Chapter 45: Splitting Up
Arthur, Lenny, and John didn't choose to ride horses directly but instead went to the Valentine train station to take the train. After all, heading directly to Blackwater on horseback was too risky for them now. They could easily alert the Pinkerton detectives still searching for them there.
At the Valentine train station platform, after buying tickets, they had some time before the train departed. It was currently parked at the platform. The three secured their horses in the last carriage designated for horses before boarding the train. Once seated, John seemed tired and covered his face with his cowboy hat to rest. Arthur and Lenny chatted casually.
"Did you hear what they were saying about me today?"
Lenny shook his head. Although he looked mature for his age, Lenny was actually not yet eighteen this year. His face remained calm as he said, "Although I haven't been in the gang long, I don't believe you would betray us, Arthur."
Hearing the word 'betray,' Arthur frowned. Had they really started using that word about him? Despite feeling annoyed, he kept his expression calm. Arthur decided to tease Lenny a bit.
"Why? It's not impossible. Look at me; I've found a new way to make money. Compared to our current life, where we sleep in the wilderness and worry about our next meal while avoiding pursuit, why wouldn't I choose to betray for these reasons?"
Lenny's expression was very serious as he looked up at Arthur.
"Just like I love this family, I appreciate how Hosea treats me like his child, teaching me. I also like how Ms. Grimshaw strictly but kindly disciplines us. I equally appreciate how Dutch treats us all equally and takes care of everyone... Well, except for Pearson's stew, which I don't like."
"Haha, I don't like Pearson's stew either. Oh, sorry, haha, go on."
Lenny didn't mind Arthur's interruption and reorganized his thoughts before continuing,
"My father was a slave. I know this might be a bit off-topic, but I'll keep it short. When I was young, he was responsible for teaching the master's children, so my father had some education. He always encouraged me to study, hoping I would become a lawyer when I grew up..."
Seeing the story was about to get heavy, Arthur scratched his head. "Lenny, kid, you're getting off-topic."
"Oh? I just wanted to be clear. Sorry, let me put it simply. Because I know I would never betray this family, I believe you wouldn't either."
Was he using his own feelings to understand Arthur's? Lenny was indeed young.
Arthur was about to find another topic to tease him when suddenly, out of nowhere, Trelawny appeared and sat down opposite them, doffing his black top hat in greeting. He really was quite stealthy.
"Hi, gentlemen, glad I made it. I heard from Hosea at the camp that you're planning to rescue Sean in Blackwater. I might be able to help you with that since, besides me, no one else can infiltrate the town."
Arthur was almost used to Trelawny's sudden appearances.
"Mr. Trelawny, this operation is quite dangerous. Are you sure you want to join us?" Arthur asked.
Trelawny gave his signature smile.
"I am..." Seeming to realize it was better not to say it loudly, he lowered his voice and continued. "I am also a member of the Van der Linde gang."
Lenny remained silent, leaving the decision to Arthur, while John didn't wake up at all. Arthur had no choice but to nod in agreement. Although he didn't think Trelawny was purely there to help, as he said, Trelawny could indeed be useful.
Arthur took out his pocket watch to check the time. Noticing this, Lenny seemed to remember something but quickly turned away. Arthur noticed Lenny's strange reaction and recalled when Susan asked him if he had seen a pocket watch.
Arthur knew there was probably a story behind it but didn't ask further. After all, Lenny had almost opened a heavy topic earlier, and it was better not to bring it up again. He put the pocket watch back. At that moment, the train departed.
"Woo-woo..."
***
Strawberry Town
Dutch pushed the door of sheriff's office open and looked at the sheriff and deputies who were eyeing him warily. Removing his hat, Dutch greeted everyone.
"Gentlemen, good evening. I'm tracking a dangerous gang, the O'Driscolls. I heard there've been some violent incidents here, and I think it might be related to them."
Inside, the two deputies held their guns, and the balding man at the desk spoke to Dutch.
"Who are you? We don't entertain bounty hunters here."
Dutch smiled and showed the Valentine sheriff badges, the ones Arthur had obtained.
"I'm from Valentine, a deputy sheriff. Could you share some information with me?"
Seeing the badges, the sheriff and deputies lowered their guard. The deputies put their guns down and sat back in their seats, and the sheriff no longer looked at Dutch sideways. He came over and said with a smile.
"I think the brawl incident might be related to your investigation. They're not good people. Two men died, and we caught the murderers. One seems dazed, and the other is a foolish Irishman. They might be the ones you're looking for."
Dutch thanked the sheriff for the information. The sheriff waved it off and continued.
"You can go see him in the cell if you want. We're about to hang him soon."
Dutch, holding his hat, was led to the cell by a deputy. Inside, besides a drooling O'Driscoll member, there was Micah. Hearing someone approach, Micah shouted loudly.
"Let me out! You maggots!"
"Shut up!"
"Do you think this prison can hold me?"
"I said shut up!" The deputy banged on the cell door, trying to quiet Micah.
Dutch thanked the deputy and asked to be left alone with the O'Driscoll prisoner. Seeing it was Dutch, Micah quieted down and only spoke softly after the deputy left.
"Dutch? Dutch! Get me out of here."
Dutch frowned and said, "The sheriff said you had quite a bit of fun, huh?"
"I knew you'd come to rescue me, Dutch. I messed up."
Dutch didn't tease Micah further but said quietly, "Don't fall asleep. I'll try to get you out directly. If not, I'll think of another way. I'll get you out, so stay alert and don't mess up again."
Dutch then left to find the sheriff.
"How is it? Did you get any useful information?"
Dutch pretended to be excited.
"Thank you so much! You've really helped me out!"
***
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