by Joel Baker
“It is a terrible night, Matthew,” Elsie said. “You’ll catch a cold and die out there. Of course, they got those people staying there. They might steal you blind. You know how they are.”
“The family is as nice as they can be, Mrs. Walker,” Matthew said. “You shouldn’t talk bad about them.”
“What about that girl with the bag over her head,” Rachel said, frowning. “Is she something special? Is that why you have to rush back there, Matthew?”
“Don’t be silly, Rachel,” Matthew said reaching for his coat and hat. “Thanks for all the hospitality, Mrs. Walker. Tell Mr. Walker I said hello when he gets back. I got to be leaving.”
Elsie could tell this was between Rachel and Matthew. She said goodbye and made a hasty exit to the kitchen. Rachel moved quickly to block the door, as Matthew put on his long leather coat and reached for his hat.
“Rachel,” Matthew said, as he stood towering over her. “You’re looking for more than I can give. That wouldn’t be fair to you. There are too many years between us. I’m sorry, Rachel, but that’s the way I was brought up. This isn’t forever, but it is for tonight. Now move out of the way, Rachel.”
“You led me on, Matthew Colter,” Rachel said. “You made me think you loved me. But you didn’t. Instead, you run away like a scared little rabbit. You’re right, Matthew. There are too many years between us. You’re just a little boy!”
Rachel turned and ran up the stairs, her bare feet slapping on the wooden steps. Matthew turned and saw Elsie standing in the kitchen door, a sad look on her face.
“Sorry, Mrs. Walker,” Matthew said. “I think I overstayed my welcome.”
Matthew put on his hat and stepped on to the porch, as Elsie turned and walked back into the kitchen, shaking her head.
***
Matthew saddled his horse, and led him to the door of the barn. The rain had picked up some, and the horse nickered in complaint of being taken from the warm and dry stall. After spreading a leather blanket over the horse’s withers and shoulders, Matthew mounted and fanned his coat out to cover the rear of the horse. They started for home in the rain. It turned to snow sometime after midnight. As he rode higher, the wind picked up driving the falling snow into his face.
On the long trip home, Matthew considered where he could be at that very moment, and shook his head. He could only imagine what a bedroom visit from Rachel would have meant. Other than some kissing games back in New Liberty, Matthew had no experience with the girls or women, either one. That was probably the only chance I’ll ever get, Matthew thought. Suddenly the night seemed colder.
An hour later, the road disappeared under a blanket of snow. Matthew was having trouble picking out any sign of the road. He loosened the reins and trusted the horse to find the way. He rode in a white world without form or substance. The only sound was the steady rhythm of hooves crunching in the snow. Time slowed to a crawl, and then stopped altogether.
Matthew looked from under the brim of his hat and saw the flickering light. The horse seemed to sense the closeness of a warm dry barn and picked up speed. Matthew straightened and brushed the snow from his hat and shoulders.
The cabin’s porch light grew closer and brighter. Matthew thought he saw the form of someone standing on the porch, searching in his direction. He stood in his stirrups and waved his hat, happy to be home. The dark form turned quickly and ducked into the cabin. Matthew rubbed his eyes and saw the porch was empty.
Matthew took the horse and put him in the stall. He brushed him down and gave him an extra ration of prairie grass. Matthew took his wet boots off at the door, and entered the cabin as quietly as possible. He saw that Nate and his family were asleep in front of the fireplace. Jacy and Copa were huddled close to Nina. Fala was over to the right.
Matthew went into his bedroom, undressed, and crawled under the pile of blankets. He never saw the pool of water from the melting snow by Fala’s shoes, or the smile as she lay staring at the fire. Her vigil was rewarded, when she saw the leather clad rider appear out of the snow and darkness.
Chapter 20
The buckboard wagon jerked left and then right, as the wheels dropped into the frozen ruts in the road. It had snowed last night, and every jarring drop of the wheels was a surprise. James tried to guess when the next one was coming, but he wasn’t faring well. Dalton rode next to him in relative comfort.
“Guess who gets to drive this thing home,” James said, looking up at Dalton.
“I didn’t know the ruts would be frozen,” Dalton said. “We’re starting to head back down. Maybe the road will smooth out ahead.”
The smoked buffalo haunches bounced with every jolt. They were frozen hard as a rock. The cold wind whipped around the high ridges they were crossing. In the distance, they could see sunlight shining on the valleys below.
They still had a full day until they reached the town of Pueblo. Lester had told them it was a fair size town, but to do their business and don’t waste a bunch of time there, hanging around. They’ll try and take your loads either going in, or coming out of town.
If they stole your goods coming out of town, they’d probably sell them back to the merchant that sold them to you. It was said there was a contest in Pueblo between the merchants, for the number of times they could sell the same goods. All Lester could suggest was that you arrive before dark, and leave the next morning, as soon as possible.
Lester didn’t know if the smoked buffalo haunches would be valuable or not. He said it depended on how much they already had. Usually the buffalo hunters brought in hides and raw meat for trade. There wasn’t much demand for that. James had a spare Colter rifle and hand gun stashed in his bed roll. He’d sell them if he had to for goods. He hoped it wouldn’t be necessary.
