Sage Rider

SAGE RIDER CHAPTER ONE

T

he whistle of the Texas Pacific sounded lonesome in Echo Canyon beyond where Wade Murray now rides along the tracks. He dismounts and stands in the dark night under the trees with a rainy mist falling that blows in his face. Creaking leather sounds come from his saddle as his horse becomes restless as the train approaches. Wade leans and whispers into the ear of the dark shadow of the outlaw beside him. “Listen, Slim, it’s too soon to rob this train.” “It’s too close to the big bank job we have planned in town.” Why now?, why this train in this weather?, Wade thought to himself. “Slim, don’t you think were sticking out necks out here?” “I’ve a hunch,” replied Slim. “We’ll get a bunch of much off this train; it will be like taking candy from a baby.” “Come on, Wade, it's easy money, relax will ya. Be quite now they're slowing down for water and wood at this crossing. As the train neared their position Wade heard rash voices in the cab of the engine. They could just make out the express car in the distance light. At that moment they could see the express messenger open the door for fresh air. He had been cooped-up in there since they left the station. Slim turned to Wade and wished him luck and told him to stay alert. Slowly the express messenger slid down from the open door of the express car. From a leveled gun Slim told the messenger to slowly turn around with his hands up. The messenger’s complied with his request. Keep them hands high where we can see-em. Our friends are watching the engineer and coachman so don’t try anything stupid. “Keep him covered while I look around,” said Slim. Wade was nervous for some reason holding the gun in the rain; something did not feel right. He was fast with a gun and could handle himself alright so why was he feeling so at odds. The light in the express car was dim; guess the messenger had been taking a nap during the ride. Slim spotted some boxes marked special delivery, priority mail. There in the far corner was a steel safe attached to the wall of the express car. He returned to the where the messenger was being held at gun-point. Slim told the messenger to open the safe. “I can’t. That’s the Wells-Fargo safe. I don’t have the combination.” “Open it or I’ll kill you where you stand!” “Mr. make no mistake he will shoot you, don’t be a hero.” He looked at Wade and said, “I can’t I told you they don’t give me combination.” “Only the Wells-Fargo agent can open it.”

“Kill him and be dammed.” The engineer and coachman are busy tending the engine up front making too much noise to hear the shot, shot him I tell you.” Slim looks around the floor of the car and spots some blue packages. “What’s in those blue packages?” “I don’t know the messenger replied; they came sealed and locked.” Slim pulled the fire ax from the wall and cut off the locks atop the blue packages. He heard a lovely noise that sounded like coins. They spilled on the floor of the car. Look what we got here double eagles. Must be a bunch of money here in all these bags! Easiest job we ever done! Wade peered down the tracks toward the engine to make sure no one was coming. Wade hit the messenger over the back of the head, knocking him out. They filled their coat pockets and saddle bags full of the loose coins. Some spilled on the floor they were so careless. “Let’s make a run for the border”, yelled Slim. Wade leaped down and ran behind the dark shadow of the outlaw now in front of him. They were both burdened with the extra weight of the coins. In an instance they were free of any light that would give away their presence. Soon they approached their mounts waiting in the misty rain where they left them. After mounting his horse Wade removed his cloth mask and held tight to the reins as they rode away. Ride close to me we don’t want to get separated in the dark. Because of the rain it was a moonless night. They both held extra tight in their saddles with their legs. The rain began to fall heavily. The only good thing about the rain was it would wash out their tracks. The rain became a steady downpour. Leaving the crossing behind into the black night they put on waterproof overcoats. They did not want to be burdened with them during the robbery. Wade rested his package under his coat to keep it dry, because he could feel the rustle of currency inside. It was so dark they near passed up the turn-off up-a-head. Confident they were now headed in the right direction Wade sank comfortably in his saddle for a long night’s ride. The occasional splash of water was the only sound on the sandy road. Wade was occupied with his own thought during the get away. The road ahead vanished sometimes in the now torrential rain. The lane would narrow at some points making travel more difficult on horseback. Somehow Wade could not shake his feeling of impending calamity. The petty robberies had gravitated from small penny ante stealing to bloody crimes of greed and passion. Wade’s father was a Missouri Rider during the civil war and wondered how his life would now turn out. Slim rode with Wade’s father and took care of Wade’s family after the war. Wade figured farming was not an option for Slim. That explains why Wade was riding with a bandit on this lonesome Texas road in inclement weather. Texas roads were notorious for highway men and banditos. Times were hard and few people were scratching a living from dirt. The cattle land barons somehow were doing OK.

