Stephen didn't approach those men directly. Instead, he surveyed the surroundings.

  Not far off stood a magnificent cathedral, gleaming with gold, undoubtedly funded by the local elite.

  Stephen quietly took out his binoculars and examined the cathedral. Its roof was exceptionally high, almost the tallest structure around.

  *If I could find a way up there,* he thought, *I could get a clear view of the camp.*

  Having made up his mind, Stephen led his horse towards the church.

  Upon reaching the entrance, he smoothed his clothes, attempting to appear presentable.

  He then left his weapons on his horse, concealing a dagger in his boot.

  He hitched his horse to the post in front of the church and entered.

  An elderly man was guarding the door. He glanced at Stephen, said nothing, and allowed him to pass.

  Whether in his past life or this one, this was Stephen's first time inside a cathedral.

  He was like a child in a candy store, his eyes darting around, everything appearing novel and fascinating.

  Several people sat in the front pews, heads bowed, seemingly in prayer.

  Stephen wasn't inclined towards such things, but he didn't want to draw attention to himself.

  So, he found a seat at the back, mimicking those in front, and lowered his head.

  Just as he was pondering how to explore the area behind the cathedral, a priest approached.

  "Good day, sir," he said. "I don't believe I've seen you here before."

  He looked at Stephen, piously, and inquired, "Is there anything I can assist you with? Perhaps offer guidance in the Lord's name?"

  This was awkward. Stephen had no need for spiritual guidance, and even if he did, he wouldn't seek it from a cleric.

  However, as the saying goes, now that he was present, it seemed strange not to say anything.

  Stephen racked his brain and finally mumbled, "I... I've done some regrettable things. I don't know what to do."

  Observing Stephen's discomfort, the priest assumed he was hesitant to speak in front of others.

  He gestured for Stephen to follow him. "Please, come with me. Perhaps we should find a more private space."

  *What's this guy up to?* Stephen wondered.

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  Recalling various tales involving priests, Stephen felt a sense of unease.

  Stephen quickly waved his hands in refusal. "Uh, I think I'm alright here."

  Seeing Stephen's rejection, the priest shook his head, a look of disappointment on his face, and turned to leave.

  Seeing his chance to get out, Stephen quickly called out to him and hesitantly asked "I need to find the restroom, I ate too much today, and my stomach is not feeling great"

  The priest gave him a strange look, as if thinking, *Why does this man need to ask me this?*.

  But his good manners prevented him from saying anything. He held out his hand and politely indicated the way.

  Stephen smiled sheepishly and hurried off.

  He exited through a small door on the side of the cathedral, then proceeded to the back, soon arriving at a garden.

  The flowers were beautiful, perhaps because it was the right season, displaying a vibrant array of colors that made him feel refreshed.

  The restroom was situated in a corner of the garden. Stephen glanced around, orienting himself, and realized that the restroom faced directly towards the bounty hunters' camp at **马掌望台(Horseshoe Overlook)**.

  *Looks like luck is on my side today*, Stephen thought with surprise. He hadn't anticipated things proceeding so smoothly.

  He scanned the area again, ensuring no one was present.

  Then, he cautiously climbed onto the roof of the restroom, then climbed the wall and walked to the top of the church

  He hunched over, carefully adjusting his direction along a low eave, finally hiding under a bell tower.

  The location was ideal, allowing him to easily observe the **马掌望台(Horseshoe Overlook)** camp.

  Stephen pulled out his binoculars and took a closer look.

  There were many people, approximately thirty at first glance.

  All bounty hunters, armed to the teeth, and appearing to be seasoned veterans.

  In the very center of the **马掌望台(Horseshoe Overlook)** was a large iron cage, two bounty hunters patrolling it.

  Stephen focused his gaze; male, young, red hair.

  That's right, the unfortunate man in the cage was undoubtedly Sean.

  It appeared he was doing alright; he was asleep in the cage.

  Stephen surveyed the area and noted that **马掌望台(Horseshoe Overlook)** was situated near **湖泊(Flat Iron Lake)**, with the dock to the west.

  *If I had a boat...*

  Stephen mused, *If I had a boat, I could sneak up at night.*

  Contemplating this, he retrieved a map and looked north from **黑水镇(Blackwater)**.

  That's right, heading north lay the **上科罗拉多河(Upper Montana River)**.

  Then, by simply traveling west along the river, the northern bank would lead out of **黑水镇(Blackwater)**.

  The river wasn't wide, so they could jump ship and swim ashore.

  Furthermore, it would be a night operation, meaning fewer police patrols.

  If they acted swiftly enough, they could escape before the police and **平克顿(Pinkertons)** could even react.

  The more Stephen considered it, the more viable the idea seemed.

  He clapped his hands together and resolved to return to **瓦伦丁(Valentine)** and discuss it with Arthur.

  He swiftly retraced his steps towards the front of the cathedral, preparing to leave.

  As he passed through the cathedral, the priest approached him again.

  He smiled and inquired whether Stephen would be interested in hearing about the gospel, which could soothe his restless soul.

  Since the man was so polite, Stephen felt compelled to oblige.

  Besides, one couldn't simply visit a cathedral solely to relieve oneself; that would be too peculiar.

  In order to avoid suspicion, Stephen reluctantly sat down and listened to the young pastor drone on for what seemed like an eternity.

  The young man spoke slowly and calmly, lulling Stephen into a near-sleep state.

  In the end, his mind was filled with images of gods. As for what the priest said, Stephen comprehended nothing.

  He found the man's words more soporific than those of his bald math teacher in school.

  Stephen endured the boredom and remained seated for half an hour.

  The priest was surprised to see Stephen take out money.

  He began to babble a string of gratitude, thanking God and singing the praises of the Lord.

  Stephen didn't wanted to hear nonsense, placed the money on the table, and left the church