lees valley by Bud Wyatt

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Bud Wyatt



AuthorHouse 1663 Liberty DriveBloomington, IN 47403www.authorhouse.comPhone: 1-800-839-8640

© 2013 by Bud Wyatt. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, ortransmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 05/03/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4817-4954-1 (sc)ISBN: 978-1-4817-4953-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013907993

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In memory ofmy Mother and Father, andto my Wife who has put upwith me for fifty years.



Chapter 1

IIn the early 1800s the West was a big and lonely

place for the white man. The Indians did notthink too much of the men who came in and killedtheir food for the skins and left the meat to rot on theground. The hunters hunted from the Red River overto the Rio Grande and up to the Arkansas with theCanadian right in the middle.

One man really loved this country. He was as muchat home on the plains as in the mountains, but for somereason seemed to be up high more than down on flatland. He was a man who loved the land and the peoplewho lived there.

Many hunters came south across the Arkansas evenafter the government signed a peace treaty saying that

no hunters would hunt south of the Arkansas. However,there was a trading post over on the Canadian wherethey could trade their skins and get supplies.

John Wesley was in the middle of packing up tohead for the mountains when he saw the troop ofsoldiers headed his way.

John went over to the fire and got a cup of coffee.The captain was a man who thought like John and lovedthis land.

Come on in and have a cup, John said. And

Captain Jim Lee smiled and got off his horse to get acup. It was always good to see Wesley. What can I do

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for you Jim? John asked as Jim sat down on a rock and

looked down at his cup of coffee.

Jim said, I need your help. Washington wants tofind a safer way through the mountains and you are theonly one I know who can help me.

The only thing, John, if you decide to helpI

want you to know from the top it will mean more

people coming in. Some will head on west, but somewill stay. And if they do, well, it wont make my job anyeasier.

Why would more people want to stay here? asked

John.

Well, Jim said, the land back east is full and they

need more land to live. I know this land belongs to theIndians, but Washington says they are going to have tolearn to live together. Washington seems to think if wecan find a safer way through the mountains more willgo on west which means less people here.

John thought for a long time then looked at Jim andsaid, What if I dont help?

Then, as John took a sip of coffee, Jim said, Well, Iwill just have to find someone else. But John, you knowthis country better than anyone and the more we canget through the mountains, the less will stay.

John sat for a while in deep thought then lookedover at Jim and said, I will need some supplies.

Jim said, The Army will get you whatever youneed. We have enough supplies for a year.

When do you want to get started? John asked.

In about a week, Jim said. We have to wait onthe map maker. Shes on her way.

Whoa, what do you mean she? John growled.

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All I know is what I am told, Jim said. She issupposed to be the best, and from what I was told, wasraised in this country.

John wasnt too happy about taking a woman alongon a trip like this, but if Jim said it was OK, well then itmust be. Jim would not take someone along that he didnot think could make a trip like this. And besides, hisMom had come out here with his Dad and many a time

had doctored them both when they got hurt.John thought to himselfthere are some people just

made for this country, man or woman.

Two days had gone by and John had everythinghe needed for the tripextra shot and powder tohunt food with. Jim had asked him to keep the groupsupplied with fresh meat for the trip.

On the fourth day about sundown, the sentry

spotted three riders coming in from the east. Riderscoming in, he yelled. The group of men turned out tosee just who it was. Maybe it was the map maker, and ifit was that would be good. They could leave early whichwould help. It was not fun to get caught up too high inthe mountains with winter coming on.

Sure enough it was the map maker, but she was notwhat John or Jim had expected. She was younger, andshe held her head up high. She was a proud woman,and what a looker. She had a right to be proud. Afterall, she was about to make history. She was a woman onan important job and with a man she had heard about

most of her lifeJohn Wesley.

John did not know it at the time, but they at onetime had been neighbors. She just lived about eightmiles from him and his folks.

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John, I want you to meet our map maker, Jim

said. This is Miss Jane Jenkins. Miss Jenkins, this is

John Wesley. Jane, Captain, please call me Jane. And Captain,

I already know Mr. Wesley. You see, he and I were

neighbors years back.

Well, my goodness. Are you Bills little girl?

Yes, I am. Its been a long time.

Well, how are your Mom and Dad? asked John.

Well, Dads fine. He lives back in Washington. ButMom passed away back on the homestead about sixyears ago.

Sorry to hear that, John said. They are goodpeople. How is it you became a map maker?

Well, Jane said, all my life I heard my Dad talkabout the places you had been and I dreamed aboutseeing such places and map making was the best way.

Captain, where am I to stay? Its been a long tripand I would like to get a little rest. And tomorrow Iwant to check my equipment. From the feeling I get,John would like to get started.

John was surprised how fast she could pick up on

things, but she was right.Jim knew John was right about wanting to get

started, so Captain Jim showed Miss Jenkins to her tent

and then told the sergeant to check sentries and went to

his tent.

This was going to be some trip. John could onlyremember little Jane as a tomboy, always getting intotrouble with her folks because she acted more like a boy

than a girl. But boy had she changed.

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John was up before sunup making his coffee andwasnt too surprised when Janes voice said, Mmmm,that coffee sure smells good. Mind if I have a cup?

No, help yourself. What are you doing up thisearly, girl? Dont you need your rest or something? Johnasked.

Jane just laughed, Oh I get up early all the time. Ilove the sunrise. I think its the most lovely time of theday, with sunset next.

She was right. John thought it was a good time,everything seemed fresh and clean.

This girl had a head on her shoulders to be able tounderstand the country like she does and to be a mapmaker too, John thought to himself.

As the sun came up the soldiers started movingaround. Jim came over to Johns camp with his cup. Do

you mind, John?

No, go ahead, John said.

Jim looked over at Jane. Good morning, MissJenkins.

Jane, please call me Jane.

OK, good morning, Jane. Hows the coffee? Betterthan the cooks Ill bet.

She laughed, I dont know. I havent tried his yet.

John was thinking he had a social going, but it wasnice to have someone to visit with after so much timealone.

Jim finished his coffee, excused himself and went toget everything ready to go.

John started breaking camp. He and Jim had madeplans to leave that day and they wanted to get movingas soon as they could. It was sure a sight watching thegroup move out.

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John had planned to be off the plains in about two

or three weeks and up into the mountains, a place he

loved very much. John had spent a lot of time up there.

John decided to take the old Spanish trail upthrough the pass they called Raton Pass past the divide.He had done a lot of hunting in that area and knewsome good trails that might be just what Captain Jimwas looking for.

After about three weeks they had passed Rabbit

Ear Mountain. Then two more days they were up past

the old volcano. The first sight of the mountains wassomething to see.

Jim had been pleasantly surprised by the trip. Janeworked every night until late bringing her maps up to

date. She was good at what she did.

She would work late and still be up to have coffeewith John. The only thing that did bother John a littlewas no signs of Indians anywhere and there should be,signs at least.

John had made this trip a lot of times and he had atleast seen signs. It was as if the earth had just opened upand taken everyone or maybe they knew what John andhis group were up to. John kept it in his head that hewas trying to help the Indians by making a way for thepeople to move on.

Would the Indians see it that way? He hoped so.So far the troop had had an easy trip. The maps werecoming along good and everyone was happy. That waswhat troubled John. This many people and no trouble,not even with Indians.

The sun was coming up. John, Jane, Jim andthe troop stood looking up at Raton Pass. Jim wasspeechless. He had seen a lot of things, but nothing like

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this. Boy, Jim said. Jane had not said a word. She just

stood there with her mouth open.

Then she spoke, saying, Someday, someday, I willlive in just such a place. I have lost my heart.

Just wait until you see a little farther on. This isnice and believe it or not, it gets better. Why there aresome valleys up there that take my breath. You will getto see some of that country. Then you will know whatIm talking about.

John thought for a while then told Jim about anarea that would be nice, but he would not take themthere because it was land that the Indians held close totheir heart.

Jim did not want any trouble, so he agreed withJohn. After a week of travel they had only traveled aboutfifty miles in the mountains. Map making was slower,

but none of them were in too big of a hurry.

The nights were already getting colder. John didwant to get them to a place where they could winter ifsomething went wrong.

The streams would have ice on them in themorning, but traveling was still fairly easy. You could seesnow up higher. John knew it would not be long beforehe would have to find a winter camp.

He wanted to get as far as he could before they hadto stop, but he did not want to get trapped up high with

no game to hunt. So far the elk and deer were still in thevalleys, they had not moved out on the flats. He did notwant to get stuck in a place where he knew there wouldbe snow slides and such.

Jim had taken a strong liking to Jane, but all Janewould talk about was John.

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Jim was a gentleman, though, and had a lot ofrespect for John. John lived for the land and the landonly. That was one thing Jane could not understand.She would try, but it would be hard.

Jim had been in the Army for about ten years. Hewas well thought of and had a future ahead of him andhe would so love to share it with Jane. And so far Johnhad not done anything to be in the way. All Jim had todo was convince Jane that she was the one for him. Allhe had to do was get John out of her head.

John was not one to worry much, but the snowlooked a little deeper than normal and the nightsseemed a little colder. The group had now been on themove for a month and had not reached the divide.

John and Jim were sitting by the fire. John told Jimthat he knew of a valley about two weeks from wherethey were. He said there should be plenty of game tolast them for the winter. However, he said it was right in

the middle of bear country along with a good numberof mountain lions. This meant they would have towatch the stock closely and build a couple of cabins thatwould withstand the cold and protect them from thewild animals.

Jim asked, Are you sure we cant make it a littlefarther?

But John was concerned with the way the weatherwas changing. It was too fast for this time of year.

Jane was looking forward to wintering over in the

mountains. But as John said, it would not be all fun.There would be long days and longer nights. There mightbe sickness. They might even lose some of the people.And then there was the stock that they would surely needto make the trip, which would have to be fed.

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For two weeks they traveled through countrythat was Gods country. Then one day there was thevalleylong, low, and widewith a lot of good timberfor cabins and stock pens.

You could see it in Janes eyes. She was surely seeingEden. But what were the little black spots movingaround among the trees? Bears, at least ten that theycould see. When the bears saw the troop, they seemedto disappear.

It did not take long for the work on the cabins tostart. There was a little snow falling in the valley now.

With the cabins built along with the stock pens,everything seemed fine. John decided to get in a littlehunting and restock their meat supply. He had huntedfor about an hour when he heard shots from the camp.

Heading back to camp as fast as he could, all kindsof thoughts went through his mind. Was someone

hurt or even dead? And what about the stock? As Johntopped a little knoll he could see a group of men at thepens.

What happened? asked John as he came running up.

A bear got one of the horses and mauled one of themen a bit. He will be OK, said Jim. It happened sofast we were not expecting this so soon.

John looked around and said, It may get worse.There are a lot of bears and not that much food forthem. It looks like a bad year for the bears. I found a

lot of carcass that mountain lions had hid in the rockswhich means less food for the bears. So we will have tokeep a closer watch on the stock and make sure everyonegoes in pairs so they can keep a watch on each othersback.

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These bears are smart. They will backtrack you andcome from behind. I wouldnt be surprised if we find afew lion tracks closer to the pens. I got a strong feelingthis is going to be one of the hardest winters these oldmountains have ever seen. Well, one thing for sure. Ifwe make it that will mean the people going west willhave a better chance.

I wouldnt be surprised if someone doesnt take upour cabins when we are gone and make a trading postout here for supplies for people.

Jim said, That would be a good idea. Why, I justmight get out of the Army and set up shop myself. Janesaid you could take the man out of the Army, but notthe Army out of the man.

With all you got going for you, and with thefriends you have, you would do more good just whereyou are.

I guess so, Jim said, but it would make a finefort.

Jane said, I could suggest that in my papers toWashington. You could write up a letter to go alongwith my report. As I said, a lot of people think a lotof your opinion. And just think, you could be the firstcommanding officer of Fort John Wesley.

Now hold on just a second. I dont want a fortnamed after me, John said. Why not Fort Jenkins?That sounds nice.

Good idea, Jim said. Thats what I will put in myletter to Washington.

John and Captain Jim stopped in to check onTrooper Jones after the bear had won the fight. TrooperJones was in good mind, healing fine and beingpampered by the others and liking it.

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Dont get too used to this life, John said. Inanother week or two, I will be expecting you to back meup on any hunting trip I decide to make.

That was like a shot in the arm for Trooper Jonesbecause all of the men knew of the famous John Wesleyand to back him up in anything would be a feather inany ones hat, each man knew that if he was to completethis trip they would have to do word for word whateverJohn said of as a matter of fact whatever He or Captain

Jim said to do.The men knew that they would learn a lot from

them and it would be things that would keep them alivefor years to come and by making it through this trip inone peace they would also be a big part of history. Johnwonted to rest his horse along with the men and letTrooper Jones get back on his feet a little better, its notevery day that you are on the downhill side of a fightwith a bear and still live to tell about it.

There would be many tells around the camp fireabout the fight and before you know the story will betold that Jones the fight and that the bear never had achance and Jones walked away without a mark, that washow most of the stories about the men up got startedand this would be one that would be no different just adifferent name and a different place.

Trooper Jones seemed to get much better each dayand it would not be long be for he would be back to fullduty,

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Chapter 2

AAs the days passed there was no time to getbored because feeding the stock and keepingfood for the men made for some long, hard days.

Jane had reworked her maps. They were the bestever, and she had a right to be proud. Jim would makejokes every once in a while like, You know, even I couldfollow these maps. Then he would smile. Jane had beensurprised to find the affection she was starting to feel forJim, and she kind of liked it. He wasnt quite as tall asJohn, six foot or so, and kind of handsome as a womansees it.

A woman could do a lot worse and there was John.She was more like a sister to him. She could talk tohim about things that she could not talk to anyone elseabout.

The creek had not frozen yet and you could still getfish. The men had put to catching as many as possibleand smoking them in the little smokehouse they hadput together along with some jerkey as a standby.

They had lost no more horses, but had killed threebears who had come into camp for a free meal.

Captain Jim had started his men into putting up awall around the camp making it more like a fort, whichwould help keep the bears and lions out. And he let themen relax a little. Winter was about half over and John

had been right, it had been hard. It was a big day when

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they put the gate up with a sign over it that said, FortJenkins. It brought tears to Janes eyes.

And the men told her that with her doing her partas she had been, the trip was a lot nicer. They wereproud to call her a part of their troop.

As the days went on, John was getting restless andwanted to move, but knew they could not move on upthrough the mountains yet. Winter had eased up a bit,the men had kind of settled in, but they too were gettingrestless to move. In another month or so they should beable to make it on up.

If they stayed lucky and the spring thaw was not toobad, they should make it in about two or three months.

John also knew that the weather could changeback to bad real fast. It was one thing to be restless butanother to be careless and that was something he didnot want to be.

Life in the mountains could be good as long as youunderstood the dangers. Jim was asleep when John camein. Jim sat up, Whats up, John?

Have you seen outside yet? John asked.

No, Jim said. Have the flowers come out yet?

Not unless they can climb out of four feet of snow, John said.

Jim jumped up and looked out the door. Man, it

sure dumped on us last night.

John was looking out the door then looked at Jimand said, I was hoping the worst was over. Jim, how isthe food supply for the stock?

The stocks food is good, its ours that has me alittle concerned. Thanks to you we have plenty of meatand a lot of beans. Its flour and such that we may runshort on. Right now its not too bad, but if we have to

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stay here two or three more months, we may run short

before we make it on through the trip. Jim saw Jane headed their way and grabbed his

shirt.

Good morning, gentlemen. What a beautifulmorning. Hey, why so glum? It cant be that bad, nowcan it?

Youre right, Jane, Jim said. John and I were justtalking about the time when we will have to move onand how we will miss this area.

John looked at Jim and smiled. Yes, then we werethinking about making a snowman right out in themiddle of the compound.

Hey, that sounds like fun, Jane said. She stoodthere a second then looked at Jim and smiled and said,

We could use your head, Capt. Jim Lee. Then shelaughed, but it would be fun.

The camp was starting to move around in the earlymorning sun. Even with all the snow there was still workto be done, stock to be fed, meals to fix and so on.

John saw the movement before the sentry. He stood

and watched for a few moments then he heard the

sentry yell, Movement in the valley.

Jim came out to check and John said, Relax, Jim,just a few Indians that live up around here. I know mostof them.

As they came up to the fort, John went out to meetthem. They looked the worst for wear. After a shorttime, John came back to where Jim was and told himthat their village had been hit hard with the storm. Theyhad come up to the valley to hunt, but with bow andarrow and deep snow, it was rough.

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John and Jim talked for awhile, then Jim motionedfor the Indians to come into the fort.

John and Jim talked for awhile, then Jim motionedfor the Indians to come into the fort.

Jim told the chief that they were running short onmeat and said John knew where the game was. He askedif it would be OK if John and a couple of his men tooktheir guns and went with him and his braves. Thenthey could halve the meat. Jim told the chief that theyneeded about two animals to hold them over and ifthey could get that, the Indians could have the rest. Jimknew John could get that in about an hour or so. Thenthe rest would help out the Indians. The chief said hewould need at least three or four to hold them over andhe would welcome John and the soldiers on the huntingtrip. So it was set. John got his things together to go.

John looked at Jim and said, That was about assmooth as anything I have ever done. I could learn a few

things from you.

Jim just smiled and said, I dont want to gethungry. as John turned and left.

Trooper Jones was one of the men who went with

John. He was becoming a fair hunter learning from

John.

About six hours went by. Jim heard the sentry yell,Hunting party returning. Jim went out to see John

and the chief shaking hands. The soldiers had broughttwo elk into the fort and the Indians had three elk andtwo bears.

John told the chief it had been great hunting withhim and thanks for the great honor. The chief wavedat Jim and then turned and left.

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Trooper Jones told John, This will be some story totell my kids, if and when I have some. Me hunting withIndians.

In a few days the weather changed back to good andit was really nice. Everyone was now looking forward tomoving on.

After about two weeks of good weather, John toldJim that as long as they stayed to the valleys he thoughtthey would be able to move soon.

This was news Jim had been waiting for, so he hadhis men start getting things ready to go.

After about two weeks, the camp was ready.John had been doing some checking around and hadremembered a way that should not be too hard. Afterall, this was to be a safer way.

The troop had traveled about two days when John

told Jim that he thought they had better return to thefort for a couple more weeks. With the winter being asbad as it had been, the snow was still a little too deep onup. Jim agreed with John so they turned back.

We may have to wait for spring thaw, Jim toldJohn. One thing about it, we will be able to let theWashington people know that the only time you canmake it is during the warm season.

It may be a little wild in the spring, too, John said.Wait until you see spring thaw up here. These littlecreeks become good-sized rivers which could be hard for

wagons to cross. You might lose a few pilgrims, too, butyou will see soon.

Well, John, you called it. The snow is about gonedown here and that little creek back of the fort lookslike a full-grown river. Why, one of the troopers slippedand fell in and we almost lost him.

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Look at it this way, Jim. Cut a hole in the back walland you could have running water. Running in one sideand out the other. Ha, ha.

They had seen several bears, mostly with young ones

and there were more elk and deer so the meat supply

was good. Jane had her maps completed and up to dateand was ready to make new ones. She had enjoyed mostof the winter, but she, too, was ready to move.

