Tumbleweeds
Moderators: carlson1, Charles L. Cotton
Re: Tumbleweeds
Blue hid in the tall grass , coyotes howling around him in the dark . He couldn't find the wagon trail . It sounded like there were a lot of coyotes .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Ed got up off his pallet on the floor . He heard the store owner's wife cooking breakfast in the small living space they had in the back part of the store . Hank and the young Ranger still lay sleeping on the floor . He had slept in his clothes so just strapped on his two 51 Colts . He was stove up but felt better . He went in the kitchen and the couple was there , he sat drinking coffee and she was fixing bacon and eggs . Ed sat down and she handed him a cup of coffee .
They were a young couple and seemed like hard workers . He talked with them , They didn't know him as Ed Rawlins ...just Ed . She asked him where his home was and he thought a second . He said ...My home is the Black Mule Ranch on the Salt Fork of the Brazos three days ride north of Eliasville . My family is there and I know they are scared for me right now . There is an old woman there I'm thinking about marrying if she would have me .
The lady said ...OH ! I am so happy to hear that ! Is she a nice lady ? Ed smiled and said ...Not so you'd know to hear her talk but yes ...they don't come any nicer or stronger . She said ...Then you must marry her ! I think it would be wonderful , you seem like a thoughtful kind man . Ed said ...I'm trying to work up the nerve to ask her , I been prayin on it a good while now . He said ...Then we will pray for you both ! We haven't been married but seven months now and our lives are changed for the better . We are trying to get this store started so I don't have to leave and find work . But getting started is hard , we don't have a lot of money . But we are determined and we will make it work !
Ed considered as he drank his coffee and said ...I would like to invest in your business here . I got a little money I ain't using . Would five hundred dollars help get the store doing more business with inventory ? They both stopped and stared at Ed ! He said ...Yes it would ! We haven't been able to stock much but you don't know us . Ed said ...I know enough . You took us in and fed us , you cared for us and our stock . You provided when we needed help . At our ranch we all help each other so maybe I can help you as you have helped one of us .
Ed drew out a small leather poke and counted out five hundred in gold . Their eyes were big .
They were a young couple and seemed like hard workers . He talked with them , They didn't know him as Ed Rawlins ...just Ed . She asked him where his home was and he thought a second . He said ...My home is the Black Mule Ranch on the Salt Fork of the Brazos three days ride north of Eliasville . My family is there and I know they are scared for me right now . There is an old woman there I'm thinking about marrying if she would have me .
The lady said ...OH ! I am so happy to hear that ! Is she a nice lady ? Ed smiled and said ...Not so you'd know to hear her talk but yes ...they don't come any nicer or stronger . She said ...Then you must marry her ! I think it would be wonderful , you seem like a thoughtful kind man . Ed said ...I'm trying to work up the nerve to ask her , I been prayin on it a good while now . He said ...Then we will pray for you both ! We haven't been married but seven months now and our lives are changed for the better . We are trying to get this store started so I don't have to leave and find work . But getting started is hard , we don't have a lot of money . But we are determined and we will make it work !
Ed considered as he drank his coffee and said ...I would like to invest in your business here . I got a little money I ain't using . Would five hundred dollars help get the store doing more business with inventory ? They both stopped and stared at Ed ! He said ...Yes it would ! We haven't been able to stock much but you don't know us . Ed said ...I know enough . You took us in and fed us , you cared for us and our stock . You provided when we needed help . At our ranch we all help each other so maybe I can help you as you have helped one of us .
Ed drew out a small leather poke and counted out five hundred in gold . Their eyes were big .
Re: Tumbleweeds
The sun came up and the coyotes quit yipping around Blue . He was sore and tired , his feet were full of stickers . He was limping and couldn't run , he was covered with dried mud and had cockleburs and beggars lice in his fur . But most of all he was thirsty .
He limped south pushing through the tall grass .
He limped south pushing through the tall grass .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Everyone was having breakfast . Claud supervised Juan making pancakes with bacon . Juan did good and they were bragging on him and Claud . They were nearly through eating when from the yard they heard ….Hail the cabin !
