Please read Chapters 1-4. They will give you a better understanding of the characters and the story to this point.

As always, constructive comments and emails are welcome and appreciated.

Also as usual there are no graphic sex scenes in my stories.

Thank you for taking the time to read my work. I hope you enjoy the story.

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The three men were two days north of Santa Fe on their way to the Chico Basin near Colorado City. Josh Kelly, John 'Red' McCall, and Jerry Barnes hoped to find work with one of the cattle ranches in that area.

It was about 300 miles as the crow flies to Chico Basin from Santa Fe, but they weren't crows so the trip would be closer to 350 miles. They had to wind their way along the high trails and through the passes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains just to the north of Santa Fe which added the extra miles. The men hoped to make the trip in about 20 to 25 days with stops along the way to resupply and rest their horses.

The second night, after feeding their horses and themselves they were sitting around their fire resting and relaxing after a hard day on the trail. Josh was never a big talker but Red noticed that he was quieter than usual that night. For a man just turned 18 he's already gone through more than most do their whole lives, Red thought.

"Something on your mind Josh?" Red asked, concerned about his friend.

"Just thinking about what's coming and how far we have to go."

"You worried?" Red asked him with a smile. "We're pretty good at taking care of ourselves."

"Naw I'm not worried. Really I'm excited and looking forward to seein new places."

"You don't look excited."

Josh looked at his friend and had to smile. People underestimated Red because he was always joking around, but Josh knew that Red, who had just turned 23, understood people and situations better than a lot of older men.

"Well, I was thinkin about the raids on the wagon train and all those men that were killed. I guess it didn't hit me until you and I found Fogerty dying in that arroyo. Until then the dead men weren't real to me, they were just things that we had to kill to protect ourselves. But talking to Fogerty before he died made me realize that the others were men just like him."

"Josh those men deserved to die, so did Fogerty. They were trying to kill us and the others on the wagon train. Far as I'm concerned they were bought and paid for when they decided to attack us," Red said, trying to ease Josh's mind.

"I know Red. I wasn't worried about having to kill them defending ourselves, I'd do it again right now if need be. It's just that it's such a waste. With all the killing and dying going on in the war, it's a shame that there has to be more of it out here." Josh stopped for a few seconds and said, "I'm okay Red, don't worry partner."

Jerry Barnes was the youngest of the three at 15. His parents had been killed by the raiders in the first attack on the wagon train. For the first time he spoke up "Damn right they deserved to die."

Red and Josh weren't surprised at the emotion in the boy's voice. They both looked at Jerry as he continued, "It's sorta like Mr. Hobart said, let God forgive them because I sure won't."

That was enough talk about death and killing Red thought. The killing and raids hadn't bothered Red as much as the other two. He was a battled hardened veteran of the war; he had served with the 29th Texas Cavalry at Manassas. Red had been shot in his leg and knocked off his horse; he survived but still walked with a limp. He knew that he'd been lucky because his two older brothers and many of his comrades were been killed in that battle.

"How far will we go tomorrow Josh?" He asked to take their minds off the morbid thoughts.

"I thought you said you were the path finder Red? You should be able to answer that question," Josh teased.

"I am and I can. But I wanted to give you a chance to plan things before I told you the right way to do it," Red kidded back.

The somber mood broken, the men discussed their plans for the next day. As usual they were up at first light; they fed and watered the horses and made sure their gear was ready. This included their pistols and Henry rifles; this was wild country and all three of the men were well armed.

Josh led the way shortly after daybreak. Where they could they rode side by side so they could talk and make the time and distances go faster. Red's horse got spooked by a snake on the trail, he lost a stirrup and was almost bucked off as his horse reacted violently.

"Damn you Jasper, I'm gonna beat you with a knotted plow line," Red yelled at the horse trying to get control again.

Josh laughed so hard he almost lost his seat. "You never did tell me why you named your horse Jasper," he questioned Red.

Red got the horse calmed down a little and answered, "Got an Uncle Jasper back home and he's the orneriest man I've ever met; he's always in a bad mood. He complains about everything and you really have to prod him to get him to do any work. This damn horse is just like him, so I named the horse Jasper. It keeps me from shootin him because I like my Uncle; he's always been good to me."

Josh and Jerry laughed at Red's story and for the rest of the day chuckled every time Red cussed at his horse. That evening after making camp, feeding and watering the horses, and getting something to eat for themselves, the men planned the next day's ride; this was done every night as they relaxed. Red tried to feed an apple to Jasper and then cussed at him when the horse tried to bite him.

"Why do you ride that animal if he's so mean? We've got other horses, heck you could ride my Sunny for a while if you liked," Josh suggested.

"Thanks for the offer but Jasper's as sure footed as a mountain goat and as strong as a bull. He may not be as fast as my little quarter horse but he can go all day every day. Besides I sorta like the big guy, even if he is about half mean," Red answered with a grin and a shrug.

It was ten days before they stopped to give the animals a couple of days rest and to get some supplies. They were in Springer, a small settlement at the base of the mountains. Red suggested that they board the horses, at least for one day and night. Josh questioned him and Red explained that the horses would be fed grain along with sweet hay.

"The horses have been eating dry oats and whatever grazing that been available. Boarding them will pamper them some; they've got a long way to go and we need them strong," Red said.

"I see what you mean. What do you think Jerry?" Josh asked, bringing the youngster into the debate. That was a nice thing for him to do, Red thought.

Surprisingly Jerry wasn't about to go along with just anything the two older men said. "I think pampering the horses is a good idea." Josh nodded at him and started to say more but Jerry interrupted him. "But I don't see the need to pay the stable for grain when we can buy it for less."

Red said, "Yeah but then we'd throw away what the horses don't eat. I don't see how that saves money."

"A 50 pound sack of grain feed will cost us about two dollars more than what the stable owner would charge us for putting up our seven horses for a full day; I asked him his prices earlier while you and Josh were in the general store," Jerry said.

Josh looked at Red with a smile and nodded at Jerry to go on.

"We can feed the horses ourselves and pack the rest with us on the trail. The horses will get better feed for a longer time that way."

"But that's an extra fifty pounds they have to carry," Red said in protest.

"Not really, but it doesn't make that much difference," Jerry answered. "We've got seven horses, five of which are trained to carry packs. Depending on which horses we're riding we have at least two and as many as four that can share the load."

Josh smiled shaking his head. Guess I got spoiled having wagons to carry the gear, he thought. I'm the horse trainer here, I should have thought of this.

Jerry saw Josh's smile and was more confident about speaking up. "We can split the weight between the pack animals and load up the saddle bags of the two not trained to carry packs. The extra weight of the grain will go down every day."

"You figure 10 to 12 days and the grain will be gone?" Josh asked.

"Well, we could stretch it out by mixing it with the oats. Heck we could even make a mash out of the oats and corn which would make it last longer. Maybe all the way to Chico Basin."

Red began to laugh so hard he had a coughin fit. "Josh old friend, outta the mouths of babes. We're supposed to be the ones that are older, smarter, and more experienced. Jerry just showed us we're not as smart as we think we are. Good figurin Jerry and smart. Maybe we oughta ask you opinion on things from now on, instead of just givin you orders." Red started laughing again.

Josh shook his head and chuckled, a little embarrassed. "Okay Jerry, good idea and I think we ought to do what you said. We'll have to find a place to camp outside of town."

"No sir, we don't have to do that. I talked to the stable owner and he'll let us put the horses in his barn overnight, he won't feed them and we can sleep in the hay loft," Jerry said. "It'll cost us three dollars but a hotel or boarding house would have cost more. So we're pretty well set for the next two days."

Josh and Red stared at the boy for a few seconds. Red laughed again and said, "I think maybe we oughta stop thinkin of you as a boy. Maybe we should get you to work all our deals." Jerry blushed, pleased at the compliment. For the first time he felt like a full partner in this group instead of a homeless boy tagging along. The three "men" put their horse in the barn and went for supper.