With the valley starting to turn green, it wouldbe easy to say, Lets stay right here. But then the jobwould not be done, Jane thought.

Leaving the fort now was like leaving home. It hadbeen home for about four months and everyone was alittle sad to see the gates closed for the last time untiltheir return.

Traveling was somewhat easier now except when

they came to the creeks.

At the first creek, they lost a horse and a loadof dried meat. They did not want to get caught in anarrow cut due to rising water. John told Jim to put inhis report that if they were coming by wagon train, andsome would be, for them not to try to go through anarea like this just after a rain. It could get worse than thiswith flash floods which were coming in the mountains.

On they traveled for about a week. Then one day

Jim called a halt. John wanted to know what was wrong.

Jim said, I dont know, but something has my hairon end. Maybe I have been around you too long, butsomething just aint right.

John looked around and saw a nice little hilltop not

far away. Jim, how about making camp over there? Jim said, It looks good. Lets do it.

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So they did. That night around midnight the campwoke to a loud roar. Sure enough, there came a wall ofwater and the next thing everyone knew they were on

an island.John walked up to Jim, put his hand on his shoulder

and said, I sure missed that one. We would have losteveryone and everything if it had not been for yourhair.

How long will it take this to go down? asked Jim.

In two or three days it should be safe again, saidJohn. But dont get a haircut for awhile.

OK, Jim laughed, out here, sure.

The three days gave the troop enough time to repaira few things that had been messed up along the way. Onthe third day, sure enough the water was gone. They

could move.

Jane was back into her routine. Coffee with John inthe morning, and working with maps at night. Exceptnow it was John, Jim and Jane for coffee and Jane andJim with maps at night.

Jim and Jane seemed to be getting quite attachedand everyone knew it. John thought it was great, herbeing like a sister and Jim such a good friend. It was likehaving a family again.

One day Jane was talking to John and she said,

John, do you remember before we got to where webuilt the fort, there was a place, you had a name for it.It was so beautiful. I just looked and forgot to put thename on the map. You know where the rock came upout of the ground.

I know the spot, John said. I call it Stone Wall. Iwould guess it runs forever.

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Jane said, I would not have believed it if I had notseen it with my own eyes. I dont care how long I live,some of the things I have seen on this trip . . . well, youjust cant describe.

John sat a moment then lowered his head. Yes, Iknow, Jane. That is why I could never marry. There aretoo many things I want to see. And you know, I hearthere are another set of mountains on west. Maybesomeday I will see them.

Well, we have crossed the divide, John told Jim.

Hows that? Jim asked.

Havent you noticed the creeks? The last few days,they are running west now, not east.

By George, youre right. I knew there wassomething different. I just didnt know what.

You know, we sure have been lucky. So far, threehorses lost. With the big flood, no one lost. Sure havebeen lucky. But from here on, we will have to be morecareful. You see, Jim, I dont know the Indians over herelike I do back where we came from. And I have heardthat some of the traders that have come into this areawerent quite as friendly as we are. So I really dont knowwhat will happen.

Jim knew there would be a time when John wouldsay something like that, but he wished it would be later.

John spent most of his time scouting now along

with Trooper Jones who had become his sidekick, moreor less. And the captain was more careful about histroops and added two guards with Jane.

Then one day out of nowhere, there were about tenIndians who didnt look friendly. What was to happennext? Was there going to be a fight, or not?

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Both sides just sat and looked at each other. Thenthe Indians just turned and rode off with not a wordbetween them. This unnerved John a little. It was thefirst time he had not been greeted with friendship. Heand Trooper Jones returned to the others and reportedwhat had happened. If he only knew just what theIndians were up to he would not be so bothered.

That night, extra sentries were posted and the stockkept closer to camp. It was a good thing, too. Alongabout midnight they tried to get to the horses, but wereunable to. They did not want to fight, they just wantedthe horses.

Then one day as they came out of a big cut in therocks there it wasa big valley as big as could be. As faras you could see, flat land, good land. Someday therewould be farms and ranches on this land.

It had been a good place to camp. Good water,plenty of game and Jane had just about finished her

maps. It would not be long before they would behomeward bound.

John and Jim had been talking about the valleywhere the flood had hit them and John wanted to goback a different way just to see. There was another valleythat came into this one where the fort was and maybe itwould be a little better.

Jim asked Jane what she thought about it and shesaid, Well, one thing, it would be two ways on map. Itsure seems like a good idea.

Lets do it, John. Lets see if it is better.

John looked at the big valley and said in a low voice,Someday Ill cross that valley and hunt in the othermountains.

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Then came the day when everything was packed and

the horses were headed east.

John had found another valley about ten miles from

where the camp was and he and Jim had decided to

move up to the mouth of the valley, make camp, and doa little scouting.

Everyone was now getting anxious to make the triphome. It was mid-spring now and the flowers were out.

John led the way as they headed up the valley. Heliked the looks a lot better so far. Jim rode up besidehim and said, Man, what a valley, if it holds.

Yeah, said John. And it did for two days. Theytraveled, up came the sun with such a commotion. Alion had come right into camp at daybreak. It was after

the horses, but Trooper Brown was easier. Well, it hadfinally happened. They lost a man, a good man, too.It looked as though he had put up a good fight. Whilethey were getting Trooper Brown ready for burying,John and Trooper Jones went after the lion. A littleafter noon, Trooper Jones said, There it is, up in thoserocks.

John backed Trooper Jones up and let him getthe lion. After all, it was payback from a trooper to atrooper. It did not bring Trooper Brown back, but it didmake everyone feel a little better when Trooper Jonescame in with the lion across his saddle.

This lion wont get any more troopers or anyoneelse, he said.

After putting Trooper Brown to rest the groupmoved out. Each man and woman had his or herthoughts as they rode single file past Trooper Brownsgrave marked with a lonely wood cross with an oldtroopers hat and the few flowers that Jane had put there.

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Each man was now thinking of family or girlfriends theyleft behind. This one thing had made everyone see justhow fragile life was. It had been almost a picnic up until

now.

Jane moved her horse up beside Jim. Jim, I wasthinking. I really dont know too much about you oryou me, and I would like to know more about you.

Jim looked at Jane, Well, theres not much to tell.I was born in Arkansas and raised on a farm. My folksworked hard to get me through school. My Dad hadbeen in the Army, so I was able to go to West Point. Ispent the last few years out here. Thats about it.

No, Jane said, I mean do you have any sisters orbrothers? What do you want for yourself? You know,things like that.

Jim thought, then smiled as he thought back. I

have a sister back in Arkansas. Her name is Lou Anne.No brothers. Its been awhile since I have seen Mom,Dad or Lou Anne.

You know, when we get back I might just go seethem. Well that is if Washington can do without me forawhile, he laughed. But for what I really want. Well,this country is big and I would in some way like to helpit develop. Not so much like John, but well, you know,settle down and have a family. The people back eastare going to need food. Maybe I could raise cattle andsomeday when the trains get here, and they will, I couldship my herd all the way back east. And with the maps

you are making, there will be more people with ideaslike mine coming out here.

Jane said, I hadnt really thought about that, butyes, its true. Ill bet that someday there will be ranchesand farms all over the country and this valley.

22



Lees Valley

Jim looked a Jane with a warm feeling. Here was awoman with vision, a nice-looking woman too, he hadgrown to like her on this trip a lot, but she was smart,too You know a woman like her could sure make it nicecoming home at night. Hell what am I talking about?She would be right out there with you making sure youdid your part, what a woman.

The more Jim though about Jane the more he knewthat he would love to be the one that won her heart,Jim would often catch himself dreaming as to what itwould be like being married to Jane and how excitingit would be, one thing for sure it would never be boringand there more than likely be something to do everyday, like starting a new world so she could map it.

She had already shown that she was one that couldlive or do most anything if she put her mine to it andbouther if she did you better get out of her way or shewould run right over you and never slow down at thesame time had a heart as big as all out doors, She would

be hard a nails one time and soft as a kitten the next,and one thing for sure if you were going to say anythingabout her maps you had better know what you weretalking about, now you could ask her what ever and shewould take as long as you needed to understand what itwas.

23



Chapter 3

JJane thought about what Jim had said. He wassmart, a hard worker, and not bad to look at.Why, a woman would do right by hooking up withhim.

John had seen the deep closeness growing betweenJim and Jane and he thought, thats just what thiscountry needspeople like them.

Just then, the rear guard yelled, Trouble coming. John turned as did Jim to look back. There were aboutten or twenty riders coming up. Indians, some of theones they had seen back on the flats. And they werepainted for war. Jim made a quick look around andspotted a small stand of timber up the hill a ways. Takecover up there, Jim yelled. Take cover.

The troop made a dash up to the trees. The Indians

had not expected this. They thought that the white man

would either run or make a stand out in the open.They made a pass and found that these white men

were different than the others they had fought down onthe flats. These took their time to mark their targets.They did not just snap shots at them. They did notknow that these men had spent a hard winter up highwhere every shot meant food on the table.

The fight was short. About five Indians hit theground hard the first run and three more on the second.Then all at once the chief rode up on a little knowll,

24



Lees Valley

gave the soldiers a kind of salute and turned and rode

off.

What was that all about? Jim asked.

John said, He just paid you a great honor. Heacknowledged you and your men as great warriors. Wewill have no more trouble from them. How are ourmen? John asked.

Fine, Jim said. One man got an arrow in the leg,but is OK. I can say one thing, this is the best group ofpeople I have ever traveled with.

John agreed.

After fixing the trooper up real good they movedon. You couldnt stand to see someone else get all thecoddling, could you, Smith?

Get out of here, Jones. I would have rather seen thisarrow get you than me. You kind of like that coddling,dont you?

The two men laughed and Jones rejoined the group.

Night came. Camp was set up and everyone hadkind of kicked back to relax. Jim was at Janes tentwatching her work her maps when he leaned over andkissed her on the cheek. She looked at Jim. What wasthat for? she asked.

Just for being you. I hope you didnt mind.

Not at all, Jane said, but it was kind of short.

Jim looked deep into Janes eyes and her into his.Then they kissed again. This time not so short and noton the cheek.

The group had been traveling for a month now andit had been much easier. When they broke into a valley,just ahead was the fort. It was almost like coming home.

The gates open, John told Jim as they rode up to

the fort. Jim called a halt. Then he, John and Trooper

25



Lees Valley

Jones went on. As they got close, a man came out tomeet them. No one knew him except John. And John

was not too happy to see him.

Welcome to our fort, Bull said. We got whiskeyand goods if you need them.

What do you mean, your fort? Jim asked.

Bull looked at Jim with disgust in his eyes. Whyme and my men put this up about a month ago, Bullsaid.

Thats funny, Bull, when we went through herethree months ago I could swear these men put that fortup. And I suggest if you dont want trouble you will getyour things and get out.

Bull looked at John and said, Wesley, youve beenon my back for years now. And I think we like it, so we

will stay.

No, Jim said, I dont think you will. That fort isArmy property and you will get out. In fact, this wholevalley is Army training ground, so move out.

Bull said, Captain, we are set in and I dont thinkyour toy soldiers can move us out.

John got a big smile on his face. Well, Bull, thesetoy soldiers could, real easy by themselves, but I dontthink they will need to.

Bull looked around and there were about fifty youngwarriors. Bulls face turned white.

Jim said, Lt. Jones, take four men and vacate your

command.Trooper Jones turned around. Lt. Jones, who was

he? Then it dawned on him. He was the only Jones.Lt. Jones, boy, oh boy. Jones looked at Smith and said,Smith, you, Jamison and Johnson come with me.

26



Lees Valley

Jones sat tall in the saddle as he rode into the fort.OK, men, help our friends here load their stuff and getout of my command post. What they cant carry and wecant use, well burn or better yet, let the Indians haveit.

Jim thought to himself, When we get back Ive gotto make this promotion legal, then smiled.

John knew what he was thinking and said, That Lt.Jones is a good man, Captain.

Jim looked at John with a twinkle in his eye and

said, Couldnt have got this far without him.

As Bull and his men left, John told him it would bereal good not to see him anymore. Bull just looked atJohn and said, You aint seen the last of me, Wesley, notat all.

Jones rode up to the captain and said, All clear,Captain, and thanks for the promotion, even if it wasjust for that Bulls show.

Jim reached into his saddle bags, pulled out his oldshoulder boards, and handed them to Jones. Lt. Jonesabout fell off of his horse. Jones had just made sergeantfive years ago. No way did he expect another promotionso soon. And to lieutenant. Boy would Jenny Sue behappy when she heard about this. Now they could getmarried.

John, Capt. Jim and Lt. Jones rode over to check

with the Indians and find out what was going on. WhatJim heard, he did not like. It seems as though Bull hadcome in about a month after they had left and set upshop killing as many game as he could for the skins.And when the Indians came to ask them to stop, theywere beat and shot. The Indians had come back to runthem off or just get shade of them when they saw the

27



Lees Valley

troop come in the valley. They wanted to see what thesoldiers were going to do, so they sat back and watched.

Jim looked at Lt. Jones, Do you think your cookcould make up a meal for all of us?

Sure thing, Captain, sure thing.

The Indians said they would be back soon and Lt.Jones rode back to the fort and told the cook to start ameal for about sixty.

The cook said, Sixty? By myself?

No, Jones said. Pick out some help. If you needmore meat, just let me know and we will get it.

Its not the meat Im thinking about. Its the flourand such.

Well, do the best you can, Jones said. It doesnt

have to be fancy, just filling.

As the lieutenant turned to go back to where Johnand the captain were, Jane rode up. Congratulations,lieutenant.

Yeah, Jones said.

Lieutenant, what is your full name? Or do youprefer I call you Lt. Jones from now on?

Alexander, maam, Alexander Jones. But please callme Al.

OK, Al, is there something I can do to help?

Well, if you dont mind, you could help me setthings up. This is kind of new to me.

She laughed and said, I would love to.

That brought a sigh of relief to Jones. This had allhappened too fast.

About an hour went by and up the valley came thewhole tribe, women and all. Lt. Jones looked and said to

himself, Sixty, my foot.

28



Lees Valley

As the tribe came in, the women went to where thecook was working and ran him off and took over.

They had brought bread and vegetables to go alongwith the meat. John, Jim and Lt. Jones went to greet thechief. It was quite a meal. Jim told the chief that he wasgoing to leave Lt. Jones and ten men to watch over thevalley.

The chief said, This is good and we will help.

Later on that night after the meal was over, Johnand Capt. Jim and Lt. Jones were talking about the daysevents.

What do you plan on doing, Captain? Jonesasked.

Well, right now I plan on leaving you and ten mento look after the fort until I can get back and send arelief. John, I cant tell you what to do, but I sure would

take it kindly if you would stick around for awhile andhelp Jones get settled in.

John said, Id love to if Lt. Jones dont mind.

Not a bit, Jones said. I would be happy to haveyou.

John set out resupplying the troops for the trip andthe fort with supplies. Lt. Jones had some of the menturn over the land and plant some corn and such thatthe Indians had given them.

One trooper looked at the other and said, Justlook at me, a farmer. This is why I joined the Army, so Iwouldnt have to be a farmer.

Well, look at it this way, Fred. At least we will havefood to eat until the captain gets back with the relief.

After two weeks of work, Capt. Jim looked aroundand was pleased with the way Lt. Jones had set up. Hehad made a good choice with Jones. And the men knew

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Lees Valley

Jones had a good head on his shoulders. He and Johngot along real good which meant food for the stay.

As the captain got ready to leave, he called John andLt. Jones off to the side and said, I will get back as soonas I can, but it may be next spring. So Jones, remember,this valley and the men are under your care.

I will, Captain, and what I dont know Ill get Johnto help.

That sounds good, Jones. You can learn a lot fromJohn. And John, I dont need to tell you to keep an eyeout for Bull. I dont like that man or trust him much.

I dont trust him at all, John said. And Jim, takegood care of Jane. You know shes like a sister to me.

I know, Jim said, but a sight more to me.

Jane came up to Lt. Jones and kissed him on the

cheek and said, Ill miss you, Al. You take good care of

yourself and my namesake. John, you know how I feel

about you. Be careful. Then she turned back to Jones:Now you heard, Al, she said with a smile.

Jones face turned kind of red and he said, Yesmaam. I will.

Then she turned back to John and said, I could notbe more proud if you really were my brother, then got

on her horse and rode to where Jim was waiting.

Jim had long thought about this valley. It was bigwith trees aplenty. It would be a good place to live.

As the troop disappeared from the valley, Lt. Joneslooked over to John and said, Well, John, time to go towork.

The trees had started changing color to a beautifulgold and yellow. Lt. Jones had done some improvementsto the fort. He had put a back gate on the fort andenlarged it some with good cabins along the walls for

30



Lees Valley

the men to stay in. He built a large warm mess hallwhere the men could come and relax at days end, and ablacksmith shop. He did everything he and John couldthink of to make life easier for the upcoming winter.

The storehouse was full of meat and corn and dried

vegetables. Everything was as it should be. Lt. Jones hadbecome good friends to the Indians that lived around

and they knew they could depend on him.

Jones had started a two-man patrol of the valley eachday. And on this day, the patrol was late getting back.Jones said, John, lets you and I take a trip around thevalley.

John could see the concern in Jones eyes.

Sounds good, John said. I want to get out andaround a little anyway.

They had heard no shots. Were the men just outlooking around, or what?

John and Lt. Jones rode to the south to where themouth of the valley was then swung back to the west.So far, just tracks of two horses. Jones said, Im goingto have a good talk with these men when we find them.

John laughed, Lets wait till we find them, and Imight have a few words, too.

No trail. It had just vanished. What did this mean?

John got off his horse and looked around. Someone hasyour men and its not Indians. The trail has not beencovered good enough. Jones, go back and get some men.Ill look around here till you get back.

Jones headed straight for the fort to get some more

men. John looked to see if he could tell which way they

had gone.

An hour had gone by when the lieutenant and fourmen got back.

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Lees Valley

John said, Lieutenant, there were eight of themriding shod horses. White men, headed up that littlevalley over there.

Jones and John took the lead and headed out fast

at first. Then as they got close to the little valley they

slowed to a walk. They did not want to ride into a trap.

Back in Fort Smith, Jim and Jane had just said theirvows which made them man and wife. The Army hadliked the maps and had accepted Jims letter asking if hemay resign. They said yes on one condition, that heand Jane go back and settle the valley.

Jim said, General, thats what we plannedto do anyway. The Army had also acted on hisrecommendation that made Lt. Jones a captain.

They had also named the valley after Jim, calling it

Lees Valley, with Fort Jenkins named to take care of thenew area.

The general asked Jim if he would mind taking thenew men back as far as the fort with him and Mrs. Lee.

Jim said he would be glad to, but it would be a slowtrip because he had five wagons of supplies and fiftyhead of cattle.

The general asked, What are you going to do, Jim,start a trading post there?

Well, yes, Jim said. Thats a good idea.

Jim, what if I give you a letter making you theArmys supplier for that area and give you an armedescort?

Sounds good, Jim said. There are about five orsix families that want to go with us. Some may want tostay in the valley and some want to go on and find theirown valley.

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Lees Valley

John and Lt. Jones rode into the small valley slowly,watching for anything that moved.

