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101 Word Short Stories

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Law of the West

April 15, 2021 4 Comments

By Louis Kummerer

He picked up the trail just north of his ranch—a rider and three cattle. He tracked them eight miles, catching the startled rustler at the canyon rim.

To his surprise, his Winchester was aimed at Tom Slater’s wife.

“Tom in on this too?” he asked grimly.

“Tom’s dead.” Sobs shook her body. “I’m just trying to get my family through the winter.”

The law was clear: a rope, a dead woman slung over a saddle, a body brought home to waiting children.

He lowered his rifle. “Repay me in the spring,” he said softly as he wheeled his horse around.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Constanée Malik Hemedi says

    April 15, 2021 at 1:33 pm

    Laws are man-made and sometimes there to be broken. And compassion costs nothing. I like this story.

    Reply
  2. Miera says

    April 15, 2021 at 5:48 pm

    Lovely – the story and the sentiment!

    Reply
  3. b. says

    April 15, 2021 at 8:27 pm

    Three cattle? Sorry, you pushed it too far.

    Reply
  4. I.R.Pathak says

    April 23, 2021 at 9:06 am

    Touching sentiments with deep suspense.

    Reply

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