Rating: T<\/p>\n
Word Count=9731<\/p>\n
Summary:\u00a0<\/span>Gold, a curse, and the legend of a lost mine spark a quest for riches. \u00a0<\/span>Camp in the Pines Dime Novel challenge.<\/span><\/p>\n Disclaimer: I don’t own the Cartwrights or Bonanza. No copyright infringement is intended. Original plot and characters are property of the author. This story is for entertainment and no money was made from it.<\/span><\/p>\n Reviews from the Old Library are on the last page.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Quest for the Mine of Lost Souls; or, The Treasure of the Uinta Mountains<\/strong><\/p>\n Southpaw Morgan rode through a landscape strewn with boulders, the terrain akin to a giant\u2019s playground. The horse wove a path among the rocks much as a bee through a field of flowers. Since neither man nor beast was in a particular hurry to arrive at a destination, both enjoyed the warmth of the summer sun.<\/span> * * * *
Some folks called Southpaw a drifter but a doctor once said Southpaw simply had a case of the wanderlust. As far as Southpaw knew there wasn\u2019t a cure for this particular ailment but when he had the urge to see someplace new he just packed up some vittles, saddled his horse, and off he went. Folks might say money couldn\u2019t buy happiness but Southpaw knew from experience it could buy a bath, a bed, grub, whiskey, and even entry into a game of cards.\u00a0<\/span>
A gunshot echoed in the slight breeze. Southpaw reined his horse and turned in the saddle to survey the landscape. Other than a ground squirrel collecting what food it could shove into its cheeks, Southpaw didn\u2019t see another soul.<\/span>
The mingled sounds of yells and another fired gun drifted up to his ears. Curiosity aroused, Southpaw nudged his horse forward toward a small rise.\u00a0<\/span>
He halted the horse in the lee of a large boulder and gazed down on the scene before dismounting. A covered wagon was at the mercy of two desperadoes. A man was prone on the ground but Southpaw couldn\u2019t determine if he was alive or not. One of the evil doers kept an elderly man covered with his pistol while his associate removed boxes and trunks from the wagon.\u00a0<\/span>
The elderly man, white-haired with a long beard of the same color, stood by helplessly as the outlaw flung clothing and other items over his shoulder.<\/span>
\u201cLeave that be!\u201d the old man yelled as the desperado opened a case and pulled forth a surveyor\u2019s compass and a telescope. The white-haired man yelled again and lunged forward to reclaim his property. A flash of crimson stained the elderly man\u2019s shirt as a bullet entered his chest.<\/span>
The outlaw with the telescope held the instrument to his eye and scanned the landscape. Turning slowly, he took in details of his surroundings. His mouth turned down in a scowl upon seeing Southpaw peering from behind a boulder. The thief raised a hand and barked orders to his collaborator before grabbing items as souvenirs to stuff into his saddle bags.\u00a0<\/span>
Keeping an eye on Southpaw through the telescope, the outlaw drew his gun took aim. Southpaw ducked behind the boulder as a bullet smashed into it and ricocheted, sending fragments of rock in all directions.<\/span>
At the sound of hooves beating against the rocky ground, Southpaw looked over his shoulder and saw the cloud of dust raised by his horse as it retreated. His blood simmered with anger at losing his mount to a bunch of no account marauders.<\/span>
When Southpaw peeked out from his hiding place to again look down upon the wagon, a passing bullet removed his hat and nearly parted his hair. Southpaw drew his pistol and fired several shots in the direction of the outlaws.<\/span>
With the prospect of losing their own lives a distinct possibility, the two ne\u2019er-do-wells mounted up and made their escape.<\/span>
Southpaw fired bullet after bullet at the fleeing men but only managed to nick one; that unfortunate man fell in such a manner his neck snapped upon impact with the ground.\u00a0<\/span>
Aggravated with the turn of events, Southpaw pulled bullets from the loops on his gun belt and reloaded his weapon before making his way down to the wagon.\u00a0<\/span>
After a quick survey of the scene, Southpaw knelt down beside the younger man and noted a crimson streak trailing behind the man\u2019s ear. Carefully rolling him over to get his face out of the dirt, Southpaw heard a faint moan from the man\u2019s lips. Deciding the unconscious man would be all right for a while longer, Southpaw checked for signs of life from the other man.\u00a0<\/span>
Southpaw placed two fingers against the white-haired man\u2019s neck. Despite the deep red stain on the cream-colored shirt, a pulse was discernible. Pulling the man into a sitting position, Southpaw propped him against one of the wagon\u2019s wheels before retrieving a canteen lying on the ground.\u00a0<\/span>
The man lapped at the trickle of water and tried to raise an arm to take the canteen. Southpaw uttered soft words of assurance but didn\u2019t allow him to gulp the water.\u00a0<\/span>
Southpaw removed his neckerchief and dampened it before gently dabbing at the man\u2019s face. In response, the man cracked open an eye.<\/span>
\u201cI\u2019m afraid all hope is lost for me,\u201d the man said in a hoarse whisper.<\/span>
\u201cHope is never lost,\u201d said Southpaw in a voice filled with bravado. \u201cSometimes it just tucks itself into your pocket until you need it again.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cUinta . . . .\u201d<\/span>
\u201cSave your strength, old timer,\u201d said Southpaw as he again carefully patted the man\u2019s face with the rag.<\/span>
\u201cMap . . . box . . . .\u201d The old man struggled to utter each word.<\/span>
\u201cMap of what?\u201d Southpaw asked.<\/span>
The man slowly shook his head. \u201cCareful . . . curse . . . .\u201d he said through a labored breath.<\/span>
Southpaw sat back on his haunches.\u00a0<\/span>I don\u2019t want any truck with a curse<\/i>.\u00a0<\/span>
The man breathed in, opened both eyes, fixed Southpaw in his sights, and said, \u201cGold,\u201d in one long, ragged whisper.\u00a0<\/span>
As the word faded in the still air, the old man\u2019s head slumped forward until his chin rested upon his chest.<\/span>
Southpaw gently shook the man but there was no response. He plucked off his hat and laid it over his heart as he silently sent up a prayer for the stranger\u2019s soul. \u201cYou know anything about a map?\u201d he asked the horse. The harness jingled as the horse shook its head.<\/span>
