Chapter 8 - The First Betrayal
Samuel returned to town with the altered deed.
He visited the county recorder.
The clerk refused to help.
"Your property is under review."
"By whom?"
"Territorial land office."
"Show me the order."
The clerk hesitated.
Samuel leaned closer.
"Show me."
The man finally produced a document.
It claimed Samuel had voluntarily agreed to transfer water rights.
The signature looked like his.
But Samuel knew immediately it was false.
The letter "C" in Carter was wrong.
His father had taught him to recognize forged signatures.
Samuel took the document.
"Who filed this?"
The clerk whispered:
"Rourke's attorney."
Samuel left.
Outside, he found Red Willow waiting.
"Bad news?"
"Someone forged my name."
Red Willow nodded.
"Then the attack is close."
"How do you know?"
"Because men use paper before they use guns."
Samuel looked at him.
"And when paper fails?"
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Red Willow looked toward the mountains.
"They use guns."
