 
SEDGWICK COUNTY AMBUSH

The Davis Family Series: Book #1

R.B. Nease

Copyright © 2015

R.B. Nease

Published by R.B. Nease at Smashwords

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in review, without permission in writing from the author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, places, or events, rather living or dead is entirely coincidental.

ISBN 9781310072307

Dedication

For Erin and the kids

I love you all very much

1

A.J. didn't remember the initial shock of the round hitting him or the violent fall backwards to the ground. What he did remember briefly was drawing his own Henry rifle to his shoulder and pulling the trigger, but the force that threw him backwards and to the ground was from a far more powerful source then the recoil of his own gun. All he could think about now is the excruciating pain in his left shoulder and the silhouette of the figure heading towards him.

The shadowy figure approached in a hurry, however in his mind everything was now in slow motion because of either the shock he was in or because of the adrenaline rushing rapidly through his body. He turned his head to look at the source of the throbbing pain that was somehow more attention grabbing then the unknown figure heading towards him. The feeling of the pain he immediately knew was the worse he had ever felt and he realized the damage that was the cause of it was extreme when he couldn't move his arm to even look at the results the round had left as it had smashed into what he thought was his shoulder.

As the figure approached closer he quickly searched blindly with his right hand for the rifle it once held. Every motion he willed himself to make shot quick jabs of sharp pain throughout his entire body. He had never been known to just give up on a situation, however currently it was crossing his mind constantly with the growing amount of frustration over the ordeal.

The figure that approached was within a dozen feet or so, but with the sun high in the sky behind it A.J. still couldn't make out who was frantically heading towards him. He was just about to give in to the thought of dying when he felt the hard wood stock that belonged to the .44 Henry rifle he had just possessed moments earlier. One handed he felt his way to the lever action, and somehow almost as a second sense remembered the current cartridge that was seated in the breach had been fired previously. He let the weight of the rifle barrel drop the front end towards the ground and with a sudden jerk of his hand the lever action cycled another round quickly into the chamber ready for firing.

As the person came closer into view A.J. realized it was a man carrying a rifle firmly grasped in his left hand and a long barreled revolver in his right. The man was yelling something at him, but in A.J.s current state of shock he couldn't comprehend what was going on. "I'm not dying here today...," A.J. mumbled to himself. Knowing he didn't have any more time to waste on straightening out his thoughts he raised the rifle and tried leveling it through the pain at the incoming man. He felt his finger try and squeeze back on the trigger as quickly as he felt the entire gun knocked from his grip. The force from the man's boot striking across the length of the barrel was more than he could fight against in his current condition.

A.J. squinted his eyes tighter trying to adjust them as the man who now stood over him came well into view. The man wore a black Stetson hat that helped cover his facial features in a shadow at any distance further away than nine or ten feet. His corn cob pipe obviously wasn't lit currently due to the lack of smoke coming from it. A.J. caught himself thinking it must be a habit to just have it in his mouth rather it was lit or not. The man glared at him as A.J. felt his vision and senses becoming clearer by the second. A.J. dropped his eyes to the weapons the man was holding. He noticed the rifle he was carrying had a longer barrel then the one A.J. carried. It appeared to be at least a half foot longer in length. The revolver A.J. quickly recognized as the popular Colt 1851 Navy which also had a longer barrel then the five inch one of the Schofield that he carried in his holster. As he felt the man's eyes bearing down on him A.J. raised his vision back to the man's face, as he did the man's mouth opened slightly in a smile while still gripping the pipe with half his teeth. "How did we come to this big brother?" the man questioned in heartfelt disbelief.

A.J. blinked his eyes a few times as the figure slowly lifted his head allowing his face to come into full view. A.J. could clearly see now it was his younger brother standing over him with his guns drawn to his sides. "Bub, is that you?" A.J. asked in disbelief. His younger brother's smile closed tightly around the pipe that was firmly clinched between his teeth. Bub shook his head slowly side to side as he raised the muzzles of his firearms from pointing at the ground to both sides of A.J. "What...? Why are you doing this to me?" A.J. heard himself ask as Bubs guns leveled out at him. Bubs face contorted into anger, the last clear thing A.J. felt was the pain shoot from his sides then throughout his body until his brain could take no more, then just blackness.
2

Bub Davis stood on top of the short grassy hill overlooking the land that once had belonged to his mother and father. His parents had moved into the town limits twelve miles away about seven years after his father returned home from the war that divided the country. He was only fifteen at the time, but with his older brother and sister's help, his parents were hopeful they could handle the ranch. Now that he was twenty one they all had plenty of experience raising the cattle they let free range on the seven thousand acres of grass land they owned.

Bub held his horse's reins between his right arm and the side of his body, he struck a match with his right hand against the leather of his belt holster that housed the long barreled Colt he was given from his father, and lit the corn cob pipe hanging from his teeth. As Bub puffed at the pipes stem, the straight Virginia tobacco that he loved smoked to life as it grew hotter with each inhale. As the first full hit of tobacco left his lungs he vaguely recalled the day his father had returned home from the war. He remembered the knife wound his father showed him that a Confederate had placed deep into his leg severing his muscle and nerves. The wound Bub remembered would end his father's hopes of being able to effectively bring the ranches cattle to market quality providing enough money to support the family and buy new land.

As he mounted his dark gray quarter horse, Bub smiled at the thought of trust his parents had put into him and his siblings. His mother had fought against the idea all she could. He knew it stressed her to think of them out here fending for themselves so far away from her. His mother had soon realized though that father was right, he could make enough to keep us fed, but with his bad leg he wouldn't be able to provide much of a future for all of us on the ranch.

"Come on Duncan," Bub whispered as he urged his horse down the small hill towards the cattle grazing at the bottom of it. Bub was proud of the fact that they had brought their parents ranch from about three hundred head of cattle to just under a thousand. Although it was a substantial amount of cattle to keep track of it seemed a few were missing here and there these days. He assumed coyotes or sickness had gotten to them, but he could never find their remaining carcasses or any bones. His brother and he had searched most of the land for any signs of cattle straying away from the rest of the herd or any that were sick or dying, they had come up with nothing.

Bub overlooked the cattle one last time and feeling secure they were content for a while; he cut his horse back west towards the house. There he would meet up with his brother and sister and voice his concerns over the sliming herd. It was still early in the morning he thought, after breakfast A.J. and I should head out and search again for any signs of the missing cattle.

He was deep in thought when it first caught his attention. He hadn't traveled more than thirty feet or so from the herd when he seen the dark stain on the ground. He quickly dismounted his horse and stared at the blood stained ground realizing what he had thought all along was true. "Some ones been hunting and eating my dam cattle," he stated in anger to himself. The blood had dried but from his experience he could tell it hadn't been there very long at all. "But what happened to the remains?" he whispered to himself. He quickly searched the area for hoof prints from a horse or drag marks of the dead animal being hauled off by the killer, but all he could see was the ground had been too trampled on by the remaining herd to come up with any more information.

He had just given up hope and started to remount his horse to head home when he noticed something sticking out of the ground about ten feet away from the blood stained area. It was crudely made but he could tell as soon as he got into range what it was. "An Indians arrow?" he whispered to himself puzzled. "They all left this area years ago," He stated. Before his father moved into town he had told all the kids there was a time you could be scared to come across Indians here and there on the land, but they all left years ago following the buffalo north or heading to reservation lands trying to reclaim what was left of their lives.

Bub could tell the arrow hadn't been there for very long because of the condition of the wooden shaft. He quickly looked around again and came to the conclusion that the arrow would have been trampled by now had it been sticking in the dirt here for very long. "It had to be what was used to hunt my cows," Bub stated to himself content that is what the evidence had pointed to. He took a long draw on his still lit pipe and stood up grasping the arrow in his left hand still looking it over. He walked back over to his horse and secured the arrow in his rifle scabbard. He threw his leg over the horse's saddle and pulled on the reins as he angrily stated, "Come on Duncan, we have a dam cattle thief to hunt down!" He pointed his horse west and headed towards the house three miles away.

3

A.J. stood up very slowly and lifted his arms towards the sky as he yawned and stretched out his body the best he could. A.J. loved sleeping out on the open range of their land most of the time, with the three of them having to share a two room house, it always seemed cramped to him. A.J. preferred the freedom of living outdoors and felt that he slept better breathing the fresh air instead of dust all night from the old house his parents had given to them. On occasion his younger brother Bub would join him for a night out on the prairie when their sister Soph got to Bubs nerves. Bub and A.J. would stay up most the night drinking and going over the highlights of their lives.

When A.J. slept out on the land he would mostly stay only about two miles directly north of the house. If need be he could be back to the small home quickly if it started to rain too hard or other emergencies arose. This location was close to one of the three wooded areas the ranch had as well. This gave him the option to hunt his own food instead of having his sister cook for him. It also had a partial over hang in the side of a small hill that he could tuck into if it started to rain and he didn't feel like hurrying back to the house.

A.J. wasn't as strong or well-built as his younger brother, however what he lacked in strength he made up for in speed. Growing up he entered numerous local shooting competitions and had become quiet fast and accurate with his pistol for his young age of twenty two. He also chose the quickest rifle he could cheaply purchase at the time, the Henry lever action .44. He was quick and deadly at close ranges of about fifty yards or so with it, but much past that he had to really take his time to be very accurate, it was his brother that was the long distance shooter.

A.J. chose the Smith & Wesson Schofield .45 instead of a Colt like his brother carried. In his mind the Schofield was the top choice of a quick draw shooter, it held a bigger round, had a top break barrel for quicker reloads either on foot or horse back, and a shorter barrel for quick clearance of his holster.

Because he was so fond of staying outside most of the time A.J. was a definite sight to see. His once light tan Stetson had had been stained from the sweat and dirt that A.J. had grown accustomed to living in. He wore dark pants that got holes in them often enough his sister expected to sew them shut every time he showed up at the house. He had a dark gray button down shirt, black cowboy boots, and a red kerchief he wore around his neck religiously. The one thing he did manage to do, that was odd from the rest of his look, was to keep clean shaven unlike his brother who usually wore a thick black mustache or beard.

A.J. kicked dirt on the fire next to where he was sleeping just to make sure it was out. He then rolled up his bed kit into a somewhat organized bundle and secured it behind the saddle on his dark brown horse. Grabbing the lead that was held under some small rocks he threw his legs up and over the horse. "Think I will visit sis this morning Coffee," he said to his horse. "Hopefully she will have some breakfast for us both."

He loved his sister very much but never did care for her cooking. His sister Soph definitely hadn't paid any attention to their mother who was a wonderful cook. Even though he and Bub complained often they ate Sophs cooking anyways for lack of wanting to cook for themselves most of the time.

Before he urged the horse south he started thinking of his ma and pa and how much he missed them since they moved to town, but he knew that was what was best for them both. Father's injury would have worn him to death before long working the ranch he thought, at least we kids were able to return the favor and afford them a decent life in the city. We had brought the ranch to enough profit to support us all very well. A.J. was proud of his family and himself for what they had accomplished.

As he turned his horse to face south and head for the house he noticed two riders in the distance headed towards the east. They were too far away to make out any great detail except that it was two riders and they were heading away from him. "Must be Bub trying to find the cattle to try and sell to someone," he spoke aloud to Coffee. "Think he would have at least alerted me first knowing where I slept though." A.J. shrugged it off and started back towards the house for what he hoped would be a hot breakfast.

As he rode along he thought of the income another good sell of cattle would provide. His brother and he had worked hard through most of the summer now to fatten up the cattle to sell off before winter. They were a little discouraged at times when then noticed some were missing, but with the lack of carcasses or remains, they had just figured the cattle had wondered off or had been eaten by coyotes.

The main goal of this year's sales would be to feed his family through winter and to hopefully save up enough to aide in buying up some land that the farmer to the south of them wanted to sell within the next few years. A.J. had hoped with the added land he could talk his brother into letting him have the cabin as his own that had already sat on it for years.

When the two room stone house came closer into view he noticed the smoke coming out of the chimney. "Good, looks like sis is up and cooking Coffee, we are in luck!" he exclaimed to his horse. As he got closer though he noticed something peculiar, Bubs horse was tied to the hitching rail outside the porch. "What in the hell...?" he mumbled to himself in confusion. "There is no way he beat me back here. I would have seen him cutting through the grassland back towards the house!"

A.J. nudged the horse to a gallop to quickly close the distance between him and the house. He tied Coffee next to Duncan on the hitching rail and walked up the small stone path to the house. As he stepped onto the porch he heard loud voices arguing from inside.

"Well it ain't right!" he heard Bub exclaim to who he only supposed was his sister. "Great...," A.J. whispered to himself. "They are at it again," A.J.continued as he pulled the latch to the wooden door. He regrettably stepped into the argument between his brother and sister.

