FRIENDS – CHAPTER 2
"OK, Jess you head over to Doc's about that head of yours, while I finish getting the supplies and loading the wagon. Meet me at the General Store."
"OK Slim, Reckon, I won't be long." Jess agreed.
Slim watched his partner cross the street to the Doctor's Office, then strode over to the General Store thinking the ride home was going to be anything but pleasant for his partner.
Doc Hanson answer the door at his first knock. "Jess." he greeted his friend. "Come on in. How's that head of your's feelin?" he asked."
"The wagon ride in gave me a horrible headache." Jess complained.
"Come on in." The Doc led the way to his office. Once he had the cowboy seated he checked Jess's eyes and examined his head wound. "Looks like the gash where he hit you is healing up fine Jess. I can give you somethin' to drink to help with the headache." The Doc stepped over to the counter pouring Jess a glass of brown-colored liquid from one of the many bottles in his cabinet then rummaged about till he found a small bag of tea. The Doc handed the glass to Jess. "Drink this down son and take this packet with you." He handed Jess a small brown bag explaining. "This is a tea you can brew to help with the headaches. Put a spoonful in a cup of boiling water. Try drinking a cup in the morning before heading out and one at noon. I want you resting up a couple times a day. Don't push yourself. You'll be feeling like your old self in a couple days."
"Ain't gonna happen. Seems the army needs their remounts by the end of the month." Jess stood to leave. "Thanks, Doc. I'd best get over to the store, Slim's waitin' on me." The Doc saw Jess to the door. "I'm serious young fella, don't push yourself to hard." he warned the cowboy.
Jess smiled. "Thank's Doc, my head feels better already." he headed across the street to find Slim.
Slim was stowing the last of their supplies in the wagon when Jess arrived. "Ready, Pard?" he asked reaching over to help the Texan up into the buckboard. "You can tell me what the Doc had to say on the ride home."
Jess shook his hand off. "I ain't needin' any help." he scowled.
"And you call me hard rock." Slim chided his partner, watching Jess grimace in pain as he pulled himself up onto the seat. Slim climbed up next. Untying the reins, he called "Giddy up." to the team and settled back for the long ride home. "Well Jess!" Slim prodded. "What did the Doc have to say?"
"Just said to take it easy. Gave me some tea to drink for the headaches. He figures I'll still have these dang dizzy spells for another couple days." Jess explained to Slim as he pulled his hat low over his eyes trying to shade them from the bright sunlight. Jess tried his best to keep still resting his head in his hands. The bouncing buckboard was making his headache worse. A while later, giving up, he sat up and pushed his hat brim back a little to look at Slim.
"I've been thinking, Pard, you were right when you told me it's gonna take a while to settle down after all that's happened at the ranch during these past weeks and this dam headache sure ain't helpin." Jess grimaced. "I'm sorry I was so hard to live with when Luke was here, but dang it Slim, I was so afraid he was gonna kill ya and Andy spouting off 'bout him bein' his best friend."
"I know Jess. I'm sorry for not believing you. We could of all been killed." Slim spoke softly. "Try to settle down Jess, when we get home I'll unload. You lay down. I'll wake you for dinner."
"Don't know if reheated beans is even worth the effort of getting up." Jess attempted a smile.
Slim gave Jess a "wounded look", bringing a timid smile to his friend's lips. The rancher moved his attention from his partner to the team, concentrating on his driving as they crossed Stone creek. With all the rain they'd had lately the team balked, snorting their dislike at crossing the fast running stream. Slim kept a tight hold on the reins and once safely across, he urged the team along the winding canyon road anxious to get home. "Get up Clem, come on Betsy, we got ourselves one ornery Texan to deliver home," Slim called to the team. The ranch was just over the rise sitting at the bottom of the Canyon. He turned to grin at his partner and noted Jess was asleep. Slim figured the Doc must have given the cowboy something to relax him, otherwise it was hard to believe Jess could sleep on the bouncing wagon seat.
As the wagon entered the ranch yard, Slim shook Jess."Come on Pard, wake up, we're home."
Jess opened his eyes a slit. "Home, seems sorta lonely without Jonesy and Andy." He rubbed his eyes and stretched.
"We'll be OK, Quickdraw, done it before. Get inside and rest up like the Doc told ya. The trip to town and back was likely too much for that head of yours."
"OK Slim." Jess agreed.
The Texan climbed down from the buckboard and walked gingerly across the porch to enter the house. Slim sprang down from, frowning as he watched Jess. The cowboy seemed to be moving as if his head hurt worse. Slim went about unloading the supplies placing the boxes and sacks on the porch to be put away later. Slim noted the darkening sky and hoped the storm would hold off till he finished unloading. The rancher drove the wagon over to the barn, unhitched and tended the team.