***
By noon, they descended out of the highlands and were making good time. The road smoothed out and the sun was warm on their shoulders. James wasn’t certain, but he thought they would make town in a few hours. If not, they’d lose light quickly and find themselves still on the road after dark. That was not something either James or Dalton wanted.
The country they were going through was rolling prairie, with one low hill followed by another. It seemed as if they were continually going downhill and then uphill. James had Dalton ride about fifty yards in front of the wagon, so there were no surprises when they came over the top of a hill. Dalton sat waiting for James at the top of the next rise.
“Looks like we got company below,” Dalton called back to James.
James laid his rifle across his lap as he came over the crest of the hill, and stopped the wagon. Dalton rode up next to him. Two men sat next to a small campfire at the bottom of the hill. A dead horse lay on its side some distance away from the men. While James sat there, he saw one of the men point up at he and Dalton. The man stood and waved a friendly hello in their direction.
“I’ll go see what their story is,” Dalton said. “I’ll wave you forward, if it looks okay.”
James watched as Dalton undid the front of his leather coat, and flipped it back off his holstered gun. Dalton rode down and stopped back from where the man stood. They talked for a few minutes before Dalton turned in his saddle and waved James forward.
James drove the wagon to a point back from the strangers and stopped. Dalton came back beside the wagon.
“They said their horse died, and asked if we could give them a lift into town,” Dalton said. “Apparently, Pueblo is a good five miles from here.”
James looked down to where both men now were standing. They appeared to be talking, while looking up and down the road. They seemed nervous. James cocked his rifle, chambering a shell.
“Let’s get closer,” James said. “Something seems odd about this whole thing.”
James pulled closer to the two men. Dalton sat easy on his horse watching them closely.
“Looks like you lost your ride,” James said.
“Yes sir, we did.” The older man said. “The horse dropped dead right
where you see him.”
“That’s tough luck, for sure,” James said. “I see you got two saddles. Where’s the other horse?”
“He dropped dead too.” The man said, after looking around for a bit. “A few miles back, he just keeled over and we made it this far, before the other horse died.”
“Wow,” James said. “You have had some bad luck with horses. Tell you what. Throw your saddles in the wagon, and we’ll haul them to town for you. That way you won’t have to carry them.”
“We’re not interested in walking all the way into town,” the man said, suddenly aggressive. “How about you just give us a ride?”
The man took a step towards the wagon, and Dalton drew his revolver.
“Another step, Mister,” Dalton said. “I’ll shoot you where you stand.”
“Easy,” the man said. “I wasn’t going to do anything.”
“Back up slowly,” Dalton said. “James, pull on up the hill. I’ll be right behind you.”
James pulled up the hill and kept going. After about five minutes, Dalton rode up next to the wagon.
“I didn’t hear any gun fire,” James said.
“I made them take their pants off.” Dalton said. “Nobody wants to get in a gunfight in his underwear.”
***
The town of Pueblo sits in a desert. The surrounding mountains keep rain clouds from reaching the area. The Arkansas River runs through the town, and provides what water there is. As the only town with water for a hundred miles, it survived while Denver and other major towns went to ruin.
James and Dalton entered Pueblo down the main street running along the river waterfront. Small boats used to carry goods up and down river were tied to the docks. Some family boats were tied up there, as well. No one paid any heed to James, Dalton, or their wagon. Apparently commerce was the business of Pueblo.
Another street led away from the river. It was lined with various establishments competing for the goods and services of visitors to the town. What hit James first, was the noise. There seemed to be people everywhere and they were all yelling and talking loudly. The next thing to hit him was the smell of the place. It was a combination of unwashed bodies and spicy foods.
“I think we’ve been away from people too long,” James said laughing.
“I was thinking it wasn’t long enough,” Dalton said.
They pulled the wagon up in front of a huge building advertising good and supplies. An old man sat on the front porch and stared at them. James went into the store while Dalton stayed by the wagon.
A long counter ran the length of the large room, with no less than four clerks manning the various sections. Not knowing which section he should use, James walked up to the nearest clerk. James stood in front of the counter while the clerk stared at a ledger book and occasionally made notes along the border of the page.
Finally the clerk looked up at James and seemed to study him, looking over the top of his glasses.
“Can I help you?” the clerk asked.
“Maybe,” James said. “I’ve got a wagon load of smoked buffalo haunches. I want to trade them for trade goods.”
“Smoked, you say?” The clerk asked.
“Yes,” James said. “Two weeks. We used mainly alder with some beech. The meat should last at least three years, maybe four or five.”
“How much did you bring?” the clerk asked.
“A wagon load,” James said. “It weighs out at about twelve hundred pounds.”
The clerk walked over to the front doors and looked out at the wagon parked out front. Then he came back.
“I’ll give you six hundred in trade goods,” the clerk said.
“Six hundred what?” James asked. “Take a look at this list. How much of this could we get in trade?”
The clerk studied the list, making some notes and calculations on the edges. He referred to his ledger book several times.
“You brought this smoked meat in at just the right time,” the clerk said. “People need it to last through the winter. All the buffalo herds have already left for Texas and Mexico. This load should bring top dollar.”
