Danny Read online

  * * *

  On the evening of the third day, the fort came into view. It was in a wide valley by the river. Dozens of horses filled a coral, but there were no cattle and no place to contain any that they could see.

  “What do we do now?” Edie asked.

  “You wait here. I’ll go find the colonel.”

  An hour passed before Dan returned, but when he did he had a troop of soldiers with him.

  “Edie,” Dan said, “this is Lieutenant Brien. He and his men will take charge of the cows. We’ve been invited to have dinner with Colonel Mabry and his wife. Lieutenant Brien will join us.”

  “Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Calem,” the lieutenant acknowledged extending his hand. “You are even more beautiful than Dan said you were. I’ll escort you to your quarters where you can refresh yourselves and rest a bit before dinner. Will you need anything special for the child, Mrs. Calem? We have other children on base who would love to have a new playmate, and their mothers would be glad to watch your daughter while you enjoy a carefree dinner with the colonel and his wife.”

  “Thank you, Lieutenant Brien. I can’t think of anything that Venie needs right now, but I’m sure she will love to have friends to play with.”

  “We didn’t expect to be invited to dinner,” Dan said. “I could use a hot bath, a shave, and a change of clothes.”

  “You’re a bit larger than average, but I think the base store will have clothes to fit you. They also have a ladies department, Mrs. Calem.”

  “Calling me Mrs. Calem is proper, but it’s a bit too formal. Could you call me Edie? I’d like that better.”

  “Of course, Edie, I prefer informality as well.”

  Lieutenant Brien led them to the officers’ quarters.

  The quarters were sparsely furnished, but the beds were comfortable, and there was plenty of hot water for a bath.

  A motherly woman, the master sergeant’s wife, came to Edie and Venie’s quarters with her little daughter, Josie, who was about Venie’s age. Venie was eager to play, but she was shy. She seldom had a chance to play with other children, and she didn’t know what to expect. It didn’t take her long, however, to take Josie’s hand, and as they left she was laughing.

  * * *

  Dan had given Edie one of the fifty-dollar gold pieces, and she was surprised at the fashionable dresses available at the store. She bought a blue dress that fit snuggly with a low-cut neckline. Even she was surprised at how well she looked. Shoes were more of a problem, but she found a pair that not only looked good but also fit well.

  Dan bought pants, shirt, boots, and hat—a complete outfit. After he dressed, his gun seemed out of place so he left it in his room. He and Edie made a handsome pair when they arrived at the colonel’s door.

  Colonel Mabry and his wife, Rhoda, came to the door. Rhoda was taller than most women with a youthful, shapely body. Strands of gray decorated hair that had once been black, and her blue eyes sparkled with intensity that let you know that she was interested in everything you were saying. She was strikingly beautiful and welcomed them to sit on the veranda for a glass of wine.

  The sun was setting behind the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the far distance, and high, thin clouds cast a veil of luminous colors across the vast open prairie that reflected off the mountains.

  Colonel Mabry and Dan stood enjoying the view while Rhoda and Edie chatted quietly.

  Referring to her husband by his rank, Rhoda confided, “The colonel told me of how Dan rescued Lieutenant Brien from a gunfighter in a saloon. Dan worked there for a while, I was told, and he cleaned the place up to where our soldiers could have a drink without putting themselves in compromising situations. Dan is a fine man, the colonel says, and we are pleased to have you as our guest.”

  The colonel was talking about helping, but Dan wanted to make sure the colonel knew who he was helping.

  “Before this goes any farther,” Dan said, “I have a story to tell. Perhaps it’s more of a confession. You be the judge of that.” He then told the colonel of his predicament. The colonel listened intently and sympathetically.

  Dan concluded his story by telling the colonel, “After I get Edie’s problems solved, I want to return to my hometown and clear my name. Everyone in town were friends of my parents. It’s been four years since I’ve been back, but I think I can get a fair hearing, although I don’t know what kind of law Videll has now.”

