"What about a cowgirl hat," asked her mother.
Jane Beth's face took on a bewildered look as she thought about that. She'd never seen a cowboy hat on a girl before. "I don't know," she said with tears starting to form in her blue eyes.
"I'm sure we can find on in Denver my daughter," said Joel. "If not we'll order one from Texas.
"What is Texas," Jane Beth asked. By then father, mother and brother were laughing so hard Ringo wondered what was so funny.
Jane Beth wiped the tears and laughed too. She was sitting on the top rail with her arm around her father when Ringo led two coal black quarter horses out of the stable. Behind him another cowboy led two chestnut beauties to the arena. The last cowboy led a single horse that was a pinto. Pinto's are characterized by having multi-colors of either black and white or white and brown.
The cowboys took off the rope halters and led the horses walk around. All five were geldings. That operation made the male horses a little more manageable. Or in other words, less spirited around female horses.
Joel said, as the cowboys walked over and leaned on the fence. Jane Beth stared at Ringo as he took out some short papers, a small pouch, shook some brown looking stuff onto the paper, and used his teeth to tighten up the pouch string. The he put the pouch in his shirt pocket. Then he rolled the paper back and forth in his hands. Soon he had a short round thing he stuck in his mouth. From the other shirt pocket he dug out a stick match and raised one leg bent at the knee and quickly raised his arm with match in hand against his blue jeans. The match shot fire. Then he raised the match to his rolled tobacco cigarette and sucked in the smoke. After that he blew smoke out his mouth and nose at the same time. Jane Beth was mesmerized. Ringo raised his head and cast his eyes to Jane Beth and winked at her.
Bessie saw it all, but Joel missed it as he was looking with his son at the five horses in the arena. Junior was scanning all five. He had no idea which one to choose. They all looked like fine animals to him. He said, "Father, I don't know which one to choose. I know nothing about horses."
"I don't know what to tell you son. I'm like you; they all look good. I guess maybe I'm a little partial to the coal black horses, but it's up to you. Why don’t you take some riding lessons from Ringo and then pick a horse later."
-XII-
Before they made the trip to Golden through Gloomy Gulch and then to the old homestead, Joel went to see the Old Man. The kids loved the ranch life so he took the time to look at some property and visit his second father.
When he went into the old stage office and knocked on the counter to signify there was a visitor, a middle aged woman came out looking a little stern, until she remembered Joel Stanten was coming. Joel quickly introduced himself and she shook his hand like a man. Mrs. Peabody said, "Follow me Mr. Stanten as he has been waiting for your arrival."
Joel followed her to the Old Man's room. Joel put on a happy face knowing that his old friend and pseudo father was very ill. The Old Man smiled as he cast his yellow diseased eyes on Joel, "I'm happy to see you my son. I know I look like hell, but that's the way it is. At least we can share a few moments together before I knock on the Pearly Gates to see your father."
Joel pulled up an old wooden chair and waited for Mrs. Peabody to leave the room. She fussed with his pillow and straightened the blankets. Finally she took her leave when she realized Joel wasn't going to talk in front of her. Joel asked her to close the door on the way out which made her a little angry cause she wanted to listen in. Joel moved his chair closer so he could talk quietly to his best friend. Joel said, "Have you everything you need Old Man?"
"Yes, thanks to you I'm doing fine. The doctor just shakes his head when he sees me. I laugh at him saying to him we all have to die sooner or later. It's my turn very soon. My son, you know I've no relatives here bouts so if it's okay with you, how about resting my old bones next to your father and mother?"
Joel felt his eyes well up and leak water down his cheeks. He said, "I can't think of a better place for you to rest Old Man. You may rest easy knowing you will rest at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Now, tomorrow we are going to Golden to see the homestead. I'll bring my two kids by for you to gander at. I think you will see in my son a lot of me back many years ago."
