“I’ll draw my pay here,” Gabe said. “I’ll ride with you, but only until we get to Long Bow. I’ve compiled the figures for how much you owe each of the ranchers. They’ve been verified and signed by the buyers. I’ll go over them with you to make sure there are no mistakes or misunderstandings.”
Sam examined the numbers. “Thank you, Gabe, you’ve done your job well. I never doubted that you would.”
Ty checked to make sure that his packsaddle was still in the chuck wagon and that its contents were safe. He was the only one who knew that he was carrying more money than Sam. Thinking of Azalee, Ty smiled as he rode southbound, and he noticed that Gabe was smiling, too.
“Gabe,” Ty said, “Curly and Pete are riding with Sam, but he doesn’t trust them, and I don’t either. I promised Mrs. Harmony that I would see to it that her husband got home safely. I’ll ask Sam to spend a couple of nights at Long Bow while we check to see how Kate and Azalee are doing. I have some unfinished business in Texas, but I’m worried about the girls. I’ll feel better knowing that you’ll be staying with them. I’ll be back in about two or three weeks.”
“I’m worried about the girls, too; that’s why I’m staying,” Gabe answered.
“Good,” Ty responded. “Come with me to the chuck wagon. I have something to show you.”
When they got to the wagon, it was unattended. Ty pulled his packsaddle from the compartment, opened it, and showed Gabe the two bags of gold coins.
“Holy Cow!” Gabe exclaimed. “Do you mean to tell me that that gold has been sitting there all this time? So this is where you got the money to pay off Kate’s mortgage?”
“Yeah, and there’s a lot more of it hidden in a crevice between two rocks on the banks of a river. That’s why I’ve gotta go back to Texas.”
“Forgive me, Ty, but I’m curious. Where in the hell did you get that much gold?”
“I didn’t steal it, and I did nothing dishonest to get it. I’ll tell you all about it some day. I want you to keep these two bags at Kate’s ranch until I get back. Use whatever you need to buy supplies. Will you do that for me?”
“Of course,” Gabe answered. “I think Sam and the boys will be glad to wait in Long Bow for a couple of nights while we stop to see Azalee and Kate.”
“Let’s talk to Sam, but I don’t want anyone else to know about the gold.”
Sam was pleased that Ty would be accompanying him to Texas and agreed to the layover. When they reached Long Bow, Sam and the men registered at the hotel. Ty and Gabe loaded their horses with the packsaddle and rode to the Covington Ranch. It had been six weeks and two days since they had left. As they crossed Bitter Creek, they heard a woman screaming.
“That’s coming from up creek!” Gabe said.
Ty leaned forward in his saddle, nudged his horse in the flanks with his heels, and immediately started upstream. “Let’s check it out!” he yelled. They rode past a bend in the creek and saw the two cows they had given Kate, and two men. One of the men was on horseback and the other was on the ground trying to force his way with Azalee. She was fighting him with all her might.
The man on horseback laughed as he watched. “I’ll take my turn with her when you’re through,” he said.
Ty leaped off his horse and said, “Gabe, watch the man on horseback. I’ll take care of the one on the ground.”
The man wrestling with Azalee was so intent on forcing his way with her that he was unaware that Ty and Gabe had ridden up. Grabbing the assailant by his collar, Ty pulled him away from Azalee and smashed him in the face with his fist, breaking his nose and blinding him temporarily. The assailant stumbled backwards reaching for his gun.
“Draw that gun and I’ll kill you!” Ty warned.
The molester hesitated.
“Now, drop your gun!” Then pointing his gun at the other man, Ty said, “You, too.”
Ty picked up their guns and forced the one on horseback to dismount. “Gabe, watch these men. I want to check on Azalee. If either of them moves, shoot’em.”
They had not physically harmed Azalee, but she was angry, frightened, and relieved to see Ty. She rushed into his arms. “I’m so glad to see you,” she cried.
Ty held her and gently stroked her hair. “Are you all right?” he asked. “Where’s your horse?”
“My horse was frightened when that dreadful man pulled me off of her, but she won’t run far—I’ll call her.” Azalee whistled and a little sorrel mare came running. Azalee smoothed her hair and brushed the dust from her culottes. Ty helped her remount, and then turned to the cow thieves.
