There are actually two branches of the Montana River near Blackwater.
One is the Upper Montana River where Arthur and the gang were camped, north of Blackwater.
The other is the Lower Montana River, now before Stephen and Charles.
These two rivers, one south and one north, form Blackwater's natural boundaries.
Gotta say, Americans are really casual when it comes to naming things.
Stephen seriously suspected that the names were randomly chosen based on their north-south positions on the map.
They crossed the Lower Montana River, leaving West Elizabeth and entering the true Wild West, New Austin.
Here, Charles didn't need to be so cautious. After all, the police in New Austin wouldn't arrest criminals from West Elizabeth.
The black market that Arthur mentioned was downstream of the Lower Montana River. The two rode along the south bank and arrived on the afternoon of the second day.
"This place doesn't look like a black market at all."
Stephen stood on a small hill in the distance, looking at the dock through binoculars.
"Look, they're all heavily armed. I'd say there are at least a dozen people guarding this place."
Indeed, Stephen felt this place was more like a gang stronghold than a black market.
"This is how it is here."
Charles said calmly, "They are the Del Lobos, a powerful gang in New Austin."
"Do you know their situation?" Stephen asked curiously, "I've never been here before."
"I don't know much about the specifics."
Charles thought for a moment and then said, "But I heard that they have a fortress and a gold mine in the heart of New Austin."
"A real military fortress."
What the hell? A military fortress? A gold mine? Stephen felt overwhelmed.
A gang has a military fortress and a gold mine in the territory of a sovereign country?
Stephen knew that the American West at this time was magical, but it couldn't be *this* magical!
"Doesn't anyone care about them?"
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Stephen said in surprise, "I mean, they occupy a fortress, which is, in a sense, a rebellion."
Charles shook his head, "It's not that simple. I heard that they have a lot of influence behind them. So not only do the local police not dare to provoke them, but even the troops stationed on the border turn a blind eye to them."
It seemed that the Del Lobos gang really had connections everywhere.
Stephen couldn't help but sigh, "Same as gangs, how come there's such a big difference?"
"Alright, no matter how powerful they are, we're going to get that boat."
Stephen sighed, then pointed to the side of the port and said, "Look, there are several boats by the port, big and small."
"We don't need a very big boat, just a small canoe will do."
Charles put down the binoculars and looked at Stephen, "Let's go and take a look. I hope they'll just sell us the boat."
Stephen reached out and held Charles back, looking at his surprised expression and explaining slowly.
"I'll go alone."
"Are you serious?"
Charles asked in confusion, "These people are not to be trifled with. They wouldn't mind robbing a lone customer."
"That's why I'm going alone."
Stephen pointed to the guards in front of the port and said, "Looking at them, it's obvious that they won't let us bring weapons in."
Charles looked in the direction Stephen was pointing and saw several guards searching someone who wanted to enter.
They searched very carefully, leaving no corner untouched.
Next to those people was a small hut, where they put the searched weapons, and there was someone standing at the door.
Stephen patted Charles on the shoulder and said, "We can't both be disarmed at the same time, so you have to stay outside and cover me."
"If those people want to do me wrong, then I have to rely on you to save me."
Charles looked at Stephen's relaxed expression and nodded seriously, "I understand, I will try to get closer, and if there is any situation, I will support you."
Looking at Charles' serious expression, Stephen felt inexplicably at ease.
For some reason, some people's words just make people feel at ease, and Charles is one of those people.
"Alright, I'm going."
Seeing this, Stephen smiled freely, then jumped on his horse, squeezed his legs on its belly, and rode towards the port.
Charles looked at Stephen's back and immediately took out his bow and arrow, short shotgun and axe from the horse, and inserted a few throwing knives into his waist.
After preparing, he tied his horse to a tree next to him. Then he bent low and slowly moved toward the port.
Stephen rode his horse and arrived at the port.
"Boy, this place is not for just anyone."
A gatekeeper looked at Stephen, who was fully armed, and said fiercely.
"I don't look like an ordinary person, do I?"
Stephen dismounted and stood in front of the man with his hands on his hips. "I heard that there are a lot of good things here, so I want to come and see if I can find what I like."
"That depends on what you want."
The man looked at Stephen and showed a cruel smile.
Stephen remained unmoved, still smiling at the man.
"Come in."
After a while, the man slowly stepped aside.
"Our rules, weapons and horses can't be brought in. Don't worry, we'll take good *care* of them for you."
The guy emphasized "take care" and then gave a knowing smile.
Stephen pretended not to notice and very cooperatively placed his guns on the horse's back, one by one.
"Your knife can't be brought in either." The man said, looking at the long knife in Stephen's hand.
"Hey, come on man, this thing is very memorable to me, I swore never to let it leave me."
Stephen looked indifferent, then pointed to the pistol on the man's waist and said, "Besides, there are so many of you with guns, are you afraid of this little knife?"
The man stared at Stephen for a moment, then looked at the knife in his hand.
Seemingly confident in the guns they had, or feeling that a knife was useless.
He hesitated for a moment, then waved at Stephen, "Go in. Remember, don't let me catch you doing anything funny."
"Don't worry, sir. I'm a peaceful man."
