Scar and the Double D Ranch

by Jim Cox

  »»•««

  The next day Scar and Liz were in the hotel’s restaurant waiting for their noon meal to be served when the governor approached their table. “Sit down and join us, Governor. We’ve ordered.”

  “I don’t have time to eat. I have a meeting in thirty minutes.”

  “It’s obvious you have something on your mind, Governor,” Scar said. “What is it?”

  “Listen to me and don’t interrupt,” the governor said excitedly. “You want a horse ranch…I have one for you.” Scar and Liz straightened themselves. “I got to thinking about you yesterday and what you said about wanting to become a horse breeder. After some thought, a possible solution came to mind.”

  “What are you getting at, Governor?”

  “Scar, the state owns several parcels of land sitting idle. Most of the acreage is worthless because of its mountainous terrain. It’s not suitable for farming or grazing. However, the state owns a thirty-five hundred acre tract of land in the northwest corner of the state that would make a perfect horse ranch. The land borders Utah to the west and Wyoming to the north. One-third of the land is prairie, and the rest is low, rolling mountains.”

  “Why isn’t it occupied, Governor?”

  “For the same reason the Double D land wasn’t occupied—Indians. Their main east and west passage runs through the property I’m talking about. It runs alongside the foot of the mountain ridge, like the one running through the Douglas ranch.”

  “And you think they’ll leave us alone because of my past association with the natives,” Scar asked.

  “That’s right,” the governor said with a smile, “especially if you can get Little Big One to escort you to the area.”

  “All of what you say is great, but it doesn’t solve the money problem I spoke about over breakfast, Governor.”

  “That’s the easy part, Scar. The state will sell you the prairie land for five dollars an acre and two dollars an acre for the mountain land. That comes to a little over ten thousand dollars. If you don’t have the money, I’ll help you get a loan.”

  “We have the money, sir, or can get what extra is needed from Liz’s folks, but would this transaction be legal? It sounds almost too good to be true.”

  “It’s perfectly legal, Scar. The state considers this type of land to be wasteland. Actually, it’s unclaimed land. The state needs all the money it can get its hands on at this time, so we’re anxious to sell it. All it takes is the approval of three state legislators to consummate a sale, and I already have men willing to go along with the deal. But we need to act fast, Scar. The transaction needs to be completed before I leave office.”

  “How far is this property from Flat Peaks, Governor Routt?” Liz asked with a concerned face.

  “I’d say it’s nearly three hundred miles, Liz.”

  Her concerned gaze connected with her husband’s. “Give us some time, sir,” Scar asked. “We need to talk about it. I’ll send you a wire with our answer within a day or two. And Governor, thanks for your trust and consideration. We appreciate it.” The governor smiled and gave a nod.

  Chapter Forty-Two

  Maude and Molly were being swayed back and forth inside the livestock car as the train rambled westward into the evening sun. Liz and Scar sat on velvet seat cushions inside a passenger car. The couple had been quiet since boarding the train in Denver, and it was about time for the train’s first stop to take on water and wood.

  Scar turned his eyes from the distant mountains and found his wife staring at him. “What is it, sweetheart? Why are you looking at me so intently?”

  “I’m trying to decide if you’ll make a good horse rancher.” They both smiled at the question and then went back to thinking about the governor’s offer.

  From time to time their thoughts were interrupted, once by the conductor lighting the oil wall lamps, occasionally when the train was jostled about because of uneven tracks or by laughter from a nearby passenger.

  “What do you think, Liz…should we accept the governor’s offer or not?” The question was so sudden it surprised Liz. She hesitated.

  “It sounds like a good opportunity for us, but it has some downsides. We’ll be a long way from Mamma and Papa and the rest of the Double D folks. How often would we get to see them, Bart?”

  “I spoke to the conductor when we boarded, Liz, and he told me the Union Pacific railroad that goes through Flat Peaks continues westward all the way to San Francisco. It must run close to the parcel of land the governor offered us. Most likely, it would only take a couple of travel days. Your folks could visit us once a year, and we could visit them a time or two.”

