It was good dark when they made Abilene . You could see the main street through town lit up by the saloons , gambling houses and many other places a smart man would stay away from . They started passing drunks hollering out and cussing , the walk fronts had customers they had thrown out broke and drunk . Men laying beaten and most likely robbed by the bouncers in the places .
Joy pushed his horse up by Ed's riding side by side , he had never seen anything like Abilene . Ed rode slow watching around him . He told Joy ...Keep your hand near your pistol . Three men on horses rode out down the street coming toward them . Ed just kept riding slow watching , people stared at him and Joy from the open doors and walk as they passed .
Joy started getting scared , he now understood why they were not stopping here . This place was evil , there was nothing good here for them . Ed kept looking from side to side occasionally staring down a watcher as they passed . Ed asked Joy ...Where is GOD son ? Joy hesitated and asked ...Is he even here in this place ? Ed said ...Answer the question son ! Joy said ...He is all around us . Ed said ...Never forget that .
The three riders kept coming , they stopped blocking the street thirty feet ahead of Ed and Joy . They rested their right hand on their leg by their pistols . Ed stopped dropping his tied reins on the horn and sat . Joy was cutting his eyes from Ed to these men , he didn't know what was going to happen .
The rider in the middle said ...Ed Rawlins ! Didn't think I'd catch you riding down the street on that pale long legged sorrel tonight . The man was Mike Perkins the sheriff with two deputies . He was a murderer and thief he killed others like him but had not killed innocents , Ed knew him well . He ran how things worked in Abilene . Ed just sat his horse . Perkins said ...You are a brave man Ed ! I have been waiting for this ! Ed sat his horse saying nothing . Perkins raised his head a bit and seemed nervous now . He said ...You won't see the sun come up tomorrow Ed ! Joy didn't know what to do !
Tumbleweeds
Moderators: carlson1, Charles L. Cotton
Re: Tumbleweeds
Joy found himself shaking and not able to think . Ed sat calmly staring at Mike Perkins . In a bit Ed said ...Then this is the time . I have waited long wanting this to come . I'll kill you first Mike because I have wanted to kill you for a long time . Just whenever your ready mike .
Mike sat his horse looking at the men on either side of him , he hesitated . He said ...Lets talk Ed ! This don't need to be !
Ed sat and looked at Mike a spell and said ... You three ride ahead and clear the street , you will protect us ! If there is trouble I kill you all . Mike motioned to the two men and they rode ahead getting everyone inside . At the end of the street they backed off on the side of the road out of town .
Ed said ...Your time is measured Mike . You should remember this young Ranger . His name is Joy Stevens . They rode past into the darkness . In a while Joy said ...I was scared to death Ed ! Why did they not kill us ? Ed said ...They fear me son . Joy said ...Weren't you afraid Ed ! Ed said ...I'll tell you a verse to use for prayer .
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Ed said … don't fear the evil son depend on GOD . Do what you need do the evil is always there but where is GOD ? Joy said ...He's all around us Ed . Ed said ...you seen GOD tonight , when you look you see him .
Mike sat his horse looking at the men on either side of him , he hesitated . He said ...Lets talk Ed ! This don't need to be !
Ed sat and looked at Mike a spell and said ... You three ride ahead and clear the street , you will protect us ! If there is trouble I kill you all . Mike motioned to the two men and they rode ahead getting everyone inside . At the end of the street they backed off on the side of the road out of town .
Ed said ...Your time is measured Mike . You should remember this young Ranger . His name is Joy Stevens . They rode past into the darkness . In a while Joy said ...I was scared to death Ed ! Why did they not kill us ? Ed said ...They fear me son . Joy said ...Weren't you afraid Ed ! Ed said ...I'll tell you a verse to use for prayer .
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Ed said … don't fear the evil son depend on GOD . Do what you need do the evil is always there but where is GOD ? Joy said ...He's all around us Ed . Ed said ...you seen GOD tonight , when you look you see him .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Morning came . The teams harnessed and horses saddled . Everyone was still in good spirits and eager to reach the ranch . They were a lot slower moving than when they drove to Eliasville empty . The heavy loaded wagon's wheels cut into the prairie sod as they went , it wouldn't be long before there was a trail to Eliasville . Rosa rode with Katy taking care of Nate and Blue , they talked and Katy was learning more Spanish . They laughed a lot making mistakes talking . Willow Mae rode with Lucy and they talked about everything in the world . Lucy kept telling Willow Mae she would love the ranch like she did . They talked about recipes and sewing and found they had a lot in common .
