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Chapter 35: Dutch's Trust
When they finally walked through the winding path back to the camp, the once bustling camp now appeared unusually deserted.
Only a handful of people slowly emerged from their respective tents, curiously peering at what was happening outside.
As soon as Hosea saw Johnny return safe and sound, a relieved smile immediately appeared on his face. He stepped forward and patiently explained all the changes that had occurred in the camp during this time.
He stated that Dutch had rushed out after receiving a letter from Trelawny, seemingly to discuss important matters with him.
Micah and Lenny had already ridden off without stopping to gather the latest news on Sean and Mac.
Javier, Charles, and Bill had gone together to the saloon in Valentine Town, intending to relax their long-strained nerves.
As for the always mysterious Reverend, he was nowhere to be seen, saying he went to the train station by the lake to find some business opportunities.
Lastly, Strauss was busy roaming around, lending money to unfortunate souls.
Thus, the only people left in the camp were John's family, Ms. Grimshaw, and Hosea.
Of course, there was also Kieran Duffy, the new 'unlucky one' who had just become the target of everyone's jokes, and our Van der Linde Gang's tiger, Pearson.
Ms. Grimshaw nimbly helped everyone unload the abundant supplies, while not forgetting to turn to Johnny and say:
"Dutch specifically told me to set aside an empty space next to his tent for you, so you can set up your own tent.
However, if Micah finds out about this, he'll probably start gossiping again!
For today, you'll temporarily stay next to Hosea. We'll buy a tent once our people return."
Hearing this, Johnny couldn't help but smile faintly, thinking to himself, "Hmph, Micah? He probably won't have the chance to criticize anymore..."
With this thought, he still echoed Ms. Grimshaw's words, repeatedly praising Dutch for his trust in him.
Finally, he shyly stated that he had already purchased a suitable tent and wouldn't trouble everyone.
Then he turned and carried the weapon box to his wagon, took out the bedding and pillow, and placed the weapon box inside.
While organizing the supplies, Hosea leaned over and asked, "Johnny! Did you find out any news from Blackwater Town?"
Johnny put down what he was holding and replied with a serious expression:
"Bad news. Local residents say a Gang member was killed on the cruise ship. I don't know if it was Sean or Mac."
Upon hearing this, Hosea fell into a moment of grief, then cautioned himself not to tell Karen the news until others had confirmed it.
He then continued to ask, "I heard Arthur say you have a way to deal with those horses, right?"
"Oh, of course. I heard there's the biggest black market nearby at Emerald Ranch. They not only accept valuables but also horses and wagons.
However, you can't go directly to him, or he won't tell you anything. You need to find the manager of Emerald Ranch to act as an intermediary."
"Alright, I'll have Arthur check it out another day. The priority now is to find out who among Sean and Mac is still alive."
With that, he turned around without hesitation and slowly walked away with determined steps.
Meanwhile, Johnny carefully removed the carbine repeating rifle and the extra winter clothes from the horse's back, placing them gently into the wagon.
To him, this beloved horse, which had endured many hardships with him, was like a close companion, and naturally, it needed extra care and cherishing. He tried to avoid letting it carry too much weight or be overly exhausted.
At this moment, Johnny stood quietly by a bucket filled with clear water, holding a delicate horse brush, completely absorbed in grooming his beloved horse's soft and shiny mane.
Just as he was engrossed, Arthur slowly approached, leading a sleek, black steed. Once closer, Arthur smiled and extended a sincere invitation to Johnny:
"Hey, brother! Want to come to the saloon with me and relax with Charles and the others?"
Hearing this, Johnny readily agreed, temporarily putting down his work, and followed Arthur to the saloon.
Before long, the two arrived at the saloon's entrance. At this point, Johnny suddenly spoke:
"Wait for me a moment, I'll go buy a newspaper first. That way, we can drink and see what's new."
After speaking, he quickly walked up to a newsboy and bought the latest issue, No. 27, of the New Hanover Gazette for 5 cents.
However, just as he was about to step through the saloon door, he caught sight of the detestable Downes again, not far away, passionately conducting a fundraising event.
Gazing at Downes' familiar and repulsive face, Johnny thought to himself:
It seems I must accelerate the implementation of my original plan, or my thoughts will not be at peace. Thinking this, he couldn't help but frown slightly, a flicker of imperceptible worry in his eyes.
But he quickly returned to normal, took a deep breath, and stepped through the saloon door.
Upon entering, he saw Javier, Charles, and Arthur at the counter, chatting intently with two ladies dressed as 'Hot Coffee'.
Since he had no interest in 'Hot Coffee,' he went to the counter, bought a bottle of whiskey for $0.25, and then sat at a nearby table, reading the newspaper and drinking.
A small newspaper contained a surprising amount of information. First, it reported that Blackwater Town was under lockdown due to the Van der Linde Gang's robbery of the Blackwater Town cruise ship.
The transport of dry goods, groceries, and other commodities was severely affected, requiring a long inspection period before anyone could leave or enter Blackwater Town.
It seemed his tent wouldn't arrive anytime soon.
Then it reported that Leviticus Cornwall's train had been robbed, with many guards and enemies killed at the scene.
According to passengers who survived by hiding, Colm ODriscoll led the robbery and killed everyone else on the train.
Finally, it reported that the ODriscoll Gang had also robbed nearby banks and stagecoach stations, killing many people, and a respected Reverend was brutally tortured and murdered.
Other news included minor, less important items, such as warnings about the dangers of the Chelonian Cult, the search for ancient creature bones, and a bounty notice for a giant bear—a $10 reward if you could prove you killed it.
The most peculiar was an advertisement by a man named Jeremy Gill, boasting about his superb fishing skills.
With so much information, Johnny read with great interest, momentarily forgetting the time.