Confederate Horses

By George Emery Townsend

This is the second book in the Cooper Series. The first book “Revenge Requires Two Graves” depicts the growing pains of a teenager to a young man to married and then running one of the largest ranches in Southern California. Along with Ray Cooper, the main character of our Series, you will meet his two best friends John Calhoun, and Larry Salinas, who have been beside him since their youth growing up in Wisconsin. On the trail to California the boys join a Wagon Train that not only brings them to California but also introduces Ray to his wife, Morgan Adams.

“Confederate Horses” introduce the readers to a desperate stranger named Connery in need of an honest man’s help. He turns to Ray Cooper. Connery convinces Cooper and his partners to bring a herd of valuable horses from Arizona back to Ray’s ranch in California. The boys soon discover just how difficult it is to keep a valuable herd a secret once they hit the trail. At times the trail seems overrun with outlaws and Indians trying to intercept the wrangler.

Back in Los Angeles, Samantha Foster, in her arrogance has order a large herd of cattle without having sufficient land or grass on her land. Confident in her ability to get what she wants she puts into motion her forceful plan to acquire more land around her spread. Samantha brings in help to convince the needed land owners that the price she is offering cannot be refused.
One of the owners she must convince to sell is the parents of Morgan Adams-Cooper, Ray Cooper’s wife. When they turn down the offer, Morgan is kidnapped to give Samantha leverage. Sensing the danger to his wife, Ray leaves the trail in a dash against time to save his love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: George Emery Townsend
• Release date: Sep 25, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301616084

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.

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CONFEDERATE HORSES

by

George Emery Townsend

Copyright © 2009 by George Emery Townsend

License Notes

This book is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any reproduction or other unauthorized use of the material or artwork herein is prohibited.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Disclaimer: The persons, places, things, and otherwise animate or inanimate objects mentioned in this novel are figments of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to anything or anyone living (or dead) is unintentional. The author humbly begs your pardon.

Cover design by George and Ian Townsend

Editing by Zoe and Dawn Townsend

DEDICATION

Many books start with a dedication to family, friends or an interesting life experience. When I thought about a dedication, I wanted to do something different, to stand out somehow, and to make this book really zing with new revelation. After great battles with my inner soul, and much torment over what was real and what was fiction, my mind was made up. I decided that this book was solely created because of my family, friends, and interesting life experiences.

Thank you to Dawn: for spending your entire life at my side, through the good and bad. You are a woman to ride the river with. Parents: you are responsible for the way the little boy turned out and for the strong Midwest attitude and morals I carry today. Brothers: I was always the one following, looking up to my big brothers. Thank you for never letting me down. My sons: the characters in this book are dissections of everything wonderful about each of you. I had the privilege of watching my children grow into strong men. My girls: you were my inspiration for creating strong, intelligent women to stand tall within the pages of my book. My friends: you helped make me who I am, helped form the way I think and react, and gave me all of those interesting life experiences.

Thank you all.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1-The Shadow

Chapter 2 - On the Trail

Chapter 3 - First Camp

Chapter 4 - Fair Price

Chapter 5 - Dry Camp

Chapter 6 - The Adams

Chapter 7 - Fort Yuma

Chapter 8 - Tucson

Chapter 9 - Sparrow

Chapter 10 - Herding Them Home

Chapter 11 - Breaking Horses

Chapter 12 - Doss

Chapter 13 - Goodbye

Chapter 14 - Outlaws

Chapter 15 - Pursuit

Chapter 16 - Prairie Justice

Chapter 17 - Morgan

Chapter 18 - Rescue

Chapter 19 - Getting Caught Up

Chapter 20 - Night Riders

Chapter 21 - Threatened

Chapter 22 - Final Resting Place

Chapter 23 - Head Strong

Chapter 24 - Applegate

Chapter 25 - Courts in Sessions

Chapter 1

The Shadow

Ray wake up, I heard voices outside, whispered Morgan who was lying beside her husband.

I heard it, answered Ray softly.

Do you recognize their voices? asked Morgan.

It’s pretty late for any of the hands to be up, but it could be a couple of the boys, Ray said as he slowly made his way out of bed.

What do we do? whispered Morgan.