Southpaw shrugged and patted the horse\u2019s rump as he walked back to the driver\u2019s seat. Looking underneath he saw a dusting of sand and a half full bottle of whiskey. He felt along the hard wood but didn\u2019t feel anything to indicate a secret compartment. Deciding to quench his thirst, Southpaw uncorked the bottle and raised it to his lips. Before he could get a swallow, he felt his gun removed from the holster. Slowly, he turned around.<\/span>
The younger man stood unsteadily but held the pistol, trigger cocked, with both hands.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cYou killed him,\u201d the young man growled in a low voice.<\/span>
\u201cNow see here, fellah,\u201d said Southpaw as he gestured with the bottle, \u201cI was up yonder behind those rocks when I heard shots. Two men were down here going through your belongings. One of them shot your . . . your,\u201d Southpaw was stumped for moment. \u201cI ran those desperadoes off but it was too late to do anything for him. I sure am sorry.\u201d<\/span>
The young man looked around, noting the open trunks and the strewn clothing.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cThose outlaws took a telescope for sure and maybe a map,\u201d offered Southpaw.<\/span>
At the word, \u2018map,\u2019 the young man\u2019s head whipped around and he gripped the butt of the pistol tighter. \u201cWhat do you know about it?\u201d he asked, eyes narrowed in suspicion.<\/span>
\u201cJust what your . . . your granddad said as he was dying. He said there was a map and a curse and gold. I don\u2019t want any part of a curse. Even if I had found the map I wouldn\u2019t have stolen it.\u201d<\/span>
Southpaw looked up at the sky and he squinted against the bright sun. \u201cWe should get him buried before he starts smelling ripe.\u201d<\/span>
The young man pressed his hand to his still-bleeding wound. His face paled until he was almost as white as his shirt then he dropped to his knees, the gun clattering safely against the hard earth.<\/span>
Southpaw carefully approached and squatted in front of the young man. He carefully parted his hair and noted the furrow in his scalp.<\/span>
\u201cIt\u2019s just a graze but you\u2019re apt to have a splitting headache for a few days. Have a drink of this.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
He handed the whiskey bottle to the younger man who grimaced after swallowing a generous portion.<\/span>
Southpaw tore a strip of material from the dead man\u2019s shirt and wrapped it around the younger man\u2019s head. When the injured man protested, Southpaw said, \u201cAngels don\u2019t need fancy shirts because St. Peter hands out robes at the Pearly Gates.\u201d<\/span>
The young man sighed as Southpaw helped him sit in what little shade was available. \u201cIf only you\u2019d arrived earlier, perhaps Daniel wouldn\u2019t be dead.\u201d The man took another swig of liquid courage then extended his hand in introduction. \u201cName\u2019s Phineas Henderson but most acquaintances just call me Finn.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cPleased to know you,\u201d said Southpaw shaking the offered hand. \u201cFolks call me Southpaw.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cHow\u2019d you acquire that name?\u201d asked Finn with curiosity in his eyes.<\/span>
Southpaw released the pistol\u2019s hammer and placed the gun back in the holster. Resting his hand on the butt of the gun, he asked, \u201cIs it not clear?\u201d<\/span>
Finn nodded his head in silent understanding.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cHe isn\u2019t my grandfather,\u201d Finn said softly. \u201cDaniel is . . . was . . . my uncle.\u201d<\/span>
Finn rested his chin upon his chest as he said a silent prayer for the repose of his companion\u2019s soul. After a soft, \u201cAmen,\u201d Finn poured another slug of whiskey down his gullet.<\/span>
Putting a hand on Finn\u2019s shoulder, Southpaw said, \u201cYou rest up, I\u2019ll plant your uncle.\u201d<\/span>
Southpaw scanned the back of the wagon and extracted a shovel. After a quick survey of the area revealed the most likely place to dig a grave, Southpaw set about his grim task without a word.\u00a0<\/span>
Taking a short break, Southpaw leaned his weight against the shovel\u2019s handle and grimaced. The vultures were feasting on the outlaw\u2019s flesh. He turned his back on the sight and resumed digging.\u00a0<\/span>
Once a hole of sufficient width and depth was excavated, Southpaw returned to the wagon and dragged Daniel\u2019s body over to the open grave. Finn walked unsteadily, weaving along the path left by his uncle\u2019s corpse. After Daniel was rolled into the grave, Finn said a few words over the corpse and then swallowed a belt of whiskey. Southpaw filled the hole then placed a layer of rocks over the fresh turned dirt to keep curious animals from uncovering the deceased man.\u00a0<\/span>
With the impromptu funeral completed, Southpaw gently placed a hand on Finn\u2019s shoulder to guide him back to the wagon. Southpaw tossed the dust covered shovel inside and dipped a gourd ladle into the water barrel. After several gulps, Southpaw removed his hat to wipe the sweat from his forehead.\u00a0<\/span>
Southpaw checked over the horse to make sure it was in condition to haul the wagon. The animal had come through the desperadoes\u2019 attack with no injuries. After checking the harness and reins and making necessary adjustments, Southpaw helped Finn clamber aboard.\u00a0<\/span>
The two men drove in a companionable silence, the only sounds the creaking of the wagon and the rumbling of the wheels. Finn was soon lulled to sleep, leaving Southpaw free to ruminate on the earlier events and Daniel\u2019s warning about cursed gold.\u00a0<\/span>
A lone cabin emerged out of the gloom cast by the setting sun. It appeared to be a sturdy structure in the dim light. A small livestock pen stood beside the cabin.<\/span>
Reining the horse, Southpaw applied the brake before hopping down to earth. Finn jumped down from the bench seat and stretched to relieve the cramps in his back. A piece of paper tacked to the door caught his attention and he strode over to read it.<\/span>
\u201cYer welcum to thuh cabun. Jus tydee up.\u201d<\/span>
