The Shootists

Chapter Selection: 1 2 3

3.

Finally, as Christmas Day dawned, Dusty brought his life story to an end. "Well," stated the oldster. "That was some tale, son. Some tale indeed. Seems to me though ye have led a good life up until now. Yes, a good life. Always done the right thing and never went lookin' fer trouble. That about the size of it?"

"Reckin' so, sir. Yes." Agreed Dusty as the old man sauntered back over to the bookshelves and took out one of the large tomes standing there. Dusty couldn't read so he had no idea what the fancy gold script said on the front of the leather bound book. Silently, the old man opened the book and then used his finger to guide his eyes down the page. After a moment, he smiled then looked up at Dusty as he said, mildly, "Yeah, it be just as I thought, young man."

The cowboy looked puzzled as the oldster continued with, "Your name be David Willis, don't it? Better known as 'Dusty'." Dusty looked long and hard at the other man as he answered the question with, "I be he. But I n'er told ye my name. Didn't cross my mind to 'till just now. How's ye know my name, mister? And, what be yer handle, come ta that? I don't know yer name either!"

The old man placed the big book back on the shelf as he stepped up to Dusty and placed a gentle hand upon his shoulder and smiled reassuringly. "You know my name, son." He said as he led Dusty willingly toward the back door of the cosy log cabin.

Neither man spoke as he opened the door and gently walked through it with Dusty by his side. There before them, lay a brightly lit set of golden stairs that spiralled up toward the most vivid blue sky that Dusty had ever seen. He had never felt so at ease and relaxed and content in his entire life. He had no more problems or worries. All ill feelings faded away as he looked at the old man and smiled. "It is your time, Dusty," began the older man as he glanced toward the golden stairway. "Off you go, young man."

He began to climb the stairs and his heart fairly sang as he did so.
Now he understood it all. Now he knew what it was all about and he had never been happier. He began to climb the steps two and three at a time as he joyously ran toward the massive golden gates that lay at the apex of the stairs.
Dusty Willis was going home.

THE END