“How much does it cover?” James asked.
“Almost all of it, the clerk said. “Have you been to any of the other stores?”
“That’s my next stop,” James said, bluffing.
“No point wasting your time,” the clerk said. “We pay top dollar.”
“I can’t believe how big this place is,” James said looking around.
“Years and years ago,” the clerk said. “It was a scavenger market.”
“I heard of stores like those back east,” James said.
“Tell you what I’ll do,” the clerk said. “You seem like a good guy, I’ll trade you even up for what’s on this list. That way you won’t have to waste your time running all over town.”
“Deal,” James said. “You take the haunches now, and we’ll be back first thing tomorrow and load up the goods. That way you’ll be able to inspect the haunches close up and see we’re on the level.”
“Deal,” the clerk said, shaking James hand. “I appreciate your trust. A lot of people would insist on keeping their stuff until the trade goods are in their hands.”
“I trust you,” James said, turning towards the door and smiling. “Besides, if you cheat us, we’ll come back and burn this place to the ground, with you in it.”
***
James and Dalton dropped the empty wagon and horses off at the livery. The store had given them a piece of paper to pay for the boarding of their gear. They were also given a kind of script to pay for one of the nicer boarding houses. They were able to get an almost clean room and a decent meal.
After dark, a bar three doors down from the boarding house, came alive. Music came pouring through the front doors. James and Dalton headed down to see what was going on. The noise in the room was deafening. Somewhere towards the front of the hall, someone was banging on an old, beat up piano. James and Dalton grabbed a table towards the back of the room. The noise was somewhat diminished.
“Mind if I sit here?” an old man asked, looking at James.
“No,” James said. “You don’t play the piano, do you?”
“No,” the old man said. “Neither does the idiot banging on that thing up front. My name is Charles.”
“I’m James,” James said. “This is Dalton.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Charles said. “What brings you to Pueblo, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“Supplies,” James said.
“Well, be careful,” Charles said. “This place is full of con artists and thieves.”
“We ran into a couple of guys coming into town,” James said. “There was a dead horse laying there and they were looking for ride into town.”
The old man bent over laughing.
“What’s so funny?” James asked.
“That was the Clifford brothers,” Charles said. “They trained that horse to play dead. They’re just thieves. I don’t think they would have hurt you.”
Dalton got James attention and nodded toward the door.
“Charles,” James said. “Nice meeting you. Dalton and I are going to turn in. We’ll be leaving in the morning. Coming to Pueblo has been different. Nice meeting you.”
Dalton and James stood, looking at the chaos going on around them. Dalton leaned over and said something to Charles, and then started towards the door.
James caught up with him outside and asked him what he’d said to Charles.
“I told him that if he runs into the Clifford boys tonight,” Dalton said. “He should tell them to stay far away from the road south tomorrow. I’m pretty sure he knew why.”
Chapter 21
The dogs came into Colter Canyon at night, just before the men got back from Pueblo. It had been some time since Matthew had seen the dogs, so he went out to the barn to check on them.
“Jake?” Matthew asked. “Is everything alright?”
Yes, Jake said. We have two
females that are pregnant, and due any time. It’s going to get cold soon. Some of us have died recently, and these pups are important.
“Do you know why the dogs are dying?” Matthew asked.
We know, Jezebel said, stepping forward with Max. It’s because we are becoming different again. When this happens, many die. They prepare the way.
“Is Max a part of this?” Matthew asked.
I am, Max said. I fathered both sets of pups that are due. The pups will also be different.
Matthew studied Max in the pale light of the barn. He’d changed in a number of ways since the last time he’d seen the dog. He was the largest dog, Matthew had ever seen. He was taller and more muscular than either Jake or Jezebel. His head was broader and there was something strange about the eyes. It was something that might not be good.
“I am pleased you can talk with me,” Matthew said.
I always could, Max said. I just chose not to.
“Why?” Matthew asked.
I had nothing to say, Max said. Tell Shannon that the baby is coming. Baby says she is ready to be in the world.
“You can talk to the baby?” Matthew asked.
Not talk, Max said. Until they are in the world, babies use colors to show how they feel. I can read the colors.
“I’m glad the dogs are with us again,” Matthew said. “I will hunt food for you.”
No need, Max said. We will provide for ourselves.
Jezebel lowered her head, looking at the floor of the barn. Matthew heard her whine and watched as she collapsed down in obvious pain.
“Jezebel, are you hurt?” Matthew asked.
She’s dying, Max said. Jezebel doesn’t want Shannon to know, until after the baby is born.
“Is there anything I can do to help?” Matthew asked.
Silence filled the barn, except for the moan of the wind blowing through the eaves. There was a rustling in the hay as one of the cats ran for its life out of the barn. The dogs stood looking at Matthew, saying nothing.
***
Jessica Lynn Cooper was born at four o’clock the following afternoon. Jessica was born smiling and waving her arms. Shannon was tired, but otherwise in good shape. She asked for Jezebel to come into the room. When Jezebel came in, it was obvious to everyone she was not in good shape.
