“Checking to see if I told you the truth?”
“I thought you might gloss over the details. Turned out I was right. How’s your arm?”
“Sore. But Doc says it’s healing nicely. It will leave a scar.”
“Another battle wound,” said Jessie quietly. “Ransom said both you and Quint went in after the horses.”
“You wired Ransom, too?” Ty looked at his brother in surprise.
“I did that.” Jessie hugged Ellie to her side. “I figured Quint would be honest about your condition, but he might not quite come clean about his own.”
Quint and Ransom walked up and joined the homecoming. “I told it true,” said Quint, giving his sister a hug.
“Nobody bothered to send a telegram asking about me.” Ransom pretended to be hurt.
“We decided somebody had to be in charge. Since Ty and Quint were busy risking their necks, that most likely was you.”
“We missed all the excitement,” said Brad, walking on the other side of his mother as they strolled toward downtown. “Miss Lydia wouldn’t let us come down here. She made us watch it from the house.”
“Which was very wise.” Camille smiled at him gently. “I bet you could see the flames from the house, couldn’t you?”
“Yes, ma’am. They shot way up in the air.”
“It was scary.” Ellie danced around in front of her parents. “We thought the whole town was going to burn up.”
“For a little while, I thought that, too,” said Ty. “Believe me, honey, you weren’t the only one who was scared. If it hadn’t been for Ransom, Quint and the other men fighting the fire, the whole place might have gone up in smoke.”
Cade sent him a piercing look. “You didn’t lend a hand fighting the blaze?”
“Doc told me not to, didn’t want me aggravating my arm.”
“Or his side or his lungs,” muttered Camille.
“Shh.” Ty lightly nudged her side with his elbow.
“Camille, you might as well tell us the whole of it.” Jessie frowned at her brother-in-law. “Ty won’t.” She turned her annoyed gaze on Quint and Ransom. “I’m not sure about these two, either. I’d rather hear it from you than Mrs. Watson.”
Ty took one look at Camille’s face and didn’t bother to protest. If she didn’t spill the beans now, she would later to Jessie. Women.
“Quint came out of there coughing his head off, and he made it clear quicker than Ty. Besides a burning piece of the roof hitting Ty on the arm, he was slammed against the wall by one of the horses. He didn’t break any ribs, but he has a giant bruise. Not that I’ve seen it, of course. He told me about it. He had breathed in so much smoke that the only way he got out of there was by hanging on to the last horse and letting her blindly drag him out.”
“Blindly?” asked Cade.
“He had to put his coat over her eyes. I’m amazed she knew which way to go. Ransom was heading toward the door to try to rescue him when they appeared.”
Ty didn’t know Ransom had been ready to go in after him. He shot his friend a grateful glance. “Buttercup knew where to go because I was guiding her. I was just too rubbery-legged to walk.”
“Doggone it, little brother,” roared Cade. “I can’t leave you here by yourself for a day without you trying to get yourself killed.”
“Getting killed wasn’t exactly what I had in mind.” Ty grinned at his brother. “Buttercup was too scared to run out on her own. Had to have some persuasion and comfort. I reckon it was fortunate for me that she did. My legs might have given out either way.”
The burned-out livery and other buildings came into view. Jessie gasped and Cade let out a low whistle. “It’s a miracle it didn’t spread farther,” Cade said quietly.
“A miracle and the new water mains we put in last fall. Without that hydrant and the hose from the fire wagon, I hate to think how far it would have spread.”
“It looks better now than it did.” Quint nodded to where the saloon had stood. “Forrester has been hauling away debris for the last two days. He said the insurance man was here this morning. They’ll be sending him his money next week. Is Schroeder going to rebuild, Ty?”
“No. He’s decided to rent a place so he can get his business up and running quicker.” Ty shrugged, looking at Cade. “We now own another lot.”
“You paid him for what he lost in the fire?” asked Cade.
Ty nodded. “He didn’t have any insurance. Once we get the lot cleared, we shouldn’t have a problem selling it. We ordered everything he needed to run his shop through the store, so that cost wholesale. I don’t think it will be too bad.”
