Montana Madness

by Sioux Dallas

  “Goodness, is there one you are suspicious of for sure?”

  “No. I haven’t nailed anyone, yet. The invaders are getting information from someone who tells them where they should work and when it is going to be safe for them. If I had not ridden out the other night to see why someone was messing around my barn, those hoodlums would have gotten away with stealing thirty or forty head of mustangs. That reminds me. I need to go to the summer grazing ground and see if my cattle are still safe.”

  “There are four men staying there in a line shack for the summer. Don’t you think they’ll keep careful watch over the cattle?”

  “I don’t know. I am the owner and I need to see for myself.”

  “Okay. I see you’re determined. I will pray every day and hope and pray the men can be trusted. It would kill me if anything happened to you. Do me a favor. Call the ranch attorney and write your will. I wouldn’t want this ranch, my home, to go to someone who wouldn’t love it as we have.”

  “That’s morbid, but I understand what you’re saying. I’ll call tomorrow. There’s some other changes I want made.”

  The next morning, Ginger worked four of the horses and then came in to make her call. She contacted the attorneys of Mark Shortt, Brian Mullins and David Red Fox who had represented her family for years. Mark Shortt’s father and Brian Mullins’ uncle had first opened the law office.

  Both men had been very old when Mark and Brian graduated from law school and came into the business. They had been working less than a year when the elder Mr. Shortt died and Charles Mullins retired for good. Mark and Brian hired David to come in with them.

  Grandfather Proudfoot had been friends with the elders and stayed with the new staff. One of grandfather’s goddaughters had been hired as receptionist and two other young women had been hired as secretaries. The ladies, who had been working with the original owners, had been with the firm for many years and were ready to retire.

  David arrived on the Majestic Ranch the next morning. He had never met Ginger, but immediately ascertained that she was knowledgeable and a hard worker. After talking, he made the decision that she was going to be an excellent administrator of the estate. He was sure when he heard her suggestions.

  “David, I want to deed ten acres to Hank and build him a house at the front of my property. He can continue to keep his horse in the barn. He’ll raise cane, but he’s worked long enough. Having him close will mean I can always count on him for advice and guidance.”

  “Ginger, your grandfather would be so proud of you. It’s something he would have done for an old friend and a valued employee.”

  “I think he would approve. Now for Juanita Yellow Bird. I want her to have this house and ten acres. She was born here and has lived in this house her entire life. She has been a loyal, faithful worker and deserves to know she’ll always have a home and be cared for. I’ll include, at a later date, how much money can be set aside for Hank and Juanita.”

  “My partners are going to be impressed and pleased for you. I know that isn’t all. There’s hundreds of acres yet as well as horses and cattle.”

  “I know and I want the land left for the mustangs. I’ll have to get with you later after I see what hands have been working several years. I’d like to establish a fund for any who are injured or too old to work longer.”

  “You can add to or change the will at any time. Are you going to tell Hank and Juanita what you’ve done?”

  “I didn’t intend to, but I’d better. Hank will splutter and argue, but it’ll do him no good. Juanita will also object, but will be relieved.”

  “Good enough. Call on us at any time. I need to be going. I have other appointments later this afternoon and I need to prepare. Please call anytime.”

  Ginger walked him to the door and then went to the kitchen to tell Juanita what she had done. Juanita was in her room adjacent to the kitchen. Her room was actually a suite. There was a sitting room with a sleep sofa, a plush lounge chair, a television, a table beside the chair with a telephone on it, and a small bookcase. In one corner was a tower of DVDs and a player.

  In the next room was a lovely bedroom. A full-sized bed, a chest of drawers, a dresser and a small bookcase. There was a full bath with a glass enclosed walk-in shower and a shower spray. Carpeting was a soft beige with tan swirls and a deep nap on both rooms.

  The windows, in both rooms, were four feet tall and six feet wide covered by cream vertical blinds. In the sitting room, there was a padded bench built in under the window. The top could be raised for storage or it could be used for a low seat to relax on and look out of the window. There were ceiling fans with lights in both rooms.

  Ginger knocked at the door and waited to be told to enter. There was no answer, so she assumed that Juanita was taking a much needed rest before preparing for dinner.

  Helen and Irene could be seen walking around the barn and looking over the property. Ginger was glad they had settled in so well. They shared a large room, twenty-five by twenty-seven, behind the living room. It had a full bath, twin beds, two chests of drawers and a large dresser. The same carpet and cream vertical blinds were on their two windows. They were thrilled with the privacy of their room. They had been so crowded at home and no way to keep anything of theirs private. This was pure bliss for them.

  Bozo and Corker, her Border Collies, came to her wagging tails so hard they looked as if the back half of the body was curving. They were loving dogs and good guard dogs for the house.

  Continuing to look out the kitchen window toward the barn, Ginger determined that she must take a couple of hands and ride up to the summer camp. She’d take a few of Juanita’s pies and some homemade bread to the working men staying up there.

  Ginger was pleased to have a letter from BLM giving her permission to place a brand on the mustangs. It would be a freeze brand on the left side of the neck. The first numbers would be the date they were branded and then a number assigned to the horse with a MP to show it was the Proudfoot Majestic Ranch. This would be registered with BLM.

