by Karen Noland
“Well, it may not be feminine, but it’s a lot more practical for what we have to do today.” She wore Levis, a pale blue cotton shirt, a brown woolen vest with large roomy pockets, and worn leather boots. Her hat hung down her back by the stampede string, and a pair of deerskin gloves were tucked into her belt. Thick brown hair was caught up in a ribbon at the nape of her neck, but unruly curls insisted on escaping, framing her face in a wreath of soft tresses.
“Oh, I’d say on you the effect was utterly feminine.” Luke reached out and caught one of the wayward curls, tucking it behind her ear. His touch sent a thrill through her, and she closed her eyes and stepped away, not yet ready to face the flood of emotions that were still so new.
She sighed softly. “We’d better get moving if we’re going to get them all in today.”
They returned to the barn to find Jon tightening the girth on the saddle of his new pony, and eager to start the day’s trip. Kate and Luke went over their own tack one last time, checking bridles, bits and tightening girths. Stiff lariats were tied near the pommels and each saddle had a holster carrying a Winchester ‘73 carbine. Luke wore a gun belt with Will’s Colt .45 in it. The sight of the armament worried Kate, but she knew it was necessary. There had been no further incidents in the last couple of days, but the threat was real and they couldn’t be too careful.
They rode through the morning mist over emerald fields, Jon loping far ahead, then trotting back to where Luke and Kate rode together in companionable silence. Smokey followed along, tongue lolling, chasing the occasional rabbit, and returning with a doggy grin on his face to ride again by Jonathan’s side.
“He’s going to wear that poor pony to a nubbin before the morning is over,” Kate observed with an indulgent smile.
“That horse will still be going strong when Jon is home abed tonight.”
“You’re probably right.”
“He reminds me of myself when I was a boy,” Luke remarked watching the lad whooping and hollering in sheer youthful exuberance.
“Where did you grow up?” Kate asked.
“We were originally from Indiana, but my father moved us to Coffeyville, Kansas, when I was just a babe. He pastored a church there.” Luke spoke evenly, but there was a hard set to his eyes.
“I didn’t know your father was a man of God,” Kate exclaimed. “Do you have any brothers or sisters?”
“One sister. She’s five years older than me, already married and a baby of her own, when...” Luke stopped, a distant look settled on his face.
“When what?”
“Kate, you believe in God, don’t you?”
“Well, of course.”
“But you don’t just believe, you know Him - I mean, He’s real to you, isn’t He?”
“Luke, He’s my friend, my confidant and comforter. He’s my savior. He’s there when no one else is, I can trust in Him and He never fails me.” She felt at a loss for words to tell him what Jesus meant in her life. Did he not know? How could he be the son of a preacher and not know God?
“How, Kate? How do you know that it’s God directing all this? And if He is there, then where was He when your husband was killed? Where was he when my mother lay dying? And why is my father so full of hate?” The anguish in his voice ran deep, but his face remained impassive. Kate’s heart ached for the pain she sensed there.
She sat deeply in the saddle and lightly checked the reins, bringing the big sorrel mare to a stop. Luke’s gelding walked on a few more steps, before he swung around to face her.
“Oh, Luke,” she began not knowing how to voice the passion in her soul. “I could quote you scripture after scripture. God is not the author of confusion, but of peace. All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. God’s will is a mystery to us, your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” Seeing the grim set of his jaw, she sighed, her eyes straying to the meadow beyond where a few cows were peacefully grazing.
“Even if we didn’t have the scriptures, Luke, look around you. God is evident in every aspect of His creation. You can see him in every leaf on a tree, in the clouds, the beasts of the field, the birds of the air. Look at the perfection in the face of newborn babe. How could you look at all of this and not see God?”
Luke shook his head slowly. “Kate, I know the Bible. I studied it for over a year in the seminary. I listened to my father preach it every day for eighteen years. And, yes, I can even see a divine hand the creation around us. But why can’t I feel Him, Kate? What is it I’m missing?”
