Revenge Requires Two Graves

By George Emery Townsend

In Revenge Requires Two Graves young Ray Cooper is forced to escape his youth and prematurely embrace adulthood after a series of misfortunate events that happen in rapid succession to the Cooper family. This historically driven fiction is set in the 1860's, United States. This western adventure for teens and adults includes romance, rejection, murder, and revenge.

As a teenager in Wisconsin, Ray Cooper is a confident young man who knows how to survive. He can handle himself with his fists and naturally quick with a gun, but he hasn't got a clue as to the workings of a woman's mind. He was raised by a strong, caring father who had spent the necessary time to mold his character and a mother that showed him both love and compassion.

When the owner of the mill is killed, Ray and his two friends are forced to escape to avoid being arrested for murder. Ray's mother has already been told that Ray and Ray's Pa were killed. Having no other family in the area, she sells the family cabin and heads west to live with her sister. When the three boys hear that the only mother they all really knew is on her way to California, they decide to follow, where along the way they face many adventures and hardships. Unbeknownst to the trio, the daughter of the mill owner has declared vengeance on the three, sending hired guns after them and even heading west herself in order to arrange an ambush for the Cooper gang. Can Ray overcome the trials of the open road, find his mother, defeat his enemies, and lay his father's soul to rest?

• Language: English
• Publisher: George Emery Townsend
• Release date: Jun 12, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476380759

George Emery Townsend

George Townsend was born in Ionia Michigan. Thanks to the heroic efforts of his mother who downed a bottle of Castor Oil on the eve of March thirty first, George was born (to his mother's great relief) just two hours shy of April Fool's Day. The Townsends had found early success in ranching, farming, and land ownership. George's parents did not see themselves as farmers and so they left the farm and pursued careers in teaching. Finding work as teachers required the family to move a great deal from school to school and state to state. It wasn't long before George found himself living in Burlington, Wisconsin. He has many fond memories of those days growing up in a city filled with a rich history and loving families. As a teenager the family once again uprooted and moved west to a small city smack in the middle of the San Joaquin Valley in California. Hanford was a far cry from the Midwest. To his great delight, George soon discovered Goat Ropers, Good ol' Boys, and some real life Cowboys along with a warm, down-home feel. It didn't take long before George fit right in and created the friendships that make up many of the characters of his first book, Revenge Requires Two Graves. The rest of the Cooper Series was also greatly influenced by the experiences of his youth. George's natural talents as an investigator and researcher of early western America have tied in nicely with his hunger to create great adventures. While always fascinated by this era in history, it wasn't until the birth of his two sons that he realized he had a library of stories to tell. Now he enjoys mixing historical truths with fictional accounts of the old west to bring that same rich enjoyment he has discovered through research and pure imagination to others.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The Mill

BANG! BANG! BANG! Loud pounding at the front door awakened Ray, almost knocking it off its hinges and Ray from his bed.

Emery, Emery, wake up damn it! came Skip's voice from the other side of the door.

As the lantern light in his parents’ bedroom flickered on, Ray could hear his Pa graveling his usual groan as he raised himself from the bed. Hold your horses, Skip, I'm coming!

Swinging open the front door, Emery shouted, What the hell is so important that it can't wait ‘til I get to the mill?

-CKS-

Emery Cooper worked at the lumber company as a timber cruiser. His job was to search the back woods, evaluating and recording the types and sizes of the timber for future cuttings. It was during these searches that Emery hoped to find a small section he could claim for himself. A place he could go where he no longer worked for the Foster Timber Company. The land was to be a sort of legacy he could hand down to his family. As luck would have it, Emery found such a place while exploring the North Woods. The land consisted of small rolling hills rich with timber, fed by a large flowing river that would be the route for cut timber heading down stream to the mill. Crystal Lake, pristine in its stillness, sat to the east edge of the property and was surrounded by game. It was the perfect place for Emery to live out the rest of his life knowing that his family would be looked after once he was gone.

