by Mike McNeff
Forbes laughed. “Not likely.” His eyes narrowed. “Now, get out.”
Jasper rode Coal at an easy lope for a good four hours occasionally stopping to check his back trail. Although his eyes constantly scanned his surroundings, his thoughts kept going over the night before. He tried to sort out what he witnessed, indeed what he took part in, and his own idea of what constituted fair justice. Jasper knew many people believed his past levies of justice were harsh…even cruel, because he acted swiftly and finally. He rarely took time to hear a man’s story. His thoughts continued without resolution.
He rode up the Seneca River and eased Coal into a thicket of trees. He scanned the area for anything out of place. The river was running fairly strong, its azure waters undulating like a giant serpent. The day had become warm and annoying insects darted around Jasper, but he remained still.
He narrowed his eyes at a shadow behind some tall brush across the river. It appeared to be a horse. Then he saw a man sitting against a tree on the opposite bank near the river’s edge. Jasper pulled out his telescope. The man had a large blotch of blood around his right shoulder. Japer recognized the man as Harry Wells, an off and on outlaw that had ridden in his regiment during the war. A scan of the area didn’t turn up anything else.
Jasper urged Coal out of the trees and eased him into the water. Near the middle of the river the cold water came up over Jasper’s high top moccasins. It felt good against the heat of the day. When they got to the other side Coal climbed the bank and Jasper dismounted. He let Coal stay to drink and walked over to Wells.
Harry’s eyes were closed and Jasper noticed his breathing was labored.
“Harry? It’s Jasper Lee.”
Harry’s eyelids fluttered open. “Well howdy, Jasper. Long time no see.”
“Looks like you lost an argument.”
“Son-of-a-bitch shot me in the back.”
“Who?”
“Dewey Cann, I think.”
“He rides with Bart Moore, don’t he?”
“Yeah, so did I.”
Jasper gave Harry a hard stare.
“C’mon, Jasper. You’ve knowed me long enough to know I might get a little squirrelly sometimes, but I ain’t never killed men in cold blood and I sure as hell ain’t forced myself on no women.”
“Were you the rider that met the gang at Arlington and Tully Valley Road?”
Harry nodded. “Yeah, I got a belly full of whiskey a couple of nights before the boys left Kentville and shot up a saloon. They threw me in the jail for five days. I went lookin’ for the boys after that.”
“You know what they did.”
“Yeah, that crazy idiot Bart Moore and some of the others bragged all about it.”
“Why did you stay with ‘em.”
“Well, Jasper, I was going to leave ‘em but it appears you were the one who shot us all up in Tully Valley. I didn’t know what the hell was goin’ on until Moore told us you were the one. I knew I had nothin’ to fear from you because I didn’t do what they did so I decided to get out of the territory. That’s when Cann shot me.”
“Let me look at that wound.” Jasper unbuttoned Harry’s shirt and carefully inspected the injury. “If I can get you to a healer soon enough you might make it. Can you ride?”
“I don’t know, Jasper.” Harry took a deep breath and looked around him. “I was kinda thinkin’ dyin’ might not be so bad since I ain’t amounted to much my whole life and this place looked as good as any for my bones to rest.”
Jasper put his hand on Harry’s other shoulder. “Harry, you’ve done good things in your life, along with the bad. I know you were a good soldier. Maybe this is what you needed to change yourself around.”
“Well, the closest town is Kentville. I wouldn’t last ten seconds there.”
“I’m not takin’ you to Kentville. I’ll make a poultice for that wound, then I’ll take you to the clan. They’re family to me and they’ll take care of you.”
“I’m not sure I can stay awake for the ride.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll truss you up good and tight.”
Jasper guided Harry’s horse for two hours before he noticed the ropes were beginning to loosen. He dismounted and started working on tightening them. A hawk called out and Jasper looked up to see it circling above. He caught the red tinge along the edge of the hawk’s tail feathers...a red-tailed hawk, his clan namesake. He nodded to the bird and continued tightening the ropes on Harry.
Suddenly wings flapped behind him. He turned to see the hawk sitting on his saddle, gazing at him.
Surprised for a moment, Jasper finally found his tongue. “Afternoon, Hawk.”
The hawk’s gaze was fixed and Jasper found himself gazing back and getting drawn into those dark eyes. He felt, rather than heard a voice.
“I am your spirit guide, but you are a hard one to give counsel to because you do not take the time to listen.”
“I’m sorry, Hawk, I meant no disrespect.”
“I felt no disrespect, but listen now. Follow the trail but know there are strong forces working against you. Be alert and cautious. Do not judge every one by how they look. The outwardly meek often have great strength and courage in their hearts. Trust those with clear eyes and clean tongue. Trust those who love you.”
“Sound words, Hawk. I will keep them in my heart.”
With a flap of great wings, Hawk took to the air.
Jasper stood silently for awhile trying to understand what just happened. Harry’s moan brought Jasper back to the task at hand.
When Jasper arrived at the clan, Rain Water immediately ordered Harry to be brought to the family lodge. Rain Water, a holy woman and a healer, immediately went to work with the help of Black Feather’s wife.
