Tumbleweeds
Moderators: carlson1, Charles L. Cotton
Re: Tumbleweeds
The preacher started his sermon and Zeke came in . Zeke told the ladies ...They sent me in and your to leave to let me and her talk a bit . The ladies assured her she looked perfect and filed out . Zeke sat down by her and took her hand . He said ...You do look perfect ma'am . She said ...I have been tired of you calling me ma'am for a long time Zeke . I'm your daughter ! From now on you will call me by my name . Zeke smiled and said ...Alright but it's gonna take some getting use to . So much has changed our lives in a short time . And here you are marrying a good man and I'm giving you away . This is like a dream , we own a ranch ! I found my mother and everything has changed in my life and yours . Too much to talk about in the short time we have before the preacher stops his sermon .
You have near died three times and survived , I worried so for you each time and you came out stronger each time . You offered me a home and family . You built me up and loved me . We must always love one another , GOD brought us together .
She shook her head yes and held Zeke till the sermon stopped . Zeke stood up and said ...It's time ! And he held her hand walking out the door .
You have near died three times and survived , I worried so for you each time and you came out stronger each time . You offered me a home and family . You built me up and loved me . We must always love one another , GOD brought us together .
She shook her head yes and held Zeke till the sermon stopped . Zeke stood up and said ...It's time ! And he held her hand walking out the door .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Everyone stood around the preacher at a distance so everyone could see the service . There were over a hundred people , many had driven into town from the surrounding countryside for the wedding . Ed stood beside Wade in front of the preacher . Mrs. Staley , Rosa with Nate , Lucy and Willow Mae stood on Wade's right side with a space left next to him for her . Zeke and her slowly walked across the grass to the gathering . There were exclamations and whispering about how pretty she was .
Zeke lead her to her spot by Wade and let her hand go and kissing her head . He went to stand by Wade .A little girl ran up and handed her a small pretty bouquet of prairie flowers and ran back into the crowd . There was quiet and the preacher started talking .
Zeke lead her to her spot by Wade and let her hand go and kissing her head . He went to stand by Wade .A little girl ran up and handed her a small pretty bouquet of prairie flowers and ran back into the crowd . There was quiet and the preacher started talking .
Re: Tumbleweeds
The preacher started ...Dearly beloved ! We are gathered to join this couple in Holy wedlock ! They come before us today to commit to each other by a covenant of vows in the sight of our father . If anyone has claim they should not be wed then so let them speak now !
There was silence .
The preacher said ...Being as there is no reason for them not to marry we will proceed . He looked at her and gestured then said ...Repeat after me and she did .
"I, Katy take thee, Wade to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's Holy ordinance and thereto I pledge thee myself to you."
She took his ring from her pocket and placed it on his finger .
The pastor said to Wade ...Repeat after me and he did .
"I, Wade take thee, Katy to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's Holy ordinance and thereto I pledge thee myself to you."
Zeke gave Wade her ring and he placed it on her finger .
The preacher said ...By the power vested in me I declare you man and wife ! You may kiss your bride ! Wade turned her and kissed her a long time ! When they separated The cheering and clapping began and there was great gladness !
Wade whispered in her ear ...I love you Katy Mclellan !
There was silence .
The preacher said ...Being as there is no reason for them not to marry we will proceed . He looked at her and gestured then said ...Repeat after me and she did .
"I, Katy take thee, Wade to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's Holy ordinance and thereto I pledge thee myself to you."
She took his ring from her pocket and placed it on his finger .
The pastor said to Wade ...Repeat after me and he did .
"I, Wade take thee, Katy to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's Holy ordinance and thereto I pledge thee myself to you."
Zeke gave Wade her ring and he placed it on her finger .
The preacher said ...By the power vested in me I declare you man and wife ! You may kiss your bride ! Wade turned her and kissed her a long time ! When they separated The cheering and clapping began and there was great gladness !
Wade whispered in her ear ...I love you Katy Mclellan !
