They had eaten at the wedding so Wade and the Staleys took chairs out to the back porch and drank tea as it cooled off . Wade and Ed had done a lot of business in the last little while . Ed was going to check on many things for Wade . Wade told Ed they would get the wagon back for the rest of the supplies within two weeks and he hoped she could come with him if he could spare the men to come with them . The Staleys both said they were really looking forward to meeting everyone at the ranch !
Morning came . Wade went to the horse lot , the Garcia brothers were there and Lucy with Steve and John showed up quick . The sun was just breaking above the horizon and Lucy climbed in the wagon box . She hollered to Rosa ..Rosa Aqui ! Rosa ran and got in the box with her things in a flour sack .
Lucy jerked the brake handle back then pulled to her and shoved it forward . She slapped the Horses on the back with the reins hollering HUP ! HUP ! The team leaned into their collars with the heavy load and they pulled out . Several people were there along with Faye and Stan to see them off . Wade had made a big impression in the short time he was in Eliasville .
They went two miles east of town and turned north to the Brazos . In half a day they reached the small stream Wade had taken lard buckets to fill for Captain Jack and Sam before they reached Eliasville . Wade rode to Lucy and told her to let them blow and drink all they could , tonight would be a dry camp except a small drink for the stock . Lucy had the new milk cow tied to the back of the wagon and the calf following bawling every step .
When they got ready to leave the front wagon wheels sunk in the stream bed trying to cross . Wade told Lucy ...I'll get men to lighten the load so you can pull out . Lucy spit on the ground and climbed off into the stream hollering at Simon and Juan . They rode up and she said ...Pitch me a loop and hard tie ! Help jerk this wagon out ! They threw her a rope and she slipped them on the double tree . Climbed in the box through the stream and hollered ...Pull ! Simon and Juan leaned to the left in the saddle as their ropes tightened and Lucy whacked the team on the back with the reins hollering !
The wagon pulled out of the mud and up the bank and she stopped the wagon got out and threw the loops off the double tree . Got back in the box laughing with Rosa and they moved out .
Wade had sold Lucy short ! He would not make that mistake again !
Tumbleweeds
Moderators: carlson1, Charles L. Cotton
Re: Tumbleweeds
Zeke was watching her on the last shift before daylight so that he could cook breakfast . Actually Zeke didn't know if Ed or Don could cook at all , they had never offered . She had a hard night breathing , her face was awfully swollen making it hard for her to breathe . He had raised her by putting two folded quilts under her head and shoulders and it seemed she could draw breath easier . He had the lamp lit and just sitting at the table thinking . He couldn't believe this happened , her badly beaten and two men dead . Thank GOD Ed came back no later than he did !
Zeke started breakfast . He had eggs and Wade was going to get some fish at the river . Nate only had one can of milk left , she had been rationing it out to him . He got the cornmeal out for the fish and a frying pan and he saw her move . He sat down beside her and started talking rubbing her shoulder gently . She half awoke scared but he reassured her everything was safe ! He got her water and she drank a whole glass with him helping her . She said with difficulty ...Where is Jimmie ! Zeke said ...They are both dead ...Ed killed them both . In a second she said ...Did they do ...anything...to me ? Zeke said ...No No ! Jimmie beat you is all ! They didn't 'do' anything to you ! She seemed relieved . She said ...I couldn't stop them …..they said they would kill Nate . Zeke said again ...They are dead and drug off and someone will be here with you till you get better . She said ...I have to go Zeke . Zeke got the chamber pot quick and sat her up , he helped her and held her when he laid her back down telling her ...You get some rest , we will be here all the time .
She slowly asked ...How bad am I hurt Zeke ? She looked terrible but Zeke couldn't tell her that and said ...Your face and head are swollen up some but that will get better quick ! You are going to be fine ! Now you rest and pretty quick I'll get you something to eat and coffee .
Zeke was worried !
