Servin' Justice - Volume 4 - The Branding of a Maverick

By L.C. Crossley

Life is a challenge; that’s a fact. However, the way one responds to personal circumstances and challenges can either ease the way, or increase the difficulty. J.J. Hollister is young and his view of life is jaded by his inexperienced mind. His vision changed when a tragedy at home forced him to mature, just as he entered his teenage years. He began life’s journey all alone, and his experiences led him away from the teachings of his youth. The personality and strengths he inherited from his father seemed to throw up stumbling blocks as he moved forward in life. Yet, from that same source came the strength to make it through. Life’s lessons were harsh and painful, as he entered into life with an outlaw gang, and then arrived in prison at the youthful age of sixteen. Being released does not seem to ease his path, for his former life seems to ever ride with him. Will his existence ever become more than a trial?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Nov 3, 2016
• ISBN: 9781365506581

Book preview

Servin' Justice - Volume 4 - The Branding of a Maverick

Servin’ Justice

Volume 4

The Branding

of a Maverick

by L.C. Crossley

Sometimes it takes a loss, a tragedy, to appreciate what you had. Keeping that memory in your heart, you must go forward.

*****

You cannot change the past; that opportunity is gone.  But you can make the future brighter; that opportunity remains before you.

Copyright 2015 by L.C. Crossley

All rights reserved.  This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly journal.

This is a work of fiction.  The characters, names, incidents, places, and dialogue are products of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real.  Any resemblance to actual events, locals, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

First Printing:  2016

ISBN

978-1-365-50658-1

L.C. Crossley

P.O. Box 898

Basin, WY  82410

Chapter 1

J.J.?  J.J.! The call resounded loudly through the open doors.  Joshua Joseph Hollister! Reuben Hollister bellowed out angrily as he stormed toward the barn. Jim appeared in the doorway, pitchfork in hand. You seen that lazy brother o’ yers? Reuben called out to his older son. I need his help with the herd for the cavalry, he growled.

Jim shook his head sadly. He was always dismayed by this obvious and persistent conflict between his father and younger brother. He could sense that it was a struggle of wills — both appeared to be endowed with the same stubborn streak. Last I saw, Pa, he was splittin’ wood for the kitchen, he responded hopefully.

Well he ain’t there now. I caught Carlotta carrying in an armload just a moment ago. I don’t know why she spoils him like that, he added with a shake of the head as he turned and headed back towards the corrals. "Maybe you’d best come help instead. I know I can depend on you," he called out as he strode away.

Jim hurriedly put the pitchfork in the hay and followed his father to the corrals. He had a hunch that J.J. would be there somewhere, bidding goodbye to his favorite horse. Their father didn’t seem to understand his brother’s attachment to the mare at all, Jim mused. As they rounded the corner of the out-building by the corrals, there was an explosion of pandemonium in the smaller corral. Their piebald stallion reared high, snorting and neighing wildly. There were shouts and whistles, then cries of pain. Almost instantly a couple of soldiers were inside the corral waving hats to keep the stallion back, as another knelt beside the younger Hollister boy lying on the ground. Reuben Hollister’s stocky form bounded over the fence and was at his son’s side almost immediately. Jim, soak this at the pump and bring it right back, he directed, handing his neckerchief to his older son when he reached the corral. J.J.’s face was bloody and contorted with pain. As their father gently wiped his son’s face, the youngest Hollister boy opened his eyes and forced a grin, although he was still gritting his teeth. There was a small gash above his right eye, and his nose was bleeding profusely. Maverick, Reuben gasped softly. The name slipped out without him even realizing it. You sure have a nose for trouble. C’mon boy, let’s git you to the house and clean you up, he said with some gentleness. Although the boy tried to squelch it, a moan escaped J.J.’s lips as his arm fell limply to his side. Reuben carefully felt down the arm. Don’t think anything’s broken, but you musta landed hard on that shoulder. We’ll tie it up in a sling for a few days and see how it does, he calmly stated. Now don’t you think this will get you out o’ yer chores, he warned as he helped his son out of the corral. You know, if you’d a been tending to your chores instead of lollygagging around these horses, this wouldn’t a happened. You are gonna learn, boy .... even if it’s the hard way, he finished sternly as he helped J.J. walk to the house.

The soldiers finished separating their stock, leaving the large piebald stallion with a couple of the mares that he refused to release. How’s yer boy, Mr. Hollister? the sergeant asked with concern as he walked in the house to close the deal for the cavalry.

