THE TRAIL TO TOMBSTONE 24

jonas watched the cavalcade of vaqueros leaveing willcox.. billy was right there in the middle. jonas knew billy carried the money from the sale of the jk cattle and don fredericos cows.. he planed to have it, but he knew it was useless to try with that bunch of vaqueros. he would just have to follow along and watch for his chance. all the way back to the lower end of the sulphur springs valley francisco and billy had seen no evidence of jonas. they had relaxed their guard thinking he was gone. the last night before getting back to the ranch they camped on the little water and built up a good fire, and were relaxed , laughing and jokeing.. home was in reach, and the bully hadnt showen him self. jonas had gotten close enough in the dark to not be seen but could hear the talk. the cavalcade had a plan, they would ride close to the jk then takeing don fredericos money turn and head home in mexico. billy would continue on to the j k with the balance of the cash. he stated he was anxious to get back because dale had been alone all the time they were gone. jonas backed away rode a mile or so away and made camp.. dealing with billy and dale would be a lot easier than that bunch of pistol packing mexicans. he would wait for the time to be right. that night in camp billy and francisco split the bundle of cash.. don frederico would get 50 percent and then billy countedn a extra 10 percent for the vaqueros. he wanted these guys happy, he might need them some time in the future. francisco and his crew were all smiles at this. billy explained he was sure in six months or so they would want to market some more cattle, francisco assured him they would be there to help.as the fire burned low one by one everyone drifted off to sleep. billy was left alone with his thoughts. soon the fire burned down to abed of coals.. billy stood to walk to his bed . then looking out across the cienaga he saw a pin point of light. he stopped , looked away then looked back again to be sure of what he was seeing. he knew if it was some other honest traveler they would have come on in to the water hole.. he correctly guessed it was jonas. billy had no idea what jonas was up to but knew it was no good. as he stood there stareing out into the night he heard a foot step behind him. billy turned to see antonio there. " is it him"antonio asked pointing with his chin toward the winking light. " ime not sure, but i think so." billy responded. " maybe i go see, if it is he wont follow us far." antonio had pulled a wicked looking knife from his belt. " no, lets just keep a eye on him. he may just ride on, even tho i dont think he will. tomorrow will come soon enough. get some sleep amigo." billy told the young mexican. antonio sheathed the knife and nodded then turned to his bed. billy sat down where he could watch that distant fire for a while longer. then he would sleep. he needed a plan.