Sam got through giving his report except for more paperwork before they left for home . Sam also said ...Captain I told them I would accept a commission , I hope I get it . Captain Jack and Wade congratulated him on his decision ! Captain Jack said ...You will have it ! I will make sure you have it ! The Rangers are running out of experienced men like you Sam and you owe it to your family to take it . Wade and the Captain were glad he would be able to be home more and not have to live on horseback .
They celebrated with Wade and Captain Jack buying his supper at Granny Ruth's , they all had enchiladas , beans and rice . They talked of tomorrow and the courthouse , Captain Jack had a lot of recommendations and assured Wade he would be there to witness and help . Wade told about talking to John about the windmills . He said ...I nearly bought a couple but I have to talk to her and Zeke first .
Captain Jack said ...While we are talking about her ...When do you plan on starting to court her ? Wade choked on a mouthful of beans and said ...Who said I was courting her ? Captain Jacks eyes got narrow as he looked Wade in the face and said … What the heck is wrong with you son ! She is smart , she works hard , a good cook , she is a GODly woman , she is faithful , merciful , she fights outlaws and Comanche , she is a good mother ...what the heck are you wanting she ain't got ? Sam said ...She is the prettiest woman in North Texas ! Your going to mess around and someone will take her in a heartbeat !
Wade said ...What about Zeke ? Captain Jack said ...So ! What about Zeke ! He has already been treating you like a son , you must be blind Wade ! Zeke would love for you two to get married . Sam said ...Yep , don't be stupid Wade , your not going to even get a chance with another woman like her ! We want ya'll to get married !
Wade was confused , he never thought they would bring this up ! He always thought she was too good a person for the likes of him . He had been nothing but a failure .
Tumbleweeds
Moderators: carlson1, Charles L. Cotton
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chuck j
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Re: Tumbleweeds
They kept working with the buffalo meat , the racks were full by noon . They put the cut up strips in buckets wrapped in wet sacks .They were trying to cool it the best they could . Don asked about the hides and Ed said they might keep them for repair material but they didn't have time to work them into robes , it took a lot of work .
They stopped when the hump roast was done and had some for lunch . It was tender and they agreed it was good ! They just kept taking care of the meat . The coals would have to be tended all night into tomorrow .
They stopped when the hump roast was done and had some for lunch . It was tender and they agreed it was good ! They just kept taking care of the meat . The coals would have to be tended all night into tomorrow .
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chuck j
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Re: Tumbleweeds
She had put two tongues on to boil in salt water and made a pot of beans using the old dried venison . They could have all the fresh meat they wanted to eat for a few days . Her and Hosea had gotten here in early spring before last . She remembered their first summer here and she thought they would die from the heat . They had to get the cornfield plowed and planted first to have corn for themselves and the livestock . Spring here was nice , they enjoyed building the livestock shed and pen . They lived in the shed until the cabin was finished .
But summer came and the intolerable heat , they were not use to it . It sapped the strength out of you . Hosea made her rest but he never stopped working . They would go to the river in the heat of the day at times , it was always nice on the river in the shade of the trees . She dreaded living in this place though it was so beautiful because of the terrible heat . This was her second summer here and she had not suffered . She adjusted her activities to the time of day and it felt normal though still hot . She looked forward to them all going to the river when the meat was finished and put away .
She wanted to take a shift tonight keeping the fires going but she knew the men would not let her . They always tried to protect her and Nate . She still worried for Wade making the trip home ...this WAS his home now . He always did more than his share , Zeke never had to tell him to do anything . It felt wrong that he was gone , Zeke and her already depended on him .
She would talk to GOD before she slept to bring Wade home safe . He was most likely in Fort Graham by now if the cattle hadn't slowed them down too much . It was dangerous to be separated without the others and she feared for him on his way home .
Tonight she would come out in the yard a few times to keep whoever was tending the drying and help them pass time .
