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Bitter is the Dust
Chapter Three
Scott A. Gese
Chapter 3
On The Trail to Fort Scott
Sarah, Mac and Jason were making good time. The day had passed without incident and as night approached the three decided to make camp for the night. Sarah cooked up a meal of biscuits and beans with a generous helping of pork that Ellie had slipped into her bag before they left Fall River, and a pot of hot coffee was a good finishing touch. Few words were shared between Mac and Jason as they rode, but now by the fire they had a chance to talk a bit more.
"Mom says you own a big ranch outside of Fort Scott?"
Mac gave a chuckle as he gave a sideways glance over toward Sarah. "My baby sister always did like to brag me up. I do live outside of town on a few acres, but my business isn't ranching. Well, I take that back. It used to be ranching up until about a year ago, when I sold off my herd and started brokering cattle as they came up the Shawnee. Unfortunately for me, most of the older ranchers and farmers around here remember all too well the trouble Texas cattle coming up the Shawnee caused about twenty odd years back, and the younger ones, they've at least heard about it from their parents. Seems opening it back up also opened up a lot of old memories along with it. Not long after the Shawnee went back into use, talk of a blockade started up. I ignored it, thinking it would blow over, but I'm afraid I was mistaken, and now that the trail's been closed off once again. So, for now, I'm pretty much out of business. Seems all the cattle from Texas are coming up west of here now, over around Dodge City. So I've been forced to start raising my own herd again just to make ends meet."
"There seems to be a lot more cows coming into the territory," Jason ventured. "We're seeing quite a few this year around my place, well, my old place I guess. But you're right, most are coming up into Dodge City. The rail yards are busier than ever. I was going to see about finding some work there since I'm no longer in school, but ma say's I'm too young and Jim wouldn't have any part of it either. He said I was needed at home, but that was just an excuse so he wouldn't have to do any work. That man's worthless." The belligerence returned and was obvious in his countenance when he looked across at his father; the challenge clear. "Since you didn't go back and kill him, someday I just might."
"Now, Jason," scolded Sarah. "What kind of talk is that? Jim may be a lot of things, and I agree worthless may be among them, but he's not worth risking a rope around your neck."
"No one would hang me for putting a bullet in him. They'd probably pin a medal on my chest."
The Mother mode kicked in, and Sarah was determined to end the nonsense. "That's enough, Jason, I'll hear no more of it. I think it's time we get some sleep."
Mac was watching his son's face; could see the boy was on the prod. He decided not to make an issue of it; not now. "Sarah's right," he said, throwing the dregs of his coffee into the fire. He kept his tone neutral. "We have a long ride ahead of us tomorrow if we expect to make it to Fort Scott before sundown."
Sarah and Mac moved away from the fire to get some shuteye. Jason stayed up, poking at the hot embers with a stick, thinking back on all that had transpired over the past week, and at what might lay ahead.
The following morning after a hearty breakfast of flapjacks, eggs and hot coffee, Mac and Jason saddled up the horses. As Jason threw his saddle over his horse, the axe handle slipped out of the scabbard he carried it in. Mac picked it up. "Why do you carry an axe handle?" He asked.
"Because I don't own a gun."
"I don't think you can do much damage with this ol' thing."
"Well, I'm afraid it's all I've got for now, so it'll have to do," snapped Jason as he grabbed the handle from Mac and slipped it back into the scabbard.
"Why are you such an angry young man, Jason?"
Jason turned and faced Mac. "Angry, I'll tell you why I'm angry. I never knew my real mother, I was abandoned at birth by my real father, and up until last week I was beat almost daily by the man I was left with and Sarah let it happen. I'm truly grateful that she finally did what she did to get us out of that situation, but I'm a bit lost and confused right now. I don't know you. I don't know where I'm going, and I don't know if I even want to stick around once I get there. Does that answer your question?" he ground out.
Mac was almost tempted to take a step back, but changed his mind and stood his ground. "I guess it does. I only hope you give me the opportunity to make it up to you, and maybe help you try and figure things out."
"We'll see how it goes." Jason finished cinching his saddle and mounted up.
It was late in the afternoon, about an hour's ride from Fort Scott when they approached four riders coming in the opposite direction. As they closed in on them, Mac recognized who they were.
"Howdy boys, how are things at the XO?"
