Tom cut out the two less likely ones to be real cowboys and told them to watch and guard the place while everyone was gone. They rode at a trot for the Perkins place. When they reached the broad valley, Hampt met them. “We’ve got most of the T B cows and calves gathered. There’s two or three old ...
He was wrapped around and kissing her. “Good to be back.” “More than that. I miss you something powerful when you’re gone.” “I’d hoped to be back by Saturday to take you to the dance.” “I knew you were chasing down outlaws. I...
She tried to stay busy; noting with some relief that Spotted Horse patrolled the fort with the Colt rifle resting in his thick arms. To reassure herself, she appraised the situation. She no longer held any fear about the Osage’s loyalty and felt if the fort came under atta...
Cole helped the vaqueros. Chet took a bath, shaved, and sat in the living room reading the Miner newspaper editions that he’d missed. “Well, world traveler, what are your plans?” Marge asked. “I need to check with Sarge to be certain everything is fine in Gallup. That’s a very important part of t...
The young brave had ridden with Chief Gall from the camp of the Sioux and the Cheyenne to meet the long Knives. She remembered his red and white pony chesting the water of the Big Horn River as he went to war. His lance high, bow slipped over his head, his war cries mixed with the others anxious ...
Due to repairs being done on the coach, the Black Canyon Stage hadn’t left yet, so they bought seats. He wired Marge they were coming. Tired because of his still sore shoulder, he hoped he could rest at home. Jesus woke him on the stage-line bench. “I have all our things aboard. JD and Cole came ...
Winter let go a little but the calendar said there was still some time left. They stopped and told the new deputy, Joe McCarthy, about the Jennings situation. He agreed it was good to have it settled. Joe had not heard anything about his predecessor’s whereabouts. He told Chet he felt Randall Cat...
Marge was still asleep and so were the newlyweds. Monica had made him fresh coffee and was frying eggs, baking biscuits, and making gravy with chopped ham in it. Who was driving in? He rose and looked out the window. The driver, by himself on the seat, had pulled around behind the house to use th...
They must be the other two, he decided, taking a sight down the barrel. The riders, seeing him and the long gun, took wings for cover. “I hate to shoot damn horses,” Chet said, shaking his head, glad he didn’t have to. “But I feared they might get lucky and hit Heck with one of their six-guns. Le...
Raphael was giving orders for the day. Four men were going back with Jesus and two wagons to bring the women and children to town the next day. Already up and with the men, Jesus was quietly overseeing things. “You get much sleep?” Chet asked him. “Enough.” “What will I tell Anita?” Jesus shrugge...
Susie wanted to go along to look for some more material. He hitched up the buckboard before breakfast. Told the boys to stay close, split wood, and fix saddles. He even asked Louise if she needed anything for her trip, which she’d postponed to see how things turned out. Of course she declined his...