They were caught flat footed ! They scrambled stumbling over each other !The Garcia's rifles were still in the shed so everyone grabbed a rifle from the extra guns and they gave Ray and Claud their gun belts . Don stepped outside the door to see who was in the yard .
They were caught flat footed ! They scrambled stumbling over each other !The Garcia's rifles were still in the shed so everyone grabbed a rifle from the extra guns and they gave Ray and Claud their gun belts . Don stepped outside the door to see who was in the yard .
Re: Tumbleweeds
They gathered the stock harnessing the teams and backing them in and hooking the traces . She lead her mule and Wade harnessing him fastening the shafts to the cart . The cart had done well and they were going to be carrying a lot back with them . Since only the black mule was pulling it they would use it for light items going back .
Simon and Rosa would get to see their family . She wondered if Rosa would stay with them when they returned to the ranch . She had been a wonderful blessing to everyone . She had talked to Wade and Zeke , they all agreed to give Rosa five dollars for helping at the ranch . That was a lot of money for a little girl to get at one time .
Lucy was loud and happy ! She ran the men off when they tried to help her harness and hook up her team . She wanted to get her things from her house and be moved . The men would catch heck when she started ordering them around loading she bet ! Lucy was in her element being bossy but helping everyone and expecting little . She would work herself to death helping someone and bad mouthing them all at the same time . She laughed to herself ...Lucy was an easy pushover to work and help . They all knew she didn't mean the things she said . It was like Wade had told her the day she met Lucy …..She will grow on you !
Simon and Rosa would get to see their family . She wondered if Rosa would stay with them when they returned to the ranch . She had been a wonderful blessing to everyone . She had talked to Wade and Zeke , they all agreed to give Rosa five dollars for helping at the ranch . That was a lot of money for a little girl to get at one time .
Lucy was loud and happy ! She ran the men off when they tried to help her harness and hook up her team . She wanted to get her things from her house and be moved . The men would catch heck when she started ordering them around loading she bet ! Lucy was in her element being bossy but helping everyone and expecting little . She would work herself to death helping someone and bad mouthing them all at the same time . She laughed to herself ...Lucy was an easy pushover to work and help . They all knew she didn't mean the things she said . It was like Wade had told her the day she met Lucy …..She will grow on you !
Re: Tumbleweeds
They pulled out and turned south . The stock was thirsty but the small stream was only a few hours away . Don had told Wade of the better ford closer to Eliasville . Rosa was excited holding Nate riding with her in the cart ! Rosa wanted to see her mother and two younger brothers ! She could tell Zeke got more nervous and excited the closer to Eliasville they got . She prayed that everything worked out , that Willow Mae had arrived and found the Staley's . She prayed that Zeke would not be disappointed .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Don stepped out and there were two young men sitting their horses by the mesquite tree . He asked loud … Who are you and what do you want ? They dismounted and one said ...We are Rangers ! Captain Tom in Fort Graham sent us east of here scouting for sign of Comanche toward the Indian Territories . We were to come here when we finished on the way back and do whatever needs be done .
Everyone relaxed and they were told to come in and eat . They dropped their hats on the porch and came in , Don and Juan gave them their places and Juan made them a plate . They went at it fast , they were hungry . They all introduced themselves , the new Rangers were Mason and Joe . Don explained the situation that he was in charge till Captain Wade got back . Mason said ...Captain Tom wanted us to stay here , he said we would learn things ! I expect he will relieve us with fresh Rangers at some time . We cut no new sign of the Comanche so you are in charge of us .
Don had to think and when everyone got up to go to work Don said . You new men can clean up and wash dishes . You do what Juan tells you . Mason said ...We don't take orders from Mex Tex ranchhands . Don walked over in front of Mason and said ...You will take orders from anyone I say ! We all work together here ! Juan might be the man you depend on to save your life one day ! Learn to work with each of these men , keep your mouth shut and pay attention . You insult ANYONE here you will be wrote up and sent back to Captain Tom ! Your Rangers not children...You will do more than your share !
Mason and Joe said ...Yes sir ! Joe asked Juan ...Tell us what to do and how you want it done . Juan took them on the porch to get them started with the dishes , Claud looked at Don and said ...You did well Don ! Ray leaning against the wall sitting on the floor was shaking his head yes and said ...Yep ! You done good !