4

Soph awoke way before dawn each morning as Bub made all the racket he could leaving the house to check on the herd of cattle. Soph rolled out of bed unwillingly, and still only half awake, she threw on her undergarments and then pulled over a house dress. After standing and stretching as best she could she headed into the main room of the small house urging herself to start the day.

The small two room house that her father had built with local help was made of limestone and she was very thankful for that. In the winter it held in the heat from the fireplace and in the summer it helped shade and cool them from the hot Kansas sun. It had only one bedroom that her brothers were generous enough to let her have. The two boys, if they stayed the night, would sleep next to the fire place on bedrolls. The main room had a small kitchen, a fireplace, a wood burning stove that her father had installed before they moved to town, three windows, and a table with a few chairs. Outside they had a small wooden porch that was covered by thick wood timbers cut from the trees on their ranch.

Soph had grown up not really paying much attention to anything her mother and father tried teaching her about the ranch. She didn't acquire much of her mother's cooking skills and she didn't care to learn much about ranching either from her father. She was very stubborn in her own way, but what she lacked in cooking and ranching she definitely made up for in raising and caring for animals. She had somehow always had a kinship with animals and knew exactly what it took to heal them when they were sick. People from all around would pay her for help when their animals got sick or injured because of this.

After using the outhouse, Soph drew some water from the well and washed herself in the basin, then returned to the kitchen to start some breakfast. She figured at least Bub would return and he would want breakfast as soon as he got back. She stoked the still warm fireplace and used the fire from it to light the wood burning stove. Then she set out to pouring the flour to make biscuits and put on a pot of coffee.

Their family had always raised beef; however they also had chickens and pigs to use for the eggs and pork. Even though they had a thousand head of cattle Bub loved eating pork. If a meal didn't have sausage, bacon, or ham in it then it wasn't worth eating in Bubs mind.

"Crap," Soph mumbled to herself as she realized she didn't have any pork to make sausage for the gravy. She had a few strips of salted and jerked beef left so she started to cut it up instead. "It's going to be a long morning," she continued as the familiar wave of anxiety hit her.

After she finished preparing breakfast she poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down at the table to drink it when Bub came rushing in.

"Good morning sis," he said.

"Mornin Bub."

"A.J. been around this morning? We have a problem I need to discuss with you both," he stated clearly annoyed.

"No I haven't seen him yet, you know your brother, he comes and goes as he pleases," she replied as she got up to get his breakfast. "Have a seat I will get you something to eat and some coffee, you can tell me what's going on."

"I prefer to discuss it with you both at the same time," He stated rudely as he sat down at the table.

"Then I suggest you either go find him or wait here in a better mood and see if he shows up!" she bit back at him as she tossed his plate of biscuits and gravy on the table spilling a little of the gravy over the side.

Bub eyed her as she set the cup of coffee on the table next to his plate. He tried to come up with something to say that allowed him to extend the argument out further so he could have the final jab. He shook his head slowly and was about to let it go as he picked up his fork to begin in on the biscuits and gravy. That is when he first noticed the gravy that had spilled on the table. Using his fork to dig at the gravy that spilled out he started to smile to himself. "Breakfast sure does smell good sis," he calmly stated.

"Thank you," Soph replied thinking the argument was complete and that she had won. "Now you going to tell me what....," she never had a chance to finish her question before Bub decided to interrupt her.

"What's this here?" he asked calmly holding up his fork with a piece of meat stuck to it. "It looks to be some kind of beef or something," He stated pretending to be confused.

"We are out of pork Bub, just eat it and don't give me any crap about it this morning!" she replied angrily.

"You got that shotgun there over the fireplace still I see," calmly speaking to his sister still, "We still have fat hogs in the barnyard out there don't we?"

"Yes Bub," She muttered back to him under her breath

"Then butcher one so we have pork!" he yelled at his sister now.

Standing she placed both hands on the table next to his plate and leaned over slowly staring him directly in the eyes as she said to him almost in a whisper "I don't kill animals I fix them, so if you want your dammed pork for gravy I suggest you go slaughter a pig for yourself."

As she stood back up she could tell Bub was searching for something else to say as his anger grew. Soph noticed through one of the windows that her brother A.J. was walking up the path to the house. She started thanking God he had showed up to break up yet another argument between her and Bub.

"Well it ain't right!" Bub yelled just moments before A.J. walked through the door. Bub turned halfway around in his chair to look up at his older brother as A.J. shut the door behind him and secured the latch.

"I see you two are at it again. Do you think it is any wonder why I stay out in the field most nights?" A.J. questioned.

Bub waved his hand at A.J. like he was batting away a fly. "Never mind that, we have a problem to discuss here."

"Does it have to do with the two people I seen riding on our land this morning?" A.J. asked.

Bub looked at him puzzled. "There were men on our land and you didn't stop them?" he asked.

"I thought it was you and a buyer looking for the cattle," A.J. replied.

Obviously annoyed Bub motioned A.J. and Soph to sit down at the table with him. Soph replenished Bubs coffee and set herself and A.J. a place. They all ate and drank coffee while listening to Bubs story of the blood stained ground. Bub also fetched the arrow from his rifle scabbard and showed it to them as well. He explained he thought the arrow was what they were using to hunt their cattle. Trying to make it look like rouge Indians were doing it. After eating breakfast A.J. and Bub each gave their sister a hug and instructed her to keep the shotgun loaded just in case. As they mounted up she hollered out at them from the porch, "Make sure you all make it back in time to butcher a hog!"

Bub looked over at A.J. as he rolled his eyes while shaking his head, then persuaded Duncan towards the north were A.J. had camped, and headed off at a gallop. A.J. laughed as he waved to his sister then turned to catch up with his brother.

5

Bub and A.J. headed out to where A.J. had last seen the two mysterious figures riding away from him to see if they could pick up any trails. About a quarter of a mile away from the house A.J. started quizzing Bub, "Who do you think them riders were Bub?"

"I have no idea buddy. I will tell you one thing though, whoever they were, they have to be the reason some of our heads of cattle are missing."

"I thought that would probably be the case," A.J. replied. "But why kill them? Most cattle rustlers would take them to market wouldn't you think?"

"Most people in general would yes," Bub answered thinking about the question still. "But suppose for a moment it wasn't for profit on the beef though," he suggested.

"What do you mean by that?" A.J. asked. "You think there is something else behind them killing our cattle other than just money for them?"

"Well it kind of makes sense don't it? I mean most folks around here have plenty of food. Why take the cattle unless you're taking it to market except for food?" Bub asked looking at A.J. "You don't take cattle to the market dead do you? So what other reason would they have to kill and take the cattle besides just for food? There has to be another reason." Bub always had a no nonsense way of approaching things, and when he came up with a solution to a problem, it was usually right. A.J. just nodded his head in agreement knowing Bub was probably right about the cattle being taken for another reason other than money of food.

"Whatever is happening to them we are going to have to find a solution before winter hits," Bub stated. "Fighting the elements will be hard enough this winter without something else thinning out our herd as well."

After traveling a ways A.J. held up his horse to a stop and glanced back towards the west to where his camp was the night before. "This has to be pretty close to where I saw those two riders at Bub."

"I will get down and take a look on foot then. Why don't you work your way out from here in a circle. There is a lot better chance of finding tracks that way," Bub said as he lit a match and held it to his pipe.

"I surely will." A.J. replied

About half way around his sixth complete circle A.J. spotted what they were looking for. "Found them over here!" he yelled to Bub as he slid off his horse to the ground.

Bub hurried over to where A.J. was inspecting the ground at and looking at the hoof prints left behind he stated, "They are unshod prints A.J.."

"Well I can assure you they weren't from Indians Bub. I could see their silhouettes clear enough to see that and how many Indians you ever heard of traveling in packs of two?"

"None that I have ever heard of," Bub replied. "Well let's follow them and see where they head," Bub said as he threw his leg over his horse, grabbed up the reins, and started towards the east as he took a long pull on his pipe.

They followed the trail of hoof prints for about four and a half miles before they ran into Cow Creek. Cow Creek ran from south to northeast across the east third of their land. About half way across their land from the south it forked off into Split Creek which headed northeast off their land. From there Split Creek dumped into a small pound on the neighbors land then ran out the other side of it somewhere.

"Trail appears to lead into the creek there," A.J. stated looking at Bub. "My guess is they walked the creek a ways and then comes out heading east on the other side somewhere."

"That means they had to cross over into the Farlands land there to the east," Bub replied still puffing on his pipe. "Pretty much means one of two things to me A.J.."

"Either the person killing our cattle and taking them is living on Farlands land somewhere unbeknownst to them," A.J. concluded, "or it's the Farlands themselves doing the killing."

"Right. We never had any problems from the Farlands before though," Bub stated "I would think if they had anyone hiding out on their land they would probably know it though."

"Now we know where the tracks are heading to we better keep an eye out on the Farlands for a while," A.J. stated

"Yeah I agree," Bub said as he nodded his head slowly and pulled in a big draw on his pipe. Bub seemed deep in thought as he spoke, "Let's head back to the house and get some provisions A.J.. It might be wise to camp out around here tonight and see if we can catch anyone slipping back and forth across the creek."

"Sounds good to me buddy," A.J. replied. "We better make a quick check on the cattle first and then get back to slaughter a hog before sis kicks us both out of the house for good."

Bub chuckled out loud as they both turned their horses and headed south towards where he last had seen the cattle. As they headed south following Cow Creek they discussed how many of their cattle they would sell off this year before winter hit. Bub puffed at his pipe, which he frequently did, and A.J. did most of the talking.

They had gone only about a mile when they saw three riders cutting across the creek and up the embankment towards them. As they rode closer into view they noticed it was their neighbors Owen, Levi, and Aaron Farland. Bub leaned over slightly towards A.J. and whispered, "Be on the edge ready with that Schofield and let me do the talking."

"Alright Bub I got us covered," A.J. replied, "but be cautious in your words. We don't know for sure it was them yet or not."

As Bub sat back up straight in the saddle he nodded his head slightly showing he understood. As the three riders approached to within ten yards of them Bub and A.J. instinctively looked them over carefully. Owen Farland, who was the father, was about forty and he rode in between two of the three sons he had, Aaron who was seventeen and Levi who was twenty one. The only people missing from his group that day was his wife Myra, who was about three years younger than Owen, and Will who was eighteen. The family lived to the east of them and was farmers not ranchers like Bub and A.J.. All three carried Remington New Model Army revolvers that fired a .44 caliber round in a belt holster. Owen and Levi both had Spencer repeater rifles in scabbards attached to their horses under their legs. It caught both A.J. and Bubs eyes that all three horses were shoed, so they were not likely the horses they had been tracking earlier they didn't suppose.

Bub took a long draw on his pipe and spoke to the three riders, "Hello there neighbors. What can we do for you all today?"

The two Farland kids nodded their heads as if to say hello as their father spoke, "Howdy Bub. We came to talk to you and your family about a few problems we have been having."

"I see. Well A.J. and I are the ones that run the ranch now so you can inform us," Bub replied.

"Well a few of your cattle have been roaming over to our property and eating on our crops," Owen said. "We would appreciate it if you both could see to it that it doesn't happen anymore."

"I see," Bub stated flatly as he glanced over at A.J. who hadn't taken his eyes off the Farlands since they rode up. Bub noticed A.J. held his horse's reins in his left hand as it rested on his right leg next to his holster. His right hand lay across his holster next to his left with his wrist resting lazily across the hammer of his Schofield. Bub knew from watching A.J. shoot in competitions before that if something did go down, it wouldn't be if any of the Farlands died, but how many before their firearms even cleared their holsters.

"We also were seeing a few Indians cross our land from time to time. I just thought we would warn you of that while we were here," Owen continued.

Bub took a big pull from the shaft of the pipe and slowly let it escape his lungs as he spoke, "Indians? Really?" he questioned in disbelief. "Well Mr. Farland if you keep the Indians at bay I will assure you my cattle won't wonder onto your land any more sir," with that Bub lifted his head and eyes from Mr. Farland towards the east as if to shoo them away back to their land. The three riders tipped their hats to Bub and A.J. as they turned their horses back east and crossed the creek. A.J. and Bub sat and watched them disappear.

A.J. kept his hand near his Schofield until the Farlands were out of sight. Once they were gone he relaxed his gaze and looked over at Bub, "What do ya think?" he asked.

"He's a dammed liar," Bub said as he turned his horse south again and headed towards were he had last seen the cattle grazing. "Let's get these cows checked on and get home to butcher that hog."