"Where did you learn so much about a stable, Mr. Barnes?" Red asked.

"I worked for one back in Illinois for a spell, to help out at home. I paid attention when Mr. Johnson the owner talked. Learned a lot from him," Jerry replied.

Red suggested they celebrate this new partnership by having supper at the café. "We've been eating smoked buffalo, rabbit stew, and beans for more'n a week. If the horses get better feed, so should we."

After two days and nights in town, the men resumed their journey. It had taken them ten days riding through the mountains to get to Springer. We'll make better time now that we down in flat country, Josh thought. He was right, they had average about 13 miles a day through the high country, but now they were able to cover almost 20 miles a day.

In three and half days they rode into Trinidad. It would be the last town until they reached Pueblo. They had covered about 200 miles and were within about ten days of Chico Basin; assuming the weather held, assuming that nothing happened to their horses, and assuming they didn't have trouble with the Indian tribes living in the area.

"We'll be at Chico Basin in a few days, if nothing goes wrong," Red said as the three sat around their fire.

"Something always goes wrong," Josh replied.

"You're always thinkin things are goin bad Josh. Don't you ever look at the bright side?"

"I look at the bright side every morning when I get up. If I'm not sick, if I still got my horses, and if I still have my scalp, I look at it as the bright side," Josh answered with a grin. "We've had a good run so far and odds are against us getting to Chico Basin without somethin happening, that's all."

"What about you Jerry? Do you always think about things goin bad or do you look at the bright side?" Red drew him into the conversation.

Jerry hesitated for a few seconds and answered, "I don't think about it either way too much. I do what I can to get ready for the day and ifin somethin comes up I'll deal with it then. Worrying or hoping neither one changes anything nor gets anything done."

Josh and Red were again surprised at how mature this young man was. Josh had invited him to come with them mainly because the boy had nowhere to go after his parents were killed in a raid. Jerry didn't fold up after the death of his folks and had shown he could be trusted to do most any job given to him. I think we got more than just a boy riding with us, I think we got a smart young man that can make his own way, Josh thought.

They made one last visit to the general store and were getting ready to leave town, when the town sheriff walked up to them. "Howdy boys, I'm Sheriff Blevins. Y'all leavin town?"

"Yes sir, headed for Chico Basin up near Colorado City," Josh replied.

"Just wanted to say hello; I like to check on strangers in my town. Be careful there's been some Indian trouble in that direction. Nothing really serious just a few shots fired back and forth. There ain't been no raids or stock stolen, at least not yet."

"Maybe Running Wolf's coup stick will keep them away from us Josh," Red teased his friend.

"Thanks for the warnin Sheriff; we'll keep a sharp eye. C'mon boys let's put in some miles fore evening."

The next two days they made a lot of miles and had good spots to camp over night. They cut a buffalo trail leading north in the general direction that the men were traveling. The land they were riding through was a high plain, about 6,000 feet, with a few low hills covered in scrub bushes, not many trees, and buffalo grass that was belly high on a horse.

Where the horses had to weave their way through the scrub, the buffalo just walked over it. Their passing left a wide, fairly smooth trail. The buffalo had been running and it wasn't too old because there was still some dust in the air. The men decided to follow the trail, it was easier on their horses and they made better time. They weren't in a hurry but it was mid July and winter usually set in around mid to late October in this high country. Josh wanted to find work long before the weather changed.

Josh called a halt at midday to water and rest the horses for an hour. He'd been riding Diablo since they left Santa Fe. He switched his saddle to Sunny to give Diablo a rest, although the big horse looked at him as if to say "I'm not tired".

Red had been rotating his mounts, using Jasper for a day or two and switching off to Queenie, his little quarter horse mare for a day. Jerry had rotated between the two horses he "bought" from Hobart in Santa Fe. The big chestnut he named Charger and the Morgan horse he called simply Morgan. Both Red and Jerry rode Josh's other horse Joey a few times.

"We got company boys," Red told his two friends, nodding his head at the crest of a hill not far away.

Ten to twelve Indians could be seen on the skyline. They were about a half a mile away and walking their horses slowly toward Josh and the boys.

"Let's get back to that arroyo we just crossed, it'll give some cover if they decide to attack. If we have time make sure your saddles are on the horse you don't want to lose. Get ready to cut the cinches of the pack saddles and we'll make a run for it ifin we have to. If it gets too hairy we'll have to leave the extra horses," Josh ordered.

Josh was able to change his saddle back to Diablo. Sunny was a strong horse but a little slow, his other horse Joey was pretty fast but his endurance wouldn't hold up to a daylong race to escape the Indians. Red was still mounted on Jasper and Jerry changed his gear over to Morgan. Guess Red really liked his uncle, Josh thought with a chuckle.

They set up a defensive position just below the lip of the arroyo and waited. The Indians had seen them and turned in their direction. As they got closer the Indians spread fan like in front of the three white men as Josh took a position about ten feet in front of the arroyo. He put the butt of Running Wolves coup stick on the ground and held it upright with his left hand; in his right hand he held his Henry Repeater with the butt brace on his hip.

"They'll see that it's a powerful coup stick, even if it is Apache," Josh explained to Red and Jerry. "Hopefully they won't mess with a warrior carrying that coup stick. But if they do my Henry will do more than count coup on them."

One Indian rode forward in front of the other riders. He was obviously the leader and one of only three men carrying a rifle: the rest were armed with bow and lances. When he got closer he saw the coup stick and stopped. Josh wasn't sure if he stopped because of the coup stick or the Henry resting on his hip; doesn't matter he thought, either way he stopped.

Laying the coup stick against his shoulder, Josh used sign language to say that they were friends. The Indian looked at Josh and the other two set up and ready for a fight. He raised his rifle over his head in sort of a salute and turned motioning the rest of the band to follow him. They road off to the southeast and were soon out of sight. When the Indians rode off Josh let out a huge sigh and turned and grinned at Red and Jerry.

"You sure do keep things interestin Josh," Red laughed. "No sir, never a dull minute around you."

Josh smile at his friend. "You boys go on ahead; follow the buffalo trail. You'll make better time that way than you would fightin through that brush. I'll catch up to you about midday."

"Where you going," Jerry asked.

"Gonna ride rear guard for a spell just to make sure that group don't double back on our trail. See ya in a bit," Josh said as he mounted Diablo and turned to follow the Indians.

He caught back up to Red and Jerry just after midday. They stopped and watered the horses. "Nobody on our back trail far as I can tell. I think we're good," Josh reported.

They were up and riding by daybreak, as usual. "I hope there some word from my folks when we get to Pueblo; I sent a telegram to them when we left Santa Fe and mailed some letters. I'll send another telegram from Pueblo and mail the letters I wrote on the trail. Maybe I'll have a telegram waiting for me," Josh said.

"Did you say hello to them for me in your telegram?" Red asked.

"No, but I did tell them that Fogerty was dead," Josh answered. When he saw the look on Red's face he added, "I did mention you to them in the letters I mailed in Santa Fe; I also went into more detail about Fogerty and his gang. Told them not to worry because I had Texas Red McCall riding with me for protection."

Red and Jerry both laughed at Josh's teasing.

"You know we might not all get jobs on the same ranch. Sometimes they need a man but we'll be lucky to find someplace that needs three men," Red told them.

"We'll figure something out," Josh replied. "If nothing else we'll give a ranch three for the price of two or even one and a half plus found."

"What's found mean Josh?" Jerry asked, not knowing the term.

"Found is like room and board; someplace to sleep and usually two meals a day. Understand?" Jerry nodded.