Everyone else went to work on the bedroom .
Everyone relaxed and they were told to come in and eat . They dropped their hats on the porch and came in , Don and Juan gave them their places and Juan made them a plate . They went at it fast , they were hungry . They all introduced themselves , the new Rangers were Mason and Joe . Don explained the situation that he was in charge till Captain Wade got back . Mason said ...Captain Tom wanted us to stay here , he said we would learn things ! I expect he will relieve us with fresh Rangers at some time . We cut no new sign of the Comanche so you are in charge of us .
Don had to think and when everyone got up to go to work Don said . You new men can clean up and wash dishes . You do what Juan tells you . Mason said ...We don't take orders from Mex Tex ranchhands . Don walked over in front of Mason and said ...You will take orders from anyone I say ! We all work together here ! Juan might be the man you depend on to save your life one day ! Learn to work with each of these men , keep your mouth shut and pay attention . You insult ANYONE here you will be wrote up and sent back to Captain Tom ! Your Rangers not children...You will do more than your share !
Mason and Joe said ...Yes sir ! Joe asked Juan ...Tell us what to do and how you want it done . Juan took them on the porch to get them started with the dishes , Claud looked at Don and said ...You did well Don ! Ray leaning against the wall sitting on the floor was shaking his head yes and said ...Yep ! You done good !
Everyone else went to work on the bedroom .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Ed rested . The owners of the store were Ford and Mattie Jones . They were shocked at Ed's quick offer to help them . They discussed many things and Ed told them they were to build their store until they were doing well . He expected only five percent of the profit after that and if they needed to expand use it to do so . They didn't know how to thank him but he simply said ...You already have in your generosity to me and my friends .
He told them he was leaving in the morning early with the young Ranger . They begged him to stay and rest himself and horses .He said ...I have family business to attend to ...I must go home .
He told them he was leaving in the morning early with the young Ranger . They begged him to stay and rest himself and horses .He said ...I have family business to attend to ...I must go home .
Re: Tumbleweeds
After doing chores and lunch supervised by Claud in it's making Don put the new Rangers snaking logs to the bedroom building site . He started showing them to work making boards and beams . The Garcia's helped them ! The floor beams were laid and walls going up , everyone worked together . They were way ahead having boards built up but missed her and Zeke at using a plane finishing them . Don was the best working with the wood and tried to speed things along but he was only one man . He worked at teaching Carlos and Tomas more . Wade and Sam had taught him and they were dang good doing anything with wood .
John had four good heavy beds built waiting for mattresses , he wanted to build six more to have extras .
John had four good heavy beds built waiting for mattresses , he wanted to build six more to have extras .
Re: Tumbleweeds
They reached the stream midmorning . The water level was normal and not flooded like when Don , Steve and John had to swim it . They watered the stock and they drank a lot ! They turned west down the stream to the ford and crossed . With the rock bottom of the ford the wagons had no trouble at all .
They went a bit more south and hit the road to Eliasville . One more mile to get there !
They went a bit more south and hit the road to Eliasville . One more mile to get there !
Re: Tumbleweeds
They rolled into Eliasville . She was excited , they were all excited ! Though tiny it was an amazing contrast to the ranch . There were people actually going about their business in a normal way just glancing at the wagons and them waving . People were not armed like they were , this was a different world to theirs . She realized how long she had been away from people .
Lucy turned in beside the Staley's store and they all followed her . Wade told Simon and the freighters to park the wagons out back by the shed and livestock pens . Lucy , her with Nate , Zeke and Wade and Rosa walked in the store .
Mr. Staley was stocking shelves with goods on a ladder . He turned and looked at them and got off the ladder walking fast with his hand out saying ...Wade ! I am so glad to see you ! And Lucy ! He hugged her . Then he looked at her and Zeke saying ...You have to be Zeke and her ! I am Ed Staley and you don't know how much my wife and I have waited for this day ! He shook hands with Zeke and turned to her saying ...You are as pretty as everyone says you are ! She held out her hand and Ed took and held it with both hands saying ...I am excited to meet all of you finally and my wife will cry when I tell her you are all here . She is DYING to meet you all ! I have to get her right now . This is a special day for us ! Please ! Let me get her !