6

After checking on the cattle and slaughtering the hog A.J. and Bub filled in their sister Soph on what had progressed that day. They told her about the Farlands and reminded her to keep the shotgun loaded with extra shells nearby. She fixed them a nice dinner of ham and beans with fresh corn muffins. A.J. and Bub loaded up their bedrolls and provisions for a two night stay just in case. Bub wrapped up some salted pork and extra corn muffins for the trip and they both hugged their sister goodbye as they headed back out to camp where they last seen the cattle.

"Bub I have a feeling this is heading for one hell of a mess when we find out what's going on for sure with our cattle," A.J. said.

"I have the same feeling but we can't allow this to continue. Our ranch will start losing profit and we will have to sell," bub said. "Our folks trusted us by leaving us here to tend to the ranch, I'm not going to allow us to let them down buddy," he continued. "I also won't allow anyone to run us all off this land."

"I am glad we are providing for mother and father and they are living a comfortable life in town, but I sure do miss them out here with us Bub," A.J. replied

"Me too," Bub said.

The sun had started to set behind them as they headed west from the house towards where the cattle usually grazed. "It won't be long now until its dark. We better find a place soon to camp for the night," Bub stated.

"Yep I agree. I think some place on the east side of that hill where you found that arrow at would be a good place Bub," A.J. replied. "From there we can oversee the whole herd and see past the creeks and onto Farlands land."

"Sounds good to me bud," Bub said as he lit a match and put it to his pipe.

They continued to talk as they rode out to where the herd was grazing. As they topped the hill that overlooked the cattle, Bub was facing A.J. asking about any hunting he had done recently. A.J. stopped his horse suddenly and closed his eyes as he dropped his head slowly.

"What's the matter? Hunting wasn't that great or what A.J.?" Bub questioned.

As A.J. lifted his head and looked at Bub he spoke. "Look at the herd Bub," he said solemnly.

Bub turned his head to look out over their cattle. Even though it was nearing dark, he could tell that at least a hundred of them were missing. A.J. could almost see Bubs jaw tighten up as the anger grew inside his brother. He could tell Bub was thinking over and processing everything before he spoke next. He almost thought Bub wasn't going to say anything at all it had taken so long. Bub took several big puffs on his pipe before he finally spoke. "No two Indians could have killed or rustled that many heads of cattle in the amount of time we checked them last," He said almost in a whisper. "The Farlands must take us for some kind of dammed fools thinking we bought into their story of our cattle wondering onto their land or Indians being around A.J," Bub stated as the anger in his voice grew. "None of our cattle has ever crossed those creeks and the Indians moved north years ago."

"What do you want to do little brother?" A.J. questioned

"I'm willing to bet there isn't a hundred or so blood stains or arrows stuck in the ground down there," Bub replied. "I'm also willing to bet there is about a hundred or so cow's hove prints down there somewhere headed across that creek towards the Farlands. I would also be willing to wager the ranch that amongst them cow hove prints is quite a few unshod horse tracks," He continued as he puffed on his pipe. "I say we make camp for tonight and find them in the morning since it is getting dark. It will just ease my mind to know without a doubt which direction our cattle are headed for sure."

After dismounting their horses A.J. and Bub made camp on the east side of the hill that overlooked the east side of their land were their cattle usually grazed on the wild grass. A.J. built a campfire and Bub cooked their salted pork over the fire in a pan he had brought along. As they sat and ate neither of them said much about the day's events. Once they finished eating they both felt full and worn out. They both fell lightly asleep on their bedrolls next to the fire.

The next morning they were both awoke early by their horses stomping on the brush close by as they grazed. A.J. and Bub had a quick breakfast of corn muffins, cleaned up their camp making sure the fire was out, and saddled up their horses. Bub lit his pipe and puffed on it as he mounted his horse. They both headed out to see if they could find the tracks left by the missing cattle from the previous day.

It didn't take them long to find the tracks at the far end of the herd. "Even after letting the herd wonder across the field all night there is thousands of tracks here headed east towards the river A.J.," Bub said.

"Even the unshod horse tracks are all over the place Bub," A.J. replied. "There had to be at least three or four riders."

"They rustled them across those creeks and took them onto Farlands land," Bub said as he shook his head in disbelief. "Cattle rustling is still a hangable offense and I have a dammed good idea who the thieves are A.J." Bub stated as he started to get angrier.

"Bub I agree with you, but the law aint going to back us on something we can't prove," A.J. said.

"What do you suggest then bud?" Bub asked.

Bub watched A.J. as they were both deep in thought on what to do. "I have an idea Bub," A.J. finally said. "We have provisions for another night. Let's tie up our horses on the west side of that grove of thick trees the Farlands planted for a windbreak on the southwest side of their crop field. I bet that's the direction these tracks are leading to. We can hideout in the tree line there and watch for our cattle they took or anyone crossing back and forth there," A.J. stated. "If we see our cattle one of us can have Soph ride to town to alert the sheriff. If we catch someone going back and forth with unshod horses we will know we have the thief ourselves."

Bub puffed on his pipe as he thought about the idea. "Sounds like a pretty good idea to me. Have one interjection on it though."

"What's that Bub?"

"Just so we are clear now A.J. if I catch someone on our land taking the cattle there won't be a need to alert the sheriff," Bub stated angrily.

"Why is that Bub?" A.J. asked.

"Cause they will be dead."

7

A.J. and Bub had crossed both creeks and rode the three miles to the group of about fifty trees that the Farlands used as a windbreak for their crop field. The trees were fairly dense and even though they were initially planted on Farlands land they ran over onto Bubs families as well. The shade from the growth of trees left little chance for much to grow along the ground but dirt and a few weeds.

"Let's tie the horses up here and make our way through some of these trees to get a good view of the Farlands land," A.J. said.

"We will be on the Farlands land by the time we get to where we can see on the other side there," Bub replied.

"I didn't really think that mattered to you Bub."

Bub chuckled and nodded his head, "Nope sure doesn't."

They made their way to the other side of the tree line and set up camp about ten feet in from the Farlands side of the tree line. They sat, listened, and watched the Farlands land for any signs of their cattle or anyone headed towards their land. They would take turns crawling up to the edge of the tree line to see if they could spot anything up towards the Farlands house and barn on the other side of the field. After his second trip up to take a look Bub whispered to A.J., "Hey come see this."

A.J. crept up to where Bub was watching the Farlands house. "What are those white things next to the house and barn Bub?"

"Look like some kind of tents," Bub replied.

"Why would they need tents Bub?" A.J. asked.

"They must be either trying to hide something or they have people staying there," Bub said.

"Tents don't look big enough from here to keep our cattle in Bub. They must be people staying in those tents," A.J. said

The two brothers sat and watched the Farlands house and the group of tents until the sun was starting to set behind them. They ate some of their muffins and cold salted pork for supper, as they ate A.J. noticed Bub squirming around chewing on his pipe stem.

"What's the matter with you?" A.J. asked Bub.

"Dam I feel fidgety!" Bub answered. "I can't have a fire because I'm afraid the Farlands will see us out here. Can't have a hot meal cause we can't have a fire. I'm afraid to have a pipe for fear they will smell the smoke if they come near," Bub stated clearly agitated.

"It's just for one night Bub. Put a pinch of your pipe tobacco in your lip that will probably help ya some," A.J. replied

Bub rolled his eyes as he dug for a pinch of tobacco and put it in his lip as A.J. suggested. "Doubt it will help much A.J. chewing on it doesn't warm my lungs like my pipe does."

"I'm going to go check on the horses," A.J. said. "They better be tended to before we bed down for the night."

After A.J. made sure the horses were satisfied for the evening Bub and he set up their bedrolls for the night. They had spread their beds close together to help them keep warm for the night since there would be no fire for heat. A.J. quickly realized it would be a long night since the lack of tobacco and heat was already making Bub toss and turn next to him.

Early the next morning A.J. jumped up half awake as he felt like someone was attacking him. "It's just me," Bub whispered. "Come take a look at those tents now."

A.J. crawled with Bub up to the side of the tree line that faced the Farlands field and house. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes as he peered out the trees and towards the tents next to the Farlands house. A.J. could make out there was a group of about seven or eight people standing between the two tents that were setup next to the house. "Why are you up so early Bub?" A.J. asked half knowing the answer. "Who are all those people up there also?" He continued.

"Couldn't sleep," Bub replied. "Dam lack of my pipe and cold ground had me up all night!" Bub said clearly in a bad mood. "The Farlands have company staying with them I suppose. They must be planning on having them a while setting up those tents like that," Bub said trying to hold back his bad attitude as best as he could.

A.J. didn't take offense to it, but instead smiled as he could see Bub was having a hard time without his pipe. "They have to be planning something Bub. They are here to late in the year to help with crops," A.J. said. "What do you think they are up to?"

Bub lowered his head and rubbed his forehead as if he was suffering from a migraine. "I don't know bud, but with the lies Mr. Farland was telling us the other day, I feel it has something to do with us," Bub started to get up to head back to where they were camping, "Let's get our stuff and get out of here."

As he started to stand A.J. quickly pulled Bub back to the ground where they had been sitting in the cover of the trees. "Hold up Bub!" A.J. said excitedly. "A Few of them have mounted their horses and are headed this way."

Bub glanced in the direction A.J. was pointing towards the Farlands house. He noticed four of the riders had mounted up on horses and where headed towards the tree line where Bub and A.J. had camped. "Let's get to the other side with our horses A.J.," Bub said as he hurried towards where they had their camp. "We will wait on the other side there hidden by the trees and when they are close enough we will make them aware we see them crossing onto our land."

They hurried as they gathered up their bedrolls and headed out the other side of the trees to their horses. They brought their horses into the tree line with them and took up some cover behind a few trees. Bub reached into his pocket and drew out some tobacco and stuffed into his pipe. They both unsheathed their rifles from their scabbards and waited for the riders to come into view.

8

Owen Farland stood on his porch as he watched his brother and three nephews ride towards his house. The four men tied their horses to the hitching rail and walked up towards the house. Jim Farland was Owens younger brother and he had brought his three sons with him, Mike who was twenty two, Luke who was twenty one, and Cole was seventeen. They all carried the same type of firearm his brothers family did, the Remington New Army and Spencer repeaters that were secured to their horses in rifle scabbards.

"Good evening brother," Jim said to Owen. "Got your message and thought we would come see if we could help you out any."

"Glad you did Jim. I think this will be beneficial to all of us little brother," Owen replied. "Glad you brought your boys there too. We can use all the help we can get with my neighbors."

"They got a lot of men over there that will give us problems?" Jim asked.

"No. Just the two boys left there on the ranch. They have one sister, but she's nothing to worry about," Owen replied.

Myra, Owens wife, stepped out onto the porch having been listening to the conversation between her husband and her relatives. "You leave Soph out of this!" Myra said angrily. "There is no need to get her involved in all of this. You just go about your plan of taking their cattle until they can't afford to live on the land anymore," She continued. "I don't agree with what you're doing but I have no choice but to back you in the matter husband. I can warn you though you all better leave that girl alone!" With that she stormed back into the house and slammed the wooden door shut behind her.

"Pay no attention to her," Owen said. "Their sister isn't going to be a problem anyways."

"If she does become a problem we can take care of her," Jim replied.

"My boys are out there on the side of the house. They are setting you all up a couple of tents your welcome to stay in Jim," Owen said. "They will definitely keep you warmer in the cool night's air we have been having lately. You go out there and make yourselves comfortable and I will get Myra to get you all something to eat."

Jim and his three boys returned to their horses and dismounted their gear as Owen went back into the house to find them something to eat. It was nearing dusk now so the men hurried to get their stuff into the tents and get a fire started before it got to dark. About an hour had passed when Owen returned with beans and bacon to feed his relatives as they settled into their tents. Luke Farland had started a fire and the whole family outside of Myra sat at the fire to keep warm as they talked.

"What is it exactly your wanting us to do uncle?" Mike asked

"I had been kind of wondering that myself Owen," Jim added

"The Davises dad had a bad injury in the war. I thought he wasn't going to be able to keep that ranch going. I thought after he had spent his money down a ways I would give him a fair offer on the land and turn it into crops and a place there for my oldest boy," Owen said. "However he turned it over to his boys and their sister when he moved to town. Now his boys have made the ranch quiet prosperous ruining my plans for a future here," He continued. "My boys and I have been getting their cattle a little at a time until they can't afford to live there any more or until they decide to sell."

"So what are your plans for using us in all this Owen?" Jim asked.

"Would like you all to ride over there and introduce yourselves, maybe you all can spin the same stories I told them. Try and intimidate them some and maybe they will just leave that land," Owen said.

"If that land was given to them by their father them boys aint gonna leave easy uncle," Mike said. "They got something to prove to their father and to themselves."

"Either way Mike," Jim said to his boy angrily, "we are going to help your uncle out and do what needs to be done."

"Good," Owen replied. "My boys and I definitely appreciate you all helping us out. You get them to leave that land there will be some profit in it for you all also Jim."

