Charlotte's Challenge

by Caroline Clemmons

  “He moves quietest of any man I ever saw. He’s coming back up as soon as he hears anything worth sharing.”

  Bret worried about the look Moose had sent him. Was it a warning? Bret sure didn’t want to get caught in a double-cross. He hadn’t forgotten what Moose had said about the sheriff being a tough customer back in Missouri.

  Bret felt out of his depth here. He was a good shot but he wasn’t a gunman. He shot clay disks. Until the other night in the bunkhouse he’d never been in a gunfight. He didn’t have a fast draw and hoped he’d never again have to shoot at a person.

  He tried to keep Rick and the sheriff in view while he watched Moose and the rustlers. If the sheriff planned a double-cross, was Rick in with him? Moose was in a dangerous place, caught between the sheriff and the deputy above and the rustlers below.

  Finally, Moose made his way back to where he and the other two waited.

  When the four of them got together, Moose said, “They’re gonna move the cattle to the back of Winfield’s ranch. Sounds like there’s a valley similar to this one but with more grass.”

  Sheriff Haney asked, “Is Winfield coming here?”

  Moose shook his head. “He’s in town playing cards. Gives him an alibi. Either Arp doesn’t realize he’s been set up to take the blame or he has confidence in Winfield.”

  The sheriff cursed. “I wanted that man here so we could catch him in the act. Well, I say we let them get the cattle to Winfield’s land then arrest these men and take them to jail.”

  Rick nodded. “One of the five is bound to break and talk, hoping to save his neck.”

  They watched the five drive the cattle out of the canyon and along the trail toward Winfield’s ranch. Seemed a shame to Bret that they couldn’t turn them toward Charlotte’s ranch where they belonged. He wondered if the first cattle that were rustled were somewhere on Winfield’s land.

  Once the cattle were on the move, the sheriff signaled to wait in the trees. “Gonna take them half the night to get those beeves where they want them. We might as well eat the food Mrs. Dunn sent.”

  While they were eating, Bret sat next to the sheriff. “Were you able to check for the first part of Dunn’s herd on Winfield’s land?”

  “Had no call to. No one had told me he’d been trying to buy their ranch or about the mischief. If they’d reported the problems, I would have had grounds—shakey but I could have made it work.”

  Sheriff Haney waved his hands, sending a spray of bread crumbs from the one holding his food. “Without a reason, I can’t just ride in and check the brands. Same as accusing a rancher of being a rustler.”

  As he cut a bite of his cheese, Bret recalled Moose telling him all he needed was his knife. “Too bad they didn’t tell you about the trouble. Guess Mr. Dunn thought he could handle Winfield.”

  The sheriff swallowed. “Ike was a peculiar man. Didn’t like anyone knowing his business and would be the sort to think he could handle whatever came his way. Too late, he learned he was wrong.”

  “Davie said you and his father were from the same hometown.”

  “Yep, but I don’t think of it as home. Palo Pinto is home. I was glad to leave Macon and start over. But you know, I think Ike really missed the old place and wished he could go back.”

  Bret could understand both viewpoints. “Guess it depends on your memories and what you have later. I’m glad I left my former home in Fort Worth and came here. I made a lot of mistakes getting here but I’m still glad I came.”

  The sheriff nodded and gestured with his hands. “That’s the way I feel. I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but I like being sheriff and I like the town and the friends I’ve made. I hope the county will help me buy a house instead of us living over the jail. My wife would still cook for the prisoners but she sure hates where we live.”

  Bret thought maybe the sheriff had reformed. He appeared to be genuinely fond of Palo Pinto. “I don’t blame her. Can’t be pleasant for either of you.”

  “You got that right, especially when we have a loud drunk or a hanging. Guess you don’t know but we hang a man from inside the jail. She hates seeing that space. I can’t convince her that the jail isn’t haunted. When we have a storm, I can half-way believe it’s a meeting place for ghosts and ghouls.”

  “I wouldn’t enjoy that at all.”

