Ride Away

by Smith, Cotton

  The night was uneventful and the two men rode back to the roundup camp early the next morning. They rode in and dismounted as far from the gathered herds as possible. A horse freed of its rider might shake the saddle and scare the cattle. Deed reported that all was well at the ranch and Blue was relieved.

  Shortly after breakfast, a mossy-eared longhorn bull broke away from the second herd, angry at the rider working his cows, and charged the camp, looking for something to ram. Yells broke through the camp. Willy was loping his horse to the calf pen when he saw the bull coming at him. He swerved his horse but not enough and the bull slammed into the bay and sent Willy flying. The enraged bull spun around and headed back for Willy, stunned on the ground. Frightened, Willy’s horse went running.

  Cliente got a rope over the bull’s head and Harmon added a second, but the animal snapped them like they were string. Taking his empty dish and cup to the chuck wagon, Deed ran for his Spencer on his horse. Cliente was closer to his rifle and fired into the charging animal. The bull staggered, but kept coming. Deed fired and then Cliente again. Stumbling forward, the bull fell on its horns five feet from the dazed Willy.

  “That was too close,” Blue said and walked over to the downed cowhand. “Willy, are you all right?”

  “Huh?”

  Blue helped him to his feet; Harmon rushed over to help. They half-carried, half-dragged him to the campfire. One of the vaqueros brought Willy’s bedroll from the chuck wagon and spread it out. Bina came with water and towels.

  “Willy, you rest here for a while.” Blue and Harmon laid him down on his blankets.

  “I’m fine. Jes’ fine.” He tried to stand and fell.

  “Stay put, Willy,” Blue commanded and eased the man to his sleeping blankets.

  Cliente reported that Willy’s bay only got a long scratch and should be just fine. They decided to have a couple of the men skin the bull; Too Tall would direct the effort.

  “Some beef would be good,” the Mexican foreman said with a grin. “He was one of ours. So dinner is on us.”

  The day was long and hard. Deed rode with Silka and two vaqueros and they each went through five horses working in the long draws and heavy brush where the cattle liked to hide. Several cows wearing old H-5 and Roof-M brands were found, along with a handful of Bar 3 animals. All were herded to Bar 3 land. When they couldn’t see any longer, they rode in. Blue announced they would move the camp tomorrow, closer to Bar 3 range.

  After rubbing down their horses, Silka headed for a nearby stream and placed his lariat in it for the night. He thought it gave the rope stiffness needed to lasso calves. A recovered Willy got to belching loudly around the campfire and one of his especially forceful presentations scared the horses and cattle. It took half an hour to calm the herd and the remuda. Willy apologized, but no one thought it was funny. Several hands thought it would have been better if the bull had knocked him out. Blue suggested he take a walk after eating from now on, away from the camp.

  As soon as supper was over, Deed and Silka rode again for the ranch. Both were weary and sore, but felt it was important. Before they left, a full moon rose and showered the land with a silvery light as they rode, giving everything a strange glow.

  Gunshots broke into the night as Deed and Silka neared their home. They reined their horses to a stop on the ridge that overlooked the ranch yard. Silhouettes were moving like ants on disturbed dirt.

  “Looks like they weren’t surprised,” Deed said and yanked his Spencer free of its sleeve.

  Drawing his Winchester from its sheath, Silka pointed at a small group of men riding away. “Look, they run.”

  “Let’s encourage them to keep running.”

  “Hai.”

  They fired almost simultaneously at the fleeing men. Silka levered his Winchester four times and Deed fired once more. They didn’t expect to hit anything; it just felt good. The sound of horses galloping away filled the night and then there was silence.

  From the house came a loud yell. “Deed. Silka. You missed all the fun. Come on in!”

  Deed recognized the voice as his brother’s.

  A moment later, Hannah added his challenge. “Hey, that was fun. We dusted those boys real good.”

  “Hey, Deed! We got fresh coffee on,” Holt yelled. “I think there were five of them. Think they thought only Bina was here.”

  Deed and Silka rode toward the house, watching the shadows for any possible movement. Halfway to the house, a body lay sprawled.