On his way out of the barn Slim stopped at Alamo's stall, He stroked the large chestnut's soft muzzle palming him a treat; then turned his attention to Jess's bay. "He'll be OK, Trav. just take some time," he assured his friend's mount, scratching Trav in his favorite spot between his eyes. The horse snorted and nodded as if agreeing.
Leaving the barn, Slim was pleased to see Jess sitting in his rocker on the porch. The packages and sacks were gone. Jess must of put them away. At this distance it looked as if the cowboy could be dozing but Slim couldn't tell as his partner's face was hidden in the shadows.
Slim stopped mid-stride thinking he'd heard a wagon. The stage wasn't due till five. Sure enough, a small buckboard laden with two women and a small boy crested the hill and approached the ranch. Slim stood in the yard waiting for the wagon. The driver appeared to be an elderly woman; her hair pulled back under a large Stetson. She brought the team to a stop next to him. The team moved restlessly and the horse on the far side snorted, pulling at his reins as a chicken darted between his legs, clucking loudly. "Whoa, whoa there," the woman called to the team pulling hard on the reins. Calming the team down she turned her attention back to the the tall rancher.
"Are you Slim Sherman?" She asked as she handed the reins over to the petite, young, red-haired woman sitting next to her. Slim reached up to help the elderly woman down.
"Yes ma'am, this is the Sherman Relay station. I'm Slim Sherman." Slim politely removed his hat and nodded a greeting.
"Mr. Sherman, I'm Fran MacLarnon. This here's my daughter Annie Hudson, she pointed to the redhead and my son Bert." Thunder boomed from the rapidly darkening sky, shaking the windows of the small ranch house. The noise woke Jess on the porch. He stood,watching as the petite redhead pulled hard on the reins talking softly to the restless team.
"Maybe we'd best get everyone inside." Slim spoke over the sound of the thunder. The tall man looked over at Jess. His partner wasn't going to be happy over a houseful of strange females.
"Come on, hurry, get inside before the rain starts." Slim reached to help Annie and Bert down from the small wagon gathering their belongings. "Take these and get inside." he instructed the women.
"I'll unhitch and turn the horses out." He offered as lightening lit up the sky once more followed by another loud boom. The horses started to stomp and snort. Slim grabbed their lead and led them toward the barn away from the light show. The women and boy ran towards the house. Jess watched from the porch turning to hold the door open for the strangers to enter. Once inside the ladies peered about the small ranch house looking for a place to set down their belongings.
"Just put your stuff over there along the wall." Jess drawled indicating the area between two doors. They set their bags down. The older woman removed her gloves and Stetson, placing them on top of her bag.
"Say, ain't you Ma MacLarnon from the Hudson relay station just West of Billings? Jess asked. "Ma'am you took care of me when I was wounded riding shotgun last year. I remember sittin' on your porch watching Annie help her man tame those wild mustangs."
"Jess, I didn't recognize you at first. Those blue eyes of yours are something I'll never forget. You look pale tonight, are you alright?" Ma asked.
"Yes, Ma'am, just kinda worn down from the long wagon trip to town and back home. Y'all make yourselves comfortable at the table and I'll get some coffee on. Excuse me, Ma'am, but y'all look kinda' tired yourselves. Did you come all the way from Billings?" he asked.
Ma MacLarnon studied the young man. The cowboy had called this ranch home. She thought she'd heard Mose say the hired man was ill and she wondered if there was another man about?
"Mose, told us Sherman's hired man was ill, is their another man here, Jess?" she asked.
"No Ma'am." That was me. I was clubbed on the head a few days ago. Still not feeling quite myself. I'll get the coffee on. Y'all sit down and rest up a bit; least till this storm's over."
Jess eyed the boy. "Bert, is that right?" he asked. The boy nodded.
"How bout' a glass of milk son? Sorry, don't have cake or anythin' sweet to offer. Slim and me just got back from Laramie. Drove Slim's younger brother to town so he could catch the stage heading East to St. Louis."
Outside Slim watered, groomed and fed the tired team. He stepped onto the porch just as the first fat raindrops fell. For a few moments he stood very still admiring the light show. The mountains ligting up with each flash, thunderheads boiled above him. Slim ran his hand along the stubble on his chin. He wondered what kinda of storm awaited him inside. Taking a deep breath, he entered the ranch house, hanging his hat on the rack by the door. With a 'wondering smile' he viewed, the scene unfolding in front of him. Yeah, Jess was always full of surprises. Jess, the females and the youngster were seated at the table drinking coffee and gossiping like old friends.
