Sheriff Marshal Cody, a man weathered by the years, leather skinned and tough sits on his chair with legs stretched out on top of his desk. He has seen no real action in at least a month. “It’s too quiet. Could this be the calm before the storm?” he asks himself.
His deputy John Wilder, a young man about 25, a little bit green, slightly experienced runs in anxiously. “Sheriff, Johnny Duke is back. He just robbed the National Bank right around the corner.” “Johnny Duke! We put that man in jail five years ago for armed robbery,” exclaims the Sheriff. “Yes sir, well, now he’s back. He broke out of jail. Word is he wants revenge on us for sending him away.” said the deputy. “Let’s saddle up and head on over to National Bank right away,” says the sheriff giving Deputy Wilder a stern glance.
As they arrive on the scene, the bank manager walks out to talk to Sheriff Cody and the deputy looking concerned, and frightened at the same time. “Sheriff, he’s back, I tell you his back, Johnny Duke, the man who robbed all those banks and stole all that cattle five years ago. The very same man you and your deputy here put away. He wants revenge on you for putting him away back then.” “Any idea where he is Mister Johnson?” asked the sheriff. “We saw him head off into the valley just beyond the Rockies.” “Thank you Mr. Johnson, he could be staying with his old flame there,” said the sheriff. “We’ll head off that way.”
The sky was big, the scenery was panoramic. The sweet smell of lilacs was in the air and beauty was all around them as they rode off into the valley. “We’ll stop first at Jane Fleming’s home in the lower part of the valley. Maybe she has some idea of his whereabouts.” “Certainly sheriff,” said his deputy.
Marshall Cody knocked on Jane’s front door. She answered the door with a casual smile on her face. She was a tall, plain looking attractive mountain woman. She had blonde hair and blue eyes. The sheriff couldn’t help but be captivated with her. “It’s good to see you Marshall.” “Likewise Jane, may we come inside?” “Certainly Marshall, you know I could never say no to you.” said Jane. Her cabin was a typical country cabin with a beautiful fireplace burning inside. It felt very cozy and warm. “We heard Johnny Duke is back. Do you know where we may find him?” “No Marshall, I don’t.”
It turns out Johnny Duke was hiding under Jane’s bed in her bedroom. He gets up and hides behind her bedroom door with pistol cocked and loaded in hand. He aims it right at the sheriff and opens fire. “Johnny, you have no escape. Just come out, surrender and there won’t be trouble,” said Marshall Cody. “I made the mistake of letting you capture me the first time sheriff. What makes you think I’ll make that mistake again?” “I’m after you sheriff.” Johnny Duke opens fire once more.
“Let’s get on both sides of the door John,” the sheriff tells his deputy. “I’ll swing the door open; you cover me with your piston aimed at him.” “I’m gonna aim my pistol at him also and kick the door open with my foot. Then, we’ll both go in and cuff him.” “Ok sheriff,” said John. The sheriff placed himself at the left side of the door, his deputy on the right. Both of them had their pistols cocked and loaded. The sheriff kicked the door open with his foot. Not expecting the sheriff’s action, the door hit Johnny Duke in the face and took him back a little. Johnny was startled as the sheriff and his deputy cuffed him.
Well Duke, it goes to show you that crime doesn’t pay. I thought you’d learn that the first time we arrested you. I guess your type never learns. As for you Jane, lying doesn’t pay either,” said the sheriff. Deputy Johnny smiles at the sheriff and adds,” Well sheriff, chalk that one up for the good guys.” “Amen to that,” adds sheriff Marshall.