The X-B Ranch in Perilous Times

By Robert Goddard

The X-B Ranch folk face more than their share of trouble, as they battle the difficult times of the Great Tribulation. They are forced to contend with the threat of an evil world government, as well as many natural disasters in this sequel to The Desperate and The Blest.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stratton Press
• Release date: Dec 10, 2021
• ISBN: 9781648955730

Book preview

Foreword

This book is a sequel to The Desperate and The Blest, in which our cast of characters passed through the Great Disappearance, or as it is commonly called, the Rapture of the true Church. This brought our characters into the first year of the seven-year Tribulation period where this narrative begins.

I have had many requests for the rest of the story of the folks of the X-B Ranch, but as you might have guessed, the rest of the story may never end!

The X-B in Perilous Times covers the first half of the Tribulation up to the mark of the Beast which is referred to in the book of Revelation as well as in some of the Old Testament prophets.

Although the characters of this book are fictional, you will find them a combination of the author’s imagination and of the sure coming events of prophecy as revealed in the book of Revelation.

Some may object to the many Bible references I have used. However, it is my knowledge of the Scripture and its unchanging truth that has inspired me to write books which, I hope, have value far beyond the mere entertainment of my readers.

For sixty-eight of my eighty-six years, I have been a Christian and forty-four years a missionary in Paraguay, South America. Experience is a great, but sometimes a painful teacher.

My many-faceted life before and during my life as a missionary has provided a store of experiences from which to document much of the scenario of the ranch life portrayed in this book.

One

It was a warm, humid afternoon, unseasonably so for southeastern Oklahoma in February. What little breeze there was, came in fitful, weak gusts from the southwest. It was what the old-timers called a weather breeder.

From his vintage point on the ranch house veranda Jack Weston, half-owner of the X-B, surveyed the panorama before him. To the north were the hill pastures. Four evenly divided paddocks of four hundred and eighty-six acres each. The main cattle herd was rotated regularly in these paddocks to prevent over-grazing.

Deer Creek forked a little ways above the ranch buildings where a ridge separated the two tributaries which were spring-fed at their source near the ranch’s north boundary. At the top of the ridge was an elevation known as the Bald Knob. It was there the ranch’s last year’s hay crop was stacked where it could be fed to the cattle if, in an emergency, there was no graze for the cattle. In the southeast paddock, the hillsides were dotted with peacefully grazing cattle. In the foreground, Deer Creek plunged ninety feet from a rock face to a pool some two hundred yards north of the main ranch house.

From the falls, a penstock angled down to the power-house below where the force of descending water energized a turbine attached to a generator, furnishing electric power for the ranch. In near foreground were the ranch’s buildings, the garage, cold storage building, five houses, a bunkhouse, and a large Quonset which housed the tractors and farm machinery. Across the creek and the Quonset were the horse and dairy barns and Harvestore silo. The corrals and two small pastures lay to the east of the one for the dairy herd, and the other for the ranch remuda of some thirty-odd quarter horses and the eight Belgium show horses.

The creek and the access road to the highway divided the farmland from the hay meadows as far south as the highway which led to the town of Stocktown, the main trading center of the area. To the southeast, he could see the farmstead of their nearest neighbor, Jonas Magruder.

Magruder was a bitter, obstinate man who wanted nothing to do with his neighbors. His wife, Matilda, was a harried, apologetic woman in her midforties. Since Jonas was too stingy to hire extra help except in haying season, they cared for the farm and dairy by themselves. Once when Matilda reminded him they should visit their neighbors, he said, Ha! Neighbors, who needs ’em? You can do better than waste your time chewing the rag with some old biddy neighbor, woman!

As Jack viewed the scene before him, he recalled that fateful night only eight months ago when the Lord snatched his family from his car while on their way to church and his desperation as he faced the fact that he was alone in the world, lost, and without hope. The swift succession of events which followed was a marvelous chain of affairs that only a gracious God could bring about.

He recalled how he had rescued Lila Jenkins from a nervous breakdown and suicide when her husband and two small children were taken away from her in the Great Disappearance. How they both had been saved and, to solve her problem, their whirlwind marriage. His sister Jill’s coming to live with them, her salvation, and just recently her marriage to Scott Winters, the ranch foreman, whom Jack had made his partner.

Jack Weston’s original plans to prepare for the last half of the Great Tribulation had progressed very well. They were only in the first year and much had been accomplished. There was, however, much yet to be done. The cave Scott had shown him would be a haven for that time in the Tribulation when the sun would be so hot, few could survive. He had wired, furnished, and provisioned the cave in preparation for that time when it would be needed for the ranch personnel’s survival.

When Scott Winters and Jack’s sister Jill were married, Jack made him his partner and half-owner of the X-B. He had proved to be a valuable asset to the whole scope of activities on the ranch. He knew the ranch like the back of his hand, as well as all the stock.

Tony Morales and Dude Jones, who did the biggest share of the cattle work, were two of the best cowpunchers north of Texas, at least that is how the folks on the ranch rated them. They idolized Scott and respected Jack as the new owner after Bert Masterson and his wife were taken in the Great Disappearance.

True, Weston didn’t know much about ranching, but he knew how to handle men and had sense enough to let Scott run the ranch end of things. They all marveled at the things Jack knew and of the projects he had brought to completion since he had been on the ranch. They didn’t always understand what he was doing and why, but figured that was his business.

Kit Carson handled the remuda, and Boni Albertini did the farming and tractor work. Kit and Scott had a close relationship since Kit had been his father-in-law before Scott’s wife, Sarah, and his two children were taken in the Great Disappearance.

Kit was a favorite of everyone, a very and thoughtful man. He was very lonely since his wife, Fanny, had been taken with the others.

Now, besides the ranch employees, Jack’s niece, Jem Adams, a registered nurse from Denver, and her recently saved friend Alice Wooden, a nurse’s aide, had come to live on the ranch and to work in the local hospital in Stocktown.

The trade of the Denver properties for this 3,500-acre ranch certainly was a provision of the Lord to help them through the Great Tribulation which lay ahead. His reverie was interrupted by a call from Lila, his wife.

Jack, come in here and see what you think of this severe warning on the TV.

In the living room, Jack read the warning at the bottom of the screen. Tornado warning for South McCurtain County. A funnel cloud has been sighted seven miles south of the town of Stocktown and is headed north-northeast. People in the Stocktown area should seek appropriate shelter.

We need to warn our people here in case they haven’t seen this broadcast, Jack said.

Just then, the phone rang and Lila answered. It was Scott who had seen the same warning. He said he would see that the others on the ranch were advised of the danger.

The warning continued. The funnel is on the ground and moving through the residential section of the city south of the business center.

The TV screen went black. Jack switched to another channel. Idabel, channel 9, was recording the storm from a helicopter at a safe distance from the funnel cloud. As the tornado hit the city, the funnel became a whirling mass of debris soon hidden by a cloud of dust.

Scott and Jill, with most of the other ranch help, arrived seeking the shelter of the ranch house basement. They watched as the funnel cloud appeared in the southeast. It would miss the ranch by a half mile unless it suddenly changed direction. They watched as the storm roared through the Magruder place. As it moved on, the funnel cloud lifted. They couldn’t see now for the heavy rain. It would be a miracle if anyone survived on that farmstead.

Jill said, Let’s see if we can get through to the hospital by phone. I am worried for Jean and Alice. I hope the hospital wasn’t hit.

Lila called and was put on hold by recorded message. A little while later, a voice said, Stocktown General Hospital, please state your message.

Lila responded, I would like to know if my niece, Jean Adams, and Alice Wooden are safe.

Yes, the hospital is undamaged. Now, please excuse me, we have many emergency calls coming in from storm victims.

Lila repeated the news that all was well at the hospital. They all breathed a sigh of relief. After a short discussion, it was decided that Scott and Jill would go to Stocktown and check at the hospital. Jean and Alice might know of anyone that needed help. Jean Adams, a registered nurse, and Alice Wooden, a nurse’s aide, worked at the hospital. They lived at the ranch and commuted daily to the hospital. Both were new Christians.

Jack suggested that he and some of the ranch help go to the Magruder place. We should take some blankets and a first aid kit with us. Lila, you stand by on the CB radio in case we need something. I need two volunteers to go with me.

The two extra hands, Mike and Jake, said they would go.

Jack took his four-wheeled drive pickup. After loading the supplies, they left, followed by Scott and Jill in Scott’s Chevrolet. At the ranch gate, Jack turned left toward the Magruders’. As he neared the turn-off to the Magruder lane, the highway bore the scars of the recent tornado, and the lane to the house was blocked with tangled fence wire. Jack stopped and, with his wire cutters, cleared a path for the pickup

As they neared the building site, they could see part of the house was still standing. The barn and hog houses were severely damaged, and the yard was strewn with lumber and household items all in disarrays. Near the front yard, Jack stopped; they all got out and made their way toward the house.

As they drew near the partly demolished house, they heard a woman’s voice calling, Jonas! Jonas! It was then they spied Mrs. Magruder wandering among the wreckage of the barn, calling her husband. Her clothing was drenched, and her hair streamed loose around her shoulders. The desperate look on her white face betrayed the traumatic experience through which she was passing. As Jack approached, he called to her. Startled, she turned and dumbly acknowledged his presence.

Jack said, We are here to help you, we are your neighbors from the X-B. Was your husband out here in the storm?

She was crying.

He was in the barn when the storm hit, and I-I can’t find him, she said with her teeth chattering from the cold.

Now, Mrs. Magruder, we will look for your husband. You come with me and sit in the pickup where you will be warm. You fellows can start looking for Mr. Magruder, I’ll be right back.

At the pickup, he helped her in, started the motor, and turned on the heater. He gave her a blanket, then left her, and joined the two men in their search for the missing man. By clearing away some loose timbers and splintered boards, they were able to penetrate into the milking parlor. They called as they worked, and finally, they heard a weak cry from a cattle stall upon which the haymow floor had collapsed.

Piece by piece, they tore away the fallen timbers until at last they could see one of Magruder’s feet through a small opening in the splintered boards of the stall.

Jack said, Now careful, boys, we don’t want to bring that heavy beam down on him. Here, let’s use this two by four to shore it up until we get him out of there.

They carefully removed the broken timbers, piece by piece, until at last they could survey the extent of the man’s injuries. A pool of blood beside a twisted leg testified of a major laceration that needed immediate attention. Jack knelt and felt Magruder’s pulse. It was weak and fast. He cut away the pant leg of the injured leg, revealing a compound fracture with a steady flow of blood from a severed vein. Using a piece of halter rope, he made a tourniquet and, using a short splinter of board, twisted it until the flow of blood stopped. He splinted the broken leg, and on a grain bin door that had survived the storm, they carried him to the pickup.

They loaded him in the back on a pile of sacks with a blanket over the top.

Mike, you and Jake ride back here with him and steady him on the way to town, Jack said.

In the cab, Mrs. Magruder anxiously asked about her husband.

I think he will make it if we get him to the hospital soon, Jack replied.

In twenty minutes, they pulled into the emergency entrance of the hospital. Magruder was loaded on a gurney and wheeled into the trauma room where he was hooked up to a bottle of plasma. The vein was repaired and the broken bone set. Jack and Mrs. Magruder were called to the hospital office to give the required information and to vouch for the hospital bill.

Does your husband have health insurance? the lady at the desk asked Mrs. Magruder,

I-I don’t think so, she replied anxiously.

I need some assurance of who will pay the hospital bill before we can officially intern your husband, Mrs. Magruder, the lady at the desk said primly.

Jack intervened. I will sign for them and pay what is required. Is there an entrance fee?

No, just sign here and give me your credit card number, Mr. Weston.

Jack signed the paper and gave his credit card number. After they had seen Magruder interned, he said to Mrs. Magruder, You had better come out to the ranch with me until things shape up a little better for you. My wife will be glad to have you as long as you need to stay.

On the way out, in the lobby, they met Jill and Scott with a poorly dressed, blond, blue-eyed lady with a sweet tired face. Close by her side was a rather bedraggled red-haired boy in patched jeans and tennis shoes. He stood uncomfortably by while they were introduced to Jack and Mrs. Magruder.

Scott and Jill explained how her husband was killed in the tornado and how her house and all her belongings were lost in the storm.

We are taking them home with us to stay, they said.

Jack explained that Mr. Magruder was in the hospital and that he was taking Mrs. Magruder home until something could be solved about a place for her to live.

On the way back to the ranch, Jack called Lila on the CB. Hi, honey, I’m bringing Mrs. Magruder home. Her husband is in the hospital, and her house was destroyed in the storm. Yes, she is sleeping, she has been through a bad experience. Maybe you can find some dry clothes for her and fix something for us to eat when we get there. OK, we’ll be there in about twenty minutes.

Both rescue parties arrived at the ranch and took their charges to their homes. Lila met Jack and Mrs. Magruder at the door. Jack introduced them.

Lila hugged her and said, We are glad to have you. We are going to have some soup and sandwiches, but first, come on into the guest room. I have some clothes you can change into while yours are drying out.

Lila had supper on the table when Mrs. Magruder come out of the guest room looking neat in a pink skirt with a blue and white flowered blouse and her hair in a coil on her head. Lila said, Come sit up and have some soup with us. I forgot to ask your first name. Please call me Lila.

My name is Matilda. I’m afraid I have caused you folks a lot of trouble, but I want you to know I am very grateful to you both for your kindness, she said with tears in her eyes.

Well, isn’t that what neighbors are for? Lila said.

It was nine o’clock when they finished supper. Lila suggested that they leave the dishes for Juana to do in the morning, so all could retire early.

I know you must be exhausted after your bad experience today, Matilda. You will find night clothes in the top dresser drawer in your room. Don’t worry about a thing. We are going to help you through this bad time, aren’t we, Jack?

Yes, as the Lord guides and provides. Let’s ask him to show us what to do and how to do it. Lila, would you lead us in prayer?

Heavenly Father, we thank you for bringing Matilda to us and for saving the life of her husband. We pray you will guide in restoring their buildings and solving their problems. Lord, reveal your love to them through us and that they will come to rest in the finished work of Christ our Savior. Please give us all a good night’s rest. We thank and praise you for your love and protection through this day! Amen!

With tears in her eyes, Mrs. Magruder bid them good night. I can’t thank you enough for what you have done for Jonas and me. We certainly haven’t been good neighbors and don’t deserve the good things you have done for us. Jonas always said we didn’t need neighbors. How very wrong he was.

Lila said, No one deserves God’s love, but he gives it to us freely by his grace. Good night, Matilda.

Two

Edith Stearns lay wide-eyed in the guest room of the Winters’ home. Her thirteen-year-old son, Joshua, was sleeping peacefully on the rug by her bed. They were victims of the tornado which had leveled the south side of the city of Stocktown.

The Winters had taken them in, fed, and cared for them. Mr. Winters had promised to see that Jess, her husband, would have a decent burial. She wondered at their kindness. She was reminded of her parents who had been swept away with those other people of the church where they attended. They were known as born-again Christians at that church, and all but a few had gone in what was termed as the Great Disappearance.

Life had never been easy for Edith Stearns. Before she finished high school, she had eloped with the dashing and handsome Jess Stearns. Her parents had warned her not to become involved with him. But like many young girls, she allowed her to guide her instead of better judgment. Their marriage had started out all right, but when he lost his job after their son Joshua was born, he started drinking with one of his old buddies who found him a well-paying job in a nightclub. It was there he became an alcoholic.

Four years ago, he had lost his job at the nightclub, and since that time, they had barely eked out a miserable existence with her working part time and he at odd jobs. They rented a run-down house in the outskirts of Stocktown.

She had nothing, absolutely nothing, left with which to support herself and her boy. Her tears came, unbidden. How would she ever cope with the life ahead of her? She considered suicide, but that would leave her son without a mother. In her desperation, she prayed, Lord, I am not worthy of your consideration, but please help me!

At last, from pure emotional and physical exhaustion, she slept.

In the morning, all the ranch help was called together to form a plan of action. They all gathered on the verandah of the ranch house. Jack addressed them. We have two families whose problems we need to help solve. Mrs. Stearns lost her home and her husband yesterday in the tornado. She has a son and no place to live and only the clothes on her back. Scott and Jill have her at their place, but she needs a place of her own here on the ranch.

After a brief silence, Kit Carson spoke up, She can have my place if I can find somewhere else to hang my hat.

You are welcome to live with me, Boni Albertini said. I have an extra room you can have all by yourself, if you can put up with me. We can go fifty-fifty on groceries and cooking duty.

Well, that settles the first problem. I’ll get what stuff I’ll need, and she can take whole house. There’s everything she will need there.

Jill spoke, Thank you, Kit, you are a jewel! I will help her get settled in just as soon as you tell me your place is ready for her. I will have to take her to Stocktown first to take of her husband’s funeral.

All right, Jack said, that takes care of one problem. Now we have Mrs. Magruder here with us. Her husband is in the hospital and their farm is a disaster. Lila and I will take her to the hospital to see Jonas this morning. His dairy cattle should be milked as soon as possible. Scott, would you survey the damage there and see what it will take to get the place back in order again? Take all the ranch help we can spare with you. I will see if Magruder has insurance or a way to restore his buildings. We need his permission before we proceed too far, but if you can get his dairy-milking parlor and milking machines operational, that will be a big step in the right direction. Mrs. Magruder can stay with us until living quarters can be arranged at the farm. That’s all for now. Any questions? No one spoke up. So Jack said, All right, let’s get with it!

Jill broke the news to Edith Stearns. Kit Carson wants you to live in his house. He will move in with Boni Albertini. You will have everything you need there to keep house as long as you want to sta.!

Edith was nonplused. I hardly know what to say. Why does he want to do that? Oh, I don’t want to drive a man out of his home! He doesn’t even know what kind of a person I am! For all he knows, I might ruin his things!

Jill said, "Listen, Edith, Kit is a real Christian. He wants to help you because Jesus said, Love your neighbor as yourself. Now we need to go to Stocktown and make arrangements for your husband’s funeral."

A little later, Jack, Lila, and Mrs. Magruder pulled in and parked in the hospital parking lot.

Before they got out of the car, Jack spoke to Mrs. Magruder, Matilda, if Jonas is alert enough this morning, we need to find out if he has storm insurance on the buildings. I told the boys to try to restore the milking parlor so it will be usable and to somehow get those cows milked. What I need to know is if Jonas will give me the permission to get your place back in operation.

In the hospital at the desk, Jack asked if Magruder was able to have visitors. It is imperative that we see him if he is coherent.

The lady at the desk called on the intercom. Jean Adams, please come to the front desk.

Soon, Jean came hurrying and greeted them. Hi, Uncle Jack and Aunt Lila, what do you need?

This is Mrs. Magruder, she would like to see her husband and I need to see him also if possible.

Come with me, Jean said.

They followed her down the corridor to room #17. Jean went in and spoke to the patient. Presently, she motioned them into the room. Jonas lay with his leg encased in a cast up to his hip and suspended by a pulley from the ceiling. His face was skinned and bruised and his chest enclosed by tape to support his broken ribs. Matilda approached the hospital bed, leaned over, and kissed his forehead. Jonas, can you hear me?

Of course I can, but it’s hard to talk with this blasted tape on my chest.

Jonas, Mr. Weston saved your life yesterday. He wants to you some questions if you will talk to him.

All right, I suppose he wants a reward. Send him in.

‘You can see him, Matilda said, ‘but don’t pay too much attention his bad manners, it’s just his way.

Jack entered and spoke to the injured man, "Hello, Jonas, you are a terrible mess, but l think you will make it. I sent my