  Rhoda and Edie had joined the men, and Rhoda overheard Dan’s story and offered to help. “My brother is a prominent attorney in Indian Territory. If I ask him to, he’ll represent you in court. I’ll write him a letter tonight and tell him to expect your call. I’ll tell him the story you told us. His name is Bradford Eaton.”

  Turning to her housekeeper, Rhoda said, “Rosa, someone is at the door. It should be Lieutenant Brien. Would you ask him to join us on the veranda?”

  Lieutenant Brien was dressed in his best uniform. He was charming, and he attended to Edie almost as though he was courting her. She liked the attention, but she was aware that she was with Dan. Lieutenant Brien obviously respected Dan, and it showed in the way he spoke.

  Dinner started with a salad, flavored with red wine dressing garnished with pinion nuts. Sautéed veal and fresh garden vegetables followed. For dessert, Rhoda served bread pudding.

  The conversation was light but stimulating. After dinner, Dan stated their purpose for bringing the cattle.

  “Colonel Mabry, you said that if I ever needed your help, all I had to do was ask. Well, I need your help, and I’m asking. Edie and her husband borrowed money from the bank in Lone Hill to keep their ranch running. They paid the entire loan except for the last two payments of one hundred each.

  “When Ed tried to make a payment, the banker refused to accept it and demanded payment in full. Ed was not prepared to make full payment but he promised to make the payment before it was due. But Banker Bartle had no intention of accepting payment— part or in full—he wanted the ranch for himself.

  “As Ed and Edie started to leave the office, the banker ordered Sheriff Taggert to arrest Ed for disorderly conduct. Sheriff Taggert then drew his pistol, shot and killed Ed claiming that Ed resisted arrest. This was done right before Edie’s eyes.” Dan continued even though this was painful for Edie to listen to, noticed her wipe the tears from her eyes.

  “A neighbor rancher, Ganus McClure, was also present and noted that Ed wasn’t even wearing a gun. When Ganus made that observation, the banker reminded him that he, too, owed money to the bank. Under the threat of a similar foreclosure and possible death, Ganus backed down. That left Edie a widow with a child to raise and a mortgage to pay. She had cattle to sell, but no one would buy her cattle because they were afraid of the sheriff.

  “Edie then tried to make the payment, but the banker refused her also. The sheriff couldn’t kill a woman and leave an orphaned child, but he could stop her from getting the money, and in two months the banker would own the ranch he would be well rewarded.

  “That’s why we have driven ten cows so far. Even if you buy the cows, Edie will still need someone to witness her making payment to the bank.” Dan stopped in front of the colonel and looked squarely into his eyes. “Two hired killers were waiting to ambush us and steal the cattle. I was forced to kill them, and when I searched them I found a bill of sale for Edie’s cattle and money on them.”

  “I’m pleased that you have come to me with this problem,” the colonel said. “It seems that others in that community are experiencing the same problem with the same man, and for the same reason. For a long time, I have needed a reason to take corrective action, and now you have given me one.” He turned to Edie. “You say you have a month left to make the mortgage payment?”

  “That’s right,” Edie confirmed.

  “The timing is perfect. Lieutenant Brien has just made his monthly tour through that area, and he will return in a month. Will that give you sufficient time to be at the bank at ten o’clock in the morning, one month fr
om today?”

  “We’ll be there,” Edie chimed in, “and what a relief it will be.”

  The colonel smiled, patted her hand, and said, “Edie, you couldn’t be in better hands. I’ve had numerous reports from my men on how efficient Dan can be in solving difficult problems. He would make a fine officer. It’s too bad about men like Banker Bartle. Men like him make my job harder, but we usually bring them to heel when people like you and Dan stand up to them. I wonder if you know what a remarkable thing you have done by driving a herd of cattle over a hundred miles through hostile country. We’ll buy your herd and pay you fifty dollars per head. Edie, why don’t you stay here and talk to Rhoda while Dan, the lieutenant, and I take care of business.”

  After the men left, Rhoda and Edie got down to the business of talking woman talk.

