Releasing Stress.

I had no idea at the time, the gang was in Oklahoma hiding at one of the gang members (Oliver Yantis) sister's place.

The telegram I received from Clark gave temporary relief, The law had tracked them to the sisters' farm and participated in a shootout killing Oliver, but the gang managed to escape. Clark said, "Stay alert in case they flee to Mexico, no doubt they will stop either in your town or somewhere close, but for now, information is, they are still in Oklahoma but might make a run for New Mexico."

Days later, I learned the gang was traveling with two teenage girls. (Little Britches) a name Bill Doolin called her. The other, Cattle Annie. The girls were proved informers, always letting the gang know when law enforcement was near. However, Clark informed the group was back in Kansas robbing banks and trains.

This removed hidden pressure as I tried placing their actions as a game of hide and seek. Kansas was easy picking for them and Oklahoma offered refuge. I suspected it was but matter of time before

Doolin was either killed or captured. Two weeks later, my suspicion earned Merritt. Clark said Doolin received wounds during a robbery but he never knew the extent.

On the way home, I stopped at my brother James's place. He lived a single life after loosing the only love of his life. James was seated on the porch smoking his pipe. I was greeted with pleasure and his asking, "What do I owe such pleasure? Get down and sit awhile. What brings you this way?"

"Just wanted to pick your brain about something."

"Pick away."

"When you were a ranger, did you ever deal with gangs of outlaws?"

"No, I never did. Those crazy Kickapoo Indians had most of my time. Why do you ask? You got gang problems?"

"No, not yet, but I might have. It is a bunch that call themselves the wild bunch. They are doing their crimes mostly in Kansas and hide somewhere in the territory."

"Little brother, I would not be concerned if they are there, I doubt they will come this far west and besides, if the law is searching, then it will be but a matter of time, things will come out in the open and the law will handle them. So, let all that pass on by and go home to your family and rest easy."

I took James's advise and rode home to a fine meal and a restful night. Spending family time was like a cool drink of water on a hot summer day.

The following morning as I rode to my office, I was intrigued by seeing such peace our town had achieved. No gangs, no killings, and most of all our bank still had the people's savings.

I was thankful to the Lord for his blessings, but I knew we would have our day of trials. My hope was in believing God would continue prospering our citizens even though many of those I had known most of my life was now reaching old age. It was their children and advanced education no doubt would create stability.