Patty Wilkinson Writing, traveling, having fun and meeting up with friends old and new!

# 96 One WyomingWinter Long, Long Ago

One Wyoming Winter...Long, Long Ago

By

Patty Wilkinson

(Some violence, strong language and adult themes)

PART ONE-THANKSGIVING

Chapter 1

Jess Harper stared out of the barn door into the yard of the Sherman Ranch and Relay; where the ground was glistening with a heavy frost, and sighed...
“Darn it...it ain’t even November yet, dang weather,” he said irritably.
He rubbed his right thigh that always bothered him with the advent of the colder days. It was the legacy of a revengeful outlaw who had shattered his thigh bone with a bullet, saying Jess would always have something to remember him by, “Well ain’t that the truth,” he muttered morosely to himself now.
Mike, his young ward, suddenly came into view running across the yard into the sanctuary of the barn. Frowning up at his hero, he asked, “Are you OK Jess, you look kinda mad?”
Jess grinned at the youngster and ruffled his hair, “Nope I’m fine Tiger, just mad at this darned cold weather I guess.”
The blond-headed child merely beamed up at him, “Well I think it’s swell, sooner it snows the better and then I can stay home from school!”
Jess rolled his eyes, “Speakin ’ of school, you all ready? I can hear the stage comin’ down the rise.”
“Yup all ready,” Mike nodded, holding up his books and lunch box.
He walked the boy across to where Mose was bringing the stage to a standstill; and Slim marched out of the house to greet the old timer.
Jess threw Mike up into the stage and slammed the door behind him, telling him to be good and mind his teacher.
Then Mose grinned down from the box, “News is there’s snow layin’ real thick up in Montana...some are sayin’ it’s heading our way, if the wind’s right,” he added cheerfully.
Slim glanced over at his pard and saw his face fall.
Jess muttered a low oath and rubbed his thigh again...however said nothing further.
“Oh, it’ll just be an early flurry,” Slim said encouragingly, “doubt it will come to much.”

“Uh...that’s not what they’re sayin’ up there. A guy was in town just come back, said it was worst he’d seen,” Mose said doggedly. “If I was you, I’d get the Thanksgiving and Christmas supplies in early,” he said a zealous light in his rheumy old eyes. “Could be a bad winter; real bad...so folk are saying,” he added.
With that he slapped the reins and headed off up the rise at speed, leaving tracks through the frosty ground in his wake.
Slim threw Jess a compassionate glance, “Leg bothering you?”
“Some,” he replied quietly.
“Look, you go and get warmed up,” Slim said clapping his buddy on the back, “I’ll finish off in the barn.”
When he returned to the warm house sometime later, he found Jess helping Daisy wash the breakfast dishes. Once they had finished Daisy poured the boys a coffee and sat with them companionably around the kitchen table.
“Jess tells me they’ve got snow up North,” she said turning to Slim. “I thought maybe we should make an early trip to town just to be on the safe side. We could buy in extra supplies just in case. I do have Mike’s presents already ordered and waiting at the mercantile too, plus a few little extras for us for Christmas.”
“Well sure if you think it’s necessary,” the ever-obliging Slim replied. “Better safe than sorry I guess,” he added.
“Um, we did have a very mild Christmas last year and these things tend to go in cycles, so maybe Mose is right and we are due for a really bad one?” she said looking a tad troubled.
“Well, the weather can’t throw anything at us that we can’t handle,” Slim said expansively, “trust me everything will be fine...don’t you worry.”
So it was the following Saturday Slim hitched Betsy to the buckboard, threw an old tarp in the back, in case of a shower, and was ready to go as soon as breakfast was over.
Mike had been dropped off at his friend Davy’s house after school on Friday and was to stay the weekend with their neighbors the Jacksons; returning home after school on the Monday afternoon stage.
“That will work out just fine,” Daisy said to Jess as she adjusted her bonnet before the mirror near the front door. “I’ll be able to hide Mike’s presents away without little eyes watching my every move.”
Jess chuckled, “We had to stash ‘em in the hayloft last year iffen I remember rightly, and then hide the ladder.”
She smiled as she turned to face him, “Yes, I remember. Now Jess you’ll be alright, won’t you? I know you’ve tried to hide it, but I’ve seen you limping, it’s that old leg injury, it’s bothering you isn’t it.”
“I’m just fine Daisy quit frettin’. Besides there really ain’t much to do right now. All the stock are nice and comfy in the home pasture. Got plenty of food stored for them if the weather turns real bad. Plenty of shelter too thanks to Slim’ s pa planting those big ol’ pines...they should be OK whatever happens.”
She sighed and rolled her eyes, “It wasn’t the stock that I was worried about. It’s you,” she said slapping his arm playfully, but her eyes full of compassion.
“Like I said I’m fine, now you get off and top up our supplies...and uh Daisy...”
“Yes dear?”
He put a hand in his vest pocket and came out with some cash that he pushed into her hand, “Go buy that hat you’ve been hankerin’ after huh.”
“Oh, Jess dear I can’t take your hard-earned money,” she protested at once.
“OK think of it as an early Christmas present,” he said grinning at her. “Anyways I like to spoil my favorite gal... after Millie that is,” he said with a wicked wink.
She slapped his arm again, “Oh you!”
Slim put his head around the door and said, “All ready, Daisy.”
Turning to Jess said, “We’ll be back by noon at the latest, see ya.”
Jess went to wave them off and glanced up at the clear bright sky and shaking his head thought, ‘snow huh Mose...we’ll see what you hafta say about that when you come by later.’
He mucked out the barn and then did Mike’s chores, collecting the eggs and chopping some logs for the cook stove, so by eleven o’clock he was ready for a coffee.
As he walked quickly across the yard from the barn, where he’d been grooming Traveller, he noticed it had gotten decidedly colder and the wind had got up...the sky now clouding over. “Dang it, looks like Slim was right to take that old tarp,” he said to himself, “it sure looks like rain.”
He was just finishing his coffee when he was alerted to the fact that all was not well outside. The wind suddenly started howling like a banshee and the room was shrouded in a dim light...almost as shadowy and dim as night time.
“What the Hell,” he muttered and getting up he threw open the kitchen door.
His senses were immediately assaulted by the storm raging without.
A bitter cold, gusting wind practically wrenched the door handle from his grip…as he looked out to where snow was being tossed about the yard in the frenzy of a full blizzard.
He peered through the gloom and was just able to make out the dim shadows of the cattle huddled together and sheltering under the tall pines and was glad that they afforded them some sanctuary at least.
Then his face fell, jeez what about Slim and Daisy?
He managed to slam the door shut and hurried to look at the timepiece on the mantle in the parlour...half past the hour of eleven. Would they have been on their way home and caught in the storm? Or did they have some warning and decide to stay put in town? He fervently prayed for the latter and settled down to wait.
When noon came and went and the weather only got worse, he was in a quandary. There was no sign of them or of the noon stage either. What if they had set off before the full force of the storm was unleashed and they were stranded out in the thick of it. After all it had suddenly hit here without much warning he reasoned. What if Slim and Daisy were caught out in it?
He looked out at the yard for the hundredth time and noted that the snow was now drifting up to several inches deep and he came to a decision.
He had to go and check the Laramie Road.
He dressed in his warmest jacket and rain slicker; and pulling his hat down hard, sprinted over to the barn.
Just in that short dash his boots were covered in snow, the ground underfoot slippy and he figured this was no weather to take his beloved Traveller out in. Or indeed any of the other quarter horses. Nope this was a job for the big guys he reckoned...and he went to fetch the heavy horses Samson and Toby. Their huge plate like hooves were ideal for the inclement weather conditions, plus they were both trained to harness so would be able to pull the buckboard out of a drift if it had come to grief. He packed a sack with tools, in case there was any damage done, plus extra blankets and finally set off riding Samson bareback and leading Toby carrying the tools, extra harnesses...and blankets.
He’d barely left the ranch when he saw a figure riding slowly towards him and as he drew closer he recognized the form of old Bill Barnes who ran a small spread a few miles further on; off the Laramie Road with his aged wife Nancy.
He reined in when he saw Jess and sighed with relief, “Thank God, I’ve seen you,” he gasped. “There’s trouble,” he yelled over the howling wind… jerking a thumb in the direction of the way he’d come. “Buckboard off the road...your buddy Slim is hurt... said I’d come tell you...”
How far and is he hurt bad?” Jess asked appalled that his worst nightmare was unfolding.
“Couple of miles I guess, maybe more, kinda hard to judge with everything turned white,” he added. “Slim, uh was knocked out, nasty gash to his head...said he hit some rocks and the buckboard threw a wheel off and him too! We got the wheel back in place, didn’t have tools to finish the job.”
“Right thanks,” Jess said quickly, ready to urge Samson on again. Then he paused, “You’ll be OK getting home Bill?”
“Oh yes dontcha worry about me Jess, old Barney here is real sure footed.”
Jess nodded and then said, “Miss Daisy was with Slim, is she OK?”
The old-timer shook his head, “Nope sorry son, I saw no sign of Miss Daisy.”
Jess hurried along the road as best he could. The snow was now being flung around even more wildly and it stung his face and eyes as he tried to see where he was heading.
Eventually he spied a dark shape in the distance and as he grew closer saw it was the outline of the buckboard stranded by the side of the road. Then he made out Slim and old Betsy sheltering beneath a large tree by the roadside.
Slim waved when he saw Jess and the two heavy horses advancing; and came out from his shelter to greet him.
“Well, you sure made good time,” Slim said, “it’s not that long since Bill went to alert you.”
“I was already on my way,” Jess said grinning at his pard. “I had one of my bad feelings that all weren’t well.”
For once Slim didn’t tease him about his gut reaction to things and merely said, “I’m dang glad you did, don’t know how much longer I’d have lasted out in this.”
Jess noted his pard’ s extreme pallor and the nasty cut and bruising to his forehead and cheek.
“I’ll patch up that head,” he said looking anxiously at the angry looking wound. “I’ve brought tools too. We’ll soon get that wheel back on and we can get you home.” Then he looked around him, “So what have ya done with Daisy, did she stay in town?”
Slim grinned and gestured for Jess to follow him to the buckboard where he very carefully lifted a corner of the tarpaulin, to expose Daisy fast asleep and warm as toast under a couple of buffalo hides.
“As soon as the snow started, I insisted she travel back there. I also insisted she have some of this,” he said reaching under the tarp and waggling a bottle of good whiskey. “She was looking really pale and shivery...thought it would warm her up some.”
“I reckon it’s done that alright,” Jess said grinning from ear to ear.
“She sure does look peaceful, doesn’t she,” Slim said pulling the cover over her more securely.
“Trader Billy-Joe had been in the mercantile selling those hides and Daisy thought they’d be real good on the beds iffen the cold weather closed in,” Slim said.
Jess nodded, “Well they sure look pretty warm.”
“She didn’t even wake up when I was pitched out,” Slim said chuckling, “Out for the count I guess...” and the two men left her in peace.
“Let’s get this wheel sorted out and harness up the big guys,” Jess said once he’d bandaged Slim’ s nasty head wound, “with any luck Daisy will stay asleep until we get home.”
As soon as Slim started to help replace the wheel, Jess knew at once all wasn’t well with his buddy.
Slim staggered a couple of times and then turned even paler and looked as though he was about to throw up.
“Hey are you OK Slim you look awful?”
“I... I dunno, I feel kind of odd...”
“Were you knocked out when you came off the buckboard?”
“Yes... for a few minutes I think.”
“I reckon you’ve got a concussion,” Jess said, “do ya feel real sickly with a head ache... seeing double?”
Slim nodded and then grabbed his head and groaned, “Yeah,” he whispered.
“You need to be lyin’ down,” Jess said firmly, “go get in the back with Daisy, I’ll drive us back.”
When Slim opened his mouth to object Jess growled, “Just do it for Pete’s sake Slim, and then we can all git out of this god-awful weather.”
Slim finally agreed and made his way under the cover and settled down on his back, feeling a little better, now that he was out of the biting wind and snow.
“And don’t drink all the damn whiskey,” Jess yelled after him.
Slim grinned and pulled a buffalo skin over him and was soon asleep.
Once Jess had harnessed up the heavy horses and hitched Betsy on behind, he slowly and carefully started making his way the three or four miles home to the ranch.
All along he had figured that the storm would soon blow itself out. However, as he made his way cautiously along the deserted road it seemed to increase in fury... tossing the smaller trees lining the road about as though they were matchwood. The wind was now a steady roar and the snow coming down almost horizontally into his face and those of the horses too.
Although usually steady and dependable they had never experienced weather like it and they continually nodded their heads in displeasure and sidestepped to try and escape the wintry onslaught.
Eventually after they had nearly dragged the wagon to the side of the road where large stones and rocks were hidden by the thick snow drifts, Jess jumped down to lead them.
It was exhausting work trudging through the deep snow and controlling the now impatient horses and he staggered and fell a few times...cussing at the worsening storm.
Daisy was the first to wake and slowly take in the situation. Her head ached a little and then she remembered Slim had insisted she take a draft of neat whiskey...and on an empty stomach it had the inevitable result of her sleeping soundly, she thought wryly. However she knew Slim wouldn’t have insisted if he hadn’t been aware of how cold she was she knew.
She remembered the storm had hit them from nowhere when they were about halfway home. She had insisted in sitting up on the seat with him at first. Then she had become so cold that Slim had persuaded her to drink some of the whiskey and had also made a warm bed for her in the back of the wagon.
Now she felt a movement beside her...and turning her head saw Slim wrapped in the other buffalo hide, his head bandaged and his face deathly pale.
As she peered at him, he slowly awoke and groaned.
“Slim dear what happened to you and who is driving?”
Slim quickly explained the situation, “I really shouldn’t have left him on his own but he insisted,” he muttered. “He thinks I’ve got some concussion after the dive I took from the wagon.”
“I can’t believe I slept through all that,” she said aghast.
Slim just grinned, “So how are you...any warmer?”
“Oh yes dear I’m fine. I’m worried about Jess though shouldn’t we be nearly home by now...it’s so dark out there.”
“That’s just the storm I think,” Slim said. “You’re right though. I’ll go check on him.”
He pulled back the tarp and looked to the seat, it was empty.
He sat up and saw Jess trudging through the deep snow and felt just terrible.
He looked around him and got his bearings, realizing that they were nearly at the rise and would be heading down into the yard shortly.
He jumped down and went to join Jess at the horse’s heads and felt even worse when he saw how exhausted his buddy looked.
“Had to walk them?”
Jess nodded, “They were getting’ kinda skittish, reckon they don’t like this dang Wyoming weather any more than I do.”
When they arrived at the house Jess helped Daisy down and they all rushed into the house. Once the lamps were lit and the fire stirred into life Daisy could focus properly on her ‘boys’ and it was a toss-up as to which looked the worse for wear. Slim with his bandaged head and sickly pale face, or Jess who looked exhausted. He had dark shadows beneath his eyes and looked utterly drained.
Daisy noted that it was only five in the afternoon, it could well have been midnight, so tired was she. However, she rallied well and was just about to ask what they would like for supper when Slim staggered and nearly fell.
Jess leapt forwards and taking Slim’ s full weight led him to the bedroom, “I figure you need an early night buddy, sleep off that ol’ concussion huh,” he said firmly.
Slim protested weakly, but it didn’t take Jess long to get him into bed and covered over with some warm blankets. He was asleep in seconds.
When he returned Daisy smiled at him, “Thank you Jess that’s just what he needs...and hopefully he’ll feel better tomorrow. Now dear I thought I’d make some nice hot soup for supper?”
He nodded his thanks. “Later...OK?” and he turned for the door.
“Jess, you’re not going out in that terrible weather again are you dear?” she asked anxiously.
“You know I hafta Daisy. I’ve the horses to rub down, feed and put up for the night. Then I’m gonna check on the stock, they’ll need food put down and the water checked too. I’ll be as quick as I can,” he added and with that he left.
It was nearly two hours later when he finally returned.
She had seen the lamp extinguished in the barn. Then sometime later on, looking out of the kitchen door, she was just able to see a dim lantern way over by the home pasture and she imagined he was feeding the cattle and breaking the ice on the water troughs.
He finally arrived back shucking his rain slicker and heavy jacket and flicking the snow from his hat before hanging them all by the door and removing his wet boots.
“Come and sit down dear this chicken soup is piping hot,” Daisy said encouragingly.
Jess tried to focus on Daisy’s bustling figure, even though he found it kinda hard...The constant snow stinging his face seeming to have made his eyes water constantly and his vision blurred.
He rubbed his eyes and ran a hand through his unruly hair before weaving over to the table and collapsing down in his seat.
He made an effort to be sociable, even though he was really way beyond talking, all he really wanted to do was sleep...for at least a month.
He made a valiant effort to lift spoon to mouth and indeed the soup was warming and very tasty.
After a while Daisy went off to the kitchen to brew some coffee and on her return stood transfixed before the young cowboy.
Jess sat motionless in his chair, still clasping his spoon in one hand...his head bowed forwards, his chin on his chest...fast asleep.
Had he been in his rocker she would have covered him with a blanket and left him...but here on a hard chair? It amazed her how he had fallen asleep there in the first place. Then she realized how exhausted he must be and her heart went out to him.
She eventually shook him gently and he was immediately awake peering around him in a dazed manner.
“It’s alright Jess; you’re home...and I think you need to get to bed now dear.”
He lurched up from his seat and said, “Uh yeah... ‘night Daisy,” and ambled off.
Once in their shared room he checked on Slim and then practically fell fully clothed onto his bed and was asleep almost before his head touched the pillow.
Sometime in the night Slim must have awoken and covered him over with a heavy blanket and now he awoke feeling warm and rested.
He peered around the sunlit room and then over to Slim’ s bed. Finding it empty he pulled himself up, washed quickly and marched off to the kitchen, where he found Daisy washing the breakfast dishes.
“What time is it?” he asked looking bemused.
“Nearly ten,” she said beaming at him. “Slim is much better now and said you should sleep in after everything that happened yesterday. He’s out in the yard finishing off the chores.”
Jess just nodded and accepted the coffee and plate of bacon she’d kept hot for him.
He glanced out of the window at the sun-drenched yard, the bright light turning it into an enchanted place.
“Real purty,” he said nodding to the scene outside.
Daisy agreed, “Oh yes, it is! The wind has dropped and Slim says it’s much warmer, hopefully we’ll see a thaw in a day or so.”
Then he grinned up at her, “I bet Mike’s havin’ a ball at the Jackson place huh?”
It was an unwritten rule that whoever had custody of the children would be the one to return them home. That way any mistakes of folk passing by each other, traveling different routes, could be avoided.
So, on Monday when it was clear the stage wouldn’t be arriving for school, Slim and Jess just waited for Pa Jackson to bring Mike home.
He rode into the yard on a big shire horse at noon with Mike riding double and he grinned down as Jess and Slim ran out to welcome the boy home.
“Thanks fer havin’ him,” Jess said.
Then turning to the boy asked, “You been good Tiger?”
Mike nodded, “I had a swell time, thanks very much sir,” he added respectfully as Mr Jackson handed the boy down to Slim’ s waiting arms.
Once the rancher had headed off home Mike said, “We had such fun! Mr Jackson helped us make a sledge...can I make one? Can I please?”
Jess looked over to Slim and grinned, “I dunno, ya think we might have some wood that would do in the back of the barn partner?”
“I reckon we might,” Slim agreed...and then they were deafened by the boy’s wild whoops of delight.
A state-of-the-art sledge painted bright red was completed within the day and Mike had a wonderful time scooting about the ranch on it. The only problem was the thaw that ensued shortly afterwards. Much to his disappointment the stage turned up for school on the Friday morning and the short respite of winter sports was ended...for then at least.

Chapter 2

It was the run up to Thanksgiving when the weather was to disrupt their lives once again.
There were only a few days to go before the special day and Jess and Slim were just as excited as their young ward about the advent of the holiday. The inclement weather had meant restricted visits to Laramie and both men were eagerly anticipating having their best girls to stay for a couple of days.
Recently the weekends seemed to have always posed the threat of a repeat performance of the ‘storm from Hell’ as locals had dubbed the recent blizzard. Being mindful of the safety of Daisy and Mike they had not wanted to stay in town overnight, in case they were snowed in and so their love lives had been severely curtailed.
Daisy had been cooking up a storm for days and was preparing to feed not only Millie and Lily but also Mort Cory and Doc Sam Baker and his daughter Carrie too. The latter usually spent Christmas with relatives, however always looked forward to the good food and company at the Sherman Ranch at Thanksgiving.
Now just days before the big event, Jess stood out on the porch surveying the yard and distant mountains with foreboding. Huge grey storm clouds were amassing over the snow-capped mountains and a wicked wind was gusting around the yard sending tumbleweeds flying off in all directions.
He turned as the door opened and Slim joined him on the porch.
“I really don’t like the look of this weather,” Jess said tipping his hat to the distant thunder heads.
Slim nodded, “It looks like we’re in for a squally shower for sure. Come on let’s get the chores done before the Heavens open,” he said with a grin.
Later that afternoon both men perused the elements from the safety of the parlour window.
“Just gonna be a squally shower huh?” Jess said raising a quirky eyebrow as he looked out at the ever-increasing puddles in the yard and hailstones hurling themselves against the window pane.
“I’m just glad I decided to keep Mike off school with that nasty cold,” Daisy called from where she was darning socks by the fire. “I shouldn’t have wanted him to be traveling home from school in weather like this.”
Slim turned and looked at the clock on the mantelpiece and said, “The stage is late anyway. I reckon the outward bound to Cheyenne will have been cancelled,” he said thoughtfully. “The inbound, heading to Laramie should be here by now though.”
Jess too looked worried at that, “Um, that old landslide just past Gregson’ s Point was looking pretty bad the last time I was up that way...that snow storm didn’t help any,” he added. “If that’s slipped again the stage could be stuck and unable to make it into town.”
Slim nodded, “I reckon maybe they decided to bypass the relay and head straight to town...if you’re right, then I figure they’ll have no option other than to turn around and come back here.”
It was almost dark and they were just about to settle down to supper when they heard the unmistakable sound of the stage rolling down the rise and into the yard.
Both men dashed across the room, flung on their rain slickers and went out onto the porch.
To their surprise a sodden Mose stood before them, holding the lines of the lead horses, which were now puffing, blowing and stamping with displeasure.
The rain was still coming down in sheets and the wind wailing in the distant pines.
“Been some trouble Mose?” Jess yelled as he ran over to the old-timer.
“And then some,” Mose agreed. “Had to turn back as the dang road’s blocked...more rocks slipped down at the turn by the Point. It’ll take a good few days digging to clear it I guess. Then damn it iffen I didn’t go and split a wheel turning...wobbling all over the place it was...thought it safer to walk them in. That’s why we are so darned late.”
“We?” Slim asked casting an anxious glance towards the coach.
“Yup got a full load of passengers,” Mose said with his toothless grin, “I sure hope you’re OK for supplies Slim, because it don’t look like anyone will be riding in or out of here for quite a while, no siree,” and his old eyes sparkled with delight. Thanksgiving with Miss Daisy’s company and what’s more her cooking...what more could his heart desire?
Jess and Slim exchanged a glance loaded with angst. What? They were to have the company of Mose and a coach load of strangers for Thanksgiving... and no girlfriends? It was way beyond tragic so Jess thought as he made his way slowly over to the coach to welcome the unwanted guests.
The first to alight was a hatchet-faced elderly lady and Slim quickly took charge taking her arm and trying to skirt the puddles escorted her safely to the porch.
The second passengers were a young husband and wife who looked fearfully around them.
“What is this place,” the woman squeaked, “are we in Laramie?”
“No Ma’am afraid not,” Jess said briefly, “this is the relay station, just get inside out of the weather huh, and we’ll explain.”
The woman looked like she might argue until her husband took her arm, “Come along my dear I’m getting soaked,” he said peevishly. She sighed and rolled her eyes, before she followed him reluctantly towards the porch.
Finally, a burly man dressed in black and wearing an expression of intense irritation climbed down and looked around him.
“This ain’t Laramie,” he finally drawled.
Jess who could feel icy water dripping down the back of his neck, was fast losing patience.
“No,” he growled, “it’s the Sherman Ranch and Relay. Hot food inside,” he added, remembering how Slim always said the customer must be dealt with politely.
“Well, this is no dang good to me. I need to be in Laramie,” the passenger spat furiously. “Look, let me hire a horse then,” he added, casting an eye towards the distant barn. “You do have riding horses I take it?”
“Sure, we’ve got plenty,” Jess agreed, “None that I intend to let you ride out in weather like this though.”
As they’d been talking the rain had again turned to hail and was blowing painfully in their faces.
“We’ll see about that,” the man in black said and marched off towards the porch.
Jess rolled his eyes at Mose, “OK let’s get these poor guys rubbed down and fed,” he said patting the rump of one of the stage horses.
When they returned to the welcome warmth of the house the guests were all sitting by the fire sipping coffee, save for the man in black who was still remonstrating with Slim.
“I’m sorry sir,” Slim said patiently, “I agree with my partner, we really can’t let you take a horse out on a night like this, it would be folly.”
The man glared at Slim and said, “Do you know who I am!”
Slim just raised a quizzical eyebrow at Jess and turning back to the other said “Nope can’t say as I do...”
“I’m Lyle Carter,” he said with a cruel smile, “and I’m used to getting my own way Sherman.”
Jess’s head shot up at that and he said, “Iffen I was a goddamn bounty hunter I don’t think I’d be so dang quick to admit it.”
“And you are?” Carter asked, looking superciliously down his nose at Jess.
“Harper... Jess Harper.”
The man quailed slightly, but recovered quickly, “The gunfighter?”
“Ex-gunfighter!” Jess spat angrily.
“Even so, you doubtless know of me and my reputation...and that I usually get what I want?”
“Not around here you don’t,” Jess said facing him up.
That’s when Carter went for his gun...however Jess had him covered even before he’d slapped leather.
There was a gasp from the other passengers and Jess leaned forwards and plucked Carter’s gun from the holster and stuck it down the front of his own belt.
“You can’t do that, ” Carter lamented looking stunned.
“Yes, he can.” Slim said coming over, “As employees of the Stage line we have the authority to arrest or detain any passenger who appears to be a threat to other passengers or stage line staff...so I think you’ll find we have every right.”
There was a pause while Carter weighed Slim’ s words and then glanced back to Jess.
“Well, are you going to behave and sit down and eat supper in a civilized manor or do we have to tie you up in the bunkhouse?” Slim asked impatiently.
Carter just shrugged, and moved to take a seat, still looking mean and moody as Slim and Jess exchanged a grin.
“Did you see that?” the young woman whispered turning to her husband, “He was so fast I didn’t even see him draw his gun,” she added her eyes sparkling as she looked over at where Slim and Jess were now quietly sharing a private joke.
Then Daisy came in from the kitchen and said, “Ah there you are Jess, I don’t think you’ve been introduced to our other guests. This is Mrs Ella Jarvis,” she said turning to the sour faced elderly woman who was now following her out of the kitchen a tea cup in hand.
She inclined her head regally in Jess’s direction and said, “WIDOW Jarvis, its widow Jarvis, Mrs Cooper.”
Daisy cast her an uncertain glance but stood corrected, “Jess is the co-owner of the Ranch and Relay,” she said proudly.
Jess touched his hat and smiled at the miserable looking woman. Then remembering his manners, he backed up and removed his hat and hung it up.
“And this is Mr and Mrs Steadman,” Daisy continued.
“Delia,” the woman said, “and you must call me Dilly,” she added gazing at Jess with open adoration...and simpering, “All my friends do.”
Slim hid a smile, how often had he seen females react to his pard in this way? He flicked a quick glance towards Jess and saw nothing but a polite but distant expression in his eyes.
“Ma’am,” he said nodding to her.
Then her husband pushed forwards a little and said with a slightly challenging glance, “And I’m Ethan Steadman.”
“Good to know ya,” Jess said with a more relaxed smile.
“Well now that all the introductions over, do please come and be seated,” Daisy said quickly, “supper is quite ready.”
Slim noted that Dilly made indecent haste to take the seat opposite Jess and then he watched in amusement as she tried to draw him out in conversation.
However, Jess had suffered a long hard day and he was more intent on his supper than any silly babble from the blond woman opposite him.
In contrast to Dilly, Carter was taciturn and ate his meal in silence refusing to join in with the general conversation.
“I’m most concerned as to where we will all sleep,” Widow Jarvis said looking around her with ill-disguised apprehension, “this seems a rather small establishment?”
Slim and Daisy had already had a private conversation in the kitchen and had come to the conclusion that the bunkhouse would have to be employed.
Now Slim explained the sleeping arrangements.
“Miss Daisy has quite a large room with a very comfortable second bed in there,” he stated, smiling at the elderly widow, “so we thought you’d be happy to share with another lady?”
Widow Jarvis nodded, “Yes that would be most acceptable, thank you.”
Then Slim turned to the married couple.
“Jess and I share another good-sized room,” he said nodding to their bedroom door. “Two single beds and I’m sure you’ll be quite comfortable in there.”
Dilly opened her eyes wide and peering at Jess said, “Oh dear I really couldn’t turn you out of your bed Jess.”
Jess resisted the urge to say well you sure as hell ain’t using it with me still in it... but merely murmured, “That’s no problem, ma’am, me and the other men folk will be just fine in the bunkhouse.”
If Mose was slightly crestfallen at not sleeping under the same roof as Daisy, he hid it well and said, “That’ll be just fine Jess ...Slim thankee.”
“Well, I’d rather be in the main house, not the dang staff quarters,” Carter said belligerently. “I see another bedroom door over there...so why can’t I have that room?” he asked plaintively.
“Because that’s our young ward’s room and he’s sick with a nasty cold right now,” Jess said. “Anyway, I wanna keep an eye on you...I wouldn’t put it past you to take off in the night with one of our horses,” he added dourly. “Nope you’re sleeping in the bunkhouse with the rest of us,” he finished.
Carter just muttered an oath under his breath, although he said no more.
It had been a long day for them all and Slim suggested an early night. He, Jess, Mose and a reluctant Carter made their way over to the bunkhouse. Daisy sent them armed with extra blankets and the newly bought buffalo hides, in case it struck chilly in the night.
Seeing that her new hero Jess had retired for the night Dilly agreed that she and Ethan should bed down too.
Daisy showed them into the room and turned down the freshly made-up beds.
“I do hope you’ll be comfortable,” she said smiling at the young couple.
“I’m sure we shall,” Dilly said then, “So uh, which is Jess’s bed and which Slim’ s?”
Daisy looked slightly surprised at the question, but said Slim’ s was the one nearest the door and then left with a cheery, “Good night ...sleep well.”
Once she’d left Ethan turned on his wife and said, “What did you ask that for?”
She just shrugged, “No reason, just curious,” and she made a bee line for Jess’s bed before her husband could question her further.
However, he merely shrugged and went off to wash up.
Dilly pulled off her shoes and stretched out on the bed to await her turn at the wash stand and let her mind drift back over the last few hours. She had never met anyone like Jess Harper before and she was totally under his spell. He had the dark brooding good looks that would excite any woman she thought. But it was more than that. The way he had dealt with that dreadful Mr Carter, so assertively...and that fast draw had taken her breath away. Goodness, she thought he was like a coiled spring, his hands never still and even at rest he seemed to ooze pent up energy. There was also a slight feeling of suppressed danger about him. Yes, she thought he could be a very dangerous man if crossed...also a very passionate one she surmised. Did he have a girlfriend she wondered?
“Dilly!” Ethan said for the third time.
“Um?”
“I said I’m through at the washstand.”
“Oh right,” and she floated off on her little pink cloud as her husband watched her helplessly, what on earth was wrong with the girl now he wondered irritably.
Meanwhile back in the parlour Daisy and Widow Jarvis were sitting by the fire sipping a final coffee before retiring for the night.
“Please do call me Ella,” she said smiling at Daisy for the first time since her arrival.
Daisy had already surmised that this was one very unhappy individual. So, in her usual Daisy-like way she decided to probe a little and see if she could be of any help to the ‘poor dear woman,’ as she thought of her.
“How long have you been widowed my dear?” she asked compassionately.
Ella sighed dramatically and said, “My beloved Rory was taken from me over five years ago now...it seems just like yesterday though.”
Daisy nodded, “I do understand.” she said kindly...and they sipped their drinks and looked sadly into the crackling flames for a few moments.
Then Daisy said brightly, “Were you blessed with children?”
Ella looked even more woebegone and just nodded, “Yes, a son, Peter, he’s all grown up now, has his own family to worry about...and I imagine no time for me.”
Daisy took this on board and said, “Oh I’m sorry to hear that,” and thought it wise to maybe change the subject.
“Where were you heading in this awful weather?” she asked cheerfully.
“To Laramie to spend Thanksgiving with Peter and his family,” she replied.
Daisy looked puzzled, “Well I’m sure he does care about you then,” she said smiling, “and you about him too, to travel to see him in such inclement weather?”
Ella shrugged, “I suppose so.” Then she frowned again, “He’s probably just feeling guilty. They haven’t seen me for so long... they expect me to traipse all this way though!”
“Well Denver, I think you said you came from? It is quite a way to go,” Daisy said placatingly, “and I’m sure he’s a busy man? Maybe you have more time on your hands?”
“Too busy to care about his poor sick old mama,” Ella said bitterly.
“Sick?” Daisy asked, looking troubled.
“Arthritis,” the elderly woman said holding up her gnarled hands with the swollen crooked fingers, “I can barely cope now,” she added, “not that he cares.”
Daisy looked sadly at her new companion. It was clear to her that the son probably did care. However poor Ella was so lost in her grief that she just couldn’t see it. Daisy had met women like her before...who spent the whole of their life remembering the past and constantly lamenting the loss of their loved ones. Therefore, having no time left to celebrate and embrace those still living. How could she convince Ella of this sad truth she wondered?
She suppressed a yawn and looking over noted that Ella too looked done in.
“Shall we retire my dear? I have some very good cream in my room that might help that pain in your hands,” she said kindly and the two ladies made their way off to bed.

