Ranger's Trail

by Darlene Franklin

  “Have you told anyone else about the men you identified? From the hanging last year?”

  A shiver as cold as sleet in wintertime ran down Leta’s back. “No.” That was the source of her biggest fear. What if they knew she knew? What would they do? What would happen to Ricky if something happened to her? To Andy, for that matter? “I’m scared.” Tears trickled from her eyes, in spite of all her resolutions not to cry.

  “Aw, don’t cry.” Buck reached across the space that separated them and put work-roughened hands on her shoulders. Strong, steady hands. Slowly he pulled her head against his chest. She let herself lean into him, releasing the control she had clung to since Derrick had left her alone. The rough wool of his shirt absorbed her tears.

  He preserved her dignity by releasing her when her tears stopped. She drew back, dabbed at her eyes with her apron. “God promises He’s my protector. I keep reminding myself.”

  “With everything that’s happened this past year, any reasonable person might question that statement.” Buck’s mouth twisted. “Not that I don’t believe God. But sometimes what I believe and what I see don’t match up. I figure God will clear it up sooner or later. But as far as being scared—there are three of us at the Ranger camp for now. One of us will be here at night. If we’re called away, we’ll let you know. No one should face this alone.”

  “You can’t protect everyone in Mason County.” Her protest sounded weak to her own ears.

  “No, but you received a specific threat. It’s what I want to do, it’s what Captain Roberts would tell me to do, and most importantly, it’s what God wants from me. So no arguing.”

  “I’m not going to argue with a Texas Ranger.” She smiled weakly. “We’d better get inside before they wonder what’s happened. You do know that I would love to have Stella stay, but I don’t want to put her in danger. I’ve enjoyed having her here, these past couple of days.”

  “Maybe she can come back another time before she goes back home. After things have settled down.”

  “Maybe.” Although she knew that was about as likely as snow falling tonight.

  “It might take less time than as you think. Governor Coke has offered a reward of $300 for anyone who brings in Scott Cooley. Once he’s out of the picture, things might settle down.”

  Leta felt the first ray of hope in a long time.

  Andy was waiting by the corral when they walked out of the barn. “What’s that?” He pointed at Buck.

  Buck hadn’t had an opportunity to put the noose away yet. “Nothing to concern you.”

  Andy frowned, hardening the face of a youth into an angry man. “I’m not stupid. Leta’s been more crackly than leaves in fall all morning. And I thought I heard something last night.” His hand lashed out, and he grabbed the noose. “Where was this?”

  Leta came between them before Buck could raise voice or fist. “I don’t want you involved.”

  “Somebody’s threatening you, and I’m not involved?” Andy’s voice rose.

  “Quiet down before you scare the folks inside.” Buck told him about the decision he had made for the Rangers to keep watch over the ranch. “We’re going after the men who killed your brother-in-law. We won’t stop watching out for you until they’re where they can’t do any more harm.”

  “Let me come with you.” Andy stuck out his chin, every inch of his backbone stiff with determination.

  Buck didn’t have to look at Leta to know her reaction. He fought for words that wouldn’t offend the young man’s pride. During the War Between the States, he made the same arguments to his parents. He understood better than most the need of a boy to prove himself a man, but for the first time he caught a glimpse of his parents’ agony over his constant pleas. Andy had a lifetime to prove his courage. Not at the killing ground that was Mason County.

  The silence lengthened, and Buck realized he had waited too long to answer.

  “If you don’t want my help, I’ll go find someone who does.” Andy turned on his heels and climbed on his horse.

  “Andy, wait.” Leta darted forward. But he spurred the horse to a gallop, and the horse’s hooves hit the ground like bricks.

  “What have I done?” Worry colored Leta’s brown eyes.

  “Give him time. He’ll come home soon.” Buck spoke with a confidence he didn’t feel. “Now let’s go see if Stella is ready to go.” He stopped by Blaze and dropped the noose into his saddlebag. The thing deserved a hot fire, but he didn’t dare get rid of the evidence.