Zeke started breakfast . He had eggs and Wade was going to get some fish at the river . Nate only had one can of milk left , she had been rationing it out to him . He got the cornmeal out for the fish and a frying pan and he saw her move . He sat down beside her and started talking rubbing her shoulder gently . She half awoke scared but he reassured her everything was safe ! He got her water and she drank a whole glass with him helping her . She said with difficulty ...Where is Jimmie ! Zeke said ...They are both dead ...Ed killed them both . In a second she said ...Did they do ...anything...to me ? Zeke said ...No No ! Jimmie beat you is all ! They didn't 'do' anything to you ! She seemed relieved . She said ...I couldn't stop them …..they said they would kill Nate . Zeke said again ...They are dead and drug off and someone will be here with you till you get better . She said ...I have to go Zeke . Zeke got the chamber pot quick and sat her up , he helped her and held her when he laid her back down telling her ...You get some rest , we will be here all the time .
She slowly asked ...How bad am I hurt Zeke ? She looked terrible but Zeke couldn't tell her that and said ...Your face and head are swollen up some but that will get better quick ! You are going to be fine ! Now you rest and pretty quick I'll get you something to eat and coffee .
Zeke was worried !
Re: Tumbleweeds
They were past the last known watering place and Wade called in the two Rangers and Simon and Juan to him and said . Two go out on each side to the east and west no more than what your able to hear a rifle shot to tell you to come back . Look for a place to water the stock for the future and now . Be looking for willows or a stand of trees that could be water or shelter . Keep track of us here and be in before dark . Carlos and Tomas will handle the pack horses . We need to find water for the Rangers that come this way and the ranch is going to use this trail often .
They rode out slow , they had to spare the stock all they could . Wade told Lucy as he rode beside her ...There are some high and low places that need dirt work to get the wagon through tomorrow but not today . You and Rosa seem to be getting along fine ! Lucy said ...I talk enough Mexican that we can cut up some , she is a good girl ! Wade said ...I'll make it right with you for helping us Lucy . Thank you for MAKING me take you , you know how dumb men can be . She unleashed a stream of snuff juice and started laughing saying ...Don't I know ! I was married to the most hard headed man on earth but I sure do miss him !
They rode out slow , they had to spare the stock all they could . Wade told Lucy as he rode beside her ...There are some high and low places that need dirt work to get the wagon through tomorrow but not today . You and Rosa seem to be getting along fine ! Lucy said ...I talk enough Mexican that we can cut up some , she is a good girl ! Wade said ...I'll make it right with you for helping us Lucy . Thank you for MAKING me take you , you know how dumb men can be . She unleashed a stream of snuff juice and started laughing saying ...Don't I know ! I was married to the most hard headed man on earth but I sure do miss him !
Re: Tumbleweeds
The day at the cabin was a slow day . There was work got done , firewood cut , boards made and trying to scrub the blood stains from the cabin floor . Zeke worked tirelessly scrubbing the floor with lye soap and sacks , finally Ed came in to check on her and get a cup of coffee . She had been made to eat a little rolled oats at breakfast but refuse lunch ..she slept .
Ed motioned Zeke to come outside . They sat on the bench and Ed said ...Zeke you can't take it away . Zeke said ...Take what away ? Ed said ...You try to protect her because you love her like your own but you can't take the memory of this away by scrubbing that floor the rest of your life Zeke . Help her deal with it and not hide it from her , she's one of the strongest women I'v ever seen . GOD is trying to strengthen her and you try to save her from it . Lets help her get through this , the memory is already there and you can't ever remove it . I have done a considerable amount of thinking on all this ...you , me , her . Nate , Don , Wade , Captain Jack , Sam , Hosea . This place that's turning into a ranch , the river and all that's connected . God is doing some serious work here Zeke . She told me your name means...he gives strength and I believe that . So quit trying to clean the bad out of her life and teach her to deal with the good and the bad . Give her strength .
They talked a while , Don was bringing in the stock and the sun was getting low . They had leftover fish and fried cornbread and tomorrow would be another day .