-CKS-

You don't understand, Emery. They’re headin’ out to cut your timber! cried Skip.

Who’s headin’ out to cut my timber? questioned Emery.

The guys from the mill, Emery, they’re on their way to cut down your timber!

Like hell they are! yelled Emery as he turned into the house. Ray, Mildred, wake up. We got trouble.

Wiping the sleep from his eyes and listening to Skip and his Pa, Ray was reminded of when this conflict first started one month ago.

-CKS-

It was lunchtime at the mill and, as always, Ray could be found sitting with his Pa. He enjoyed listening to the conversations between Pa with his friends, but he really liked the stories they would tell Ray about his Pa and the early days.

With the dining hall filled with tobacco smoke, most of the men had moved outside to eat their lunches while sharing lies and exaggerated stories with each other. Ray remembered the men suddenly falling silent when they saw the foreman approach.

Chewing a dirty cigar in the corner of his mouth, he shouted out to Ray’s Pa to put together a crew of men to go up to the property next to Crystal Lake.

What the hell are ya talkin’ about Gus? That land is recorded in my name and I paid for it. No one but me is gonna be cutting any of that damn timber! And you can be sure of that! Emery warned.

Gus stopped a few steps in front of Ray’s Pa, leaning forward with his left hand resting on his left knee and the right hand resting on the sore back he never had because he never worked a day in his life. With his head wobbling on his shoulders Gus said, Well by God that ain’t the way Mr. Foster sees it. Every sentence Gus said always started with Well by God.

Well that's just too damn bad for Mr. Foster. I've done enough cruising for that man and his mill to keep the lumberjacks busy for years. Ray’s Pa said as he set his feet and crossed his arms. He'll just have to forget about my land.

Well, we’ll see about that ya sons a bitches, Gus yelled as he rocked his head back and forth and turned to leave the porch. He also always said sons a bitches, instead of son of a bitch.

Ray remembered his Pa turning his back on Gus and started walking slowly back towards the group of men that had been listening to the argument. Go to hell, Gus! Pa yelled.

Don't worry about that scrawny piece of crap, Emery. No way can they touch your land. Everyone here knows that's your property, Skip called from the group of men.

Weeks had passed since the argument between the foreman and Emery. It seemed the problem had been forgotten.

-CKS-

How do you know they’re after my timber? shouted Emery. Skip rushed into the house and started to close the door behind him, leaving a crack just big enough to be able to continue to look around outside.

Emery, I saw a crew headin’ out early this mornin’. Skip was nearly out of breath. I caught up to um and asked Jim Matheson what they were up to. He told me none of them were told they were headed up north to fell timber off your land ‘til after they left the mill and then they weren’t allowed to come warn ya. I was lucky to get away from the group and get back here. Emery, Jim said to warn ya that there would be trouble if ya tried to stop 'em.

Skip, I sure could use you and the boys’ help protectin’ what's mine, requested Emery.

I knew you were gonna ask that, said Skip as he looked away. Damn it Emery, ya know I’d do anything for ya. But you’re askin’ too much. I'm afraid this is all I dare do. If they find out I warned ya they’d throw my family and me out of the mill. We'd starve, Emery. I got a family to think of.

Take it easy Skip, I understand. Sorry, but I had to ask, said Emery with a dismissing wave of his hand.

Can't you just find another section of timber? begged his friend. They'll kill ya if ya try to stop that crew.

No, that won’t work either. Foster would just get around to lumbering that section too, once he finished lumbering Crystal Lake. Besides, I sunk all I had into that property. It's got to end right now, one way or another.

What’re ya gonna do? asked Skip nervously as he watch Emery load his gun.

Whatever it takes. My response won’t exceed the push. But I'll tell ya this, no one but me and mine are gonna be timbering my land as long as I’m still breathing.

Emery, did you think about the fact that it could be your friends that ya have to shoot and kill?

