   The rider gently spurred his mount and reined him through the clay. He thought of finally bedding down and finding Black some hay. They entered Pleasant Valley the name of this small town, the rider glancing left� then right from roof top, to the ground. The man and horse rode slower than the average rider did... he was careful coming in... this mans�the Reno Kid. The rider reined the horse with skill and led him to a trough. He put his horse to drink his fill but first he splashed it off. The water trough was dusty, from being near the road. His hand still dripping wet for the kindness that he showed. Reno tied one of his reins to a hitching post, quite weathered. Then gently tugged upon the strap to make sure, it was tethered. A passerby, would never know that Reno just surveyed, the street on which he stood... in case trouble was arrayed.  Satisfied � he'd entered town and no one had took note. He walked in through the swinging doors to soothe his own parched throat. The men inside all watched him... as slowly Reno walked� up to the bar ... then to the end still watching... no one talked. Reno noticed all within... the young, the old... the tall. He seen that some were wearing guns, and some had none at all... He motioned for the barkeep to come and meet him there... while keeping his eyes focused... on a tall man near the stair.  Reno looked him over with his practiced cautious scan. He knew it would be helpful if he had to face this man. The way he wore his pistols... slung low�and tied down tightly... told Reno to be careful... not to take this tall man lightly. He scanned the barroom closer and noticed two more there, both trying to be casual... so Reno marked the pair. The tall man flexed his fingers and smiled an evil grin.... what Reno dreaded most of all... was happening again. It seemed like gunmen in each town would like to test their skill, and to build their reputation... it was Reno they should kill. The tall man said, You're the Reno Kid� I've heard you're plenty fast, but if you try to pull with me... its sure to be your last. Reno took a deep breath... then expelled it... long and slow... then looked the tall man in the eye, and told him... "make your show." The tall man drew like lightning but Reno's guns barked first� two shots split the air... and gun smoke was dispursed. The tall man dropped down to the floor, falling hard and fast. This duel that had just played out� had proved to be his last. Reno turned, and braced the others... you could see it on their face... they knew there was no chance for them... so they left their guns in place. Then he spoke ..."You seen it... He drew first... what just took place was fair." The barkeep said, "Yeah� but he's got three brothers... and they're not gonna care. Even though he forced the fight... I wouldn't hang around. I'd drink up... and be on my way... and distance from this town." Reno knew that he was right, he'd best be moving on� he could travel many miles before the rising dawn. He gathered all their pistols� and sank them in the trough... loosed the reins... swung into saddle... and He and Black were off. He headed East, then turned to West, to best conceal his trail. If someone tried to follow him... he hoped that they would fail. It wasn't his intention, to end up on this trail. The traveling had begun� cause he couldn't�live in jail. When finally Reno safely camped and rested from his flight, he thought about the kind of life he'd lived up to this night. He lay there on his blanket, with the campfire burning low, gazing at a billion stars... and their brilliant show.  Reno faintly heard it� a crunch of a boot... He rolled out of camp sight� Preparing to shoot. Reno took cover, behind a huge rock... and slowly he brought... his twin colts... to full-cock.... Click Below For Part 2  The Reno Kid �C.C. December 15, 2005 |