Finn opened the door and was pleased to see a neat, orderly room with two cots and wood stacked for use by the fireplace. A pot and a skillet occupied a shelf near a table. The lone window was covered with oilskin that could be rolled up and tied to allow a cooling breeze to waft in or to let the stifling heat filter out.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cIt isn\u2019t much but it\u2019s at least warm at night,\u201d said Southpaw as he placed kindling in the well-used fireplace. \u201cThere\u2019s beans,\u201d he said over his shoulder, lifting two cans for proof. \u201cYou got any other grub?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cSure do,\u201d said Finn before he exited. He returned with a large knife and the remaining part of a ham in a burlap sack as Southpaw put the finishing touches on the kindling in the fireplace.\u00a0<\/span>
A fire sparked to life and reflected against the cool steel of Finn\u2019s knife blade. Southpaw pulled his six-shooter from his holster in a fluid motion that bore witness to years of practice. Finn froze in his tracks sure he\u2019d been lulled into a false sense of security by a wanted bandit.<\/span>
Southpaw relaxed upon seeing the frightened look upon Finn\u2019s face and he quickly pointed the muzzle of his weapon at the floor. Finn let out the breath he\u2019d been holding tight just in case it was his last.<\/span>
Finn held the sack and the knife away from his body and carefully placed both items on the table as Southpaw cradled his gun in its holster. Southpaw quickly set about slicing the ham to fry up in a pan.<\/span>
\u201cThere\u2019s a bucket over by the door. How about you get some water for the beans?\u201d<\/span>
Finn carried out the request, relieved he\u2019d evaded death\u2019s clutches. As he lowered the bucket into the water, he mused about his new companion. Southpaw seemed to be an honest sort, but experience had taught Finn a man could be a wolf disguised as a placid, gentle hound. It was lucky that Southpaw had arrived when he did even though Daniel had died at the hands of those men. Finn shivered but not from the cooling evening air. He turned the squeaky crank to raise the bucket and looked skyward at the first of the twinkling stars in the heavens.\u00a0<\/span>I wonder if the stars are merely souls gone to Heaven<\/i>.<\/span>
The aroma of frying ham teased Finn\u2019s nose when he entered the cabin and his mouth watered in anticipation. The place looked downright cheery with the fire dancing in the sooty fireplace, casting a warm glow within the walls. He carried the water over to the hearth and set it down within Southpaw\u2019s reach before retreating to a chair by the table.<\/span>
Southpaw spooned water into the pot then added the beans before setting it over the fire. After a quick stir, he returned his attention to the ham.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cPass me those plates,\u201d Southpaw requested, jerking his head in the direction of the shelf.<\/span>
Both men were too engaged in eating to converse. After sating their appetites, they sipped hot coffee in companionable silence as the logs in the fireplace popped.\u00a0<\/span>
Southpaw studied Finn over the rim of his cup. Finn didn\u2019t have the look of an army deserter but he was secretive about that surveying equipment for some reason.\u00a0<\/span>If I can just get his tongue loosened up . . . .<\/i>
Remembering a bottle of whiskey set into a nook close to the fireplace, Southpaw rose from the table. He tapped against the stones adjacent to the mantle until a hollow sound revealed the bottle\u2019s location. A smile spread across his face as he removed his treasure.<\/span>
\u201cThis\u2019ll do us both some good,\u201d he said after uncorking the bottle with his teeth. He poured a generous helping into his cup and then offered the bottle to his newfound friend. Finn splashed some into his coffee and savored the added warmth in his throat.<\/span>
Southpaw poured more of the amber liquid into his own cup and knocked back a swig. He propped an elbow on the table and held the cup near his mouth to allow the fumes from the alcohol to give him added courage.<\/span>
\u201cWhat were you and that other fellah doing out here if you weren\u2019t surveying for a road?\u201d<\/span>
Finn choked in mid-swallow. Helpful pounding on his back from Southpaw sent the coffee to its correct destination.<\/span>
When his eyes stopped watering and he could again breathe, Finn said, \u201cDaniel is . . . or rather was . . . an antiquarian. He traveled throughout Spain, Mexico, and Cuba searching out documents relating to the Spanish conquest of the New World.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cSo he was looking for gold?\u201d asked Southpaw.\u00a0<\/span>
Finn detected avarice in the gleam of his companion\u2019s eyes.\u00a0<\/span>He saved my bacon but that doesn\u2019t make him worthy of my trust<\/i>.<\/span>
Shaking his head, Finn said, \u201cDaniel sought legends, not treasure. His sole interest was proving legends had their basis in fact. Take the Fountain of Youth as an example. There\u2019s no actual spring containing waters that will give a person eternal life or youth but there is a fresh spring in an area where brackish water is dominant. It makes for a great story and it inspired exploration, but the spring doesn\u2019t have any magical properties.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhat legend was he pursuing out here? The Lost City of Gold?\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
Southpaw asked the last question with a smirk on his face. Not receiving an answer, he pushed back from the table and retrieved the coffee pot from its place over the fire. Returning, he filled his cup and offered to do the same for the other man.\u00a0<\/span>
Finn shook his head; instead he poured a slug of whiskey into his cup and gently swirled it around. He was momentarily transfixed by the motion of the liquid as his nose was tickled by the fumes. Knocking it back in a single gulp, he set the cup down and leaned forward on both elbows.<\/span>
\u201cDaniel was looking for the Mine of Lost Souls.\u201d<\/span>
Southpaw coughed and gasped for air. His face turned a bright crimson and tears streamed from his eyes as the hot liquid and remnant whiskey fumes competed within his throat. He pounded his chest until a thin breath was able to squeak into his desperate lungs.<\/span>
Everyone young and old in this section of the country knew the story of the Mine of Lost Souls. Old folks told stories around campfires about the Uinta Mountains and ghosts in Spanish armor.<\/span>