But summer came and the intolerable heat , they were not use to it . It sapped the strength out of you . Hosea made her rest but he never stopped working . They would go to the river in the heat of the day at times , it was always nice on the river in the shade of the trees . She dreaded living in this place though it was so beautiful because of the terrible heat . This was her second summer here and she had not suffered . She adjusted her activities to the time of day and it felt normal though still hot . She looked forward to them all going to the river when the meat was finished and put away .
She wanted to take a shift tonight keeping the fires going but she knew the men would not let her . They always tried to protect her and Nate . She still worried for Wade making the trip home ...this WAS his home now . He always did more than his share , Zeke never had to tell him to do anything . It felt wrong that he was gone , Zeke and her already depended on him .
She would talk to GOD before she slept to bring Wade home safe . He was most likely in Fort Graham by now if the cattle hadn't slowed them down too much . It was dangerous to be separated without the others and she feared for him on his way home .
Tonight she would come out in the yard a few times to keep whoever was tending the drying and help them pass time .
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chuck j
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Re: Tumbleweeds
They rode back to the Ranger headquarters and got their beds ready . Steve and John the two young Rangers were playing cards on an old beat up table by the door . They introduced themselves to Captain Jack and Sam , they were excited to meet men as famous as them . They asked to be told the story of the fight at the river . Captain Jack humored them and told the story . When he got to the point Wade rode across the river in a hail of gunfire they reevaluated Wade staring at him . Wade saved us by crossing the river he told at the end . If he hadn't they would have gotten one or two behind us and had us in a crossfire .
They talked a bit outside when it was near sundown . Sam said ...I bet they are watching the sun go down at the ranch just like always . Wade missed Her , Zeke , Ed and Don because they were home to him . He knew why Captain Jack and Sam wanted to get to their families as fast as possible . He thought how happy she would be to have the supplies and new things . He thought about what Captain Jack and Sam had said about courting her . It scared the heck out of him , what they had now was comfortable .
They turned in after bathing and he laid awake thinking about it .
They talked a bit outside when it was near sundown . Sam said ...I bet they are watching the sun go down at the ranch just like always . Wade missed Her , Zeke , Ed and Don because they were home to him . He knew why Captain Jack and Sam wanted to get to their families as fast as possible . He thought how happy she would be to have the supplies and new things . He thought about what Captain Jack and Sam had said about courting her . It scared the heck out of him , what they had now was comfortable .
They turned in after bathing and he laid awake thinking about it .
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chuck j
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Re: Tumbleweeds
They all enjoyed supper , the meat was all cut and just the drying remained to be finished . The buffalo tongue was tender and good , she had made mustard sauce and the beans to go with it . Zeke and Ed had taken turns watching the coals all night , the amount of dried meat put in doubled flour sacks was growing . Having this much meat to fall back on was an amazing thing ! This winter the meals would be limited in variety and no fresh greens available . The meat was a back up when the ice storms came and the wind howled making it impossible to hunt . GOD had provided .
She had high hopes for her garden , she would plant many vegetables that would keep a good while into the winter and they could dry them too . The firewood to be cut from the log trimming was really piled up at the cabin and more on the ground where they had been felling trees . It was August and the work done now would make it easier when the bad weather came . There was still much to do .
She had slept in her clothes last night . She had came out and spent time with Ed and Zeke as they tended the coals . They both tried to make her go back to bed but at least she had made part of their watch more passable by just talking to them . Ed and Zeke both had said they were concerned that Wade would be alone coming back . But at the same time they knew how resourceful he was and that whoever would try to harm him certainly put their own life in jeopardy ! Ed and Zeke both had asked her last night ...When are you going to tell Wade you are interested in him ? They both asked that ! She had been dumbfounded and not given an answer ! Wade had never shown an interest in her beyond being a friend and protecting her and Nate just like the rest . It made her think in the back of her mind .
They would let her tend the coals come daylight and she would let Zeke and Ed sleep in the morning before the heat got bad . Don could tend the stock and chores . She had much to do .