"We will do what we can big brother. I promise you that," Jim said. "We will ride over there in the morning and see if we can't stir them boys up some."

After they all finished eating they cleaned up a bit, laid out their bedrolls inside the tents, and turned in for the night. As he lay there falling asleep Jim wondered to himself it was right of them to try and run them boys off their land. He wanted to do what was right, but he also wanted to help out his brother and his family as best he could. Something that his son Mike had said stuck in his mind as he fell asleep, "If that land was given to them by their father them boys aint gonna leave easy."

Early the next morning Jim and his sons were awakened by Owen and Myra. Myra had fixed them all up some bacon and fresh biscuits to fill up on. Owen helped Jim and his nephews load up their horses for the trip over to the neighbors land. Jim and his boys mounted their horses and headed west across his brothers land towards the neighbors. "We will head across to the north of those trees there on the far side of the field," Jim told his boys.

"Pop you think we are doing the right thing trying to run those boys off their land?" Cole asked.

"Son your uncle needs our help and I want us to help him. I don't know if what he wants is right or wrong, but he is my brother and your uncle. I guess all I can say at this point is I feel we are walking into trouble, but we must do what we can for our family," Jim replied.

"I understand pop," Cole answered.

Jim and his boys crossed the field slowly but steadily. When they reached the other side he made sure they were all near him. "Now we are getting ready to cross onto another man's land. Be mindful of your surroundings and if we happen to come onto the boys that own this land let me do the speaking."

They all nodded their heads and verbally agreed with their dad as they crossed over onto the neighbors land. They had ridden about forty yards just passing the opposite side of the tree line when they heard two guns cock and a match struck and sizzle to life. They all stopped their horses as they looked to their left and seen two men pointing guns at them, one in a black Stetson hat lighting his pipe as he stared Jim and his three boys down.

9

Bub and A.J. had cocked their rifles as the group of four men just barely cleared the tree line. With one hand on his rifle Bub struck a match and lit his long awaited pipe. The four men stopped their horses and turned to face Bub and A.J., as they did Bub noticed they all carried the same kind of firearms as the Farlands did.

"Well, well, well," Bub said in a sarcastic manner. "Who do we have here A.J.?"

"Looks like trespassers Bub," A.J. replied.

"No...Looks like our cattle rustlers to me," Bub said.

"We are no cattle rustlers," Jim Farland said

"Then what the hell are you doing sneaking on to our land?" Bub asked.

"We are relatives of Owen Farland. I am his younger brother and these are my sons Mike, Luke, and Cole," Jim replied.

"Now that we know who you are the question still remains what the hell you are doing on our land?" A.J. asked.

"We were just coming over to introduce ourselves to you and your sister," Jim replied. "We were asked by my brother to come help him with some Indians he had problems with on his land," Jim continued. "He asked us if we would come introduce ourselves to you all in case you seen us around the area."

Bub took a big puff on his pipe, held the smoke in his lungs for a few brief seconds, and then calmly blew it out as he looked the group of men over cautiously.

"My brother also mentioned he had some problems with some of your cattle wondering over and eating on his crops," Jim continued. "He wanted me to ask that you make sure they stay on your land."

A.J. could tell Bubs anger was growing, as he looked at his brother, he could see him starting to chew on the pipe stem.

"Our cows aren't a bunch of deer Mr. Farland. They don't wonder all over everybody's land," A.J. calmly stated before his brother could say anything. "They won't cross water unless they had been herded to."

"I am just relaying what was told to me," Jim said. "The Indians I had seen for myself about three nights ago on my brother's land."

A.J. looked over at Bub, he knew after that last statement there was no holding Bubs anger back any further.

"You know what I think Mr. Farland?" Bub asked.

"What is that?"

"I think you and your brother are nothing but liars!" Bub exclaimed as his face turned red with anger.

"That's not necessary Mr. Davis," Jim said. "It is...," Jim started to say something else until Bub cut him off.

"I was always taught by my father to speak the truth. Yours must have taught your family how to be thieves and liars," Bub said. "This is the only warning I am giving you and your family Mr. Farland," he continued, "the next time any of you step foot on my families land without the law present my brother or I are going to shoot you as trespassers."

The statement must have hit Jim Farland like a hard punch to the gut, which was its obvious intention by Bub. A.J. could plainly see all Jims boys immediately look to their father at what his next move would be. Jim's anger could clearly be seen in the way his face twisted at hearing Bubs statement, but knowing A.J. and Bub already had them in their gun sights, Jim wisely chose to back down until another day.

"I think my boys and I understand Mr. Davis," Jim said. "I will make sure and pass the message on to my brother."

"Then see that you do," Bub replied.

Jim and his three boys turned their horses slowly and headed east back towards his brother's house. A.J. and Bub easily let the hammers down on their rifles and slid them into their horse's scabbards. They both remounted their horses before either one of them said a thing about what had just happened.

"You think we have seen the last of them Bub?" A.J. asked.

"No I do not," Bub said as he puffed on his pipe. "I get the feeling that this is far from over."

"I kinda got that feeling too Bub. You think Owen Farland wants our land that bad for some reason?" A.J. asked.

"I'm not sure what reason he has for taking our cattle A.J.," Bub replied, "whatever the reason he thinks it is worth sending his relatives to try and intimidate us."

"They weren't to intimidating Bub," A.J. said.

"No I think we caught them off guard. Sure glad you had the idea of camping out here," Bub said. "If we hadn't I'm not sure what would of happened."

"Let's get home Bub," A.J. said as he motioned his horse towards the west and they both headed back to the house.

10

Soph was up early the next morning cleaning up the rest of the breakfast she had made her brothers. A.J. and Bub had both stayed the night before and filled her in on what had happened with the Farlands. Both the boys filled up on her home made biscuits and jam. They then packed up extra food to last them a few days and headed back out onto the ranch to watch over their cattle.

Soph finished up her own breakfast and drank her coffee as she got herself around. She threw on a light blue pull over dress and her brown leather boots that Bub had made for her himself a few years back. It was a little cold this morning so she threw on a sweater jacket she had knitted during the summer for preparation of this year's winter.

After she prepared herself for the morning chores she started to open the windows, as she did she noticed two riders with three horses heading up the field towards the house. "Who the hell is that?" she mumbled to herself. As the riders got closer she could tell it was a couple of the Farland boys and one of them was leading a third horse behind them.

Soph in a panic slammed the window back shut and ran for the fireplace. She picked up the shotgun from above the mantel. She had loaded it just a few days ago, but to reassure herself, she broke the shotgun open and confirmed the shells were securely placed in both of the chambers. She hurried back to the window as the riders drew closer to the house. When they were close enough one of the boys hollered out to her.

"Sophia! This is Will and Aaron Farland ma'am!" Will yelled. "Ma asked if we would bring you one of our horses that has gone sick."

Soph made her way to the front door, with the shotgun still firmly grasped in her hand, and grabbed a few extra shells and placed them in the front pocket of her dress. She lifted the latch and opened the door just enough to put half of her body and the shotgun outside the door. "You all's family has been causing us some grief around here lately. What makes your ma think I would be willing to help you all out?"

"Ma'am we haven't been doing anything of the sort." Will said. "Even if we had our Ma would never allow us to cause you any kind of trouble personally."

"That may be boys," Soph replied, "but you all taking our cattle does cause me trouble personally."

"Either way ma'am everyone around here knows your kinship with animals," Aaron said, "can we all put our personal differences aside and do what's best for our horse please?"

Soph let out a big sigh, "What's wrong with her?" Soph asked.

"She seems depressed and going partially blind." Will answered. "It's like she ate something poisonous."

"Probably ate bracken fern be my guess," Soph said. "It causes her to lack good minerals and vitamins, that's what makes them feel sickly. How long she been like this?" Soph asked.

Will looked at his brother Aaron before saying anything. "About two day or so I would say," Will replied as Aaron confirmed with a nod of his head.

"She doesn't look that bad yet," Soph said, "bring her over to the barn and I will see what I can do for her. I won't promise she will be ok, I will just promise I will do what I can for her."

"Thank you so much ma'am," Aaron said, "Our Ma will sure appreciate it."

With Sophs help the two Farland boys got the horse settled into the barn. "You boys might want to head south from the house there and down through the neighbors land, then back over to your families," Soph said. "My brothers won't take it too easy on you if they see you riding through our property."

"Thank you ma'am," Will said. "We will be sure and do just that."

The boys did just as Soph suggested and headed south towards the neighbors land before cutting back east towards their families. "That was easier than I thought it would be," Aaron said as they rode off.

"Even if we were the devil himself she wouldn't have turned us down," Will said. "She loves animals too much."

Soph decided to go about feeding the other ranch animals first before attending to the Farlands horse. Besides just having cattle they had chickens, hogs, a few geese that often took up the water trough, and two goats. Soph spent the first part of the morning feeding and taking care of the animals she had there at the house and barn.

"Horse doesn't seem very sick to me," she stated to herself as she entered the barn to check on the horse. She felt the horse up and down to see if she could see any signs of illness. Soph looked into the horse's eyes and held bits of treat up towards one eye then the other to see if there were any signs of blindness, there was none, the horse could see perfectly fine.

"What are those boys playing at? This horse is perfectly fine," Soph said to herself. "Well I will feed her for a few days, but if they want their horse back they can come get her," she continued as she turned at headed back for the house.

11

Two days later the Farlands still hadn't come to check on their horse. A.J. and Bub had returned the night before and were now eating flapjacks that Soph had made them all for breakfast that morning. Soph had already tended to the ranch animals and the Farlands horse that morning. She hadn't yet told the boys about the Farlands horse the night before, but she told them all about the incident as they ate and drank coffee.

"Soph I think them boys are up to something," A.J. said. "They would know if that horse was sick or not when they dropped it off here."

"I will tell you this Soph, I'm not too happy with you agreeing to aid them in the first place," Bub said. "I know you love animals, but dam you knew we were at differences with the Farlands," Bub continued. "They are lucky I wasn't here, sick horse or not, I had already done warned their family about coming on our land!"

"Bub you always have something to say to me to try and start a fight," Soph replied, "You don't run this property by yourself, there is two more people here helping you also, and mother and father didn't leave you in charge. From what I remember they left me in charge as the oldest, so just shut your mouth or I will be sending you to go live with them."

Bub laughed out loud as he lit his pipe, "And you would take care of the cattle that support this family? That's a laugh," Bub said.

"I am sure A.J. and I can manage just fine!" She exclaimed.

Bub just puffed on his pipe as he tried to think of something else to say.

"You two are like an old married couple. Quit fighting all the time," A.J. said.

The rest of the meal everyone ate in silence. When they were done Bub continued to puff on his pipe as Soph cleaned up and filled everyone's cup with what was left of the coffee. A.J. just stared out the window watching the two goats butt each other. He chuckled to himself as one finally walked away from the other. He figured the goat walking away had gotten a headache finally and was done. The two goats always butting their heads reminded him of his brother and sister always fighting.

As he stared out the window he noticed two riders coming across the grass from the southeast. A.J. stood up quickly and checked his rifle as he spoke, "Riders coming from the southeast."

Bub jumped up to look as Soph grabbed the shotgun from over the mantel. She broke the shotgun open to check once again that it was loaded with two shells.

"Looks to be the sheriff Bub," A.J. said. "That must be a deputy there with him."

"Davises! This is Sheriff Bob Markel and my deputy Martin Bower!" Sheriff Markel yelled out at the house. "We need to talk to you all please! Not here for any trouble just talk!" the sheriff continued.

"This ought to be interesting," A.J. said as the three of them stepped out of the house with their firearms pointed towards the ground at their sides.

"We don't want any trouble," Sheriff Markel said. "Just want to talk."

"What ya want to talk about sheriff?" Bub asked.

"Got a couple of complaints from the Farlands," the sheriff said.

Bub packed some new tobacco in his pipe and relit it as the sheriff talked. "What are the complaints about sheriff?" Bub asked.

"First one is the Farlands say your cattle have been wondering over to their land time to time eating some of their crops," the sheriff said. "They also said when they came over to tell you about it you and A.J. threatened their lives," he continued.

As the sheriff talked Bub puffed at his pipe and looked over at A.J. standing to the right of him. "That all sheriff?" Bub asked annoyed.

"No that is not all," the sheriff replied, "they also said you stole a horse of theirs."

Bub, while puffing on his pipe, turned to look at his sister who was standing behind him closer to the house. He turned back to face the sheriff before he spoke again. "Sheriff you been over to their house yet?" Bub asked.

"No I have not Mr. Davis."

"Well I have recently had the opportunity, so to speak, to look at their house," Bub said. "It's a pretty nice house for a farmer sheriff."

