He nodded. “Sleeping like a rock. For once he didn’t flop around half the night.” He crammed his hat on his head and grabbed the milk pails.
She wished they had two beds instead of one for the boys. What a silly thought to wish for more when she was trying hard to hold on to what they had. Once she had meat frying, Jimmy came into the kitchen, carrying his boots.
She smiled at the boy. “I thought the smell of bacon frying would wake you. Would you tiptoe and see if Susie’s awake? If she’s still asleep, let her rest a few more minutes while your brother milks the cows.”
He crept toward his sister’s room but raced back. “She’s getting dressed. Can I go help milk?” Sitting on the floor, he tugged on his boots.
“Don’t pester Davie. Remember, we can’t eat until he’s finished.”
A few minutes later, Jimmy burst in when Davie returned with the filled pails of milk. Davie poured the milk into the jars they used to store liquid in the cool space to chill. What they called the cool space was formed by diverting water from a spring through a pipe. The cold water flowed through the concrete walled space before being piped into a creek. Davie brought out butter and the last of yesterday’s cooled milk.
Meanwhile Susie set the table and set out a jar of grape jam she’d helped Charlotte make last summer. She added a can of the syrup Jimmy liked on his biscuits.
After the blessing, Davie asked, “Can us kids go ride for fun today?”
“Can we, Mama?” Jimmy bounced on his chair.
“You may when your chores are finished. Take Buster and Billy and remember not to go too far from home.” They needed to play after such hard work yesterday.
Looking glum, Susie shook her head. “I don’t want to go riding again today.”
Charlotte smiled at her daughter. “Would you like to make clothes for your doll?”
Susie’s doldrums disappeared. “Can we?”
“We’ll have to clean up from breakfast, spread up the beds, and weed a little on the garden. Then we can.”
Once again, Charlotte wondered how pioneers had settled this area when they had to battle Comanche and Kiowa, clear farms, and build their homes and barns. They’d had to do without a lot of necessities because there were no stores with other than the most basic items. Thank goodness she lived in a more modern time.
Later in the morning, she was helping Susie learn to sew by making doll clothes when she heard someone ride in. The dogs had gone with the boys and there was no barking so they hadn’t returned. She took the pistol from the cupboard and slipped it inside her pocket.
“Susie, stay here. If there’s trouble, hide under your bed.”
Charlotte opened the door and saw Elwood Winfield dismounting. Wishing she had one of the dogs here, she stepped onto the porch and pulled the door closed behind her.
He smiled broadly but it reminded her of a drawing of a wolf she’d seen in a book. “Good day, Mrs. Dunn. I stopped by to see how things are going.”
“They’re going well, thank you for asking.”
He coughed into his hand. “Do you suppose I could get a glass of water? I had a dusty ride.”
She opened the door a crack. “Susie, would you bring Mr. Winfield a glass of water?” She didn’t want him inside her home.
“I noticed you and the children out moving cattle yesterday. I’m sorry you have to do such difficult work. A refined woman like yourself should have servants and not have to work like a ranch hand.”
Susie came out with a glass of water. “Here you are, Mr. Winfield.”
“Thank you, dear.”
“You’re welcome, sir.” Susie curtsied and went back inside, closing the door behind her.
“Such a polite child and a credit to you.” He made a show of sipping from the glass.
“You were so kind to drop by, but I’m sure a busy man like you has many demands on your time. I have a lot of chores as well.”
He spread his arms wide. “If you’d sell this ranch to me, you’d have plenty of money to settle in town and have an easier life.”
“We covered that at my husband’s funeral, Mr. Winfield.”
He stepped forward. “Surely you can call me Elwood since we’re neighbors.”
“No, sir, I cannot. You may as well know that I have no intention of selling. As I told you before, Ike wanted Davie to have this ranch when he’s grown. We owe it to him to see that happens.”
“Mrs. Dunn, you’ve already lost most of your herd. How long do you think you can hold on as a woman alone?” He set the mostly full glass on the porch.