She had high hopes for her garden , she would plant many vegetables that would keep a good while into the winter and they could dry them too . The firewood to be cut from the log trimming was really piled up at the cabin and more on the ground where they had been felling trees . It was August and the work done now would make it easier when the bad weather came . There was still much to do .
She had slept in her clothes last night . She had came out and spent time with Ed and Zeke as they tended the coals . They both tried to make her go back to bed but at least she had made part of their watch more passable by just talking to them . Ed and Zeke both had said they were concerned that Wade would be alone coming back . But at the same time they knew how resourceful he was and that whoever would try to harm him certainly put their own life in jeopardy ! Ed and Zeke both had asked her last night ...When are you going to tell Wade you are interested in him ? They both asked that ! She had been dumbfounded and not given an answer ! Wade had never shown an interest in her beyond being a friend and protecting her and Nate just like the rest . It made her think in the back of her mind .
They would let her tend the coals come daylight and she would let Zeke and Ed sleep in the morning before the heat got bad . Don could tend the stock and chores . She had much to do .
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chuck j
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Re: Tumbleweeds
Wade , the Captain and Sam woke at daylight . They slept late because there was no need to get up , there was not even coffee ! They dressed in clean clothes . They were among other people now and wanted to fit in , living on the Ranch was a different thing than being in a town . Sam had a lot of paperwork to do and Wade with Captain Jack were going to the courthouse .
They took care of their horses and rode to Granny Ruth's for breakfast . Granny Ruth's was a small place , she cooked at one end of the room and just hollered out to you what was on the menu at the time . She seemed like a pretty salty old woman and had a shotgun on the wall near where she did the cooking . Of coarse her customers were almost all men than couldn't or wouldn't do for themselves as far as cooking . Wade liked her .
She hollered out the menu when they sat down and she had bacon , steak or sausage with fried potatoes and eggs ! they all ordered steak . Captain Jack said quietly ...I never eat sausage in an eating place unless I know what it's made of ! Sam and Wade agreed and laughed .
Granny brought them a plate with pan fried steak , two eggs and covered with fried potatoes , she gave you plenty to eat .
They took care of their horses and rode to Granny Ruth's for breakfast . Granny Ruth's was a small place , she cooked at one end of the room and just hollered out to you what was on the menu at the time . She seemed like a pretty salty old woman and had a shotgun on the wall near where she did the cooking . Of coarse her customers were almost all men than couldn't or wouldn't do for themselves as far as cooking . Wade liked her .
She hollered out the menu when they sat down and she had bacon , steak or sausage with fried potatoes and eggs ! they all ordered steak . Captain Jack said quietly ...I never eat sausage in an eating place unless I know what it's made of ! Sam and Wade agreed and laughed .
Granny brought them a plate with pan fried steak , two eggs and covered with fried potatoes , she gave you plenty to eat .
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chuck j
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Re: Tumbleweeds
The food was good ! Granny called out and asked if they wanted more fried potatoes ! Sam walked over where she was cooking and got another helping . Sam was really looking a lot better and his wound was practically healed . Captain Jack had already told Wade in private that he would see Sam home before he rode home himself . He wouldn't tell Sam till later because he would pitch a fit and insist the Captain go on to his family . Captain Jack said ...Don't worry about Sam ..I'll see he gets home .
They were through eating and just drinking coffee waiting to make sure the courthouse was open . Granny came to get her money for breakfast and they all paid her . Wade said ...Thank you for feeding us ma'am . The food is really good , we are traveling and you are a blessing to us ! Your doing a work feeding all these helpless men here .
She stared at him a bit and asked ...Are you a preacher ? Wade said ...Yes ma'am , I am . She said ...I don't trust preachers ! Wade said ...I certainly understand that , I don't trust a lot of preachers myself ! Granny laughed like heck ! She got quiet and said ...Yesterday waiting tables I heard ya'll talkin ! You best get back to that woman these other two were talkin about and marry her if your not a fool !
Wade nearly broke an ran . Even Granny was for him marrying her ! Wade said ...I got to tend my horse ! Granny said ...Your runnin ! Fools run .