They discussed rebuilding the livery for a few minutes while Jessie and Camille kept the kids out of the wreckage. While they were standing there, several people walking by complimented Camille on her article.
“You put that blowhard Miller in his place, Miss Dupree,” said Mrs. Watson, who had ventured down to the depot with Joanna to see who had come in on the train. “I can’t imagine how he thinks he can actually beat Mr. McKinnon. Not after all the good things the mayor has done for our town.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Watson.” Ty moved beside Camille, putting his arm loosely around her waist. He didn’t even think about it until he saw the other lady’s shrewd eyes take note of it. He left his hand resting at Camille’s waist, knowing that if he pulled away, it would only cause more speculation. He turned his attention to Joanna. “How’s Buttercup?”
“Her eyes are still a little red, but she was perkier this morning and eating better. Doctor Thomas has been checking her every day. He says he doesn’t usually treat animals, but he’s sure done right by her. He says she should be right as rain in a week or two.” Tears welled up in the young woman’s eyes. “I can’t thank you enough for rescuing her, Mr. McKinnon. I don’t know what I would have done if she’d died in that fire. I don’t think I could have stood it.”
“She rescued me, too, Miss Joanna. If I hadn’t been able to hold on to her, I might not have made it. She carried me out the door.”
Joanna’s mouth fell open. “So she’s a hero, too?”
“She certainly is. I’m real glad to hear she’s going to heal up. Now, if you folks will excuse us, we need to let Cade and his family get on home.”
“Of course. Jessie, you come by next week for a nice visit and tell me all about your trip to Dallas. I’ll invite some of the other ladies over, so you won’t have to repeat yourself so many times.”
“Thanks. I’ll look forward to it.” Jessie smiled politely until Mrs. Watson turned away. Then she rolled her eyes. “I should have known I’d have to give as much of a report as Cade will.”
“Only about different things.” Cade reached down and picked up Ellie, making her squeal with delight. “Is Miss Lydia cookin’ supper, or do I have to eat another meal in a restaurant?”
“She’s cooking supper. A big pot of red beans and cornbread.” Ellie hugged his neck and planted a noisy kiss on his cheek. “We’d better hurry up ’cause I’m feelin’ mighty hollow.”
“I am, too,” said Cade.
“That’s nothin’ new.” Ty loved ribbing his brother whenever he got the chance. Mainly because Cade teased him just as much. “We’re coming to supper, too, so you can tell us about the convention.”
“And Jessie can tell Lydia, Nola and me about the things that interested her,” said Camille.
“You saying my wife isn’t interested in cattle raising?” Cade grinned at Camille.
“I expect she’s interested, but I doubt she spent all her time in Dallas listening to men talk about cows.”
“You’re right about that.” Somehow Jessie moved over beside Camille, and Ty found himself walking along with his brother, Ransom, Quint and Brad.
“You’ve just been outflanked.” Chuckling, Ransom hit the back brim of Ty’s hat, nudging it forward.
“Careful or I’ll have you fired.” Ty dodged when Ransom reached for his hat again. “You’re full of it today. You bored again?”
>
“Yep. The only fun I’ve had all week was ordering Miller down off that wagon. Here I go hiring me a deputy and all the desperados decide to behave themselves.”
“No doubt we’ll have more business tomorrow.” Quint ruffled Brad’s hair and received a grin from the boy in return. “A few drunks, a few fights. No more fires, I hope.”
Amen to that, thought Ty. “From what I’ve seen, George Hutton seems to be doing a good job as marshal. Is he working all right with you?”
“No complaints here,” said Ransom. “Things have been so quiet, he’s been pretty much occupied with the outhouse patrol.”
“Town smells better, too,” added Quint. He cast a baleful eye toward Ty. “If you’d talked me into that job, I would have shot you by now.”
“Figured as much.” Ty grinned at his friend.
“Ransom needs a woman to keep him hoppin’,” said Cade.