Re: Tumbleweeds
They were mobbed by people well wishing them ! Shaking Wade's hand and telling her how pretty she was ! It was beyond Joyous ! It took a long time for things to settle down . Everyone ate and talked a long time in the cool of the evening . It was one heck of a wedding in Eliasville !
Willow Mae came up to Her and said ...I decided to sleep at Lucy's tonight soooo I guess you and Wade can stay upstairs at the Staleys !! Zeke laughed his head off with Ed ! When things got a little quieter Wade and her went to the cart and the black mule . They drove the cart to the Staley's store .
Willow Mae came up to Her and said ...I decided to sleep at Lucy's tonight soooo I guess you and Wade can stay upstairs at the Staleys !! Zeke laughed his head off with Ed ! When things got a little quieter Wade and her went to the cart and the black mule . They drove the cart to the Staley's store .
Re: Tumbleweeds
They woke and hurried to dress . You could hear trace chains and horses being harnessed and hitched . Wade said ...We slept late ! She said ...That's your fault ! They laughed and she said ...As soon as we walk down the stairs there will be a hundred problems handed to us . Wade smiled and said ...Yep ! I can't wait ! How bout you ? She said ...I can't either !
They laughed and went downstairs .
They laughed and went downstairs .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Mrs. Staley , Lucy and Willow Mae had cooked breakfast and were all eating . Zeke said ...We gave up on ya'll coming down to eat so went on and started ! They all laughed and Katy's face turned red . All the rest had eaten and finishing preparations to leave . Rosa walked in the kitchen door carrying Nate with Blue at her heels . Katy took Nate and Rosa said ...I am going back to the ranch with everyone ! Katy hugged her and Rosa said ...senor Ed may be there ! We will go shoot a buffalo ! I can't wait ! My mother is scared for me but I told her I can shoot guns now and I'm not afraid of them !
They all laughed and bragged on her .
The wagons were loaded and the water barrels filled . Willow Mae and Mrs. Staley had cooked much food to take with them . Everyone was eager to go . There was much hugging and telling the Staley's how much they apricated their generosity and hospitality . Mrs. Staley was crying saying ...I will be lost without all of you ! You must come back soon !
Wade , Katy and Zeke walked out and Lucy was in the wagon with Rosa , Nate and her black dog . Steve was pulling up in the box of his wagon and the freighters were ready . Willow Mae got in the cart with Katy and Blue in the back . Zeke and Wade mounted and lead the way .
The Staley's held each others hand and waved as they left .
They all laughed and bragged on her .
The wagons were loaded and the water barrels filled . Willow Mae and Mrs. Staley had cooked much food to take with them . Everyone was eager to go . There was much hugging and telling the Staley's how much they apricated their generosity and hospitality . Mrs. Staley was crying saying ...I will be lost without all of you ! You must come back soon !
Wade , Katy and Zeke walked out and Lucy was in the wagon with Rosa , Nate and her black dog . Steve was pulling up in the box of his wagon and the freighters were ready . Willow Mae got in the cart with Katy and Blue in the back . Zeke and Wade mounted and lead the way .
The Staley's held each others hand and waved as they left .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Ed poured the coffee grounds into the fire and rinsed the lard bucket out putting it in his saddlebags . Joy had gotten up when he did shortly before first light . They mounted up and rode east , they had passed through Big Springs yesterday and headed to Abilene . Joy asked ...Where do we go from Abilene Ed ? Ed took a while to answer and said ...Northeast to Eliasville .
Joy asked ...Why haven't you asked me anything about GOD Ed ? Ed looked at him and said ...Why do you care ? Joy said ...Because I want you to tell me about him . Ed smiled and said ...Lets start at the beginning . Who is GOD ? Joy quickly said ...He's the one who created me ! Ed asked ...Where is GOD ? Joy replied ...He is all around us !