Well, hello, Wesley, Bull yelled. Glad to see youcould make it. What are you doing in my valley?

Came looking for some mad dogs that seem tokeep popping up.

Would we be the mad dogs? Bull asked.

Could be, John said. Just could be. You seenanything of a couple of young troopers up here?

Why, you dont mean my guests, do you? Theydecided to join up with me, Bull said.

Dont believe him, one of the troopers yelled justbefore one of Bulls men hit him.

Now, Bull, you know you cant get away with this.

Lets keep this between you and me, John said. Lt. Jonesstarted to say something and John said, Lieutenant, thishas been growing between me and Bull for a long time.Me and Bull will settle this once and for all, then you dowith the rest whatever you want.

Meanwhile, Jim and Jane along with their largegroup, headed out from Fort Smith.

They hoped to make it to the valley before the snowset in. If need be, they could stay at the fort while Jimbuilt their cabin.

Out on the plains, it was storm time. Between thethunderstorms and the high winds, they made goodtime. Jim and Jane were looking forward to seeing thevalley again and wanted to see Jones face when hefound out that he was a captain.

Jones was the true commanding officer of FortJenkins. And to see the young lady in the fourth wagonbackthe very same young lady that he carried thetinplate of everywhere he went and had it setting over

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Lees Valley

the fireplace at his cabin at the fort. Yes, Jenny Sue wasso proud of Capt. Al Jones.

Bull yelled, Just you and me, Wesley, is that whatyou want? Youll need help just to find me.

Not really, John said. All I got to do is keepyou up wind and follow the smell. It will be as easy asfollowing a skunk.

Well see, said Bull. Well see, and at that he

disappeared into the trees.

OK, boys, you heard Bull. This is between me andhim. You men up on the hill let the troopers go andmaybe the lieutenant will let you just walk out of here.You hurt one hair on their heads and I dont know whatthis mean, young lieutenant will do.

A few minutes went by and down the hill came the

two troopers on their horses.

Jones looked at John and said, Watch it, John.

John just shook his head and said, Jones, just stayout of this. This is not Army business. This has beenbuilding up ever since I ran Bull out of the flats backhome.

Jones got off his horse and told the last two men toescort Bulls men out of the valley, which they did. Jonesturned around to say something to John, but he was

gone with not a sound. Jones looked all around, not asign of John.

For about two hours John followed Bull. It was as ifBull was making trail, then there he was, knife in handand a smile on his face.

Come and get me, big man. At that he made a lunge at John. John made a move

to the left, came up with his knife then looked down at

Bull. You were too slow, Bull. Just a little too slow.

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Lees Valley

Jim told Jane, It wont be long now, honey, and wewill be home.

Home, that sounded funny. It had been a long timesince she thought of a real home of her own.

She figured it would be about three weeks beforethey made it back to the valley. How were John and Lt.or Capt. Al Jones? Was the valley still the same? Andwhat of Bull and the Indians? Who were their friends?

Did John know the truth about her? She had toldJim on the way back to Fort Smith, but did John knowabout his father and her mother? Did he know that thereason Bill married her mother was because she waspregnant with Johns half sister? Did he know that waswhy she was so proud of him, her half brother?

Johns dad was a good man. He just got drunk onenight and kind of forgot he was married. He had nevermade that mistake again and was sorry he had. But it

didnt change things.

On the morning they entered the valley there was alight cover of snow on the ground. Wagons and troopscoming in, the sentry yelled.

Everyone turned out to see. Jim had fixed it with thelieutenant so he could give Jones his orders and let himknow about his promotion. And they had Jenny Suehide in the wagon.

As the wagon train pulled up the fort, John and

Lt. Jones came out to meet them. The lieutenant said,

Welcome back, Captain.

No, Al, just Jim, or Mr. and Mrs. Jim Lee.

John let out a big laugh, She got you, boy I knewshe would.

Now see here John Wesley, Ill take a broom to youif I hear anymore talk like that. Then she laughed.

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Lees Valley

Well, it looks like Ive been relieved, Jones said as

he looked at the new lieutenant.

Well, thats what I wanted to talk about, Jim said.My last official act in the Army is to tell you that youare to stay here for awhile longer, Capt. Jones. And, ohyes, can you take care of this young lady for me?

Jenny Sue jumped out of the wagon and ran to Al.John had to grab him to keep him from falling down.Cap . . . Cap . . . Captain, me? And Jenny Sue here?Oh, my God. Im dreaming. Ive got to be dreaming.

May I dismiss the men now, Capt. Jones? the

lieutenant asked.

Yes, yes of course. By all means. Jones was holdingon to Jenny Sue and walking in circles shaking his head.

John said, Well, he will be out of it for awhile.Now whats this about Mr. Jim Lee?

Well, it looks like the Army can do without me.Oh, they did name this valley Lees Valley when theyfound out that Jane and I were coming back up here tolive.

What about Bull? Heard anymore from him? Jim

asked.

Not since I planted him up in Bulls Valley. That

little valley just over there, as he pointed to it.

John went on to tell Jim everything that hadhappened. That didnt surprise Jim. Jim said, John, halfof this store Im going to build is yours.

No, John said, I dont want nothing to hold medown. Ill stop in from time to time. And I will helpyou and Jane build your cabin and the store, but thatsas far as it goes.

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Lees Valley

main reason that Jim and Jane were extra glad that hewas there at dinner with them. But they had decidednot to say anything that night about their surprise, theywould wait until later right now John had the trip onhis mine and he had talked to Jim most of the night butthey wont to let him know there surprise later.

38



Chapter 4

OOne evening John and Jim were sitting at the

dinner table when Jim got up and said, John,Im going down to check the pens. I think Jane hassomething she would like to talk to you about.

John said, Sure, Id love to talk to her awhile.

As Jim left for the pens, Jane came in with somecoffee and sat down at the table. John, I want to tellyou something. I did not know myself until I wasseventeen or eighteen. I hope it doesnt make you mad,but it is the truth.

John looked at Jane with puzzlement in his eyes.

What could be troubling Jane this much? John looked

in her eyes.

Did you know I was your half sister?

John sat there a while with no word, then he said,

What do you mean?

Well, Jane said, before Mom and Dad gotmarried it seems there was this big party. Everyone hada lot to drink and our Dad got a little too drunk andmade a pass at my Mom. She was a little happy, too,

and neither one stopped to think. Later, Mom foundout about me and your Dad was so sorry, but it was toolate. You see, your Dad loved you and your Mom toomuch to leave and he really did not remember anythinguntil the next day.

Bill had loved Mom and knew what had happened.He asked your Dad if he could take Moms hand and

39



Lees Valley

your Dad said, If she wants. Well, she did becauseshe knew Bill would make her a good husband and mea good Dad. I didnt know until the day of her deathabout this. Dad had always treated me as his own, butMom said it was time I knew. John, I hope youre notmad, but you see I am your sister.

John sat there for a moment, then looked up at Jane.Jane, I just wish I had known. No, Im not mad. Imjust so proud of my sister who has become such a prettywoman, even though you have gained a little weight.

Thats something else. Not only did you pick upa sister overnight, youre going to be an uncle in thespring.

Oh, my God, Jane, not only am I going to be anuncle, that also makes Jim my brother-in-law. How canI ever face the world? Then with a big laugh, he said,Or can Jim ever face the world? And what if the babyis a boy? With me as his uncle and Jim as his Dad, the

kid wont have a chance.

Then they both laughed loudly. As Jim came in,John looked at Jane and said, Poor kid.

This made the work a little more enjoyable nowthat it was for real family. John kind of liked the ideaof Uncle John. He walked around like he was in theclouds.

The other wagons had arrived. John helped them getset up for the winter. It was quite a thing to seethisvalley at night with snow on the ground and the lights

at the different camps. John was teaching the new oneshow to hunt and what to look for to survive. He feltthat by spring most would be able to make it.

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Lees Valley

Along about Christmas there was more news. Itseemed that the captain and his lady would be parentsabout four or five weeks after Jim and Jane.

John said, I better get out of here soon or Ill be aDad.

Jim said, Dont worry. No one would have you.

Capt. Jones had made everyone at home and thenew lieutenant fit right in. The people in the wagonshad learned much, and most of all how to get alongwith Indians and what to expect as they got closer to theflats.

John even held a shooting school. The only time he

let anyone rest was when the snow was deep.

Capt. Al stopped by Jims house for a visit. He andJim sat at the table with their coffee. Al looked at Jim

and said, Sometime Jim, Im not sure if you have doneme a favor or not.

Jim laughed, Wait a few years and youll come afterme with a gun. Al, on the things that you will need thatI dont carry, tries to let me know about three monthsahead of time so I can send my driver back to FortSmith.

Just then John came in, Whats this about FortSmith?

I was just telling Al that if there was something

special to let me know ahead of time.

Well, Al said, I do need some baby things youdont carry.

I tell you what, just have Jenny Sue make up a list.And if Jane doesnt have extra, well get it in on the nextshipment.

Good, Al said. I have to get back to the fort. Seeyou later, John. Jim, dont get too cold.

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Lees Valley

For the last few weeks all the women would gettogether for tea and they would make blankets for thebabies and little clothes.

During the day when the wind was not blowing orthe snow was not falling, the people would be makingsoap and things to hold them over until they get settledin at their new homes.

John had the men together to tell them just what toexpect on through the valley. He told them what all hadhappened when they reached the flats. He wanted themto know that the Indians there were not as friendly asthe ones here. They did understand. Like one man said,If its not worth fighting for, its not worth having.

John felt pride in all of these people. The days werestarting to get longer, the snow was not coming so often.It would not be long now before they could move out,although he didnt want to go until he found out if thebaby was a boy or a girl.

The snow was just about all gone now, and Janestime was not far off. Jim was getting real nervous. Everytime Jane would call Jim to eat, he would think it wastime. John made a bet with Jane that the way thingswere going, Jim wouldnt make it or he would walk with

a cane.Jane said, I know what you mean. They say the first

is the worst.

Jim felt like a clown most of the time.

One night everything was quiet and the stars wereout. Jim was sleeping and Jane touched Jim lightly onthe arm.

Jim said, What, whats wrong?

Its time, Jane said.

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Lees Valley

Jim fell out of bed and made three passes around thebed yelling, Wheres my clothes? Wheres my clothes?

Jane said, In the chair youre running around, Jim.

Oh, Jim said.

He grabbed them and put them on fast. Ill be rightback, he said as he went out the door.

He got on his horse and rode as fast as he could tothe fort where the wagons were. Jim rode up to the firstwagon and yelled, Its time, Mrs. Clifford. Its time. Imgoing to have the baby.

Mrs. Clifford smiled as she looked out the wagon.Thats fine, Mr. Lee. Whats your wife going to do?

Oh, you know what I mean, Jim said, but itstime.

Mrs. Clifford said, Ill be right there, Mr. Lee.

The sentry near the gate had heard everything thatwas said. As Jim swung his horse around to get back tothe cabin, the sentry yelled, Wake up, wake up. Janeshaving her baby. Wake up, Janes having her baby.

Everyone at the fort came awake and they were out

the door.

John was at this time just about as bad as Jim. Hegot his clothes on and was out the door. He did not

know until he got to the cabin that he had his boots onthe wrong feet.

One of the men had built two fires and put coffeeon for whoever showed up and the other was for water.Why do they need so much hot water? Jim asked.

Fourteen hours had gone by. Jim was unable tostand up, when from the cabin came a lonely babys cry.Everyone stood and looked at the cabin. Not a word wassaid. Quiet, dead quiet. Mrs. Clifford came to the door

43



Lees Valley

and said, Mr. Lee, would you like to come in and see

your wife and new son?

Jim hit the ground. John helped pick him up andsaid, Jim, all that time in the Army and you let a littlething like this stop you.

John was standing there with a smile on his facewhen his eyes rolled up, and down he went. A laughrang out throughout the valley.

The sun was high when Jim came to the door with

his son.

What did you name him? Al asked.

Jim looked at John with a smile, and said,

Gentlemen, meet James Jonathan Lee.

By sundown everything had settled down a little.The women had made sure Jane was OK and she hadeverything she needed before the left. Mrs. Clifford wasto stay for a day or two until Jane could get back on herfeet and take care of Little Jim. Big Jim, as he was nowcalled, was still in the clouds.

John said, Jim, its kind of nice youre the Dad. Im

the uncle.

Little Jim was the first born in Lees Valley, close to

Fort Jenkins. Kind of an omen, wouldnt you say?

Yes, a good omen, John.

The time had come for John to get everyone thatwas moving on ready to go. So he set to checking all thewagons for broken or worn parts. At each wagon he justhad to talk about Little Jim. Not too long after Jane hadbrought Little Jim into this world, the alarm went outagain. This time it was Capt. Als wife. It was about themiddle of spring. John said they would leave the nextday, but now he would put it off for two or three daysbecause he wanted to make sure Mrs. Clifford was there

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Lees Valley

to help Jenny. Late that night the baby came. It was alittle girl. Al and Jenny wanted to name it after Jennys

mother and Jim and Jane, so little Opal Lee Jones metthe world.

Jenny, like Jane, had done real good and Capt. Alwas a man ten-foot tall now. He and Jim were almostas bad as the women sitting around talking about theirkids. Why, Jim already had Little Jim running the storeand Al had little Opal Lee gone to finishing school.

School, Jim thought. They had no school or churchfor the kids. He and Jane talked about what to do, thenJane said, Jim, it will be awhile, maybe we can get ateacher to come out here and a preacher, too. I knowwe have the chaplain over at the fort, but he cant alwaysbe here. With the three wagons that are staying, we willhave about eight kids. I could teach until one gets here.

The next day Jim talked to Al about what he and

Jane had talked about. Al thought it would be a verygood idea. The other people had started their cabins andsoon would be settled in.

John set back and drank his coffee with a smile. Iknew we had started something. Why, the way they aretalking, well have cable cars before long. Well, people,Jenny is fine so I think we will move out tomorrow. Iwould like to be back before winter. Shoot, I want toride the cable car, he laughed and walked out as Jimand Al just looked at each other puzzled. What in thehell was he talking about?

The next morning John had the wagons lined upand ready to go. He waved at Capt. Al then turned toJim and Jane and Little Jim, let out a deep sigh, andsaid, Its hard to leave family, but I will be back. Then

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Lees Valley

he smiled again and said, Hold me a seat on the cablecar, laughed out loud and rode off.

The wagon fell in behind John. Now he had to keephis mind on the train. They were headed right back towhere they had the trouble with the Indians. It was nota trip to look forward to for John. The troopers comingin and leaving was one thing, but wagons coming in wassomething else. There would be trouble and they had tobe ready for it.

A few days had gone by and the people on thewagon train had relaxed a bit. It was easy traveling, butit made for a false sense of security.

John was keeping his eyes open for any new sign justin case. At sunrise, while everyone was getting ready toget moving, five warriors rode out of some trees. Theyhit and were gone fast before anyone really had a chanceto get a shot off.

You see, people, that is what I have been telling youabout. We were lucky this time. No one was hurt, butthe next time we may not be so lucky. They know weare here and believe me, they dont want you here. Yousee the Indians move from place to place following thebuffalo and when you put your farms in, it will be rightin the middle of the Indians and the buffalo. You all willhave to be ready to help your neighbor at the drop ofa hat. These Indians are the best fighters you have everseen. After all, theyve had a lot of practice. First theSpanish, then us. We have just as much right to the landas they do, but they dont see it that way. The way thesee it is they were here first.

John put Mr. Clifford in charge of the wagons sohe could have a look around. Before he left he told Mr.Clifford to be sure and keep an eye out. Watch the low

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Lees Valley

spots and timber close to where they had to cross. Withthat he rode out, going from one side to the other. Johndid not want to get caught like he had this morning.

John saw something he did not like. Signs, toomany signs. Maybe twenty or thirty headed straight forthe wagon train. John turned his horse and rode as hardas he could. Mr. Clifford had done what John said, andwhen he saw John coming like the devil himself wasafter him he yelled, Circle the wagons.

Just at that moment he heard the Indians. The sightof them painted and the sound of their yells wouldmake the hair on anyones neck stand on end.

John jumped his horse between the wagons over thetongues just as an arrow went past his head. This wasgoing to be a big one. The people had learned good.The fight went on for about two hours. After all thefighting was over John went around to see how badlythey had been hurt. One young man by the name of

White, Henry White, was killed. And Mrs. Clifford hadan arrow in her shoulder, but she would be OK. Theyoung Mrs. White was at a loss. Not only had she lostthe one she loved, what was she to do now?

John told her if she wanted to, when he made histrip back to the fort, she could go with him. She saidshe would see. After checking, John was proud of all ofthe people. They had seen the trouble coming and hadworked together.

The rest of the trip went smoothly, just a few smallfights. There was not much to talk about by the time

they reached the flats. The people were well-seasoned.John said his goodbyes to head back to the fort. He hadtalked with Mrs. White and she said Henry had wantedto come out here and build a farm so thats what she was

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Lees Valley

going to do. Mr. and Mrs. Clifford said she could staywith them and work her farm as long as she wanted.

It was late fall when John rode into the valley. It wasalmost like coming home. There were no more wagoncamps, but there were a few cabins around the valley.John went straight to the fort to report to Capt. Al.

Al was glad to see John and John him. John, Ivegot a message here for you. There is a group of aboutfifteen families at Fort Smith that would like to hire youto bring them west. And have you talked to Jim or Janeyet? I think Jim has a job for you if you want it, but youwill have to talk to him.

I plan on it in just a bit. About the wagon train, Illlet you know in a day or two. John turned to leave andstopped. By the way, Al, how are Jenny and little Opal?

Just fine. Thank you for asking.

Jim and Jane met John on the porch. Am I glad tosee you. With the fort growing and the people buyingmore all the time, I need a more steady supply comingin. John, I sure wish you would start a freight company.You know, buy a few wagons and make the trip backand forth. If need be, I will loan you the money to buythe wagons. And Al told me about the wagon train atFort Smith. Why, man, you could bring them here. Thiscould be the Fort Smith of the west, the jumping offplace for the new west.

John sat back on the porch with his cup of coffeeand said, What if I dont?

Well, Jim said, with a smile, Ill have to getsomeone else, but John you know this country betterthan anyone.

Then they both laughed.

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Chapter 5

AAs the years passed, the Lee family grew. First

there was Jim and Jane. They had a son namedJim who married a young lady named Opal. They hadthree childrentwo boys, John, the oldest and Bill, theyoungest, and a girl named Ernestine.

As the children grew larger, the valley grew smaller.Johnstown had just about completely covered the valleynow and the Lees owned most of it. What used to bea trading post was now a large general store, and thelarge J.W. freight business left to them by John when hedecided to move on west. Big Jim was quite proud of hisfamily and the valley.

Most of the time now Big Jim just sat looking at themountains around him and thinking of days gone by.

He thought of John Wesley and the stories he had heardabout John in the mountains on west. The area where hehad started with John was now called New Mexico andwhere he now lived was called Colorado. Capt. Al Joneswas now a major and was down on the Texas borderchasing Indians. Jenny Sue was back in Washingtonkeeping everything in shape for the major.