“I outta kill you, and I will if you even look at Azalee again. I’m going to tie your hands and make you walk home.”
The man who was trying to force his way with Azalee sniveled, “We were just following orders.”
“What kind of man would order you to steal cattle and molest a girl,” Gabe asked, “and what kind of men would follow that kind of order? We’re going to take you to your boss and find out.”
Gabe took charge of the cow thieves and said, “Now, start walking. If you even stumble, I’ll make you wish you hadn’t.”
Ty rode beside Azalee, holding her hand. She had been humiliated and couldn’t stop crying. When they got close to the ranch, Kate was standing by the corral. She had been worried about Azalee and when she saw them coming, ran to meet them.
Ty took over guarding the cow thieves while Gabe ran to meet Kate. He took her in his arms and explained what had happened. Kate ran to Azalee and held her while looking questioningly into her eyes. Azalee assured her mother that she was all right, and together they continued to the house. Making sure that Azalee was all right, Gabe turned to Kate and said, “I’d like to store this packsaddle in your storage room.”
“There’s plenty of room—put it wherever you like. But what are you going to do with these monsters you’ve got with you?”
“We’re going to take them to the sheriff and ask him to hold them until we can confront Marcum with their story,” Ty answered. “They said that Marcum ordered them to steal your cattle. Would you and Azalee come with us? We need Azalee as a witness. I hate to ask her, after what she’s been through, but this can’t wait.”
Kate said, “Harness the horses and hook them to the wagon while we get ready. Azalee and I will take extra clothes in case we have to stay overnight.”
Gabe readied the horses while Ty put the rustlers into the wagon and tied them securely. Kate rode in the wagon with Gabe while Ty and Azalee followed on horseback. When they got to town, Sam and his men met them. Gabe explained what had happened.
The sheriff locked the cow thieves in the jail and sent a man to bring in Rolph Marcum. Sam and his men waited around just in case. When Marcum arrived, he had ten riders with him. He had expected to just barge in, take his men, and return to his ranch, but when he saw Sam and his men, he changed his mind.
“These men said you ordered them to steal Mrs. Covington’s cattle,” Gabe said. “Do you order your men to rustle cattle?”
Marcum made no comment.
Gabe continued, “The sheriff has the authority to release these men in your custody, but first, I’m charging them, and you, with cattle rustling and assault. I have witnesses to the crimes, and I want the sheriff to register the charges. We’ll get a Territorial judge to hear the case. I think he’ll be interested in hearing their claim that you ordered them to steal cows.”
The sheriff glared at Gabe. “You can’t tell me what to do!” he snapped.
“Oh, yes, I can. You are an elected official, and if you refuse to do your duty, we’ll get a federal marshal to handle the case. Now, register the charges!” Gabe ordered.
The sheriff looked at Marcum. Marcum nodded. “Do as he says. I’ll take these men back to the ranch. We’ll handle this later.”
The sheriff registered the charges and released the two accused men. Marcum left with no explanation of the claim that he had ordered them to rustle cattle.
Outside the
sheriff’s office, Gabe said, “Sam, I’d like to introduce you to Mrs. Kate Covington. When Ty returns from accompanying you to Texas, he and I will be working for her. She and her daughter are having supper with us at the hotel. Would you join us?”
“Yes, I’d like that.”
Kate explained the problems she and the other ranchers were having with Marcum, and how Marcum had killed her husband. Sam knew that Ty was searching for a ranch where he could raise horses. He also knew that Gabe had lost his family and was looking for a place to start over. Kate Covington was an intelligent, attractive woman, and he could see why Gabe would be interested.
Looking first at Gabe and then at Ty, Sam said, “It looks to me like you’re taking a mighty big chaw. Rolph Marcum seems to own just about everything in these parts, including the sheriff and the bank.”
“We’re going to organize the ranchers,” Gabe explained.
“Marcum has been trying to put them out of business for years. Together, we hope to stand against him. First, we’ll select an honest sheriff. If we have honest law, I think we can win.”
“I’m betting on you,” Sam said. “If anyone can do it, you and Ty are the ones. Good luck.”