"What does that have to do with anything they are accusing you of Mr. Davis?" the sheriff asked.

"Well Sheriff Markel if you were to go and look at their house you may take a good look at their crop field to the west of their house," Bub said. "It's plowed over for fall sheriff. There are no crops there for my cows to eat. You ever heard of cattle eating dirt sheriff?"

The sheriff looked embarrassed as he turned to look at his deputy. Before he could speak Bub spoke again, "See sheriff our cattle have never crossed the two creeks on the east part of our land since my father bought the place over two decades ago," Bub harshly stated, "except the other day. My brother and I noticed cattle missing and seen unshod horse prints driving our cattle over to Farlands land," Bub continued. "You appear to be an educated man sheriff. How long the Indians been gone from this territory now?" Bub asked and then spoke again before the Sheriff or his deputy could answer. "My brother and I caught the Farlands relatives' crossing over into our land the other day trying to intimidate us, so your dam right I threatened them!" Bub said. "As for the horse sheriff, two of the Farland boys brought it over the other day claiming it was sick and left it here for Soph to cure. Problem is sheriff it wasn't sick and they haven't been back to pick it up since. The dam horse is in the barn if you want to take it back to the Farlands when you go check up on their crops!" Bub yelled angrily as he turned and stormed off back into the house puffing his pipe.

The sheriff and his deputy didn't know how to react or what to say. They just sat on their horses staring as Bub angrily headed back into the stone house. It was A.J. that finally spoke next as he told Sheriff Markel everything that had happened in the past few months.

"Sheriff everything A.J. and Bub say is the truth. My brother isn't upset at you so please forgive him, he is just upset at the situation and the fact we have been robbed of a lot of cattle in the past few months," Soph said.

The Sheriff now enlightened with all the details of what had been happening got off his horse and shook A.J. and Sophs hands and then remounted his horse. He promised A.J. and Soph he and his deputies would follow up with the Farlands in the next day or so. He and his deputy turned to leave back towards town, as he did the sheriff stopped and over his shoulder told Soph to keep the horse until the Farlands had the guts to come back and get it.

12

The next three days everything seemed quieter and more like what Bub remembered it when his father and mother were around. Bub and A.J. had both thought it better to just ride out and check on the cattle from time to time but be back before dark and stay the night in the house. Neither of them had seen any more unshod hoof prints on the land or noticed any of their cattle missing.

After the talk with Sheriff Markel and his deputy everything seemed to go back to normal. Soph still had the Farlands horse and fed and rode her daily, the horse never did show any signs of sickness. Soph just considered her one of her own animals and even named her Gwennie after a favorite dog she once had. It was a warm morning and Soph was up early and finished her chores before she had cooked up breakfast. Bub and A.J. helped her out with her chores and they all three sat down at a breakfast of ham, biscuits with homemade jam, and coffee.

"After we get around here A.J. let's get those cattle checked on," Bub said, "and possibly get them moved to the north a ways." he continued. "Want them to get fatter on that greener grass before we send what is left of them to market before winter."

"Ok Bub just let me finish my coffee and I will be ready to go," A.J. replied.

A.J. and Bub finished up their breakfast and coffee as they packed up their horses for the day. Soph wrapped up some biscuits and some jerked beef to send with them. "Be careful boys and make sure you all are home before dark tonight please," Soph reminded them as they mounted and headed out for where they last seen the cattle.

The boys had ridden about a mile before either of them spoke. "Bub I need to talk to you about something," A.J. said. "With everything that has been going on lately I have been giving a lot of thought about my future here on the ranch."

"You aren't thinking of leaving us are you bud?" Bub asked worriedly.

A.J. laughed out loud. "No not at all Bub," A.J. said. "I think mostly I will be around here to help the family out as best I can. I have just been thinking about a place of my own Bub."

Bub felt relieved, he didn't want his brother leaving the ranches responsibility just in his and their sister's care. "You want us to build you a cabin or something on the land?" Bub asked.

"Well until some of our cattle came up missing, I was hoping to use some of the profit to buy the land to the south of ours, they have wanted to sell for a while," A.J. said.

"Actually I had been thinking of talking to you about buying that land this next spring from the left over profits of the cattle," Bub said. "Now though I don't know if we will have enough cause of all the cattle we are missing," he continued. "I know Sheriff Markel was looking into finding what happened to our cattle but I am not holding out for that."

"I understand," A.J. said. "I have just been thinking about it a lot Bub. It would be nice to have a place of my own someday. I'm sure you feel the same way too."

"I do feel that way also A.J.," Bub replied. "It's best we let Soph have the family home. Hopefully someday she will have a family of her own there. It would be nice to each have our own place though either on the land or somewhere close by."

"Well let's talk about it more over the winter and maybe next spring if we don't have enough profit ourselves, we can start building our own places here on the land," A.J. suggested.

"Does sound like a fine idea A.J.," Bub said.

They rode the next mile or so in deep thought about their conversation. Bub did think it was an excellent thought to have his own place. He hoped at least his brother and sister would be close by though and continue to help maintain the ranch with him. Bub couldn't think of a better thing to be for himself then a rancher in the future, it was in his blood and he wanted to make his parents proud.

A.J. was day dreaming as well, he was initially a little depressed about possibly not having enough profits by spring to get his own land and place to live, however Bub was open to the idea of them both getting their own places before long. He was thinking of how he would construct his cabin when his day dream was interrupted by something he seen on the ground. "Bub, hold up," A.J. said. "There are hoof prints all over the ground here," A.J. continued. "Looks to be from an unshod horse Bub."

A.J. and Bub dismounted their horses as they looked at the fresh tracks on the ground. "I think it's just from one horse," Bub said. "They kind of wonder around here in this area only, and then head back towards the little hill overlooking the grazing area over there." Bub continued. "You think they are from a look out watching for us?"

"Dam good possibility Bub!" A.J. said as they both remounted their horses. "Let's get on top that hill to make sure our cattle are ok Bub."

They both rode towards the little hill overlooking where their cattle usually grazed this time of year. They rode as quickly as they could quietly so they wouldn't alert anyone that was possibly around. Once they got on top of the hill is when they saw the group of three men, caught by surprise, as they were coming up the other side of the hill. Bub and A.J. quickly realized it was Owen Farlands middle son Will along with two of his cousins Luke and Cole.

13

Both groups of men looked each other over closely. A.J. thought the Farlands all looked like they were going to be sick, he himself felt as calm as he did eating breakfast that morning. He wondered if Bub felt calm the way he was. A.J. noticed all three horses had been unshod and had mud dried to their lower legs where they had clearly crossed the creeks at some point. A.J. could feel and hear his brother turn slightly in his saddle to look towards him momentarily then back again at the riders. A.J. being the experienced shooter didn't take his eyes off the group of three Farland boys.

To Bub it seemed like an eternity that they were sitting there staring back and forth, no one saying a thing. Bub turned slightly as he quickly gazed over to look at his older brother. He noticed A.J. had his right hand laying loosely on his gun holster and his left hand off to the side of it on his right leg. He wondered if this was just an instinct his brother had or if he intentionally had placed them that way.

Bub felt mixed emotions about the situation. He felt angry because these intruders were on his land and obviously going to take his cattle, he felt worried that this might be the last time him or his brother take a breath, he felt relief that they had finally caught the suspected Farlands in action, and he felt motivated to end this confrontation soon. He caught himself quickly thinking of what his father, mother, and sister would be left with if him and his brother were to die here today. He slowly placed his hand on his holster like his brother had done and prayed everything would come out ok.

A.J. was very patient. He knew not to rush things like most people would do in these circumstances. He just figured it would play out in its own time. He always had wondered what he would feel like in a situation like this, but now that it was happening, he was surprised to find himself so calm about it. Knowing the others probably had all kinds of mixed emotions he thought he should be the first one to speak.

"Looks like we found our Indian cattle thieves Bub," A.J. said never taking his eyes off the Farland boys.

Will Farland slowly turned his head and looked at his two cousins, neither of them looked back at him, instead they both looked straight at A.J. A.J. could tell Will was the most nervous of the group, he figured Will was the least of his concerns, if someone was going to try and draw on him or his brother it would be one of the other two.

"What you boys been doing with our cattle?" Bub asked finally able to speak.

Luke, the oldest of the three, was the only one of the three Farland boys able to find enough courage to speak. "We haven't done anything with any of your cattle sir," Luke stated in a sarcastic manner.

A.J. now noticed the difference in Luke's attitude compared to the other two. Luke had confidence and would more than likely be the one to draw on them. A.J. played it out quickly in his mind. First to draw would be Luke with his confidence, then Luke's younger brother Cole, followed by Will who seemed the most nervous of all. A.J. figured once the shooting started Will would try and pull his gun on Bub since he was closest to him, A.J. figured Bub would be Wills target while the other two came at him.

"Luke I told you and your family the other day, the next time any of you step foot on my families land without the law present my brother or I are going to shoot you as trespassers," Bub said.

That was all it took. Luke's face twisted in anger as he went to unholster his Remington. He was stopped before the cylinder even cleared the leather as the round from A.J.s Schofield slammed into his chest making him double over dead on his horse's neck.

Both Cole and Will Farland went for their guns at the same time as they seen Luke go for his. For Cole it was too late as A.J. predicted correctly he would be the second to pull his firearm. The Schofield went off again as Coles palm hit the handle of his Remington. A.J. watched as the impact from his firearms round tore straight through Cole's neck throwing him off his saddle as the red mist of blood exploded into the air.

Bub slightly fumbled his draw due to his brother hitting his initial target, Luke Farland, before Bub could even clear his holster. He quickly voted on skipping over Cole as his next target, who was in the middle of the three Farland boys, knowing his brothers second shot would more than likely be at Cole who was the next closest to his brother A.J.. Bub quickly targeted Will Farland as Wills gun was leveling out at Bub. Bub squeezed the trigger as he heard someone else's gun fire just before him. He felt the long barreled Colt jump in his hand as the smoke poured from the barrel.

Once the smoke had cleared Bub could see Will slumped backwards in his saddle. Wills feet were still in the stirrups and he was now dead. Bub only now realized he probably wasn't the one who killed Will even though he got his shot off before Will could fire his gun. On second look at Wills body lying backwards across his horse Bub noticed not only the hole in Wills chest, but that another one had obviously struck Will in the head also. Bub turned and looked at A.J. who was in the process of replacing three rounds into his Schofield from his gun belt. Bub realized the other shot that he had heard before he pulled his own trigger was from A.J.s Schofield.

It happened so quickly that Bub still thought it seemed unreal, almost like a bad dream. He had never been placed in something so horrific in his entire life. He had heard of such things from his father, but Bub had never seen or been a part of a gun fight. "That happened so quickly," Bub said.

"Did it?" A.J. replied. "It slows down for me in my head, so I have no idea how long it actually took. It felt like forever to me Bub."

A.J. wasn't affected at all about what just occurred, he was still as calm as he was before it happened. He dismounted his horse and picked up the body of Cole Farland. He then and threw Coles now lifeless body over the horse Cole had originally sat on moments before. "The horses must be as use to gunshots as ours are, they didn't take off or even move when our guns were fired," A.J. said. "My ears are still ringing though, so if you want to talk about it Bub, you're going to have to speak up for a while," A.J. continued. "Let's get back to the house with these three and have Soph ride to town to get the sheriff," A.J. stated as he remounted his own horse. He held the lead reins of the three dead Farlands horses in his hand as they headed back towards their little stone house.

Bub felt numb as they rode off back towards their home. The events clearly affected him a lot worse than it did his brother. "You seem pretty relaxed about the whole thing A.J.," Bub finally said. "Killing those boys doesn't make you feel sickly?"

"Oh I don't think so Bub," A.J. said. "They went for their guns first buddy. We just happened to be faster. I don't feel all that sorry for them to tell you the truth Bub."

"You mean you were faster," Bub replied. "If it wasn't for you I would probably be dead."

"Nah, I knew I would probably confuse ya some hitting Luke," A.J. said, "I fired at Will just to be sure he wasn't going to shoot ya, but you would have killed him before he fired a shot either way Bub," A.J. continued. "You stayed calm enough to think of skipping over the middle rider and targeting Will. I was glad to have you there with me Bub."

Bub had always felt he was in charge of running the ranch, no matter what his sister said or felt about her being the one in charge, but he knew he would feel out of place in his first gunfight. He felt a lot better after his brother praised him some. Bub could feel his confidence come back before they got back to the house. He decided to stuff his pipe and have a smoke to try and relax further. As he struck the match to light his pipe A.J. smiled to himself knowing Bub was over feeling sorry for the three dead Farlands.

