Trek West

By Donald C. Boggs

When young Eli Cantwell lost his wife and child during child birth, his world came apart. He left his cabin with all its sweet memories and took up a trek west to see if he could forget the bad memories and try to rebuild some good ones. He was a crack shot with a pistol or rifle as many of his adversaries found out most too late. His good looks attracted women of several races. His gun skills earned him a reputation and a nick name El Halcon, the Hawk. Two white streaks of hair over both ears across the side of his head virtually branded him with that name, although he answered to his given name, Eli without shame.His travels throughout the west in New Mexico and gold mining adventures provided him with enough gold to allow him to partner with two attractive sisters. His fortunate friendship with a skilled gunsmith led to the development of a superior rifle and shotgun. This modified Sharpes Buffalo rifle provided an unbeatable rifle, accurate up to a thousand yards, with an excellent telescope. A gold mining venture into the Superstition Mountains and the gold he found along with an old prospector and two of the women he rescued permitted him to become partners with the two women in a cattle ranch. The rescued women fell in love with him for a time, but all love does not last forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 19, 2014
• ISBN: 9781493186075

Donald C. Boggs

Donald Boggs was born and reared in the Cumberland Mountains of Virginia. He served two years in the Army and after his discharge earned a D.D.S. degree from the University of Tennessee. He spent his professional career providing dental care to American Indians and Alaska Natives. He retired from dentistry and now spends his summers in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and winters in Florida with his wife, Irene. Donald recently published the “Defiant Ones” and has another book due to be published within two months.

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CONTENTS

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Dedication

I owe thanks to many friends for helping me with this book,

but notably my wife, Irene.

Chapter One

It was early fall and chilly outside the log cabin nestled in the upper section of a frost sprinkled meadow. Smoke climbed sinuously like a snake above the rock and mud chimney. A tall figure sat before the fireplace inside shifting restlessly. His beautiful wife lay on a bed near the restless figure with her hair spread out in disarray on the pillow. She was in the midst of child birth and it was not going well. Her face and entire body was covered with sweat. A groan escaped her lips and the man leaped instantly from his nearby rocking chair

Eli Cantwell and Heidi Monroe had been married less than two years. Eli had curly, black, hair and piercing hazel eyes. He was a little over six feet tall, with broad shoulders and lean hips. Muscles rippled as he walked or flexed his arms. He was whipcord tough in body and mind. The hair on each side of his head had two white streaks that ran from near his cheek along his head. He resembled a hawk somewhat. These two marks had been made by bullets in encounters with men intent on taking his life; but now, that feud was over, with Eli’s grandpa moldering in his grave near several of his sons and grandsons. The Cantwells won that final battle, but both sides in the feud between the Cantwells and McFadden clans, had paid a terrible price.

Eli’s wife, Heidi was exquisitely beautiful with a figure that was breathtaking and breasts that were full and sensual. It seemed ludicrous that she could be so misshapen with her swollen stomach. She was pregnant and ready to deliver her child, but the midwife had still not arrived, and Eli didn’t know if she would get there in time. She was always in demand to aid the women throughout the mountains and hollows in that remote part of Kentucky that bordered the state of Virginia, each sharing a common border with the Cumberland Mountains. Eli’s log cabin was in the upper part of a meadow that bordered the canyon between Virginia and Kentucky. The Trinity River raced down the canyon towards the Cumberland River which eventually ended in the Tennessee River to the northwest. Eli’s Uncle Jonathan and his wife, Sara, and their son, Johnny, lived in another cabin a hundred yards to the south. Smoke trailed from the chimney slowly rising above the cabin. It was early fall and already turning cold.

The cries of pain were increasing in intensity and length. Eli was standing in front of the fireplace where a large, blue-spotted hound lay, whimpering a little at his mistress’ discomfort. He had been named Blue Number Three because of being the third generation from Ole Blue.

The dog was a gift from Eli’s uncle Jonathan and his son, Johnny, who lived down the hill in the nearby cabin at the edge of another meadow. The bond between Eli and his blue tick hound was almost surreal. They understood each other perfectly. It was no surprise when No. 3 took down the hill at a dead run when Eli spoke to him. Eli had taken the liberty of calling him Blue because of his unique color. Blue, go get Sara; and hurry. Sara was his aunt, being married to his uncle Jonathan for the past two years.

In a very brief time Blue returned with Sara and her husband, Jonathan, at her heels. Sara was a handsome woman with red hair and hazel eyes. She was comely, with sharp, up-thrust breasts and a small waist. Her husband, Jonathan, was wide-shouldered with narrow hips, like his nephew, Eli. He was built solid as a rock from hard work on his little mountain farm. His piercing black eyes seemed to see right through you. He had a grim look on his face when heard the moans from the stricken woman on the bed.

Sara rushed to Heidi’s bedside, held her hands, and felt her forehead. She had some medical knowledge from working in a field hospital during the war between the North and South, now several years in the past. Her medical knowledge was almost nil in the role as a midwife. She sent Jonathan for some cold water and made some cold compresses to place on Heidi’s head.

