by Cherie Shaw
“Another thing about you two men, of course you both know you are wanted down San Antonio way. It seems a certain Jim Holderness and Clay Phelps skipped town just before being taken into custody. They pulled the same kind of scam outside San Antonio, that you two have done here. It’s taken the Rangers, along with help from the Pinkertons, over ten years to track down the crooks. The descriptions fit you two. Don’t you boys know the Texas Rangers always get their men? Even if it takes a lifetime, they never give up.”
Welby walked over to lift up a coffee mug, take a swallow, then continued talking, “I’m surprised the folks in Coyote Springs didn’t investigate the validity of your license to practice law, Phillips. That license has been suspended for over ten years, just about the time you would’ve shown up here. I guess the last name was doctored on the license.”
“You can’t prove that, Ranger, that’s just all speculation, not a word of fact.” Phillips sputtered.
Welby laughed, “That fancy talk may have worked for you in court a time or two, Phillips, or whatever your name is, but not with this old coon dog. What I have said is fact alright. I wired Austin from down the trail, bein’ as this setup sounded too familiar to be coincidence. There should be two Texas Rangers arriving in town any time now, may already be there, to haul you two con artists back to San Antone to stand trial, that is if you don’t cause any trouble on the trail. If that should happen, they may just shoot you, then hold the trial later; don’t much matter in which order it happens. Ranger Welby began to refill his mug with hot coffee.
“This is ridiculous! I have an office in town, clients to see.” Phillips argued.
Sheriff Denton stood, and walked over to the two con men, and stated a fact, “Phillips, you ‘had’ an office in town, ‘past tense’, before the town marshal cleaned it out after you left. He was instructed to have his deputies assist him in clearing out the place and hauling all your files, along with all ‘doctored’ paperwork, which should be enough evidence to put you away for a long time, back down to the city jail. Soon as a judge comes to town, folks will hold a trial, then you can head on down San Antone way, for that little case down yonder.”
“You can’t be serious, you can’t arrest me!” Shouted Phillips.
Ranger Welby put in his two cents, “We just did.” He stated a fact, then began to finish drinking his coffee.
Sheriff Denton poured himself a refill, then said, “Phillips, you can bet your last twenty-dollar gold piece, that you two can consider yourselves under arrest, from this moment on.” Lord Claude sat back in the comfortable leather chair, and smiled. Ricardo grinned, and Logan watched the two prisoners, as Denton pulled two sets of handcuffs out of his pocket, and proceeded to make the arrest official. Garth walked to the door, opened it, and escorted the two con men to their waiting carriage.
While the two lawmen gave escort to the prisoners back to town, Claude Beckford, along with Garth, Logan and Ricardo held a short meeting in the study with Woody Perkins. It hadn’t yet been decided what to do with the sullen, ignorant man, and Beckford hesitated to press charges, though Perkins had received stolen funds from the ranch, but after a long discussion, it was decided to allow Woody to return to his small deserted ranch, a few miles down the road.
Perkins couldn’t believe his good fortune, being afraid he was going to face a prison term for his ignorance. He readily accepted the deal. The old place would need fixing up, but Woody promised to see to it. After all these years, maybe something about the small ranch could be salvaged. Woody Perkins was allowed to pack up his belongings, and Logan and Ricardo volunteered to take a wagon, and see that Woody and his belongings were properly delivered to his old deserted ranch, down the road with his promise not to set foot on Triple-B property any time in the future. Choked up, Woody gave a nod of acceptance.
Amid loud protests, Holderman and Attorney Phillips, alias Holderness and Phelps, spent the next three days in the Coyote Springs jail, in matching cells, awaiting trial, until the District Judge arrived. After the trial was over, the judge turned the prisoners over to the Texas Rangers, to head to San Antonio for their court appearance there, after which, their terms in the Territorial Prison would begin. Ranger Jake Welby, his assignment completed, decided to ride as far as El Paso with the trio, and, once there, he would begin another assignment. Logan didn’t like to bid his ranger friend goodbye, but knew he had to leave. He thanked him for his help, along with many hearty thanks from Claude, Garth, and the ladies. They would all truly miss the rugged and likeable Ranger Welby, and had gotten used to his presence. But they knew he had a duty to the Rangers, and he had promised to stop and visit if they were at the ranch when he passed this way again.
<><><>
Work on the Triple-B Ranch continued as usual, but in a much lighter and happier atmosphere. Chester Burns, who had not known of the scam, had been returned to his former position as foreman, he was known, now and then, to even crack a rare smile. Hank Chavez, the cook for the men, now had much more material for his long-winded stories, and enjoyed the telling of them, over and over again. Ricardo had volunteered to remain at the ranch, while the others returned to town to await the trial. As the group had been saddled and ready to ride, Logan called to Ricardo, who had followed them to the stable, “We’ll be sure and bring Maria with us when we return, Ricardo. That is if she hasn’t replaced you by now.”
With a chuckle, Logan rode away, but he heard the retort from Ricardo. “If she has, amigo, then I shall court Consuelo here. She is one good cook and it will be Maria’s fault, if I gain twenty pounds, before she gets here.”