Emery looked at Skip painfully then glanced across the room to Ray and Mildred.

Pa I'm ready to go. We'll think of somethin’, Ray said standing next to his Ma.

I'm sure we will son, Emery said reassuringly as he crossed the room to his family.

Emery looked into Mildred’s tear filled eyes, Don’t worry sweetie. We’ll only shoot at 'em if we have to.

I’m not worried about them, I’m worried about you and Ray getting killed, cried Mildred as she broke away and ran into the kitchen.

Emery followed Mildred into the kitchen catching her arm and pulling her close to him. He placed his hand on her cheek; flushed red against her porcelain complexion. He stroked her chestnut brown hair curling a strand around his finger. Damn he loved this woman fiercely, even after thirty years. He whispered softly into her ear, Please don’t worry about Ray and me. I know what I’m doin’ and you and I both know we have no choice. That land is for this family to have a new start, out from under the mill.

I know Emery, but I just have a bad feeling something awful is about to happen, cried Mildred as she pushed herself away from Emery and wiped her tears. Now go on with ya, I’ll pack you some food for your trip.

Mildred turned her back to Emery and began making herself busy in the kitchen.

Emery smiled knowing he had made the right choice all those years ago when he asked Mildred’s father for her hand. She was a woman to ride the river with.

Returning to the main room Emery answered the questioning look on Ray's and Skip’s faces, The first thing I'm going to do is see Mr. Foster.

Emery, that ain't gonna do you no good, Skip paused. You'll be lucky if he doesn't just shoot you.

I have to try, said Emery. Ray, open the door for Skip. Thanks for the warning. You’re a good friend. Emery said kindly to Skip.

Skip lowered his head as he stepped out the doorway and onto the porch. Well you’re right Emery. I best be off now before someone sees me. Best of luck to you and yours, Skip reached out a hand. Emery clasped it, shaking it soundly. Then Skip extended his hand to Emery’s son. To you too Ray. Watch after your Pa for me

I will, Skip. We'll see you in a few days, Ray said with a forced smile.

I sure hope so boy, responded Skip, as he stepped off the porch. Goodbye Mrs. Cooper, Skip called out to Mildred who was busy in the kitchen starting a pot of coffee while she alternately prayed for her men and cussed the Foster family.

Shutting the door behind him, Emery walked into the kitchen. Ray could hear him talking softly, reassuring Ma. Don’t ya worry about this Mildred, I’m sure it all can be worked out. But just in case, could you put together enough grub for say, a week? Emery kissed her cheek.

Already started, husband. By the time you get the horses saddled I’ll have some breakfast ready, too, said Mildred, making herself busy to avoid worrying. I don’t plan to take Ray unless my visit to the Foster’s doesn’t pan out. Then I’m afraid I will need him, Emery said quietly to his wife.

As Emery walked to the door and threw his coat on, he noticed Ray putting on his coat as well. Now where do ya think you’re goin’? You just stay here until I get back from Mr. Foster's house, son.

No way, Pa, I'm going with ya. Ray protested.

It could be dangerous.

That's why I need to go. Someone has to watch your back Pa.

Well I guess that land’s goin’ to be as much yours as it is mine. I reckon at sixteen you’re man enough for the challenge, but do as I say and do it quick, warned Emery.

Yes sir, Ray said standing by the door.

Running toward the door, Mildred threw her arms around Emery’s neck, holding him tight. Seeing Ray with his coat on, she pulled him into her hug with Emery.

Don’t ya worry darlin’, we’ll be back either in a few minutes or a few days, it’s all up to Foster. But don’t ya go worryin’ about us, we’ll be home before ya know it, smiled Emery.

Don’t tell me not to worry. This isn’t like you’re going off to work. There’s going to be shooting. I just know it, cried Mildred.

Listen, we’re gonna be all right. You have to trust me, smiled Emery holding Mildred’s face in his work callused hands. You do trust me don’t ya?

