Last Chance, First Hope

By Julie Jadrych

Montana, 1880s, Mr. Brett and Mrs. Emily operate a large working ranch with a family of individuals to whom life has been less than kind, let alone fair. People who, through blind luck, serendipity, or Mr. Brett's quest for personal redemption ended up on the ranch. The majority of these people are children orphaned, abandoned and abused. As they grow and mature in the fullness of time, these castaways discover that they have stumbled into a situation that could change the dismal circumstances of their lives for the better, potentially forever.

This is a story about a place where these children are allowed an opportunity to become part of a real family bound by love, compassion, and loyalty. For many, if not most of these people, the ranch affords them what is genuinely their last chance for a happy life, and the first time they could dare hope it to be true. As they adapt into their new lives many choose to remain on the ranch as it was the first time they had ever experienced anything close to family and a new and wonderful feeling of home! It is an uplifting story of learning, redemption, commitment and the success and satisfaction that comes from them..

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781662442544

Book preview

Chapter 1

Montana, 1886

The ranch was ten thousand acres consisting of everything the state had to offer—mountains, canyons, rivers, and forests. The ranch house was larger than most found in the territory. Emily was in charge of the daily running of it. She had long brown hair, deep blue eyes, and a petite compact frame on a five-foot-three-inch body. She took pride in keeping a very nice, neat home. Brett, her husband, had built most of the furniture from woods harvested on the ranch. Each piece was lovingly cleaned with beeswax weekly. This brought out the natural grains while protecting the wood. It was sturdy and made to last for generations. On Emily’s weekly chore list was cleaning the windows. Today she was upstairs, wiping the last window pane and occasionally looking out to see if Brett was coming up the road. It had been three days since he went to town, so he should be returning soon.

Emily, a voice called.

In the bedroom Carrie, she replied.

Carrie walked upstairs to the bedroom to continue the conversation.

Almost done, are you? Carrie asked.

Yes, almost. I keep wondering why we put so many windows in the house every time I have to clean them, said Emily jokingly.

Good, because I thought it would be a nice time for a cup of tea, Carrie replied.

That sounds so very nice. I need a break, Emily said with a smile directed at Carrie.

For as long as Emily could remember, Carrie had loved her afternoon tea around four o’clock every day. Her English heritage was strong even though she had been in America for ten years now.

It had been a stroke of luck that had brought her to the ranch. Well, that and her husband Brett. Emily smiled again as the memory returned of Carrie soaking wet and shivering, having been led to the house by Brett. Having run out of money, the people who had agreed to bring her West had left her out on the prairie in a rainstorm. They had left her suitcase on the ground while she had been in the bushes. Brett had been returning from town and had found her. Emily had met them at the door with towels and before long they had become friends and companions. Women were few and far between out here. Carrie kept Emily company when Brett was busy running the ranch. He was not like their nearest neighbor, who sat on his porch and ordered his ranch hands to handle everything. Brett had learned if you wanted something bad enough it took hard work and dedication to achieve your goals. Nothing Brett liked better than to get his hands dirty to provide for his family. It was a rather large family that consisted of everyone living on the ranch.

Emily looked out the last window she had just finished and saw Brett coming up the road. In one hand he held the reins and in the other a lead rope. Another stray was being brought here to live. Emily watched as he approached the barn then went downstairs to wait for him. Carrie had just handed her a cup of tea and disappeared back into the kitchen. As he walked through the door, she stood with hands on her hips. Brett saw her stance but moved forward anyway.

Another stray or two? Emily said angrily.

Brett said, Well, it’s not like we don’t have the room.

Where did you find these, may I ask? she said, still with hands on her hips.

Both were under the boardwalk below the saloon, Brett said sheepishly.

Why is it that when you go to town, you never come back alone? James can go to town and only return with what he was sent to get, Emily said accusingly. Why can’t you?

Because James doesn’t want to face your wrath. However, I don’t mind, he said with a very broad smile.

My wrath indeed. Who is the little urchin anyway? she asked.

Well, Emily, you see I was walking to the mercantile when this little blur crossed my path. He was being chased by the old woman who sells vegetables at the corner. I caught him and held him until she reached us. Now, Emily, she was really irate that he had stolen two apples and was about to beat him when I offered to pay for them. She accepted the money, he explained.

Emily stood there with a shocked expression on her face. How could anyone beat a child, especially a hungry one? Emily knew the tale was not yet finished because Brett was leading her to the living room to sit down. After being seated he continued.

I started toward the store and told him it was all right to eat them because they were paid for. He hadn’t said a word to me yet. I took him with me and placed the order. While we were double-checking the order the boy slipped out. I ran to the door and just caught a glimpse of him going under the boardwalk across the street. I ran after him. He had made his way fairly fast to the furthest part of the underside of the saloon. I was just crawling in to get him and stopped. I thought I heard two voices but was not sure because of the noise above me from the saloon. He knew I would come all the way in, so he crawled forward until I could reach him to drag him out. After standing back up I dusted us both off and then asked him why he had run, that I had no intention of hurting him. He didn’t answer me. He kept glancing behind himself as if expecting someone. I was perplexed until I saw a mangy dog crawl out. I said to him, ‘Now you have a dog?’ He still refused to answer.

Emily had forgotten her tea because she was so caught up in the story and had not heard Carrie come in behind her with fresh tea. Holding the tray, she was also listening to Brett’s story.

I had no choice but to bring them both here. By what I could see under the saloon it looked like he was living there.

Emily had to interrupt. Has he said anything at all to you? she inquired.

No, not a word, not even a sound. I’m not sure why, Brett said then continued, Although he has tried to sneak away from me twice already. Brett had a confused look on his face.

Well, did you check under the saloon for any belongings? Maybe that’s why he’s tried to sneak away? asked Carrie.

Emily turned quickly and almost knocked the tea tray out of Carrie’s hands. Steadying the tray Carrie put it on the small coffee table still waiting for Brett’s answer.

Well, no. He had a pillowcase with him, said Brett.

I can’t figure that out then, said Emily.

He says nothing but has a sad troubled look in his eyes. Like maybe he left something important behind and is afraid to say anything to me even though I’ve been kind to him, finished Brett.

We’ll let him settle in the bunkhouse tonight and talk to him in the morning, stated Emily.

With that said tea was refreshed and Carrie went back to the kitchen. A look on her face that said she knew how frightened the little tyke must feel because she had once been alone too.

* * *

The morning had not even begun to show the first signs of sunlight when heavy footsteps were heard crossing the porch approaching the front door. Brett, always a light sleeper, was up and just putting on his shirt when he opened the bedroom door. There, standing ready to knock, was his foreman. Nothing good ever came the sound of boots this early in the morning unless it was the foaling season. Hastily placing his finger to his lips, they turned and went into the kitchen. The coffee was done and a cup sat on the table cooling. Carrie must be gathering eggs, Brett thought.

He’s gone! blurted James.

The boy ran away? clarified Brett.

Yes, can’t tell you when. Yesterday was pretty hectic. I remember putting him in the last bunk at the far end nearest the wall because that’s where he went after being taken inside. I thought that if he tried to leave that someone would hear him. I went to check on him this morning and his bunk was empty. He left through the window. He also took a horse out of the barn without Henry hearing him. The dog is still here, though, finished James.

Did you notice anything strange at supper last night? asked Brett.

No, he just looked around the table at the others, ate in silence, then went to his bunk and went to sleep. Everyone just left him alone because he appeared really tired. The dog went and laid at the end of the bed to watch over him, I thought it was safe to leave, answered James.

Although come to think of it, he did keep taking biscuits and putting them in a hankie. But we’ve had that happen before so I figured he might want to eat them later.

It was true. Most of the boys living here had at one time or another snuck food. Several had even tried to leave. Not that they ever got very far on foot. Most didn’t know one end of a horse from another. Riding had never entered their minds. However, this boy was different.

Let’s go find him. As smart as he seems to be we should catch up to him before dark and if not, we at least know where he’s headed. What horse did he take anyway? asked Brett.

Charger, James answered.

At least the boy knows good horseflesh when he sees it. Did I ever tell you that I notched Charger’s shoes so if anyone ever tried to take him I could prove he was mine? Someone stealing a horse never checks to see if they’re leaving an unmistakable trail. Most think they can cross a stream with some cattle and have their tracks covered over. So even if he tries it, he won’t lose us, Brett said confidently.

The trail was not hard to spot after leaving the surrounding area of the buildings, although Charger had been out this way recently. By the depth of the hoofprints, Brett could tell that the boy was riding at an easy cantor used to eat up ground, not the horse. Charger had great stamina to maintain the pace for hours.

You know I could almost swear I’m the one who mentioned marking his shoes and you laughing at me. I might be mistaken though with you one never knows if you’re laughing with or at someone or their suggestion, James said smiling over at his boss and best friend.

Well, just so you know, none of the other horses have marked shoes. So I only took your suggestion for Charger’s well-being and my peace of mind, Brett admitted.

They had covered a lot of ground since heading out and Brett was getting hungry, reaching behind his saddle he opened up a saddlebag and extracted some jerky. In his mind, he had also thought of Emily’s breeding program when he had marked the shoe. She was hoping to find the right combination to create a different breed.

So do you think Emily will ever breed the type of horse she likes using Charger? asked James.

How did you know I was just thinking about what would ever happen if I lost Charger? You have esp or something? Brett asked.

No, I just know you will do just about anything to keep Emily happy, stated James.

Yes, what she and I have is special so I don’t deny her anything that’s within my power or abilities to provide. She has saved my life in more ways than I can count after I retired from the military. Of course, you were there and know about the trouble after the last battle with the Cheyenne. I could never give her enough no matter how many lifetimes I have, stated Brett resolutely.

Yes, I was there. God sent you an angel. You almost lost her because of your pride, ego, and that damned depression. It’s a good thing she brought you back to earth. Otherwise, you might not have survived the trip you were on. God also know I tried to help and almost lost you myself.

The miles passed by quickly. With the trail unmistakable, Brett and James knew they could catch up and overtake the boy, but what then? He would only try to leave again. Better to find out why he was running back to town, maybe he wasn’t an orphan like so many others had been. Maybe he was living with relatives for a while and had been using his hideaway to escape doing chores. Even as these thoughts entered his mind, Brett knew there were no relatives. The boy’s hideout had looked like he had been there a very long time. Brett should have taken the time to search the place thoroughly but hadn’t because usually the only things these kids had were the clothes on their backs and maybe a family Bible or favorite toy given to them by their parents. This boy had carried a pillowcase, so Brett had thought that was the reason he had returned to his hideout the first time. Most boys Brett had come across however were not afraid to talk back or try to defend themselves. This boy had been very much more scared. He was solemn, shy, and afraid. That’s what made him so much different.

Brett now felt that he had missed something, so steadily they rode on. Would the boy stop for the night, or would he feel compelled to drive Charger all night? Neither knew the answer so they watched for a campfire to appear in front of them. That is if the boy knew how to start one. At dusk, they began scanning the prairie ahead of them. If they caught sight of him they would back off. They had no intention of letting him know he was being followed. Brett and James hoped he knew how to start a fire.

After another two hours of riding they topped a small rise in the terrain. At this distance, they could just make out a small campfire. The boy obviously felt confident and safe enough to stop for the night.

It also proved to Brett that the boy knew he had pushed the horse to the maximum distance it could travel in one day. Ten hours had passed since they had started this quest for answers. Slowly moving back down the rise, Brett and James dismounted and unsaddled their weary mounts.

Boy shows some sense, at least. Ten hours in the saddle is a long time if you’re not used to it, remarked James.

Yes, he does. I also think he knows that he only has a few more hours before he gets into town. He probably thinks a few hours of rest and he’ll be able to travel faster tomorrow on a rested horse. Doesn’t that fire look real warm to you? We can’t risk one though so bundle up in your blanket and get some sleep. He’s too tired to head out again tonight, Brett stated as he covered himself.

Are you sure we can’t move a little further away and build a fire? asked James hopefully.

No, Charger is out there, and if he smells smoke he may come to investigate, and that would leave the boy all alone, said Brett.

Are you trying to convince me that Charger would come toward a fire and not run away from it? Horses fear fire and smoke, stated James.

Charger has been purposely slowing down as if he knows we’re following him. He’s very smart and loyal. I wouldn’t put it past him to show up here soon, smiled Brett as the last light left the sky.

No horse I’ve ever seen has that much intelligence. You’re deluding yourself as far as your horse is concerned, laughed James

Just then their own horses nickered softly. Shifting positions abruptly James could just make out the shape of a horse on the rise overlooking their cold camp.

Guess we can have that fire after all. He must have smelled us when the wind shifted earlier, stated Brett triumphantly.

James sat in utter amazement as Charger came down to Brett and nickered while nuzzling him softly.

Hello, old fellow, did you enjoy yourself today? Brett asked.

You don’t think he’s going to answer that do you? asked James.

James had wasted no time in getting the fire started, the glow illuminating Brett’s face.

As if to answer James’s question, Charger lowered his head and nickered again.

Anything else you would like answered? asked Brett as he began checking his horse over to make sure the saddle had been put on properly and had not caused any raw spots.

No, said James.

The boy managed to saddle him right. I don’t know how he’ll manage it tomorrow, though. I’ll have to send him back so the boy won’t be frightened if he should wake up in the middle of the night, said Brett.

Tell me just one thing. If he knew we were behind him, why didn’t he just stop and refuse to move? queried James.

I raised him, trained him, and spent many a night with him on trail drives. Some horses have an innate ability to always return to their masters regardless of who may have taken them. Charger seems to understand that if we had wanted to catch up to the boy we would have. By allowing the boy to stay ahead of us Charger knew not to stop. I can’t explain it any better than that to you. He’ll go back when I tell him to. He knows the boy’s life is in his care and will protect him no matter what. This is one of the things Emily is looking for in the foals he produces, Brett said as he turned to Charger. Okay, boy, go back.

Charger rubbed Brett one more time then left.

Chapter 2

Emily had also heard the rushing footsteps but had not risen. Brett could handle anything no matter what it was, and if he needed help he could always count on her or any number of others here on the ranch. She heard him close the bedroom door quietly and then heard him leave through the back door.

A short time later she heard horses moving quickly down the road. She decided it was time to get up. Brushing her long brown hair, she was told about the boy taking a horse and leaving by Carrie.

Looks like he’ll be spending more time back in town, Emily commented to Carrie.

Carrie wiped the sweat from her small, petite forehead and wondered when Emily would finally get mad at Brett’s frequent absences from her and the ranch.

Seems to me he should have caught the boy by now and be back here with you, snorted Carrie, who was buxom with shoulder-length blonde hair, chocolate-brown eyes, and a pretty smile when she chose to show it.

Footsteps could be heard on the porch before Emily had a chance to rebut Carrie’s comments. A knock on the back door told both it was not Brett returning. Emily opened the door and there stood another small boy.

Yes, Luther, what is it? she asked calmly as he stood with his hat in his hand.

Misty be foaling, ma’am, he said sheepishly, twisting his hat nervously.

Smiling at him, Emily grabbed a coat from a peg by the door and asked, Would you like a cookie? I’m sure Carrie has some put away just for little boys who carry such important news.

Thank you, ma’am. We best hurry back. Don’t need to be getting into trouble for not getting you there in time, he said as he accepted the cookies.

You’re welcome. said Carrie.

Luther was only six years old and had been orphaned when his parent’s wagon had rolled down a steep hill. He had been walking when his parents attempted to guide the wagon down and had lost control. He had been dropped off in a town west of the ranch. How he had survived those many weeks, no one was sure. Talk was that a couple had taken him in at first, willing to raise him. But after finding out his parents had been Mormons, they had cast him out into the streets of the next town they came across.

Brett had observed him eating out of a trash bin behind someone’s house. His dull-brownish hair; filthy clothes; and sad, forlorn eyes had drawn him. Luther had never said anything about the people who had thrown him out onto the streets. He had always been shy and courteous from the moment he had arrived on the ranch. His religion had been no obstacle to him being welcomed and loved here. When Emily had first heard the story, she had become incensed at how he had been ostracized by those self-righteous bigots.