“I’m not alone—I have three children. The sheriff has promised to send anyone suitable who is looking for work to us.”
“I think you’re making a mistake—”
“I’ll make you a deal, Mr. Winfield.” She raised a hand to stop him his talking. “If I ever decide to sell, I’ll let you have first refusal.”
Anger flashed in his brown eyes before he smiled and dipped his head in a nod. “You’re a difficult woman. If that’s the best you can do, I’ll wait for your offer to sell.”
“Thank you for stopping by.” Charlotte stepped inside the house and closed the door and locked it.
She leaned against it until she heard him ride away. Susie came from the parlor. “He’s gone, Mama. Shall I get the glass?”
“I will, dear, and then we’ll get back to sewing.” She was shaking with anger and—she had to admit it—icy fear. As Mr. Winfield accused, she was a woman alone. Three children would be no defense against anyone who meant harm. Davie was a good shot but he didn’t have a gun with him.
She decided to remedy that immediately. She’d send his father’s pistol with him when Davie was away from the house. Susie could fire a gun, but she’d never shot at anything but a tin can or a rock. Perhaps it was time they each had some practice.
Dear Lord, help us.
Chapter Five
Bret had to admit Moose had taught him a lot in the few days they’d traveled together. In Millsap the other man had heard a place south of town was hiring. Bret figured he owed Moose a lot and paid him with a gold eagle.
Moose’s eyes liked to have bugged out of his head. “Are you plumb loco? You’d best keep that kind of coin out of sight or you’ll be paying someone to rob you, you hear? You pay for anything, use small change, see? You buy anything, bargain like you’re broke.”
Bret offered his hand to shake. “I sure appreciate all you’ve shown me. Good luck with the job.”
Moose shook his hand. “You be careful crossing the Brazos River. There’s quicksand in lots of places. Remember what I’ve said.”
Bret already missed Moose’s companionship. Bret wondered if he should have sold the tent in Millsap. He knew Moose thought he was foolish to have it. Perhaps he’d meet someone who could show him how to set up the thing.
He ought to quit second guessing his plans. If he hadn’t reached California by winter that shelter would come in mighty handy. Plus, if he wanted to stop a while on the way, the tent could serve as a temporary house.
Seemed to him he’d covered a lot of miles since Fort Worth and Tarrant County. He figured he was out of Parker County by now and tried to remember what the next one was called. When he got to a town, he’d find out.
In Mineral Wells he stopped at a bank and changed a gold eagle for small change. “A fellow gave me this because I shared my supper and breakfast with him.”
The teller laughed. “Wouldn’t mind having pockets full of these, but you sure can’t eat them.” He counted out twenty dollars in small bills and coins.”
Bret pulled out his wallet. “What county am I in now?”
“Palo Pinto and the county seat has the same name.”
He pocketed the change and put the bills in his wallet. “You know a good place to cross the Brazos River?”
“Yes, sir, stay on the road that runs in front of the bank and you’ll get to Oak Grove Crossing. There’s a ferry there.”
“Much
obliged.” Bret tipped his hat and left the establishment. While he was in a town, he’d get a good meal. He sure wished Moose had stayed with him. Not only was he great company, he was a good cook.
Later, with his stomach full he found the countryside more interesting. Still, Bret was slightly disappointed. Traveling wasn’t as much fun or as exciting as he’d expected. He’d enjoyed himself more when Moose had been with him. Maybe when he got to a different type of landscape like he’d heard was west he’d appreciate the scenery more.
He rode slowly, leading his pack horse. From a bluff he saw what he thought must be the Brazos River. He recalled Moose’s warning and was glad he’d asked where to cross.
He attracted some odd looks from others at the ferry crossing. Recalling Moose’s warning about looking too green and prosperous, he was uncomfortable. After his journey in the ferry, he decided he’d ride along the riverside a ways instead of the same way as other ferry riders.
