Red Dead Redemption: The Great Philanthropist of the West

"Arthur, what do you think? Who do you support?" Henry also took out a high-end cigarette, lit it with a lighter, and smoked it with Arthur.

"I don't know. I think they're both right. We do need to keep a low profile and stick to our plan. But... we're really short on money right now. The supplies in the camp are almost gone after this escape."

"Henry, what would you do?" Arthur silently exhaled smoke, looking at the busy crowd, feeling somewhat out of place.

"Arthur, do you know who Cornwall is?" Henry did not answer Arthur's question directly.

"Hosea just said he's a bloodsucking capitalist. We've robbed rich people many times. What's so special about him?"

"No, Arthur, you don't realize how serious things are. Cornwall is a capitalist, that's true, but he's not just rich, he's powerful."

The people you robbed before were nothing to him. Cornwall is generally considered America's first billionaire; he was a railroad tycoon, sugar merchant, oil magnate, and his businesses extended to transportation, arms, and everyday goods.

His decision could affect the entire West; he was ranked higher on the American celebrity list than some presidents and congressmen. "Do you think robbing someone like that is a rational decision?" Henry exhaled a puff of smoke, looking at Arthur, awaiting his answer.

Arthur hesitated, “But Dutch has already planned it all out and made all the preparations. It’s impossible to back down now. His plans have always been successful. And like you said, Cornwall has so much money, he won’t care about the little bit we steal.”

“You’re right, Arthur. Cornwall really doesn’t care about the little money you stole; it’s nothing compared to his wealth.” Hearing Henry’s words, Arthur visibly breathed a sigh of relief.

"Don't relax yet, I'm not finished. Cornwall isn't a kind man. He may not care about the money or bonds you stole, but he cares about his reputation. Stealing from him is a slap in the face, and to save face, he'll spend far more money than what you stole to hire people to hunt you down. And as far as I know, he has many business dealings with the Pinkerton Detective Agency. The Pinkerton Detective Agency essentially serves these wealthy people."

"Arthur, think about the story I told you when we first met. You need to have your own thoughts. When you encounter problems, think about the gains and losses, whether it's worth it or not. Don't just focus on the immediate predicament. Think about it yourself." Seeing that Arthur had finished his cigarette, Henry handed him another one and patted him on the shoulder.

Arthur was still thinking about what Henry had said about Cornwall, and the story Henry had told him when they first met, but before he could finish, Dutch's voice came over.

"Arthur, Arthur, what are you waiting for? Get on the horse, we have to go. Let's do something big, after this we'll be rich, tens of thousands of dollars worth of bearer bonds. Hurry up."

“Dutch, listen to me first. Perhaps we should listen to Hosea’s opinion and think it over carefully. Maybe robbing the Cornish train isn’t a good thing. We…”

“Arthur, listen, we’ve got a perfect plan. We’ll disguise ourselves as members of the Odrisco gang, and they won’t know we robbed them. Arthur, don’t you believe me, my child?” Dutch’s voice carried a hint of helplessness and disappointment. His tone was low and hoarse, as if bearing an unspeakable weight.

"No, Dutch, I've always believed in you, I just..."

“I’ve been working hard to protect our gang, our family. I’m fighting for everyone’s future now. So, do you want to join us in robbing this train and getting the wealth we need most right now?” Dutch interrupted Arthur. He hadn’t expected that a less-than-successful Blackwater heist would make the boy he’d raised since childhood doubt him and no longer trust him as much as before. He felt his authority had been challenged.

From that moment on, robbing the train was no longer just about money; he needed a brilliant robbery to regain people's confidence in him and rebuild his authority as the gang leader.

"Micah, Javier, Lenny, time is of the essence, let's go." Dutch said, not even glancing at Arthur, and immediately signaled the others to ride off towards Xiangpuchi. Knowing Arthur as he did, he was certain Arthur would follow.

“Arthur, you should trust Dutch. Dutch has always been a good leader. He can lead us to a better life. We just need to follow his instructions. He has a grand plan.” Micah deliberately shouted loudly to Arthur at the end, comfortably flattering Dutch.

Seeing this, Arthur could only exchange a helpless glance with Henry before riding off on his beloved horse.

.......

With the departure of the fighters, Hosea could only helplessly arrange for the remaining gang members to stand guard, cook, and pack their belongings. The weather had improved, and once Dutch and the others returned, they were preparing to move, otherwise Pinkerton would soon catch up with them.

"Hosea, do you have a moment? Perhaps we should continue our conversation from last time?" Henry called out to Hosea, who was about to leave.

"Henry, I'm sorry, I'm not in the mood right now. I'm worried about them." Hosea looked at the group disappearing into the distance, his tone slow and heavy. He had tried to stop Dutch's operation, but it was clear that he had failed.

“If you’re worried about their safety this time, I think there’s no need to worry. I’ve looked into it, and there aren’t many people guarding the train this time. With Dutch and Arthur’s experience, I don’t think anything will go wrong,” Henry reassured the old man.

“That’s not what I’m worried about. I know their capabilities better than you do, and I have no doubt that this robbery will succeed. I’m just worried about the consequences of offending Cornwall. I’m worried about Dutch. Dutch… he’s been different ever since the Blackwater robbery.”

Hosea hesitated for a moment, thinking of Henry's many crucial moments of help, before finally revealing his innermost thoughts. He desperately needed someone to discuss this matter with, but currently, no one in the gang was capable of fulfilling that role.

"Well, it seems we really should have a good talk."

......