Of course I trust you. It’s the Foster’s I don’t trust.

I’m sorry to have to put you through this, but Ray and I will be fine. Now give your ol’ husband and son another big hug.

After getting the horses saddled Ray and Emery ate their breakfast quickly. Venturing outside into the cold morning air Ray held the horses as Emery tied the bags of grub onto the back of the saddles. Swinging up onto their mounts, they headed for the Fosters’. When they reached the house on the other side of the mill town, Emery and Ray dismounted their horses and tied them off at the front gate. Standing at the door they could hear a lady’s voice yelling orders with the plans of the day to the servants.

After knocking hard on the door it swung open, revealing a sturdy woman whose girth filled most of the doorframe.

What am I to do for you gentlemen? asked the large woman.

I want to see Mr. Foster, right now! Emery demanded.

A lot of people would like to see Mr. Foster right away, but that don’t mean it’ll happen. What's your business with Mr. Foster? The woman said pertly.

Just tell him Emery Cooper is here to see him!

He’s just sitting down to his breakfast and cannot be disturbed. With that she moved to slam the door in their faces.

Now, Emery was a fairly patient man, slow to anger, but once he got mad, he was like a wounded bear. Unfortunately for the woman, he had reached that limit.

Emery stuck his foot into the doorjamb to stop it from closing, and with his shoulder against the door he pushed his way into the hallway. With eyes wide open, the woman moved back to allow Emery in. Ray simply followed the storm into the entryway.

Now I’m going to say this just once. Either you tell him that he has company or I will, Emery said, in a controlled, fierce whisper.

It's okay Sandra, came a calm voice from down the hallway, I'll take care of this.

Thank you Mr. Foster, thank you. I'm so sorry for the disturbance Mr. Foster. He just pushed right in, apologized Sandra.

Go back to the kitchen, Sandra. I'll take care of my guests, said Mr. Foster with an air of arrogance. Gentlemen, follow me. We can talk in the study.

Emery and Ray followed Mr. Foster through the open door and into the warmly lit room. Stopping in front of the fireplace, Foster turned to face the two men. Emery was standing to Ray’s right, breathing hard, with a look that could kill.

Now gentlemen, what is this disruption all about? wheeled Mr. Foster.

You fat son-of-a-bitch, you know exactly what this is all about. You sent a crew to my land to begin removin’ timber. Now either you tell them to turn around or you pay me full price for every tree you pull off my property, Emery seethed as he spat out the words.

Now, Mr. Cooper, you knew when you claimed that land you were working for me, and while in my employ, any land you claim is Company Land, Mr. Foster said with a condescending glare.

That's bull-shit and you know it. When I claimed land for the company I was on company time and used company money to register it. But I found that land on MY time and used MY own money to register MY land on Crystal Lake, and anyone who steps foot on MY land will be shot for trespassin’.

Turning towards the door Emery looked at Ray. Come on son. We're leavin’.

Are you tryin’ to threaten me, Mr. Cooper? You and your boy there?

Emery turned and walked towards Mr. Foster, stopping just inches from his pudgy face. I'm not threatenin’ you Foster, just givin’ you fair warnin’. With that Emery turned and headed out of the over-furnished study.

Following close behind, Ray could hear Mr. Foster yell, You’re fired, Cooper!

Emery laughed and spat over his shoulder, I wouldn't work for you for all the money in Wisconsin. You can go straight to hell, Foster.

Moving toward the front door, Ray spotted a girl standing not five feet from the study. She was beautiful, wearing a long white dress that fell smoothly over her hips. Her blond hair was held behind her head in a bun with small curls cascading down onto the sides of her face. Ray looked into her eyes and her glance seemed to climb to the back of his head, straight down through his throat and tore into his heart. She had heard her Pa yelling, but had not moved to intervene and Ray could see from her expression that she felt sorry for them. Not wanting her Pa to hear, she spoke in just a whisper, reaching out a hand that she did not want taken.