Wade rode ahead scouting , he never found any Comanche sign and was relieved with it . They had three women and two children and it made him extra vigilant . He thought about bringing all the Garcia's women and children to the ranch and it scared him . They would be well escorted on that trip ! His Katy and Lucy were dependable and considered capable of being strong in a fight .
Simon rode up and asked if Wade wanted him to get some rabbits for supper . Wade said ...No , I don't want shots fired , it could bring the Comanche down on us Simon . We will make do with jerky , dried cornbread and cookies tonight . Simon shook his head understanding and rode to the other side in front scouting ahead .
Wade rode ahead scouting , he never found any Comanche sign and was relieved with it . They had three women and two children and it made him extra vigilant . He thought about bringing all the Garcia's women and children to the ranch and it scared him . They would be well escorted on that trip ! His Katy and Lucy were dependable and considered capable of being strong in a fight .
Simon rode up and asked if Wade wanted him to get some rabbits for supper . Wade said ...No , I don't want shots fired , it could bring the Comanche down on us Simon . We will make do with jerky , dried cornbread and cookies tonight . Simon shook his head understanding and rode to the other side in front scouting ahead .
Re: Tumbleweeds
All the Rangers rose early the next morning . Juan made pancakes , bacon and sweet frybread . He had stayed up all night making dried cornbread , quick bread and tea cakes Claud showed him how to make . There was much jerky bagged up and many clean lard buckets to take for filling with water from the river before they turned to head out on the prairie . Coffee was ground and bagged , some cornmeal in two buckets for mush and sugar .
Don said they would take the two Ranger remount horses and one pack although Ken didn't want to thinking it would slow them down . They all had misgivings about this trip for Don . He would let no one else go because it would lessen the defense of the ranch . He told them no logging , they were to stay together and at the cabins . There was plenty of work to do there .
He rode off with the new Rangers west down the river . In two days they would turn northwest onto the prairie to the Lano and the canyon .
Don had bad feelings about this trip too .
Don said they would take the two Ranger remount horses and one pack although Ken didn't want to thinking it would slow them down . They all had misgivings about this trip for Don . He would let no one else go because it would lessen the defense of the ranch . He told them no logging , they were to stay together and at the cabins . There was plenty of work to do there .
He rode off with the new Rangers west down the river . In two days they would turn northwest onto the prairie to the Lano and the canyon .
Don had bad feelings about this trip too .
Re: Tumbleweeds
It was midevening . They had reached the ford in the river and there had been no problems in the rest of the crossing . Wade had sent Simon ahead to the ranch to bring men and horses in case one of the heavy wagons got stuck in the river . They unlashed the heavy plows and farm equipment from the sides of the wagons to lighten them getting across the river . When one of the light wagons was emptied they would go back and bring the rest . The rest of the Garcia's showed up and put ropes on the big freight wagon and helped ease it across . The other two wagons and Katy's cart made it without help .
They were unloading the wagons , supplies stored away were they needed to be . Claud , Ray and Joe reported about Ken and the East Texas Rangers coming through a few days ago and Don taking over . Wade was immediately worried over the situation . They got everything unloaded and Lucy went back with the Garcia's across the river and picked up what they had left . People and stock were tired and worn from the crossing but happy and safe . Katy and Wade went and looked at the new bedroom bragging on all for the work accomplished in their absence .
Willow was introduced to everyone and made feel at home . Zeke told her she would stay in his cabin , there was plenty of room . He felt bad that he had told Ed he would room with him but he knew Ed would understand . Zeke figured Ed would get his own cabin soon anyway .
Juan hugged Lucy and said ...I am so glad you ladies are back ! I managed to not poison everyone because Claud helped me ! Mrs. Lucy you must never leave again ! Rosa asked if Ed had come home and was sad that he hadn't . Blue made himself at home again watching Nate and running with Lucy's black dog . Lucy , Katy and Rosa were happy that the cookstove was ready to use with a stack of firewood beside it . It was a celebration except for Don in his situation , they all feared for him .
They were unloading the wagons , supplies stored away were they needed to be . Claud , Ray and Joe reported about Ken and the East Texas Rangers coming through a few days ago and Don taking over . Wade was immediately worried over the situation . They got everything unloaded and Lucy went back with the Garcia's across the river and picked up what they had left . People and stock were tired and worn from the crossing but happy and safe . Katy and Wade went and looked at the new bedroom bragging on all for the work accomplished in their absence .
Willow was introduced to everyone and made feel at home . Zeke told her she would stay in his cabin , there was plenty of room . He felt bad that he had told Ed he would room with him but he knew Ed would understand . Zeke figured Ed would get his own cabin soon anyway .
