They drew up and stopped , it was good a place as any . Hank , Ed and the young Ranger pulled their saddles off the horses and staked em out . There was no water for them . The sun was going down and they spread their beds not talking . They sat and watched the sun go down and Hank asked ...You alright Ed ? Ed thought and said ...Hank I'm old but I'm put upon to make some big decisions . In a way I have been satisfied with my life but never glad or happy about it . Hank shook his head yes and said ...In a lot of ways I'm the same Ed . There was a space of time as the sun sank with only it's small rim showing . Ed said ...I got choices Hank and it's hard . Hank shook his head again and said ...Pray to GOD Ed , he's the one that gave you choice . He'll help you if you truly ask .
The young Ranger said ...Yea , talk to GOD ! Ed looked at him and said ...Who is GOD son ? The young Ranger stuttered and Ed said ...Maybe you need to find out who he is before you recommend him ! Hank shook his head yes .
Hank said ...we ought to be to Odessa midmorning Ed . Ed said ...Good !
Tumbleweeds
Moderators: carlson1, Charles L. Cotton
Re: Tumbleweeds
Wade stopped them on the prairie . They made camp . Her and Lucy built a fire and heated buffalo and rice that they had made this morning keeping it cool . They brought it to a boil and had cornbread in lard buckets . The men set the water barrels out , unsaddled and unharnessed the teams letting them drink a little . They had to save enough water to give them a small drink in the morning . Everyone ate and talked . Zeke got more excited the closer to Eliasville they got . Rosa was the same !
Wade was let down by the green sinkhole . They would never depend on it again . He would have his plate full when they got to Eliasville with what needed be done . The happiest prospect was marrying her ! He hoped she would have a good wedding knowing that such things meant a lot to a woman . He would do his best .
Wade was let down by the green sinkhole . They would never depend on it again . He would have his plate full when they got to Eliasville with what needed be done . The happiest prospect was marrying her ! He hoped she would have a good wedding knowing that such things meant a lot to a woman . He would do his best .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Blue had lost their trail wandering east looking for water . He lay in the grass trying to rest . He was hungry and most of all thirsty .
Re: Tumbleweeds
They sat at the fire and talked about the wedding . Wade told her ...Mrs Staley wanted her and some friends to make you a wedding dress . I answered all the questions about your size and what you liked . They will have you a dress ! She looked at him scared and said ...Strangers are making me a dress to marry in ! He said ...Sure ..they wanted to . She said ...OH MY GOODNESS ! There is no telling what they made ! How could you do this ! It's an important day for us ! Wade said ...I'm sorry ! I just thought it would be nice and you wouldn't have to make one . She said ...If I had the time I would have made one but now I have to wear something I might regret !
Wade was figuring out how bad he had messed up . He said ...Don't get mad at me please ! I thought you would like the idea . I'll always ask you in the future , I just thought it was a nice thing .
She held her words . She said ...The truth is I'm nervous , getting married is forever Wade . I'm not thinking good right now . Wade told her he understood and they would talk tomorrow but would not go to sleep angry . She agreed and he held her .
Wade was figuring out how bad he had messed up . He said ...Don't get mad at me please ! I thought you would like the idea . I'll always ask you in the future , I just thought it was a nice thing .
She held her words . She said ...The truth is I'm nervous , getting married is forever Wade . I'm not thinking good right now . Wade told her he understood and they would talk tomorrow but would not go to sleep angry . She agreed and he held her .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Her and Lucy made coffee . They sliced quick bread and made toast . They didn't take any pots or plates because there were not enough at the ranch as it was . Lucy donating her household items was going to be a blessing . All the little things you take for granted .
They harnessed and hitched the teams . They started heading south again saving the last drink of water for the stock for a noon break . The weather had cooled considerably , it was early September . Winter was coming and much preparation was needed at the ranch . With the freight wagon they would bring more water on the trip back and have extra barrels in the future . It was all coming together but much work and time always seemed to be running short for one reason or another .
They moved slowly south hoping the make the stand of mesquite and hackberry trees for the night .
