Song of Eagles by William W. Johnstone Page B

cigars and brandy to Falcon and Brewer, and lemonade and a plate of sugar cookies to the Kid.
    Tunstall settled himself behind a large, oaken desk, fiddled with his pipe until he had it going to his satisfaction, then held up his brandy glass.
    â€œI drink a toast to you, Falcon and Kid, for saving my cattle from those desperadoes led by Jesse Evans. You have my gratitude.”
    Falcon drank his brandy, then lighted his cigar and leaned back in his chair, waiting for Tunstall to come to the point of the meeting.
    â€œFalcon, I think you know some of what has been going on between the Dolan faction in Lincoln, and John Chisum and myself.”
    Falcon nodded. “The way I understand it, Murphey and Dolan pretty much had things their own way here with their store and their government contracts to supply beef to the Mescalero Indian tribes until you and Chisum decided to go into competition with them.”
    â€œThat is correct. Just recently, Dolan bought out Murphey when he became despondent over the death of his previous partner, Colonel Fritz. Fritz and Murphey, a few years back, were instrumental in getting Major William Brady, who served under them in the army, elected as sheriff of Lincoln County.”
    Falcon nodded. Now he understood why Brady was under obligation to the Dolan faction, and why he was a frequent guest of theirs for lunch at The Drinking Hole.
    â€œWhat about the state authorities? Can you go to them for help?” Falcon asked.
    Dick Brewer snorted. “Not hardly. In addition to having the sheriff under their control, the Dolan gang has widespread influence in Santa Fe, with a group known as the Santa Fe Ring. These are powerful money men who practically control the state government, especially as regards the awarding of governmental contracts.”
    Tunstall paused to relight his pipe and refill his brandy glass, motioning Brewer to continue.
    â€œBesides having the Santa Fe Ring and all its power behind him, Dolan also has the backing of the judge of the third district Warren Bristol, and the district attorney, William Rynerson.”
    Falcon looked at Tunstall. “And against this group stands only yourself and John Chisum?”
    Tunstall nodded. “And of course, our lawyer, Alexander McSween.”
    â€œWhat about the other ranchers around here? Won’t any of them stand with you?”
    Tunstall shrugged. “Some will, those who’ve been treated bad by Dolan’s store, but most are afraid that if they go up against Dolan they won’t have anyone to buy their cattle, and the very low prices Dolan pays are better than nothing.”
    â€œI see. Well, John, what is it you want from me?”
    Tunstall leaned forward, his elbows on his desk. “We have an opportunity. Since Dolan bought out Murphey, he’s taken John Riley, his old overseer, in as a partner and promoted Billy Matthews to his second in command. I think it is Billy Matthews who has hired Jesse Evans and his gang to raid my and Chisum’s herds.”
    Tunstall reached across the desk to refill Falcon’s glass.
    â€œI want you to come in with Chisum and me against these cattle thieves and help us defeat them. We need every man who is good with a gun to stand alongside us.”
    Falcon shook his head. “I’m sorry, John, but this affair is none of my business.”
    He held up his hand as Tunstall started to protest. “Like I say, I’m just a saloon owner, and I don’t know how long I’m going to be staying in the area. But I will say this if I’m ever in a position to help you out or to make things a little more even I will do all in my power to do so.”
    â€œWill you testify along with the Kid that it was Evans who tried to steal my cattle?”
    â€œAbsolutely. And I’ll make sure Sheriff Brady arrests him for it. Perhaps if he faces enough time in jail he can be made to tell who hired him to rob you, and who he was selling the cattle