November 27, 1902: We packed up briefly, picked up the items we had delayed for a few days, and finally plucked up the courage to set foot out of Coulter Village.
In the days since I rescued Burkey Long, I have been busy with various gang affairs and have no free time of my own. After the middle of this month, two heavy snowfalls locked us in our respective cabins, and I temporarily stopped.
One day after the heavy snowfall, William Brown stepped into my house and told me that the heavy snowfall that had just passed symbolized the coming of winter. In winter, the entire western part of Grizzly would be a frozen land. It was suggested that we take advantage of the opportunity. Leaving Coulter Village with the last warm sunshine of autumn...
I decided to adopt his advice and set off on my way back from the snow-capped mountains before December arrived, ending my half-year life in Coulter Village with this diary.
"Mrs. Manstar, I'm here to return your shawl. You won't be able to rely on the stove to keep warm later." After helping the men move the boxes, Catherine reluctantly took off her bearskin shawl.
Stritch was riding his sweet girl to inspect the surroundings. Seeing Catherine's sarcastic expression, she smiled and waved her hand, "You can keep it, Miss Cullen, I think I can withstand the cold."
The conversation between the two reached Kyle, who had already sat on the carriage. "I apologize, ladies, I should have made a shoulder wrap for everyone before coming here. I didn't think carefully."
John also saw this scene and looked down at his watch again. It was time to set off.
"It's not your fault, let's go! Get away from this damn cold."
Stritch and John were chatting while walking in front of the cavalry. They were responsible for investigating possible dangers on the road ahead, especially the Pinkerton detectives. As the leader of the gang, John knew that the migration of so many people could be dangerous. No joke.
At noon, everyone stepped out of the last piece of snow, breathing in the smell of various feces from the green world, but everyone was in a happy mood. Grimes leisurely hummed a ditty, and then everyone sang along with her.
At some point Mr. Fowler emerged from the singing and rode alongside John: "I can't believe we're back in the South."
"The difference from the past is that this time we are the one chasing the hunt. The matter has dragged on for too long, and it's time to tie the knot." John looked confidently into the distance.
"This time you have obtained Burke Long's bargaining chip. I have no reason to call you reckless anymore."
"My plans have been going well, and I have a feeling we'll be back in civilization, face to face with Owen Smith."
"I've spent most of my life on horseback, and I don't have the temperament to learn the tricks in the city." Mr. Fowler said with some regret.
"It doesn't matter to me. If Owen dares to appear in the wilderness, I will cut him to pieces immediately. If this guy has to hide in Saint-Denis and dare not come out, then I will put on a suit and tie and kill him in a civilized way. he."
"Owen Smith doesn't know our whereabouts yet, but he will soon discover that Coulter Village was our last stop. You will have to find a new camp for everyone, John."
Yes, finding a new campsite is the top priority. Everyone is still singing songs, but John is perfectly immersed in this wonderful atmosphere...
The cavalry gradually drove out of the mountainous area that served as a buffer zone and entered the endless Grizzly Plain. The endless mountains of the Great Valley were right in front of them. John decided to go to Wallace Station not far away to "visit" Angel - the train station clerk.
"Mr. Long, let's go meet a man who almost helped me stop your train, but in the end this guy secretly acted like a conscience."
"Even so, I'm not going to thank him." Burke joked later.
The two came outside Wallace Station, and John pulled out his pistol. He just wanted to scare Angel, and didn't mean much. "I'm looking forward to hearing what kind of excuse this guy will use."
John counted the seconds silently in his mind before pushing the door open and entering.
In front of the platform was another childish face, much younger than Angel. The young man was so frightened at this scene that he froze in place, and it took him a while to speak hesitantly.
"I... don't have much money here."
It seemed that he was not the person he was looking for, so John put away his gun.
"Do you know a guy? He works here. His name is Angel."
"Oh, are you looking for cousin Nicholas? He went back to Rhodes Town to take care of his mother, and I'm here to replace him." The young man glanced at John timidly and continued, "Nicola left a note. Said to be kept a secret from everyone until an unknown Mr. Doe shows up - I'm not sure if it's you, but you'd better take a look, I don't want to delay his big event."
John took the old note from the young man.
To the unnamed gentleman:
As you can see, I quit my job as a station clerk. On the one hand, my mother was seriously ill and needed my care, and on the other hand, it was for the sake of my personal safety.
Sometimes I really lament our encounter. The information I provided was an accident to you, and your visit was also an accident to me. Regarding the last thing you came to see me about, I think you should know that I gave you the wrong timetable, but the major newspapers finally published the news of Burke's disappearance. Regardless of whether you participated in the hijacking of that train, I They are all reflecting on this matter.
Oh, by the way, I donated all the money you bribed me to Valentine's Charity Society, so I can live the rest of my life without guilt.
Good luck to you, sir.
Angel Nicola
"This guy has some conscience," John said.
"Mr. Coster, I'm a little curious about how the newspapers will report my disappearance." Burkey, who had remained silent, said.
"You'll find out when you go to town and buy a newspaper."
…
John placed everyone near the Six Points Cabin in the Cumberland Forest. Although there were many bandit gangs camping here, they did not violate the river. This was a tacit understanding among the desperadoes of this era, creating peace among the illegals.