Somehow at the young age of twenty, Wade already had a reputation for his fast gun. The wanted posters say he killed ten men. He was certainly being hunted by the Texas Rangers along with his companion in crime Slim. They rode through the long dark night for hours at a steady trot. They passed some desolate ranch houses at intervals and the only sign of life were barking watchdogs awakened from their slumber. No lights appeared so they were safe for the moment. Come daylight things may become difficult Wade thought. Before dawn the gray break of day the rain finally let up and a hope of clearing weather became evident as it became lighter. Sunrise found Slim asleep in his saddle as his horse moved toward a wooded area in the distance. They halted as the horses grazed in a grassy area with water nearby. Wade tired from the ride dismounted and stretched his aching back. Slim peered at him from beneath the brim of his hat. Slim, “that farmhouse we passed back there is where a friend of mine lives, he would be glad to give us some grub to eat.” “Can’t take the chance, a posse could be riding down on us right now.” “So, if it’s all the same to you, we’ll be ridding’ on,” Slim said as he straighten up in his saddle. Slim got off his horse and laid his package on a log beside a small steam. “I see you keep your package dry Wade.” “You afraid all those double eagles would rust in the rain?” Wade just grinned and nodded his head as he tipped his soaking wet hat. He watched Slim as he bent over the creek to drink water. Wade always felt beholding to Slim like he lived in his shadow or something. Slim leaped astride his horse and spurred it down the road. They rode all day sometimes stopping to rest and water the horses, but never long enough to build a fire and eat, Wade was starved. One day later Wade and Slim approached a farm house in the hamlet of Belknap, Texas. They swapped their horses for an old spring loaded wagon drawn by two farm mules. They appeared to be two uncivilized farmers. Slim thought this would make a good disguise. Anyone glazing casually would never suspect that under the wagon seat beneath tools and an old gunny sack reposed a fortune in gold and currency. Outside Fort Worth at a crossroad they were overtaken by a group of horsemen who surprised them. Slim looked and Wade and whispered, “Rangers, I’ll do all the talking.” Ten of Texas finest surrounded the rickety farm wagon, eagle-eyed riders, heavily armed and superbly mounted. The closet to Slim was Captain Palmer leaned forth from his saddle to scrutinize the two would-be farmers. “I’m Captain Palmer of Company Ten, Texas Rangers,” he announced in a bold and proud voice. “Have you seen anything of a bunch of horsemen, six in number, riding south on this road?”

