Gunsmoke Mesa — Dan James

Double-Crossed -- BY THE MAN THEY TRUSTED MOST!

Sickened, Torch saw Red Batten -- his foster-father -- pump three shots into the U.S. Marshal, then heard him shout to the gang, “Let's git going, boys!”

As Torch ran for his horse with the rest of the outlaws, he saw another body lying next to the dead marshal. "That's Shake!” he cried. He stooped to lift his friend. Batten struck swiftly, savagely with his gun butt -- and Torch dropped to the ground.

He did not hear Batten's soft “Sorry, kid” -- nor the ominous shouts of the approaching crowd…