  “When would we move? Would we travel by train?” she asked.

  “We’d need to leave fairly soon, Liz. Fall is just around the corner, and I’ll need at least two months to build our cabin before winter sets in.” He paused, waiting for a response, but Liz sat motionless. She didn’t even look up. “It’ll take a few days longer, Liz, but we need to travel by wagon. It’ll be a tight fit, but I believe your pa’s large covered wagon will hold all of our stuff. We’d take Black and two mares tied to the back of the wagon.” Scar paused and then an afterthought came, “On our way out, I want to talk with Little Big One and see the old chief, if he’s still alive.”

  Liz had not made a comment. Her head was still lowered with eyes toward the floor. Scar placed his fingers under her chin and softly raised her head. There were tears in her eyes. “We don’t have to accept the governor’s offer, Liz. We can wait for something else to come our way,” he said when she looked at him.

  Liz wiped her eyes. “Do you think we’d have neighbors, Bart? Will there be a school or church close by?”

  Scar didn’t want to lie to his wife. He didn’t want to give her false hope. “I doubt if there are towns or neighbors within miles of the land,” he said. “I imagine the only children around will be natives, and most likely, there won’t be any schools.”

  Scar was about to make another comment when the conductor entered the car and announced, “Supper is being served in the dining car. If you’re interested, please follow me.” With that, he turned, reopened the door, and waited for the passengers to walk into the forward car. Liz and Scar followed the others.

  Each table had a white tablecloth and matching napkins. In the center was a candle with double flames. Each place was set with plates, cups, and eating utensils. Scar seated his wife.

  “Thank you, Bart,” she said.

  Soon coffee was poured and a delicious meal was served. Scar and Liz talked animatedly as they dined, but the prospective horse ranch was purposely set aside. They mostly reminisced about their youth on the wagon train ride to Flat Peaks and other events after their arrival. A couple of times they both laughed, remembering something that had happened.

  As they sat in the dimly lit dining car, the flickering candlelight danced on Liz’s beautiful face. Her red hair became a shade darker. Their eyes were glued on each other. Young eyes but eyes that had seen much. A feeling of peace came over them—a feeling that what mattered most in this worldly life was for them to be together.

  Scar reached across the table for Liz’s hands. As their fingers touched, he said, “I love you, Liz. You’re the only thing that matters to me. I want you to be happy. As long as we’re together, I’ll be satisfied.”

  Liz nodded. “I feel the same way, sweetheart.” Scar noticed tears forming again in his wife’s eyes.

  A short time later, the train slowed down and came to a stop; it was time to take on water and wood. Liz and Scar took the opportunity to return to their seats in the passenger car.

  Scar put his arm around Liz’s shoulder, and she placed her head on her husband’s broad shoulder. She expected to fall asleep, but sleep didn’t come. The thought of moving preoccupied her. The train rumbled on.

  Scar’s mind was on the many possibilities of the pending ranch.

  My first job is to build our cabin. Then I’ll need to build a shelter and a co
rral to hold the horses while I cut hay. We have to be ready for winter. I imagine the winters out there will be as bad as the winters we have at the Double D. His thoughts persisted. I can kill our meat; maybe an elk or a couple of deer, but we’ll also have to locate the closest town to buy our winter’s supply of food staples. Next year we can grow a lot of our own to put away for the winter.

  Scar’s mind had turned to various horse breeding programs and how he might expand his herd as quickly as possible while maintaining good quality. He was thinking about the development of a small cow herd, when Liz raised her head. She looked into his eyes and with a firm voice said, “I’ll be ready to move in one week.”