We don’t take any chances. Get your rifle and cover me from that window over there. Stay down, and don’t show yourself, ordered Ray, knowing his wife was as capable as any man he had on the ranch. Ray slipped his .45 from the holster hanging on the bedpost, cocked the hammer back and made his way to the bedroom door. There he slowly pulled it open and revealed a dark living room. Ray wished the moon had come up, as he would have liked the light in the room to see if anyone was there. All seemed quiet so he moved towards the front door. Half way across the room, he struck his right pinky toe against the sofa leg. Gritting his teeth in pain, he cursed the sons of a bitch who had caused him to get up. Ray hopped the rest of the way to the front door. With his back against the wall and his left hand on the doorknob, Ray turned the latch.

Ready Morgan? I’m opening the front door, whispered Ray as tiny drops of sweat ran down the sides of his face. The front door pulled opened easily. The voices outside were a little clearer, but he still could not make out who or where the possible threat was coming from. Dropping to his knees, he crawled out onto the front porch, ready at any time to return fire. Edging across the dark porch Ray thought he heard a sound at the base of the steps. He inched to the edge and looked over to find two familiar faces.

Señor, why are you sneakin' up on us when you should be fast asleep? asked one of the men now turning and looking at Ray who was lying flat on his belly with his revolver in hand.

Did you not know it was us, Señor? asked the other man.

What the hell do you two think you’re doin' sitting on my front porch in the middle of the night? I could've shot ya! cussed Ray.

Sorry Boss, we're just comin' back from town, and I promise we will not disturb you again this night, Leroy Delgado apologized, his face contorted with remorse.

I am also sorry, Mr. Copper. I would never want to disturb you or the Señora, added the other ranch hand, González.

Rising from the porch and dusting himself off, Ray stood at the top of the steps to address the two intruders. I should've known. Well don't worry too much about it. In fact, I want to thank you boys.

Thank us, Señor? González asked.

Yeah, ya see I’ve got this really dirty job that someone has to do in the mornin' and I was feelin' kinda’ guilty about who got stuck with it. I'd forgotten all about you boys until just now. Thanks for remindin' me. See you right here at first light. With that Ray turned and with a chuckle, he limped back to his warm bed and beautiful wife.

-CKS-

I told you González to keep it down, but no, you had to start that damn singing, scolded Leroy.

I cannot help it, Leroy. When I have kissed a beautiful woman and drank the tequila, I must always sing, smiled González.

Well I hope you are still singin' tomorrow when we are knee deep in whatever damn job Señor Cooper has for us.

The two gathered their horses that were wandering around the ranch yard and walked them to the barn. After stripping the saddles and bridles from the horses, they placed their gear in the tack room and returned to brush down their mounts.

Leroy had been with the ranch before the Coopers took it over. He was not a tall man but quick and wiry. He was also the brains and protector of his best friend González. González on the other hand was a happy go lucky man, slightly taller than Leroy, but not as quick with his reasoning. Both were great ranch hands and willing to do anything for the brand.

-CKS-

Who was it Ray? asked Morgan as Ray re-entered the bedroom.

Who else? Delgado and González, they were coming back from an enjoyable time in town.

Well we’ll see if they think it was worth it when I get through with them, promised Morgan.

Take it easy, Morgan. I already have a very nice job for 'em in the morning, smiled Ray. Now put down that rifle and get back into bed before you freeze.

Leroy and González walked out of the barn and turned right, heading for the bunkhouse. When they were almost to the door, a man stepped from the shadows in front of the duo. Señor, you could get yourself shot scarin' people in the middle of the night, said González with a straight face, while Delgado gave him a smirk.

I doubt it, boys, said the shadow. Do you know if the owner’s hiring?

Well, I’m not sure, but I think he might be. There’s a lot of work to be done around here, and it all seems to fall on poor ol’ Leroy and me, exaggerated González. You can hold up in the bunk house tonight and ask him in the morning?

Lead on boys, said the shadow as he fell in behind the two.

I'm Leroy Delgado and this is my singin' compadre González, introduced Leroy.

Nice to meet ya, said the shadow.

I didn't catch your name, Señor? asked Leroy.

I reckon that's because I didn't throw it, answered the shadow without another word.

Well, that's okay, but if you're going to be workin’ here Señor, it might be a might easier if I had a name to call you, explained Leroy, trying not to offend the shadow.

I'll tell you what boys, if’n I get hired, I'll give you a handle, and with that the shadow followed the pair into the bunkhouse.

Entering the dimly lit room the shadow looked around the dark space. There were six bunks with three on each side of a wide aisle. At the end of the row, up against the back wall, was a single bed. A cowboy laying in his long johns and holding a .45 leaned on his left arm while pointing the barrel in their direction.