“Now that I have a little free time on occasion, I have more women than I know what to do with. ‘Would you like to come to dinner, Sheriff Starr?’ ‘Here’s a nice cake for you, Sheriff Starr. I made it myself.’ ‘Oh, you lost a button on your shirt. I can sew real good.’ Then there are the more blatant invitations to drop by for the evening, no meal included.”
“Prissy must have set her sights on you.” Ty watched Camille and Jessie laugh at something, though they were too far ahead to hear the men’s conversation. Or if they could hear it, he doubted they were paying attention to it. Judging by some of Jessie’s hand motions, they were probably discussing some of the fancy gowns the women had worn to the ball.
“She tried. But I told her straight out that I wasn’t the least bit interested.”
“Did that stop her?”
Ransom made a face. “Not so far.”
“You’ll have to get serious over someone else, like Ty did,” said Cade. “That’s what got her off his trail.”
“Haven’t found anyone as intriguing as Miss Dupree.”
Ty glanced at him out of the corner of his eye, wondering if there was some hidden meaning in Ransom’s comment. Had his friend been checking up on Camille?
“I don’t think I’ve ever met a woman who writes the way she does,” said Ransom.
“I can’t wait to see this article everyone is talking about.” Cade had a speculative gleam in his eye. “I gather it has something to do with Ty and Miller?”
“As usual, Miller was bad-mouthing Ty, trying to blame him for the fire,” said Ransom.
“How in the world could he blame Ty?”
“It’s a long story, one I expect Ty and Camille will tell you. The short version is that Camille heard the speech and blasted him with both barrels. From what I hear, he’s mad as a rained-on rooster.”
That shifted the discussion to the upcoming election and Miller’s tactics. That topic didn’t last too long since Miller’s ways were all too familiar to them.
“Asa came by the store this afternoon. He’s over at the house now.” Ty stepped around a big hole in the street, mentally making a note to tell the street sweeper to fill it in. “Said we had four new calves this week. All healthy and strong.”
“Looks like I got back home just in time. Longhorn and Hereford mix?”
“Three of them. It appears Hercules is earning his keep. The other one was pure longhorn.”
When they reached Cade and Jessie’s, Asa’s wife Lydia had supper ready and waiting. “I thought you’d like some plain fare tonight. Figured you’ve been eatin’ high on the hog all week.” She set the big pot of pinto beans flavored with salt pork on the table. Two plates of cornbread followed.
“You figured right.” Jessie sat down between her children, holding their hands.
The rest followed suit until there was an unbroken circle around the table, heads lowered, eyes closed while Cade asked the blessing. It was a tradition Jessie had started after she and Cade married. At first, it had troubled Ty because it made him think of Amanda and little William. But he had gradually come to be simply grateful for the family he had left. Now that Camille often was seated beside him, it made the prayer time extra special.
“Heavenly Father, we thank you for this food that Lydia has so kindly prepared. We ask you to bless it to our bodies. Thank you for a good trip to Dallas and back, and for keeping our family safe while we were gone. We especially thank you for protecting Ty and Quint during the fire, and that no one was seriously injured. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
“Amen.” Ty thought the mingling of everyone’s voices as they affirmed the prayer must be music to the Lord. Such a simple word, but it proclaimed the thanks of many hearts.
“Tell us about the convention.” Ty took a piece of cornbread and passed the plate to Camille. Lydia dished up bowls of beans, which were passed to each person at the table. “Any important business decided?”
“The detective service is working out well. They’re covering an area from Chicago and St. Louis west to Dodge City and south to the Gulf. It’s been so successful at recovering stolen cattle and breaking up bands of rustlers that they’re going to extend it. Supposedly, the detectives and inspectors are doing such a good job that rustlers will steal the cattle of ranchers who don’t belong to the association but leave association members’ cattle alone, even if they’re side by side on the range.”
“That seems a stretch.” Quint paused, doing a quick check of the available cornbread and took another piece. “Hard to determine brands in the middle of the night.” He knew what he was talking about. When he had infiltrated the rustlers the year before, he had had to go on raids with them or else they would have shot him as a spy.
“What about the land board’s rent increase on leasing state land? Was the association able to persuade them to come down on the price?”