  “Edie, that young man is in love with you,” Rhoda stated. “But I feel a strained relationship. Do you want to tell me about it?”

  “As Dan mentioned, the banker had the sheriff kill my husband about a year ago. I loved my husband, and I feel guilty loving anyone else. Dan tries to get close, but I push him away. It has happened more than once, and Dan has stopped trying.”

  “Your story is all too common. In the army, many men are killed in action, and their wives feel the same way you do. As the wife of the commanding officer, I have to counsel them, so I feel qualified to counsel you. Do you want to know what I think?”

  “I could use some advice, that’s for sure,” Edie agreed.

  “Does your daughter like Dan?” Rhoda inquired.

  “She adores him.”

  “Children are perceptive. If a child likes a man, he is usually good Does Dan have bad habits?”

  “He doesn’t drink. He doesn’t smoke. He uses coarse language when he gets angry, but other than that, he has no faults that I am aware of.”

  “He’s a handsome man, but sometimes that isn’t enough. The chemistry has to be right. I don’t see a chemistry problem where Dan is concerned. Do you have a problem?”

  “Oh, I want him, but I’m not sure I love him. If I loved him, why would I keep pushing him away?”

  “If I read Dan right, and I think I do, you’ll have to go to him because he won’t come to you. If you want him enough to do that, then love will come, but whatever you do, don’t make him feel that you’re paying him for helping you by offering yourself as a reward.”

  Rhoda faced Edie to make sure the next few words were not going to hurt her feelings. “When Dan worked in a saloon as a bouncer, some of the girls wanted him, and he turned them down. That is something you should bear in mind. He can get all the women he wants with money, so why should he buy you? Whores offer no encumbrances, and you’re loaded, with your daughter and all. . . . I’m sorry if that’s harsh, Edie, but we have very little time to talk, and these things need saying.”

  “It does seem a bit harsh, but I know you’re right. You are a good friend, and I appreciate it. I’ll just have to work it out.”

  “The men will be returning soon. Will you be staying at the fort for a while? You’re welcome, you know.”

  “Thank you, but I don’t think so,” Edie politely stated. “Dan is restless, and we left the ranch unattended. We’ve got lots of things that need doing at the ranch.”

  “When Dan gets everything done, and you get the mortgage paid, he’s going to feel like he isn’t needed anymore, and he will leave. That ranch house is going to feel awfully empty when he’s gone.”

  Before Edie could respond, Dan came through the door with a check in his hand.

  “Edie,” he exclaimed waving the check, “the army bought all your cows for fifty dollars a head. They paid with a bank draft, so we can’t cash it until the lieutenant makes his next round. The banker will have to take the mortgage payment out of the bank note. Now all we have to do is get back to your ranch and get it in order. With your approval, we’ll leave tomorrow morning.”

  “Tomorrow morning will be fine, Dan. Let’s get a good night’s sleep because we won’t even see a bed for a couple of nights.” She turned to the others. “Goodnight, Colonel Mabry; goodnight, Lieutenant Brien. I’ll look forward to seeing you in Lone Hill. And Rhoda, thank you for a wonderful evening and a fabulous meal. Will you be coming to Lone Hill?”

  “If the colonel allows it, I’ll be there. Goodnight, and don’t forget our talk”

  “I won’t forget,” Edie responded. “If you are ever out our way, please stop by. My ranch is about a hundred miles east of here on a branch of the Canadian River. If we don’t run into trouble, we’ll be home in two or three days.”

  Chapter 8

  The next morning, a sergeant showed up at the door with their wagon loaded with supplies.

  The trip home would be easier than the trip out, because they didn't have animals to contend with.

  Dan sold the two dry-gulchers’ unbranded horses to the military for a hundred dollars each rather than take them back to the ranch and have people ask where he got them. The army would brand them and put them to good use.

  They were in a hurry to get home and pressed on until sunset, and then camped in a glade by the river. Dan avoided bathing with Edie because he would sleep better if he didn’t watch her bathe.

  Edie was keenly aware of Dan’s reticence and she was disappointed, but she understood.