Chapter 3

The following morning the weather had abated a little, the wind dropped and the rain a mere drizzle.
After all the chores were completed, Jess suggested he ride out to see how bad the slide actually was. If it was impassable, he said he’d check out the old Laramie Road, which was on lower, more stable ground.
“It’ll be real overgrown and full of holes, I don’t think it will be impassable, as long as old Mose takes it real slow,” he added to Slim as he saddled up.
“OK,” Slim replied, “and I’ll get to work on that stagecoach wheel while you’re gone. With any luck we can deliver the passengers to Laramie and collect our girls for Thanksgiving at the same time,” he said cheerfully.
“Now yer talkin’,” Jess said as he mounted up. Then pulling his hat down hard he said, “I should be a while, if I’m going to check out the old road too. I’ll be back by noon, latest.”
“Well, you just make sure you are,” Slim said looking concerned. “It’s turned mighty cold and I shouldn’t be surprised if this pesky drizzle doesn’t turn to snow again.”
“Aw you worry too much,” Jess said grinning, “see ya,” and he was gone.
The snow started coming down thick and fast by mid-morning and Slim constantly looked out to the rise. He was just completing work on the stage wheel...and once that was done all was set for the journey to Laramie. If only this darned snow would stop and Jess said the route was passable, he said to himself.
When noon came and went and there was no sign of Jess, he started to get anxious.
Daisy tried to calm the situation down over lunch, “Don’t worry Slim you know what he’s like. He’ll come sailing in here any minute demanding food and full of his adventures.”
“He will be alright?” Dilly asked turning to Slim and looking decidedly upset.
“Sure,” Slim said kindly, “Jess is no fool, he’s probably sheltering until this storm passes,” he said glancing out to where the snow was again falling, being blown practically horizontally in the gusting wind.
Then as an aside to Daisy he muttered, “And I’ll go looking if he’s not back within an hour or so.”
It seemed impossible for Dilly to hide her feelings and she stood by the window peering out at the ever-increasing storm once lunch was over.
Ethan came and joined her at the window and muttered for her ears only, “I don’t know why you’re do darned upset, Dilly, you hardly know the man.”
“He’s gone out to try and find a way to get us over to Laramie,” she said looking tearful, “he’s put his life at risk for us passengers, of course I’m worried about the poor man.”
Ethan said nothing, but couldn’t help feeling she wouldn’t be nearly so distraught if it had been the old stage driver who was missing, or even the tall pleasant rancher.

*******
Jess had made good time riding over to where the alleged landslide was blocking the new Laramie Road. It was severe, though not quite as bad as Mose had led him to believe. He figured a crew of men could probably clear the way in a few days, once the weather improved.
By the time he reached the old road the sleety drizzle had turned to light snow and so he made his way slowly and carefully along, checking for any slides similar to the one he’d seen earlier on the new road.
It was almost noon when he reached the area where the rocky terrain opened up to a vista of open plains and so he knew the rest of the route into town would be straight forward.
For two pins he’d have carried on riding into town, such was his desire to see his beloved Millie. But now the snow was coming down thick and fast and he knew he’d have his work cut out just getting back to the ranch on time, never mind riding to town and back.
He sighed deeply. He knew Daisy would be real worried if he was that late back and Slim might even come looking. It was no good, he’d just have to return home and hope upon hope that the dang snow wouldn’t be laying long and they would be able to get the Stage passengers delivered to Laramie before Thanksgiving.
He kneed Traveller off in the direction of home, the snow now blowing directly into their faces making his horse skittish and uneasy.
“I know boy, I ain’t any too keen on this dang snow either,” he said patting his mount’s neck, “let’s just get home out of it huh boy?”
As the force of the wind increased Jess decided to dismount and lead Traveller as the snow was now drifting and covering the rough terrain of the road. They plodded on in the full force of the blizzard, Jess knowing it would be folly to take shelter anywhere. It would be dark in a matter of hours and a man could freeze to death under these conditions. Better to keep going, for as long as they could anyway.
He trudged on through the snow his feet were practically numb with cold and the icy snow slippery underfoot. After falling a couple of times and dragging himself up he finally slipped again, hitting his head hard on a jagged rocky outcrop as he fell...and this time he stayed down.

*******
Daisy could see young Dilly’s distress as the minutes turned to an hour and there was still no sign of Jess. Thinking to distract the girl she made some coffee and suggested she sit awhile and chat. The men folk were out helping Slim feed the stock in Jess’s absence and Widow Jarvis was taking a nap.
“So, what brings you to Laramie?” Daisy asked brightly as Dilly sat sipping her drink and looking mournfully into the fire.
“Uh, oh we felt we needed a fresh start, a change of scene,” she said quietly. “When Ethan’s Uncle died leaving him the bookshop we decided to up sticks and take it on.”
Daisy knew the dusty old bookshop well and had often visited as did Slim. It wasn’t particularly popular with Laramie residents, those that did use it however like the Doc and old man Benson along with a few others really valued it.
“How lovely,” Daisy said clasping her hands together. “We really thought it would close when dear Mr Steadman passed on.” Then more thoughtfully, “You’ll find it a big change living in Laramie after New York.”
Dilly nodded, “Yes, I know Ethan was concerned about that. Oh Daisy I needed a change of scene I was so...well just so bored,” she said honestly. “I want some excitement back in my life... is that so bad?”
“So, isn’t life exciting with Ethan,” Daisy said with a tiny smile, “after all you haven’t been wed long have you?”
Dilly sighed, “Three years...it seems longer... Ethan is just so... well predictable... so practical and dependable.”
“Isn’t that what every woman wants in a husband?” Daisy asked with a quizzical smile.
“I just wish he were more exciting... a free spirit,” she said looking flushed and animated, “more like Jess.”
Daisy hid a smile so the girl’s head had been turned by dear Jess. Well, it wouldn’t be the first time, or the last she conceded... the boy really was handsome and so very special, she thought with the pride of a loving Ma.
Then she remembered he was late back and glanced out to the raging storm and then to the clock on the mantle. It was nearly two and Slim said he’d go looking if Jess wasn’t back within the hour. Goodness it would be dark soon after four she remembered.
Then she was aware of Dilly looking at her and waiting for a reply to her emotional outburst.
She smiled at the girl, “Oh yes Jess is a free spirit alright. A law onto himself always getting into scrapes,” she added smiling fondly. “Dear Millie has her work cut out to deal with him and his wild ways,” she added with a little chuckle.
“Millie?” Dilly asked, frowning a little.
“Oh, didn’t I say? She’s his girl...back in Laramie. Well, I say girl, they are promised actually,” she continued making the situation crystal clear.
“Oh... I didn’t know,” she whispered.
“No... well how could you? Jess is a very private man he doesn’t discuss that kind of thing with mere acquaintances,” she said sweetly, “after all you hardly know him do you dear?”
Well, that was Dilly’s little infatuation nipped in the bud she thought happily.
Then she turned as the door opened and she saw the cold weary men coming back in from their chores and she jumped up and said cheerily, “Here’s your dear husband back Dilly, I’ll go and make everyone some nice hot coffee...”
*******
When Jess stirred a good half hour later it was because Traveller was nibbling at his hair.
“Git off” he muttered pushing the horse’s head away gently.
Then he sat up gingerly, the movement sending a stab of pain through his skull and he yelped putting a hand up to his forehead and it came away sticky with blood. He cussed softly, before grabbing hold of the stirrup and pulling himself up. Then he rested his aching head on Traveller’s neck and took some deep breaths before finally dragging himself up into the saddle.
“Take us home Trav,” he muttered, leaning forwards to speak in the horse’s ear.
Traveller pricked up his ears and started off at a slow walk in the direction of the ranch...the snow now falling softly around them... the fast and furious wind having dropped.
Slim was just coming out onto the porch to saddle up and go look for his pard when he heard a horse approaching slowly down the rise. Peering out through the misty snow he was just able to discern a horse walking slowly, the rider crouched low in the saddle.
Slim ran out to meet him and grabbed hold of Traveller’s reins to stop the horse, who was heading for his stall in the barn.
As the motion came to a halt Jess who was slumped forwards over his horse’s neck slowly began to slide from the saddle and Slim realized he was either asleep or deeply unconscious.
He quickly caught him as he fell and then carried him the couple of yards to the house where Daisy and the others were crowded onto the porch looking on helplessly.
Then they moved aside and Daisy opened the door wide, standing back for Slim to enter.
He came in and carried his pard over to the couch by the window. Then assisted by Daisy, he quickly stripped him of the dripping rain slicker and boots before stretching him out on the couch and covering him with a blanket.
Now she looked closely at her beloved boy. She gasped at the nasty gash to his head and immediately went off to the kitchen to fetch the necessities for cleaning and dressing the wound.
The others all stood around looking on in dismay. Even Carter was looking slightly shocked at the pale sickly countenance of the young cowboy, whereas Dilly looked like she might well faint from shock herself at the sight of the blood-splattered face of her idol.
As they looked on in consternation Jess groaned, his eyes flickered open and focusing on Slim he muttered, “You dried off and fed my horse Slim...huh...?”
Slim grinned happily down at his buddy, how typical he thought...Traveller came first every time.
“Just on my way,” he said getting up from the edge of the couch.
Then seconds later a bedroom door opened and a diminutive figure tore across the room and fell across Jess crying out, “Jess! Jess are ya OK?”
Jess squinted down at the child and said, “Hey Tiger, sure I am, just kinda cold and beat up some, nuthin’ that a little nap won’t cure. So how are you feelin’ now huh?”
Mike had been confined to bed with a feverish cold and still looked flushed and tired, but he rallied well, “I ain’t sneezing anymore,” he said happily, “I figure I’ll be real well soon too.”
Dilly had watched the enchanting scene unfold and thought what a wonderful Pa he would be to any offspring. Goodness he was practically perfect in every way she thought as she gazed lovingly across at Jess and Mike.
She turned and saw Widow Jarvis was also enjoying the interaction. It reminded her of how loving her son was towards his youngsters. Oh dear, and now it looked like she really would miss out on her visit for Thanksgiving she thought. If this intrepid young man had come to grief out there what hope for her and the other stranded passengers?
Then Daisy bustled back in, “Come along Mike dear back to bed,” she said kindly. Then more firmly, “Jess needs a little peace and quiet right now.”
This was the hint for the others to disperse and it was heeded quickly... the women folk going to start preparing supper, the men going off to the bunkhouse for a quick drink before the meal.
It had originally been Jess’s idea to crack open a bottle or two of Denver James’ illicit hooch to keep the cold out in the slightly draughty sleeping quarters. So, the men had all enjoyed a small glass in the evenings. Now Mose poured out drinks for Ethan and Carter, Slim still off tending to Traveller.
“Always in trouble that boy,” Mose said expansively, “looks like he found it in spades today too, by the state of him. No siree I guess none of us will be going anyplace in a good while, if old Jess had trouble making it through.”
“Goddamn it, I really need to get to Laramie,” Carter said angrily.
Slim had just entered and he took his place before the small bunkhouse stove and accepted a drink from Mose.
“What sort of business would that be then Carter?” Slim asked. “Got your eye on an outlaw over that way you want to claim the bounty on huh?”
“No... as a matter of fact it’s something way more important than money.”
“So, what would that be then?” Slim asked raising a disbelieving eyebrow.
Carter sighed and looked down, before leveling with Slim, “If you must know Sherman my wife and kid are waiting for me in Laramie. We broke-up a few years ago, because of the line of work I’m in. She found it way too upsetting. Now she’s giving me a second chance.” He threw his drink down and then grimacing said quietly, “Seeing your partner with that little guy made me realise just how important it is that I see them again...make everything good between us... I wasn’t absolutely sure before... but I am now though.”
Slim sipped his drink, trying to hide his surprise at this turnabout.
“Yeah, well Jess and Mike are real close...I reckon they both had a kinda hard start to life... brings folk closer that kind of thing,” Mose interjected wisely
“So, it’s true the rumors I’ve heard about Harper? How his family were burnt out of their home... most of the family killed. Then he went after the gang that did it when he was just a wet behind the ears kid?”
Slim nodded, “Yes that’s all true... and Mike lost his kin in and Indian raid.”
Carter nodded, “I guess you shouldn’t judge folk until you really know them huh? Maybe he’s more like me than I thought. I figure the past can influence your life...how things pan out, mostly for the worse,” he added bitterly.
Slim nodded, “It’s never too late to change...to put the past behind you and move on. Jess is testament to that,” he added quietly.
Carter remembered Jess’s bitter rebuke of ‘ex-gunfighter,’ and started looking at him in a different light. Lyle Carter had been a law onto himself for so long... a lonesome figure, never considering the feelings of others, and that had changed little after he was wed. He’d somehow seen caring as a weakness. Now having seen the way Jess interacted with his adopted family...well that loyalty and caring suddenly seemed to be a strength and something to be valued. Maybe... just maybe it wasn’t too late to turn things around with his wife and young son.
Supper was a very quiet affair with all the passengers making an effort not to disturb Jess who was now sleeping peacefully on the couch.
“He’s welcome to have his old bed back and I can sleep on the couch,” Dilly offered over supper, but Daisy said he would be just fine where he was.
“I’ll get Slim to pull it up in front of the fire later,” she said. “I do want to keep him warm. I’m worried he’ll have caught a chill. Apparently, he was unconscious for quite a while lying in the snow,” she said shuddering at the thought.
Dilly too looked near to tears at the notion. Then Slim broke in saying he’d get to shifting the couch as soon as Jess woke up...and then the conversation moved on.
The married couple were alone together washing up in the kitchen later when Ethan turned to Dilly and said, “What did you want to say that for, about sleeping on the couch?”
“I...I just thought he’d be more comfortable in his own bed,” she said flushing slightly.
“Didn’t you think I might miss you?” he asked plaintively.
“No,” she said honestly and then looked at him properly for the first time in ages she suddenly realized, “Why, would you?”
“Of course I would, you silly goose,” he said pulling her into a warm embrace and kissing her lightly on the lips.
It was agreed that an early night was called for. The men were tired after all the unaccustomed yard work...and the women folk worn out from worrying about Jess.
It was the wee small hours of the night when Daisy, a light sleeper, was alerted to Jess crying out.
She got up quickly, pulling on her robe in the dark room and tiptoed out trying not to waken Widow Jarvis.
She padded over to where Jess was illuminated in the firelight and sat down gently on the edge of the couch taking his hand.
“Are you alright dear?” she asked looking into his dazed eyes.
“Yeah, sorry Daisy...had one of my nightmares...didn’t mean to disturb you.”
“It’s fine dear, you didn’t ... I was going to come and check on you soon anyway.” She ran an experienced hand over his forehead.
“Um... you’re a tad warm are you feeling alright?”
He just shrugged, “Felt better I guess.”
That spoke volumes to Daisy and she knew he must be feeling pretty awful.
She went off and came back with a damp cloth and bathed his burning face all the time talking softly, until he fell asleep again.
Unbeknownst to Daisy, Ella had been awakened and had been standing in the bedroom doorway rooted to the spot as she watched the loving way Daisy tended the young cowboy. She felt she didn’t want to intrude on them, however now seeing he was resting peacefully she advanced into the room.
Daisy glanced up and said softy, “Oh I’m sorry Ella I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“That’s alright,” she smiled, “how is he?”
“Sleeping soundly now... Uh would you like a hot drink my dear?”
Once the two were settled by the fire they talked softly so as not to waken Jess.
“You seem very close,” Ella said smiling at Daisy and then casting a glance over to the sleeping young man.
“Oh yes I think of him as my rather wild middle son,” she said with a little chuckle. Then sobering said, “He’s very dear to me.”
“I can see,” Ella said, “and Slim is your eldest and Mike the baby?”
Daisy smiled fondly, “Oh yes. You see Slim is the practical one...our rock you could say...and Mike well he’s the heart of the home...our little ray of sunshine. As for Jess I always feel he’s the one in need of my love the most.”
“So, you have no family of your own?” Ella queried.
“Oh yes, I did have. I was married to a wonderful man and we had a beautiful boy... he would have been Slim’ s age now,” she added sadly.
“Would have been?” Ella asked looking shocked.
“I lost him in the war,” Daisy said simply. “Then afterwards my husband and I decided to move west for a new start and we purchased a small shop in the town of Sherman. Except the town and the shop never existed,” she said. “We were duped Ella dear... all our savings gone. Sometimes I am grateful that my husband passed before he knew about the swindle...he would have been devastated.”
Ella had tears in her eyes. Goodness, she thought she had a hard life having lost her much loved husband ...but this? To lose a son and husband and then to be left penniless... how could the kindly woman remain so cheerful?
“How on earth do you cope?” she blurted out.
Daisy smiled at her, “By putting the past behind me Ella dear. My beloved husband and son dwell here,” she said placing a hand over her heart, “and so they are with me always and I will never forget them.”
Ella nodded thoughtfully...and then Daisy continued.“Life goes on and we must move forwards and make the best of what we have left. I was lucky to arrive here just when Slim and Jess were in dire need of a housekeeper and they seemed to think I would fit the bill,” she said smiling happily. “Since then, I’ve just never looked back...I’m happy and fulfilled what more could I ask for?”
“Indeed,” Ella agreed, “yes...never look back that’s the way,” she said almost to herself, “make the best of what I have left.”
Then she beamed at Daisy and rising said, “Thank you for the drink, Daisy...and for everything,” and smiling she retired back to bed.
Daisy smiled after her and whispered to herself, “You’re welcome...”
Back in the bedroom Ella’s old eyes sparkled. Yes, she would accept her son’s generous offer of a place in his home to help care for her grandchildren; as he had asked many times over the last few years. It was to be a fresh beginning and one she now realized was just what she needed, thanks to Daisy’s homily.

Chapter 4

Jess bounced back in a day or so and was well enough to go over to the barn to help Slim mend tack.
“You sure you’re up to this?” Slim asked solicitously as he glanced across to where Jess was bundled up in his warmest jacket, a muffler around his neck at Daisy’s insistence.
“Sure, sure,” he drawled, “dang it Slim I couldn’t stand that woman fussin’ around me any longer...had to make a break fer freedom,” he added with a grin.
Slim frowned slightly at Jess referring to Daisy as ‘that woman’, that wasn’t like him at all. Sure, Daisy could be a tad clucky but they were all used to that.
“That’s a bit harsh, isn’t it?” he said now, “After all Daisy just cares that’s all pard.”
Jess flushed up in embarrassment, “Hell I weren’t talkin’ about Daisy...she’s just fine. Nope it’s that Ethan’s wife...uh...Dilly...been driving me crazy...fussin’ and frettin’ over me. Damn it I didn’t have a minute’s peace Slim!”
Slim grinned broadly at that, “Oh yeah I had noticed,” he said rolling his eyes. “She’s sure got the hots for you buddy.”
“Well, I dunno why,” Jess said bitterly, “and if I was her husband, I’d darned well be having a word with her.”
“Um, he seems to spend most of his time with his nose in my books,” Slim said, “I really don’t think he’s even noticed.”
Daisy too had been lamenting the obvious lack of communication between the two, she could knock their heads together really she could. Apart from the time she had entered the kitchen and seen them exchange a little kiss, she had seen no warmth between the couple. They seemed to be estranged for some reason she thought. What had come between them she wondered so early in their life together? She did wonder if all the attention Dilly was lavishing on Jess was to make her husband jealous. If so, it was clearly not working she noticed. Ethan seemed to pay his wife no heed at all and was always reading or off with the men folk helping on the ranch.
However, the more she watched the situation the more she realized that Dilly was genuinely infatuated with Jess. Who could blame her Daisy thought sadly, with her husband paying her scant attention?
It hadn’t helped with them all being confined to the house, the weather still appalling. At least Jess had gone back to work she thought now as she glanced out of the window over to the barn. Goodness the snow had stopped too, that was something she thought.
“Can I then Aunt Daisy...can I please!”
Daisy was dragged from her reverie by Mike’s plea.
“Pardon dear?” she asked looking down at the eager faced youngster.
“Can I go and play on my sledge, I’m all better now and you said I could once the snow stopped.”
Mike had been practically bouncing off the walls having been confined to the house for so long and Daisy decided that a little fresh air wouldn’t come amiss.
She smiled down indulgently at the child and said, “Alright dear, just for an hour and you must wrap up really well.”
Once he was bundled up in coat, hat, scarf and gloves he made to escape... “Stay within calling distance of the house,” she said as he left, “there are some deep drifts out there so do be careful.”
“Yes ma’am,” the boy replied happily as he tore off across the yard.
The previous year Slim and Jess had dug out a deep duck pond just over the fence in the home pasture and he headed straight for it now. There was a sloping mound of earth behind the pond where they had left the dug-out soil which was to have been moved around to the vegetable patch. However somehow, they had never gotten around to it. Now it made the ideal slide for Mike and his sledge.
He stood for a while watching the antics of the ducks and laughing as they slipped and slid across the frozen wastes of the large pool. Then he carefully tested his weight on the ice at the edge of the pond...yup, just as he had thought frozen solid. He toyed with the idea of asking Slim to go up in the attic and fetch down his old childhood skates that he had shown Mike once.
“First good freeze up we get, you can try these,” he’d said way back in the summer.
But Slim and Jess were busy in the barn and would doubtless say ‘later’...like grown-ups usually did. Anyway, he had his beautiful new sledge to try out and lugging it up to the top of the mound he flew down, across the pond and almost to the field gate.
Gee this was fun he thought as he retraced his steps.
The third time he whooshed down towards the pond he was on a slightly different course, heading straight down the centre of the frozen water rather than close to the edge. As he hurtled across, there was suddenly the sound of ice cracking and he was thrown from the sledge into the freezing depths of the pool. Such was the surprise, not only of the sudden ice break...but of the shock of submersion into the freezing water that he was only able to let out a feeble yelp, before submerging, pulled down by his heavy winter clothing. His whole body in shock as it slipped below the icy water.
Ethan and Dilly had paused by the log store, where they were bringing in kindling for the cook stove, to enjoy the child’s fun. But joy turned to horror as the events unfolded before their eyes.
Ethan threw down the wood and yelled, “Get help,” before tearing across the yard; where he vaulted the fence and leapt into the black icy water.
Slim and Jess were there in seconds and just in time to see Ethan drag himself out of the murky water bearing an almost blue Mike, lying still in his arms.
Jess took the small burden from him and tore across the yard to the warmth of the house along with Slim, followed more slowly by Ethan, supported by Dilly.
Slim threw more logs on the fire whilst Jess stripped the child of his wet clothes. Daisy rallied around with a bowl of piping hot water and commenced swabbing him down with hot cloths to warm him up. After a few minutes he came around coughing and retching...before opening his eyes and looking around him in a daze.
“Thank God,” Jess whispered, hugging the boy close.
“You OK Tiger, you gave us a shock there?”
“Sure, I’m OK Jess...just kinda cold,” he said through chattering teeth. He tried to sit up a bit and whispered, “Is my sledge alright ...huh?”
Jess chuckled and ruffled his hair, “I’ll go check it out just now,” he promised.
Then he and Slim were aware of Ethan standing there looking on; dripping and shaking with cold.
Slim went over and pumped his hand, “We can never thank you enough,” he said sincerely.
Jess joined Ethan, slapping him on the back, “Jeez thank you so much... if you hadn’t...” he added emotionally, unable to finish the sentence.
Then noting the state of the young man said, “Come into our room we’ll fetch the tub in…you need a good hot soak.”
“And I’ll find the medicinal whiskey,” Slim added taking Ethan’s arm and helping him along...all the while Dilly looked on with pride in her eyes.
Later that night the couple talked in their room properly for the first time since what Dilly referred to as their ‘dispute’. Although Ethan just thought it was a slight difference in opinion.
It had all started a few months before Ethan’s Uncle had died. Dilly’s best friend had given birth to her second son and Dilly was way beyond jealous. All she had ever wanted was a good steady man and a family. Well, she had the steady man alright...one that was way too steady in her opinion.
Ethan meticulously weighed up every decision, no matter how big or small. He thought long and hard on whether to have apple or blueberry pie for dessert when dining out. Giving similar consideration to a decision about buying a house, everything was given precise care and attention. Nothing was entered into lightly.
So, when Dilly asked for the hundredth time, when were they going to start a family, he answered honestly that he felt probably they would be in a good financial position in five, maybe six years’ time. To this end he had been most precise about when they made love, to be sure no accidents occurred and all the spontaneity seemed to have gone from their marriage, along with, if she was honest, most of Dilly’s loving feelings for him.

