BILLY STEELE: KID RANGER, CHAPTER THREE

Remember, a posse is hunting us, Billy," White Eagle warned.

"Andy and George won’t tell anyone; they’re friends of mine," Billy said with assurance.

"Better watch out there, young Billy," Andy yelled.

"There’s an Indian evil spirit on the loose; better steer clear, and beware the angels of death," George shouted as the boy and Indian rode by.

Once Billy and White Eagle were in the distance, Andy and George, both wearing wicked sneers, formulated a plan. "So they’re going to The Alamo," Andy said.

"They could be headed for the treasure. Better get Lester. He’s got the key and the three of us and our friends will be going to The Alamo for a surprise party for Billy," George said in a malevolent tone.

Billy and White Eagle rode at a swift pace towards The Alamo. Suddenly, gunfire cracked over the gallops of horses’ hooves. Billy and White Eagle saw Slade’s hanging posse had their guns blazing at the boy and elderly brave.

"Dead Injuns tell no tales," screamed Slade as he and his posse of hired guns raced their monstrous mounts towards the defenseless targets. Billy and White Eagle drove their horses at a furious pace as they hoped to escape Slade’s wrath. Billy kept a careful eye on the aged Indian for he knew White Eagle suffered an injury when he tried to save the Lightning Warrior and peaceful settlers from the Legion Of The Lawless.

Clouds of dust erupted and hooves rumbled on the trail as Billy, galloping on his pony, Swifty, and accompanied by his pup, ‘Lasses and White Eagle and his trusty old steed, raced furiously to stay steps ahead of the hanging posses. Not even the Four Horsemen Of The Apocalypse were as vicious as Slade’s gunmen.

The hanging posse had chased Billy and White Eagle to the ledge of a steep cliff, which overlooked a waterfall and roaring river. With the posse’s bullets whizzing closer and closer to their heads, Billy and White Eagle still on their respective mounts, made a leap for life over the cliff. Like great birds, they soared high in the air over the mighty river below. Still hanging on to dear life upon their mounts, Billy and White Eagle closed their eyes in roller coaster suspense as they descended towards the thrilling, chilling waters awaiting them.

The young daredevil and the great Indian sage flew gracefully through the air. And by the massive falls, they splashed into the river’s rapids. Billy’s pony, Swifty, and his pup, ‘Lasses, swam to the water’s surface unharmed. But the cruel rapids swept White Eagle up in their unforgiving grasp. Quickly Billy splashed to the Indian’s aid as he scooped up his teacher in his arms as they swam against the roaring rapids for life itself. Billy cradled White Eagle until they crawled on the safety of the shore, as they both exhaled river water from their lungs. Soon, they inhaled the sweet air of survival.

All were united onshore as Billy helped White Eagle recover from being nearly drowned. Billy made sure White Eagle’s bandage remained tight, and the old Indian again smiled gratefully at his young student for he had saved his life once again.

By this time, Slade learned the price he would have to pay for hiring drunken gunmen. Slade’s hanging posse smelled of cheap whiskey and cigars, and once they saw their prey had vanished from their blurry view, they decided to drown their sorrows and they were soon rendered too intoxicated too continue their hunt.

By dawn’s light, Billy and White Eagle arrived at The Alamo.