According to some tales, a group of Aztec warriors and priests lit out during the siege of Mexico City with orders from their king, Montezuma, to hide the highest quality gold from Cortez and his men. Spaniards were taken prisoner by this group of savages and forced to carry the gold on their backs as if they were pack animals. Cortez sent men in pursuit to bring back the gold, not his countrymen. For months, the Spaniards pursued the Aztecs like a pack of wolves on the trail of a wounded elk. Reaching the Uinta Mountains, the Indians forced their Spanish captives to haul the treasure deep into a cave. After the gold was safely hidden, the priests brutally sacrificed their Spanish prisoners on a stone altar and then dribbled blood from still-beating hearts upon the ground as they worked black magic to hide the location of the cave. When the pursuing conquistadors caught up to the Aztecs, the priests called upon their pagan gods and a terrible battle took place between the two nations.\u00a0<\/span>
Other tales told of a group of conquistadors greedy for riches and glory seeking treasure in the Uinta Mountains. These conquistadores found a nugget of gold as big as an eagle\u2019s egg lying upon the ground. They began digging and quickly discovered a bonanza. Eager to extract all of the gold, the Spaniards enslaved a band of Ute and forced them to work the mine day and night. High-quality gold was hauled out of the earth on the backs of Indian women and children. As months wore on and no amount of gold satisfied their captors, the Ute called upon the spirit animals to carry pleas for help to other Ute bands. Weeks later, the Spaniards were slaughtered, their bodies left strewn upon the ground for the vultures to feast upon. The Spaniards\u2019 souls were denied entry into heaven as their bodies weren\u2019t buried in consecrated ground. Now their ghosts roamed the Uinta Mountains and guarded the mine from trespassers.\u00a0<\/span>
Regaining his voice, Southpaw said in a ragged whisper, \u201cThat ain\u2019t a legend. It\u2019s a fact.\u201d<\/span>
Finn smiled in a condescending manner, as if Southpaw were merely a small child afraid of a monster lurking under the bed. \u201cHave you ever seen these ghosts?\u201d<\/span>
After sucking in a deeper breath, Southpaw said, \u201cNo, but a piece of Spanish armor was found out that way \u2018bout ten years ago. That\u2019s proof enough for me.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cThat only proves a flesh-and-blood Spaniard was either in the area; someone found the armor but left it behind as they didn\u2019t consider it valuable; or perhaps one of the local Indian bands discarded an heirloom because they thought it brought bad luck.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWell, everyone who\u2019s ever gone looking for that mine has died in a terrible way,\u201d said Southpaw in rebuttal. \u201cI heard from a drifter who heard from a saloon gal who heard from a prospector who heard from an old timer that there\u2019s a ghost army of Spaniards who guard the gold hidden in the Uinta Mountains. Anyone who tries to remove so much as the tiniest nugget dies a horrible death within three days.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cDon\u2019t you see what nonsense that is?\u201d asked Finn. \u201cThere is no doubt a simple, rational explanation for the legend. Perhaps what\u2019s in those mountains is simply pyrite\u2014fool\u2019s gold\u2014but people who tried to pawn it off as the real thing, preying upon mankind\u2019s lust for riches, died from someone else\u2019s greed. Covetousness reared its ugly head and, as Cain slew Abel out of jealousy, someone killed for the possibility of striking it rich. Or maybe those who sought the mine fell to their deaths and were never heard from again because their bodies were scavenged by vultures or bears.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cMore like they were run through by the swords of Spanish ghosts,\u201d said Southpaw into his cup.<\/span>
\u201cHow could a ghost kill a person?\u201d asked Finn in a voice tinged with skepticism. \u201cAnswer me that.\u201d<\/span>
Southpaw chewed his lower lip in concentration but no logical answer popped into his head.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cBesides, there\u2019s no such thing as ghosts,\u201d said Finn with a wave of his hand.<\/span>
\u201cWhat makes you so sure?\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cThink of all the people who have walked upon this land. Accounting for the small number of alleged ghosts, there\u2019s a large percentage of souls who go to their final resting place rather than wandering around looking for gullible people to frighten.\u201d<\/span>
Southpaw stood, his eyebrows bristling in anger. \u201cWhat\u2019d you call me?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cSit down,\u201d said Finn. \u201cI didn\u2019t call you anything. All I\u2019m saying is some people are more inclined to believe a half-truth rather than the whole truth.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cAs I said, I\u2019ve heard what happens to folks who try to remove gold from those mountains,\u201d said Southpaw. He ran a finger around the rim of his cup as he thought about the stories he\u2019d heard from those who\u2019d said the legends were, indeed, fact.<\/span>
\u201cYou say it\u2019s just a legend,\u201d Southpaw finally said. \u201cIf it was just a story, why would so many people spend their time looking for it?\u201d He pointed at Finn and asked, \u201cMore important, why would you look for it?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cSome people are plain stubborn and will only believe what they see with their own eyes, so they\u2019ll search until their dying day to discover for themselves if a lost treasure exists. There are others who want something to believe in, even if it\u2019s just a larger than life story. Then there are men like Daniel and me. Our interest is why a legend takes on a life of its own and how it drives others to prove it\u2019s a fact. In this instance, the facts we know are as follows.\u201d Finn held up a hand, fingers spread apart, and used the forefinger of the other hand as he ticked off the facts. \u201cSpain conquered the Aztecs and gold was removed from Mexico by force or stealth; there\u2019s a cave in a remote location in the Uinta Mountains; there\u2019s either pyrite or a small amount of gold in that cave; and no credible sources exist to prove that ghosts guard the mine as anyone who\u2019s heard the story has gotten it second- or third-hand.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cYou got one finger left,\u201d said Southpaw.<\/span>