Now he turned to her as they lay snuggled together in Slim’ s bed and said, “I was wrong Dilly...so very wrong.”
She opened her eyes wide and said breathlessly, “You mean about the baby?”
He nodded, “I thought coming out here would be a fresh start for us. The change of scene would take your mind off a family...but I was wrong, wasn’t I?”
She nodded and looking down whispered, “Yes.”
“Don’t think I didn’t notice you playing up to Jess,” he said looking deeply into her eyes, “I just didn’t know what to do...I thought I was losing you.”
She shook her head, “No it was just a silly crush. It’s you I want Ethan, I’m just so proud of you...of what you did for that sweet little boy today.”
He smiled at her and said, “He is kinda cute isn’t he.”
She just nodded, holding her breath and looking at him searchingly as he went on.
“You see it’s down to young Mike that I’ve changed my mind...about the baby and all. I suddenly realized all we’ve been missing these last few years.”
She let her breath go and gasped, “You...you really mean it?”
He nodded, “Did you see the tears in Jess’s eyes when he realized the youngster was OK?”
She nodded.
“Well, I want that kind of love in my life too,” he said softly, “I want our own little boy, Dilly.”

*******
It seemed that not only Dilly and Ethan’s impasse had been rectified by their enforced stay at the ranch, but also that of Widow Jarvis and Lyle Carter. Both had been moved by the love and affection so freely given and received by those who dwelled in the small Ranch House; and their lives had been transformed.
Widow Jarvis had become embittered over the years since her husband’s demise. She had ignored her son’s pleas for her to live with his family with brutal insensitivity she now realized. Goodness the poor boy had been mourning the loss of his dear Pa, but Ella had paid no heed to that at all.
Then as she had watched Daisy tending Jess when he’d been sick a few nights earlier, she suddenly realized that a mother’s love was infinite. Just because her son was a fully grown man, it didn’t mean that he wasn’t still in need of her assistance and loving care sometimes. She felt embarrassed that it had taken a stranger to make her realise that patent truth. But now that she had…she intended to offer her support to Peter, his wife Beth and the two boys, for as long as she was needed. Why had she painted such a dark picture of her family she wondered? Goodness Peter was always begging her to move in and said it would be better for her with the painful arthritis she suffered from. Well, if she did as he wished she would make sure she pulled her weight. She would help with looking after the boys she decided, so Beth and Peter could enjoy some time to themselves. She sat happily before the fire in the old ranch house and made her plans...as the other women chatted softly.
Tomorrow would be Thanksgiving and she only needed to glance out of the window to the white wilderness beyond to know that it would be spent between these four walls with the other passengers and the folk from the relay. There again that really didn’t seem so bad now... they had all turned out to be wonderful people. Even that mean looking bounty hunter seemed to have changed she thought, chuckling to herself, who would have thought it?
Back in the bunkhouse the men had been having an evening to themselves. They had got the cards out and a bottle of moonshine was being happily passed around as they enjoyed a little time away from the more serene pace of life back in the house. Jokes were cracked and language was colorful as the men relaxed enjoying just a little distancing from the steadying influence of the woman.
Finally, they turned in one by one, just leaving Jess and Lyle Carter sitting before the stove having a final drink.
They sat in companionable silence for a while and then Lyle turned to Jess and grinning said, “Who’d have thought you and me would be sittin’ here enjoying a drink together, I reckon we kinda got off on the wrong foot huh?”
Jess acknowledged that, “I guess I don’t have much use fer bounty hunters...but as they go, I reckon you’re OK,” he said a twinkle in his deep blue eyes. “Besides I figure you’ve changed since you’ve been here,” he added, “unless it’s just the grog talkin’ huh?”
Lyle grinned back and said, “Well I guess the old moonshine has loosened my tongue some, but hell I’ve meant every word I’ve said since I’ve been here,” he said sincerely.
“What, you mean that stuff about you getting back with yer wife?” Jess asked.
Lyle nodded, “Did Slim tell you about the little chat we had when you were sick?”
“Yeah, he said something of it,” Jess said vaguely, not wanting to talk out of turn if the conversation had been private.
“Did he tell you what made me finally decide to give up my job and make a completely fresh start?”
Jess looked puzzled, “Nope?”
There was a pause and then Lyle said quietly, “It was you, Jess. He told me how you’d turned your life around and made a fresh start yourself; and from where I’m sitting it’s turned out pretty damn successful.”
“I probably wouldn’t be alive today if I hadn’t changed some,” Jess replied honestly.
“Me too,” Lyle said softly, “and I guess I’ve seen all I would be missing if I didn’t get back with my family. You’ve made me see that, Jess. The way you are with the young ‘un...well it made me realise how important my Cody is to me and I wanna thank you,” he said offering a hand.
Jess took the hand and shook it firmly, “Good luck,” he said genuinely. Then he topped up their glasses and said cheerfully, “To new beginnings huh...”
Thanksgiving was an unexpected success and even Jess and Slim said later that the meal and company had been just great, even if they had missed their gals real bad.
Daisy had excelled herself, the turkey succulent, the vegetables cooked to perfection and her special cranberry sauce was the envy of all the ladies who avidly requested the recipe.
Before they ate, they had joined hands around the table and Slim said a prayer thanking the Good Lord for manifold blessings. Then added his usual little speech, thanking Daisy...and in this case the other women folk too for all their hard work with the meal.
Then surprisingly, just before they commenced eating Lyle Carter stood up and made a little impromptu speech.
“I’d uh...just like to thank everyone here at the Sherman place for making us so welcome.” Then he looked down and said diffidently, “I guess I’m not the easiest...and I figure I was kinda ornery when I fetched up here. But well, things have changed and I reckon I’m seeing life kinda different now thanks to these good folks... so thankee kindly,” and he raised his glass, “To Miss Daisy, Slim, Jess and young Mike. Thank you one and all for everything, and here’s wishing you good health and every blessing!”

“The toast was repeated most heartily with Ella, Ethan and Dilly echoing his sentiments. All of them giving thanks for a new beginning because of the time spent with the good people at the Sherman spread. So, Ella was to explain to her son when she finally arrived at her new home.

Chapter 5
A few days later, the thaw that had started when the pond ice had given way, was almost complete. Dark earth was once more visible in the yard as the snow melted; leaving large muddy puddles.
So it was that the passengers were finally able to collect all their belongings and climb aboard the stage.
It had been decided that Slim or Jess should ride along on the box with Mose in case they hit any problems on the way back to town. Then they would stay over and return on the stage the following day along with more supplies. Their own now, sadly depleted after the arrival of their unexpected visitors.
Jess and Slim both sorely wanted to be the one to accompany the stage as they would be able to enjoy the company of their gal... albeit for one night only.
When Daisy had suggested they toss for it, Jess’s hand had immediately gone to his shirt pocket, where his double-sided coin reposed. Then he felt a stab of guilt. Garldarn it, Slim deserved to see his Lily, just as much as he did Millie, he sighed and said, “So you got a coin then Slim?”
As it happened, he won anyway and it was a delighted young cowboy who shrugged on his coat, plucked the rifle from the corner by the door and said cheerfully, “Come on then folk’s lets git movin’!”
Mose was the last to leave the house and stood on the porch and surveyed the sky and mountain backdrop and then turning to Jess said lugubriously, “You be sure to get all them supplies Miss Daisy needs, because I don’t trust this weather, not one little bit...”
Jess glanced up at the deep blue sky and hiding a smile said, “No?”
“No boy and you heed me. It snows again bad at this time of year you could be snowed in for weeks...months even!” he said with relish.
“Well, we’d better git goin’ then hadn’t we?” Jess said cheerfully as he moseyed over to where the passengers were now waiting on the stage, Slim and the others standing by to wave them off.
He finally assured Daisy that he’d got the list, Slim that of course he’d give the note to Lily and yes, he would remember Mike’s comic. Then finally Mose slapped the reins and they headed off up the rise.
They dropped Lyle off on the edge of town where his wife and son were renting a small house.
“Wish me luck,” he said to Jess as he jumped down from the coach and pulled his hat down hard. But almost before the words were out of his mouth the door of the house opened and a boy of about Mike’s age tumbled out. He was quickly followed by a pretty, dark-haired woman and the two ran into Lyle’s arms, both looking jubilant. Lyle untangled himself enough from the embrace to grin up at Jess and give him a thumbs up, before turning and marching happily off with his family into the house and his new life.
“Well, that worked out pretty good,” Jess said cheerfully as Mose urged the team on at speed into town.
Jess was surprised to note how quiet town was. He had noticed that the thaw was not as advanced nearer to town and figured that it was because it was situated on higher ground than the outlying ranches. Therefore, he imagined most folk were still holed up in their homes.
They pulled up by the stage office and after a moment the door opened and a tall distinguished looking man accompanied by two young boys stood there looking enquiringly up at the stage.
Jess jumped down quickly and said, “You meeting someone sir?”
“Yes, my Ma... Mrs Jarvis?”
Jess opened the door and grinning at Widow Jarvis said, “Someone here to meet you ma’am.”
Her face was a picture of joy when she saw her beloved Peter standing there along with her two grandsons.
Ella Jarvis practically fell into his arms, “But how did you know we were arriving today dear?” She finally managed once she had collected herself.
“I didn’t,” he said grinning at her, “We’ve been to check on the stage everyday this last week. They said in the office that you’d most likely been stranded at the Stage Stop. You’d be looked after really well and would be through as soon as it was safe. Then he turned to Mose and Jess and pumped their hands thanking them profusely for taking care of his dear ma.
Once they had headed off it was time for Dilly and Ethan to depart for the book shop and cosy apartment above. Jess directed them to the whereabouts of Ethan’s Uncle’s old shop and also the mercantile and various other places they would need.
Ethan shook Jess’s hand and thanked him for looking out for them so well. Then it was Dilly’s turn to say goodbye while her husband was busy collecting all their luggage together.
She said breathlessly, “I’m so sorry if I’ve been...well, a little trying...just nerves I think about the move and all.”
He just nodded and tried to look understanding.
“You see, I was well...unsure about things. Ethan and I were having some problems; but now...well I know it’s going to be just fine. We’re so happy,” she added. Then impulsively she leaned in and kissing his cheek said, “Thank you Jess. Thank you so much for everything,” and she turned away quickly to help her husband with the suitcases.
Meanwhile Mose who had been standing leaning on the coach watching proceedings now grinned widely and said, “Thank you for ‘everything’ huh Jess...so what would that mean huh?”
Jess flapped a hand at him and said, “Ain’t you got work to do,” before wandering off to the mercantile with his list.
He left all the purchases at the Stage office and paid the young boy there to load up the coach with it in the morning, just in case he was running a tad late.
If he had thought the mercantile was pretty deserted that had nothing on the saloon. It was now past noon and there were two...no three hardened drinkers propping up the bar...and that was it.
Tom, the barkeep looked up from polishing glasses and his face relaxed into a happy grin, “Gee it’s good to see you Jess,” he said, “it’s been like the dang grave around here this last week or so.”
Before Jess even had a chance to reply there was a foaming glass of beer on the bar in front of him.
“On the house,” Tom said expansively, “so all good at the ranch?”
Jess was in no mood for idle chatter, no matter how great Tom’s need was.
“Yup not so bad,” he said vaguely...as he scanned the room for a sign of Millie.
“Uh, so is Millie about?” he asked after he’d drawn a blank and taken a good swallow of beer.
Tom shook his head, “Nope Lily’s on today,” and he called into the back room, “Lily you there, Hon?”
Lily popped her head out from the kitchen where she was cooking up Tom’s lunch; and smiling came out to the bar when she saw who was there.
“Why Jess I’m so sorry we didn’t make it over to Thanksgiving. Mort tried to get us there but we just had to turn back.”
“We missed ya something fierce,” Jess said at once and then pulled the letter out of his vest pocket, “Slim wrote ya...”
She beamed at that and took the envelope, “Aw, thanks so much.”
“So ... uh... Millie?” Jess asked, hardly able to contain his impatience.
“Day off,” Tom said succinctly...and then he glanced at Jess and saw his face fall... “It’s OK she’s upstairs. Ain’t she Lily?”
“Uh-huh, having a bath and then said she might go visit a friend this afternoon.”
“But she ain’t left yet?” Jess asked…beside himself with angst now.
“No, at least I don’t think so,” Lily said.
“Why don’t you go on up,” Tom said to Jess’s retreating back as he tore up the stairs two at a time.
He knocked loudly on her door...but there was no reply.
His heart was beating twenty to the dozen. It was weeks since he’d clapped eyes on his gal and now, she’d gone out... could life be any crueler?
He was just about to go down to the bar and drown his sorrows until she returned... when he heard a sound behind the closed door. Then it opened revealing Millie standing there wrapped in a large white towel, another wrapped around her hair, her face free of makeup and looking very young. In fact, Jess thought she had never looked more beautiful.
“Rub yer hair dry for ya?” he asked with an engaging grin. She opened the door wider admitting him and fell into his arms...as he kissed her passionately the towel slipped to the floor.

*******
It was some hours later before the two finally made it downstairs and then only because they were both starving hungry.
Lily had cooked up a steak apiece and a mess of fried potatoes and they ate, talked and laughed, just reveling in their time together.
They had just finished eating when Mort moseyed on in and grabbing a beer came over and joined them, shaking Jess’s hand warmly.
“Long-time no see,” he said, “Gee I’m so sorry we didn’t make it through to Thanksgiving,” he added looking downcast.
“I know you tried yer best Mort,” Jess said, “I guess it just weren’t to be.”
Mort shook his head, “We were that put out weren’t we Millie...missing Miss Daisy’s cooking; and the company too,” he added quickly.
“Well Christmas ain’t that far away,” Jess said reassuringly.
“True...true,” Mort said and then swigged back his beer. “Well can’t stop, gotta do the rounds although I doubt anyone will be up to no good, too dang cold,” he said with a chuckle.
He rose to go and then turned back, “Oh one thing though Jess, it seems the Cheyenne Sheriff, your old friend Doug Masters, has lost a prisoner bound for the Laramie prison. I say Doug lost him, but it was actually that witless new deputy of his.”
Jess grinned, “I heard from Mose that he was a bit of a liability.”
“Too dang right, I guess I’m kinda spoilt with Lon. Yup good deputies are real hard to come by these days. I reckon Doug will be advertising again any day now. Anyway, the guy that escaped is Jasper Dunhill...you know him?”
Jess gave a little whistle, “Yeah, I know him. The guy’s pure evil Mort, would sell his granny for the price of a beer. I heard he’d near killed a woman down in Cheyenne?”
Mort nodded, “He did... but she survived. I guess he escaped the rope by the skin of his teeth. Even so, in for a long stretch...once we catch him that is.”
“Think he might be heading our way?”
“Could be...although I doubt that he’ll last long on the run in these weather conditions…folk say there’s more snow on the way,” he added before pulling his collar up and making for the door.

******
The pale wintry sunlight shone through the gap in the curtains and onto Millie’s bed where she and Jess were entwined and fast asleep.
As the fingers of sunlight shimmered across Jess’s face his eyes flicked open and he looked up and around him, before glancing down to where Millie’s head was resting on his shoulder. He gently started untangling himself from her warm embrace and whispered urgently, “Millie...Mill wake up will ya I’m late.”
She stirred and then pulled him back into her arms, “Aw Jess do you hafta go?”
“I’m sorry sweetheart, I promised Slim and he’ll fire me seven ways from Sunday if I ain’t back with those supplies today like I said I would be.”
She stretched languidly and then smiled at him, “Alright I sure wouldn’t want Daisy upset and running short of her baking flour and all...especially as I’ll be eating some of that fine cooking in a matter of weeks.” Then her brow wrinkled, “Hey he can’t fire you, you’re a partner,” she said.
Jess shook his head, “I guess that wouldn’t stop him tryin’, anyways I promised,” he said sadly.
He was now already half-dressed leaned down and kissed her passionately before pulling back and grabbing his gun-belt and jacket. “It’ll be Christmas before ya know it,” he agreed. “I’ll make it up to you then honey, honest. I’ll try and visit next week if the snow holds off too,” he promised and with that he was gone.
He tore down Main Street and was just in time to haul himself up onto the box as Mose slapped the reins and set the horses off at a fine pace. He sat there for a moment fastening up the buttons on his shirt, tucking it in and tying his bandana before finally strapping on his gun belt, all the time Mose smirking at him.
“Overslept did ya boy?” he finally managed.
Jess merely growled something incoherent, that could have meant anything...but Mose wasn’t done with him yet.
“Nice warm billet at Miss Millie’s place?” he asked winking and nodding his head with glee.
“Just drive this dang thing will ya,” Jess interjected glaring at him.
Mose sniggered but none the less gave his full attention to the four in hand.
When they reached Lyle Carter’s place on the edge of town Jess said. “Pull in a moment will ya Mose.”
“I can’t be stoppin’ whilst you go off chewin’ the fat with folk,” Mose said huffily.
“Mose, just do it will ya!” Jess said glaring at him again.
“OK, OK but don’t be all day I’ve got schedules to keep you know!”
Jess jumped down from the box, vaulted the gate, tore up the path and hammered on the door.
It was answered by young Cody who grinned up at him and then turning hollered, “Pa there’s a man at the door.”
Lyle came to the door beaming at Jess, “Good to see you, come on in,” he said opening it wider.
Jess grinned back, “Mose is champin ’ at the bit to get gone,” he said jabbing a thumb at where the stage was pulled over.
“I just thought you might like to know the Cheyenne Sheriff is probably looking for a new deputy, if yer interested?”
“I’ll say I am,” Lyle said looking delighted.
“His name’s Doug Masters and he’s a good buddy of mine...tell him I said you’re OK,” he added.
“Gee thanks Jess that means a lot,” Lyle said.
“Yeah, just don’t let me down huh...you’d be workin’ for the law, not yourself you know.”
“Sure, and that’s just the way I want it, my wife too,” Lyle said firmly, “thanks Jess I won’t forget this.”
They were half way back to the ranch when the snow started to fall again...but this time it was tiny flakes that drifted dreamily down like downy feathers.
Mose shook his head, “I sure don’t like the look of this weather,” he said morosely.
“What do ya mean, it’s kinda pretty,” Jess said watching the feathery flakes float down.
“Ain’t you ever heard the term small snow makes big snow...and big snow makes small?” Mose asked impatiently.
Jess raised a quizzical eyebrow and said, “Can’t say as how I have Mose.”
“Well, it’s true, you just mark my words. Thick heavy flakes are full of water and they don’t stick see. Then again, these light feathery little varmints well they stick real good and grow and grow. Jeez last time I saw snow like this was the winter of ’68 and we were snowed in for a good three months...yes siree I say three dang months!”
Jess just shook his head and chuckled, but Mose’s words where to come back and haunt him... and sooner than he could have imagined!
He was dropped off at the ranch along with all the supplies, plus his own Christmas presents for the family, bought from a catalogue and waiting for him to collect in the store.
“Well, that’s Christmas petty well sown up,” he said to himself as he stashed the gifts under his bed.
Slim came in just as he’d finished hiding the presents and said, “All your shopping done then Jess?”
He grinned, “Yup, just the turkey shoot…bag us a good-sized tree and we’re done. Then he remembered something, “Uh how about old Denver’s grog?” he asked suddenly looking anxious.
“He delivered it while you were away,” Slim said happily, “stashed in the back of the barn and he said seeing as it’s going to be a real bad winter he’d let us have double rations at half price.”
“Ha, he saw you comin’,” Jess said with a guffaw, “gets his weather forecasting from Mose, does he? According to that old troublemaker we’re in fer the worst winter since ‘68.”
“Oh well at least the Moonshine will help keep the cold out,” Slim said philosophically.
Jess flapped a hand at him and grinned, “Aw you. This snow will have melted by the end of the week...trust me.”

Chapter 6

The end of the week saw the stage once more out of action and three-foot snowdrifts lining the Laramie Road.
The yard was several feet deep in snow and the men were kept busy feeding the stock and keeping the house supplied with extra fuel for the fires.
“Carries on like this we’ll have to take old Samson and Toby up to the woodland for more timber,” Jess said looking at the diminishing supplies of wood in the store.
“We need to go check out the Christmas tree too,” Mike said hopefully, “don’t we huh?”
“All in good time Tiger,” Jess said ruffling his hair.
Then turning back to Slim, he said, “I saw a couple of pines had come down in that storm we had last fall, they should be dried out by now, make good fire wood.”
“I could ride over on Toby and find the best tree,” Mike persisted, “it’s only a little way over the Laramie Road and I’m real sensible now...huh Jess...Slim what do ya say...huh?”
“I say you wait a few days until me and Slim can come with you,” Jess said, “we’ll get that ol’ Christmas tree all in good time. Now you go tend yer pony.”
“Aw Jess...”
“Go on scoot,” he said tapping the youngster on the rear none too gently to send him on his way.
Slim and Jess exchanged a grin.
“I don’t want him going off on his own either,” Slim agreed, “some of those drifts are real dangerous...even with a good sure footed horse like Toby.”
Jess nodded, “Trouble is with Daisy sick with that real bad cold he hasn’t been attending to his books and he’s getting bored.”
Daisy had uncharacteristically taken to her bed the day before…having inherited a bad cold Mike had brought home from school. With the ranchers so busy he’d been pretty much left to his own devices and very little school work had been done. His teacher had given homework out on the last day of school when it looked like the stage would be off the road again in the inclement weather…so he had plenty to do.
“I’ll set him to his math this afternoon,” Slim said chuckling, “that’ll keep him occupied.”
Then he turned back to his task and as he brought the axe down hard on a piece of timber a shard flew up to his face and he yelled out in pain.
Jess who was stacking the logs turned in time to see blood running down Slim’ s cheek from where the sliver of timber had shot into his face above his right eye.
“Jeez that looks nasty pard come on in and I’ll clean it up,” Jess said quickly.
The chip of wood had narrowly missed Slim’ s eye and the whole area around it was red and swelling up already.
Jess cleaned him up as best he could and placed a makeshift bandage over the eye and wound just above... and sat back looking at his handy work.
Looking through his good eye, Slim asked questioningly, “What?”
“You look like that pirate in Mike’s story book,” Jess quipped chuckling.
“Ha-ha very funny,” Slim said indignantly, “I could have been blinded.”
“Yeah, well you weren’t,” Jess replied. Then taking pity on his buddy said, “Why don’t you take it easy and I’ll make lunch...huh?”
Once the scratch meal of soup and bread was on the table Slim took some through to Daisy on a tray and Jess went to the door to holler Mike in.
The men sat at the table eating but when the child had still not come in a little while later...Jess went off to find him.
He returned minutes later looking furious, “Garldarn it, the kid’s taken Toby out and gone to look for a tree like he wanted,” he said. “Must have sneaked out when I was tending to yer head out in the kitchen. I’ve a good mind to tan his hide for this Slim I told him he couldn’t go over to the woodland on his own.”
Slim half rose, “ Do you want me to go?”
“Nah, you can hardly see,” Jess said slapping his buddy on the shoulder, “finish yer meal I’ll go get him, he can’t have got far.”
Slim nodded, “OK, but don’t be too hard on him Jess, he’s just excited about Christmas.”
Jess grinned at his buddy, “Yeah, I know it.” Then he sobered, “But even so he’s gotta learn ‘No’ means ‘No’ Slim. Anyone could be out there and the darned weather could turn again at any minute.” He snagged his hat and gun belt from by the door and with a cheery, “See ya,” he was gone.
It was hard to make out tracks in the yard as it was covered in their own footprints, but once he’d saddled Traveller and ridden up the rise, he spotted Toby’s large hoof prints heading for the road and then turning off towards the Sherman woodlands.
There was a swath of pasture land leading to the plantation and soon Jess was able to see Toby plodding along in the direction of the distant tree line.
“Gotcha, you little monkey,” he said to himself with a grim smile and spurring Traveler on to a brisk trot made for the recalcitrant youngster.
However, the closer he got the more perplexed he felt...surely that wasn’t Mike riding? From the back view it looked to be a tall stranger urging the heavy horse onwards. Then he turned slightly to his right and Jess was able to see Mike was sitting riding double in front of the stranger, who still seemed unaware of Jess’s presence.
“What the hell?” he muttered before setting Traveller to a full gallop in pursuit, knowing he could easily out run the big horse.
After a few hundred yards the rider heard Jess advancing and quickly wheeled around to face him. He then drew his colt.45 and held it to Mike’s temple.
“Hold it right there, mister, unless you wanna see the kid’s brain’s blowed out,” he snarled.
Jess stared into the evil snake eyes of Jasper Dunhill and felt a shiver go down his spine.
He reined in at once and said gruffly, “What’s yer game Dunhill, let the boy go!”
Dunhill shifted in the saddle slightly; gripping hold of Mike more tightly and peering over to Jess.
“Harper...is that you dang it?”
Jess nodded, “Now fer Pete’s sake will you let him go!” He repeated.
“You want him back alive then you chuck down that rifle yer totin ’ in yer scabbard and yer Colt too.”
The gun was once more to Mike’s temple and Jess felt a cold sweat break out on his forehead, “It’s OK Mike,” he said quickly, before doing as Dunhill ordered.
The outlaw nodded, “Good, that’s real good Harper... now you go back to that ranch of yours and come back with supplies for a couple of weeks, some grog too and then we’ll discuss the boy’s future.”
“I ain’t going any place without my boy,” Jess said stubbornly.
“Well, that’s your decision Harper,” he said with a mean smile. “I guess you ain’t going anyplace ever again period. Maybe yer partner will be more obliging when he gets the ransom note huh?” And with that he turned the gun from Mike and levelled it a Jess.
The split second before he fired the shot Jess threw himself from the saddle and the bullet just caught him in the arm, instead of the chest. But he lay perfectly still as though mortally wounded and Dunhill gave a grim laugh.
Jess lay perfectly still and heard Mike screaming, then there was a moment of commotion when the boy took advantage of Dunhill’ s attention being focused on Jess and he wriggled free. The boy jumped down from the horse, tore over to Jess and threw himself down beside the still body crying out hysterically. But as he looked closer, he saw Jess open his eyes and wink at him. The youngster sighed with relief and then looked up to where Dunhill was cussing him bitterly.
“You get back up here young ‘un or by God I’ll tan yer hide good!” he yelled.
Then Mike saw something glinting in the snow just beside him... Jess’s Colt. Quick as a flash he grabbed the gun and then stood up holding it firmly in both hands and aiming it at Dunhill’ s head.
Dunhill who had holstered his iron after he’d shot Jess looked amused and said, “Hey kid put that down, it ain’t good to play with guns ya know.”
“I ain’t playin’.” Mike said deadly seriously. “You git off of our Toby and get going or I’ll shoot you Mister!”
Dunhill swallowed and looked slightly uncertain...the way the kid held the gun and the look in his eyes said it sure looked like he knew what he was doing.
“You’ve...uh used a gun before have you son?” he asked playing for time.
“Sure I have, Jess taught me how to handle a gun real good...and he told me you don’t ever point a gun unless yer aiming to shoot it. So, you just git Mister or I’ll shoot,” he added, sounding more confident than he was feeling.
There was a brief pause while Dunhill seemed to be weighing up the situation. Then suddenly Jess made a grab for his rifle and in one smooth movement was on one knee, the rifle aimed at Dunhill’ s head, “And if he don’t shoot ya I will,” he growled, “Now throw yer iron down and git off of the horse.”
Dunhill knew when he was beat and quickly did as ordered.
“OK git on yer knees,” Jess barked.
Then turning to Mike said softly, “Good boy. Now go get the cuffs, in my saddle bag, and my rope.”
Once he’d gone Jess advanced on the still kneeling Dunhill and back slapped him hard across the face, “And don’t you ever...ever go near the kid again,” he snarled, “or it’ll be the last dang thing you ever do...understand?”
Dunhill nodded vigorously.
Then Mike was back with the cuffs.
By this time Jess became aware of the gnawing pain in his left arm from the outlaw’s bullet, so he instructed Mike to cuff the prisoner. Then he put the rope noose around Dunhill’ s neck and saw the light of fear in his eyes and gave a bitter laugh.
“Thought I was gonna string you up from one of those tall pines did ya? Well don’t judge everyone by your standards, you lowlife. I guess you’ll behave real nice walking home with that around yer neck though...just in case you were thinkin’ of making a run for it.”
Then he turned to Mike and said, “You take Toby on home and tell Slim what’s happened say I’ll be along shortly.”
The boy nodded and Jess gave him a leg up onto the big heavy horse, gasping in pain as he jerked his bad arm.
“Are you OK?” Mike asked in concern.
“Sure... you go on home,” Jess said and when the child obeyed, he called after him.
“Tiger, you done real good.”
He grinned back and kneed Toby on towards the road home.
When Jess arrived back sometime later riding Traveller and the escaped outlaw staggering along behind...the noose still around his neck, Slim’ s eyes opened wide in shock.
He came down from the porch to meet Jess and said quietly, “I see you found the escaped prisoner Jess,” then more quietly, “Being kind of hard on him aren’t you pard?” he asked as he saw the state of the man, fear in his eyes and soaking wet from where he’d fallen in the snow several times. The rope tight around his neck producing an angry red mark.
“Bull whipping’s too dang good fer him after what he did,” Jess spat angrily. “Did Mike tell ya what he did huh...huh?”
He shook his head, “Only that he caught you in the arm with a lucky shot... you are, OK?”
Jess nodded, “I’ll live,” he said gruffly. “Is Mike alright?”
“Sure, he’s in the barn rubbing down Toby and spoiling him with Traveller’s sugar lumps. He said he’d tend Trav when you got back too.”
Jess gave a faint smile at that, “He’s a good kid.”
“So uh, where shall we put the runaway then?” the ever practical Slim asked.
“Bunkhouse, I guess. I sure ain’t havin’ him under the same roof as Mike and Daisy.”
Again, Slim looked slightly surprised by Jess’s vehement reply.
“OK,” he agreed and they marched the sullen Dunhill over to the icy cold building.
Jess pushed him down hard on one of the bunk beds and removing the rope from his neck, told him to take off his boots. He then tied his legs tightly together and fastened the rope around the metal bed frame.
Slim looked on and merely said, “I’ll get some wood for the fire it’ll soon warm up in here.”
Once Slim had gone Jess said, “Take yer jacket off.”
“Huh...I’ll freeze!”
“Just do it,” Jess said impatiently.
Once Slim had returned and made up the fire Jess made to leave carrying Dunhill’ s boots and warm jacket.
“Where are you going with my stuff?” he bleated.
“Safekeeping,” Jess said with an evil smile, “even if you manage to escape, I don’t reckon you’ll get too far cuffed and without boots and coat in this weather. So why dontcha take a nap?” he added nastily.
Once they were outside Jess said, “What did we do with the bunkhouse key?”
Slim shrugged, “Dunno, we never use it do we? It might be in that drawer in the kitchen with all the odds and ends...why?”
“Just makin’ sure he don’t go anyplace,” Jess said and then he rubbed his arm and cussed lightly.
“Never mind about him right now,” Slim said quickly, “let’s get you inside and that arm tended.”
Once they were seated in the kitchen, Jess’s jacket off and the wound exposed Slim tutted and went for Daisy’s medical kit.
“I wish Daisy was more herself, we could use her right now,” he said softly, “the bullet’s gone straight through, but made a mess of your arm Jess...was he real close?”
Jess just nodded, “It’ll be just fine; pour some of that whiskey on it and bind it up...and stop yer fussin’,” he added tetchily.
Slim rolled his eyes but pulled the whiskey bottle cork out with his teeth and passed it to Jess to have a swig before he started the painful process.
Jess sat there not moving, the only sign of his distress…the sweat that broke out on his forehead, and the way he held his mouth in a tight line, refusing to give in to the agonizing pain.
Once finished Slim offered the bottle again and then took a swig himself before re corking it.
“So, how is Daisy?” Jess asked looking anxious.
Slim’ s face clouded, “I’m not sure but I reckon it’s worse than just a cold, more like that dratted influenza. She was asleep last time I looked in.”
Jess looked down and muttered, “Goddamn it...and no chance of the doc getting through either.”
“She’s a tough cookie,” Slim said, “and I guess we’ll just have to nurse her best way we can. Because you’re right Jess I reckon we won’t be seeing anyone for quite some time. If Mose was right, we could be snowed in here for weeks.”
“Great,” Jess said sarcastically before lurching up from his seat and opening the ‘untidy drawer’ as Daisy called it, where anything and everything that didn’t have a home lived. He sifted through the various items for some time dredging through spare buttons to balls of string. Then held up a hoof pick, “Jeez I’ve been looking for that,” he said happily and then he finally found the key.
“What are we going to do with Dunhill, Jess?” Slim asked looking exasperated, “We can’t leave him tied to the bunk for weeks on end, even escaped prisoners have rights.”
“He lost any dang rights he had the moment he turned his gun on Mike and threatened to blow his brains out!” Jess said furiously.
Slim gasped in shock, “He did what?”
“Still think I’ve been too hard on him?” Jess asked.
Then he explained all about how after he’d been shot Mike managed to escape Dunhill’ s clutches and get the drop on him with Jess’s gun.
“The hell he did,” Slim said looking amazed.
“Yup told him to dang well get off of Toby and git, or he’d shoot him,” Jess said proudly.
Slim shook his head, “I don’t know if I should be pleased about that or horrified.”
“Well pleased I reckon; we taught the boy how to defend himself and he did it real good. We should be proud of him...and if he hadn’t had my back that way things might have turned out real different you know Slim.”
“I guess you’re right,” Slim eventually agreed, “he’s a tough little guy isn’t he.”
Jess nodded, “But he’ll be getting cold out in the barn I’ll go fetch him in and uh... Slim?”
“Yeah?”
“Maybe hold the math until tomorrow huh?”
Slim chuckled, “OK you got it.”
He found Mike still making a fuss over Toby.
“I rubbed him down real good and once he’d cooled off I blanketed him, did I do right Jess?”
He nodded, “Traveller too?”
“Yes sir, and I gave them both some sugar as a treat.”
Jess patted the boy’s shoulder, “Thanks for doing that Tiger. And what you did today, having my back that way, it was real brave.”
“I didn’t like him,” Mike said firmly, “he said I was his meal ticket and he was gonna make you bring him food and ammo and stuff to his hide out and he said he’d hurt me real bad iffen you didn’t do what he said.”
“Yeah, well he’ll get what’s coming to him sooner or later,” Jess said grimly. “So where was he takin’ you Mike?”
“That old logging shack in the forest, said he’d been hanging out there for a couple of weeks.”
“He did huh... well he won’t be getting any home comforts here, that’s for sure.”
“Where’s he gonna stay, he won’t escape, will he?” Mike asked looking anxious.
“Nope I’ll make darned sure he don’t,” Jess said firmly. “I’m gonna lock him in tonight and nail down all the windows too...don’t you worry Mike that old bunkhouse will be as secure as the Laramie Jail by the time I’ve finished.”
Mike nodded happily and then said, “Jess you know what you said today when you found that Mister Dunhill and he told you to back off?”
Jess looked puzzled, “I can’t recall exactly, no what?”
“You said I ain’t going anyplace without my boy... you called me your boy Jess.”
“So?” he asked.
“You ain’t ever said that before, like out loud to anyone.”
Jess looked deeply shocked, “But of course you’re my boy...mine and Slim’ s; we adopted you all legal like you know that, Tiger.”
“Sure I do, but it’s nice to hear you say it,” the child said quietly.
“Hey you,” Jess said grinning down at the youngster, “come here,” and he held him tightly in a bear hug, tears springing to his eyes at what might have been.
“Sure, you’re my boy,” he said softly, “and a real chip off the old block the way you handled yerself today too...I’m real proud of you.”
Then more cheerfully, “Come on let’s go in and get warm, I think Slim’ s making hot chocolate.”