  Leta opened the door to the cabin, and laughter drifted out, a world away from their worry about the noose. Buck paused, shaking off the sour mood from Leta’s revelations.

  Steve was talking, his arms sweeping in wide gestures. “—and that’s how we caught the bank robbers.”

  Ricky clapped, and Stella smiled.

  “Don’t believe a word he says.” Buck crossed the cabin. “It’s nothing more than a tall tale for a campfire on a cold night.”

  Of Stella’s trunk, Buck saw no sign. He’d bet she hadn’t done a thing to get ready. “Stella.”

  She looked at him, the same defiance in her face as he had seen only minutes ago on Andy. “I told you, I want to stay—unless Leta says no.”

  Buck touched Leta’s shoulder to lend her support. “I’m sorry, Stella,” Leta said. “You need to be with your family. You’ll be safer there.”

  She said the words, but the pallor in her face showed what it cost her to do the right thing. How lonely she looked. How determined. No one should be so alone. Buck vowed to spend his days in pursuit of her enemies and his nights guarding her welfare, for as long as it took. He wished he knew how he was going to make that happen.

  Stella looked from him to Leta and back again, disappointment camping on her face. “Can I at least come to see you again?”

  “I’m counting on it.” Leta gave Stella farewell hug. “Enjoy your visit with your family.” Her voice caught, reminding Buck of how small her own family circle was.

  Stella nodded. “I’ll get my bag.”

  Buck took Steve outside and explained in a few terse sentences the situation at the ranch. “I want one of us here at all times. At night for sure, and during the day if we can.”

  Steve nodded. “I’ll stay here now, since you’re going to your uncle’s house.” He grinned. “Although I wouldn’t mind tagging along with your sister. You never said she was a beauty.”

  “Stella?”

  “Do you have another sister around here somewhere?” Steve opened his arms to point to the yard. “Don’t worry, I’m just kidding you. She won’t be interested in a grizzled old ranger like me.” He poked Buck in the arm. “But be prepared. She’s going to have every young lad in the county coming to call.”

  Stella came to a standstill on her way out the door, waiting in the shadows where the men couldn’t see her. Had Steve just called her pretty? Someone whom young men would come a courting? She blushed. She wouldn’t mind if the Ranger showed some interest. He wasn’t too old, not at all, but strong and handsome and brave. Like Buck, only a little younger. She sighed. Not much chance he would show interest in her as long as he was around her brother. She pushed the door open so that it bumped against the cabin wall and the two men looked up.

  “Are you all ready to go?”

  She pointed to the trunk at her feet. “All packed.” Smiling, Steve helped her into the wagon. “Enjoy your visit with your family.” He tipped his hat and took a step back.

  Buck flicked the reins and the wagon moved. As so often in the past, he had withdrawn into himself, not speaking. After a bit, Stella spoke.

  “Now tell me why I can’t stay with Leta.”

  He shrugged. “I promised our parents to take you to the family. It’s the only reason they agreed to the trip.”

  She scoffed. “You were fine with me staying with Leta the first night. Something happened. What?”

  He frowned but didn’t answer.

  She kept an eye on the road, memorizing the l
andmarks. “If you don’t tell me, I might ride back here on my own. I’ll know the way.” She lifted her chin.

  He glanced at her sideways and laughed. “I believe you would.” He pulled on the reins and the wagon came to a stop. She forced herself to sit still, not flinching as he stared at her. “You might be in a position to help.”

  “How?” She leaned forward.

  “This—war—in Mason County is divided down racial lines. A mob of Germans started it, and now Cooley is working to even the odds.”

  She frowned. “But we’re all Americans.” She swallowed the protest. Germans against Anglos. “Is Onkel Georg involved?”

  “Not Onkel Georg. Not as far as I know. But—Henry may be.” Buck stared across the rolling hills. “There’s more. Leta’s concerned somehow.”

  An awful thought occurred to Stella. “Was Henry involved in the death of her husband?”

