The Journey from Montana to Roily

The Outlaws

This flow tracks Del’s physical journey south as successive encounters transform flight into commitment and bring him to the center of Kate’s crisis.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Leaving Montana Leaving Montana from "The Outlaws". Leaving Montana A Northward Disguise Del leaves Prairie City riding as if headed toward Wineglass, then turns southwest once he is out of sight.

Leaving Montana from "The Outlaws". Leaving Montana A Northward Disguise Del leaves Prairie City riding as if headed toward Wineglass, then turns southwest once he is out of sight.

Leaving Montana A Northward Disguise Del leaves Prairie City riding as if headed toward Wineglass, then turns southwest once he is out of sight. The maneuver reflects his urgent need to cross the reach of Sid Blackwell’s authority. A Journey Without Home Crossing state lines offers a temporary sense of safety, not a destination. Del carries the money and provisions needed to travel but leaves behind the ranch, his mother, and his former plans.

The Baggs Encounter The Baggs Encounter from "The Outlaws". The Baggs Encounter A Chance Meeting In Baggs, Del meets The Kid and John Smith, two wanted men who treat him as a companion.

The Baggs Encounter from "The Outlaws". The Baggs Encounter A Chance Meeting In Baggs, Del meets The Kid and John Smith, two wanted men who treat him as a companion.

The Baggs Encounter A Chance Meeting In Baggs, Del meets The Kid and John Smith, two wanted men who treat him as a companion. Their easy welcome interrupts his isolation and gives him a possible route into a criminal life. Violence Changes the Route Del strikes Bull Hammer in a saloon without knowing the marshal’s reputation. His new companions rush him out of town, turning a casual meeting into a shared escape.

Work at J Bar Work at J Bar from "The Outlaws". Work at J Bar Shelter on the Range The three men find work at the J Bar Ranch under Stub Rawls.

Work at J Bar Shelter on the Range The three men find work at the J Bar Ranch under Stub Rawls. The job provides food and a brief sense of belonging after Del’s lonely ride south. Signs of Trouble The arrival of Jerry Sewell and black-clad horsemen reveals a suspicious operation. When Bull Hammer rides in, Del chooses to confront him, and the companions leave the ranch soon afterward.

Toward the San Juans Toward the San Juans from "The Outlaws". Toward the San Juans A Southbound Plan The trio rides through Colorado, discussing a bank robbery in Roily as a possible way to fund a small ranch.

Toward the San Juans from "The Outlaws". Toward the San Juans A Southbound Plan The trio rides through Colorado, discussing a bank robbery in Roily as a possible way to fund a small ranch.

Toward the San Juans A Southbound Plan The trio rides through Colorado, discussing a bank robbery in Roily as a possible way to fund a small ranch. Del accepts the plan while recognizing that it could make return to a lawful life harder. A Changed Destination Their intended robbery never happens. Del’s encounter with Kate in Roily redirects the journey from criminal opportunity toward protecting her and confronting Landon.

The Mountain Detour The Mountain Detour from "The Outlaws". The Mountain Detour Avoiding the Ambush Mrs. Horton warns that Landon’s men are likely to wait in the narrow canyon road.

The Mountain Detour from "The Outlaws". The Mountain Detour Avoiding the Ambush Mrs. Horton warns that Landon’s men are likely to wait in the narrow canyon road.

The Mountain Detour Avoiding the Ambush Mrs. Horton warns that Landon’s men are likely to wait in the narrow canyon road. Kate guides the group up past Enterprise Mine and across to North Star Mine. Arrival by Another Route John spots the hidden gunmen below the cliff, confirming the detour’s value. The party reaches Roily from the upper end of town in time for the will reading.

The morning Del rides out of Prairie City

Late May, on Del’s first evening in Baggs

The weeks after the Baggs escape

After Del defeats Bull Hammer at J Bar

The day of the will reading