\u201cGreed,\u201d Finn said as he pointed to his pinkie. \u201cPeople ruled by avarice will hunt for treasure they can hoard.\u201d<\/span>
Finn pulled his watch from his pocket and opened it to check the time. Snapping it shut, he said, \u201cIt\u2019s late. We should get some sleep before sunrise.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cYou go on ahead. I\u2019m gonna check on the stock before I turn in.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
Southpaw stepped outside and shivered. It wasn\u2019t just the cool night air but thoughts of the Mine of Lost Souls roiling in his mind. A hair-raising scream pierced the silence and out of habit he drew his gun before realizing the sound was just a panther. He blew out a breath and shook his head to clear the images of Spanish and Aztec ghosts brandishing bloodstained swords and knives.<\/span>
After checking on the horses, he re-entered the cabin and stirred the embers to rouse the fire. He added another log and was comforted by the flickering tongues of light that sprang to life. As he lay down on the cot, he silently prayed for any ill-intentioned ghosts to remain in the dark and shadows beyond the light cast by the dancing flames.<\/span>
<\/p>\n
Southpaw awoke to the smell of coffee tickling his nose. He rubbed the back of his hand across his eyes, still heavy from lack of sleep. His nightmares had been filled with the images of Aztecs dragging him to a blood-soaked altar and cutting out his beating heart while he screamed.<\/span>
A low voice drifted around the oilskin shade covering the window. Southpaw cocked his head, but he couldn\u2019t make out any words. He stuck a finger in his ear and wiggled it yet that didn\u2019t aid his hearing.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cGood morning,\u201d said Finn in an all-too-cheery voice as he stepped inside the cabin.\u00a0<\/span>
Southpaw replied with a grunt. Sitting up, he pulled on his boots and lumbered to the door. The morning air carried a hint of moisture along with the smell of horse. He closed one and eye and squinted the other as he looked to the sky. The lack of clouds promised a hot, dry day.\u00a0<\/span>
After checking the animal, he trudged back inside and poured a cup of coffee.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cWere you talking to someone a while ago?\u201d asked Southpaw as he propped one foot on the seat of the chair.<\/span>
\u201cNo,\u201d answered Finn, eyebrows drawn together in confusion. \u201cUnless you mean the horse. I told him it shouldn\u2019t be too much longer until we reach our destination.\u201d<\/span>
Southpaw held the cup to his mouth and merely raised an eyebrow in response. He talked to his own horse now and again, mainly because there weren\u2019t any other folks around for company, but Finn didn\u2019t seem to be the type to talk to animals.<\/span>
Finn pulled a folded paper from inside his shirt and spread it on the table. Southpaw tried to make sense of the symbols and dashed lines but they didn\u2019t appear to mean anything of significance.\u00a0<\/span>
Tracing a line, Finn said, \u201cThis is all that\u2019s left of the map Uncle Daniel and I have . . . had. He cut it in half, insisting the map would be safer if the entire thing wasn\u2019t kept in one place. I hadn\u2019t thought it a good idea at the time.\u201d He sighed as he traced another line. \u201cI couldn\u2019t have been more wrong, huh?\u201d he asked, looking up at Southpaw.<\/span>
Southpaw set the cup down and leaned forward, palms flat on the table. An arrow pointed north but there wasn\u2019t much of which he could use to orient the location of the cabin with whatever was on the map.<\/span>
\u201cThem other fellahs got your uncle\u2019s half?\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
\u2018Yes,\u201d said Finn, \u201cbut the other half was mostly taken up by Spirit Lake. It won\u2019t do that desperado any good.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
Southpaw chewed on his lower lip as he studied the map.<\/span>
Finn looked up at Southpaw with a steely gaze. \u201cBefore I was knocked upside the head, one of the outlaws, the leader I suppose, demanded all of our valuables. When neither of us spoke, the larger of the two grabbed Daniel and threatened to pistol whip him if I didn\u2019t reveal where we\u2019d hidden everything of worth. The last thing I remember is telling them they wouldn\u2019t find anything of value in our wagon.\u201d Finn winced and touched his bandaged head. \u201cThey obviously didn\u2019t believe me.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhere was your half of the map?\u201d Southpaw asked.<\/span>
\u201cIn my boot.\u201d Finn traced another line and said, \u201cDaniel must have thought me dead and told them where his half was.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWhat good would half a map be?\u201d asked Southpaw, his lips quirked in thought.<\/span>
Finn shrugged a shoulder in reply. \u201cMaybe they thought it was complete since Daniel took great pains to cut it neatly.\u201d<\/span>
Southpaw nodded his head in silent agreement. \u201cI saw them take a telescope from the wagon. What was that for?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cThat was to be used to answer any prying questions. If anyone wanted to know what two strangers were doing out here, we could simply, and honestly, say we were surveying. Just what we were surveying would remain our secret.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cHow are you going to survey now?\u201d<\/span>
Folding the map, Finn said, \u201cWe won\u2019t need to. I memorized the entire map before Daniel cut it in half. You see, he acquired it when I was a boy and I spent many a day studying it, tracing the lines.\u201d He tapped the side of his head with a forefinger and added, \u201cEven though I have yet to see the terrain, I already know every path and boulder in those mountains.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
Southpaw\u2019s only response was a noncommittal, \u201cHmph.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