Please be careful; he hurts people that get in his way, and as suddenly as she had appeared she was gone. The young man’s heart had climbed well up into his throat and was trapped there. Ray knew he would have to see that girl again.

Son, let’s go, ordered Emery standing in the open front door way.

Chapter 2

Heading North

Emery figured Foster’s men already had a good day’s ride ahead of him and would be cutting down his trees as soon as they set up camp. With time of the essence, Emery decided he and Ray would head out straight away for his cabin at Crystal Lake. Since it was already stocked with plates, cups and cookware, along with blankets and a couple of cots, all they needed to bring were the supplies they already had and then supplement them with any game they shot. They could set up for a few days there and see exactly what the crew was up to.

Both of them wore Colts and Emery had a back up Colt in one of his saddlebags. The rifles they carried in their scabbards were the new lever action type with the same caliber of ammunition as their revolvers. A man needs guns to defend his land and Emery had the best. Ray had never appreciated the long hours he’d stood beside his Pa down by the river shooting bottles and anything that drifted by- until now.

There was still a surprise coming for Ray when they reached the cabin. On an earlier trip to the cabin, Emery had stashed a couple boxes of dynamite he planned to use on stumps, but would also work as a deterrent.

They figured it would take about four to five days to reach their destination, especially in the snow. It was the middle of October, and even though the snow made it easier for the logs to be loaded down river, the cold and wet made traveling harsh.

At the top of the small rise Emery pulled up and turned his horse around to look back at the small settlement they had called home for several years.

What are you lookin’ at, Pa? asked Ray as he turned and pulled his mount up along side of his Pa.

Take a good long look son. I figure after this, things are just not going to be the same, sighed Emery.

Standing his horse on the edge of the forest Ray looked to the south at the only world he had ever known. The pines densely surrounded the checkerboard of cabins, each facing in different directions. Their disposition was likely based more on a stubborn stump that they chose to build around rather than spend a couple days digging out. The cabins all sat directly in front of the Coopers' view with smoke beginning to exit the many chimneys. Behind the cabins, further south and up a small trail that disappeared into the trees one could just make out the roofline of the impressive Foster mansion. To the east the mill sat idle next to the crystal clear cold waters of the river that fed power to the saw blades and sent the cut trees further south. From here Ray could just make out the rope he and his friends had used to swing out on the river for fun, when the sun beat down on the small town during the stifling hot summer months.

Ray was snapped out of his daydream by his Pa. Let’s go finish this, son.

The two turned their horses north and began making their way up the trail to Crystal Lake.

-CKS-

On the second day out Emery and Ray caught sight of the crew and decided to leave the trail to avoid being seen. Riding hard for about ten miles in the same direction alongside the trail, they were hoping to be able to swing back around in front of the crew and set up a proper welcome.

Near sundown they found a good location and made camp. As always in Southern Wisconsin the pine trees pushed in around them like a dark wall. Ray hid a small fire around some rocks and under the tree branches to break up the smoke. The location provided good cover from searching eyes and plenty of fresh water from a nearby stream. Dinner would be boiled jerky, pan bread, and coffee. After being in the saddle all day it was a welcomed feast.

Sitting around the warm fire with the snow piled up at their backs the food went down quickly. With dinner eaten, Emery left Ray sitting by the small fire and headed north to try and locate the crew. Ray enjoyed being out in the woods alone, especially when the landscape was covered by snow and there was a warm fire. With the combination of a full stomach, warm fire, and an intense, peaceful quiet, Ray soon found himself forgetting about all of his problems and nodded off. The young man was startled from his sleep by the rustling noise of his Pa warming his hands at the fire. Did ya find them Pa? asked Ray as he rubbed his eyes.

Yeah, they have a camp about a mile behind us to the east. They’re travelin’ just on the other side of the hills. I figure it’ll take us a couple more days to get well enough ahead of them.

