Chapter 6 - Open Roads to Anywhere

[cybersavant]

Andreas Larson rides back in silence. He also buys a slicker.

[jemmus]

DT's veterinarian and business books are $1.50 each.
I missed adding that the riders passed the railroad construction camp on the way to Austin. The project has made good progress over the past eight or so weeks and the rail have stretched farther west from Austin for several miles.

Cornwell leads the stage coach back to the Wells Fargo office, the riders and dogs following. The guard climbs down, opens the coach's door, and folds down the little step ladder. The family begins climbing out of the cabin, children first. Holtzclaw is seen looking out the front window, a look of surprise and dread on his face. He turns and says something to someone in the room. Lawrence emerges from the office, followed by Holtzclaw. Cornwall goes over and reports to him in a murmuring voice. But he can be heard saying ...they have that bloody Comanche spear and a woman's comb. Had to be Bert and Sarah. Lawrence's face drops. A disaster... a tragedy... a disaster for the company... again. But he raises his head, looks at the riders, nods and raises his hand with a genuine smile on his face, and says, Good day, sirs. It's good to see you again. Please go inside, have a seat and rest and have some coffee.

He and his assistant Holtzclaw goes to the passenger family and he offers his apologies. He assures them that their tickets will be honored at any date in the future. If you'll take your seats in the coach again, we'd be glad to drive you home. The father answers, Vhe vere going home, sir. To Fredericksburg. Vhe haf no home in Austin. Vhen do you think the stage vill run again? I need to get back to my little shop, und I didn't budget for more hotel bills. Who vill pay for the hotel? Lawrence seems embarrassed and pained, but he says, I'm sorry for the inconvenience, sir, ma'am. But company policy is the company only pays for fares and lost property in the event of an act of God, or outlaws or Indian attack. Hotel costs are consequential expenses, which aren't covered reimbursements. Do you have some family in the area you could stay with? We'd by happy to drive you there. The husband looks at the wife and they step away to confer in low voices. The wife shakes her head, but the man cajoles, presenting the facts and the options in light of them. At last she accedes. He turns to Fox. I haf family off of the road to Round Rock. Around 10 or 12 miles from Austin. Vhe can stay vith them for a vhile. Fox says, I'm glad to here it, sir. The coach can drive y'all and your luggage out. And when service to Fredericksburg is restored, Mr. Cornwell will ride out to let you know. You'd need to be ready to board in Austin the next morning at first light for the trip. The two men shake hands, then the man with Holtclaw, the family climbs back into the coach, and it sets off-- this time without Cornwall-- down the wide dirt street of Austin to the road to Round Rock.

Andreas, Charlie, Doos, DT, Gideon and William swing their tired and wet fires down from their saddles. Fox says, Gentlemen, good to see again. And congratulations on and thank you for clearin the highways to Burnet and Fredericksburg of the Shepherd gang. I understand that you were badly shot-up in the gunfight, Mr. Doos. Thanks be for your survival and recovery. I don't know if you've heard of it, but the wires have been buzzin and the local and nationwide newspapers have been reportin on it. Phineas McLaury being the gang's ringleader. I've heard the Austin Stateman will pay $50 for a photo of the outlaw's body. We did want sit down and let a reporter interview all of you men about that. Maybe we still can.

Fox continues. We need an open route from Austin to Fredericksburg, sirs. With a station at the midpoint. Forty miles from Austin to a station and a change of horses. Then 40 miles on to Fredericksburg, of course.

[ateno]

Fox continues. We need an open route from Austin to Fredericksburg, sirs. With a station at the midpoint. Forty miles from Austin to a station and a change of horses. Then 40 miles on to Fredericksburg, of course.

"Hello sir. You know that the turnaround would be found in a court of law in direct relation to a Indian attack. Lot's of goodwill would be done by giving these people a night in the hotel. Tonight at least. Yes?"

Doos looks at him and the passengers.

"And we do have a matter with you that we can figure out tomorrow or so, we will be here a day or two at least."

Looks at his compatriots. "I think we need to get to the hotel ourselves.

Doos