  “I hate anything to do with a hanging. Some men may deserve it, but I still hate being a part of one.” The sheriff tipped up his canteen for a long drink then looped the handle strap around his saddle horn.

  “I reckon we’ve given them time to get moved toward the ranch. When we get them in jail I’m gonna find out who owns the land where the herd was parked. Would have done that by now but didn’t want to take a chance on the wrong people learning I was curious.”

  Rick appeared to mull over the sheriff’s statement. “Unless I’m wrong, this is part of Mr. Potter’s land. Poor old fella doesn’t get out much now but is too stubborn to sell or lease his land. He’s a friend of my grandfather’s. Reckon he’s the oldest and Gramps is eighty-five.”

  Sheriff Haney climbed into the saddle. “That means one of the men in this gang knows Potter won’t catch them on his land. Burns me up to see a person used like that.”

  Bret mounted his horse. “You know if Potter has relatives that might include one of these rustlers?”

  “Can’t say I know the man, although I’ve met him a couple of times.” The sheriff looked at Rick. “You know?”

  Rick shook his head. “He doesn’t have any kin that I know of. He and his wife had a son but he died young. He’s never mentioned anyone else.”

  Bret rode alongside the sheriff. “Don’t you suppose Winfield has guards watching for trespassers?”

  “His is a big ranch from what I’ve heard. I’m hoping the arrival of the cattle will create a distraction. If I could figure out exactly where they’re headed, we’d circle around and meet them there. As it is, I’m not familiar with his ranch.”

  Keeping to an ambling gait, they rode toward Winfield’s ranch. With a bright full moon overhead, the cattle were easy to keep in sight. But what would happen when they got on Winfield’s land?

  Chapter Twenty

  Charlotte couldn’t sleep and jumped at every sound. As far as she could tell the rifle was now in perfect working order. She hoped she wouldn’t need to fire the gun but she thought the intruders would return.

  She heard Davie whisper, “Mama?”

  Sliding from bed, she went to the door. “What is it?”

  “The dogs are making their low growl so someone is prowling close to the house. Did you bring the rifle in here?”

  “I have the rifle in my hand and the revolver in my pocket.”

  “You’re still wearing your clothes?”

  “I sure am. I had no way of knowing whether or not I’d be able to sleep. I haven’t. I’m going toward the front of the house.”

  “I’m coming. You might need some help.”

  “You’re correct and I think we should stick together, son. I hope Jimmy and Susie remain asleep.”

  She and her oldest son moved silently but swiftly through the house. At the front window, the bright moonlight flooded the yard. A stocky man of medium height and a tall thin man approached the house stealthily. The tall one carried a gunny sack with wriggling contents.

  Davie said, “I’ll bet they’ve got another snake in that sack.”

  “I wouldn’t take that bet, son. Stay behind me. I don’t want you caught in crossfire if I have to shoot those two.”

  She waited until the men were about ten yards from the front porch before she opened the door and stepped outside with the rifle aimed at the closest man, the stocky one. “Strange time of night to come visiting.”

  The look of surprise on each man’s face was comical—if she hadn’t been so angry with them. She was a good shot but she’d never aimed at a person. At this point she was willing. These men should not have endangered her children.

  The stocky ma
n stretched out his hands. “Now, lady, you don’t want to point that at me. You could get hurt.”

  “Stop where you are or you’re the one who’s going to get hurt. With two fingers, take your gun and drop it.” Her heart pounded loud enough to hear and her breath caught in her throat. He didn’t stop.

  He gave a laugh that sounded more like a snort and kept moving toward her. “I’m not dropping my gun for a woman. That rifle ain’t gonna fire anyway.”

  She shot his knee. Hating she’d had to do so, she couldn’t let him get close enough to take the rifle from her.

  He screamed and plopped onto the ground. “Are you crazy? You could of killed me.”

  She pretended bravery she didn’t feel. “You ready to toss your gun? You with the gunny sack, drop the sack and toss your guns, too.”

  The injured man threw his gun toward her.

  The tall man tossed his gun. “I can’t let go of this sack, lady.”

  “Oh, I think you can. You afraid of what’s inside?”