Little Jim was running the store and the freightcompany for Jim and doing fine. Ernestine had growninto a pretty young woman and Bill was seventeen nowand so much like his Uncle John. They were like twopeas in a pod.

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Lees Valley

Oh, well, those days were gone now, or were they?Jim could see someone coming in the north end of thevalley. No, it couldnt be. Not him, not John. Why ithad been so long, everyone thought he was dead. Nota word from him. But there he was as big as life. Jimstarted to yell at Jane, then for a moment stood still. Hewould have to yell loud for her to hear from heaven.

It was just last year when she left. It seemed so longago, not just one year.

John rode up to the house and looked at Jim. Howlong has she been gone, Jim?

About a year now, John. It sure has been hard.

John got off his horse and asked Jim, You got anycoffee?

Sure, come on in, John. Where in the hell have youbeen all of this time?

Here and there. There, mostly. They got theircoffee and sat on the porch. Jim, Ive got more badnews. Washington sent me a letter. It seems that Alwas captured down on the border and taken over intoMexico. Well, the Army cant go after him, so they askedme if me and some of my friends would like to do somehunting down south.

And what if I dont want to? Jim said.

John grinned and said, Well, Ill just have to findsomeone else then.

Jim almost fell of the porch laughing. You know,John, its been years since I had a good hunting trip.

Yeah, anyone here you want to take with us?

Jim said, Just one. You know him. His name is BillLee, my son. He reminds me of another young mannamed John. John, does Opal know about her Dadyet?

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Lees Valley

No, that was something else I was supposed to do.But would you, Jim? She was so little the last time I sawher.

Yeah, Ill tell her. As a matter of fact, here theycome now.

As John turned to look he heard a young lady say,Why, John Wesley, I thought you had forgotten allabout us. Its been so long.

John got weak in the knees. The young man on theback of the wagon, why it could have been him all overagain.

Ernestine and John had been helping Little Jim andOpal at the store. And Bill, well, as usual he had beenhunting up in the high mountains.

John gave Opal a big hug and said, Little gal, if youwill excuse me I would like to meet these other people.

And would you please get me some more coffee?

Opal laughed, John, I see you still love your coffee.Sure, Ill get the coffee.

John looked at Jim, and as Opal turned to go getthe coffee Jim got up and followed her in.

John looked at Little Jim and said, Jim, you mightwant to go in too.

Jim looked at John kind of funny and then said,

Maybe so. Jim Jr. knew something was up, so he turned and

went in with Jim and Opal. John looked at Ernestine,

John and Bill and shook his head. You sure have grown.

Just like weeds. Why, the last time I saw you three you

were chasing all the little varmints in the valley and eachother.

Bill kept looking at the house. What was wrong?

John noticed the concern, then Johns face went straight.

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Lees Valley

John, Ernestine, Bill, I brought bad news. Al hasbeen captured down on the border and is being heldover in Mexico. Jim and I are going down to see whatwe can do.

Bill looked at John and said, Im going too.

Me, too, Ernestine said.

No, John said. Ernestine, Opal will need youhere. As for you, Bill, I dont.

Forget it, John, Im going with or without you.

John grinned. It made him think of someone else afew years backhimself. Just then Jim came out to theporch.

Do they know, John?

Yes. John and Ernestine will stay here and help Jim

and Opal. And Bill, well, he is just as hard-headed as hisgrandpa. He is going with or without us.

Everyone got up to go in with Opal when Jim said,Bill, wait a minute. I want to talk to you. Ernestineand John left. Jim sat down on the porch and said,Bill, I want you to go, but I want you to understandone thing. On this trip, which wont be like any youhave ever been on, you will listen and do just what Johnsays. Because if you dont, you will probably get yourselfkilled and us too.

Bill looked at Jim, shook his head and said, Yes,

sir.

Jim said, Bill, you know a lot and I know it. Butyou can learn so much from John.

From what Ive heard, Bill said, I can learn fromboth of you.

With that, John came back out and said, Shestaking it good. Shes a strong woman.

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Lees Valley

Jim said, John, what do you think, a day to rest

while Bill and I get our trappings ready and supplies for

the trip?

Yeah, and plenty of powder and shot.

Damn, John, are you still using that old gun?

Sure, Jim, this old gun has seen a lot of country.

Jim laughed almost as much as the man that carriesit. Watch it, John said. I can still outrun you in anyfoot race.

Jim went into the house and came out with a new

henry repeater, handed it to John with a box of shells

and said, Happy Birthday, John.

John said, Man, this is some gun.

Yeah, Jim said, It will shoot fifteen times beforeyou have to reload.

Fifteen times. Boy, we could have used somethinglike this out on the flats a few years ago.

Jim told Bill to take the wagon down to the storeand get everything on his list. Jim looked over at Johnand said, John, do you want to use mules or a wagon?

Mules, John said. Theyre faster and there may bea time when we have to move fast.

OK, mules it is. Bill, get five pack saddles so wecan start getting everything ready tomorrow.

When the sun came up, Bills feet hit the floor. Hewas going to show Jim and John just what he could do.He would be the first up, make the coffee and be readyto go to work. When he came out of his room there satJohn and Jim with a cup of coffee in their hands and asmile on their faces.

Its about time, Jim said. John and I thought youwere going to sleep all day. Get you some coffee and sitfor a while.

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Lees Valley

said, and he and John laughed. Bill just stood there. Hedid not know what this was all about.

Levi said, Dont worry, I can duck better now. Then he laughed, too.

How about weapons? John asked Levi.

I have my rifle and handgun.

Good, John said, then looked at Jim and said,That makes four. We better get out of here before webecome a full-fledged Army.

Jim shook his head. I think youre right. So withinthe hour they were ready to go when Opal came outon the porch with Little Jim. She was holding a bag ofgoodies for them to snack on. Opal looked at the fourmen and said, Only God knows how I feel about youmen, but please be careful.

With that, the four waved, turned their horses androde off. They made good time. John lead the way. Theycut back down toward Raton, then on down to SantaFe. After a few weeks, they cut over toward South Texas.There was a village there called El Paso.

That would be a good place to cross and maybepick up a little information.

It was well-known that some of the Mexicansgot along good with the Indians. They did not alwaysapprove of what they did, but knew how to get alongwith them.

That was something that everyone above the borderwould be wise to learn. But the land north was beingtaken up so fast that if anyone got in the way, they werejust shot or run off.

It was bad, but that was the way it was. And theArmy was right in the middle. They had to try andprotect the people who came in and took the land.

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Lees Valley

Before he knew it, he was asleep. But the thoughtswere still there. His Mom and Dad coming to NewMexico. He woke as the sun started to light the day. Hewoke still in deep thought. What was he missing? What?Just then it hit him. Mom and Dad traveling across theflat land.

Lets see, could they dress up like Mexicans andjust walk in? No, he didnt think so. There were not toomany six-foot Mexicans. The Indians would see rightthrough that. But there was something he was missing,but what?

No, wait. It wasnt his Mom and Dad. It was whatthey had told him about, what they had seen the Indiansdo to get in with the buffalo. Surely he knew they couldnot dress up like buffalo or Indians, but what if theycame in on the side of their horses? If they could makeit to where the Indians kept their horses, and then startthem toward the camp, they might just make it in, getAl and out. Taking the Indians horses with them, that

would put the Indians on foot for a while.

That sounded good. Now, how were they going toget past the sentries? They would be thick. They wouldbe everywhere and watching real close. They would haveto come in by night without being seen or heard. Thatwas something else, being heard. There were a lot of flatrocks and their horses were shod.

John said, Jim, what do you think about headingback north like we are giving up, then cutting backacross the mountains, then going south and comingback up from below them? Once we get past the

lookouts, we could slip in with their horses and drivethem into camp, grab Al and head right on out takingtheir horses. That would put them on foot for a while.

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John had heard of Pete and knew that he was indeeda good man. John and Jim got off to the side and Johntold him that they would have company heading north.

Jim looked at John kind of funny, but said, Sure.

John told Bo that they would be leaving at daybreak,then went back to drinking.

Bill did not know just how to act with all of thosegood-looking girls in the place. John and Jim watchedhim for a while. It was hard to keep from laughing. Asthe sun came up all the men were up getting ready togo.

John looked at Jim and said, I sure hope thisworks.

Jim said, John, what time are Bo and Pete supposedto get here?

Any time now, John said. Jim, Ive been thinking.Since Bo and Pete are going along, we could split upinto two groupsless chances of us getting caught. Andeven if one bunch does, maybe the others can get in andout.

Jim thought for a little while and smiled. Just thenthey heard Hello. Sure enough it was Bo and Pete andthey were ready to go.

John, whatever you do, dont get caught. I dontwant to make this trip again.

John laughed and said, The same to you, old man. They rode two days north, did a little hunting along theway, and on the third day they turned west. John couldtell right off that Pete knew the ropes and was easy toget along with. Pete had heard stories about John Wesleyfor years and enjoyed talking to him at night around thecamp fire.

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Lees Valley

Pete had made a name for himself along the RioGrande and both sides of the river. Everyone there knewhim and respected him.

They moved west for two days and then turnedsouth. John, Bill and Levi were in one group. Jim, Boand Pete in the other. That was the way they were goingin. They traveled south for a week then cut back east. Itwas rough country and they stayed on the lookout forIndians. They moved at night and slept in the daytime.Most of the time Pete would stand the first watch andJohn the next.

After about three days, John looked around andsaid, If I remember right, this valley leads up to thesouth end of the camp.

Bo said, Yes, youre right, and about half a day fromhere is another one that opens up right at the camp.

John got all of them together. They decided that

Johns group would hold up a day then head out thenext day. John and his group would head out the nextday on up the valley. Jim and his group should get thereat the same time as Johns.

They had worked out a signal when they got at theIndian camp. Bo could sound like a pup coyote, so hewould yelp three times then once more. That wouldlet everyone know that they were ready. Then theywould wait until just before sunup and go. John hopedeverything went right.

With the horses muffled and the muzzles in place,

they were ready to start. They moved slow and cautious.John was right, there were sentries, but they did notseem to be too concerned. After all, they were on thesouth side. The white man, with the way he thought

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Lees Valley

would come straight in from the north with his bigguns.

Two days of hard travel went by, then there was thecamp.

It was easy to find where they were holding Al rightin the middle of the camp, John and his group founda good place to hide and wait, not long after they hadsettled in, they heard a pup yelp three times then a shortpause then the yelp again.

John knew that it was all set, now it was the longwait until just before sunup, now was when the nervescame in to play, no sentries, but why? Just then Johnstopped, what took you so long? There was Jim and hismen, John said, I just stopped to take a nap.

Jim said Well old man, Its time to wake up andsmell the roses, Bill dropped the log that was acting asa gate and the rest mounted, when Bill jumped on his

horse there went out a yell that would wake the dead.

All the horses lunged forward at the same time,straight forward at the camp horses running men yellingIndians running into each other trying to get away fromthe horses and to see what was going on, was there oneman, ten men a thousand, how many and where werethey or where did they come from.

Which way were they to protect and from howmany, where were there leaders where was anyone exceptthe ones they kept running in to they had been caughtso much by surprise that it would take them a while to

get settled, John wonted to keep it just as it was withall the yelling and running the horses in and out of thecamp they had done what they wanted.

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Chapter 6

TThere was much confusion in the camp. Indians

ran every which way. Horses were running inand out and around the teepees. Bill went straight forAl, jumped down off his horse, cut Al lose and helpedhim on his horse behind him in one smooth move. TheIndians were shooting wildly and before they knew it, itwas all over. Down the valley they wenthorses and all.At the end of the valley, Bo yelled at John to head forTexas. He said he and Pete would be right behind them.So John led the way. He looked back over his shoulderto see Bo and Pete heading the horses northeastawayfrom the way that they were going.

Bo knew that there was more than likely a fewhunting parties out and when they returned, it wouldnot take them long to round up the horses. All day

they rode as fast as they could without killing their ownhorses. John had caught one of the horses for Al andnow they were all single mounted.

At dusk they slowed to a walk, but still kept moving.After two days they stopped to rest.

Al, John said, why would a man like you who hasbeen around as long as you want to take a vacation inMexico?

Al just smiled and said, It seemed like the thing todo at the time.

The men slept in shifts until sunup then they hit thetrail.

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wagons and lead them out. Each one of us could makegood money and help settle this part of the country.

Jim smiled and said, Why, we may even reach allthe way to Canada.

John and Jim wrote a message to be sent toWashington. Then they set down with the others andstarted making plans. They decided to travel in pairsjust in case something happened.

It would be John and Bill in one bunch, Jim and Boin the second, and Pete and Levi in the third. They evencame up with a name for the company. It was to be theRocky Mountain Guide Company. So the message wassent. While the group waited for their answer, they setabout getting the supplies ready. They put up a cabin upclose to Bulls Valley, brought in extra horses and packmules. They had everything ready when they got theanswer to their message.

The government in Washington would be proud tohave the Rocky Mountain Guide Co. find the areas thatthey needed.

With that, the six men visited the fort and madetheir plans known to Capt. Johnston. They would begone for two months, then they would return, get allthe information together so that it could be sent toWashington. They would set up a meeting with whoeverWashington assigned to this program. They alreadyknew of two places on up the pass from Lees Valleywhere John and Jim had taken the people through tothe flats. And there were several more good places in

the other valley pass that they had come back through,which was the main pass everyone used now to get onto the flats.

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Lees Valley

John and Bill decided to go north and look around.Jim and Bo were to go out the pass to the west and findthe best places to start towns. Pete and Levi were to gosouth and look and they were all to meet back at theoffice in two months. The next trip would probably takelonger if they were to check out the whole area, but thatwould be later. Right now they had work set for them.

With Little Jim and Opal and Little John doingmost of the running of the Lees store, Ernestine said shewould look after the paperwork at the Guide Company.

She thought that this would not take much timeout of her day and she would still be able to help outat the store. Little did she know what a job this wouldturn out to be, nor did the others. This was just to be asimple hunting trip type job with paperwork to be doneonly when everyone got back.

But the word had already spread all over the eastwhere dime books were all over about John Wesley

and Jim Lee. Little did they know how well-knownthey were and how many would be mountain menwere just waiting for a chance to meet the two famousmountain men. Now they would get to meet Bo andPete who were also well-known as Indian fighters.

For a couple of days before they left, they hadErnestine up at the office showing her the maps theyalready had of the areas each one was to check out. Theyfilled her in on their little business and told her that shewould probably get bored if she spent too much time atthe office.

It was true. At first there was not much for her todo, mostly just clean up the office and go to the store.But after about a week or so, letters started coming infrom all over the east from people wanting the company

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Lees Valley

to find them just the kind of places described in theletters. Ernestine set to trying to answer the letters. First

she would let the person know that at this time all the

guides were gone and it would be two months beforethey got back. But as soon as they did, she would bringtheir letter to their attention. She set about making files

for the letters.

Each day more and more letters arrived. Some hadmoney already to pay for their services, which she wouldsend back and tell the person that this was not the timeto pay. If the guides were able to help them, they wouldbe notified as to how much to bring and when to meetthe guides at Fort Smith.

John and Bill had traveled for about a week whenthey came up on an old fort still very much in use calledBents Fort. They rested for a day and set out for the

mountains. John knew of several passes in this area thatshould be just what they were looking for. After aboutthree days, John and Bill came up on a valley that wasgood. There was fresh water coming down out of themountains and a lot of game. The only thing was thereseemed to be only one way in and out. They would lookaround for awhile, to check this valley out. One goodvalley now was better than jumping in and picking justany old valley. No they were looking for someplacewhere you could live and live good with work. Theyspent about a week looking around and found threeother passes out. However, they would only be passableduring the warm months, but there was good land for

planting.

The first night they found that there were severallarge cats there trying to get their animals, so they stoodwatch and made sure to keep the fire going. During

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Lees Valley

the day they had several close calls with some bears.But when people started moving in the bears and catswould move up high. This would be a good place. It wasalmost as good as Lees Valley. They were thinking aboutErnestine. Boy, she must be getting bored back at the

office with not much to do.

Jim and Bo moved out for a few days to where Johnand Jim had fought the Indians on that first trip whilecoming back from the flats. They made camp in thetrees and started looking around.

There was good timber for cabins, good water andplenty of flat land in the valley to plant. One day whileriding around, Bos horse was spooked by a timberrattler and Bo was thrown off. He hit his head on a rockand was put down for a few days. Jim told Bo that hethought he had done that on purpose so he could setin camp and look at the valley while Jim did all of theriding around.

Bo said, Jim, if I had thought of it I would have.Its nice sitting here watching the little varmints runningaround gathering food and making home.

Then they broke out in a big laugh.

Pete and Levi had traveled south for about twoweeks when they came up on a wide valley headingwest. It was as if God himself had made a place for thepeople to go. It was good landmountains were not toohigh, good water, and the wide valley seemed to go onforever. There were a lot of Indian signs. Hopefully they

were not hostile-type Indians. If they were not, then thewhite man and the Indians could learn to live together.After a week of looking around being very careful, theyran into a hunting party of about five Indians. They justsat for awhile and looked at each other. Levi told Pete,

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Lees Valley

Cover me, Im going to see if they are as afraid of us aswe are of them.

Levi raised his hand and walked his horse towardthem. The Indians did not move at first. Then the onein front raised his hand and rode toward Levi. Pete wasgetting a little jumpy. He was not known to be toofriendly toward Indians, but this was no time to startsomething.

As Levi and the Indians got within 10 or fifteen feetof each other, the Indian spoke. He spoke a mixture ofSpanish and Indian. This was good. Levi knew a littleSpanish and was able to understand him somewhat.

He asked Levi what they were doing on this land.Levi did not lie to the Indians. He told him of theproblems back east and that they were looking for someplaces where their people could come and make homesand be neighbors and friends. The Indians said thisland is big with much room and it would be good to

learn other ways to grow food to eat. They could helpeach other. They told Pete and Levi of several valleys onthrough the pass. Pete did not understand this. He onlyknew the war type back on the flats back east. Levi toldPete that just like whites, there were good and bad inevery race.

John and Bill had checked out the valley and werejust about to move on when they saw a small streak ofsmoke rising slowly to the heavens. They moved slowlytoward the smoke. They did not want to ride up onsome upset Indians. As they got closer they could tellthat it wasnt an Indian camp although it was about as

close as you could get. As they got up close to the camp,John yelled, Hello, the camp.

A voice called back, Come on in.

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Lees Valley

It was a different voice than they had expected. Itwas a womans voice. This was a big surprise to John andBill. As they moved into camp, they saw her at the edgeof the timber with her gun in hand, dressed in well-keptbuckskin. She was neat, not like you would expect awoman to look like living out like this. John and Billmoved slow to where the fire was. They kept their handsout in the open so there would be no mistake in theirintentions.

John spoke to the woman politely, Good afternoon,

maam. My name is John Wesley and this is my nephew

Bill Lee.

So you are the famous John Wesley. Ive heardof you. My name is Katie, Katie Mason. Would yougentlemen like a cup of coffee?

Yes maam, we sure would, as they sat by the fire

drinking their coffee and talked. John asked Katie whatshe was doing here.

She smiled and said, Im not here by myself. Imwith my father, George Mason. We had heard about Mr.Lees valley and thought if it worked for him, it mightjust work for us. Dad had traveled this country in hisyounger days.