  Appearing in the doorway, Holt appeared. “I knew it was going to be a good night. See that moon? Full as can be. That’s good luck for sure.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  Now that the roundup was over, Deed was going to ride over to the Forsyth station and see Atlee and her children. It was Blue’s suggestion and he could hardly wait. His brother had told him to take Hannah to town in the borrowed buckboard, then go on to the station. Both Holt and Silka agreed with the idea.

  Hannah had wanted to move to town to be with his bride now anyway, although the Corrigan brothers invited him to bring Rebecca to the ranch. Hannah winked, saying they had important matters to deal with. He was glad that Deed would take him and return the buckboard back to the Forsyth station.

  Everything was gradually feeling normal around the ranch. Deed’s mind danced with thoughts of Atlee. Everything in him wanted to ride out the Forsyth station and take her in his arms. But he knew the trouble with Bordner was far from over. It only meant that attacking the two remaining ranches wasn’t efficient.

  Bordner’s men hadn’t tried anything since their ill-fated attack on the LC ranch house. The gathering of strayed Lazy S and LC cattle on Bar 3 land had also gone without incident. With nothing from Bordner, Blue thought it meant the fat man was going to settle in as a rancher. Deed and Holt figured something bad was coming. Holt had pointed to a hollow fire last night as a sign of danger coming.

  Deed promised to only be gone for the day. Blue decided to ride over to the Sanchez ranch and discuss any concerns they might have. Dropping Hannah off at the hotel in town, Deed turned the buckboard toward Atlee. Tugging on his hat and looking down at himself, Deed cleared the cottonwoods lining the back side of the station yard. His heart beat faster as he drew closer. His saddled buckskin was on a lead-rope behind the wagon. Maybe Atlee had changed her mind. Maybe she had just felt particularly lonely that day. Maybe—

  Benjamin saw him and came running with Cooper at his side.

  “Is the roundup over? Are the bad guys gone?” the boy asked almost before Deed pulled to a stop.

  “Yes to the first. No to the second,” Deed grinned. “Thought I’d bring back the buckboard Mr. Hannah borrowed and get a chance to see you. How is everyone?”

  “Ma will be very happy you’re here,” Benjamin chirped. “She talks about you all the time.”

  Deed dismounted. “How’s Chester?”

  “Oh, he’s great. I rode him this morning,” Benjamin said. “He’s in the barn right now. I take real good care of him.” He glanced toward the barn. “You want to see him?”

  “Sure. Later.” Deed wrapped the reins around the brake handle and climbed down. He knelt to rub Cooper’s ears. “Think I’ll go inside and see everyone first.”

  Benjamin said, “Sure. They’re getting ready for the stage.” He looked toward the north, placing his hand above his eyes to shield them from the sun. “It’s the one from Kansas.”

  Deed patted the boy on the shoulder and walked to the opened station door. “Anybody around here know when the next stage comes in?”

  Surprised whoops followed, then Atlee hurried toward him. An instant before reaching him, she stopped, catching her emotions.

  Flustered, she smiled. “W-Well, Mr. Corrigan. H-How good to see you. I-Is your roundup over?”

  From behind her came a happy German, then a warm “Willkommen! Willkommen, Herr Corrigan. Come in.”

  “Oh, yes . . . Deed, please,” Atlee said, touching her hair.

&n
bsp; “Thank you. I-It’s good to see you again.”

  Squealing, Elizabeth came hurrying from the kitchen, holding the doll Deed had given her.

  “Deed . . . Deed . . . you’re back!”

  It made him feel good that she had always called him by his given name, almost from the first.

  He leaned over and held out his arms. She half-jumped into them and he hugged and spun her around. Her giggling filled the room. When he put her down again, she showed him her doll and asked him if he remembered her name.

  “Let’s see. Is it Jessica?” Deed’s smile covered his face.

  “Oh, you remembered!”

  Atlee stepped to them and took his hand. Holding it at her side, they walked to the table where Olivia waited. Both women were wearing their scarves.

  “Herr Corrigan, now I can thank you for this beautiful scarf. Danke,” Olivia said. “I think Hermann ist jealous. Ja.” She chuckled.

