An Honorable Man, Part Iii

...He spotted Jones, and three other rough men, digging at the ground beneath a large spruce. Jones was grousing, “I know it’s buried somewhere, if if it’s not here, I’ll beat it out of that youth!” It was them Elias spurred his horse on, emerging from behind a smallish grove, they all spun and saw him, pistols ready, said Elias, “I had wondered…now I know. “Why a criminal could care much for me, they say there is no honor among thieves, you didn’t care for you old pardner’s son, you just though that I might have what you need.” Trigger Jones stood up with a vicious grin, said,” Well god damn, if took you long enough. Who would’ve thought the preacher would buy the land where old Kerwin used to hide all his stuff. “I’d hoped you could tell me, show us the loot, that’s why I bothered toying with your head, but I guess we’ll have to do this the hard way, if you know, speak, or I’ll shoot you dead.” Elias just laughed, “I would never help you even if I knew, don’t you understand? You call me Kerwin, but my name is Jensen, my father raised me an honorable man.” Jones just said and said, “Well ain’t you a daisy. I guess you’ll die a stone’s throw from your home.” Elias just smirked back, said, “Do you think I was fool enough to ride out on my own?” At these words six others rode into view, surrounding Jones and all his bandit scum, the sheriff led them, six shooter in hand, barked, “You all throw up your hands, or you’re done.” Jones looked like he might make trouble for them, but around him his men threw up their arms, and the old crook realized there was no escape, he dropped his pistol, saved himself from harm. There were rewards on all the bandit’s head, the sheriff rode off quite happy that day. Elias rode back to his home relieved, no longer could anyone doubt his ways. For all the past, his temper, his worries, none could ever now doubt he had honor, he wasn’t bound by a bandit long dead, and now could live the life that he deserved.