by Jim Cox
“What’ll we get for ’em this year?” Jake asked to no one in particular, but all eyes turned to Thomas.
“I’ve heard cattle numbers are down considerably because of the drought in Texas, which should improve the price. I’d estimate we’ll get over twenty dollars this year.” They all looked stunned. As the cattle drive talk died down, the Double D men started telling Tony the basic procedures that were followed during roundups and drives. It sounded exciting to Tony, but little did he know of the backbreaking work it entailed.
The weekend passed rather quickly and because Liz needed to be home by Monday for school, the couple left shortly after noon on Sunday. The weather had cleared, but the snow had accumulated to fifteen inches, which prevented Liz from driving her buggy. Instead, she left it at the ranch and rode horseback. Her husband broke the trail on his mule.
Chapter Eleven
The winter months passed slowly but pleasantly for Scar. However, he felt as if his life was at a standstill. Most days were spent drinking coffee at Jenny’s Place or with his old friend, Eli. Some days he did both. Liz stayed busy with her teaching and spent time with Rebecca, who quite often dropped by after school. Jake was coming to town nearly every weekend, if the snow allowed, to court Rebecca, and the two of them often joined Liz and Scar for an evening of fun on Saturdays.
It was mid-March and only a month away from the start of the Double D’s roundup when a telegraph agent knocked on Scar’s front door with a wire from the governor. Scar thanked the agent and started to open the envelope but decided to wait until Liz got home.
“Hello, honey. What are you doing home?” she said as she came in the door. Scar was often gone when she arrived from school. He purposely stayed away for an hour or two while she did her lesson planning and graded papers.
Scar reached for the envelope on the mantle. When Liz saw the brown envelope, she knew immediately who it was from, and without a word, she turned for the bedroom. When she came back, she had changed clothes, and her eyes were red. “Where’s the governor sending you this time?” she asked.
“I don’t know, Liz. I was waiting for you before I opened the envelope. Why don’t we sit down?” He pulled out two chairs side by side. Slowly, he tore open the envelope and held the telegram where they could read it simultaneously.
March 16, 1877
To: Bart Carter
From. Governor John Long Routt
When the weather breaks, come to my office in Denver. I have some exciting new plans for you. Wire me when you leave Flat Peaks.
“I wonder what this is all about,” Liz said, as she fetched the coffee pot and filled cups.
“No telling. You never know what the governor has up his sleeve.”
The two sat in silence for the next few minutes. Thoughts raced through their minds. Would the new work be dangerous? Would he have to spend time away from home? Would they have to move? Scar noticed Liz’s drooping shoulders and her downcast eyes. He reached for her hand. “Don’t worry, Liz. The new assignment may be better than the job I have now. We need to be patient and see what the governor has in mind. We don’t have to accept something we don’t like.”
Liz sat in deep thought for a full minute before she spoke. “I hate the job you have now. It’s dangerous work, and I don’t like for you to be away from home for weeks at a time. What could you do if you didn’t work for the governor, Bart?”
“I don’t like to be away either, Liz. But I don’t have any other choice unless I work for your pa, and if I did, we’d have to move to the ranch. You’d have to give up teaching.”
“I’ve considered it, Bart. I don’t like the thought of not teaching, but I want to do what’s best for both of us. I want you to be happy, too.” Seconds passed before Liz continued, “Bart, what is it you want to do? What are your dreams for our family?”
“Eli asked me the same thing a few weeks back. I was complaining to him about not having any definite plans for my life…nothing I was working toward. He asked what my dreams were, and I said I wanted to be a rancher…a horse rancher who bred quality animals. But I also told him it could never happen because I didn’t have the money. He scolded me for having that kind of attitude and reminded me anything was possible if we made plans and worked toward them.”
Liz interrupted, “I agree with him, Bart.”
“I told Eli I could never ask you to give up teaching, but he said you were the one to make the decision, not me. He said your attitude might surprise me and that I should talk with you about the years ahead of us and what we should do with them. We should plan our future together. He suggested we develop a step-by-step plan, write it down on paper, and review it from time to time to refresh ourselves.”
“Eli is a wise man, a very wise man,” she said with a smile. The two sat thinking about the subject at hand. Finally, Liz broke the silence. “Bart, while you’re gone to Denver, why don’t we contemplate our future? Maybe we can each come to some conclusions and then discuss our thoughts when you get home?”
“That’s a good idea, Liz. It can be the first step in our planning process.”
Liz rose to start supper. Scar headed for the barn. He gave Liz’s horse a normal feeding but gave Maude and Frankie an extra measure. While the mules ate, he curried and brushed them down, talking to them the entire time about the upcoming long trip to Denver. It would be a good time to travel, since the temperature the past two weeks had been exceptionally warm for this time of the year, causing most of the snow to melt.
Liz was sitting down with food on the table when Scar walked in. He hurriedly washed. After he had settled himself, Liz reached for his hand and said, “Bart, everything is going to be okay. While you were tending the stock, a feeling came over me as if God was speaking to me. An assurance that our endeavors, whatever they might be, will be successful. I believe all we have to do is trust God and keep Him in the center of our lives.”