Juan hugged Lucy and said ...I am so glad you ladies are back ! I managed to not poison everyone because Claud helped me ! Mrs. Lucy you must never leave again ! Rosa asked if Ed had come home and was sad that he hadn't . Blue made himself at home again watching Nate and running with Lucy's black dog . Lucy , Katy and Rosa were happy that the cookstove was ready to use with a stack of firewood beside it . It was a celebration except for Don in his situation , they all feared for him .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Ed and Joy rode into Eliasville . They had pushed hard after leaving Abilene . They stopped at the café and ate , Ed heard people there talking about the ranch folks coming and Wade and Katy finally getting married . It was evening and Joy asked ...Where do we sleep Ed ? Are we moving on or staying here ? Ed said ...We still got three days to get to the ranch . The horses are worn , we stay here at least a night to let them rest . I think we already have a place to stay ..but we will see . After they ate they walked the few doors down to the Staley's store and went in . Ed Staley was cleaning the floor and greeted them , asking how he could help them ! Ed said ...I was told you have a room for people from the Black Mule Ranch to stay in ? Ed looked at Ed and Joy not knowing them he asked ...And who would ya'll be at the ranch ?
Ed said ...I am Ed Rawlins , my friend here is Joy Stevens . Ed Staley thrust his hand out to Ed and said ...SIR ! It is a pleasure to meet you and Joy ! And you certainly have a place to stay as long as you like right here ! Put up your horses in the pens out back and help yourself to the feed or whatever you need there . Your room is at the top of the stairs on the left . Make yourselves at home and come and go as you please ! You will of coarse eat with us and if we can help in any way you have only to ask !
Ed thanked him much and told him they had eaten supper . They took care of their horses , when they carried their things upstairs there were two buckets of water to bathe and towels already there . Joy said ...Dang Ed ! This is a lot better than sleeping in the grass !
Ed said ...I am Ed Rawlins , my friend here is Joy Stevens . Ed Staley thrust his hand out to Ed and said ...SIR ! It is a pleasure to meet you and Joy ! And you certainly have a place to stay as long as you like right here ! Put up your horses in the pens out back and help yourself to the feed or whatever you need there . Your room is at the top of the stairs on the left . Make yourselves at home and come and go as you please ! You will of coarse eat with us and if we can help in any way you have only to ask !
Ed thanked him much and told him they had eaten supper . They took care of their horses , when they carried their things upstairs there were two buckets of water to bathe and towels already there . Joy said ...Dang Ed ! This is a lot better than sleeping in the grass !
Re: Tumbleweeds
They had traveled fast for two days . The East Texas mounts were showing to be worn . They had been pushed several days just getting to the ranch . Don said ...We rest a day and let the horses graze and drink . We go northwest to the Lano tomorrow , there is little to no water for over two hundred miles . We fill all the empty lard buckets and make a decent meal , try to rest ...there is a lot of riding ahead . Ken got mad and said ...We have pushed hard from East Texas to sit and waste time here ! We need to be riding right now , you brought those two pack horses that will only slow us down . I think your trying to get out of the fight that's coming by delaying us !
Don tried to rationalize with Ken but he wouldn't have it . Two young Rangers sided with Ken , they started saddling their horses . Don begged them to stay with the group but all three left heading out on the prairie with only a small bucket of water apiece . Don kept the other five men at the river to rest and prepare . He was saddened and worried for them
Don tried to rationalize with Ken but he wouldn't have it . Two young Rangers sided with Ken , they started saddling their horses . Don begged them to stay with the group but all three left heading out on the prairie with only a small bucket of water apiece . Don kept the other five men at the river to rest and prepare . He was saddened and worried for them
Re: Tumbleweeds
Ed and Joy had rested their horses a day . They grained and had them on grass . Ed's horse looked better even after the long trail they had ridden . Him and Joy had eaten well with the Staley's and hearing how Zeke had been treated they wouldn't be eating in the café anymore for anything . The Staley's were still mad about it .
Ed told them ...We have enjoyed our stay but we leave this morning . Ya'll have been more than kind to us . We need to get to the ranch now that our horses are rested . We should have no trouble getting there . We thank both of you . Ed said ...We hate to see you go ! Everyone we have met from the ranch has been a blessing and enjoyable . I have a few letters for the ranch you can take back . You both MUST come to visit with us again !
They crossed the ford of the small stream headed north . Ed had never made the crossing but Wade had given much information on the trail . But it wasn't hard to follow the wheel ruts from the wagons through the grass north . Ed rode the Comanche horse , he had turned out to be a dependable mount and Claud would like him .