Ed motioned Zeke to come outside . They sat on the bench and Ed said ...Zeke you can't take it away . Zeke said ...Take what away ? Ed said ...You try to protect her because you love her like your own but you can't take the memory of this away by scrubbing that floor the rest of your life Zeke . Help her deal with it and not hide it from her , she's one of the strongest women I'v ever seen . GOD is trying to strengthen her and you try to save her from it . Lets help her get through this , the memory is already there and you can't ever remove it . I have done a considerable amount of thinking on all this ...you , me , her . Nate , Don , Wade , Captain Jack , Sam , Hosea . This place that's turning into a ranch , the river and all that's connected . God is doing some serious work here Zeke . She told me your name means...he gives strength and I believe that . So quit trying to clean the bad out of her life and teach her to deal with the good and the bad . Give her strength .
They talked a while , Don was bringing in the stock and the sun was getting low . They had leftover fish and fried cornbread and tomorrow would be another day .
Re: Tumbleweeds
The sun was low and Wade had Lucy stop the wagon in a low spot so not to be visible from afar . They unharnessed the team and pulled the packs off the horses . Ed had the water barrels at the tailgate of the wagon and they sat two out to water the stock . They only got a little then staked out to graze . They had found no water off the trail but tomorrow two pack hoses would be put to pulling the wagon and the others swapped around to carry different loads .
Lucy dipped up a big pan of water to make coffee in the morning , they wouldn't get much more than a cup though . It was jerky this evening for supper . Wade was making mental notes as what was needed on these trips ...he was turning into Captain Jack , he laughed . He knew when you are responsible for these people you take care of details .
Everyone's attitude was good and though tired they all pulled their weight . He got in his saddlebag and got the big bag of hard candy out and passed out three pieces to everyone making a big deal out of it . When he got to Rosa he announced loudly that since she was special she got five ! They all cheered for her and she smiled and blushed . Lucy spread her blanket on the ground under the wagon and Rosa and her would sleep there with Lucy keeping her shotgun within arms reach . They all went to sleep on the ground with their guns close .
Wade prayed before he slept saying ...Lord hold us in your hand the rest of the way . Help us find water Lord as it would help us now . Keep our families from harm and protect them . Thank you for this day and all you have done for us we can not see . Thank you Lord . In the dark all said Amen ...except the two young Rangers .
Tomorrow would be another day .
Lucy dipped up a big pan of water to make coffee in the morning , they wouldn't get much more than a cup though . It was jerky this evening for supper . Wade was making mental notes as what was needed on these trips ...he was turning into Captain Jack , he laughed . He knew when you are responsible for these people you take care of details .
Everyone's attitude was good and though tired they all pulled their weight . He got in his saddlebag and got the big bag of hard candy out and passed out three pieces to everyone making a big deal out of it . When he got to Rosa he announced loudly that since she was special she got five ! They all cheered for her and she smiled and blushed . Lucy spread her blanket on the ground under the wagon and Rosa and her would sleep there with Lucy keeping her shotgun within arms reach . They all went to sleep on the ground with their guns close .
Wade prayed before he slept saying ...Lord hold us in your hand the rest of the way . Help us find water Lord as it would help us now . Keep our families from harm and protect them . Thank you for this day and all you have done for us we can not see . Thank you Lord . In the dark all said Amen ...except the two young Rangers .
Tomorrow would be another day .
Re: Tumbleweeds
They started waking before sunrise . Lucy had a very small fire burned down making coffee , the men started gathering around her sitting or squatting on their heels . It was cool with a breeze out of the south coming off the gulf of Mexico five hundred miles away . Lucy was braiding Rosa's long hair in pigtails best she could without a comb talking to her . Lucy gathered the cow and tied her to the tailgate and just milked her enough to get a cup of milk for Rosa .
The horses were brought in packed and saddled at first light . Wade hated they couldn't give them water till afternoon but they had traveled slow and the stock was still in good shape . He would send outriders to find water again but that seemed a long shot at this point . They were ready to move out and started north . The fresh team pulling the wagon gave Lucy a hard time at first but she got them lined out pretty quick .
Wade told Juan and Tomas to stay to the west looking for water and they left . He told Steve and John to stay to the east . Steve said ...You got two more Mexicans so why don't you send them ? Us rangers ought not be doin the dirty work !
