Ruffcarn thought for a moment. Bankes’ thinly veiled threat had the effect of pouring cold water on his anger. Maybe he was right. “Not now. I’ll wait a couple more days. If I don’t hear something from Austin soon, it still might be necessary, but I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.”
Bankes took off his hat and wiped the sweat from his face with his red bandana. “Have you run all this by Pierce?”
Ruffcarn felt the anger rising again. “Pierce isn’t my keeper. I don’t need his approval.”
Bankes’ mouth spread in a wide, insolent grin as he stood to walk out. “Just asking. He looks to me like the kind who, if he felt he was crossed, could be mighty mean.”
“I can handle him. By the way, if it came to that, do you think you could take him?”
Bankes thought for a moment. “Yeah, I figger I can. It’d be close, but I’m faster than he thinks I am. I could take him. But if that ever comes up, it’s gonna cost you a lot more money.”
“If it ever comes up, the money will be there. Now, why don’t you send some men down to where we’re holding the Nance cattle. Have them change the brands, and we’ll start selling them to the Army. We need to get them sold before they’re found.”
Bankes turned and headed for the door. “Sure thing. I’ll get some men down there today.”
“You can go right in, Senator,” Phillip said.
Senator Edward Hayes eased the door open. “Heard there was going to be a free lunch here today. Couldn’t turn that down.”
Governor Throckmorton looked up from his desk and smiled. He had known Hayes for many years. They had been in the rangers together with Bill Nance. “Get on in here. We might be able to rustle something up that wouldn’t upset your tender stomach.”
The governor stood and walked from behind his desk to meet his friend. The two men shook hands, and the governor guided the senator over to the couch where they both sat down. “Ed, we have a problem.”
“You mean General Sheridan?” Edward Hayes asked.
“Not this time, although I think I’m going to be out of a job pretty soon. I hear, through the grapevine, that General Griffin has put in a request to Sheridan to have me kicked out of office.”
“That’s a shame, James,” Senator Hayes said. “You’ve done a good job here. It’s too bad you can’t get the federals to send more troops to the frontier, instead of them hanging around the towns trying to control politics.”
“You’re right. But that isn’t why I invited you up here today.”
Phillip stuck his head in. “Ready for lunch, Governor?”
“Bring it on in, Phillip.” The two men waited while the lunch was being placed on the coffee table in front of the couch.
“Thank you, Phillip,” Governor Throckmorton said, as Phillip quickly withdrew from the room. “Eat up, Ed. I had that bread pudding made especially for you.”
The two leaders ate their lunch in silence. As Senator Hayes was finishing, he turned to the governor. “Why did you want to see me, James?”
“You remember Bill Nance?”
“Of course I do. He’d be a hard man to forget. He started a ranch out west of Brownwood, didn’t he? The Rocking N, isn’t it?”
“Yes, although it’s North of Brownwood about ten or twelve miles—wild country; Comanche country, actually. But that’s not the point. The point is that someone is trying to void his land grants and take his ranch.”
“Another carpetbagger I presume.”
“I wish it were. You know Senator Wilson from Beaumont?”
“I know that little rat,” Senator Hayes said.
“He’s working on behalf of someone from New Orleans. It seems this person from New Orleans has an interest in Bill’s ranch. I don’t know who the person is, but if we could find out, we could, if necessary, help him change his mind.”
“I’m with you on this. Bill is a good man. I was disappointed that his son went over to the North in the war, but we both know families who were torn apart. Our job, now, is to get past it and rebuild what’s left of this great state. We can’t do it with slimy little senators like Wilson trying to take land from our citizens, especially a man like Bill Nance.”
“I’m glad you feel that way. I’ve summoned Senator Wilson for a meeting early this afternoon. He should be here any minute. I’d like you to be here also.”
“It would be my pleasure. You have my support in whatever pressure you want to bring to bear on him. Why, I just had a thought. I could challenge him to a duel. That’ll scare the daylights out of him.”
Governor Throckmorton threw back his head and roared. “You’re so right. I expect he might soil his britches, right here in the Governor’s Mansion. No, I don’t think that’ll be necessary. But thank’s for the offer.”