  “You know I am. I shouldn’t of untied it ’cause now I’ve gotta hold it closed. You could just shoot the sack.”

  “Drop the sack and move to the side by your friend. Davie, get the rope. Don’t get between me and them.”

  “It’s in the barn, Mama. We’ll need a lot of it to make sure they don’t get away.” Davie gave the prowlers a wide berth.

  The injured man whined, “I need a doctor. I may be crippled.”

  “You’re still alive and if you want to stay that way you’ll shut up.” She nodded to the second man. “I said drop the sack.”

  He held out one hand as if pleading. “Lady, I can’t or I’m likely to get snakebit.”

  Charlotte shot his hand that held the gunny sack.

  He dropped the bag and two large rattlesnakes crawled out. Holding his injured hand with the other one, he quickly scooted away from the snakes.

  Bright moonlight revealed the writhing serpents against the pale red soil. One coiled to strike at the inured man.

  He screamed, “Do something. Kill that thing quick before it gets me.”

  The other reptile slithered toward the tall man.

  Charlotte shot each snake and then levered the rifle again. “I should have let the snakes bite you. That’s what you planned for us.”

  Davie returned with coils of rope.

  The second man still cradled his injured hand. “We were just following orders. We wouldn’t have thought it up on our own.”

  The first one stopped cursing and looked at her. “That’s right, lady. You can’t quit this job. We got no choice but to do what we’re told.”

  “There’s always a choice. All you had to do was ride away. Each of you lay on your stomach with your hands behind you.”

  She was surprised when both complied.

  The first one raised his head. “We need a doctor. Aren’t you gonna at least bandage our wounds?”

  “You’ll be fine until tomorrow. Davie, tie this one’s hands then loop the rope around his neck then tie to his feet with his knees bent.”

  Davie nodded. “You mean hogtie him? Sure.”

  When the man complained the rope was too tight, Davie kept going. “Don’t think I’ll feel sorry for you. That was my bedroll you put that snake in.”

  “Look, kid, we knew someone would find it before it got you. It was just to scare you. Hey, that’s way too tight.”

  Davie glanced at Charlotte. “You can complain to the sheriff when he arrives.”

  Davie repeated the process with the other man. When he was finished, neither man could struggle without choking himself.

  “Mama, I’ll get the shovel and bury the snake heads.”

  While he did that, Charlotte tested the ropes. “Good job, Davie. Let’s get some rest, shall we?” She led their horses to the hitching rail where they had access to water. Then she gathered their weapons.

  The first man screamed, “You’re not gonna leave us like this? This ain’t right. I can’t breathe good like this. “

  The other man complained, “What if a coyote or wolf smells blood and comes? You can’t leave us here defenseless.”

  Davie leaned the shovel against the barn before he walked toward her.

  “Men, that’s where you’re wrong. You two would have killed my son without a second thought. What had you intended to do with the snakes tonight? Don’t think I’ll worry about either of you.” She carried the criminals’ weapons into the house.

  Of course she would watch over them for she wasn’t like them. She’d keep watch until help arrived but they didn’t need to know that. Let them worry about their safety.

  ***

  Grateful for the full moon, Bret and his companions followed the rustled herd at a safe distance. When the cattle were rounded up into a box canyon that included water and grass, the rustlers strung a makeshift fence blocking off the exit. When they’d finished, Sheriff Haney gave the signal.

  Guns drawn, the four of them rode up to the five rustlers.

  Sheriff Haney shouted, “You’re under arrest. Throw down your weapons and raise your hands.”

  Arp drew his revolver but instead of dropping it he aimed at the sheriff. The sheriff shot him in the arm. Arp grabbed his injury and appeared as if he couldn’t believe what had happened.

  The sheriff asked, “Did you think you were bullet proof? Arp—or whatever your real name is—you’re as mortal as the rest of us.”

  Another of the rustlers tried to make a run for freedom and fired as he went. Bret shot him and the man fell from his horse.

  Rifle aimed, Bret rode toward him then slid from his horse. “Get up slowly and don’t reach for your gun.”