  Buck’s answered slowly. “Leta identified him. And someone is threatening her. It’s not safe for you there. It’s not safe for her, but I can’t make her leave.” He took a deep breath. “I haven’t told Leta that Henry is my cousin.”

  Stella looked at the bleak expression on her brother’s face. He cared a great deal. “How can I help?”

  He glanced at his hand. “They know I’m a Ranger. They’re careful what they say around me. But they might be less cautious around you. Don’t do anything stupid. Just listen.”

  She considered, and then grinned. “This trip is turning into quite an adventure after all.”

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Dan Hoerster said, “Tom, you tell Scott Cooley that the next time we meet one of us is going to die.”

  Thomas W. Gamel

  The Life of Thomas W. Gamel

  Cresting the rise to Onkel Georg’s farm created a sense of coming home in Buck. The stone walls, well-tended fields, and half-timbered buildings reminded him of Oma and Opa’s farm back in Victoria. In this household, German was spoken more often than English, although his cousins spoke accent-free English. He was worried now about getting Stella involved. She was still so young.

  “We must be close.” She turned this way and that. “I didn’t expect them to be so settled. Ma makes it sound so—primitive.” She gave a small hiccup. “I guess I was expecting something between home and Leta’s cabin.”

  “German settlers are an industrious bunch. One of our strengths.” He grinned. “Give us a year on the land, and it will look more like five.” He glanced behind him. “It’s been hard for Mrs. Denning since her husband’s death. She’s not sure who she can trust.”

  He brought the wagon to a halt, taking in the valley carpeted with every shade of green and dotted with wildflowers. It was a beautiful spot, one of the prettiest in all of Texas. The land was well suited to raise cattle and crops. No wonder his uncle loved it here.

  Hooves pounded behind them, kicking up dust. Stella coughed. A horse burst past them, headed straight for the ranch house. Henry.

  “Where’s the fire?” Stella frowned at the horse. “Is everyone around here that rude?”

  Buck lifted a finger to his lips. His ears strained to hear the inaudible sounds, to separate birdcalls, the rustle of prairie grass, and wind in the trees from other, more dangerous noises. The excited barking of dogs. Answering neighs of horses. Voices speaking in bursts of German. All of it coming from ahead of them. He flicked the reins and urged the horses into a trot.

  To give her credit, Stella didn’t ask any questions, but only held on to her hat as the wagon rattled down the road.

  When they pulled into the yard, Onkel Georg was arguing with Henry while Fred stood by silently. His younger cousin’s eyes darted back and forth between father and brother. Much the same age as Leta’s brother Andy, Fred probably felt the same need to prove himself and protect his family.

  Tante Ertha bustled down the steps and interrupted the argument. “We have company. Can you not set this affair aside long enough to welcome your cousins?”

  Henry tied his horse to the porch rail and walked to the wagon. “I passed you on the road.”

  Buck nodded. “Trouble?”

  Henry frowned, but Tante Ertha interrupted before he could say anything. “Let it be. Your poor cousin has been on the road a long time. She must be tired.”

  As soon as Buck helped Stella from the wagon, Tante Ertha wrapped her in a hug. “It has been too long since we have seen your dear mother and father. How are they?”

  Stella answered in German, the language their aunt had used. Tante Ertha and her mother had become friends shortly after their arrival in Victoria, and then she had married Onkel Georg. “Your mother also sends her greetings. As soon as I am settled, I have some things to give you from her.” Stella pressed her aunt’s hand. “I think both Omas miss their kinder.”

  Tante Ertha dabbed her eyes with the corners of her apron. “You must tell me all that is happening back in Victoria.” She led Stella into the cool interior of the house.

  Instead of following, Buck stayed behind with his cousin. “You looked like a man on the run back there.”

  After Henry studied Buck’s face for a moment, he jerked his head in the direction of the barn. “I’ll tell you about it while we take care of the animals.”

  Buck moved the wagon to a spot in the shade then unhitched the horses. Henry followed them to the water trough. “Who was chasing you?” Buck didn’t lift his head when he asked his question.