Wade left as Sam with Captain Jack were agreeing with her .
They were through eating and just drinking coffee waiting to make sure the courthouse was open . Granny came to get her money for breakfast and they all paid her . Wade said ...Thank you for feeding us ma'am . The food is really good , we are traveling and you are a blessing to us ! Your doing a work feeding all these helpless men here .
She stared at him a bit and asked ...Are you a preacher ? Wade said ...Yes ma'am , I am . She said ...I don't trust preachers ! Wade said ...I certainly understand that , I don't trust a lot of preachers myself ! Granny laughed like heck ! She got quiet and said ...Yesterday waiting tables I heard ya'll talkin ! You best get back to that woman these other two were talkin about and marry her if your not a fool !
Wade nearly broke an ran . Even Granny was for him marrying her ! Wade said ...I got to tend my horse ! Granny said ...Your runnin ! Fools run .
Wade left as Sam with Captain Jack were agreeing with her .
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chuck j
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Re: Tumbleweeds
She fried some hump slices with gravy and biscuits for breakfast . Nate only had two cans of milk left ..that worried her . They all came in and ate , Don would tend the drying racks while they caught up on sleep . She cleaned all the butchering mess , washed buckets , dishes . Got on her knees and scrubbed the blood and mess created by the meat .
She put on another hump for a pot roast , she would make gravy with it and there were beans left over in a lard bucket for lunch . She helped Don pull , turn . replace and bag meat . She tended the coals while he cut firewood for coals . Time went by quickly . It struck her like a bolt of lightning !
She was in one of her destructive work moods ! It was happening but she realized it ! She sat on the porch watching the racks beside the cabin and it came to her . She was working and trying not to think about having an interest in Wade as Zeke and Ed asked about ! She actually caught herself trying to push something back in her mind with the work ! She had to share this with Zeke , they both might understand better .
But in the realization she was forced to deal with the problem instead of escaping from it . She considered Wade , he was a hard worker , calm natured , friendly , smart , patient , he loved Nate . He was a preacher , he loved GOD , he was a tall strong good looking man . He was devoted to those he cared for and loved , he was completely fearless in a fight . Her list went on and on and the only negative thing against him was his recklessness in a deadly situation for those he cared for . But was that a good thing or bad ?
But did he care for her in that way ? Hosea had not been gone long , was it right to be thinking of remarrying this soon ? There were hard questions , pus he would be Nate's father . She thought a lot about it and there were no guarantees that anyone she might marry would be perfect but he seemed awfully close .
She put on another hump for a pot roast , she would make gravy with it and there were beans left over in a lard bucket for lunch . She helped Don pull , turn . replace and bag meat . She tended the coals while he cut firewood for coals . Time went by quickly . It struck her like a bolt of lightning !
She was in one of her destructive work moods ! It was happening but she realized it ! She sat on the porch watching the racks beside the cabin and it came to her . She was working and trying not to think about having an interest in Wade as Zeke and Ed asked about ! She actually caught herself trying to push something back in her mind with the work ! She had to share this with Zeke , they both might understand better .
But in the realization she was forced to deal with the problem instead of escaping from it . She considered Wade , he was a hard worker , calm natured , friendly , smart , patient , he loved Nate . He was a preacher , he loved GOD , he was a tall strong good looking man . He was devoted to those he cared for and loved , he was completely fearless in a fight . Her list went on and on and the only negative thing against him was his recklessness in a deadly situation for those he cared for . But was that a good thing or bad ?
But did he care for her in that way ? Hosea had not been gone long , was it right to be thinking of remarrying this soon ? There were hard questions , pus he would be Nate's father . She thought a lot about it and there were no guarantees that anyone she might marry would be perfect but he seemed awfully close .
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chuck j
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Re: Tumbleweeds
Wade and Captain Jack went to the courthouse , they were just opened up . Captain Jack said ...We are early so maybe we can get the business finished quicker ! They went upstairs to the county clerks office and explained everything that needed be done .