Phillip knocked on the door and stuck his head in. “Senator Wilson is here.”
The governor moved back behind his desk. “Thank you, Phillip. You can take the dishes, and then be so kind as to show Senator Wilson in.”
“Yes, sir,” Phillip said. He quickly picked up the dishes and went out the door. Moments later the door opened and a nervous Senator Wilson walked in. Phillip closed the door behind him.
Governor Throckmorton watched the small, thin man standing in his office. He couldn’t be over five feet six inches tall. His pale face was gaunt, with a thin pencil mustache clinging to his upper lip. His eyes blinked continuously, and a surprised look traveled across his face when he saw Senator Hayes sitting on the couch. “Come in, Wilson, and sit down.” The governor indicated a straight-backed chair in front of his desk.
Wilson moved to the chair. “I thought this was a private meeting.”
“You thought wrong,” Governor Throckmorton said. “I invited Senator Hayes here because we both have an interest in what you’re trying to do.”
Wilson’s head turned quickly to Senator Hayes and back to the governor. “What do you refer to Governor?” Wilson asked.
“I refer to your trying to take the ranch of a good friend of mine and Senator Hays. You recognize the name Bill Nance of the Rocking N ranch?”
Wilson took a white handkerchief from his breast pocket and wiped sweat from his upper lip. “I haven’t the slightest idea what you’re talking about.”
“Wilson, don’t add lying to your list of unsavory characteristics. I know all about your attempt to have Bill’s land grants voided. I want it to stop now. Do you understand me?”
Governor Throckmorton watched as Wilson’s face went from white to red. It was obvious the little man was angry. The governor waited for Wilson’s response. He’d known and disliked this man from Beaumont for several years. Wilson had accumulated tremendous acreage around Beaumont during the war. He bought the paper from banks and foreclosed on families when they could no longer pay. The governor knew the only way this man could have been elected to the Texas Senate was political graft.
Finally, Senator Wilson composed himself. “Governor Throckmorton, we’ve never been on the best of terms. I’ve heard that you won’t be in office much longer. I don’t see what you think you can accomplish by attempting to belittle me. I’ve looked into Nance’s land grant for a Jefferson County constituent, and I believe it is illegal. Therefore—”
“Stop right there,” Governor Throckmorton ordered. “You’re not looking into the land grant for a Texan, but for a man from New Orleans. I have two questions for you. Number one, who is the man?” the governor jabbed his right index finger at Wilson. “ And number two; when are you going to stop lying to me?” He could see that Wilson was flustered now and trying to figure out how he knew about Pierce.
“I, I—How do you know about this? Nobody knows except me and. …”
Senator Hayes sat quietly on the couch. Governor Throckmorton continued, “Except you and who?”
Wilson had all but collapsed in the chair. “Governor, I can’t tell you. This man will kill me if I do. I’ve taken money from him, and I no longer have it. He’ll kill me.”
<
br /> Governor Throckmorton turned cold inside. He couldn’t abide liars and cheats. “Wilson, if you don’t tell me, Senator Hayes, who’s also a good friend of Bill Nance, will challenge you to a duel. Senator Hayes has never lost a duel or been wounded in one. What do you think your chances will be with him?”
Wilson glanced at Senator Hayes. Hayes gave him a slight nod and smiled. “Alright, his name is Wesley Pierce. He was a big businessman in New Orleans. I knew him from my visits there. He asked me to help him with these grants, for which he would reimburse me for my expenses. I saw nothing wrong in helping a friend.”
“So, where is this Wesley Pierce now?” the governor asked.
“He’s moved to Camp Wilson and opened a gambling establishment.”
“You mean saloon?”
Wilson pulled his handkerchief from his pocket again and wiped his forehead. “Yes.”
“Why would he move to a new town that’s right up against the Comancheria?” the Governor asked. “That’s dangerous country. There are plenty of business opportunities in safer towns.”
Wilson squirmed in the straight-backed chair. “He promised to cut me in on part of it. …”
“I’m running out of patience, Wilson. Part of what?”
“The gold.”
