Doctor Who_ The Gunfighters - Donald Cotton [33]
However, it’s an ill wind, et cetera... because, in so doing, they conveniently covered the sound of Wyatt’s galloping the final straight, to the tree; swiping the unsuspecting Phineas sideways with his Buntline Special –
pistol-whipping, it’s called, a favourite technique of his, by all accounts – and finally cutting through Steven’s rope...
Game, set, and match!
‘Now then, Sinners,’ he purred, ‘shall we continue the discussion from here? No? Then how about: the next man as moves, gets it? You gonna be first, Billy?’
But fire-eating Billy had his excuse-me right to hand...
‘If you wasn’t wearing a badge, Marshal!’ he explained, and left the threat tactfully unspoken.
‘That’s why I wear it,’ said Wyatt, modestly.
‘And if you wasn’t caught in a cross-fire, Billy,’ called Bat as he breathed heavily along the double barrels of a shotgun. ‘Lynchin’ party’s over, folks!’
Well, that’s about all there was to it, really. The crowd agreed that there seemed to be nothing much to wait around for; and began to drift back where it came from, wondering why in hell things always turned out like this.
Although, to do him justice, Ike seemed disposed to stick it out for a while longer.
Wyatt discouraged him.
‘All’s left to do is talk big an’ look foolish, Clanton – get goin’!’
‘Not without Phin, I don’t,’ said the chap-fallen bad-man.
‘Your brother ain’t available, right now,’ explained Wyatt, ‘on account, he’s under arrest. Attempted hangin’,’
he elaborated further. ‘Less’n you’re fixin’ to join him, I’d go home to your Pa. You too, Billy.’
The brothers looked at each other. Yes, that was a thought – Pa! The prospective mayor wasn’t going to like this!
To add to their pleasure, Charlie the bar-keep now approached, bearing tidings...
‘Mr Clanton, sir – an’ you too Mr Clanton: I gotta tell you – that ain’t Doc Holliday that’s bein’ held in there!’
Well, this may not have been the anti-climax Ike had been fearing – he’d already had that one – but this was another. And it was a beauty!
He narrowed his eyes, accordingly.
And so did the Marshal...
17
Pa Clanton Keeps A Welcome
It was Wyatt’s inclination to tell Charlie to mind his own damn’ business; but what with keeping a grip on the buffaloed Phineas, holding a gun where it would do most good; and, simultaneously, trying to explain to Steven how you untie a running bow-line, – for pity’s sake! – he was...
Well, you can’t be everywhere, can you?
‘What gives you that idea, Charlie?’ Ike asked. ‘You been at the sauce bottle?’
Well he had... but even so...
‘Because it’s like the old guy kept tryin’ to tell you,’ he announced. ‘He ain’t by no means the same Doctor... as...
as this other Doctor, whom he ain’t! Seems like he’s another mess o’ hog-swill entirely!’
‘You funnin’, Charlie?’ asked Billy. ‘Because if so, I’m fresh out o’ laughs!’
‘Tain’t no laughin’ matter,’ denied Charlie, ‘on account this altogether different Doctor, Holliday by name, the real one, he’s jest been in my bar... an’ if I’m drunk, as you so kindly imply, then your friend Seth Harper’s still alive...
which ain’t so! Holliday shot him clean as a dude’s trousers. Fastest thing I ever saw – which is pretty fast, considerin’ what goes on in my place, since you boys hit town! So, I jest thought I’d best stop you gettin’ up against the law, all over nothin’...’
‘Thanks!’ said Ike, grimly. ‘We’re surely obliged...’
And Charlie blew – secure in the satisfaction of a job well done...
‘So,’ said Billy, ‘you knew all along the old guy weren’t Holliday, did you, Earp? That’s clear contrary to the natural, clear course of dad-blasted justice, ain’t it now?’
‘Try sayin’ Marshal, and rememberin’ it, too! I don’t have to answer to you, Billy. I’ll justify my actions to the Citizens’ Committee, if I have to. Now, walk away, while you still got the equipment!’
‘I ain’t takin’ no orders from no sanctimonious...’
‘Leave it, Billy,’ counselled his brother. ‘Cussin’ ain’t called for. Marshal’s jest about all through givin’ orders!
By the time Pa gits