Wade rode right up beside Steve and John saying ...We are all in this together ! We all depend on one another to make it through and if I hear any more childish talk like that I'll write you up and have you relieved ! Us Rangers should be the first to carry the load not the civilians . We are in a hard way for water and scouting for Comanche . When we get to the ranch you are going to be logging , building cabins and anything needs be done for other Rangers or people . I got a mind to send you two back right now !
John said ...We will look hard for water sir ! You only have to fire a rifle to bring us in if there is trouble ! We are sorry for saying what we did . Wade just turned north to catch up to the wagon and pack horses .
The horses were brought in packed and saddled at first light . Wade hated they couldn't give them water till afternoon but they had traveled slow and the stock was still in good shape . He would send outriders to find water again but that seemed a long shot at this point . They were ready to move out and started north . The fresh team pulling the wagon gave Lucy a hard time at first but she got them lined out pretty quick .
Wade told Juan and Tomas to stay to the west looking for water and they left . He told Steve and John to stay to the east . Steve said ...You got two more Mexicans so why don't you send them ? Us rangers ought not be doin the dirty work !
Wade rode right up beside Steve and John saying ...We are all in this together ! We all depend on one another to make it through and if I hear any more childish talk like that I'll write you up and have you relieved ! Us Rangers should be the first to carry the load not the civilians . We are in a hard way for water and scouting for Comanche . When we get to the ranch you are going to be logging , building cabins and anything needs be done for other Rangers or people . I got a mind to send you two back right now !
John said ...We will look hard for water sir ! You only have to fire a rifle to bring us in if there is trouble ! We are sorry for saying what we did . Wade just turned north to catch up to the wagon and pack horses .
Re: Tumbleweeds
It was about an hour traveling north and Wade saw Juan loping toward them from in front out of the east . He hollered to the others to crowd the wagon till they found out what was happening . Juan rode in and said ...Senor Wade ! We have found water ! There is a seep and sinkhole east close to where the shinnery gets thick . The water is good for the stock but maybe not for us .
Wade told Juan ...Ride to find Steve and John to the east and we will start heading the way you rode in to the water . Juan just nodded and took off east . Lucy swung the wagon more west and they plodded on .
Lucy put her arm around Rosa next to her on the wagon seat and pointed to the northwest saying ...Agua ! Rosa smiled
Wade told Juan ...Ride to find Steve and John to the east and we will start heading the way you rode in to the water . Juan just nodded and took off east . Lucy swung the wagon more west and they plodded on .
Lucy put her arm around Rosa next to her on the wagon seat and pointed to the northwest saying ...Agua ! Rosa smiled
Re: Tumbleweeds
Zeke took the last shift again staying up with her . She had eaten a little yesterday but not much . He knew she was hurting bad but had never complained . Her breathing was still hard , the gash on her head looked alright and not bleeding after they sewed it up . She looked a sight , he prayed she would not be disfigured from the beating .
Captain Jack , Sam and him had talked and said they would work on her and Wade to get married . It just seemed a right thing to them ! But now this had happened and it made Zeke mad and he kept thinking ...WHY ?
She had lost her husband and alone , she had the heat sickness , she was shot and now beaten and almost violated ...WHY ? She worked hard for everyone , she drew them together , she loved them all and they all depended on her . She was the best of them so why did she have to suffer so much . Ed was right . She was being built for greater things . Ed was right about him too , he couldn't save her . All he could do was love her and do all he could to help her .
Zeke wondered what Wade's reaction was going to be . He knew wade was going to feel guilt about not being here when it happened . He knew Wade would be mad at them for leaving her alone . This was going to be a test for Wade to see her like this now . Wade had the potential to be a very violent man . They said his father had been the same way .
Captain Jack , Sam and him had talked and said they would work on her and Wade to get married . It just seemed a right thing to them ! But now this had happened and it made Zeke mad and he kept thinking ...WHY ?
