"Good morning, sir. How may I help you?"
"You can git me a blanket," he ordered. "It's colder than the dickens out there. I "bout froze to death last night. What time does your saloon open up around here? I need a drink to warm my bones."
"That would be in about thirty minutes," replied Stewart.
"Where "bouts are you coming from?" questioned Ellie.
"From Topeka, if it's any of your business."
"Topeka? And where are you heading?" Ellie was folding and refolding a piece of dry goods, pretending to make pleasant conversation.
"Why the hell is that any of your business?" the man snapped.
Stewart interjected. "Now see here, mister. You better be careful how you talk to my wife."
"Or what? You're a skinny old man. I got nothing to fear from you."
"Well I ain't so skinny," stated Ellie, as she stepped up to the man; her eyes narrowing. "And you darn well better fear me."
Stewart, anticipating trouble, quickly went behind the counter to retrieve an old scattergun he kept there.
"I fear no woman," he replied. "I've beat down meaner women than you." He gave Ellie a shove and she grabbed hold of him by the shirt. He backhanded Ellie, but she wouldn't let go.
Stewart had the gun pointed at the stranger and was ready to pull the trigger as soon as he had a clear shot. "Let her go, mister, or I'll blow you in two," he yelled.
As the two scuffled, Jason walked in the door. He pulled his gun and cocked back the hammer.
"Jim' he shouted out.
Turning to see who had called his name, the man realized it was Jason and went for his gun. Jason didn't hesitate to pull the trigger, hitting Jim in the chest. He put two more slugs in him before he fell to the floor.
Sheriff Brass came through the door just as Jason fired. He pulled his gun and leveled it on Jason.
"Jonathan, don't you dare," shouted Ellie. "He just saved my life."
Sheriff Brass put away his gun as Jason walked up to Jim who lay on the floor in a pool of blood. He was breathing hard. Looking up at Jason, he said, "You shot me, son." He actually sounded surprised.
Jason looked down at the dying man, and with contempt in his voice, growled, "I was never your son. I was only your whipping boy. You don't know how often I've dreamt of this day." He spit in the old man's face; not one bit of remorse in him as the old man's eyes closed for the final time.
Stewart hugged Ellie. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," she replied as she stepped over to Jason and gave him a hug. "Thank you for saving my life."
"Believe me, Ellie. It was my pleasure."
"I thought I told you to be out of town before sunup," stated the sheriff. "For once, I'm glad you didn't listen to me. So, this is the man that gave you and your mother so much grief, is it. I'm going to need to write up a report on this."
"Am I under arrest?"
"No, you're free to go. What would you like done with the body?"
Jason thought about it for a long moment. "Bury it, I suppose," he murmured. "And the sooner, the better."
Jason went back to his room and stayed there the rest of the day. The following morning he packed up his belongings, walked over to the livery, settled up and saddled his horse, then walked over to the telegraph office and sent a message to his Ma. "Jim's dead, I'm fine," was the extent of the message. From there he went to the general store. Ellie and Stewart were busy as always when he walked in. The first thing he noticed was that the blood had been cleaned up.
Stewart greeted him as he entered. "Young Jason, how are you doing? What can I do for you this morning?"
"You can sell me a warm jacket and some supplies for starters." After Jason found a jacket to his liking, Stewart filled a sack to the brim with supplies. "No charge," he stated with a smile as he handed the sack to Jason.
"No charge? Well, thank you."
"Our treat for saving my life," replied Ellie.
"You know he wouldn't have killed you," Jason admonished. "He took his pleasure from beating on women, not killing them."
"I know, but as long as Jonathan believes it, that's all that matters. Do you recall the promise I made to your mother when you were here last? I told her that if that no account showed up here in Fall River, I'd make sure he didn't go any further, and I keep my promises. So, are you heading back to Fort Scott?"
"No, I think I'll go on to Topeka and maybe head south before the snows come. I'd like to see a bit more of this country before I head back. Will you do me a favor and get a message to my ma. Let her know what all happened and that I'm alright."
Ellie nodded. "I'll do that for you, Jason. I promise."
As Jason McKinney headed out of town he stopped at the pauper's field where a fresh grave had been dug. He rode up to it and dismounted. Pulling the axe handle from its scabbard he stuck it into the fresh dirt, not at the head of the grave, like a headstone, but in the center, like a stake through the heart. He found a rock and pounded it in securely, then remounted his horse. As he sat there looking down at his handiwork with a satisfied grin on his face, he spoke but one word. "Bastard." He then spurred his horse and headed west, toward Topeka.
Continue Reading
Chapter Three / On the Trail to Fort Scott
Chapter Five / Good News, Bad News
Chapter Six / Trailing the Dog
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A full length novel by Scott A. Gese
The day Sarah McKinney finally escaped the clutches of her abusive husband, she and her adopted son, Jason, began a perilous journey and a new life on the run. The future hangs in the balance as their unhappy past and the man they left behind threatens to catch up with them.
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