Chapter 48

About a mile from town, Eliza noticed three or four riders bearing down fast, racing in their direction. Ford noticed them, too, calmly guiding the three horses to the side of the path to allow the strangers to pass. Eliza’s heart jumped in her throat as they appeared to slow as they approached, and she couldn’t miss the unmistakable glare of the sun against brandishing metal. They had their guns drawn.

“What’s going on?” Eliza asked as Ford, too, slowed.

“I don’t know. They’ll probably keep riding without even noticing us.”

Eliza didn’t believe him. Were they robbers looking to make a quick dollar? She knew they would carry away her box, perhaps believing that anything kept under lock and key was worth monetary value. Her heart sunk at the thought. Of course, she’d have to worry about it only if they didn’t actually kill her first.

“Hey there!” one of the men shouted when he was within a hundred feet. “Halt.”