“No.” Cade buttered a piece of cornbread. “They’re still insisting on eight cents annually per acre of unwatered land and twenty cents an acre for watered land. I don’t think I heard anybody who was willing to pay that, but neither was there a consensus of what was fair. The suggestions ranged from four cents an acre for all land to as much as ten and twelve cents. Some men are threatening to take their herds to New Mexico, Wyoming, Colorado or even old Mexico. Others, particularly C. C. Slaughter, declared that they would fight the land board by every legal means possible. There were some who thought folks should wait awhile and see if it didn’t all work out.”
“That seems a bit simple-minded to me,” said Ty before he took a bite of beans.
“I think it is. But I’m not for moving our herds anywhere else. Reckon we’ll have to wait a while and see if something can be done through the legislature. I’m all for building up the state school fund but driving the ranchers out of the country won’t do that.”
“What about ranches changing hands?” asked Camille. “Mr. Hill said that ranches are often bought and sold at these conventions.”
“I heard of a few. An Englishman, the Earl of Aylesford, bought a ranch twelve miles north of Big Spring. He got title to twelve sections and the lease to twenty-nine sections.”
“How much stock?” asked Ty.
“Sixteen hundred head of cattle. I didn’t hear any number for the horses, but there are bound to be some. He paid seventy-five thousand for it.”
“Sounds like a fair price. We’re getting a passel of Englishmen and Scots in West Texas. Doesn’t bother me, since they like to spend money at the store.”
“There was also a presentation from a company that makes refrigerated rail cars for hauling meat back east. Though that has to be a boon for the meat-packing plant in Fort Worth, I can’t see them ever handling all the cattle Texas has to offer.”
“Jessie, what did you do while Cade was at the meetings?” Lydia poured Asa another cup of coffee.
“Shopped and visited with some of the other ladies. The meetings didn’t take up all the time. One afternoon Cade and I went for a carriage ride around Dallas. Carriages were provided free for anyone who wanted to go. It was quite a p
rocession.” Jessie cut Ellie’s cornbread in half so it was easier for the little girl to eat. “I never saw such a line of buggies and carriages. I heard they used up almost every one that was for hire. Many private ones had been loaned for the drive, too.”
“How was the banquet and ball?” Camille dabbed her mouth with a napkin, making Ty smile inwardly. She even managed that task in a ladylike manner.
“The banquet was elaborate. I’ve never seen anything like it. The room was fifty by two hundred feet, brilliantly lit by electric lights and gas jets. The decorations were amazing. There were great swags of evergreens along the walls and huge wreaths of lovely flowers. There were numerous cattle, deer and antelope horns hung on the walls, with pretty bouquets of flowers in the center of each one. They also had many pictures and paintings on the walls.”
“Don’t forget the cows hanging from the ceiling.” Cade winked at Ty.
“Cows?” Brad’s gaze narrowed. “Are you joshin’ us, Daddy?”
“Not exactly. The cows and steers weren’t real. They were miniature and bronzed.”
“What’s miniature mean?” Ellie swallowed quickly before her mother reminded her not to speak with her mouth full. “And what is bronzed?”
“Miniature means small, something that isn’t life-sized. Bronze is a type of metal.”
“So they had metal cows hanging from the ceiling?” Brad’s spoon was poised halfway to his mouth. “Did they look like the real thing?”
“They had a good resemblance.” Jessie smiled at Cade. “But the decorations I liked the best were a lone star and a good luck horseshoe made out of flowers. They were suspended from the ceiling and were very beautiful. It smelled wonderful, too. In the very center of the room, they had made an enormous five-pointed star out of evergreens. They had six long tables loaded with food. They seated five hundred people at a time. It was all very impressive for this small-town gal.”
“It sounds impressive for anyone,” said Camille. “I never saw anything like that in New Orleans.”
“That’s because Texans always do things bigger and better.” Ty relaxed, enjoying the company of the people he loved. Without a doubt, Camille Dupree was included in that category. Maybe I’ll take her to the convention next year, he mused.
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