.................................................. ....................Two days later .
They rode into the yard of the ranch . Everyone was outside waiting and glad they were back . One of the East Texas Rangers was leading the horse with the travois in the rear . Zeke started organizing the horses and Rangers as they would be staying a while . Lucy ran to Ed's horse as Joy helped Ed down , his side was hurting him bad . Lucy was scared , she helped get Ed in the cabin with Joy . Katy was asking Wade about Ed to be able to help him . Willow Mae and Rosa started preparing a lot of food on the new cookstove and in the fireplace . Claud pulled his blanket off the bed for Ed to have the bed , he was good to sleep on the floor .
They got Ed inside sitting on the bed and took his shirt off . Katy was on her knees cleaning his side with warm water . Lucy was cutting up clean white sacks and getting the whisky to clean off the wound . Only wade and the women stayed in the cabin to tend Ed . Lucy waited for Katy to finish cleaning Ed's side looking at all the scars on Ed wondering how many times he had been shot and cut . It made her want to cry .
His wound was festered up and ragged dead skin needed be trimmed off to keep from having proud flesh slowing the healing . They were gathering the scissors and things needed . Rosa came over crying and held Ed's hand . She said ...Ed you must get better . I can shoot guns now . I want you to show me how to shoot a buffalo . Ed pulled her to him and kissed her head . He said ...Then I must get better soon to go buffalo hunting with you . But first you must learn to shoot my big rifle .
Tumbleweeds
Moderators: carlson1, Charles L. Cotton
Re: Tumbleweeds
Juan and Carlos were digging a grave for Ken a ways behind Hosea's west of the cornfield . They needed to bury the body as soon as possible . The East Texas Rangers were all tired and disheartened , this whole mission had been a failure . If not for the people at the Ranch they could have all died . Wade had relieved them of going to the canyon being told by Ed that the Army had started moving there several days ago . Whatever had happened was over by now or it was too late to get there before it was . They would return to East Texas when they and their mounts could travel again .
A coffin was made by Don , Zeke and Wade . It was not fancy but it was a nice coffin . The body placed in it and carried to the grave with the cart . It lay on the ropes to lower it beside the grave . They was division among the East Texas Rangers as to what had happened here . Some blamed Ken and two were long friends of Ken's standing up for him . Wade wanted Ken buried because his body was going on three days dead and to try and let these men heal from this experience .
A coffin was made by Don , Zeke and Wade . It was not fancy but it was a nice coffin . The body placed in it and carried to the grave with the cart . It lay on the ropes to lower it beside the grave . They was division among the East Texas Rangers as to what had happened here . Some blamed Ken and two were long friends of Ken's standing up for him . Wade wanted Ken buried because his body was going on three days dead and to try and let these men heal from this experience .
Re: Tumbleweeds
One of the East Texas Rangers came in the shed wanting to talk to Wade . Wade stepped out to the horse pens with him . The man said ...My name is Cliff Jones Captain , I have been a friend of Ken's for fifteen years or so . Ken was a good man sir . I know things went wrong here , I tried to talk to Ken on the trail before we got here several times . He was pushing way too hard . I delivered dispatches up this way for my headquarters in the past and know how hard this country can be .
Ken has a wife and married daughter sir . Three months ago his only two grandchildren died of the fever . Ken hadn't been thinking right since then . I hope his family is not shamed by this to add to their grief sir ! I know he did wrong things but his family ought not suffer for it and Ken put in twenty hard years with the Rangers doing a good job . I just wanted you to know .
Wade talked to him a while trying to relieve Cliff's grief of losing a good friend .
Ken has a wife and married daughter sir . Three months ago his only two grandchildren died of the fever . Ken hadn't been thinking right since then . I hope his family is not shamed by this to add to their grief sir ! I know he did wrong things but his family ought not suffer for it and Ken put in twenty hard years with the Rangers doing a good job . I just wanted you to know .
Wade talked to him a while trying to relieve Cliff's grief of losing a good friend .