  Inspectors had been good to look over horses brought in for sale for dog food. If they found a freeze brand, they notified BLM and the ranch where the horse had been. If the horse was stolen, there would be in investigation.

  If the rancher was selling them, he or she would have to face charges. It was surprising the small number of ranchers with a larcenous streak.

  Ginger was innocently naïve about trusting people in general. She was learning fast that she must view everyone in a slightly suspicious manner until she had checked them out.

  When she went out to the barn, she was greeted by Moose, a big man who had worked for her grandfather for years. He earned his name by his size. He was a gentle soul and loyal to the last breath. Moose stood a good six-five and weighed well over two hundred pounds. His mount was a big, rangy buckskin that was half Quarter horse and half draft horse. His mount, Cloud Walker, was a source of amusement to the hands. The horse had been raised and trained by Moose and was like a cuddly dog. He followed Moose around and kept his head over Moose’s shoulder when he stopped. He would lean and sigh as if he was so tired. Truthfully, Cloudy would follow anyone who had carrots or something that he liked to eat.

  * * * * *

  Frank and Ginger went together to visit Hank. He was bellowing at the nurses that he was not an invalid and could bathe himself. Ginger grinned at Frank and they went on in the room. Hank blustered about being treated like an infant, but he did settle down.

  They talked about what was going on in the county and Ginger told Hank of the many concerned calls she had received. Frank told him what men had been assigned to various duties and how they were covering the work.

  “But we don’t have enough hands to do all of that. It sounds as if the men are being worked to death and we can’t afford to hire more.” Hank was chomping at the bit to be up and back at work.

  “I have news for you big man,” Ginger said hugging him. “The doctor told me you could come home
shortly if you behave yourself and rest a lot. You must cooperate with the staff here and do as they say. Please don’t allow yourself to get upset. It will only hinder your recovery.”

  “I’ll cooperate when they leave me alone. I’m going to have to plant my foot against some people to make them understand when I say No more!”

  He glared at the nurse in the room. She pretended like she hadn’t heard him and continued checking his IV and then quickly placed a thermometer in his mouth when he opened it again to voice his displeasure.

  “Leave that there unless you’d like to have it in your south end.”

  Ginger walked to the window and looked out so Hank could not see her grinning. She turned as the nurse left the room. “We need to discuss some things with you. After all, you are my foreman.”

  “Fire away. I know my buckaroo here is doing a good job though. I’ll be back soon and we’ll kick those cowardly night raiders.”

  Ginger had intended to tell him he would not be working, but wisely decided to wait until he came home. “You will be in a wheelchair for a while when you come home, so, I’m keeping you in my house until you’re able to plant that foot where you want it.”

  Hank started to protest, but Frank interrupted him. “Now boss, you know there’s no one in the bunkhouse to help you. Further more, they’ll all be gone most of the time. It won’t kill you to stay in the main house for a short time. It’ll make it easier on Ginger because she’ll have help. The two oldest Ming sisters live and work at the ranch now.”

  “What! You finally got Juanita to admit she needed help?”

  “She was happy to get the help. We’re feeding the men at the main house now. She’s doing more cooking, cleaning and everything that goes with it.”

  “Ginger, you’re an angel. No wonder everyone thinks so well of you.”

  “By the way. I had a call from an Amish farmer offering any help he could give. He explained that Grandfather had been a big help to him when it was needed and he wanted to return the favor.”

  “That’s great,” Hank gave a big yawn. “I don’t know why, but I seem to sleep the days away a--nd th n--igh--” He was asleep.

  “Good. They’re giving him something to keep him calm,” Frank observed.

  “They probably learned quickly that the best way to get along with Hank was to keep him sedated,” Ginger laughed. “Let’s go. No telling how long he’ll sleep.”

  They walked quietly out. Ginger suddenly came to an abrupt halt. “Oh, cheese it. I forgot to tell him that I’m going up to the summer camp.”

  “Maybe it’s good that you didn’t tell him. You know how he would explode. He doesn’t need to lay and fret about it when he’s healing. I’ll send two reliable men with you and you can take a radio in case you need to call for help.”

  “What would I do without you, Frank. Let’s get home. I have to make plans and pack necessary equipment.”

  Chapter Six

  Frank and Ginger attended a cattlemen’s association meeting to hear the latest developments. She reported that the BLM had given permission for the mustangs to be branded so they could keep track of them.

  The ranchers present were pleased with this report but realized that it would mean more paperwork and record keeping. Several ranchers told of having to chase people away from their property at night.

  James Deerhunter reported that his ranch, the Leaning Tree, had one attempted day raid. “I still think this is a gang with a strong leader. We’ll all probably be shocked to discover who all is involved when we break these hoodlums. Notice I said when, not if.”

  Alan thanked everyone for their comments and then added some of his own. “I hope all of you have recognized our guests and will make them welcome. We have some friends who are not cattle ranchers but have vowed to be helpful to us and do all they can to prevent criminals from getting the upper hand in our county. When I call your names please stand. Jacob Rittenhouse and his wife Katie; Amos Zook and his wife Rebecca; Samuel Boratraeger and his wife Sarah, Allen Kemp and his wife Annie and Fisher Yoder and his wife Mary. Let’s give them a warm welcome.”