They harnessed and hitched the teams . They started heading south again saving the last drink of water for the stock for a noon break . The weather had cooled considerably , it was early September . Winter was coming and much preparation was needed at the ranch . With the freight wagon they would bring more water on the trip back and have extra barrels in the future . It was all coming together but much work and time always seemed to be running short for one reason or another .
They moved slowly south hoping the make the stand of mesquite and hackberry trees for the night .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Blue had slept in the high grass hearing the coyotes howling close all night . Their yipping and long howls made the hair stand up on his back . Long before daylight he started back west through the tall grass trying to find the wagons trail . He was thirsty but there was no water .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Juan made pancakes for breakfast . They came in and got coffee and he was frying bacon . They sat and ate then Carlos said ...The pancakes are dried out and the bacon is half burnt Juan ! Juan said ...I'm doing the best I can ! We are spoiled to her and Mrs Lucy's cooking ! We take for granted all they do for us but by the time they get back we will all apricate them more !
Don said ...Gather your dirty clothes . John will do laundry , we are not going to turn into the heathens Lucy is always telling us we are ! Everyone laughed . Juan is right we don't think of all the work they do for us , they are the ones holding this place together . Lets get a lot done and make them proud of us ! They all agreed .
Carlos said ...They are getting married ! We must build their bedroom ! Don agreed and said ...John can care for the stock and build beds that we need bad . Juan can cut cattails at the river and haul them on the sledge to dry till lunch . The rest of us start the bedroom walls and floor .
They all agreed .
Don said ...Gather your dirty clothes . John will do laundry , we are not going to turn into the heathens Lucy is always telling us we are ! Everyone laughed . Juan is right we don't think of all the work they do for us , they are the ones holding this place together . Lets get a lot done and make them proud of us ! They all agreed .
Carlos said ...They are getting married ! We must build their bedroom ! Don agreed and said ...John can care for the stock and build beds that we need bad . Juan can cut cattails at the river and haul them on the sledge to dry till lunch . The rest of us start the bedroom walls and floor .
They all agreed .
Re: Tumbleweeds
The Rangers rolled their blankets and saddled their horses . They started south to Odessa , Hank offered to lead Ed's horse . Ed's horse was walking stiff legged and worn out . They still had a little water for themselves .
Midmorning they reached Odessa , there was little enough there . Just a small store and a few houses . The army had a barracks where the telegraph was and a dozen or so men . The Rangers went there first watering their mounts . A young Sargent came out of the barracks and seeing they were Texas Rangers told them to move on and get water at the store . Hank said ...We just came off the Lano . This man has a report to send out about a big Comanche camp in the Canyon . His horse is used up and he hasn't had decent food in over a week .
The Sargent still refused to help them . Ed said … The message will be sent . If you want to deny us food and shelter that will be on your head but don't ever tell us what to do ! The Sargent got nervous and said ...Write your message and we will do that . Ed said ...I will see it done , lives are at stake ! You shame yourself , keep your mouth shut . We will ask nothing but the message be sent and seek help for ourselves elsewhere . That you refused us will be reported .
Ed went in with Hank and wrote out a long message and signed it Ed Rawlins . The Sargent read it and said ...Your Ed Rawlins ? Ed shook his head yes . The Sargent said ...I'm sorry I said what I did sir ! He gave the message to the telegraph operator who sent it out immediately . The Rangers walked out saying nothing .
They went to the small store and the owner and his wife fed them and put them up .
Midmorning they reached Odessa , there was little enough there . Just a small store and a few houses . The army had a barracks where the telegraph was and a dozen or so men . The Rangers went there first watering their mounts . A young Sargent came out of the barracks and seeing they were Texas Rangers told them to move on and get water at the store . Hank said ...We just came off the Lano . This man has a report to send out about a big Comanche camp in the Canyon . His horse is used up and he hasn't had decent food in over a week .
The Sargent still refused to help them . Ed said … The message will be sent . If you want to deny us food and shelter that will be on your head but don't ever tell us what to do ! The Sargent got nervous and said ...Write your message and we will do that . Ed said ...I will see it done , lives are at stake ! You shame yourself , keep your mouth shut . We will ask nothing but the message be sent and seek help for ourselves elsewhere . That you refused us will be reported .