Well, Miss Mason, I wish you luck.

John looked at Bill and said, Theres someonecoming in.

Bill said, Yeah, I heard him.

Miss Katie said, That sounds like Dad. He alwaysmakes the same noise so I will know that it is him.

Good idea, John remarked. Sounds like your Dadis a pretty smart man.

John looked at Bill and said, We could use someonelike that helping us.

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Lees Valley

business. Now what do you say to that? You and Katiewould be in charge of running the store and you couldset the way you want the land settled. But just makesure you plan for a town. The people coming in willeither want to start a business or have enough land toplant and live on.

Thats what Ill need help with. I can hunt, fish andthings like that, but as far as mapping out the land, ohboy.

John thought for a moment and said, Well, Billcould stay here with you and help build a cabin forthe store. He has been around his grandfathers. Hewould be a big help. And Katie could go back to LeesValley with me. Along with Jim and his granddaughterErnestine and I, we could draw up some plans. WhileBo, Pete and Levi lead some people in, Jim and I couldcome back with Katie and help you and Bill finish upand let you go over the plans for the valley and see ifyou like them. We could start bringing in a couple of

wagons of supplies and help get the store ready. Whatdo you think, Bill?

Sounds good to me, Uncle John. With you,Grandpaw Jim, Mr. Mason and I, we could be ready ina short time. How about you Mr. Mason?

What about you, Katie? Do you have any problemwith what has been said? George asked.

Just one, Dad. Were not gone already.

Boy she was some fine lady, John thought. This was

crazy. Here he was in his late 40s and she in her late 20sand John feeling like a schoolboy. He was too old tofeel like this. Plans were being made to leave the nextmorning. Besides, this would give Ernestine somethingto do.

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Jim and Bo had checked the big valley out and werepleased to find several springs. At night they sat aroundthe fire and Jim told Bo the story of how he had metJohn and of their trip up from New Mexico, Lees Valleyand the trip on through this pass. He told of the fightwith the Indians at the spot where they were camping,and the families they had taken on through to the flatson the other side of the mountains.

Bo said, The other valley has possibilities as longas they dont get in the small narrows where the floodswere.

Jim agreed, but said, This pass had more widevalleys and better water.

Bo thought awhile and said, Lets finish this valleythen go back. We can check the other valley some othertime. We need to start making plans and get thingsmoving. Jim and Bo had good feelings about thisvalley.

Pete and Levi looked around the places that theIndians had told them about and were pleased theywere good. It would make several good town sites.The main one just seemed to call for people. Therewas good, sweet water, plenty of room to plant androom for several cabins. Just a good place to settle. Leviremembered when they first came into Lees Valleyitwas almost as nice here. Levi told Pete about the tripthey made up here the first time and how he had beenhit with the arrow and how John and Jim had lead themthrough Lees Valley and on up to the flats and back.Pete was impressed. He knew that he had joined up

with a good group, but it was getting close to time tohead back. He wondered how the others had done.

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The trip back was easy and smooth and real nice forJohn. George and Bill spent the better part of the dayfinding a good place for the store. That was the onlyarea which John and Katie had to work with in planningthe settling of the valley. On the trip back, John wouldpick the easiest way. He was doing everything to makeKaties trip easier. One morning John told Katie to relaxbecause he was going to find some meat to eat. He wasgone about two hours.

When he got back to the camp he had a nice turkey,but as he came into camp, the fire was already going andover the fire was a large turkey and three squirrel. Boy,did they smell good. John stood in wonder. In all of histrying to impress Katie he had forgotten how much ofa frontiers woman she was. At that he started to settledown. Katie was a head-strong woman who knew justwhat she wanted out of life. She was extremely smartand could handle herself just as good as any man. Afterseveral days of travel they were getting close to LeesValley. Katie had developed a real strong feeling for John

now that he had started treating her like a person, not ahelpless female.

Jim and Bo had moved back down the valley withbig plans in their heads for the valley they had foundand looked over. As they moved back down the passtoward Lees Valley, they had a good chance to just lookat the land.

Bo said, Jim, I have seen some nice land before, buteverything I have seen since I have been up here is reallybeyond belief. Now I know why you and John spentmost of your time up here. A man could just kick back

and live out the rest of his life.

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Not yet, she said, but they should be back anytime.

John shook his head as he looked over thepaperwork. Man, I didnt think anything like thiswould happen.

Katie asked Ernestine, Where is the best place tostay?

Ernestine said, With us. After all you are a part ofour little family now.

Thank you, Katie said.

Ernestine told John that she was going to take Katieup to the house and let her meet the rest of the family.

John said, Sure. Ill be here for awhile going overthese papers. Ernestine, how did you do all of this byyourself?

She just smiled and said, Its just something awoman can do that most men cant. You know, John, itscalled work. Katie laughed as she and Ernestine walkedout the door.

John was still working at the office when Ernestinegot back. Uncle John, she is really nice, dont youthink?

Uh, yes, she is real nice.

Ernestine said, Pretty, too, right Uncle John?

OK, Ernestine, dont make anything out of it thataint there.

Oh really, Uncle John, a friend, all in the company,right?

An hour went by when Katie came back to theoffice. Is there anything I can do to help? she asked.

Yes, Ernestine said. Let me show you what I amdoing and you can sure help.

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The next day John and Katie were hard at workwhen Ernestine came in. Hey, did you two get upbefore sunup?

Katie smiled, No, weve only been here a shorttime.

Just then they heard a commotion outside.Ernestine went to the window and said, Uncle John,its Grandpaw Jim and Bo. Theyre back.

Good, John said. That means the others arenot far behind. Now, Miss Katie, you will get to meetthe man responsible for Lees Valley. John lookedat Ernestine and smiled. She knew just what he wasthinking and turned, went to the stove and poured twocups of coffee. And as Jim and Bo came in, Ernestinehugged Jim, said hi to Bo then got them their coffee.

Jim said, John, you know where we were hit by thatbunch of Indians?

Slow down, Jim. Ive got someone for you to meetand something to show you.

Jim looked at his feet and said, I guess Im just alittle excited.

John said, Jim, Bo, I want you to meet KatieMason. Katie, this here is Jim Lee and this old horse isBo James.

Glad to meet you gentlemen. Your names havebeen household words all my life. It is truly a pleasure.

They all sat down and John went about telling Jimand Bo about Katie and George. Jim said, I wonderedwhere Bill was. I thought the boy had either slept in orwas out in the hills as he usually is.

No, John said. If I know George, hes hard atwork right now.

Well, how did you two do? John asked.

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Good, said Jim, then he and Bo set about tellingJohn and the rest all about their trip. John was pleasedwith the news and he and Jim started going over thepaperwork. Jim could hardly believe what he saw.

Jim looked at John and asked, John, did you expectthis?

No, John said. Would you look at all of theseletters? Jim, Ive got an idea that might work out a littlebetter. There are a few young women down in townthat might need a little work. Ernestine could pick outa few and run the office for us and with Bill and Georgealready building the store up in Masons Valley, that isa head start. Well, we could put Bill in charge of goingto the other valleys. He could hire two or three men tohelp and start or at least get the stores ready. What doyou think?

Jim said, I was already thinking about that. WhenPete and Levi get here well see what they think about

that. You know, I think Bo kind of fell in love with thatvalley we were in. Lets call it James Valley.

Sure, John said.

Well, lets see if Bo would like to set up his valley.

Sounds good to me, John said.

It was afternoon. Everyone had eaten and they wererelaxing when they heard Pete and Levi come up. Youtalk about timing. This is great if all our trips work outthis good, John said. Ill enjoy this very much.

Everyone met everyone and was just sitting backresting a little when a trooper from the fort came in.John sat up and said, What can we do for you?

The trooper said, Give me some good news, Ihope.

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George said, Youre right. When that girl hassomething to say, stand by, youre going to get it.

Oh, Dad, you talk more than I do, but just waituntil you hear all Ive got to say.

John laughed, Well, Jim, while she fills George inon the news I guess you, Bill and I can start unloadingthe wagons.

First Bill lead the stock to the pens then they startedon the wagons.

Jim and John told Bill all about the work Ernestinehad done and about all the letters, and the valleys thathad been picked.

Bill said, Well, I thought this was a good idea, butI didnt know how good.

After the wagons were unloaded they all sat down

and talked. Jim asked George if he knew of anymorevalleys like this near here.

George said, Sure, there are several.

Jim seemed to light up.

John said, One thing, George, we have a head starthere, and if these other valleys are not too far away youshould have plenty of business with the wagons comingin.

George said, I still cant believe this is going so

fast.

Well, Jim said, not all that fast. The wagons haveto make it here across the plains and with winter comingon it will be a few months.

At night John and Katie would sit and talk, mostlyabout the valley and each other. That is except John.He did not like to talk about himself much, so Katiewould just ask questions and John would answer whathe could.

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At that they understood why and were more thanhappy to learn. And the thing that got Bo and party wasthat some of them could shoot very good.

The first five wagons were just man and wife, nochildren, which was good to start. This way they couldget enough trained that when more arrived the womenin camp could help take care of the children while the

next group went to school.Some of the men would catch and dry fish while

others would hunt and supply food.

The training came along very good and Bo, Pete andLevi were happy. By the middle of winter about twentywagons had arrived and had been trained.

With the help of John and Jim, George and Bill hadput up a good cabin. It was a nice home and Katie hadmade it a home where everyone could feel right.

With everything in its place and the paperwork allset just waiting for the people to get there, John andthe rest of the men looked around at the other valleysGeorge had told them about. There were three valleysnot too far away that would make good homes and werestill close enough to make it to the store.

When the men got back they told Katie what theyhad seen and she put to making the paperwork for theother valleys. The Rocky Mountain Guide Co. had beengiven the right to deed the land to whoever settled theland.

On the front of the store was a sign which readMasons Store with a small sign that said RockyMountain Guide Co. No. 2 and Deed Office.

Back at Fort Smith the worst part of the winter wasover. All of the wagons had arrived and the people weretrained as good as they could be. Now it was almost

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George is walking on air. He still cant really believehow everything took off. Me either, but I miss the valleylike it was.

Well, John said, that is the price of civilization. Itwill never be the way it was, so you just make the bestof it or move on.

I guess I know what that means. Where are yougoing from here?

John took a long look to the mountains and said,Up there, I guess.

Katie smiled and said, How about some company?

John looked at Katie and said, It wouldnt berightyou and me up there alone by ourselves notmarried and all.

Katie said, Well, we could fix that, then laughed.

John thought that might not be a bad idea. Katie,it would be hard. I mean no set down home, on themove most of the time. A lot of work.

I know, Katie said, but just think of the places wewould see.

John said, What would George think of all ofthis?

Well, we wont know until we ask him, will we? then Katie smiled.

George met John as he came in the door. Hey,John, long time no see. Where have you been?

Down south, John replied, setting up the valleysdown there.

George said, How about some coffee?

Sounds good, John said as they sat and had theircoffee.

George looked at John and said, John, there is

something you want to say, so go right ahead.

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She laughed, I know, she said, but I alwayswanted to get married in my skins.

John just shook his head, Well, if that is what youwant.

George saw Katie and said, Girl, you said thatwhen you got married it would be in your skins. Ididnt believe you, but you meant it. Now you knowwhat youre getting into John. She never did like dressesmuch. I had to make her wear them.

John said, Well, shell be easy to get clothes for,

then he smiled.

A lot of the people who had first come to the valleyshowed up for the wedding and to wish them muchhappiness.

It was a nice wedding as weddings go. A lot of old

friends and some new ones, too. When John kissed

Katie at the end, his face turned red.

George said, You know, John, the first time I sawyou over there in the trees I hoped this would happen,but I didnt know. And for her to get married thenleavewell, Im glad but Ill miss you both.

Well stop back every once in a while just to seewhat youve been up to. By the way, George, youll haveto get some more help at the store now.

Thats been taken care of already. Ive just beenwaiting for her to leave so I could get some good help.

John smiled as Katie said, I dont know if I like thator not.

A few days went by. You could tell right off thatJohn and Katie were made for each other. They wouldgo for long rides together and somewhere along the waywould stop and do some shooting. It had been a while

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since Katie had shot much, but it came back fast. Aweek went by and John was ready to go.

As the sun came up, John and Katie had the mulespacked and were finishing their coffee. George said, Itsgoing to be different around here. Ill miss you both. With that, John and Katie got up to leave.

John said, Well miss you, too, you old horse. Takecare and if you need us just have Bill come up and getus.

The sun was up good as John and Katie headed outof the valley. Katie said, John, Ill miss him, but I cantwait to see some more of Gods land.

They could feel the beauty of the countrytheland, the trees, the springs. It just filled them with theglories of God.

As John and Katie moved across the land they could

feel a closeness building between them. On up theywent. The first night they stopped was about twentymiles from Masons Valley. As they made camp theywould stop and watch the different animals play aroundthe edge of the spring. Off in the distance they heard amountain lion calling for his mate.

Katie said, John I wonder if heaven is this nice?

Katie asked John if they were going to do sometrapping or just look around.

John said, Well, I would like to do some trapping,

but just for the skins we need and food. You see, Katie, Ifeel that the deer and such were put here to feed us, notto make money on.

Good, Katie said. I knew you would feel thatway. There are greens a plenty and meat to live on. Idont see how anyone could kill just for fun. I met somemen down on the plains when Dad and I came through

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that didnt care. They just wanted money and to make aname for themselves as great hunters. It made me sick tosee all that meat just rotting on the ground, just so theycould make money off the skins.

John and Katie were up early each morning.

The splendor of it all was wonderful. Katie had justbegun to understand the greatness of John Wesley. Hetaught her many things about the wild which made itnot seem so wild.

From valley to valley they traveledeach one morebeautiful. John said, If God, like the good book says,did make this earth, this has to be one of his best.

John and Katie had traveled for a month or morewhen they came up on a small group of wagons in alittle valley. As they came into the camp they could tellthat the people had been on hard times. John yelled,Hello, the camp.

A voice came back, Hello and welcome.

As he and Katie rode in they saw many people rolledup in blankets next to the fires. What seems to be yourproblem? John asked.

The man that was more or less their leader said,Well, were out of food and our guide, a man by thename of John Wesley, run off and left us.

John looked at Katie and said, John Wesley, wheredid you meet him?

The man said, Just before we got to Fort Smith. Herode out to meet us. He said there was bad sickness atFort Smith and that we would have to go around.

John said, Did the man look anything like me?

No, the man said.

Good, John said, because Mr. you have beentaken for a long ride.

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What do you mean? he asked.

Well, in the first place, the man that met you wasnot John Wesley. He hasnt been to Fort Smith in aboutten years. And the second thing, he was at MasonsValley getting married.

How do you know all this? the man asked.

Well, sir, I would like for you to meet Mrs. John

Wesley, and he pointed to Katie.

The man looked at her for a few minutes then said,

You mean that you are John Wesley? It cant be.

John told Katie to take the deer that they had on thepack mule and get some of the other women to help fixsome food for everyone. Then he asked the man to tellhim all about what happened. As the man told the story,

John got madder and madder.

As it turned out a big man met them outside ofFort Smith with the news about the sickness. They wentaround Fort Smith and out onto the plains about tenor fifteen miles north of Fort Smith. Everything wentsmooth at first. They paid their money and were ledto the mouth of this valley. The man, who said he wasJohn Wesley, told them to come on in and make camp,that he was going hunting. That was about three weeksago and no one has seen him since.

John said, Well, we can do one of two things. First,

get some food into you, then either help you set up inthis valley or take you to Lees Valley where you can getstarted off right.

The man said, You would do that for us?

Yep, John said, then Im going to look for thisother John Wesley.

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The people from the wagon train got together andtalked it over. They said if it was all the same they wouldlike to set up this valley.

John said, Sure, thats OK. Katie and I will helpyou. She can show the women what greens can be eatenand Ill take a few men and put in some meat. Thenwell start some cabins.

John and Katie worked hard helping everyone. Withthe first of the cabins complete, the other people cameand had their meals where it was warm. John was proudof the way the men worked. It wasnt long until most ofthe cabins were up and the people had learned to huntand find food. Most of the places had already plantedgardens and some had started coming up.

With everyone with a place to stay and food, Johnfelt it was time to go. He wanted to get back to LeesValley and talk to Jim and Bill about what was goingon. Katie thought it was a good idea. She wanted to see

Ernestine again.

John and Katie made the trip as fast as they could.As they came up to the main store and office, Ernestinecame out and said, Well, look whos here, Mr. and Mrs.Wesley. Oh, you two have made us all so happy.

Well, John said, not for long. I got some badnews. Where are Jim and Bill?

Jim is up at the house, but Bill is up at JamesValley.

Well, John said, send someone to get him fastand have him meet us at Jims

John had told Jim what had happened and Jim wasready to find the men right then, but John wanted towait on Bill. John had Ernestine put a word of warningin each letter she sent out with a drawing of each one

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that was with the Rocky Mountain Guide Co. and told

them what the other man looked like.

After a few days, Bill made it down from JamesValley. When he came in Bo was with him. They didnot know what was up, but for John to send someoneafter Bill and tell him that it was important, Bo thoughthe might just tag along and see. It wasnt like John to getupset and send a message like that.

As Bill and Bo heard what John had to say, Billlooked at Bo and said, It looks like we need to make atrip.

Jim told Ernestine to send two wagons of food andsupplies up to the valley to help them out from theRocky Mountain Guide Co. Katie and Ernestine hadmade up the new information that was to go in theletters and had come to Jims house.

John told Katie that he, Bo, Jim and Bill were goingto take a trip to Fort Smith in the next few days and heasked Katie to let Al know what was going on. She saidshe would.

John, Jim, Bo and Bill had traveled about a week. Itseemed different crossing this country going eastthesame country that John had crossed with Jim when theyfirst traveled west looking until they found Lees Valley.

It was noon when they saw Fort Smith way off inthe distance. They could see what looked like a wagontrain. John looked at Jim and said, Lets take a ride over

there and see whats going on.

Jim said, Good idea.

The small group of men headed for the train. Aftera few hours they caught up with the train. As they rodein, the wagon train came to a stop.

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John rode up to the lead wagon and asked, Couldyou tell me who is running this train?

Sure can, mister. Hes not here right now, wenton ahead hunting, but its a man by the name of JohnWesley.

Jim told the man on the lead wagon that it mightbe a good idea to circle up the wagons. We have somenews that is going to upset you. After we talk I wouldlike a few of you to ride in to Fort Smith with us. Weneed to talk to the Army.

We would, but there is real bad sickness in town.

With the wagons circled they all set down and had atalk. All the men were there to start with. I would likeyou people to meet Jim Lee and his Grandson Bill Lee.

The people were excited at this news, just think, Jim

Lee.

Jim said, Thank you, everyone. This old horse backthere is Bo James.

At that, the people did not know what to say. ThenJim turned and said, This man here, well, I guess youalready know.

At that, the men from the train looked at each other.

They had no idea who he was. The lead man from the

wagon said, Im sorry, but I dont think we know thisman.

Sure you do. You said he was leading you west. As the people looked at each other with funny looks ontheir faces, Jim said, This here is Mr. John Wesley.