  The crowd burst into welcome applause. As Allen dismissed them, they crowded around to welcome the Amish neighbors and invite them to have refreshments. Most of the ranchers knew the Amish farmers and liked them.

  Roy Service gave a loud whistle and apologized. He said that Ginger had not given a report on Hank and everyone was concerned. She gladly told them that he was improving and would be home probably in another week.

  She and Frank had decided not to tell that she would be going to summer camp as they were not sure if there was a spy among them. Frank didn’t want it known that she would be riding out on the trail even with two hands for help and protection.

  * * * * *

  When Grandfather had purchased three mules Ginger had wondered how they would use mules and thought it was throwing money away. Now that she planned on checking on the summer camp, she knew how she could use the mules. She had two of the hands to ride out into the pasture with the horses and bring the mules to the barn.

  Two of the mules were gentle and willing to work, but one was discordant and fought everything they tried to do. Moose walked over, took one ear and twisted it. That mule stood still while they placed packs on the back.

  Usually, on long trips, a wooden U shaped rack was placed on heavy leather and cloth pads so that the animal’s back would not be hurt. Ginger ordered the men to place two big leather bags, joined by a leather pad, across the animals back so that a bag hung down on either side. A thick pad was placed on the back first to prevent rubbing and any soreness. Supplies would be placed in the bags so that the weight was equal on both sides.

  Juanita and the girls had made meat pies, apple pies and home-made yeast bread to be taken to the men. Ginger had reading material and a battery-powered radio put in for them. Grain for the horses and mules was carried by one mule and there would be good grazing where they were going.

  She put in a change of clothing for herself and urged the men going with her to do the same. They would bathe in the river. Rifles and ammunition were added to the packs and pistols were carried on the waist. Ginger had a pistol on her side and a rifle on her saddle. The men going with her did the same. Snakes, coyote and feral dogs could be a problem.

  Ginger smiled when Irene placed scented soap, shaving material and deodorant in the supplies. Ginger didn’t tell her the men let their beard grow while they were gone and she seriously doubted they worried about deodorant. After all it was just the men, animals and forest. Who would care how they smelled? She didn’t want to hurt Irene’s feelings and thanked her for being so thoughtful.

  By eight o’clock they were packed and ready to leave. Frank was uneasy about Ginger going but he had sent responsible men with her. He would have loved to go but was needed on the ranch.

  Juan Chaves and Herbert (Slim) Krantz mounted and made sure Ginger was ready on War Shield before they went through the gate from the ranch to the pasture where the horses were. Each one led a pack mule; Juan took charge of the cantankerous one. They rode through the horse pasture and through a gate on the opposite side to go up into the mountains.

  It had been a long time since Ginger had ridden through this part of the property. She took a deep breath of the clear June air and prepared to enjoy the trip. They rode near a place where someone had built a log cabin many years ago. Nothing was left but part of a chimney. Apparently primroses and other flowers had been planted and were now flourishing in weeds.

  “Be on the alert, fellows. There may have been a well, or other holes, dug here. We don’t want an animal to break a leg in a hole.” Ginger felt there probably wasn’t a well because the river was too close. Water was more than likely brought to the cabin in wooden buckets. It never hurt to be careful.

  Ginger was surprised to see a small herd of about ten mustangs. There were two foals and a stallion that trumpeted a warning for them to leave his family alone. She made a me
ntal note to have them rounded up and brought to the protection of her property. She smiled to see white-tail deer and two spotted fawns bounding away from them.

  The sage was beginning to smell so good. There was Scorpionweed, Jack in the Pulpit, Goldenrod, berry bushes and several flowers she could not identify.

  By noon they were ready to stop and let the animals rest while they ate the lunches Juanita had packed for them. It would have been too much trouble to take the packs off the mules, but they did take the saddles off the horses they were riding. The river was close enough for them to allow the animals to drink and to get drinks for themselves. The men scooped the water up in their hands but Ginger used a tin cup.

  Juanita had taken big pockets of home-made bread and placed slices of beef in them. She had included apples and cookies. There were enough of these sandwiches for them and the men on the mountain for supper.

  After half an hour they rubbed their horses’ backs and put saddles back on them. In about two hours they would be at the mountain camp. After a little more than an hour, they began to ride through grazing cattle. The two men on guard duty came riding to see who they were and what they were doing. Robert (Rocky) Rutherford and Gerald (Fish) O’Brien were alert and on duty. Ginger hated that the nickname of Fish had been given to Gerald. He could not help the fact that his eyes were slightly protruding. He was an excellent worker and reliable. She knew her Grandfather had trusted him.

  After talking to the men for a few minutes, Ginger and her men rode on to the line camp. She smiled to see beautiful Goldfinch flitting around. There were bluebirds with bright blue backs and dark tan chests. Woodpeckers could be heard in the forest nearby. Towhee flew over the heads of the cattle and brilliant red birds flew undisturbed around them.