It took the three partners 18 days to get from Santa Fe to Pueblo and the men and horses were ready for a little rest. They planned on resting the animals for at least a full day before heading north toward Chico Basin. Jerry worked his magic with the stable owner and the boys slept in the hayloft over the horse stalls again. Josh figured they'd only have a two day ride to the Basin when they left Pueblo; he hoped they'd find a ranch that needed a couple of hands.

There wasn't much to do at night after making camp; they checked equipment, made some repairs, and talked a little about the next day's ride. Red thought up something to entertain them. So during their nights on the trail, he began to teach Josh and even Jerry, some of the gun handling skills that he had learned from his cousin Texas John Slaughter. "Never know when it might come in handy," Red told them.

After several nights of teaching and practicing, Josh and Red would square off and practice fast draws against each other. They unloaded their guns and would test each other to see who was faster. Josh couldn't overcome the natural speed that Red possessed but he came close.
"I'd hate to bet my life on the difference," Red stated. "It'd be a close thing ifin it was for real."

Their first afternoon in Pueblo, Red suggested that he and Josh go to the saloon. "Maybe we can get some idea of what ranches are in the Chico Basin area. No place like a saloon for gossip; men like to talk when they're drinkin."

"You just want an excuse to get a drink and if there's any saloon gals so much the better," Josh laughed at his friend and then got more serious, "You're right though Red, a saloon is a good place to find information. I think I'll take Jerry and get some supplies at the general store. Might find out somethin there too, don't you know."

It was late when Red returned to the barn and climbed up to the hay loft; he had more than one drink but was far from being drunk. Josh and Jerry were asleep on their bedrolls and Red dropped down onto his. I'll tell em what I found out in the mornin he decided. Right now I need some sleep too, he thought.

Red woke to the smell of coffee. He climbed down from the hay loft and found Josh and the owner of the stable talking and drinking coffee together. Josh smiled as Red sort of waddled over to join them; he poured a cup of coffee and handed it to him.

"Late night Red?" Josh asked with a smile and then laughed. "Didn't know you were going to make a night of it."

"I was back by 10," Red defended himself. "But my hard work paid off. I got some good information about the Chico Basin area.

"Well Jerry and I found out some things too, but we didn't have to stay out until 10 to do it."

On the way to get breakfast at the café the three partners shared what they had found out. Red told them that he had met and bought a drink for a wagon driver that delivers freight to a town called Fountain and then on to Colorado City. The driver said that he knew of a ranch in the Chico Basin called the S Bar S and one in Fountain Valley named the Maggie M; he'd heard tell that both of them needed hands.

Jerry told Red what he and Josh had found out from James Mitchell, the owner of the mercantile. Seems the S Bar S was looking for a horse trainer. Mitchell's brother ran the general store in Fountain and the owner of that ranch, a Mr. Sanders, had mentioned that he needed a horse trainer.

As they finished their food Josh said, "Well we might just have found a place to work boys. Let's get on the trail at day break. Maybe between the two places we can all find work."

They planned to go back to the stables and check over their gear and horses before hitting the trail the next day. As they curried and combed their mounts Josh just had to tease Red a little. "Did you meet anybody interesting besides that teamster Red? Like maybe a pretty gal; I can't picture you talking to an ugly wagon driver all that time."

"Well, there was this one little filly that I did spend some time with, in fact she's the one that introduced me to the teamster so I bought her a drink or two. But when I finished talking to him I looked for her and she was already with another drover." Red chuckled at himself. "Lost my chance there I did, by doing what I'd gone into the saloon to do."

The next morning the three partners and their caravan of horses were on the way to Fountain. They wanted to talk to the owner of the general store to check on the possible jobs and get directions to the S Bar S and the Maggie M. Josh led them along the trail and continued until just before dusk; by riding from sun up to sun down now they would get to Fountain early the next day.

At midday they rode into Fountain and after watering their horses they hitched them in front of the store and all three headed inside. Josh stepped through the door, moved to the side, pulling Jerry with him and stopped; Red stepped to the other side of the door. Josh and Red both made a habit of scouting any area they entered; being aware of their surroundings had proved helpful more than once in the past.

Josh saw a man behind a counter getting stick candy for a boy of 12 or 13 and two young women being helped by an older woman, probably the owner's wife he thought. Red saw the young women too; smiling at Josh he began to amble toward the ladies. Josh had to chuckle at his friend's actions. He tapped Jerry on the shoulder and walked toward the man behind the counter. As they got closer Jerry became interested in the display of penny candies; this caused Josh to chuckle again. He sometimes forgot that Jerry was just a 15 year old boy himself.

The man behind the counter finished helping the boy and turned to Josh and Jerry. "Howdy boys, name's Steve Mitchell. This is my store, can I help you?"

Josh gave the man a list of supplies that he needed; things like coffee, beans, bacon, a little sugar and a few pieces of stick candy for Jerry. The boy smiled his thanks at Josh. As Mitchell filled the order Josh told him about meeting his brother in Pueblo. "He said that he heard that the S Bar S and another place was hiring. You know anything about that, Mr. Mitchell?"

"Bill Sanders, the owner of the S Bar S, told me about ten days ago he was lookin for someone to train some rough horses that he owns. Seems like none of his hands can do any good with the animals and he's got a lot of money invested in them."

Josh smiled as he paid for the supplies and said, "Now ain't it just lucky for Mr. Sanders. That's what I do; train horses. Can you give us directions to the ranch?"

While finding out which trail to take out of town and how far the ranch was, Josh saw the two young women and the boy leave the store. Red followed and watched them for a little bit as they walked down the street toward the stables.

Mitchell snapped his fingers and said, "I should've said something early, those two young women and the boy that just left are from the Maggie M. That's a small spread that needs a wrangler too; I never thought but I could've introduced you. They're headed to the stables to meet their pa, maybe you can catch up to them there."

Josh asked Jerry to put the supplies on the pack animals and he and Red started toward the stables. As they stepped outside they saw the two girls and the boy backed up against the front of a building. There were three cowboys facing them and heated words were being exchanged.

As they got closer they could hear one of the cowboys say, "You Maguire's all think you're better than us don't you Sarah? Well we're gonna show you that you're not as high and mighty as you think."

"Rafe, don't do this," the older girl said. "I don't think I'm better than you; I just don't want to go to the dance with you. I'm not going with anybody." She tried to calm the cowboy down.

Josh had to admire the two ladies; they appeared concerned but not frightened. The boy already had a split lip so he must have tried to protect the women. Lot of spunk for a youngster, Josh thought. He looked at Red and received a nod back. They stepped between the three backed up against the building and the cowboys.

"Yeah Rafe, don't do this. You won't like the outcome." Red challenged the three men. Once again Josh was amazed at the change in his friend and partner. Red was always joking, kidding around, and happy; but when facing danger he turned into another person. A very dangerous person.

"Mister, why don't you and your friends ride out? There's no need for this," Josh tried to reason with the three men. He didn't think it would work, it was obvious that the men had been drinking and liquored up men usually didn't listen to reason.

"It's none of your concern. You and your partner step aside and you won't get hurt," Rafe ordered Josh and Red.

This time it was Josh that issued the challenge, "We're makin it our concern; we gonna be working for Mr. Maguire and what kind of hands would we be if we didn't protect these ladies? You boys best ride on."

"Y'all might want to rethink what you're fixin to do boys. We got you surrounded," Red told them with a deadly smile, pointing behind them. The three cow hands looked behind them and saw Jerry with a Henry rifle pointed in their general direction. Jerry had his hat pulled down low over his eyes disguising the fact that he was a young boy. "Why don't you boys just get your horses and hit the trail?" Red continued.

Rafe and his boys didn't notice that Jerry was so young; they were more concerned with the Henry rifle pointed at them. They slowly backed away, mounted their horses, and rode out of town. As they left the Sheriff ran up holding a double barrel shotgun. "You three just stand easy," he ordered. "You girls alright Sarah?"

