The Broken Rifle
Copyright© 2024 by Old Man with a Pen
Chapter 4
Holy Shit!
The Library is a font of information ... the librarian is too. It’s my fault. I asked her where I would find information on gold coins ... and showed her the two, the newest, I’d brought for comparison and conformation. She directed me to the card catalog, got me situated and left me to my own devices ... then she called a local appraiser ... and the cops.
Studying the card catalog ... I found there existed a magazine, Coins and Their Values ... And ... The library had a copy ... in a display rack ... where anyone could look at it and read it. There were even comfy chairs to sit in whilst reading. BUT SHE DIDN’T TELL ME THAT!
I admit I was kinda scruffy looking ... I’d been up all day fixing my J&S Hawken rifle, shooting it, blowing in the muzzle to clear any residual sparks and wandering through black powder smoke which reeks of sulphur and rotten eggs. Blowing in the muzzle left a black ring around my mouth and there was no reason what so ever she should be suspicious...
Okay Okay okay ... I looked like I’d fallen off the freight train I’d used to make my escape after robbing a coin collector.
The coins ... were in the magazine ... SIXTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ... EACH. When I read that I admit I Whooped just a little and maybe danced a bit.
The appraiser was before the cop.
He identified himself, handed me his card, “Marion,” he gestured at the librarian, “said you had a couple of coins.”
He held out his hand, “May I?”
I handed them to him.
He looked, gulped and went to the library office. I could see him through the glass. He was making a call.
Enter the police.
I identified us both, admitted possession, explained the appraiser and the inquisition began.
Reasonably satisfied I was me, he returned my paperwork and commenced. I admitted possession ... again. And told him I found the coins.
“Where?” asked the cop.
“East of town,” I lied, “Public land.” Twice I lied.
“Where?” he said again.
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