After safely tucking the map inside his shirt, Finn pointed at Southpaw and said, \u201cYou wait and see. When we reach the Uinta Mountains I\u2019ll make my way straight to the mine without fail.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWe\u2019ve got to get there first,\u201d said Southpaw before he drained his coffee.\u00a0<\/span>
Finn tidied the cabin as Southpaw doused the embers in the fireplace and then stocked the wood box. When the cabin was almost as neat as when they\u2019d arrived, they stepped outside to prepare for the day\u2019s journey.<\/span>
Southpaw leaned against the cabin wall and studied his companion as Finn hitched the horse to the wagon.\u00a0<\/span>It\u2019s mighty convenient Finn survived the robbery, especially as he has no need of the map, if his boast is true. There was no X to mark the mine on the Finn\u2019s half so it must be on the other. That desperado may know where the mine is but he doesn\u2019t know which trail leads to it<\/i>.<\/span>
\u201cLet\u2019s be on our way,\u201d said Finn after he climbed into the driver\u2019s seat.<\/span>
Close to an hour passed without conversation. Southpaw\u2019s head bobbed in time with the rocking of the wagon as the landscape drifted by.\u00a0<\/span>
The Uinta Mountains loomed in the distance. Only the mountains knew if the Mine of Lost Souls was simply a legend, but the rocks wouldn\u2019t reveal their secrets to just anyone.<\/span>
\u201cWhat was that?\u201d murmured Southpaw as he raised his head and squinted against the glare reflecting off the hard-packed earth.<\/span>
\u201cDo you think we\u2019ll make it into the mountains before nightfall? They look close enough but I can\u2019t be certain without the telescope.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWe\u2019d do best to make camp in a few hours,\u201d suggested Southpaw. \u201cWe\u2019ll be close to the base of the Uintas by then and it won\u2019t do us any good to wander around in the dark. A wrong step could send a man plummeting to his death. Or maybe one of them Aztec or Spanish ghosts would push a man off a cliff edge to keep him from finding the mine.\u201d<\/span>
Finn chuckled and said, \u201cI told you that story is just that. Ghosts are merely a way for people to explain away things for which they can\u2019t develop a logical, rational argument.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cYou\u2019ve never seen a chair move all on its own or heard the hangers in a closet clatter together in the middle of the night when there wasn\u2019t a breeze to move \u2018em.\u201d Southpaw frowned when Finn shook his head.<\/span>
\u201cOld buildings settle in odd ways and most often after the sun goes down and the air cools, so that explains the creaks, moans, and groans people attribute to ghosts. Hairline cracks in walls and floors usually go unnoticed by the naked eye, so I\u2019d attribute moving hangers to air getting in through those cracks. And I\u2019d lay money that you\u2019ve only seen furniture move after a night of drinking.\u201d<\/span>
Southpaw\u2019s reddening face confirmed Finn\u2019s suspicion.<\/span>
\u201cYou just wait until we reach those mountains,\u201d warned Southpaw. \u201cIf you think you can explain away any of the odd happenings then I\u2019m really a preacher.\u201d<\/span>
He shifted and looked over his shoulder. They hadn\u2019t seen hide or hair of that bandit, and he was worried because Finn wasn\u2019t concerned. The outlaw only had half the map and must know the other to still be safe with the wagon. Southpaw had an itch on the back of his neck that wouldn\u2019t go away and he was sure it was because they were being watched through the stolen telescope. The scent of treasure could stoke avarice within the most honest man\u2019s breast, so Southpaw didn\u2019t believe Finn\u2019s interest in the mine was solely curiosity.<\/span>
They found a small bit of shade in which to rest during the afternoon.\u00a0<\/span>
Southpaw watered the horse with what they could spare. Finn pulled the map from inside of his shirt and held it up in front of his face with the mountains in the background.<\/span>
Finn pointed and asked, \u201cSee that mountain that looks as if it\u2019s a rabbit\u2019s ears? That\u2019s where the mine is located.\u201d<\/span>
Southpaw nodded. \u201cThe Ute call that \u2018Coyote\u2019s Ears\u2019.\u201d It\u2019s a sacred mountain for them. I don\u2019t believe there\u2019s any Aztec gold up there.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
Finn shielded his eyes with a hand and said, \u201cPerhaps that explains why people disappear when looking for the Mine of Lost Souls. They trespass on sacred ground and the Ute dispose of them.\u201d He grinned as he looked over at Southpaw. \u201cThat may not sound as exciting as Spanish ghosts but it certainly explains the lure of a mysterious treasure for those who seek it.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cIf that\u2019s the story behind the legend, then there\u2019s no need for us to go on, is there?\u201d asked Southpaw after a nervous swallow.<\/span>
\u201cIt\u2019s the most logical explanation but it may not be the only one. Let\u2019s continue on and discover for ourselves,\u201d Finn said as he climbed onto the driver\u2019s seat.<\/span>
Southpaw took another look at \u2018Coyote\u2019s Ears\u2019 and wondered if he was on a fool\u2019s errand.\u00a0<\/span>I should\u2019ve minded my own business yesterday. Of course Finn likely would have died if I hadn\u2019t intervened<\/i>. He clambered aboard and took up the reins. The horse was reluctant to leave the comfort of the shade, but was soon convinced to again pull the wagon.<\/span>
<\/p>\n
They reached the foothills of the mountains in the dwindling light of evening. The stars were peeking out of the darkening sky, forming into constellations that told of mythological feats and battles. The Ute, like Europeans, had stories told in those same constellations, tales of gods and beasts.\u00a0<\/span>
Southpaw unharnessed the horse and hobbled it for the night. They\u2019d need it in the morning to pack food and, if they found the Mine of Lost Souls, gold. However, the wagon would be a clear sign to anyone else poking around that someone was afoot and looking for something. The back of Southpaw\u2019s neck itched again.\u00a0<\/span>Nothing good can be in the cards<\/i>.\u00a0<\/span>