"I'd like that Joel. We had a good life back then and for that matter up until now. I'm pushing 70 so that ain't all bad. My only regret was never marrying, but who would have an ugly old man like me. When you walked in the stage office when you were 8 years old, stood there proud as could be, I knew then my life was about to change. Even when you were back east, you were still with me every day. I still have every letter you wrote me. Now my son, my days are short and I've one question to ask of you. Is there anything you would like to tell me before I pass on?"
Joel made sure no one was listening as he opened the door and looked to see where Mrs. Peabody might be. She wasn't around. He sat down and said in a whisper, "I have the gold that was on the stage on that fateful day. We were warned that the bandits were in the rocks by an old Indian. My father and Lefty said there was an old cave nobody was aware of. The men stashed the gold in the cave for later when they would return for it. Unfortunately all were killed. My father left me a map. I guess one could say I stole the gold."
The Old Man said with a grin, "I knew something was fishy, but I really didn't care. Six men lost their lives. One boy lost is only parent. The gold went to a good cause. No, son, you didn't steal the gold, God gave it to you to do good with."
The next day after visiting the Old Man with his kids, Joel and family set out for Golden, via Gloomy Gulch by buggy. Bessie had tears she was still wiping after the visit with the Old Man. Jane Beth would vaguely remember him in the years to come; but Junior put the whole picture together of the first encounter his father had with the stage manager back in 1860. Junior was a little quiet for the first part of the trip, but then as they neared the Gulch, he perked up; as did his father.
Going down the hill they soon came to where the holdup occurred. Joel stopped the buggy and Junior placed a big rock in front of the rear wheels. Beth Jane asked, "Father is this place where grandfather was killed?"
"Yes Jane Beth. This is the very spot where he died," he pointed to the side of the road.
Junior asked, "Father you said an old Indian came by to warn the stagecoach that bandits were waiting for the stage to come. And then mother said when you and her came here many years ago the same Indian came by. Is that true?"
Yes Junior it is all true. There are some things in the world we know nothing about. The Indian told your mother and I we would live a long life and spend our remaining years in Colorado. I hope that is true. Now I guess we better be going." Joel and family started to board the buggy when they heard a horse coming. Before he arrived Joel knew it was the old Indian.
He rode up on his paint and raised his hand in peace. Joel did the same in return. Junior and Jane Beth were standing with open mouths. The Indian said, "Joel Stanten and family it's good to see all of you well. Like before you're being observed from above. Junior, you will be very successful. Jane Beth, you will make inroads in the new century for women. Bessie, you will always be with your husband and happy. Joel, you will be replaced by your son. Now listen carefully, in the last half of the next century, time will be very difficult for your families. Gloomy Gulch will save the day. Now I must be going."
They watched him ride off and then gradually fade away to nothing. Junior said, "Father I want to choose a paint to be my horse."
"Father was that a real Indian, "asked Jane Beth
"Indeed it was daughter. I hope you remember each and every word he said. I know Junior did. I think we can view the Indian as our guardian spirit."
Bessie said, "I do believe your right my husband. Now let's go see what the old farm looks like. Also I'm getting a little hungry."
They ate in Golden at the new hotel. Joel booked two adjoining rooms as the hotel was not designed for a four person family. After tha
t they rode out to the old farm. Driving up Joel was pleased to see the caretaker had done a good job. Joel had sent him a wire that they were coming. He waved as they drove up. His wife and two kids kind of hid behind the father. Joel shook his hand and introduced the family to him.
The caretaker let them walk around while he went about his normal business. At this time he was cutting wood for the coming winter. The wife and kids were pulling weeds in the garden that struggled at the high elevation to produce much crop.
They went to the two graves and Joel said a few prayers. The kids looked at the dates of their grandparents and were shocked at how young they were. Joel said, "Times were hard back then and dangerous too. Your grandmother died of consumption and as you know grandfather died of a gunshot wound. Soon there will be one more grave here. We'll bury the Old Man, my second father, and my best friend alongside grandfather."
"Well kids," as they drove back to Golden, "what do you think about Colorado and Denver? Also, what about Golden here and the big mountains behind us," asked Joel.
