The Man That He Once Was, Part Ii

...For four years he wandered, a human scourge, throwing in with the worst type of dregs. He robbed from so many without a thought, and when he slept, he saw only red. He soon was wanted in countless counties, but he felt no remorse for his deeds. They didn’t understand their laws were bunk, that life was nothing but anguish and need. He threw in with Black Thompson along the way, a killer who would slayed all inis path, they had a plan to knock off a train, loaded with gold bullion and greenback cash. The robbery went off smooth and easy, Black Thompson didn’t have to fire his gun. The gang rode away into Nebraska hills, dreaming of the haul they had won. At a small hill they dropped their masks, and began dividing up the big haul, when they heard a whinny, saw a rider, not far off, on a horse rather small. “Get that bastard, he’s seen our face!” was the cry Black Thompson gave out. Anders and two others, Barton and Bill, charged at the figure with a shout. The small figure rode and they pursued for three mils up to a long ridge, Barton got ahead, cornered the rider, drawing near they saw it was a kid. He shook in his saddle, lip quivering, be could not be much older than eight. ...about the age that Chester would be, had he not been stolen by fate. Bill and Barton whopped and hollered, but Anders felt a cold, surging chill. “Best not to wait, do the job Thorn,” were the words of the rustler Bill. Anders looked at the boy on his pony, and then slowly he removed his Colt, he lifted it up, then turned on Bill, the pistol round made the thug jolt. He fell from his horse, and Barton gawked, so Anders shot him square between the eyes. “Run boy,”he cried,”Ride, do not stop! I am going to buy you the time!’ The child took off, bawling out in tears, and Anders turned back to the distant gang. They had heard the shot, and rode near, four of them mounted on painted mustangs. Anders said,”Lord, what have I become? If you’re out there, listen just this once. I do not care what happens to me, but you better protect that little one...” CONCLUDES IN PART III