Ed went in with Hank and wrote out a long message and signed it Ed Rawlins . The Sargent read it and said ...Your Ed Rawlins ? Ed shook his head yes . The Sargent said ...I'm sorry I said what I did sir ! He gave the message to the telegraph operator who sent it out immediately . The Rangers walked out saying nothing .
They went to the small store and the owner and his wife fed them and put them up .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Wade rode up beside her in the cart and told her to stop . She did and he tied bud to the cart and got in with her . Rosa had Nate and was riding with Lucy and her black dog . Her and Wade talked and planned , she apologized about last night and was still looking forward to getting married , Eliasville and meeting the Staley's and people there . She said ...I haven't been in a town or around people in a long time Wade . This is almost too much to take in with all that's going to happen in the next few days ! But I'm determined to enjoy every bit of it because I'm with you .
Wade just smiled and put his arm around her .
Wade just smiled and put his arm around her .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Juan sat on a bench outside washing the breakfast dishes talking to himself . He had been to the river and cut a sledge load of cattails , trimmed them and spread them in the shed . They had missed Blue at supper last night and looked for him '
Juan was just talking .
I never told anybody I can cook . Why did I get picked ! Now Blue is gone and she will be mad ! Mrs Lucy should have stayed to feed these heathens ! I wonder what a heathen is anyway ? I must have committed a terrible sin or something to get this job I think . They are all building things while I'm roaming around naked in the river cutting cattails and washing dirty dishes , Give me help Lord ! He jumped up saying ...I forgot to put more water in the rice!
The cabin was full of smoke when he went in .
Juan was just talking .
I never told anybody I can cook . Why did I get picked ! Now Blue is gone and she will be mad ! Mrs Lucy should have stayed to feed these heathens ! I wonder what a heathen is anyway ? I must have committed a terrible sin or something to get this job I think . They are all building things while I'm roaming around naked in the river cutting cattails and washing dirty dishes , Give me help Lord ! He jumped up saying ...I forgot to put more water in the rice!
The cabin was full of smoke when he went in .
Re: Tumbleweeds
They stopped at noon and ate dried cornbread , jerky and cookies . The stock was holding up good and they gave them the last of the water in the small barrels . Zeke sat with Wade and her eating , they were excited about his mother . They also worried that she had arrived but found the Staley's store and told them who she was .
Zeke cautiously said ...Ya'll are unknowing and it hurts me to bring this up . The ranch is another world away from the real world . There I'm the same or equal to everyone but in a town it's different . Some white people are not going to accept me in Eliasville , I know that . When we get there I'll take my pistol and gun belt off because there are those that will cause trouble seeing a black man being armed . She jumped up off the ground and looked at Zeke saying loudly ...NO ! NO ! I'll not have it ! I ..WILL..NOT ..HAVE ..IT !! You are one of us ! You are a third owner in our ranch ! You are my and Nate's family ! It will not be so , you will be you !
You will not be made light of or mistreated ! They shun you...they shun us all ! You will be you and no one else . We all love and respect you and EXPECT you to be no less than the man you are . Wade said ...She's right Zeke ! You leave your gun on and just be normal !
Zeke said ...There will be problems I'm telling you . She said ...Since when have we not had problems ? We have stuck together and figured it out through all of them . Wade said ...Exactly !
Zeke cautiously said ...Ya'll are unknowing and it hurts me to bring this up . The ranch is another world away from the real world . There I'm the same or equal to everyone but in a town it's different . Some white people are not going to accept me in Eliasville , I know that . When we get there I'll take my pistol and gun belt off because there are those that will cause trouble seeing a black man being armed . She jumped up off the ground and looked at Zeke saying loudly ...NO ! NO ! I'll not have it ! I ..WILL..NOT ..HAVE ..IT !! You are one of us ! You are a third owner in our ranch ! You are my and Nate's family ! It will not be so , you will be you !