Slim grinned, delighted Jess was actually smiling and talking with his hands. He'd been so quiet lately. Even the way Jess sat, relaxed, with his free hand resting across the small boy's shoulder. For the first time in weeks the Texan seemed his old self; Jess glanced over at his partner and smiled.
"Pard, this is Ma MacLarnon, 'member she's the one I told you about. She took real good care of me at the Hudson Relay Station when I caught that bullet in the arm, riding shotgun, just outta Billings." Jess turned towards the woman. "Mose told me you folks had terrible Indian trouble down that way and that your station was burned out."
"Mr. Sherman, Jess, that's the reason we're here. We're not sure what to do and have no place to live on account of the Indian uprising last Spring. The soldiers had absolutely insisted the ranchers send their women and children into Billings. Sure enough the Sioux attacked the relay station killing our menfolk, burning our homes and poisoning our wells. If that wasn't bad enough they stole our horses and killed the rest of our livestock. Nothing's left 'cept the few belongings we'd taken to Billings with us and the wagon. We're broke and homeless." Mrs. MacLarnon stopped catching her breath. Tears glistened in her blue eyes. "In town last week I over-heard Mose, the old stage driver, talking 'bout the Sherman Relay Station. He said the hired-man had been injured," she indicated Jess, "and your brother and cook were away living in St Louis. So, Mr. Sherman, my Annie and I took a chance. We want to know if we could work out a deal?" Her voice quaked, but she continued.
"Would you be willing to put us up, give us a place to sleep and eat? In return we'll cook, do house chores, yard work and deal with the stage passengers. Mr. Sherman, we're hard workers. We know how to change teams and muck a barn as well as any man. Jess here can attest to that. We won't expect a wage. We know we're asking a great deal of you to take on three extra mouths to feed this time of year."
Slim didn't know what to say. This wasn't what he'd expected. He stood tall crossing his arms over his chest.
"Well, can we work out a deal, Mr. Sherman?"
"I'll have to talk it over with, Jess, ma'am. My partner's had a tough couple of weeks." Slim explained.
"See, after the war ended Mort Cory and I rode together for awhile. Somehow we ended up joining a vigilante posse in Abobe Wells, Kansas. The McKeever family had been terrorizing the town. The town was tired of the abuse and formed a Vigilante Committee to fight the McKeever gang. The McKeevers were waiting for us when we rode into town. After the fight, we rounded up what was left of the McKeevers and their men and hung 'em. I'm not proud of what we did, but it needed doing. Can't say I'd ever do it again.
As it turned out, Ed McKeever, the youngest brother, was the only survivor of the raid. He'd been hunting down and killing the men who rode with us one by one. Mort and I were the only two left. He was determined to see us both die, then his revenge would be complete.
I hired a man, Luke Gregg, to help break the mustangs Jess and I had gathered. I knew Gregg was a gunslinger. What I didn't know is that he was working as a hired gun for Ed McKeever to find Mort and me. Anyways, Luke was handy about the ranch; he and Andy became fast friends. My brother and I were hoping Luke would give up his gun and stay on here. We wanted to help Luke find a home like we'd helped Jess. Except Jess was positive Luke was tied in with McKeever and that I was in danger. It turned out, my partner was right.
Luke, the man I believed was going straight, clubbed Jess on the head with his six-gun so hard it knocked him out. I should of listened to him, he was right all along. I thought he was jealous of Gregg being such good friends with Andy." Slim remembered what he'd said to Jess. "Is that why you're sore, 'cause Andy's top dog now. He shook his head in disgust. How could he and Andy have doubted his judgment? "You see, Jess figured it out, but Andy and I wouldn't believe him. My foolishness almost got us all killed."
"Slim." Jess broke in. "It may be a fool idea thinking this will work. Reckon it's your ranch, you decide. I'll side with you whichever you choose."
Slim smiled, he uncrossed his arms and walked over to stand behind Jess' chair, placing a hand on each shoulder. "OK, Jess." He nodded. "If you're sure you're able to tolerate a houseful of females and a small boy, let's do it. " Slim turned to the women. "We've got a deal Mrs. MacLarnon."
"Please call me Ma, everyone does." The woman smiled.
"Guess we best show you ladies where you'll be sleeping. It's getting late and will take some time to clean up my Ma's old room."
