The horse brewed up a heavy dust cloud over the Utah territory. The terrified rider pushed his mount to the breaking point, leaving bloody gashes from his frantic spurring. Looking over his shoulder, a grin spread across his face as he escaped from the man in black hunting him.

Pulling the brim of his black Stetson low over his eyes, Bryce Cage squinted from the noon day sun at the fleeing rider. Casually, as he crushed out his burning cigarette under the heel of his polished boot, he leaned over and unsnapped the rifle holster on his stallion. One swift motion drew the gleaming Winchester Model 1866 and jammed it into his shoulder. The rifle bucked in Bryce’s callused hands as the explosion of noise sent crows scurrying for cover.

The frightened rider jerked hard from the impact of the .44 caliber round, his limp body falling from its mount. The crazed animal rode on at full gallop, leaving its master to his fate. Bryce smiled, pushed back his dusty wide brimmed hat and straightened his new sheriffs badge.