“Gold?” Governor Throckmorton asked. He turned to Senator Hayes, “Do you know of any gold in that country?”
“Governor there’s certainly no gold in the ground out there. At least no one has found it yet. But I do remember a Yankee column from northern New Mexico. It was just before the war started and they were bringing a gold column through. They were trying to get to Galveston before the war started, so they could use the port. Supposedly, they were attacked by Comanches, and every man was killed except for a sergeant and a private. Those two men finally made it to Austin, but then they disappeared. Everyone took it to be ravings of deserters who had almost died from thirst and starvation.”
“Do you think it’s true?” the governor asked Hayes.
“Not a word of it. If it were, Southern troops or rangers would have found it. I think it was just a couple of deserters trying to talk themselves out of prison. I never believ—”
“Pierce has a map,” Wilson said.
Hayes laughed. “Do you know how many treasure maps are floating around this country?”
“Alright,” the governor said, “at least we know his reason, flimsy as it may be. Wilson, here’s what I want you to do. Resign your seat as Senator—”
“Governor, you can’t make me do that. What will happen to me?”
“Frankly, Mr. Wilson, I couldn’t care less. I’m sure you’ll land on your feet at someone else’s expense. But let me continue. I want you to resign your senate seat, stop your attempt to invalidate Bill Nance’s land grants, and contact this Pierce fellow. Tell him that Bill Nance’s land grants are valid, and you can do nothing else. Your alternative is. …” Governor Throckmorton moved his gaze from Wilson to Senator Hayes, who was still smiling, and back to Wilson. “I’m sure you understand my meaning.”
“Governor, you’re threatening me.”
The governor’s voice had grown hard. “Yes. You’re absolutely right. I need your decision, now.”
Wilson had lost his senate seat, but he still had his wealth. “Alright, but I fear I’m a dead man.”
“I wouldn’t be too concerned about that. Pierce doesn’t know the hombre that he’s tied into. Nance will eat him alive. I don’t think you’re going to need to be concerned about Pierce, at all. Now, Mr. Wilson, I want you out of my office. The sooner you can be out of Austin, the better. Don’t make it more than two days. If you need help with your resignation, I’m sure Senator Hayes will be glad to assist you. Good day.”
Wilson stood. He glanced at Hayes, turned, and walked to the door. He closed the door gently.
Senator Hayes said, “I don’t like that man, but I feel a mite sorry for him. He looked like a whipped dog when he walked out that door. But I don’t think there will be any further problems from him. Bill Nance’s troubles here are over.”
The governor sighed. “I think you’re right. If I have to leave office now, I can feel good about helping an old friend.”
“You going to let him know?”
“I don’t think so. He’s got enough trouble with the Comanches. He doesn’t need to be concerned about something that’s finished. You or I will have a chance, in the future, to share this with him face to face. Thanks for coming in, Ed. I think you being here, and your threat of a duel, swung this for us. I owe you.”
“James, this was for Bill. Glad to do it. But I’d better get myself back to work. Good luck to you.”
Governor Throckmorton rose and, placing his arm around Senator Hayes’s shoulder, walked him to the door. “I just wonder what Bill Nance is up to now. Anyway, good luck to you, Ed.”
Chapter 23
The morning sun turned the western slopes golden and slowly chased the shadows from among the tall trees along the creek. Josh and Pat had finished their breakfast and were preparing to mount up. “How’s your hands feeling?” Pat asked.
Josh had, only moments before, slipped his gloves on. He had taken the bandages off the night before, heated water, and soaked his hands. “Pat, they’re feeling good. That salve Teresa used works wonders. I’ve been exercising my hands, and they’re no longer tight. Couple more days they should be fine.
“This is a nice little dun,” Josh said as he swung into the saddle. “But he’s not Chancy—sure hope he’s alright.”
“You and Chancy have been together for a long time, eh?” Pat asked.
“That’s for sure,” Josh said. “I was a youngster when he was foaled. Why, he was up on his feet before you knew it. He wasn’t bashful at all. He was investigating every corner of that stall. When Pa said I could name him, I figured to call him Chancy, and it stuck.”