Ed shook his head yes and said ...Why did GOD create you ? Joy said ...Because he loves me ! Ed asked ...Have you ever heard GOD's offer of salvation Joy ? Joy replied ...I don't think so Ed . What does it mean ? Ed said ...GOD offers you eternal life and all you have to do is believe in him ! GOD wants us with him Joy and all you have to do is have faith in him . He sent his only son Jesus here on earth to teach us by GOD's word and living example . Joy thought about it a while and said ...Tell me the story Ed .
They talked all day as they rode steady toward Abilene .
Joy asked ...Why haven't you asked me anything about GOD Ed ? Ed looked at him and said ...Why do you care ? Joy said ...Because I want you to tell me about him . Ed smiled and said ...Lets start at the beginning . Who is GOD ? Joy quickly said ...He's the one who created me ! Ed asked ...Where is GOD ? Joy replied ...He is all around us !
Ed shook his head yes and said ...Why did GOD create you ? Joy said ...Because he loves me ! Ed asked ...Have you ever heard GOD's offer of salvation Joy ? Joy replied ...I don't think so Ed . What does it mean ? Ed said ...GOD offers you eternal life and all you have to do is believe in him ! GOD wants us with him Joy and all you have to do is have faith in him . He sent his only son Jesus here on earth to teach us by GOD's word and living example . Joy thought about it a while and said ...Tell me the story Ed .
They talked all day as they rode steady toward Abilene .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Juan unwrapped Rays bandages and him and Don checked the wounds with Claud looking over their shoulders . Don said ...What do you think Claud ? Claud quickly said ...Both wounds are looking good ! There is no swelling and they are scabbed over real nice . Just need to keep em covered good . Don agreed and rewrapped them with clean sack strips .
Juan finished picking up from breakfast and started a pot of beans and buffalo meat . Claud sat back down at the table stirring up cornbread to bake in the Dutch oven . Don complimented both Juan and Claud on breakfast . The rest of the men had rode horses downriver to log . Don had his horse tied to the mesquite tree and told them he would see them at lunch as he walked out the door to leave putting on his hat .
Juan set water buckets on the porch to wash dishes . Claud took it over and Juan argued with him that he was suppose to rest ! Ray said ...We are 'tired' of resting Juan ! I'm starting to go crazy ! Claud said ...Dang right !
Juan asked ...Can you sit on the porch and wash clothes ? They both said ...YES ! Juan hauled the dirty clothes out and helped Ray get to the bench . Claud said ...I never thought I'd enjoy washing everyone's dirty laundry but it's at least something to do ! Ray agreed .
Juan finished picking up from breakfast and started a pot of beans and buffalo meat . Claud sat back down at the table stirring up cornbread to bake in the Dutch oven . Don complimented both Juan and Claud on breakfast . The rest of the men had rode horses downriver to log . Don had his horse tied to the mesquite tree and told them he would see them at lunch as he walked out the door to leave putting on his hat .
Juan set water buckets on the porch to wash dishes . Claud took it over and Juan argued with him that he was suppose to rest ! Ray said ...We are 'tired' of resting Juan ! I'm starting to go crazy ! Claud said ...Dang right !
Juan asked ...Can you sit on the porch and wash clothes ? They both said ...YES ! Juan hauled the dirty clothes out and helped Ray get to the bench . Claud said ...I never thought I'd enjoy washing everyone's dirty laundry but it's at least something to do ! Ray agreed .
Re: Tumbleweeds
They were logging . They had done a lot , Don knew they were going to be fencing and had a LOT of trimmings . He told the men to make fence posts out of good limbs and start stacks . There was going to be much firewood even at that . They could pick up the stacks of posts to lay them out when and where Zeke or Wade told them .
The men were tired , they really were working to make a showing on their own . Each did more that his share . He told them to saddle up and they would quit two hours early . The men complained ! But he said ...You have done well , each and every one . We are ahead of schedule ! I'll tell you what , lets put our ropes on a load of trimming apiece and haul firewood to the cabin to be cut . Our trip home will not be wasted time !
They bought it ! Each hauled a small trimming of branches back for firewood . They got to the cabin and threw their loops off the piles on the west side . Juan stood on the porch with his hands on the sides of his head looking . He said ...Your trying to kill me ! I had the big pile worked down ! His brothers laughed at him a long time .