Re: Tumbleweeds
The service was held everyone at the ranch attended except Ray , Ed and Lucy who stayed with them . Wade gave the service and he gave a short sermon to witness to any non believers and to comfort those of faith . There was crying from Ken's friends and most of the ranch people . It was a sad situation .
Cliff said he would fill the grave but five of Cliff's friends would not let him do it alone . Everyone left so they could be to themselves in their task .
Cliff said he would fill the grave but five of Cliff's friends would not let him do it alone . Everyone left so they could be to themselves in their task .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Everyone was back at the ranch . Ed was wounded but he was being cared for . With all that had happened they had been fortunate . Tomorrow much work would begin . Claud and Ray were doing well and recovering . The last few weeks had been trying but they held up . New people , material , equipment , supplies , improvement on the ranch . Ranch people learning new skills .The crossing to Eliasville becoming routine , new friends and contacts made . Zeke and his mother reunited . Wade and Katy married . Don proving himself .
The future held promise ! Moving the Garcia's families to the ranch . Windmills were coming with barbed wire fences . They had not only survived but grown . Bonds were strengthening , the future looked good and was going to be busy !
The future held promise ! Moving the Garcia's families to the ranch . Windmills were coming with barbed wire fences . They had not only survived but grown . Bonds were strengthening , the future looked good and was going to be busy !
Re: Tumbleweeds
Zeke had two men logging again , Simon and Steve were working on building the livestock shed bigger . Zeke was helping Carlos trim horses hoofs at the pen , Everyone was busy . Lucy and Katy were cooking with the new stove and Willow Mae was washing breakfast dishes on the porch .
Rosa was sitting on the floor turning the paddle churn making butter by Ed laying in the bed on his side . She was telling him about Katy and Wade getting married in Eliasville . She said ...and Lucy heard Mrs. Bennet lying about Zeke and Katy ! Lucy told Mrs. Bennet she would rip her black heart out and to leave or she would kill her where she stood !
Ed started actually laughing and couldn't stop , holding his side ! Lucy turned red and Katy had to hold her hand over her mouth to keep from laughing .
Rosa was sitting on the floor turning the paddle churn making butter by Ed laying in the bed on his side . She was telling him about Katy and Wade getting married in Eliasville . She said ...and Lucy heard Mrs. Bennet lying about Zeke and Katy ! Lucy told Mrs. Bennet she would rip her black heart out and to leave or she would kill her where she stood !
Ed started actually laughing and couldn't stop , holding his side ! Lucy turned red and Katy had to hold her hand over her mouth to keep from laughing .
Re: Tumbleweeds
All the men came in for lunch . With all the East Texas Rangers and Joy added to the ranch people it was a lot to feed . The ladies loved the new cookstove ! The lunch was good , Beans and tortillas with chopped onion , and rice to go with it . with Lucy's table and chairs , dishes , knives , forks , spoons , bowls , pots and pans they could feed a lot of people at once !
The visiting Rangers mainly rested getting ready to return home . They would have to be provisioned as well as possible for that return also . There were three women and Rosa to get meals , laundry , dishes , sewing and a hundred things done every day to support and keep the men going . Theirs was no small part in every day life at the ranch . Juan didn't ever want them to leave again !
The visiting Rangers mainly rested getting ready to return home . They would have to be provisioned as well as possible for that return also . There were three women and Rosa to get meals , laundry , dishes , sewing and a hundred things done every day to support and keep the men going . Theirs was no small part in every day life at the ranch . Juan didn't ever want them to leave again !
Re: Tumbleweeds
About an hour after lunch Ed sat up on the side of the bed . Willow Mae , Lucy and Katy had a fit ...Telling him to stay in the bed . He seemed to not even hear them and stood up . They got louder ! Ed raised his hand and stared at them . He said ...I will talk to Lucy outside on the bench ! We will require privacy !
They shut up ! He started walking to the porch . Willow Mae , Katy and Lucy looked at each other big eyed and Katy shooed Lucy to go with him . Ed walked slowly to the end of the bench and sat down holding his breath , it hurt . He motioned Lucy to sit beside him . She did and Ed thought a bit . He took her hand and said ...I admire you Lucy . You are a good woman . I have thought long and hard on you . I want to marry you Lucy . The reason I had to think so much was not because of you but me . I don't know if I could deserve a woman like you . I talked to GOD out on the Lano sitting under a blanket in a storm trying to get right with him . You were in my conversation . I love you and I want you to be my wife . I would try to be a good husband if you would have me Lucy .