The men started moving around talking loud.

Jim said, Now hold on and well tell you whatis going on and what we can do about it. I hope youhavent paid the man yet.

No, we havent.

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down here to get some work. Maybe hunt some skins,or whatever.

Bo looked around the room until he saw Johnsetting at the table with a small smile. He half-raised hisglass then finished his drink.

As Bo made a fool of himself, which John knew wasan act, the night passed, along about ten oclock a manwalked in. He looked nothing like John but the wasthe so-called John Wesley, So John paid him no mind,the man walked up to the bar and ordered a drink, theold man that had been talking to Bo went over andwhispered something in his ear, the man made a quicklook at Bo then told the old man something and turnedand left.

The old man came over to Bo and said, BoI got some good news for you, meet me at the stabletomorrow, I know a man that wants to talk to you abouta job, you do still guide wagons dont you?

Sure Bo said as long as it dont have anything to do

with John Wesley, the old man smiled and said, Well

in a way it does, but dont worry, its not the way you

think John wonted to play the whole hand out and did

not wont to give Bo away in any way so he just kelpdrinking and paying no attention to Bo or the oldman but his mind was going around and around in hishead he knew it was for money but was there any other

reason.

John wonted so much to get his hands on theman that had been using his name and if there was nomessup he might just get to do that very thing in a shorttime, the man next to John saw a small grin on Johnsface and said something funny friend John said no justthinking.

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fort. John stayed around camp for a few hours then heheaded to town.

First John went to the bar and had a few drinks.Then he walked around town just looking. After awhilehe went to the blacksmiths and had his horse shod andtaken care of. John went to the store and picked up afew things that they needed. When the blacksmith wasthrough with his horse, John headed back out to camp.

That afternoon John and Bill talked about the wholemess. Bill told John that Major Fields was real upset asto what had happened and said he would work withthem and to let him know what was found out.

About dark Bo came in and he had a big smile onhis face. He said, Well, I met John Wesley, and Im nowa man called Jim Lee. The old man you saw me with,well, hes more or less the lookout. And John, you knowwho is playing you? Do you remember a man calledBull? Well, its his brother, Jeff. Hes doing it because

of the way you shot Bull in the back from about twohundred yards.

Bill looked at John and said, Damn, John, you

made a shot of two hundred yards in a part of the woods

that you can only see about fifty feet? Youre better thanI thought.

At that, Bo busted out in a big laugh, and said,They dont know what happened to the last wagontrain other than they saw two new guides leading them,

so they decided to let them go on and get the next onethat is due in here in about a week. Jeff and I are tomeet them about five miles from Fort Smith with himas you, John, and me as Jim. Theres one thing. They aregetting their information from somewhere. Right now Idont know where. John, if you stay around the bar and

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watch the old man, and Bill, if you could hang aroundthe fort, maybe get a job, we might catch them in themiddle. How much did you tell that major, Bill?

Not much. Just that I was here checking out somecomplaints. He doesnt know about you and John. Ididnt want to tell him too much.

Good, Bo said, right now I dont know who totrust, but the more you stay at the fort the less you willbe seen around town so they will think they have acheck on you.

John said, I could do some hunting around hereand bring some meat and skins in to sell. That way noone will pay any attention to me.

Bo said, They have a cabin not far from here wherethey want us to stay, so tomorrow I will be moving inthere. I will get word to you at the bar. Try to be thereevery day. But John, dont drink the place dry.

Bill said, Hes just a three-drink man or at leastthats what Grandpaw said.

With that, John said, Both of you go to hell in awagon.

Bo looked at Bill with a smile and said, Maybe weshould go to bed before this old man takes both of usdown a peg.

The next morning John got everything ready to gohunting. Ill see you all later. Bill, you can go for a ride

once in a while and stop by here. Leave me a note if Imnot here. Put it under that big rock there.

Bill said, OK, got on his horse and headed forthe fort. Bo had all his things together and left for thecabin.

Late that afternoon John rode in with some meat on

one of the pack mules. He went straight to the store. He

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That night shortly after dark, Bill and the majorcame riding in. As they got off their horses, Bill said,Sir, I would like you to meet the real John Wesley.

The major looked at him real funny then said,I saw you in town. I thought you were just some olddrunk hunter.

Good, John said, thats what I wanted people tothink.

What have you found out? the major asked John.

Well, major, tomorrow if you can, I would like foryou to take a few days off and go with me.

What for? the major asked.

Well, John said, there is a wagon train due in, andI thought you and I could meet it about twenty milesout, dress in some old clothes and ride in with the

train.

Sounds good to me, the major said. Ill go backto the fort and tell them I will be gone for a few days. Illmake up some story that I have to go south for a weekor so to check on some reports of some homesteadershaving troubles or something. Ill be back later tonight.

Bill said, Ill go back to the fort and stay a whilethen tell everyone I am leaving. Then Ill keep a watchon you two from a distance.

One more thing, major, this is not going to make

you very happy. They are getting their information froma young lieutenant. I dont know his name, but I sawhim last night coming out of the back door at the bar.

The major said, Are you sure?

John said, I wish I wasnt, but, yes, I am.

At that, the major swung on his horse and said, Illbe back soon, and rode off.

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Bill looked at John and said, How did you knowthat?

I got a message from Bo. At the time he did notknow who it was, just that it was an officer. I saw himcome out the back room after a poker game.

Bill got on his horse and rode to catch up with themajor. About three hours went by when the major rodeback into camp. He was still upset. John got him a cupof coffee and told him the whole storythat the younglieutenant had got caught up in the poker games andwas being blackmailed.

The major said, Thats no excuse for what he hasbeen doing. People could have died if it hadnt been foryou finding them.

The next morning the major and John got ready androde out to see if they could find the wagon train. Theyrode for two days and in the distance they saw it.

Lets hope they havent been contacted yet, themajor said.

Youre right, John said.

As they rode up to the wagons, the man in chargeseemed happy to see them. I just want to know onething. Are we close to Fort Smith?

Yes, you are, but we need to talk to all of you beforeyou go any farther.

So the lead man signaled for them to circle wagons.After camp was made, John and the major sat them alldown and told them what was going on.

Then John said, What we want to do is changeclothes and travel with you like one of you. We dontwant any of you to let on that you know anything.

Sure, the men said, as a matter of fact we havetwo wagons that have been traveling without manfolk.

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You could fit right in there. And we have some clothesyou can put on. Its a dead giveawaythat uniform andthose buckskins.

At that, John said, By the way, one of the men thatwill be riding with them is one of my men.

At that the major said, I wondered how you got allyour information. After this is all over I want to talk toyou. If you want a job, I just might have something foryou.

John said, Im kind of old for a private, aint I?

The major laughed and said, How about asergeant?

The next day the wagon train moved out with Johnand the major sitting on the seat of the wagons. Johnswagon had taken the lead. After traveling about tenmiles just about time to make camp, they saw three men

coming up. John called the wagons to a halt as the menrode up. Sure as shooting there was Bo. He spoke upand said, Im glad we caught you people before you gotto town. Im Jim Lee and this here is John Wesley, hepointed to Jeff.

At that, John said, What seems to be the trouble?

Well, Bo said, there is bad sickness at Fort Smithso we plan on going around Fort Smith. Well go upriver a few miles to another crossing we know. As faras food supplies, that wont be a problem. With JohnWesley here well have plenty of fresh meat.

John looked at Bo and said, Boy, Mr. Lee, Im sureglad you caught up with us.

Theres just one thing, Jeff said, after we makecamp we need to talk about payment. Due to thechange, we will have to collect early.

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Fine, John said, I dont see anything wrong withthat.

John signaled to circle the wagons. Everythingseemed just like it should. After camp was madeeveryone gathered around the fire. Jeff and Bo stood upin front of the men. Jeff made his little speech and justas he started to sit down, John looked at Bo and said,Well, I think its time, Bo.

At that all the men uncovered their guns.

Jeff looked at Bo and said, Whats going on here?

At that, Bo said, Well, Jeff, before we go anyfurther I want you to meet Mr. John Wesley here andMajor Fields over there.

Jeff said, John Wesley? Why you dirty . . .

Now hold on there Jeff. In the first place the fight

between John and Bull was a fair fight.

How about the shot in the back? Jeff asked.

Bo said, I know, I heard that story too. The onlything is it says that John shot him from two hundredyards. Why, man, Ive been in that valley and you canteven see more than fifty feet, and besides all that, Bullwas holding two soldiers hostage and Bull called for theshowdown, not John. John asked him to just leave, butno, Bull wanted a fight, but he picked on the wrongman.

With that the major got up and tied Jeffs hands andsaid, John, we need to head back to the fort. I have ayoung man there I need to talk to.

With that John said, Bo, Bill should be here soon.Why dont you and him bring the wagon train on in toFort Smith. Ill go back with the major and I want tostop by the bar and pick up the old man.

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John stood and told the major that he must leave.But the major said, Mr. Wesley, could I get you to waita little while. I do want to talk to you, then the majorturned to the young lieutenant and said, Sir, you willbe under house arrest until your trial. Dismissed.

Now, John, we have a judge that has just arrivedand I would like for you to meet him. He was appointedby the president to take over all this part of the country.In case you didnt know it the country is on the verge ofa war.

Really, who with? John asked.

Themselves, the major said. Well, anyway, I wantto introduce you to Judge Parker.

The next morning Major Fields took John to meetJudge Parker. After telling the judge all about whathad happened and how John had taken care of it, thejudge was impressed. The judge turned to John and

said, Mr. Wesley, I would like to appoint you UnitedStates Marshal for that area. If you will accept theappointment.

Well, Judge, thats a big area. I tell you what. I willon one conditionthat I can make me some deputies,one for each valley.

Thats fine with me, said the judge.

As a matter of fact, two of the men are at the fortwaiting on me right now. I would like for you to meetthem.

Sure, Judge Parker said.

John turned to the major and said, Major wouldyou have one of your men get hold of Bo and Bill andhave them get on over here.

Sure, the major said.

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When day light came it found Bill ready to move, somounting his horse he headed west up through the passthat his Uncle John and his Dad had found years ago,there was a good road through there now, easy to travel,Bill would use the road for a day or two then head northup in to the big high.

Life there was still simple and relaxing, as Bill movedthrough the country he could remember well the storyshe had heard from his Dad and Uncle John, what a lifethey had lived.

After he found the pass he wonted he turned north,about a week in to his travels he came across a smalltown, the people were real nice but not use to strangerscoming through, he found a room for the night andwas just settling down when he heard noise from downstairs, there was some gun fire, not much of a way toget rest, so Bill got up put his clothes on got his thingstogether and was fixing to leave, as he came down stairshe saw in the bar area a couple of bad looking men, well

he had been taught not to look for trouble but not torun from it either, and a drink before he left would benice just to keep him warm at night.

Bill walked in to the bar room and up to the bar,ordered a drink, just as he started to take a drink heheard one of the men say, well look what we have herea real mountain man, kind of young though you recondhe knows how to use that knife or the gun, then he andhis friend let out a big laugh. Bill payed them no mineand went on with his drink then one of the men said Ibet hes drinking milk.

Not a bad drink Bill said, what the man saidmilk Bill said not a bad drink when you can get itfresh and then went on and finished his drink.

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Are you trying to be smart one of the men said,thats easy around you two, Bill said with a smile thismade the two men mad. Say boy before I hurt you bador maybe kill you a little, whats the name so I can haveit put on a stone for you.

Bill Lee, Bill said with a smile, the two men lookedat each other then back at Bill, that wouldnt be any kinto Big Bill Lee from down in the valley would it, as amatter of fact it would hes my Paw and John Wesley ismy uncle.

One of the men looked at Bill and said, I heard BigBill had some kids but none with spunk like this, Imglad to know you boy my name is Wolfbait and thishere is my partner Texas Jack,

Was you the one that went down to Mexico withthem, the same, Bill said, Well boy that story is all overthese mountains, how you pilgrims pulled the wool overthose Indians. Just lucky I guess Bill said, wasnt luck the

way I hear it, just plum smart.

Bill said by the way whats the last youve heardabout my Dad and Uncle John, Seen them a couplemonths ago Texas Jack said up close to Canada, doinga little hunting for some Army men, was talking aboutheading west. said there was some mountains over therethey wanted to get to know better.

Bill rested up for a few days then decided to moveon, there was a lot of country he wonted to see.

Bill was not as easy going as his Dad or Uncle John

and already had somewhat of a reputation of being ahell raiser, he was known to be real good with a gun,both hands and with a rifle, he would try not to getinvolved but could be pushed in to a conflict with outto much pushing.

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Bill had spent most of his younger life with John orhis Dad and could stand with the best if need be, Billfound as he moved west that his Dad and Uncle Johnwas well known, they had friends everywhere and asalways along with the friends was some enemies.

Bill made it through the mountains and aheadof him was the great Desart, he did not look forwardto crossing it by himself although he had been told ofall the trails, Two days out he ran across some wagontracks, about three wagons from what he could tell, itseemed funny that only three wagons would be makinga trip like this, but that was their business but it wouldbe nice to have someone to talk to once in a while, soBill headed his horse after the tracks.

It took him just past a day to see the wagons, Boywhat a sorry looking lot, not only had they got off thetrail they were real low on supplies, you could tell theywere lost. Bill ask the man that seemed to be in chargewhy they were headed the way they were and the man

said that they had lost their guide a while back, hehad been an older man and one day just up and diedon them, but they kept going the way they were andbelieved it would be ok.

Bill sat down with the leader and explanded whatwas ahead, hard trails, at times no water or little at best,any way just enough for the animals, some of the foodwould go bad, and some could be replaced, like meatand such, then Bill told them how to find the trail andwhat direction to travel, as he started to mount hishorse to leave one of the men spoke up, Mister if youare going that way why not show us, we would be much

obliged and be glad to pay you for your trouble.

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One of the men asked Bill if he would join him andhis family for dinner and a few drinks, Bill had a loton his mine but said he would be glad to, as he arrivedat the wagon, I know we havent been introduced butmy name is Frank Adcock and this is my wife Maggie,my oldest Frank Jr. and my daughter Lorrine, Bill tookhis hat off and said his thanks, Boy did they have thetable set just like the meals back home, it made himremember some of the old times back in the Valleywith fresh deer, greens, homemade bread. Bill felt badabout all he had ate but it sure was good, after the mealhe and Frank sat at the table and had a drink it was agood night, Bill could not keep from seeing what a finelooking young woman Lorrine was, he had been so busyand she had been dressed for traveling he just hadntnoticed before.

The next morning Bill got a few men ready for

another hunt he wanted to stock up on all the fresh

meat that he could because he did not know when theywould be able to find fresh meat again, everyone was ina good mood and was ready to start again, that nightBill had a meeting with all the men and told them whatwas ahead, the men seemed a little worried but Bill

told them that if they would on their toes and not do

anything to upset the Indians he thought that they may

make it ok.

As they moved out the men had a lot on their

mines, everyone else was in a good mood and lookingforward to the trip.

The wagons was making good time and everyonewas in a good mood for traveling, then there it wasfrom out of nowhere they had came out on to the flatland and with luck easy traveling, hopefully no storms

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or any kind of bad weather, Bill was hoping they wouldmake it across without any problem, but that was notto be, about dark on the third day all hell broke loose,first they had problems with the wagons, then some ofthe stock got loose from the herd, after they got themback everything seemed like it was going to smoothout they were hit by a hunting party not more thantwenty jumped them, Bill got them all together andexplained that what they had just been through was justa sample of what was to come, Bill said I know you didnot believe me at first, you just had the idea that I wastrying to scare you, well now you have had a taste ofwhat is ahead now all you have to do is pull together

and think and work as one and you or most of you willmake it.

One thing and I dont mean this cold but some of

you may not make it and all that means is that the trip

is more important to you because you will be fulfillingyour dreams and more can anyone ask of life, Bill leftthe meeting so that they could talk among themselves,about an hour went by when Frank came up to Bill andsaid, Bill we know that there is a lot more we need to

know and if you would help we would like to learn as

much as possible.

Bill smiled well you do have a few things to learnbut you have a few things in you favor, like well youmake a good camp, and you have about the best cooks

there is, some of the friendliest people and well the otherthings you need to learn will come easy for you all

They were well out on the flats when they cameacross a heard of buffalo, Bill explanded that they wereto take only what they would need and leave the restalone, this was the way it was to be done, Bill though to

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himself if any Indians were watching maybe this would

show them that they were not here to kill off all the food

just get what they would need just like them.

From now on the only time you will make camp isjust before sunset and be up early, eat and move out wedo not wont to be here any longer than we have to andwhen you fix your meal in the morning make enough toeat on the move at lunch time, like I said we dont wontto stay out here no longer than we have to, we are nota big enough train to make a fight of it unless we justhave to.

The group took only five buffalo, skins and all, that

way there was no waste, Indians cannot stand waste and

lets face it the white man was known for his waste, whyBill had heard all his life how back in the old days man

would just kill for the fun of it.

This had to be some of the most beautiful land Johnor Jim had ever seen well it was nice anyway, they hadtraveled for several weeks since they left the Army theyjust wanted to do a little more trapping and huntingbe for the snow set in maybe find a nice little place tohold up for the winter, they had lost all track of timethe mountains will do that to you once in a while, theyhad been all the way up to Canada and well it was timeto head back a little south there was still a lot of placesthat they wonted to see.

They had been hearing stories about a young manby the name of Lee that was making a name for himself,John said you know Jim I wouldnt be one bit surprisedif we run on to this young Lee in are travels, how aboutyou then they both laughed and road on, the next daythey came upon a real nice place to put a cabin so theywent to work in about a week they had a nice little

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could be John said, why dont we just head up that wayJim, oh yea Bill would you like to come along, sure Billsaid I would hate to see you and Dad get lost, with thatthey all got ready for bed, the next day John and Jimand Bill loaded up and said there goodbyes and headed

northwest.

It was like old times the three of them together,as they went along they would talk about the thingsthat had happened to them, Bill in one of his weakermoments made talk about a young pretty young womanhe had met when he was with the wagon train, with Jimlooked at John, now I know why we just had to makethis trip north and why this young colt just had to comea long you know it might be the only way we ever gethim away from us so we can have some real fun, Billsaid why you two old goats wouldnt know fun if itjumped up and bit you on the ass.

Jim had told Bill about the cabin they had built

up in that valley, but they did not want a bunch ofhomesteaders up there kocking all the trees down likethey did in Lees Valley, they wanted it to stay like it wasfor a long time, it would be a place where they could gofrom time to time just relax and tell a few lies to eachother.

As they headed northwest each had stories to tell,Jim asked about all that was going on back in the valley,Bill brought him up to date, or at least till he had left,and that everyone was doing fine but would sure like tosee them, Jim said that after this winter he was planningon going back to see everyone, John said you know it

would be nice to make a trip back that way.

What did you say that pretty young girls name wasJohn asked with a smile, Bill just looked down kind

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of sheepishly and said Lorrene damn it I told you hername is Lorrene, and yes I would kind of like to see her

again that is if its ok with you two, John and Jim bustedout laughing, you know you two old goats just dontremember what its like to be young, I guess not Johnsaid or we were smart enough to grab hold of the onewe wonted and hold on as long as we could yea it wasgood years and I do miss them very much Jim said.