Zane spoke up, "Why, if it isn't Mac Shepard. Haven't seen much of you lately. How the heck are you?
Mac nodded in greeting and pulled up. He took of his stetson, using his elbow to swipe of the leather-banded interior. "I'm holding my own. I managed to pick up a few hundred head last week, but I'm afraid I'm done for as a broker, so right now I'm looking to get my own herd built up." He smoothed he hair and settled the hat back on his head.
"A few hundred head, you say? I know they didn't come up the Shawnee; it's blocked off. How'd they get here?"
Mac grinned. "I reckon they got off the trail somewhere and I was lucky enough to be in their path."
"Lucky, I guess! The only Texas cattle I've seen in these parts lately have a stink to them. Brokerin' rustled cattle is a bit risky. I'd be careful if I were you," the man warned.
"The brands were good," Mac responded, "I made sure of that. Hey, I'm sorry for being so rude. Let me introduce you to my sister, Sarah and her son…no, my son, Jason.
"Didn't know you had a son?" replied Smiley.
"It's a long story. I'll tell it to you some time."
"I can't wait to hear it."
"Sarah, Jason these here boys work for the XO. This here is Wes, Smiley, Zane and their newest man, Ben. Where's Little Walt today'?
"Man, you talk about having a story to tell," replied Zane. "We've got you beat, hands down. Little Walt was shot yesterday, and Doc Evans was out of town, but as luck would have it, Ben here turns out to be a doctor. He saved Walt's life.
"Your new man's a doctor?"
"You better believe it, and a damn good one at that. Doc Evans and him cut a deal. They're going to share an office in town.
"Well, sounds like you're going to be down a man or two for awhile. I happen to know someone who might be looking for a job if you're interested. He's green, but a hard worker."
"He don't wear no ten gallon hat, does he?" asked Wes.
That got the rest of the boys to laughing and even Ben had to chuckle some.
"No, but if you're hiring, Jason here might be interested." He waved in the general direction of is boy.
"I'm sure we'll be needing to replace Little Walt for a spell." replied Zane. "Why don't you and Jason come on out to the house tomorrow and we'll talk, if that's ok with Jason here, of course."
Jason stepped his horse forward toward the men. "Why wait until tomorrow? I can head back with you now."
"Well now, there's a man who knows what he wants. I like that quality. I guess we could do that, if it's ok with the two of you?"
Before Mac or Sarah had a chance to speak up, Jason broke in. "Look Mac, your business is down and I don't think you can afford two more mouths to feed. Ma, Mac obviously doesn't have work for me or he wouldn't have asked these men about putting me to work, and they're willing to give me a chance. It makes no sense to ride all the way into town just to turn around again in the morning and ride back out. Mac has already been away for four days, I'm sure he'd rather not take another day to take me out to the XO."
"The kid puts up a good argument, Mac," stated Zane."
"What do you think, Sarah," asked Mac.
"Why, I don't know. This is all so sudden…" The words drifted off into nothingness
Jason sensed his mother's hesitancy, and it somehow made him feel guilty; as if he were deserting her; when, in consideration of the circumstances, it was actually the sensible thing to do. For all of them. "Ma, I'm goin'. Just make it easier and say yes."
Sarah began to cry. She knew she would lose her son some day, but she just didn't expect it to be like this, on the trail and so sudden like. She had wanted time for him to heal; time to get to know his father; and it was all being taken away.
"I'll come see you on weekends, I promise." Jason said, attempting to sweeten the pot.
"You better," she replied.
Composed, Sarah wiped her nose and stepped down from her horse. "Come down here, young man."
Jason stepped down off his horse and Sarah grabbed him up in her arms and hugged him hard as she continued to cry anew.
"Now that's touching," commented Smiley, as he wiped the tears from his eyes.
"I didn't know you were so sentimental," replied Wes.
"Damn right I am. And you better not ever hold it against me."
Sarah took a step back as she kept her hands firmly on Jason's shoulders. She took a deep breath and lifted off his hat. She brushed his hair back with her hand and set his hat on nice and straight. She kissed him softly on the cheek. The lump in her throat made it difficult to speak, but she was determined to do this right, so through her tears and a trembling heart, she gave Jason her blessing. "You're no longer a boy, Jason. You're a young man, and I know your life hasn't been easy up to this point. I hope your trail forward will be smooth and life will be kind. You certainly deserve it. Now go, I'll see you on the weekend."