"Sheriff Horton these men just stopped what was proving to be a very unpleasant incident," the older of the two women said. "Rafe and his boys were going to....well, I don't know what they were going to do but it wouldn't have been anything good. These three gentlemen came to our rescue like knights in shining armor. I'm sorry I don't know your names."

"Sir John McCall of Texas ma'am," Red introduced himself with a bow and a sweeping gesture with his hat. "These are my squires Josh Kelly and Jerry Barnes. And your name milady, if I may be so bold?"

The young women both smiled at Red's antics, even the boy had to grin. "I'm Sarah Maguire," the older of the two said. "This is my sister Danielle and my brother Jacob. Did you say Sir John McCall?" She asked with a smile.

"Yes milady, all knights are addressed as Sir," Red teased. This time Sarah laughed out loud and Danielle giggled.

Josh noticed a large man walking quickly toward them. "Stay alert Red," he warned as he turned to face the man. The newcomer was even taller than Josh's 6' 1 and about 40 pounds heavier. For all his size he moved with an easy grace.

"What's going on here Sarah?" The big man asked when he got closer. "You all right?"

"Pa, these gentlemen just came to our rescue. Gentlemen this is my father, Daniel Maguire. This is John McCall, Josh Kelley, and Jerry Barnes," Sarah replied.

She explained the confrontation with Rafe and the other two and how their three new friends had helped them. Her father had to be restrained from following Rafe to dispense a little fatherly justice. Sheriff Horton told Maguire to let it go, that he would handle the two men.

Sarah got her father calmed down and Mr. Maguire shook hands all around and thanked the young men for their help. "Where you boys headed John?"

"Friends call me Red sir; we're trying to find work as ranch hands. Mr. Mitchell at the store said y'all might be looking for some help."

"We need some help but we can't afford to pay full wages so we'll just have to make due," He answered. "Sorry boys."

Josh said, "Well we'll just have to talk to Mr. Sanders at the S Bar S.

"You wouldn't get to the S Bar S until almost dark if you start this late in the day. The Maggie M is half way there, why don't you come out for supper and spend the night. We owe you boys at least that much," Mr. Maguire suggested. "You can sleep in the bunk house and get an early start tomorrow morning."

"Sounds like a fine idea to me," Red replied, looking at Sarah. "Let's get going."

Josh didn't think it was getting a jump on seeing Mr. Sanders at the S Bar S that made Red so agreeable to going to the Maguire's. He chuckled to himself; Red's interest was in Sarah, not a home cooked meal. Of course I won't mind spending a little time with Danielle either, Josh thought.

The Maguires got into their wagon and started home; the three friends walked back to their horses that were hitched in front of the general store and soon caught up with them. Josh rode beside Mr. Maguire and talked on the way to the ranch; Red decided that the other side of the wagon, where Sarah was sitting, was the best place for him to ride.

They had tied their pack animals off to the wagon and Jerry rode in the back of it talking with Jacob. It'd been a long time since Jerry had anyone near his own age to talk to. Several times Josh looked over to see how Red was getting along with Sarah and each time he caught Danielle staring at him. He had to smile as Red talked with Sarah; Red could charm the Devil himself Josh thought.

As Josh talked to Mr. Maguire he got a chance to examine the big man closer. When they had met in town Josh had still been too keyed up from the confrontation with the three cowboys to pay that much attention to the man. Mr. Maguire had sandy colored hair and his face was tanned and weather worn from working outside. His hands were very large and show the effects of years of hard work.

Mr. Maguire reminds me of my Pa, Josh thought. Same size, same big hands, and same easy way with people. He'd be a good man to have at you side during trouble.

The little caravan pulled up in front of the ranch house and Mrs. Maguire was standing on the front porch to greet them. Mr. Maguire said, "Boys this is my wife Margaret, the real boss of the outfit." After the introductions the girls started telling their mother about the incident in town.

"The telling can wait until after supper," Mr. Maguire said. "Mother would you set three more places for our guests?"

Josh and Jerry went to the corral to take care of the horses and to help Mr. Maguire unhitch his team. Red had started to follow but Josh waved him back. By the time they got back to the house, Red had Mrs. Maguire laughing and giggling like a school girl.

Margaret Maguire was a striking woman. She was tall at 5' 9 with midnight black hair gathered together and worn long down her back. When Josh took off his hat to greet her she appraised him with grey eyes. This is an intelligent woman, Josh thought. It was hard to believe that she had two grown daughters. He was impressed by the whole family.

In spite of her curiosity, Mrs. Maguire refused to let them talk about the unpleasantness in town at supper. "That can wait till after we eat," she ordered.

"How long you folks been here Mr. Maguire?" Josh asked.

"The name's Daniel or Dan please. Calling me Mr. Maguire makes me feel like my father," he said with a grin. "Been here over ten years now. After the Mexican war the Federal government gave veterans land grants up here. We were supposed to get paid cash money but they gave us land grants instead. Scouted the area in '50 then filed my claim. I built a dugout house into a hill and moved the family up from Independence, Missouri in '52."

"The first couple of years were a real adventure I'll tell you," Mrs. Maguire said. "Fighting Indians, wild animals, and the weather sure made for an interesting life."

"Yes ma'am; sounds like a right hard life. I admire you and your family Mrs. Maguire," Josh responded.

"No need to be so formal Josh. I'm Margaret but most folks call me Maggie; Daniel even named our spread after me. Now what happened in town?"

Sarah explained about Rafe and his two friends and how Red, Josh, and Jerry had come to the girls rescue. "I think they are like three knights from King Arthur's round table Sarah," Maggie said smiling at the three young men.

Josh, Jerry and even Red blushed and were a little embarrassed at the compliment. Red wasn't affected for long.

"Think I'll go check on the horses," Red told them. "Care to take a walk Sarah?"

Charm the Devil himself Red could, Josh thought again and then grinned when Jacob offered to help Red with the horses. He almost laughed when Jerry said he'd go along too. So much for a little time alone with a pretty girl, Josh said to himself.

Red shook his head a little and said, "Josh, you and Danielle might as well come along too." Bring the whole danged family why don't we, he mumbled under his breath.

"I think a walk would be nice Josh, don't you?" Danielle replied. He smiled and nodded very pleased at the invitation.

Josh was quieter than Red but he wasn't shy. There had been more than one young lady back in Missouri that he had squired around to the church socials and barn dances. But the looks that Danielle sent his way did disturb him a little; it'd been a long time since he'd been around a young woman, especially one as pretty as Danielle.

Sarah and Red led the way to the barn walking side by side. She's almost as tall as Red, Josh noticed. Sarah was defiantly her mother's daughter; she had the same dark hair and grey eyes. And Sarah had the same easy way with people that Daniel had. She was slender, but looked strong and solid. Josh could understand why Red was so taken with her.

The walk to the barn and corral didn't last as long as Red had intended and they came back to the ranch house after a short spell. As they stepped onto the porch, Daniel poured coffee for his guests and himself and lit a cigar. He offered cigars to the boys but only Red took one.

Jacob was sent off to bed and the adults talked for a while. Sarah was 22 and the school teacher in Fountain. She would be moving back to town in about a month. During the school year the town provided her with room and board at Mrs. Cassidy's boarding house and she would come out to the ranch on the weekends. Danielle, who had just turned 18, had an offer of a position in the freight company's office. She would be moving to town at the same time Sarah went back.

"I want to thank you boys again for helping my girls. Red weren't you and Josh worried about being out numbered? I know Jerry backed you up and no offense Jerry but you're not much more than a boy; and at first it was three against two," Daniel questioned.

For the first time since Josh had met him, Red didn't have anything to say. Josh waited a few seconds for Red to speak up and then responded, "Daniel as far as Jerry is concerned, he may be young but he's got more sand than a lot of grown men I've met. He's a veteran of two raids on our wagon train and handles himself well." He stopped to pat Jerry on the shoulder and smiled at him. The boy was clearly embarrassed but proud at the attention.

