Sagebrush

by William Wayne Dicksion

  This wasn’t like the great prairie where he had lived alone for six years. This land was not as fertile, nor was the vegetation so verdant, or the wild fruit and nuts so plentiful, but it had another kind of beauty, when people are alone they feel the peace and quiet.

  The peace and quiet soothed his soul, and his mind wandered back to Evening Star. She was the wife of another man now, but he had told her he would return to see their child. It was a promise he made to himself and to Evening Star. He would keep that promise. If he had a child, he wanted to see the child, he had an obligation to the child, and he must meet that obligation.

  * * *

  At noon on the fifth day, Sage rode into the courtyard of La Casa Grande. Juanita saw him coming and ran to greet him. He bounded from his horse to hold her in his arms; she felt wonderful. He had missed her so much. He had seen the land and had come to grips with what he must do.

  Pat, Joe, and their friends were also waiting. A feast was prepared. They ate, they drank, they talked, and they laughed. Everyone was there, and they all wanted to meet the new manager. The women and children were laughing and playing around him. Juanita was constantly at his side holding his hand and lifting her face to be kissed. He had never before experienced anything like this. He had come home. For the first time since he was a child, he knew the meaning of family and friends.

  * * *

  Pat reported on his trip south to escort Alvarez and his cohorts out of the area.

  “Before we released them,” he said, “we again reminded them of the consequences of returning. Alvarez and his band of thieves were already arguing about the gold. Their trip to old Mexico is going to be an eventful journey. No one felt sorry for them. They brought their problems on themselves with their greed.”

  Carlos and his family were happy. They were again at home in the hacienda where they had lived all their lives. Their work, their homes, and their lives were now secure.

  Repeatedly, they expressed their gratitude to Sage and Juanita. They had been thanking Joe for days, and to Pat ever since he returned from escorting the bad men out of the country.

  Frank announced that his daughter, Bonnie, would be marrying Joe Martin in one week, and everybody was invited. It would be the biggest wedding celebration the valley has seen for years.

  Juanita had been helping Bonnie prepare for the wedding. Joe and Bonnie had been decorating their home, preparing it to receive the many guests who would be attending the wedding. They would serve the finest food and drinks the area could produce for this was the happiest time of their lives and they wanted to share that happiness with everyone.

  The wagon train would depart on its journey to California the day after the wedding, and follow the Old Spanish Trail, with Grant Davis as the wagon master and Pat Connors as their scout. It would be a hard and terrible journey, but the people couldn’t have had two better men leading them. Grant and Pat had made the journey before.

  Sage was getting acquainted with the people he would be working with while managing the ranch. He spent a few hours alone each day honing his skills with the new revolver. He had to draw quickly and shoot accurately. He wanted to be the very best.

  Juanita rode with Sage, acquainting him with the land and the people. She continued to teach him the Spanish language. His proficiency improved every day. He discussed the policies and practices he wanted to introduce to the running of the ranch. Juanita was excited and enthusiastic about his ideas and suggested they call the people together so he could tell them of his ideas.

  Sage and Juanita asked Carlos to leave a few vaqueros to watch over the animals and call all the rest, including their wives, together in the courtyard. Sage wanted to talk to them. Carlos called the meeting for early in the evening. Food and drinks were served. The mood was festive. After the meal, Sage asked Juanita to stand with him to help convey his plans to the people.

  When they all were listening, he said, “We want this hacienda to be a good place for everyone to live and work. This is your home as much as it is ours. We want all of our homes to be happy, healthy, and prosperous.” A cheer went up from the people.

  “Here is what I propose. Everything we need, we will produce. If there is anything you need, and we do not have it, let either me or Juanita know, and we as a group will provide it.

  “The ranch must be self-sustaining. We’ll build a school where the children will receive the finest education. If you, or a member of your family, get sick, a doctor will be provided.

  “Juanita and I will provide the tools, animals, and the land, but you must provide the labor to make it happen. The work will be divided among everyone. Each of you will be responsible to perform his or her task to the benefit of everyone.

