Most news here travels by porch talk, barbershop gossip, or whoever shouts the loudest outside the general store.
But after the events covered in our first printed booklet,
“Lies, Snakes & Dynamite,”
this town found itself divided and confused.
Questions were raised about:
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Mayor Eaton’s involvement in a serpent-smuggling racket
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The danger Clara’s store faced
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Delbert’s warnings that went ignored
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Buck’s part in exposing the tunnels
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Sheriff Hank’s firm response
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And our own role in bringing the story forward
Some folks believed every word.
Some doubted half of it.
Some thought it was made up just to stir dust.
Nobody agreed on anything.
Lonesome Pine needed a way to keep the facts straight —
a steady, reliable, weekly report.
So this newspaper was formed.
Sheriff Hank supported the idea.
Clara offered space for distribution.
Delbert claimed the truth “ought to be written down before it blows off like a tumbleweed.”
Buck cobbled together a printing setup in his barn.
And we, Johnny & Emmy, agreed to write the weekly Gazette so that no one in this town gets left in the dark again.
A STRANGER IN TOWN
With that purpose in mind, we turn to the most noteworthy event of the week.
A man calling himself Ozthorn Highrider arrived in Lonesome Pine at dusk two days ago.
Residents reported seeing him standing near the ridge east of town.
No horse.
No wagon.
No one witnessed him arriving on the trail.
Several accounts describe the same details:
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Tall, thin figure
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Black hat with a curved brim
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Long coat with patches of dust
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Quiet step
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A habit of speaking slowly, as though weighing his words
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Bright eyes that seem to study a person more than most are comfortable with
We spoke with him briefly near Clara’s store.
He stated only his name, offered a polite nod, and moved on.
He did not appear threatening.
He purchased no supplies.
He asked no questions about the town.
He simply looked around, tipped his hat again, and walked toward the outskirts.
COMMENTS FROM TOWNSFOLK
Reactions vary:
Clara said,
“Didn’t get a bad feeling off him. Just… unusual.”
Delbert muttered,
“He’s carryin’ more history than a man his age should.”
Sheriff Hank told us,
“No crime in passing through. Folks can look strange and be harmless.”
Buck only said,
“He walks too quiet.”
We do not know if Ozthorn intends to stay.
We do not know where he came from.
We only know he is here, and that is news enough for this week.
A NOTE ON RECENT REPORTS
Several residents on the east side of town have mentioned:
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restless sleep,
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unusual dreams,
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and concerns about odd noises heard near the ridge.
At this time, we cannot confirm any connection between these reports and the arrival of Ozthorn Highrider.
We will monitor the situation closely.
If more information develops, we will report it in next week’s issue.
Until then, keep your lanterns trimmed and your minds steady.
— Johnny & Emmy
The Coyote Gazette