The Iron Horse: Book 4 in the Sweetwater Saga

By Mark A. Gray

The continuing saga of a young family at Sweetwater Ranch was simple, but hard and exhausting.

Prosperous, rewarding times — along with the bad times — bring changes to the small town and their lives.

Will Miss Jenna be forced into an unwanted romance?

In an accidental mishap, can Travis help save the life of one of his grandsons?

Will Newt and Cody find the secret goldmine?

Will Fawn’s dark past unexpectedly catch up with her?

Catastrophes, death, and renegades threaten their lives on a daily basis. The family learns to cope with the hardships of life, for the future and survival of their own existence in the Nebraska territory.

Slowly, life goes on with the start of modernization spreading westward.

The Iron Horse brings changing times in their struggle to survive.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mark A. Gray
• Release date: Jul 24, 2015
• ISBN: 9781604148794

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

SWEETWATER 1876

The

Iron Horse

Book 4 of the Sweetwater Saga

MARK A. GRAY

Smashwords ebook published by Fideli Publishign Inc.

Copyright 2015, Mark A. Gray

No part of this eBook may be reproduced or shared by any electronic or mechanical means, including but not limited to printing, file sharing, and email, without prior written permission from the author.

Smashwords License Notes

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 person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

ISBN: 978-1-60414-879-4

Table of Contents

Acknowledgement

Memories of Yesterdays

November Snow

Introduction

CHAPTER 1

Five Years Later

CHAPTER 2

Parson Byrd

CHAPTER 3

Newt’s Business

CHAPTER 4

Fire

CHAPTER 5

Trouble-Shooter

CHAPTER 6

Rock Goes Home

CHAPTER 7

The Gold Ring

CHAPTER 8

Young Drifter

CHAPTER 9

Visitors From Omaha

CHAPTER 10

Punkin’s Surprise

CHAPTER11

Celebration

ILLUSTRATIONS BY MARK GRAY

Stockyard Map

Animals

Travois

Burial Grounds — North Woods

Newt’s Nightmare

Whitt-‘N-Wilde

Greenhorn

Cowboy

Shadows

Acknowledgements

My good friend, Punkin. She inspired me to write more with her question, Whatever happens to...?

My sister, Dawn, for typing my rough draft.

My editor-publisher, Fideli Publishing, for bringing Travis’s story to life and the story he had to tell.

My illustrator, Robert A. Hudson, for the cover art for my books.

And above all, the good Lord, for the dream that started this long journey through the trails of life.

THANK YOU!

Memories of Yesterdays

By Mark A. Gray, 1-1-11

I awoke cold, tired and sore;

Slow to rise from the day before.

Rode in yesterday, late that night;

From a long trail, I was a pitiful sight.

Good dreams, and memories come driftin’ in;

Through the early cold mornin’ air, so thin.

Loose horses a-standin’, lookin’, tired and dread;

Tore open and et, the last of our bread.

Sunrise was beautiful; camp was set;

Half-inch of snow, thin’s were wet.

Campfire burnin’, warm and flickerin’;

We both sat, sippin’ coffee, snickerin’.

Huntin’ was great, the ride a blast;

Good memories of years, have gone past.

Ridin’ down the mountain trail, headin’ home;

After weeks, I’m glad I wasn’t alone.

Memories and dreams still drift into mind;

Of my happy dear ol’ friend, left behind.

Stories told, memories still alive;

Of my good ol’ friend, after he died.

In memory of the Outfitter, honest and true;

There’s not a day, I don’t talk about you.

Goodbye to you, my trusted friend;

Someday I’ll see ya at trail’s end.

November Snow

By Mark A. Gray, 11/14/2012

Winter Snow came on cold and strong;

I was hopin’ nothin’ would go wrong.

Huntin’ was over in the Mountain camp;

Snow was deep; Tents were damp.

Last Day; gear was packed and laced;

Didn’t want to go back to the stressed rat race.

Rode to pack-out the last of the Elk;

Me and two pack horses; by Myself.

Shear beauty of snow, that time of year;

High in the mountains; Sky was blue and clear.

Quiet, pristine; not even a sound;

Thought I was riding through sacred ground.

Elk was packed on horses; ready to go;

Headed back slow, through the blanket of snow.

Rode for hours through the mountain cold;

Thinkin’ about huntin’ stories that were told.

Livin’ in the wilderness; three months of the year;

Experience was great; I left with a tear.

Solitude and quietness, flooded my mind;

The thought of great huntin’; goin’ back in time.

Introduction

The past several winters of the late 1880s were long and brutally cold with lots of snow and below-freezing temperatures. It was the early spring. Everyone was anxious to venture outside.

The harsh Nebraska winter gave way to the spring thaw. Patches of snow still covered the valley of Sweetwater. The Cottonwood and Birch trees haven’t put forth any buds, but there was plenty of sunshine to get the sap flowing again.

Little shoots of tallgrass awaken out of its somber resting condition and started to grow again, pushing up through the snow.

The children grew up fast in their young lives and took on responsibilities, strong work ethics to help their families survive on the frontier in the Nebraska Territory.

Newt and Cody’s four little boys were still too young for chores, but were eager to learn and help and were being taught from their learning books.

The four young boys of Annabell Ranch were older and full of energy.

Little Bear and Sparrow taught their two sons about their Native American Indian heritage and language of their ancestors. Little Bear taught his sons the ways of the animals, to watch and learn from them:

The secret ways of the Hawk, how it selects its prey, and to strike swiftly;

Why the Eagles soar on the winds and their Eagle feathers would carry their prayers to the Heavens. Their excellent eyesight for hunting prey;

The Foxes, Coyotes and Wolves for their sly cunning ways;

The Rattlesnakes’ ways from being seen, the bite from their two fangs was deadly, and they strike quickly;

The Bear, its keen sense of smell, courage and fearless, ferocious nature;

The Deer, how to sense danger, move quickly and quietly without a noise, with stamina for long distances;

The Horse, for travel or for heavy work;

Most importantly, all animals and humans need water, and only Man is the most dangerous ‘animal’ that they’ll ever meet.

Little Bear taught the four young boys to live off the land and to respect the land, the animals and humans. Along with Cole and Smiley, he taught the boys how to hunt with bows and arrows and rifles, and how to fish. Smiley, Cole and Little Bear also taught the four young boys how to ride horses and about the cattle on their land. It was their way of survival and income for years to come.

All the women taught the boys to read and write from their learning books, and how to work in the garden to grow food to keep their families alive in the harsh Nebraska Territory.

Both Sweetwater and Annabell Ranch grew in numbers, with several thousand head of cattle, and became prosperous and well-respected.

The little town of MacNook is growing with more people and businesses, with the help of the Iron Horse, but needs the help of the Sheriff and townspeople to enforce law and order.

CHAPTER 1

Five Years Later

Travis was awakened by the kisses of his beautiful wife as she snuggled closer to him. The little cabin was chilly in the early morning before sunrise.

M-m-m, yer body is warm, the fire must-a went out. He yawned, stretched and rolled onto his side facing Lil and kissed her cheek. I like how ya wake me up in the mornin’s, ya feel good. He hugged her. I need ta git up and put another log on the fire.

Lil giggled and hugged him, Why it’s plenty warm right here! She hugged and kissed him.

Yeah, it is at that! He chuckled and held her close.

What are you going to do today? Besides lay here with me for the next hour. Lil talked with a smile and had mischief in her eyes and rolled Travis over on top of her.

Well, after an hour with ya, he chuckles, I need ta go check on the herd of cattle with the boys, ta see how much longer the cows are gonna be before they drop calves. He kissed her. Plus decide when we need ta go ta town for supplies, so ya need ta make out a supply list.

I can stay with Maria and help with our grandsons. How about a wish list? She giggled kissing him.

Shore! But be careful what ya wish fer!

I wish... Lil kissed him, ... I wish you would stop talking and kiss me!

Lil, yer beautiful! I think, which is dangerous ya know, yer wish is about ta come true! he whispered in her ear and kissed her passionately.

Newt rolled over and kissed Maria. He got up, dressed and walked out into the kitchen. He started a fire in the cook stove to heat up morning coffee.

Cody, still in bed, heard someone up and stirring around. Fawn rolled over, hugged him, and held him in her arms.

You going out for a ride today? she quietly asked Cody.

Yeah, with Pa ta check on the herd.

Don’t you leave without me.

Oh, I ain’t! Yer my beautiful assistant! Cody kissed her.

Thanks! You changed my life. It’s like I’m still in a dream in paradise for the past five years. I love you!

Yeah, me, too! Some mornin’s I don’t even wanna git out of bed, Cody chuckled and kissed her.

Thanks, I’m glad you feel that way, too! You’re starting to talk more and more like your pa. She giggled. I can tell your pa really loves your ma, and you love me just as much. Fawn kissed him.

Ya reckon! How long did it take ya to figure that one out?

Oh you! You knucklehead! Fawn slapped his shoulder. I was being nice! she scowled.

Fawn, ya know I love ya and always will. I learned a lot about pretty girls from my pa and Newt. I was just foolin’ with ya.

Well, all right! You better behave and kiss me again! Then check-in on the boys. Cody kissed her. That’s more like it! she giggled. I’ll be out after I get dressed.

Ya gonna wear those black ride’n pants I like so much? remarked Cody getting dressed.

Yeah, sure, I can wear those. Is it just the pants? chuckled Fawn.

Cody looked at her with a smirk on his face, Yeah, Fawn, it’s just the pants! He laughed

Oh you! You knucklehead! Fawn picked up a boot and tossed it at Cody as he quickly closed the door behind himself, laughing. Cody walked out into the kitchen, chuckling, and saw Newt sitting at the big oak table sipping coffee.

Mornin’, Cody! Spit-spat with the little woman?

Mornin’, Newt! Nawh! Jist talkin’ about Fawn’s pants! He chuckled.

Newt chuckled, What, was ya gawkin’?

Nope! She wasn’t dressed yet. Cody laughed.

Boy, Cody! Ya better not git Fawn sore at ya!

No, Newt, I was talkin’ about the color of her pants and Fawn was talkin’ about what was in her pants! They both laughed.

Boy, Cody, time flies when yer have’n fun! Why I remember when we both didn’t like girls. Now we both got two boys of our own and we both got beautiful wives.

Yeah, who would’ve ever thunk it! They both laughed.

Fawn walks out into the kitchen after checking-in on her two boys and looks at Newt and Cody. Cody pours her a cup of coffee.

Well, Cody, now what do you think about my pants? scowled Fawn. Cody looks at Newt and they both shrugged their shoulders.

Well, Fawn, real nice! Yeah, real nice! I like the color, too! Cody and Newt laughed. Fawn shook her head and scowled. She sat down at the big oak table and sipped her coffee.

Maria got dressed and checked-in on her two sons. She walks out into the kitchen and yawns. She sees everyone sitting at the table sipping coffee.

Wow! Maria, do that trick again! remarked Cody. Everyone looked at Maria.

What? What trick? Maria was confused.

Yeah, the one yer mouth opened up so big yer face disappeared! They all laughed loudly.

Good one, Cody! laughed Newt

Oh you! Maria scowled and pointed her finger at Cody. You best be careful little brother! I’ll put a world of hurt on you! They all laughed. And, Newt! Maria pointed her finger at him, You’re next on my list! They all laughed.

Me! Why me? Cody said it! Newt squinted one eye.

Yeah, but you’re not helping matters — encouraging him! Maria gave him the eye.

Maria, we need to make out a supply list. Pa might want ta go ta town soon, remarked Fawn.

All right, Fawn, a list for you and a list for me. Newt and Cody don’t need anything! Why they can survive on love alone! They all laughed. Isn’t that right, Newt? Maria grinned.

Yeah, I reckon.

I can, too! But if’n Jed’s gotta Can of Love’n, pick me up one, please! Cody and Newt laughed. Maria and Fawn chuckled and shook their heads.

Good one, Cody! I like that! laughed Newt.

~~><~~><~~><~~

Lil was sitting on the front porch sipping on her morning coffee. She was content and peaceably looking out over the landscape, daydreaming. Travis slowly walks out of the cabin door. He sees Lil in her hypnotic state. He sits down beside her in his chair. He places his hand on her hand.

Doin’ nothin? Huh! Uh, can I do nothin’ with ya?

Lil looks at Travis with a confused, sad face, Travis, we haven’t seen Uncle Cloud-Many Feathers and my family for quite some time. Do you think everything is all right? She looked worried.

I reckon. Don’t know. It’s a long journey for them.

Yeah, I know, she sighed, but I miss them. She teared up.

Ain’t no need ta fret! They’ll show up when ya least expect ‘em to.

It’s been too long! Something is wrong, I can feel it! she said with tears in her eyes.

Ain’t no need ta go and work yerself up into a lather frettin’! Ya can think of all the possibilities ya want, but ya don’t know fer sure ‘til ya know the facts. He smiled and squeezed her hand.

Yeah, you’re right. What do you think? She looks him in the eyes.

Well, let’s say, huh, the spirits ain’t moved ‘em yet! Mebbe they like where they’re at. Or they traveled farther north. They know yer alive and well! Who knows. He winked.

But how will I know? she said and teared up.

A sign of some sort ... or a word from someone ... I can ask Sheriff Bo if’n he’s heard anythin’ ‘bout the Indian treaties when I go ta town.

Thanks. That might be helpful. She smiles and kisses him.

Come on! Let’s mosey on over ta see the boys! He smiled pulling on her arm and helping her to her feet.

They both walked arm-in-arm through the tallgrass towards the big log cabin. Travis and Lil knocked on the door of the big cabin and walked in. They saw them all sitting at the big oak table, laughing.

Mornin,’ everyone! What’s so funny? asked Travis as he and Lil walked over to the big oak table.

Oh, your two sons! They’re nothing but a couple of big over-growed knotheads! replied Maria, hugging both Lil and Travis. They all laughed.

Yeah, they’re both acting too much like you, Pa, giggled Fawn.

Well, is that a bad thin’? replied Travis. Lil giggled and sat down at the big oak table.

No, Pa, we love you, too! chuckled Fawn. They all laughed. Ma, would it be all right if you watch Wyatt and Lief after breakfast for a couple of hours while I go riding with... Fawn looks around at Newt, Cody and Travis, ... with these three knotheads to check on the herd of cows? Fawn chuckled. They all laughed.

Travis rushed over and held Fawn in his arms, A knothead, huh? and gave her a big hug. She shrieked with laughter.

I’d love to watch the boys, Fawn, that’s why I’m here. I’ll help cook breakfast, too! Lil smiled.

After breakfast and the four young boys were fed, Maria helped Lil lay out some clothes for her grandsons.

Travis, Newt, Cody and Fawn walked out to the corral to catch horses. Travis caught Lightning, Newt caught Star, Fawn whistled for her black and white paint mare, Dreamer, and Cody whistled for Wind Dancer.

They all saddled and mounted their horses and walked out of the barn. They all wore chaps, revolvers, and their sheep-lined coats. They rode out through the frosty dormant tallgrass to the cattle herd, singing. Travis stopped on top of the rolling hill at an advantage point and looked out over his large herd of cattle. He smiled as Fawn rode Dreamer up alongside of him.

Pa, this is so breath-taking beautiful!

Jist like ya, Fawn! Travis smiled, as Fawn blushed.

Thanks, Pa! I love it! It’s a dream come true!

That it is! Travis smiled looking around at Newt and Cody. We’ll ride in nice and slow towards the creek, then around and over to the bluffs to the east, Travis pointed. Jist like we have a hundred times before. Keep yer eyes peeled for sores and winter kill. Look and count. See how many cows are about to drop their calves within the next week or two. Well, let’s ride in pairs, so decide now who yer ridin’ with.

Pa, can I ride with you? Fawn smiled.

I reckon! See’ns I’m the only smart, good-lookin’ cowboy out here! he chuckled. It would be mah pleasure ta ride with ya ... if’n there’s no objections with yer husband! Travis looked at Cody and chuckles, Well, I reckon not! Let’s ride!

But, Pa, ya didn’t even give me a chance!

Too late now, Cody! chuckled Travis. Fawn giggled and looked at Cody and winked as she rode out front with Travis.

Pa, for your information, I wasn’t gonna object anyhow!

I know, Son!

They all chuckled and rode through the thousand head of cattle, checking and looking for sores and winter kill. This was Fawn’s first calving season after giving birth to her second son, Leif Bushgrass-Wilde. She stayed at home raising her two sons.

Travis was giving Fawn pointers and different tricks-of-the-trade to her on what to look for and how to ride through the cows carrying calves, a real valuable lesson to Fawn. Travis and Fawn rode up to the bluffs and stopped, waiting on Newt and Cody to ride up to them.

Thanks, Pa! I love it! It’s what I dreamed it would be like. Fawn smiled Thanks, Pa, for my schooling, it’s going to come in handy now! Thanks for letting me help you with the calving this spring. I love you all so much! Fawn teared up and smiled.

Fawn, I’m glad Cody found ya when he did. We all love this ranch. Someday ya will feel the same way I do when yer ridin’ out here with yer two sons.

Oh, Pa, I’m sorry. I didn’t count. I was in my own little world riding on Dreamer. I was so happy in my daydream. I learned a lot though!

Yeah, I could see it in yer eyes! That’s all right, yer second time out. Let it soak into yer pretty little noggin cause when Newt and Cody ride up here and tell ya what ya missed, jist nod yer head, smile and agree with them. They both chuckled as Newt and Cody rode up to them and stopped.

Pa, I reckon mebbe a dozen or so will drop calves in two weeks or so. They all look healthy to me, remarked Newt.

Yeah, Pa, I reckon I saw a dozen or more, too! I didn’t see no sores or winter kill. So in a couple of weeks, we’ll have a couple dozen calves, then look out! All bets are off! We’ll have baby calves runnin’ all over the place! smiled Cody.

I just love it! I can’t wait! Fawn giggled and smiled real big.

Well, I reckon Fawn and me both agree with ya two one hundred percent! Right, Fawn? Travis looked at Fawn, she smiled and nodded her head. Fawn, this is only half the fun! Wait ‘til ya have a whole bunch of calves bawlin’ in yer ear! winked Travis. They all chuckled and started to ride off towards home.

Pa, if’n there’s no objection, I’d like to ride beside my beautiful wife home! I didn’t think so, laughed Cody.

Travis looked at Cody, But I...

I know, Pa! Cody chuckled, they all laughed.

Boy, you guys are a bunch of knotheads! giggled Fawn.

Hey now! Ya leave me out of this! remarked Newt.

Why, Newt, you’re the biggest knothead here! They all laughed and shook their heads.

Boy, if’n ya wasn’t a pretty girl, I’d thump ya! Newt chuckled. Fawn giggled and leaned over to give Cody a kiss.

Well, would ya look at that, Pa! We get lambasted and Cody gets kissed! Newt chuckled. Travis looks back at Cody and Fawn.

Well, Newt, that’s life on the ranch. They all chuckled and rode through the tallgrass and rolling hills, singing.

Fawn looked over at the cherry tree as she rode by, remembering her first horseback ride years ago with Cody. She had watched Cody carve a heart in the bark with his pocket knife. He put his and her initials inside the heart, alongside of his pa’s and Newt’s carved hearts. Fawn smiled, she leaned over and kissed Cody. She knew she was truly blessed to have met Cody and his family.

They all unsaddled their horses in the barn, then walked over to the big log cabin and walked in the door. The four little boys were glad to see their pa’s and came running to them. Leif hurriedly took a series of short, little steps to his ma. Fawn picked him up and hugged him as they all walked in and sat down by the big fireplace.

Fawn, how was your ride? Lil asked hugging Travis.

Ma, it was breath-taking beautiful! I can’t hardly describe it! It was overwhelming! She hugged Leif.

Ma, she did really good! I got me a beautiful assistant for life! remarked Cody, hugging Fawn.

We all gotta beautiful friend fer life! replied Travis hugging Lil.

Yep! One big happy family! remarked Newt hugging Maria.

You guys ready for some lunch? Maria asked.

Ya bet! I’m starved! Plus we need ta decide when ta go ta town and get supplies, replied Travis.

Oh! Here, Pa! Fawn and I already got our list. Maria handed Travis her list. She looked at Fawn and grinned. Then she looked at Newt and quickly wrinkled her nose and puckered her lips. Travis took a quick glance at the supply list.

Huh! What’s this? Can o’ Love’n’? They all busted out laughing. Lil and Travis stood there confused.

Well, Pa, your sons, those two knuckleheads, started it! Maria scowled and pointed her finger at Newt. They were giving Fawn and I a hard time this morning before you and Ma came over. Newt said he ain’t need’n no supplies. He could live on love alone, mocked Maria. She rolled her eyes, And Cody said if’n Mr. Jed got some canned lovin’, pick him up a can! Travis and Lil busted out laughing. But you know what, Ma? I bet they starve to death! Maria smiled and they all laughed.

Boys! What, no supplies? No lovin’? What was ya figure’n? laughed Travis. Lil, Maria and Fawn giggled.

Well, Pa, I reckon we didn’t! But me and Cody was figure’n when we was ridin’ and checkin’ the herd. Didn’t we, Cody? Newt looked at Cody and grinned.

Yep! Newt and me was figure’n on canned love and winter kill! Cody and Newt both busted a gut laughing. They all laughed with them.

Good one, Cody! I like that! laughed Newt. Maria and Fawn laughed, shaking their heads. Lil wiped her eyes.

Ma, ya wanna lower my ears later? Maria might cut one off! Newt chuckled.

Maria faked a grin, tilted her head and pointed at Newt, You best be careful or you’ll get your ashes hauled! She grinned. They all laughed.

They all sat down, giggling, at the big oak table ready to eat lunch. Maria walked out of the kitchen and set two empty bean cans down in front of Newt and Cody and then she sat down. Maria looked at Fawn and winked. Both girls giggled as Maria prepared plates for the four little boys.

Hey, what’s this? asked Newt picking up his empty can. Cody picked up his can, confused. Travis and Lil chuckled.

Oh! By the way you don’t have to go to town. We got canned love’n right here! Enjoy! You better get use to it, starting now! Maria and Fawn giggled. Travis laughed.

Good one, Maria! I like that one! Fawn giggled mocking Cody. Newt and Cody looked surprised. Travis chuckled.

Are you full yet? Maria giggled.

Yep! Clear up to here! Newt raised his hand up to his throat. The best I ever had! he chuckled. Maria scowled.

Good one, Newt! Cody laughed, Fawn scowled at Cody.

All right, you two! chuckled Lil. You better quit while you’re still breathing. You’re carrying this just a little bit too far, and someone is going to get real sore! Lil scowled.

Yep! Or ya two might find yerself sleepin’ with a log by the fireplace, Travis chuckled.

Yeah! That’s a real good idea, Pa, thanks! Maria smiled.

What! Oh no! I didn’t mean it! I’m sorry, Maria. I was just foolin’ with ya, remarked Newt.

Yeah, me, too! I’m sorry! We won’t mention canned love or winter kill again! See’ns how we didn’t have any winter kill this year, I want my beef fresh! Cody looked at Newt and they both chuckled.

Maria shook her head, Well, it was kind of funny, but you want to hear something funnier? Newt, go get your lunch and bring me mine! Maria gave Newt a fake smile.

Maria, I said I was sorry. Maria scowled and pointed to the kitchen. Oh all right, Maria! Doggone it! If’n it will make ya happy! Newt got up and started to walk towards the kitchen.

Hey, Newt! Cody chuckled.

Newt turned and scowled at Cody, then pointed his finger at him, It’s all yer fault. Ya started it! Pants! Trick! Can of love’n! A doc gettin’ smart with my wife! Newt scowled and turned to go into the kitchen.

Cody chuckled and leaned over to kiss Fawn’s cheek. She turned her head away from him and pointed her finger to the kitchen.

Hey, Newt, wait up! I’ll help ya! They all chuckled. Newt and Cody brought out their lunches.

You know, Fawn, I could get use to this! Maria grinned, acting proper, like royalty.

Now hold on! I said I was sorry! scowled Newt.

Newt, have ya learned anythin’? chuckled Travis.

Yeah, Pa. Don’t rile a mama bear and her cubs. Keep my mouth shut and keep her happy. That goes for ya, too, Cody! Newt scowled and pointed at Cody.

Oh, Newt! I’m not sore. I was just fooling with you. Maria smiled then she and Fawn both giggled. Maria leaned over and kissed Newt on the cheek, Thanks for my lunch.

Yeah, I learned my lesson, Newt said sheepishly. Cody, did ya learn anythin’?

Yep! But I’m still learnin’, Big Brother! They all chuckled and started to eat their lunch.

Well, I’m glad ya got all that settled without lose’n any lives or limbs! Travis chuckled. Newt, when ya reckon ya was ta meet Johnny Ray?

Well, Pa, I don’t rightly know. After our last cattle drive, he said after the spring thaw and somethin’ ‘bout the railroad was gonna go south, follow the river east out of Colorado.

Well, ya better find out. Ya don’t wanna lose yer contract for our steers, replied Travis, sipping his coffee.

Pa, ya reckon the railroad will be headin’ towards town? Cody asked.

Highly possible, all depends on what side of the river they’re plannin’ and if’n they’re gonna put a stop in town or not. Mebbe they’ll go right on by unless they have a good reason to stop.

Pa, ya reckon Johnny Ray wants ta put in an outpost close ta town? Newt asked.

Son, that’s a good question for Johnny Ray, not me! It would be kinda nice if’n we wanna ship some steers back East or West for that matter.

Pa, ya got me thinkin’. What about a stockyard in town or next ta town ta hold cattle? asked Newt.

Well, Son, don’t count yer chickens before they hatch! Ya gotta cross that bridge when ya come to it! Ya know, that would short’n our cattle drives and be easier on the steers ... keep ‘em fatter. Be safer fer us! Travis put the question to his sons as he looked at both his sons. Newt and Cody both grinned at each other with uncertainty on their faces.

Pa, ya reckon it would be good for the town?

I reckon so ... but, Newt, do the townspeople want a railroad? Ya need ta talk ta Johnny Ray first ta see what he’s got goin’! Could be he’s lookin’ fer a good reason ta stop. Newt, ain’t no need ta let yer mind wander up in the clouds.

All right, Pa. But, do ya think it would be a good business plan? Newt asked.

Maria looked surprised and looked at Travis, Pa, what is Newt trying to get himself into? She was starting to look worried. Trouble? Moving to town to start a railroad business? I don’t want to move, she said with tears in her eyes.

Maria, don’t fret! Newt’s still got his head up in the clouds. Travis smiled. Newt, ya know a lot more ‘bout business than I do, but ya gotta figure on some land, buildings, corrals, a well for water ... how much is that gonna cost ... a partnership with Johnny Ray ... Clem, the lawyer, ta see ya do thin’s right ... a buyer ta buy cattle. There’s a lot a thin’s ya gotta think ‘bout before ya try ta tackle somethin’ that’s big and important like this.

All right, Pa! I was just thinkin’. Don’t fret, Maria, I ain’t gonna move. I’m gonna raise our two boys here and help Cody raise his two boys. Newt smiled looking at Cody.

What! I don’t need ya to help me raise my two sons! I want them to be smart! Cody laughed. They all chuckled. Fawn looked at Maria who chuckled and looked at Cody.

Good one, Cody! I like that! laughed Maria.

Well, enough about the railroad. We need ta git some supplies and find out when the next stage is due in so ya don’t miss Johnny Ray. I reckon Cole and them might be needin’ some supplies, too! They might be showin’ up any day now, remarked Travis.

Oh, that would be nice to visit with Annabell and the other women and to see how they’re all doing, replied Lil smiling.

Pa, can I see our supply list? asked Cody. Travis handed Cody his list. Cody crossed out some of his supplies and handed it back to his pa. Travis looked at the list again.

What? he laughed. Cody, don’t ya wanna can of love’n? They all laughed.

No, Pa! Pa, I was thinkin’, too. I know Fawn and me gotta lot of work here on the ranch and on Annabell Ranch. We only go to town once a month, and I ain’t been helpin’ the townspeople very much over the years. What about me and Fawn helpin’ some people in town while we get some supplies? They all looked at Cody. Fawn’s brown eyes got big. Lil was surprised. What! I was just thinkin’. Ya don’t gotta look at me like I’m a one-eyed toad!

Cody, that’s a good idea! smiled Lil.

Thanks, Ma!

Cody, ya plannin’ ta stay an ex’tir day or two?

Well, no, Pa! Mebbe just let some people know like Mr. Jed at the General Store. He could mention it to other people that when we come to town, we could look at a few animals or answer questions and let them know we’ll help ‘em if’n they gotta problem, replied Cody. All eyes were on Travis.

Well, I reckon, Son, I see no harm in that. But what ya gonna charge them? What about really sick animals?

Well, Pa, uh, I was just askin’. I don’t have to charge anythin’. They don’t have to pay me only if they want to, replied Cody. Fawn hugged him and smiled looking at everyone.

I’m not going to move either! Fawn assured them.

No, I ain’t talkin’ about movin’, just helpin’! Besides I gotta help Newt raise his two boys so they will be smart! They all chuckled. Newt chuckled and shook his head.

Cody, I still think that’s a good idea! Helping people in town that need help, smiled Lil. Letting them know that they can rely on you and Fawn for help.

Thanks, Ma. Say once a month ‘til winter sets in. It will only be for an hour or two.

What about yer two sons? Ya know it could be a little dangerous for Fawn and yer two boys travelin’ alone.

Mebbe I could get someone to ride along with us. I could ask Miss Punkin to watch Wyatt and Leif. She could start teachin’ Wyatt while we’re in town. Pa, I would pay Miss Punkin extra money to help us.

Oh, Cody, I think that would be good for Wyatt, and you can help out Miss Jenna! Fawn scowled at Cody. Miss Jenna is our good friend. They all chuckled.

Fawn, I know her name! She’s my friend, that’s why I call her Miss Punkin! I’ve always called her that!

Son, that’s all fine and dandy ya wanna help Miss Jenna out and all. But use yer noggin’ with common sense. Ya don’t wanna cause any ruckus with yer wife and Miss Jenna and get caught in the middle of a quarrel and cause bitterness between them!

Oh no, Pa! I won’t! I love my beautiful wife, smiled Cody, Fawn hugged him. But I gotta help Miss Punkin, too!

Thanks, Cody. I would like to be better friends with Miss Jenna, too! Fawn smiled. I’ll stay here with Ma and Maria ‘til you find out more from Miss Jenna.

Newt, Cody! Travis looked at them with deep concerns, I know ya both got big idee’s. Jist don’t bite off more than ya can chew. Ya don’t wanna choke on yer own word and promises and stick yer necks out too far and disappoint a lot of yer friends, my friends and yer ma and me!

Oh no, Pa! I won’t! That’s why I asked ya! smiled Cody.

Yeah ... me, too, Pa! I won’t do anythin’ without askin’ what ya think first, smiled Newt.

Thanks, I jist don’t wanna see ya boys step in quicksand and lose ever’thin’ we worked so hard for! smiled Travis. Well, I reckon...

