North to the Salt Fork

by Ralph Compton

A rocky outcropping hung over the road, which looked to Jack like a good place to jump someone. He rode back up a canyon and gained the top. Tall grass, pear cactus beds, and yucca ran wild across the flats there. Satisfied that nothing looked out of place, he dropped back to the road. In another mile he found a freestone-bottom creek and they watered the animals in the midday heat.

  Cotton handed out leftover biscuits to everyone and they all squatted in the shade to wash them down with tin cups of fresh water.

  “We getting close?” Jangles asked.

  “Tomorrow we should find his place,” Jack said.

  “Jangles said you-all are rangers?” Shanes asked.

  “We do ranger work,” Jack said.

  “I thought rangers worked all the time,” Shanes said with a frown, and narrowed his eyes in suspicion.

  “In Texas,” Cotton said. “You do what you’ve got to do so folks can live here.”

  “I guess so,” he said, unconvinced.

  “You’ll learn more if you stick with us,” Jack said, motioning that it was time to ride on.

  “Captain Starr, kin I become a ranger someday?”

  “We’ll see. You’ll have to prove yourself first. Let’s move out, boys. Our daylight’s a-burning.”

  They reached Tobin’s ranch the next evening. The layout was what Jack expected, with corrals and buildings made out of lumber rather than adobe. He was impressed with a small irrigation system, which provided water for corn, vegetables and, farther down, green alfalfa. An engineer had laid out the watercourse, which snaked all over to follow a grade.

  A woman in her thirties came out on the veranda as they rode up to the house. She wore an elegant divided riding skirt and matching blouse. She stood like a willow tree in a gentle breeze, delicate and poised, casting an eye over the horses before walking to the gate.

  “May I help you?”

  “You must be Mrs. Tobin.” Jack removed his hat and wiped his sweaty forehead on his sleeve before offering his hand to her. “I’m Captain Jack Starr.”

  “My name is Nilla Tobin. These horses are for sale?”

  “In a manner of speaking. Your husband has already agreed to buy them. We came here for delivery and payment.”

  She shook her head. “He’s my brother. I expect him to return any day, but he’s not here as yet. Manuel will show you where to put the horses. I’ll tell the kitchen servants that we have guests; we’ll eat in an hour in the main hall.”

  Jack nodded to his rangers and they followed her through the yard, entranced by the sway of her hips. There was something special about the woman, a certain quality about her. He never expected to find someone like her in the far reaches of Texas.

  “You have a husband?” he asked.

  She turned and smiled at him. “At the moment, no. Why do you ask?”

  “I simply wondered.”

  “Are you married?” She showed him to the doorway.

  “Yes, with two stepchildren and a ranch in Shedville.”

  “My, my, I was thinking you might be the soldier of fortune I’ve been looking for.”

  Jack blushed, something he rarely did. “Sorry to disappoint you, ma’am.”

  “No need to apologize. So, Captain Starr, what do you do for a living? You obviously spend at least some of your time trading horses.”

  “Cash is short in the ranching business these days, so I try to take whatever comes my way.” He noted the gleam of her tile floors, which looked too clean to walk on. He hung his hat, gun belt and vest on a wall hook beside the door.

  She was standing uncomfortably close to him when he turned to face her.

  At a loss for what to say, he blurted out, “Was your husband killed?”

  “Oh, dear, must we talk about him?” she cooed.

  “I think it’s a safe topic.”

  She laughed, turned on her boot heels and with a flick of her fingers she beckoned him to follow her.

  In the large and spacious dining room, she spoke with a Mexican girl who was setting the table, giving directions and gesturing toward the table, then moved to a cabinet and took out a bottle of whiskey. She poured double shots in two glasses and handed one of the glasses to him. “Here’s to Texas dust.”

  He smiled weakly, wondering where the boys were, and quickly downed his whiskey.

  Nilla took a large swallow, recorked the bottle with the heel of her hand and lifted her half-full glass again. “And here’s to a new Texas.”