She climbed back on her horse and rode down the trail alone.
Mac quickly finished up with the men and said his good-by's to Jason, then left to catch up with Sarah, who was sobbing as she rode.
******
As the XO boys rode up to the main house they could see Miles sitting in his favorite rocker smoking his pipe and enjoying a quiet Sunday afternoon. Smiley yelled out. "Boss, you won't believe it. Wes brought home another stray."
Miles got up and walked to the steps where the men had pulled up. "And what have we got here. Where's Little Walt?"
All the men started talking at one time and Miles wasn't understanding a word of what was being said. "Whoa, now, hold on. You sound like a bunch of old ladies at a sewing bee. Zane, what's going on? Who's this young man and where's Little Walt."
"It's been a wild weekend, Miles. Little Walt is still in town at Doc Evans's place. He got shot real bad. We didn't think he was going to make it, but it turn's out, this here greenhorn of a ranch hand you hired is a mighty damn fine doctor. Doc Evans was out of town delivering a baby, so we just took over his office, and Ben here surprised the hell out of all of us and patched up Little Walt as good as new, and sewed up a hole in Wes's arm too."
Miles took a puff off his pipe as he took in what Zane had just told him. "Is that the way it was, Ben?"
"Well basically, except for the part about Little Walt being as good as new. He's still alive, but it's touch and go right now. The bullet hit one of his ribs and a splinter punctured one of his lungs. I got the bullet and the splinter out and did my best to repair the lung. Now it's up to him. He'll be under my care for a few weeks, at least. And that's the other part that Zane left off. I'm turning in my slip. I'll be assisting Doc Evans in town now. I came clean with the boys here. They know my whole story. I just came back to pick up my belongings and I'll be heading out in the morning."
"Well let's hope Little Walt pulls through. I'm sure he'll have a much better chance with both you and Doc Evans at his side. Now tell me about this here stray you boys brought home, Wes. I see this one ain't wearing a ten gallon hat."
"No sir, he ain't wearin' no ten gallon hat, but he is green. Seems to be a good enough kid though. I think he'll do just fine. We ran into Mac Shepard on our way home. He was on his way back from Fall River with his sister and his son."
"So Mac has a son? I never knew that."
"He's Mac's son alright, but his sister raised him from an infant."
Now that Miles had a better understanding, he turned his attention to the kid.
"So, what's your name son?"
"Jason, sir."
"No now, don't be sir'n me. If you're going to work here at the XO, you best get used to calling me Miles. So, you're from Fall River are you?"
"No sir…I mean, Miles. I'm from Wichita. My ma and I made it to Fall River where Mac met up with us. We were heading out to his place, but he doesn't seem to have much work right now on account of the Shawnee trail being blockaded. So when I heard you were going to be short handed, I took the opportunity to ask for a job, and Zane here seems to think I'll do just fine."
Miles walked down the steps and over to Jason. Reaching up, he shook his hand. "If Zane thinks you'll work out, then I think you'll work out. Welcome to the XO, son. "Why don't you boys get these horses taken care of and then clean yourselves up for supper, and show Jason his bunk while you're at it. Ben, before you call it a night, come see me."
Zane lingered back while the men headed for the barn so he could talk to Miles alone.
"Mac let it slip that he picked up several hundred head of Texas longhorns the other day."
"What, how the hell did he do that? Does he still have em'?"
"No, he said he brokered them off."
"How did he get them?"
"He said they wondered off the Chisholm and as luck would have it, landed right in his lap."
"There was no luck to it. There's no legitimate cattle coming this direction. We all know that."
"I warned him, but he assured me the brands were good. I know he's hurting right now, afraid he might lose his place."
"I feel for him, Zane, but we've all worked too hard to let Texas fever get another foothold around these parts. I'm not going to let him endanger our livelihood just because he's about to go under."
"So, what do you think?"
"I think we need to keep an eye on him, maybe I'll head out to his place one of these days and we'll have ourselves a talk. Until then I think I'll at least make the sheriff aware of the situation. Thanks for filling me in, Zane. Now go get yourself cleaned up for supper."