  “Glad you like it. I hear the stage is coming soon,” Deed said, aware that Atlee still held his hand. “Didn’t see Hermann or Billy Lee when I came in.”

  “They must be in der barn getting der horses ready,” Olivia said.

  He turned to Atlee, hardly containing himself from hugging her. “Where do you want me to put the buckboard, the one the Hannahs borrowed?”

  Atlee’s face glowed. “Oh, I suppose around in the back of the barn. I’ll show you.”

  Olivia winked as Deed excused himself and they went outside, still holding hands. As soon as they rounded the barn, Atlee leaned against him, bringing his face to hers with a hand. They kissed.

  “Oh, Deed, I miss you so.”

  Deed touched her face. “Not as much as I miss you, Atlee. You are all I can think about.”

  Their embrace was interrupted by the thundering advance of the incoming stage. They heard Billy Lee and Hermann telling each other to get the new team.

  She laughed. “I guess I’ve got to go to work. How long can you stay?”

  Deed shrugged his shoulders. “I’ve got to go back later today. I promised to only be gone for the day. Troubles with Bordner are only going to get worse, I fear. At least we have our brother Holt with us. Blue talked to him in El Paso and he came back.”

  “Oh, that’s wonderful about your brother, but not about you leaving so soon!” She kissed him on the cheek and spun away to go back into the station.

  The day went too fast and he reluctantly rode out on his buckskin, waving as he rode. They had had only one other quiet moment together, in the kitchen, but he told himself it would keep him happy for a little while. He wanted to ask her how long she needed to be in mourning, but couldn’t bring himself to do so.

  The evening went slowly with Deed’s mind wrapped around being with Atlee. It was late morning when he saw riders coming as he walked from the barn. Retrieving his carbine propped against the barn wall, Deed stepped outside and into a morning shadow, cocking the gun with practiced ease.

  Three riders.

  He recognized them: the acting county sheriff, Macy Shields, and the two Rangers who had come to the Forsyth station. This wasn’t going to be a social call.

  “Aho, the ranch!” The call came from one of the Rangers.

  “Morning, men,” Deed called out. “What can we do for you? Are you finally getting around to investigating the trouble the Bar 3’s been bringing?”

  From around the corner came Blue and not far behind him was Silka. Holt stayed in the house.

  “What’s this all about?” Blue asked as he stepped beside his brother.

  “Don’t know, Blue. This here’s Macy Shields, one of Bordner’s men. Bordner set him up as acting sheriff. Acting is probably the right word for him,” Deed said, not taking his eyes from Shields. “I met these two Rangers at the Forsyth station when I was helping there. This is Mr. Rice . . . and I think this is Mr. Williams. This is my brother, Blue, and our partner, Silka.”

  “You have a good memory,” Ranger Rice said.

  “Thanks. It comes in handy now and then.”

  Rice leaned forward in his saddle and pushed back his hat with its pushed-up brim. “Boys, this isn’t a good day, I’m afraid. You two and your brother, Holt, are accused of robbing the Wilkon bank. We need to take you in for questioning.”

  The second Ranger looked around. “Is Holt here?”

  Deed snorted. “No, he’s not. You know that.”

  Blue said, “I don’t know whether to laugh or cry about this silliness, Ranger. When did this supposedly happen?”

  “Yesterday,” Ranger Williams responded. “And it isn’t silly to us. The bank president recognized you, Blue, and said you called your brothers, Holt and Deed, by name. He said you all wore masks.” He hesitated. “Having just one arm stood out.” The tall Ranger took a deep breath. “He said you were in the bank for a loan before that and were turned down. He guessed you needed the money. About two thousand in gold and certificates were taken.”

  “Yesterday? I was—”

  Blue stepped forward, nudging Deed to the side and stopping him from continuing his statement. “Put the gun down, Deed. So you think we robbed the bank and came back here. Does that make any sense to you? Or am I missing something?”

  The shorter Ranger growled. “That’s not our problem. We need to search your place for Holt.”