"Red will brag about most anything; except how good he is when trouble jumps up. He's a veteran of those same two raids and he fought in the war too; at a place called Manassas with the 29th Texas Cavalry. He's a mighty good man to have at your back," Josh said.

"But still there were three of them and you didn't know that Jerry was going to get the drop on them from behind. Took a lot of nerve to face them down," Daniel continued.

"Didn't think about it much sir. We just saw two young ladies being bullied and stepped in," Red softly remarked.

"Red won't say so Mr. Mag...Daniel, but he's very, very good with that pistol of his," Josh said.

"That right Red? You a gunfighter?" Daniel asked. He wasn't sure he wanted a gunfighter around his family even if he had helped them.

"No sir, I'm not. I'm just an ex-soldier trying to get by," Red answered looking Daniel in the eye. "I had some teachin from a cousin of mine to help me do that."

"Ever heard of Texas John Slaughter, Daniel?" Josh asked. And before he could answer continued, "That's Red's cousin.

"The lawman?"

"Yes sir. He taught Red some before either one of them went to war. He's not a gunfighter sir but he's as good as I've ever seen," Josh said.

Daniel stared at the two men who had put themselves between his girls and danger and thought, gunfighter or not Red and the other two are good men. "I'd be proud to consider you boys as friends," he said.

Maggie said, "Time for bed girls." Sarah lingered a little saying good night to Red. Danielle made a point of saying good night to Josh also and then the girls went inside. "Don't stay up talking too late Dan. See you knights in the morning." She said with a smile and left the men.

Josh changed the subject. "Mr. Magu....I mean Daniel sir, you said before that you couldn't afford to hire some help. Mind if I ask way? This looks like a good place for cattle or horses," Josh said.

"No, I don't mind the askin. This is a good place to raise stock of almost any kind, but for the last year rustlers have stolen or run off most of our cattle. Sheriff Horton is a good man but we're a long way from town; by the time we can report the loss of the cattle the thieves are long gone. I've tried to follow the trail but lost it up in the hills."
"Ain't right, a man works hard to provide for his family and some no good, low down, bastards steal him blind. Just ain't right," Red commented. Coming from a ranching family himself he had strong feelings about rustlers. "So what do you plan to do sir?"

"Just hang on and hope things get better. We grow a lot of our own food in our garden and we've some money put away from better times for other things. If things don't get any worse we can hold out for a long spell, but somewhere down the road things will have to change. We want to do more than just get by."

"In town you said you couldn't pay full wages for a hand. What's considered full wages around here and what are you able to offer?" Josh asked. They needed to know before they went to the S Bar S.

"A ranch like the S Bar S usually pays $40 a month and found. We can afford about half that I guess. Why?"

"Just an idea bouncing around in my head. Let me think on it some more before I say anything," Josh answered. "Guess we'll turn in. See you in the morning sir."

"Breakfast at 6 boys. Good night," Daniel replied and went into the house.

The three walked to the bunkhouse and Red asked, "What's your idea Josh? Care to share it with your partners?"

"Let's wait until we talk to Mr. Sanders first. Then I'll tell you what I'm thinkin, okay? Red and Jerry nodded and the men went to bed.

They were saddling up after breakfast and Daniel told them that if things didn't work out to come on back. He invited them to stay with his family for a while until they decided what to do. The boys thanked him and rode out toward the S Bar S.

It took them almost two hours to get to get to the S Bar S; they could have made it faster but there was no need to work the horses that hard; they wanted to get the lay of the land and weren't in a big hurry. They rode to the ranch house where two men were sitting on the front porch. One man was about 5' 6 with a stocky build and looked to be about 50; the other was almost as tall as Josh and had a mean look about him. Josh dismounted and walked toward the house; Red and Jerry stayed on their horses.

"Mr. Sanders?" The older man stood and nodded. "I'm Josh Kelly; I heard from Mr. Mitchell in town that you might be hiring some hands."

"What I looking for is a horse trainer. Full up otherwise."

"I'm a horse trainer sir but we'd like to work together if we could. We're sort of a matched set, don't you know," Josh said smiling.

"You boys don't look old enough to be weaned much less be good hands," the other man said standing up. His tone was insulting and he looked at the three young men with contempt.

Josh didn't like the looks of him. He had an arrogant manner about him; he reminded Josh of a bully back home. A bully that would remember the lesson that the young farm boy had taught him for a long time. Josh was about to make a little joke to lighten the mood when Red spoke up.

"I'd be happy to step down and show you what a boy can do Mister," Red gave the man an evil grin.

"Shut up Tom, this is none of your affair." Sanders said. Turning back to Josh he said, "That's my brother-in-law Tom Larson; he's got a spread on the north side of the Maggie M. Sometimes he forgets his manners," Sanders said the last part to Larson.

"We are young Mr. Sanders but that don't mean we're not good workers. Rode guard for a Mr. Hobart's wagon train from Fort Smith to Santa Fe. We can earn our keep."

"It's like I said, I'm full up for regular hands, but I do need a trainer. I've got some horses that no one here has been able to get a handle on. If you can do what you say I'll give a try. How's $40 a month plus room and board sound Josh?"

"Let me show you what I can do and then we'll talk wages. Where are these horses you're having trouble with?"

Motioning to Larson to stay put, Sanders led them to a corral on the far side of the barn. Red stayed behind for a couple of minutes and pulled back on his reins causing Jasper to back up. He kept looking at Larson until he was about fifty feet away and then turned to follow Josh and the others. It was a blatant challenge to Tom Larson but he either had the good sense or lack of backbone to accept it.

"That's a nice piece of horse flesh you're leading Josh. Don't know when I've ever seen a horse that big move so easy on his feet," Sanders said admiring Diablo.

Josh reached up and patted the big horse on the neck. "Yes sir, he's about as good a horse as I've ever owned. He was one of those problem horses that Mr. Hobart had. Nobody could even get a lead rope on him until I worked with him some. Mr. Hobart gave him to me as a bonus."

"What put a burr under Larson's saddle Mr. Sanders?" Red asked.

"He wants the job of training my problem horses but I don't like his methods. When he's done with an animal its spirit is broken. A lot of the horses he works with just give up and die." He paused for a second then said, "If he wasn't my sister's husband I'd run him off my place."

The men came to a corral attached to the barn on one side. "Well there's four of my problems right there," Sanders said pointing to four horses in the corral.

Josh inspected the horses for a couple of minutes and then climbed the fence and dropped down into the corral.

"Be careful Josh, that sorrel is as mean as a snake," Sanders warned him.

The youngster smiled and walked to the middle of the corral and stood still. The horses moved away to the far side of the space and watched him. Josh stood still for about a minute and then turned his back on the horses. He slowly began to walk back to the fence; by the time he got there two of the horses had followed him part way across the corral.

Josh climbed up on the top rail and watched the horses for a minute. "Mr. Sanders, do you have some apples or carrots or something I can use as a treat?"

Sanders yelled at one of his hands over by the barn door, "Jones bring me a couple of those dried apples." The hand ducked into the barn and returned handing Josh three apples.

"Red put Diablo in the corral please."

Jerry opened the gate and Red led Josh's horse into the corral and walked back out. Josh cut the apples into several pieces and then jumped back down into the corral. He walked to the middle again and Diablo sort of crowded around him. The horse knew that Josh often had good tasting treats for him. He fed a piece of apple to Diablo and again turned his back on the others.

This time the two horses that had followed him before came toward Josh and after sniffing and looking at the offered pieces of apple took them from his hand. One of them allowed Josh to stroke his neck for a few seconds. Josh threw pieces of apple toward the other two horses and left the corral.

"That's as close as anyone's gotten to them without roping and hobbling them," Sanders said. "How'd you get them to come to you?"

"Horses are naturally curious and when they saw Diablo chewing on somethin they had to see what it was. The two that took apples from me I can probably be riding in 2 or 3 days. The other two will take a little longer," Josh told the older man.

"Well you boys come up to the house and we'll get some coffee and talk about your wages," Sanders suggested.

"I'll get my horse and join you shortly, sir," Josh said. He wanted to talk to Red and Jerry before any job offer was made.

"Boys if Mr. Sanders can't or won't hire all of us, I've got a couple of ideas. But we need to talk among ourselves and decide which way to go. Either way we'll go back to the Maguires for tonight; I'll need to get my gear and horses if I take the job."

Both Red and Jerry nodded and the three partners went back to the ranch house. They saw Larson riding off and Sanders invited all three men to join him on the porch. After getting coffee for them and getting settled in he made his offer.

"Josh, I'd like to hire you as a trainer; I'll pay you $50 a month and found. When you're not busy training horses you'll help with the cattle. How about it?"

"Thanks for the offer Mr. Sanders. Do you have room for my two partners too? We hadn't planned on separating," Josh replied.

"Sorry Josh, I don't have need of two more cow hands. Bout the best I could offer would be to let them work for room and board."

Josh thought about the offer for a minute and then said, "If it's alright I'd like to talk to my friends tonight and give you my answer in the morning. Can I do that sir?" Sanders nodded and Josh said, "Either way I'll let you know first thing in the morning."

When the boys got back to the Maguires they helped with some chores. Josh chopped fire wood and then helped Jerry muck out the stalls in the barn. Red did some repairs to the corral fence. Sarah and Danielle helped their mother around the house but came out to help with the other chores too. Contrary to the calico dresses they had worn in town they were now wearing men's slacks.

Josh had seldom seen a woman wearing slacks; at least not ones as young and attractive as the Maguire girls. Sarah stayed outside to help Red with the corral and Danielle came into the barn to help Josh and Jerry muck out the stalls. She distracted Josh so much that twice he almost stabbed his foot with the pitchfork he was using.

Sarah saw Josh looking at them and said, "Didn't mean to shock you Josh; you either Red. When we go to town Danielle and I will wear dresses or split riding skirts. But for working around the ranch wearing slacks is the best."

Josh blushed and answered, "Yes 'em.

Red laughed at the embarrassed Josh and said, "Y'all wear what you need too Sarah. We'll get over being shocked real quick."

Josh blushed again at the laughter directed at him by the girls and Red. After finishing the chores, the three young men went to the bunk house to clean up and wait for supper.

"Okay we've played good guests now what are your ideas Josh?" Red questioned.

"Well, I was just thinkin. I don't know about you two but I'm not up here trying to make my fortune or get rich; I'm just biding my time until I can go back home. When that time comes both of you are welcome to come with me. You can hire on at our farm or one of my uncle's." Josh looked at his two friends and when they nodded he went on.

"I think you two ought to stay here and help the Maguires. Daniel won't accept charity so let him pay you the $20 and found. I'll make a deal with Mr. Sanders to work four days a week and spend the other three over here." Josh waited to see if either of the men wanted to say anything and then continued.

"If that don't suit you we can go on and try to find something else. There's sure to be other ranches west or north of Colorado City."

"I sorta like the scenery around these parts," Red replied with a grin. "Rather not get too far away. Besides I'd like to find out who or what is happening to their cattle. Might be they could use our help, don't you know."

"What about you Jerry? Do you want to hang around or should we go looking some more?" Josh wanted to include the youngster in the discussion.

"I like it here. Mrs. Maguire has been real nice to me; she sorta reminds me of my ma. Ifin its okay, I just as soon stay here."

"Figure with our bankrolls we can last for two or three years as long as we're getting room and board. And I like the scenery bout these parts too," Josh said looking at Red.

Danielle was on Josh's mind when he talked about the scenery. She was as tall as her sister with the same slender but strong build. Danielle had her father's coloring with a mane of strawberry blonde hair and startling blue eyes. Her eyes could stare a hole right through you, Josh thought. But I wouldn't mind the attention.

The boys heard the clanging of the dinner bell and walked toward the ranch house. "After supper we'll brace Daniel and see what we can work out," Josh said.

The conversation at supper flowed easier than the previous night; none of them felt like strangers this evening. Sarah and Danielle were more involved and teased the boys a lot. Red and Sarah kept stealing glances at each other. My old partner's got himself roped and hog tied Josh thought. It was obvious to everyone except Daniel that Red and Sarah were smitten with each other.

After supper while the girls were helping Maggie with cleaning up, the men went to sit on the porch. Red stayed inside and Danielle came out to join them shortly. "I'm not needed inside, Red took my place helping with the dishes," she told Josh.

Josh and Jerry looked inside and saw Red standing next to Sarah, drying the dishes as she washed them. Yep, roped and hogtied Josh thought.

"You boys get a job today?" Daniel asked as he lit a cigar.

"Yes and no sir. Mr. Sanders couldn't take all three of us on but he did offer me a job training horses. We've got an offer for you Mr. Magu.....I mean Daniel." Josh waited for Daniel's nodded and then went on.

"I'm gonna take the job with the S Bar S but I only want to work over there four days a week. If you'd hire Jerry and Red at the $20 and found you mentioned, we could all stay in the same area. I can come over for three days and help out, if you'll feed me and let me throw my bedroll down in the bunk house." Josh finished and looked at Daniel.

"We can't afford the $20 dollars per man, when I said $20 I meant for one hand."

"No sir, I meant $20 for the two of them and all you'll have to do is feed me a little. You're getting 2 full time and one part time hand for the $20."

"That's not fair to you boys; you can earn more at another ranch," Daniel protested.

"We can't be sure we can all get hired on at the same place and besides I don't think I can get him away from here with a team of mules," Josh said motioning to Red drying dishes in the kitchen.

Daniel thought for a minute puffing on his cigar. He leaned forward in his chair, "Looks like you boys got a home."

Josh was on his way to the S Bar S by daylight to start his new job. Red and Jerry saw him off and had plans to finish repairing the corral. Later in the morning Daniel and Red took a ride around the ranch. Red found out that the Maggie M was a full section of land at 640 hundred acres and had a very large spring right in the middle of the property and several year round streams running through it. The well at the ranch house tied into the spring branch.

The next month was a busy time for Josh. He worked and stayed at Sanders from Monday through Thursday. On Friday at day break he would ride to the Maggie M, work over the weekend and spend some time with Danielle. On Monday morning he'd return to the S Bar S and start all over again.

Josh was able to gentle two horses that first week at the big ranch. He had them broke to saddle and working stock by the middle of the week. The other two took a little longer; it was going on two weeks before he could get them saddle broke.

In the mean time Sanders had brought in two more animals for Josh to work with. It was the second week of August and he told Josh he figured they had another month and a half before winter. They discussed the situation and both agreed that Josh would stay at the S Bar S until the winter set in. He would bunk at the Maggie M through the winter unless Sanders had horses that needed training. If he did he would pay Josh for each animal he trained instead of a monthly wage.

Even though it might mean less money Josh was happy with the new situation. He had almost $500 in his bankroll which he felt would more than hold him over until spring and beyond if necessary.

When he was away, Josh found himself missing the people at the Maggie M. He missed Red and Jerry but had to admit most of his thoughts were of Danielle. It wouldn't be long before she and Sarah moved back to Fountain. He would see her on the weekends when the girls returned to the ranch but when the winter closed in there wouldn't be many trips back to the Maggie M until spring.

Before Sarah and Danielle moved to town, Red got permission from Daniel to teach the girls how to handle a gun. "This isn't real wild country anymore sir, but it ain't St. Louis either. The ladies need to know how to protect themselves."