Chapter 7

They all rallied around caring for Daisy and as luck would have it, she only had a mild dose of the flu and was up and about again by the end of the week.
It was Mike who let slip about the prisoner in the bunkhouse and she turned to Jess and said, “Goodness me, whatever is he doing out there, Jess, he’ll freeze to death.”
“Good riddance,” Jess muttered as he drained his breakfast coffee cup.
“Jess you can’t mean that! Whatever the man has done he deserves common courtesy and the basics of good food and warmth doesn’t he?”
“No, I reckon he don’t,” Jess said flatly. “Besides it ain’t too bad in there. If you remember me and the other men slept out there when the Stage was stranded and it was plenty warm enough.”
Then noticing Mike wide-eyed and taking everything in said quickly, “Go help Slim out in the barn will you Tiger, I’ll be over shortly.”
Once he’d gone Jess explained exactly what had transpired prior to them capturing Dunhill, how he’d threatened to kill Mike and had shot Jess himself.
“Oh Jess dear, why didn’t you say something sooner?”
“Well, you were sick and we didn’t wanna worry you. Mike took it all like a little trooper, he’s just fine. Slim tended the wound and its fine now too. But you’ve gotta see the truth of it, Daisy the man just ain’t safe. The only place for him is under lock and key.”
“If you say so dear,” she said sorrowfully.
“Look I know him Daisy, he’d pick up a knife and slit yer throat given half the chance...he just ain’t safe around women and kids.”
She looked deeply shocked at that, “He’d really hurt a woman or child?”
“Oh yes. Those weren’t idle threats he made about hurtin’ Mike and he’s done real bad things to women too.”
“Oh?” she questioned.
Jess just shook his head, “You really don’t wanna know Daisy. Just leave it huh. But he’s staying locked up in the bunkhouse and that’s final.”
But of course, he couldn’t stay there all the time, there were the odd occasions when he needed to use the outhouse or wash up at the pump.
Slim usually escorted him during these outings and he was now returning the prisoner to the bunkhouse.
Dunhill nodded his thanks as Slim threw some more logs on the stove and made to leave.
“Thank you, Sherman,” Dunhill said, “If it were left to yer partner, I guess I’d freeze to death.”
“That’s not true,” Slim said sharply, “he may not like you too much, but he’s aware of his responsibilities to keep you safe until you can be returned to jail.”
“Ha... ‘not like me too much’, that’s an understatement...you don’t know the half of it, Sherman,” Dunhill said bitterly, “Do you know what your partner said to me last time I saw him back in Texas?”
Slim just looked at him, waiting for a reply.
“He was a wild one back in those days, that’s fer sure. Even so I guess he meant what he said...see his last words to me were, “If I ever see you again Dunhill, I’ll kill you!” So, you see Sherman I figure he’s just biding his time. Maybe I’ll freeze to death...or maybe he’ll poison my food...who knows...but I reckon I’ll be leaving this place in a box.”
******
It was later that night in their room that Slim finally sounded Jess out about his past issues with Dunhill.
“So you met up with Dunhill back in Texas?”
Jess nodded, only pausing for a moment as he stripped off to get washed up before bed, “Yeah, I knew him...”
“He reckons you want him dead,” Slim continued, “so why would that be Jess?”
He turned to look at Slim; his eyes cold, “What’s he been saying?”
“Just that you want him dead, he reckons he’ll leave here in a box.”
Jess just shook his head and went and washed up, before tossing the towel aside and crashing down on his bed, staring dully up at the ceiling.
“Well,” Slim asked, “should I be worried?”
“Huh, you mean am I gonna kill him?” he sighed, “No I ain’t Slim and you shouldn’t hafta ask that.”
Slim came and sat on the edge of Jess’s bed and said gently, “Want to tell me about it?”
Jess rolled his head so he could focus on Slim and then said quietly, “It was down in Mexico...I’d been working there for a while, made some real good Mexican friends. Then Jasper Dunhill and his buddies turned up in town...getting drunk, abusing the Mexican folk’s hospitality....and worst of all messing with their women.”
“Go on,” Slim said quietly.
“He had the hots for a local girl Chiquita...young innocent, very pretty. I was seeing her sister Anita. Anyways we used to keep an eye on Chiquita... ‘cos she was real naïve; you know, young for her age? Anyways Dunhill waited until me and Anita were out of town at a friend’s wedding and he hit on her. Took her out dancing and then when she wanted to go home...he... well let’s say she never made it home that night.”
“What he forced her?”
“Yeah, use yer imagination Slim. The poor kid was so upset she said nothing...until a few months later... when it was obvious that she was pregnant.”
Slim just gasped in shock, “What did you do?”
“Nuthin’ at the time; she refused to tell us anything including who the father was an’ all, although I had my suspicions. Her Ma and Pa disowned her and she moved in with another girl. Me and Anita kept an eye on her and visited most days but couldn’t be with her all the time. Anita was still living at home and I had a job at the livery and lived in one room over the stable.”
Slim just stared at Jess transfixed, just knowing this sorry tale wasn’t going to end well.
“One day we called around to check how she was and she’d gone, leaving a note for us...saying who the father was. How he’d laughed in her face and said she was a little slut and he wanted nothing more to do with her...so she...”
Jess looked down unable to go on for a moment.
“She what Jess?” Slim said softly...hating to hear the answer, but knowing he must.
“She threw herself in the river; she and the unborn baby drowned Slim.”
“Oh God,” Slim muttered, “and that’s when you threatened to kill him?”
Jess gave a bitter smile, “Nope that’s when I went and found where he was hidin’ in Texas and knocked the shit out of him. I may well have killed him iffen the Sheriff hadn’t finally come in and stopped the fight. We were both flung into jail. But then the Sheriff released him first, to give him the chance to high-tail it out of town.
It was as he left that I said, ‘if I ever saw him again, I’d kill him’...yes that’s the truth. Then the Sheriff turned to me and said, “That’s why I’ve let him go son. And if you’ve any sense you won’t follow him. Don’t throw your life away, because you’re sure to hang and that will be two wasted lives huh?”
He smiled sadly at Slim then, “I remember every dang word... like it was yesterday...talked a lot of sense that ol’ Sheriff.”
“And now Jess?”
“Now I just want him back in jail where he belongs. But if he lays a finger on Mike or Daisy, then he’ll get what’s coming to him, I can promise you that.”
Knowing the truth of it all and how difficult Dunhill’ s presence must be for Jess, Slim took on feeding and the general welfare of the prisoner. So, one freezing morning when Jess went out the kitchen door, he was surprised to find Slim huddled on the back porch.
“What are ya doin’ here,” he asked, “I thought you were feeding that low life?”
“I did and then he wanted the outhouse,” Slim said, nodding to the small building a few yards away, “but he’s sure taking his time.”
Jess chuckled, “He’s probably reading all those cut up sheets of the Laramie Sentinel.”
“He could have read it cover to cover by now,” Slim said irritably.
“Maybe he needs some of Jonesy’s syrup of figs elixir,” Jess joked. Then shaking his head, “Beats me as to why he wants to spend any length of time in there anyway it’s freezing. Is it me or has it got even  more draughty than usual of late in there?”
Slim shook his head, “Nope it’s the back wall, you can see day light between the boards...needs fixing. The timbers have warped I guess and need replacing. It’s on the list... we’ll get around to it.”
Then he glanced over to Jess and said again, “It’s on the list...maybe you’d like to have a go at fixing it?”
But Jess’s attention was elsewhere, “Who’s that running across the Home Pasture...Mike’s still in the house ain’t he?”
Slim shaded his eyes against the brilliant sunlight shining off the freezing snow and said, “I don’t know...looks like a man, not a boy?”
Jess turned back to Slim, “You gave Dunhill his coat and boots to come out?”
“Of course... the place is knee deep in snow!”
Jess tore across the yard and yanked open the outhouse door.
The small space was empty and light flooded in from the back wall where several planks had been removed and an old pocket knife lay on the floor.
“Dang it he must have stolen that small pocketknife you thought you’d lost and been using it to loosen the nails every trip out here,” Jess snarled.
Then turning he sprinted across to the barn, swiftly followed by Slim. Both men mounted their horses bareback and headed to the pasture gate, Jess spurred Traveller on and he jumped the gate easily. But Slim was more prudent and paused to open the gate, before following Jess.
So it was that Jess was the first to reach their quarry, just as he neared the boundary river between the old Benson place and the Sherman spread.
He made a flying leap from Traveller and hurled himself at Dunhill, the pair rolling over and over in the deep snow.
By the time Slim arrived they had righted themselves and were exchanging forceful blows...both pretty evenly matched.
Slim’ s initial reaction was to pitch in and help recapture the prisoner. But knowing Jess he realized his pard wouldn’t appreciate the gesture so he just stood by, ready to step in, in the unlikely scenario that Jess should be defeated.
The fight continued with blow for blow being exchanged and Slim hid a smile at Jess clearly enjoying the altercation. He looked like he had nothing more sinister on his mind than a good old round or two, before recapturing the prisoner.
Then it seemed like it was all over as Jess smashed his fist into Dunhill’ s face and he staggered backwards. But then suddenly the snow drift on the edge of the river gave way and Dunhill hurtled over the edge. The force of the punch had caused Jess to fall forwards too and it was only the fact that Slim leapt to his aid and grabbed him that he didn’t follow Jasper Dunhill over the steep incline of the riverbank.
They both watched in horror as Dunhill smashed into the rocky gorge several times on his way down before finally hitting the black icy water many feet below...Slim figured he was dead before he hit the water.
However, Jess leapt up and tore down along the river bank, to where it became less steep, and started crashing down the slippery slope towards the water’s edge, followed by Slim.
“Goddamn it, Jess, leave it,” he yelled as he reached the edge where Jess looked like he was about to jump in and attempt to save the outlaw.
“Leave it,” Slim yelled again, “look at him Jess...he’s gone... he was dead the minute he hit that rock on the way down!”
As the body floated closer Jess could indeed see the sightless eyes looking heavenward and then the corpse was swirled away in the rushing, icy river water.
“It’s not worth it,” Slim said softly. “You go in and for what? To retrieve the body of a dead man...and possibly drown yourself? Hell, nobody could last more than a couple of minutes in that freezing water.”
Jess finally nodded and let Slim help him back up the bank. Then he turned back to see the body disappearing around a bend it the river.
“Looks like he’ll be buried at sea...eventually,” he said with a grim smile. Then quietly, “Kinda fitting he should end it this way after what he did to Chiquita, and how she died.”
Slim nodded and slung an arm around Jess shoulders, “Come on let’s get you home and cleaned up...you’re a mess pard.”
Daisy and Mike came to greet them as they entered the ranch house both desperate to hear what was afoot.
“It’s Dunhill,” Slim said quietly, “he escaped and we went after him.”
“So where is he?” Daisy asked looking out through the window towards the bunkhouse.
“He’s gone Daisy...and he won’t be coming back,” Jess said quietly.
“Uh Mike could you go tend Traveller and Alamo and finish off in the barn?” Slim said quickly.
Mike looked like he might argue, but then saw that look in Slim’ s eyes that said ‘don’t push it’...and he wandered off huffing and puffing, but doing as he was told.
Now Daisy looked more closely at Jess, his clothes soaking wet from rolling in the snow and his face bruised and battered from the fight...one eye already blackened and closing...blood smeared on his chin from a bloody nose.
“Oh, Jess dear go and get changed,” she said quickly, “and then I’ll take a look at that poor eye.”
Jess flicked Slim a glance, but he said, “Go on Jess, I’ll explain it to Daisy...you go clean up.”
Sometime later Daisy looked ashen, “Oh the poor man... I know he was a bad lot Slim, but what a terrible end.”
Slim nodded, “I guess so... or you could say maybe it was all for the best. He had a good ten year stretch in jail to look forward to maybe he’d have preferred this way out.”
“Maybe dear,” then she frowned, “whatever shall we tell Mike...what a terrible thing to happen and just before Christmas too.”
“I don’t know Daisy... Jess will say we shouldn’t lie to the boy; he needs to know the truth...but does he? He’s still very young...maybe if we say he and Jess fought, but then he managed to escape?”
“I doubt he’d believe that,” she said dryly. “But there again if you suggest the turkey shoot and Christmas tree expedition, he might just forget about the whole thing?”
The ruse worked and that evening it was decided that they would go out at first light to try and bag a wild turkey. Then later in the week they’d all go and fetch the logs for firewood from the forest and choose a Christmas tree.
That night in their room Jess said, “We can’t lie to the boy Slim, it just ain’t right.”
“We haven’t really,” Slim said sitting down on his bed and looking across to where Jess was already stretched out on his own, “he just assumed Dunhill had escaped and we didn’t tell him different.”
Jess shook his head, “I dunno, I just feel real bad about it all.”
“Is that because you’d told me about wanting him dead?”
Jess looked down, “Maybe, I didn’t mean to kill him today Slim, it was an accident; really it was.”
“I know that Jess, of course I do. It was me that had to stop you going in after him to try and rescue him...remember? You sure wouldn’t have done that if you’d planned to kill him. Heck you nearly ended up in the river yourself after you hit him.”
Jess gave him the shadow of a smile at that, “Yeah, I forgot to thank you for that, I guess you saved my skin back there Slim.”
“Yes, well the only thanks I want is for you to make an effort to be full of festive cheer for young Mike’s sake and not give him nightmares by telling him about drowning outlaws, OK?”
Jess gave him a genuine smile then, “OK deal...”

PART TWO – CHRISTMAS
Daisy and Mike’s Story

Chapter 8 - Daisy
Daisy was to recall the Christmas of the ‘The Big Freeze’ with deep affection so she told a dear friend as she reminisced many years later. Plus, just a little trepidation about the future, she had added.
So Slim took Mike out very early to bag a turkey for Christmas. Jess would usually have accompanied them, but I think he was feeling rather out of sorts after the terrible accident of the day before.
That awful outlaw Jasper Dunhill met a tragic end; drowning in the river after a fight with Jess. Well, I could tell the dear boy was upset when he came in with Slim. He looking half drowned himself and with a nasty black eye, and terrible bruising to his face and knuckles. I cleaned him up as best I could, but what he really needed was someone to talk things through with him.
The following morning, I was awake before first light and insisted Mike and Slim have something hot inside them before setting off to find a turkey.
“Is Jess not going with you?” I asked
Slim shook his head, “Nope. He said he was feeling kind of beat after everything that happened yesterday, so I decided to let him sleep in.”
Then Mike was so beside himself with excitement that they went off before we could discuss the matter further.
I decided to go back to bed for another hour or so, but when I finally dressed and went to make breakfast, I found Jess sitting by the fire drinking a coffee.
“Want one?” he asked as he leapt up from his seat.
“That would be nice dear, thank you…if you’re sure you can wait for your breakfast?”
He gave me that charming grin of his and shrugging said, “I ain’t too hungry Daisy,” and disappeared off to the kitchen to fetch me a cup.
We sat in companionable silence, Jess just sitting looking into the flames. Then after a while he turned to me and said quietly, “It was an accident; you do believe that dontcha Daisy?”
“But of course, dear,” I said at once, “Slim explained exactly what happened and even how he had to restrain you from going in after him.”
He nodded and then said honestly, “But I guess there was a little bit of me deep down inside that wanted him dead, you know?”
I could see the torment in his eyes and knew I had to be honest with him.
“Slim opened up to me, told me about the terrible thing the man had done to your friend, Chiquita.”
He looked momentarily angry, “Heck he shouldn’t have gone upsettin’ you with that kinda thing,” he said.
“I think he felt I needed to understand why you were so troubled.”
I smiled at him and patted his hand, “You may think I’m an innocent old lady who wouldn’t understand such things. But believe me I am a woman of the world and a nurse to boot and nothing shocks me...I was just deeply saddened.”
“I’m sorry,” he said softly, “I guess we try and shield you from certain things, when I reckon you can deal with them as well as we can...maybe even better,” he added bleakly.
I smiled at him and said, “If it’s any consolation I can quite understand how you would feel that way about his death. That it was maybe fitting he should die that way, and that’s entirely natural. It really doesn’t make you a bad person Jess, just a very honest one.”
He looked over at me then and taking my hand said softly, “Thank you Daisy.”
Then with that huge grin of his said, “You know…I guess I am ready for some breakfast now.”
The following day they all went off to collect some much-needed timber for the log store and also Mike’s longed for Christmas tree. He was allowed to choose it and they dragged in a magnificent specimen later that day. They put it in a huge old barrel and dragged it in to sit to the right of the fireplace then spent the rest of the day cutting and stacking the logs.
It was Christmas Eve when Slim finally got around to bringing the big box of decorations down from the attic.
I adore seeing ‘my boys’ working together...Slim and Jess rooting around for the box and then carefully passing it down to Mike and I. Then the unpacking...all treasured articles from bygone Christmas’s. The beautiful glass baubles, carefully wrapped in tissue paper and Slim’ s Ma’s pride and joy...brought from the old country. Then the homemade decorations, some the handiwork of a young Slim and Andy and more recently the bright colorful stars and moons made by Mike.
Then in pride of place, the Holy Family carved by Jess for Mike on the occasion of his first Christmas at the ranch. When I had first seen it, it had taken my breath away. It was a beautiful tableau of Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus in his crib along with a diminutive donkey, looking on. When I congratulated him on his skills, he just blushed a little and said, “Idle hands get kinda used to makin’ stuff. Then added, “I guess I wanted Mike to feel like he belonged...and Christmas is kinda special that way ain’t it? I thought maybe it would help dig in some stakes...ya know Daisy?”
Oh, the dear boy, of course I knew. Knew how hard the transition here from being on the drift had been for him and he wanted to help Mike feel this really was his forever home.
Now as Mike looked at it with joyful recognition it really seemed to have worked.
“My Nativity Jess... let’s put it right under the tree...like last year huh?”
Once the tree was finished and all the candles lit, we stood back admiring it; and as with every year declared it was the best we had ever had.
Then there was all the fun of getting one overly excited little boy to bed so that he’d be asleep before Santa arrived.
I went not long after him knowing my two fully grown ‘boys’ would doubtless want to be making inroads into the Moonshine I knew they had bought from Denver James and concealed in the back of the barn. How they think I don’t know about their goings on I really don’t understand. A mother knows everything. Although I would never admit I knew exactly what they got up to. Do they really imagine I swallow that story of late poker games when they spend a night or two over in Laramie? I know full well that they are spending the time in the loving arms of their girls...and why not? Both of them are loyal and true to their loves and it is as natural as breathing that they would want some loving times with them. Who am I to argue with that? I do long for them to eventually wed and bring young ones into our lives, but time will deal with that in due course.
I knew how terribly disappointed both Slim and Jess were that they would not be joined by their loves this Christmas. Indeed, we hadn’t seen hide nor hair of anyone for a few weeks now and the weather seemed to be getting worse rather than better.
I heard them talking softly as I prepared for bed, and then some laughter. I was glad they were at least enjoying each other’s company and the odd glass of Christmas cheer.
As to me I was really enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. Usually, I had the prospect of cooking for seven or eight folk and now it was reduced to just the four of us. The pressure was off and I could really enjoy the festivities. Oh, I looked forward to seeing our guests as much as the boys did and I would miss them terribly too. But somehow, I felt this Christmas was a given. A time that we could all spend together to make memories that would last forever...a time that we could really come together as a family, and I looked forward to the dawning of Christmas morning.
Well, that moment came pretty early... about five AM I think, when I heard Mike’s cries of delight as he opened his stocking in Slim and Jess’s room...and the low rumbling of Jess’s voice and Slim’ s laughter... Then after a while all was quiet again and I guessed they had persuaded Mike to settle down and sleep some more.
Breakfast was a lively event as always on Christmas morning, but also a leisurely one as we only had ourselves to please. Jess and Slim had the usual chores to do of course tending the stock. For once Jess did all Mike’s work for him so he could stay in the warm and read a new book he’d been given, “Don’t hurt to spoil the kid once in a while,” he said cheerily as he went off to do the work.
Then I was surprised and pleased when all my ‘boys’ rallied round and helped in the kitchen, preparing the vegetables and generally sharing out the jobs. Usually, it was a case of me, Millie, Lily and maybe Mort’s lady friend Kate ensconced in the kitchen chattering away twenty to the dozen, whilst the men indulged in a glass or two of whiskey. If Slim and Jess were saddened by the change of routine, they didn’t show it and clowned about in the best of humors.
It wasn’t until Slim made his customary speech and toast of thanks to the cook that his face clouded a little and he added, “and to absent friends...”
After the meal, gifts were exchanged and once more I was charmed by the thoughtfulness of my young men towards me...and indeed to each other. I must admit that I was feeling a little mellow by mid-afternoon after the unaccustomed sherry wine before lunch and then some very good cider with the meal...and I dozed before the fire for a little.
When I awoke the men had made a light supper for us all and I felt truly spoiled. We all laughed when dear Mike nearly fell asleep at the table and he was soon whisked off to bed, asleep almost at once.
I on the other hand, refreshed after my nap sat on with my boys and entertained them with tales of Christmas’s past when I was a child and later as a married woman with my dear husband and beloved son. I thought talking of those times would make me sad, but no, time had healed the wounds of loss and now I was able to reflect on those happy days and share them with those I loved as sons now.
Slim too reminisced of bygone Christmas’s from his youth with his dear Ma and Pa, then later after their passing with Andy and old Jonesy. He sounded such a character and both boys made me laugh with stories of the old timer.
It was only Jess who remained silent, just enjoying our memories. I knew from the little he had told me in the past that Christmas was not observed in his family as his father had little time for such frivolity. He would just disappear to the salon as usual, leaving his mother to make the best of the day that she could. My heart bled for Jess and his siblings and also for his poor dear Ma who had such a difficult life.
Today though he opened up after a while and told me about one Christmas he’d spent on the drift and how he believed he had heard his dear Ma speaking to him...telling him to not give up and to follow his dreams.
“And by the next Christmas I ended up here,” he said simply... “and I figure it was everything I’d wanted... everything I dreamed about.”
I noted Slim looked very moved at that and covering his emotion he punched his dear friend lightly on the shoulder and said, “Well you sure wouldn’t have known it Hot Shot… the way you kicked off that first Christmas you were here.”
Jess looked slightly embarrassed for a moment and then chuckled, “I guess I was way out of my depth with all your dang traditions, Christmas trees, presents and all...so I just covered it up by being kinda ornery.”
Slim joined in the laughter, “And then some!”
But then he rolled his eyes and said to me, “He sure got the hang of it pretty darned quickly though Daisy. Especially once he got his feet under the table and got stuck into one of old Jonesy’s Christmas dinners.”
“Thought I’d died and gone to heaven,” Jess laughed.
Then both boys turned to me and said as one, “But not a patch on yours Daisy!”
“Oh, how I love those dear boys... what happy, happy memories I have of them...and that very special Christmas.”