Slim opened the door behind the kitchen, Ma followed. The room was furnished with a large bed, two dressers and a trunk. It looked as if the room had been empty a long while with boxes and large sacks laying haphazardly about the floor.
"You and Annie can share Ma's room and there's another small room here." Slim led the way to the next door stepping out of the way so the women could enter.
"This room has two small beds and a dresser." Slim pointed out." Bert can bed down here. Tonight he'll sleep in with us men and you two will sleep here. Tomorrow we'll clean out Ma's room and move the supplies to the storage area behind the kitchen.
"I know you ladies may need some warm clothing with winter coming. The trunk in the small bedroom is full up with Andy's and my old clothes and some of Pa's. The closet in Ma's room has old old winter jackets, Ma's clothes and her sewing basket. Help yourself to what you need."
"Thanks Mr. Sherman. I'm sure we can organize everything."
"I'll move the trunk from the small bedroom into the sitting room to give you more room for your bags. The dressers are empty you're welcome to use them." Slim turned to Bert.
"Son there's a small trunk in Andy's room filled with his old toys. Your welcome to them."
The boy's eyes lit up. "Thank you sir."
"Slim, call me Slim." The tall rancher instructed the youngster.
"Yes sir, I mean Slim." he answered. "Can I look in the trunk now Ma?" he asked.
Ma smiled. "After dinner will be soon enough. We all have work to do now."
"What time do you want dinner ready and when does the next coach arrive?" Ma asked.
Slim looked to Jess. "I think we're all pretty hungry. How bout some sandwiches now and then about 6:30 for supper. The coach will arrive at 5:00 pm and they'll expect to be fed. There are ham slices to fry up for the passengers. The money jar is in the cupboard. Since you're cooking, you're welcome to a third of the take."
"Sounds good. Jess, could you show me where the bread, meat and cheese for sandwiches is kept? Then you can head out to help Slim with the stock. Soon as you men finish we'll eat."
The wet muddy yard was steaming from the hot sun. Slim and Jess soon had the horses harnessed and ready for the stage. Slim sent Jess back to the house while he finished up in the barn. As soon as he finished his barn work, he headed back to the house for sandwiches. Slim cleaned the mud from his boots before entering the house. He was surprised to smell bread baking and find Annie rolling out a pie crust. Jess was sitting at the table busy peeling apples as Slim had told him to rest for a bit. He noticed Ma had pulled out a big iron pot to start a stew for their supper.
To Ma's surprise Jess finished peeling the apples, then pulled out the potatoes and set to work peeling them while she cut up meat and vegetables for the stew. Slim finished up his sandwich and decided to help Annie and Bert clean out his Ma's room. When Jess finished with the potatoes, the Texan mixed up the sourdough; setting it aside to rise for dinner.
"Jess, I don't think you needed a cook at all." Ma teased
"Well, Slim told me to take it easy and I'm tired of sitting around. Sides Ma," Jess smiled. "I only cook beans. Believe me, Slim and I will be glad to have regular meals. You're welcome to make extra baked goods to sell to the stage passengers. Most likely you and Slim can come to an agreement as to what to charge."
"Sounds good, Jess. It will give us a chance to make some extra money and get outta your hair sooner. How long you been working for Sherman?"
"Just about a year, Ma, 'it's my home now."
The older woman was surprised by the Texan's statement. She wiped her hands on her apron. "I thought you were the hired hand, Jess?"
"Yes Ma, I am. Took a long time to find a place to call home. Slim, he treats me like a brother. Guess he's the best friend I've ever had."
"I'm glad son, many men search a lifetime and never find a place to belong."
"Yeah, I know." Jess ducked his head..
Slim entered the kitchen catching the tail end of the conversation. He was relieved to hear Jess wasn't planning on leaving. After all they'd been through with Luke Gregg and McKeever, he'd been afraid Jess might decide to ride out.
"You best lay down, Pard. I'm hoping you can help me out in the barn after supper." Slim noted Jess' flushed look, and hoped it was just the heat from the stove.
"OK Slim, I'll rest up on the sofa, wanta' watch what's goin' on out here."
"That's fine Jess." Slim agreed.
Jess moved over to the settee to lay down and punched up a pillow so he was propped up enough to keep an eye on what was going on about the house. Two-minutes later he was snoring.
"Guess we wore the tough Texan out, huh Ma." Annie snickered. The women continued making up beds and organizing the small room. They had a lot to accomplish before nightfall.
The stage arrived. Slim and Annie changed teams. Ma met the stage directing the passengers into the house. After the passengers had eaten, they re-boarded the stage and the driver set the team up the hill towards Cheyenne. Slim and Annie finished with the tired relay team and headed back to the ranch house. Bert was finishing setting the table. The dishes from the passengers' meal were soaking in the dish pan.