  “One person will be in charge of each operation. One person will care for the cows; another will be in charge of the sheep. Others will be in charge of the fields, where the food is grown. Someone will be in charge of keeping the place clean and attractive. Someone else will care for El Casa Grande. Another will be in charge of preparing the food and entertaining the guests.

  “Each person will have an assigned task, and each person will be responsible for doing the task well. If any of you need help, let us know, and we’ll provide that help.

  “Our chief foreman will be Carlos Viejo. He will assign the tasks and work with you to get your work done. If you have a problem, take that problem to Carlos. If you and Carlos cannot find a solution, then bring the problem to Juanita or me. We’ll work with you. If you have a suggestion on how to handle a problem, please let us know, and we’ll see if your idea is something we can use. Together, we can make this the best ranch in all of New Mexico. It will be a wonderful place for all of us. Does everybody understand? Are there any questions?”

  They were smiling, but they were quiet. They had never heard of a ranch being run by the people, so no one spoke.

  Juanita said, “You may volunteer for any of these specific tasks if you wish. Think about it tonight and tell us tomorrow morning when we meet to assign the tasks.”

  One of the women spoke up and said, “I could do the weaving, if I can get other women to help me.”

  “I can work leather,” a man said. “I’ll make boots, saddles, and harnesses.”

  “I’ll do the gardening,” another said.

  Soon, most of the tasks were assigned. Everyone was talking excitedly about who would help, and who would be in charge.

  “Thank you for volunteering,” Sage said. “We’ll begin our tasks tomorrow morning. Juanita, Carlos, and I will work with you to help you get started. Thank you for coming. Tomorrow, we’ll begin a new day at this ranch.”

  Turning to Carlos, he said, “Carlos, could you please stay for a little while? Juanita and I want to discuss something with you.” After the others departed, Sage said, “Carlos, the first thing I want to do is to deal with the problem the women have of carrying water from the river to their homes. It is too far. I want to bring the water closer. We’ll dig a catch basin far enough upriver to hold a supply of water, so that we’ll have good gravity flow. Then we’ll dig a trench, so that the water will flow through the village. We’ll plant trees and flowers along the stream and use the running water to irrigate them and add beauty to the hacienda.

  “We’ll start tomorrow morning. If you need more laborers, we’ll hire them from the workers in Santa Fe. I’d like to complete this job as soon as possible. Then I want to start improving the homes for the workers. After the homes have been repaired, we’ll start on the big house.”

  Carlos was amazed. “Are you are going to repair the houses of the workers before you repair the house of the owners?”

  “Yes, Carlos. This is going to be a better place for all of the people.”

  “That’s a wonderful idea,” Juanita said. “Uncle Jose let everything run down for years. What can I do to help?”

  Sage suggested, “You, and the wives of the workers, could bring food and refreshments to the workers. Your presence will be an
incentive for both the workers and me, to improve the appearance of the hacienda. We’ll mix lime and whitewash the buildings and the walls of the courtyard. Then we’ll plant more trees and flowers. I want to make this place beautiful for you. When we get this place done, Joe and I will do the same for his place. That will be our wedding present to the newlyweds.

  “I must go now. I want to ride to my ranch to see when Señora Cordova will start the cattle drive. Summer is coming, and they must start soon, if they’re going to complete the drive before the summer heat comes to the desert.

  “Juanita, will you have dinner with me tomorrow evening? We haven’t had time alone for such a long time.”

  “Yes, oh, yes,” Juanita gleamed. “I’ll look forward to it, Sage.”

  “Then, I’ll see you tomorrow morning when we begin work on the stream.”