Not having to be anywhere on a schedule sure was nice. He let his horse set the pace. In the distance, two boys rode their horses across the prairie with two dogs racing beside them. He could tell the boys were laughing. Even the dogs acted happy.
Apparently they saw him because they waved. Concentrating on them, he failed to watch where his horse was going. Suddenly, his mount whinnied and shied. Bret spotted a snake slithering away that must have startled his horse.
Bret tried to right himself but he fell. His head hit something hard. Pain shot through him and he thought his head had exploded.
***
Davie drew back on the reins. “Did you see what happened to that man?”
Jimmy stood in his stirrups. “He fell off his horse. You reckon maybe he’s drunk or dead?”
“We’d better go see. He’s not moving.” He kneed his horse and rode toward the man.
When they reached him and dismounted, Davie cautiously approached and leaned over the man. “He doesn’t smell drunk.”
Jimmy waited beside his horse. “Is he dead?”
Davie kneeled and checked the unconscious man. “He’s hurt bad ’cause his head hit this rock and there’s blood.” He tried to move the man. “He’s big and I can’t move him to get him up on his horse.”
He stood. “We can’t just leave him here like this. You’d better go get Mama. Can you get home by yourself?”
Jimmy acted insulted. “Sure I can. But will you be all right? What if he wakes up and is mad?”
“He’s hurt pretty bad. I don’t think he’ll wake up soon. He waved at us so he must not be the kind of person who would be mad at us. Hurry, Jimmy. Take the Buster and Billy.”
***
Charlotte supervised while Susie completed the second of two dresses for her doll.
“I’m really proud of you. Your stitches have improved so much that I think you’re ready to sew a dress for you.”
Susie clapped her hands. “Really? Do we have fabric?”
“I’ve saved two lengths for you. I’d planned to sew them but I think you’re—”
The sound of a horse galloping into the yard sent her heart pounding. Her breath caught in her throat. She stood and walked to a window. When she heard familiar barking, she sighed with relief.
Jimmy ran into the room. “Mama, Mama, this man fell off his horse and he hurt his head and there’s blood and he won’t wake up but he isn’t dead. Davie sent me to get you.”
Her relief fled and she retrieved the pistol from the cupboard. Who knew what kind of person Davie guarded?
“We’ll need the wagon. Where did you see this man?” She pulled on her leather gloves.
Jimmy looked at the floor. “That stretch of grass at the bottom of the bluff.”
She grabbed her hat. “You weren’t supposed to go that far from home. We’ll talk about this later. Get my medicine box while I hitch the horses to the wagon. Susie, get the blanket we use for picnics.”
Susie brought the blanket to the barn and placed it in the wagon. “Mama, please let me stay here so I can finish my doll’s dress. Please, please, please.”
“Do you promise to stay inside the house and work on your sewing?”
“I will, I promise.”
“All right, but this is a test, dear.”
Charlotte and Jimmy climbed into the wagon with their items. With a snap of the reins, they were out of the barn and bouncing across the pasture. When they reached Davie, the mysterious victim still stretched on the grass.
Davie stood to greet her. “He hasn’t moved. I think he’s hurt pretty bad. I couldn’t lift him to get him on his horse.”
He gestured to the mount. “I looked in his saddle bags and learned his name is Bret Craig.”
“I hope we can get him into the wagon. I’ll spread the blanket before we try.” She folded the blanket in half so it would offer more padding against the bumps and jolts on the route to the house.
“You boys take off this side while I check Mr. Craig.”
Once she looked at his wound, she shook her head. “I’ll wait until we’re home. Help me, Davie, and let’s see if we can get him into the wagon.”
Mr. Craig must be several inches over six feet and was quite handsome. Charlotte was tall for a woman but this man would be much taller than her if he were standing. Davie helped Charlotte move the unconscious man toward the wagon.
Once there, she eyed the distance they had to lift the injured person. “I can’t lift him, even with your help. He’s a big man and dead weight. Maybe if you get on the wagon bed while Jimmy and I push him up to you, we can get him on the blanket without killing him.”