They were putting up their horses and Tom hollered ...Riders ! Comin from the East ! The horses were unsaddled and drinking . They ran them in the pen . They scrambled in the shed , already with their rifles forting up . Don ran to the cabin . The riders were still a ways out but moving fast .
Juan had already helped Ray to the gun port with a Henry and cracked it open with a box cartridges beside him . Claud sat on the bed arguing with Juan he could get up and move around . Claud had a Henry and his pistol . Juan Was ready ! He stood in the door holding his rifle and already having his gun belt on . Don stood in the yard watching them come , looked to be eight riders .
The men were tired , they really were working to make a showing on their own . Each did more that his share . He told them to saddle up and they would quit two hours early . The men complained ! But he said ...You have done well , each and every one . We are ahead of schedule ! I'll tell you what , lets put our ropes on a load of trimming apiece and haul firewood to the cabin to be cut . Our trip home will not be wasted time !
They bought it ! Each hauled a small trimming of branches back for firewood . They got to the cabin and threw their loops off the piles on the west side . Juan stood on the porch with his hands on the sides of his head looking . He said ...Your trying to kill me ! I had the big pile worked down ! His brothers laughed at him a long time .
They were putting up their horses and Tom hollered ...Riders ! Comin from the East ! The horses were unsaddled and drinking . They ran them in the pen . They scrambled in the shed , already with their rifles forting up . Don ran to the cabin . The riders were still a ways out but moving fast .
Juan had already helped Ray to the gun port with a Henry and cracked it open with a box cartridges beside him . Claud sat on the bed arguing with Juan he could get up and move around . Claud had a Henry and his pistol . Juan Was ready ! He stood in the door holding his rifle and already having his gun belt on . Don stood in the yard watching them come , looked to be eight riders .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Katy and willow Mae had crossed the ford at the small stream . They were going to be at the stand of trees in a few hours . The wagons being heavy loaded would slow them down maybe a day getting home . But they took so much that would be a blessing to everyone .
Katy asked Willow ...Can you use a gun Willow ? Willow said ...Land sake no ! I never shot a gun but Zeke loved to hunt ! He was good with guns . The people that owned us let the men hunt . Katy said ...Willow ! You must learn to shoot . Not just to protect yourself but others . We all protect one another .
Katy explained what life at the ranch was like . She told of her getting shot , beaten and nearly dying of heat sickness . Of others that had suffered like Sam , Claud and Ray . She talked of the Comanche and outlaws . The terrible heat in the summer and ice ups in winter . Everyone had to work together . Katy told of Ed Rawlins , Sam , Captain Jack , She told of GOD working in their lives at the ranch . She told of Hosea being murdered and Zeke saving her and Nate . Zeke , Sam and the Captain supporting her in his death . She told Willow much .
Katy was quiet thinking she scared Willow . Willow smiled and said ...When do I learn to shoot ? Lord have mercy ! I got to see this place !
Katy asked Willow ...Can you use a gun Willow ? Willow said ...Land sake no ! I never shot a gun but Zeke loved to hunt ! He was good with guns . The people that owned us let the men hunt . Katy said ...Willow ! You must learn to shoot . Not just to protect yourself but others . We all protect one another .
Katy explained what life at the ranch was like . She told of her getting shot , beaten and nearly dying of heat sickness . Of others that had suffered like Sam , Claud and Ray . She talked of the Comanche and outlaws . The terrible heat in the summer and ice ups in winter . Everyone had to work together . Katy told of Ed Rawlins , Sam , Captain Jack , She told of GOD working in their lives at the ranch . She told of Hosea being murdered and Zeke saving her and Nate . Zeke , Sam and the Captain supporting her in his death . She told Willow much .
Katy was quiet thinking she scared Willow . Willow smiled and said ...When do I learn to shoot ? Lord have mercy ! I got to see this place !