Eli Cantwell sat in front of the fireplace in his two-story cabin sitting in a small meadow near the rim of the canyon of the Trinity River in Kentucky. The fire in the fireplace was glowing pleasantly helping put him in a nostalgic mood thinking of more pleasant times in days gone by. The one he was enjoying at the moment was thoughts of the impending birth of his first child. His wife was resting in bed awaiting the event. She had not approached the event with ease—the pains coming with increased intensity. She wished that her sister Angie could have been with her, but she had to go to help her sick mother in Hazard, Kentucky.

Eli had barely settled in his rocking chair when Jonathan appeared at his side with a grim look on his face. Eli, you had best come with me. Heidi is bleeding something fierce and we can’t stop it. I don’t believe she is going to make it.

Oh Lord, no, Jonathan. What can I do?

I don’t think there is anything any of us can do, Eli. It’s in the Lord’s hands, and I don’t think he’s in a mood to help us. Jonathan’s words proved prophetic. Heidi and her unborn child died soon afterwards.

A week later Eli sat in the same rocking chair almost not moving since Heidi’s death. Eli’s hand absent mindedly stroked his dog’s head. The faithful dog grieved along with his master and for his mistress. They looked out at the scene before them. The mountains were resplendent with fall covers, golden maples, rust-colored oaks, yellow sassafras shrubs and bare poplars with leaves already fallen. The meadow between Eli and Jonathan’s cabins sparkled like diamonds with the early frost. Smoke curled lazily, spiraling slowly above the chimney below him. Eli mused, What in the world am I going to do? I can’t live without Heidi. He was gripped with that grim thought and had been ever since Heidi’s passing.

Eli’s reverie was broken when Sarah and Jonathan appeared on the porch. Come on in Sarah-Jonathan. I will make us a pot of coffee.

Sara spoke, I will make it Eli, while you and Jonathan visit.

Eli, Eli said, What are your plans? Have you had enough time to decide? You know that you are going to have to let her go and get on with your life, don’t you?

What life, Jonathan? She was my life, and I don’t think what’s left of mine is worth anything anymore.

Eli, you don’t want to think that way. Dying is part of living. It has always been that way and always will.

Jonathan, I have been thinking and have about decided to make a trip out west to see some new country. I need some time alone to see what if anything I can do with the rest of my life. I have no long-range plans. I just need time to let things settle in.

I understand, Eli. I was in the same state of mind when I went to California after the Civil War. It worked O.K. for me, but it took a long time. If you decide to go, I will take care of your farm and stock. Don’t worry about that.

Jonathan, I am grateful to you and Sara and I know you will help me anyway you can. You know that Angie, my wife’s sister had been living with us until she had to help out with her mother, who was purty sick. Tell her that my house is hers as long as she wants it and I’m sorry to be leaving without saying goodbye to her. You know that I love her, too, same as I loved her sister, Heidi.

You can count on me, Eli. I will tell her what you said.

"I will probably leave at daybreak, Jonathan. Eli decided to go to Hazard, Kentucky first where he had money in the bank, most made from a gold mining venture that he, Heidi, and her sister, Angie, had successfully operated for a while. They had found a mother-load near the gold mining town of Dahlonega, Georgia. That venture had left him and the sisters independently wealthy, but they didn’t flaunt their new-found wealth.

Chapter Two

At first light Eli was already on his way. He brought his best mule which was loaded with his camping gear and food which would last a few days. He planned to live off the land mostly by killing game and fishing where he could. Eli cast one last look at his little farm. He thought of all the happy days he had spent there with Heidi and her sister, Angie. It was fall and the mountains were in magnificent color. Maples had turned to red and gold, beeches were a brilliant yellow and most of the oaks were a rusty red. Chestnut trees also had their golden mantle of leaves. I wonder if I am doing the right thing. Yes, I am. I need to leave a while and get my head on straight. Lord, Heidi, how I miss you!

He headed southwest until he arrived in Hazard, Kentucky. As he approached the teller’s window the man looked up and inquired if he could help. Eli replied, In this case, my friend, I think I should see the manager, if you don’t mind.

Certainly, sir, just give me a minute. In less than a minute the manager approached Eli, recognizing him at once."

It’s good to see you, Mr. Cantwell. I haven’t seen you for a good while. What can I do to help you?

I’m going to be traveling for a while, sir, and I need to withdraw $l,000 for traveling expenses. I also need a letter of credit that I can use when needed.

Not a problem. It will take just a few minutes. The manager returned in less than five minutes with the cash and letter of credit. Eli thanked him and left the bank.

He decided to head southeast and go to Knoxville, Tennessee where he could catch a train before continuing west to he did not know where. When he arrived in Cumberland Gap he stopped at a little tavern and had breakfast. He ordered food for Ole Blue who sat unblinking at his feet. The customers looked at his dog with curiosity but made no comment.

Two large rivers, the Clinch and Powell, flowed south but presented no problem to ford since it was fall and the rivers were low. After crossing the Clinch, he turned east and arrived in Knoxville, Tennessee near nightfall. He boarded his horse and mule at a livery stable and booked a room for him and Blue at a nearby boarding house. Thirst guided him to a nearby saloon. He ordered a couple of beers, one for him and one for Ole Blue. The drinkers looked up with curiosity as he poured beer in a cup for Ole Blue.