“Sam,” Ty said, “I’ll be here tomorrow morning to join you and the men on your ride to Texas.”
“Oh, do you have to leave so soon?” Azalee asked, “You just got here.”
“Sam has unfinished business in Texas, and he wants to get home to his wife,” Ty answered. “I have business in Texas that I need to take care of before I can do what needs to be done here. I’ll be gone for about three weeks. Gabe will stay here and help you until I get back.”
After supper, they all said good night to Sam and rode back to the Covington Ranch. It was a warm night. High, thin clouds passing over the moon created a halo of light.
Azalee leaned forward in her saddle, urging her mount into a gallop. Ty followed. Gabe and Kate continued in the wagon at a leisurely pace. Kate moved closer to Gabe, held his arm, and said, “It’s good to have you back. I couldn’t help worrying that you might not return.”
The horses knew their way, so Gabe relaxed the reins, took her in his arms, and kissed her in a way that left no doubt about his feelings. After holding her for a time, he whispered, “Nothing could have kept me away.” The horses plodded along; Kate and Gabe were oblivious to the call of the night birds and howling of coyotes.
Ty and Azalee reached the ranch first. They unsaddled, fed and watered their horses, and then went to the house and sat in the porch swing. Moonlight reflected off Azalee’s jet-black hair and sparkling blue eyes. She’s the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen. At last, I know what it means to want a girl so much that nothing else in the world matters.
Gabe and Kate took longer than usual to get home. When Azalee and Ty saw them coming, she smiled and said, “I’m pleased to see Mother with Gabe. He’s such a nice man, and Mother has been lonely.”
Ty nodded. “I’m pleased, too. Gabe once told me what he was looking for, and Kate sure fits the bill. Gabe is a cultured, honorable man, and I think that if fortune smiles on them, they’ll have a wonderful life.”
Ty explained why he had to go to Texas; and then he told Azalee the story of how he got the gold.
“You are the only one who knows about the gold, so it’s yours,” she said. “But how are you going to bring it back?”
“I’ll bring it back on pack mules.”
“Isn’t it risky, traveling so far, alone with that much gold?”
“It would be, if anybody knew what I was hauling, but no one is going to suspect that a lone rider has that much gold on two pack mules.”
“It’s a long way to travel with two pack mules through a wild and hostile land. I’ll be worried sick until I see you again.”
“You don’t need to worry. I grew up in the Cumberland Mountains. I’m more at home in the wild than in cities.”
“I waited so long for you to return, and now you’re leaving.”
“I’ll hurry, and when I go, my heart will stay with you, and I won’t rest until I can hold you again,” Ty replied. “I want to hold you close now, so I can take the memory of you with me.”
Kate and Gabe walked onto the porch. “Ty,” Gabe said, “I think it’s time for you and me to retire to the bunkhouse. Ladies, we’ll see you in the morning.”
Kate said, “Ty, I know that Sam and his men will be waiting for you, so breakfast will be ready at first light.”
“Thank you, I’ll be ready,” Ty replied as he walked off the porch.
No one had slept in the bunkhouse for a long time. The bunks were in good shape, but the coverings were old and stale. Ty and Gabe slept under the blankets they had in their saddlebags.
Before they went to sleep, Ty told Gabe how he had gotten the gold.
Gabe, having been a Confederate officer, understood and commented, “The gold belonged to the Confederacy, but the Confederacy is no more. The men who knew about the gold are all dead. No one owns it, and you are the only man who knows that it exists. That’s a remarkable story.”
“I told you I didn’t steal it, and I did nothing dishonest to get it. Azalee already knows about it, so you can tell Kate, but don’t tell anyone else. I’ll be safe bringing it back so long as no one else knows that I have gold in the back packs.”
“I’ll lay low and take care of the girls until you get back. There’s a lot of work here that needs doing. I’ll do what I can, and when you get back, we’ll put this place, and our lives back together.”
* * *
Ty and Gabe got up before sunup and attended to the animals. They had finished the milking when Kate rang the breakfast bell. It was a wonderful breakfast.