“I’ve never seen a horse that likes action as much as he does. He’ll make you a strong herd when you get to Colorado.”
Josh turned the little dun and walked him to the edge of the trees. The two men scoured the surrounding countryside for signs of movement, waited a few moments, and started the horses out onto the prairie. “I think he will, Pat. We get this problem with Ruffcarn and Pierce settled, you and Fianna can take the stage on to California, and Chancy can take me to Colorado.”
They rode at a walk, keeping the dust to a minimum, not wanting to alert anyone to their location. The Ruffcarn ranch wasn’t far ahead, and Josh wanted to look it over. The more he knew about his enemy, the better off he was. He loved being in wild country on a good horse. It breathed life into his soul. He liked West Texas. It had a harsh beauty that appealed to him.
“What do you want to do when we get to Ruffcarn’s ranch?” Pat asked.
“We’ll approach slowly and see if we can find a vantage point. Then, I’d like to just wait and watch for awhile. See what we might learn of their operation. I’ve a feeling this isn’t a very efficient ranching outfit. Seems their main thrust is the gold, with a little rustling on the side. But let’s just check it out, then head on into Camp Wilson.”
Pat had been on patrols throughout the area and knew exactly where the ranch headquarters was located. “I’m thinking we need to move a little more to the east. The ranch sits near a creek that runs north and south, about fifteen miles south of the fort.
The men rode on throughout the morning. The Texas summer heat was again making its presence known. They passed small bunches of cattle scattered on the prairie and back in the brushy ravines. “The ranch house lies just over that wee hill ahead of us. I’m thinking we might circle to the north side. That way, if we need to leave in a hurry, we can head due north to the fort.”
“Lead the way, Pat,” Josh said.
They circled the ranch, keeping the hills between themselves and the ranch. “Interesting,” Josh said. “You’d think we would have at least seen some cowhands working the cattle. They don’t seem to have
much interest in daily ranch work.”
Pat nodded. After arriving on the north side, they still hadn’t seen the ranch or any hands. “It lies just over the rise. We’d be smart to lead our horses until we can crawl up to the edge.”
“Like I said, Pat, lead the way.”
They dismounted and led their horses up the slope of the hill. As they neared the crest, they tied them to a couple of mesquite trees that covered the hillside and pulled their rifles from the scabbards and their binoculars from the saddle bags. Hunched over, the two men made their way near the crest of the hill, then crawled the rest of the distance, careful to stay away from the cactus.
Upon reaching the crest, they could see the ranch house, bunkhouse, and corral clearly. Everything looked in shoddy condition. No cowhands liked to do work that didn’t entail being on a horse, but a good owner or foreman would ensure that necessary work was done to keep the ranch in good shape. It wasn’t being done here.
At that moment, a man walked from the bunkhouse toward the corral. Both men put their binoculars on him. “That’s Bull,” Pat said. “From here, this Spencer could make short work of him; a little turn about.”
“No,” Josh said. “Bull will get the medicine he deserves. Let’s just watch the ranch for a while and head for the fort.”
They continued to watch the ranch for another hour. “Not much going on,” Josh said. “I’d hate to have to defend that ranch. Bullets would go through those walls like they weren’t even there. Anybody inside would be dead or wounded in no time. Reckon Ruffcarn’s not concerned about defense—or he’s not planning on being here for long. Pat, I think we’ve seen enough. Let’s head on to Camp Wilson.”
Pat followed Josh as he slid back down the hill. Once sufficiently below the crest, they stood and dusted themselves off. “I’m for town, Josh,” Pat said. “I’ve built a major thirst, and not for water.”
Josh laughed. “We’ll get that slacked in just a few hours.”
They mounted and turned their horses north. Keeping Coyle Creek to their west and Hubbard Creek to their east, they moved steadily north. They kept a sharp lookout, for this was rough country cut by many ravines, any of which could be hiding Comanches. Coyle Creek gradually turned east. They entered the trees, then found a good crossing and let the horses have a drink in the creek.
Logan's Word: A Logan Family Western - Book 1 (Logan Family Western Series) Page 19