That Foster girl told me that her Pa hurt people that got in his way, said Ray.

Don't think you have to worry about Mr. Foster, son. The way that girl stopped you in your tracks, I would say it's that Foster you better worry about, laughed Pa.

Hearing his Pa laugh was reassuring to Ray. It had been several days since he’d heard the joyful, low chuckle of his Pa's laugh.

Well, she was awful pretty, Ray said in his defense, feeling the heat rise up into his face.

The boys at the mill told me she arrived about a week ago. They said Mr. Foster sent her away to a boarding school after her mother died, but decided to have her come back home after he moved into the big house at the mill. Someone else said they heard that she was kicked out of boardin’ school, so Foster had to bring her home. It was supposed to have been pretty serious whatever she did. Emery explained.

Pa, do you think a girl like that could like a guy like me? Ray choked out without realizing. Oh, never mind.

Don't ever cut yourself short son. Everyone puts their pants on one leg at a time.

Yeah, but unfortunately some people have nicer pants than others, Ray said disappointedly.

Emery smiled sadly, silently acknowledging the veracity of his son's insight into the unfair rules of society. You better turn in now, we have a lot of ridin’ ahead of us tomorrow and I expect the snow to get a little deeper as we continue north.

Pulling his blankets back up over his shoulders, Ray laid back, knowing it was going to be hard to sleep with the thoughts of that pretty girl filling his head, no matter the unlikelihood of her ever being his.

The next morning Ray woke to the smell of coffee and boiled jerked beef. It was still dark but the camp was lit by the warm glow of the cooking fire. With his blankets pulled back, Ray looked over at his Pa. That coffee smells awful good, but I have to say, your cookin’ falls a little short when compared to Ma's.

Well remember I ate your cookin’ last night, I think we both better spend more time in the kitchen watchin’ your Ma cook, smiled Emery as he handed Ray a plate of food. We should reach the cabin by nightfall. Keep an eye peeled for any game; we'll need the meat. Eat up; we need to get an early start. We'll need time to set up a nice warm welcome for our uninvited guests.

The two were in the saddle just before sunrise. Ray couldn’t believe how beautiful the forest was in the early morning light. Each branch was covered with snow and ice that caught the rays of the sun and sparkled. The trees began to close in on the trail on all sides as they reached the Birch forest. Emery said the trees would get pretty thick by the time they reached their land. At noon they stopped the horses and made a dry camp.

Since you don’t like my cookin’, you can make lunch, smiled Emery as he grabbed an axe and mounted up.

Ray asked him what the axe was for, but Emery rode off without a word, only to wave back that he’d be back in a jiffy.

Ray found some dry wood under a tree fall, made a small fire and began to fix lunch.

When Emery returned he had a big smile on his face. He sat down and ate some of Ray’s lunch and threw back a couple cups of coffee. Rising, he poured the remains of the coffee over the ambers to put the fire out.

Not bad vittles son, you may be our regular cook from now on, joked Emery.

Ray knew he would be paying for that earlier comment about his Pa’s cooking for weeks to come.

As they mounted up Ray asked, Aren’t you ever goin’ to tell me what you did with that axe?

Emery started to chuckle. I dropped a couple trees across the crew's path. I figure they’ll spend a better part of the day cuttin’ and movin’ them outta’ their way.

Emery and Ray both broke into a gut wrenching laugh thinking about the mill crew having to cut their way through the obstruction, all the while cussing out their assailants.

-CKS-

After riding all day in patches of deep snow they arrived at the cabin. Trotting up to the front of their cabin they dismounted and tied their horses to the porch post. They were walking slowly towards the front of the house when Emery turned to Ray and said, Don't forget to bring the deer in with you. I’d hate to see it go to waste out here after that lucky shot you made.

I hit what I aim at Pa, Ray said with a smile.

Emery looked at his son very seriously, I sure hope so son. I’m afraid we're gonna need your gun before this is over.