Sorry Señor Russell, this here fella’ is lookin' for work. We told him he could relax in here until morning. Sí? asked Leroy.

Sounds alright to me. Those two bunks are empty, you can take one of them. Next time call out before you just step into the bunk house after lights out, warned Russell.

We are sorry, Señor Russell, thank you for not shootin' us, mocked González.

Go to bed González before I change my mind, cussed Russell as he blew out the flame in the lamp next to his bed.

-CKS-

Ray cautiously limped across the darkened space of his bedroom. He stopped in front of his dresser and pulled out a clean shirt.

Aren't you coming back, Ray? spoke a soft voice from the bed.

No, the sun should be coming up in a few hours. I'm gonna get some coffee and have a smoke out on the front porch.

I'll get up and fix a fresh pot.

No, you go back to sleep, Morgan, I'll manage.

You sure you don't want to come back to bed for a little longer? came the invitation.

Well, I guess I can have coffee and a smoke a little later.

I thought I could get you back in here, besides, I'm cold, came the voice.

You're far from cold, wife, said Ray as he climbed back between the sheets and into Morgan's open arms. The room began to fill with a soft light as the morning gave birth to the day.

Woman, you're gonna to be the death of me, I've got a full day of work ahead of me, and you've kept me up half the night.

Well, you never complained before, smiled Morgan.

And I'm not complaining now. I love you so much Morgan, ever since the first time I laid eyes on you coming west on that wagon train.

As I recall, I was bathing next to a stream with my clothes hanging over a bush, smiled Morgan.

It was the middle of the night and I was just headed to use the bushes, defended Ray for the hundredth time.

Of course it was in the middle of the night, you wouldn't expect me to go naked in the middle of the day would you? continued Morgan.

Well, of course you’re right, and we both know it was fate… smiled Ray.

I’m not so sure if I’d call it fate, but it certainly turned out to be a blessing in disguise, answered Morgan.

It sure did, Ray said as he kissed the top of her head and swung his legs out of bed.

With a fresh cup of coffee in hand and a smoke finally in his mouth, he stepped out onto the front porch to look over the ranch in front of him. On the steps of the front porch sat not only Leroy and González but also a man Ray did not recognize. All three rose and turned towards Ray as they heard the sound of his boots on the boards. The stranger did not appear threatening so Ray turned his attention to the others.

Oh, Señor Cooper, what a grand day it is to be alive, is it not? said González, hoping he could still get out of the dirty job that was coming.

Good Morning, Señor Cooper, said Leroy.

Good morning boys. I hope you both slept well.

Sí Señor Cooper, we slept very well, thank you.

Good González, I'm glad. Now you two saddle up and ride on up to the south fork of the river. Some trees have fallen and are starting to plug up the flow. Get them cleaned out and pull what you can on over to the line cabin. When it gets cold this winter you’ll be glad the wood’s close.

Sί, Señor Cooper, we will have it cleaned up, don't you worry, said González.

Leroy, I'm countin' on you to get it done quick and done right, okay? I need you two back here today for a couple other chores.

Sí, we will be back soon, said Leroy as he grabbed González's arm and pulled him along to the barn. Ray watched the two stroll towards the barn and then turned his attention to the stranger on the steps.

Mornin' Mr. Cooper, said the tall, thin cowboy.

What can I do for you? Ray asked as he took a drag off his rolled tobacco.

Well, I was kinda’ hopin' you could use me here on the spread, asked the stranger.

I assume you've worked on a ranch before? Ray asked.

You'll never have a better man on the ranch before or after me. I was raised and have been workin' on a ranch over in Arizona territory all my life, confirmed the stranger.

Okay. You got a name?

Don't everyone?

Look, if you're as good as ya say ya are, and trouble doesn’t folla’ ya, I don't much care what ya might of left back in Arizona. But I don’t want any trouble coming here and I'm gonna need some kind of a handle for ya, if I hire ya.

Well, I’ll answer to Connery.

Okay, Connery, you can stow your stuff in the bunkhouse. You got a good horse and gear?

Yes sir, and my gear’s already in the bunkhouse, smiled Connery.

Well okay, go on down to the corral where they're breaking horses. You ever break any horses?

Sure, but I don’t take to beatin' a horse into riding. I was taught to break them gentle-like.

Good. I think you'll work out just fine here. If ya need anything just let my foreman, Russell Curry know. He's the most knowledgeable man on the ranch when it comes to horseflesh. He'll take care of ya.

Thanks Mr. Cooper. You won't be sorry, said Connery as he turned and walked quickly toward the barn and stables.

