(Hastily written reporter’s notes for a Daily Bugle article)
The Boys are sent to Liberty, Arizona when Jack Kollath gets a telegraph from his employer, Central Pacific Railway.
The Boys see Austin Sellmeyer, the depot manager in Liberty. He’s happy to see them and gives them the following brief:
- The #23 train is due tomorrow carrying $5,000 payroll for Fort Apache. It’s been robbed at this location, it’s final one, before being taken via coach by the US Cavalry to its final destination.
- They know the robbery happens somehow at this particular stop.
- People who have been guarding the safe with the contents – right there in the boxcar – have been found sleeping. (And the money is gone from the safe). The men merely remember falling asleep once they arrive at the station. Nothing unusual happens before that time.
Can The Boys prevent the payroll from being lifted?
The Boys get on #23 at Billings. Jack, Ezra and Louis station themselves inside the boxcar with the safe. Royce takes position in the adjoining passenger car. Royce’s bird takes up a place on a crate in the boxer, keeping a careful eye on the situation.
The train pulls into the Liberty station. Everyone readies themselves. Louis cocks his revolver.
A shell falls into Jack’s shotgun while Ezra lifts up his rifle…
Royce scans the passengers.
No one sees a thing.
And then, right beside him, Jack hears a soft footfall…
But sees nothing…
Dry Gulch Bugle 