Soph panicked and started crying at the sight of the three dead men lying across their horses as A.J. and Bub approached the house. Bub immediately dismounted his horse and hugged his sister to comfort her until she felt better about it. As Bub puffed on his pipe he told Soph what had happened. "God please let their souls rest easy," she finally said as she went back into the house and readied herself for a trip into town.

Bub and A.J. hooked Gwennie up to a buckboard wagon and placed the bodies in the back covered by a blanket. Soph hugged each of her brothers before she climbed up onto the wagon seat. She waved as she dropped the reins on the horses back and headed southeast towards town to visit with the sheriff. A.J and Bub watched until she was out of sight. "I hope she will make it back before dark Bub," A.J. said.

"Me too," Bub replied. "Even though we fight a lot I hope she knows I love her," he continued, "I couldn't picture either one of us without her."

14

It wasn't until late the next morning that Bub or A.J. seen any sign of Soph returning in the wagon. The boys had done Sophs chores for her and fried up some ham for breakfast along with making some coffee. Once she made it back to the house they allowed her time to change and clean up as they unhitched the horse from the wagon and fed it.

Soph sat and enjoyed her ham and coffee as Bub lit his pipe and began to puff away on it. "So what happened with the sheriff sis?" Bub finally asked.

"I told the sheriff what you both told me, "Soph said, "he took the bodies to the undertaker and told me to stay in the hotel overnight," she continued. "He went out to tell the Farlands what had happened. He wasn't back this morning so I waited a while then came back home."

"He didn't say anything about us killing those boys?" A.J. asked.

"Said he would ride out and tell the Farlands then come visit you both sometime today," Soph said. "Said he believed you both and he had no plans of arresting you all."

"Well that's at least some good news to hear," Bub said. "Guess after he was here last time he kind of figured we hadn't done anything illegal."

"I guess that's probably so boys," Soph said, "or that I told him you both only drew on the Farland boys as they drew on you both."

"I bet the Farlands are going to be hell to deal with after this," A.J. said as he took a drink of his coffee. "We go out to check on those cattle Bub, we better be well armed for a while."

Bub puffed on his pipe as he thought of something to say. "At first I was a little sad for those boys dying," Bub said, "but I don't feel that way now. If we see any more Farlands on the land we better just shoot first like we told them we would."

"I agree Bub," A.J. said taking another drink of his coffee. "There wouldn't be any other reason they would be out there except to kill us now."

Bub and A.J. finished their coffee as Soph cleaned up after breakfast. The boys had saddled and packed their horses to go check on the cattle. They made sure to put extra rounds in their saddle bags along with some biscuits and left over salted ham. Soph stood on the front porch ready to wave them goodbye for the day. As the boys mounted their horses to head towards the east they noticed a single rider coming across the field.

"Rider coming in Soph. Might want to grab the shotgun just in case," A.J. said as Soph had already turned to go in the house to get it.

As the rider approached A.J. and Bub could tell it was the sheriff. Soph walked out to where the boys were, still carrying the shotgun, as the sheriff rode up. "Good morning Bub, A.J., Soph." the sheriff said. "Just like I told Soph yesterday I'm not here to arrest you boys. I rode out here alone to show I'm not here for trouble."

"Thanks sheriff," Bub said.

"Just wanted to tell you all that I believe your story about the Farland boys being on your land and pulling their guns on you first," Sheriff Markel said. "I told the judge what was told to me the last time I was out here to visit you all. He said he wasn't signing a warrant for people defending themselves or their land," the sheriff continued. "The judge also told me to warn Owen and Jim Farland that if there is any more trouble caused by them over this there would be a very stiff punishment."

"You tell that to the Farlands sheriff?" Soph asked.

"I did," the sheriff said.

"How did that go over?" A.J. asked.

"Not very well," he replied. "Was glad I had a few of my deputies with me otherwise they may have shot me right there," the sheriff continued. "The Farlands are pretty upset, especially now they have three boys dead and know the law isn't going to back them up on charging you two."

"Thanks sheriff for letting us know," Bub said.

"You are welcome boys. I would just be cautious for a while," the sheriff said. "The Farlands don't have anything to lose at this point," the sheriff continued as he turned his horse towards the southeast to head back to town. He stopped after a few yards and turned back to face the Davises again. "Oh and Bub," the sheriff said. "I did notice the Farlands field was bare of crops and tilled over for winter," the sheriff said smiling. He turned his horse back to the southeast and urged it to a gallop as he headed back towards town.

Everyone watched the Sheriff disappear over the grassy field to the south. Soph told the boys to be careful then headed back into the house to clean. A.J. and Bub turned their horses towards the east and headed out to check on the cattle for the day.

"Bub what do you think the Farlands will do now?" A.J. asked.

"I'm not really sure bud," Bub replied, "but we better be on alert. Let's get those cattle moved today also to the north field since we didn't get to that yesterday."

"Alright Bub sounds good to me."

As they made it to the top of the small hill to the west of their cattle Bub emptied his pipe and began to grab more tobacco from his pocket when he seen the dead cows laying in the field below. "What the hell!" Bub exclaimed.

A.J. stopped looking in disbelief at the field below him as he just sat and stared not knowing what to say. Below them in the field was over half their cattle lying dead and scattered clear to the creek. The heads of cows that were not dead wondered the field still grazing around the ones that were lying dead.

A.J. and Bub both grabbed their rifles from the scabbards attached to their horses directly below their right legs. Bub had just dismounted when he seen the first of five Farlands rise behind one of the dead cows about a hundred and fifty yards from him and his brother. "A.J. get down!" Bub yelled just as all five Farlands fired their Spencer rifles at him and his brother.

15

Already dismounted Bub swatted his horse to get it to run as he hollered at his brother. "A.J. get down!" Bub yelled.

With his rifle in his hand A.J. dove from his horse as the barrage of bullets tore into Coffee. The horse had been struck at least twice as it fell instantly to the ground dead. Bub and A.J. took cover behind the dead horse as the next volley of rounds sailed by them both and off into the air behind them.

"We are pinned down Bub," A.J. said as they could feel more rounds hit the dead horse. "At least your horse is still alive," A.J. continued as he pointed towards Bubs horse a little ways down the backside of the hill.

Bub pulled his Colt from the holster and eased back the hammer on it ready to fire. "I'm a better shot with the rifle," Bub said, "I say we both turn and fire as many rounds as we can until the rifles run dry. I will continue to fire with my colt, and you head for my horse," Bub continued. "After you get there and get mounted you skin that Schofield and back me as I run and mount behind you. Then we get the hell out of here!"

"Ok Bub you got it," A.J. replied calmly. "Let's wait until we feel the next rounds of bullets hit first then shoot."

A.J. felt the next series of rifle rounds hit his dead horse. Once he felt Bub move to shoot he too turned and aimed to return fire on the Farlands who were still taking cover behind their dead cattle. A.J. pulled the trigger of his rifle as the Farlands themselves fired at him and Bub.

A.J. didn't remember the initial shock of the round hitting him or the violent fall backwards to the ground. What he did remember briefly was drawing his own Henry rifle to his shoulder and pulling the trigger, but the force that threw him backwards and to the ground was from a far more powerful source then the recoil of his own gun. All he could think about now is the excruciating pain in his left shoulder and the silhouette of the figure heading towards him.

Bub seeing his brother struck hard in the upper left arm took cover again behind the dead horse. He then turned to see if his brother was still alive. He saw his brother moving slowly on the ground dazed and confused. Bub made a quick decision and jumped up and ran towards his brother yelling at him to get up and run towards his horse.

A.J. saw the shadowy figure approach in a hurry, however in his mind everything was now in slow motion because of either the shock he was in or because of the adrenaline rushing rapidly through his body. He turned his head to look at the source of the throbbing that was somehow more attention grabbing then the unknown figure heading towards him. The feeling of the pain he immediately knew was the worse he had ever felt and he realized the damage that was the cause of it was extreme when he couldn't move his arm to even look at the results that the round had left as it smashed into what he thought was his shoulder.

As the figure approached closer he quickly searched blindly with his right hand for the rifle it once held. Every motion he attempted to make shot quick jabs of sharp pain throughout his body. He had never been known to just give up on a situation, however currently it was crossing his mind constantly with the growing amount of frustration over the ordeal.

The figure that approached was within a dozen feet or so, but with the sun high in the sky behind it A.J. still couldn't make out who was frantically heading towards him. He was just about to give in to the thought of dying when he felt the hard wood stock that belonged to the .44 Henry rifle he had just possessed moments earlier. One handed he felt his way to the lever action, and somehow almost as a second sense remembered the current cartridge that was seated in the breach had been fired previously. He let the weight of the rifle barrel drop the front end towards the ground and with a sudden jerk of his hand the lever action cycled another round quickly into the chamber ready for firing.

As the person came closer into view A.J. could realize it was a man carrying a rifle firmly grasped in his left hand and a long barreled revolver in his right. The man was yelling something at him, but in A.J.s current state of shock he couldn't comprehend what was going on. "I'm not dying here today..," A.J. mumbled to himself. Knowing he didn't have any more time to waste on straightening out his thoughts he raised the rifle and tried leveling it through the pain at the incoming man.

As Bub ran to his injured brother he noticed A.J. was fumbling to try and find his rifle. Bub could tell his brother was in shock and obviously didn't know who he was. "A.J. it's me Bub!" Bub yelled over and over again. It became apparent to Bub that A.J. in his current state thought Bub was trying to harm him. A.J. had found his rifle, cocked it, and was now willing himself to find the strength to aim it at Bub.

A.J. felt his finger try and squeeze back on the trigger as quickly as he felt the entire gun knocked from his grip. The force from the man's boot striking across the length of the barrel was more than he could fight against in his current condition.

A.J. squinted his eyes tighter trying to adjust them as the man who now stood over him came well into view. The man wore a black Stetson hat that helped cover his facial features in a shadow at any distance further away than nine or ten feet. His corn cob pipe obviously wasn't lit currently due to the lack of smoke coming from it. A.J. caught himself thinking it must be a habit to just have it in his mouth rather it was lit or not. The man glared at him as A.J. felt his vision and senses becoming clearer by the second. A.J. dropped his eyes to the weapons the man was holding and noticed the rifle he was carrying had a longer barrel then the one A.J. carried. It appeared to be at least a half foot longer in length, the revolver A.J. quickly recognized as the popular Colt 1851 Navy which also had a longer barrel then the five inch one of the Schofield that he carried in his holster. As he felt the man's eyes bearing down on him A.J. raised his vision back to the man's face, as he did the man's mouth opened slightly in a smile while still gripping the pipe with half his teeth. "How did we come to this big brother?" the man questioned in heartfelt disbelief.

A.J. blinked his eyes a few times as the figure slowly lifted his head allowing his face to come into full view. A.J. could clearly see now it was his younger brother standing over him with his guns drawn to his sides. "Bub, is that you?" A.J. asked in disbelief. His younger brother's smile closed tightly around the pipe that was firmly clinched between his teeth. Bub shook his head slowly side to side as he raised the muzzles of his firearms from pointing at the ground to both sides of A.J. "What...? Why are you doing this to me?" A.J. heard himself ask as Bubs guns leveled out at him.

Bub realized the damage of the round that had busted A.J.s shoulder had sent him into shock. Bub could see the look of confusion in his brother's eyes, with his guns still in his hands he bent down and slid both his arm under A.J.s, as he lifted A.J. up he felt him go limp in his arms as his brother had finally passed out due to the shock.

"Dam it A.J. I'm not going to let us die here today like this!" Bub stated in anger as he lifted A.J. onto his left shoulder. Bub then holstered his Colt and picked up his brothers rifle as he quickly ran to his horse as fast as he could. As he ran he could hear rifle rounds from the Farlands speed past him and head off into the distance.

Once he reached his horse he threw his brothers arms and upper body over the bottom part of his horse's neck and saddle horn. He quickly placed A.J.s rifle into the scabbard, mounted his horse, and squeezed the horse's sides with his spurs. Bubs horse kicked its back legs, then dug its hooves into the dry dirt, and took off as fast as he could run with two riders towards the Davises house.

16

Soph knew something was wrong when she seen just one horse hurrying towards the house. She met Bub at the end of the yard path and helped him get A.J. off the horse. "What happened?" Soph screamed. "Is he dead?"

"No he isn't dead," Bub replied, "he's been shot and passed out from shock."

"The Farlands?" Soph asked as they carried A.J. into the house.

"Yes. We rode up to check on the cattle and move them to the north," Bub said. "When we got on top the little hill to the west of the grazing area we noticed a lot of our cattle dead," Bub continued. "The Farlands where staked out behind them waiting on us. Killed Coffee and shot A.J. before we could get out of there."

"I had a feeling something was going to happen," Soph said as they entered the stone house. "Put him on my bed and then go get your guns and put Duncan in the barn. I will take care of A.J."