  Henry fingered the brim of his hat, glad it hid his expression. “Members of the Cooley gang.”

  “Cooley.” The word came out on Buck’s expelled breath. “You were fortunate to get away.”

  Henry narrowed his eyes, wondering why Buck avoided the obvious question: Why were they after you? Not that he would have given a complete answer.

  “They have their eyes set on a bigger prize—the men involved in Tim Williamson’s death. They might be going after Dan Hoerster next.”

  The horses had slacked their thirst, and Buck led them toward the barn. “Where is Cooley?”

  From any other Ranger, the question would be academic. Buck meant it. But it didn’t matter.

  Henry shook his head. “I ran into them up close to Horseshoe Canyon.” He took a brush and ran it over the flanks of his horse. “I’m lucky they didn’t catch me and string me up. Even if my only crime is my German heritage.”

  “Maybe we can go up there later, see if we can pick up a trail.” Buck filled the hay net for his horses. “Cooley’s been as unpredictable as the first flower of spring.”

  “Bring a posse with you. Don’t forget the man is single-handedly responsible for the deaths of good men around here.”

  “Better if we catch him in the act. If we can find him before he gets to Hoerster.” Fierce determination blazed from Buck’s eyes, the same strength it had taken their parents to cross an ocean and conquer a new world. In his cousin, it was transformed into something different, something very American, very—Texan.

  Buck reached into his saddlebag and pulled out a tiny notebook. “Draw me a map—the location of Hoerster’s ranch. Any hangouts you might know about, places they might plan an ambush. Mark the location where you ran into them.”

  Henry grabbed the notebook from his hands and sketched a readable map of the terrain. “No harm can come to Hoerster. Don’t use him to snare Cooley.”

  Buck didn’t answer right away. Henry must know the Rangers had a bad record in this particular conflict. “I’ll do the best I can. But in return you must promise something.”

  Henry lifted his eyebrows.

  “No harm must come to Leta Denning, her family, or her lands.”

  Henry wondered how much his cousin knew, or guessed. He held his gaze for several moments before nodding.

  How lonely the ranch seemed. Leta didn’t realize how much she missed female companionship until she had it and lost it. Stella had filled the cabin with joy and laughter. Don’t fuss over it, she told herself. Look at all the ways God has blessed y
ou.

  Ricky played in the yard. Leta insisted he stay close to the house for a few days, until the doctor had a chance to look at him again. When she promised he could ride Shadow after dinner, he grabbed his marbles and set up a game in the yard.

  All too soon he would start school, the first step in the process of growing up and away. With Buck and Steve’s dependable help around the ranch, she felt she could relax for short periods. She had decided to stop questioning their presence and instead accept it as a gift from God. After they left, she’d have to hire help to take their place.

  As for Andy—maybe it was time for her to let go. He was young, but like her, he’d had to grow up fast. Sometime soon she’d sit down with him and have a serious conversation. See if she could tease out his dreams. Free him to go someplace far away from the factions splitting Mason County in two.

  “Ma, come play with me.” Ricky waved at her. He had drawn a lopsided circle in the dirt and placed precisely six marbles in the center.

  They played marbles for maybe five minutes before the familiar figure of Buck on Blaze’s back galloped into the yard.

  “I didn’t expect you back so soon.” She stood, brushing the dust from her skirts.

  “Something has come up—I need for Steve to come with me.” He stopped. “I’m so sorry. Maybe Andy can stay closer to the house until Steve can come back.”

  God was her fortress. “He’ll be back tonight. I’ll do as you say.”

  Buck stared at her for a few seconds, and looked like he was debating with himself.

  “We’re going after the thieves. Maybe even some of the German mob.”

  Terror seized her throat, and she couldn’t say any more. “Get that other Ranger—Jim, was that his name? Before you go after them. Where are they hiding?”

  He glanced at the ground. When he looked back up, determination lined his face. “We think they might have holed up in a remote part of Loyal Valley. Near Columbine Canyon. Stay at home until you hear back from me.”