The Tables Had Turned

[Part ① · Six-Pounder]

"I'm back! I'm back! I'm back!"

Jack Martin waved his hat wildly as he returned to the ravine. David immediately went out to meet him.

"Why are you in such a panic, Jack? What happened?"

"Teacher Victor!" Jack was so excited he could barely contain himself. He handed the reins to Victor. "I took out so many bandits! So, so many!"

Victor was rather surprised. "All by yourself?"

Jack trembled all over. He could hardly believe he'd managed such a feat alone—

"—Yes! It only took sixteen minutes! With courage and brains, you can crush evil!"

Wen Bucai said nothing. He took Jack Martin's reins, then swung into the saddle and tested the fit. He stroked the horse's neck, trying to get a feel for the beast's temperament.

Victor asked, "Do you have a gun?"

Jack couldn't answer. He'd only brought back one gun, and he had three bullets left.

Mr. Kio was muttering away. The Native American took the horse from him and defended Jack. "That's enough. It is exactly as the prophecy foretold—the necessary pieces have all fallen into place."

"I have no idea what this guy's talking about," Wen Bucai grumbled. "Why not give him some money and send our savior on his way? I've never liked owing anyone a favor."

"Let's go," Victor said, ignoring Wen Bucai.

Jack Martin handed Wen Bucai the gun and said with absolute conviction—

"—You can do it, Vincent! If anyone can, it's you! My first shot was the only one that hit!"

"Is anyone listening to me?!" Wen Bucai asked, looking utterly innocent. Then he shrugged. "Good grief! We're talking to ourselves again."

He spun the cylinder and adjusted the sights on the cavalry revolver, a Remington manufactured under the tutelage of a Stuart officer. It