Here's a story about the famous Sam, the Texas Robin Hood. And to this day, around the night fires of Texas cowboys, on ranches, in farmers' homes, stories of his exploits are told everywhere.
Some say he was a bad man, more cunning than a snake. Others swear it is good. And some argue that it is both this way and that: when it is bad, and when it is good. Perhaps the latter are closer to the truth.
There was a large bounty on Sam Bass's head, whether he was brought in alive or dead. And many tried to grab him.
One day, a very capable young man who called himself a detective decided to make a lot of dollars from this. He was looking for adventure and had no doubt that he would catch Sam Bass, alive or dead. To do this, he went to Stephens County, Texas, where this robber and his gang led a cheerful, lawless life. He had already walked through many hills and forests in search of Sam and his people. And he always had a six-shooter pistol hanging on his hip. The hope of catching Bass never left him.
One day, while walking along the road, he came across a light cart, driven by a driver with a hat pulled low over his eyes. It was none other than Sam Bass. He froze in his seat, like the moon in the dark autumn sky. Hidden under the hay at the bottom of the wagon were two six-shooter pistols. The horse trotted at a small trot.
Seeing the young man, the robber asked:
- How far are you going, stranger?
“Yes, apparently, not close,” answered the young detective.
- Get on the cart! An ox's four legs will get you there faster than your two.
The young man jumped up and sat down on the front next to the driver.
“Apparently new to Stephens County, huh, buddy?”
— A couple of days since I arrived.
- For cattle or horses, for some business?
- Neither one nor the other. Behind the man! I'm a detective.
- Wow! This must be damn interesting. Do you have a six-shooter to catch him, huh? I heard that all detectives are supposed to, that’s the job.
- Hit the nail on the head! I always have a brand new six-shooter pistol at the ready. The task ahead is difficult.
- The lynxes are howling, the animals are running away! - Sam noted with a grin. - You might think you're playing big?
- Otherwise! They say this is the most desperate robber I have ever encountered. I don't like to brag, but I'll tell you: I'm looking for Sam Bass.
- Bye, bye, bye, yes, I see the guy is not a mistake. Like your burrowing dog, set on a vicious tarantula. Don't let that thick bone get stuck in your throat, young man! No way, are you asking for trouble?
“I know it’s a tough nut to crack, but we’ve never seen anything like it!” I hope I can handle Sam Bass.
- How will you recognize him if you meet him?
- Ha, I have a keen eye for criminals. I recognize them instantly. I can smell them.
- It’s immediately obvious that you are a detective with a head.
“I’m young, so and so, but not a single game has escaped from my claws yet.”
“What would you do, for example, if you caught Sam Bass?”
“He will become obedient to me, like a lamb, otherwise I will have to carry him out feet first.”
- This is a man's talk! That's right, down with fear! Well, young man, I can help you so that you don't look for Sam Bass anymore. Because you are sitting next to him.
And the robber looked the detective straight in the face. He held the reins with one hand, and with the other he played with his six-shooter pistol, which he pulled out from under the seat.
The young detective became whiter than a shroud.
- Nn-no... no... Mr. Bass, that's not what I wanted to say.
I just boasted. And I have a young wife and two children... I didn’t do anything like that to you... I swear...
Sam Bass looked at him, smiling and twirling the pistol in his hand.
The young man even had his tongue stuck to his larynx. He could not squeeze out another word and was sure that his end had come.
“No,” Sam said slowly, “I won’t waste a good lead bullet on you.” I won’t put on a show with a rope either. Get out of here! Alive! I'm letting you go. But don't let your feet set foot in Texas again! Otherwise, blame yourself. Then no one will help you, even if you set the prairie on fire at both ends!
The young detective quickly jumped off the cart, and only he was seen.
That's what he was like, Sam Bass, he loved to execute, he also loved to have mercy.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru