Sweetwater 1876: Book 1 in the Sweetwater Saga

By Mark A. Gray

Travis Wilde, rode all across the southwest searching for work and greener pastures. Honest, dependable. He was a loner. He helped anyone that needed help, that didn’t cross him.

Riding north into Nebraska Territory, he found a rundown cabin, a starving Indian boy. Newt’s pa was murdered, his ma kidnapped by ruthless killers. He was left for dead, with his little brother Cody.

Times tough, poor, short on supplies, with danger all around him, Travis takes pursuit after the Sioux Indian woman, Autumn Lily. For the boys sake. Hired for only a penny his courage along with determination, to find her. Will Lil find love? Will she keep her family alive? Will the greedy neighbor Burt Collins take her land?

Will Travis find what he was looking for?

Against all odds will they survive the harsh Nebraska environment, and life’s turmoil

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mark A. Gray
• Release date: Oct 1, 2012
• ISBN: 9781604146196

Mark A. Gray

Mark. A. Gray was born and raised in Indiana. He moved to Colorado soon after graduating high school and lived there for 18 years and worked in construction.He then got a job with a hunting outfitter, starting out as a cook. He eventually became a guide, hunting elk and deer in the flat tops wilderness. His dream job lasted 13 years.He then became a working ranch manager on 160 acres, raising elk for five years.In his travels, the trails led him across the United States of America, then back home to Indiana to be closer to his family, where he now lives and works.

Book preview

Introduction

Nebraska Territory, 1876. The white man’s intrusion and encroachment west into the Indian Territory forced the Indians off their land, leading to uprisings and ultimately war.

The survival of one young family is in danger of losing their land and lives, with the chaos going on all around them.

They’re trying to cope with the hardship of every day life and harsh environment. All they wanted was a simple life for themselves.

A drifter, in his travels, lends a helping hand.

The cowboy, Travis, and a Sioux Indian woman, Lil, were standing at the well. Her two young sons run up to them for a drink.

The cowboy asks if the name of the well is called Sweetwater? Lil and her two sons laugh and say no. The younger boy says, That’s the name of our dead dog, buried out behind the barn.

Thus, the ranch name became Sweetwater.

Timeline

Early Spring Travis from Colorado

38 days to Smiley, Rita Blanca River, Texas

2 days to Big Water Hole

4 days Pony Creek, Oklahoma

3 days Cimarron River, Kansas

2 days Dodge City, Kansas

April 21, 1876 Smiley’s birthday, wooden buffalo

2 days Pawnee River

2 days White Woman Creek

1 day Ladder Creek

2 days Stanky Creek

6 days May 6, 1876, to Stamper Homestead

4 days to MacNook and back, Rev. shows up

8 days to Colorado Territory and back with Lil, May 14,

1876, Travis’ birthday

May 15, 1876 Stamper Homestead, 75 days total

June 5 Back from town

June 6 Wood and cattle delivered

July 6 Finish add-on

July 10 Back from town

August 1 Harry supplies

August 2Newt’s birthday

CHAPTER 1

TRAVIS MEETS SMILEY

The West was an untamed wilderness with Indian uprisings, white man searching for gold, the killing of buffalo, and the senseless murdering of innocent bystanders. Lawlessness was everywhere.

A lone cowboy just coming down out of the beautiful San Juan Mountains, traversing the land – covered with Ponderosa Pine, Quaking Aspen, Shrub Oak and dotted clumps of short grass covered with blotches of snow still covering the trail – off a long search, rounding up cows and calves for branding, from Colorado into New Mexico.

With three months’ wages, he headed down towards the Santa Fe Trail ten days, one hundred miles, still searching for work. It was early spring. The days were warm to chilly, the nights cold.

He avoided Indians as much as possible, even going out of his way to go around Indian camps and troubled areas. He’s been riding his horse, Salty, for many years all over the Western Territories working for his own survival. There was rarely a job he would refuse. He wasn’t a tall man but what he possessed mentally and proved himself physically made up for his height.

At five foot six and one hundred sixty-five pounds, he was all muscle with wide shoulders, flat stomach, and arms that could wrestle any steer or shoe a horse. His first job he was given a tan, wide-brimmed cowboy hat. It had a chicken bone and blue Indian trade beads headband with sinew dangling off the back with four-inch long tail hair clippings of his horse. His hat shielded his squared-jaw, tanned face, slender nose, and brown eyes from the sun. Dark brownish-red stubble covered his face. It’s been weeks since he has shaven. He was a roving solitary man; since his ma and pa died when he was seventeen at the time, and has been alone ever since, occasionally making friends wherever he goes or works, and then moves on.

All he had were memories. He had no enemies, burnt no bridges, and left his options open. He didn’t smoke nor drink, but was known to have a couple of swigs off the whisky bottle with his pa in his younger days. He didn’t like the mornings after or the head poundings that came with it. He hasn’t touched whisky in eighteen years. His ma, The Good Lord rests her soul, was God-fearing and taught him what his pa didn’t. He had only two things of his pa’s, his Colt rifle and revolver.

He had quick hands; however, his revolver was quicker. He had strong morals, strong work ethics, common sense and a lot of horse smarts, and an excellent horse named Salty, a mustang stallion whom he raised and trained. They both would help anyone anywhere. He took his work and job seriously, no matter what.

His sense of awareness of his surroundings was top-notch. That’s what kept him and his horse alive for so long. He wasn’t ready to give up or back down at anytime without a fight.

Abandonment was everywhere. In all his travels he’s seen death, burned-out homesteads, broken-down covered wagons, crosses that marked buried loved ones, even Indian burial grounds.

He traveled eighty miles into Navajo Territory of New Mexico, shooting mule deer for himself to eat, making jerky. He trades meat and deer hide to Navajo Indians for a Navajo blanket, dried meat, and wild vegetables. Occasionally stopping at homesteads where he would clean up and rest. White men traveling west would offer something of value to him for trade. Traveling through mountains and valleys, crossing river after river, he headed east towards Tucumcari, New Mexico, following animal trails, Indian paths, one hundred sixty miles along the Canadian River east into Texas, traveling sixteen days without work with about a month and a half’s wages and food left.

Four days and forty miles into Texas, he reached where the Rita Blanca River was dumping into the Canadian River. That’s when he decided to head north into Kiowa-Apache Territory to get out of the hot, dry, lifeless, desert region. Traveling north up the Rita Blanca River, keeping a sharp eye out for Indians, he saw smoke. Salty’s ears pointed forward, twitching and curious. With his hand on the butt of his revolver, he rode in cautiously and closer. He saw a smoldering fire, a bay gelding horse tied in the cottonwood trees, a young man laying down on his back in the short grass with his arm in a bandana sling tied up and over his neck.

Hello, camp! Hello, camp! the cowboy yelled.

The startled young man says, Don’t shoot, mister, as he is struggling to sit up. Howdy! Must of dozed off. Come on in, mister, and set a spell. My name is Smiley Young. The young man was offering his hand. Smiley was young, five-foot, skinny, had reddish-brown hair and a few freckles on his cheeks.

Travis! the lone cowboy said shaking his hand. Are ya hurt bad?

Nawh, think my arm’s broke? grimaced Smiley. Travis checked Smiley’s arm and loosened up his sling. Smiley looked up at Travis and asked, What ya doin’ way out here? Smiley smiled, knowing he had help.

Yep! It’s broke. Bite down on this stick. It’s gonna hurt, only for a little while. Travis smiled as he sets Smiley’s broken arm and put a splint on him; tying it back up and over his neck. Smiley almost passed out. Hang in there, partner, patting the side of his face, you’ll be just fine. I’m headed north lookin’ for work. What are ya doin’ out here? Travis smiled.

Smiley smiles looking up at him. He chuckles, My first trail drive. My horse spooked and tossed me to the ground. I’m a greenhorn, huh?

Yep! But how come you’re by yourself? asked Travis.

Smiley scowled. Wade left me! Told me to go home. There’s no room for a greenhorn on this cattle drive!

Where ya live? asked Travis.

Oh, four days south towards Amarillo, Texas. Smiley pointed.

How big is the cattle herd? Travis asked.

About eight hundred head. Seven cowboys. Been four days on the trail to Dodge City, Kansas. Except for Wade they’re a good bunch of guys, showin’ me the ropes! He’s always pickin’ on me! He took my antler-handled skinnin’ knife that my Uncle Nate made and give ta me! Wade spooked my horse then rode off, laughin’! That made me mad! Wait ’til I get my hands on him, I’ll skin him alive. Smiley was furious and dead serious.

More ’n likely you’ll never see him again, smiled Travis.

Hey, Travis, if ya hurry, maybe Uncle Nate will hire ya on, to go on to Dodge City. He’s always lookin’ for good help.

Yep! I might just do that. Thanks, Smiley. Travis smiles.

Yeah, seein’s how I can’t go. I’m already about six hours behind. I’ll just head back home, Smiley says with a look of disappointment on his face.

There’s always next year! Travis said reassuringly as they both got on their horses.

Smiley looked back and said, Hey, Uncle Nate is a fair man. Ya treat him right, he’ll treat you right.

Thanks, Smiley. Are ya sure ya can make it? asked Travis.

Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks for settin’ my broken arm. Tell Uncle Nate I’m headed back home. If you have any trouble, you can talk to Cole. He’s a real nice Indian scout. See ya. Smiley started to ride off.

Travis chuckles, See ya, greenhorn. Good luck! Travis thought for a minute and yells at Smiley, Hey! If’n we ride together for twelve hours, then git a couple of hours sleep and keep on ridin’, we can catch the tail end of the cattle drive about sunup tomorrow.

Smiley wheeled his horse around with excitement. Ya mean it? I can go with ya? I won’t be no trouble! I’ll do anythin’ ya tell me to, grinned Smiley.

Well, I figure that you’re too young to travel four days back home by yourself, when we can ride twelve hours north and pro’bly catch up. If somethin’ was to happen to ya and your Uncle Nate was to find out, he would have my hide! Along with Wade’s! I don’t want that! smiled Travis.

Gee! Thanks, Travis. I won’t make ya sorry, I promise. Smiley grinned.

I see no harm in takin’ ya north, I’m headed that way. Besides, it’s good experience for a young guy like you to learn the ropes. Let’s get goin’. We got a lot of ground to cover. Ya got any food and water? Travis asks.

Rations for one day, said Smiley.

Travis shook his head in disbelief, scowling at Smiley, Boy, one day’s ration, four days to ride home, how ya figure that?

I reckon I didn’t!

How old are ya, Smiley?

Sixteen years old. How old are ya?

Thirty.

Man! chuckled Smiley.

Travis looked, scowling back at Smiley, Ya gotta problem with that?

Nope, you’re the oldest, best friend I ever had, besides Uncle Nate, smiled Smiley ... And Cole!

Ya gotta gun?

Yeah! Colt revolver in my saddlebags. It belong to my pa. Uncle Nate gave it to me before we left and three bullets.

Boy, that’s good to know. What happened to your pa? asked Travis.

Well, Uncle Nate says when I was five years old, him ’n Pa were breakin’ a couple of horses. Pa got throwed to the dirt and kicked in the noggin. Uncle Nate said, ‘Lights out, that’s all she wrote.’ Smiley laughed. I like that Uncle Nate. He sure is funny. Travis didn’t know what to make of that comment.

Smiley, can ya whistle?

Sure I can! Why?

Can ya sound like a bird?

A bird? Smiley was confused. Why a bird?

Cause from here on out ’til we git to your outfit, ya need to keep your talk to a minimum, soft not loud, so ya don’t draw any attention to us. You whistle to get my attention, make it sound like a bird. Travis looked back.

What kinda bird? asked Smiley.

Somethin’ that’s in nature, that would be found or heard in this area, that’s not gonna be unnatural in case someone was to hear it. Try it! Let me hear ya! Smiley whistled several times. Do it again! Again! Smiley whistled again. Not too loud, start high, end low, cut it off. Smiley again whistled. Good, that’s our signal to each other. You see anyone, you whistle. Don’t watch them, just keep ridin’ like they’re not even there. You hear somethin’, you whistle. Alright?

Alright! answered Smiley.

Look at the terrain, what do you see?

Hills, lot of hills, grass, trees by the river.

Good, do you see what’s in the gully over the next ridge?

Nope! Nobody can! smiled Smiley.

That’s my point! We could be ridin’ into an Indian camp or a herd of buffalo, deer, or anythin’. Ya got to expect the unexpected. Do ya understand? Keep your eyes open!

Yeah! Boy, Travis, you sure are smart.

Someday ya will be, too, Smiley. I’m sure of it.

They rode for several hours, silently, looking down along the river, in the trees, out into the open rolling hills of grass. Early evening, a chill in the air, the wind out of the north, Travis sensed something was wrong. Smiley was watching him.

What’s wrong?

Dust in the air. Hear that rumble?

Thunder? questioned Smiley.

Not a cloud in the sky. Oh, no! Smiley, ride hard and fast to the trees and rocks down by the river. Stampede!

They both took off at a full gallop, dirt just afly’n from the hooves. Running buffalo were pouring over top of the ridge at them like water over a waterfall. They rode hard, perpendicular to the buffalo herd, headed towards the river for cover. The dust was thick and choking. The buffalo herd was closing in on them. Just in time, they made it to the trees just as the buffalo herd and thick choking dust rolled by.

You alright? hollered Travis.

Yeah! That was too close. How did ya know? coughed Smiley.

Quiet! Don’t move! Use your bandana to breathe thru. Hear those shots fired?

Smiley couldn’t see, the dust was so thick it didn’t settle for quite some time. The rumbles of buffalo hooves were deafening. A cowboy rode up, on his horse, appearing out of the dust.

You men alright? he yelled. That sure was the best piece of luck I ever did see, fancy hard riding ... fancy. I like that. Name’s William Cody, you can call me ‘Bill’. I’m camped four miles west. Boy, I thought you two guys were goners, stomped to death, history.

Travis and Smiley were both brushing the dust off themselves, still in shock after what just happened.

I thought lights out! That’s all she wrote! said Smiley.

Good one, son, good one! Bill laughed. Which one of ya made the split-second decision to make a run for it?

Travis! smiled Smiley, you could see his teeth.

Boy, that was some quick thinking, I gotta admit. I watched you two ride across, smack dab in the middle, and thought oh, no, they’re gonna be right dead smack dab in the middle of the wreck. Nothin’ I could do about it. Good thinkin’, Travis, good thinkin’. Buffalo Bill, wearing his buckskin jacket and pants with fringes, sat there talking on his buckskin stallion with his rifle laid across his lap. His tan, floppy, wide-brimmed hat covered most of his shoulder length brown hair.

So, what ya doin’ out here? Travis seemed agitated.

Huntin’ buffalo, meat and hides. Headin’ up north, Nebraska Territories, maybe Wyomin’, smiled Bill. The word I hear is Indian uprising, gettin’ restless. So I’m headin’ up north to do some scoutin’. What about ya? Bill looked at Travis.

Tryin’ to catch up to the cattle drive headed north. Smiley got hurt and left behind, so I’m gonna help him catch up. His Outfit ain’t gonna stop ’til they get to the water hole.

Good man, Travis, good man! Smiley, how’s your arm?

Sore! said Smiley rubbing his wrist.

Tell ya what! Walk over to that tree, pick ya four leaves, eat two, put two in yer pocket. See that green-lookin’ stuff by the creek? ... Bill pointed, Smiley looked and walked over, "... the thick-stocked. Dig up four bulbs, eat two, put two in yer pocket. Make sure you chew it up and swaller it.

Now, break off a piece of that tree bark, strip off the light-colored soft stuff on the inside. Tear it in half. Chew half ’til there’s no more flavor, then spit it out. Put the other half in your pocket for tomorrow. I guarantee ya you’ll have no more pain in that arm, smiled Bill.

Travis was amazed, watched, and took mental notes on what plants they were as Smiley chewed on them.

Gee, thanks, Mr. Cody. I feel better already, smiled Smiley.

Just glad I could help ya, son, Bill smiled. Well, I seen the herd goin’ north. Yer about eight hours behind cause we been talkin’ here pert-neer an hour plus, plus there’s some sort of Indian powwow gettin’ started about three, four hours up the trail. So my suggestion to you two is to cross the river here, head three hours east, then due north for about twenty miles. Should come out at a large water hole, Kiowa grassland, take plenty of water. That should keep you out of any Indian trouble. If you were to miss the water hole, it be another twenty miles north to Beaver River, Oklahoma, in Cimarron Territory. Bill Cody got off his horse to stretch his legs.

Now, let’s figure. All three men hunkered down on the ground, Bill drew in the dirt. Three hours east, twenty miles north, say they bed down around six in the evening to three in the morning, that’s nine. You two travel all night and all day tomorra, I reckon seven, suppertime, tomorra.

Alright, great! Thanks, Mr. Cody! Smiley smiled with excitement.

My pleasure, son. I hope you two catch up, smiled Bill.

Travis shook his hand, It was a pleasure meeting you, Bill.

Likewise! Hey, how would you men like to take some buffalo jerky with ya? smiled Bill.

That would be great, responded Travis, Smiley agreed.

The best buffalo jerky this side of the whole territory, if I do say so myself. Bill handed Smiley a one-pound package. Don’t make yerself sick. Bill smiled and rubbed Smiley’s shoulder.

I won’t, Mr. Cody! smiled Smiley as Bill swung up into the saddle and started to ride off. Smiley was excited. Thanks, Bill ... Buffalo! Thanks, Buffalo-Cody! Thanks, Buffalo-Bill! Thanks, Buffalo Bill Cody! yelled Smiley. Wow, Buffalo Bill Cody! Smiley was excited, tripping over his own tongue.

Smiley, there goes one of the best rider, hunter, and scout we’ll ever meet, smiled Travis.

Boy, oh, boy! Ya think he will be famous? grinned Smiley.

Oh, I’m sure, no doubt in my mind, one of these days.

Boy, I can’t wait to tell Uncle Nate about this.

Let’s fill our water canteens and start ridin’. Give me a piece of that Buffalo Bill’s jerky. Let’s go! smiled Travis.

Travis and Smiley crossed the slow-moving Rita Blanca River. The sun was a-setting with an orange glow in the western sky. They both knew they had a long night ahead of them. Smiley was wondering if Uncle Nate was worried about him. Travis offered Smiley his Navajo blanket to wrap around his shoulders and told him how to sleep with one eye open, then rest the other one in half hour intervals. ...

The chuck wagon came to a stop on a flat part of the open prairie, rolling hills all around. Eli Jones was the camp cook. At five feet-ten inches, a slave from the south then freed, white hair, bald in front, with a white mustache, sixty-four years old, he started to set up camp for the evening meal. Mr. Eli was a good cook. He was a colored man who survived the slavery era of the South thanks to Nate Young, Trail Boss. Mr. Eli and Nate knew each other for over thirty years.

Nate paid for Mr. Eli’s freedom when he was a soldier in the war, hired him to work for him on his cattle ranch. Mr. Eli was forever grateful to Nate for changing his life forever. They were the best of friends. Nate Young was a tall man, lean, muscular, six-two, two hundred pounds, white hair that covered the top of his ears, with a white thick mustache. At fifty-five, he did well for his family.

CHAPTER 2

THE LONG TRAIL DRIVE

Mr. Eli finished cooking dried-beef gravy, beans, and drop biscuits for the men who started to mosey in.

J.J. came in hungry, Smells good, Mr. Eli. Can I git another spoon full of beans?

You’d bedder et what cha git first, then will see, smiled Mr. Eli. Next! Mr. Eli handed Spooner his plate.

Thanks, Mr. Eli, smells real good. I’m starved.

Blake walks up to get his plate, says, Thanks, Mr. Eli.

Yer welcome! replied Mr. Eli with a smile.

Wade walks up. He’s the youngest of the cowpunchers in the outfit. At six-foot, two-twenty, he’s about twenty-four, no respect for anyone, whines and complains about everything, a big tub of lard, his belly hangs over his belt. Thinks he’s tougher than what he is, intimidates everyone, and lazy. What kinda slop you gonna force us to eat tonight, ya no-good-for-nothin’ sooty peon? Ya can’t cook, looking down his nose.

Nate walked up, overheard what Wade just said. He scowled. Wade, if you don’t like Mr. Eli’s cookin’, don’t eat it. Show a little respect to Mr. Eli for what you’re about to eat. Be thankful ya get somethin’ to eat, scolded Nate. He looks around. Where’s Smiley? Anybody know? asked Nate looking at all the cowboys sitting around the campfire shaking their heads no, they haven’t seen him all day. Wade started to walk away and head towards the campfire. Wade! yelled Nate, he started to fret, Where’s Smiley?

How should I know, I’m not his babysitter! yelled Wade. I didn’t hire on to be a babysitter! scowled Wade sitting down.

You was with Smiley this mornin’, ridin’ drag. Where is he? demanded Nate getting upset and angry.

I told ya! barked Wade. When we got ready to ride out and Smiley was moseyin’ around, la-lee gaggin’, throwin’ rocks in the river, I told him I was ridin’ on. He could catch up later.

Nate couldn’t believe what Wade just said and walked right over to him, in disgust, What in Sam’s Hill was ya thinkin’ in that thick skull of yours, ya knot head?

Oh, don’t fret! said Wade snidely. He pro’bly show up at anytime now! he snickered.

Don’t fret? Don’t fret? yelled Nate. That’s my brother’s boy. If anythin’ happens to him, I’ll ... I’ll ... Cole walks up.

Easy Nate, we don’t know if anythin’ has happened. Give Smiley a little more time, alright? We’ll just see what tomorrow brings. Cole put his hand on Nate’s shoulder.

You’re right, Cole! Wade! Stand up and give me your plate of ‘slop’. If Smiley ain’t here to eat, neither are you. Ya got first watch ’til midnight. Now git on your horse and go out there and babyset the herd! demanded Nate. You are now the night watch babysitter!

Wade glared at Nate, shoved his plate towards Nate, kicking the dirt with his boots, and stomped off. The rest of the cowboys started to snicker. They never saw Nate so irritated and furious before.

Alright, you guys, knock it off, show’s over! snarled Nate. J.J., you relieve Wade at midnight.

Alright, boss, replied J.J. with a grin.

Mr. Eli handed Cole his plate of food. Thanks, Mr. Eli, I’m sure it’s good. Cole winked, Mr. Eli smiled.

Nate walked up to Cole, We need to talk.

Alright, grab a plate, replied Cole.

Mr. Eli handed Nate his plate. Sorry, Mr. Eli, remarked Nate.

Sorry fer what? grinned Mr. Eli. That ungrateful polecat got off easy, Nate. Wade should get what he deserves if ya ask me, and if ya didn’t. That’s what I think.

Thanks, Mr. Eli. Cole, what we gonna do about Smiley?

Cole was Nate’s right-hand man and foreman on the trail drive; Indian, ‘Cole Big Bear’, but doesn’t know what tribe he belongs to, raised by White parents, tall, handsome, good shape, six-foot, thirty years old, worked for Nate for about 15 years.

Cole Big Bear was an expert scout along with his lifelong trusted friend, Little Bear, Kiowa-Apache, who’s always in the shadows. Cole considered him as his adopted little brother. Little Bear would ride ahead of the herd, looking for danger, water holes, and a safe trail. He would hand-signal Cole. He would stay out of sight ninety-nine percent of the time. Only Cole and Nate know that Little Bear was out there to warn them of any danger.

Mr. Eli suspected that there was an extra mouth to feed somewhere, but he never questioned or second-guessed Nate’s or Cole’s abilities or reasoning for what they do. All he knows is Cole can’t possibly eat that much food in one day by himself. Cole and Nate sat on their bedrolls.

According to the information I got from Little Bear, there’s a big water hole less than twenty miles to the northeast, southeast of Kiowa grassland, no signs of Indians. A lot of the Indians are camped within reach of the river to the east, and if need be, we can hold up there for a couple days and I could have Little Bear backtrack.

Alright, agreed Nate, I can’t risk losin’ Smiley. My livelihood depends on deliverin’ the herd to Dodge City. I can’t spare another man. I can’t risk losin’ everythin’ I’ve worked for all my life. Then Wade ... Nate shakes his head. He pulls a real stupid, numbskull stunt, leavin’ Smiley behind.

Well, Nate, I got a good feelin’ in my gut that Smiley will be alright. He’ll be ridin’ into camp, his mouth will be goin’ faster than the tail of a rattler backed up in a corner. Cole patted Nate on the shoulder. He’ll be jumpin’ around like a drop of water in a hot skillet tellin’ us all about his adventure. They both chuckled.

Yeah, I suppose you’re right, Cole. You always are. Nate stood up to stretch his legs.

Now where ya goin’?

For a ride, check the herd. We need to keep our eyes on Wade, said Nate walking towards his horse.

Cole thought to himself the chances of a sixteen-year-old boy surviving by himself and the odds of doing so was slim to none, and then he thought of having to tell his ma, whom he loved, what had happened to her son. He laid down and dozed off.

Nate rode out around the herd noticing the herd was drifting, spreading out farther, maybe a little too far for someone being on watch. Under the chill of the stars and half-lit moon of the night, Nate saw Wade lying on the ground, legs crossed, hands behind his head, his hat pulled down over his face, his horse tied to a big clump of short grass. Nate rode up, got off his horse and gave Wade a swift kick in the butt.

What the ... grumbled Wade as he looked up.

Git up! barked Nate, I’m dockin’ you a half-day pay! I’ve about had enough of your crap. My patience are runnin’ mighty thin with ya right now. So don’t try me!

But I ...

Save it! I don’t want to hear it, snarled Nate. Consider this your last warnin’, start pullin’ your own weight or you’re fired!

Ya can’t do that! warned Wade glaring at Nate.

Nate grabbed Wade’s shirt right at the neck, pulled him in close, eyeball to eyeball. Watch me! Nate grit his teeth and scowled. Now git your lazy butt on your horse and tighten up this herd. I don’t want to see no straglers come mornin’. Do ya hear me? yelled Nate. Ya better have a better attitude come mornin’. Do ya understand me? Nate let go of Wade’s shirt, Wade nodded his head. What? I didn’t hear ya? barked Nate.

Yeah, Nate! said Wade sheepishly.

Now git! J.J. will be comin’ out in a little bit, so you tell him that you’re gonna stay out here with him the rest of the night to get this herd back together, and, come mornin’, I’m gonna ask J.J. if ya did! Boy, if your pa wasn’t a friend of mine, I’d thump on ya like he should of! snarled Nate as he got back up on his horse, disgusted, and rode back towards camp.

J.J. was approaching Nate on his horse. Everythin’ alright, Boss? asked J.J. still half-asleep.

No. Caught Wade sleepin’, herd scattered all over the place. I’m mad as hell! Told him to stay out with ya all night ’til mornin’ to get this herd back together or he’s fired. I’ll be askin’ ya, come mornin’, if he did.

Alright, Nate, I’ll see to it.

Make Wade earn his wages! grumbled Nate.

Sure will, see ya, come mornin’.

See ya, J.J., thanks.

They both rode off in different directions. Nate got a couple of hours sleep before he heard Mr. Eli stirring around getting breakfast ready for the men. One by one the cowboys were standing in line waiting for grub, in the light of the oil lantern. Cole walked up behind Nate standing in line.

Is everythin’ alright?

Yeah, come on, let’s eat, grumbled Nate. The men were all standing around, chowing down their breakfast, when J.J. and Wade walked up. Listen up, men. Because of certain situations and bad attitudes came to my attention, we all are goin’ to push nonstop to the big water hole about twenty miles northeast. The men groaned and looked at Wade. Also, we’re all goin’ to take a head count to see how many steers we lost. Let’s roll! yelled Nate. J.J., how did it go last night? asked Nate.

Good, Nate! with a smile. Nate nodded his head.

The men weren’t none too happy with Wade, another long day. They each walked past Wade staring him in the face saying, Thanks a lot, Wade!

Mr. Eli handed every man a small ration of wrapped food to put in their saddlebags to eat for lunch. Enjoy! smiled Mr. Eli. See ya fellers at the water hole! The chuck wagon pulled out.

A slight breeze was blowing out of the north as the sun was rising in the east. The herd was moving along good, hours flew by. It started to get warm. The dust boiled up from the ground. The sun high in the sky. The men kept the herd moving.

Spooner! yelled Nate. Drop back and tell Wade to push the herd up closer. He’s gettin’ too far back.

Yeah, Nate, will do! Spooner rode back towards Wade.

Nate wants you to keep the herd closer together. You’re gettin’ too far behind.

So what! barked Wade. Who cares? Get off my back!

You better care if ya want to eat supper and not get docked another day’s wages, growled Spooner. Grow-up! And earn yer wage! Spooner turned his horse and headed back to his position.

Early afternoon, the herd still moving along with good stride and making good time for several more hours, Mr. Eli was first to reach the water hole with the chuck wagon. Cole came riding up.

Mr. Eli, this looks like a good place to make camp.

Sure does, water looks invitin’, replied Mr. Eli.

Sure does, Mr. Eli. Why don’t ya treat yourself to a swim? The men won’t be here for some time yet, smiled Cole.

I’ll do more than swim. I just might take me a bath.

Good idea, I’m headed back out to the herd. Cole rode off, and Nate rode up on his horse.

Mr. Eli, wait up. I just might join ya! laughed Nate.

Mr. Eli looked back. Come on then, shake a leg, ain’t got all night. They both laughed with anticipation of a relaxing bath.

Cole rode out to get a head count from each of the men as they rode in and told him. Cole was excited. Hey, water looks clean, fresh, but don’t dilly-dally, we still got to watch the herd.

Yip-ee! the men shouted and rode off towards the big water hole.

Blake came riding in with some steers. How many ya got, Blake? asked Cole.

Fifty head! replied Blake.

Good job! Have ya seen Wade?

Nope! Pro’bly sleepin’ in the saddle, like usual, useless if ya ask me, replied Blake.

Yeah, seems like he just doesn’t care no more! Go on ahead and get yourself wet, yelled Cole. I’ll wait for Wade.

Thanks, Cole! Blake took off lickety-split, like a bullet, towards the big water hole to join the others.

Cole rode to a high advantage point to look back the trail. There was Wade, taking his time with two steers, about a half-mile back coming up the trail. Cole rode on ahead towards the big water hole where Nate and Mr. Eli were almost dressed and the other men were splashing around. Cole got off his horse and walked over to Nate.

Well, Cole, what’s the tally?

With the two Wade’s bringin’ in, we’re fifteen heads short.

How far back is he? asked Nate.

About half-mile.

What in Sam Hill has gotten into that boy? I just don’t know! said Nate. Don’t trust him no more.

The boy needs a good whoppin’! suggested Mr. Eli with a short grin. Now, if ya excuse me, I got to get some vittles started!

Well, maybe Mr. Eli’s right. Someone needs to knock him down a couple of hat sizes, and give him a couple of knowledge knots, said Cole.

"And you better jump in the water before ya start to rot, laughed Nate. You men hurry up, we still got work to do, yelled Nate. Nate walked over to the chuck wagon, Wade came walking in. Wade, what took ya so long? The men have been here about a half hour. Where ya been?" asked Nate.

What do you care? grumbled Wade.

Just then Nate lost his temper and patience, hit Wade on the chin and knocked him to the ground. Wade was shocked. Mr. Eli’s eyes got as big as silver dollars.

Get up, Wade! yelled Nate. Just because ya don’t care, I care. Every man in this outfit cares. I expect you to do your job.

But! said Wade.

Shut-up! No buts! You always have an excuse. I’m tired of your excuses. Several of the men were standing by. The count is fifteen head short because of your laziness! barked Nate.

Well, maybe someone doesn’t know how to count. Some of them guys aren’t too smart, remarked Wade, rubbing his chin.

Nate hit him again on his already sore chin, knocking him to the ground. We all know how to count. We’re not stupid, yelled Nate. I’m gonna dock you again every head we lose, and pretty soon, either you work and do your job, or you’ll be workin’ for free. Ya think you’re just along for the ride. Now git up! Get washed up!

Embarrassed, Wade walked down to the big water hole. Cole was dressed and saw Little Bear giving him hand signals. Wade started to get undressed, looking at Cole. Cole, Nate needs to relax. Cole looked at him.

How can he when he’s got ya always stirrin’ things up? If I were ya, I’d use a little more common sense and take a little more pride in your job! scowled Cole.

Says you! grumbled Wade.

Immediately, Cole went to Nate sitting with Mr. Eli at the chuck wagon, eating. Nate, we need to talk! Cole was serious.

Well, go ahead. Mr. Eli won’t pay no never mind!

Well, Cole whispered in Nate’s ear, Little Bear ...

I knew it! yelled Mr. Eli, smiling, I knew there was another mouth I was feedin’. Now I know. Sorry I interrupted. He grinned.

He works for us, Mr. Eli. He’s one of the men, scoutin’. Go on, Cole.

Little Bear sees two riders comin’ up the trail with steers. ...

Smiley, Nate whispered.

Don’t get your hopes too high, Nate, don’t know, said Cole. Nate was excited.

I’ll set back two platefuls of food. Mr. Eli got up. Before it all gets ate up.

How far back the trail? asked Nate.

About an hour, I’ll go, replied Cole.

No, you stay here, watch the men and the herd. If it’s Smiley, I want to be the first one he sees and I wanna hear what happened. Cole, tell Wade to get some rest. He’s got first watch.

Alright, replied Cole. Be careful out there, Nate.

Will do. I’ll be back before dark, as he got on his horse and rode off down the trail toward the two men.

Uncle Nate! Uncle Nate! yelled Smiley, smiling.

Smiley, is that you?

Ya bet, Uncle Nate!

Boy, ya don’t know how glad I am, happy to see ya! Nate rode up on his horse into the middle, between Smiley and Travis, Nate giving Smiley a big hug while on his horse. Boy, I’m glad to see you’re still alive. Who’s your friend?

Uncle Nate, this here is my best friend, Travis.

Howdy! Much oblige for helpin’ Smiley! offering his hand and a smile.

Howdy, Mr. Young.

Oh, just call me Nate.

I’ve heard quite a bit about you, Nate, practically know ya already. Smiley says you’re a good man.

Well, I don’t know about that. Smiley can exaggerate a little bit. I had to show my mean side lately.

Oh? Why’s that? asked Travis.

Wade’s been downright lazy and mouthy lately. Had to put a lump on his noggin a couple times.

Oh, one of those types, smiled Travis.

Wait ’til I see that Wade, I’ll ...

Settle down, Smiley. You’ll do no such thin’. I’ll take care of him. How did ya hurt your arm? asked Nate.

Wade! scowled Smiley. He took my knife, spooked my horse, I got throwed, then Wade laughed and rode off. Told me to go home! Then Travis showed up about six hours later, set it, and said he would help me catch up, smiled Smiley.

How did ya know we would be over at the big water hole?

Buffalo Bill! smiled Smiley, Nate’s jaw dropped. Yep, Buffalo Bill told us to go east, to go around the Indian powwow by the river, then north twenty miles. Then Travis saw a bunch of steer tracks, one set of horse tracks, found one steer, then another, saw the dust in the air, found some more steers, and here we are, smiled Smiley.

How many? asked Nate.

Thirteen! replied Smiley.

Travis responded about one, Found one the Indians got, boned out.

Well, that means we only lost two steers so far, said Nate. What ya eat? Nate looked at Travis, and he pointed to Smiley.

Oh, ... Smiley smiled ... roots, berries, wild onions, a potato, and jerky, Buffalo Bill’s jerky!

Let me try one, Smiley. Smiley handed Uncle Nate a piece. Boy, that is good! Smiley, you better guard the rest! They laughed.

Travis and me, we took turns sleepin’ on our horses day and night, smiled Smiley.

Well, Travis, sounds like you’re a good man. Comes from a reliable source. Uncle Nate pointed at Smiley, they chuckled. Travis, where ya headed? Nate looked at him.

Well, I was tellin’ Smiley, north, maybe Nebraska Territory.

Well, let’s see. I owe ya one for helpin’ Smiley. If you stay on with us to Dodge City, I’ll give ya a bonus.

Travis looked at Smiley. He could see the excitement in his eyes. I reckon I could. I could sure use the work.

Yip-ee! hollered Smiley. I told ya my Uncle Nate was a good man. They laughed and rode into camp.

Cole was first to hug Smiley when he climbed down off his horse. Sure do thank ya, Travis, Cole shaking his hand.

Cole, Uncle Nate just hired Travis on ... to go on to Dodge City.

Glad to have ya along, smiled Cole. I’m sure you’ll be a big help for us. The men haven’t eaten yet, but Mr. Eli is just about ready.

Come and get it, Mr. Eli yelled. They were standing in line for their plates.

Men, this is Travis. He’ll be workin’ with us ’til we get to Dodge City, Cole announced. This here is J.J., Blake, Spooner, and Mr. Eli, our camp cook, and, of course, Wade, still lyin’ down, sleepin’. Travis shook all the cowboys’ hands. They were all glad to see Smiley, patting him on the back.

Nate walked over to Wade, kicked his boots. Wade, ya gonna eat? We got company!

Yeah! Wade was groggy. Who? Wade looked up, Smiley, good ta see ya. You made it. What took so long?

Cut the crap! Wade, you lied to me! glared Nate.

About what? scowled Wade at Nate.

Give Smiley back his knife! barked Nate.

What knife? I don’t have his knife. Smiley, what did ya tell your Uncle Nate? You little liar! growled Wade. You gave me that knife, you little Injun giver! Wade glared at Smiley.

Alright, that’s enough, Wade. You don’t have to make a big scene. Just give back his knife.

Here, I didn’t want it anyway, groaned Wade tossing the knife in the dirt. All the men watched as Wade was humiliated and walked over to the chuck wagon, bumping into Travis and stepping on his boot on purpose while Travis was waiting for a plate. What kinda slop we gotta eat tonight, no-good-for-nothin’ darkie. Another mouth to feed, looking down his nose at Travis.

Don’t mess with me! glared Travis.

O-o-o-oh. Don’t mess with me, mocked Wade. Do I have to babysit you, too? smiled Wade.

Travis hit Wade quick and hard upside his head. Wade’s knees buckled, his eyes rolled back into his head. Wade dropped down like a big bag of taters. Mr. Eli’s eyes got as big as silver dollars. The men’s jaws dropped from amazement.

Smiley was sitting with Uncle Nate and Cole. Wow! Uncle Nate, did ya see that? That was so fast.

Yeah, remarkable. I bet he’s fast with a gun, too! replied Nate.

Travis looked over at Nate. I told him not to mess with me, but he didn’t listen. Nate and all the men chuckled.

Just what Wade needed! remarked Cole.

Amen, to that! added Mr. Eli. Travis, I see you and me are gonna git-along just fine, smiled Mr. Eli.

He’ll come around in about one hour. He’ll have a slight headache, won’t feel like eatin’ your ‘slop’, Mr. Eli, but I want ya to leave his plate empty, right here. After I eat, I’m gonna take a bath. I’ll be standin’ right here when he comes to. Don’t move him, alright? said Travis.

I reckon, yes sir, Mr. Travis. I can’t wait, chuckled Mr. Eli.

Wonder what kinda mind game Travis is gonna play on Wade?

Cole, I don’t know, but you can bet your last dollar I’m gonna stick around to find out! chuckled Nate.

Travis whistled short and soft, Smiley looked. Travis motioned with a nod of his head, Smiley nodded back. Uncle Nate, I’m gonna go take a bath.