by Karen Baney
“Boss,” Ben greeted as Will stepped on to the ranch house porch the next morning. “We have some trouble.”
With the deadline just over a week away, trouble was not something Will had time to deal with. He raised his hand to the back of his neck, trying to rub some of the growing tension away. Resisting the urge to grit his teeth, he asked, “What now?”
“Seems some of the cattle are missing,” Ben replied.
He groaned, dropping his hand back to his side. “How many?”
“At least a hundred head.”
Will sighed. How could he keep from losing cattle to Reuben—for he was sure that is where the missing cattle would be found—and keep up with all he had to do to prepare for the move?
“See if you can discreetly get them back,” Will stated. “Then find some way to mark them so we don’t have this issue for the next week and a half. Try to keep Reuben out of it, if possible.”
Ben asked, “You thinking we should rebrand ‘em?”
“No. We don’t have time for that,” Will failed to keep the frustration from his voice. “Talk it over with Pace and see if you can’t come up with something temporary.”
Ben nodded. Mounting Sheila, he pointed her towards the herd at a trot.
Will stood still for a moment, wishing again for more time. How could he pull everything together in such a short time? The impossibility of the task nipped at his confidence.
Pulling himself from the emerging hopelessness, he headed to the stable and geared up Jackson. He had to stay focused on the long list of things needing accomplished and not give in to worry and fear. Leading his horse from the stable, he met up with Pedro, one of his men, for the ride to town. Each hoof beat brought him one step closer to crossing a few of those items from his list.
Once at the livery, Will helped Pedro harness the oxen he purchased to the supply wagon. Then they rigged the chuck wagon behind it. Bringing up the rear was Pedro’s horse tethered to the chuck wagon. Pedro drove the double wagon to the store, then helped Will load the supplies he bought the day before.
Heaving crate after crate into the wagons was a tiresome job with only the two of them. Unfortunately, Will could spare no more than one man from watching his herd—and he could not really spare the one. He desperately needed more than the five hands; otherwise this move would not happen. He still had roughly ten days, which seemed to be ticking by swiftly.
Having managed the cattle drives for the past eight years, Will knew how to plan for the drive. However, this was more than a routine drive to market. This was a permanent move to a relatively unpopulated territory, bringing with it a myriad of unknowns. He knew supplies would be hard to come by once they arrived, so he had to account for that.
He never traveled on the western trails, so water availability might be a problem. While he could carry enough for the men in the wagons, he would never have enough room for water for the stock. The letters to his father mentioned several watering areas between Santa Fe and his final destination. But, he had no information about what the conditions would be like between here and Santa Fe. What if there was no water? The season had been unusually dry. Could the Canadian River be dry in some areas further west? How far did the Canadian flow? This whole situation was madness.
Grunting under the weight of the last crate, Will dropped it into the supply wagon. He just needed to keep moving forward. Please, God, help me get this all done.
As Pedro pointed the loaded wagons back towards the ranch, Will mounted Jackson and directed him towards the Larson’s ranch. Horses were the next obstacle and hopefully George Larson would be able to supply what he needed. Larson Ranch maintained a well-deserved reputation for breeding the highest quality horses in north Texas—perhaps even the entire state.
Reining in Jackson by the stables, Will was greeted by his sister’s friend Caroline, the oldest of the Larson girls.
“Will, what brings you our way?” the young blonde asked, setting a full basket of eggs on the ground near her feet.
“I came to speak with George about purchasing some horses,” Will replied. “Is he around?”
Caroline nodded towards the stables, “He’s is in the back.” She paused, before asking, “How is Julia?”
“As well as can be expected. You should come for dinner after church on Sunday. I know she would welcome your company,” Will suggested.
Caroline smiled with excitement. “Please tell her I plan to do just that. Wait here while I fetch Papa.”
Seconds later, George Larson emerged from the stables trailed by his daughter. Caroline stooped down to pick up the basket of eggs. Waving at Will, she turned towards the house.
George Larson held out his hand in greeting. “Caroline said you are looking for more horses. I say that surprised me, given the number the Star C purchased just a few months ago. How many are you looking for?”
Will shook the offered hand then explained his situation and the planned move to the Arizona Territory. He finished by saying, “Since Reuben inherited the ranch, he has been throwing around his authority. I have just over ten days left before he wants me off the land.”
George’s expression grew grim. Having been close friends with Edward Colter for many years, he was no doubt troubled by Will’s news.
Will continued, “I need an additional twenty horses for the drive.” At least that is how many he would need if he could hire all of the necessary men. The pressure of the clock pushed heavier on his mind, ramping up his anxiety.
“I’m sorry, Will, but I don’t have that many,” George replied. “Best I can do is five. The others we have in training right now have been paid for by other ranchers.”
Will’s shoulders slumped at the news. Five was a quarter of what he needed. Forlorn, Will asked, “Is there any chance we could work out something with the other ranchers? If they don’t need the horses right away, might they be willing to wait?”
George thought for a moment. “Well, I might be able to get you one or two more if Wilson agrees to wait. But, I can’t promise anything. You know how much our horses are in demand, especially this time of year.”
