Death Devil (9781101559666) Read Online Free

doctorin’,” Harold said. “I heard tell that the time you treated the Clovis boy, he died.”
    â€œHe ate some rat poison. He was too far gone by the time they sent for me. There was nothing I could do.”
    â€œSounds like an excuse to me.” Harold folded his arms and shook his head. “No, ma’am. You ain’t gettin’ inside and that’s final.”
    â€œOh, Harold,” Edna said.
    â€œYou shush, woman,” Harold told her.
    Charles T. Dogood smiled and nodded. “You’re doing the right thing, Harold. The bottle I’ve sold you will cure your little girl in no time. I stake my reputation on it, and as you know, I am held in the highest esteem by everyone for miles around.”
    â€œPlease let me in,” Belinda pleaded. “I’m the only real hope your daughter has.”
    â€œGo back to Ketchum Falls. You’re not wanted here.”
    Fargo had heard enough. No one paid any attention to him as he climbed down. He stretched, then stepped to the bottom of the steps. Belinda and the farmer were arguing. He slowly drew his Colt and cocked it and fired a shot into the ground. At the blast everyone jumped and looked at him.
    â€œWhat the hell?” Dogood blurted.
    â€œWho’s he?” Harold asked. “What’s he doin’ here?”
    Fargo pointed the Colt at him. “I’m the hombre who is going to put a slug into you if you don’t move.”
    â€œWhat?” Harold said.
    â€œI brought the doc all this way to see your girl. She’s going in whether you like it or not.”
    â€œHere now,” Harold blustered. “You can’t threaten a man on his own property.”
    Fargo cocked the Colt and at the click the farmer tensed.
    â€œIn case you haven’t heard, it’s a free country. I can threaten you anywhere I want.”
    â€œWhat a preposterous thing to say,” Dogood said. “Have you no common sense, my good fellow?”
    â€œTake your hat and throw it into the air,” Fargo commanded, and motioned at the sky.
    â€œMy hat?” Dogood said in confusion. “What on earth for? I’ll do no such thing.”
    Fargo leveled the Colt at him. “Either you will or I will.”
    Dogood’s Adam’s apple bobbled. “I don’t see—” he said. But he removed the straw hat and stepped to the edge of the porch and threw it high.
    Fargo fired and the hat danced in midair. He fired again and it flipped and fell with a fluttering motion to land in a flower bed. He twirled the Colt several times, then cocked it and pointed it at Harold. “You were saying?”
    Harold stared at the six-shooter, his jaw muscles working. Finally he swore and moved from the doorway.
    Belinda darted inside, Edna hastening after her.
    â€œI’m obliged,” Fargo said to the farmer. He spun the Colt into his holster.
    â€œI’m goin’ in, too,” Harold said, and turned to do so.
    â€œNo,” Fargo said. “You’re not.”
    â€œI don’t know who you think you are,” Harold fumed. “I’m warnin’ you now, if you don’t stop this, this instant, I’m goin’ to sic the law on you.”
    â€œAnd I’ll be your witness,” Dogood said. “My honesty is considered impeccable.”
    Fargo jabbed a thumb at the van. “All those cures you brag about. Do you have a cure for being stupid?”
    â€œYou are plumb ridiculous,” Harold said. “No one has a cure for that.”
    â€œToo bad,” Fargo said.
    The patent medicine man’s ferret features twisted in resentment. “You’re implying that Harold and I are in need of such a cure, am I correct?”
    â€œHe’s what, now?” the farmer said.
    â€œHow about the two of you come down here and sit on the steps and we’ll talk about cows and such?” Fargo said. He took a few steps back, his hand on the Colt.
    The