Jimmy took his brother’s place while Davie climbed onto the wagon bed.
“Boys, when I say three, we all work together. One, two, threeee.”
Davie yelped and almost fell from the vehicle.
The unconscious man flopped back against Charlotte with a moan. She landed on the ground with him sprawled across her.
Davie jumped down to help. “Mama, are you hurt? His shirt slipped right out of my fingers.”
“I’m frustrated but otherwise all right. Obviously we need a better plan. Let’s think about this.” She let Davie help her slide out from under Mr. Craig. “Poor man, as if being knocked out cold wasn’t enough.”
Davie looked at his horse. “What if we tie my lasso around him under his arms and then have Scout pull him into the wagon?”
Charlotte stared at the wagon then at the man. “That might work. We’ll have to guide him so he doesn’t get more injuries.”
When Davie brought his rope, Charlotte tied it around the man’s chest under his arms. Davie led his horse to the opposite side of the wagon. She tossed the free end to her son and he tied it to Scout’s saddle horn.
“Now help me get him on his feet and leaning against the side.”
Davie returned to help her and Jimmy pitched in as well. Together they were able to get Mr. Craig leaning against the wagon with his arms on the bed.
Davie raced around to the horse. “Come on, Scout, back up. Back. More back. Good boy.”
“Jimmy, climb on the wagon and make sure his face doesn’t get banged up when he lands.”
She felt the weight lessen when Scout had backed and the rope went taut. Slowly Mr. Craig slid up and into the wagon bed. She climbed up and arranged him on the blanket.
“Whew, we did it.” Davie sounded triumphant as he loosened the rope from the saddle.
She tied Scout and the man’s two horses to the rear of the wagon. Davie and Jimmy set the wagon’s side back in place.
Already Charlotte wondered how they would get Mr. Craig from the wagon into the house and a bed.
Dear Lord, you planted Mr. Craig in our midst. I have faith you’ll provide an answer to get him into the house. Amen.
Chapter Six
Charlotte peered at the buggy parked at their house.
Susie!
She was there alone. Heedless of the patient, Charlotte snapped the reins to speed up the horses. As
they drew closer, she recognized that the horse and buggy belonged to Reverend and Mrs. Pendleton.
Charlotte muttered, “Thank you, Lord.”
Davie looked at her. “What did you say?”
“I believe that’s the buggy of our preacher and his wife who’ve come to call.”
Jimmy leaned forward. “I hope she brought a cake or cookies.”
“James Thomas Dunn, do not—I repeat—do not ask her if she did. You will use your best manners, understand?”
Jimmy pouted. “I don’t see why it hurts to ask. She most always brings something.”
She sent him a stern gaze. “Do we need to have a talk about this?” A ‘talk’ usually included punishment.
His eyes widened. “No, Mama, I’ll remember.”
She parked the wagon almost touching the porch and as close to the front door as she could.
The preacher came out to greet them. “Sorry for dropping by uninvited. Susie said you were on a mission of mercy.”
Charlotte was so happy to see him she could have hugged his neck. “You know you’re always welcome, Reverend Pendleton. That’s especially true today. I had no idea how we could get Mr. Craig into the house and onto a bed. He appears to be injured seriously.”
“I’m not as young as I used to be but I believe between the two of us and Davie we can manage. Jimmy, how about being in charge of the doors?”
Jimmy puffed out his chest. “Yes, sir.”
Mrs. Pendleton came to the porch. “I wanted to learn what had happened.”
The preacher took full charge. “You can find out all about it after this injured man has been treated. Kathryn dear, could you go turn down the covers so we can put him to bed?”
Charlotte looked for her daughter. “Susie, show Mrs. Pendleton where Papa and I… I mean where I sleep.” She told the others, “We can put Mr. Craig in there and I’ll share with Susie.”
After removing the tailgate, they scooted the blanket on which the patient lay and him with it. Although only an inch or so taller than she, the preacher was obviously strong. He hauled Mr. Craig by the chest while she and Davie carried his legs.
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