  Rhoda was right. If she wanted Dan, she would have to make the first move. The wagon was a bit crowded with Venie sleeping in the bed so she would wait for a better time.

  Dan made a point of avoiding the place where the gunfight had taken place; Edie noticed and respected his reason.

  On the third day, the sun was still an hour above the horizon when they rounded a bend in the river and saw the ranch house nestled among the cottonwoods. It was a peaceful scene, and Dan saw tears in Edie’s eyes and knew that she was remembering happy times. Dan could compete with a live man, but how could he compete with a memory? He decided that the moment he got everything in order, he would move on. To do otherwise would violate his promise.

  * * *

  The month passed quickly. They fixed the shed behind the barn, and Dan was sleeping there now, but he still ate his meals in the big house with Edie and Venie. After dinner, Dan read bedtime stories to Venie. She wouldn’t go to sleep until Dan tucked her in and told her goodnight. To prevent any awkwardness, Dan always left quickly, but on this night, a bullet smashed the window behind Dan’s head and splintered the wood in the wall.

  Dan grabbed Venie from her bed and pushed her under it, while Edie grabbed the shotgun from over the door.

  “Who do you reckon that is?” Edie exclaimed, trying to stay calm. “Why would anyone want to rob us? Surely they can see that we’re just barely making it.” Then she remembered. “Maybe they heard about our selling the cows to the army, but who would have told them?”

  “Those aren’t robbers; they’re killers, and they’ve already been paid. I’d guess there are two and maybe three out there. Edie, you and Venie crawl into that corner away from the window. Can you shoot?”

  “I can shoot a shotgun, and I can usually hit what I’m shooting at, if it isn’t too far away. Ed’s rifle and handgun are on the top shelf of that closet.”

  “You’d better get them, and if Ed had extra cartridges, bring those, too. Stay low and stay away from the windows. I’ve got my pistol and rifle; the guns I harvested off Basel are sitting in the corner where I left them last night. We have an arsenal. I think we can hold them off, if you load while I shoot.” Dan looked at the bullet hole on the wall. “I must be lucky. The bullet that smashed that window would have hit me right in the head if the bar in that window hadn’t deflected it.”

  “I’ll put Venie in the root cellar. She’ll be safe there, and then I can help watch for trouble as I reload your guns. If those men had seen you shoot, they wouldn’t be here.”

  “They’re probably gunfighters who are just passing through, and they’re probably pretty good with guns themselves. The
town of Lone Hill is in Texas, and your ranch is in the Territory of New Mexico. Sheriff Taggert has no authority in New Mexico, and he and the banker probably heard about our fracas with Basel Haliford, and they hired wandering gunmen to eliminate us. I wonder how much they charge for killing women and kids.”

  “Dan, I just saw a man peek around the corner of the barn,” Edie commented almost solemnly. “They’re planning something.”

  “Keep an eye on that barn,” Dan exchanged without the least bit of solemnness. “I’ll watch this side. They’ve got trees for cover over on this side of the house, and if I were them, this is where I’d concentrate my attack.”

  “The one that came out of the barn is carrying a lantern,” Edie observed with concern this time. “Why would he need a lantern—it isn’t dark.”

  “That lantern is filled with kerosene,” Dan explained. “They’re going to burn us out. I’ve seen that done before, and if they get kerosene on this house, all they have to do is throw a match, and the show is over. You watch this side. I’ll try to stop that arsonist before he can throw that lantern.”

  The man carrying the lantern was fifty yards away, and Dan didn’t dare let him get closer, so he shot the killer in the right shoulder causing him to drop the lantern. The killer was a lefty; he drew and fired his revolver with his left hand, blasting a hole only inches from Dan’s head as he ran back into the barn.

  “Wow, that was close,” Dan said. “He’s good with his gun, all right. I wonder how many more there are.”

  “There are at least two over here. I saw them run for cover when they heard you shoot. I think its Sheriff Taggert!”

  “Did either have a lantern?”

  “I didn’t see any, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have one.”