It was shortly after noon when they completed the land purchase , the registering of the ranch and partnership , the giving Captain Jack their power of attorney in all things and several odds and ends . It was done ! The Black Mule Ranch was real and legal !
Wade and Captain Jack were happy ! Wade said ...Lets go see if Sam has eaten and if not we will go somewhere and celebrate ! I'm buying ! They found Sam in the bunkhouse and he was through with reporting and paperwork . He had done everything to get a commission . Now it had to be confirmed but Captain Jack said ...I will see it confirmed !
He told Sam ...Your willingness to be in the field is admirable but the Rangers need leaders . Us old Rangers are disappearing that have experience . There is NO one that would not follow you Sam ...You deserve this brother !
They rode to Granny Ruth's place . Wade tried to get them to try a new place and they just smiled at him .
It was shortly after noon when they completed the land purchase , the registering of the ranch and partnership , the giving Captain Jack their power of attorney in all things and several odds and ends . It was done ! The Black Mule Ranch was real and legal !
Wade and Captain Jack were happy ! Wade said ...Lets go see if Sam has eaten and if not we will go somewhere and celebrate ! I'm buying ! They found Sam in the bunkhouse and he was through with reporting and paperwork . He had done everything to get a commission . Now it had to be confirmed but Captain Jack said ...I will see it confirmed !
He told Sam ...Your willingness to be in the field is admirable but the Rangers need leaders . Us old Rangers are disappearing that have experience . There is NO one that would not follow you Sam ...You deserve this brother !
They rode to Granny Ruth's place . Wade tried to get them to try a new place and they just smiled at him .
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chuck j
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Re: Tumbleweeds
Zeke and Ed woke up and were getting dressed again . They talked about breakfast and how good the hump slices with biscuits and gravy were ! Ed said ...Did you talk to her about Wade ? Zeke said ...Yep ! Asked her straight up when she was going to tell him she had more interest in him than just being a friend . Then she went speechless ! But I kept talking . Ed said ...Yea , I did the same and she had the same reaction ! She just clammed up .
Zeke said ...Wonder if Sam and Captain Jack have went to work on Wade ? Ed said ...Most likely so ...We all want them to get together ! They were made for one another but need a shove . Zeke said ...She would have a husband ! He would have a family . Nate would have a father ! I would have a son ! Ed ...you are family ...You know that don't you brother ? Ed said ...Zeke I'm trying to fit in ..it's hard ! Zeke thought and said ...All children are suppose to have TWO grandfathers ! You can be the other ! Me and you will share Nate ! I know you like talking to him and teaching him to hunt . Ed thought and said ...Thank you Zeke . Thank you !
Zeke said ...Now we got to gently keep making her think . For as smart as those two are they can't figure out they are meant for each other when it's so obvious to everyone else !
Zeke said ...Wonder if Sam and Captain Jack have went to work on Wade ? Ed said ...Most likely so ...We all want them to get together ! They were made for one another but need a shove . Zeke said ...She would have a husband ! He would have a family . Nate would have a father ! I would have a son ! Ed ...you are family ...You know that don't you brother ? Ed said ...Zeke I'm trying to fit in ..it's hard ! Zeke thought and said ...All children are suppose to have TWO grandfathers ! You can be the other ! Me and you will share Nate ! I know you like talking to him and teaching him to hunt . Ed thought and said ...Thank you Zeke . Thank you !
Zeke said ...Now we got to gently keep making her think . For as smart as those two are they can't figure out they are meant for each other when it's so obvious to everyone else !
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chuck j
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Re: Tumbleweeds
Wade , Sam and Captain Jack Were sitting at Granny Ruth's waiting for their food . The place was packed with men and they had to wait a while . They didn't know it but today was the day of the week Granny served fried chicken , mashed potatoes and gravy and fried okra . There were men waiting outside for a table . She had two women out back killing and dressing chickens and helping wait on people . Granny was steady cooking with four big frying pans going .