Gabe explained to the ladies about the gold and why Ty had to go back to Texas. “The South had no manufacturing, and they were unable to make their own war supplies. They tried to get supplies from France and England, but neither country would accept Confederate currency. So the South sent troops to California and Nevada to get gold to pay for the supplies.”
Azalee said, “Ty, I’m worried about you making such a dangerous journey alone. Will you let me go with you? I could help by leading one of the pack mules.”
“I can think of nothing I’d like better than to have your company,” Ty smiled, "but a pretty woman would stir up a lot of interest in a land full of single men. I don’t want to draw attention. I’ll camouflage my cargo by placing tools over the packsaddles. People will think that I’m hauling farm or mining tools. Thank you for offering, but I think I can travel faster, alone.”
“I’m astonished by the story of the gold,” Kate said. “We’ll all be worried until you return. I’m pleased that Gabe will be staying with us; Azalee and I will feel more secure.”
“Don’t worry about the girls, Ty,” Gabe said. “I’ll keep an eye on them until you get back.”
“I know they’re in capable hands, but you’ve made a powerful enemy, so watch your back, and don’t allow yourself to get drawn into a shooting scrape.” Ty hugged Kate, shook hands with Gabe, and asked Azalee, “Will you walk with me to my horse?”
As they walked, Azalee said, “Thank you for rescuing me from those awful men. You’ll be on my mind night and day until you return.”
He kissed her hungrily, mounted his stallion, and rode away.
Chapter 17
Sam and his men were ready to ride when Ty arrived, so they hit the trail for Texas. After riding south for two days, they passed a band of Indians, but since Sam and his men had nothing the Indians wanted, the Indians let them pass.
Ty was thinking, It’s not going to be this easy on my return trip.
Guessing what Ty was thinking, Sam remarked, “There are fewer hostile Indians in the eastern part of Indian Territory. If you ride through the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations, you should have no trouble with Indians, but you might encounter outlaw bands. I’ve heard that that’s where the outlaws hang out.”
“Riding through
the Indian Nations is a good idea. I speak a little Cherokee—maybe that’ll help.”
* * *
It was late summer. The water in the rivers was low, so crossing them presented little difficulty. They traveled fast; the ride back took only a fraction of the time that was required to drive the herd the same distance, northbound.
After a few days, they arrived at the Bar H Ranch about an hour before sunset. The cowboys were eager to get cleaned up and go into town to see the saloon girls. Sam knew that Ty wouldn’t be interested in the girls so he asked, “Ty, would you come to the ranch house with me? My wife will want to thank you.”
Sam’s wife was overjoyed that her husband was back safely.
Ty waited on the front porch until they called him. Mrs. Harmony hugged Ty and said, “Sam told me how much you helped, and how you saved his life in the quicksand. Thank you for keeping your promise and bringing him home.”
“I’m pleased that I was able to help,” Ty responded with a smile. “You’re right about Sam—he’s a fine man.” Sam shook Ty’s hand and said, “Thank you, Ty. Is there anything you need for your trip back to Bitter Creek?”
“Yes, I’d like to buy two pack mules and two heavy-duty packsaddles.”
“I have both, and I’ll give them to you as a way of saying thank you for your excellent service.” Sam went to the door and called to the handy man, “Jim, put packsaddles on two of our best mules for Ty.”
Ty rode his stallion and led the mules into the dusty little cow town of Cross Fork. The old stable master greeted him like a long lost friend.
Returning the greeting, Ty said, “I’ll be taking the animals out early in the morning.”
“They’ll be ready,” the stable master replied.
Ty walked to the boarding house where Ma Gaither greeted him. His old room was still vacant. He paid a full week’s rent even though he was going to use the room for only one night.
Max and Joe, the regular boarders, were in the living room, but Wilma wasn’t there. When Ty asked about her, Joe said that she was having dinner at the restaurant with Shorty. After talking with Max and Joe for a while, Ty bid them good night and went to the restaurant. Wilma and Shorty were seated at one of the tables. Wilma saw Ty enter and waved excitedly. She had let her hair down and was wearing a pretty dress. Shorty greeted Ty as the old friend that he was. Not wanting to intrude on the private moments of Shorty and his lady, Ty spotted another table where Hermano was seated by himself.
Man Called Ty Page 11