You will not be made light of or mistreated ! They shun you...they shun us all ! You will be you and no one else . We all love and respect you and EXPECT you to be no less than the man you are . Wade said ...She's right Zeke ! You leave your gun on and just be normal !
Zeke said ...There will be problems I'm telling you . She said ...Since when have we not had problems ? We have stuck together and figured it out through all of them . Wade said ...Exactly !
Re: Tumbleweeds
Claud said ...Dang it son ! Get that pot out on the porch ! You tryin to smoke me and Ray out of here ! Juan got a couple of sacks folded and carried the smoking burnt pot outside . Then he opened the gun ports letting the south breeze carry the smoke out .
Juan said ...I'm sorry Claud ! I just burned up lunch , I'm not a cook Claud ! Claud had struggled up sitting on the edge of the bed and said ...I'm sure not the best but I can help you . Get two small red potatoes for each man and boil em slow in the other pot , Fry some ham slices and call it quits ! I heard Lucy telling you how to make the rice . After you spend an hour scrubbing the burnt pot out with sand and soap we will try the rice again for supper .
Juan said ...Claud ! Thank you !
Juan said ...I'm sorry Claud ! I just burned up lunch , I'm not a cook Claud ! Claud had struggled up sitting on the edge of the bed and said ...I'm sure not the best but I can help you . Get two small red potatoes for each man and boil em slow in the other pot , Fry some ham slices and call it quits ! I heard Lucy telling you how to make the rice . After you spend an hour scrubbing the burnt pot out with sand and soap we will try the rice again for supper .
Juan said ...Claud ! Thank you !
Re: Tumbleweeds
They made it to the stand of trees . Lucy , her and Rosa put potatoes in the coals of the fire to bake them a potato with cookies left . It was just something to eat . Tomorrow they would be in Eliasville . It was a place she had only been told stories of . They would be married , they would go to Fort Graham for a marriage license .She would get to see Zeke and his mother reunite , meet the Staley's , see Eliasville , help Lucy with her things . She was excited , nervous and had high expectations !
They drank all out of the lard buckets all they wanted and gave each head of stock a tiny drink . She told her mule he would have all the water he wanted in the morning ! They bedded down for a big day tomorrow .
They drank all out of the lard buckets all they wanted and gave each head of stock a tiny drink . She told her mule he would have all the water he wanted in the morning ! They bedded down for a big day tomorrow .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Ed had slept most of the day , he was worn out . The nice couple that took them in brought them water to bathe and had fed them well . Ed could tell they didn't have a lot . He checked his horses before dark and they had supper . At supper Ed gave thanks . He told Hank ...If my horses are better in the morning I go home . Hank said ...Stay till your rested Ed , we will stay with you . Ed said ...Leave that young Ranger to escort me home Hank , he needs some work done on him . Hank just said ...Good enough Ed ! He is yours brother .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Juan sat the buffalo and rice on the table . Everyone was afraid to pull the lid off , they knew he burned the first batch . Don pulled the lid and it actually looked and smelled good ...Just like her and Lucy's ! Don said ...Dang Juan you done good ! Juan quickly said ...It was Claud ! Claud told me how ! I think Claud needs to be the cook !
Claud said ...No way ! I ain't cookin for you heathens ! Naa ! Me and Ray are bunged up right now ! I'll keep an eye on Juan though because we got to eat whatever he makes too ! Everyone had a good laugh and the food was good .
Don stood up at the end of the meal . He said ...Pray for those making the crossing . We all must pray for Ed ! Ed is out there , please pray for him before you sleep . I can't imagine us without Ed here and I'm worried sick about him . Pray for Blue that he comes back , the ladies will grieve if he doesn't .
Claud said ...No way ! I ain't cookin for you heathens ! Naa ! Me and Ray are bunged up right now ! I'll keep an eye on Juan though because we got to eat whatever he makes too ! Everyone had a good laugh and the food was good .
Don stood up at the end of the meal . He said ...Pray for those making the crossing . We all must pray for Ed ! Ed is out there , please pray for him before you sleep . I can't imagine us without Ed here and I'm worried sick about him . Pray for Blue that he comes back , the ladies will grieve if he doesn't .