  She studied him intently as they clinked their glasses. He felt like he was being examined by her dark eyes like a horse for sale.

  “Why have we never met before?” she asked, leaning forward and running her finger around the rim of her glass. “You hardly look like a sedentary rancher to me.”

  “I have no idea,” Jack said, clearly uncomfortable.

  “I’ve been to Austin for the social season several times.” She sipped her whiskey daintily, all the while never taking her eyes off of him.

  “I’m sorry to say I’ve never been.”

  She raised her eyebrows in surprise. “But you were a captain in the war?”

  “Yes. I was a ranger before that.”

  “And your wife waited for your long-delayed return, I suppose?”

  “No, I came home and found my family had been murdered by the Comanches. I met my wife recently at a dance.”

  Nilla looked amused. “She’s lucky, Captain Starr. Very lucky.”

  “Yes.”

  “I can see you aren’t interested,” she said abruptly. “What a waste.” She drank the rest of the whiskey in one swallow, stood and smoothed her skirts. “I’m always a day late.”

  At that moment, the rangers clambered in for supper, followed by three of Nilla’s ranch hands. The men looked like typical cowboys to Jack—simple, hardworking, good-natured boys. They wore freshly pressed shirts and Jack wondered whether it was expected of them by the lady of the house.

  Nilla proved to be the perfect hostess at the meal and with her looks and charm she held his rangers’ attentions. The food was generously portioned and the men ate with gusto. Shanes was agog at his surroundings, as if he couldn’t believe such luxury existed in the world. The other rangers, while visibly impressed, were too busy flirting with Nilla between bites of tender beef, frijoles and fresh green beans.

  After they finished the meal and thanked the hostess, Jack and his crew retired to the bunkhouse. Monk, who was the segondo, offered them hammocks to sleep in instead, since the bunkhouse was often oppressive during the long, hot nights. They accepted and strung them up in the twilight.

  Jack hoped Tobin would return shortly; his encounter with Nilla made him want to be at home with Lucy. But as soon as his head hit the netting, he fell asleep and all feelings of homesickness were temporarily put to rest.

  Before sunrise he was up and dressed. The light in the kitchen led him to the same Mexican servant from the day before, who was working hard with several other women to prepare breakfast. She quickly served him coffee and he took a stool, observing their tortilla-making process.

  In addition to the tortillas, the women tossed scrambled eggs, fresh tomatoes and spices in a large skillet on the range top.

  “Go ring the bell for the men,” the head cook said to the youngest girl, who rushed out to do her bidding.

  In a short while, through the window Jack saw the crew out back, washing their hands and faces. They marched into the kitchen, exchanging pleasantries with the three women. Nilla did not join them for the meal and Jack wondered where she might be.

  “While we’re waiting for Tobin, why don’t you boys team up with the ranch hands and help them out for the day? That alright, Monk?” Jack asked.

  “Sure. Can we use some of the new horses? Most of the ones left aren’t worth much. The Comanches got all the good ones.”

  “Use them—they’ll be yours soon anyway,” Jack said.

  The ranch hands and rangers left, and he went into the library to examine a few books and
pass the time. He found the selection interesting and was scanning an adventure novel in a corner chair where the light came through the window when Nilla walked in.

  “Ah, you can read,” she said. She was in a flattering blue duster, standing much too close to his boots.

  “I’m looking for pictures,” he said with a smile.

  “You’re a deep person, Captain Starr. I’ve watched you and I think there’s an interesting story behind your one eye,” she said, referring to his black eye patch.

  “I told you I was in the war and rode with the rangers. An eye is a small casualty compared to what others lost.”

  She took a seat on the stuffed leather, hardwood-armed chair beside him. Her legs crossed under her duster, she assumed the look and position of one settling in for a long conversation.

  “Yes, I remember. So, is Kansas the answer to a rancher’s money problems?” she asked.

  “It’s about the only market we have.”

  “I heard that many had to pass the winter with their herds up there. They couldn’t sell them last fall.”

  “I didn’t go this year.”

  “Do you raise horses?”