Jasper walked out of the lodge with Black Feather feeling better now that Harry was in good hands.
“Now you must stay for the celebration, Fire Hawk. Father Sun is going for his rest and soon we will light the fires.”
“I’ll stay, my Brother, but I’ll leave before Father Sun rises again.”
Black Feather put a hand on Jasper’s shoulder and smiled.
The sunset set the clouds aglow casting a light show across the blue sky. Claw Of The Eagle and Moon On The Water stood facing Wind Runner and Butterfly Wing.
Each couple wore matching headbands made of the white and black eagle feathers and multi-colored beads. Moon On The Water’s proud face glowed in the sun’s rays. Butterfly Wing’s mouth bore a slight smile as she leaned against Wind Runner, who held her with a protective arm. The women didn’t seem to mind they had no time to make their joining dresses. They both wore necklaces and ankle bracelets made by other women in the clan.
The Chief stepped between the two couples and cleared his throat. “I, Walks With Bears, say it is time for the joining.”
A young girl came forward and handed the chief a decorated leather tie.
He turned to Claw Of The Eagle and Moon On The Water. “We offer this tie and with it the blessings of Father Sun, Mother Earth and the Clan Of The Hawk. By this tying may you be forever joined in life.”
He performed the same ritual with Wind Runner and Butterfly Wing then stepped back into the circle. “May your joining be filled with happiness and bring forth children who will make our clan strong and bring harmony for all.”
Still joined by the ties, the couples walked through the happy people heading for their lodges. They stopped in front of Jasper. The sisters each touched his hands and nodded to him. He nodded back. The people sang and danced well into the night, celebrating the new families and the new way.
The sun had not yet shown when Jasper tied his bedroll and quietly started for the lodge door.
“Jasper,” Harry whispered.
Jasper bent down near him. “Feelin’ better, Harry?”
“A might. I wanted to thank you for bringin’ me here and getting me fixed up.”
“I’m glad I found you.”
“Listen, Jasper. Bart Moore wa
s braggin’ that his uncle was goin’ to take care of their problems, including you. You gotta be careful.”
“I will. Where’s the gang?”
“A day’s ride north of Kentville, where the Seneca and Muddy creek meet. They stay in and around an old cabin.”
“Yeah, I know the area. Thanks, Harry, and you rest up.”
“Good luck, Jasper. I think you’ll need it.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
BART MOORE RODE INTO THE CAMP where the other men waited and jumped off his horse.
“What are you doin’ back here so soon?” Dewey Cann asked.
Moore stomped over to the campfire and kicked dirt into a choking cloud. Then he grabbed the coffee pot and smashed it against a tree. “I’m back because my uncle lets assholes run his ranch!”
“What did they do?”
“What did they do?! They kicked me off the place, that’s what they did! Me! Bart Moore!”
Nobody said anything. Moore stood there with an ugly twist to his mouth, his face flushed and his fists tightly clenched.
“What do you want us to do, Bart?”
“I’ve been thinking about that.” Moore looked at the four remaining members of his gang. “Where’s Harry?”
“He lit a shuck, but he ain’t going far.”
“Whaddya mean?”
“He said he was leavin’ the territory, got on his horse and started riding off. He said some bad things about you and your uncle, so I plugged him in the back.”
“You drop him?”
“No, he still rode off, but he ain’t goin’ far.”
Moore looked at his men for a minute, gauging them against a hatching plan.” All right, gettin’ back to my plans. I don’t know about you guys but I’m tired of living this bullshit life. We do little stuff here and there and we got nothin’ to show for it. It’s time we hit it big so we can enjoy a little of the good life.”
“Sounds good to us, Bart,” Cann said. “What big hit do you have in mind?”
“How does robbin’ the Kentville Bank sound?”
“Now you’re talkin’. There’s big money there for sure.”
“Yeah there is, but we’ll have to be careful because of the guards. I’ve been in the area where the vault is with my uncle. I know how we can do this but everyone has to follow the plan.”
“We’re with ya, Bart.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
STAN BARSTOW SAT IN THE FOYER of the office of the federal judge for the territory. The door to the judge’s office opened and a man motioned for him to enter. The man Stan thought to be the judge rose from a chair behind a large desk.
“Marshal Barstow, welcome.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“I’m Judge Abramson.”
“Nice to meet you, Judge.”
“The gentleman standing next to you is Mr. Robert Rawley.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Rawley.”
“Same here, Marshal.”
Please sit, gentlemen,” the judge said. “How was your trip, Marshal?”
“Pleasurable, sir, on a day like this.”
Both other men nodded in agreement.
The judge leaned forward. “Marshal, I asked you to come for a very important reason. I’m sure you’re aware of the corruption in the government of the territory and the crime that is going on here.”
“I hear things from time to time about the corruption. I’m well aware of the crime problem.”
“Well, it’s been of much concern to me and to Washington. The president received a message from a friend in Kentville who alleges serious crimes on the part of the governor. The United States Attorney General asked me for a recommendation for a man the president could appoint as the US Marshal for the territory. I sent him your name.”
Stan sat stunned for a moment. “Well, I’m honored, sir, but there’s already a US Marshal for the territory.”
