The wagon burst through a thick grove of trees, and suddenly, a clearing opened up before them.

  It was a small, open hilltop, lush and green all around. A ray of bright sunlight illuminated the center, making it look like a paradise.

  The women were already setting up the new Camp. A few men who had arrived earlier were chopping wood, and Mr. Pearson was tinkering with his big pot again, seemingly preparing a hearty dinner for everyone.

  The tents for sleeping were already pitched, and other belongings were gradually being arranged. It was starting to resemble a proper Camp. Although it was out in the open, it was still much better than the snowy mountains.

  "You were right, Hosea. This is a good spot," Dutch said, looking genuinely pleased. Seeing the others arrive, he smiled at Hosea. "We survived. It's time for us to prosper."

  "Arthur and I were supposed to prosper back in Blackwater," Hosea grumbled as he stepped down from the wagon, throwing cold water on Dutch's enthusiasm. "We had a big plan, but Micah got you interested in that boat, and here we are."

  Dutch looked at his old friend, a hint of impatience in his eyes, and walked towards the edge of the cliff. "We've all made mistakes over the years, Hosea. Everyone makes mistakes. But I've kept us together..."

  "I'm just worried," Hosea said, following him closely, his voice trembling slightly. "I'm worried I won't see that day, Dutch. I want to get everyone safe before that happens."

  "But we're stuck now, stuck in this eastern territory, penniless, and far from the western frontier of our dreams."

  Perhaps his earlier conversation with Stephen had spooked him, or maybe old age simply brought with it a tendency towards melancholy and worry, but Hosea's words were filled with pessimism about the future.

  "I understand, but we're safe. We can make some money here and start over..." Dutch said, growing increasingly irritated. He explained his grand plans to Hosea, step by step.

  Arthur, standing beside them, seemed to agree with Dutch's plans, listening intently and nodding in agreement.

  Stephen, however, remained unconvinced. He felt that things weren't as simple as they sounded.

  The western frontier of their dreams might not even exist.

  Dutch seemed to get carried away with his speech, leading the three of them to the edge of the cliff. He opened his arms to the sky, his voice filled with passion and fervor. "Can you look around you? The world has its comforts."

  If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  "Ladies and gentlemen, put down your tools for now." Dutch turned and called out to the others, who were busy at work, gesturing for them to gather around.

  Dutch was about to start another one of his speeches, but Stephen wasn't interested in listening.

  He sat alone on the edge of the cliff, looking out at the distant town.

  The setting sun shone through the thin mist in the air, casting a golden glow over the land.

  The river in the distance sparkled, reflecting the golden light.

  Surrounded by such beauty, Stephen couldn't resist lighting a cigarette.

  The rising smoke mingled with the mist, creating a magical atmosphere.

  Looking at everything in Horseshoe Overlook through this haze, Stephen suddenly felt like he was looking at a faded, old photograph.

  It was a bit blurry, a bit unreal.

  Stephen suddenly wanted to photograph or paint everything here as a keepsake.

  He decided that he would find a place to buy a camera. He just wasn't sure if Valentine, being such a small town, would have one for sale.

  Of course, cameras existed in this era, although they were still quite primitive, and the pictures they took were black and white. But it was better than nothing.

  They were expensive, though. He wasn't sure if his wallet could afford it.

  A burst of laughter came from the others behind him. It seemed like they were talking about something funny, and Stephen couldn't help but turn around to look.

  Dutch had finished his speech, and everyone was dispersing, going back to their tasks.

  Stephen watched the chaotic but organized gang members, feeling a pang of envy.

  He had been alone for the past two years. He wondered when he would have good companions like these, with whom he could wander the world.

  Just as Stephen was lost in thought and feeling sentimental, Ms. Grimshaw approached him, bringing him back to reality.

  "Mr. Stephen, we've prepared a place for you. You can put your things there. Of course, that's if you're willing to squeeze in with the rest of us."

  Ms. Grimshaw pointed to a row of tents. "It's over there, next to Javier's."

  Stephen glanced at the spot Ms. Grimshaw was pointing at. It was indeed a good location.

  "Thank you, kind lady. Please hold the spot for me. I'll be needing it. But I need to go to Valentine first." Stephen took out a banknote and handed it over, as a small tip.

  "You know, I'm still a good bounty hunter. I need to see if Valentine has any heinous criminals that need to be brought to justice, or to rescue some suffering people." Stephen said with a playful tone.

  Stephen planned to go to Valentine later. Besides checking for any bounty missions, he also planned to find a place to sell the jewelry that Dutch had given him earlier.

  Although most of those things were worthless trinkets, well, every little bit helps.

  If he wanted to buy a camera, he would have to work hard.

  "Oh, if only the men in this gang were as diligent as you, especially Uncle and the Reverend. It would make my life so much easier," Ms. Grimshaw sighed.

  She took the banknote, smiling. "If you don't mind, you can leave your luggage with me. I'll help you unpack."

  "Oh, of course, I don't mind. Thank you very much, madam." Stephen was happy to accept the offer.

  He quickly got up, walked to where his horse was tied, unloaded the various items from its back, handed them to Ms. Grimshaw, and thanked her sincerely.

  "Also, please take care of Mrs. Sadie. You know, Mr. Yake is dead, and I still need to go after those O'Driscoll gang bastards." Stephen looked at Mrs. Sadie in the distance, saying to Ms. Grimshaw with concern.

  Ms. Grimshaw looked at Mrs. Sadie as well, sighing deeply. "Don't worry, I'll take good care of her."