The small cabin was built near the lake in a grove of trees. It was intended to be for hunting trips and as a temporary shelter until they could build their home. It was built just outside the normal route to where the timber would be cut. Though seemingly a simple structure, Ray quickly realized it was a strongly constructed building with open ground on all sides. There were small windows with shutters on the inside of the window openings, and a large fireplace set up for cooking. The front door had to be at least six inches thick with a large beam to drop into place to keep out hostiles. What impressed Ray the most was that his Pa had dug a well inside the house that supplied all the drinking water one could ever need. Emery had never spoken about the details of how he built the cabin but Ray now realized his Pa had built it more like a fortress, knowing this day might someday come.

My God Pa, this looks more like a fort than a cabin! Ray observed.

I had a couple close calls out here so it didn't take long before I figured out what a man needs in order to stay alive. I just put all the ideas together in one safe place. Once we move the family up here we’ll need this place to go to in case of an attack. I never thought I would be using it to protect us from friends, Emery added sadly.

Ray wondered whether his Pa could really take a shot at his friends. If one of them fired at him, could he return fire? Ray wasn't so sure, but he also knew that his Pa would never give up the land he secured for his family.

After unpacking their saddlebags and stocking the cabin with their supplies, Ray hoped they would be staying for a day or so just to heal up some of his saddle sores. But it was not to be, and they rode out early the next morning, Emery was concerned as to where the crew was and what they were up to. The sun hadn’t yet risen and it was very cold. Water vapor blew from the nostrils of their mounts as they rode out. The smell of iron in the air confirmed there would soon be more snowfall.

The longer they rode this land the more Ray fell in love with it and the more he wanted to protect it. He no longer felt the saddle sores or worried about his own wants and needs. He and his Pa were in a war that they might not ride away from. They hadn’t asked for this battle but they sure as hell weren’t going to run from it. With each mile they rode to intercept the logging crew, their resolve grew with an angry strength.

After a restless night spent shivering in their bedrolls, Emery and Ray had ridden about a half-mile when they first spotted the timber crew. The two dismounted and crawled on their bellies to the top of the small ridge in order to gain a good vantage point of the crew’s camp.

The crew had their tents set up alongside the trail, south of Ray and Emery.

Son, you stay here and cover my back. Most of those men are my friends. I have to talk to them before the shootin’ starts. I got to know where they stand.

Pa, are ya sure? I mean, if they’re here doesn't that mean they’re against us?

Not necessarily son, not necessarily. Now keep your eyes open and keep that Winchester cocked and ready to fire. Do you understand?

Yeah Pa, I understand, but I sure wish there was another way.

Well, I do too and if you can think of one, let’s hear it.

Ray just looked at his Pa. He didn't have any other ideas and he understood what his Pa had to do. Emery would never open fire on friends until he knew for sure there was no way around it.

Moving back down the side of the hill, Emery mounted up, riding tall in the saddle as he passed Ray’s hiding place on the ridge. Ray had never seen more courage and pure guts in a single man, and he was never more proud of his Pa than he was right then. Emery rode straight down the hill and directly into the camp. Faces of friends turned in recognition as he approached, then turned quickly away. They were the actions of guilty men who sold out their friend and his family’s future all for money. Being hard times and Ray knowing his Pa as he did, he knew Emery would neither blame the men nor support them in their decision to cut the timber.

Ray watched Emery ride through the crowd of men. Four men standing directly in front of his horse stopped him. A small group gathered around as Emery sat his saddle.

All four of the men looked to be seasoned lumberjacks. They were very large and tall, with arms the size of the tree trunks they worked so hard to fell. Three of the four had rifles resting in the bend of their elbows. The largest of the three with a bright red beard and stepped forward with authority. Ray could just barely hear the conversation between the bearded man and Emery.

Well Emery Cooper, did you come lookin’ for a job? enquired the bearded man with a malicious smile. While the other three laughed loudly, the rest