by Jim Cox
Buck left the reservation the next morning riding Black with Bell tethered to his saddle. He had expected Mrs. Duty to come along, but she said she needed to straighten things up and clean the school before going to town—she’d come to Tucson by next weekend. Buck thought the real reason she wasn’t going was she was still contemplating the answer to Walt’s question. would she marry him?
The native escort did not join Buck’s travel back to Tucson. a regiment of Calvary soldiers had driven the run-a-way Apaches several miles to the South.
Buck arrived in Tucson late in the afternoon and went directly to the boarding house. After tending to Black and Bell, giving them a hefty feeding of oats and hay, he went to his room and put away his belongings. Afterward, he fetched Black and headed to the café. He knew Kate would soon be going home from work, but he wanted to see her as soon as possible.
“I was just gathering my things to leave, Buck. I wasn’t expecting you ’til later,” Kate said smiling, as she sat his coffee down on a back table.
“I had both horses to ride which speeded up my traveling quite a bit,” Buck said excitedly. “I couldn’t wait to see you, Kate, and show you this.” Buck handed her his schooling certificate.
“I’m so proud of you, sweetheart,” Kate said after reading the certificate twice. “I know you’ve been looking forward to this accomplishment for a long time. You shouldn’t have any trouble getting a job, now that you have it.”
“I hope you’re right. I’m gonna be in Walt’s office first thing Monday morning,” he said wearing a big grin.
»»•««
“I’m here to see, Mr. Stickley,” Buck said to the receptionist in the Atlantic Pacific Railroad office.
“I’m sorry, Buck, but he’s not here.”
“When will he be back?” Buck asked, disappointed.
“He left for Phoenix early this morning, and we don’t expect him back until next Monday.” Buck was disheartened. He thanked the young man and turned to leave, but he was called back. “Mr. Stickley left this letter for you,” the receptionist said, handing Buck an envelope. Buck went outside, sat down on a boardwalk bench, and opened the envelope.
May 29, 1868
Buck,
If you’re able to read this letter and you have a certificate to prove it, you have a job with the Atlantic Pacific Railroad Company on one condition; that you have asked Kate to marry you by the time I get back next Monday. Your salary will be $50 a month, which should be enough to afford the house on the South end of town you’ve been looking at. I knew you wanted it, so I’ve put a hold on it for you. Your job starts on Monday, the day I get back…don’t be late.
By-the-way, a native from the reservation brought me a letter late last evening from Luella. All it said was, ‘yes.'
Walter Stickley
Buck read the letter again and took on a big smile.
The end
About the Author
Jim was born and raised in SE Missouri, graduated with a BS 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.
If you enjoyed this book, this author has other works available here:
Author's Web Site
Other Books by this Author:
Esther
Grandad's Stories
Rusty Crooked Nails
Scar series:
A Man Called Scar
Scar and the Double D
Hartwood Publishing delights in introducing authors and stories that open eyes, encourage thought, and resonate in the hearts of our readers.
