"What can we do, Dal?" She asked, her hand reaching the distance to cover his arm.
He glanced at her and smiled. In a steady, low-pitched voice he answered. "If he doesn't stop, we'll have to meet him at the creek, with guns."
"Will it come to that?" Bonnie asked lowering her voice to an almost whisper.
"I hope not. But whatever it takes. Don't you fret now, Bonnie. I'm not gonna kill anyone, unless I have to." Dal insisted sending a silent message with a strong glance.
"Everything was going so well, up until now…" She sighed.
Daniel joined them on the porch.
"What's goin' on?" He stood at the ready.
"Mr. Banister is paying us an unexpected visit." Dal glanced at Daniel.
"Should we get our guns?" Daniel frowned staring out over the horizon and hearing the rumble of the cattle.
"No, not yet. First we try to settle this peacefully. If that don't work, we'll have to take matters into our own hands." Dal muttered, tightening his fists.
"But he ain't got no right. Don't seem right just sittin' here doin' nothing." Daniel flailed his arms out. "Don't you think we ought to take our guns now?"
"Daniel, you never take to the gun first. No matter what else you learn in life, remember that. Never take to your gun first. The first step of a reasonable man is to check with the law. If the law doesn't do anything, at least we can find out what our legal stand can be. We go from there. But you gotta respect the law first. In other words, look before you leap. I don't expect the law to do a thing. This is private property. We do have some legal rights, but there are things we need to take care of quickly so this doesn't get out of hand."
Dal glanced at Daniel making a strong eye contact. "By going to the law first, at least we can say we tried to handle it peaceable. In situations like this, there are steps you have to go through. Other people could get involved fast if we didn't. We got to do this right. We don't want to start a range war over water."
"But…they are on our land…" Daniel turned away from them both.
"I know that. And trespassing is against the law. But we don't have no signs up about it. That's the law too. That's our first step. Making signs that say 'Do not trespass'. We go to the law, when he tries it again, and he will. Then we make a sign if the law doesn't back us up that says, 'trespassers will be shot on site.' We inform the law of it. That's a clear warning. If they don't heed the signs, then we shoot, and we got a right to. However, and mind my words on this Daniel, first we shoot to turn the cattle, not the men. That's giving the enemy the fair chance to do what is right. If they don't heed that, then you shoot to kill. Many range wars have been started by killing first. It never comes out to the good, Daniel. Pride can kill a man. It's your land, and you got the right to defend it, but you have to do things accordingly."
"Pride?" Daniel's eyes widened as he stared at Dal.
"Pride, just like you coming out here hollering they are on your land. Sure they are. That's true. But no matter where you live, or how right you are, there are things you must consider and the law is first. Otherwise, it might be you in jail and not them. Now what pleasure would you have if you gunned Mr. Banister for taking some water, and went to jail for years? None. So always think before you act." Dal said and saw them both staring at him with open mouths.
"But…" Daniel jumped with frustration.
"If that don't work, then we shoot to kill," Dal answered. "But that's the last step. And it could cause a showdown between us and Banister. And believe me, Daniel, we don't want that showdown."
Daniel swallowed hard but nodded as though considering his words.
"They got away with it, this time. They took us by surprise. They will be more confident next time since no one shot at them. But next time we'll have those signs up."
Daniel started to go back inside. His arms moving in a deliberate gesture. "Those signs won't scare them…"
Dal could see Daniel wasn't convinced that not doing anything right now was the right tack to take. But he'd learn.
"No, the signs won't. But it's the law. So we post them. But if they don't heed the signs, that's different. That's when we shoot to turn the cattle away. Not the men, just the cattle. We have to prevent the cattle from coming, not the men."
Daniel seemed to think on that, then nodded. "Let me know…what to do, then."
"Don't worry. If the law doesn't help, we will have our hands full." Dal sighed. "You can bet on that."
Bonnie leaned against the porch railing, her body trembling from all the talk. "Mr. Banister could afford to pay easier than anyone. Why does he do it this way?"