******
After the men had eaten their supper and pestered Jason with a million questions about himself, Wichita, the Chisholm trail and the rail yards, they decided to teach Jason how to play poker. Ben took the opportunity to head up to the house and have a talk with Miles, who was sitting in his customary spot on the front porch enjoying the cool summer evening.
"Ben, have a seat. Care for a smoke?"
"No thanks, Miles. I don't smoke."
"Don't smoke? Why that's mighty unusual for a man not to smoke. I myself enjoy the pleasure of a good bowl of tobacco on an evening such as this. So tell me, how in the hell did Little Walt manage to get himself shot?"
"It wasn't anything he did. We were just leaving the livery when we were approached by two men wanting to know if we were blue or gray. Little Walt spouted off that he was a yank and proud of it. It must have riled them, "cuz that's when they pulled their guns and started shooting. Wes caught a round in the shoulder. Just a flesh wound really. It only took a few stitches, but Little Walt caught one square in the chest. I did what I could for him, but he's in a bad way right now. It could go either way for him."
"So, you're a good doctor, are you?"
"I had a good practice in Richmond, but I made the mistake of letting my political views be known by giving a helping hand to a Negro, and I paid the price for it."
"You know, Ben. Sometimes there's a high price to pay for doing the right thing. It's never a mistake to help a man in need, no matter what the color of his skin. You've chosen a noble profession and you can always be proud of that."
"That may be true, Miles, but look at what it got me."
"You're looking at it all wrong, Ben. It got you out of that big city back east and out here into the wide open where a man can ride for miles and see nothing but tall grass and cattle…and maybe a buffalo or two."
"I'm afraid I haven't seen any buffalo."
"You will, that is if that man Cody doesn't shoot them all first."
"Cody? I don't think I know him."
"Stick around here long enough and you will. So what do you think of this new kid, Jason. He looks like he might be a handful with that red hair and all."
"Now that sounds a bit like judging a man by the color of his skin, doesn't it?"
"We're talking hair here, not skin."
"Oh, I see. Well, I think he'll do just fine in spite of his red hair. He has to be better than me."
"Well, that ain't sayin' much, Ben…no offense."
"None taken," replied Ben with a chuckle. "I know I'm not cut out for ranch work."
"So how long do you plan on stayin' around there parts?"
"I'm waiting to hear from my parents, they're suppose to let me know when it's safe to return."
"As far as I'm concerned, I hope they take their time. You're already makin' friends here. Maybe you'll decide to stay when that time comes.
It's gettin' late. I think I'm goin' to call it a night. I'll see you in the mornin'. Don't let me forget I'm holdin' some money for you."
"Oh you don't have to worry about that. I'll get it from you when I say my good-by's in the morning."
"I figured so. Goodnight, Ben."
Miles wandered back into the house, but Ben sat on the porch a while longer, soaking in the splendor of a million stars on a clear summer night.
******
It was early the following morning, Ben was up for breakfast with the rest of the hands. He lingered in the yard and said his good-by's as the men went off to do their chores. Once his bags were packed he had a few final words with Miles before heading into town to meet up with Doc Evans. As he rode out of the yard, Miles called out a final word.
"Just remember, Ben. You're welcome back here any time…to visit, not to work."
They both cracked a smile. One final wave from Ben and they both turned to go about their business.
Zane had Jason work around the barn for the day, forking out the stalls among other general cleaning chores. He wanted to see if the boy could be trusted to work on his own. He didn't want his men playing nursemaid to the boy, not that they would.
Jason wanted to prove his worth, so he kept his mouth shut and did as he was told. It's not like he had never cleaned out a stall before. He'd been doing it ever since he could handle a fork. The good thing is that he didn't have to worry about getting beat if something wasn't quite right, and to top it off, he was getting paid to do it.
The following day Zane put him with the rest of the hands as they worked the cattle. By the end of the week he had blended in. The men took a liking to him and quickly considered him of the boys.
Each Friday was payday at the XO, and the boys usually made their way into town the following morning to relax and enjoy themselves at the Hoof and Horn, which they planned to do this week as well, but first they wanted to check in on Little Walt to see how he was holding up.
As they all rode into town the following morning a couple of the boys decided to have a little fun with Jason.
"So tell me Jason," asked Zane. "Have you ever had a drink of really good whiskey?"
"No, I've never had a whiskey of any kind," he replied.