Bub laid A.J. on Sophs bed then went to tend to the horse as Soph had instructed him. He made sure to give his horse fresh water and hay then hurried back to the house.

"So Coffee is dead?" Soph asked as she looked at A.J.'s arm.

"Yes he took a few shoots as A.J. dove off him when he seen the Farlands," Bub said. "It was a blessing though looking back at it now. If Coffee hadn't been killed A.J. and I wouldn't have had any cover from the Farlands rifles.

"Sad thing to say Bub," Soph replied. "At least you two are alive," Soph said. "The bullet isn't in there. Looks like it just tore across the top part of his left arm. He is going to need a lot of time to recover Bub. He has part of his muscle missing there now. Grab me the whiskey bottle and I will try and get him sewn up before he wakes up."

Bub grabbed the whiskey bottle from the kitchen table and handed it to Soph after he took a pull from the bottle himself. Soph wetted a cloth with whiskey and rung it out over A.J.'s arm. When she did that he shot straight up almost knocking Soph off the bed. "What the hell Soph!" A.J. shouted.

"You been shot pretty bad A.J.," Bub said. "She's just trying to fix you up."

"This is going to hurt pretty bad A.J.," Soph said repositioning herself on the bed. "You better have Bub hold you down and let us find you something to bite down on," she continued. "I am going to have to stitch this up. Take a pull from the bottle of whiskey first. Bub get A.J. one of the stew spoons and let him bite down on that while I get this stitched up."

"Dam Bub you pick me up and get me out of there?" A.J. asked finally recalling what had happened to him.

"I did," Bub said as he came back with the stew spoon and gave it to A.J. to bite on.

"Remind me to thank you later Bub," A.J. said. "Remind me to thank both of you actually if I make it through Sophs sewing."

A.J. took two huge drinks from the whiskey bottle and then put the spoon in his mouth and bit down hard. Soph doused the cloth in whiskey again and then went at stitching up her brother. About two stitches into the wound Bub felt A.J. go limp again as he passed out for the second time.

A.J. woke up a few hours later to the smell of bacon cooking in the kitchen. He tried to look at his shoulder but couldn't get up the strength to lift his head from the pillow. "Soph you in there?" He yelled.

Soph came in with a plate full of beans with bacon and a few biscuits. She also brought the whiskey bottle for him to take a few swigs from to help fight back the pain. "You feel any better?" Soph asked.

"Hell no," he replied. "Be better if you just knocked me on the head with that bean pot and put me back to sleep."

"Well you know I am not going to do that. Let me help feed you so you can get some of your strength back," Soph said.

"Where did Bub go?" A.J. asked.

"He has been out there at the kitchen table puffing on that pipe since we got you stitched up," She said. "He can't make up his dam mind if he should risk leaving us here and running to town to tell the sheriff or stay until your well enough to keep watch for the Farlands while he goes."

"Why doesn't he just go and you and I can watch the house until he gets back?" A.J. asked.

"Because you done passed out twice now!" Bub yelled from the other room. "I'm not going to leave having you pass out on sis holding just a shotgun for defense if the dam Farlands come for the house!"

"Come in here instead of yelling!" Soph hollered at Bub. "Have some dam consideration for us. You know we aren't the ones that like to holler around here back and forth. Come in here if you want to talk to us!"

Bub came in puffing on his pipe and mumbling under his breath. "I have an idea if you both would be quiet long enough to hear it," Bub said glaring at his sister. "Why don't we all try and get a good night's sleep. I will sleep next to the window and keep an ear out for anything stirring around," he continued. "In the morning you both can keep watch and I will ride to town and alert the sheriff to what has happened."

Soph and A.J. both agreed to the idea. Soph finished feeding A.J. and getting him back to sleep before she finally fell asleep beside him. Bub fell asleep next to the window in the main room as his pipe went out, holding his rifle, and listening for any sounds that were unusual coming from outside.

17

"Hold you fire!" Owen Farland yelled as he stood up from behind the dead cow he was hiding behind. "Anybody been hit?"

No one claimed to be hit by a bullet or even scratched. "I think Bub made it back the way he came from Owen," Jim Farland said to his older brother. "I know I hit that skinnier boy, A.J., I think his name was," he continued. "I wonder if he's up there dead."

"Let's spread out in an arch here and work our way up that hill carefully," Owen said, "see if he isn't up there lying dead behind his horse."

Owen, his brother Jim, and both their boys spread out and carefully walked up the hill watching for any sign of movement. Once at the top they could clearly see both boys were now gone. "It was a good idea of yours to kill all those cows for a diversion and cover Jim," Owen said, "but shooting up this hill gave them some cover in itself. With A.J.'s horse dying also for cover it gave them boys enough luck to make it out of here."

"See all that blood on the ground Owen?" Jim asked. "I knew I at least hit that one," he said.

"It doesn't matter now Jim. Dead or alive they both made it out of here," Owen replied. "We shouldn't even be discussing this right now we should be burying two dead bodies out here somewhere!" Owen stated angrily. "We should have surrounded this hill like I said and we would be going back home right now. Instead now we have to devise a plan to kill all three of them there at the house," he continued. "That's if they haven't all gone to town to fetch the law by now!"

"Don't be yelling at me!" Jim yelled back. "You're the one that got all of us in this mess. I have two dead boys now because of this and what has it gotten us?" He asked. "This whole thing has gotten my family nowhere Jim!"

"You two stop arguing!" Levi interrupted. "I'm sorry you all got mixed up in this Uncle Jim," Levi continued, "but it's not doing any of us any good out here fighting about it now. Pa, if Ma knew we have to now plan to kill Soph too there at the house she would shoot us all dead. You have gotten this whole family into this ordeal pretty deep. Now there is no turning back from this by any of us, so you all had better get a plan figured out quick before we all have to abandon our land and go on the run."

"Your right son," Owen said. "Jim I am sorry about all this. Levi is right, we are all going to have to see this through to the end now," he continued. "If we get through this whole ordeal then there will be a lot of land for all of us to grow crops and live."

"Let's just get this done," Jim replied. "What is the plan going to be now Ownen?"

"Well boys I don't see any other way to go around it then to ambush them right there at their house," Owen said. "I am open to any other suggestions you all have, but my guess is that is the best route to take.

All the boys nodded their heads in agreement that ambushing the house was the best plan of action. They could get all the Davises in one place and keep them from running to town if they surrounded the house. Having all agreed on the plan they mounted up their horses and headed west towards the Davises house as it was starting to get towards evening time.

"We will camp a little ways from the house with no fire tonight," Owen Farland suggested, "then before first light we will surround the house and just open fire," he continued. "We will keep firing until there is no word or return fire from the house."

"Sounds ok to me Owen," Jim replied as the rest of the boys nodded and agreed as well.

The Farlands made it to within a quarter mile of the Davises house. They were now close enough to see the house just before dark, but not to close as to where they could be spotted. "Let's bed down here for the night," Owen Farland said. "We will sleep in shifts and then before dawn we will set up around the house."

The men all took hour long shifts sleeping through the night. Early the next morning, while it was still dark, Levi woke them all and they ate a breakfast of dry biscuits.

"Let's all mount up and quietly surround the house," Owen said. "Mike you can hide next to the barn to the north of the house using it as some cover. Aaron, since you're the youngest, you take the west side behind the house. There is only one window there and it's small so you shouldn't have much trouble there," he continued. "Levi you take the south of the house, there is only one window there also. Jim and I will take the front side of the house here facing the east," Owen said. "Once day breaks you will hear Jim and I fire at the front side of the house. That will be the signal to you all to starting shooting through any window or door you can see or shoot."

They all shook hands and wished each other luck, then mounted their horses and quietly rode half circles to their intended shooting locations for the ambush. It was just before dawn and it was already getting warm for a late fall day.

18

Bub had fallen into a light sleep when he first thought he heard the sound. He woke and urged his ears to hear the sound again as he listened intently. He could have sworn he heard a horse neigh out on the pasture to the west of the house. "The only horse that I know that's out there would be A.J.s dead one," Bub mumbled to himself. He thought the only other horses that would possibly be out there would belong to the Farlands. "One of their horses must have caught the scent of mine in the barn and decided to neigh," he continued. Bub sat quietly and listened for what seemed like an eternity, but he never did hear another noise.

Bub felt edgy after trying to convince himself he did hear a horse out in the field somewhere. He decided it would be a good decision to go ahead and wake his brother and sister to at least be on alert in case the Farlands had planned on ambushing them at the house. "Soph...A.J.," Bub whispered as he shook his sister's shoulder. "Hey I think the Farlands are planning on ambushing us here," Bub said as Soph and A.J. sat up on the bed. "I could have sworn I heard a horse out on the field out there neigh at Duncan."

"To the west Bub?" A.J. asked.

"Yes it woke me up. I swear I heard it," Bub replied.

"We had just better plan on them hitting us here in the morning then Bub," A.J. said. "My shoulder hurts like hell, but with some sort of support on the barrel I think I could probably fire the rifle, and be somewhat accurate at a little distance," A.J. continued. "We should probably set up on the front and sides don't ya think Bub?"

"Yes better to keep a look out on all sides," Bub replied. "I will set up on the front window, A.J. you watch out that window on the north side that faces the barn. Soph grab the shotgun and watch out the window to the south there in your bedroom," Bub continued. "We will each take a turn watching the window to the west at the back of the house. Let's say every half hour or so we will switch out. Make sure you are all very vigilant looking through the dark. Things will be hard to make out until dawn."

"Better take some extra ammunition and place it at each of our spots also," Soph suggested, "that way if we are all shooting we don't have to scramble around looking for more."

"Good idea," Bub said. "Better get some biscuits and maybe some jerked beef at our spots also. I have a feeling we may be here for a while."

"Better keep the windows shut also," A.J. suggested, "just peek through the cracks to look out."

A.J., Bub, and Soph each grabbed extra rounds and food as they set up their predetermined spots to cover each side of the house. They each rotated to the back window every half hour throughout the night. They whispered conversations back and forth to keep each other awake through the night. At about two hours before dawn Soph made them all some coffee to have with their biscuits and jerked beef.

It was about thirty minutes or so until they would see the first signs of dawn. A.J. was fighting hard to stay awake even with the coffee in him. Between the full stomach and fighting back the pain in his shoulder he had almost worn himself out. He caught himself several times nodding off when either his sister or brother would say something that startled him awake. This time when he woke he decided to look through the crack in the window and see if he could see anything, as he did he noticed a man's shadow sliding slowly across the barn. The figure knelt down and A.J. could tell he had a rifle in his hand. "Bub," A.J. whispered to his brother. "I see someone sneaking up the side of the barn."

Bub changed his angle and looked out the front window crack towards the north. "I see him too," he replied. As Bub looked back front towards the front of the house he noticed two shadows moving in the darkness behind a few barrels they had next to the horse coral. "There is two out front here I can see now also," Bub continued. "You see anyone out your side Soph?" Bub asked.

"It could be my eyes playing tricks on me," Soph replied, "but it looks like someone is lying on the ground out there."

"Ok they are obviously trying to surround us," Bub whispered to his brother and sister. "What you think we should do A.J.?" Bub asked.

"They out number us right now," A.J. replied. "If we shoot first and take a few of them out that would probably give us the upper hand having the house as cover," he continued. "Let's each target what we can see. I will then count to three when you all are ready. Let's fire on the three targets at the same time that we can see. Us surprising them and taking out a few will maybe confuse them and give us what we need to either drive them off or kill them."

"That a hell of a plan A.J.," Soph said. "There should be no light coming from inside the house, so we can crack the windows a little bit and get us a good aim on them."

All three of the Davises cracked the windows as quietly as they could and just enough to get a good aim on their targets. "Ok A.J. I got a good bead with the shotgun," Sop said.

"I got one of the two shadows sighted in A.J.," Bub said. "After my first shot I will try and hit the other one before they know what's going on," he continued. "I think we are ready when you are A.J."

"Ok I imagine there is probably someone watching the back as well," A.J. said. "Soph after you empty that first barrel on that shotgun head for the back window and send some shot out it. No need in aiming just shoot to keep anyone down that's out there. Then reload and shoot again. Try and keep them pinned down if there is someone there until Bub and I make sure the front and sides are cleared."

"Ok A.J.," Soph replied. "I am ready when you are."

Everyone had their targets in sight and waiting for A.J. to give the go ahead to shoot. "One," A.J. said. "Two...Three!" The sound of all three guns firing almost simultaneously seemed like it shook the small stone house.

Mike Farland was the first to be hit. A.J. with the lack of support from his left arm pulled the shot some. Mike was thrown violently back against the barn as the .44 slug tore straight through his right shoulder and into the barn barely missing the two goats. The impact of the round disabled Mike instantly as he fell to the ground in agony, still alive, but barely.