While Eli was reflecting on the past few years of his life, the memory of his Grandpa Cub Cantwell rose in his mind. His grandpa lived in Virginia—only a short distance, as the crow flies, across the canyon where the Trinity River separated Virginia and Kentucky on its way to the Cumberland River.

His grandpa had made the shoulder holster for the .44 caliber, double-action Smith & Wesson pistol that he carried under his right armpit. He also had a .44 caliber rifle in a scabbard along the saddle on the right side of the horse. In addition, for emergencies, he carried a .44 caliber double-barrel derringer fastened to his leg near his ankle just above his short boots. It was useful to have the same caliber shells for all of his weapons. The past years of feuding with the McFadden clan had taught him to be ultra-careful and the fact that he was still alive proved the wisdom of his decision. His life had been turbulent and painful, and the passage of time had yet to dim his recollection. Life with Heidi was wonderful and he thought it would last forever. He was wrong.

Eli was one of the rare individuals that were ambidextrous. He could pull his weapons with equal ease and he was lightning fast. A tall unkempt customer stumbled to his table and stepped on Blue’s foot, causing the dog to yip in pain. The man looked at Eli and retorted, What the hell are you doing with a dog in here. I have a good mind to shoot him.

Mister, that would be a bad mistake. You might want to think on it a little while.

Hell, in that case, I will shoot you first; then take care of the dog. He reached for the revolver hanging low on his right hip. In a blur of motion, Eli drew the pistol from the holster on his hip and shot the man between the eyes. He crumpled to the floor in a heap with his eyes staring vacantly. Eli surveyed the patrons in the saloon to see if anyone wanted to take up the quarrel. No one did.

The saloon keeper spoke, Mister, you did us all a favor. That dude has been asking for trouble all day and it looks like he found it. I don’t believe it was the kind he was looking for, though.

The town sheriff arrived in minutes a few minutes conversation with the bartender and patrons, told Eli he was free to go. The shooting had been in self defense. Eli slowly finished his drink and walked out the door with his dog Blue, trailing behind.

Eli was dressed in his usual traveling outfit—buckskins with a buckskin jacket that hid his shoulder weapon. He had piercing green eyes that could be cold when it was warranted. His shoulders and thighs bulged with muscles from hard farm work, but did not show through the loose-fitting buckskins. He carried a long, keen skinning knife in his belt on the left that showed little under the jacket. What was most important he knew how to use all his weapons, including the ability to throw the knife accurately up to 20 yards.

Eli inquired of the bartender about the possibility of catching a train west. He had heard that trains had been built all the way to California. He was in luck. A line ran all the way from Knoxville, Tennessee to Arizona and beyond.

After spending a restful night at the boarding house, Eli and Blue rode down to the train station to check on train tickets heading west. Eli didn’t care where it was going. He found out that the train company not only booked passengers, it also had a stock car for his mule, horse and traveling gear for a modest charge. No charge for Ole Blue, but Eli bought him a full ticket anyway, to prevent anyone stepping on him as they walked down the aisle. Blue would appreciate riding first class, anyway.

The train chugged across the countryside. The black smoke from the smokestack of the train trailed behind them throwing up black cinders of burnt coal. Small farms dotted the land with cabins and smokehouses beside each one. Winter was approaching slowly and the landscape was coated with frost in the early morning.

Each morning and evening Eli visited the stock car to check on his horse and mule to make sure they were fed and well-taken care of. The mule greeted him each time with a welcome hee-haw or "yee-haw. His horse gave him a welcome whinny and nibbled affectionately on his ear. They missed him and he missed them.

The little train puffed into Nashville, where the tired passengers had a chance to get off, stretch their legs, and eat lunch at a convenient diner. Eli observed his fellow travelers, a drummer with a valise and a sample of his wares, a couple of what appeared to be newly-weds, holding hands feverishly, and a mixture of what appeared to be business men. After everyone rested up they returned to the train and were on their way to Memphis and on to Arkansas.

His horse and mule were doing well but getting restless. So were Eli and Blue. It was a relief when they finally arrived in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the end of the railroad line. Albuquerque was a dusty little town. It was October and there was a bite in the air. Cottonwoods along the Rio Grande River were dressed in yellow leaves that quivered as a little breeze caressed them causing the leaves to quiver and jerk spasmodically.

Eli saddled his horse and loaded his gear on the mule, who was so pleased to see him that he didn’t mind a bit. His horse as usual nuzzled his neck and quivered with anticipation at the thought of getting off the train. Blue whined with impatience to see what was ahead after the long journey with nothing to do. Eli had already inquired from the train conductor about food and lodging, and a livery where he could leave his animals for a day or two. He led the animals off the stock car and trotted down the dusty road to the livery. He was soon lodged in a nice room at a boarding house across the dusty street from the livery and looking forward to a decent meal at a nearby restaurant.

Most of the buildings lining the street were constructed with adobe blocks but some were wood that had baked