One of the young women brought their food and she looked at Wade saying ...Granny is too busy to tell you herself but to quit being a fool and listen to your friends and your going to regret it if you don't . Sam and the Captain just stared at wade and said ...You have a limited time to court her ! When she gets to a town there will be men lined up looking for a woman like her . You got her all to yourself right now Wade but that's going to change fast ! Sam said ...Every man in this place would be staring at her if she was here . If you blow this I'm going to agree with Granny you are a fool . GOD has brought you two together !
Wade was silent and doing a lot of thinking .
One of the young women brought their food and she looked at Wade saying ...Granny is too busy to tell you herself but to quit being a fool and listen to your friends and your going to regret it if you don't . Sam and the Captain just stared at wade and said ...You have a limited time to court her ! When she gets to a town there will be men lined up looking for a woman like her . You got her all to yourself right now Wade but that's going to change fast ! Sam said ...Every man in this place would be staring at her if she was here . If you blow this I'm going to agree with Granny you are a fool . GOD has brought you two together !
Wade was silent and doing a lot of thinking .
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chuck j
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Re: Tumbleweeds
Zeke and Ed went to the cabin , lunch wasn't quite ready so Zeke relived Don working with the meat . Ed and Don went to bring the stock in to the shade of the pen . She sat on the porch telling Zeke about her figuring out she had nearly started working crazy again and the cause . They talked .
Zeke told her to face up to the reason . He said ...There is no reason you and Wade would not work out ! I would never encourage you if I didn't see that the Lord has put him here . Ya'll would make one heck of a couple and everyone sees that . Being he is who he is some woman will surely lay claim on him soon ! She said ...It's a scary thing for me Zeke , it would be for life and I have to consider Nate . Zeke said ...It's never going to be different with another man . You know Wade , you have been around him ! When he crossed the river in the big fight he did that for you and Nate . He was worried to death about you and Sam knew it was the reason he sent him back here so quick . He watches you and Nate , he does things you don't see . He keeps the path clear for you . Don't let your fear of your future hold you back , put it in GOD's hands .
She said ...I will think .
They enjoyed the pot roast and beans for lunch . Ed took over the racks , Zeke and Don went to make boards . She thought as she cleaned .
Zeke told her to face up to the reason . He said ...There is no reason you and Wade would not work out ! I would never encourage you if I didn't see that the Lord has put him here . Ya'll would make one heck of a couple and everyone sees that . Being he is who he is some woman will surely lay claim on him soon ! She said ...It's a scary thing for me Zeke , it would be for life and I have to consider Nate . Zeke said ...It's never going to be different with another man . You know Wade , you have been around him ! When he crossed the river in the big fight he did that for you and Nate . He was worried to death about you and Sam knew it was the reason he sent him back here so quick . He watches you and Nate , he does things you don't see . He keeps the path clear for you . Don't let your fear of your future hold you back , put it in GOD's hands .
She said ...I will think .
They enjoyed the pot roast and beans for lunch . Ed took over the racks , Zeke and Don went to make boards . She thought as she cleaned .
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chuck j
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Re: Tumbleweeds
They had ridden back to the Headquarters and sitting under the trees by the horse pens when the young Ranger Steve came out of the back door of the offices . He walked straight to them in the shade and said … Wade ! Captain Tom wants to speak with you right now if you can .
Wade asked Sam and Captain Jack ...What would he want to speak to me about ? Captain Jack and Sam smiled , Sam said ...You hear him out ! The Captain and me put this in his head , do not tell him no ! Wade was mystified by Sam's answer and went to Tom's office . Tom shook hands with him , shut the door and told him to sit down . Wade couldn't imagine what was going on .
Tom started out saying … Captain Coffee and Sam Wallace can not speak highly enough of you sir ! I know them to be totally honest and credible . I am going to make you an offer no man has ever been given by the Texas Rangers in it's history ! I had to get approval from the highest Ranger authority in Austin by telegraph . This will only be offered one time .