  Chapter Forty-Three

  The last days at the Double D before Liz and Scar planned to start their travel were busy and emotional. Tears were shed, memories were shared, and talks about the future abounded. Through it all, no one spoke negatively of their move. Everyone talked about the great opportunity the governor had given them. Liz and Scar were becoming more positive about their move than they first had been. They felt sure they’d made the right decision. The day they returned to the Double D, they’d sent a wire to Governor Routt, agreeing to buy the land. They said the money would be wired to him along with the signed documents giving them title to the land. While in town, they shared the news and spent time with their close friends.

  Scar dropped Liz off at Betty’s dress shop and then headed for Eli’s. After their second cup of coffee Eli asked, “Why don’t you and Liz stay around here and run the Double D someday, Scar? It’s right up your alley.”

  “Not really, Eli. I want to have a ranch that I’ve developed. I want my own place and to raise quality horses.”

  Eli nodded his understanding.

  Scar stood. “I’m to meet the group at Jenny’s come noon, Eli. Do you want to join us?” The old friend waved off the offer.

  Saying their goodbyes was hard. The young man and his old friend shook hands without words, and as the two parted, Eli headed for the barn with watery eyes.

  When Scar entered the café, several of his town friends were sitting around two tables that had been pulled together in the back of the café’, sharing stories as laughter filled the room. Jenny and Mrs. Kaiser went to the kitchen and brought out several platters of food before rejoining the group. Other people in the café had to make do on their own because the cooks were sitting with their friends at the corner table.

  As they ate, Scar’s eyes went around the table. There was Jake, who he’d first known as a stuttering orphan. Even after being crippled, he had become the owner of a flourishing newspaper.

  Next to Jake sat Betty. He remembered her knock on his hotel door when he was in Council Bluff. Her husband and little boy had just been murdered. She’d had no one to turn to and no place to go. He was glad he had brought her to Flat Peaks with them. She had learned to read and write and now owned and operated a successful dress shop. Scar forked another bite and then wondered if Jake and Betty would get married. They were suited for one another, he mused.

  Sitting next to Betty was the sheriff—a solid lawman, a credit to his profession.

  Next were Mary and Tommy, the most recent members of the Double D clan. They had been a great help to Jake and Betty. Scar knew Thomas was very proud of them.

  Lastly, except for Liz, were Jenny and Mrs. Kaiser. Scar had fond memories of the women. “They’re the town’s glue,” he mumbled to himself. “They always have a positive attitude and help folks in need.”

  Sometime later, after plates and cups were empty, Jake looked at his pocket watch and remarked, “I’d best be going. I have some type to set.”

  “Liz and I need to be leaving, too. We have a lot of packing to do,” Scar said as he stood. “It’s been great spending time with all of you, and we’ll see you Saturday at our party.”

  Scar and Liz had plans to leave Sunday after their going away party, which was only a few days off. In the meantime, Liz and her mother stayed busy packing clothing and household items into large chests. They set aside a few piece of furniture to take. A bed, two chairs, and a wardrobe. Occasionally, their work was interrupted by Morning Sun who encouraged them to break for coffee and cookies or a piece of pie. During these times, the three women reminisced about the days left behind and the possibilities of the future. Morning Sun’s pregnancy was showing quite vividly by now, so quite a lot of time was spent discussing the baby’s sex and potential names. These were special times for the women—a few melancholy moments with tears, but the women mostly stayed upbeat with laughter and hugs.

  Scar was busy, too. Tony and his old friend, Thomas, were often at his side helping him get ready. The wagon’s reliability for the long trip was of great importance. Consequently, every part of the wagon was examined and put in tiptop condition. Tony replaced all four wheel-irons with new ones and repacked the wheel hubs with fresh grease. Thomas replaced two planks in the wagon floor and patched up a few tears in its bonnet. Scar stayed busy gathering up and loading items for the trip. His inventory included a roll of barb wire, a scythe, a garden plow, and a hammer, along with a bucket of nails and similar items. He also packed the box of law books Thomas had given him and Liz’s school supplies she had collected in Philadelphia.

