Quicksilver Passion (151 page)

Doc knelt by the pitiful, scrawny body and looked at the marks on it.
I reckon that stranger was to blame, Cherokee. I’d almost swear Bill’s been whipped to death and that man wore a silver-handled whip on his belt.”

Cherokee swore and banged his fists against the wall.
And I’m blind and can’t do a damned thing about tracking the bastard down!” He felt his way to a chair and flopped down on it, his shoulders shaking.

Doc looked around at the few things of any value in the crude cabin.
Why would anyone want to kill that harmless pair?”

Cherokee roused himself.
Doc, look and see if the woodpile’s been disturbed. That’s where the boys keep their gold. Never could get them to use a bank. It was in a couple of little Indian beaded bags they’d traded for.”

Doc went out to look.
You’re right, Cherokee. The woodpile’s a mess. I reckon that’s what the dirty bastard was after. And to think I gave him directions to get up here! If I had only known . . .”

You mustn’t blame yourself, Doc,” Cherokee said gently.
I just wish I knew where he’d gone and had my eyesight back, good and clear, for a few minutes. Now we’d better bury them. I can still see well enough to help bury my old pards.”

They finished up the task and rode back into town, taking the little burro with them.

Cherokee, what’ll you do now? With Christmas coming, I hate for you to be alone. You’re welcome to stay with me and Emma.”

No, I’ve got a little money in the bank here, enough to get me by awhile. There’s no reason to stay in Buckskin Joe. Too many sad memories around here now. You give the burro to some kid. I’ve got to find out if there’s any hope for my eyes.”

You’ll be going to Denver then?”

Cherokee nodded.
If you’ll help get me to the bank and to Haw Tabor’s to buy some clothes, then put me on a stage.”

Doc stood looking after the stage as it pulled away. Yep, Cherokee Evans had enough grief and problems to deal with. He knew he’d done the right thing—not telling him about Silver. After all, he would never cross her path again. Let him live with his memory of her flawless beauty.

Cherokee stepped off the stage in Denver. All around him was a blur of passing people and horses. It was frightening not to be able to see clearly although it did seem to him that his eyesight was improving daily.