They shut up ! He started walking to the porch . Willow Mae , Katy and Lucy looked at each other big eyed and Katy shooed Lucy to go with him . Ed walked slowly to the end of the bench and sat down holding his breath , it hurt . He motioned Lucy to sit beside him . She did and Ed thought a bit . He took her hand and said ...I admire you Lucy . You are a good woman . I have thought long and hard on you . I want to marry you Lucy . The reason I had to think so much was not because of you but me . I don't know if I could deserve a woman like you . I talked to GOD out on the Lano sitting under a blanket in a storm trying to get right with him . You were in my conversation . I love you and I want you to be my wife . I would try to be a good husband if you would have me Lucy .
Re: Tumbleweeds
After lunch Wade asked Joy to ride with him . It seemed Joy was just sitting in the cabin with Ed resting and the women busy , he wasn't being paid much attention . Wade rode east to find the ranch property line . Katy had told him that Hosea had ridden and figured it out and blazed trees on the river then building small rock monuments on the prairie to mark their property to the east . He figured to fence it first and allow access to the river for livestock .
They rode the tree line looking for a blaze mark on a tree . They found the eastern property line and rode north out on the prairie to find the monument . Wade said ... How did you and Ed come together ? Joy told the story of Ed , Hank and him on the Lano . Wade was without words at Ed's actions ! Joy said ...Ed told Hank I needed work and Hank just said then take him ! I didn't know Hank could just give me to another Ranger ! Wade laughed and said ...The old Rangers are a special breed Joy , maybe Hank thought Ed could do better by you .
Joy said ...I liked Hank but he mainly tried to just protect me , he is still my good friend Wade ! Ed taught me things about GOD ! I didn't really know anything about GOD . Wade was amazed and asked ...What did he teach you about GOD ? Joy said ... Do you know who GOD is Wade ? Wade let him answer his own question saying ...Who is GOD Joy ? Joy said quickly ...He is the one who created you Wade ! Joy said ...Where is GOD Wade ? Wade again said ...Tell me where GOD is Joy . Joy said ...He is all around us ! Joy was actually excited and asked ...Why did GOD create you Wade ?Wade asked why and Joy said ...Because he loves you Wade !
Wade was in shock . Ed had done an excellent job getting Joy started on the path to GOD ! Joy said ...You should have been there when we rode through Abilene Wade I was scared but Ed ..........
They rode the tree line looking for a blaze mark on a tree . They found the eastern property line and rode north out on the prairie to find the monument . Wade said ... How did you and Ed come together ? Joy told the story of Ed , Hank and him on the Lano . Wade was without words at Ed's actions ! Joy said ...Ed told Hank I needed work and Hank just said then take him ! I didn't know Hank could just give me to another Ranger ! Wade laughed and said ...The old Rangers are a special breed Joy , maybe Hank thought Ed could do better by you .
Joy said ...I liked Hank but he mainly tried to just protect me , he is still my good friend Wade ! Ed taught me things about GOD ! I didn't really know anything about GOD . Wade was amazed and asked ...What did he teach you about GOD ? Joy said ... Do you know who GOD is Wade ? Wade let him answer his own question saying ...Who is GOD Joy ? Joy said quickly ...He is the one who created you Wade ! Joy said ...Where is GOD Wade ? Wade again said ...Tell me where GOD is Joy . Joy said ...He is all around us ! Joy was actually excited and asked ...Why did GOD create you Wade ?Wade asked why and Joy said ...Because he loves you Wade !
Wade was in shock . Ed had done an excellent job getting Joy started on the path to GOD ! Joy said ...You should have been there when we rode through Abilene Wade I was scared but Ed ..........
