Barclay runs towards the train, knowing that the engineer will be sleeping on it, tending the boiler with one other man. They take turns stoking the fire inside the beast of an engine. It makes the work in the morning of starting the engine much quicker. He runs to the engine.
A pair of red eyes watch from the edge of the trees. A low growl ripples in the massive chest of the beast. He moves silently, watching and waiting for the moment to strike.
Blood Eagle is sitting inside the Generals cabin tucking the small notebook into his pocket when he hears a sound behind him. Before he turns, he lifts the kerosene lantern, causing the shadows to change showing him three men, with pistols pointing at him.
“We’ve got you! Put your hands up and no one has to die,” one of the soldiers says. Blood Eagle turns to face them, and he realizes how young they are.
“We should talk before you act rashly.”
“Shut up! The General wants you! So, walk!” one orders gesturing to the door.
“Ok, Ok, but listen first,” he waves the Generals note book. “Did you know he’s been skimming seventy percent of the profits the oil you all bust your backs drilling and refining?”
“That’s the Generals!” one of the men snaps.
“Yep and it’s all in here, in his own words how he has been setting up my People and stealing from you and the Government.”
“Why should we take your word,” the sound of the train being started has one of them running to the window.
“What’s he doing?” one of them shouts.
“What he always does, he’s running,” Blood Eagle hisses. “Time’s up boys choose now! Stay with me and work the refinery or join him and die?” He tosses them the book and hurries to the door.
Barclay is shouting at the Engineer to get the train going when a soldier run towards him. “General? What are you doing?”
“You’re just in time, get up here and shovel,” he orders ignoring their question.
“Yes, sir.” They begin shoveling, relieving the engineer who sits down mopping the sweat off his neck. “Hurry, now. We’re almost out of time.”
A few minutes later, the engine is hot, and he watches the darkness for any sign of the Indian. “It’s ready, General, where are we going?” the Engineer asks.
The bullet strikes him in the forehead, sending him flying backward into the wall of the compartment. Before he can turn the soldier is shot in the back of the head.
“We aren’t going anywhere.” He drags their bodies over and tosses them one at a time, from the train. “I am!”
Five soldiers are waiting for Blood Eagle the moment he steps from the cabin, a wolfs howl echoes through the roads between the buildings, causing everyone to jump in surprise. The train hisses as it releases steam and starts to move. The confusion gives him the opportunity he needs. Blood Eagle, leaps for the first soldier, swinging his leg low, he takes out his knee, dropping him and spinning on the second, with a kick to the stomach. He crumples to his knees falling over, and Blood Eagle lifts his tomahawk to deal a death blow when one of the soldiers from the cabin bursts through the door shouting.
“Stop!” He waves the Generals book and shouts, “We’ve been cheated!”
Nobody moves for a second. “Where did you get that?”
“The General left it behind when he ran like a coward,” he tosses the book to the nearest soldier. Blood Eagle steps back from the men and hopes for their sake that they are ready to listen.
“Barclay has been acting on his own, killing and stealing. What he has done is not sanctioned by the Government. The only thing driving him has been greed. He is going to pay for his sins against my People and yours with his life. I plan on working this refinery and using the profits for good. You all can work with me and share in the wealth or…” Blood Eagle tosses his hair back and glares at them. “Leave now, if you can’t work for me. Choose to fight me and you will die.”
They watch the train leave and grumble between themselves. Eight soldiers ride back into town, with Ben leading the way. “We are with him.”
“I came here to make money working, not killing civilians.” Ben jumps down and starts shouting orders. “Those that wish to leave do so now! The rest of us, start cleaning up this mess. Tomorrow’s going to be a busy day.”
“What about the General?”
“He won’t be a problem?” Ben points and says, “The train stopped moving a few minutes ago.”
“Give me your horse,” Blood Eagle tells him.
Before he rides after the train, he looks down at the men. “Hear me now. The question isn’t if you will make money, it’s a matter of how hard you are willing to work to get rich?” He grins and slaps his cowboy hat back on top of his head.
The whoops of laughter follow him toward the tracks.
Chapter 38
General Barclay pushes the lever forward picking up steam as he leaves the refinery behind him. He runs a hand through his hair and sighs. “I will send someone to check on the site once I get to safety,” he thinks. “Damn Indian.”
The howl sounds out from behind him, causing him to cover his ears to block the pain. Spinning around with his gun raised he glares into the darkness behind him. A low growl has his hands trembling with terror. It sounds like pure rage, a promise of a torturous death to come.
Barclay steps forward, knowing he is a sitting duck inside the cabin of the engine. Allowing the train to coast along the tracks, he sidesteps on to the exit step