She had lost her husband and alone , she had the heat sickness , she was shot and now beaten and almost violated ...WHY ? She worked hard for everyone , she drew them together , she loved them all and they all depended on her . She was the best of them so why did she have to suffer so much . Ed was right . She was being built for greater things . Ed was right about him too , he couldn't save her . All he could do was love her and do all he could to help her .
Zeke wondered what Wade's reaction was going to be . He knew wade was going to feel guilt about not being here when it happened . He knew Wade would be mad at them for leaving her alone . This was going to be a test for Wade to see her like this now . Wade had the potential to be a very violent man . They said his father had been the same way .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Zeke took the last shift again staying up with her . She had eaten a little yesterday but not much . He knew she was hurting bad but had never complained . Her breathing was still hard , the gash on her head looked alright and not bleeding after they sewed it up . She looked a sight , he prayed she would not be disfigured from the beating .
Captain Jack , Sam and him had talked and said they would work on her and Wade to get married . It just seemed a right thing to them ! But now this had happened and it made Zeke mad and he kept thinking ...WHY ?
She had lost her husband and alone , she had the heat sickness , she was shot and now beaten and almost violated ...WHY ? She worked hard for everyone , she drew them together , she loved them all and they all depended on her . She was the best of them so why did she have to suffer so much . Ed was right . She was being built for greater things . Ed was right about him too , he couldn't save her . All he could do was love her and do all he could to help her .
Zeke wondered what Wade's reaction was going to be . He knew wade was going to feel guilt about not being here when it happened . He knew Wade would be mad at them for leaving her alone . This was going to be a test for Wade to see her like this now . Wade had the potential to be a very violent man . They said his father had been the same way .
Captain Jack , Sam and him had talked and said they would work on her and Wade to get married . It just seemed a right thing to them ! But now this had happened and it made Zeke mad and he kept thinking ...WHY ?
She had lost her husband and alone , she had the heat sickness , she was shot and now beaten and almost violated ...WHY ? She worked hard for everyone , she drew them together , she loved them all and they all depended on her . She was the best of them so why did she have to suffer so much . Ed was right . She was being built for greater things . Ed was right about him too , he couldn't save her . All he could do was love her and do all he could to help her .
Zeke wondered what Wade's reaction was going to be . He knew wade was going to feel guilt about not being here when it happened . He knew Wade would be mad at them for leaving her alone . This was going to be a test for Wade to see her like this now . Wade had the potential to be a very violent man . They said his father had been the same way .
Re: Tumbleweeds
They reached the sinkhole and Simon was there . Wade dismounted and looked it over , the water was green and a few cattails on the south edge . He tasted the water and it didn't taste all that good but would be alright for the stock . They could have pushed harder yesterday and made it here to camp last night .
Simon said ...The water is no good for us but we have the barrels ! We can travel close to the shinnery and maybe find more later ? There is more ground water here for the shinnery to grow ? Wade agreed . The Rangers and Juan showed up in an hour and they rested the stock and let them drink their fill . They were back in good shape again !
They started off north just east of the shinnery as Juan and Simon scouted for water along the west edge of the shinnery . The horses were refreshed and moving out good . Everyone was in a good mood . Wade had Carlos ride back a way along the edge of the shinnery to shoot some jackrabbits , they would have fresh meat this evening .
They had tied a white flour sack to a small mesquite tree on the edge of the shinnery to mark the water hole .
Simon said ...The water is no good for us but we have the barrels ! We can travel close to the shinnery and maybe find more later ? There is more ground water here for the shinnery to grow ? Wade agreed . The Rangers and Juan showed up in an hour and they rested the stock and let them drink their fill . They were back in good shape again !
They started off north just east of the shinnery as Juan and Simon scouted for water along the west edge of the shinnery . The horses were refreshed and moving out good . Everyone was in a good mood . Wade had Carlos ride back a way along the edge of the shinnery to shoot some jackrabbits , they would have fresh meat this evening .
They had tied a white flour sack to a small mesquite tree on the edge of the shinnery to mark the water hole .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Zeke made biscuits the way she had shown him . He would get Ed to go hunting today , they needed meat for her . He actually thought about killing one of the hens in the coop but knew it would upset her . She had a slightly better night with her breathing . She didn't offer to talk unless she was asked a question . She just laid there .