  The man stood and blood ran down his sleeve from his wound. He held his hand as if he was going to draw. “I’m not going with no sheriff. He’ll hang me.”

  “You’re late thinking of that.” He motioned with his rifle. “Drop your gun. Toss the knife that’s in your boot onto the ground.”

  The man didn’t move. “I tell you I’d rather die now than be hanged.”

  “Maybe you can trade your testimony for an easier sentence.”

  “I ain’t no rat. Ain’t that what you mean?”

  “Isn’t being a live rat better than being dead?”

  The man’s face contorted as he considered his choices. Finally his shoulders sagged.

  “You win.” He threw down his gun then took the knife from his boot and tossed it to the ground.

  Bret collected the weapons and pulled the rifle from the man’s saddle sheath. “Get on your horse and ride slowly toward the sheriff.”

  Bret climbed on his horse and followed the rustler.

  They rejoined the others. The rustlers were handcuffed and the sheriff was ready to head to town.

  Moose rode by Bret. “Still don’t have Winfield. I sure hope he doesn’t slip through this somehow.”

  Bret looked at his friend. “Man I shot is willing to talk in hopes of saving his neck. If he does, I’d be willing to bet some of the others will, too. Winfield is done for this time.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Bret and the other three set off toward Palo Pinto with the five handcuffed men. When they reached the jail, Bret stayed on his horse. “I’m worried about what Winfield will do now.”

  Moose wiped his face with his handkerchief. “He’s bound to find out soon that Arp and the other four men are in jail.”

  Sheriff Haney herded the criminals into the jail. “You two better go on. Rick and I’ll head that way soon as I get these men locked up.”

  Bret and Moose turned their horses and loped toward the ranch. He worried the entire way and prayed Charlotte and the children were unharmed. He didn’t remember the last time he’d prayed. The Good Lord was probably surprised to hear from him.

  He and Moose slowed their horses as they approached the ranch in case there was a trap waiting for them there. As they walked their horses into the yard, they spotted the two tied men.

&
nbsp; One called, “Help us, you gotta help us. My hand is bleedin’ and hurts like a sonofagun.”

  The second one whined, “You men help us. Careful, that woman and her boy are crazy.”

  The door opened and Charlotte and Davie came onto the porch.

  Bret rushed to her and clasped her shoulders. “Are you and the children all right?”

  She leaned her head against his chest. “Except for the fact I aged ten years tonight I’m fine. Thank heaven Davie is so dependable.”

  Moose stood with his hands on his hips and stared at the scene in the yard. “Can’t help noticin’ there’re two big snake carcasses in the yard and a tow sack. I’m willin’ to bet there’s a connection to those two fellas.”

  Charlotte explained with Davie adding to her story. “They each need a doctor but there was no way we could get them to town.”

  Davie scowled in the men’s direction. “I don’t care if they bleed to death or rot. They deserve it.”

  Charlotte pulled away from Bret and wrapped an arm around Davie’s shoulders. “We can’t sink to their level, Davie. We have to be compassionate.”

  Inside, she wanted to agree with her son. Likely the men would be hanged or at least sent to prison for attempted murder.

  Bret pulled both Charlotte and Davie into his arms. “You two are amazing. The sheriff will be here soon. We caught five of the rustlers but they’ve moved your cattle to Winfield’s ranch. One of the rustlers is willing to talk to save his neck. Now the sheriff will have plenty of evidence to arrest Winfield.”

  “You found all of our cattle?”

  “Not yet, sweetheart, but we know where the last ones rustled are now. You’ll get them back. I hope we locate the others, too.”

  Charlotte took Bret’s hand. “It’s almost daylight. Come into the house and I’ll fix your breakfast.”

  Moose looked at the two hogtied men. “Y’all go ahead. Reckon I’d better watch over those two.”

  Charlotte grabbed his arm. “Not here in the open. You don’t know who’s watching.”

  The four of them went inside. She showed Moose to the chair she’d used in the dark parlor. “With such a full moon you can see the two well enough. I have their weapons but I didn’t check their boots for hideout guns or knives.”