by Jim Cox
“Who’s Nathan?” Scar asked.
“Nathan Meeker. He’s our Indian agent. The town was named after him.”
“How long has he been here?” Scar asked.
“I had been here about twenty years when he arrived. He’s been here close to ten years, now.”
“Is he an honest man, Padre? Can he be trusted?”
“He’s getting old and has some health issues. He’s confined to a wheelchair, but I think he’s honest.”
“How does he do his job if he is confined?” Scar asked.
“He always examines the incoming wagons and records their contents on a manifest, but the unloading and distribution of the goods is done by his assistant.”
“How long has the assistant been distributing the supplies?”
“Ever since Mr. Meeker had his stroke, which was about two years ago,” the padre answered. Scar smiled as he looked at Abby who nodded with tight lips.
“I know what you’re thinking,” the padre said, “but where does his assistant keep the goods if he’s stealing, and how does he haul it away without being seen?”
“That’s a good question,” Abby asked, looking at Scar.
“Maybe all of the supplies aren’t being unloaded at the Indian headquarters. Maybe the same wagon that hauls them in hauls them away,” Scar said.
Abby chimed in. “The wagons normally stop to let people eat and spend time at the café before they leave. Most of the time, we have to kick them out at closing time. I’ve snooped a few times. The wagons were still over half full. I always thought they returned to the agent’s warehouse the next day to finish the unloading…never considered anything else.”
“More likely over half of the goods are hauled away and sold,” Scar remarked. The padre and Abby nodded. “When are the next loads due in?” he asked.
“If they’re on schedule, the wagons should roll in within three days,” said the padre.
“Keep me posted. I need to substantiate what the Indians receive, so I can document the amount of goods being stolen for my official reports to the governor and president.”
When they stood to leave, Scar said, “Tony and I will be visiting the Indian village tomorrow, so I can make a firsthand account of their living conditions. We’ll be meeting here before we head out.”
»»•««
When Scar and Tony entered the Indian village the next day, the sun was out but the temperature was well below freezing. It was not long before Scar was sickened at the deplorable conditions the natives were living in. No one laughed. No one smiled. They were extremely thin, with large, black unhappy eyes that were dull and pleading for help. One to three people in every tepee were sick. Their emaciated, undernourished bodies could not withstand exposure to the harsh conditions they were encountering. Some were burning up with fever, some had a severe cough, and a few were too weak to stand.
Several families were crammed into a tepee with a fire in the center. All wore skimpy, lightweight clothing. Mothers clung to their nearly naked children; some had blankets…some didn’t. Men kept busy dragging firewood to their tepees in shirtsleeves.
Their cooking fires were cold and covered with snow, and pots that normally contained food were empty. Scar did see a few natives chewing on cow bones with slivers of moldy meat on them.
With Tony’s help, Scar asked a few questions of the natives, but they wouldn’t answer, except to say they did not trust any white man. That all white men lied. Even their leader, Chief Running Buffalo, responded the same way.
On the way back to the livery, Scar asked Tony if there was a place in town to confine men who were under arrest. Tony said the army barracks might be available, but the most logical place would be one of the horse stalls in the livery if a little fixing up was done.
“I believe we’ll need one before long,” Scar said.
A few days later, Tony came and told Scar the supply wagons were coming through the gorge and should be at the Indian agent’s headquarters within the hour. Scar went to the café to tell Abby and then headed to the church to alert the padre.
Shortly after the wagons arrived, Mr. Meeker was wheeled to the storage area where he recorded the new inventory on his manifest tablet. Then his assistant pushed him back into his office and made him comfortable. As always, the freight drivers stopped at the tavern to eat and spent the evening enjoying beers. While they were drinking beers, the padre took a second inventory of what was actually unloaded in the warehouse and recorded it on paper, along with his signature and date.