“No sir, we haven’t,” Slim replied, “is something wrong Captain?” “Besides you the only persons we seen were two pilgrims with a mule about five miles back”, retorted Slim in a meek voice. “What makes you think there were six of them?” Captain Palmer replied, “Car messenger said it took six men to over power him while they robbed his car.” “Thought there might be more but could not be sure.” Slim rambled on about how lonely it was on the road and they did not see anyone for miles. “How long have you been on this road?” interrupted the bronzed ranger impatiently? “Wal, to tell you the truth, we dropped in on this heah road sometime this mawnin traveling down from Yorkville, where we stayed all night. I reckon that’d make it mid-mawnin.” “Where are you going?” “Me and my cousin air are from Denton County bound for Laredo Captain.” The officer seemed baffled. “Boys, it looks like that gang of train robbers rode through last night or yesterday. They’re in the breaks by now. We’re stuck. Palmer tipped his hat to the two about to ride away. “Mister Ranger, has there been a train holdup?” asked Slim. “Yes, Two nights ago. A Texas Central express car was robbed. The robbers made off with $50,000. Looks like a gang led by a man called Slim. Did you ever hear of him?” “Slim?” mused the man in the wagon seat reflectively. “I reckon I’ve heard the name somewhere.” Captain Palmer laughed you two must be homesteaders living out on the plains away from everyone. “Slim is one of the most deadly wanted criminals in Texas.” “If you meet up with him give him a wide birth he’s dangerous.” “Well good luck to you.” “Same to you, Cap. Hope you ketch thet Slim, replied Slim as he whipped the reins he clucked to the team and moved on. He glanced over at Wade who was pale as ghost. “Breath boy they’re gone now.” As the Rangers rode off Slim hear the Captain say he’d catch them if was the last thing he ever did. Captain Palmer was famous in four counties for bringing fugitives to justice. Sometimes justice was a hanging tree. “Idiot car messenger might just have given us the break we need.” Wade was still calming down from the encounter with the Rangers. “Slim we need to stop and think before we do this again.” “Hell Wade let blow all the hot air they want, its just talk, talk don’t take no skin off my back.” “Damn I got friends all over this country, no matter how high the bounty on my head is.” Wade looked sharply at Slim, you sure about that, $5,000 is a lot of money and don’t forget you got enemies too.”

The next thirty minutes were silent as they rolled along in the wagon with the hidden loot. Slim broke the silence when he told Wade he had a hunch they should lay off on the Merchant’s Bank. “Lay off hell,” returned Wade with an impatient smirk on his face. Little was said between the two desperadoes’s for the next mile or two. “Wade we’ve got plenty of money from this job, why not live it up for a while in Mexico?” “We can hide out across the border where they don’t ask questions.” That was a close call back there; we need to lay low till all this blows over.” “Lawd we could have ourselves a time down in ole Mexico.” What was the name of that pretty girl you was with last year, Bobbie, Bev, or something?” “It was Belinda which in Spanish means beautiful and she was that.”

CHAPTER TWO

Red Rock was the favorite hideout of Slim and Wade, a place they felt safe. No one would come near this place on purpose. It was the third night after the train robbery, the first night they build a campfire. Slim felt safe after his encounter with Captain Palmer. The open sky above was brightly lit with a million stars dancing in the sky as they twinkled against the backdrop of a pearl moon. This part of the country was sparsely settled not much chance of visitors. It was rough country with deep wide gorges with plenty of water because black creek ran nearby. The distant woods were dense that made a nearly impenetrable forest, great for protection. Morning came and Slim went down to the creek to get water. A chance Wade had waited four days for; he started counting his bills. Packs of fifty’s that totaled 5,000 and then his hands shook as he went deeper in the bag. He discovered packs of one-hundred dollar bills, which totaled $10,000. Now he was nervous, he would have to watch his back. There is no honor among thieves that was only a myth and this was real enough. He began to sweat and his fingers trembled. He tried to relax by admiring the scenery that surrounded him. The beauty and mystery of this country made him forget about his concern of protecting all that money. Wade decided to see what was keeping Slim so he followed the animal path to the creek below. Slim was taking a bath, so that is why he did not return sooner. Wade noticed how the clear stream flowed shallowly over the flat stone made smooth by the movement of the water in the stream. He knelt down to get a drink of cold sweet water. The silence between the two men made the majestic scene more enchanting. Finally Slim broke the quiet moment with talk of leaving in a few days for Webb County. Slim gave an appearance of solemnity. Wade looked at him and said, “yea whiskey would taste real good about now.” “I’m dog-tired another days rest would do me good.” Slim peeked from underneath his hat in Wade’s direction. “I know you think I am crazy, must have been the rain or something, but I just got it in my head about that train as rode the ridge above it and hear that whistle blow.” He went on to say, “maybe it was fool thang to do, especially with that big bank job on hand.” “I reckon it was, but it’s done.” “I keep wondering why that messenger lied about being more robbers on the train heist than the two of us, when he didn’t see but the two of us.” “I never liked his eyes, something shiftless about em, it’ll come to me.” “You thinking we should give up the Merchant Bank job?” Wade turned his attention to Slim, “yea, I am thinking just that.” Wade had planned the job right down to the detail and was proud of his work; it was hard not to consider doing this one last job. “Maybe head to Mexico and lay low for six months or so.” “Some distance between us