Zeke knew she couldn't think normal right now and he worried about that a lot . He knew her thoughts were all bad and in her condition who would fault her ? He poured her a cup of coffee and put another gun port seat by her bed to sit it on and woke her . He said ...Let me sit you up ma'am ! She didn't want to but he said ...YES ! You are going to drink some coffee ! She let him raise and sit her up putting the cup in her hand .
After she had drank half of it he asked ...You remember him beating you ? She was slow answering but said ...Yes . He said ...He will never hurt you or anyone else again ! You are safe and we are caring for you ! We are all worried about you and are going to get you over this because we love you and you know that don't you ? She shook her head yes . Zeke said ...Ed feels responsible for this ! He is suffering over it but will not admit it . She said quickly ...I made him leave to go get you for lunch ...it was my fault not his .
Then Zeke said ...Your wrong ! It's not anyone's fault except the two that tried to kill you and they are both under four inches of dirt on the prairie a half mile from here ! Your not at fault and neither is Ed ...THEY are the reason and they are dead because of it . They made a choice and it killed them . GOD is still with us and we will survive this ! You or no one here chose for this to happen and you must talk to Ed and give him relief of his guilt .
She started talking better and said ...I will . Ed saved me and Nate Zeke ! I remember him coming in the doorway firing his pistols and kicking Jimmie off of me and killing both of them ! It was a terrible thing to happen and your right it was their choice and their fault they are dead ! And I'm worried about Wade . I was thinking about him in a new way but now my face is all torn up and he would not be interested in me .
Zeke said ...Now hold on there ! Your just bruised up ! Your gonna heal just fine ! She said ...But Wade thought I was pretty but now I'm not ! Zeke said ...Your not listening to me ! Your going to be fine , it will just take a few weeks to heal ! Your still as pretty to Wade as you ever were on the inside and the outside will be back to normal quickly ! Zeke kissed her head and said ...You will see ! You are completely wrong for a change .
Now you let me help you to the table . You need another cup of coffee !
Zeke knew she couldn't think normal right now and he worried about that a lot . He knew her thoughts were all bad and in her condition who would fault her ? He poured her a cup of coffee and put another gun port seat by her bed to sit it on and woke her . He said ...Let me sit you up ma'am ! She didn't want to but he said ...YES ! You are going to drink some coffee ! She let him raise and sit her up putting the cup in her hand .
After she had drank half of it he asked ...You remember him beating you ? She was slow answering but said ...Yes . He said ...He will never hurt you or anyone else again ! You are safe and we are caring for you ! We are all worried about you and are going to get you over this because we love you and you know that don't you ? She shook her head yes . Zeke said ...Ed feels responsible for this ! He is suffering over it but will not admit it . She said quickly ...I made him leave to go get you for lunch ...it was my fault not his .
Then Zeke said ...Your wrong ! It's not anyone's fault except the two that tried to kill you and they are both under four inches of dirt on the prairie a half mile from here ! Your not at fault and neither is Ed ...THEY are the reason and they are dead because of it . They made a choice and it killed them . GOD is still with us and we will survive this ! You or no one here chose for this to happen and you must talk to Ed and give him relief of his guilt .
She started talking better and said ...I will . Ed saved me and Nate Zeke ! I remember him coming in the doorway firing his pistols and kicking Jimmie off of me and killing both of them ! It was a terrible thing to happen and your right it was their choice and their fault they are dead ! And I'm worried about Wade . I was thinking about him in a new way but now my face is all torn up and he would not be interested in me .
Zeke said ...Now hold on there ! Your just bruised up ! Your gonna heal just fine ! She said ...But Wade thought I was pretty but now I'm not ! Zeke said ...Your not listening to me ! Your going to be fine , it will just take a few weeks to heal ! Your still as pretty to Wade as you ever were on the inside and the outside will be back to normal quickly ! Zeke kissed her head and said ...You will see ! You are completely wrong for a change .
Now you let me help you to the table . You need another cup of coffee !