“I couldn’t agree more, Liz.”
“Why don’t you say a prayer before we eat, Bart?”
“I’d be glad to,” he responded, “and while we’re on the subject, why don’t we make a habit of praying before every meal?”
“That should be the number one item in our written plan,” she said.
They’d finished eating when Liz asked, “How far is it to Denver? How many days will it take to get there?”
“It took a little over four days when I came here from Denver last time. I traveled faster than normal because I was anxious to see you, but it shouldn’t take much longer.”
“When will you be leaving?”
“I might as well get started tomorrow.”
Liz looked at her husband with concern. “Do you think the weather will stay good enough to travel in? I know it’s nice out now, but you never know when it might turn bad this time of the year.”
“I’ll be okay, Liz.”
Chapter Twelve
In late afternoon, five days later, Scar dismounted in front of the Cattlemen’s Hotel in Denver. It had taken him longer than he’d planned because the weather had turned to blizzard conditions, causing him to hole up for a day.
He checked in, carried his gear to his room, and then took Maude and Frankie to the livery across the street and gave instructions for their care and feeding. After sending Liz a message he had arrived, he went to the barbershop for a haircut and beard trim along with a bath. Returning to the hotel refreshed and in clean clothes, he went to the dining room and enjoyed a meal of fried steak, potatoes, green beans, and biscuits. He left fifty cents on the table and headed for his room. Scar was looking forward to a good night’s sleep in a comfortable bed before he met with the governor the next morning.
“My name is Bart Carter, and I’m here to see Governor Routt. I have a nine o’clock appointment,” Scar said as he stood before the receptionist the next morning.
“I remember you, Mr. Carter,” the young man responded. “You were here with Captain Willard last summer. Please be seated. I’ll tell
the governor you’re here.”
“Scar,” the governor called out as he walked across the room to shake Scar’s hand. “Let’s sit at the corner table where we’ll be more comfortable.” They had seated themselves when the receptionist brought a pot of coffee and a few pastries.
After the governor poured coffee, he said, “Scar, I want to congratulate you on the outstanding job you did solving the cattle thievery at Pinneo. Because of you, it went off without a hitch. As you know, Jeff Collins went to trial and was found guilty of cattle thievery. And you corrected the mess we had at the Indian reservation in Meeker like an experienced professional. You’re to be commended.”
“Thank you, sir.”
The governor asked, “I don’t suppose you’ve heard anything from Captain Willard? I came west in one of his wagon trains and consider him to be a close friend.”
“I saw him at Thanksgiving, Governor. His wagons were late getting to Flat Peaks this fall because of bad weather, so he was able to join our gathering at the Double D. He looks as good as ever.” Scar paused for a few seconds and then added, “I consider him to be a good friend too, Governor Routt. I’m grateful for all he’s done for me. I wouldn’t be the man I am today if it wasn’t for him. If you recall, he introduced me to you.”
“I remember,” the governor said with a nod.
They shared a few more minutes of small talk before the governor said, “Scar, I have an exciting proposition for you. It’s a new career opportunity I believe you’ll like. You have all of the qualifications needed for the job, and I have no doubt you’ll be successful.
“As you know, President Grant appointed me to be the territorial governor of Colorado two years ago this month. My primary duty was to prepare the territory for statehood, and I’m proud our transition into the union went smoothly. I’m also happy I was appointed its first governor by the state’s legislature.”
“I’m thankful you were chosen, sir,” said Scar.
The governor looked serious and said rather firmly, “There are a lot of changes taking place in the state right now, but when things get smoothed out, I want to appoint you to my cabinet.”
“You want me to be in your cabinet, Governor?” Scar said in disbelief.
“That’s right, Scar. You’ll do a fine job. I have no doubts. I won’t appoint you until late this fall or perhaps after the first of the year because of a few structural matters that need to be handled. First off, the new state capitol building will soon be completed, so I’ll be involved moving the documents and other government items from Golden to Denver. As you know, most of the official offices are already located in Denver, including mine. Secondly, new laws need to be established to control the railroads. They’re out of control. The rail owners seem to think they can run their tracks anywhere they want. They don’t take into account the country’s needs, and they take advantage of the landowners when they cross their land. The new federal grid law before Congress will assure reliable transportation to all parts of the country in an equitable division. One track will be going through Flat Peaks. Another major undertaking will be to address the Women Suffrage movement. We need to develop a strategy to ensure their right to vote in the State of Colorado by 1894.”
“That’s quite an undertaking, sir. What will my job be?” Scar asked.
“I want you to be the Director of Indian Affairs,” the governor said with a smile. “It’ll be the most important cabinet position within the state.”
“Why do you want me to fill the position, Governor? I’m only twenty and don’t have any political experience.”
“I know your age, Scar. By the time I appoint you, you’ll be near your twenty-first birthday. But your looks and knowledge are old for your age. You’ve had good schooling, and your study of the Blackstone books will be helpful, but most importantly, you’re known throughout the state and have a good reputation. Folks know you’re honest, have a heart to help people in need, and are fair when it comes to handing out judgments. On top of that, you’re known throughout the Indian nations. They trust you.”