Russell saw Connery coming towards him at the corral. Well, ya workin’ here or not?

Just got hired. The boss told me to come down here and give a hand with breakin' the horses.

Alright, follow me, instructed Russell as he walked him over to where three cowboys were sitting on the fence having a smoke. What name do ya go by?

Connery, he answered.

Boys, shake hands with Connery; the boss just hired him on, said Russell. This tall drink of water is Bishop, the young kid is Chip, and the ugly one sittin' there back on the fence is Buck.

Go to hell Curry, answered Buck. You don’t look much like no cowboy, Connery.

Always a pleasure ain’t ya Buck, said Curry as he pulled Connery away.

Can you break horses, Connery? asked Russell.

Yeah, I can break ‘em, said Connery with confidence.

Alright, well, you might as well get dirty, said Russell as he handed Connery a rope.

The other cowboys grabbed their ropes and started to climb into the corral with Connery.

That's okay boys, enjoy your smoke, said Connery as he looked over his shoulder. I can do this myself, but if you could open that gate to the other corral I’ll push all but one in there, for now.

Are you crazy, Connery? said Chip.

Now let's give him a chance, said Russell. He acts like he knows what he’s doing. Hell, we might just learn something.

Connery walked slowly toward the small group of horses in front of him. Each of the large animals stood ridged? Heads pulled up, and ready to bolt, with wild, wide-open white eyes staring at every movement Connery made. Connery walked as close to the horses as he dared before tossing a rope around the neck of a big black stallion. Giving the horse plenty of rope, he let the horse run the inside of the fence line. As the small herd ran past the gate they fled into the other corral, all but the one Connery had on the end of the rope. The cowboys secured the gate behind the herd and jumped back up onto the top rail to enjoy the show. The stallion began to slow to a trot and then to a canter, with Connery standing in the center of the corral. After several minutes, the horse became tired of the endless circle and came to a full stop. He stayed by the fence but turned to face Connery. Connery turned his back to the horse and kept his hat pulled down low over his eyes.

What ya doin' Connery? That horse gets a notion, he’ll stomp you into the dust, called Bishop from where he sat.

Let me know if he does, smiled Connery.

After a short time curiosity took hold, and the horse waved his head up and down in frustration and started cautiously to approach Connery.

Get ready Connery, he’s a movin' your way! yelled Buck, hoping to see his new competition trampled. Buck tended to look at every cowboy as competition.

That’s what I was a hopin’. He’s confused, doesn’t know what I’m doin'. His curiosity’s gotten the better of ‘em, said Connery.

Well I’ll be, that damn horse is nudgin' his back, laughed Bishop.

Connery slowly moved backwards until his side was next to the horse’s side. With the length of rope, he began to toss it over the horse’s back and drag it off, then over his back again.

You keep messin' with that animal and he’s gonna to get mad, called Buck. We ain’t got all day, get that horse broke.

Shut up and watch, Buck, ordered Curry, now fascinated by what he was observing.

I’m just tryin’ to build some trust, said Connery in a soft voice.

Soon Connery was stroking the horse’s back with his hand. The horse suddenly bolted but Connery remained calm. With the length of rope still attached to the horse’s neck, Connery simply placed the horse back into a run around the corral. After the horse tired, the process began again. After a few hours had passed, Connery not only had a saddle on the horse’s back, but also was swinging a leg over and planning to walk the animal around the corral.

That damn horse is gonna to kill you boy! yelled Buck. Connery refused to respond to Buck’s banter but remained calm and eased the large animal around the corral.

I wouldn’t of believed it if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, said Russell.

You can say that again, joined Chip and Bishop.

Wait a couple days and I’ll bet that horse refuses to take a saddle again. Ya got to beat respect into those dumb animals! yelled Buck.

I’ll take that bet, Buck, said Connery with a smile.

Boys, I don't reckon we'll need all of you hangin' around the corral, said Russell, pointing to Bishop and Buck, you two head on out to the herd and check brands. Make sure the cattle on our land are our cows and send the others home. Chip, you stay here and help Connery, and for heaven's sake, pay attention and learn to do what he tells ya!

Okay we’re gone boss. Have fun Chip, laughed Bishop, as he and Buck headed to their mounts. Russell turned from Chip and walked over to where Connery was stroking the horse’s neck.

I ain’t never seen nothin’ like it Connery. Where in hell did ya learn to break a horse like that? asked Russell.

In hell is right, answered Connery.