At closing, the wagon drivers headed off. However, before they got to the army barracks, their wagons turned down a dark alley, angling behind the buildings and stopping at the back of the general store. In a matter of seconds, the store’s rear door opened and the store owner came out holding a lantern. The Indian agent’s assistant was by his side. “Hurry up,” the assistant pressed the drivers. “We don’t want to be caught.”
The moon was hidden behind clouds causing the alley to be dark, but when the store’s back door was opened it shed light, allowing Abby and the padre to see the whole thing by peeking out the café’ window. The drivers had unloaded about half of their remaining cargo when Scar and Tony came out of their hiding place.“Everyone stand where you are with raised hands. I’m a Colorado marshal. You’re under arrest,” Scar commanded. They froze in total surprise.
The next morning five men occupied a makeshift horse stall cell in the livery. While they were being fed and given coffee, each one tried to convince Scar of his innocence by blaming the other men, but Scar wasn’t buying.
Later in the morning, Scar and the padre visited the agent’s headquarters and explained the recent happenings to Mr. Meeker. They left with his cargo manifest which would provide evidence in the upcoming trial.
While Scar and the padre were handling matters at the agent’s headquarters, Tony was busy hauling out the store’s inventory of clothing, blankets, and food to the Indian village. It required several trips.
After bellies were full, Chief Running Buffalo called everyone into a circle around a central fire. Then he motioned for Scar and Tony to join him at the fire. The chief spoke in his native tongue for several minutes. Of course, Tony understood the chief’s words which centered on Scar’s help in retrieving their government allotments of food, blankets, and clothing. But Tony apparently wanted to further validate Scar’s efforts and friendship to the natives. Turning to his new friend, Tony asked for his necklace. Scar removed the necklace and handed it to Tony, who passed it on to the chief with a brief explanation of how Scar had obtained it. The chief looked at it intently for some time before signaling for quiet. Then he held the necklace high up over his head and spoke. When he finished speaking, the bystanders stood in admiration and respect for the old chief who once wore it.
Turning to Scar, he said, “You are the scarred warrior. You saved the great-grandfather chief in north from death.” Then he removed his own necklace and said, “You also did not let my people die. You are a great warrior many times over. You are always welcome at Chief Running Buffalo’s fire.” Then the chief held the two necklaces together and placed them around Scar’s neck.
That evening, sitting in the livery by the fire holding a cup, Scar said, “I’ve confiscated five horses from the store owner, Tony, and I’ll be leaving tomorrow with the five thieves. I’m a little apprehensive that they may be able to overpower me or out-ride me, since they’ll be on horses, and I’ll be riding a mule.” There was a pause while Scar took a long swallow. “I need someone to go along with me, Tony. I don’t suppose you’d be willing to offer?” Scar asked as he looked directly at Tony.
“I’ve been wondering when you’d ask,” Tony replied, returning his gaze.
It was an hour before sunrise the next morning. Scar and Tony had finished breakfast in the café when three men walked in. One was the red-haired, obnoxious man who had tried to intimidate Scar his first day in Meeker. He walked directly to Scar and Tony’s ta
ble. “What are you doing in here?” he said, looking at Tony. “I’ve told you before and I ain’t telling you again—you ain’t fit to be in here eating with white folks. Now get out.” His eyes turned toward Scar. “That goes for you, too. Anyone who eats with a breed shouldn’t be in here either.” The bully remained standing at their table waiting for them to exit. The two men took their time drinking the last of their coffee. After Scar left six bits on the table for both meals, they rose and headed for the door. When they passed Abby, they said their goodbyes, tipped their hats, and continued.
As the men were opening the door to leave, Abby called out, “Come back anytime, Scar. You’re always welcome.”
“What did you call him?” the confused bully asked.
“I called him Scar.”
“Is he the man called Scar who hails from Flat Peaks?”
“That’s him,” Abby said with a big grin. The bully had to find a chair.
Chapter Ten
Three days later, Scar, Tony, and the five prisoners rode into Flat Peaks in mid-afternoon. It had been a cold, three-day ride through several snow showers. They rode to the hitching rails in front of the jail and dismounted. “What’s going on?” the sheriff asked as the seven men entered…five wearing shackles.