"Okay Red," Daniel agreed with a laugh. "Just don't teach them how to fast draw or anything," he teased.

Danielle took over the task of caring for Josh's horses while he was at the S Bar S. Almost every day she would brush them and always had a few pieces of apple for them. When Josh rode back to the Maggie M for the weekend, she took special care of Diablo too. It made little difference if Josh returned Thursday evening or Friday morning, Danielle made sure the big horse got combed, curried, and brushed. She also made sure that Diablo got his share of apples.

"I wish someone would pay that much attention to me," Josh said one morning. He was chuckling and teasing Danielle.

"Maybe they will one day," she replied seriously. Her statement put a big smile on Josh's face.

Danielle took special care of all of Josh's horses but her favorite was Sunny. She always had an apple, carrot, or turnip for the big buckskin. The horse would have followed her around like a heel hound if he could have. Every time she walked by the corral, Sunny would come to the fence, hang his head over the top rail, and watch her.

Danielle usually found the time to stroke his neck or scratch his ears and talk to him. When Maggie asked her about her special attachment to Sunny, Danielle said he reminded her of the chargers that the Knights of the Round Table rode.

"Wouldn't have anything to do with the knight that owns him, would it?" Maggie asked grinning at her daughter.

Danielle blushed, giggled and answered, "It just might mama."

Josh noticed and appreciated the care Danielle gave his horses. He knew it was because they were his horses that she paid special attention to them. Red made Josh blush more than once teasing him about the pretty girl taking care of his mounts.

Neither Josh nor Red was looking forward to the girls having to moving to Fountain soon. Josh was watching Danielle with Sunny one morning and had an idea. Sarah had her own horse Johnny, a big gelding that she'd bought when she began teaching school; Danielle just rode whatever ranch horse was available. The ranch horses were good animals but not of the same quality as Johnny.

One evening a few days before the girls were scheduled to leave for Fountain, Josh and Danielle were at the corral as Josh was checking the shoes on Diablo. Danielle was as usual scratching Sunny's ears and talking to him. I think I've lost my horse, Josh said to himself. Watching them for a couple of minutes, Josh made up his mind.

"Miss Danni, I think....." Josh began but Danielle interrupted him.

"Miss Danni?" She asked with a smile.

Josh blushed but smiled back and replied, "Yes 'em, Miss Danni. Is that okay?"

She reached out to touch his hand and nodded. Josh continued, "I'd like to loan Sunny to you. You need a strong animal to ride back and forth between here and town. What with the weather and the cattle rustling and such, I'd feel better if you was riding him. Like Red told your Pa, this ain't St. Louis. Sunny is just the one to take get you home safely. He's not as fast as some for a mile, but he'll still be running at the same speed ten miles later."

"Josh I can't take your horse."

"You wouldn't be takin him, he'd be on loan. Besides you'd be doing me a favor. I ride Diablo most of the time and Sunny is gettin fat and lazy. He needs to be ridden and you'd be helping both of us if you worked him some. What'da you say Miss Danni?"

Danni had to smile at Josh's rationalization on why she should ride Sunny. She knew he was worried about her trips back and forth to Fountain. "Okay, but on one condition Josh."

"What's that Miss Danni?"

"You drop the Miss and just call me Danni. No one's ever called me that and I like it."
Josh laughed and responded, "Okay Danni, you've got a deal. Shake on it." They laughed and shook hands but held on for a little longer than normal. Then they returned to the ranch house.

In the middle of September, after the harvest school started; Sarah and Danielle moved to Fountain. Sarah began teaching and Danielle started her job with the freight company. Somehow the ranch seemed colder and smaller to both Josh and Red. They looked forward to the weekends when the girls returned to the ranch. It was obvious to Maggie Maguire that the young Texan and her daughter were smitten with each other. She wondered how long it would be before their flirtation turned into something more serious.

October rolled around and the weather started to get colder although there hadn't been any snow or ice as of yet. Sarah and Danni were still able to come home on Friday afternoons and leave early Monday morning. When winter set in with the bitter cold, snow, and ice they would have to stay in Fountain. Every time they rode home, Danni was thankful that she had Sunny to ride. The big horse would get her home no matter what and she felt safe and secure on his back.

One Friday evening late in October, Daniel watched as Red and Sarah stood talking down by the corral after supper. It was beginning to get colder and he could see their breath as they talked. He turned to Maggie and asked, "Have you noticed that Red and Sarah have been spending a lot of time together, Maggie?"

"I'll swear Dan, sometimes you don't see things until they hit you like an ax handle upside your head," she replied laughing. "Those two have been mooning over one another since you first brought those boys home with you. Expect to hear they want to get married soon."

"What? Get married? Why Sarah's still a baby; she's too young to get married," Daniel responded.

"She's 22 and four years older than I was when we got married. By the time I was her age I'd given you both of our girls."

Daniel had to smile. "Maybe I am a little dense sometimes."

"The other thing you don't see is Danielle and Josh are getting close too." Maggie had to smile at the look on his face. "We might just have a double wedding coming soon." She had to laugh out loud at Daniel's look.

Daniel watched Maggie laugh at him for a few seconds and then smiled himself. "You know, our girls could do a lot worse than those two." It was high praise coming from a father.

All of a sudden Sarah came hurrying back to the ranch house as Red stood out in the yard with his hand on his gun belt. Jerry scurried to the bunk house, returned with two Henry rifles, and tossed one to Red. He moved behind some hay bales beside the corral while Red continued to stand in the open.

Sarah got to the porch and said, "Red said there's someone coming, riding hard."

Daniel shooed both women into the house and returned with his own rifle to stand on the porch. If the incoming rider brought trouble he was going to get a rude surprise. That young man down there can be as dangerous as a mad bull and a quick as a rattlesnake if he's pushed, Daniel thought.

He heard Red yell into the night, "You'd better slow to a walk Mister and come in with your hands empty."

"If I meant to shoot you I'd sit out here and pick you off with my own Henry," the response came from the dark.

"You couldn't hit the side of a barn from ten feet," Red yelled back and started laughing. Jerry stepped from behind the hay bales laughing too.

Daniel didn't understand what they were laughing about until Josh rode into the yard out of the darkness. He had a big grin on his face and was chuckling.

Josh dismounted when he got to where Red was standing; Jerry came to join his two older friends. Swinging down from his horse he playfully swatted at Red with his hat and reached over and patted Jerry on the shoulder. Daniel looked at the three as if seeing them for the first time. He hadn't seen them together before without others around. He compared them as they stood together talking and laughing.

Jerry was big for his age at 5' 8 or so. He had big hands and feet which promised he would be a lot bigger when he got his full growth; it was hard to remember that he's only 15. Red was like the sunshine, bright and full of life. He was stocky, solid, and strong like a bear. And like a bear he could be dangerous and unpredictable if you provoked him.

Josh was tall, slender, and moved with a cat like grace. He reminded Daniel of a mountain lion he had seen once, moving over the ground hardly seeming to touch down. Josh was quiet but when he talked he usually said something worth listening too. Daniel wasn't sure if Josh or Red would be more dangerous when prodded.

Although Red was the oldest there was no doubt that Josh led the group. He was only 3 or 4 years older than Jerry but he was a man grown where Jerry was still growing into manhood. A strange mixture, but a strong one Daniel thought. I'm glad they're our friends.

Jerry took Josh's horse Diablo to the barn and took care of him. Josh and Red walked to the porch to join Daniel. "Well looks like you got another hand sir. I've finished at Sander's until the spring so I'll be staying here with y'all if that's okay," Josh said.

"Welcome home son. We're glad to have you."

Maggie and Sarah came out onto the porch and Josh took off his hat and with a smile said hello. But his attention quickly turned back to the door when Danielle came out to join everyone.