Mike’s Story
Jeepers I guess that big freeze, as my teacher called it later was one of the best winters, I can ever remember… mostly because we missed so much school. OK Aunt Daisy and Slim made sure I did some school work most days, but then I was free to help Jess with the stock and play with my lovely red sledge that he made for me. I really thought I’d lost it when I went in the duck pond that time at Thanksgiving. But after that nice guy had hauled me out and I was feeling just fine, Jess went off and got it out of the pond, dried it off and even put another coat of paint on it too.
I sure love Jess, he’s the best friend a boy could have. I love Slim and Aunt Daisy too, don’t get me wrong, they’re real swell. Aunt Daisy is like a Ma to me...and although I still miss my own Ma something fierce, Aunt Daisy is almost as good. In the same way Slim is a lot like my Pa was, real big on school work and getting enough sleep and doin’ the right thing...which is just fine but I have some fun times with Slim too. Like when just the two of us went on the turkey shoot. I kinda missed Jess going too, but then Slim said I was ready to take his place as far as shootin’ that ol’ turkey was concerned...and you know what... I did it! Slim was ready to cover me; but I got him fair and square and he was a real whopper too!
As much as I love Aunt Daisy and Slim, it’s Jess who is my best friend. See thing is he ain’t like other grown-ups. Sure, he can say ‘time for bed Mike and don’t dang well argue...and... ‘have you really done all yer Math?’ But mostly he just talks to me the way he does Slim, like I’m another grown up and that’s real special. He’ll ask me somethin’ like ‘what do you think of that Mustang with the blaze’ and then he sorta looks at you with his head on one side like he really wants to know what you think. Things like that see, makes a boy feel real special.
Anyways it was that winter that I held a gun on the outlaw, Jasper Dunhill, and helped Jess to capture him. I heard him later telling Slim all about it and he said, ‘Mike had my back’...and that made me feel so dadgum proud.
Christmas was different and real special for me too. We did all the usual stuff like choosing and decorating the tree and I put out my very own Nativity that Jess made for me...under the tree as usual. But the next day, which was Christmas, none of the other grown-ups could come because we were snowed in.
Well, I was real sad at first, because I love Miss Millie almost as much as Jess does...and Miss Lily and Aunt Kate are good fun too. I love to see Sheriff Cory because he always says things like, ‘Aw let the boy have another helpin’ after all he’s growing...and, ‘Not bed time for the young ‘un is it, aw heck!’ He’s a swell guest.
Although, instead of missing everyone it turned out kinda neat...because my family at the ranch had more time for me. Oh, they are real kind and include me in everything. But what with the women folk cackling away in the kitchen and the men drinking that yucky Moonshine stuff...well sometimes I get left out...just a little.
But this time I joined in everything…helping with the cooking and washing up and everything to give Aunt Daisy a rest; and we had so much fun. Then Jess played my new card game with me for ages and I finally fell asleep at the supper table, well almost. I remember Jess picking me up and tucking me in and that was it until the next day. But I’m tellin’ you...as long as I live, I don’t figure I’ll ever have such an exciting and happy Christmas as the one of the Big Freeze!

Chapter 9

Jess and Slim’ s Story

Jess
I guess I’ll always remember that Christmas we were snowed in at the ranch...for some bad memories and some real good ones too.
I couldn’t believe it when I heard that dumb deputy had managed to lose Jasper Dunhill of all people. And then when he landed at the ranch and tried to kidnap Mike…that was the last straw. It had been a good few years since all that business down in Texas when he’d betrayed poor Chiquita that way, costing her, her life... But I hadn’t forgotten...never would.
I guess Slim thought I was kinda tough on him, but when he knew our history I figured he understood why. I guess that’s the reason he took over caring for our prisoner...and all went well until he made a bid for freedom.
I dunno why I felt so bad about him drowning that way...hell he sure deserved it... But there again now I was a reformed character I didn’t want anyone to think I’d deliberately killed him. Dadgum it even in my outlaw days I’d have given him a fair fight...But now it was real important to me that the likes of Mort Cory and Doug Masters knew I was operating within the letter of the law...as Slim would term it... But with our history I wasn’t any too sure folk would believe that...
That was until I talked with Slim and Miss Daisy and I guess they set me straight on that score and I felt one whole lot better by the time Christmas Day came around.
Mike woke us up at the crack of dawn as per usual. He was lively as a cricket as he tore open his stocking gifts yelling in delight at the simple homemade presents. He sure is a great kid and really appreciates everything we do for him. Once the excitement was over, we persuaded him to bed down again until a more civilized hour as Slim put it...
But once I was awake, I couldn’t go back to sleep again and leaving a snoring Slim I dressed quickly and made my way out to the yard to check on the stock... It was dark and the air very still with that strange feeling of wonder that I guess you only feel on Christmas Day. I looked up at the twinkling stars and the moon lighting the snow-covered yard and mountains beyond and counted my blessings as I did at this time every year. What would have become of me iffen I hadn’t happened on the Sherman spread and then hooked up with my Millie again? God only knows.
The thought of my girl sent a shiver of uneasiness down my spine, was she OK? Who would she share the day with I wondered. Probably Tom would open up the saloon for his friends and I figured Millie and Lily would be joined by the doc and Carrie, maybe Mose Shell and a few others unable to make their usual arrangements because of the dang snow. She’d make the best of it I knew that...but I reckoned she’d be missing me too. Jeez it seemed so long since I’d held her in my arms...made sweet love. The thought of holding her once more was nearly driving me crazy... “Shut the Hell up Harper,” I said softly to myself. “Just be dang glad for all you do have,” I added firmly and marched off to the barn to wish Traveller a merry Christmas.
I scratched behind his ears the way he liked and gave him some sugar, talking softly all the while.
“You do remember bein’ on the drift dontcha boy,” I said. “Guess we landed on our feet here though dadgum it Trav, we sure have a lot to be thankful for you know that?”
“He’s going to answer you one of these days you know Jess,” a voice behind me said and I spun around to see Slim standing there grinning at me.
“Well, when he does, I guess he’ll make a darned sight more sense than you do,” I retaliated quickly feeling slightly wrong footed and embarrassed by his eavesdropping.
But he merely grinned at me and slapping me on the back said, “Come on in Jess, Daisy’s got breakfast all ready...oh and uh...Merry Christmas.”
I grinned back, “Merry Christmas pard,” I said and we sprinted across the yard to the welcome warmth of the ranch kitchen.
Well, I have to say things went better than I thought they would. I figure Slim and I kinda thought we wouldn’t miss our girls so dang much if we kept busy. So, we decided to help Daisy out with the meal. I sure hope she doesn’t expect us to pitch in all the time, now she knows we’re really pretty damn good at all that chopping ’, whisking and mashing! Even Mike helped making it a real joint effort.
I felt kinda sorry for Daisy, knowing how much she would miss all the banter with the other women folk as they prepared the meal. Heck, she hadn’t been off of the ranch in many a day and I figured she’d be really missing all her friends from the Women’s Group. But no, she seemed perfectly happy with our company. Then after lunch she really made us laugh as she recounted past Christmas’s as a girl and then with her family. I guess we really got to see a side of Daisy we hadn’t done before and it was real special. She seemed to be able to talk about her deceased husband and son easily, reveling in all the good memories. I sure wish I had that in me too. Maybe one day...when I’m Daisy’s age. If I ever get to be Daisy’s age that is!
Once Daisy and the young ‘un where abed Slim and I cracked open the Moonshine and had a talk.
It was real good to talk through how we were both suffering at not seeing our girls... so we decided to drown our sorrows some.
“How long is this dang weather gonna go on for?” I asked, feeling kinda hard done by.
Slim glanced over at me and then looked back to the crackling fire, “I don’t know Jess, but it’s not looking good.”
“Huh?”
“Last time I saw snow like this it was way before Andy was born. Pa insisted me and Ma stayed with some friends in town and he came back here to tend the stock and watch over the place.”
“Go on,” I said quietly, my eyes never leaving his face.
“It was nearly March before we made it home again,” he said deadpan.
“What?” I almost yelled, “Yer kiddin’ me!”
“Sh,” he said, “don’t go waking Daisy and Mike...and no I’m not kidding Jess this is serious, real serious.”
“Yeah, I’d kinda figured that,” I said.
He went on, “At least it was only Pa here, only one mouth to feed and he made it ...just. But he was real sickly when we came home, half-starved and he was lucky. Plenty of neighbors didn’t make it.”
I mentally added this information to the list of good and bad things about this Christmas of the Big Freeze and kinda figured maybe the bad stuff was gonna win out.
“He had only one mouth to feed we’ve got four,” I said quietly.
“Exactly,” Slim said...and we poured ourselves another drink.

Slim

I reckon I was as disappointed as Jess at not having our girls home for Christmas...or our other friends too for that matter.
But we both agreed later that it had been a real good day spent just with Daisy and Mike. Jess managed to put all that business with Dunhill behind him. Then I shelved my worries about the weather...until the day was nearly over anyways.
It was kind of good to have Mike all to myself for the turkey shoot. Oh I know the boy loves me...like a Pa, but it’s Jess who is his best buddy and who he always gravitates towards. I guess I’m sometimes a bit hard on him, the way I was with Andy. It’s only because I want the best for the boy though. With him not having a Pa, the responsibility lies really heavy on me sometimes. Not so with Jess…he figures he’s a good kid and will do what’s right without too much badgering...and maybe that’s the right attitude, I don’t know. There again a bit of chivvying about school work and good manners never goes amiss...as my Ma would have said.
Anyway, the night before the turkey shoot Jess was tossing and turning and awoke a couple of times in the night with really bad dreams. When he woke in the small hours and I said, “Are you coming on the turkey shoot buddy...because we both need to get some shut eye.” He groaned and apologized and then said, “Nope, you take the boy Slim I’m done in,” so it was down to me to take the young ‘un.
In the end Mike and I had a really good time and he sure is getting to be a good shot. I was quite surprised when he shot that ol’ turkey with his first bullet... I figure Jess had been teaching him really well. Gee the kid was so dang pleased with himself it was great to see. When I remember back to those early days when he first landed with us, how quiet he got sometimes and real withdrawn...well he’s like a different child now.
I was still in shock about how he’d turned Jess’s gun on that no-good outlaw and held his nerve. I know Jess was real proud of him the way he handled himself. But I was pleased to see that after he’d told Mike what a great job he’d done, he also added, “That don’t mean you start using handguns Tiger...mine and Slim’ s Colts are still off limits to you. I reckon we’ll just concentrate on you shootin’ for the pot huh?”
Mike had just nodded and with a quick, “Yes sir,” and gone off to play and I’d heaved a sigh of relief.
Thing is I guess maybe I take everything way too seriously, so Jess says anyway. Like bringing up the boy, not to mention all the trials and tribulations running a Ranch and Relay entails. But then I suddenly realized that a lot of the stuff that had really concerned me in the past was now shared with Jess. I knew he was a hundred percent committed to the business same as me. Jeez he’d sure changed since those early days when he used to take off at the drop of a hat getting into all sorts of trouble and slinking home again, looking real uncomfortable with some wild tale to share.
Anyway, these last few years he’d really shaped up and I figure I wouldn’t have made him a partner otherwise. I was real moved when he was relating that tale to Daisy today. About him landing here...almost like it was his destiny and I know for a fact that he often thanks God for finding this old place to call his home. But today I was thanking God that he did too, because right now I’d have been beside myself with worry if I’d been all alone with just Daisy and Mike to look out for. Then a thought struck me. Maybe I should have been better prepared and sent them to stay in town long ago, before the deep freeze had set in.
Then Jess broke into my thoughts, “What’s up Slim...we’ll sort things out, don’t go frettin’”
I looked up and gave him an anxious smile, “I was just thinking maybe we should have sent Daisy and Mike to town long ago, just in case it gets worse?”
Jess shrugged, “You really think she’d have gone? Mike would sure have kicked up a fuss too.”
“I guess you’re right. The thing is Jess, you and Daisy have never really had to face a killer Wyoming winter before and I figure you don’t really know what you’re up against.”
“Oh, I reckon I can imagine it real good, Daisy too,” he said raising a quirky eyebrow, “and worryin’ ain’t gonna make things any better is it pard? Let’s just dig in and hope for the best huh?”
“Maybe we should plan a strategy,” I said hopefully. “You know make a list of all the food we’ve got, plan when we’ll have to hunt next...work out how much fodder we’ve got stored for the stock too,” I added.
He just looked at me and said quietly, “It’s Christmas night Slim just pour us another drink and we’ll work out yer master plan tomorrow, OK?”
I looked over at where he was trying hard to hide a smile...and then I cracked up and we were both laughing uncontrollably and shushing each other... Jeez I am so dang thankful for my pard.

Part Three

The Big Freeze

“Well, I guess I ain’t ever seen weather like it,” Jess said as he pulled back the drapes and peered out into the yard.
Icicles were hanging from every building and the early morning sunlight was turning the yard a fetching pink color glistening and sparkling.
Daisy came over to take a look, “Oh it’s so pretty,” she said clasping her hands together in delight.
“Yeah, well you don’t have to work in it,” Jess said morosely rubbing his aching thigh.
“Does Slim really think it’s going to be set in for a long time?” She asked softly, so that Mike, still at the breakfast table, wouldn’t hear her.
Jess, always one to be honest, nodded, “Looks that way Daisy yeah...he’s real worried, especially about you and Mike, thinks he should have dispatched you off to town weeks ago.”
“Well, we wouldn’t have gone and left you boys,” she said stoutly.
“That’s what I told him,” Jess said grinning down at her.
“Oh well if we all pull together, I’m sure the Good Lord will provide,” she said before marching off to the kitchen.
“I sure hope so,” he said softly as he watched her go. If determination and a strong spirit could beat the deep freeze, then he guessed they were in with a good chance with Miss Daisy on their side.
That had been nearly a month ago and things had hardly changed weather-wise. Slim had done a quick inventory of all their day-to-day supplies just after New Year and now the stores were beginning to get dangerously low. Daisy’s sack of flour was diminishing as were some of the basic food stuffs like sugar, coffee, bacon and beans. Not to mention various medical supplies, and oil for the lamps, candles and ammo.
The men had made several ill-fated hunting trips when they had returned virtually empty handed, all the wild life gone to ground, eaten by predators or purely frozen to death. That’s when Slim had to make the unsavory decision to slaughter one of the herd. He hated to kill a young animal, but most of the cows were in calf and so he had no choice other than to slaughter one of the young heifers from last year. They had made a sturdy ice house to preserve the meat, but even so they were rationing it. Slim being an excellent butcher had managed to use every part of the critter and he was pretty sure it would see them through if it was preserved properly.
Jess had watched him thoughtfully as he stored the last cuts of meat away and then said, “You know Slim I’ve been thinkin’ about what you were tellin’ me at Christmas...about how some of your neighbors perished in the last freeze up?”
Slim nodded, “Yep, the Downs who had the Patterson’s place ran out of fuel and froze to death. They were an elderly couple,” and he shook his head sadly. “Just too far away for folk to get to them, the snow was so darned deep.”
“It’s not now,” Jess remarked, “sure it’s real bitter out there, but there’s been no recent snow or wind to make it drift...I guess it would be passable...”
“Jess if you’re saying what I think you are just forget it, you’d never make it to town and back in this and anyway it can change in hours and we could be in for another blizzard.”
“Yeah, and we could all dang well starve to death waitin’ on that to happen,” Jess said irritably.
It hadn’t gone unnoticed by Slim that Jess had become more and more frustrated and irritable as he was confined to the ranch house and yard week after week and he figured it wasn’t just Millie his pard was missing. It was his liberty...Jeez he’d always needed his freedom. He had to get out of the place even just for a few hours. He’d seen him looking off to the distant hills that dreamy look in his eyes tinged with sadness and knew his wanderlust was calling him.
Now he turned to him and said more kindly, “I know this is hard for you Jess...for us all, but you really wouldn’t make it to town it would be suicide.”
Jess shook his head, “Nope you don’t understand. See I got to thinking about those folk who perished and then I thought about old Bill and Nancy Barnes down the road and figured I’d ride over, take them some of our fresh meat maybe and check on them?”
Slim’ s expression lightened at that and he said, “Gee, I should have thought of that myself. Sure, it’s only what... a couple of miles and they’d be welcome to share the meat.... Old Bill’s only got the house cow now and a few chickens.”
“Sure, sure,” Jess said quickly, “and then I figured I could ride on and fetch some supplies from Billy-Joe’s Trading Post.”
“Oh no, that’s miles away Jess.”
“No, it ain’t. See way I figure it if I go across country on the old Indian trail, it’s only five maybe six miles. I could do that easy in daylight, even walking. I could check on Bill and Nancy then go over to the store and stay the night and come back the following day. Drop off Bill’s stuff and then come back home...come on Slim what do ya say huh...huh?”
The following day Slim and Jess got Samson and Toby ready for the cross-country trek. Jess riding Toby and leading Samson festooned with gunny sacks full of what they could spare for Bill and Nancy and ready to be filled up with more supplies from the trading post.
Slim had very mixed feelings about the trip, but knew it was useless to argue with Jess once his mind was made up. Mike was disappointed that he wasn’t allowed to go too...But it was Daisy’s reaction that surprised him and Jess most.
As Jess gave her a hug before mounting up, he was surprised to see her wipe a tear away.
“Hey... Daisy?” he said softly.
“I’m sorry dear I’m just being silly. Give Nancy my love and tell her I hope we can all get back to our Women’s Group Meetings before too long.”
“I will,” and then he hugged her close again and whispered, “I’ll be fine, back before you know it,” and then hopped up into the saddle.
“You look after Trav for me huh Mike,” he said winking at the boy.
Then turning to Slim said, “I may be a few days if Bill and Nancy need chores doin’...OK?”
Slim nodded, “Take it easy huh pard,” he said quietly.
Jess nodded and pulling his hat down hard gave a quick farewell salute and urged Toby on to a brisk trot up the rise.
*******
As soon as Jess entered the yard of the Barnes spread, he knew all was not well. The place looked deserted, the chickens still locked up even though it was nearly noon and worst of all snow piled in front of the door as though it hadn’t been opened in days.
With a heavy heart he dismounted and strode across the yard to hammer at the door.
When there was no response, he went around the back and here at least it looked like the door had been used and there were foot prints leading to the outhouse and log store...the latter sadly diminished he noted.
He banged on the door again and when there was still no reply or answer to his calling out, he tried the handle and it swung open.
He found himself in the small kitchen which was tidy and clean as though it hadn’t been in use in some time.
He walked on through to the front parlour and stopped dead in his tracks.
Nancy was seated on her rocker before the ashes of a fire, deathly pale and very still.
Jess was at her side in seconds and kneeling down beside her took her fragile old hand in his own and felt it was icy cold.
“Nancy, oh God, Nancy?” he muttered...suddenly realizing how fond he was of the old lady. Then how he’d have to break the news to Daisy of the passing of her old friend and where the hell was Bill, he wondered peering around the neat little room.
Then the unbelievable happened the old lady stirred and opened her eyes looking around her with a dazed expression. Then she looked down to where Jess was still clasping her hand and up into his face and she finally beamed.
“Why Jess dear what are you doing here...you shouldn’t be out in this weather.”
Jess squeezed her hand and took a deep breath before smiling at her and saying, “Just passin’, Nancy…thought I’d look in on you.”
She suddenly shivered realizing how cold she was, “Oh dear I only sat down for a minute and I must have fallen asleep, what must you think of me? I must do something with the fire,” she added trying to get to her feet.
Jess gently pushed her back in the chair and plucking a blanket from the back of another wrapped it securely around her legs.
“You’ve gotten yourself a mite cold,” he said gently, “I’ll tend the fire and then make us a hot drink huh?”
“Oh, thank you dear boy,” she said gratefully, “and maybe one for Bill too?”
“Where is he?” Jess asked looking around him again with a puzzled expression.
“In bed, he’s had a nasty cold and so I insisted he stay there for a day or two.”
Jess nodded, “I’ll go check on him.”
He was relieved to see that Bill was bundled up in bed covered by several blankets and a buffalo hide similar to the ones Daisy had purchased, probably from the same sale he surmised. He was just about to turn and leave him to sleep when the old man awoke and peered up at Jess.
“Well, howdy young man, it sure is good to see you,” he said struggling to sit up.
Jess helped him up and puffed up his pillows behind him before saying, “I’m real sorry you’ve been sick Bill. Slim and I thought we’d bring you some supplies over and check how you were doing.”
“Well, that’s real neighborly of you Jess and I reckon we could do with some vittles ... down to eggs and cheese right now and not too much of those either...dang hens are going off their lay.”
“I’m calling in at the Trading Post later and if you and Nancy write a list, I’ll bring you some supplies back.”
Bill rested back on his pillows looking mighty relieved, “Well that would be a great help, thankee kindly. I reckon you coming might just have saved our bacon young man,” he said grinning.
While he made them all a hot drink Jess checked out the cupboards and reckoned, he’d arrived not a minute too soon as they were down to the last of their rations. He filled up their cupboards with what he’d brought and then went to the log store and tended to the fire.
When he went back into the parlour with the drinks, he was pleased to see Bill up and dressed and looking more his old self.
“Just a cold,” he insisted, “but you know the way the woman folk fuss,” he added squeezing his wife’s hand lovingly, despite his words.
Once they’d finished their drinks Jess suggested he tend the stock and Bill rose to go with him.
“Why don’t you stay in the warm and help Nancy write the list,” he said thoughtfully, “and I’ll be back shortly.”
He fed and released the hens and milked the cow before finally feeding and grooming their three horses...and returned to the house.
As he entered, he could smell soup bubbling on the stove and his mouth watered...as he realised it was way past noon.
“We thought maybe you’d stay the night,” Nancy said as she served him, “have supper with us and then set off early?”
Jess had noticed they desperately needed more firewood chopped; and the hen house door needed a new catch.
“Please,” Nancy said softly, “I think Bill could use the company.”
Jess grinned at her, “Sure I’d be real pleased to stay,” he said and happily set about demolishing the chicken soup.
During the afternoon he got all the chores sorted and again fed the critters and locked them up for the night. Then he was treated to a slap-up meal with some of the beef he’d brought with him.
“We just can’t thank you enough,” Nancy said, tears in her eyes as she made her way to bed. “And don’t worry Jess I’ll be up early to fix you a good breakfast to send you on your way,” she smiled.
When she had left them, Bill produced a bottle of moonshine and waggling it at Jess said, “Care for a night cap?”
Once their glasses were filled Jess felt it was time to tell Bill the truth of what had happened when he arrived...and he broke it to him as gently as he could.
“What, she was asleep in the day time...and real cold?” Bill asked looking deeply shocked.
“See this cold can be a killer when yer least expectin’ it...even in yer own home,” Jess said, “and I felt you should know.”
“Yes, yes of course you did right son. I just didn’t realise she’d got so darned tired looking after me,” and he sighed. “I remember poor Mr and Mrs Downes dying that way, over at what’s the Patterson’s place now.”
Jess nodded, “Yeah Slim told me about that.”
“See the thing is we may be pushing seventy...put inside we still think we’re young folk, with a young person’s energy. I guess it just ain’t true no more,” he said sighing and sipping his drink reflectively.
Then looking earnestly at Jess, he said, “I really can’t thank you enough for coming over this way. When I think what might have happened to my dear Nancy...”
“Well, it didn’t,” Jess said quickly, “and I’ll be bringing you plenty of supplies and the log store’s full again, so you’ve no cause to worry.”
“You’re a good man Jess Harper,” Bill said topping up their glasses, “let’s just hope this dang winter is over with soon huh...and safe journey tomorrow,” he added raising his glass in a toast.