Moonbeam huffed. They all heard a knock on the door and the door opened.

Howdy, neighbor! shrieked Annabell. They all were surprised and got excited with happiness as Annabell and Cole walked in through the door.

Oh, Annabell! What a surprise! yelled Lil, quickly giving her and Cole a hug. Travis hugged Cole then Annabell. Everyone got their turn with hugs.

Annabell, yer lookin’ mighty good! You, too, Cole, smiled Travis.

Travis, ya just keep yer eyeballs in yer head and quit gawkin’ at me! Ya old saddlebum! Quick give me a kiss before I change my mind. I missed all of ya! Annabell said with tears in her eyes. Oh, my goodness! Lil, yer gran’babies are gettin’ big! smiled Annabell. She hugged them. They all walked in and sat down in front of the big fireplace.

Annabell, where’s the rest of the family? Lil asked.

Well, besides running into every room in the house and out into the barn, chase’n and fightin’ each other, laughed Annabell, they’re all doin’ fine. They decided to stay home this trip and give me and Cole a break from the madness! They all laughed. Boy! Those boys are a handful! They can’t never set still ‘cept mebbe to eat! They all laughed. They all send their love.

We miss and love them, too! smiled Lil.

Cole, ya and Annabell wanna stay, take baths, eat supper and head out in the mornin’? asked Travis.

Yeah, I reckon! That sounds good to me! Gives us a chance to visit.

Lil, ya reckon I could stay and visit while the men go ta town?

Oh, Annabell, we would love that! Lil was excited. We could catch up on a lot of things. Fawn and Maria were excited and hugged Annabell.

Right now I wanna hug yer little boy ta pieces! Annabell giggled as she picked up Leif and kissed his check.

Cole and Travis took the horses and wagon out to the barn and unhitched them and walked back into the big log cabin, where everyone was still sitting and talking.

Newt, ya and Doc Cody have a good winter for rabbits? asked Cole.

Sure did, Uncle Cole, more than enough, smiled Newt.

We even let Moonbeam chase and eat rabbits! remarked Cody. Newt even shot a big six-pointer and a passel of rabbits. They all smiled.

Smiley and his two sons got a four-pointer and a passel of rabbits. Little Bear and his two sons got a spike buck and rabbits. His sons got into a rabbit run that jist would not stop! They got so many rabbits they stopped countin’! Cole chuckled.

Lil, I ate so many rabbits, I started to hop like one! laughed Annabell.

Let me see. I’d like to see that! grinned Travis.

Travis, ya jist never mind! Annabell waved him off with a hand gesture. They all laughed.

Oh my, Annabell, I was going to have rabbit for supper! Lil said jokingly.

What? Annabell shivered. They all laughed.

No, I was just fooling with you. We’re having beef steaks! They all chuckled.

Oh boy! My eyes are big and my stomach says ‘Howdy!’ Annabell’s eyes got big. They all laughed.

Newt, Cole looked at him, when ya reckon Johnny Ray wants some more steers?

Don’t rightly know Uncle Cole. That’s why we need to go to town, so I can talk to him again. Mebbe the railroad will put a stop in town or pass on by.

A stop? Boy that would be some good news. Cole smiled.

Yeah! But I won’t know ‘til I talk to Johnny Ray.

Well, I got a couple hundred head we could cut out of the herd for him while they lay more iron rail.

Pa, how many steers ya reckon we got ta cut out?

Oh, I reckon we could cut out a couple hundred head, too. We’ll drive them steers with Cole’s steers south when Johnny Ray wants ’em.

Oh boy! Hear that, Cody? Newt smiled.

Yeah, Newt! Sounds like fun to me! They all chuckled.

They all sat around and talked all afternoon, visiting. Cody and Newt hauled in water for everyone to take baths. The women had a good time cackling in the kitchen fixing supper. After they all ate, Travis broke out his guitar. They all sang songs ‘til bedtime.

Morning came early in the little old cabin. Lil and Annabell sipped hot coffee. Cole and Travis had a cup of coffee before they all walked over to the big log cabin. Lil and Annabell fixed breakfast while the men, Fawn and Maria sat around the big oak table sipping coffee. The four young boys were still asleep in bed.

Before breakfast the men walked to the barn in the dark cold air of the early morning. The morning dew was heavy on the somber tallgrass. They hitched up two wagons and saddled Lightning and Wind Dancer.

After a good hearty breakfast, all the women kissed their husbands goodbye. The men rode out before the crack of dawn. The women stood on the porch and watched their husbands disappear through