and Captain Palmer, damn to hell his Texas soul!” “I am sure he has lost a lot of sleep over you, so he is hell bent on putting you in jail or shoot you.” There was another brief moment of silence between the two outlaws. “I’m sure the good Captain would love to put a bullet in me and build is reputation on my death. Slim scratched his head as he pull on his pants. “Maybe just maybe you need to light out of Texas forever.” “I reckon I feel responsible for you.” “If it weren’t for me you wouldn’t be in this mesh, hell you might never have picked up a gun.” Wade looks at Slim long and hard, “but you are the one who taught me to use it.” “You’re still only a boy,” went on Slim hurriedly, “your mother was a good woman; besides you’ve had schoolin’, and you’re handsome, somebody the women fancy.” There was a long pause between the two when Slim continued. “You could make something of yourself, look at me, I don’t have chance and dumb as mud and besides it’d be a load off me not having to always look after you.” Wade tipped the brim of his hat as the sun rose higher in the sky and said, “Do you really think I could turn an honest living?” “Sure you could boy your smart!” “You know I always dreaming of settling down and having a ranch.” “Take your share of the money and ride far away from here; you need a chance at a better life kid.” Pronto Wade lifted himself up from where he was sitting beside the stream and sass shaded back to camp. He rolled up his bed and tied it to his saddle coving the saddle bags that held his fortune. Maybe he could become a rancher; he was tiring of playing hide-seek with the law. Just then Slim strolled into camp and Wade looked in his direction. “Slim it’s this way we been together too long, I would miss you too much.” Slim shifted his eyes toward Wade, “yea I guess you are right boy, but promise me one thing if they get me, you’ll try and make a better life for yourself.” “Ok, I promise, but nothing is going to happen to you, the rangers have to get me first, and I am fast with a gun.” They sat around the campfire and drank coffee. “We may need that fast gun of yours the Webb county sheriff is pretty good with a gun himself.” “You mean it; we are going to do the Merchant Bank in Webb County?” “Why not, it’s on the way to the Mexican border and then we can really lay low for a long time. Wade smiled at Slim, “yea killed we will ride tomorrow, just like we always planned.” Darkness soon came and both outlaws rolled out their beds beside the campfire. Wade could not sleep thinking about tomorrow and put his plan into action. This would be the first bank they two have robbed that was planned by Wade; even Slim though his ideas were good ones. The coyotes were hunting in the foothills below them, but as long as the fire was bright they would not come near their camp. Wade fell asleep despite Slims’ snoring thinking about the calamity in his life. First he lost his father. Slim and his father was good friends, but being a part of the Missouri raids put an end to his life. God has an appointed time and place with every man and one tragic night during

a raid was the appointed time for Wade’s father. Just before he passed Wade’s father made Slim promise him that he would look take care of this family. Slim showed up on their door step one day with the bad news. Wade’s mother cried for days and refused to eat. That spring she took Colorado Tick Fever and died, some say it was broken heart more than the sickness that took her. A few weeks later his younger sister fell from the barn loft and broken her neck. Too many bad memories and the only steady thing in his life was Slim.

