Summary

In "The Pythagoras Curse Part IX," a swordsman and a boy named Long Feather confront a racist merchant, leading to an encounter with a cowboy who informs them about a man called The Dutchman, who may be linked to a group hiding in the Wyoming Territory amidst post-Custer's Last Stand tensions.

Abstract

Set in a Western town, the narrative follows an unnamed swordsman who stands up against a merchant's racism towards Long Feather, a young boy of color. After teaching the merchant a lesson with his sword, the swordsman learns from a cowboy about another individual known as The Dutchman, who also wields a similar sword and wears a distinctive tunic. The cowboy recounts The Dutchman's violent past and hints at his possible current whereabouts in the dangerous Wyoming Territory. The swordsman's interaction with the cowboy suggests that The Dutchman may be connected to a larger conflict or mystery, possibly related to the recent Battle of Little Bighorn, and foreshadows the swordsman's upcoming journey into a volatile and unpredictable situation.

Opinions

The protagonist's actions clearly convey a strong stance against racism, emphasizing the importance of treating all people with respect and humanity regardless of their background.
The protagonist is portrayed as a noble figure, using his martial prowess to intimidate and educate rather than to harm innocents, suggesting a moral code that values justice and dignity.
The cowboy's narrative implies a sense of wonder and curiosity about the protagonist's sword and attire, which is echoed in his recounting of The Dutchman's similar appearance, hinting at a larger story or connection between these characters.
The mention of the Battle of Little Bighorn introduces a historical backdrop that adds gravity to the protagonist's upcoming journey, suggesting that the protagonist may become involved in the broader historical and cultural conflicts of the era.
The protagonist's lack of knowledge about recent significant events in the region indicates that he may be an outsider or newcomer to the American West, which could play a role in his interactions and challenges ahead.

The Pythagoras Curse Part IX

The Dutchman

A small crowd of people gathered on both sides of the boardwalk where the merchant lay at the tip of my sword. All were gawking at the spectacle, none of them making a move to intervene. Still, I kept one hand on the butt of my Peacemaker just in case.

“You busted my damn window.”

I held the tip of my sword against the man’s neck and grinned at him. The terrified expression on his face served me notice he believed he was facing imminent death.

It pleased me to know he was experiencing a sense of helplessness from my act of brutality, from my complete disregard for his life.

Hopefully, his taste of the treatment he and others were doling out to an entire nation of people would sour.

Maybe he would change, but then people like him often teach their own children how to hate.

“And I paid for it fair. You may know little of this type of weapon sir, but it gets heavy in my hand from time to time. I’m afraid with all the exertion just now I may not be able to stop it from piercing your neck.”

“No, no please. Tell the injun I apologize.”

I pushed the tip against the man’s neck a little more forcefully.

“His name is Long Feather. Now about that apology.”

“I’m sorry Long Feather. I didn’t mean nuthin’ by what I said.”

“Long Feather, there are clothes and boots on the counter. Go fetch them while I finish my conversation with this gentleman. Leave the money on the counter.”

I waited until the boy stepped into the mercantile and then gazed down at the man.

“I expect next time a human walks into your store you will treat them as such no matter what color they are, yes?”

The merchant tried to nod, then realized the tip of my sword made it impossible.

“Yes.”

As Long Feather returned, I helped the man up, wrapped my rag around my free hand and tried to help him dust pieces of glass from his shoulders. He flinched away from me, gave me a bitter look then stomped into his store. From the boardwalk I watched him snatch the four bills, open his register and place them in it. When he slammed the drawer shut he glared at me.

I nodded at him, offered him a grin, then returned my sword to its scabbard just beneath my saddle. As I untied my mare I gestured at Long Feather.

“Alas boy, I believe our dining will have to wait until the next town. I believe I have worn out our welcome here. Mount up.”

We were heading away from the mercantile along the main road out of town when I heard the thunderous sounds of a horse in full gallop and someone shouting.

“Mister hold up. Mister! Wait a minute!”

I spun my horse around as did Long Feather. A man wearing stove pipe chaps, a powder blue, long sleeved shirt and a leather vest sat atop a black horse. He was leaning into the ride and the horse was tearing ground in our direction. I reached down and released the rawhide tether around my pistol.

The man pulled up, his horse crow hopping the last few feet before man and beast reached us. The cowboy tipped his hat to us and grinned.

“I saw what you did back there sir. Got to say I was mighty impressed with the way you handled that fancy sword of yours.”

“I merely did it to provide the man a lesson in manners.”

“And that you did sir. Young man? It’s a pleasure. I hope you two won’t let the actions of one bad seed spoil your impression of our town. Fort Gibson’s got a lot going for it these days.”

“I believe we’ll just be on our way sir. Thank you for your kind words.”

“Wait sir. I didn’t stop you just to make amends for Samuel Halsey. I wanted to tell you I seen that same kind of sword of yours before.”

“What did you say?”

“I seen one just like it maybe six months or so ago. A man calling himself The Dutchman and a posse of around six no accounts rode in. He and them boys tore the hell out of the saloon. When the marshal and his deputies started to tie into ’em they skedaddled. The Dutchman had that same kind of sword and he wore a funny looking tunic with a black cross…”

“Hold sir.”

I reached into one of my saddle bags and withdrew my tunic, the robe of my order and held it up.

“Did it look like this?”

The cowboy nodded, “Yeah mister, it looked exactly like that. Y’all in some kind of gang? We don’t want no trouble mister. We’s all peace loving, hard working, God fearing folks.”

“You’ll get no trouble from me sir. Are you certain of what you saw? The sword, the tunic this man wore?”

“I am sir. Ain’t never seen nuthin’ like that before. Lightening ain’t supposed to strike twice in the same place, but it done did. I wouldnta believed I’d see two of you having the same sword and that crazy lookin’ shirt twice inside a six month span. Kinda strange don’t you think?”

“Perhaps. Do you have an idea where this man and his compatriots were going?”

“Somewhere north I reckon. We done heard stories about all kind of hombres hiding in the Big Horn Mountains in the Wyoming Territory. That’s where most of them hightail it to when they’re on the run or looking to hole up and rest a spell.”

“How far to this Wyoming Territory?”

“It’s about a month ride from here, but I don’t reckon the both of you are really gonna want to go there right now.”

“And why is that sir?”

“Damned mister you don’t know?”

“By your question it appears as if I don’t.”

“Two months ago, General George Custer and about three hundred cavalry was massacred by injuns up at Little Big Horn River. No offense meant to the boy.”

“None taken at the moment.”

“I reckon the whole territory up there is pretty much a powder keg with a short fuse.”

“And yet this…Dutchmen and his posse travel there?”

“They’s taking their lives in their own hands stepping in that mess if you take my meaning sir.”

Or perhaps one them had no fear of death.

If one of them, this Dutchman, was a kindred brother he knew he carried souls which could bring him back to life if necessary.

Just as I did.

“Thank you for your time sir. Come Long Feather. We have much riding to do before we rest.”

READ ON — THE PYTHAGORAS CURSE PART X

Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI, Part VII, Part VIII, Part IX, Part X, Part XI, Part XII, Part XIII, Part XIV, Part XV, Part XVI, Part XVII, Part VIII, Part XIX, Part XX, Part XXI, Part XXII Part XXIII, Conclusion

Let’s keep in touch: [email protected]