Chapter 10

Jess set off bright and early the following morning, feeling pretty chipper after an excellent breakfast. He promised to return with their supplies as soon as he could, dependant on the journey and also the weather of course.
As he set off down the old Indian trail towards the Trading Post, he was aware that the air was much warmer than of late and the bright blue sky began to darken with dark clouds on the horizon. Slim had said when he set off from the ranch that it was too dang cold for any more snow to fall. But now he wasn’t so sure and he hastened on his way.
It soon became clear that his idea wasn’t going to work. The old trail was far too narrow and dangerous for the huge heavy horses and indeed had they been fully laden Jess figured the journey would be nigh on impossible. In places the track was crumbling with a steep drop down to the valley below and he got off and walked the animals slowly, in single file through the worst areas.
“Damn it,” he muttered under his breath as Toby nearly lost his footing on an icy stretch, before regaining his balance and plodding on. Jess came out in an icy sweat down his back and swallowed hard before taking a deep breath and striding onwards and upwards towards the craggy peak of the mountainside.
Once they were over the mountain top and coming down the other side the worst was over or so he thought. But then the track narrowed again and the big horses could only just squeeze through between the rocky walls.
There was nothing for it he decided, he would have to take the Rawlings Road from near the Trading Post and then double back on himself to pick up the Laramie Road, adding several miles to his journey.
By the time he finally reached the Trading Post he was so exhausted he could hardly put one foot in front of the other and the big horses were puffing and blowing too.
He tethered them and then marched across the porch to the store...but found it all locked up and no sign of life anywhere. It was the last straw. He banged on the door one last time before sinking down on the bench outside, head in hands as he cussed long and loud.
After a few minutes he calmed down and standing up went and investigated the door and windows further, wondering if he could break in, serve himself, leaving the money by the till and then make good any damage.
He was still pondering the problem when a deep voice behind him said, “I wouldn’t try it mister.”
Spinning round Jess saw Billy-Joe wielding a rifle aimed at his head.
The moment he saw who it was he lowered it immediately, all smiles.
“Well, howdy Jess, good to see you!” Then casting the rifle an embarrassed glance said, “Uh, sorry about that buddy...hard times and we’ve had a bunch of trouble lately, folk trying to break in.”
Jess grinned at him and the two old friends shook hands.
“I was thinkin’ of it,” Jess said honestly, “had a dang hard journey and I weren’t about to come away empty handed...got folk relying on me see Billy-Joe.”
“Of course, come on in Jess.” Then looking questioningly, “So you didn’t see the note?”
Both men looked at the note-free door and then around on the floor before Jess finally located it almost under the porch.
“It must have blown away,” he said grinning as he read, ‘For Genuine cash paying customers please call at shack out back...Others will have the dogs turned on them...signed Billy-Joe Jackson Proprietor. ‘
“I’d forgotten you’d moved out to your Pa’s old place ...would have saved me breaking in iffen I’d remembered,” he said grinning. Then more seriously, “So you say you’ve had some trouble?” he asked as he followed his friend into the store.
“Some yeah, a few renegade braves wanting liquor and turning real sassy when I won’t serve them. I said it was against the law...but they don’t understand, I guess. Then that Cal Mason, you know the trapper? Well says he is... more like drunkard. He came in wanting whiskey on the slate...well that weren’t happening,” Billy Joe said grinning. “So, what can I do for you Jess huh?”
When he saw the long list he gave a low whistle, “Gee, thinking of setting up yer own store are you buddy?”
Jess chuckled, “It’s for the Barnes down the road from us as well as feedin’ us all back at the ranch. Way the weather’s been ain’t got to town in a good long while and we’re getting real short on supplies.”
Billy-Joe nodded, “I’m surprised you made it this far to be honest; way it is, hazardous...real hazardous,” he said enjoying the word and looking deeply serious.
“Yeah well, needs must,” Jess said briefly. “So, how’s your Matilda huh, still ruling the roost?”
“Sure is,” Billy-Joe said grinning ear to ear, “and I wouldn’t have it any other way. You’ll come see her and the kids when were done here? In fact, why not stay the night...storm clouds are blowing in and I guess it’ll be dark early tonight.”
Jess smiled back, “I was kinda hoping you’d say that,” he replied.
Once all the purchases were made and the goods wrapped and ready to go the following morning, Billy-Joe helped Jess put his horses up in the barn before moving towards his warm, secure house.
“Some shack,” Jess said viewing the substantial property from the outside.
Billy-Joe grinned at him, “Family joke. Yup my grand-daddy built the place to last and now ma and pa have retired to Rawlins well it’s my home and will be the boys one day along with the business,” he said happily.
Then instead of going into the house he told Jess to follow him around the side of the barn, “Looky here,” he said as he pulled an old tarp from a large wooden object.
Jess looked at it in puzzlement for a minute before saying, “Well I’ll be damned, it’s a sleigh. Then turning to Billy-Joe said, “I just made one of these for Mike...but I guess this is a good ten times larger.”
Billy-Joe chuckled, “Grand-daddy made this too, for deliveries in winter, but we don’t use it no more. I was wondering if you’d like it Jess, save those poor old horses of yours being overburdened huh?”
“Jeez that would be great Billy-Joe. I guess I hadn’t really thought on how much dang stuff I was gonna hafta carry back, we usually have the buckboard for transporting supplies.”
“You’re welcome,” Billy–Joe said, “Now come on in out of the cold and let’s see what my Tilly is cooking up for supper huh?”
Matilda was delighted to see Jess and he flirted with her outrageously as he always did much to her delight and her patient husband’s amusement.
“It’s so wonderful to see you,” she gushed, “and how are Slim, Mike and Daisy?”
“Heck it’s wonderful to see anyone,” Billy–Joe laughed, “after being snowed in up here for so dang long!”
They all laughed at that and then they were joined by Billy-Joe’s two lively boys and a happy visit was enjoyed by all, the youngsters entertaining them with their antics.
The following morning once Samson was hitched to the sleigh and all the supplies tied on tightly and covered with a tarp Jess was ready for off.
“Thanks so much,” he said gesturing to the sleigh, “are you sure you don’t want something for it, Billy-Joe?”
“Nope, and to be straight with you Jess we’re real happy to do business with you. Times have been kinda hard of late with this damn weather, and we appreciate you trading with us. Now safe journey you hear,” he grinned as Jess set off in the early morning light.
He figured if he made a timely enough start, he could drop off the Barnes’ supplies and still have time to make it home before dark.
It was again warmer than of late but as he headed onto the Rawlins Road, he noted a mist was slowly rising and he sure hoped the sun would break through as it was real cold and dank.
He was riding Toby and leading Samson with the sleigh harnessed up and they were making pretty good time he reckoned. All his thoughts were on getting home to some of Daisy’s good cooking and the warmth and companionship of the ranch. Then his mind turned to his beloved Millie and he wondered sadly when he would cast eyes on her again.
Maybe it was because his thoughts were elsewhere that Cal Mason got the drop on him.
He came around a bend in the road and there he was dead in front of Jess with his rifle aimed at his head.
“Howdy Harper...so what have you got there?” he asked looking menacing.
“None of yer Goddamn business,” Jess snapped, “and point that dang rifle someplace else will ya!”
Cal just looked smugly at Jess and said, “This here rifle is tellin’ you to step down from yer hoss Jess and show me what you’ve got,” he drawled, “and don’t let me hafta ask ya twice, huh?”
Jess knew of old that if he tried to argue with a drunken skunk like Cal, he was wasting his time... so he slowly dismounted and ambled over to the sleigh.
Once he saw Jess had obeyed, Cal dismounted and came over to inspect the goods, his rifle still held on Jess.
“Just fetch me the whiskey yer carrying,” he muttered, “I’ve got a real thirst on me and got ya in my sights boy,” the older man said once more pushing the rifle in Jess’s face.
“No, not any more you ain’t,” Jess yelled as he kicked the rifle from the older man’s grip and then followed through with a haymaker to the chin.
He’d already unloaded the gun by the time Cal staggered up looking embarrassed and surly.
“No need to act that way Jess, I was just kiddin’ ya,” he said sheepishly, “just having a laugh.”
“Yeah, well try this for a laugh,” Jess said menacingly as he reached forwards and removed Cal’s Colt from his holster before giving him an evil grin, “I guess you can collect these from down the trail aways.”
Then he remounted and looking down at Cal once more said, “And one other thing don’t you go giving Billy-Joe and Tilly a hard time or you’ll have me to answer to...got it!”
Cal sighed and finally nodded as he watched Jess ride off with his firearms. Then just a few hundred yards off he saw him chuck them into the snow at the side of the road.
Maybe Harper wasn’t that bad after all he thought; as he mounted up and galloped off to retrieve them. But he was nobody’s fool either and he figured he’d try his luck further north.
Jess made good time even with the extra detour of having to travel the roads rather than the old cross country Indian trail and it was early afternoon by the time he reached Bill and Nancy’s homestead.
They were purely delighted with all the goods Jess and bought on their behalf. Once it was all safely stored away Bill asked him to stay over once more. However, Jess had seen that the couple were now back on track, with all the chores up to date. With plenty of timber in the log store and enough rations to last several weeks he felt they would cope OK.
“Well thank you kindly,” he said smiling at Nancy, “but I guess Miss Daisy will be getting to fretting iffen I don’t land home pretty soon.”
“Alright my dear and give her my love,” Nancy said returning the smile.
“You take it real careful boy,” Bill said shaking Jess’s hand, “there’s wolves in them thar hills,” he added anxiously.
Jess shook his hand, “Thanks Bill and don’t worry only another two or three miles and I’ll be home.”
“Well shake a leg then Jess, that mist’s comin’ down again too,” Bill replied lugubriously.
Jess waved farewell and once more riding Toby and leading Samson pulling the sled, he left the yard making for the Laramie Road.
He’d only been riding for ten minutes or so when the mist turned to an all-invasive fog shrouding the surrounding countryside and making it hard to get his bearings as all the familiar landmarks melted into the haze.
The sudden deterioration in the weather seemed to make the mounts anxious and they started snorting, nodding their heads and sidestepping.
Jess patted Toby’s neck and said gently, “Hey steady old fellah.”
But when he got even more skittish and started balking Jess decided to dismount and lead him for a while. Samson too was behaving oddly and the last thing he wanted was for the big horse to bolt whilst attached to the sleigh.
He plodded on through the deep snow leading both horses for a while and then he was suddenly alerted to what the horses already knew...there were wolves afoot.
He heard them baying in the distance, the sound gradually becoming louder and louder.
If Jess had been riding Traveller, he might have just made a run for it as he figured he was only a matter of a couple of miles from the ranch. However, as it was, he had no other option but to tether the big horses and take on the wolf pack.
He led them over to a copse of huge pines by the roadside and tethered them securely...and then unharnessed Samson. If the worst happened, he’d let the horses go free to take their chance...but in the meantime he would fight for their lives with his last breath.
The baying got louder and then there was an ominous silence as the critters started sniffing around their prey.
When the attack came it was fast and furious...as the beasts suddenly appeared out of the fog tearing towards him jaws slathering and a madness in their eyes as they came in for the kill.
Jess fired off shots without pausing and within seconds three lay dead nearby as the rest of the pack receded into the gloom, to regroup and attack again.
All the time the horses were screaming and rearing up, frantically trying to escape. Jess with his back to them turned and gave them some gentle words of encouragement...before the wolves attacked once more.
This time he was able to pick off another three, and he figured there must only be a few left. Then in one last frenzied attack the remaining two wolves moved in for the kill. As Jess shot one, the other pounced and hurled him to the ground, his gun flying from his hand as he fell. The final wolf now had his arm in its steel like jaws and was tossing him around as though he were a mere young deer or other light quarry. Yelling in agony Jess tried to pull the critter off of him, but its grip around his arm was tenacious and he figured this was it...the end.
Summoning the last of his strength he reached down to his boot for his hunting knife and once secured thrust it hard into the critter’s guts, twisting and turning it as he did so. The animal gave an unearthly howl and then after several more seconds of frantic worrying at his arm, it finally shuddered and fell back jerking for a few more minutes before finally gasping its last breath.
Jess just lay there in the snow panting...the pain in his arm excruciating. He figured that was it. He’d damn well had enough...he could just roll over in the deep snow and drift away. Hell, the longer he lay there the more appealing the idea was and he actually began to feel quite warm...the snow, like a warm blanket enveloping him. He allowed his eyes to close and settled back...his breathing now rhythmic and relaxed.
It was the persistent stomping and whinnying of the heavy horses that finally brought him back to his senses. Hell, he might want to give up on life he thought but those poor critters don’t deserve to die too. Get a grip Harper he said angrily to himself and he started to lever himself up. His arm was now throbbing in time with his heart beat and he dreaded to think what damage had been done. But all he could do was to tie his bandana tightly around the open wound to stem the bleeding. Then he staggered over to where the horses were now pacing and fretting.
How he managed to get the harness back on he would never know...but he did; and then pulling himself up on Toby he resumed his journey. He carefully side stepped the dozen or so ghastly corpses, the horses showing the whites of their eyes and shaking their heads in fear, as they made their way back up onto the road.
The fog was even denser now and as he rode on, he could hardly see his hand before his face and he was completely disorientated. Surely, they must have reached the ranch gate by now?
He was about to retrace his steps when both Toby and Samson veered to the right and plodded to the side of the road...and there for a second the mist cleared and he saw the Sherman Ranch and Relay sign on the gate and gave a gasp of relief.
He dismounted to open the gate and then just didn’t have the energy to get back up, so plodded down the track leading the horses, frequently stopping to catch his breath. Now he was wheezing and everything around him seemed to darken as he felt a cold sweat running down his back.
He was finally home. All of a sudden everything was bright as the ranch door was thrown open, the lamplight spilling out onto the porch and Mike’s cries of delight echoing around the murky yard.
Moments later Slim was by his side, a comforting arm around his shoulders and a concerned look in his eyes, “Hey Pard what happened to you?”
Then Daisy’s exclamation of distress, “Catch him Slim, he’s going to faint.”
When he came around a few minutes later he was lying on the couch in the parlour.
Slim had removed his coat, boots, shirt and undershirt and Daisy was staring at the lacerated arm in undisguised horror.
Jess squinted up at her, “Daisy?”
She gathered herself quickly and pinned a smile on her face, “It’s alright dear, I just need to clean this arm up...was it a wolf did this?”
When he nodded Slim and Daisy exchanged an anxious glance...which Jess picked up on.
“Were they rabid yer thinking, huh?” he said quietly.
Slim just nodded, “Could they have been?” he asked.
Jess just shrugged, “Dunno, they looked pretty mad, but then I was shootin’ at ‘em,” and he gave the ghost of a smile.
Cleaning the wound carefully proved to be very painful and Slim and Daisy were relieved when he finally passed out again, allowing Daisy to dab on as much whiskey as she could in the hope of killing off any infection.
When he woke up much later it was dark, save for a night light on the mantle and his arm was swathed in a white bandage.
As he moved, Slim got up from his fireside chair and came and sat on the edge of the couch.
“What time is it?” Jess whispered.
“Gone midnight, you missed supper, but Daisy left something in the oven. Are you hungry?”
Jess shook his head, “Nope...can I have a drink...water.”
Once Slim had supported his head and he’d drunk thirstily he rested back, sighing a little.
“So, are you up to telling me about it?”
“Not much to tell, they hit a couple of miles down the road. I couldn’t make a run for it, so just had to make a stand,” he said quietly.
“How many were there?”
“Eight, maybe ten...”
“Jeez...”
“Been any trouble here?”
Slim shook his head, “Nope heard them in the distance a few times, but that’s all...”
“Are the horses alright now? They were real spooked Slim.”
“Sure, Mike helped me tend them and unload, you did real well there Jess. Enough supplies to last a month or two maybe longer if we’re careful huh?”
Jess shook his head, “Goddamn it Slim I don’t think I can hold off seeing Millie for another month or two. It’s been way too long as it is,” he muttered, sighing deeply.
Slim grimaced, “I know what you mean I’m missing Lily too. Ha, you know what they say though Jess, about absence making the heart fonder...well imagine how dang pleased they’ll be to see us huh,” he said trying to lighten the situation.
Maybe it was that conversation that prompted Jess to get so dang distressed later.
Slim had left him to sleep in the parlour not wanting to disturb him from the comfy couch and also imagining it would be warmer for him there.
However, when he awoke early the next day and padded in to check on his partner, he was concerned to see Daisy sitting on the edge of the couch bathing Jess’s burning face. Slim stood watching helplessly as Jess thrashed about; crying out for Millie. “What’s wrong?” Slim asked looking aghast.
“A nasty infection of the wound I think, look how his arm has swollen up. Unless it’s...the unthinkable.”
“Rabies,” Slim said looking fearful, “do you think it could be Daisy?”
“It’s too early to say dear, but I’ve never seen him this way before, all he wants is to see Millie He keeps calling for her although I don’t think he really knows where he is at the moment.”
Slim shook his head, “Well there is no way we can get through to Laramie and certainly not back again, he knows that.”
“Oh course he does, but he’s not in his right mind just now,” she said again. Then thoughtfully, “Just keep cooling him down will you Slim dear, I think I have something that might help.”
Once Daisy had gone Slim took over wiping Jess’s face and torso with the cold water and after a while his eyes opened properly and focused on Slim.
“Hey I’m freezin’,” he muttered, “quit it will ya...”
Slim put the damp cloth to one side, “You’re running a fever pard, just trying to cool you down some.”
When Jess said nothing Slim continued, “Daisy says you’ve been calling out for Millie. You know she’s not here don’t you Jess?”
Jess looked annoyed, “Of course I dang well know she ain’t here I’m sick not stupid.”
“I know that,” he said patiently, “but you were yelling for her?”
“Huh? Oh yeah, I was having a real bad dream when Daisy came in. Millie was skating on our lake and the ice cracked, just like with Mike on that old duck pond. Well, I was tryin’ to get to her and my darned legs wouldn’t work and I was just calling an’ calling her,” Then he looked anxiously up at his friend, “You don’t think it’s an omen do ya Slim? She needs me and I’m stuck out here?”
Slim shook his head, “No I don’t, you’re just fretting because you’re not too good right now that’s all Jess. Besides she’s got good friends to look out for her in town if she was in any trouble, you know that.
“I guess. I’d sure like to go check on her though, when this dang arm’s better,” he added. “After all, I made it to the trading post and back, didn’t I?”
“Yeah, and nearly got your arm ripped off in the process,” Slim said dryly. “Now just you bide your time.” Then he glanced out and added, “Besides it’s snowing again Jess,” and both men sighed at the sight of the huge flakes swirling about beyond the window.
By the time Daisy returned Jess was looking a little more his old self...although the arm was still very red and painful looking.
“Heck Daisy what’s that dang awful smell?” he asked as she came over to the couch.
“Just some simple herbs and garlic mixed with honey,” she said equably, “don’t fret dear.”
“Hang it all Daisy you ain’t gonna make me eat that are you?”
“Why no of course not,” she said chuckling at the idea, “it’s a poultice Jess, we lay it on the wound and it will draw out all the poison and infection.”
Jess cast Slim an anxious look as she came closer with the unpleasant gloop. “You’re sure about this?” he asked plaintively.
“Absolutely, dear Jonesy swore by it.”
Jess cast Slim another anguished glance, “Old Jonesy, well that accounts for it then...”
“Come on now Jess, you can’t deny a lot of his remedies worked fine,” Slim said grinning down at him.
“Only because we dang well got better just to escape the stink of most of his medicines,” Jess said bitterly.
The fever came and went...but eventually the swelling went down and the arm became less painful.
“And thank God it doesn’t look like those wretched animals were rabid,” Daisy said on the fourth day of his return home.
He was now able to sit out in a chair by the fire, but was itching to get back to work. Heck it was bad enough being confined to the ranch...but the four walls of the parlour seemed to be closing in on him. As much as he enjoyed Daisy’s company he longed to get out in the fresh air and revel in the vistas beyond the Sherman spread. The distant hills seemed to be calling him and he ached to get away, even for a short hunting trip... although he knew Daisy and Slim would object. But hell, a man had to do what he must, he said to himself...and right then all he wanted to do was get away by himself for a time.
He was to look back at that time with irony considering what was to happen next...
The previous snow shower had amounted to nothing and although it was still freezing and the snow lying pretty thickly it didn’t impinge on the day-to-day chores too much. It was all well-trodden down in the yard and surrounding area so they were able to feed the stock and do all their work as usual, albeit with the restrictions of all the heavy clothing needed to combat the bitter cold. So, with no fresh snow Jess became more and more keen to get out and about once more...but of course that wasn’t to be.

Chapter 11

It was a couple of weeks after the wolf attack and Jess was now able to do his share of the jobs around the ranch, if slightly more slowly than usual. His arm ached after a day’s work, but he didn’t complain and just got on with what had to be done. Once all the critters were bedded down for the night the men made it across the yard ready to spend the rest of the late afternoon and evening relaxing before the fire and then just going out for a final check on the herd, before turning in.
They paused on the porch and looked over to the horizon where distant storm clouds were once more advancing.
“Looks like more snow on the way,” Jess said morosely. “Jeez Slim ain’t this ever gonna end huh?”
It snowed all night and for the whole of the next day and they had to revert to digging a path through the drifts to the home pasture and barn...not to mention the outhouse. However inconvenient this was it was nothing compared to what was in-store for them all...
The following morning once breakfast was over Jess turned bleary eyes to the kitchen window pane and said, “Ain’t it kinda dark out there today?”
Slim sighed and sipped his coffee, “Its winter Jess it doesn’t get light for ages yet.”
“Yeah but...”
Then Mike jumped down from his seat and went over to investigate.
“Hey that’s strange,” he said turning back into the room, “I can’t see anything at all... its real black out there.”
Jess lurched up from his seat and wandered over, peering out of the window and the boy was right, there wasn’t a glimmer of light. Usually, they would be able to see the white snow lying on the yard and the distant grey outline of the barn...but nothing.
He ambled over to the back door and tried to open it...but it was stuck fast.
“Hey you didn’t lock this last night did you Slim,” he called over his shoulder.
Slim shrugged, “Nope I don’t even know where the key is.”
“Well, something’s holding it fast,” Jess replied, putting his shoulder to the door which was hung to open outwards. Then it gave way and a huge clod of snow fell onto the kitchen floor.
“Damn it, it’s blocked by a snow drift,” Jess said quickly closing the door again to prevent any more snow falling on Daisy’s clean floor.
“Wow,” Mike said jumping up and down in excitement, “we’re snowed in, this is so neat...wait until I get to see Davy and tell him.” he said, grinning from ear to ear.
Slim and Jess exchanged an anxious glance before making for the front door. Jess wrenched it open and they were met by a wall of snow completely blocking the front entrance and frozen solid...Jess kicked at it...but made no impression at all.
Ever the practical one, Slim said, “I guess we’ll just have to mess up Miss Daisy’s floor, get out the back and then try and dig out around the front.”
“Never mind about that, we’ve got to dig out the hen house and a path to the barn and Jeez Slim... what about the herd!”
Both men were galvanized into action, using whatever they could find to push the snow away from the kitchen door...Daisy’s broom was useful as was a rifle butt. Once they made it out, they were able to wade through the deep snow to the barn lean-to where picks shovels and all manner of tools were hanging.
A little later they were joined by a warmly dress Daisy and Mike eager to help.
Seeing how distressed Jess looked as he peered over to the home pasture Daisy said quickly, “Mike and I will make a start at digging out the hens and clearing a path to the outhouse, if that would help?”
“Thanks,” Slim said patting her arm and smiling at Mike.
Then he turned to Jess to suggest they check on the herd, but he was already on his way.
By the time Slim caught up, he was already doing a quick head count of the many young beasts and pregnant stock.
Most of the older critters were holed up beneath the standing pines, where the men had made a warm bed of straw out of the worst of the weather and they seemed to be coping well.
“By my reckoning we’re about a dozen short,” Jess said, “mostly young stock. I guess they panicked when the wind got up last night and made for the gate.” It was now covered in a good six-foot snow drift and there were no signs of life.
“Oh God no,” Slim muttered as reality hit home.
“Come on,” Jess said urgently lumbering over towards the huge hump of snow, “start diggin’ we may not be too late.”
It was sometime before Slim finally yelled in triumph and shortly afterwards a rather surprised looking heifer broke out of her snowy tomb and ran free...shaking herself and then running over to join the rest of the herd. By then both men were soaked to the skin as they labored up to their waists in the freezing snow, exhausted from the heavy digging. However, they were spurred on by finding another animal alive and with that they redoubled their efforts. It was several hours later when they were done and had saved ten of the dozen trapped animals.
“Could have been worse,” Jess said turning to his pard and literally shaking with cold and exhaustion.
Slim slapped him warmly on the back, “Come on Jess let’s go check how Daisy and Mike are doing and then we need to tend the rest of the stock.”
They were amazed to find it was well after noon when they returned to the warmth of the ranch kitchen and a welcome coffee apiece. Daisy looked distressed when she saw the state of her boys and even more so when they both refused any food.
“No time Daisy,” Slim said kindly, “we need to feed and water the horses and then start on a few repairs before night fall. The hen house roof is partly down and we need to double check some of the barn timbers too.”
“Oh I suppose you must, but you both look dog-tired.”
“We can’t afford to lose anymore stock,” Slim said quietly and then explained about the cattle that had died in the snow drift.
She drew in a shocked breath, “Oh how awful.”
“See there are all sorts out there Daisy, wolves, fox, big cats all as hungry as all get out, so we need to make sure everywhere is real secure before dark,” Jess explained.
It was pitch dark when they finally dragged themselves back into the ranch house, with Mike already abed.
“He was worn out poor boy,” Daisy said. “After all that digging, he was almost asleep at the table like he was as Christmas.”
“You look tired too,” Jess said. “Why dontcha get off; me and Slim can serve up our supper...you have eaten?”
“Yes dear, with Mike. You boys need looking after though you must be bone weary.”
“We’re just fine,” Jess said giving her a brief hug, “you go get yer beauty sleep Daisy and we’ll see ya in the morning.”
Once she had reluctantly left for bed, Slim set about dishing up the stew, whilst Jess started rummaging about in the back of a kitchen cupboard, before pulling out a bottle and holding it aloft, grinning at Slim.
“I knew we’d hidden some of old Denver’s best; someplace against a rainy day.”
Slim grinned at him, “I guess a snowy one will do just as well.”
Then winking at Jess said “You sly old dog, that’s why you dispatched Daisy off to bed early isn’t it.”
Jess just tapped his nose and went off to find some glasses.
Maybe it was the fact that they hadn’t eaten since breakfast, or that they were totally worn out...but whatever the reason the strong drink went straight to their heads.
They were half way through the meal when Jess sighed and said, “I guess I’m too dang tried to eat anymore, you want this Hardrock?”
Slim threw him a puzzled look, “That isn’t like you. Hell Jess, you can usually eat your body’s weight in food after a hard day’s work.”
Jess shook his head, “I just ain’t hungry Slim, you have it, after all yer a growin’ boy,” he said with a grin.
Slim acknowledged their standing joke, but then sobered.
“Come on Jess eat up; you’re getting way too skinny.”
Jess sighed but reluctantly did as he was asked.
Slim flicked his pard an anxious glance. It hadn’t escaped his notice that Jess’s ribs were sticking out of his very lean torso when he’d stripped off for bed the other night. Or that he’d tightened his belt another notch that morning. He’d also observed how Jess had slipped some of his food onto Mike’s plate or said he just wasn’t hungry and given his meal to the youngster on several occasions. Sure, they were on short rations he mused now, but there was enough for all.
He took a swig of the whiskey and then said, “You don’t have to keep giving Mike your food either Jess, there’s enough for us all as long as we’re careful.”
Jess looked down and sighed before looking Slim in the eye, “I went to bed with an empty belly too many dang times when I was Mike’s age, I don’t want the same for him,” he muttered.
Slim punched him gently on the arm, “I know buddy, but you have to look after yourself too you know. I don’t reckon I could cope without you right now.”
Jess chuckled at that and then said, “Well I ain’t thinkin’ of goin’ anyplace.”
“That’s not what I meant and you know it,” Slim said quietly, “you’ve got to look after yourself Jess and that means eating more.” then he chuckled, “Hell that’s something I never thought I’d hear myself say,” and both men laughed.
Then Jess responded, “Dadgum it Slim you’re the one that’s been coughing since we came in, maybe you should be the one looking after yourself,” he said with a cheeky grin.
It was once the meal was over and they sat before the fire that they really got stuck into the whiskey, “I guess we should get out of these wet clothes,” Slim said lazily as he watched them both steaming gently.
“I guess so,” Jess agreed, but neither man moved.
“Think the hen house roof will hold?” Jess asked after a while.
Slim nodded, “As long as we don’t get another storm like last night.”
“Darn critters have gone off the lay anyway,” Jess muttered morosely. “Hell Slim, when’s this dang winter gonna end huh?”
Slim shrugged “Your guess is as good as mine, but let’s put it this way I doubt we’ll make the February 14 Valentine Dance next week pard.”
Jess looked scandalized, “Goddamn it, do ya think anyone will ask our girls?”
Slim frowned, “I guess most folk will be snowed-in same as us, it’ll probably be cancelled, well maybe postponed; you know, put on hold?”
I feel like my whole damn life’s been postponed,” Jess lamented.
“No point in fretting about what we can’t change,” Slim said philosophically.
Jess nodded and then said, “I guess that’s why I get so dang mad with the situation. See I can usually look out fer myself...in a fight, I know I can knock someone into next week...or outdraw most men. But this,” he said gesturing to the window and the white wilderness beyond... “This I can’t control... can’t beat it and that’s kinda worryin’”
Slim nodded, “I know what you mean,” and then coughed...yet again.
“Are you OK? You’ve been coughing that way since we came in, seems to be getting worse too,” Jess said anxiously.
“Nah, I’m fine, nothing this won’t cure,” Slim said, looking more than a little tipsy as he waggled the whiskey bottle at Jess, “like a top up?”
The following morning when Slim didn’t appear for breakfast Jess just assumed he’d got one hell of a hangover, just like he had. However, the smell of coffee had lured him out of bed and now he sat at the breakfast table staring into space and waiting for the strong black brew to work its miracles.
“Huh, sorry...what did ya say Daisy?”
“I said where is Slim dear? It’s not like him to be late to the table.”
Jess shrugged, “I dunno,” he said not looking Daisy in the eye. Hell, he didn’t want to be responsible for trying to awake a severally hung-over Slim.
“Uh go tell him breakfast is ready will ya Tiger?” Jess said hopefully.
The boy returned in a few minutes and said, “I think he’s sick Jess. He said he thought he was dying,” Mike said looking deeply shocked.
Jess grinned at him, “He ain’t dying Tiger don’t fret...he’s just ...uh real tired after yesterday I guess,” he managed thinking there was at least a grain of truth in that.
Daisy got up at once and headed for the bedroom...and Jess watched, waiting for her return and tart comment as to the cause of Slim’ s distress.
However, when she didn’t come back after a few minutes, he went to investigate.
He stood in the doorway and looked on in shock as Slim sat up in bed, doubled up and coughing, his face puce and eyes streaming.
He went over and said gently, “Hey Slim what’s up buddy?”
Slim tried to answer, but another bout of coughing made speech impossible as Jess looked on helplessly.
“He’s caught a bad chill that has gone to his chest,” Daisy said looking concerned. “Stay with him Jess and I’ll go and make some hot lemon and honey that should help a little.”
Then turning at the door she said, “I can’t believe he didn’t change into dry clothes last night,” and tutted before marching off.
Jess sank down on the edge of the bed and looked down at his buddy, “How’s yer head?” he asked.
Slim grimaced.
“That bad huh,” Jess said with the ghost of a smile, “mine too.”
The next few days were some of the very worst of the winter for all at the ranch.
Slim, who usually had robust health, was laid so low with the chest complaint that Daisy was really beginning to despair. He seemed to sink further into depression and sickness every day, until she really feared there was no way back.
She was terribly worried about him. Also, Jess as she watched him try to take on the multitude of tasks that kept the ranch afloat. He had refused to let either herself of Mike help with the outdoor chores as he said it was way too cold for them out there. A northerly had been blowing up since Slim got sick and the temperature had plummeted even further. The freezing weather making even breathing painful and eyes water copiously with the constant onslaught of the gale force, gusting winds.
When she had argued that he couldn’t take on everything himself he had gotten really upset. “Heck Daisy we’ve got Slim real sick and I just couldn’t stand to see you or Mike go the same way. Please just keep in the warm huh...I can cope.”
Eventually he had agreed to Mike helping with the barn chores. Assisting Jess with mucking out, feeding and grooming the horses and milking the house cow however that was as far as he would go. Even then he constantly checked on the boy and sent him back inside if he looked at all chilly.
Meanwhile Jess also took on all the outdoor chores of feeding and watering the herd and keeping the house supplied with plenty of wood for fire and cook stove. Then there were all the running repairs to attend to with fences down and rooves damaged by the persistently strong wind. It moaned in the pines and was a constant background day and night, almost driving him crazy.
He could feel his energy being sucked out of him as he blundered on through each day, coming in at night and falling asleep in his rocker most nights even before supper.
One evening, a week or so after Slim got sick, Daisy watched Jess anxiously as he slept by the fire and wondered how much more he could take.
He had lost even more weight and looked gaunt, with black shadows under his eyes and black stubble of a beard to his chin. His clothes were filthy and he’d again ripped a shirt she noted as she stared sadly down at him. She felt so very helpless. All she could do was provide warm nourishing meals and try to keep him and Mike as cheerful as she possibly could. But that was becoming more and more difficult, with even young Mike realizing the severity of the situation they found themselves in.
She sighed and went quietly into the bedroom and stood staring down at Slim. He hadn’t eaten anything for several days now and was getting weaker every hour. She had sat beside him all day trying to get him to at least drink something, but the coughing had worn him out and now he looked a shadow of his former self as he slept fitfully.
Would this be how it would end she suddenly thought with a shiver of apprehension. Would Slim die and then Jess work himself into the ground and likewise meet his Maker before this terrible winter ended? The thought filled her with fear and trepidation. Then what would become of Mike? Could she keep the place going on her own with just the boy to help her? She must do everything she could to protect the youngster...but what? She was no match for the elements. Everything was out of her hands. She was a qualified nurse and had looked after Slim to the very best of her abilities, but he just seemed to have given up and that she knew was a death knell.
She pulled the covers more securely around him and then went to check on Mike. He was fast asleep in his bed, one of the buffalo hides keeping him warm as toast and he was sleeping soundly. The sight of him again aroused her fears and she returned to the parlour to get warm and maybe share a coffee with Jess when he woke up.
She sat down before the fire and suddenly it was all too much for her. She was in danger of losing two of the people she loved most in the world. She also knew that she couldn’t even guarantee the safety of dear Mike and she put her head in her hands and wept.
Jess was almost instantly awake and by her side. He knelt beside her chair and took her hand, “Daisy what is it?” he asked softly.
Then when she was unable to answer his face went deathly pale.
“Slim? Dear God it ain’t Slim... is it, Daisy?”
Seeing him look so distraught she managed to pull herself together.
“No dear...he’s...he’s still with us. I’m so sorry, it was just the thought of losing him...maybe you too...I just couldn’t stand it,” she said honestly.
“Hey, it’s OK,” he said quickly, “I’m just fine. As for old Hardrock, he’s a tough cookie, he’ll bounce back you’ll see. It’ll be spring soon and everything will be back to normal...I promise,” he said hugging her close.
Daisy pulled back and shook her head, “Oh Jess dear it won’t...I don’t think he’s going to make it.”
Jess looked stunned, “Huh... heck it’s just a chill ain’t it, Daisy?”
She nodded, “I thought as much, and it hasn’t developed into lung-fever, that’s a blessing. Even so he’s just getting weaker and weaker every day. It’s like he’s given up on life Jess. I saw it in some soldiers during the war... the terrible conditions were just too much for them to bear and they upped and died.”
Jess looked shocked and then he looked mad.
“Not on my watch he ain’t,” he growled before leaping up and making for their shared bedroom. He turned at the door and said firmly, “You stay there, Daisy, you don’t need to hear this.”
He entered the room and looked down with compassion at his sleeping pard; but knew what he had to do.
He roughly shook him awake and glared down at Slim who was looking around him with a dazed expression at such a rude awakening.
Then he finally focused on Jess and gave him a weak smile.
“So how long are yer gonna lie there in a nice cosy bed while I’m freezin’ my butt off out there in the yard?” Jess snarled.
Slim looked shocked and licked his lips before saying huskily, “I’m sorry Jess…I guess it’s kind of hard for you.”
“Hard!” Jess bellowed, “It’s more than hard! I spend all the dang day frozen stiff while you laze about here like a goddamn dyin’ swan. Well, I’m sick of it you hear me! So, get yerself up and back to work or I damn well quit...because I can’t handle it no more Slim! I’m done...beat...finished...you got it?”
Slim just lay there looking totally bewildered, “Quit...you can’t quit, what about Mike and Daisy?” he finally managed.
“Just watch me,” Jess stormed. “Now as to Daisy, she’s been workin’ herself up real bad thinkin’ yer about to die on us...so you’d damn well better prove her wrong. Now I’m gonna go get you somethin’ to eat and you’re gonna dang well eat it OK?”
Slim nodded weakly, “OK...”
Daisy who had been secretly listening at the door, moved quickly away. She had been deeply shocked when Jess had started ranting. How could he be so cruel she thought? But then she heard Slim’ s response, yes, he would eat something and she was overjoyed.
Jess went and sat in the kitchen with her as she heated up some nourishing chicken soup for Slim.
“How did you manage it?” she said again and then slightly reproachfully, “And why did you yell at him that way Jess?”
“Worked, didn’t it?” Jess said grinning.
“Yes but...why?” she asked again.
“Well, you see Daisy, when the Good Lord was handin’ out guilt and responsibility he gave Slim an extra helping. So, I knew if I made him feel real bad about me bein’ stuck out there in the cold doin’ all his work as well as mine, he’d do his best to try and get fit again. Same with the responsibility thing, he feels accountable for you and Mike. The thought that he wasn’t lookin’ out for the boy and was worrying you that made him feel bad too. Bad enough to try and do something about it, I guess,” he finished triumphantly.
“Oh you! Jess Harper, that is so underhanded!” she said scolding him. “But at least it seems to have worked.”
“Well, you know what Mort always says, the means justifies the end,” he said as he took the tray from her and turned to the bedroom to make sure his buddy drank every last drop.
Slim looked warily at Jess as he as entered, seated himself on the edge of the bed and placed a napkin under his chin.
“Come on then Pard open wide,” he said grinning, “Daisy reckons you’ll be too weak to feed yerself, so I’m doin’ the honors.”
From that moment he treated Slim with the upmost gentleness and kindness, tending him the way he would have done Mike.
Once the soup was finished and Jess had helped him to a long drink of water, he settled him back on the pillows and grinned, “See that weren’t too bad was it huh?”
Slim looked as near to tears as Jess had ever seen him and he whispered “Thanks Jess...for...well making me see sense.”
“I didn’t mean any of that, what I said, you know that dontcha?” Jess said quickly.
“Sure, I know that. The thing is though Jess, Daisy was right…I had just about given up. I felt so dang weak and tired I just couldn’t rouse myself to carry on. Seemed easier to just fall asleep and not wake up. Jeez I’m so dang sorry.”
Jess cast his mind back to the time after the wolf attack and how he’d just had enough and had laid back in the snow and given himself up to the elements...he would happily have just fallen asleep...the thought of oblivion real tempting.
“No need to be sorry...I nearly did the same,” he said and he told Slim about it. “If it hadn’t been for that old Samson and Toby kicking off, I might have just given up too. I guess they pulled me back from the brink.”
Slim looked deeply shocked to hear that and then sighed, “I figure maybe you did the same for me.”
“Oh?”
“Uh, see I was dreaming when you came in. I guess it must have been a dream? Ma and Pa were standing right here by the bed...looked as real as you do now. Gee it was so damn good to see them again Jess,” he said softly.
“Go on...”
“Well Ma reached her hand out to me and I knew,” and he looked up at Jess with such conviction, “I just knew that if I took her hand then I’d be leaving with them.”
Jess gasped, “What happened?”
“You did,” Slim said with the ghost of a smile, “You shook me awake, in more ways than one. You woke me up to my responsibilities Jess and to the fact that I’d be leaving some very precious folk that mean everything to me.”
They exchanged a look of deep understanding, before Jess lightened the atmosphere.
“So, ya thinkin’ of hangin’ around a while longer then are you pard?”
“You bet,” Slim said openly grinning at Jess then.
It was another week before Slim was well enough to leave his bed and start some light chores and everyone at the ranch rejoiced when he returned to good health.
“I guess everything’s really gonna be alright,” Jess said to Daisy as he watched Slim and Mike laughing together as they played checkers, “I told ya so didn’t I huh?”
However, little did Jess and Daisy know that the winter challenges were far from over.