Re: Tumbleweeds
Being encouraged by finding water for the stock they picked up their speed north . Jerky and water was passed out for lunch , Wade let Rosa ride double with him to entertain her for a bit . Lucy smiled to see her happy ! Wade gave her candy and they rode and gave everyone some .
Wade had wondered if Lucy would hold up to the journey but heck she was gaining strength ! She took care of things without complaining or saying a word . She was a tough old woman but not as hard as she wanted you to think she was . The Garcia's were working hard and trying to get along with everyone . Rosa was a beautiful friendly child . Wade was glad she came because she would love her ! He kept thinking of how he would propose to her and when but he knew it was going to be a mad house when they got to the ranch . All the new people , five pack horses and a wagonload of supplies . He was a Ranger captain and the ranch was now a Ranger outpost headquarters , a little girl , four ranch hands and a bossy lady mule skinner . Yes ...it was going to be crazy for a while .
Wade had wondered if Lucy would hold up to the journey but heck she was gaining strength ! She took care of things without complaining or saying a word . She was a tough old woman but not as hard as she wanted you to think she was . The Garcia's were working hard and trying to get along with everyone . Rosa was a beautiful friendly child . Wade was glad she came because she would love her ! He kept thinking of how he would propose to her and when but he knew it was going to be a mad house when they got to the ranch . All the new people , five pack horses and a wagonload of supplies . He was a Ranger captain and the ranch was now a Ranger outpost headquarters , a little girl , four ranch hands and a bossy lady mule skinner . Yes ...it was going to be crazy for a while .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Ed went hunting after breakfast , he took the shotgun . They heard him fire the shotgun several times at the cabin . Zeke told her ...Sounds like he's quail huntin to me . Sure would be nice to have some quail ! She was talking some now and Zeke tried to act normal with her but they would be doing more talking about her being beat up .
Ed came in mid morning and had fourteen Quail ! Don cut some cactus pads and they were set for today ! Zeke got her talking about cooking the quail with rice and she guided him cooking it in a pot . He fried the cactus and they had lunch with her at the table . They bragged on her telling Zeke how to make the quail and rice ! When the meal was over Ed stayed with her .
After Zeke and Don left to make more boards she told Ed ...I don't want you to feel responsible for me being beaten Ed . Your the one that saved me and Nate . Ed got a cup of coffee and sat down . He said … I should not have left you , you were nearly killed but then I have failed before . Have you heard of the ..'Runaway Scrape'..Ma'am ? She said ...No .
Ed said ...The runaway scrape was the evacuation of all white settlers in southwest Texas in 1835 . Santa Anna's army was coming from the west and threatened to kill all of the non Mexican settlers . Back then the Rangers were just regular settlers organized at times to fight the Indians . We couldn't stop Santa Anna's army so we were called up to help all the families escape east . The Alamo was being fortified by the Texans .
I loaded our wagon and told my wife to take our three children and go west to San Jacinto where the main Texan army was . She argued that they would be alright to stay but I had the wagon loaded and told her to leave . I had to help others escape that lived around us . I rode off and that was the last time I saw my family alive . I tried to find them on the road going east later in a few days but couldn't . I rode back to my farm and she never left . Her and our children were butchered in ways I'll not tell you . I buried them and burned the house and barn .
I should have died with them or been there to make her leave . I failed there also .
Ed came in mid morning and had fourteen Quail ! Don cut some cactus pads and they were set for today ! Zeke got her talking about cooking the quail with rice and she guided him cooking it in a pot . He fried the cactus and they had lunch with her at the table . They bragged on her telling Zeke how to make the quail and rice ! When the meal was over Ed stayed with her .
After Zeke and Don left to make more boards she told Ed ...I don't want you to feel responsible for me being beaten Ed . Your the one that saved me and Nate . Ed got a cup of coffee and sat down . He said … I should not have left you , you were nearly killed but then I have failed before . Have you heard of the ..'Runaway Scrape'..Ma'am ? She said ...No .