Consuelo, who had been hanging laundry on a rope strung between two trees, had heard what Ricardo said, and called, “You, Señor, may brag all you want, but I would have something to say about that, besides I have heard about that little wife of yours, and would not wish to tangle with her.”
Ricardo walked on toward Hank’s kitchen. Maybe the cook would like to chat a while.
<><><>
In Coyote Springs, the morning after the trial, Garth, and his vivacious, red-haired wife, Bridget, were awaiting the morning stage to begin their long journey back east before sailing back to England. Garth was going to handle his Uncle’s import, export business, and at the same time, he and Bridget would also continue taking on assignments from the British Intelligence.
Olivia walked up to once again hug her brother farewell. “Garth,” She began, “be sure and write and wire us often during your trip. Let us know the minute you arrive home at the Manor.”
“Don’t worry, Olivia.” Bridget promised, “Your brother’s a married man now, so I’ll make sure he remembers. Who knows, we may make a trip back this way one of these months. I take it you and your Uncle Claude, will be staying at the ranch for awhile?” She asked.
“Oh, I don’t know. I haven’t even seen the place yet, but Uncle said the housekeeper is getting the house ready for us. We’ll be traveling there right after the stage leaves. I’m all packed, and ready. Can’t wait to see the place.”
Claude shook hands heartily with his nephew, then after giving him a bear hug, he turned to Bridget and gave her a hug with a kiss on the forehead.
By the time the stage pulled away, Logan had finished loading the wagon he’d brought from the ranch with luggage belonging to the women. He had already wished Olivia’s brother and sister-in-law goodbye, and knew Olivia hated to see her brother leave. Logan also anxiously waited showing Olivia her Uncle’s ranch. She’d probably never seen anything like it. He hoped she would be so impressed with the place that she would consider staying in the west, at least for awhile. Logan’s thoughts turned to his own pending journey to Wyoming. Home. It was still taking him a long time to return, however, he also hoped that Claude wouldn’t have changed his mind about the trip up north with him. Logan had so counted on showing Claude and his niece the fine horses his father raised, though who would be managing the triple-B for Claude now?
Maria, who had brought he
r small satchel to the wagon, now approached Logan, interrupting his thoughts, and asking, “Tell me, Señor Logan, my Ricardo, has he been behaving himself, while he has been away from me?”
Logan chuckled, “Like a Saint, Maria. Knowing you, I believe, my amigo knows the consequences if he doesn’t. Besides, there are no Señoritas at the ranch, even half as lovely as you.”
“Always the flatterer, Señor Logan. Perhaps, you should use some of that flattery on a certain young Señorita, who is just bursting to hear it.” With a shrug, and a giggle, Maria walked over to join the others.
“H’mmm, wonder just what she meant by that.” Logan mused, smiling to himself. He really had missed seeing Olivia, while at the ranch, however, he still figured that she was not for the likes of him. They were miles apart in all ways, but he could still dream.
Olivia glanced Logan’s way, then turned away quickly, when she realized he was staring at her, with that same silly grin she’d seen before, whenever he looked at her. She mused. Would she ever be happy again, living in the lovely Manor, and in later years, as a lonely, aging spinster? She was going on twenty-six in a few months, and the only man she’d felt the least attraction to in years, has to be an American, and a cowboy at that. “Heavens,” thought Olivia, “I need to stop these foolish thoughts. Uncle Claude would be shocked, and Amelia even worse. She’d think me utterly mad.”
As the group prepared to leave for the ranch, Maria stated, “Someone needs to ride with Señor Logan, as he will be driving the wagon. The buggy only seats three people, so Amelia and I will ride with Claude, while he drives the buggy. Olivia, you can ride with Logan in the wagon.”
Olivia stood staring as Amelia and Maria were assisted into the buggy by her uncle, then Claude walked over to help Olivia up onto the wagon seat, next to Logan. Logan turned to her and grinned. “Oh, really.” Olivia said, as her heart gave a little flutter.
Olivia folded her hands in her lap, sitting prim and proper on the board seat of the wagon, as Logan let out the brake then urged the team of horses into a steady trot. Olivia, almost unseated, let out a gasp, and grabbed ahold of the edge of the seat, with both hands, then gasped, “Oh my.”
Logan chuckled, “Not quite like a soft buggy ride, is it, Miss Worthington?”
“Oh, no….I mean, Well….it just caught me off guard, that’s all.”
“It will be a rough trail, especially since the rain washed out the road in places, but you’ll be alright, I won’t let you fall out. Your uncle would have my scalp, if that happened.”
“I’m fine, really.” Olivia assured him, as she continued to hang on with both hands. She was glad she’d worn her heavy blue traveling suit, as the weather was a bit chilly, though it was still early morning, and she figured it would probably warm up later on in the day.
“If you’re cold, there’s a blanket behind the seat, you can wrap up in it.” Logan offered, looking over at her.
“Oh, no……I’ll be fine, Mr. Wakefield.”