Junior said, "It's big and seems like very old. New York City is very modern and has big buildings, but here is small buildings and a lot of land. I can get an almost lonely feeling here it's so big. I think like you father, I'll stay back east and get a good education. If that old Indian is right, then I must have the knowledge to enter your business father."
"Well said son. I'm proud of you and of course Jane Beth is still young. The Bar-B ranch is over 5000 acres. The land next to it is for sale. I'm seriously thinking of buying it to add to the Bar-B."
Jane Beth said, "I like it here better than the big city father. I love my horse and want to learn to ride and rope cattle. I want to have fun and take care of my horse." Both parents thought she would soon get bored with horses and cleaning stalls. But they were in for a surprise.
By the following night they were back at the ranch enjoying a cook out again. The grandparents had come out and once again beef was on the menu. The grandparents stayed the night and the next morning Jane Beth took her grandmother out to the horse barn to show her horse off. Ringo was right there to help her up on Grey Shadow. Only this time she had a saddle under her hind end. Ringo adjusted the stirrups and led the horse out to the arena. Jane Beth held the saddle horn while Ringo walked the horse in circles around the arena. Grandmother was impressed.
She asked, "Jane Beth do you really like horses?"
"I love horses' grandmother. After I finish riding I must brush her and take her to the water trough. Mother promised me we would go to Denver and buy some cowboy boots and hat for me. I think you should get some cowboy boots too. Do you like horse's grandmother?"
"I like horses, but I can't ride. I have a bad back," she fibbed.
"Oh, well you can watch me ride grandmother," Jane Beth said.
Joel and Carl rode to town to meet up with Ralph. Also Joel wanted to see the Old Man and give him the news about the old homestead. They met Ralph at the end of Main Street. The city was growing leaps and bounds. The original owner of the block went broke. Now he wanted to sell very badly. Joel thought it a good investment. He asked Ralph some tough questions about land value and the growth potential. Joel seemed satisfied with the answers and then offered his price of 20% off what the owner desired. Ralph and Carl both were shocked to hear such a low price. Joel said, "Remember gentlemen, it's my money and I can offer what I like. It's really very simple. He either takes it or leaves it, I really don't care one way or the other."
Ralph said, "I'll let you know later what the owner replies." Joel could see neither Ralph nor Carl were happy as Joel knew their 2% commission would be drastically reduced. Joel inwardly shrugged his shoulders and went to see his friend the Old Man.
Joel found the Old Man slipping in and out of sleep. The doctor was there and all he did was shake his head. Joel nodded back to him that he realized the time for him was very short indeed. Mrs. Peabody had misty eyes for her patient. Joel sat down and waited for him to wake up again.
It didn't take long and he raised his eye lids seeing Joel looking at him. He cracked a smile. Joel said, "Don't talk Old Man. There's no reason to say anything. I've made arrangement for you at our Golden homestead. All will be well afterwards. Please say hello to my parents." Joel took his hand and squeezed it one time. He looked deeply into the Old Man's eyes seeing what needed to be seen. Then the Old Man took his last breath of life.
Joel shed a tear and sat with him until his hand went cold. After that he went back to the ranch alone and with his own thoughts of life. He raised his head to the sky and gave thanks to the higher spirit for his healthy life and family.
Back at the ranch he told Bessie and they sat around talking about old times. Beth said, "I remember teasing poor little Joel. Bessie, but you were always kind to him. Mother always said you would probably marry the guy. I thought she was crazy, but now I can see what you have and I don't."
"Beth, don’t you drive yourself crazy with that kind of thinking. You will find that man; I'm sure of that."
"I'll stay here till fall and then I'm off to New York and sail away," she said.
"I'll make travel arrangements if you give me the dates, Beth," said Joel.
"If you don't mind, I'll stay with you in New York City for a little while," Beth said.
"Of course you can. You are welcome to stay as long as you like. We have lots of room," said Bessie
*******
Summer was rapidly drawing near fall. Both kids could ride well. Junior liked being alone with his horse, which he named Pardner; they were a team of two friends. From early morning until late afternoon he would ride the range by himself or with one of the ranch hands.