On up in to the mountains they went, what a sightThere was bigger and bigger trees and rivers that onlyGod could have made and game aplenty, they had seenIndian marks but no Indians they knew that they werearound, just as long as they could stay out of there waymaybe there would be no trouble, they were just passingthru, Bill could see that what the people in the wagonshad heard must be true, he could see where you couldmake a good life here.

Bill had even day dreamed a little as they went

a long and was kind of hoping that Lorrene had notfound someone else, if she had it would only be his faultand no one elses like John said he should have donemore than just hold hands he should have told her justhow he really felt.

As the day went by he had though more and moreabout the situation and he decided that if she was stillsingle and wanted to they might just have to tie theknot.

As dark set in they were looking for a good camping

area off in the distance they could see a camp fire, as

they got closer they saw a large black man setting by thefire dressed in buckskins, get down and have a cup ofcoffee if youve a mind to, they could tell by the way the

skins were made that he had spent some time with some

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Indians, the big black man sat with his hawkins acrosshis lap at a ready, they could by looking till this was aman who had seen trouble in the past and was readyand willing to take on more if need be, Im John Wesleyand this here is Jim and Bill Lee, from down in LeesValley the man ask, none other Bill said, Ive heard a lotabout you all, John looked with a grin good I hope

well most of it was with that they sat down and pouredthere coffee.

From this man they had learned of the great war

and that the north had won, the north, what do you

mean the north, well as the black man said you take anddraw a line across the states and you have the north andthe south kind of dumb aint it Bill said, yea the blacksaid but there aint no more slaves which is good for meoh by the way Im sorry I didnt introduce myself, ImHermon Blue

Which way you headed Blue John ask, thoughtabout north west Ive heard stories about that land, wereheaded that way to, why dont you just tag along withus we wont get you in too much trouble I hope, soundsgood to me dont mind if I do they finished their coffee,made their beds and hit the sack.

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TThe next morning John, Jim and Bill was awoke

by a shot, it sounded close to camp they lookedaround and saw that Blue was not there, they looked upand saw Blue come into camp with a small deer how fardid you have to chase that little one John said with alaugh, Blue just grined and said he almost got away, heheld up in the tall grass all I could see was his ears, aluck shot I guess, Luck my ass Jim said right throughthe heart.

Bill got up and helped Blue clean the deer and cutsome for breakfast, Blue said, I came up on some duckeggs down by the water, brought some along just in caseyou late sleepers wonted some, what a life meat and eggsfor breakfast just like down on the flats Bill said. No notreally, this here is deer meat and eggs, now that is the

best Jim said you cant wont more, well a good womancooking it would help, with that they all set down to agood meal.

As the day went on the four of them had coveredsome ten or fifteen miles, as they went along they talkedabout the way things had changed since they had firstcame to the mountain they had got Blue to open up alittle and found out that his Dad had been a runawayslave and met and joined up with the Blackfoot tribeand been raised with them most of his life, He got alongwith them ok but because he was a half breed, well theykind of thought they could do everything just a little

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Bill though for a while then with a grin said Im as goodwith doctoring as you and John are dancing with bears.

A few more days went by till everyone could getaround they set off again, as they traveled along Bill gotto seeing marks where traps had been set, it was not thenormal type traps, but big heavy traps, the kind youwould use for bears and such, the only thing who everset them didnt seem to care about anyone else becauseof where they had been set some were right next to thetrail where if you made a wrong move you would getcaught in one just the same as the bear.

John said well its either a tender foot or someonethat just dont give a damn, and that just aint right,someone should take that man and set him down rightin the middle of one of his traps, that might just learnhim something about people and traps. Bill and Johnwent about setting off the traps that they found close tothe trail, they traveled about twenty more miles beforethey came within sight of a small settlement, there was

a small river just behind the cabins that looked deepenough to handle a small deep hull boat, Bill hopedthat this might be the settlement where he might findLorrene,

As they came in to town Bill saw some of thewagons that he had lead and noticed one for sure itwas the one that Lorrene and her family had used, afterasking around he found out that her and her familywere close as a matter of fact not more than a mile ortwo down the road, John wonted to rest up but Bill saidthat he would be going on out to find Frank Adcock, hewouldnt by chance have a young daughter by the name

of Lorrene would he ask Blue, go to hell Blue just goto hell, it was all John and Jim could do to keep from

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falling of their horses as Bill turned his horse and road

off down the road,

As Bill came around a small bend in the road hecould see the cabin, there was someone in the yard itdid not appear to be a woman maybe it was Frank Jr., ashe got closer he could see that it was, as he rode up hesaw that young Frank had his gun close Frank Jr. lookedup and said, man are you a sight for sore eyes Bill got offhis horse and walked up to the fence, whats the troublehe ask, well young Frank said Ill let Dad tell you allabout it but I sure am glad to see you, with that a youngwoman came out of the cabin, much to Bills delight it

was Lorrene,Man what a difference a few months had made, she

was even more than he had remembered, he just stoodthere with kind of a lost look when she said well dontjust stand there looking like a dying calf in a hail storm,

come on in. with that Bill took his hat off real fast, kindof stumbled a little, Frank Jr. busted out Bill if I didntknow any better Id thank you came all this way just tosee Lorrene, Bills face turned a little red with a sheepishgrin said the thought had crossed my mind a time or

two.

They sat and talked for a while catching up ondifferent things that had happened since they had lastseen each other, along about dark Frank came in, he wasreal glad to see Bill and set to telling him what had beengoing on, it seems as though there was some men that

had came up the coast and tried to act like they ownedeverything in sight and if you didnt pay protectionmoney they would burn you out or you would havea bad accident, Bill though for a short time then said,Frank there are three men in town that I would like

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others rode in, Bill could still see the dust, he looked at

Frank, Frank said it was them, I told them that I would

give them my answer tomorrow I was hoping to buysome time, I dont know, something about the way theywere acciting, got me a little worried, never mind wellstay in the barn tonight just in case that is if you dontmind, no not at all, help yourself. Oh by the way Frank

I would like for you to meet my Dad, Jim Lee and this

here is my Uncle John Wesley and that old goat there isHermon Blue, not much to look at but far with a gun,

far my well you know Just far, I can put you to shame.

Bill and the others took their things into the barn andput their horses back out of sight, Franks wife Maggiehad put on a table like you wouldnt believe, when theygot through John looked at Jim and said might be the

best time to head for the barn its dark and we dontwant any lights moving around just in case so John,Jim and Blue got up said there thanks for the meal andstarted to leave, Bill said Ill be there in a little while,dont take too long boy you heard what John said aboutthe moving around, yea Bill said turned to lorrene andsaid well Ill see you in the morning turned and followed

the rest out,

She is one nice looking girl John said to good forthe likes of you Bill Lee, you can tell she has a soft spotfor dumn animals you know Jim by the way she looks at

Bill, Bill did not know what to say to that he just turnedto make his bed the rest broke out in to a laugh.

Long about midnight they heard horses coming fast

down the road its them, they wont to make sure, kind of

been hoping they would, I wanted to say hello, now Illget the chance, think we should hurt them or just scarethem a little, lets just say hello now and if that dont do

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any good we can always pit a hurting on them John saidas he got ready Bill went out the back and around to theside of the house, Blue got up in the hay loft, Jim wentto the other side of the house, and John was by the barndoor, they did not have long to wait, six men rode into the yard and yelled at that Bill and the rest let out aIndian yell that would turn your hair gray and startedshooting as fast as they could the men looked aroundfor a fast way out it seemed as though every way wascovered, the leader turned his horse back up the road

and lit out as fast as he could you could tell they were

not expecting such a welcome.

Frank came running out itll be a long time beforethey try that again Ill bet, I wouldnt bet to much Johnsaid this was just something they did not expect, theywill be ready next time so that means we will have tocome up with something else you know another surprisebut any way I think we can rest tonight and make plans

tomorrow, with that they all headed for bed.

When the sun came up John, Jim, Bill and Blue werealready up and making plans, Jim said John I think thatis one of the best plans you have ever came up with, ifwe can get just one of them and put a little pressure onhim you know make him think he has really met up withsome of the old boys from the mountains and is going tomake a trip with us back up there our way well he mightjust not wont to go he might just tell us who is behind allof this and what the reason behind this land grab deal.

They knew it would take a day or two for them to

get over the scare they got the other night then theywould be back, the next time they would not comeriding in like before so the fore of them found goodplaces to hide where they could see all around the house

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Jim and the others had gave the signal that theyhad company also then John gave the last signal whichwas to start the party and there for a little it seemed likeall hell had broke loose men were running everywhereyelling trying to get the hell out of there, John, Jim,Blue and Bill were having the time of their life, after itwas all over they were to gather at the barn with theircaptive, when Bill came in he found all the others thereBlue had his man but they were not very happy thenBill found out that Frank Jr. had been shoot and wasin a bad way Bill ran to the house just in time to seeMaggie brake down in to tears as Frank covered FrankJr. up Bill did not know what to say he just knew howthey all loved little Frank and he had become real foundof him to, Bill turned and headed for the barn, by thistime the man Blue had brought in had came to whenBill came into the barn John could see in Bills eyes thathe was going to do something bad to the man and Johnhit Bill with his pistol and put him down, it would dono good to lose the only hope of finding out who wasbehind this because of the madness that Bill felt right

now, after words maybe but right now was no time, butthis could work to their favor, because the man saw howmad Bill was when he came in, Jim took some rope andtided Bill up so he could not get to the man before theyhad a chance to find out, boy did it ever work, whenthe man saw Bill he knew he was dead, he answeredthe first question and would not shut up he told themeverything right down to the fact that this land wouldbe worth a lot in a year or two, it seems that some bigmoney man down in San Franciso was making planes toset up a big inland port and ship lumber and such outof here.

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did not make Bill feel any better, after all he had camethere with the others to do a job.

Bill would spend as much time with Lorrene ashe could trying to help her through the death of herbrother and to his surprise she was a strong youngwoman, sure she missed him and would for a long timeto come but she also knew that the living must live, thenext morning Frank went in to see Ive Anderson as hecame in the door of Eves shop Ive looked up in wonder,what do you need Frank a little more money or moretime to make the payment will you know Frank this isa business, Frank had not had time to say anything, Imsorry Frank I just cant go any farther you know what Imean, yes Frank said I know what you mean, but no Imok in fact I just came in to pay you off.

Ives mouth dropped open to pay me off will I hardyou had some trouble last night, Did you also hear thatmy son was shot dead, with that everyone in the place gotreal quiet and looked at Frank oh by the way if any one

happens to run in to the protectors around let them knowthat if they set foot on my land again they better bring pineboxes with them, with that Frank turned and walked out.

Anderson got up and went to his office along withsome of his men, what are we going to do now Ive hisland is right in the middle of everything, without his landwe dont have shit, I know Ive said I know, also whereis Earl I havent seen him since we started in last night,and where the hell did all that yelling and shooting comefrom, one family could not put out that much fire power,I dont know Ive said I wonder if some of the others haveteamed up with Adcock, if they have this could mean

trouble boys do some checking around see what you canfind out them get back to me as fast as you can.

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Chapter 12

BBlue turned and left, Bill settled down to relaxand enjoy his coffee, you could see that Bill

was still upset at what all had happened yet here was

Lorrene acting more or less like nothing had happenedshe was indeed a strong young woman not hard to lookat either, John came to the door and said Bill, Frank weneed to talk with that Bill and Frank excused themselvesand walked out to the barn John and Jim met themoutside, John started with Bill I know you are not goingto agree with what I say but hear me out, sure Bill said,well first of all this is why we are meeting out here andnot in the barn this man Earl he was in on the planningof the raid but had nothing to do with it now if we lethim just go he will go back to town and let everyoneknow what is going on and we cant have that so I think

we should through a scare in to him and send him inthe other way with the understanding that if we ever seehim again well you know the rest,

Bill though for a while then said John I dont likeit he would have if Blue hadnt stopped him, maybeso but the fact is he didnt so now what do we do withhim, Frank looked up and said John can we be sure thatwe can trust him, oh I think after Jim, Blue and I getthrough we wont have to worry about that.

They all stood there for a moment then Bill said

Frank this is your party what do you say, Frank said if

you are sure that we wont see him any more well ok get

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that rat out of my barn, shortly after that Blue cameback with some fresh meat, John told him what theyhad decided to do Blue said I know damn well we canconvince him not ever to come back, that night Bluepulled Earl down out of the hayloft lets take a walkEarl, Earl was almost in tears what are you going to dowith me, just wait and see Blue said and pushed Earl

toward the door.

Blue and Earl walked about a hundred yards fromthe barn where John, Jim and Bill were waiting, Earlknew this was it he fell down on his knees Dont kill meplease dont, Ill tell you what you see old Blue well hejust wanted to pull your arms off now Jim there wontedto pull your head off and let you flop around on theground like a chicken but Bill now Bill wonted to shootyou in both legs and both arms and just let you bleed todeath but I told them that if we would just let you gowell I bet you would be in Texas by morning or close toit anyway what do you think Earl was I right yes sir and

youll never see me in this part of the country again ever.

After Earl had almost beat his horse over the hillheaded for Texas John and the others headed backtoward the house, Bill busted out laughing man did youever see any one in such a hurry in your life, no Bluesaid as he stopped and leaned up against a tree to keepfrom falling down never before.

Ive sent a few men to keep an eye on the Adcocksplace and try to learn just what was going on, the nextevening Bill came in and guess what we got company,spotted them back up in the trees awhile back, been

watching them to see what they are up to and well theyare doing the same thing, they are watching us I thankthey know who we are or think they do by the way

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they are acting, good John said I wonted to go to town

anyway, Jim said what for John, well I want to send a

message to Al in Washington and find out something,Ok Ill go with you, John looked at Bill and asked doyou think I can trust this old dog to keep his nose cleanor should I put a rope on him, Bill laughed and as long

as it is a short rope you know how he is.

The next morning John and Jim rode in to townand went to the telegraph office and sent a messageto General Al Jones care of the State DepartmentWashington, It only took an hour to get the answer,John said well Jim now I know what we are going todo now, he had a big grin on his face when he handedthe message to Jim to read, Jim looked up at John andsaid good idea John, I should have thought of this, asthey arrived back at the Adcocks John called Bill outsideturned to his saddle bags and pulled out a Marshell

badge, Bill said what is this as he looked at the badgewell my boy read this message, as Bill read he said Idont understand you will owe you will, Lorene saidwhat in the world is going on, John looked at Lorreneand said well it seems as though young Bill has beenappointed as marshell of this new country and Ive beenasked to help him clean it up, Lorrene said oh my, andby the way Blue you Jim and Frank are deputys so raiseyour right hands, after the swearing in was over Jimasked now what well its about time we set up are office,I wonder if Ives got an empty building we could use.

As the five of them rode in to town a lot of people

came up to talk to them, you know telegraph men havenever been able to keep things quite as time pasted theywere but not at this time, they were headed for Ivesstore when a man by the name of Raymon Claymore

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all the things that had been going on around there, theyknew that the word would get to Ive and now he wouldhave to make his move or up and leave and they did notthink he would do that, not with all the money to be

made in his line of work.

After they had been all over town John went backto the office and started getting his paper work togetherwhile Jim and Blue visited some of the people outsideof town, Bill went to check on Lorrene, on his way outsomeone took a shot at him, it came close but did nothit home he jumped from his horse and made it intosome trees ready to return fire no more shots werefired and Bill heard a horse leave in a big hurry so heremounted and headed on out to the Adcocks, he hadto make sure that they were ok then back to town tolet John and the others know what had happened, as hearrived at the Adcocks he found that Frank had heardthe shot and was ready for whatever Bill grinned andsaid maybe Id better not come out and see Lorrene any

more it looks like Im making some one mad, he lookedat Lorrene and said whos your other boy friend, Lorrenesaid what do you mean other Mr Bill Lee no one saidthat you was as far as I know, well we will just have todo something about that. everyone though that theywere kidding but the look that Bill and Lorrene hadgave each other said a lot more,

Bill wonted to walk some with Lorrene but at thistime did not think it too smart he sure didnt wantanything to happen to her or none of the family, Billvisited for a while then got on his horse and headedback to town, as he arrived he went straight to the office

a few weeks went by before they really got a brake andwhen they did it was all at once, one of Ives men forgot

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just as Ive hit the ground Blue got there Bill that wasone of the best shots I have ever seen, Like hell Bill saidI was aiming at his arm.

When Bill got back to town everyone was happythat the ordeal was over the rest of Ives men had lefttown in a big hurry, now Bill had more time to visitwith Lorrene it got to be a everyday thing why John andthe others had to go out to Adcocks if they wonted totalk to him, one day while making their rounds a boatlanded at the small pear and came to the marshals officeto try and find out who would be interested in sellingwood, Jim though fast and said well I know two menthat were talking about setting up a saw mill not farfrom here, why dont you gents get you a room and Illgo get them for you, they agreed and Jim made a belinefor Adcocks when he arrived he told Frank and Billwhat had happened and said this is a chance for you twoto get everything that you wonted, you Bill can makethe money to setup your ranch and Frank you can bymore land and do whatever you want, they both agreed

and back to town they went, they met with the men andtold them that they had both the land and the lumber,they were just trying to figger out how to get the moneyto buy the equipment, one of the men said well sonthats no problem we will loan you the money and youcan pay us back out of what you make, not only willwe be buying lumber from you Im sure people here willneed some to and what about the new people coming inwont they need lumber to build homes and barns.

Bill told Frank, you know we will also need woodto build piers for the boats, yea Frank said and newstores, they went to work setting everything up, Bill

had Lorrene to do the paper work and they name the

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company Adcock & Lee Lumber Co. within a fewmonths the equipment started to arrive, as it did Billand Frank would put it to gather it wasnt long before

it started to look like a saw mill, John and Jim had said

that they would stick around until everything was goinggood, they were starting to get restless and was startingto look more and more at the mountains, Blue haddecided to stick around and help mark out the lumberand provide food for the workers and who ever neededit, Bill asked Blue if he would go down to the flat landwith John and Jim and bring some cattle back for himto put on his land, Blue said that he would be glad to.

Then came the day when they started up the mill,Lorrene had set up the office in such a way that itcould be run very easy and Bill ask Frank if he thoughit be OK to ask Lorrene to take care of that end of thebusiness for them, Frank was all for it so they askedLorrene if she would, and she said she would be happy

to do her part Bill looked at Frank with a grin on hisface and said well you see Lorrene that is only half ofyour part, Lorrene ask Bill just what is the other half,at that Bill ducked his head down a little and said wellMiss Lorrene the other half would be to be my wife,that is if your Dad dont mind, Not at all my boy not atall, Lorrenes face turned a little red as she sat down ona chair that was close by and said why yes Mr. Bill Lee Iwould love to be your wife.

As Bill and Frank worked to set up the saw millLorrene worked hard putting the office together as Billsaid she made sure everything was in its proper place,

as Lorrene and Bill had set the date for their weddingJohn and Jim seem to be the ones that were the mostnervous and it could be because Bill had asked John

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around he told him about the saw mill, well just abouteverything, Al said you know John Ive known you forseveral years and I do believe that this is the most I have

heard you say at any one time.