  “No, ma’am. I was looking for a project to earn enough money to keep the bills paid.”

  She shook her head and tossed her long, light brown hair. “I find myself attracted to you. But obviously you don’t share that attraction.”

  Jack was surprised by her brazenness. “Perhaps another time and place,” he said uncomfortably. “So, Ms. Tobin, when do you expect your brother to come back?”

  She shrugged. “You are, no doubt, ready to ride home?”

  “No doubt.”

  “I can send a man to look for him.”

  “He said that he’d be here waiting for me. If he’s not back here in three days, I’ll have to take my horses and leave.”

  She nodded slowly. “You know he needs them.”

  “I can sell them in Fort Worth. If he’s stalling me, thinking that I’ll take less or let him have them on the credit, he’s barking up the wrong tree.”

  “Plain enough,” she said. “Pardon me, but I have something to attend to in the kitchen.” She gave him a flirtatious smile and left.

  Obviously she wasn’t going to offer to pay for them. It became clear to Jack that Tobin didn’t have the money for the horses and was off somewhere trying to raise it. But Jack had already made up his mind. He would leave in three days’ time, with or without the money. With the faint scent of her perfume in his nostrils, he turned back to the book. He’d have to warn the rangers. This deal wasn’t over.

  Chapter 18

  Tobin and Martin arrived at the ranch the next evening. Jack stood on the porch in the twilight and watched the Mexican handyman lead their spent horses to the barn.

  The rancher glanced up at Jack when he started through the yard gate. Tired, he strode up the path to the house, kissed his sister on the cheek and shook Jack’s hand. “My apologies, sir. Money is very short in Texas’ banks. However, I have the sum you requested. I’m sorry it took so long.”

  “I’m glad to hear it,” Jack said.

  “Both of you can come inside and talk,” Nilla said. “You too, Martin. I’m certain Ira would like a drink. You as well, Captain Starr?”

  He nodded and the men followed her inside. Tobin looked exhausted as he collapsed in a leather-cushioned chair. Nilla moved around, pouring and serving drinks to the men.

  Tobin handed him an envelope. “Here’s the money.”

  Jack accepted it and opened the flap. He counted the money on the table in front of Tobin, and when he was finished he nodded. “Thank you. I appreciate your sister’s hospitality and in the morning we’ll head for home. Your men have been riding the horses and are satisfied with them.”

  “His men have been riding each day and helping our men with the daily ranching work,” Nilla said.

  “Thanks,” Tobin said, too tired to muster up much appreciation for the favor. His eyes looked nearly blank as he held his glass.

  “Your supper is ready, Mr. Tobin,” a young Mexican girl announced.

  “Very good, Consuela,” Nilla said.

  Jack quickly pardoned himself, eager to inform his rangers that they’d be on their way back home come dawn.

  When he met them at the back door he smiled. “The horses are sold. We go home tomorrow.”

  “That’s great news!” Jangles said with enthusiasm. “If we hurry we can make the Saturday-night dance.” The others nodded their heads eagerly.

  After a restless night in which he looked forward to reuniting with Lucy, Jack and his crew woke in the predawn, thanked Nilla and Tobin and readied their horses for the journey home.

  “Captain,” Nilla called out in a husky voice. “I’ll be here or in Austin should you ever . . .” Her voice trailed off as her brother stared at her curiously.

  Jack nodded, still a little embarrassed by the woman’s openness. Once in the saddle he joined the wagon boys and the other rangers. With a wave they left the ranch. Jack watched Nilla grow smaller in the distance, and though she made a lovely picture in his mind he wanted no part of her. The only woman who would ever mean anything to him, and to whom he would always remain faithful, was Lucy.

  After two days of hard pushing they trotted up the dark, dusty, rutted road toward the schoolhouse. Weary and exhausted, Jack’s thoughts were on the platters of food and icy-cold lemonade awaiting them. It made Jack think about the first time he met his wife, and he smiled.

