The Valley Speaks

"Marshal, got three riders drawing closer from the south. They're flying Union colors."

"Any sign of the gold shipment with them?"

"No sir. Fair the riders. Moving quick too."

"Open the entryways. Something ain't right."

"Marshal! Marshal Harrison! They hit us at Thunder Pass!"

"Slow down, Lieutenant. Capture your breath. What happened to the rest of your unit?"

"Ambushed. The entire caravan. Never saw them coming."

"The Confederates?"

"No sir. It was Shaw's group. At slightest thirty men solid now."

"Impossible. Shaw's dead. I put him in the ground myself two a long time prior at Post Gibson."

"Begging your acquit, Marshal, but unless he's got a twin brother, that was him driving the charge."

"You're certain?"

"Clear as day. Still got that burn scar down his confront from the jail fire."

"Mother of God... Private, get me my horse!"

"Sir, you can't be considering of going after them. They've got a three-hour head begin, and a storm's brewing in the mountains."

"That gold was implied for the dowagers and children of Union troopers. I'm not letting Shaw take from the dead."

"Marshal, what around the town? We're as of now short-handed with the flu going around."

"Deputy Williams can handle things here. Lieutenant, how numerous men did you lose?"

"Seven great warriors. They didn't stand a chance. Shaw's got this modern rehashing rifle. Never seen anything like it."

"Winchester's most recent demonstrate. He must have companions in tall places now."

"There's more, sir. They took Sarah too."

"What? Your sister Sarah? The schoolteacher?"

"She was traveling with us to your town. Shaw recognized her from some place. Called her by name."

"She was my witness. Two a long time prior, at the trial. She's the one who recognized Shaw as the man who killed her husband."

"Then she's as great as dead if we do not move now."

"Private, I require six volunteers who can ride difficult and shoot straight. And send a wire to Post Smith. Tell them Shaw's lively and heading north with the Union gold."

"Yes sir. What around Judge Parker? Ought to we inform him too?"

"No time. Shaw's got companions all over. Indeed in the courthouse."

"Marshal, I know these mountains. There's an ancient Cherokee path that might cut three hours off their lead."

"Those ways are misleading in great climate. With a storm coming..."

"It's our as it were chance of catching them some time recently they reach Indian Domain. Once they cross that line..."

"We lose purview. I know. Private, are those volunteers ready?"

"Five men, sir. All previous cavalry."

"It'll have to do. Lieutenant, can you still ride?"

"Just attempt and halt me. That's my sister out there."

"Get them mounted up. We ride in ten minutes."

"Marshal, one more thing. Shaw was wearing a badge."

"What kind of badge?"

"U.S. Marshal's star. Gold, not brass."

"Seems our dead man's been active. Making companions in powerful tall places."

"Could clarify how he knew around the gold shipment."

"And how he got those Winchester rifles. The War Department's keeping those beneath tight bolt and key."

"You considering what I'm considering, Marshal?"

"Someone in Washington's playing both sides. Again."

"Just like amid the war."

"Some people never learned that the fighting's over. They fair changed battlefields."

"Thunder's getting closer. Storm's nearly on us."

"Good. We'll utilize it for cover. Shaw continuously did despise the rain."

"Because of the jail fire?"

"Because he can't shoot straight in it. That favor unused rifle won't offer assistance him much in a downpour."

"You've got that see, Marshal. The same one from Post Gibson."

"What see is that, Lieutenant?"

"Like you're around to do something that'll either get you a award or get you killed."

"Already got sufficient awards. Never did me any good."

"Your plan?"

"Shaw's anticipating us to take after the fundamental path. He'll have men observing it."

"But we're taking the Cherokee path?"

"Part of us are. You and two men. Make commotion, take off tracks."

"While you..."

"Take the rest through Thunder Valley."

"That's suicide! The valley's overwhelmed this time of year."

"Exactly why Shaw won't anticipate it. He considers he knows me."

"And the young lady? Sarah?"

"Shaw won't murder her. Not however. He needs her."

"For what?"

"Leverage. Protections. And bait."

"You think he arranged this entirety thing fair to draw you out?"

"The gold's fair a reward. Shaw's had two a long time to arrange his revenge."

"Then we're strolling right into his trap."

"No, Lieutenant. He's strolling into mine."

"What aren't you telling me, Marshal?"

"Shaw didn't elude that jail fire by himself. He had help."

"From who?"

"My brother."

"Your brother? I thought he kicked the bucket at Gettysburg."

"That's what the records say. Truth's a bit more complicated."

"How complicated?"

"He's been working covert. Bolstering me data almost Shaw's operation for the past year."

"And you're fair telling me this now?"

"Fewer individuals know, less can conversation. Shaw's got ears everywhere."

"Even in your claim town?"

"Especially in my town. Why do you think I sent for Sarah to affirm two a long time back instep of utilizing neighborhood witnesses?"

"So what's the genuine plan?"

"My brother's organized a small shock for Shaw in Thunder Valley. But we have to time it fair right."

"The storm..."

"Will cover the sound of the dynamite."

"You're going to blow the valley?"

"Just the entrance. Turn it into a bottle. Shaw rides in..."

"He can't ride out. Brilliant. Unless..."

"Unless what?"

"Unless your brother's playing both sides too."

"He isn't."

"You sound powerful beyond any doubt for somebody who hasn't seen him in ten years."

"Twelve. And I'm beyond any doubt since he's the one who made a difference Sarah elude the to begin with time."

"First time? There's a part approximately this story I'm not hearing, isn't there?"

"Let's fair say Shaw's fixation with her goes more profound than witness testimony."

"How deep?"

"She was gathered to be his spouse. Some time recently the war. Some time recently she met Sarah's husband."

"Jesus..."

"Now you get it why we can't fail."

"The men are prepared, Marshal. Storm's hitting difficult now."

"Perfect. Lieutenant, take Wilson and Parker up the Cherokee path. The rest of you, with me."

"God be with you, Marshal."

"Save the supplications for Shaw. He's the one who'll require them."

"What if your brother's flag doesn't come?"

"Then this is likely my final ride."

"And if it does come?"

"Then it's unquestionably Shaw's."

"See you in Thunder Valley."

"One way or another."