CHAPTER THREE

Slim was the first one awake the next morning. Wade pull the blanket off that was covering his head as he smelt the coffee on the campfire. “Good thing we’re leaving today we are running out of coffee and firewood.” Wade’s eyes were still in a fog as he stretched and welcomed the morning sun, which was already up high. Wade was silent most of the morning. “What’s on your mind, Wade?” “It’s kinda hard to get out,” Wade said. “I know your mind is on the Merchants Bank, don’t worry I got a feeling everything will be fine.” Wade was still resting on his bedroll as he looked up at Slim. “I had a dream last night about Captain Palmer shooting you.” “Palmer is 200 miles from here, you heard him yourself said they were heading back where we came from.” “First thing we do when we hit town is get a drink of whiskey that will take the edge off you and then we can get down to business.” “Just the same we need to look around town careful like before we hit the bank.” “I want to the where about of that Webb County Sheriff before we do anything.” It was another hour before they broke camp and headed to town. Two hours and they’d be walking down Main Street ready to pull their last job, the Merchants Bank.” People would be telling tales for years about. “How long you suppose it will take us?” “Fifteen minutes we should be in and out there and richer than anyone ever imagined”. Wade threw back his head as he laughed. “No Slim, how long will it take to reach town?” “Oh is that what you meant, I guess nearly two hours, and mind you we have to stop outside town to rest and water the horses.” The two horsemen rode close together like they were protecting themselves from something or somebody. It had not rained in this part of the country for months, so the trail was dusty. Three hours later they were riding down Main Street and on their right was the Merchants Bank. A block down was the hotel with a bar attached to the side. It was then that Slim noticed something. “Wade I don’t like the looks of this, no horses in the street and people sure are fading off the street right fast.” “By golly Slim you’re right, people sure are fading off the street awful quick like; it’s sort of like they knew we were coming?” “You reckon better; keep your eyes peeled and your gun handy!” “Wade I saw the glimmer of a shinny rifle barrel in that open window above the bank.” “I seen it, Slim,” just then a barking dog spooked the horses; distracting them for a brief moment. “Do we make a break?” Not just yet, “I see another man with a rifle down the street behind a store barrel.” “Slim I sure don’t like this one bit.” Just as they were about to make a break for it five men came storming out of the bank like a Texas Tornado. Suddenly gunfire commences from all directions.

Wade hears one of the men in front of the bank yell ambush as gunfire breaks out. Before Wade could reach he heard the distinct thud of a bullet striking flesh. He turned to his left just in time to see Slim throw his arms outward. Like being bucked from a wild bronco Slim was knocked clean out of his saddle. Wade reached for the reins to calm the rearing horse as he narrowly dodged a bullet himself. Lightening fast Wade drew his six-gun and returned fire in the direction of the speeding bullets. He sat tall in the saddle as he leveled his revolver at a man near the hitching-post outside the bank, he dropped like a rock. Then Wade crocked down in the saddle reaching around the neck of his horse has he fires another shot. The bullet spun the man around as he was standing on the porch nearest the bank. Coins went flying everywhere from the bag of money he was holding. A third man emerged from the alley adjacent to the bank firing at Wade; his bullet puts a hole in the brim of Wades’ hat. Wade fanned his gun as he dropped to the ground from his horse. The thud of hitting the ground from that height blurred his vision, but he watched the man fall backwards against the side of he bank building. It was the Merchant’s bank that Slim and Wade were planning to rob today, only someone with the same idea beat them to the punch. His vision returned to normal as he realized the danger was past and his first thoughts were where is Slim? He did not see Slim anywhere then he realized Slims’ body was lying underneath the porch where his horse had thrown him. He must have rolled under there to keep safe, when Wade realized he was not moving. Instinctively Wade calls to Slim, but there is no movement from the lifeless body. He scrambles on his hands and knees to hold his friend in his arms to comfort him, but it is too late. Wades’ words fall on deaf ears, because Slim has bought the ranch and cashed in his chips. Slim did not even have a chance to pull his gun still in his holster with the hammer thong secured. Moments later Wade finally realizes that a crowd has now gathered around him. They are shouting what a hero Wade his. He is still numb from the fast pace entry into town. As town’s people speak to him he slowly realizes what has happened. The two outlaws ride into town to rob the Merchants Bank only to foil the plans of the men actually robbing the bank. Everyone was talking about how fast Wade was with a gun and he alone killed the three bank robbers. Turns out the robbers killed two Texas Rangers, a deputy and severely wounded the Sheriff of Web County. The entire town was now focused on the stranger who rode into town and stopped a bank robbery. Wade pulled himself up from the dirt and sat down on the porch as he looked at his dead friend lying in the dirt. He thought to himself that could be him lying there. The undertaker told Wade he would bury his friend for free as thanks for saving the bank. Everyone was offering him free things as a token of thanks and friendship. It was official he was the town hero at this moment. Men were patting him on the back as they walked to the salon for a drink to celebrate. As they entered the salon and approached the bar the bartender told Wade everything was on the house for the services he rendered to the town by saving the bank.