He walked quickly to the stairs and hollered ...All the owners of the Black Mule Ranch are here ! Come down now ! Mrs Staley in just a second flew down the stairs and put her hands over her mouth wide eyed in amazement staring at them . Then she ran to her and said ...You are ! You are beautiful just like Wade said ! Oh I am so glad to finally meet all of you . She hugged Zeke and Lucy then kissed Rosa on he head !
The Staleys were going on about them but they wanted to know if Zeke's mother had come yet . Then they saw a small black woman coming down the stairs . They all stared at her . Zeke started crying with tears running hard . He said ...Mama ! My GOD it's true ! You are here ! Mama you survived it ! Zeke bolted for her and picked her up holding her . Willow Mae was holding Zeke tight saying ...I thought all this time you was dead son ..I thought I lost you ! Praise GOD ! Praise him ! I found you ! Zeke said ...I love you mama ! I'm never letting you get lost again ! We survived it all mama !
Everyone had tears running , Lucy was bawling uncontrollably holding Rosa . She handed Nate to Rosa and walked over and held Zeke and Willow Mae crying . Willow Mae choked out ...You are her ! You are the one that brought us back together ! Thank you Oh Thank you ! She held them and cried her eyes out in joy for them .
Lucy turned in beside the Staley's store and they all followed her . Wade told Simon and the freighters to park the wagons out back by the shed and livestock pens . Lucy , her with Nate , Zeke and Wade and Rosa walked in the store .
Mr. Staley was stocking shelves with goods on a ladder . He turned and looked at them and got off the ladder walking fast with his hand out saying ...Wade ! I am so glad to see you ! And Lucy ! He hugged her . Then he looked at her and Zeke saying ...You have to be Zeke and her ! I am Ed Staley and you don't know how much my wife and I have waited for this day ! He shook hands with Zeke and turned to her saying ...You are as pretty as everyone says you are ! She held out her hand and Ed took and held it with both hands saying ...I am excited to meet all of you finally and my wife will cry when I tell her you are all here . She is DYING to meet you all ! I have to get her right now . This is a special day for us ! Please ! Let me get her !
He walked quickly to the stairs and hollered ...All the owners of the Black Mule Ranch are here ! Come down now ! Mrs Staley in just a second flew down the stairs and put her hands over her mouth wide eyed in amazement staring at them . Then she ran to her and said ...You are ! You are beautiful just like Wade said ! Oh I am so glad to finally meet all of you . She hugged Zeke and Lucy then kissed Rosa on he head !
The Staleys were going on about them but they wanted to know if Zeke's mother had come yet . Then they saw a small black woman coming down the stairs . They all stared at her . Zeke started crying with tears running hard . He said ...Mama ! My GOD it's true ! You are here ! Mama you survived it ! Zeke bolted for her and picked her up holding her . Willow Mae was holding Zeke tight saying ...I thought all this time you was dead son ..I thought I lost you ! Praise GOD ! Praise him ! I found you ! Zeke said ...I love you mama ! I'm never letting you get lost again ! We survived it all mama !
Everyone had tears running , Lucy was bawling uncontrollably holding Rosa . She handed Nate to Rosa and walked over and held Zeke and Willow Mae crying . Willow Mae choked out ...You are her ! You are the one that brought us back together ! Thank you Oh Thank you ! She held them and cried her eyes out in joy for them .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Blue had kept walking south . He found the small stream much farther east than the ford and drank a lot resting . He was hungry and his feet hurt . He swam the small stream and kept south . He came to the road from Eliasville to Fort Graham . He didn't know which way to go so he headed west . He hid in the shinnery twice when riders passed by .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Blue limped slowly west . He was hungry , his feet were hurting and holding up his left hind leg . He was hungry . He wanted to lay down but he kept going west . He wanted to be at the cabin and worried for Nate .
