If heroes are nearby, why not bask in the glory of their exploits? After all, it offers a splendid opportunity to amass wealth without lifting a finger!
A Quiet Town in the Wild West
The atmosphere in the town was unnervingly peaceful. It seemed as though everyone had forgotten how to break the law! Sheriff Briggs had served for nearly a quarter of a century — during which he had witnessed all manner of events — yet never had the frontier settlement transformed into such a haven of serenity.
At times, the lawman found himself genuinely bored, reclining behind his desk in the office. He even contemplated dismissing his second deputy, for there was scarcely enough work to occupy even the first.
Unwelcomed Guests
Then, on a rather unremarkable day, strangers arrived in town. Five gunslingers took lodgings at the hotel adjoining the saloon.
The bar owner regarded this group with considerable suspicion and promptly informed the sheriff. Although Briggs took note of the warning, he was powerless to act — the newcomers had committed no offence. Yet, his instincts told him that this would not end well.
Daring Robbery
During the night, the town’s gunsmith was robbed: someone brazenly broke into his workshop and stole everything within reach. It must be said, the gunsmith possessed a wealth of intriguing items — revolvers, bladed weapons, rifles, etc… Although there were guards present, both men were slashed to death, one was asleep at the time and likely intoxicated.
The sheriff was certain it was the strangers — no one else could be responsible! Yet they walked the streets nonchalantly, sneering and feigning innocence. Briggs searched their rooms thoroughly but discovered not a shred of evidence linking them, directly or indirectly, to the heist. Reluctantly and with a scowl, the lawman was forced to offer the visitors a public apology.
The Hounds Picked Up a Scent
Naturally, the sheriff did not believe in the innocence of the five ruffians. His instincts told him that the desert would freeze over before men like them would obey the law. Briggs decided to follow the newcomers around, hoping to find any evidence that could help him catch the gang.
That evening, the strangers spent a long time in the saloon, quietly drinking whisky. After the respectable townsfolk had gone home, they headed to the bank’s office. The five men carefully examined the building, speaking in hushed tones, then mounted their horses and left town. Briggs thought they might have truly decided to leave for good. He let out a sigh of relief and went home, hoping to get a good night’s sleep.
The Guests Returned
The sheriff awoke in the dead of night to the thunderous sounds of gunfire. Naturally, he immediately realised that the gang had returned.
The five bandits launched an assault on the bank’s office, but, to their misfortune, the guards proved to be formidable men who fought back fiercely. The criminals, however, were no less determined adversaries… Fortunately, the sheriff and his deputies intervened just in time, stepping into the fray as the attackers began to overwhelm the guards.
A Lady Steps Onto the Stage
At that moment, another person joined the gunfight — a woman named Becky, who had long been tracking the “Treasure Hunters.” The gang had left a trail of chaos across numerous towns. Driven by the promise of a reward for their capture, Becky had been pursuing them relentlessly for weeks.
Now, the forces of law and justice seized the upper hand: the criminals began to fall back, considering how to reach their horses and flee as quickly as possible. But it was not to be. The bounty hunter and the sheriff left them no chance, while the deputies and guards blocked every route of escape.
Who’s the Hero?
Two of the bandits were shot down like chickens. The remaining three surrendered, hoping for the mercy of the law. Well, in truth, they were simply wounded and then hogtied, but those are minor details.
Now, it was necessary to figure out who had taken part in the shootout in order to split the reward. Perhaps you were there as well? You see, the commotion was such that it was impossible to tell who fired the shots. This meant everyone had a chance to claim a share of the glory—and a portion of the gold. Why not give it a try…