  * * *

  When Sage arrived at the Cordova Ranch, Joe and Pat were helping Señora Cordova make final preparations. Their journey would begin tomorrow morning. The snow in the mountains was melting, and the flow in the Rio Grande was up. The señora would be able to float down the river in a flat-bottom boat to Matamoras. They would be stopping at the missions along the way, to rest and refresh themselves. The señora planned to sell some of her cattle to the missions. The missions needed beef, and it would reduce the number of cattle the vaqueros would have to manage. She would drive the rest of the herd to Matamoras, ship them to Vera Cruz, and then drive them overland to Mexico City. People who had just returned from Mexico said the price for cattle was good. Mexico City was growing fast, and there was a big demand for fresh beef.

  Joe greeted Sage saying, “I’ve been getting acquainted with our foreman. He’s a good man; I like him. The biggest problem he’ll have on the drive will be getting the animals past the bandits along the Texas and Mexican border. I’ve seen to it that he and his vaqueros are well mounted and well armed. He’s confident that they can get through without too much trouble.”

  “Perhaps I should go with them?” Sage asked.

  “No! You can’t go,” Joe said anxiously. “You’re to be best man at my wedding.”

  “The wagon train will be leaving right after the wedding,” Pat said. “The wagons have to get through the desert. I’ve crossed Death Valley, and it’s always difficult. Grant and I have crossed it before, so we know what we have to do. With a little luck, we’ll make it just fine. We’ll see you this winter, on our way back to Missouri, where we’ll pick up another wagon train to guide through.” With a big smile, Pat said, “When I come back, I want to see both of you married and your wives pregnant.”

  “If it doesn’t happen, it won’t be for lack of trying.” Joe laughed.

  Sage said, “I’ve got a lot to do before I’ll know what the future holds for me. Only time will tell. Every time I look at Juanita, I tell myself that I’m the luckiest man in the world to have a woman like that promise to wait for me.”

  Pat advised, “Don’t make her wait too long. There is a beautiful woman going to waste there.”

  “Well,” Joe said, “we’d better get started. I’ve got to get my things together, and I have a ranch to run. Sage, why don’t you move your stuff here? There’s plenty of room. Bonnie has enough help. One more room to keep clean and one more person to feed will be no trouble for them. They’ve heard stories about you, and they’re all looking forward to serving you. I’ve told them that most of the stories are exaggerated,” he said with a chuckle.

  Sage replied, “No, Juanita and I must go to the people who extended her credit during the time she was experiencing financial difficulties. We must clear up all of her obligations and transfer the accounts into her and my names. We’ll arrange it so that either she, or I, can deal with whatever problems the ranch might encounter. Then I’ll register and transfer the title of the Cordova Ranch into my name before the señora leaves, should there be any questions.”

  Sage continued, “I’ll stay at the hotel in Santa Fe until after your honeymoon. Then I’ll stay at one of the rooms at El Rancho Diego. I’ll be going back to Indian Territory as soon as I get the ranch back in good running order. With the help of Carlos and his sons, Juanita will run it until I get back.”

  “You mean you’re going back among those Comanche and Kiowa by yourself?” Joe asked.

  “I’ll be going with one of the mule trains, as far as the Cimarron Junction, and then I’ll go alone to my cave. I was safe when I lived there as a child, and I’ll be safe there again. I’ve got to know what happened to Evening Star. I promised her I’d return, and I have to keep my promise.”

  “What about Juanita?” Joe asked.

  “You know how I feel about Juanita, but I don’t know what’s going to happen between us until I do what I have to do in Indian Territory. Only time will tell.”

  “How long will you be gone?”

  “I don’t know for sure; probably about a year.”

  “A year is a long time.”

  “Yes, I know. Juanita has said she will wait so regardless of what happens in Indian Territory, I’ll be back. I’m hoping you and Bonnie will watch over Juanita while I’m gone.”

  “You know we will. Bonnie and Juanita have become good friends. You don’t have to worry about this ranch. Frank and Thelma will be here to help Bonnie and me. Together we can take care of just about anything that might come up. We’ll be available to help Juanita anytime she calls on us.”

  “I’m not worried,” Sage nodded. “I know you’ll do a good job, and I’ll leave my Arabian stallion here for you to get a herd started. Then Manuel will be bringing a herd back from Mexico City when he and your vaqueros return. That will take at least six months. Some of the vaqueros are staying here, and Carlos could let you have some of his men to help, should you need them.”