"Dang Josh, you've got a smile as big as Texas on your face. I know you're glad to see me but this is embarrassing," Red teased his friend. Everyone there knew who and what caused Josh's smile.

Turning back to Daniel Josh said, "I reckon I could've waited until morning to come back. But I thought I could stay at Sander's with a bunch of strangers or come back here to be with friends. So here I am."

Maggie asked Josh if he'd had supper and pushed him into the house when he said no. Everyone sat around the table as Josh ate and talked. They had seen him the week before but were happy to have Josh back "home"

"I guess Jacob's in bed already," Josh said. When Daniel nodded Josh said, "I've got a present for him, it'll be here tomorrow morning." There was a chorus of questions but Josh told everyone he wanted it to be a surprise.

"I wanted to travel fast tonight and couldn't bring it with me. Mr. Sanders and his cook are making a supply run to Fountain tomorrow and he said he would drop it off on his way by," Josh told them.

Sanders was mounted on one of the horses that Josh had trained and his cook drove the wagon up to the front of the house early the next morning. Everyone came out to greet the men with Josh in the lead. Sanders motioned to the barn and Josh nodded.

"Jacob I need some help with something, could you give me a hand?" Josh asked. The boy nodded and followed Josh as he walked toward the barn. "Wait right here, I'll get it, and you can help me," Josh ordered.

He went to the back side of the barn and returned leading a big buckskin colt about a year and a half old. Josh walked to Jacob and handed him the lead. "He needs a good home and a good owner. Think you can do that Jacob?"

The boy was stunned and didn't know what to say so he just nodded.

"You're a big help to your family and showed a lot of sand trying to help your sisters when those cowboys scared them. I think you should have your own horse to raise and train. That okay with you?"

Again the boy nodded still not able to speak. "You'll have to take care of him and teach him how to be a good horse. It'll be about a year before you can ride him heavy but by that time he'll be your partner."

Jacob found his voice and leading the colt toward his parents said excitedly, "Ma, Pa, look what Josh gave me." Then he stopped, "Thank you Josh. I'll take good care of him, I promise."

Maggie and the two girls had tears in their eyes at how happy Jacob was. Growing up on a ranch didn't give a young boy much time for anything but work and it was good to see Jacob so excited. Daniel stepped down from the porch and looked over the young horse.

His voice had an uncommon gruffness to it when he said, "It's a fine looking animal Jacob. Gonna be a big horse when he gets his full grown, 16 hands or so. Looks strong too. Better go find a stall for him and feed and water him good."

Jacob led his horse toward the barn. Daniel turned toward Josh, "I'll pay you for whatever the colt cost Josh."

"No sir, that's a gift to Jacob from Red, Jerry, and I. We admire the way the boy stood up to Rafe and besides Jacob don't have no kids his own age for friends so this pony can be his friend."

"We appreciate it Josh, but Jacob can ride one of my horses when need be. You didn't have to spend you wages on the colt."

"A man should have his own horse and Jacob's not far from being a man. Besides all the animal cost was a little of my time."

"What...how's that?" Daniel asked.

"The colt's mama was killed by a mountain lion about six months ago. Mr. Sanders didn't want the colt to be out on the range during this winter and was finally was able to catch him last week." Josh turned toward Sanders and smiled. "But then he didn't know what to do with the animal. The colt is too young to ride yet so he'd be like a pet for a year or so."

"I already got a couple of dogs. Don't need no more pets," Sanders interrupted. He tried and failed to sound put out and gruff.

Josh continued, "I remarked that the colt reminded me of my Sunny and Mr. Sanders told me I could have him. Said I'd be doing him a favor if I took the animal off his hands."

"I also said you'd have to work with him on your own time, didn't I?"

"Oh Mr. Sanders quit play actin at being mean; you're a good man with a kind heart. You're the one that gave me the saddle and tack for Jacob. Anyway I looked over the colt and thought he'd make a fine mount for Jacob. I worked with the horse after supper every night; he's comin along pretty good."

Daniel stepped over to Sanders and shook his hand saying thank you. Maggie asked, "When do you figure to come back this way?"

"We'll buy and load supplies tonight and start back to the ranch at first light tomorrow morning. Probably pass by here around 8 or so. Y'all need me to pick something up for you?"

"No sir, but ifin y'all stop by in the morning, I'll feed you the best breakfast in these parts," Maggie said. Sanders nodded and he and his cook left for town.

"Let's get some work done, we're burning daylight," Daniel said.

After working most of the morning around the house place, Daniel, Red, and Jerry went into the hill country to cut more firewood for the winter. Never can have too much firewood, Daniel thought. Josh and the two girls picked the last of the apples from the five or six trees growing down by the spring. Maggie would make a couple of apple pies and she would can or dry the rest for use during the winter.

Sarah watched Josh and Danielle flirt back and forth and smiled. Maybe her little sister had found a beau too. After they brought the apples up to the house, Josh walked down by the corral. Jacob was sitting on the top rail just watching his horse.

"Might as well be working him instead of just lookin at him," Josh said to the boy.

"I'd like to but I'm not sure what I should be doing. Besides, he's a little skittish; after I took the lead off he sorta danced away from me. He keeps moving away whenever I try to get close to him," Jacob replied.

"He's not used to you yet, you're something new." Josh handed Jacob a few pieces of apple, "Go to the middle of the corral and eat a piece of apple. Don't look at him, don't pay any attention to him; he'll come over to see what you're eating. He knows about apples, that's what I used working with him."

Jacob did as Josh said and the young horse did come to Jacob expressing an interest in the apple. "Give him a piece of apple, rub his neck, and talk to him. Now walk away and come back toward me."

The colt followed Jacob all the way to the corral fence. "Now he's your friend, you can start to train him," Josh said. "Every time you work with him or curry and comb him, or feed him you need to talk to him. It doesn't matter what you say, he needs to get to know your voice."

Saturday morning Sanders rode back into the yard on his way back to his ranch. The cook had decided to continue on instead of stopping. Maggie welcomed Sanders and put on a huge breakfast of ham, flapjacks, and eggs.

Sitting on the porch, stuffed after the great meal, Sanders asked Jacob if he'd named his new horse yet.

"Yes sir. Since his mama was killed by a mountain lion and he's the same tawny color as one, I'm gonna call him Puma," Jacob answered.

"Good name son," Sanders said. Josh and Red smiled and nodded approval at Jacob.

"You had any problems with rustlers Mr. Sanders?" Daniel asked.

"Please call me Bill. No I haven't had any trouble. I've lost a few cattle to wolves and mountain lions but not many. Have you?"

"I've had over 100 head stolen in the last year; ten head just two days ago," Daniel admitted. "I find it strange that you haven't had any trouble. I mean you have a lot more cattle than we do."

"Tom Larson's ranch is just north of yours and he hasn't had any trouble either," Sanders said.

"It's almost like the rustlers are targeting my place," Daniel responded.

They talked until about 10 and Sanders decided he needed to get back to the S Bar S. The men stood and started to go work on the different chores necessary to keep a ranch running. Josh asked Daniel to stay behind for a minute.

"Between all of us we've got your place in pretty good shape for the winter. I'd like to take Red and do some scouting. Maybe we can find out something about these rustlers; where they went and what trails they took. If we can find their trail we might be able to find where they took the cattle and who they are."

"Okay, but be careful Josh. Rustlers are usually hard cases so don't get too close," Daniel warned.

"We'll be real careful but those men haven't run into anyone as hard as Red. He's fit to be tied that someone is hurting his friends. Red's a good man at your back but a damn bad one to have against you," Josh responded.

Red mounted on Jasper and Josh on Diablo rode out that morning. Sarah and Danielle watched them go with a bit of worry showing. The two rode to the top of a rise, waved one more time, and rode on.

They were looking for a trail and weren't sure where it would take them; but they were on their way.

To Be Continued...