"Oh come on now. You mean to tell me you never took a snort from your daddy's bottle when he wasn't lookin'?" Teased Smiley. "How about a woman? Have you ever had yourself a woman? I'll bet not. I'll bet you ain't never had a whiskey or a woman, have ya'"
Jason didn't like the teasing. He closed up on Smiley and shoved him so hard he almost fell off his horse. Wes thought that was pretty funny until Smiley came back at Jason in a huff and Jason pulled the axe handle he carried out of his rifle scabbard. Smiley, not to be outdone, reached for his gun. Just then Zane squeezed in between the two of them.
"OK, that'll be enough you two. Jason, put that damn stick away. You need to learn how to take a joke. We were only funnin' ya'."
"I don't take to being made fun of!" snapped Jason.
"Well you got a mighty short fuse there boy. It'll get you into trouble some day if you're not careful, especially in the Hoof and Horn. I won't fun ya' anymore," replied Smiley. "But if you ever pull that stick on me again, you can expect to be gaggin' on it." He rode on up ahead, alongside Wes.
Later that afternoon as the men rode in to the livery, Jason decided he would continue out to Mac's place to see his ma. "I don't think I'm going to head in with you all right now, I need to see my ma first."
"Oh, come on Jason, why don't you hang around with us for awhile. We wanted to buy you your first drink."
"And maybe even a woman," laughed Smiley, obviously forgetting the promise he had made earlier.
After much coercion, Jason finally relented. "OK, one whiskey."
"And maybe a couple hands of poker," added Wes. "Besides, you gotta go with us to see Little Walt, so I can tease him about how you have his job…if that's ok with you?
"And let's not forget about Ben. We need to see how he's holding up too," added Zane.
So the boys unsaddled their horses and made sure they had feed and water. After making arrangements with the stableman to stay the night in the loft, they headed over to the new "Evans and Dunn' office to say hi to Ben and see how Little Walt was doing.
Little Walt was making good progress. Ben had done a top rate job at patching him up. He was sitting up and his breathing was much better, but he was still mighty sore from the whole ordeal.
"Another week and I'll be as good as new," he teased.
"More like a month," replied Ben.
"Don't you worry none, Walt. We got ourselves a real good replacement," teased Wes as he slapped Jason on the back. "This kid can work circles around you. Why, we don't care if you ever come back."
"Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence," replied Walt.
"Oh, don't look so rejected, Walt. You know I'm just teasing you…don't you?"
"I figured so, but I ain't got a wife, so I got to get some sympathy wherever I can find it."
"Well how about if we send one of the girls from the Hoof and Horn over. We'll make sure she gives you all the sympathy you want."
"OK, that'll be enough, boys. What Walt needs most of all right now is rest, not "sympathy', interjected Ben.
"You're quite the spoiler, you know that, Ben."
"Sorry, Wes. That's my job."
After the boys had a chance to talk with Ben for a spell, and see for themselves that Little Walt was on the mend, they headed over to the Hoof and Horn.
"You boys be careful," cautioned Ben. "I don't want to be pulling lead out of any more XO boys tonight, or any night for that matter."
"Don't you worry about us, Ben. But then that don't mean we won't be sending any business your way," replied Wes, with a laugh as he walked out the door.
As the men pushed their way through the bat wings of the Hoof and Horn, they were immediately hailed up to the bar by Ira, the bartender. "Well, it's about time you XO boys showed up. Have you been over to see Little Walt yet? I've been stoppin' in every morning on my way here. He seems to be a little better every day. And who would have thought that that dandy who walked in here with the ten gallon hat would turn out to be the Doc who saved his life. You just never know about people now, do ya'"
"Boy, you got that right Ira," replied Zane. "You just never know how someone might turn out."
"Who's the young feller hiding back behind you there? Step on out from behind this big lug and show yourself. That's better. How do you do there young man? My name's Charles, Charles o'Donnell, but my friends call me Ira, and any friend of these boys, is a friend of mine'
Jason reached forward to shake Ira's hand. "How do you do Ira, I'm Jason."
"Jason here's from Wichita," added Zane. "He's working for the XO now. In fact, we're breaking him in tonight. We're buying him his very first drink, so why don't you set a bottle of your best whiskey up here."
"I only have one kind of whiskey, and since this here is my establishment, I'll be the one to buy the kid his first drink."