"Because he can. That's all. He's a man of control. He's a man used to pushing his weight around. Rest easy for now. We'll get the signs up tomorrow, and I'll go talk to the Sheriff." He assured her putting his hands on her shoulders.
Bonnie nodded, staring out over the prairie. "Is fifty dollars too much to ask for a year's watering?"
"Mr. Coldwell didn't think so We ain't stealing from them. Even the banker, Mr. Coldwell agreed we were very fair. He said he admired the way we were handling things."
Bonnie's shoulders slumped as she started back inside.
Dal reached for her and pulled her against him. The comfort of his arms was heaven. Some of the tension was gone, as he leaned toward her. "Don't fret Bonnie, we'll take care of this."
"I saw how Mr. Banister did things when he had you drug through the bushes to the creek. He doesn't play fair." Bonnie mumbled against his shoulder.
He pulled her chin up to meet his softened gaze. "It's gonna be fine, don't you worry. We all are."
There standing in the moonlight, staring down into her eyes, Dal bent his head and took the sweet offering of her lips.
Hungry for her kiss, he pulled her up hard against him. "I been wanting to do that all day." He murmured at her ear.
A smile curled her lips, "You're my husband, you got the right to do it anytime you want."
"Then I'll just take one more before we part." He said and this time his kiss was hot and branding. His tongue shot out to lick her lips and she opened her mouth to him. He drank the sweetness in. She melted into his arms. He kissed her long and hard and when he turned her loose, she seemed to tremble.
"Goodnight, Mrs. Odom," He whispered against her ear.
She pulled away far enough to see the sparkle in his eyes.
"Night, Mr. Odom."
Chapter Nine
The next morning, Dal and Daniel got busy making the signs. The kitchen table was the best place, so after breakfast, Bonnie washed the table so they could put their supplies on it.
It didn't take Dal long to realize that Daniel wrote better than he, so he let him make all the signs. It kept him busy and gave Dal more thinking time.
"Where'd you learn to write like that, Daniel?" Dal asked.
"Bonnie learned me. I went to the third grade, but Bonnie took over and taught me stuff. I can read, write, and do my sums. After Ma and Pa had died, I figured Bonnie needed me here, more than in school. But we'd stay up late at night and I learned."
"That's somethin'. I'm glad to hear that. A man should learn all he can about life, and reading is a big part of it." Dal nodded as he watched Daniel make the signs neat and legible. "You're much better at writing than me. Better than most."
"He's right good with his sums." Bonnie served up breakfast.
"I'm going into town to talk to the Sheriff." Dal announced at the breakfast table.
"That's good," Bonnie glanced at him, as she finished setting the food on the table. He hadn't been married a week yet and already there was trouble. Guilt worried her, by marrying Dal she had put him in harm's way too. He'd already had one devastating run in with Banister, he didn't need more.
Thanks to Dal they had bacon and eggs this morning. He'd bought more chickens and traded water rights to another neighbor for a couple of pigs a year.
Daniel raised up from the table where he designed the signs. "Can I c
ome with you?"
Dal glanced at Bonnie, then smiled. "Sure you can. This land is yours too, so you got an interest in it. Besides, you need to learn how to start handling things too. You're almost grown now. You get your own piece of land someday, you'll need to know these things."
His words bolstered Daniel's confidence and Daniel glanced at Dal with a satisfied grin, puffing out his chest. "Thanks…"
"Do you think it's wise, Daniel going along?" Bonnie started to object.
"Sure, he'll be fine, he's becoming a man and this land belongs to him too. He has every right to be there. He needs to be there. Give him some slack Bonnie, he's growin' up too." Dal glanced at Daniel.
Seeing the confidence on Daniel's face was enough to assure her that Dal made the right decision. "Alright. Will any of the ranchers be by today?" Bonnie asked.
"They shouldn't. All that signed up have watered and shouldn't be back for a while. Even so, I think there will be little trouble from any of them. So no worries there. I'm on pretty good terms with most of them."
"I'm glad."
"Another thing I'm going to tackle is teaching you how to shoot." He smiled at her.
"Me?"
