The Bisbee Massacre by J. Roberts Page B

will that accomplish? The other two will still take Dowd back.”
    â€œHe has been spending a lot of money here,” Armando said. “We need that money.”
    â€œAny of you men have wives?”
    He saw four of them exchange glances.
    â€œYour wives need you alive more than they need this man’s money.”
    â€œI’m the law,” Dodge said.
    â€œYou are not the law here,” someone pointed out.
    â€œGood point,” Dodge said, “but this man is Clint Adams, the Gunsmith, no matter where we are.” He pointed at Clint. “He alone could kill the six of you without reloading.”
    That got to at least four of the men, who lowered their rifles.
    â€œWe are takin’ this man back with us,” Dodge said. “He is wanted for murder. If all you want is his money, then here.” Dodge stepped to Dowd’s side and went through his pockets. He came up with some silver, and some paper money. He tossed it on the ground between him and the six men.
    â€œHey!” Dowd said.
    â€œYou’re not gonna need it where you’re goin’, Dowd,” Dodge said.
    The six men stared at the money on the ground.
    â€œGo ahead, take it,” Dodge said.
    Armando said something to the other men, who lowered their rifles and walked away. Then he stepped forward and picked up the money.
    â€œWe need permission to take this man out of Mexico,” Dodge said to Armando. “Where is the Jefe Politico ?
    â€œHe is at the Minas Prietas Mine.”
    â€œDo you have a jail?”
    â€œSí, but it is no good. It would not hold anyone for very long.”
    â€œOkay, then we’ll go to Minas Prietas,” he said. That was where Daniels and the others had gone, anyway.
    â€œYou can go,” Armando said. “We will not try to stop you again.”
    â€œNo, you won’t,” Dodge said, “because next time you won’t walk away so easy. Comprende?”
    â€œSí, señor,” Armando said, looking over at Clint. “I understand.”
    â€œGet out of here,” Dodge said, and Armando walked away.
    â€œThat was smart, giving them the money,” Clint said.
    â€œThanks. Manuel?”
    â€œSí, señor.”
    â€œExcept for Clint, we need fresh horses.”
    â€œSí, señor,” Manuel said. “I will see to it.” He looked at Clint. “I will bring your horse, señor.”
    â€œGracias, Manuel.”
    â€œWe’ll wait here,” Dodge said. “Sit down, Jack.”
    Dowd sat down on the steps to the store.
    â€œThink Daniels and the others will still be at Prietas?” Clint asked.
    â€œI hope not,” Dodge said. “I hope they found the other men and took them back to Tombstone.”
    â€œThey probably did,” Dowd said. “That’s where they went.”
    â€œThen you’ll be reunited with them in Tombstone, Dowd,” Dodge said. “What was this about, Jack? You been straight since the day I met you. Now you’re a goddamned bank robber.”
    â€œI needed the money.”
    â€œThat’s it?”
    Dowd shrugged. “That’s it.”
    â€œFirst bank robbery, and you got caught?”
    Dowd shrugged. “I’m ready to go back,” he said. “I’m tired of running.”
    â€œWell, that’s good,” Dodge said, looking at Clint, “because I know we’re tired of chasing you.”

NINETEEN
    When they reached the Minas Prietas Mine, Dodge got together with the Jefe Politico , with Jack Dowd hand-cuffed to his left wrist. Clint and Manuel waited outside.
    â€œSeñor, I am sorry about Armando,” Manuel said. “I did not know.”
    â€œIt’s not your fault, Manuel. Some people change when it comes to money.”
    â€œSeñor Dodge, he does not blame me?”
    â€œNo, he doesn’t blame you,” Clint said. “Don’t worry about it. Everything turned out