Oh, he’ll be fine. Carlotta is fussing over him like a mother hen, he responded somewhat begrudgingly. She’s always spoiling that boy, and that ain’t good. He’s gonna end up just like .... Reuben stopped himself. He didn’t want to ponder those thoughts. Shaking it off, he finished up the bill of sale. Now I adjusted for the two mares you weren’t able to separate out. Here’s the new total. They’re all broke to lead and ride, and the six big ones are broke to harness, as well.  They will be able handle anything you hitch ‘em to. The stock’s all well trained this time — not one ornery one in the bunch, he emphasized, remembering the mare he had to retrain last summer.

Aw we trust ya, Mr. Hollister. My boys can handle ‘em, I’m sure, he said with a chuckle as he shook the man’s hand.

Just see that your boys are good to ‘em, Reuben Hollister cautioned, as he took payment. The sergeant nodded affirmatively. He was aware of the man’s thoughts on abusive riders. There was an incident a couple of years earlier that almost cost the army this source of well-trained mounts. That is when Reuben Hollister began providing mounts for the Texas Rangers, which he still did on occasion.

Because he was unsteady on his feet, Carlotta Mendez kept J.J. in bed for the rest of the day, which didn’t please his father. My poor little mijo should not be up, she responded defensively to Reuben Hollister's question at suppertime. "He was hurt bad this morning, NO?"

It wasn’t all that bad, Carlotta; and it was his own fault! If he would have been tending to his chore like he shoulda been, then that wouldn’t a happened. Jim sat silently and watched the discussion. Carlotta did seem to favor J.J. just a little, but he didn’t mind. It was as if she were compensating for the irritation that his father seemed to feel in almost any situation dealing with his youngest son. Well he’d best be up and tending to his chores in the morning, Carlotta. And I mean it! the man finally conceded.

‘Momma Mendez’, as Jim was taught to call her, wheeled about, muttering in Spanish under her breath. I hate it when she does that, Reuben Hollister said in frustration to his eldest son with a shake of the head. And she knows it, too. Jim smiled just a little, as his father was right. When frustrated, Carlotta would use her Spanish just to agitate her employer. Oh she respected Señor Hollister very much, and found a great deal of satisfaction in working at his hacienda, as she affectionately called their spacious home. But she bristled when it came to the way in which he dealt with his youngest son; that drew out her protective nature. She felt she had to stand in for Louisa, their mother.  Thus she tried to provide the love and tenderness that Reuben Hollister wouldn’t allow show.

It was several days later when Todd McAllister rode up late in the afternoon. Hey Reub! he hollered as he dismounted.

Momentarily distracted by the shout, Reuben Hollister was pitched from the horse he was working with. Scrambling right up, he grabbed his hat and beat the dust out of his clothes. Well you old scoundrel, how you been doin’? Reuben called out as he climbed out of the corral. Haven’t seen you in a coon’s age, he added as they heartily shook hands.

Oh, we've been a bit busy lately. Little spots of trouble cropping up here and there, almost like there’s a new outfit being put together. It’s a bit scattered and disorganized so far, but if ....  Todd paused, recognizing that he needed to change the subject. Well, enough of this shop talk, Todd concluded with a grin. How’s things on your spread?

Reuben steered the man toward the house. Let’s go see if Carlotta has any pie left from the noon meal, he offered. I’m tired o’ gettin’ myself beat up today. Jim, you take the mare over to the small corral and remove the gear. Rub ‘er down good. She’s had quite a workout. Me too, he added with a grin as he rubbed some stiff joints.

Todd was a close friend of the entire Hollister family. He was one of the few people who really knew Reuben Hollister, and understood what was behind his rough exterior. Well howdy, Momma Mendez, the man greeted as he removed his hat. You are just as lovely as ever.

And you are a silver-tongued diablo, no? she responded with a kindhearted smile. How is Señora Saleena? She must come with you some time, so we can visit.

Sally’s just fine, Carlotta, just fine. She and Naomi are busy making preserves ....

Ah, si .... my little Naomi. She is such a sweet young thing, Carlotta commented as she poured the coffee. You will be staying for dinner, Señor McAllister, no? Todd nodded. He knew better than to refuse an offer from Carlotta. Besides, it was already way too late to head on home today. It was a full day’s ride from the Hollister spread. He had a standing invitation for meals and a bed in the home, so Todd McAllister wasn’t concerned.

The two men enjoyed a pleasant visit as they discussed the challenges of living in this wild country. Me and the boys are doin’ fine, Reuben mused. This ranch is what I really enjoy, even though it’s a lot o’ hard work. Oh, I do miss the Rangers in some ways; especially working with you and some o’ the others. But there’s a lot about it that I haven’t missed at all, he added pensively, as he slowly shook his head. McAllister nodded thoughtfully as he recalled a few of the incidents that he figured might be crossing Reuben Hollister’s mind.

The men’s solemn thoughts were interrupted by the cries of the two Hollister boys as they burst through the door. Mr. McAllister! When did you get here? Yer gonna stay the night, aren’t ya? J.J. quizzed in anticipation as they surrounded Todd.

Giving a wink to Reuben, he turned to the boys with a solemn look. Well boys, I doubt it. I haven’t seen Sally in a couple o’ weeks now. And sweet Naomi has a birthday soon. Both boys groaned. A grin started to spread across his face. Besides, yer pa and me aren’t seein’ eye to eye on a few things, he added with a wink.

Jim instantly caught on.  Well that's nothin’ new, he said with a chuckle. "It seems there’s only a few things on which you do agree," he added. J.J. nodded, a look of relief coming to his face when he noticed the teasing grin.

Say, young man, what in tarnation happened to you? Todd McAllister asked as he gave a slight tug on the sling. The youngest Hollister sat at their friend’s knee and recounted the incident from the other day. Todd shook his head. "You oughta know better than to get in a corral with that ole black and white outlaw, J.J.. You're lucky this is all you got."

Yeah. After that episode of two years ago, you'd think he'd be a bit smarter and steer clear of that ornery critter, Reuben commented with some impatience. Miguel still has a limp from that encounter.

Carlotta Mendez came in the room and hustled the boys on out to finish up their chores before supper. The conversation at mealtime was peppered with questions about the latest duties of the Texas Rangers. J.J. had a deep interest in that line of work, and an admiration for the men who wore the star of the Texas Ranger. Todd McAllister longed to tell him that his own father had been one .... he was among the best the Rangers ever had. But a warning look in Reuben’s eye indicated that he could perceive those thoughts. A solemn oath had been given, and Todd would continue to honor it.

Later that evening Reuben and Todd came in from a walk around the place. Carlotta had gone to her home after cleaning up the evening meal, and the boys were sacked-out upstairs. The men sat by the fireplace with some coffee. Say Reub, I know this really ain’t none o’ my business, Todd McAllister began after taking a deep breath, but I'd like to share my observation with you.  He paused a moment, while he carefully considered his words. I think you need to ease up on J.J. some. Reuben Hollister opened his mouth to respond, but Todd continued with his thoughts before the man could speak. Do you recall the time that Jim did something that was pretty much as foolish .... oh, it must o’ been four or five years ago? Jim had broken his arm because he was in a corral where he wasn’t supposed to be. Reuben gave a slight nod. "Well, you weren’t near so hard on him over those reckless actions, as you are on J.J. for this one."

I gotta ride that boy, McAllister, he responded defensively, an intensity coming to his voice.

Ride ‘im? C’mon Reuben, you train horses. You are one o’ the finest. Tell me, how do you get the best results? It's not with spurs ‘n whips, and you know it, he reminded his friend.

I got my reasons. There's that temper o’ his. He’s a wild one, Reuben stated with a shake of the head.

J.J.’s just reacting to your methods, Reub. You know, if you’d treat him like you do Jim, he’d be a different boy. I'm sure of it, Todd responded earnestly, as he leaned forward.

I can’t, Todd. I just can’t. He’s too much like .... I mean that dark, wavy hair, that temper .... I made a vow to Louisa that I’d make sure he didn’t end up like ....

Like who, Reub? Todd quizzed somewhat confused, as he looked over at Reuben Hollister with a furrowed brow.

"Think McAllister, think. Who does that scamp remind you of? Reuben Hollister responded, a tinge of anger in his voice. He hated to be forced to vocalize this underlying fear he had suppressed all of young J.J.’s life. Todd eyed the man, still bewildered at the turn this conversation had taken. Maverick! You do remember him, don’t ya? Reuben shouted as he stood and turned his back to his old friend. His head hung low. Cursing under his breath, he mumbled, I shore do." There was a sad, and somewhat bitter tone in his voice.

Todd McAllister immediately jumped up to Reuben’s side. Laying a hand on the man’s shoulder, he shook his head sadly. Don’t Reuben .... don’t. His voice was almost a whisper. A heavy, dark cloud of silence seemed to envelop the two men. Reuben Hollister took a deep breath and closed his eyes. This memory was one of his most painful experiences — that, and losing Louisa. It seemed like an eternity before Todd broke the solemn quiet. Reuben, he's a mere boy — and he’s a good one, too. Sure, he’s different than Jim. Jim is a gentler, calmer sort — he takes after Louisa in that respect. As for J.J. .... well he takes more after you, the man commented with a snicker. An ever so slight grin came to the corners of Reuben Hollister’s mouth. I suspect that why you two lock horns a bit. Both men chuckled, dissipating that heavy atmosphere. Now I’d wager that if you’d treat him more like you do young Jim, things would go better. Todd’s sincerity made this counsel more acceptable. "He’s gonna turn out alright. J.J. will become as fine a man as you could ever want. He will make you proud, Reub; I know he will."

Reuben Hollister looked over his shoulder at his friend. Though the haunting memory seemed to be lingering in his eyes, there was some lessening of the pain that was there before. I suppose you're right, he conceded with a slow shake of the head. "I am a bit rough on ‘im. And .... well now you know why," he finished with a slight shrug. Todd McAllister nodded.

Todd was headed home at the crack of dawn, anxious to see his family. At first, J.J. was suspicious and confused by the change in his father. Jim was pleased. His father was returning to the man he knew and loved so dearly. As the spring grew to summer, J.J. relaxed a bit, coming to accept this pleasant change. All three of the Hollisters even enjoyed a few rides around the ranch together, during which they camped out and discussed future plans.

That fall they hired on three new hands for the cattle drive to market, as well as some repair work on the ranch. Soon the conflict between Reuben and his younger son flared up once more. J.J.! You git yerself over to the house right now!  And you stay there ‘til I come talk with you, he growled. There was a look in his father’s eye the boy had never seen before, and it scared him. He ran all the way to the house. Turning to one of the new hands, Reuben Hollister’s eyes glowered with ferocity. What are you doin’ with my boy!? he demanded gruffly.

Oh, I was just showin’ ‘im my piece, Harvey Mueller responded as he holstered his sidearm. He was curious, so I was answerin’ a few questions, that's all, the man finished nonchalantly.

Well you're not hired on here to school my boy. You're only here to do ranch chores, and don’t you forget it! Reuben snapped in response.

Aw c’mon, Mr. Hollister, what’s the problem? That’s somethin’ everybody needs ta know sooner or later, the man returned with a shake of the head.

He’s only twelve years old, man! Reuben responded in anger. "Knowing how to use a rifle is plenty sufficient at that age. I’ll teach him to use a handgun when I figure the time to be proper. And when I teach ‘im, he’s gonna be taught respect for it, too. It ain’t no casual toy, like you seem to imply, he continued, his eyes narrowing with anger. Raising the fencing tool in his hand, he added, Don’t you EVER try that again, Mueller, or you're through. Do I make myself clear?" The man nodded. Although he didn’t verbally respond, Reuben could detect anger and defiance in Mueller’s eyes. He sensed that he could expect trouble from this new hand.

As he headed to the house, Reuben Hollister took a deep breath, trying to collect his thoughts and control those worrisome feelings racing through his head. He didn’t have any idea of what to say to his son. J.J.? he called as he opened the heavy front door. "Joshua Joseph!  Where are you, boy? he called out when he received no response. Reuben spotted his youngest son slumped down in a chair, with his arms folded, and an angry scowl on his face. What are you doin’ distracting Mueller from his work? He don’t need you taggin’ along," Reuben began, skirting around the real issue.

J.J. looked up, but didn’t say a word. His father could see the boy’s hot temper rising. After a long, silent moment, he spoke again. Son, I .... I don’t want you hanging around Mueller anymore. It won't come to no good. Still J.J. said nothing. Reuben wasn’t sure that he’d even been heard. He stepped over towards the large, overstuffed chair where the boy was seated. Are you listening to me boy? Steer clear of Mueller! he demanded brusquely.

J.J.’s jaw tensed up and his eyes narrowed. He responded with a singular, slow nod. His father eyed him for a moment, fighting the anger rising within himself, as well as trying to dispel his gnawing concern. Then, without another word, Reuben turned and left the house. J.J. Hollister remained in the chair for a while, sullenly pondering what had been said. He didn’t see why his father seemed to instantly dislike the things or people that he took an interest in. Harvey Mueller seemed like a nice enough ranch hand. He sure knew his gun, too. That was especially appealing to the boy. A rifle just wasn’t nearly as fascinating as a six-gun. The youngest Hollister finally forced himself to get out of the chair and head to the chore awaiting him.

What’s wrong with Harvey Mueller? J.J. quizzed as the boys lay in bed that night.

Huh? Jim responded as he jerked awake.

Harvey Mueller — why don’t Pa like ‘im? Josh pursued. He’s been right friendly to me ever since he come on the place. I ....

"Listen J.J., I don’t know what all Pa’s reasons are, but they’re good ones; of that I’m sure. There’s one thing I do know. Pa .... he don’t want you messin’ with handguns. You're .... well you're too young," Jim began hesitantly.

Too young?! J.J. exploded, sitting up in his bunk. Why ....

Listen, J.J., I didn’t git me a gun ‘til just about a year ago, his brother interrupted calmly. And I don’t wear it very often. You know Pa doesn’t like gun-play! he added emphatically at the end.

Yeah, J.J. grunted. He said no more. It seemed like Jim was always able to see both sides of any situation. The youngest Hollister lay awake for another hour, his anger and frustration slowly subsiding. Just before he fell asleep, J.J. recalled the strange look he had seen on his father’s face earlier that day. It was no longer frightening, but was still quite unsettling. He had no idea what it meant, or what his father was actually feeling or thinking.

The silence of J.J. and their father at the morning meal was unnerving for Jim, as he would eye one, then the other. Any efforts to initiate conversation on his part were met with grunts and nods, nothing more. Tension hung heavily in the air. Silverware clanked noisily on the dishes as they finished their meal in silence. The sullen moods seemed to dissipate through the day, so that by supper some of the warmth had returned to their household. During the days that followed, the incident slowly faded into a memory. Harvey Mueller purposely kept his distance from all three of the Hollisters for the next couple of months. He spent the winter months in a line-shack at the northern edge of the ranch, during which time J.J.’s relationship with his father became solid once more. Reuben could see the success of his efforts through the winter. For even the return of Harvey Mueller that spring failed to trigger any trouble. Jim felt a soothing contentment. He hadn’t felt this much love and warmth in their home since the death of his mother.

Summertime brought extra chores for everyone, with J.J. receiving more responsibility as the weeks passed. By mid-summer, the youngest Hollister boy was spending nights out on the range. There came a time when he even camped with Harvey Mueller. At first the camp was silent and tense, but gradually things eased and they became friends again. Remember boy, yer pa ain’t too fond o’ me, Harvey drawled as they parted company the next morning. I ain’t sure why. I don’t mean no harm. I’ve just taken a shine to ya is all, he added as he tousled the boy’s hair. J.J. grinned. He felt the same. He hoped they would continue meeting off and on during the rest of the summer.

At the end of August they began to roundup cattle on the ranch. J.J. was sent on a week long search for strays in the eastern pastures. He worked hard each day, searching through the chaparral and low brush for the lost cattle. He was grateful for the leather cuffs that Jim had given him.  It was a pair his brother had made just for him, in recognition of his new set of responsibilities.  They saved his forearms from scrapes and cuts, as well as his shirts from being torn.  By mid-week he had a small herd gathered. As he was cooking up a supper one evening, Harvey Mueller rode into camp. M-m-m. Smells like pretty fair grub. Glad I happened to run across yer camp again. Willing to sharing a bit, son? J.J. nodded his welcome and grinned. He was glad for the company, as he was concerned about keeping the stock gathered together this through the night.

As Harvey removed his gun-belt that evening, he purposely laid it out for young Hollister to eye. He leaned back with his hands behind his head and waited. Though he dared not bring up the issue of handguns, he was more than ready to jump on an opportunity to respond to any inquiry.

J.J. noticed as soon as the gun was laid out, but made a significant effort to avoid looking at it. He enjoyed the improved relationship he had with his father, and didn’t want to place that in jeopardy. As the night wore on, however, his resistance diminished. The weapon held an intrigue for him that simply couldn’t be denied. J.J. had a fascination with handguns, and an admiration of those who mastered them; and he greatly desired to become one of those men. He simply couldn’t fathom his father’s apparent abhorrence of it all. Finally, just before turning in, J.J. broached the subject, just as Harvey Mueller had hoped. How long you been carrying that piece? he queried with a nod towards the gun that lay nearby.

Oh, fer quite a spell now. A gun is a personal thing, boy Mueller began as he picked it up and held it out to the youngster for inspection. Once you find one that suits ya, you stick with it. Go ahead; feel the balance, the smooth action o’ the trigger, he offered as he emptied the bullet chambers, and then offered the pistol for J.J. to hold. Young Hollister hesitated briefly, as he was torn between respecting his father’s wishes and the attraction he had to a six-gun. The boy slowly reached for the weapon.  Would ya like to fire it? Mueller asked with a cunning grin, knowing full well the response to come. The boy’s eyes sparkled with anticipation as he nodded. Alright. Just b’fore daylight we’ll ride off a piece and fire a couple rounds. Then you can come back here and head the cattle towards home. The two shared night watch duties over the herd. J.J. had no trouble staying awake. His mind was spinning in anticipation of handling Harvey Mueller’s six-gun.

J.J. Hollister liked the feel of the weapon in his hand. Although his accuracy was not too refined, Harvey encouraged him. Don’t fret. It just takes a bit o’ practice. The draw ‘ll smooth out and speed ‘ll increase. Yer well suited to wear one o’ these. I seen that right off, he praised. What you need to r'member is that ....

What he needs to remember is what his duties are! an angry voice barked out. "And .... what I’ve said concerning a sidearm. J.J. and Harvey Mueller turned to see Reuben Hollister dismounting. The stance he took was one the boy had never seen in his father before; and it was one that put a real scare into Harvey Mueller. Reuben’s eyes drilled into the man.  I thought you and me had a discussion about this before, Mueller! the man continued, seething with anger. I don’t repeat myself for nobody .... especially no drifter. JOSHUA!"

Y .... yes sir? the boy responded meekly.

"Git on yer mount; ride over to that herd and head it home. Right NOW! J.J. meekly nodded. He immediately handed the pistol and belt to Mueller and went to his horse. Turning back to Harvey Mueller, Reuben Hollister finished his business. You're through, Mueller. I told you that would be the case, and I don’t make idle threats. You're a good hand, a fine roper. You work cattle good as any man I’ve known. You coulda been a top hand .... maybe even foreman someday. But I draw the line at guns, and gun-play .... especially where my son is concerned," he growled tensely.

Yer gonna regret .... Mueller began.

"The ONLY thing I regret is going against my instinct when I hired you on in the first place! Reuben responded to the coming threat. Now head back to the bunkhouse, pick up your gear, and git! I don’t want to see anything but the tail o’ your horse by sunset. And don’t you show your face around my place again."

"Oh yer gonna see me again sometime. You can count on it. And b’lieve me, you’ll know the full meaning o’ regret then, Hollister! Harvey Mueller forewarned with a hateful look in his eye. Reuben Hollister had dealt with this sort of man before. He decided against responding, though his eyes glowered with an answer all their own. Mark my word, Hollister .... I’ll be back," Mueller stated with a narrowing glare. Reuben turned and walked back to his mount.  Once in the saddle, he gave a crisp nod and rode off, leaving Mueller alone with his threat. Although that last statement registered with concern in Reuben’s mind, his greater worry was with his son. He had done just about everything he could think of to keep him from following the path that Maverick took. He momentarily closed his eyes and shuddered as old, painful memories flashed through his mind.

Chapter 2

J.J. was filled with a conflicting jumble of emotions as he dismounted and cared for his horse in the barn.  He figured his father would likely make it home around nightfall.  Although he wouldn’t admit it to himself, he was afraid .... afraid of his father, and afraid of himself.  A confrontation would occur, of that he was certain.  But as to the outcome of that confrontation .... he wasn’t sure about that at all.

In the house Jim was seated at the table eating.  He had brought his herd of strays in a couple of hours earlier.  Jim grinned at his younger brother and motioned for J.J. to join him.  They enjoyed a pleasant meal, comparing notes of their excursions, all of which helped J.J. relax a little.  Although he didn’t reveal his meeting with Mueller and the clash with their father that ensued, Jim could perceive there was some sort of turmoil enveloping his younger brother.

It was dusk when Reuben Hollister finally rode in the yard.  J.J. and Jim were just finishing with evening chores.  Jim, take care of my horse, he ordered brusquely as he dismounted.  The tension was instant, and thick enough to be cut with a knife.  Grasping the arm of his youngest son, he led him off in the