Ira set a shot glass up on the bar in front of Jason and filled it to the top. He set the bottle down and looked up at Jason.
"Well, there you go, boy. What are ya' waitin' for?"
The XO boys all stood in close to Jason, anticipating a good laugh.
Jason picked up the glass and put it to his lips.
"Whoa, hold on there, boy. That ain't milk, and that ain't how you drink whiskey. You pick it up and throw it back all at once, so it slides on down yer throat as smooth as silk."
"More like burlap," joked Smiley.
Jason picked up the shot glass and gulped the whiskey down in one quick swallow, and as expected, Ira and all the XO boy had a good laugh at Jason's reaction to the drink was just as expected, a loss of breath as it burned its way down to his stomach.
Ira handed Zane a new bottle and the boys found themselves a table where they started up a friendly game of poker.
The boys played a few hands and had a few drinks. It was late in the afternoon when Jason decided he had better make his way to Mac's place to see his ma. "Well, I want to thank you all for introducing me to the Hoof and Horn and Ira's whiskey. I'm afraid I need to find my way out to Mac's place before my ma begins to worry about me. How do I get there?"
"Well that's as easy as can be," answered Zane. "Head north out of town. You'll run into his place in about thirty minutes. Come back into town tomorrow before two and we'll ride back to the XO together."
As Jason got up to leave, he looked over at Smiley. "Hey, Smiley. I'd like to apologize for pulling my redeemer out on you this morning. I've been teased and tormented most of my life over one thing or another and I'm afraid I haven't been in the mood to take any more of it for quite some time now. You're my friend and I should have known you were only funnin' me."
"I'm still your friend," replied Smiley. "I appreciate the kind words, but I still mean what I said to you, about that stick.
"Why do you carry that thing anyways, and why do you call it your "Redeemer'?"
"It's a long story. I'll tell it to you some time, but right now I need to be going."
"Well I like stories and I'll be expecting to hear it some day."
"It's a deal," replied Jason as he headed for the door.
Just as he was about to leave the saloon, the bat wings flew open and in walked Wiley Strome. He stood in front of the doorway blocking him from leaving. Wiley was a young kid, not more than twenty. He was a big talker who liked to bring attention to himself. The gun he carried was more for show and threatening people, than for real use. Wes had accused him on more than one occasion of not being able to hit the broad side of a barn, and had even challenged him to a shooting contest to prove his point, but Wiley kept brushing him off. The XO boys knew he could be trouble and expected something might happen when he blocked Jason's way out.
"Well, well, who let the kid in here. Are you lost son?" Wiley spied the red hair sticking out from under Jason's hat and continued with his badgering. "And what have we here?" Wiley reached over and grabbed Jason's hat off his head. "Would you look at that! Somebody get me a bucket of water. I think this boy's head is on fire." Before Wiley had time to laugh at his own joke, Jason caught him with a mean right hook to the side of the head. It stunned him, but didn't put him down. Wiley grabbed Jason by the throat and shoved him up against the wall. He pulled his gun and held it up to Jason's head. "You're going to wish you had never done that, boy."
Suddenly Wiley felt the cold steel of a gun barrel pressing against the back of his own head.
"I don't think you want to do that, Wiley," cautioned Zane. "You so much as breathe hard on that boy, I'll blow your brains to kingdom come. Now put that gun back where it belongs and be quick about it."
Wiley holstered his gun and let go of Jason. Zane removed his gun from the back of Wiley's head. As he did, Jason reached over and grabbed Wiley's gun and held the barrel against his chin. Wiley stood frozen.
"What the hell are you doing, boy!" yelled Zane.
Slowly, Jason pressed the gun a little tighter against Wiley's chin. "Don't ever tease me, and don't ever threaten me again, or I swear by everything that's good and holy, I'll kill you." Jason shoved the gun back into Wiley's holster and stormed out through the bat wings leaving them flapping in his wake.
"What the hell was that all about?" questioned Wiley. "I was just funnin' the kid."
"Don't mess with him, Wiley. He's a good kid, but he has a few issues. Don't know what they are, yet, but I know he doesn't like being teased, so go easy on him."
"That kid's a hothead alright. Red hair, hothead, get it?" Wiley couldn't help but laugh at his own cleverness, but then abruptly stopped and rubbed his jaw where Jason had punched him.