Re: Tumbleweeds
They reached Abilene . It was getting dark but they could see it . Joy asked ...Do we find a place to stay the night ? Ed said ...No . We ride through . Joy said ...Looks like we could find food and a place to stay ! Ed said ...Too much evil here son . Every manner of murderer , thief and no good is here right now . This town is eat up with evil . I come at times , I know .
Joy asked ...Well then why do you come here if it's evil ? Ed said ...When I leave it's not as evil as it was . Joy couldn't make sense out of that .
Joy asked ...Well then why do you come here if it's evil ? Ed said ...When I leave it's not as evil as it was . Joy couldn't make sense out of that .
Re: Tumbleweeds
The riders rode in the yard . They had stars on their shirts . The lead rider stepped down . Don stood on the porch with his rifle . The man said ...We are out of East Texas . We are Rangers , I am Ken Halsted . I lead these men and we have been riding hard . The Comanche have a big camp in the canyon on the Lano , we ride there . We were told this is a Ranger outpost ? Don said ...It is ! How can we help you ? Ken Halsted said ...We need food and provisions . Ours are bout gone . Don said ...For your men ...stay the night ! It's only an hour till dark . We will feed you and give you provisions as much as we have . Rest and leave in the morning ! To travel on the prairie in the dark is not good .
Ken Halsted said ...If a man goes down we leave him till we return . Don was in shock ! He said ...You would leave a man on the Prairie with a dead horse and no water ! The prairie is different than East Texas ! No Ranger alive would be left on the prairie ! I have two rangers in that cabin I can prove that with !
Ken Halsted said ...We will stay and eat . Gather provisions then move on .
Ken Halsted said ...If a man goes down we leave him till we return . Don was in shock ! He said ...You would leave a man on the Prairie with a dead horse and no water ! The prairie is different than East Texas ! No Ranger alive would be left on the prairie ! I have two rangers in that cabin I can prove that with !
Ken Halsted said ...We will stay and eat . Gather provisions then move on .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Don didn't know what to do . Ken was glory hunting . He was risking these men's lives ! He told them to come in and eat . Juan said ...There is not enough for all , only six . Wade told all the Garcia's , Joe , Claud and Ray to let them have the good food , they would make do . The East Texas Rangers tore into the food .
Their horses were worn out and many miles to go . Don asked ...Have you followed the river ? Ken said ...Yes ! It hasn't been hard . Don said ...In not many miles you start west north west , there is little water and you will not have the river to serve you . Ken said … We will do fine . Don said ...Your mounts are worn out ...You will never make the canyon . Claud and Ray said the same thing .
Don asked ...Are you an officer or regular ? Ken said ...I'm a regular but was given command of these men . I have twenty years in the Rangers in East Texas ! Claud , Don and Ray looked at each other . Don said ...I'm in charge here given by Captain Wade McLellan . I assumed your detail of men right now . I will lead and you will be second ! Everyone locked up and sat .
Their horses were worn out and many miles to go . Don asked ...Have you followed the river ? Ken said ...Yes ! It hasn't been hard . Don said ...In not many miles you start west north west , there is little water and you will not have the river to serve you . Ken said … We will do fine . Don said ...Your mounts are worn out ...You will never make the canyon . Claud and Ray said the same thing .
Don asked ...Are you an officer or regular ? Ken said ...I'm a regular but was given command of these men . I have twenty years in the Rangers in East Texas ! Claud , Don and Ray looked at each other . Don said ...I'm in charge here given by Captain Wade McLellan . I assumed your detail of men right now . I will lead and you will be second ! Everyone locked up and sat .
Re: Tumbleweeds
The men ate and the Garcia's went out with them except for Ken who stayed . The Garcia's showed the men where to bed down while they took care of their horses for them . There were Ken , Don , Claud and Joe in the cabin . Ken said boldly ...You will not assume command of my men ! You are a regular too ! Don said ...I am given command here by a Captain in this area . You don't understand where your going , men will die hard out there . Claud , Ray and Joe agreed readily with Don .