She looked at Luke’s strong hands gripping the leather reins, and reflected back over the past weeks, seeing him in her mind’s eye, taking control of every situation, planning, preparing, protecting. Kate realized that never once had she seen him in prayer over any of these circumstances, never seeking God’s will or His direction.
“When was the last time you sat down and talked to Him?” she asked.
His stony face remained unchanged, but a flicker in his eyes encouraged her to continue.
“He wants a relationship with you, Luke, but on His terms, not yours. You’re going to have to let go of your pride, give Him control before you’ll ever know that sense of peace you’re looking for.” She sighed, rubbing her scars absently through the thin cotton shirt. “It doesn’t happen overnight, trust me, I know,” she added quietly.
The bay appeared from around a bend. “Luke, the main herd is just over that rise, c’mon, we’re almost there!” Jon called out, brimming with anticipation.
Their eyes held for a moment longer and Kate could see the battle raging within before he shifted his gaze and they headed the horses out to meet the challenge of the herd.
They rode past a few cows and calves in near meadow.
“We’ll pick these up on the way back through.” Luke commented.
“I want to check that pond south of here and the few gullies beyond that for any other strays.” Kate said.
“Good idea. We’ll regroup on the other side of the herd, plan our search and drive the stragglers up to the main herd, then push them this way to pick up these, and on back to the ranch.”
Kate nodded and pushed her mare into a long, ground covering trot.
The three came together in the shade of a large old oak on the far side of the herd. Smokey flopped down in the welcome coolness of dewy grass while Kate, Luke and Jon surveyed the cattle. Sleek black cows grazed in the morning sun, taking little notice of the riders in their midst.
“Between these and the eleven I counted in the first meadow, I’d say we’re probably only missing twenty-five or so.” Kate was glad that so many were here together.
“Jon, you take Smoke and head to the east, pay special attention to large shady areas, and any water sources. Work ‘em slow and drive them this way. Stay well back, and move ‘em real easy,” Luke instructed. “Kate, you work the south pond and any ravines out that way. I’ll cut back and forth in the gullies and creeks behind you both.”
“Yes, sir, I know how, and so does Smoke. We’re hands at this.”
“Yes, they sure are. He’s been helping us move the cattle around for a good five years now,” Kate added with a smile and a note of encouragement to the boy. “But this is the first time on your own, Jon, be careful! If anything were to happen to you, your grandpa would skin me alive.”
“More like Nana would!” Jon laughed and waved as he turned his pony to the east and rode off at a lope.
Luke shook his head. “You really think he can handle this?”
“If there’s one thing that boy can do, it’s work the cattle. He’ll be fine, and once he starts working them, he’ll settle down and move them right. Besides, Smokey is one of the best cow dogs I’ve ever seen. They’re quite a team those two.”
“Well, we better get after our own, then, don’t want them showing us up, do we?”
Kate laughed and they headed their horses out to the south. They rode in si
lence until the screech of a hawk shattered the stillness. Kate looked up to see the great bird drifting in lazy circles, riding the warm currents effortlessly. She was reminded of Tochoway, and her heart grew troubled.
***
Luke rode alone along the top of a rise, watching for cattle among the trees or near the creek. Kate’s words played relentlessly through his mind, “...let go of your pride, give Him control.” If there was one thing Luke was sure of, it was his ability to take control. His self assurance was the strength he relied on. Surely that was a gift from God, not something to be cast aside?
As he rode, a verse of scripture learned many years before rose in his mind, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
“Lord, I haven’t been very good at asking or seeking your face, your will. God, I want so much what I see in others, how they trust you. Show me, Lord, show me how to subserve myself and seek your will.”
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Luke felt his heart constrict at the familiar words. Heavy laden? Weary? Oh, yes, that he had in plenty. Would he ever learn to lay his cares at the feet of the Father? He shook his head to clear away the troubling thoughts and focus on the work at hand.