Chapter 12

One morning about a week later Mike was out playing with his sledge and Jess was finishing off in the barn.
Slim had just gone over to the house to take some more firewood in for the cook-stove when all hell was let loose.
Mike had been sliding down the rise on his sledge, but now he came tearing down it running and screaming at the top of his voice, “Bear...Bear!!!”
Jess dropped everything and sprinted out of the barn in time to see the boy running into the yard hotly pursued by a large angry looking bear, loping along on all fours.
“Git inside!” Jess yelled putting himself between Mike and the bear and yelling and waving his arms at it.
The bear stopped in his tracks looking slightly puzzled at this new turn of events. But then seeing his potential dinner disappearing into the ranch house he focused on Jess and started rushing forwards again...then it reared up on its back legs ready to attack him.
Jess hadn’t bothered strapping on his gun-belt that morning and had got so warm mucking out the barn that he’d shucked his thick winter coat. Now he stood there in his shirtsleeves without even the protection of his warm jacket.
Then three things happened almost at once ...Jess tugged his hunting knife from his boot and hurled it at the bear; hitting him squarely in the chest. But still he kept coming and with one swipe of his gigantic paw sent Jess flying backwards. The wounded beast started advancing on his prey once more... Then a shot rang out also hitting him in the chest. He gave a scream of pain and rage but even so he still managed to stagger on towards where Jess was down. Then a third and fourth shot finally finished him and he fell heavily; again, bellowing in agony as he collapsed across Jess pining him down.
Slim raced to Jess and with great effort finally managed to roll the dead animal away and release him. He hauled his shaking and ashen pard to his feet and helped him to the porch; where Daisy and Mike still stood frozen in shock.
“Get inside,” Slim said tersely, “his mate could be out there...shut the door Daisy and check the back one too,” he added helping Jess over to the couch.
Slim removed Jess’s shredded shirt and Daisy commenced cleaning the wound where the critter had left deep claw abrasions across his shoulder and chest.
After a few minutes they were aware of Mike sniffing and looking close to tears.
“Hey Tiger don’t fret,” Jess said quickly, “it’s only a scratch.”
When the youngster still looked woebegone Jess called him over and slung his good arm around his shoulders.
“It’s OK...really,” he said again gently.
“No, it’s not! I’m so sorry Jess it was all my fault. You an’ Slim told me never to run iffen a critter chased me. I was to climb a tree or hide. But I was just so darned scared I forgot.”
“Heck there weren’t no place fer you to hide, or any trees easy to get up...nope you did the right thing warning us Tiger.”
“Thank goodness the terrible beast is dead now,” Daisy said shuddering.
“He was just hungry Daisy, it weren’t his fault, he was just doing what comes natural I guess.”
“Um well that’s very philosophical of you Jess,” Slim said dryly, “I reckon we should all be on the alert from now on though.”
Then turning to Mike and Daisy said, “I think you should stay indoors, just until we’re certain Ma bear isn’t around too. Iffen she’s got cubs I guess she’ll do just about anything to feed them.”
Once Daisy had gone off with Mike to make some coffee and find him some milk and cookies, Slim threw his pard a quizzical look.
“Just a little scratch, is it?” he asked, with a knowing look.
Jess squinted up at him and gave the hint of a smile, “Hurts like hell, but I weren’t gonna let the boy hear that.”
Slim gave him a gentle punch on his good arm and said, “You take it easy today pard, I’ll finish off outside.”
“What about our furry friend? If we leave him out there for long, we’ll get every dang buzzard and coyote around havin’ lunch on us,” Jess said.
Slim shivered at the prospect, “I guess you’re right. I’ll cover him over with that old tarp in the barn for now and we’ll think about moving him when you’re feeling a bit better.”
“I guess there’s one good thing about all this anyway,” Jess said grinning.
“So what would that be?”
“Well, if that old bear’s woken up from his long sleep, I reckon Spring must be on the way!”
The following day as Jess had predicted, buzzards were beginning to hover high in the sky...making their harsh, eerie cries.
“We really don’t need this,” Jess said casting a glance skywards.
“What do you suggest?” Slim asked staring down at the massive corpse. “The grounds too dang hard to bury him isn’t it.”
Jess looked thoughtful, “How’s about another burial at sea?”
“Huh...”
“Same way as Dunhill went...we chuck him in the river and he should make it to the ocean sooner or later,” he grinned. “Only this time it will be no accident,” he said sobering at the memory.
“And so how do you plan to get him way across the home pasture?” Slim asked
“Remember that sledge Billy-Joe gave us? I figure we could lash him to that and Samson should be able to pull it, what do ya say huh?”
Slim shook his head in wonder and said, “I say that’s pure genius buddy.”
Fully armed with their hunting rifles, just in case, they finally made their way slowly across the field to the river, leaving strict instructions for Mike and Daisy to stay indoors until their return.
Now as they approached the river Jess glanced around him.
“Hey looky here,” he said with interest, “one of those ol’ pines has come down in that gale we had. I reckon we could get across, makes a real good bridge...”
Slim just nodded looking distracted, “Let’s just dump this critter and get back home,” he said looking anxiously around him, “I don’t want to leave Daisy and Mike for long.”
They cut the bear corpse free and then it was relatively easy to tip him over the edge of the bank. He hurtled down and Jess swallowed hard as he remembered the terrible end suffered by Dunhill.
Moments later it was all over and there was a huge splash as the bear hit the water and was then quickly carried away by the fast-flowing river.
Slim looked on in distaste and then turning to Jess said, “Come on pard let’s get back.”
“Hang on a minute Slim, what was that?” Jess asked nodding towards the densely overgrown bank opposite.
“Huh?”
“Deer I think,” Jess said looking animated, “how about I go over and see what I can rustle up huh?”
Slim revued the snow covered fallen tree bridging the river and shook his head, “That looks kind of dangerous Jess...you fall in you’re in big trouble.”
“Oh, come on,” Jess said irritably, “you worry too dang much. Anyway, you can’t say we don’t need some fresh meat. Hell, we ain’t had any since those dang rats ate a hole in the cold store door.”
Slim had to admit that their diet had been rather predictable of late.
“Besides we’re supposed to be lookin’ after the old Benson place for Mort ain’t we,” he added.
Old man Benson, the older brother of the Sherman’s solicitor had died many years ago and the house and few acres had been left to go to rack and ruin. Then the present Mr Benson decided to sell and Mort Cory had bought the property. He thought it would make the ideal retirement place. Or even a home for newlyweds if he could only persuade his long-term lady friend, Kate Munroe to marry him. In the meantime, he occasionally rented it out and used it for hunting every now and then. In return for Slim and Jess keeping an eye on the old place Mort was happy for them to hunt there whenever they wanted. Because the land had been left fallow and not many folks passed that way it was indeed a haven for wildlife and was jokingly referred to as the ‘larder out back’ by the men. Access was simple as it was easy to wade across the river most of the year...but in winter it was a no-go area. Therefore, they usually took the long way around via the road. However, that had been blocked with snow for weeks. Now that Jess had the opportunity to go and do some hunting, he wasn’t about to let the notion be scuppered by Slim.
“Aw come on buddy, I won’t be long. You go check on Mike and Daisy and tell ‘em we’ll have venison or pheasant for supper tonight.”
Jess’s enthusiasm was infectious and Slim smiled in spite of his bad feeling, “OK you win, but just an hour or so huh...back before supper...I need to get back now and check on them.”
“Sure...sure and uh, leave Samson and the sledge will ya, I guess I’ll need it to bring the spoils home,” he said with his cheeky grin.
Slim rolled his eyes, but could see the sense in it.
“You take care you hear?” he replied. Then once he’d seen Jess safely navigate the tree bridge he turned and started plodding back across the home pasture.
Jess picked up the deer tracks almost at once and soon came across a small group relaxing in the afternoon sunshine near a small copse. There was practically no warmth in the sun, but the critters were obviously enjoying the rest from the relentless wind and falling snow.
It almost seemed a sin the spoil their peace Jess reflected as he raised his hunting rifle and took careful aim.
He brought down a young buck and on closer inspection was pleased to see he was a good solid specimen that would make some excellent meals for them all.
He left it over by the barn door remembering there were some old sacks in there that would be ideal to carry his booty back home. Once that was attended to, he left the bagged up, butchered deer on a hook by the barn door and decided to go a little further afield in the hope of picking off a game bird or two.
He returned an hour or so later with a couple of pheasants and a large turkey hen and decided that should keep Daisy happy for a good while.
Then he turned and glanced at the old ranch house. Maybe he should check it out and see if there had been any damage from the recent storms and heavy snow. He glanced up at the sun, now a red ball in the sky and guessed he’d got another hour or so of daylight left. So, he turned for the ranch house which was a few hundred yards back from the barn, corral and small vegetable plot.
As he advanced, he was suddenly aware of some footprints leading off towards the other out buildings and far pasture. He frowned, had Mort got a client in residence. He sure hadn’t said anything. But there again he hadn’t seen hide nor hair of Mort in months. It had been late November last time he’d been able to get into town...last time he’d seen Millie he reflected and swore softly under his breath. Jeez he was missing her something fierce...surely this dang weather couldn’t go on forever.
Then he remembered that was the last time he’d seen Mort too. He’d tipped him off about that no hoper Dunhill being on the run. Maybe it was another outlaw hiding out he suddenly thought.
He tried the back door and was surprised to find it unlocked, so he pushed it open quietly and went in, his gun drawn…
The kitchen was neat and tidy and there was a smell of recently cooked bacon drifting in the air. Then Jess heard movement above and moments later the kitchen door creaked open.
A tall, rangy man stood there staring menacingly at him. He might have been about his own age but when Jess looked much closer, he noted the stranger had prematurely greying hair and a lined weather-beaten face with a deep scar down one cheek...making him appear much older.
“Yes,” he growled “what do ya want?”
Jess holstered his gun and said, “I might ask you the same question, what are you doin’ here…this is private property.”
“Renting,” the other barked...from that Sheriff in town...uh Cory...said I was welcome to stay for a minimal rent iffen I could get out here.”
Jess frowned and narrowed his eyes, “So why didn’t ya come out, make yerself known? Ya must have heard me shootin’?”
The stranger looked even surlier, “I like my privacy...mister…?”
“Harper,” Jess supplied, “Jess Harper. I ranch just over the river at the Sherman spread. I’m a partner there and we keep an eye on Mort’s place for him, Sheriff Cory that is.”
“Chas Lawson,” the other said grudgingly.
“Well then Mr Lawson, what are you doin’ out here in the middle of nowhere huh?”
Lawson glared at him and then sighed deeply and gave him a weak grin, “You aren’t going to give up are you Harper?”
Jess said nothing just stared back deadpan.
“OK, OK, I’m here to confront Sherman if you must know.”
“Confront him?” Jess echoed.
“Confront, meet, challenge, antagonize, call it what you will Mr Harper... but the outcome is the same. I want him dead...I aim to kill him.”
Jess looked stunned, “Huh, why’d you wanna do a damn fool thing like that that?”
The other moved to the kitchen table and sat, gesturing for Jess to do likewise. Then he got up again and wandered over to a cupboard coming back with a whiskey bottle and two glasses. He filled them both and pushed one across to Jess.
Jess hesitated for a moment; not sure he was inclined to share a drink with some guy that wanted his pard dead. But there again maybe it would make sense to try and find out what this was all about, if he intended to stop it...which he did.
They both tipped the strong drink back and Lawson refilled the glasses and sat back weighing Jess up.
“I’ve been here since that break in the weather we had back in November,” he started. “I traveled down from Montana.”
Jess whistled, “You must wanna be here real bad.”
Lawson nodded, “I do and it was no problem. I’ve got all the equipment, snow shoes and the like, besides we’re used to weather like this up north.”
“I guess so,” Jess conceded, “but why... why would you want to harm Slim?”
“Well, I’ll tell ya Harper, because I feel like I kinda know you already. See I had a few drinks in the bar with a guy named Mose Shell before I came out here and he gave me the low down on everything and everyone at the Sherman spread.”
“Oh I’ll just bet he did,” Jess muttered darkly. Then he recalled way back before Thanksgiving how Mose had predicted the bad weather after talking with a guy from Montana.
“So what’s he been sayin’ huh?”
“About you, well I know you’re from the panhandle born to poor folk...you’re Pa liked a drink and got kind of handy with his fist after a skin full, used to beat you...just like mine did,” he said quietly. “Anyway, he said that yer folk all met with a real tragic end...and you went on the drift age fifteen hunting the killers down. Also, that you were a gunfighter with a pretty impressive past. Then how you gave it all up to work at the Sherman place and now you are a partner there and model citizen, even deputizing for the Sheriff...quite a remarkable turnaround.”
Jess just shrugged trying hard to control his anger that Mose should tell a complete stranger all these private details. That was way beyond disloyal he thought.
“See your beginning is kind of similar to my own...I lost my Ma and Pa too when I was just sixteen years of age...and it was all down to Matt Sherman junior.”
Jess’s head shot up and he gave him a compassionate look, “I’m sorry to hear that.” Then his eyes narrowed and he said, “What’s that got to with Slim though?”
“Oh yes, it’s Slim now isn’t it...Mose did say. I’ll tell you Harper...you see Matt, uh Slim was my best friend and he betrayed me. I got in some trouble and ended up in jail. Then when I was locked up my Pa got stinkin’ drunk and picked a fight with my Ma...this time he shot her, Jess and then turned the gun on himself.”
“Jeez,” Jess said softly. “But I still don’t see how that’s Slim’ s fault.”
“Well sure it is. He could have stood by me...got me out of jail, but he did nothing. If I’d been home Pa would never have shot Ma; can’t you see that?”
Jess shook his head, “I see yer lookin’ for someone to blame for something real bad that happened. But you can’t lay this at Slim’ s door.”
“Well, I damn well aim to and you can tell him that from me too...and tell him not to come looking...I’ll find him, when I’m ready.”
Jess looked perplexed, “I was kinda wonderin’ why you ain’t been lookin’ sooner...seems you’ve been here all these weeks?”
“I couldn’t get over. That tree’s only just come down. Anyways, like I say I’m biding my time...I’ll strike when I’m ready and not before. This has been a long time coming and I aim to enjoy every last minute of it.”
Jess got up and turned to leave, “You got any sense you’ll hightail it back to Montana and forget all about this, its ancient history.”
“Not to me it isn’t,” Lawson yelled looking furious. “Oh yeah and there’s something else you and I have in common too. I made my living as a gunfighter up in Montana...got myself quite a reputation too,” he said...and then he drew his gun...
Jess stared mesmerized; hell, that was fast he conceded.
Lawson twirled his gun and slid it back into his holster, “I ain’t about to let this lie...and you can tell Sherman he’d better brush up on his gun skills...because I’m going to call him out one of these fine days.”
Jess just turned and walked away...but there was one thing he was damn sure of; he’d take on Lawson first and hopefully he’d be faster...It would be a pretty close-run thing that he knew and from he’d just witnessed …it could go either way.