"That kid packs quite a punch, I know that much." Turning to Ira he placed his order. "Ira, draw me a beer, will you." Turning back to Zane, he looked him in the eye and with a hint of seriousness in his voice, he commented. "Don't ever let that kid get his own gun, I'm afraid he might use it on someone some day, and I don't believe it'll be in self defense.
"You may be right, Wiley, you may be right."
Zane went back to the table with the boys. "I don't know about that boy. If he keeps this up, he may be more than I want to handle."
"Oh come on Zane. It was the whiskey talkin', answered Wes. "Some people get mean when they drink, and he has had a few, and we all know he doesn't like being messed with, so give the kid a break."
After leaving the saloon, Jason headed straight for the livery and retrieved his horse. Finding the road north, he headed toward Mac's place. It was a pleasant afternoon and Jason rode slow as the alcohol had had some effect on him. He soon came to what he assumed was Mac's ranch. He passed several large, empty corrals before seeing the house in the distance. As he rode up to the gate, Sarah came bounding off the porch to meet him. "Jason, I thought maybe you weren't coming?"
"I told you I'd see you on the weekends. The boys wanted to buy me a drink before I came out."
"Buy you a drink? They better not have! You're too young for that. What kind of men are these, giving alcohol to a young boy!"
"Ma, they're my friends and I'm not a young boy, I'm almost fifteen, so let's drop it. How've you been? Looks like Mac has a nice place here. Not many cows though."
"He's having a tough time of it right now with all the Texas cattle coming up the Chisholm these days. Seems like the man you work for had a big hand in shutting down the Shawnee. I'm surprised Mac is still friends with him."
Jason had dismounted and was leading his horse toward the hitching rail. "You know the Texas cattle were spreading a deadly disease to the cattle around here. We heard about that back in Wichita. The ranchers around here did what they had to do to protect their herds."
Sarah suppressed a small frown. "That doesn't make it any easier on Mac. With no cattle to buy he has no income other than what he makes off his own cows, and what few cattle manage to make it around the blockade." He's thinking about going back to Wichita or maybe Abilene and getting a job with one of the brokers back there. "I'm worried if he does go back to Wichita, he might have a run in with Jim."
Jason's eyes narrowed, a slow smile coming at his mother's words. "You're right, maybe he'll kill him." He chuckled, aloud. "I think you should encourage him to go," he said mischievously."
"Jason, don't talk like that." Sarah chided.
Jason shrugged; the whiskey he had consumed making him not give a damn about what he was thinking. "Why not? I hate that man."
As the two stood talking, a buggy came up the road and stopped in front of the house. It was Doctor Dunn.
"Good afternoon Sarah, Jason, It's a beautiful day today, don't you agree?"
"Yes, it's a fine day, Doctor Dunn," replied Sarah.
"Oh please, I think we can dispense with the formalities out here, please call me Ben. Can you tell me if Mac is about?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact he is. Jason, Mac is out in the barn, would you be so kind as to go fetch him for Doctor…I mean Ben."
Jason headed for the barn, giving Ben and Sarah a chance to get better acquainted.
"Last I seen you, you were bawling your eyes out. Have you recovered?"
"I'm getting used to it. I never thought I'd be alone at this point in my life."
"I completely understand. I left everything I owned and everyone I knew back in Richmond. I'm hoping I'll be able to return before too long."
"I'm afraid I don't know what I'm hoping for. A fresh start, I guess."
"Well, if you plan on being in town much, maybe we'll be seeing more of each other before I head back to Richmond."
"I think I'd like that, Ben."
The two continued with their small talk until Mac and Jason met back up with them.
"Well hello there Ben. What brings you out this way today?" Inquired Mac.
"Oh, nothing special. I just thought I'd take some time to get to know my neighbors, and to check up on Sarah. She was mighty down the last time I seen her, but I see the color is back in her cheeks. That's always a good sign. How's the cattle business going for you?"
"I'm afraid it's not going too well. I'm not getting a lick of business. It's all heading into the stock yards in Abilene."
"That's what I hear. I know when I was out at the XO, they were pretty happy that the Texas cattle were using the Chisholm and that the Shawnee had pretty much dried up. I'm surprised you're still on speaking terms with them, considering they played a large part in this whole affair, and it seems to have put you out of business."