A movement in the shadows of the tree line caught his attention. Peering intently into the verdant foliage, he could just make out the shapes of cattle milling in the restful shade. Urging Rio along, they approached the beasts cautiously. Luke began a slow side to side sweep as they neared the location of the cows, reining the horse right for several steps then steering back to the left, moving slowly but consistently forward.
A large cow bellowed a protest heaving her bulk up from a soft grassy nest. As she walked away from Luke’s inexorable advance, the others turned to follow. Soon he had a small group of cows and calves moving along before him. The old lead cow meandered toward the pasture where the main herd grazed, and Luke only had to urge on the stragglers and make sure they stayed on course.
He heard the bawling of cattle to the east. In a few minutes a group of young steers came into sight moving quickly away from the gray dog nipping at the heels of those in the rear. Jon rode in behind, moving from side to side, keeping the steers from breaking to the right or left. Luke waved, and Jonathan maneuvered his band of steers into the path of the cows and soon both men rode behind the growing herd.
“That’ll do, Smoke!” Jon called out sternly. The dog obediently returned to his master, and padded along beside him. “Jest watch ‘em now, Smokey.”
“He’s a real good cow dog, Jon. Did you train him yourself?”
“Naw, Mr. Will helped me, and he had an old dog - we jest put Smoke out with old Traveler when he was a pup, and Trav taught him most things real good.”
“What happened to Traveler?”
“He died a few years back. Went to sleep one night and jest didn’t get up the next morning.” Jon sighed. “He was good dog. He’s buried out behind the smithy shed.”
“Well, I’d say the way Smokey works those cows is a fine tribute to Trav.”
“Thanks!” Jon grinned. “Uh-oh.” A steer broke out the left and tried to circle back. Jon turned the bay horse into the path of the runaway then grabbed frantically for the saddle horn as the pony dropped his front end low and snaked his neck out to stop the steer. Before the boy had a chance to recover his senses, Jesse took off again staying in front of the angry black beast, matching him step for step. Luke was reminded of a bull fight he had once seen in old Mexico. Like the matador, Jesse moved with the steer in perfect timing until he was able to move him safely back to the herd.
Visibly shaken, but unhurt and glowing from the experience, Jon rode back to join Luke.
“That looked like quite a ride!” Luke grinned.
“Yeah, real glad I got a hold of that horn, or I’d have been on the ground for sure.” Jon shook his head in wonder.
Luke called out, “Hiya, get on, now,” slapping his lariat against his leg. Jon whistled and sent Smokey to gather the straying calves. They moved the last of the cattle into the open meadow where they joined the rest of the herd, mingling and beginning to graze. Kate appeared a short time later, driving a small knot of cows and calves before her.
***
Jon rode ahead as they approached the sorting corrals. Jake appeared from the barn and took up a position near the gates. The cattle were driven through a wide opening that narrowed into an alley with two gates at the far end. From there they were easily directed into one of the two corrals. The cattle coming in today would be sent into one, and the herd gathered the following day would be sorted into the other pen.
“Where does Kate want these?” Jake called to his grandson.
“The north side.”
Jake swung the gate back as the first cows made their way down the chute, bawling their objections even as they passed into the open corral. Once the last steer cleared the opening, he shut the gate, securing it with a wire tie.
Luke and Kate rode into the ranch yard. Kate produced a rag from the pocket of her vest. Dousing it from the canteen hanging near her pommel, she wiped the dust from her face and neck. The cool water ran in rivulets down the back of her shirt making her long for a real bath.
“Good day’s work. Hope tomorrow goes as smoothly,” Luke said.
“Oh, tomorrow ought to be the fun day, bringing in those longhorns. We got these in before lunch. We’ll be lucky if we see the supper table tomorrow.” Kate laughed and offered the cool rag to Luke. Reaching out to take the cloth, his hand caressed hers sending a thrill coursing through her.