“Let’s get these prisoners behind bars, and then I’ll explain.”
When the five captives had their shackles removed and were placed behind bars, the lawmen went to the front office where Scar introduced Tony and explained his whereabouts the last three weeks, going into detail about the Indians’ misappropriations and how they’d caught the thieves.
Scar and Tony were on their way to the door when Scar turned back and said, “I’ll send a telegram to the governor asking for instruction. He’ll probably want me to contact a prisoner wagon to haul the captives to Denver. That’s most likely where the trial will be.”
“I suppose you want me to feed ’em while they’re locked up,” said the sheriff. “The town ain’t got much money for that sort of thing, you know.”
“Get the meals from Jenny’s. Tell her I’ll get her the money from Denver.”
When Scar and Tony came through the livery door with six horses and two mules, Eli jumped up from his tilted-back chair. “Where’ve you been?” he asked in a raised voice, “I ain’t seen you for a month.”
“Before I explain, let me introduce you to Tony.” The two men shook hands. After the coffee was poured and a bit of small talk ended, Scar repeated the story he’d told the sheriff.
“I need you to sell the prisoners’ horses and their gear, Eli. Deduct your fees and give me the balance,” Scar said. The liveryman nodded his agreement and asked, “How about your horse, Tony? Do you want to stable it here?”
“Thanks, Eli, but first I need to find a place to stay.”
“There’s a hotel down the street, but you’re more than welcome to spend the nights here. I see you have bedding behind your saddle. You can sleep close to the fire in my livery office. Put a little hay under your bedroll for more comfort.” Tony nodded his appreciation.
“Let’s get these horses put up,” Scar said. “I’m anxious to see Liz.”
“You go ahead,” Eli said. “Tony and I will see to the horses.”
Scar had started for Maude but turned back and said, “I’ll be back to get you around five o’clock, Tony. You’ll be eating at my house tonight.”
»»•««
Liz was busy doing school work when she saw her husband lead Maude and Frankie into the barn. Even though it was bitter cold and there was a foot of snow on the ground, she ran out the back door without a coat. Scar had already removed the gear from the mules and was in the process of feeding them when he heard Liz’s call. He had barely gotten turned when she jumped into his arms. “You’re back. You’re back,” she cried out as she locked her arms around his neck and gave him a long, lingering kiss. Minutes later, her arms unlocked. She stood back with tears in her eyes. “I’ve missed you, sweetheart. It seems like you’ve been gone for a year.”
“I’ve missed you, too, Liz. But the assignment has been solved, and I’m home.” Then he gathered her into his arms again for another long kiss. When they parted, he held her at arm’s length and took a long look at her from head to toe. “Aren’t you freezing, Liz? It's bitter cold out here, and you’re only wearing house clothes.”
“I know, but I didn’t want to take the time to put on a coat.” Scar smiled, swept her up into his arms, and then carried her across the snow-covered ground into the house.
»»•««
Scar led Maude into the livery the next morning and asked, “Are you ready to go, Tony?” He nodded and picked up his coat. “Are you going with us to the cafe, Eli?”
“No…I’ve already had my coffee and a ham biscuit. You two run along.”
After the two men were seated in the café, Tony said, “Be sure and thank Liz again for me, Scar. Last night’s meal was delicious, and I enjoyed the evening,” Tony paused as his eyes took in the café, and then he said, “Are you sure it’s okay for me to be in here? I don’t want to cause a problem.”
“You sit right where you are. You’ll be more than welcome here.” Shortly, Jenny came to their table carrying coffee. “Who’s your friend, Bart?” she said as she poured coffee.
“Jenny, meet Tony. I met him while I was on assignment at Meeker. He helped me solve the case and assisted in bringing the five captives to Flat Peaks. By the way, Abby said to say hello to you and Mrs. Kaiser. She was a big help while I was in Meeker. She’s a nice woman.”