“Yes, there is and he is a good man also, but he’s decided to resign and move to Oregon.”
“Okay, why me?”
“You have a reputation of being a fair and tough lawman. I’ve read some of your reports and I’m impressed with your investigative skills. I believe you’re the man for the job. Mr. Rawley is a Deputy Attorney General. He came here to fill you in on your responsibilities and what’s expected of you, if you decide to accept the appointment.”
Stan turned to Rawley. “I’m interested, but I’d like to hear what you have to say before I make up my mind.”
“Smart man. If you decide to take the job, in addition to the normal duties of a US Marshal, we want you investigate and bring down the governor and his cronies.”
“That’s a pretty tall order.”
“We know. We’ll create a special fund to make sure you have the resources necessary to do the job. You’ll be able to hire deputies and pay them a higher rate than deputy marshal’s currently make as long as they’re focused on this matter. We also have resources through the judge here to help you with obtaining any documentation you may need. In other words, we’ll support you any way we can.”
“I really don’t want to stop being the Lowell Town Marshal.”
“You can keep your position as the Lowell Town Marshal, if you like, as long as it doesn’t interfere with your primary mission.”
Stan rose from his seat and walked to a window and studied the outside for a minute, then turned and faced the two officials. “This kind of investigation could put my family in danger.”
Rawley put his hand to his chin. “Hmm, we didn’t think about that.” He was quiet for a few minutes as he thought through the question. “I’ll take care of it. If there’s danger to your family bring them here to Ft. Hurley. We’ll put them under federal protection and the Army will take care of them until I can make arrangements to temporarily move them out of the territory.”
“How much does the job pay?”
“Ninety dollars a month,” Rawley answered.
Stan looked down at his hands for a moment. “All right, I’ll accept the appointment.”
Rawley looked relieved. “Good. The president already took the liberty to submit your name to congress and they approved your appointment.”
The judge came from behind his desk with a bible. “Marshal, please stand and raise your right hand.”
Black Feather rode toward the Lee ranch house. “Hello, the ranch!”
Sean came out with his Winchester, but when he saw Black Feather he set it inside. “Uncle, it’s good to see you!”
Black Feather eased his horse forward and dismounted. The two embraced. “It is good to see you too, Sean.”
Gale came out of the house. Concern etched deep lines across her forehead.
“Hello, sister.” Black Feather came up on the porch and gave her a hug. “Jasper is well. I brought you a letter.”
Gale took the letter and returned Black Feather’s hug. “Please come in and have some coffee.”
“That sounds good.”
After the family was settled around the table, Black Feather related the events since Jasper left to bring justice to those who murdered his pa, brothers and Claire Dolan.
“His task is nearly done. He believes there are only five men left, including the leader, Bart Moore.”
“Has he killed all of them?”
“No, not all. Some will be judged by white man’s justice. We judged others.”
Gale chose not to inquire further into Black Feather’s statement.
A slight smile crossed Black Feather’s face. “Jasper told me all that has happened. He will find the others and do what is right according to natural law.”
Gale put her hand on Black Feather’s, tears welling in her eyes. “You’re a good brother and know my husband well.”
Black Feather rose. “Thank you for the coffee. I must get back to the clan and be ready if Fire Haw...uh, Jasper needs me.”
“It’s all right to use his clan name here, Black Feather,” Gale said. “We’re proud of it.”
> Black Feather stood silent for a moment. “Sister, it is nearing time for Sean to go on his first vision quest.”
Sean stood up. “I’m ready, Uncle!”
Gale looked at her oldest son. “We know you’re ready, Sean, but you’ll have to wait ‘til your father comes back so the work will get done.”
“I know, Ma, but you’ll let me go then?”
“Yes, Sean.”
The boy’s face broke out in a large grin.
Black Feather put his hand on Gale’s shoulder. “It is also time for you, sister.”
She put her hand on his. “Thank you, brother, but I’m not sure Rain Water would approve.”
“She has told me many times she asks the spirits to bring you to us. She would be your guide on your quest.”
“Rain Water would be my guide?”
“She is a holy woman and a healer. She knows your fire and your love for Fire Hawk. She would be honored to be your guide.”
Gale took a deep breath. “I’ll consider it, brother. I’ll consider it.”
Black Feather patted her shoulder, nodded to the children and left.
The kerosene lamp flickered across the paper that Gale unfolded. The children’s soft breathing drifted out from their bedrooms. The rooms Jasper had just finished expanding a few weeks ago. She yearned for him, but the scrap of paper connected her to him for now, so Gale read:
My Love,
As I write this letter a full moon is glowing, our moon. I miss you so terribly and I want this action to be over, but these men must be brought to justice. If I do not do it their deeds will be forgotten and such deeds must never be, but I seem to be getting confused over what is the right thing to do with such men. I saw three of them punished in a horrible way and I was revolted by the spectacle. Part of me thought two of them deserved it, but I did not think the other did because he showed remorse. Is that a reason to let a man live after he’s participated in brutal murders? I am searching for the answer.
It seems when I am away from you I feel like I am drifting without an anchor. You are my anchor and the center of my life.