They made the stand of trees and rested . Joy asked ...What will we do at the ranch Ed ? Ed said ..Whatever needs done . They are building cabins , fence and all kinds of things . He thought a second and said ...I'm going to ask a woman to marry me .
They mounted and rode on to the green sinkhole not knowing it was poisoned .
Ed told them ...We have enjoyed our stay but we leave this morning . Ya'll have been more than kind to us . We need to get to the ranch now that our horses are rested . We should have no trouble getting there . We thank both of you . Ed said ...We hate to see you go ! Everyone we have met from the ranch has been a blessing and enjoyable . I have a few letters for the ranch you can take back . You both MUST come to visit with us again !
They crossed the ford of the small stream headed north . Ed had never made the crossing but Wade had given much information on the trail . But it wasn't hard to follow the wheel ruts from the wagons through the grass north . Ed rode the Comanche horse , he had turned out to be a dependable mount and Claud would like him .
They made the stand of trees and rested . Joy asked ...What will we do at the ranch Ed ? Ed said ..Whatever needs done . They are building cabins , fence and all kinds of things . He thought a second and said ...I'm going to ask a woman to marry me .
They mounted and rode on to the green sinkhole not knowing it was poisoned .
Re: Tumbleweeds
They had moved one of Lucy's beds in their new bedroom . Katy was putting her clothes on in the dark . Wade awoke and got up getting ready . He told her ...I have to find Don and those men Katy . She sat on the bed by him as he pulled his boots on and said ...I will not try to stop you . I know you have to do it but I'll worry about you ! Zeke and me can take care of everything here , just find Don and those Rangers . Who do you take with you ? Wade said ...Only Steve and two pack horses .
They went out and lit the lamp kindling the fire for breakfast . Claud got up and walked to the table leaning to his hurt side . Wade said ...Claud I leave this morning to find Don and those Rangers , You are in charge as far as any Ranger business here , I trust you completely . Claud said ...They have a three day lead on you Wade , you will be hard pressed to catch up to them ! Wade told him ...I know Claud but I have to try . It sounds like Don is going to have a lot of trouble to me . I take Steve and two pack horses . Claud said ...Let me come Wade ! I can ride brother ! Wade said ...I wish I could Claud ! You need to heal up , there will be another time .
Food was made ready , Wade and Steve headed up river . Katy stood on the porch watching them leave till they were out of sight .
They went out and lit the lamp kindling the fire for breakfast . Claud got up and walked to the table leaning to his hurt side . Wade said ...Claud I leave this morning to find Don and those Rangers , You are in charge as far as any Ranger business here , I trust you completely . Claud said ...They have a three day lead on you Wade , you will be hard pressed to catch up to them ! Wade told him ...I know Claud but I have to try . It sounds like Don is going to have a lot of trouble to me . I take Steve and two pack horses . Claud said ...Let me come Wade ! I can ride brother ! Wade said ...I wish I could Claud ! You need to heal up , there will be another time .
Food was made ready , Wade and Steve headed up river . Katy stood on the porch watching them leave till they were out of sight .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Two days later .
Don and the five East Texas Rangers had followed Ken and his men's trail through the tall grass . Wade knew they were going to have trouble . They saw the black spot ahead in the grass and the trail went straight to it . It was one of the young Ranger's horses dead . He had stepped in a hole and went down . You could tell by the grass he had tried to stand but had a broken front leg . The grass was torn up from him trying to rise and he still was saddled . They had left him to die most likely not wanting to fire a shot drawing attention from any possible Comanche .
The most amazing part was that apparently the one of the other two was riding double with him and continuing on ! They had nearly a hundred and fifty miles to go with two worn horses and one riding double ! They should have turned back to the river , they couldn't have any water left . Their horses would be stove in now or tomorrow . Don and the others said little and followed their trail . Toward evening they could see where the two horses had stopped often to rest . They would not be far off now . Don's men and horses were worn but not used up .
They followed the trail .
Don and the five East Texas Rangers had followed Ken and his men's trail through the tall grass . Wade knew they were going to have trouble . They saw the black spot ahead in the grass and the trail went straight to it . It was one of the young Ranger's horses dead . He had stepped in a hole and went down . You could tell by the grass he had tried to stand but had a broken front leg . The grass was torn up from him trying to rise and he still was saddled . They had left him to die most likely not wanting to fire a shot drawing attention from any possible Comanche .