There were cans of beans in the wagon but Southpaw had a hankering for something tastier. He grabbed up a length of rope and tied one end into a noose to use for a snare. Climbing up a short ways, he set a trap in hopes of catching a rabbit. Settling behind a rock, he patiently waited and was soon rewarded with fresh meat to cook over the fire.\u00a0<\/span>
Returning to the wagon, Southpaw cocked his head at the sound of a voice talking in a volume louder than a whisper but lower than one would speak if unafraid of an eavesdropper. He strained to make out the words but couldn\u2019t understand them. The language, though, sounded much the same as spoken by a cook on a trail drive years ago\u2014Spanish. The air suddenly felt much cooler and Southpaw shivered as he nervously glanced around.<\/span>
Footsteps caught his ear and he drew his gun in a fluid motion. Finn dropped the load of wood in his arms and raised them over his head.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cWhew. This area\u2019s got me jumpier than a frog in a skillet,\u201d said Southpaw as he carefully holstered his pistol.<\/span>
The color returned to Finn\u2019s face with each new breath.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cWhy\u2019d you do that?\u201d Finn squeaked out.<\/span>
Southpaw said, \u201cI heard talking but couldn\u2019t tell where it was coming from. Thought you might be a stranger bent on ill intentions.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cWho did you hear?\u201d Finn asked as he squatted to retrieve the wood.<\/span>
\u201cI don\u2019t rightly know,\u201d answered Southpaw. He rested his hand on the butt of his gun, a motion not lost on Finn. \u201cWhoever it was sounded Spanish-like.\u201d Southpaw nervously looked around and licked his lips. \u201cYou don\u2019t suppose it was a ghost with a warning, do you?\u201d<\/span>
Finn chuckled as he lit a match and laid it to the kindling. \u201cI told you ghosts are a figment of overactive imaginations.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cSomebody was talking and it sure wasn\u2019t me,\u201d said Southpaw, poking his chest with his thumb.<\/span>
\u201cAll kinds of strange phenomena occur in mountains,\u201d observed Finn. \u201cSound carries differently because of the manner in which it bounces off rock. Perhaps you did hear someone but they\u2019re higher up and their voices simply drifted down.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cWhatever caused it better not try to sneak into our camp tonight,\u201d Southpaw said in a loud voice. \u201cI shoot before asking questions and I\u2019m meaner than a grizzly bear without coffee in the morning.\u201d<\/span>
Finn suppressed a laugh, then yelled, \u201cYou heard him! Ghosts beware!\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cBeware,\u201d echoed in the still night air for what seemed several minutes.\u00a0<\/span>
With the fire casting light about, Finn noticed the rabbit tightly clenched in Southpaw\u2019s fist. \u201cI see you\u2019ve got supper.\u201d<\/span>
Southpaw looked down and felt his face prickle in embarrassment. He went to the back of the wagon and was soon busy skinning the rabbit. Once supper was impaled on an aspen spit, the smell of roasting rabbit had both men salivating in anticipation.<\/span>
<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know the legend about Spirit Lake?\u201d Southpaw asked around a mouthful of rabbit.<\/span>
Finn shook his head. \u201cIs it about treasure?\u201d\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cI suppose you could say that,\u201d Southpaw answered, licking the grease from his lips. \u201cLong time ago, long before whites came to this area, there was a young warrior among the Ute name of Wakara. He went on a spirit quest in hopes of learning where to find gold left behind by the Spanish so he could trade for horses.\u201d<\/span>
Leaning forward, elbow propped on a knee, Finn asked, \u201cDid the gods tell him?\u201d<\/span>
Southpaw ran a finger under his nose as he sniffed and said, \u201cNope. He was mighty disappointed about it. On his way home, he stopped to pick some berries and was surprised to meet up with a lone Shoshone maiden. They didn\u2019t speak the same language, so they talked with hand signs.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cSo they fell in love and lived happily ever after,\u201d said Finn with a touch of sarcasm.<\/span>
\u201cNot exactly. See, their respective people wouldn\u2019t have been pleased with their marriage and . . . .\u201d<\/span>
\u201cA Romeo and Juliet story, is it?\u201d asked Finn in a tone that implied he was no longer interested.<\/span>
Southpaw cleared his throat. \u201cAnd since the two figured they\u2019d only meet with disapproval, they asked the Great Spirit to bless their union. They set up camp beside Spirit Lake and Wakara found an elk skeleton nearby. You see, the elk are very sacred to the Ute and Shoshone. Wakara made a necklace for his bride from some of the elk bones and she was pleased as punch. She promised to always wear it.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cHow romantic,\u201d observed Finn with a snort.<\/span>
Southpaw scowled across the fire at his companion before resuming the story. \u201cSince they couldn\u2019t live off love, Wakara went hunting. It took him several days to scare up some game but he returned with enough for them to live off for a couple of weeks. When he got back to Spirit Lake, his wife was nowhere to be found. There weren\u2019t even any footprints around that might indicate some rival Indians had taken her. All of a sudden like, Wakara sees a huge, white elk come out from the middle of the lake with his wife\u2019s necklace around its neck. The elk walked on past him and Wakara followed it for three days.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cLet me guess,\u201d said Finn. \u201cIt finally turned from an elk into a beautiful woman and the lovers were reunited. Then they lived happily ever after.\u201d<\/span>
Clearing his throat, Southpaw asked, \u201cYou want me to finish this story or not?\u201d<\/span>
Finn nodded.<\/span>
\u201cThe elk finally reached a cave and walked inside. When Wakara stepped in, he was surprised that the elk was gone.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cLet me guess! It was immediately eaten by a spirit bear. Or maybe it was just a hallucination.\u201d<\/span>
Southpaw threw the leg bone he\u2019d been chewing on into the fire. \u201cSee if I tell you about the gold.\u201d<\/span>
Finn stopped laughing and cleared his throat. \u201cI apologize. Please, continue.\u201d<\/span>