Growing hopeful that the old rancher, Wilson, could be persuaded to wait, Will asked, “Do you think you could let me know by Sunday?”
“Sure. I’ll talk with Wilson tomorrow. Then we’ll let you know in church.”
Will thanked George for his compromise before taking his leave. Five to seven horses was not what he hoped for. He would have to settle for lesser quality animals from the livery for the remaining number, if he could even secure that many. And those horses would not be accustomed to the cattle, which could pose a risk for his men—not that he enough men yet.
Pulling Jackson to a stop outside the corral, Will frowned. Bates, the man he hired yesterday was just now saddling his horse. He should have been out with the herd hours ago.
“Bates,” he called the cowboy to him. “Why aren’t you out with the herd?”
The young man looked down, not meeting Will’s gaze. “I was. But…um...Mr. Reuben called me up to the house.”
“For what?” Will growled, suspecting he would not like the cowboy’s answer.
“Mr. Reuben…offered me a bigger lay if I hired on with him for the drive to market,” Bates replied before nudging his horse towards Reuben’s herd, not giving Will a chance to argue.
Clenching his fist tightly, Will envisioned punching his brother in the face. Reuben’s treachery knew no limits. Stealing his cattle. Hiring men out from under him with the promise of more money. Kicking him out with only two weeks’ notice. What next? Would he set fire to Will’s new wagon and supplies? Would he make him sleep in the barn for the next ten days? Why did he insist on making this more difficult than it already was?
Tying Jackson at the hitching post, Will stormed into the ranch house and directly into Reuben’s office. He had to put a stop to this. Now.
Reuben jumped as Will flung the door open so hard it slammed against the wall.
Not attempting to hide his irritation, Will demanded, “We need to talk.”
“Certainly, brother,” Reuben said in a patronizing tone. “Have a seat.”
Will stood, arms crossed, behind the chair. “What are you trying to prove, Reuben?”
Eyes wide with feigned innocence, Reuben replied, “I have no idea what you are talking about, William. Perhaps you would care to explain?”
“I am talking about the cattle. I am talking about hiring men that I have already contracted. I am talking about your divisive tactics to sabotage me!” Will glared at his brother, resisting the urge to connect his fist with his brother’s jaw.
“William, what a wild imagination you have,” Reuben said as he propped his elbows on his large walnut desk, tenting his fingers. “You and I have already divided the herd. If you are having a difficult time managing your half, that is not my concern. As far as hiring your men away, I have some vacancies left from the men you have hired away from me. It is not my problem if you refuse to offer a fair wage.”
Will’s nostrils flared as he took in a deep breath. Of course Reuben twisted this all around on him. He expected nothing less. Seeing no peaceful resolution to their conflict, Will turned on his heel.
Pausing in the doorway, he muttered, “If you stopped interfering, I would be out of your way sooner.”
His brother’s laughter echoed down the hall behind him. “Ten days, William, that’s all you have left!”
Chapter 5
Texas / New Mexico Border
September 14, 1863
The dust kicked up by the slowly moving cattle stuck to Will’s already coated face. Three days into the drive and he longed for the cleanliness of home already. But, he had no home. Not yet. Two months of travel, based on his best guess, stood between him and someplace that would not feel like home, but must become home.
Miraculously, by the end of Reuben’s two week deadline, Will was prepared enough to leave the Star C behind. He hired eight men, a wrangler, and a cook. Less than the ideal number, but enough.
Will snorted as his dark eyes darted across the horizon over the backs of longhorns munching on grass, oblivious to the long journey barely underway. Less than ideal could describe just about every aspect of preparing for this drive. Not the preferred number or quality of horses. Not the perfect amount of supplies. Not well informed about the route. Not well prepared for the unexpected. Not the most experienced men.
Eight men, a wrangler, and a cook. And him. The small number of men for this size of herd meant everyone would be working extra hard. Other than his long time friend, Ben Shepherd, the crew was composed of some very young men, some very rough men, and some very inexperienced men.
The warm sun beat down on Will causing sweat to form beads on his brow. Dabbing his forehead with his handkerchief, he tried not to dwell on the overwhelming challenges before him. Whether he wanted it or not, he was now a full-fledged rancher—responsible for the lives of his hands and his stock. He had done this many times before, but always under the security of his father’s guidance. It was a burden shared among the three Colter men. Now, this was his to bear alone.
Not alone. The small quiet voice reminded him. He was never alone. He knew that promise well. God just seemed a bit distant right now.
Sweeping his gaze over the herd and cowboys, Will’s eyes rested on the youngest hand, Jed Campbell. So very young. Just barely sixteen, hardly old enough for such a long drive across miles of wilderness. Jed hadn’t even matured to the point of growing facial hair, Will thought as his lip turned up in a half smile.
Yet, when Jed showed up at the Star C asking for work four days before the departure, Will found it difficult to turn the young man away. He had been swayed by Jed’s story. Two years prior, he had been orphaned when his family was killed by raiding Indians. At the much-too-young age of fourteen, Jed began working on a ranch in south Texas, learning the skills necessary to ride tall in his saddle as a cowboy. When he heard of a rancher planning to head west, he made his way to north Texas to join Will’s group.