The Rangers are stretched beyond limits on the frontier , we are keeping men in the saddle for months at a time . That is why Captain Coffee volunteered to come back . We are stretched thin , the Comanche are tearing West and North Texas up ! The Mexicans are stealing cattle along the Rio Grande from north to south again like during the war . The old Rangers are fading out and there is a severe lack of leadership in the field sir .
I am authorized to offer you a commission at the rank of Captain in the Texas Rangers . Your military experience and by actual account of Sam and Jack Coffee of your actions during engagement in the field . Your personality , your leadership capability under fire and stressful situations are impressive enough to warrant this offer .
You would not be expected to go afield , you have a ranch centrally located in North Texas to be a rest station and for you to give orders to the Rangers assigned for whatever reason in that area . You are NOT expected to do missions as are the Rangers you direct . We need a field Captain in that area badly . We are losing men there , settlers are being killed . You will receive full Captains pay and benefits and can save lives . Are you interested ?
Wade was totally unprepared for this ! He said ...Can I think on this for two hours sir , the offer comes as a complete surprise to me . I have to consider my family and ranch in this . I take the offer seriously and must think on it . Tom said ...Certainly ! I hope you accept , I know Sam and Jack want you with us badly . You have two there that have complete faith in you sir .
Wade went back to the shade trees and said ...What in the world have you gotten me into !
Wade asked Sam and Captain Jack ...What would he want to speak to me about ? Captain Jack and Sam smiled , Sam said ...You hear him out ! The Captain and me put this in his head , do not tell him no ! Wade was mystified by Sam's answer and went to Tom's office . Tom shook hands with him , shut the door and told him to sit down . Wade couldn't imagine what was going on .
Tom started out saying … Captain Coffee and Sam Wallace can not speak highly enough of you sir ! I know them to be totally honest and credible . I am going to make you an offer no man has ever been given by the Texas Rangers in it's history ! I had to get approval from the highest Ranger authority in Austin by telegraph . This will only be offered one time .
The Rangers are stretched beyond limits on the frontier , we are keeping men in the saddle for months at a time . That is why Captain Coffee volunteered to come back . We are stretched thin , the Comanche are tearing West and North Texas up ! The Mexicans are stealing cattle along the Rio Grande from north to south again like during the war . The old Rangers are fading out and there is a severe lack of leadership in the field sir .
I am authorized to offer you a commission at the rank of Captain in the Texas Rangers . Your military experience and by actual account of Sam and Jack Coffee of your actions during engagement in the field . Your personality , your leadership capability under fire and stressful situations are impressive enough to warrant this offer .
You would not be expected to go afield , you have a ranch centrally located in North Texas to be a rest station and for you to give orders to the Rangers assigned for whatever reason in that area . You are NOT expected to do missions as are the Rangers you direct . We need a field Captain in that area badly . We are losing men there , settlers are being killed . You will receive full Captains pay and benefits and can save lives . Are you interested ?
Wade was totally unprepared for this ! He said ...Can I think on this for two hours sir , the offer comes as a complete surprise to me . I have to consider my family and ranch in this . I take the offer seriously and must think on it . Tom said ...Certainly ! I hope you accept , I know Sam and Jack want you with us badly . You have two there that have complete faith in you sir .
Wade went back to the shade trees and said ...What in the world have you gotten me into !
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chuck j
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Re: Tumbleweeds
They talked hard . Captain Jack said ...Take the commission Wade . You served Texas during the war ! You have the knowledge and experience . Texas needs you again , people are dying and you could make a difference . Sam and I would have never got this approved if we didn't believe in you .
They talked about his expected duties , how it would affect the ranch and their lives . Sam said ...Rangers will be coming and going , there is a lot of protection given to the ranch by that .
In two hours Wade went back in with Sam and Captain Jack , they sat in the lobby as he talked to Tom and accepted the commission . Tom called Sam and the Captain in his office to witness Wade being sworn in and giving the oath .
Tom laid a Ranger badge on his desk and stood up , Wade rose also . Tom said repeat after me ;
I Wade Mclellan do Solemnly Swear that
I will bear true allegiance to the State of
Texas, and that I will serve her honestly
and faithfully against all her enemies or
opposers whatsoever, and observe & obey the
orders of the Governor of the State, and the
orders of the officers appointed over me accor-
ding to an Act of the Legislature .