Mr. Myers was the one doing the most talking, probably because he was the bank’s president and had the most to lose if the robbers had rode away the loot. Somehow all this did not seem real to Wade dodging question after question. After a few rounds of drinks two surviving Texas Rangers positioned themselves beside Wade and thanked him for is assistance and offered their condolences for the loss of his friend. Dark haired tall ranger asked Wade what they rode into town today for. Wade took a drink of his whiskey and snored before answering, “Deposit our cattle money in the bank”. The other ranger replied, “So you are cattleman?” Wade took another stiff drink and replied, “Yes!” What are your plans now they inquired with a purpose in their voice? Mr. Myers was also listening very intent. Gents, “I am very tired and would like to rest”. Wade walked out the salon doors boots and spurs clacking on the boards of the side and headed in the direction of the hotel across the street. He approached the Inn Keeper at the desk and requested a room. “Yes Sir”, Mr. Wade we reserved the best room in the hotel for you, free of charge of course,” the clerk replied, “if your turn right at the top of stairs its number 5.” Wade sank down in a soft bed of blankets, not accustom to sheets and quilts. As Wade slipped into a badly needed slumber his last thought were how to avoid more questions from the town folk. During the night the usual drinking, music, and dancing in the bar continued while Wade had dreams of his old friend Slim. Meanwhile down the street the Undertaker was crafting a pine box for Slim, free of charge of course. Slim was laid out on the table next to him finally at peace with the world. Slim used to say, “life is a journey where we are just strangers passing through this old world.” Awakened by horses in the street Wade was startled by his unfamiliar surroundings. He sat straight up in bed and rubbed his hands through his hair as if he had a hangover. He wanted to believe this was all just a bad dream, but the absence of Slim made it all too real. He draped his legs over the edge of the bed and looked into the mirror at the image of a tired man. Reaching for his pants he slid them on and then his socks and boots, which were warmer than the cold floor. Pulling his shirt on to button up the front he then strapped on his gun belt and stood in the middle of his hotel room. He wanted time to sort things out; he decided to head for open range. He grabbed the saddlebags he had guarded so closely during these past two days. He opened his hotel room door and half-way down the stairs he was met by the hotel manager who asked when he might be returning. Wade responded, “I am not sure, I’ll let you know. Headed for the livery where he saddled his horse and rode west.

CHAPTER FOUR

Few towns’ people were up this early and the ones that were paid no mind to Wade. He wanted space and time to think. He rode hard and fast all day to put as much distance between him and town as possible. Just before sunset Wade stopped to make camp beside a small stream. He rolled his bed along a rocky cropping to break the wind and chill of the night. Time and distance was what he needed he thought as his eyes glazed over tired from the days ride and past few days. First thing in the morning Wade opened his saddlebags which were larger than before because he took money from Slims’ saddlebags when he went through them at the Undertakers office back in town. Also among Slims’ things was an old worn letter. Wade unfolded the letter and glanced at the handwriting. The letter was from Wades’ father to Slim it read: SLIM, if you are reading this letter it means I am dead. You have been a good friend. I know life has been hard on us, but please see my family is taken care of. If you need help my wife has a brother Sam in Santé Fe, New Mexico. He owns a ranch called the double D Eagle, he might help. How about that an uncle I never knew I had. What a surprise this is. How come nobody ever mentioned him and in that instant Wade knew he would ride to Santé Fe and find his uncle. First he had to secure the money in a bank and get a draft note to show his new found wealth. It would be several days before Wade found a town of size that would suit his need to deposit the money. Black Creek was a sizable town and growing and they had a Marshal’s Office with several other lawmen in town to protect Wade’s money. He told them he was a rancher and was looking for new investments in other ranches, which was good news to the greedy bank manager. He saw an opportunity to make money off Wade and helping him invest his money. Little did he know Wade would be in town only a few days before he departed for New Mexico territory? Wade inquired about the best lodging in Black Creek, “Durango House and they have the best restaurant anywhere.” “If you don’t mind me saying so you have chosen an excellent place to invest your money” the bank manager retorted as Wade exited the room. Wade walked down the street to the Durango House. The desk clerk inquired, “Staying long?” “No”, replied Wade, “Just a few days.” “You got business in our town?” “Yes”, replied Wade, “I am looking at land investments. Wade ordered a hot bath and would rest in his room