"I happen to like Miles and the men who ride for the XO, and that includes Jason here, now. It's not their fault those longhorns are carrying a disease that's killing off the cattle up here. They're just trying to protect their interests. You know, that trail was blocked off twenty some years ago for the very same reason. When it opened up again last year, I thought I'd try and make a go of it as a broker. Unfortunately, the blockade was put back in place, If that hadn't happened, they'd be the ones suffering, not me. It's just the luck of the draw."
"It's nice to see you take it so well. I hope things work out for you. I'd hate to see you and Sarah have to leave Fort Scott."
"Hopefully it won't come to that, but I'll do what I have to do."
"I understand that all too well."
Sarah interrupted the conversation. "Enough talk about leaving Fort Scott. I just got here and if I have to take a job in town to help my brother make ends meet, then that's exactly what I'll do. And speaking of working, I've been cooking most of the afternoon. Won't you please stay for supper with us. If I recall, the last we met, you were on your way to gather your things from the XO. You now have an office in town, is that right? I'd love to hear all about it."
"Well, I'm actually sharing an office with Doc Evans for now. Like I said, I'm not expecting to stick around too long, and the situation is working out well. But I will stay long enough to have supper with you, that's for sure."
"Then it's settled. You men can take care of the horse and wash up. I'll set an extra plate."
******
For the next several weeks things were pretty quiet. Jason was working out well for the XO and Little Walt had recovered from his wound enough to where he left Ben's care and went to stay at the XO. Mac was still having a hard time of it and Sarah, true to her word, went into town to find work. She checked with the general store and two restaurants, but nobody was looking to hire.
She was about to give up for the day when she ran into Ben as he was coming out of the barbershop. He doffed his hat and made no move to step out of her way. There was a brief, awkward silent, and Ben was the first to speak.
"Why Sarah, how are you? I haven't seen you for a spell, although I do still think about that delicious peach pie you served up for desert when last we met. What brings you into town today?"
Sarah's cheeks colored. It had been a long time since a man so close to her own age had spoken to her so politely; and she felt like a schoolgirl. "Well thank you, Ben. I enjoyed serving it to you. It was quite a pleasant evening. I've come to town in search of work, but I'm afraid I haven't had much luck."
"I see, so Mac is still having a hard time of it, is he?"
Sarah frowned. "Yes, I'm afraid so. I'm real concerned he may be serious about heading back to Wichita unless I find something to help him make ends meet. Right now, I'm just an extra burden to him, and it bothers me."
Ben reached out to take Sarah's arm, guiding her out of the sun and into the shadows beneath a porch roof. "It's funny we should meet today. Doc Evans and I were just this morning discussing the need of finding someone to help around the office." Smiling, he hesitated; mischief deep in his eyes. "Do you know how to boil water?"
The question surprised Sarah, and it showed in her face. "Boil water? Are you fooling with me? Of course I can boil water." Then, realizing he was teasing, she swatted his arm.
Ben's grin widened, and he rubbed at his forearm as if it really hurt. "OK, here's a harder question. Do you faint at the sight of blood?
Realizing he was serious, she gave him a straight answer. "I've seen my share of blood and I have never fainted, nor have I been nauseated by the sight."
Ben nodded. "Well then, I think we may have a job for you. Of course, I'll need to discuss it with Doc Evans first. I'll let you know tomorrow, that is, if you're truly interested."
Sarah didn't even have to think about it. "Why yes, Ben I'm very interested. Thank you."
He was visibly relieved. "Then I'll let you know tomorrow."
A bit of small talk ensued and as Sarah finished up with a polite good-by, Ben asked if he might accompany her to her buggy.
"Why yes, Ben. I would very much like that, she replied.
They continued their conversation until they reached Sarah's buggy. Ben helped her up and as Sarah was leaving, Ben called out. "I'll let you know about the job, tomorrow."
As he watched her ride away, Ben couldn't help but notice what a fine looking woman she was. Sarah turned her head for one final look as she continued down the street toward home. Ben couldn't help but smile as he slowly walked back to his office, suddenly realizing what a fine day it was.
Continue Reading
Chapter Three / On the Trail to Fort Scott
Chapter Five / Good News, Bad News
Chapter Six / Trailing the Dog
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