Soph didn't even know for sure if the shadow she aimed at was a person or not until she pulled the trigger on her shotgun. She had thought ahead and aimed slightly low of the target so that some of the buckshot would hit the target and the rest would throw rocks and dirt from the ground in front of it at the target as well. Once she fired she knew instantly it was a person as a God awful scream was let out. After she fired she hurried to the west window facing out the back of the house and fired the second barrel blindly out into the dawn.

Sophs initial shotgun blast struck Levi in the mouth and chin, as he was lying on his stomach aiming at the house. The blast almost tore his jaw completely off as he screamed. Several pieces of shot from the shell had punched holes into his neck cutting off any means to breathe. He laid face down as he tried desperately to inhale. Before long he gave in and died.

Bubs first shot found its mark on Jim Farland. The Sharps model 1874 Bub used primarily for hunting fired a huge .45-70 round. It entered Jim about an inch below his chest then exited out his back taking almost a half foot of flesh and backbone with it. He fell immediately back on his knees and to the ground dead as the round ripped through him.

Owen ducked behind the barrels near the horse corral as he seen his brother almost ripped in half beside him. There was a second round that just barely missed him as it flew over his head as he ducked. A chill went through Owen as he heard someone scream to the south of him through the shots being fired. He knew his oldest son Levi was the only one to the south of the house and had either been wounded or was now dead.

Aaron Farland was lying in the grass at the back house aiming at the window. The initial shots that went off made his heart jump as he ducked his head in anticipation of being hit by a round. He immediately knew the first shots weren't at him as he looked back up at the house and seen the window was still closed. Looking at the back window, it flew open and a shotgun blast went off out the window. Aaron heard buckshot fly just above his head. He knew he had to get out of there and to another location as fast as he could before someone shot again.

Aaron jumped to his feet and ran as fast as he could cutting across the side of the house towards the southwest, as came around the south side of the house he seen the dead body of his older brother Levi. He tried to avert his eyes at the sight of his dead brother as his fear grew inside of him. He rounded the southwest side of the house and hoped he could join up with his dad and uncle at the front of the house to try for an escape.

Aaron felt the pain rip through his legs as they were taken out from underneath of him. He fell to the ground hard and yelled out in misery as he realized he couldn't move his legs any more. Lying on his back he pried himself up onto his elbows as he lifted his head to see what had just happened to him. He glanced down and noticed that his legs were torn to shreds in parts to the bone and blood was everywhere. He looked up as the sun had brightened the morning sky to see what had mangled his legs. As he lay dying he noticed a man sitting in a small horse drawn wagon with the reins in his hands, staring back at him in sad disbelief. Standing next to the man was a short woman with curly blond hair pulled back in a small pony tail. He just stared at her as she looked back at him momentarily. She then closed her left eye to re-sight the shotgun at him. He swallowed hard knowing he was about to die, rather she was going to shoot him or he laid there and bled to death. Aaron smiled at her as he seen the blast leave the shotgun almost in slow motion, he felt his chest take the impact, and then was instantly dead.

After their initial shots at the Farlands A.J. joined Bub at the front of the house to help keep pinned down whoever was still out there behind the barrels. Soph cut lose with the shotgun at the back window then yelled at the boys that someone was headed towards the south of the house from her direction. She got up and started to run towards the south window when they all heard a shotgun blast from outside.

They all took cover at the sound of the shot from the south of the house. "What the hell was that?" Bub yelled. "Nothing hit the house! Soph what's going on over there?"

"It wasn't me!" Soph yelled back at Bub. "It came from outside the house!"

"We know it came from outside Soph!" A.J. said. "Window isn't hit in there?"

"No!" Soph replied.

As they yelled back and forth in confusion they heard another shotgun blast go off and then a rifle repeatedly fire. Bub and A.J. looked outside and saw pieces of barrel splintering everywhere next to the horse corral. Bub and A.J. changed their angle and looked to the south out the window. When they noticed the source of the shooting they both looked at each other and smiled as big as they could. "It's Ma and Pa Soph!" A.J. yelled.

Soph joined A.J. and Bub at the front of the house as the boys reloaded and started firing at the barrels next to the horse corral. She opened the front door slightly as she reloaded the shotgun for the third time. When she opened the door she saw her Pa and Ma shooting at the barrels from the front seat of a wagon.

Owen knew that his family had been caught off guard and they were all either dead or wounded badly. He stayed ducked down as he heard round after round hit the barrels he was hiding behind. His rifle lay across his thighs as he tried best he could to keep tucked behind the barrels. Owen knew that he himself would either hang for all of this or he would be shot and killed here today. He cradled his head in the palms of his hands as he looked down towards his rifle sitting in his lap. He only now realized what his greed had cost him and his family. He had more than likely lost all of his sons now, left his wife all alone to defend for herself, and cost him his own life.

Owen took a deep breath and let it out in a long sigh. He shook his head as he finally decided what it was he had to do. He grabbed his rifle in both hands then stood as quickly as he could aiming it at the house. As his upper body cleared the top of the barrels he was hiding behind Owen was hit with several shots and fell dead immediately.

Once everyone seen Owen Farland fall to the ground they stopped shooting. They let the smoke clear before Soph opened the door and she and the boys walked out of the house. To the south of the house they saw Pa helping their mother off the wagon, both still grasped their firearms firmly in their hands.

"Dam boys!" Pa yelled out to them. "I didn't expect to ride into this mess," he continued as he limped towards the house with Ma. "That all of them?"

"That should be all of them that we knew about," A.J. said nursing his arm. "We sure are glad to see you both."

Pa and Ma both noticed A.J.s arm at the same time as he spoke. "Any of you been hit?" Ma asked.

"No I don't think they even got a shot off Ma," A.J. replied as he noticed his parents glancing at his shoulder. "This happened yesterday out in the pasture."

"They didn't even get a shot off?" Pa asked them starting to smile. "You're all ok now then?"

"We are doing just fine now Pa," Soph said as she hugged her parents. "What made you all come out here anyways? You never leave town much anymore."

"Well Sheriff Bob Merkel stopped by the other day after Soph brought those bodies to town," Ma said. "Your father...Well ok I decided we needed to come out and see if you all needed some help," she continued. "We had a few things to get ready around the house before..."

Ma cut herself off when she noticed over Sophs shoulder a man moving on the ground beside the barn. As everyone else looked to see what she was staring at they noticed Mike Farland crawling next to the barn. Although he was severely wounded he was not yet dead. Covering him with their rifles the Davises hurried over to aid the only surviving Farland boy.

"He is injured badly but I think he will live," Ma said. "Soph you hook that horse of yours to the wagon in the barn, you and I will haul Mike into the town doctor," she continued. "You boys help your sister then help me get this boy into the back of the wagon."

"After they get you all set Ma," Pa said, "the boys can help me load these dead bodies and we will take them into town also," he said. "We will drop them at the undertaker then go see the sheriff. Tell him what happened here today."

19

Three days later the sheriff showed up with Mrs. Farland to talk to Bub, A.J., and Soph at their house. Everyone could tell Myra Farland had been crying off and on for days now since her eyes looked so red. There wasn't enough room in the tiny two room house for everyone so the boys brought the kitchen table out into the front yard and set up enough chairs for everyone there. Soph made some coffee and they all set down to talk at the table.

"You all know Mrs. Farland?" the sheriff asked Soph, A.J., and Bub.

"Yes we know who she is Sheriff," Bub replied as his sister and brother nodded their heads. "What can we do for you two Sheriff?" he asked.

"I am really sorry over what my husband and the rest of my family did to you all," Mrs. Farland said. "I don't blame any of you for doing what you done. My family forced you into it I know that," she continued. "I want you all to know I knew they planned to take some of your cattle to try and run you all off the land. Also I thought those plans had quit the day Jim and his boys were caught sneaking onto your land," she said as she started to cry. "After you threatened them I had no idea they would continue with their plan or I would have put a stop to it. Now my boys are all gone," she finished as she started to cry harder.

Bub and A.J. didn't know what to say or do as they watched Mrs. Farland cry. Soph scooted her chair closer to Myra Farland and held her as she cried. "We don't blame you Mrs. Farland at all," Soph said comforting her. "We all know if you knew it was going to be violent at all you would have stopped it."

"I also came here boys to let you know about Mike Farland," the sheriff said. "He was mending up nicely and was at the point the judge was going to have him moved to the jail before his trail," Sheriff Markel continued. "He ran off yesterday before my deputies could detain him. They are on the search for him but they haven't been able to turn up anything yet."

"Well that's not good news," Bub said as he struck a match to light his pipe. "I am not sure how involved he really was, but I do know he was part of the ambush that was here," Bub said as he puffed on his pipe. "If it wasn't for Ma and Pa showing up like they did Mike and Owen could have pinned us down in the house there for a while."

"You are going to search for him personally too Sheriff?" A.J. asked.

"I will throughout our county yes, but that is as far as my jurisdiction lays boys I'm sorry."

"How many of your heads of cattle have you lost now because of my family?" Myra Farland asked as she finally stopped crying.

"Mrs. Farland as of right now we really can't say," A.J. replied. "There was several hundred taken to begin with which were probably sold at the cattle auction by your husband," he continued. "Then the day they ambushed us the first time we seen where they had shot about half of what was left. Since then the cattle have been scattered all over our land and with me still healing we haven't had time to track them all down yet."

"Well I didn't come here to just apologize and cry on your all shoulders asking for forgiveness," Mrs. Farland said. "I knew you all had kind enough hearts to forgive me without me even coming out here with the Sheriff," she said. "I came to make things right between our families. The land we have has been in my husband's family for years," she continued. "Now there is no one to work that land the right way it deserves. I am moving back to Arkansas to live with my sister who lost her husband about three years ago," she said pulling several pieces of paper from her satchel. "In exchange for the cattle you all have lost I want to give you and your family our land."

A.J. and Soph looked at Bub who started choking on his pipes smoke. "You're going to to do what?" Bub asked as his face turned red and his eyes teared up from coughing.

"I am going to give you all our land and everything on it," Mrs. Farland repeated herself to the group. "The sheriff is here to sign as a witness to my signature on this here deed."

"That is entirely too much Mrs. Farland," Soph stated. "We don't want you to leave and you personally don't owe us anything."

"Well dear it isn't up to you. It's my land to give now my husband and our sons are dead," Myra said. "I already talked to your folks about it and they tried convincing me also to stay for a while and think on it," she continued. "I have already made up my mind. There isn't anything left for me here and I know you all will take good care of the land."

"If you ever head back this way Mrs. Farland or change your mind please let us know and we will do what we can to get you back the land," A.J. said still in disbelief.

"I know you all will," she replied as she signed the deed, "but I won't be back there is too many bad memories here now."

Mrs. Farland stood up after signing the deed and hugged Soph, A.J., and Bub. "Sheriff please take me back to town so I can be on my way," she said as she headed back towards the wagon.

"You folks take care and if anything comes up on Mike Farland I will be sure to let you all know," Sheriff Markel said as he turned and escorted Mrs. Farland to the wagon.

"What are we going to do with all that land Bub," A.J. asked as the Sheriff and Mrs. Farland rode out of sight.

Bub turned to him and smiled as he said, "I can only think of one person that knows what to do with that land and house A.J."

20

Pa helped Ma up onto the seat of the wagon then climbed slowly up himself. As he grabbed the reins he stared at his wife next to him who had already started knitting as she usually did when she was sitting. He noticed her curly blond hair was pulled back in a ponytail just the way he liked it. He smiled to himself as he snapped the reins to alert the horses it was time to move.

"Erie I think a few days out in the country with our kids will be just what we need," Pa said looking at his wife. "Sure has been a lot going on it seems like lately and we all could sure use a break."

"I agree honey," Ma replied. "I will enjoy spending a few days with my daughter while you boys ready that cabin and land they got from Myra Farland," she continued as she smiled teasingly at him.

He smiled back and then his face turned serious as he said, "You know I wish I could get to be more helpful again."

"You are helpful," Ma said. "Rather you know it or not you giving our kids that land to work for themselves has provided for us all. They all Love us very much and they know they wouldn't have had that land if it wasn't for you. You gave them a way to make themselves a good future. We can't watch over them forever honey, although I wish we could," she said smiling.

"I know your right Erie," Pa said, "it's just hard coming to terms with the fact that our kids are grown now."

Pa looked straight ahead as he drove the horse team and wagon towards his kid's home on the ranch. After thinking for a while he looked at his wife, then noticing he was staring she looked back at him and smiled. He kissed her on the lips and said, "I hope them kids all know I will always be proud of them."

Thank you for reading my book. If you enjoyed it, won't you please take a moment to leave me a review at your favorite retailer?

Thank you very much,

R.B. Nease

108

