Back in Olsen's Falls, Nighthawk, true to his word, went over to the hotel to try and find either Zach Baynes or Brazos Murdoch. He found Brazos room empty so he proceeded to the one occupied by Moose. After knocking, he was motioned in by Shane who had been talking with his father and brother who were presently seated. All of their faces bore an expression of surprise, and the room was barely large enough to hold the four giants. The truth was, that both Brazos Murdoch and Lance Nighthawk were widely renowned for their great strength, and the fact that both seemed invincible in any type of hand to hand combat, besides the fact that they were also expert gunmen as well, despite their tremendous bulks.

Out west, there were more arguments generated pertaining to which one would win in a test of strength or fistfight than there were concerning any two gunfighters. It was widely known that neither of them had any rivals for strength other than each other although a few felt that Shane Murdoch, although not quite so strong, could best either in a hand to hand brawl.

"What brings you here, Nighthawk?" Moose inquired.

"I'd like a word with Brazos in private." he said.

"Hellfire Nighthawk. Logan told me you was in town, but I didn't figure you'd wanna butt heads with me right off like this." Brazos boomed cheerfully.

"It ain't about that pardner, not yet. In fact, it was Logan that asked me to bring you the message. He said to make sure it reached only either you or Zach Baynes."

"Well mister, whatever you got to say, you can say to the three of us. We ain't got no secrets." Moose said.

"Alright, that suits me fine." said Nighthawk.

He then related the gist of the conversation he had just had with Logan concerning Jared Ransom, as well as the part about Tanner approaching town along with several gunmen. "Preciate your tellin' us this, but why did ya? What's in it for you an Fogg?" Moose asked puzzled.

"Well, your man Logan helped us out a bit earlier with some information, and I thought I'd return the favor. I also wanted you to know that our problem is with Tanner, not you. I know you folks don't like Tanner, but my boss has a bad rep too, and I was hoping you wouldn't get some crazy idea about trying to clean up what's left of us should we fight it out with Tanner tonight." Nighthawk said grinning.

"We don't operate that way." Shane said simply.

"Damn right. If'n we got a problem with you, Fogg, Tanner or anyone else, we'll bring it straight to you, and settle it right there." growled Brazos.

"Good, then. We won't have to watch our backs. We fight our own fights too, and were not expecting any help." Nighthawk said.

"So Ransom's holing up in the line-shack up by Bolton's place. You want me to go get him Paw?" Shane asked.

"No, not now that we know where he'll likely be for the next couple of days. Wait until Logan gets back, and we'll tell him and see what he wants to do. Besides, Joe Bolton's gonna want us all at the funeral tomorrow. I imagine Logan will at least try and make it himself. We'll tell 'em then." Moose said.

"Well, I'm starvin'. Anybody wanna go over ta Ma's an get a bite ta eat with me?" Brazos asked.

"Hell, Grizzly, yer always starvin'." Shane replied.

"Naw, son, you go on ahead. Me an Shane need ta get the Mason's and the other boys up. We've got ta make sure that at least the Masons, stick with us, an come up with some reason why they shouldn't go followin' after Jesse an Charley. They ain't stupid, an they'll be hearin' bout Johnny Lancer bein' around soon enough." said Moose.

"Well, how bout you, Nighthawk? I'm offerin' ta buy." said Brazos.

"Why not?" Nighthawk said grinning. We may not get around to busting each others' heads tonight, but I guess we can see who can eat the most."

"Well hell, Nighthawk, I figured the busting heads would come after the meal an' a couple of drinks, an' I was only offerin' ta buy the condemned man his last meal!" Brazos boomed cheerfully.

"If your itching for a beating that badly then I'm sorry to disappoint you big man. But as you may have guessed, I might have other work to do tonight. Can't risk a busted knuckle, much as I doubt that would even happen against a lard-butt like yourself. Nighthawk said grinning.

"Hell, sorry, wasn't thinkin'. Well, let's go eat Ma Cunningham outa house an home an we'll discuss how and when ta go about our own little set-to while we eat." Brazos suggested. "Hell, we might figure out a way ta charge admission an come out with mucho dinero out of this, providin' ya don't go an get yer ass shot off tonight." Brazos added.

"Don't you be worrying about my ass too much Grizzly, it'll still be there tomorrow. Best worry about your own." Nighthawk said suddenly serious.

At that, the two titans left for the cafe. Moose left to rouse the Mason brothers and bring them up to date-- minus the intended destination of Johnny Lancer. Shane left to do the same with the other Murdoch hands that had ridden to town with them earlier that day.

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