  During the evening before the couple’s intended departure, Morning Sun prepared a special meal. The entire clan was present during these last days, including Thomas and Virginia. Jake and Betty even came from town. Mr. Douglas’ blessings were a mite longer than usual because of his asking for Liz and Scar’s safe travel. After the meals, folks went to the porch to watch the long shadows form.

  One particular evening was almost perfect. The hot day had turned much cooler and a slight breeze had come up. As was often the case in this setting, words had been few.

  This place is so peaceful, Liz thought as she raised her cup of coffee. I love it. But then another thought came. I’ll be leaving in two days.

  Chapter Forty-Four

  The morning was still gray when Liz and Scar came to the Indian trace and headed west looking into the rear ends of four draft horses. Liz was still wiping tears and Scar had a lump in his throat.

  Last night’s party was still vivid in their minds. Stories had been shared with friends, laughter had filled the air, and there was plenty of food. But the party ended in sadness when their friends headed home. Liz and Scar remembered each person’s embrace and their tear-filled eyes.

  The night’s emotions were minor compared to what had taken place this morning when they readied themselves to leave the ranch. The morning’s goodbyes lasted for nearly an hour. The clan’s lineup passed slowly as hugs were given, hands were shaken, and tears were wiped. After the line passed, Liz had clung to her mother and father for several minutes before boarding the wagon, and after boarding, she hurriedly got down and kissed them again.

  The wagon rolled steadily onward. It was a heavy load, as was evident from the deep ruts, but the pull was not burdensome when divided between the four draft horses. Bringing up the rear, tied to the wagon, were a milk cow, two mares, and Black. Maude and Frankie walked alongside the wagon and occasionally stopped to nibble on the rich prairie grass.

  Time passed with very little conversation. By now the sun was bright and the couple had collected themselves. Scar spoke up. “We’ll be stopping soon, Liz. The horses need a rest. I’ll build a fire and fix us some coffee. We can eat a hardtack from our food bag Morning Sun packed for us this morning.” She nodded with a smile.

  After the stop, Scar doused the fire, put the pot away, and readied the team. He was reaching for Liz’s hand to board, when she said, “I think I’ll walk for a while, Bart. Mamma says it’s best not to ride all the time. She says walking keeps you limber, and lessens the team’s pull.” Scar nodded, reached for the team’s lead rope, and joined his wife.

  The sun had reached its mid-morning position when Liz decided it was time to ride. After her husband had helped her up, she straightened the blanke
t being used for a seat cushion and then reached for her bonnet.

  They had not traveled very far after boarding when Liz started talking. “It’s a beautiful day to travel, isn’t it, Bart?”

  “Yes it is, sweetheart.”

  “Bart, I don’t want you to think I was dreading our move. I can’t wait to see what our new home is like. It’s just that…”

  Her husband cut her short. “I know, Liz. You don’t have to explain. You love your folks and hated to leave them.” She nodded. “I love them too, Liz. They’re more than in-laws to me. I consider them to be my ma and pa.”

  Several minutes had gone by when she asked, “What will be the first thing you do when we get to our ranch, Bart?”

  “I’ll need to build our cabin. It needs to be completed before winter sets in.”

  “How large will it be? How many rooms will it have?”

  “For a start, I plan on it having three small rooms. A kitchen, a sitting room, and a bedroom.”

  There was a long pause. “Do you suppose it could have a second bedroom, Bart?”

  “Why would we want a second?” He stopped in the middle of his question and looked at Liz. Her face was beaming.

  The end

  About the Author

  Jim was born and raised in SE Missouri, graduated with a B.S. degree from Purdue University, and has lived most of his adult life with his wife, Wilma, in Indiana. Telling stories to his young family members has always been a treasure and resulted in him being asked to write them down for future generations. Jim accepted the challenge and started writing his books after retirement. His writings promote living an exciting good life with high morals as his vocal tales have always conveyed.

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