Re: Tumbleweeds
Joy told about riding through Abilene and Wade didn't know what to say . Joy said ...Ed taught me a bible prayer Wade ! You want to hear it ? Wade said quickly he would love to ! Joy repeated the twenty third psalm and told Wade ...I could teach it to you Wade if you want !
Wade said ...I think I know it already Joy , lets say it together ! And they did , Joy was smiling . Wade was trying to figure Joy out , he spoke much like a child in just saying what he thought without holding back . He was simple in his thoughts and speech . Joy was in no way stupid or slow thinking ...just plain and simple . Wade wondered if Ed had seen something in him that made him take Joy on . He needed to talk to Ed .
Wade said ...I think I know it already Joy , lets say it together ! And they did , Joy was smiling . Wade was trying to figure Joy out , he spoke much like a child in just saying what he thought without holding back . He was simple in his thoughts and speech . Joy was in no way stupid or slow thinking ...just plain and simple . Wade wondered if Ed had seen something in him that made him take Joy on . He needed to talk to Ed .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Lucy couldn't speak till she calmed herself down . She measured her words saying ...I love you too Ed . I think your a good man . I seen you change Ed , your more peaceful than you were not long ago . I think that's a good thing . Ed said ...This place makes us all change Lucy . Lucy shook her head in agreement . She said ...People love us here , we are safe and we help each others in all ways .
Ed said ...I have killed many men Lucy , so many I quit counting . You should know that . Lucy asked ...Why did you kill them Ed ? Ed said ...They took the lives of innocents , they were controlled by the evil . I have no regrets , I would do it again . Lucy shook her head and said ...I have seen all your scars Ed , that evil has been hard on you and it makes me sad . Ed said ...I'm old Lucy , someone new needs to take over my job . I seek peace and I find you give me peace .
Lucy put her arm around Ed and laid her head on his shoulder and said ...I love you Ed , I will marry you . Ed just held her .
Ed said ...I have killed many men Lucy , so many I quit counting . You should know that . Lucy asked ...Why did you kill them Ed ? Ed said ...They took the lives of innocents , they were controlled by the evil . I have no regrets , I would do it again . Lucy shook her head and said ...I have seen all your scars Ed , that evil has been hard on you and it makes me sad . Ed said ...I'm old Lucy , someone new needs to take over my job . I seek peace and I find you give me peace .
Lucy put her arm around Ed and laid her head on his shoulder and said ...I love you Ed , I will marry you . Ed just held her .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Ed and Lucy walked back in the cabin . They announced they would be married . Willow Mae , Katy and Ray were all excited and happy ! Katy told Willow ...Lets go tell everyone ! Ray was congratulating the Lucy and Ed , Zeke came walking in fast and hugged Lucy then shook Ed's hand . Everyone stopped what they were doing to come to the cabin .
Wade and Joy rode into the yard tying their horses to the mesquite tree wondering what all the commotion was in the cabin ! They soon found out . It was a good day at the Black Mule Ranch !
Wade and Joy rode into the yard tying their horses to the mesquite tree wondering what all the commotion was in the cabin ! They soon found out . It was a good day at the Black Mule Ranch !
Re: Tumbleweeds
After breakfast the next morning Zeke and Willow Mae were planting the garden . Ray was sitting on the bench outside with Lucy talking . She was washing dishes and Ray dried them with a clean flour sack stacking them beside him on the bench . Rosa had taken Nate to watch the men work expanding the shed fetching things for them .
Katy and Wade sat at the table , Wade finishing his log book and Katy going through letters brought from Eliasville . Katy pushed a big stack of letters to Wade and said ...Captain Jack sent inquires to wholesalers and big grocers in the northeast about buying pecans . We have seventeen serious offers to buy our pecans Wade ! They want pricing and shipping rates , they want delivery times . Wade was surprised and started reading them .
He said ...It's already September ! The pecans will start to fall at first frost probably in mid to late November ! How could we organize and do this ? Katy said ...We need to get the Garcia's families moved here ! They could do most of the gathering and small work . We have a lot to do Wade !
