Longarm 229: Longarm and the Border Wildcat

This January 1998 episode finds Longarm in Del Rio,Texas. A pow-wow is arranged to settle some political matters between representatives of the US and Mexican Governments. Curtis Long is sent to ensure the safety of the negotiators ,and he meets up with other Lawmen there for similar purposes.There are more Lawmen in this tale than we normally see,some friendly,some not so much,some Feds,some Texas Rangers,some evident,and some not so. We get our dose of owlhoots,ladies,politicians and locals of all stripes. This collection of characters makes for some great fast-action adventure;especially when it seems impossible to see who is on the up and up and who isn't.Once again,whenever our hero gets on the Mexican border,it is hard for him to keep on the US side.This is no exception. We are treated to some downright nasty slugfests,shoot-outs and difficult chases in the desert and mountains. This saga has a clear,fast- moving storyline ,that keeps the reader glued to the pages. Several twists and surprises wait on each turn of the page. Once again,Longarm takes on all comers ,eventually sorts it all out and brings to justice to those who need it and leaves to ride off in the sunset. In our hero's generous manner,he also teaches his new- found ,Texas Ranger friend (now) a few lessons on being a good Lawman. He even teaches his friend how to get in the good graces of a lady they both have a yen for.Longam ,in the end tells another Lawman;"Well,Longarm says with a grin,"a gent don't always have to wind up with the girl,now does he?" If Longarm can leave things and the people he encounters in his exploits a little better off than he finds them;--well that's all part of the job of a good Lawman. Teaching respect is no small accomplishment. The writing ,descriptions and conversation is good Old West, throughout. My favorite line was: "Every day that passes is a step closer to the grave. Man who don't say what he means and don't ask for what he wants is a damn fool." By the way,a great pose of Longarm on the cover in his long coat,with his Winchester at the ready.Also nice work showing the B & W photograph of Texas Ranger Walt Scott.