"Wash up, dinner will be ready soon. You might want to wake Jess." Ma smirked. Can't believe he slept through all the racket the passengers made."
Slim put a hand to Jess' forehead then gently shook him awake. "Ma, does he feel warm to you?"
Ma placed a hand on the cowman's forehead. "Not to bad, Slim, I'll make him up some willow bark tea, should cool him down. Probably just overdid it today." Jess's eyelids opened slowly revealing the bluest of eyes. Ma smiled. "Come on Jess, dinner's on and you were complaining your was stomach growling a while ago when you were peeling those potatoes."
"Slim, did the stage come in? I didn't hear it." Jess rubbed his eyes. "Have I been asleep all afternoon?"
"Yep, Jess right through the stage folks milling around in here eating. The women sure thought you were the handsomest thing." Slim teased.
Jess ducked his head. "Next time I'm nappen' in my room. Feel kinda warm, is it hot in here?"
"No, Jess, I'm thinking you're running a bit of a fever. Head injuries do that sometimes. You feeling dizzy at all?" Ma asked.
The Texan stood. "No, just kinda warm and real hungry, Ma."
"Sit down Jess, we're 'bout ready to eat."
After supper the men headed out to the barn to finish the chores. Annie milked the cows while Ma and Bert cleaned the kitchen. The men finished up settling the horses and soaping the harnesses, then headed for the porch to watch the sunset and relax. Slim disappeared into the house returning with two coffees. Ma put Bert to bed in the bunk room then joined Annie in the kitchen to get ready for the early morning stage. Tomorrow, they should all be settled and Bert would be in his own room.
Out on the porch, Jess sat rocking while Slim sat sprawled on the porch floor relaxing, his long legs spread out in front of him. "Well Jess, you think this may work out?"
"Seems good so far. They ain't bossy." Jess' voice rumbled in the darkness.
Slim was enjoying sitting on the porch with his friend. Jess still looked a bit flushed he thought to himself.
"Slim, me and Annie will finish breaking those broncs tomorrow. I'm thinkin' Luke musta had 'em pretty much broke and ready for delivery to the fort, so tomorrow, Annie and I can see if any of 'em still need breakin'. If there's any hard riding to be done; that will be down to you. I'm turning in, my headaches and I'm shivering like I got the chills."
"OK, Jess. I'll be in shortly."
"Slim." Jess stool looking down at his partner. "Thanks for coming back for me and Andy. Thought we was goners." His voice low and rough in the darkness.
Slim stood. He couldn't believe Jess was thanking him. He'd been the idiot. Slim decided to just let it go for tonight. He didn't want to argue. He faced Jess. "I was scared Jess. I didn't know if you and Andy would still be alive when I rode into the ranch yard." Slim squeezed Jess's shoulder. "Just glad you two were alright. Night."
Jess slipped into the house. The ladies were seated around the table having coffee and talking. Ma stood. "Jess, how about I fix you a cup of tea for your fever? Figured the other has worn off by now."
"Thanks, Ma." Jess sat at the table. Ma returned with his tea, setting it in front of him. She reached down lifting his unruly locks to feel his forehead. "You're a little warm Jess, but not as bad as earlier."
Jess finished his tea and stood. "Night ladies, see you in the mornin'. Annie, you're helpin' me break mustangs tomorrow early. Reckon we need to figure out which ones is green broke and which ain't. The Army expects delivery by the end of the month. There's trousers and boots in Mrs. Sherman's old room. I can lend you one of my shirts if you can't find any that'll fit."
"OK Jess. See you in the morning." the redhead nodded in agreement.
OUTSIDE:
Hal Gregg hid behind the boulder at the outskirts of the ranch house watching the people moving about. He'd seen his Pa's body at the undertaker in town. Sherman had shot him in the back not once but twice. The undertaker told him only two men lived at the ranch. To his surprised it looked like the small house was overflowing with people. He leaned against the large rock to rethink his plan. He'd been too late to save his Pa. Hal knew it was his fault his Pa had been working for McKeever. It was the only way to his Pa could keep him from being hanged. Still, he needed to get even with that back shooter Sherman for killing his Pa, if it was the last thing he did. He just had to wait for the right moment to kill Sherman. He'd do it right in front of his friend, show that Harper fella, what it was like to lose a friend. Hal Gregg started back to the cave located in the shallow canyon just a few miles from the Sherman ranch house. It was the perfect hideout. Sherman was living on borrowed time.