“Thank you, sir. Why is the position so important?” Scar asked with a questioning expression.
The governor spent several minutes bringing Scar up-to-date on the treaties between the Indians and the federal government. He stated in 1868 a treaty was signed giving fifteen million acres of land to the Indians across the nation, which included their spiritual burying ground in the Black Hills. The treaty promised the Ute Indians of Colorado the supplies needed to become farmers, livestock, seeds for planting, and the necessary equipment.
The governor continued by saying subsequent to the treaty’s signing, gold and silver had been discovered on the Indian land, causing the white man to invade it. The assault into the area was so great the federal government took back a quarter of the original fifteen million acres in 1873.
“It’s a shame the Indians had to give up their land, Governor.”
“I feel the same as you.” The governor paused and then continued, “I don’t believe it’s over Scar. I have a feeling treaties will be changed under our new administration. I believe they will try to take back all of the Indian land within a few years and move all the Indians to federally controlled reservations.”
“That would be terrible,” the big man exclaimed.
“That’s why you need to be in charge, Scar…to help prevent this treatment by our government or at least make it as painless for the natives as possible.” Scar nodded with a sober face. While more coffee was being poured, he raised another question. “Will Liz and I have to move to Denver, Governor Routt?”
“It’s normal for cabinet members to live close to the capital, and it would certainly be more convenient if you lived here, but I’m willing to make the exception in your case. I know Liz has a teaching job at Flat Peaks and your family lives there. Besides, within a year the Union Pacific will have its rails running through Flat Peaks. You can be to Denver in a day.”
“Thank you, sir.”
The governor paused, and then said, “You haven’t asked about your compensation, Scar. Aren’t you interested in what you’ll be earning?”
“I know you’ll be fair, sir. You always are.” The governor nodded with a smile.
“Your salary will be one hundred fifty dollars a month and will come in the mail at the first of each month. Expenses will be paid within a few days after the vouchers are received.” The governor could tell Scar was satisfied with the proposed salary by the twinkle in his eyes.
“I know you said I’ll be Director of Indian Affairs, sir, but what does it entail? What will I actually be doing?”
“You’ll mostly be working with the federal agency implementing new programs with the Indians. You’ll be the person who mediates between both sides…the Indians and the federal government…trying to settle on the fair thing to do. I look for you to teach the Indians the white man’s ways and the proper technique to farm the land and raise livestock. I’m sure there are many duties you’ll encounter that we haven’t thought of, Scar.” Scar’s head was spinning as he nodded his agreement.
The governor was bringing the meeting to a close when he mentioned one more subject. “There’ll be a statehood celebration this fall, Scar. You’re invited along with whoever else you want to bring. I’ll have more information on your appointment schedule at that time.” Scar accepted with a nod.
The governor rose. “I have another appointment in ten minutes. I’ll see you at the celebration if not before.” Scar stood and headed for the door, but the governor called him back.
“I almost forgot. We’re having trouble with bank and stagecoach robberies in the middle part of the state. It’s believed your old enemy, the Abernathy brothers, are the culprits. They’ve been out of prison for several months. I’m going to start sending you the dates, times, and places of the robberies. Maybe you can find a pattern and devise a plan to catch them. It’s time we’re getting rid of those men.”
“I’ll give it my bes
t,” Scar said as he turned for the door.
»»•««
“I can tell you’re disappointed, Liz,” Scar said, after returning home and telling her about his conversation with the governor.
“I’m sorry, honey. I’m extremely proud of you for being offered your new position. Being named to the state’s cabinet when you’re only twenty years old is a great accomplishment. And being involved with the Indian solution is another great honor. I know you’ll do a good job.” Liz paused for a few seconds. “I was hoping you wouldn’t have to travel and be away from home. That’s the only bad thing.”
“I know you had those hopes, Liz, but it won’t be as bad as the job I have now. I’ll only be gone for a couple of days at a time, and the work won’t be very dangerous. Since we’ll remain living here, you can continue teaching. Think of the money we can save toward our future. Don’t forget. We have nearly a year before my new job starts.”
“Does this mean you’ve given up the state’s marshal position and won’t be going on any more dangerous trips after hoodlums?” she asked bluntly.
“I have one more assignment before I hang up my badge,” he answered rather sheepishly.
“What’s the assignment, Bart?”
“There have been several bank and stagecoach robberies in the middle of the state during the last six months. Governor Routt asked me to help catch the thieves by predicting their moves. He’s to send me the details of their holdups.”
Liz shook her head. “Is it known who's doing the robberies?”
Scar let the question linger for a long minute. “The governor thinks it’s the Abernathy brothers.” Liz couldn’t hold back. She hurried to her bedroom.
Chapter Thirteen
Ten days later Scar entered the livery and pounded another horseshoe nail in the livery’s door. When Eli heard the pounding, he came from a stall in the back, poured coffee, and after handing a cup to Scar, sat down beside him. Both men studied the map they had created on the eight-foot barn door. They had used whitewash symbols for towns, roads, mountain passes, and the like. From the governor’s telegrams, which indicated the date, time, and location of each hold up over the past three months, they had marked the sites by driving nails on the map.