THE HORSE THIEVES
Chapter Two
Becky tried to calm Julia down as the walked from the stables to the ranch house.
"Look, I know how much you like Lillybelle, and she's a good horse, but I don't think too many thieves would want her." she said. "Atalanta is a swifter, stronger horse, so she would more inviting target. So would a prime stud like Randy."
"I suppose so." Julia said.
"I don't blame you. Lillybelle missed you too. You can tell that with a horse."
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Meanwhile, Harriet Longabeau sat in the parlor of Mrs. Dalton's boarding house. Another woman entered the parlor, in her late twenties and her hair done up in a no-nonsense manner. "Miss Longabeau? I am Emma Dalton."
"How do you do?" Harriet said.
"I understand you would like to work for me?"
"That's right."
"You have no moral compactions about what you are about to do?"
"Oh no."
"Good. I understand you came in on a stage with Miss Sterling. Could you tell me if you got any information from her?"
"Yes."
"Good. I think we can have us a little look-see."
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That evening Becky took an extra long ride around the perimeter of the ranch, just to be sure everything was all right. As she rode out the front gate to inspect the area, she notices something moving in the bushes across the road; something that was didn't walk like an animal. She rode over, dismounted, and tied Atalanta's reins to a low branch. She walked a few yards toward the bush, but saw nothing. She decided there was nothing to worry about, and turned back toward her horse. It was only then when she felt something hit the back of her head.
The blow forced her to her knees, but didn't knock her unconscious, nevertheless, a piece of cloth was soon tied over her mouth and somebody pulled her wrists together and bound them tightly. Her ankles where subjected to a similar treatment and to her amazement, her assailants spoke no words. The only sounds they made were footsteps and rustling of the plants near the road, and these noises faded slowly into the background as the attackers left the area.
Julia was roused from an all too brief slumber by the sound of frantic knocking on her bedroom door. "What is it?" she asked.
"Miss Julia! Miss Julia!" exclaimed the startled voice "We can't find Miss Becky!"
"Whatever are you talking about, Magda?"
"Miss Becky went out to ride. She's not here and Atalanta isn't in her stable."
"Have one of the stableboys saddle Lillybelle and a horse for himself. I'll be out as soon as possible."
True to her word, Julia stuck a match and lit a kerosene lamp. One of those electric lamps Mr. Edison has been working on might come in handy. She thought as she tried to exchange her nightgown for riding clothes. In due time, she was dressed as well as could be expected under the circumstances and making her way out to the stable.
Lillybelle was saddled and ready, and a stableboy stood beside another horse.
"Ready, Tommy?' she asked.
"Yes ma'am." he replied. "Old Buck here 's ready too."
"Very well. Let's go then." Julia gracefully mounted Lillybelle and started to ride.
"Why are we heading outside the fence?" Tommy asked.
"To see if Becky did the same thing, naturally."
As the reached the gate, Julia reined in and said, "Listen."
A horse was whinnying somewhere in the darkness. Julia and Tommy rode toward the sound. Sure enough, they saw Atalanta, tied to a low branch on a tree and not in a good mood.
Julia dismounted and walked slowly toward Atalanta. Julia knew Becky's favorite horse was a spirited animal who no doubt resented her confinement.
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Becky struggled frantically against her bindings, silently cursing Atalanta. The last thing Becky needed at the moment was a crank horse drowning out what little sound she could make. She saw somebody approach the mare and calm her down. Becky breathed a bit easier. The person had to be somebody Atalanta knew and trusted, perhaps even Julia, but the darkness and Becky's position made it difficult to ascertain. Once free of the tree, Atalanta hurried to spot where Becky lay helpless.
A human figure came toward Becky; one she recognized as Julia just before her cousin knelt down and undid the gag.
"What happened and who did this to you?" Julia asked.
Becky explained as best she could what had happened to her. "I didn't really see anything." she added sadly "Didn't hear anything, either."
"All the horses are safe." Tommy added, as he came up to help.
"An outlaw gang that operates in total silence." Becky mused.
"Something to remember when we report it to the sheriff." Julia said.
"Yes, that is odd." Becky said. "The silent part, that is."
Becky, Julia and Tommy then headed back for the rest they all desperately needed.