“Look at all the calves, momma!” Jo shouted, running from the house. With a whoop, she mounted the corral fence and stood with her arms hanging over the top rail. “Nana and I made pies today, and lots of bread. Oh, and I picked all the strawberries I could find, and blackberries, too. Jake churned the butter and dug the pit we need to roast the meat. Oh, momma, I can’t wait for Saturday,” she sighed.
“Luke, I could sure use your help and Jon’s getting this steer butchered,” Jake said, joining them in the yard.
“Sure thing, let’s get it done now. Then we can clean up and eat a late lunch.” Luke replied. “Get down, Kate. I’ll put the horses up first.”
She swung her leg over the saddle and dismounted in a single fluid motion. Handing the reins to Luke, she paused a moment to stroke Gypsy’s velvety nose. “You did real well today, old girl.” The mare leaned her head against Kate’s shoulder, and Kate gave her a good hard scratching on the neck. “Go on, now, we’ll do it again tomorrow,” she murmured to the horse.
“Thanks, Luke. I’ll go in and help Mrs. Insley with the food and let her know you’ll be coming along later. You know how she hates to have her schedule disrupted.” Kate smiled as she watched the men head to the barn, talking and laughing over the morning’s adventure.
Luke belonged here. She could see it in the way Jake treated him, the way Jon looked up to him. His patience and tenderness with Jo touched her heart, but most of all she felt it within her soul. Why then did thoughts of Tochoway trouble her? The memory of his dark eyes burned within her.
“Come on, momma, I’ll race you to the house!” Jo called as she sped by her mother, skirts flying around her pumping legs.
“Hey, no fair! You’ve got a head start,” Kate protested, even as she raced to catch up.
Laughing and out of breath they reached the porch together, collapsing in a heap on the steps.
“You’re getting fast,” Kate said, tousling Jo’s hair.
“I’ve been practicing,” she announced proudly. “Think I can beat Jeremy on Saturday?”
“Oh, I don’t know, he’s quite a bit bigger than you. I bet you’ll give him a run for his money, though.”
Jo jumped up an
d opened the kitchen door.
“Oh, Mrs. Insley, you have truly out done yourself. That smells heavenly!” Kate exclaimed as the scent of fresh baked bread drifted out mingling with the aromas of sweet cherry pies and gingerbread.
“I just hope there’ll be enough to feed that crowd on Saturday.” Nana scowled at the pot of beans simmering on the stove. “Where are the men? I expect they’ll be wanting their lunch about now.”
“Oh, I’m supposed to tell you that they’ll be coming late to lunch. They wanted to get that beef ready first. What can I help you with in here?”
“You can wash yourself up, get some decent clothes on, and then start in on those vegetables.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Kate called over her shoulder as she marched off to comply with Nana’s instructions.
***
Luke sat on his bunk, the dim glow of a lantern holding the dark at bay. His body ached from the day’s work, but his thoughts would not be stilled to let him sleep. His mind conjured images of Kate riding with abandon across the deep green sea of the prairie, herding cows, laughing with him. He could see the compelling conviction in her eyes when she spoke of her faith.
“Lord, I am falling in love with her. Help me. How do I become the kind of man that is worthy of her love, or of your love, God?”
He looked down at the Bible clutched tightly in his hand, and opened it to the sixth chapter of Matthew. He read the familiar words of the Lord’s prayer, but his eye was drawn to a verse he had not remembered, “...your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him.” Another verse echoed in his mind, and he flipped to the book of Romans, scanning the pages he found the reference in the eighth verse of the twenty-sixth chapter, Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Closing his eyes, Luke prayed, “Lord, if ever that were true of man, it is true of me. I have been so lost in this life. Show me, teach me, come and be within me. I need you now. God is it too late?” Hot tears stung his eyelids as he fought the rush of emotion surging within.