  “I just told you he’s not here,” Deed snapped.

  “Can’t take your word for it. We’ve got to search.” The shorter, stockier lawman with the misshapen hat declared. He brushed his long black trail coat as if that would remove the layers of dust.

  “Look away then, but knock on the door before you go in,” Blue said. “My wife is putting our children down for a nap.”

  “Come on, men,” Marshal Shields said and eased his horse in the direction of the house.

  Blue turned to the Rangers. “Gentlemen, we have no problem with you boys looking through our place. But we must insist that this man stay outside. He’s more coyote than lawman and I don’t want him in our house. If you weren’t here, he wouldn’t be allowed to stay on our land.”

  “Wait a minute, I’m the law in this county,” Shields snarled. “It’s my job to keep the peace.”

  “Then keep it by staying on your horse,” Deed said, glaring at him.

  Williams, the taller Ranger, tugged on his trail coat. “That’ll be just fine.”

  Shields’s hand dropped to his holstered handgun.

  “You didn’t have the guts to try that before, Shields,” Deed’s hard voice made even the Rangers wince.

  Ranger Williams said, “That’s enough, Shields. Ranger Rice and I will conduct the search. You wait here.” He swung down. “And don’t do anything . . . stupid.”

  Blue turned to his brother. “Deed, why don’t you get our hands out of the bunkhouse so the Rangers can search more easily, all right?” He winked and only Deed caught it. “Tell Bina that the Rangers are going to search the house on the way, will you?”

  “Sure.” He spun around and headed for the house.

  “Rangers, you’re welcome to start in our house or the barn, whatever,” Blue turned back to the mounted men. “Just leave your horses and we’ll see that they’re watered.”

  “I appreciate that, but you know we have to take you in for a hearing,” Rice, the shorter, stocky Ranger, dismounted.

  “Who’s conducting this hearing?” Blue asked.

  “It’ll be Judge Pence. Oscar Pence. You know, the circuit court judge. He’s in town.”

  “That’s interesting timing.” Blue held out his hand and took the offered reins of both horses.

  The two Rangers walked to the house, talking quietly to each other. Bina met them at the door and welcomed them inside. Deed was already walking toward the bunkhouse.

  Shields started to get down and Blue said, “Stay on your horse, Shields. When we take the horses to water, you can ride over. Wouldn’t keep a good horse from that, even when it’s being ridden by a crook.”

  The county lawma
n glared at him. “You’re gonna be sorry, Corrigan. You and your damn brothers. All o’ you are going to prison. You should’ve known you can’t beat Agon Bordner. He’s gonna be king of this whole region.”

  Blue laughed and led the Rangers’ horses to the water tank. Shields followed without saying anything more. From the bunkhouse, Deed reappeared with Silka, Holt, Willy, Harmon, and Little Jake. None were armed. Holt had slipped out of the back door and gone to the bunkhouse after Deed had told him what was happening.

  A few minutes later, the Rangers reappeared.

  “Rangers, you’re welcome to search the bunkhouse and the barn,” Blue said, holding the reins of the drinking horses. Casually, he said, “These are our permanent hands . . . Willy, Sam, Harmon, and Jake. They’ll stay out of your way.”

  The Rangers nodded and headed for the bunkhouse.

  “Sam, Willy, will you saddle us some horses,” Blue asked.

  Holt smiled and he and Willy hurried toward the barn. The Rangers were coming out of the bunkhouse and headed for the back side of the barn. He was uneasy, but trusted his brother’s instinct.

  Deed moved over to where Blue was standing with the horses. “What are we going to do?” he whispered.

  “We’re going in. Clear this thing up,” Blue responded.

  “This is a setup, Blue. You know that,” Deed snapped.

  “Of course it is. But I don’t see any other way,” Blue muttered.

  “How about using our guns.”

  “That’s just what Bordner would like—us firing at Texas Rangers doing their duty.”

  Inside the barn, Willy and Holt began saddling mounts. The animals blew softly as they placed blankets on their backs. Most of the roundup horses had already had their shoes removed and been turned out for the winter. Only those needed for the next few months were in the barn and kept shod.