the Rider Of Lost Creek (1976) by Louis - Kilkenny 02 L'amour Page A

take a hand in the fight myself."
    "You talk very loud for a loose-footed cowhand ... Bonham put in. "We just might decide not to let you leave here at all!"
    Lance saw Tana glance over at him, startled.
    Even Webb Steele seemed surprised.
    Lance merely glanced at Bonham. "I don't know where you fit into the picture, Bonham, but when I get ready to leave a place I usually do."
    "Better leave him alone ... A new voice interrupted, "I think he means what he says."
    It was Rusty Gates, standing in the doorway, rather pleased at the effect he had created, surprising them all.
    "I was ridin' by, thought I'd stop in and rustle a cup of coffee. But just take a friendly tip."
    Bonham started to speak, but Gates interrupted.
    "Better shut up, New York man ... Gates said. "There's been enough killing tonight.
    If you keep talking you're likely to say the wrong thing."
    Rusty smiled suddenly, and threw an amused glance toward Lance. "You see ... He was lighting a cigarette, "I've heard Lance Kilkenny could be might touchy about what folks said of him!"

    Chapter VI
    The name dropped like a bomb. Tana's hands went to her throat, and her eyes were wide and startled.
    Webb Steele's chair legs hit the floor again and his big hands slapped the table. Jim Weston backed up a little but, of them all, he seemed the least surprised.
    Oddly, it was Victor Bonham, the man from New York, whom Lance Kilkenny happened to see at that moment. And he saw an expression of startled fury that vanished so suddenly as to make him believe that it might have been an hallucination.
    "Did you say Kilkenny"..."... Webb Steele demanded. "The gunfighter?"
    "My name is Kilkenny. I've never sought a reputation with a gun or without one. Mort Davis happens to be a friend of mine, and I do not forget my friends when they are in trouble."... Lance glanced over at Steele. "I didn't come in here hunting trouble, but Mort was attacked and his place was burned."
    "What happened"..."... Bonham asked.
    "Four men were killed. None of them were men anybody could recall working for either Lord or Steele. But Mort is still alive and in good shape, and I intend to see he stays that way."
    "so many people are involved ... Bonham commented, "it doesn't seem likely that one man can make much difference."
    "Sometimes, Bonham ... Kilkenny commented, "one man can make all the difference."
    "Mort Davis burned out"..."... Steele shrugged.
    "Well, he'd no business there in the first place.
    I'd not have done it, but he got what he asked for."
    "The question you might ask yourself, Steele ... Kilkenny said, "is who burned him out, and why? You and Lord are pulling and pushing at each other to see who's the biggest man, but while you're doing it I'd suggest you think about who else has a finger in the pie.
    "You and Lord think you're ruling the roost. I think somebody is setting you up as a scapegoat You and Lord will bluster around and make a fine show of things, and if you aren't very careful you'll find yourselves out in the cold, wondering what hit you."
    "Is that a threat?"
    "No, it is not I never make threats, nor have I any place in this fight except to help my friend."
    "Wasn't there a story about Davis nursing you when you were sick? Or helping you through some kind of a bad time"..."... Bonham asked.
    "There was."
    Kilkenny turned back to Steele. "You and Lord should get together with Davis, as I suggested. If you do, you'll have peace around here."
    "You handle your affairs, Kilkenny, I'll handle mine. When I need advice from you, m go to you for it"
    Lance Kilkenny shrugged. "Your problem, Steele.
    I have nothing to lose. You have everything to lose and nothing to gain. Good night"
    Lance rose, went out the door and down the steps.
    Tana Steele was standing beside his horse. He had seen her when she left the room, but he had not expected to see her here... or ever again.
    "So"..."... Her voice was scornful. "I might have known it! A common gunman! A man who shoots down others less