Re: Tumbleweeds
They all met one another . There was much joyful crying and hugging ! Everyone was talking at once and it was amazing . They took extra chairs to the Kitchen and talked ...there was too much to even tell . It would take time to hear all the stories . Mrs Staley made tea and coffee .
One of the first questions Zeke asked Willow Mae was ...Mama are you going to stay or go back to Georgia ? Willow Mae said quick ...I came to stay in Texas with you if I can . She said ...Of coarse you will stay ! We will not let you leave . You are welcome at the ranch . Zeke is a third owner in it ! Willow Mae said ...My son owns a ranch in Texas ! I can't believe all this ! Zeke said ...Your gonna love it mama , these are all good people . I have taken her for my daughter and her baby Nate is my grandson . She said ...We are all family here Willow Mae , Zeke saved me and Nate , without him we would be dead . Zeke laughed and said ...But the first time we met she threatened to gut shoot me mama ! GOD is workin here in lives and you will see ! Willow Mae said ...Oh Lord ! We all got a lot of catchin up to do !
Wade told Steve to take Lucy home in the cart but Lucy said ...I ain't ridin in that cart ! Saddle me a horse ! I might need to use him if I want to go somewhere ! And Simon needs to get Rosa home to her mama and brothers ! All you hearthen men will stay at my house but don't give me no trouble ! Lord have mercy I don't know why I put up with ya'll ! Lucy left to get her house ready and Willow Mae said ...Thats a mean old white woman ! They all laughed and Zeke said ...She will grow on you mama !
One of the first questions Zeke asked Willow Mae was ...Mama are you going to stay or go back to Georgia ? Willow Mae said quick ...I came to stay in Texas with you if I can . She said ...Of coarse you will stay ! We will not let you leave . You are welcome at the ranch . Zeke is a third owner in it ! Willow Mae said ...My son owns a ranch in Texas ! I can't believe all this ! Zeke said ...Your gonna love it mama , these are all good people . I have taken her for my daughter and her baby Nate is my grandson . She said ...We are all family here Willow Mae , Zeke saved me and Nate , without him we would be dead . Zeke laughed and said ...But the first time we met she threatened to gut shoot me mama ! GOD is workin here in lives and you will see ! Willow Mae said ...Oh Lord ! We all got a lot of catchin up to do !
Wade told Steve to take Lucy home in the cart but Lucy said ...I ain't ridin in that cart ! Saddle me a horse ! I might need to use him if I want to go somewhere ! And Simon needs to get Rosa home to her mama and brothers ! All you hearthen men will stay at my house but don't give me no trouble ! Lord have mercy I don't know why I put up with ya'll ! Lucy left to get her house ready and Willow Mae said ...Thats a mean old white woman ! They all laughed and Zeke said ...She will grow on you mama !
Re: Tumbleweeds
After a few hours Wade gave Rosa five silver dollars and Rosa's eyes got big ! She had Mrs Staley helped her pick out small gifts for her mother and two brothers . She bought her mother a pretty scarf and her brothers candy . Simon and her rode home on Simon's horse eager to see their family .
Wade , her , Zeke , Willow Mae and Steve went to the café to eat . They walked in and the couple that owned it saw Zeke wearing a gun . The owner come over and said ...You can't carry a gun in here ! I'll let you black people eat here but no guns !
Wade stood up and said ...Your willing to take his money but will not accord him with his right to carry a gun ? The owner said ...Well ! It just ain't right for blacks to be armed ! They all just stood up and walked back to the store . Wade told Ed Staley what happened and he got red faced and mad . He said ...You will eat here ! And Zeke don't dare take your gun off ! The Staley's were jumpin mad .
Wade , her , Zeke , Willow Mae and Steve went to the café to eat . They walked in and the couple that owned it saw Zeke wearing a gun . The owner come over and said ...You can't carry a gun in here ! I'll let you black people eat here but no guns !
Wade stood up and said ...Your willing to take his money but will not accord him with his right to carry a gun ? The owner said ...Well ! It just ain't right for blacks to be armed ! They all just stood up and walked back to the store . Wade told Ed Staley what happened and he got red faced and mad . He said ...You will eat here ! And Zeke don't dare take your gun off ! The Staley's were jumpin mad .