The Unknown
by Patricia Henry
Chapter Nine
The first thing that Slim and Jonesy noticed about Carter Springs was that there was not much left to the town. Most of the buildings were abandoned. And there were few people on the boardwalk. Even fewer horses along the street. It had once been a mining town. But now the town was dying a slow death.
“Undertaker or sheriff’s office?” Jonesy asked as he guided the horses down the gutted main street.
“Reckon the sheriff first,” Slim remarked. As they neared their destination, Slim was glad that Jonesy had insisted on going with him. Right now he felt sick. He was worried that as soon as he saw Jess’ body that he would throw up what little breakfast he had eaten.
“It’ll be all right, boy,” Jonesy mumbled as if he could read Slim’s thoughts.
The sheriff’s office was smaller than Mort’s jail. Carter Springs jailhouse only had one cell. The sheriff was older than Slim had expected.
“Howdy,” Slim greeted. “You the sheriff?”
“That’s right. Muller’s the name. What can I do for you?”
Slim began, “I’m here about Jess Harper.”
“Oh, you must be Sherman.”
Slim nodded. “This here is Jonesy.”
“Howdy,” Jonesy mumbled. “You catch whoever did it?”
“I’ve been searching. So far no leads. But there’s a lot of land out there. I ain’t giving up. I’ll find out who did this. And they’ll hang. You got my word on that.”
“Where’s Jess’ body?” Slim asked bluntly, wanting to get it over with.
“I’ll show you. Uh, I got his things right here. When I got the sheriff’s wire from Laramie, I got them all ready for you. You’re the only ones that come this far. Everyone else wanted me to send them the belongings. We don’t get much travel out this way.” The sheriff lifted a small satchel from a chair. “His clothes.” Muller waited, but Slim didn’t move.
Jonesy grabbed the satchel.
The sheriff then pulled out several bags from the desk drawer. “Let’s see.” He sorted through the bags. “Here’s Harper’s.” He stuck his hand in the bag. “He didn’t have much. Reckon the robbers got away with his money, if he was carrying any. But he did have this.” The sheriff held out the pocket watch.
Slim didn’t move. He just stared at the watch.
Jonesy glanced at Slim before walking forward. “I’ll take it.”
Muller handed Jonesy the watch. “It’s a nice one. Saw the name on the back. Knew it was
Harper’s.”
Jonesy looked at the back, hoping it would be a different name; that a mistake had been made.
But it had Jess’ name. He dropped the watch into his pocket. “Where’s the body?”
“Well with this heat and your telegram getting here the next day late in the evening, afraid we
buried him. But he had a proper burial. Got the preacher to say a few words over him.”
“He’s in your cemetery?” Jonesy asked with anger.
Slim just stood there, his breathing fast paced. His face was growing paler each minute.
“I can take you there and show you the grave,” Muller offered. “Ain’t got a marker. But if you want one-”
“We’re going to take him home,” Slim announced.
Shock raced across the sheriff’s face. “I done told you. He’s already in the ground.”
“We’re going to take him home,” Slim repeated.
“Mister, I ain’t never known no one to dig up someone’s grave.”
“We’re taking Jess home. He’s going to be buried at his home. Not in some boot hill cemetery where no one knows him.”
The lawman glanced at Jonesy, who only shrugged. Muller argued, “Look Sherman, around these parts the law won’t allow-”
“I don’t care about no law,” Slim blurted out.
Jonesy turned quickly. Worry marked his face. This wasn’t Slim! “You all right?”
Slim eyed the sheriff with anger, “We don’t want no trouble. But we’re taking Jess home.”
*********************************