Captain Tom Handed him his badge and Wade pinned it on . Tom said ...You must write and sign the oath with your own hand , sign and date it for your file in Austin . He shook Wade's hand and said ...Welcome to the Texas Rangers Wade !
Sam and Captain Jack shook his hand . Wade was wondering what she would think about all this .
They talked about his expected duties , how it would affect the ranch and their lives . Sam said ...Rangers will be coming and going , there is a lot of protection given to the ranch by that .
In two hours Wade went back in with Sam and Captain Jack , they sat in the lobby as he talked to Tom and accepted the commission . Tom called Sam and the Captain in his office to witness Wade being sworn in and giving the oath .
Tom laid a Ranger badge on his desk and stood up , Wade rose also . Tom said repeat after me ;
I Wade Mclellan do Solemnly Swear that
I will bear true allegiance to the State of
Texas, and that I will serve her honestly
and faithfully against all her enemies or
opposers whatsoever, and observe & obey the
orders of the Governor of the State, and the
orders of the officers appointed over me accor-
ding to an Act of the Legislature .
Captain Tom Handed him his badge and Wade pinned it on . Tom said ...You must write and sign the oath with your own hand , sign and date it for your file in Austin . He shook Wade's hand and said ...Welcome to the Texas Rangers Wade !
Sam and Captain Jack shook his hand . Wade was wondering what she would think about all this .
-
chuck j
Topic author - Senior Member
- Posts in topic: 973
- Posts: 1983
- Joined: Fri May 17, 2013 12:44 pm
Re: Tumbleweeds
She coiled a long tender eye out of a loin in her big pot to roast on the fire . She made mustard sauce and rice with black pepper , sage and chili powder in it . She used the last of the tea but had no sugar for it . She would be so glad when Wade got back ! besides the supplies she discovered how much she missed him . She had thought on all he had done since he arrived here . He provided so much strength for everyone ! Zeke and Ed had made her think .
Almost all the meat was dried , she would cut up what was left fresh in the buckets so to not waste it . She would not use any of it for fresh meat after this meal . It was not worth making them all sick . Ed was tending the racks and she took him a glass of cool water while supper cooked . She figured all the meat would be dried sometime tonight and they would have a lot ! Ed and her sat on a bench while he drank his water and talked .
Ed asked ...Have you considered Wade ? She said ...Heavens yes ! It is about all I have thought about ! I find the thought of me and him easier to imagine now . But what of Wade ? Does he have an interest in me ..It scares me that I am thinking of him in a new way and he would think me a fool ! Ed smiled and said ...If Captain Jack and Sam did their job he has been MADE to think of you in a new way . He held out his hand to her which he had never done and said ...We all see you getting married as a right thing . You compliment each other and the strength of you two together is amazing to think about ! She took his hand and put her arm around him saying ...I depend on you so much already Ed . Ed held her and watched the racks as he drank his water .
Almost all the meat was dried , she would cut up what was left fresh in the buckets so to not waste it . She would not use any of it for fresh meat after this meal . It was not worth making them all sick . Ed was tending the racks and she took him a glass of cool water while supper cooked . She figured all the meat would be dried sometime tonight and they would have a lot ! Ed and her sat on a bench while he drank his water and talked .
Ed asked ...Have you considered Wade ? She said ...Heavens yes ! It is about all I have thought about ! I find the thought of me and him easier to imagine now . But what of Wade ? Does he have an interest in me ..It scares me that I am thinking of him in a new way and he would think me a fool ! Ed smiled and said ...If Captain Jack and Sam did their job he has been MADE to think of you in a new way . He held out his hand to her which he had never done and said ...We all see you getting married as a right thing . You compliment each other and the strength of you two together is amazing to think about ! She took his hand and put her arm around him saying ...I depend on you so much already Ed . Ed held her and watched the racks as he drank his water .