The most amazing part was that apparently the one of the other two was riding double with him and continuing on ! They had nearly a hundred and fifty miles to go with two worn horses and one riding double ! They should have turned back to the river , they couldn't have any water left . Their horses would be stove in now or tomorrow . Don and the others said little and followed their trail . Toward evening they could see where the two horses had stopped often to rest . They would not be far off now . Don's men and horses were worn but not used up .
They followed the trail .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Ed and Joy were nearly to the first waterhole from the ford on the Brazos . They had found the dead deer in the green sinkhole and their horses went without water for two days . They were glad they had rested them in Eliasville . They were going to make it alright , the waterhole should be close .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Don and Steve had reached the point to turn into the prairie northwest . They stayed the night on the river resting their mounts and pack horses . In the morning they took to the prairie following both parties trail . Wade couldn't see anything good coming from this but he did know they would never reach the Lano .
Re: Tumbleweeds
The men went back to logging . Juan stayed at the cabin with Claud and Ray . Claud could get around and was itching to get out of the cabin , Ray was too . Katy , Willow , Lucy and Rosa broke the monotony best they could for them , they knew the men were bored . There was much talk of everything that had happened in Eliasville and at the ranch catching each other up .
Logs were being hauled to the cabins now that there was harness , more men and horses . Zeke was doing the organizing and all was running smoothly . Lucy was fixing up her cabin and happy as a lark with Willow Mae and Rosa helping make it pretty . Lucy giving her things was a blessing . Katy got some shelves , a bed , a desk for Wade and small tables for their room . Lucy had books ! They would make all happy that could read and serve to teach others to read ! There were oil lamps , a sausage grinder , foot powered grinding wheel and so many everyday items to be used ! There were cast iron wood heaters for four cabins and much farm equipment .
The ranch took a big step forward thanks to Lucy !
Logs were being hauled to the cabins now that there was harness , more men and horses . Zeke was doing the organizing and all was running smoothly . Lucy was fixing up her cabin and happy as a lark with Willow Mae and Rosa helping make it pretty . Lucy giving her things was a blessing . Katy got some shelves , a bed , a desk for Wade and small tables for their room . Lucy had books ! They would make all happy that could read and serve to teach others to read ! There were oil lamps , a sausage grinder , foot powered grinding wheel and so many everyday items to be used ! There were cast iron wood heaters for four cabins and much farm equipment .
The ranch took a big step forward thanks to Lucy !
Re: Tumbleweeds
The sun came up with Wade and Steve following the Ranger's trail . They rode steady sparing the horses , Wade felt they would need them all . They plodded on .
Re: Tumbleweeds
They had ridden till they ran out of daylight . Don halted the men , they and their mounts were ragged out . They made a quick camp eating dry cornbread and jerky still having water to drink . The horses went thirsty .
In the morning they continued following the trail . The horses of the East Texas Rangers were about worn out . Don had no thoughts of reaching the canyon or even the Lano . This had turned into a rescue mission to find Ken and the two young Rangers and save them from themselves . He was going to play heck trying to pull this situation out of the fire !
About noon they saw a horse and rider far in the distance . Don headed for them . When he got there the two young Rangers were sitting on the ground , one holding a stove in horse . Ken was on the ground , his leg pinned under his horse that went down . They had shot the horse because Ken's leg was broken and the horse was thrashing around trying to rise . They were all used up .
They tied ropes to the dead horse and drug it off Ken's leg and him screaming . Don distributed the little water in buckets among the men and dumped the pack saddles . He put Ken and the other ranger's saddles on the pack horses and they put Ken on one and another Ranger on the other . One Ranger would swap out riding double . Don shot the stove in horse after pulling the saddle in case they might be back to get it .
They slowly started back to the Brazos and the ranch .
In the morning they continued following the trail . The horses of the East Texas Rangers were about worn out . Don had no thoughts of reaching the canyon or even the Lano . This had turned into a rescue mission to find Ken and the two young Rangers and save them from themselves . He was going to play heck trying to pull this situation out of the fire !
About noon they saw a horse and rider far in the distance . Don headed for them . When he got there the two young Rangers were sitting on the ground , one holding a stove in horse . Ken was on the ground , his leg pinned under his horse that went down . They had shot the horse because Ken's leg was broken and the horse was thrashing around trying to rise . They were all used up .
They tied ropes to the dead horse and drug it off Ken's leg and him screaming . Don distributed the little water in buckets among the men and dumped the pack saddles . He put Ken and the other ranger's saddles on the pack horses and they put Ken on one and another Ranger on the other . One Ranger would swap out riding double . Don shot the stove in horse after pulling the saddle in case they might be back to get it .
They slowly started back to the Brazos and the ranch .