What do you mean? asked Russell

Never mind. Do ya want me to keep breakin’ the horses?

Since you’re the best man on the ranch at doin' it, I’d say so. I want Chip to work with ya; he’s tryin' to learn to be a cowboy.

If he doesn’t ask too many questions and stays out of my way, I ain’t got a problem with it, said Connery.

Good. Welcome to the Cooper spread, said Russell as he extended his hand. Connery reluctantly shook the foreman’s hand and then walked back towards the horses.

Russell moved back to stand next to Chip. Okay boy, here’s your chance to learn somethin' that just may give ya a job for the rest of your life. We’re always gonna need horses to get from here to there, and cause of that, we'll always need someone to break ‘em. So speak only when spoken to and for heaven’s sake don’t piss him off.

Don’t worry, Mr. Curry. I’ll be all eyes and no mouth, smiled Chip.

If I could only believe it, if I could only believe it, muttered Russell as he headed back toward the main house.

Connery stood in the center of the corral and watched Russell walk away. Well, I’m in. Now to convince them to help me, whispered Connery to himself.

By the time the lunch bell sounded, Connery had Chip riding one horse around the corral that held the herd as he was working on a second animal in the empty corral.

What’s the idea of me havin' to ride this beast around and around this corral? I’m sick of this, complained Chip. Connery looked in Chip’s direction and even from the long distance between the two; Chip knew he had crossed a line. Chip turned his eyes from Connery’s stare and continued to ride his mount around the corral. He could still feel Connery’s eyes burning a hole into the back of his head.

Shut up, Chip before you get yourself stomped, said Chip softly to himself.

Boy! called Connery.

Damn it, cussed Chip. Yes, Mr. Connery?

Time to go to lunch, was all Connery said as he turned, and opening the gate, passed through and closed it behind him, heading straight for the grub shack. Connery joined the attacking forces coming from all directions across the yard toward the smell of food. Stepping up onto the small front porch that ran the length of the shack, Connery stopped at the basin and washed his hands and face. He reached for the towel as Ray handed it to him.

Connery, Russell tells me that ya got a real knack for breakin' horses.

I guess, boss. Just doin' what I was taught, said Connery as he took the towel and wiped off his face and hands.

Well, then I guess I need to thank whoever taught ya, cause by the end of the day you’ll have done what it would have taken us the rest of the week to accomplish.

Well sir, I don’t know about that, but I do know, I’m plum hungry. Okay if I go on in and get a plate of food?

Sure. I’ll join ya, Ray said as he followed Connery into the shack. They walked over to the cook’s counter that separated Fry Pan from the harassment of the never satisfied cowboys. Fry Pan, Ray asked, what are we having today?

A short, bald headed, slightly hunched over cowboy in broken down boots sneered at his boss. Just eat what I put in front of ya or you’ll get nothin'!

Always a joy talkin' with you, Fry Pan, Ray laughed.

Go ta’ hell, cussed Fry Pan.

Ray picked up his plate and led Connery over to the long table where every one else was eating. John, Larry, I’d like ya ta’ meet our new man, Connery. He has taken over the breakin' of the horses on his first day.

Glad to meet you Connery, said Larry as he rose and put out his hand.

Welcome Connery, smiled John as he also extended his hand in friendship.

Connery, Ray said. John and Larry are my partners here on the ranch. We’ve been together; well I guess almost all our lives.

Connery set his plate of food down on the table next to Ray and then took the extended hands. Sitting down, Connery dove into his plate of food like he hadn’t eaten in months. This is damn good grub, said Connery with a full mouth.

Ray started to laugh. Ya think I’d let a bad cook talk to me the way that hash slinger talked to me? If ya want any more just help yourself.

Well Ray, we’ll be seein' ya, said Larry and John as they rose from the table.

Ya headed into town now? asked Ray, already knowing the answer.

Ya, we’ll be back in the mornin’, answered Larry.

Don’t forget to pick me up some more cigars, boys.

Have we ever forgotten before? asked John as he grabbed Larry’s arm and dragged him out of the shack to avoid any more requests from the rest of the cowboys in the room.

Well, Connery, it was nice to meet ya and I plan to come down to the corral later and watch ya work, Ray said as he began to rise from the table.

Boss, before ya go can I say a piece? asked Connery.

Alright. Are you all done eating? Ray pointed.

Yeah, answered Connery.

Okay, I’ll walk down to the corral with ya, said Ray as he put his plate back on Fry Pan’s counter, "Great meal