"You're right. Robbing Cornwall's train doesn't seem like that great of an idea."
Arthur Morgan mulled over Mike Walker's words.
He hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded deeply.
"It's just… Dutch…" Arthur frowned.
"Blackwater shook him up. Made him impatient," Mike said calmly. "And you know the hatred between Dutch and Colm. If everyone sits down and talks this through, Dutch will become more rational."
Every word Mike spoke seemed to carry weight, almost like a subtle magic pushing Arthur to think deeper.
Especially when he remembered the O'Driscoll stablehand, Kieran Duffy, they captured.
And when Sadie Adler's ranch was ambushed by the O'Driscolls…
And the fact that Dutch led a raid against the O'Driscolls before the gang was even settled…
Arthur began to realize Mike might be right.
Maybe Dutch knew robbing the train was a bad plan.
Maybe he just wanted revenge on Colm.
"Arthur, Mike, what are you two talking about?"
Hosea's voice came from behind.
Arthur looked back and saw Hosea and Charles walking toward them.
"We were talking about Dutch's plan," Mike replied.
"Honestly, I just don't understand why we have to rob a train now, especially one owned by someone like Cornwall."
Charles, who had learned the details from Hosea, finally spoke up.
Had he been alone, like Tilly or Mary-Beth, he wouldn't have dared question Dutch.
But after finding out that Hosea the gang's founder and several veterans also disagreed, he couldn't help voicing his concerns.
Hosea's expression grew serious as he nodded and looked at Arthur.
"Arthur… what do you think?"
"Dutch has a point, we are short on money. But… robbing a train is too high-profile."
Arthur tried to defend Dutch first, out of instinct, then spoke his true thoughts.
No one criticized him for the conflicted stance.
Everyone knew Arthur's loyalty to Dutch ran the deepest in the entire gang.
"Let's head inside," Mike said, pointing at the cabin door.
Even from outside, they could hear loud voices.
Micah was again nagging Dutch about the Blackwater money.
Dutch was painting a bright picture of the future for Javier, Lenny, and Micah.
Bill, as usual, was being loud… and ignored.
Inside, Dutch was pointing at the map.
"According to our information, the train will pass through Big Valley this evening. Before it enters the Grizzlies, we'll stop it. There's a water tower nearby we'll set up an ambush on the ridge. Bill, you'll plant the dynamite. Once it stops, Micah and I will control the engineer. Lenny, Javier you take the front cars. Arthur, Charles the private cars are yours."
"When we're done with this job, we'll have money. We'll have freedom!"
The door opened.
Mike, Arthur, Charles, and Hosea stepped inside just as Dutch finished another rousing speech.
"Mike, Hosea, are you two planning to join the train job as well?"
Dutch chuckled. "I'd love to have you, but John, Davey, and the women need someone to watch over them."
Hosea stepped forward.
"No… Dutch, I just think we need to discuss this seriously. Cornwall's train isn't "
Dutch's smile vanished.
His face hardened.
"Hosea… you came here to question me?"
"Trust me. This is a good plan," Dutch insisted. "We'll disguise ourselves as O'Driscolls, grab a fortune, and we'll be safe!"
He turned sharply.
"Arthur. Mike. Charles. Do you also think we shouldn't rob that train?"
Arthur froze thinking of Mike's words earlier, and Hosea's worried demeanor.
He stepped forward.
"Dutch, we're not trying to oppose you. It's just… as Hosea said… the risk really is too big. We don't need to take this chance."
Dutch stared at him, stunned shock, confusion, and a flicker of anger crossing his face.
Behind him, Javier, Micah, Bill, and Lenny all wore expressions of surprise as well.