  “I hate to see you going to Indian Territory alone,” Pat said, “but I understand. To do what you need to do, you must go alone. If anyone can do it, you can. I’ll be expecting to see you here when I return from California. All three of us have big jobs cut out for us, so let’s get them done. The lady who lost her husband in the Indian raid needs help getting her wagon and her two boys to California. You know, I lost my boys, and those two of hers are about the same age mine would be if they hadn’t been killed by the Blackfoot.”

  “What are you going to do about Maggie?” Joe asked.

  “Maggie can take care of herself until I get back,” Pat replied. “Say, since we’re going to Santa Fe, let’s drop by Maggie’s and have a couple of drinks. We have a victory to celebrate.”

  “That’s a good idea. Let’s go.” Joe said.

  “I’ll buy the drinks and anything else you want,” Sage said. “I owe you two a very great favor. Anything you ever want from me is yours just for the asking. I hope that one day I’ll be able to repay you for helping me get Juanita’s ranch back in her control. You’ve made it possible for me to fulfill my father’s promise. Thank you.”

  “You’ve already repaid me,” Joe responded. “Helping me to get a start with Bonnie at the new ranch is more than I could have done by myself. I didn’t help you for a reward. Don’t forget, we owe you our lives. Our bacon was sure in the fire when you came to our aid from under that sagebrush. You were a strange-looking sight waving to us from under that bush.”

  “I couldn’t believe my eyes,” Pat laughed. “I still find it hard to believe.” They all laughed at the recollection.

  “Well, don’t tell anyone,” Sage smiled. “I want to keep my cave a secret. But if you ever need to use it, you know where it is. There’s still a large store of dried fruit and nuts in that cave. My parents’ things are still there. I want to bring them back with me when I return. That’s all I have to remind me of my mother and father. I want to bring back my mother’s Bible and books. There are some pictures and my father’s tools. Those things are important to me. I’ll need a pack mule to carry all the things on the list. That’s why I want to go with Becknell’s mule train. I want him to haul a
load of silver bullion to St. Louis for me. Then I’ll meet his train on their way back to Santa Fe.”

  “You’ve given this a lot of thought,” Pat said. “It could be a little difficult knowing just when to meet Becknell on the trail. They won’t know for sure when they’ll be coming back and, since you don’t know for sure when you’ll be able to meet them, you may have to camp on the trail for quite a while. You’re going to be exposed to all sorts of things waiting out there on that prairie. You might be better off to just follow the trail we used when we left the Comanche village and come back alone. At least you know what to expect.”

  “Yes, you’re right, and I’ll make that decision when the time comes. I’ll buy a couple of those revolvers from Bent’s Trading Post before I go. Joe, will you teach me to use them?”

  “It doesn’t look to me as though you need a lot of teaching,” Joe replied. “You’re already one of the best I’ve ever seen.”

  “Thanks,” Sage said. Then, changing the subject, he asked Pat, “Why do you go so far north on the California Trail when Los Angeles is southwest? Wouldn’t you save a lot of time by going southwest?”

  “A few men have tried that way. They say the terrain is easier, and it’s shorter, but there are long stretches where there’s no water for the animals. The country to the north is beautiful, but it is hell to get wagons through that rough terrain. The rivers run through deep canyons, and it’s hard to get to the water at times. There’s plenty of water until you get to Death Valley. Death Valley is aptly named. There’ve been many people who didn’t make it across that stretch of desert. Grant and I have been across, and we plan on taking two extra wagons loaded with nothing but water.

  “Each of the other wagons will be loaded light with personal belongings, and they, too, will be carrying an extra barrel of water. That should give us the reserve we’ll need. If we don’t have bad luck, we’ll make it just fine. On the way back, we’ll bring an extra pack mule loaded with water. We’ll scout a southern route. If we can find a way through the desert south of the Grand Canyon, we could cut two months off the travel time to California.”