Ed said ...The runaway scrape was the evacuation of all white settlers in southwest Texas in 1835 . Santa Anna's army was coming from the west and threatened to kill all of the non Mexican settlers . Back then the Rangers were just regular settlers organized at times to fight the Indians . We couldn't stop Santa Anna's army so we were called up to help all the families escape east . The Alamo was being fortified by the Texans .
I loaded our wagon and told my wife to take our three children and go west to San Jacinto where the main Texan army was . She argued that they would be alright to stay but I had the wagon loaded and told her to leave . I had to help others escape that lived around us . I rode off and that was the last time I saw my family alive . I tried to find them on the road going east later in a few days but couldn't . I rode back to my farm and she never left . Her and our children were butchered in ways I'll not tell you . I buried them and burned the house and barn .
I should have died with them or been there to make her leave . I failed there also .
Re: Tumbleweeds
He said ...I fought at two battles and then went to San Jacinto . I killed Mexican Soldiers long after the firing stopped . It took four men to take my rifle away and then I wanted to kill them but couldn't . That double rifle I carry was my father's . After San Jacinto I rode to his place and bushwhackers had killed him , my mother and sister . I tracked them over two months counting the bodies they left behind till I caught up to them and killed all five of em . It's been that way till now , there is great evil out there ma'am and most people can't stop it but I can . I tell you the truth when I say I have no guilt over killing any I have and that's the truth .
But I listened to you instead of doing what I knew I should have done and by GOD's grace you are spared . You now know more about me than anyone alive . I expect your confidence to be kept . I would never hurt you or anyone here but I will never let you down again . I got a second chance with you .
She slowly stood up and held to the table walking around it . She held him and kissed his head . She asked ...How many innocent people have you saved by killing who you did ? He said ...Hundreds or thousands ...it's hard to say .
But I listened to you instead of doing what I knew I should have done and by GOD's grace you are spared . You now know more about me than anyone alive . I expect your confidence to be kept . I would never hurt you or anyone here but I will never let you down again . I got a second chance with you .
She slowly stood up and held to the table walking around it . She held him and kissed his head . She asked ...How many innocent people have you saved by killing who you did ? He said ...Hundreds or thousands ...it's hard to say .
Re: Tumbleweeds
They bedded down out a ways on the prairie , the shinnery could give cover for the Comanche to ease up on them . The hard part of the trip was over and they should reach the sinkhole that the Comanche attacked them at last trip . They had found what they were calling the green sinkhole that stock could water at . They would be fine till the next waterhole if they paced the horses . It would still be hard and dry though .
Carlos had shot four jackrabbits and Lucy had them over coals on sticks cooking with Rosa helping . Wade had seen her give Rosa the reins and showing her how to drive the team on the wagon . Wade told Simon ...I want your daughter Rosa ! She is very smart ! Simon laughed and said she is smart senor ! I am proud of her and she will learn much where we go . Wade said ...Do you want her to learn English ? Simon said ...Of coarse ! Me and my wife have been too lazy to teach her but now she will have to learn . We wanted her to read also but neither of us can so we can't teach her . Wade thought about that .
They slept out on the prairie and there was a cool breeze , everyone had meat to eat and he had Rosa pass out hard candy . Tomorrow was the last hard day and this had been easy compared to Captain Jack , Sam and him trying to move cattle and fight Comanche with just three men .
Carlos had shot four jackrabbits and Lucy had them over coals on sticks cooking with Rosa helping . Wade had seen her give Rosa the reins and showing her how to drive the team on the wagon . Wade told Simon ...I want your daughter Rosa ! She is very smart ! Simon laughed and said she is smart senor ! I am proud of her and she will learn much where we go . Wade said ...Do you want her to learn English ? Simon said ...Of coarse ! Me and my wife have been too lazy to teach her but now she will have to learn . We wanted her to read also but neither of us can so we can't teach her . Wade thought about that .
They slept out on the prairie and there was a cool breeze , everyone had meat to eat and he had Rosa pass out hard candy . Tomorrow was the last hard day and this had been easy compared to Captain Jack , Sam and him trying to move cattle and fight Comanche with just three men .