“I’ve heard a little of the story. The sheriff filled me in when he came over for the prisoners’ food last night.”
Jenny turned and called for Mrs. Kaiser. After Jenny had introduced Tony, she said to Mrs. Kaiser, “Would you take care of them while I make more coffee? And remember, the first meal is always on the house. Don’t charge Tony.” As Jenny turned, she gave Scar a wink.
The next two days were uneventful. Scar and Tony mostly hung out at the livery with Eli. However, the following day was Friday, and plans had been made to go to the ranch. The three-hour trip was to start as soon as Liz dismissed the school children.
»»•««
At the Double D, Morning Sun looked out over the valley. When she saw the people coming, she knew there would be extra mouths to feed, so she immediately flew into action. Shortly afterward, Mrs. Douglas rushed through the kitchen door and said in an excited voice, “Morning Sun, I saw Liz and Bart coming our way, and they’re bringing a guest. You need to prepare more food for supper.”
“I know. I already am cooking plenty of food,” she said, obviously trying to put her mistress at ease.
“Thank you, Morning Sun. You always have things under control.”
By the time the horses were tended, and introductions were made, Morning Sun was placing food on the table. Mr. Douglas said the blessing, which included acknowledging Tony as their new friend. As always, words were few during the meal. It was a habit with ranch folks because of their busy work schedule. Men rode in, washed up, ate, and were back in the saddle in a matter of fifteen to twenty minutes.
Tony seemed uncomfortable during the meal. He was obviously not accustomed to eating with white people, especially those he’d known for such a short time. But the ranch clan detected his uneasiness and maneuvered him into conversation about the problem at Meeker and how it was solved. Time passed quickly as more stories were told and laughter abounded. Morning Sun cleared the table, served pie, and kept the cups filled. Outside the wind was strong, bringing with it snow that was accumulating several inches an hour.
The table talk had lulled a bit when Mr. Douglas asked, “What are your plans, Tony? What are you going to do now?” He shrugged. “I guess I’ll be going back to Meeker in a day or two.”
“Do you have a job down there? Something that pays a good wage?” Mr. Douglas asked.
“I work at the livery, sir, but maybe I can find something better when the
weather breaks.”
“The Double D has grown considerably the last two years and needs an extra ranch hand. Would you be willing to stay here and become a part of our ranch?” No one but Mrs. Douglas saw Morning Sun holding her breath while waiting for an answer.
“I don’t have much ranching experience, Mr. Douglas. I’m not sure I’d be of any help to you…at least for a while,” Tony said.
Scar piped up. “It won’t take you long to get the hang of things, Tony. Thomas is a good teacher. He taught me the basic ranching techniques within a few weeks the first year we were here, and I was only a youngster.”
Tony grinned.
“Then it’s settled,” Douglas said. “You’re now part of the Double D. The next time someone goes to town they can bring back your belongings.”
“I can sleep in the barn,” Tony offered.
“There’s no need of that,” Jake said. “You can sleep in the bunkhouse with Thomas and me. There’re several extra beds.” Douglas stood. “It’s time to toast our new working companion and welcome him into our family. We don’t have glasses of wine, but these cups of coffee will do fine.”
Everyone stood, raised their cups, and said together, “Welcome to the Double D, Tony.” The new rancher looked to the floor and back up at his new companions with thankful eyes.
Afterward, the men moved to the sitting room where preliminary plans for the spring roundups were discussed. It was only the first week of February, but there was a lot of work and planning to be done before the weather broke, which was normally around the first of April. Thomas went to his desk and pulled a file with details of the past roundups. The file included timetables and a listing of supplies they’d purchased before. He suggested a few changes because of the increase in the herd.
They talked about driving their own herd to various markets, but after much deliberation, they decided to continue with the joint arrangement they’d always had with the Henry James ranch in past years. “After all,” Mr. Douglas said, “if we join our two thousand head with the five thousand from the James herd, we’ll get a better price.”
