The Oak Hill Boys ride to Clearwater, in search of Buck Thompson. For Buck has the other ivory-handled Colt peacemaker, upon which is inscribed clues to the location of $25,000, stolen 25 years ago by Buck Thompson, Cole Wright and Wes Ribbon.
They find Wright’s General Store easily enough, its sign creaking in the wind as the Oak Hill Boys come into town. Upon entering the store, the Oak Hill Boys see a group of women gossiping. The chattering stops as soon as Jack, Ezra, Royce and Louis enter the premises. A large, brawny man is also seen stocking shelves.
The youngest of the group comes over and introduces herself as Lydia Wright. And she’s as pretty as a speckled pup. The boys suggest they have business to discuss and move to the back room to deliver the fateful news that Lydia is now a widow. They are joined by the brawny stockman, who introduces himself as Gus Stanton, Lydia’s brother.
The boys tell Lydia what happened on the stagecoach and how Cole died. Lydia is devastated by the news that her May-September romance with Cole is now a memory. As the boys console her, they learn that Buck indeed did come to the store a couple of weeks ago to discuss urgent news with his long-lost friend. But Buck had just missed Cole, who was on a business trip to Cow Spring. Buck could not wait, and suggested that Cole was to find Buck in Winslow upon return.
Lydia and Gus are surprised to hear of Cole’s larcenous past and Gus seems keen to help the boys get the money. It is immediately clear to the boys that as well meaning as Gus may be, he wasn’t the sharpest knife. So dull he wouldn’t cut hot butter. But none-the-less, he’s invited to ride with the Oak Hill Boys to nearby Winslow, Arizona.
They head due north, about a day’s ride, to Winslow. As they enter town, they pass Flatbed Ford’s Cartage, but see no women there.
The Oak Hill Boys wet their whistles at the Grand Winslow, the nicest bar and hotel in town. As they refresh themselves, they learn the town is abuzz with news of the bank robbery. Well, attempted robbery. Just a few days ago, the Winslow Savings & Loan had trouble. Men as poor as church mice tried an unlawful withdrawal of funds. But it all went south. Two men ended up being killed by the Sheriff, Caruthers. And the leader of the gang, Buck Thompson, was now in the hoosegow, awaiting trial.
Upon hearing this news, the boys decide a visit to the local jail would be in order. Well, after they finish their drinks.
Dry Gulch Bugle 