“It’s still ‘Mister’, is it? When are we going to use first names, Miss Worthington?” Logan asked.
Olivia sighed, “Of course. I needn’t have been so formal. Everyone else calls you Logan. I’m sorry……Logan. Oh, and you should call me Olivia. You’ve certainly been a big help to us and I really do appreciate your taking time away from your journey back to Wyoming. After all you went through for so many years at sea, on that horrible Captain Devlin’s ship.”
“I guess your Uncle told you all about that, didn’t he.” He glanced over at her again.
“Of course, though it’s hard to believe people can be so cruel. Remember, well maybe you don’t remember too much about when we found you, but I did see your condition after your escape, and wandering through the streets of London. You’ve made an amazing recovery, Logan.”
“I do feel like a new person, thanks to you and your uncle’s care. And then Maria too, a kind and caring lady, and her husband, Ricardo. He’s become such a good friend to me and I shall miss him as a comrade when they leave for Mexico. But then, in answer to your question, the memory is somewhat vague after I left Devlin’s ship and my first few days aboard The Silver Princess. Although my memory is clear in one respect.” He glanced her way again.
“Oh? And what is that?” Olivia asked.
“When you were putting cold cloths on my head, I had a raging fever, but I do remember your soft, gentle touch. And then you read poetry to me. I think that helped more in my healing, than any medicine could have done.”
“Oh, really, Mr…….well, Logan. I did what I could. I’m glad it helped anyway.” She let out a snicker, “That’s the first time my poetry reading has helped to heal the sick. I’ll have to remember that one.”
“Please don’t use that potion very often; I would like to think it was for me alone.”
“Well, alright.” She smiled, then she glanced back over her shoulder, to see the buggy quite a ways behind.
“They’re staying a ways behind, but your uncle knows the way. I told him where we’d stop for water, and rest for the horses, so he’ll know where to stop.” Logan assured her.
“We’re turning off the road. Is this where we stop?” She asked.
“Yes, there’s a small stream around the bend. The rest of them will follow in a few minutes.” Logan answered, “You’ll like it here. It’s peaceful, and cooler than the trail too, as there’s lots of trees, and the cool stream too.” He pulled the team to a halt in the shade of several large spreading sycamore and oak trees, then after securing the brake, jumped down, and reached up for Olivia. She readily accepted his help in getting down from the hard wagon seat, and Logan lifted her easily, swinging her to the ground. Secretly Olivia hadn’t had so much fun in years, maybe never.
“You can go ahead, the stream’s behind those trees; I’ll bring the horses down in a minute.” He said, turning away.
Olivia walked through the tall grass toward where Logan had pointed, and she could hear the gurgling stream, before she could see it. Once there, it was all she could do, not to take her shoes off, and go wading. It was the most breathtaking sight she had seen in ages, and Logan was right, it was cooler here. The trail had become hot and dusty, as the day wore on, but this felt just about right.
Maria and Amelia came walking up behind her. “How is the romance going, Señorita Olivia?” Maria asked, laughing. “Has the gringo proposed yet?”
“Oh, you.” Olivia giggled, “Not yet, but I expect it any minute. There, does that satisfy you? And please don’t let my Uncle Claude hear you ask such a foolish question. He would send me right back to England.”
“I think not, Señorita, but think what you will. Your Uncle has stopped to help Logan to unhitch and bring the horses down here to the stream. Do you miss him already?”
“Of course, Maria. I always miss my dear Uncle.” Olivia quipped, as she walked to the stream, and dipped her hands into the cool water, bringing it to her face, feeling the coolness.
“You know full well who I meant. But play your gringo games, if you will.”
Amelia came up beside Olivia. “Pay no heed to that woman, my dear. She has nothing but romance in her head. Just because she and Ricardo have such a great marriage. She wants to marry off every single lady she knows. You have always been happy at Beckford Manor, and don’t let anyone try to keep you from going back there and continuing your peaceful lifestyle once this mad vacation of your Uncle’s is over.
“He not only had to drag you off to this wild country, he had to insist that I follow. Though, heaven only knows what would have happened to you if I had not come. That old fool would probably have you married off to one of these uncivilized cowboys if he had his way, then I’d have to take my umbrella to him.”
“Oh, Amelia dear, Uncle wouldn’t do that. He would never approve of anything remotely like my marriage to a……..cowboy, and please, not that umbrella again. Heavens.” Olivia argued, her face turning the most becoming shade of pink, then she heard her Unc
le’s voice, and the sound of horses being brought to the stream.
CHAPTER 17
“Well, what do you think so far, Ollie?” Her Uncle Claude asked. “How do you like this country now?”
“Actually, Uncle Claude, I’m so glad you insisted on this vacation. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. It’s a lovely country, and just look at our surroundings now, the cool stream, those wonderful shade trees, the colorful wildflowers. It’s rather breathtaking. Don’t you think?”
“I was hoping you’d like it here, Niece.” Claude said, as he watched the horses lapping up the cool water, then as they wandered over and began pulling at, and munching the tall grass. “I always figured on coming to the western part of the country, and I’m glad that I waited to bring you with.