Jane Beth flexed her wings. She and her pony followed Ringo around while he did ranch work. And then one day she asked her mother if she could ride to Denver to see her grandmother, have lunch, and then come home. Bessie wasn't sure about that idea of her being alone. What if she fell off and hurt herself. She talked to Joel and he said it was up to her. In the end they both approved of her request.
Jane Beth had her saddle bags full of food and drink. She'd brushed Grey Shadow until she shined. It was getting chilly at night and she made Jane Beth take a sheep skin coat and gloves. It was clear she was to leave Denver by 2 pm at the latest and be home by 4 pm at the latest.
Joel and Bessie watched their daughter ride off at 8 am. She waved and set her back straight like Ringo had taught her. She felt free as a bird and loved the feeling of riding alone all the way to town. The trail or road was mostly straight and without a lot of hills. Jane Beth just went into dream land thinking about roping a steer, throwing it to the ground and branding it. She hadn't seen it done yet, but Ringo had told her the romantic stories of round up and eating out of a chuck wagon. After dinner they would use their saddles for pillows and sleep the night away listening to the sounds of coyotes howling.
When she quit dreaming she could see the outline of Denver. Well, that didn't take long she thought. Soon she was at the stable having her horse watered and fed. She told the stable hand she would be back at two pm. Jane Beth never noticed two rough looking cowboys hanging around the stables. After she left, one cowboy asked the stable boy who that little girl was. He told her she was the daughter of the rich businessman from back east. He thanked the stable boy and gave a head jerk to his companion to follow him. They went to the saloon and had a beer.
Jane Beth ran to her grandmother's house. Her cowboy boots were not good to run in but she was in a hurry. When she arrived grandmother was waiting for her on the porch. Jane Beth wasn't too happy because her grandmother made her change clothes so they could go shopping downtown. She had to put on a dress, but she clearly resented having to divest herself of her boots and hat.
They had lunch at a new restaurant downtown with grandfather. Then for the next few hours until it was close to time for her to go home, they found a bookstore. Jane Beth got two books on the old west and went back to grandmother's house h
appy.
Jane Beth perked up as she changed back into jeans and her cowboy gear. She kissed her grandmother good bye and ran back to the stable to get her pony. She was happy to be going back to the ranch. She loved the smell of horses and cattle. Also she had two new books to read. She never looked back and it wasn't until the two men were upon her, she heard the sounds of horses. She looked over her shoulder. They didn't look like any of their ranch hands, but much dirtier. At first she thought they would ride by her, but then they slowed down to a walk matching her pony's pace.
One man with dark eyes and heavy black stubble said, "Hey, little girl, what's your name?"
Jane Beth told them her name and she started to become fearful. These guys didn't look friendly at all. Then he asked, "So you're the daughter of the steel mill owner Stanten?"
"Yes I am," she said proudly. Then faster than she could remember what happened the reins were taken out of her hand, thrown over the head of the pony. Then Black Eyes led her off the road and headed west towards the mountains.
Jane Beth said, "Hey what are you doing. I must go home or my parents will be very upset. You're not being very nice mister. Ringo will take care of you very soon."
Black Eyes turned around and sneered at her while his partner followed behind. Jane Beth began to cry. These were bad men and she was scared. She didn't know she was being kidnapped.
It wasn't until almost dark when they approached an old line shack. She was roughly put inside. Shorty, that's what Black Eyes called him, made a fire. Jane Beth was tied to a chair but her arms were free. A small table sat in the middle of the room. Black Eyes took out paper and pencil. He asked her, "Can you write little girl?"
"Of course I can. I'm in the third grade."
"Okay, write this on the paper, 'Daddy, give this man $5000 dollars and I can come home'." She did as he told her. Then he handed the note to Shorty who left on his horse. Black Eyes fixed dinner of pork and beans. Jane Beth was not hungry, but very tired. She nodded off. Black Eyes took chair and all to the side wall and laid her down. He was not caring about her comfort only the money.
Golden Stagecoach Page 8