"You!"
Daniel smirked at her. "You're growing up too sis!" He laughed.
"Can I come to town with you?" Samuel asked as he finished his meal.
"No, Samuel, you have a more important job." Dal said, then saw the frown on Samuel's face.
"It figures I never get to do anything."
"As the second oldest, it will be your job to see to your brother and sister. You will be the man of the house while we are gone." Dal appointed him. "That's an important job, in case you don't know it."
"Gee, man of the house, huh?" Samuel got up and strutted across the floor.
Becky laughed. "He looks more like a rooster to me."
He kissed Bonnie on the cheek and he and Daniel started out the door.
To further show his trust in Daniel, Dal let him handle the team of horses he had borrowed from a friend.
Daniel puffed up and took the reins eager to show Dal how well he could manage.
When they got to town, it was bustling with people and goings on. Daniel didn't often get to town, so it was a thrill to come to speak to the Sheriff.
They walked into the Sheriff's office to find Sheriff Moore sitting at his desk, cleaning his gun. He glanced at them then kept on with his business. He squinted as he looked into the shell chamber.
Moore was a heavy-set man, with gray hair and a mustache that hung low, around his mouth.
He glanced up from his task, his gray eyes meeting Dal and Daniel with equal curiosity. "Can I hep you?"
Dal motioned for Daniel to take a seat. "I hope so Sheriff."
"What's the problem?" The Sheriff asked laying his gun aside and looking at the two of them.
Daniel pushed back his hat.
"I don't know if you know it, but we are leasing rights for the ranchers in the area to use our creek that comes through our land." Dal began as he put his hands in his pockets and glanced around the room with mild curiosity.
"So?"
"So last night we had an unexpected visit from Mr. Banister and his herd. They hadn't paid the fee, so they were not welcome to the water. But they brought the cows anyway."
"What did you do?"
"Nothing. I realized that I was at fault for not posting trespassing signs around the place. At first I didn't see a need for them, but I was wrong. Daniel here has tended to that for me. I want to tell you that the signs will be enforced. 'Do not trespass or else.'"
The Sheriff studied Dal for a long moment. "Well, that should take care of it, then. But just remember this could get out of hand real easy, and murder is still murder."
Dal's eyes narrowed on the Sheriff. "You aren't going to do anything about it, yourself?"
"Why should I. That should be plain enough." The Sheriff laughed.
"Then if we shoot someone, you aren't gonna come try to arrest me?" Dal asked, tucking his hands around his belt buckle.
"Son, if I came, I wouldn't try. I'd arrest you. But I reckon if you post the signs and they pay no attention, you got your rights since it is your property. Although I would advise not starting no shooting match with the Banister bunch."
"I don't aim to. But I can't charge some and let others feed free. It ain't fair. You could warn him as a disinterested party." Dal suggested, raising his brows and pacing a small space of the office.
"Nobody warns John Banister of nothing. He'd be madder if I did. No….the best thing to do is post your signs. He can read, and that's the only way you have any rights, if you post them. So do it."
Dal stopped pacing and looked at the man. "If he doesn't listen, I’m gonna have to use lead."
The Sheriff nodded. "You gonna go up against Banister?"
"If I have too, yes," Dal answered. "But I'll try a few other things first. I don't want to kill anyone."
Daniel shot to his feet. "He's trespassing ain't that agin the law?"
The Sheriff scratched the back of his head and peered at the boy with an immediate frown. "Boy, don't go looking for trouble. It'll find you soon enough. But I'd say you got the law on your side, unless you go and shoot them in the back or something. Or if you got several witnesses against you that he didn't have a gun or something. In that case I'd have to arrest you. But anyone trespassing and you've got signs up, that gives you the right to run them off your land as you see fit."
"Okay, Sheriff. The signs will go up. And if he doesn't know how to read, I'm sure we can teach him." Dal started to walk out of the office.
"You boys are looking for trouble and Banister deals in lead too. You realize you could start a range war."