Katy and Wade sat at the table , Wade finishing his log book and Katy going through letters brought from Eliasville . Katy pushed a big stack of letters to Wade and said ...Captain Jack sent inquires to wholesalers and big grocers in the northeast about buying pecans . We have seventeen serious offers to buy our pecans Wade ! They want pricing and shipping rates , they want delivery times . Wade was surprised and started reading them .
He said ...It's already September ! The pecans will start to fall at first frost probably in mid to late November ! How could we organize and do this ? Katy said ...We need to get the Garcia's families moved here ! They could do most of the gathering and small work . We have a lot to do Wade !
Re: Tumbleweeds
Ed sat up on the edge of his bed then stood and walked to the table sitting down by Wade . He asked Katy to get his saddlebags and bring them to the cabin . To also bring Zeke and Lucy back with her . Katy didn't question him and left to do as he wanted . Ed told Wade ...I heard you and Katy , I want to talk to everyone .
Katy brought Ed his saddlebags , Zeke and Lucy came with her . They sat down and Ed pulled a leather bag from the saddlebags laying it on the table . He said … I want to live here with Lucy after we marry . I want to contribute to the ranch like Lucy did . I don't want to be an owner , just a place to live . There is four thousand dollars in the bag ...use it as you will . You need more help here and I hope you do more hiring but that is your decision .
Katy spoke first and said ...You HAVE contributed Ed and just like with Lucy we don't expect you to pay anything to live here . We want you here , both of you being here is worth more than any amount of money to us . Zeke and Wade agreed quickly . Ed said ...I have the money and it's not doing me any good , I want this ranch to grow . Keep the money ...It's done ! Lucy was shaking her head yes ,
Katy and Wade told of the interest in their pecans and that if they didn't get more done they would lose that opportunity till next year . Zeke said ...Ed's right , we need more help because there is just too much to do . We will end up losing money trying to save money ...it don't make good sense !
They agreed and they also told Ed and Lucy … You will be asked for your opinions on all big decisions , we depend on your help in all things .
Katy brought Ed his saddlebags , Zeke and Lucy came with her . They sat down and Ed pulled a leather bag from the saddlebags laying it on the table . He said … I want to live here with Lucy after we marry . I want to contribute to the ranch like Lucy did . I don't want to be an owner , just a place to live . There is four thousand dollars in the bag ...use it as you will . You need more help here and I hope you do more hiring but that is your decision .
Katy spoke first and said ...You HAVE contributed Ed and just like with Lucy we don't expect you to pay anything to live here . We want you here , both of you being here is worth more than any amount of money to us . Zeke and Wade agreed quickly . Ed said ...I have the money and it's not doing me any good , I want this ranch to grow . Keep the money ...It's done ! Lucy was shaking her head yes ,
Katy and Wade told of the interest in their pecans and that if they didn't get more done they would lose that opportunity till next year . Zeke said ...Ed's right , we need more help because there is just too much to do . We will end up losing money trying to save money ...it don't make good sense !
They agreed and they also told Ed and Lucy … You will be asked for your opinions on all big decisions , we depend on your help in all things .
Re: Tumbleweeds
After lunch Wade stood up . He called the ones in that were through eating on the benches outside . He said ...I have talked to Ed and Lucy . It makes me happy to tell you they will be married at the river tomorrow evening ! Everyone started cheering and clapping . Wade said ...This is a blessed time for us ! Rejoice with them ! Let them know we are here for them !
Wade also said ...We need to have the wedding now because some of us go to Eliasville the day after . I want all of us that live here to celebrate this marriage . Juan , and Simon will bring their families back to live here . Don , Steve , John , Juan , Carl , Greg and Simon go to move them and Don will try to hire five temporary hands to help here at the ranch . We have come far but winter is coming . We must be prepared with all the people that will be here . We will make this work with GOD's help !
Wade also said ...We need to have the wedding now because some of us go to Eliasville the day after . I want all of us that live here to celebrate this marriage . Juan , and Simon will bring their families back to live here . Don , Steve , John , Juan , Carl , Greg and Simon go to move them and Don will try to hire five temporary hands to help here at the ranch . We have come far but winter is coming . We must be prepared with all the people that will be here . We will make this work with GOD's help !