Chapter 13

Jess decided to wait until supper was over and Mike and Daisy had retired for the night before he shared his news with Slim.
His pard looked slightly surprised when Jess brought a couple of glasses and the whiskey bottle over to the fireside.
“What’s this in aid of?” Slim said grinning up at him, “it isn’t Saturday you know Jess,” but nevertheless, he readily accepted the drink.
“I think you might need it when you hear what I’ve gotta say,” Jess replied sitting down in his rocker and throwing Slim an anxious glance.
Slim sighed expansively, “Go on what have you done now?” he asked sipping his drink and watching Jess slightly irritably.
Jess ignored his attitude and said, “I met an old friend of yours today over at the old Benson place...a guy names Chas Lawson.”
Slim turned ashen and knocked back his whiskey before staring dumbfounded at Jess, “What’s he doing there?” he finally managed.
There was no easy way to say it so Jess figured he’s just come out with the truth... “Wants to kill ya, seems to think you were responsible for his Ma and Pa dyin’...”
“What!” Slim cried looking thunderstruck, “How the hell does he figure that?”
Jess shrugged, “He said you didn’t help him when he was jailed for something and iffen he’d been home the shootin’ would never have happened. Damn it Slim I told him he was crazy, but he just don’t see it that way. He wants you dead and he ain’t messin’ about either. He aims to call you out...and he’s fast Slim; I mean real fast.”
Jess topped up their glasses and then added, “So, you wanna tell me about it?”
Slim looked dazed, like he’d almost forgotten Jess was there. He shook his head as though to clear it and took another sip of his drink before replying.
“We were best buddies...he and his Ma and Pa lived in a shack up in the hills, at the back of Nancy and Bill Barnes spread. His Pa was a sod buster, could have been a good business supplying Billy-Joe’s store, if he’d stayed off the strong drink that is.”
Jess nodded sympathetically, “Yeah he said how his Pa was kinda handy with his fists after a drink...a lot like mine,” he added bitterly.
“I guess that’s why he decided to leave home once he turned sixteen, get a job on a cattle drive,” Slim said.
“Go on.”
“Only problem was he didn’t have a mount of the right caliber for that kind of work. Heck, I knew that and so I decided to lend him a young quarter horse Pa had broken and I’d been training. He would have been ready to go shortly and I was going to let Chas borrow him...but...”
“But what Slim?”
“I was sick had a real bad dose of the flu and when Chas came visiting Pa wouldn’t let him in. For his own good he didn’t want to see my friend sick or to pass it on to his folks either.”
“Makes sense I suppose.”
“Yeah, but Chas didn’t see it that way. He’d always had a bit of a chip on his shoulder about the good life I had here with Ma and Pa being really kind and caring. His Ma was very weak and sickly and never said much about anything. As for his Pa, he was a real bastard Jess... and yes, a drunk. Anyway, the upshot is that Chas came back the night my Pa had turned him away, and stole Patch...the horse I was going to lend him. I was waiting to surprise him on his Birthday...and then I got sick.”
“So, what happened?”
He was caught just a few miles away, by the Sheriff who just happened to be passing...and back then horse stealing was a hanging offense.”
“Jeez.”
“Yeah...anyway my Pa spoke up for him, said it was merely a misunderstanding and we wanted him to have the horse. Hell, Pa knew the situation. Sure, he was real mad that Chas had taken Patch that way, but even so he knew he must have been at his wits end to have done something like that. It seems that the cattle drive was passing in the next few days so he felt he had to go then or never. He said he left me a note in the barn saying he’d guessed I was going to loan him the horse and that he’d return him when he got back.”
“Well, that should have been enough to get him off?”
Slim shook his head, “Old Sheriff Moreton it was back then and he was a real stickler for the law. The Judge was of a similar mind too. As it happened, he was actually in town right then trying another case it was...Judge Mandelson.” “Hell, I’ve heard of him, they don’t call him the hanging judge for nothing!”
“I know! Pa spoke up for Chas at the trail. I would have done too but the Sheriff said I was too young at fifteen to give evidence. Anyway he finally agreed to drop the hanging, but still imprisoned him for three years. Not at the Laramie prison either, but some place for young offenders out Denver way. Then once he was released, we didn’t hear anything from him, he just disappeared even though I tried to get in touch. Pa and I even went over to Denver when he was released, but he just disappeared.”
“And his Ma and Pa did they really die?”
Slim hung his head, “Yes, he was right about that. His Pa got drunk as a skunk one night and Bill and Nancy could hear him yelling at his poor wife. Bill went over to try and reason with him but he was too late. He heard both shots as he was walking across the yard...then he went in and saw what had happened.”
Jess shook his head and shuddered at the grim image that conjured up. Then said, “Even so that weren’t your fault Slim. Iffen he hadn’t been in the jail he’d have been off on that cattle drive...so the same thing might have happened anyway.”
“Maybe, maybe not, according to Bill it seems his Pa was yelling at his Ma because she blamed him for Chas wanting to up and leave home. Then getting into trouble because of it and it seems his Pa took it all really badly.”
“So, like I say it would have happened anyway,” Jess said stubbornly. “And what’s all that rubbish about you not standing by him huh?”
“I imagine he thought I should have stood up in court and told my side of the story...I guess he probably didn’t know I wasn’t allowed to do that.”
“Well, someone needs to dang well put him straight,” Jess said angrily.
“Maybe we can do that,” Slim said hopefully, “talk it all through, I‘ll go see him huh?”
Jess secretly thought that Chas was of the ‘shoot first and ask questions later’ persuasion, but just said quietly, “Maybe...but don’t you go taking any chances Slim. If you talk to him, I’m gonna be there too...OK?”
Slim nodded, “OK...”
As it happened it was to be a little while before either of them were able to think about Chas Lawson as the very next day the thaw began in earnest.
It all started when the air suddenly became much milder and then that night they had a wild storm, the rain hammering on the roof all night long. By the following morning the snow was melting fast leaving huge muddy puddles in the yard.
The home pasture was in an even worse state. The area where the herd had been confined for so long was a quagmire...the ground churned up to a muddy bog.
“It’s no good,” Slim said as he surveyed the sullen looking, muddy critters, “we’re going to have to move them over to the east pasture. At least it’s sheltered there and well drained.”
By then the rain had stopped the sun was out and there was a brisk wind blowing.
Jess squinted up at the sky, “If this holds it should dry out pretty good too, they should be happy enough over there, until it’s time to take ‘em up to the high ground.”
It was when they were moving the herd that Jess noticed that the huge pine that had come down across the river had gone and he figured the wild torrent of flood water had taken it. Well, that was something he thought, at least Lawson won’t come in unexpectedly over the back way.
Slim had been very quiet and troubled since Jess’s disclosure about his old school friend residing over at the Benson spread. Now as he watched him cutting the young heifers out and moving them on towards their new pasture, he wondered exactly what Slim was going to do. Then he had to head off a particularly frisky pair of young animals and his mind was back on the job.
So, the last thing both men were expecting when they returned to the ranch later that evening tired and filthy, was to find Chas Lawson with his feet under the table regaling Daisy and Mike with tall tales of his and Slim’ s childhood.
He had obviously enjoyed a good supper and when Jess and Slim marched in, tired and hungry...he looked up with a smug smile on his face.
Slim just stared in astonishment when he clapped eyes on his old friend. He hardly recognized him. Gone was the happy go lucky young man he had known and now a grey-haired, rough looking hombre sat before him. His verbal welcome was cordial...but his eyes icy cold.
He stood up and looking over to Jess and Slim said, “Why there you are at last...good to see you Matt. Uh I should say Slim...and you again Jess...I was just telling Mrs Cooper and young Mike how I was looking forward to seeing you. And discussing our unfinished business,” he added finally dropping all allusion of affability.
Slim seemed frozen to the spot and so it was Jess who came forwards and rested a protective arm around Mike’s shoulders.
“If you’ve finished supper, you get off to bed Tiger,” he said softly, but the look in his eyes brooked no argument. Mike looked from the stranger to Slim and back and shivered a little; then up at Jess seeking reassurance.
“It’s OK,” Jess said gently squeezing the boy’s shoulder, “go on Tiger and Aunt Daisy will be in shortly to settle ya down.”
As soon as his bedroom door closed, Jess turned to Daisy and said, “Something smells good,” and ushered her towards the kitchen.
Once they were away from Slim and Chas, Daisy whispered, “What’s going on Jess...that man said he was a friend of Slim’ s did I do wrong to allow him in?”
Jess shook his head, “Nope you did just fine Daisy. Thing is they’ve had kind of a misunderstanding and that Chas is kinda mad at Slim over something. So well...uh... there might be some cussin’ and the like so maybe you should have an early night huh?”
Daisy looked anxious, “It’s more than that isn’t it Jess, you’re afraid there will be some violence, aren’t you?”
Jess shook his head again, “It won’t come to that Daisy, I won’t let it... but you’d be better off in yer room, just to be on the safe side...huh.”
“Alright dear, I’ll go and your supper is in the oven,” she added as she moved off.
As she passed through the parlour, she wished the others goodnight.
“I hope you’re not turning in on my account,” Chas said looking the image of a polite gentleman.
Daisy shook her head, “No, it’s been a long day, good night, Mr Lawson,” and with that she went to check on Mike before turning in.
Once she had gone Chas turned on Jess, his eyes flashing angrily, “I hear you’ve already informed your partner what plans I have for him.”
“If you mean that you want him dead, yes I did think to mention it,” Jess said sarcastically.
“Look,” Slim blurted out, “I really don’t get it Chas, why do you want to kill me...what have I ever done to you?”
“Ha, it’s what you didn’t do,” Chas barked. “You didn’t stand up for me at the hearing and you sure as hell didn’t help me when I left that godforsaken jail.
“That’s not true,” Slim said, “I spoke up for you as best I could...the Sheriff refused to let me testify; said I was under age. But Pa did and it was him that got you off the hanging charge. Then Pa and I came to meet you when you were due out, but you’d left early and nobody knew where you were headed.”
“And I’m supposed to be grateful am I that the great and noble Matthew Sherman and son stood up for me!”
“Sounds like they saved your goddamn neck” Jess cried angrily, “you dang well should be...”
“This ain’t nothing to do with you Harper,” Chas spat, “just butt out.”
“It’s everything to do with me when I see my pard accused of stuff he ain’t done,” Jess replied hotly.
This seemed to incense Lawson. “Look at him! You as well living in the lap of luxury wanting for nothing. Both got nice gals, this place, that swell old lady to look after you and that cute kid...you don’t know how lucky you are. Don’t know what suffering is!” he yelled.
“Will ya shut the hell up,” Jess growled marching over and grabbing him by his shirt front, “that cute kid and swell lady are trying to sleep...so maybe you’d better just leave huh.”
“Steady Jess, this isn’t going to help any,” Slim said quickly moving to pull his pard away.
Then he turned to Chas and said, “Just say what you’ve got to and then go. Tell me why you’re being this way and why have you come here after all these years?” he added almost pleadingly.
Chas glared at Jess who had now backed off, and turning made his way to the couch by the fire and sat down heavily.
Once Slim and Jess were seated Chas turned to Slim and said, “Alright I’ll tell you. Do you remember a guy named Jake Peters?”
“Why sure…he used to drink with your Pa didn’t he? Until they had a massive fall out over something and then they were sworn enemies.”
Chas nodded, “When Pa bought that spread over by the Barnes place, Peters wanted to go into business with Pa, buy half the land and Pa refused, said he’d work it alone.”
Slim thought that kind of ironic as what little money old Vic Lawson made, he’d squandered in the bar of the Laramie saloon, but he kept silent.
“Anyway, he turned up at my place in Montana in the fall and decided to wreck my life,” he spat angrily, “he ruined everything.”
Slim looked concerned, “So you’d managed to make a good life up there?”
Chas sighed, “Eventually yeah. See I made some friends in the jail and rode with them for the next five, six years. Then moved on to another gang...all on the drift...all the time honing my gun skills and getting into more and more trouble. Kind of like you Harper,” he said with a grim smile.
Jess nodded to acknowledge the truth of it, but said nothing.
“Then I finally saw the light, after another long spell in jail and decided to try my hand at ranching. I got a friend to forge some real good references and found a job at a top spread on the Montana border. Paul Langley, the owner, took me on and I worked real hard and did a pretty good job, ended up as ramrod of the place. Well Paul had a beautiful daughter Bonnie. Heck,” he said with the glimmer of a smile, “we hit it off real good. Then just last spring we got engaged...looking forward to a Christmas wedding.”
“So, what happened?” Jess asked.
“Jake Peters that’s what happened! He hit town and heard I worked at the Flying C Ranch...next thing I knew he was there filling Mr Langley’s head with his goddamn stories. Told him all about my past, my drunken Pa... the killings...my time in jail and all the other trouble I’d been in since then. It seems he had really been keeping tabs on me just waiting for a chance to get his revenge on Pa. Beyond the grave I guess you could say, as crazy as that sounds.”
Slim let out a low whistle, “That’s real bad luck...so what happened?”
“What the Hell do you think happened,” Chas barked, “Langley fired me and made Bonnie break off our engagement.”
“That’s too bad,” Jess said softly.
“Yeah, well Langley said I’d been living a lie and I guess he was right. As to Bonnie she was real upset, she said trust was the most important thing in a marriage and iffen we didn’t have that, we had nothing. And I guess she was right too,” he added sadly. “I should have been up front with her...but then her Pa wouldn’t have let me within a mile of her, or given me a job…I guess I just couldn’t win.”
Slim had been very quiet and now he said, “So you blame me for all this?”
Chas sighed deeply, “At the time yes. I figured if you’d done more to get me off the jail sentence then my life would have panned out different. But now in the cold light of day...talking it all through...well...I guess I’m sorry Slim; I’ve been a complete idiot, haven’t I? It was just talking to that old stage driver. Your life seemed so damn perfect and mine well just a tragic mess and I guess I was plain old fashioned jealous.”
Jess arose, thinking Mose had a hell of a lot to answer for. But he simply said, “Maybe we should have a drink and draw a line under it all huh?”
Jess went over to crack open the whiskey and once they were all furnished with a drink and relaxing before the blazing fire Slim said, “One thing puzzles me. Why did you rent the old Benson place, why not go back home?”
Chas looked startled, “I thought it would have been sold by now, or fallen into disrepair,” he added with a sad glance at his old friend.
“Well heck that ain’t the case,” Jess said quickly, “we were talking about the old place earlier in the winter when I went to take the Barnes some supplies.”
“What old Uncle Bill and Aunt Nancy are still there?” Chas asked his face lighting up with pleased surprise.
Slim smiled over at him, “Yup, hale and hearty, I’d forgotten how close you were,” he added.
Chas smiled at the memories, “They were like kin to me. Many was the time I hid out at their place when Pa was on a bender. They’re well you say?”
Jess nodded, “Getting on though, could use a hand occasionally, Slim and I keep an eye on them.”
“And the old place, my home you mentioned. It’s still standing?”
“Better than that,” Jess replied, “in real good order, Bill’s kept it watertight and even grown some stuff on the veggie beds too...supplies Billy–Joe...but getting a bit much for him nowadays.”
Chas looked bewildered, “That’s real kind of them to look after the place but why?”
Jess smiled at him, “That’s easy, Bill told me they just hoped and prayed the owner would come home one day and they wanted the place all ready...and now I know it was you they were talkin’ about.”
Chas looked deeply moved, but said nothing, just sipped his whisky.
“Maybe that’s what you should do?” Slim said softly, “Go home and run the business huh Chas?”
“You could probably ride over in a day or so,” Jess added, “the roads should be clear again any day now.”
“You know, I think I will,” Chas said grinning happily at them, “I think I will!”
Once Chas had apologized to Slim again for his crazy behavior and the rift between the two men was starting to heal he returned to the Benson place a much happier man.
As Slim and Jess turned in that night Jess grinned like a cat that’d had the cream.
“What?” Slim asked looking bemused.
“What we just said to Chas, the roads should be passable soon, and you know what that means Slim, we can go to town!”
“And see our gals!” they said in unison beaming with delight.
“Oh yeah and there’s something else I need to do,” Jess said frowning slightly.
“Oh, what would that be?”
“Wring Mose Shell’s neck,” Jess said with a wicked laugh.
“Or maybe just threaten to do that unless he promises not to gossip about us to strangers in the saloon,” Slim amended clapping Jess on the back, the two now chuckling happily.

Chapter 14

Just a couple of days later Jess went to scout out the route to town and came back looking joyful.
“The road is pretty near clear now Slim. We should be able to get to town easy,” he added as he dismounted and led Traveller into the barn.
“It’s Saturday tomorrow and we could ride in after we’ve done the chores and get back sometime Sunday, what do ya say?”
Slim beamed, “Excellent,” and then his face fell, “only one thing wrong with that. Daisy and Mike will want to come too, so we’d have to come back in the afternoon.”
Jess gasped looking suddenly stricken as the thought of a night of unbridled passion with Millie disappeared into thin air...and then his face cleared. “Well, when I said the road was passable, I don’t really think it would be safe to take the buckboard out yet. It looked kinda treacherous in places...after all that rain we’ve had,” he added for good measure.
When they passed on the news to Daisy, she took it quite philosophically but said, “Are you sure it’s safe for you to ride in though?”
Jess surmised that it would be fine on horseback, then added, “But I guess we’ll need to give them a good rest after the ride. You know leave them at the livery overnight to rest up. It takes it out of a horse all that mud,” he added smiling innocently.
“Oh, really dear, but I just saw you ride in with Traveller covered in mud the other day and he looked remarkably frisky. In fact, you rode him again in the afternoon, didn’t you?”
Jess looked thoughtful for a moment and flicked a quick glance over to Slim. But when no help was forthcoming, he said, “Ah, well you see Daisy it’s a different kinda mud on the road...full of clay it is, can really clog up their hooves ya know?”
“Really dear, oh well I suppose you’ll be forced to stay the night then,” she said turning away to hide a smile.
“Sure, but we’ll get any necessities you need,” Slim said quickly, “and I guess we’ll be able to drive the buckboard in a week or so to get the rest of the things.”
“Thank you dear, I’ll make a list,” she said, “we could use some more coffee and some yeast too.”
“And some candy!” Mike piped up.
Jess ruffled his hair, “Yup that sure is a necessity,” he said grinning down at the boy.
Then Daisy added, “Oh and could you call in at the haberdashers too, I’m clean out of buttons for your shirts Jess.”
“Aw do I hafta?” Jess lamented always feeling slightly overwhelmed by Miss Pinkerton with her sharp eyes and tight-lipped smile. She was surrounded by ladies’ fripperies and all manner of ‘lady stuff’ as Jess referred to the lace, cloth and other mysterious items that made him feel ‘real uncomfortable.’
“Yes, you must dear,” Daisy said firmly, “unless you want to go to work with your shirt hanging wide open. I really don’t know how you lose so many.”
“I do,” Slim said as he turned towards the bedroom to get washed up for supper, “he pulls ‘em off over his head without undoing the buttons.”
Daisy merely tutted and went off to check on supper.
“What did you wanna tell her that for?” Jess said joining Slim in the bedroom and looking exasperated.
“Well, I suppose I could have told her the real reason,” Slim said chuckling, “that the last lot came off was because Millie ripped the shirt off of you in a burst of passion...what with you having been away for so long and all!”
Jess laughed at the memory of his last trip to town and said, “Maybe I’d better get extra then,” and both men laughed in happy anticipation.
They rode into town on the Saturday morning, left their mounts at the livery and hastened down the street towards the saloon. Slim paused by Mort Cory’s office and said, “I suppose we should report Jasper Dunhill’ s drowning.”
“Yeah, yeah, sure but later huh Slim.”
When they entered the dimly lit saloon it was still quite early and very quiet. There were just a couple of old timers playing checkers in the corner and a bar fly indulging in his first whiskey of the day.
Tom stood behind the bar with two middle aged barmaids Betty and Rita, who he occasionally employed if Millie and Lily were sick or out of town.
Slim and Jess stopped in their tracks a look of utter dismay on their faces as they saw the older ladies.
Jess was the first to recover as Tom came over and grinned at them.
“Howdy boys long time no see... good to have you back... beer, is it?”
Jess just stared agape and then muttered, “Howdy Tom, no thanks.” Then, “So where are they huh?”
“Who would that be?” Tom asked enjoying his little game.
“You know dang well who!” Jess growled, “Millie and Lily...huh...what have you done with ‘em Tom!”
Tom smiled benignly but knew when to stop teasing Jess what with his volatile temper and all.
“Out back making coffee,” he finally said, “I gave them both the day off to titivate themselves...we figured you’d be in soon as the road was passable.”
But Jess heard no more, he had already vaulted the bar and burst into the back room. Now he had his girl in his arms and was telling her how dang much he’d missed her and then was kissing her passionately.
Slim and Tom exchanged an amused glance before Tom came forwards and raised the bar hatch, “Go on through Slim and tell them they can take the week-end off, I’ll manage just fine with Betty and Rita here.”
It was late afternoon before the boys finally surfaced from their girl’s rooms and hit the mercantile and haberdashers just before closing time.
Then they returned to the saloon to await their dates as they got dolled up for a slap-up dinner and night of dancing at the Laramie hotel.
After a while they were joined at the bar by Mort Cory and had a happy reunion catching up on the last few months’ news.
Then Mort said, “I got a wire from your old buddy Sheriff Masters the other day Jess. He’s still fretting about that escaped prisoner...uh...Dunhill. Said he was thinking of sending his new deputy over to take a look, he’s convinced he’s holed up somewhere around here.”
“No need,” Slim said quickly, “we were coming to see you tomorrow,” and then he explained about how Dunhill had escaped from their custody and met a grim end in the Laramie River.
Mort was quite philosophical about the whole business and just asked that they come and sign a statement in the morning before they left town. “I guess you saved the hangman a job,” he said with a grim smile. “That girl he assaulted in Cheyenne, died from her injuries so he was up for murder in the end.”
Slim glanced over at Jess and said, “Well that makes me feel better, Jess and I felt kind of bad him dying whilst in our care.”
“So, how’s the new guy shaping up?” Jess asked, feeling the need to change the subject.
“Who...oh the new Deputy uh...Lyle Carter, yup really well Jess. In fact, Doug Masters asked me to thank you especially for recommending him, says he’s working out real good, born to the job.”
Then their girls were there looking the prettiest Jess and Slim had ever seen them and they made their farewells to Mort and headed out for a night on the town.

*******
It was two wore out, but very happy, cowboys who finally rode home on the Sunday afternoon, promising to visit their gals the following Saturday.
They had visited Mort as promised and given him a statement as to their dealings with Dunhill and his subsequent accident leading to his drowning.
Just as they’d been leaving town Jess saw Mose scuttling into the Stage line office.
“I guess he’s gotten wind of the fact that I’m mad at him,” he said with a grim smile. Then dismounting he said, “Wait here Slim I won’t be a minute.”
He entered the office and found Mose huddled in the corner pretending to be deeply engrossed in the local paper...but he finally had to look up when Jess went and stood close, glaring down at him.
“Uh howdy Jess,” he said with a weak grin, “good to see ya in town again.”
Jess merely jerked his thumb towards the back door and said, “Out back...now!”
Mose looked around for a means of escape and seeing none sighed deeply and followed Jess out to the yard behind the office.
Some five minutes later, Slim saw a pale and shaking Mose emerge from the office. There was not a mark on him but he looked like a haunted soul and he dashed off down the street and into the saloon.
When Jess emerged a few minutes later Slim said, “What in hell did you say to Mose…he looked terrified?”
Jess tapped his nose, “Just told him a few home truths...where’s he gone?”
“The saloon, he looked like he needed a stiff drink.”
Jess chuckled, “Well there’s one thing he won’t be doin’ in there...”
“Oh, so what’s that?”
“Gossiping about us I can promise you that!”
Neither Jess nor Mose ever spoke about the incident again. But Mose was way more circumspect in his gossiping and never, ever talked out of turn about those at the Sherman spread again, to his dying day.
When they landed back from town, they were welcomed home by an anxious looking Daisy.
“I’m so glad you’re safely back,” she said with an enigmatic smile, “I was quite worried about your poor horses.”
“Huh?” Jess asked feeling rather bemused after his night of rampant passion and still half asleep.
“You know dear that special mud on the road hurting their poor hooves?”
“Oh yeah, that,” Jess said, “uh they’re fine Daisy. The roads weren’t as bad as I’d thought.”
“Really dear,” she asked raising a questioning eyebrow, whilst Slim tried to hide a smile at his pard’ s discomfort.
Jess patted all his pockets and brought out the packet of buttons and adeptly changed the subject.
“Guess who I ran into at the haberdashers,” he said brightly. “Mrs Steadman...Dilly Steadman that is, and she was buyin ’ knittin ’ wool...seems she and Ethan are expectin’ a baby in the fall.”
This news had the desired effect of distracting Daisy and she clapped her hands in delight. She remembered the dilemma the poor girl had gone through when her husband Ethan had insisted on waiting years to start a family. Then their protracted stay at the ranch in the inclement weather over Thanksgiving had changed his mind and decided they should start a family as soon as possible. Well, it seemed he’d been true to his word and Daisy was thrilled.
“Oh my...how wonderful dear I’m delighted,” she said now beaming at Jess.
“That ain’t all,” he said relieved to see that the thorny subject of their stay in Laramie had been dropped. “I saw Ma Jarvis...uh Widow Jarvis that is,” he amended, “as I was comin’ out and she asked to be remembered to you. She said she has fitted in real well with her son and his family. Wanted to know when the Women’s Group would be startin’ up again too.”
Daisy beamed at him and then said, “Well dear if you say the roads aren’t too bad, I think next week, don’t you? Maybe you could drive me in, just in case there’s still some of that awful mud around,” she added, a twinkle in her eyes.
Yup he’d been out-foxed again. He flicked a glance over to Slim and saw him desperately trying not to laugh...then turned back to Daisy and finally grinning at her said softly, “Sure thing Daisy...sure thing, it’d be a pleasure.”

Epilogue

They often looked back on the ‘Winter of the Big Freeze’ and were to compare subsequent winters to it...but none ever equaled that time in intensity or drama. However, as Daisy was oft to say it also brought out the innate good in folk as she recalled how they had all pulled together. Indeed, reached out to help others too, like the Barnes. Jess had told her what a near thing it had been when he’d found her dear friend Nancy in the kitchen near frozen to death and they rejoiced in the fact that he had made it safely there just in the nick of time.
Now however the Barnes had the watchful eye of Chas Lawson looking out for them. He had indeed visited his old homestead when the thaw began. On arrival he had been greeted with such joy by Nancy and Bill he decided he would stay there and really make a go of his Pa’s old business. He duly visited Billy-Joe and a deal was struck that would last for many years with folk coming from miles around to buy Chas’ s excellent fruit and vegetables from the Trading Post. As for Nancy and Bill they were delighted to have him back in their lives, They were truly grateful for all his kindness and treated him like the son they’d never had.
It was early spring when Jess and Slim welcomed the noon stage to find a beautiful young female aboard. She had the dark good looks of a Spanish lady and was dressed in a sensational red and black dress with a cute little black lace hat finishing off the delightful ensemble. Slim made a valiant effort to open the coach door but was then elbowed out of the way by Jess who helped her down and offered his arm to escort her to the house for refreshments.
However, she paused and looked up at Mose saying, “Is this the right place Mr Shell?”
Mose went pink with pleasure and jumping down from the box said, “It sure is Ma’am. This here is Jess Harper and the tall one’s Slim Sherman. I’m sure they’ll be able to help you out...I’ll just git yer bags,” he added.
Jess looked surprised and after flicking a glance at Slim said, “Uh you thinkin’ of stayin’ Ma’am?”
She gave an attractive giggle, “No Mister Harper, but Mister Shell thought you might be kind enough to direct me to Chas Lawson’s place?”
Slim beamed at her, “Sure we can do that ma’am, and you are?”
“Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t say did I...my name is Bonnie, Bonnie Langley and I’ve come to visit my friend Chas. Well, he’s more than a friend really,” she added blushing prettily.
Then Mose was there with the bags all agog to hear the latest news. However Slim was too fast for him. He took the bags and started to escort Bonnie towards the house, calling over his shoulder, “Jess will help you change the team Mose, then you’d better be off, running a tad late today I noticed.”
Jess and Mose exchanged an indignant look and then sighing got on with the task.
When Jess returned to the ranch house sometime later, he found Daisy and Bonnie deep in conversation over the coffee cups with Slim looking on, slightly bemused.
Daisy and Bonnie acknowledged Jess and Daisy pushed a coffee cup towards him before turning back to Bonnie.
“Do go on my dear,” she said earnestly.
“Well, I regretted what I’d said the minute he’d left,” Bonnie said looking tearful. “You see it was the way he’d lied to me and Pa too that I found so hurtful. But later I just missed him so much I wanted to forgive him. Then just last month I received this wonderful letter from him, explaining everything. He told me about how his life was such a mess after the jail sentence. Then how he turned everything around when he got the job at the ranch and met me. Also, how he was so scared to tell the truth to Pa and risk losing everything. Well, I understand now and I want him back,” she finished looking hopefully at Daisy. “If you think he’ll have me?”
“He’d be a darned fool iffen he didn’t,” Jess said stoutly and Daisy and Slim murmured their agreement.
“Anyway, he wrote you didn’t he,” Jess continued, “that must mean he wants you back?”
She shook her head, “No he was just writing to apologize and say he quite understood as to how I probably wouldn’t ever be able to forgive him.”
“Well, you’ll just have to prove him wrong, if you really do forgive him and want to make a fresh start,” Daisy said decisively.
“Oh, I do, with all my heart,” she said.
“What about your Pa?” Slim asked, ever the realist, “Won’t he have something to say about it?”
“I can wrap Pa around my little finger,” she said playfully. “As long as I’m happy he will be, I’m sure. He thinks I’m staying with friends right now. But if Chas and I decide we can make a go of it I’ll tell Pa. Don’t worry. In fact, I think he regrets firing Chas that way. He said he was the best ramrod he’d ever had,” she said smiling cheerfully.
“Well then,” Slim said grinning happily now, “I’ll go hitch up the buggy and drive you over huh?”
Slim was beaming when he arrived back at the ranch and said gleefully, “You know that new hat Jess bought you when we went on that last shopping trip before Thanksgiving? When we had that accident in the snow?”
“Oh yes,” she said, “that was awful!” Then clasping her hands together and smiling said, “The hat is so very pretty though and with the terrible winter I’ve never had a chance to wear it.”
“Well, you have now,” Slim said looking delighted. “Chas and Bonnie were talking of a summer wedding when I left!”
*******
Well, it certainly was a summer of celebrations Jess was to recall one hot evening when he and Slim were sitting out late on the porch. It had been another scorching hot August day and neither man was able to sleep. Jess had been the first to give up on his tangled sheets and head out for some cooler fresher air. Then just a little while later he was joined by Slim who was bearing a pitcher of homemade cider and two glasses.
He looked down at where Jess was lounging on a porch chair dressed only in his denims, his torso and feet bare as were Slim’ s. He put the cider down on the small table and took the other seat.
“Couldn’t sleep either huh,” Jess said, then glancing at the drinks said, “what’s this, a midnight feast?”
Slim chuckled, “I thought it might cool us down some.”
Once they were both furnished with a drink Jess looked out to the distant mountains and said, “That was a great wedding last week weren’t it and Bonnie looked real purty.”
Slim smiled, “All brides do. I’m glad it all worked out so well for Chas,” he added, “I’d always felt so dang guilty I wasn’t able to do more to help him.”
“I guess you did in a way,” Jess said thoughtfully.
Slim frowned, “How so?”
“He told me at the reception how it was down to you and me that he had the courage to write that letter...he secretly hoped she’d have second thoughts and take him back.”
“OK but where do we fit in?”
“Well, me because I managed to turn my life around when I landed here. I guess he could see quite a few similarities between the two of us. The way his Pa was...how his folks died when he was young...then he went on the drift, riding with gangs, getting into trouble…”
“Go on...”
“Mr Langley gave him a second chance just the way you did me...and he blew it by not being up front with him.”
“I guess the similarities end there though Jess, “you were always honest with me about your past.”
“I know it, but like I told Chas, I guess I blew it too ... and more than once. Going off half-cocked and getting into trouble...riding out to help friends with no promise I’d return. But you accepted that and gave me a second, third...hell maybe even a fourth chance. You never gave up on me,” he said now throwing Slim a warm look.
“Well, you were worth it...in the end,” Slim said with a grin. “So how did that help Chas?”
“I think he took all that on board and figured maybe...just maybe Bonnie would be like you and give him another go...and he was right. So, he reckons he owes all his happiness to the two of us.”
Slim grinned, “That all makes perfect sense now as to why he kept grinning at me and shaking my hand and thanking me for everything at the reception. I think he’d had a tad too much whiskey by then and was past explaining,” Slim said chuckling at the memory.
“I bet he’s real glad he didn’t shoot you in the end,” Jess said grinning widely, “that really would have messed up his chances with her.”
“Jess!” Slim said indignantly, “It wouldn’t have done me much good either.” Then both men chuckled and took another draft of the rather potent cider.
They looked out to the distant mountains in companionable silence and then Jess said, “A funny old winter weren’t it... sharing Thanksgiving with all those strangers.”
Slim agreed, “I guess we kind of helped them out some too...I know Daisy talked some sense into Widow Jarvis and she seems a different woman now.”
“And into that Dilly Steadman,” Jess agreed, “gee she was a pain, weren’t she? The way she kept frettin’ about me all the live long day.”
Slim smirked at him, “Par for the course. I thought you’d be used to adoring females falling for you...”
“Well, I ain’t,” Jess said gruffly.
“Anyway, no need to worry on that score she fell right back in love with her husband as soon as he rescued Mike from the duck pond,” Slim said thoughtfully. “You know I figure it was Mike that changed Ethan’s mind about having a family too.”
“You could be right,” Jess said. Then turning to Slim said, “What is it about women and babies, looks like the whole dang town is knitting for hers...and Daisy alone could clothe it until it’s ready to leave home.”
Slim let out a loud guffaw at that and was shushed by Jess.
“Hush up Slim you’ll wake the kid up and Daisy too.”
Then he took another swig of his cider and turning to Slim said, “Nope this ain’t helping at all, I’m still real warm. You know what we need to cool down pard?”
“Nope what would that be Jess?”
“Well right about now I’d like a good few feet of snow in the yard and maybe a nice icy wind blowin’ too...what do ya say huh?”
“I say be dang careful what you wish for,” Slim said firmly, “dang careful!”

*******
Dilly and Ethan Steadman were delivered of a bouncing baby boy that fall and had another three children over the years. They made a real go of the old Steadman Bookshop and it still stands in Laramie to this day.
Widow Jarvis lived a happy and fulfilling life with her son and his family. She never looked back again and cherished her memories, whist moving forwards and relishing the moments of joy she had with her family.
Lyle Carter put his bounty hunter life behind him for good and excelled as the Cheyenne Deputy. Many years later when Doug Masters decided to retire, Lyle became Sheriff and was popular and greatly valued by the town. He had a long and happy marriage to his forgiving wife and had three further sturdy sons to his name and Cody eventually becoming his deputy.
Chas Lawson and Bonnie made a happy marriage and her father soon came around to the idea and gave his blessing. They made a huge success of their market garden and were blessed with three beautiful daughters. Nancy and Bill Barnes were good friends and neighbors to the young family and rejoiced in the new life at the old homestead.
All at the ranch often looked back to the ‘Winter of the Big Freeze’ with mixed emotions. It had been a time of incredible hardship, the weather challenging them on every front. It also united then even more strongly as they pulled together to triumph over the elements. Thankfully they were never to experience the like again, but it was a testament to the fortitude of those intrepid westerners that they survived to tell the tale of that Wyoming winter...long, long ago.

Thank you for reading
Wishing all my readers a very Merry Christmas!
Accessing other stories:

Log onto: pattywilkinson.co.uk
Scroll down the list of Archive dates to right of screen.
Click on All -> at bottom of list...just above hit counter.
This will bring you to the full list of stories by title, most recent first.
Scroll down to bottom for the first story #1 Loved Lost Survived...
Then all stories follow on until latest story at top. Happy reading 