  The lights of the schoolhouse soon appeared and the rangers let out a whoop. Even Mac seemed more spirited as they turned in the lane and saw the parked wagons, rigs and people socializing on their way inside. He leapt down from the saddle and was immediately greeted by the now-familiar townsfolk. He spoke to a pregnant woman with a crying baby in her arms, offering to take the hot platter of food she had brought inside.

  Jangles took Mac’s reins and Jack handed his gun and holster to him to slip into his saddlebag. With a tip of his hat to the mother, he headed for the open double doors. He stopped on the threshold to let his eye adjust to the lights.

  “It’s Captain Starr!” someone shouted, and all heads swiveled toward the door. Gathering her dress in her hand, Lucy quickly rounded the food table and rushed to him.

  “How wonderful to see you!” she said, peppering him with kisses. “You’re back much earlier than expected. Did everything go smoothly?”

  He told her about their good fortune in finding a horse buyer long before they had reached Fort Worth, and she beamed with pleasure.

  “I’m so glad to hear it,” she said, giving his hand a good squeeze. Then she motioned with her head toward something behind her. “Look who’s finally walking.” Jack peered over her shoulder and saw Luke making his way toward them without his crutches.

  Jack shook his hand and smiled broadly. “Well, don’t you look great? Nice to see you workin’ both your legs now.” Jack filled Luke in on the events of their trip, but it wasn’t long before Tally rushed in to hug him.

  “You made fast work of those horses. Are all the rangers here too?” she asked.

  “They’re puttin’ up the horses. We added another to our crew while we were away. His name’s Shanes—you’ll meet him soon enough.”

  Lucy tried to maneuver him toward the food table, but he insisted on waiting for his men. Jangles soon appeared and waved to them.

  “Slight misunderstanding. But we settled it.”

  Jack was curious, but he figured he’d ask once Lucy was out of earshot. As the others trooped in, Jack didn’t notice anything amiss, but as they went to the end of the food line he nudged Cotton.

  “What happened out there?”

  Cotton made a sour face. “Some guy made a remark about the rangers.”

  “Oh yeah? What’d he say?”

  “Not worth repeatin’, but he’ll think a long time before he says anything again.”

  “Who was it?” Lucy asked quietly, coming up
behind them.

  Jack picked up a piece of golden fried chicken and spooned some squash and sweet peppers on to his plate. “Don’t worry; they settled it.”

  Lucy took the hint and they chatted about Shanes and how Jack had discovered him trying to steal one of the horses. She shook her head in horror when he told her about his family and she vowed to send another bag of frijoles to them as soon as possible.

  She led him to a corner bench and he sat down beside Sister, whom he hadn’t seen since their wedding.

  “How have you been?” he asked.

  “Well, I can see you didn’t bring a man back for me, but I guess I’ll live.” She laughed aloud.

  “I had one picked out,” he said, taking a bite of chicken, “but he wasn’t good enough for you so I had to cut him.” Sister and Lucy laughed heartily, and Jack winked at them as he took a bit of sweet peppers.

  “Sister will need some help this fall catching calves that got by the spring roundup,” Lucy said.

  “Luke, Shanes and I would be happy to help. I ain’t set on going after more wild horses for a long while. Figure we’ve caught all the easy ones.”

  “Will you talk to the ranchers about doing a cattle drive next year, then?” Lucy asked.

  Sister paused and looked at him with serious brown eyes. “We need a real trail boss—badly.”

  Jack thought long and hard for a moment. “Well, I guess I can’t say no to my favorite lady and her best friend. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to talk to my men about it, but just remember that I can’t work any miracles around here.”

  “Can we call for a meeting at our place tomorrow afternoon?” Lucy asked.

  “I’ll come over early and help you fix the food,” Sister said. “I’ll bring Margaret Israel and Red’s new wife to help.”

  Lucy frowned in disapproval.

  “Go ahead and say what you’re thinking,” Jack said under his breath, between bites of food.

  “I think she came from a house of ill repute,” she said with a little huff.

  “Give her the benefit of the doubt. She may have had a tougher life than you two,” Jack said.