Ken looked mad and unconvinced . He said ...Your not taking command ! Don said ...I'll dispatch Joe here to Fort Graham in the morning with recommendation to send Rangers out to relieve you in the field ! You will only hamper and cause problems trying to take these men out there . In all good conscious I can't allow it . If you leave here I will lead , they will at least have a chance . I can't understand why you can't see the trouble your getting these men in . We ride this country and know it and still have trouble , horses are going to fail and men will die .
Ken raised his head quickly and said ...Then you can lead unless I need to take over . Don and all of them saw through that , he planned on taking over when they got far enough a way . This man was a fool . Don just said ...That will be good enough for now . Ken left to be with his men .
Claud said ...He's trouble ! I go with you Don , I can sit a horse ! Don shook his head saying ...You don't even have a horse Claud , those sorry remounts Wade brought back from Fort Graham would never make a trip like this and you know it . We take them leading them to change out on in the morning . Wade took all the good horses to Eliasville , as he should have at the time . Your still too sore to make this trip Claud . Joe said ...I will go ! Don said ...No , you are needed here , I'll not leave the ranch with just a few men and two of them wounded . Besides that you will be in charge with Claud advising you .
Juan had come back in starting to cook food for them to take , bagging up jerky and filling lard buckets with water .
Ken looked mad and unconvinced . He said ...Your not taking command ! Don said ...I'll dispatch Joe here to Fort Graham in the morning with recommendation to send Rangers out to relieve you in the field ! You will only hamper and cause problems trying to take these men out there . In all good conscious I can't allow it . If you leave here I will lead , they will at least have a chance . I can't understand why you can't see the trouble your getting these men in . We ride this country and know it and still have trouble , horses are going to fail and men will die .
Ken raised his head quickly and said ...Then you can lead unless I need to take over . Don and all of them saw through that , he planned on taking over when they got far enough a way . This man was a fool . Don just said ...That will be good enough for now . Ken left to be with his men .
Claud said ...He's trouble ! I go with you Don , I can sit a horse ! Don shook his head saying ...You don't even have a horse Claud , those sorry remounts Wade brought back from Fort Graham would never make a trip like this and you know it . We take them leading them to change out on in the morning . Wade took all the good horses to Eliasville , as he should have at the time . Your still too sore to make this trip Claud . Joe said ...I will go ! Don said ...No , you are needed here , I'll not leave the ranch with just a few men and two of them wounded . Besides that you will be in charge with Claud advising you .
Juan had come back in starting to cook food for them to take , bagging up jerky and filling lard buckets with water .
Re: Tumbleweeds
They camped on the prairie . The Staleys had sent much cooked food , they even had fried chicken ! Wade thought how much things had gotten better since him , Sam and Captain Jack made the crossing . They were figuring it out and had good friends in Eliasville now . There was only one day that the stock couldn't drink but they were dealing with that .
It was a happy camp that evening with all that they carried , having Willow Mae , Rosa came back , the wedding the day before , good food . Everything seemed good for them ! Wade's thoughts swung to the ranch and how they were doing . Though it seemed Ed had survived they had no idea where he was , that concerned Wade a lot . Willow Mae would need a cabin or a good place to live , she was seventy four years old and shouldn't have to sleep on the floor !
Wade knew they had solved a lot of problems making this trip But he also knew they were riding back to many old and possible new problems . He wondered how Don was handling the responsibility at the ranch . Don had come a long way .
It was a happy camp that evening with all that they carried , having Willow Mae , Rosa came back , the wedding the day before , good food . Everything seemed good for them ! Wade's thoughts swung to the ranch and how they were doing . Though it seemed Ed had survived they had no idea where he was , that concerned Wade a lot . Willow Mae would need a cabin or a good place to live , she was seventy four years old and shouldn't have to sleep on the floor !
Wade knew they had solved a lot of problems making this trip But he also knew they were riding back to many old and possible new problems . He wondered how Don was handling the responsibility at the ranch . Don had come a long way .