until it was ready. Last time he had a real hot bath was in Dodge City with Slim after a long dusty cattle drive, which is when they both figured that was no way to make a living and made their plans for a criminal life. Why did Slim not tell him about his uncle? A loud knock on the door it was a young maiden with a soft feminine voice from the other side of the door saying, “Your bath is ready sir”. Wade replied, “Thanks!” in his muffed gruff voice. He took a long hot bath before dressing and going downstairs to dinner. He ordered a nice Delmonico steak well done covered in gravy. First real descent meal in had in months. After coffee Wade paid his bill and went outside and lit a cigarette and proceeded to walk around town. He passed a few towns people still on the street and a deputy making his rounds checking the merchant’s doors and windows were secured. Wade dropped by the livery stable to check on his horse before retiring for the night himself. He planned to ride the range tomorrow and check out land. He thought people might get suspect it he did not at least make one trip into the country checking out the available land options. Satisfied everything was in order he left the livery and strolled down to the Durango House and settled in for a comfortable night’s sleep. First really peaceful night he had spent in some time. Morning seemed to arrive early when Wade dressed for breakfast. He kept breakfast lit because he would be on horseback most of the day traveling. Feeling nourished and happy he retrieved his horse from the livery man and rode west toward a ranch that was up for auction because of back taxes and the owner was over due with the mortgage payment. Having no real interest he felt this was his best option and just perhaps the owners would come through with the debt payments and save his ranch. He rode past homes built close to the township and small ranches the further he rode from town. After lunch he noticed the open range and lack of human or animal existence. Now Wade was not really sure he was headed at this point, but knew he would get the sometime today.

CHAPTER FIVE

T

he girl rider approached the top of the ridge as she glazed back on her saddle at the oncoming rider on the horizon. You can’t be too careful out on the range alone especially if you are female. Yes sir it was rough country question about that and no place to be alone. When Wade came within fifty feet of the now still rider he realized she was a female. “Howdy”, reached his ears and he realized she was a very attractive woman with a very feminine soft voice, which did not fit the type for this harsh county. He was careful to let her make the first move and do all the talking. Wade responded with, “good day to you madam.” “You don’t have to be so formal out here; folks are friendly enough for the most part.” “Are you lost?” “I seem to have lost my bearing I was searching for the Flying Eagle ranch.” I would have thought I would have been there an hour ago, but I believe I took a wrong turn in the bend of the road a ways back.” “You got business with the Flying Eagle?” “No, not really, I understand it will be for auction next Friday and thought I might look at it for an investment.” “If you had taken the left at the bend of the road you would have been at the main house an hour ago; instead you have taken a nice scenic tour of the west range of the Flying Eagle.” Wade looked puzzled at the woman, “do you work here?” “You might say that my brother and I own the Flying Eagle since our parents died two years ago.” “Tick fever took both of them while my brother and I were running cattle in New Mexico”. Wade hung his head low and tipped his hat and said, “I am sorry for your loss; both my parents are dead as well so I do understand your loss.” STAY TUNED THERE IS MORE TO COME, I WILL FINISH THE STORY I PROMISE