Southpaw sighed and nodded his head. \u201cWell all right. Wakara made a torch and once he got it lit, he nearly died of shock at being inside a solid gold cave. There was an old man in there, said he was the keeper of the place and the Great Spirit must have sent Wakara as his replacement. Before Wakara could answer, the old man up and died. Well, Wakara decided he\u2019d go on back to Spirit Lake on the chance his pretty wife was still there but found he couldn\u2019t take more than one step outside of the cave without breaking out into vile blisters.\u201d<\/span>
Finn absently rubbed his arms.<\/span>
\u201cSeemed Wakara\u2019s prayers had been answered but he was stuck in the cave forever. Stories I\u2019ve heard from prospectors is anyone who goes inside the cave is tested by Wakara to determine if the man is his successor. Folks who\u2019ve failed the test come out of the cave raving lunatics.\u201d Southpaw shrugged a shoulder. \u201cFar as I know, no one has passed the test.\u201d<\/span>
After a brief moment of silence, Finn asked, \u201cThat\u2019s it? A solid gold cave that turns people into lunatics? Who\u2019d you hear that load of poppycock from?\u201d<\/span>
\u201cI talked to a man who\u2019d been tested. Met him in Barstow a couple of years ago. He stopped raving after he had a few beers under his belt. He told me about Wakara but I can\u2019t say I\u2019ve ever been interested in spending the rest of my life in a solid gold cave.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cSome story that is,\u201d scoffed Finn. \u201cFirst you make the tale out to be a retelling of Romeo and Juliet. Then it becomes nonsensical. Finally, it\u2019s as if the Indian becomes King Midas, doomed to be surrounded by treasure he can\u2019t enjoy.\u201d Finn tossed the small bones on his plate into the fire. \u201cI don\u2019t know why you\u2019re trying to throw me off the trail of the Mine of Lost Souls, but that\u2019s where I\u2019m headed tomorrow. You\u2019re welcome to come with me if you\u2019d like or you can wait here. Either way, I\u2019m going to prove that legend is just that. A ghost story people tell as a morality tale.\u201d<\/span>
\u201cThe moral being . . . ?\u201d asked Southpaw.<\/span>
\u201cGreed. The moral is greed is a curse, not some cave in a mountainside that may or may not contain gold. People want to get rich easily, much like that Wakara in your story. He wanted riches but his god gave it to him in a roundabout way and with a price.\u201d Finn stood and stretched for a moment. \u201cAll I want to do is prove what my Uncle Daniel set out to do\u2014the Mine of Lost Souls is simply a legend, nothing more.\u201d<\/span>
Southpaw looked up at the inky black sky and said, \u201cI suppose we\u2019d best get some sleep. Morning\u2019ll be here before you know it.\u201d<\/span>
Finn climbed into the back of the wagon and made a crude bed from a few sacks. Southpaw banked the fire and lay down beside it, adding a few more pieces of wood as a coyote\u2019s mournful call echoed off the rocks. Somebody had to keep an eye peeled for ghosts hunting gold.<\/span>
<\/p>\n
The morning sun rudely woke Southpaw and he tried to block it out by draping an arm over his eyes. When that didn\u2019t work, he rolled onto his side, yawned, and shook his head. He finally sat up and his nose was disappointed by the lack of coffee aroma.\u00a0<\/span>
He slowly clambered to his feet and stretched his arms wide. He\u2019d expected Finn to be up and about, excited as a chipmunk with the first crop of acorns to collect.\u00a0<\/span>
Southpaw lumbered around to the back of the wagon, saying, \u201cRise and shine,\u201d to his companion. Reaching the back, he yawned and stretched again. His mouth remained wide open in surprise when he saw the wagon was empty.<\/span>
\u201cThat fool,\u201d muttered Southpaw as he grabbed up his gun belt. His eyebrows rose in another surprise when he saw his gun was missing.\u00a0<\/span>
\u201cFinn!\u201d he yelled, but the call only echoed off the rocks.\u00a0<\/span>
The horse was also gone but the tracks would be easy enough to follow.\u00a0<\/span>
Grumpy without his coffee, Southpaw set out after his companion. He grumbled under his breath as he stumbled on loose rock and was scraped by a few bushes.\u00a0<\/span>
After several hours of trudging in the rising heat, Southpaw sent up a silent prayer upon finding a small creek. He lay down and splashed cool water onto the back of his neck before cupping some up to drink.<\/span>If only I\u2019d brought the canteen<\/i>.<\/span>
Picking up the horse\u2019s trail again, he cursed himself for being such a deep sleeper.\u00a0<\/span>
Stopping for another rest, Southpaw squatted to study the prints before him. A set of boot prints was alongside the shod hoof prints. He cocked his head and traced the outline of the horse shoes. \u201cFinn must be riding and that voice I heard last night must be with him. Interested in a legend my foot.\u201d Southpaw shook his head in regret at falling for such a story.<\/span>
There\u2019d been no need for his suspicion to be aroused when he\u2019d chased those desperadoes off. For all he knew, Daniel and Finn had been robbed and would have been left for dead.\u00a0<\/span>
That map wasn\u2019t torn in two for safe keeping. Finn must have used it as a bargaining chip with those outlaws. I bet he offered to split the treasure with \u2018em if they let him live. Maybe they\u2019d changed their minds when I arrived<\/i>.<\/span>
He adjusted his hat and again followed the trail.\u00a0<\/span>
When the sun was directly overhead, Southpaw took shelter in the shade offered by a stand of aspen. He sat down with his back against a tree and stretched out his legs. \u201cSure wish I\u2019d paid better attention to that map,\u201d he grumbled. \u201cDidn\u2019t seem important at the time.\u201d<\/span>
Footsteps caught his ear and Southpaw instinctively reached for his pistol. He swallowed hard as he remembered its absence. Pressing his back against the tree, he tightly shut his eyes and hoped for the best.\u00a0<\/span>
A snort and puff of air against his face caused Southpaw to open his eyes. A young elk stood before him, its nose practically against his own. The two spent a moment looking deep into each other\u2019s eyes, both sets of orbs colored with disbelief. After another snort, the elk turned and ambled off.\u00a0<\/span>
I\u2019m not a believer in signs but that was a sure one or I\u2019m not left handed<\/i>