Jed stood half a foot shorter than Will. His arms seemed so much thinner and weaker than the cowboys Will worked with for many years. At first, Will thought the skinny kid might not be strong enough to rope a cow to the ground. After putting Jed through several tests, he realized he was stronger than he first appeared. He had potential and would make a good flank rider in the middle of the herd, paired with Elijah Malone, one of the more experienced men from the Star C.
“Shouldn’t you be sleeping?” Ben’s voice invaded Will’s thoughts. “You’re not on for a few hours yet.”
Will grunted. He always needed a few days to get used to the odd hours of the cattle drive. Moving the cattle by night provided better conditions for grazing by day. The entire crew moved alongside the cattle from eight at night until six in the morning, traveling in the cooler dark of night. The first shift was on from six to one, while the second shift slept. Then, at one in the afternoon, the second shift took over until the first crew joined them at eight. The schedule, while best for the cattle, meant that the men had to sleep in full sunlight.
“How’s he doing?” Will asked, nodding toward Jed.
“Good. A little nervous, but he’s settlin’ in.”
Will followed Ben’s gaze towards Miguel Ramirez, the only cowboy to respond to the advertisement at the store. Though he spoke limited English, he seemed to be rather experienced. He handled the drag position at the back of the herd well, effortlessly rounding up strays.
A wordless nod and half smile from Ben confirmed he was pleased with the Mexican’s work.
The other member of the first shift, Pedro Morales, manned the out-riding position, keeping an eye out for trouble by riding far ahead of the herd. Coming from the Star C, Pedro was one of his most dependable and experienced men. Pedro first hired on with Will three years ago. Though of Mexican descent, he spoke English well. He came from another ranch in eastern Texas that went under. He made his way west from ranch to ranch looking to hire on. When Will met him, he eagerly offered Pedro a job, pleased with his experience. Will was grateful Pedro remained loyal, choosing to head west with him instead of staying at the Star C.
“Go get some shut eye,” Ben said, resuming his position at point, which normally required two men. Will couldn’t spare a second man in the position, being as short-handed as he was. “And encourage those young pups on second shift to do the same.”
Will nodded, feeling some of the weariness seeping into his bones. Two of his new men, Daniel Owens and Samuel Whitten, sat at a makeshift table playing a round of poker. The two seemed more interested in cards than sleep, until it came to the late night hours. He caught Owens dozing in his saddle last night—a dangerous mistake. If he slipped from his horse, he could be crushed under the steady movements of the herd—dead long before anyone realized he was missing.
An image of his father’s bruised, limp body flashed before his eyes. As much as he wanted to explain the image in detail to Owens to stress the importance of remaining alert at night, he hadn’t. He didn’t trust himself to keep the hitch from his voice, as the memory was still too raw.
“We’ve got four hours before we’re on,” Will said, pulling his horse to a stop in front of Owens and Whitten. “I want you two alert this afternoon and on through the night.”
Red crept up Owen’s neck to his face as he threw his cards down. Whitten grumbled something under his breath, setting Will on edge. Neither man earned his complete trust yet.
“Care to repeat that?” Will challenged the nineteen year old pup, trying to solidify his authority.
Pursing his lips tightly, Whitten gathered the cards and walked toward his saddle and bed roll with no further protests.
Will’s concern about Owens and Whitten grew the longer they were on the trail. He knew so little about the two men. When they showed up just days before Will had to leave, he hired them out of desperation. They came together, saying they had worked on
a ranch elsewhere. Their story was vague and Will had neither the time nor sufficient information to verify where they came from or their references. Both reeked of alcohol and smoke, causing Will to suspect they came straight from the saloon. Nothing about the pair made him comfortable. Something seemed out of place. He only hoped it had not been a mistake to hire them.
The fourth member of the second shift, Jethro Pace, already stretched out on his bedroll with no prompting from Will. Soft snores confirmed he slept. At least Will didn’t have to worry about Pace, as he proved himself capable and trustworthy years ago at the Star C.
Sliding down from his mount, Will handed the reins to Matthew Covington, the new wrangler, as he removed his saddle. Covington was definitely younger than most of the cowboys in the crew. While he looked like he was fourteen, he was really seventeen—Will had asked just to be sure. The wrangling job would whip him into shape and bulk up his frame in short order. Working with the horses was a much tougher job than most young men realized, until they spent day after day on the trail. The cowboys rotated through two or three horses in one day. It would be Convington’s job to feed, groom, water, and see to the horses’ medical needs.
Dropping his saddle to the ground, Will shook out his bed roll. Easing to the ground, he settled his hat over his eyes. Noisy clanging of pots and pans from the chuck wagon chaffed his nerves and kept sleep way.
The cook, Daniel Raulings, was a character. He insisted on being called “Snake” because if you got on his wrong side, that’s what he served you for dinner. Despite his cantankerous nature, he came highly recommended from a neighboring ranch. Snake was close to Will’s age, maybe a year or two younger. His lanky form was no hindrance to driving the chuck wagon. So far, the men had been very pleased with his cooking abilities, even if the process of cooking seemed rather loud.