After leaving Apache Springs, Jesse, Johnny and Charlene had headed for Olsen's Falls at a gallop. Jesse had intended to intercept Murdoch and Bolton on their way out to Bolton's ranch. Johnny would sweep the countryside with his telescope every so often in hopes of catching sight of them in time for him to part company with Jesse and Charlene, and thus avoid a dangerous encounter with the Mason brothers. Atop a small hill, Johnny had caught sight of Moose and his party, and had noticed Shane approaching the gully from the southeast. Since the Mason brothers had been nowhere in sight, Johnny had elected to ride in with Jesse and Charley. What Johnny had failed to see however was Lieutenant McCormick, who had been hidden from view at the time. There was a moment of heavy tension as Lancer's eyes met those of Lieutenant McCormick. Lancer's hand hovered casually but purposefully by his gun.

For a moment, not a word was spoken as Logan and Moose Murdoch glanced alternately back and forth at McCormick and Johnny Lancer whose gazes were locked onto one another. Ballard, quickly diffused the situation glancing over at Charlene and whistling appreciatively as Duane respectfully removed his hat.

"Don't tell me that pretty little filly there is your niece, Moose?" Ballard remarked, openly admiring Charlene.

Charlene met his bold gaze and blushed slightly as the handsome gunman winked at her brazenly. Logan noticed and frowned.

"Howdy uncle Angus, Shane. Sure hope you folks weren't waitin' on account a me." Lancer drawled carefully.

Murdoch glanced at the Lieutenant and asked, "Well McCormick, you plannin' to arrest him?" Moose had not overheard McCormick's earlier conversation with Tanner and at the moment, was weighing his alternatives. He had just decided that he would not allow McCormick to take his nephew in to Fort Stockton where he would most certainly hang, yet he hated to go against the army.

"So your the fellow that shot up my men the other night--- Johnny Lancer?" McCormick asked as he continued to maintain eye contact with the dashing young gunslinger.

Lancer's eyes narrowed and his handsome boyish face hardened, "Lieutenant, I caught yer man and a cardsharp runnin' a crooked game." Glancing over at Ballard and Duane's horses and noticing the brand he added, "Not only that, they were skinnin' two MT hands outa their hard-earned wages as well. I got their money back for 'em. I called your man on it, an three more a his soldier friends got up an came over ta the table ta back his play. Then him and the card-sharp, who had a spring-loaded Derringer up his sleeve, drew down on me. I'll stand trial for it if I have to, but not in Fort Stockton in front of an army court. We both know I'd stand a snowball's chance in Hell a bein' acquitted there."

"McCormick nodded his head and said, "I believe you. As it turns out friend, you're off the hook. There will be no charges, so why don't you move your hand away from that gun so I can relax." McCormick smiled disarmingly as he uttered the last sentence.

"Johnny Lancer huh, THE Johnny Lancer? An I reckon you must be Jesse Logan." Ballard mused aloud, glancing at Logan.

Logan pointedly ignored the two MT gunmen and looking at Moose asked, "Since when did we get all cozy with Tanner's gunmen?"

"Don't go jumpin' yer fences boy." Moose growled and then, everyone introduced themselves all around, as Moose brought them up to date on the death of Sheriff Malcolm Orr and the circumstances surrounding it.

"Hell, Moose, I'm certain Nighthawk didn't do it. Did you mention to the Lieutenant, who was seen in town yesterday?" Logan asked.

"No, I didn't, because the same fella that told you he was in town is the fella folks think did the killin'."

"Hadn't thought about that." Logan replied.

"Just who was that, might I ask?" Asked Lieutenant McCormick.

Logan explained to McCormick what Nighthawk had earlier reported to him concerning Emillio Esperanza's presence in town the day before and his gang's presence just outside of town.

"So then I take it you folks think that Esperanza had it in for Orr an took advantage of the fact that he'd had a run in with Nighthawk, and tried to pin the murder on him?" McCormick asked.

"Either that, or someone else who had it in for the sheriff, or Foggs, paid him to do it." Murdoch said pointedly, glancing over at Ballard and Duane who were both considering the possibility themselves.

"You suggesting that Tanner is behind it then, Murdoch?" McCormick asked.

"I ain't suggestin nothin', yet. But the thought shore crossed my mind. Anyhow Lieutenant, you seen enough ta convince ya not ta go after Nighthawk?"

"I've seen enough to convince me that I need more evidence. I do plan to question him however, but not necessarily arrest him."

Looking at Ballard and Duane, Murdoch said, "Well boys, looks like yer boss ain't goin ta be none too happy bout what you've got ta report back to 'em."

"Ain't our problem, we've done our job." Ballard said grinning.

"Johnny, its good ta see ya, but you'd best get going. The Masons might take a notion ta ride over here even though they're supposed ta be with Bolton. I ain't in the mood ta have ta go an break up a fight 'tween you an them." Murdoch said gruffly.

"Ballard glanced at Duane, knowingly then suggested, "Hell Lancer, why don't you ride on inta town with us. Ole Duane here ain't much company. Hell, him an his phee-losophy's so borin' that he's been known ta put a whole herd a stampeedin' cattle ta sleep!"

Johnny, who had taken an almost instant liking to Ballard, sensing a man after his own heart, grinned and asked no one in particular, "Hell, why not?!!"

Moose and Shane both gave him a disapproving look but Moose said, "Johnny, if yer goin' ta town, take the ravine here. I'd hate fer ya ta run into the Masons on their way to Bolton's ranch."

"No problem, Uncle Angus. Be seein' ya Sis, Jesse, Shane." Lancer said as he rode off accompanied by the two MT gunmen and Lieutenant McCormick.

Moose and Shane Murdoch, along with Jesse and Charley rode out and joined Bolton and the rest of their crew on there way to the BAR-O ranch where the funeral service was to be held.

About that time, the gunman, Bart Jason died due to complications resulting from his injuries the night before.

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