"Sheriff do you know how many men, Banister has? And do you know how many I have. That should tell you something. I don't want no war. And fifty dollars for a year's right to water ain't much to expect from anyone. Banister can sure afford it."
"He's a prideful man."
Dal turned to stare at the incompetent Sheriff. "Sure I realize what I'm up against. I've come against him before. But most of the ranchers in the area have signed up for a small fee to use the water, and there has been no trouble. Banister is pushing this, and you know it."
"Banister pushes everyone son. And no doubt someday he'll get his comeuppance. But, I'd be careful if I were you. He doesn't like losing."
"Neither do we!" Daniel puffed up.
They marched out of the office, both of them spitting fire.
"Now what?"
Dal wiped his scowl off his face and grinned. "Let's go get us a milk cow."
"You serious?" Daniel's lips curled into a smile.
"Sure I am. We need some milk. I kinda like gravy and mashed potatoes, and you gotta have milk for that." Dal laughed. "A little butter would be good too."
"It's been a long time since I even tasted butter. But do you mind if I ask, where you getting the money for all this?"
"Well son, when I have money, I indulge in the wickedness of poker. I'm pretty lucky in that regard. I'm also pretty thrifty in my living. I don't often drink , and when I do, it's just one. I don't mess with women of ill repute. Those days are over. I can sleep free on the prairie so I have little expense. I used to punch cows for McDermott and a few others. I saved my money. I spend it when I find something I really want. And right now…that is gravy and mashed potatoes." He laughed.
Daniel snickered.
Mrs. Rogers on the edge of town had a couple of milk cows so they stopped by to talk to her.
"Sure, I got one I will sell you. Fifty dollars!"
"Ain't that kinda high?" Dal glanced at her and winked at Daniel.
"Son, that cow gives regularly. She's one of the best I ever had. Fifty dollars or no deal."
Dal glanced at Daniel. "Forty-five…"he offered.
Mrs. Rogers mouth hung open, but she knew a bargain hunter when she saw one. She sighed and hung her head in defeat. "Don't
you never tell a soul how much I sold her for."
"Not a chance, Mrs. Rogers." Daniel laughed taking the rope and looping it over the biggest, prettiest cow he'd ever seen. "Want me to take the bell off her neck?" Daniel asked.
"No, I reckon the bell can stay. You'll need it as she sometimes likes to roam."
Dal let Daniel lead the cow home and saw the look of pride on his face when the kids came out running.
Bonnie ran too, but she stopped when she realized they had a milk cow.
Her face was shining, her eyes sparkling, and she was speechless.
"I kind of like mashed potatoes and gravy." He smiled at her.
She burst out laughing.
"She's a beauty." Becky came up to pet her. "What's her name?"
Dal turned his head and cast her a smile. "Well now, we didn't get around to naming her. So why don't you…"
"Can I?" Becky asked running up to him
"Sure, why not?"
Daniel nodded with a big grin.
"I like Bessie…" Becky said. "It goes with Bonnie, and Becky."
They all laughed.
"You kids take her to the barn, see she's got feed and water." Dal instructed. "It'll be your duty every day to see to her. You'll want to take extra good care of her as she is gonna provide us with milk and butter for a long time."
They all nodded and laughed with glee.
"Yes sir…" they said, running with her toward the barn.
Bonnie stared at Dal. "So what did the Sheriff say?"
"Not much of anything." Dal shook his head and jumped off his horse to walk beside her. "It's up to us. So the sooner we get these signs up, the better." He told her. "Just between you and me, I knew he wouldn't do anything. But at least he knows what is going on."
"He wouldn't do anything?"
"Nope, said the signs should take care of it." Dal fisted his hands at his side.
"So…we'll put them out." She uttered with determination.
"Yeah…It's a start in the right direction."
Chapter Ten
A scent of pine whiffed the air, as they neared the creek. The rush of the water lulled their senses. A long line of trees painted the skyline along the creek. The rippling of water soothed them as they moved along the creek bed. The grasslands around the area had long since been beaten down by man and beast. Dal felt a peace come over him here. A place where man, beast and nature came together.
Brides of the West-Part One Page 8