It was almost morning when John said Al I haveenjoyed this very much but I know you didnt get me allthe way here just to talk about old times, Al said againyour right John, youll see tonight Im having a partyhere in this Hotel, there are some people I want you tomeet, I know you dont talk much but I want you to tellthem about the West, I mean all the way from whereyou was raised plum to where Bill lives and down southwhere you and Jim came to get me, you see I want themto know about this land, there are some here that thinkwe should just run the Indian out and take over all theirland, I want them to know that it would be one hell ofa fight, and by the way there will be a little surprise foryou but Im not going to tell you about that. What if Idont want to he said with a smile, Al said John this is

one time you dont have a chose with that Al busted outlaughing.

Al said goodnight or I should say good morning

and told John that he would see him later and left, John

was just about to get ready to go to bed when there was

another knock on the door, when he opened the door

there was a young man in a Hotel uniform, he said Imsorry to bother you Sir but Im to tell you that they will

be here about 10:00 oclock to fix your clothes, Johntold the young man thanks and the young man excusedhimself, John shut the door and went to bed.

At nine John feet hit the floor it had been a longtime since John had slept during the day light, Johngot his clothes on and went down to eat breakfast, after

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he had finished John went to look around, he could

not understand why so many people wanted to live soclose, back at the Hotel everyone was rushing aroundgetting Johns cloths ready for the evening, John was notaccustom to all this fuss, it made him a little jumpy, ittook two hours to get it all done then John decided totake a good look around, as John tool in the sights hewas truly in wonder, why they had buildings that hadthree or more floors like his Hotel why it had four what

a town.

John arrived back at the Hotel at three where Al waswaiting for him, we got a little time lets go have a fewdrinks and do some high powered talking Al said, Johnsaid that sounds like a real good idea its been a whilesince weve had a few together with that they walkeddown stairs to the bar.

John and Al sat and dranked and talked for a while

when Al looked at his pocket watch and said well Johnlets go up and get ready. John had found out that AlsMisses was back in Vermont visiting her folks andwould be sorry she had missed John, after they had gotready they went back down stairs to where Al was givingthe party, as they entered the room John was surprisedto see so many people most of which were in uniform,as they entered everyone stood up and applauded as Aland John proceeded to the head table, when they got totheir sets Al motioned for John to set down, as John satdown so did the other people. Al began with All of youhave heard of the travels of Mr. John Wesley and all theexplotes of him and Captain Jim Lee and by the grace

of God one of his trips was to Mexico to pull a youngCaptain out of the hands of the Apaches and I willalways be thankful as you all know he was the guide that

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lead us through the mountains and opened up more orless the whole country west of the Mississippi but whatyou do not know is that not only did he help start LeesValley, he made it all possible and still maintained hisfriendship with the Plans Indians, well I think you allwill be happy to hear that the President has appointedJohn Col. in charge of all Army Scouts, with all thatsaid I now give you Col. John Wesley. As John stood upto speak everyone stood up and gave him a hand. Johnstarted by thinking everyone then started talking aboutwhat he knew the best the mountains John talked aboutan hour then said well gentlemen I havent talked this

much in my whole life now if there are any questions

I will try to answer them, with that there were several

hands went up, John pointed to one man and said you

first Sir, a young man with long blond hair and a lotof medals stood up and asked, are we to believe that

the land is there for the taking for just a smile and ahandshake with the Indians Sir. No Sir, you may believethat if you move in to that land in force you will havea hell of a fight on your hands, as a matter of fact thereis one young scout out on the plains right now making

a name for himself that can help you more there than I

by the mane of Carson, he knows the plains like the Iknow the mountains and he will be the first to tell youto move slow, another hand went up, you Sir John said,thank you Sir my name is Jackson, now you say that thisyoung Carson knows the plains well, Yes he does. How

about Mr. Lee? well now Jim surely knows about theplains and the mountains, he and I have traveled fromthe north to the south plum into Mexico, with that Alstood up and said Gentlemen that will be all for now

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there is a little drinking to be done, the rest of the nightthere was some drinking done.

The next morning around 10 oclock Al showed upat Johns room, as he came in John was having a cup ofcoffee, Al could not keep from laughing, just like Jimsaid, give you a cup of coffee and you can take on theworld.

John, here are some Army pants for you to wearalong with that new skin shirt and here is the birds toput on, as soon as you finish your coffee I want to showoff, a lot of people have heard of the Great John Wesleyand now I want them to see him, I really want to makea show of this, you dont know it but you are doing alot of good every time someone sees you up until nowa lot of people though that you were just a name thatsomeone made up, to tell wild stories about the west.John got his cloths on and Al put the birds on him,O-yes John wair your sidearm the Great John Wesleycould not be seen without his sidearm.

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Valley and all, the fine young men being taught by Johnwere Jack Johnson, Earl Anderson, Emmit Harris, LesterBruster, and Lonnie Canady all from good familys andwonting to make a mark on the land just as John, Jim

and the others had done.

As Jim arrived in Lees Valley everyone was happy tosee him, they had heard from Bill and knew he was onhis way, Jim had though that he would just get homeand rest for a while but he was so wrong there was oneparty after another Jim had been with John and whereit was more or less quite, he was not expecting all ofthis, after he had, had a chance to rest a while all hisold friends started dropping in to see him, he found aletter from Al was waiting on him when he arrived inthe letter it explained everything that was going onwith John and what John was to be doing and knowingJohn he would more than likely get Jim right in themiddle of the whole thing so there also was orders and apromotion to Col. for him, John and Jim was to rebuild

the old fort and set it up for about thirty men thatwould be coming later after he and John got the scoutstrained, big things were about to happen and the Armywonted to be on top of it, Jim got to visit with Jim Jr.and his family and Ernestine and her family, it was goodto be home with them, he told them all about Bill andLorrene, the sawmill and the ranch, all about Blue andwell just everything

Jim got some men to gather and started gettingtimber together to rebuild the old fort, he would notstart building until John arrived, he wanted to see whatJohns plans were for the fort, he knew it would have to

be a little bigger than it was because of the number ofmen that was to be sent there

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valley, he had so much to tell them and so much tocatch up on, the young men with him would see whatall his teaching could bring and meet some of the mostimportant people in his life, there was just one thingthat was bothering him there was more homesteaders

down on the flats now and less room for the food for

the Indians that was sure to bring trouble and if it didit would be bad because the Indians here had been heresince the beginning of time and this land did belong tothem no matter what Washington had to say about itand they would not give it up that easy.

Life had been so good here once it was a shame thatit would have to change and the people would have todie and there would be people die no one could stopthat, still he, Jim and the others would do everythingthey could to keep that from being the way of life andno one wonted that more than John did, as they gotcloser to Lees Valley the young men with John could see

why they had chosen here to stay, Johnson took a longlook around and said, you know this is what Heavenmust look like, John smiled and said, a long time agothere was a very wonderful lady said the same thing, mySister Mrs. Lee.

John told them that they would camp where theywere for the night and tomorrow they would get to theValley. As they set around the fire John told them aboutHis sister and the others and about the Maps, Andersonsaid you know I thought I had heard that name now Iremember, those were the maps that they used to trainus with at school but I had no idea that this was the

same person and all, why She is one of the most knownmap makers in the world, but I though her name wasJenkins, it was she was my half sister, then she became

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around a little maybe get to know the folks around here,then draw up some plans, by the way Jim Ernestine stillknows how to draw plans dont she, why dont you ask

her yourself old man if she does she will tell you.

John got up to go in when Ernestine came to thedoor and Dads right John you must be getting oldyou know very well I can draw up any plans you wontand if you ask nice I might even make you look good,you know with flowers and such, Ok girl that will beenough about flowers, you already know that this willbe a working fort, not some show place.

The next morning they were all up early and outand around John told Jim that there was enough to getstarted but he would need a lot more, Jim said this isgoing to be bigger than I thought, A lot bigger, they willbe starting with about thirty or so then in about a yearthere will be no less than one hundred or more men.

Jim asked, John just what in the hell is going on arethere going to be another war, maby so but this tine itwill more than likely be with some of our oldest friendsand it will be bad some of the same people that helpedus when we first got here may turn out to be are worstenemies and its going to be rough.

John looked around the Valley slowly and said thisis one time Im not looking forward to, Jim though insilence for a few moments the said John I sure hope youare wrong for all are sake I sure hope you are wrong,because if you are not it could be the end of a long andgreat friendship with some great people,

It sure looked as though Washington was about tocause a big mess out here in the west, one that wouldtake a while to get straight that is if it was to get thatway and the loss of so many good people both white

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and Indian this was not to be a good thing unless John

and Jim and the others could work wonders.

After about two days John showed the men wherethey were to build the new fort, there was some to cleanup but most had been keep nice in remembrance ofJane, now there was to be a new bigger fort with hername and a place where men could be trained to mabysave lives instead of taking them.

As the days went by everyone got involved mostlywith making sure the men had plenty of supplies but asJohn had said the men were to build the fort that wouldbe part of their training and they would need all theycould,

Harris knew the most about drawing up plans so heworked close with Ernestine and before you knew it theyhad the plans ready, John looked them over and said,Harris you missed your calling, why you and Ernestine

just might have set the foundation for all the forts thatwill be built out here in the west.

But one thing Harris I dont want you to get the bighead because I know that Ernestine done most of thework, with that John and Jim had a big laugh becausethey knew that he had done his far share of the workand that Ernestine would make sure he did because sheknew the importance of the training and how mad Johnwould if one of the men would try to slide out on hiswork although John did not have to worry about thisyoung man he was right there on all of it.

As the days went by the men learned to worktogether more and more to where they worked as one,the fort was beginning to take shape more and more.John call them all together and told them that fromnow on they would spend half a day working on the

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knows the country along with its people and the way Isee it that only leaves one person, also he would have tobe mean as a whip to get along with me, dont you thinkand he would also have to out rank me or I probablywould tell him to go straight to hell the first time hetold me to do something, that was more or less what Iwas thinking John do you dont by any chance have anyone in mind do you? well since you asked there mightbe one man that might just be mean enough Jim saidnow you wait just a minen you two are setting me upand you dont even know what I would say, Al lookedat John and said, I dont remember asking General Leeany questions do you Col. Wesley, No Sir I dont but Ithink the General just Jumped in to our conversation.With that Al took out his old stars and put them on Jimand said now General besides more men well we can getmost of what we need right here,

John looked at Jim a winked and nodded to the fort,there is one thing Al we were wondering if you wouldcut the ribbon an raise this flag over her, Al looked at

the flag and said if that the flag I think it is I would behonored to, with that turned drew his sword and bythe powers invested in me I name you Fort Jenkins inHonor of Miss Jane Jenkins who put to paper most ofthis country then married and raised a fime family, cantsay much for her choose of Husbands but most peoplethat know him like him and the Army now calls himGeneral Lee.

John and Jim said Al when you get settled in whydont you come up to the house for some dinner and afew drinks of Lees Valleys own and a little talk aboutthese young men you saddled me with, that sounds

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like a good idea, Al said Ill be there as soon as I can getsaddled, in, dont start without me.

After Dinner they all sat around and talked aboutthe fort Al was very pleased at the way the men hadcome along in their training and the work they haddone, all he had to do now was break it all down forJohn and Jim so that they would understand everythingthat was going on. As you both know there is a lot morepeople headed west now than ever before and whatmakes it worst is there is word that they have found goldup in the Black Hills and if that is so the rush will beon and as you know that is Bad Indian country, I dontmean that the Indians are bad I mean that they havethere since time and they wont let the white man justwalk in and take the land like they have tried ever whereelse and those people just wont let it happen without afight.

John you and Jim have both been up in that areaand you know as well as I do that it wont be a turkey

shoot, Well one thing for sure it will be one hell of afight, why those tribes up in that area havent even letother Indians come in there much the white man and ifthey try your right it will be one hell of a mess, but justwhat will Jim and I be able to do here.

Well for one thing you will train troops and movesupplies and keep the line of communition open for theArmy, your young scouts that you have trained so wellwill be training others and helping set up the rodes fromone fort to another. Jim will set up training for the newtroops and you will train the new scouts or rather keepa close watch on the training and help Jim with the new

boys that will be coming through

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Jim said well one thing Al when you give a man ajob you sure give him a man size job, I just wish I hadsomeone to help me that knew the country a littlebetter. John smiled and said why you old horse thief ifI wasnt with you most of the time you would get lostwalking out your front door much less going down tothe pond to try to catch some fish. Fish Al said, did yousay fish? Shure John said, right behind the fort in thatstream, man do you know how long its been since Ivebeen fishing. Well we can take care of that tomorrowthat is if Jim dont get lost on the way, I could send oneof my young scouts to show him where it is. that suresounds good Al said, Jim you dont mind going fishingwith me do you. Not at all since I been going aroundwith John it seems like I have more time to fish youknow I have to stop and wait for him so much, kind ofold and getting slower every day, like hell you do Johnsaid why most of the time Ive done got camp set up bythe time you get there and most of the meal done. atthat time Ernestine opened the door and said Uncle Alif Dad and Uncle John get to carried away just call me

and I will put the two old men to bed. You know Jimshe gets more like Jane every time I see her, the samedrive the smartness of a well brought up young lady andstill able to put you two in your places and never bat aneye.

Your so right Al and like you said smart as a whip,

she helped draw up the plans for the fort and her and

Jim Jr. have been taking care of everything around herewhile I was gone and Johns business also. What I wantto know is what is all this John was telling me about

Bill, well he has a good woman and a fine start up inthe north west, the last I heard from him he was selling

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lumber by the boat full to those two men and he hadenough cattle to feed the whole country, it sure soundslike hes doing good there was a time that I was a littleworried about him, why ask John he just liked to have

fun.

Well he was a lot like his Uncle John and times havechanged since we first met, not so much as you couldtell it why it hadnt been to long since we had somemen try to take over the whole valley. Here Al asked?no not here, up there with Bill and we had to put a littlesmarts in them, you know Ill bet that one old boy isstill running.

Well Al said if Im going to get up and go fishingtomorrow I better get some sleep, and that looks like agood bed back at the fort. John said I have a little workto do tomorrow then Ill meet you at the stream, I mighthave to show you both how to catch fish, with that Algot and mounted his horse and headed back to the fort.

The next morning Al was waiting for Jim when hegot there one good thing about it its just a short walk tothe fish and by the way Ernestine said that if we wouldclean them she would cook them for us you cant beat adeal like that.

Jim and Al had been fishing for about an hour whenJohn arrived well how are the fisherman with that Jimand Al held up a full stringer full of fish, we started tostop a while back but Jim said that the way you eat nowwe had better catch at least eight or ten more, Me eatwhy you should see him why hell leave teeth prints on

the table, that is if he can find his teeth. They got therethings together and headed for the house, on the wayAl said you two do know that this is a very importantjob that you two have out here and this whole thing

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Well one thing I know for a fact that they havefound gold on out west maybe if we tell them that weknow for sure there is gold there and all we know aboutthe black hills is just hear say, that might help for awhile Al said, well you can try it and hope it works.

The time had came for Al to leave it was almost likepulling a tooth but he had to go, they all were going tomiss him

As he left John yelled hay General dont stay goneso long next time, Al waved over his shoulder and keptright on moving.

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Chapter 14

HHe did not want the others to see the tears in

his eyes after all this had been his home atonetime the same as the others and this was where hehad married his wife and started their family and all hisclose friends were here.

Jim and John were almost as bad Al was more like abrother than anything else, he was God Father to Jim Jr.and they were God Parents to his kids, well you couldsay that part of the family was riding off.

For the next few days John and Jim spent most oftheir time drawing up more plans as to the training ofthe new men John was real hard on the new scouts, heknew just what they had in store for them, they nowwere going to be the teachers.

Jim and John got them all together and laid it onthe line, Jim said Gentlemen you are about to take onone of the hardest jobs there is it may not seem like itright now but believe me it is, for one thing at the endof their training you will always wonder if there was onemore thing you could have taught them to make sure tosave their lifes and you will push your selfs that muchharder and believe me there is no way you can be sureuntil you take them out in to the field and turn themloose, that will be the hard part trying to keep yourmouths shut and letting them make and correct theirmistakes, once you have done that you will feel a little

better yet you will still wonder, there is no way we can

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Bill completed his wall and had told the otherpeople what might happen and they like him did notthink that it would affect them this far north.

But to be sure he started making scouting tripsaround the area just to see if he could tell if there wasany trouble afoot, he was glad to see that none ofthe Indians in that area seemed to be to upset in factbecause the white man had showed them how to growdifferent kind of food and put them up for the winterso that they would have food to live by they were happywith their new found friends.

John and Anderson meet the first group of men thatwas to end up being the first of many and lead them tothe fort Canady took over and made sure that each manhad a place to bed down, they would get a good nightsrest before they were to get in to the hard training thatwas ahead of them.

With them had came five wagons full of supplies

that would be needed to finish setting up the fort anduniforms to dress the new men, after they had put thesupplies in the ware house they checked with the men tofind out if any one of them had ware house experience,one of the regalers told them that he had been insupply back at Fort Smith and had been one of the firstto put his name in the hat to come out west, Jim saidwell young man what is your name Max Handcock Sirwell Max Handcock you are now in charge of our warehouse, make out an inventory so that we will know whatwe have on hand and what we will have to order andturn it in to me as soon as you can Yes Sir I will get onit right away.

John and Jim got all the men together and talked alittle to each man as to find out what part they would be

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best suited for, they had the other men there to see whatthey were doing so that they could do this in the future.

Each of the new Capt. now knew what was expectedof them and what they were to do to set up the trainingrouster.

Jim and John went back to the office and checkedthe messages they had got from back east, one of themwas from Al all it said was well here are the first of manygood luck Al

The next morning the men were set in groups andon the dress field when Jim arrived, Jim stopped in frontof them and told the Captains to carry on them wentin to his office where John was waiting for him, as hewalked in John said theres coffee on your desk, thanksJim said and why so early? well I was just thinking wewill need more time in the field and you know there isno way that we will be able to keep the peace all the wayup in the black hills from here, its too far away. I know

Jim said John hadnt you got yet were not really here tokeep the peace, were here to train the men that will beand then we will still be setting here hearing about allthe things that all the others will be doing, I guess Althinks we are too old.

I dont know John said maybe we will get in on someof the action come hell or high water. Jim though for ashort time and said you know there will have to be newforts along the way and maybe just maybe we will getto set them up, well I would like to see some of thatcountry again, I woulds hate to fight my way in but itsure was nice country and I hate to see it with blood on

it over something like this, me to and I sure would hatefor it to be the blood of those young men out there,now Jim you sound like what we just told them about

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After about six months they got a message that Al

was on his way out to see them with some news, so in

between their training they set to making sure that theFort was in shape for the General and Ernestine wassetting up one of the biggest parties the Valley had everseen, it had been a while since she had seen her Dad orUncle John so wrapped up in what they were doing that

all they had time to do was work and sleep and they

were more at home than she had seen in a long time,she though this must have been what it was like whenthe both of them and her Mother were setting up theValley.

On the day that Al arrived the Fort stood tall you

could see the pride in his eyes as he rode in, here were

his two best friends doing a job that everyone back inWashington had said could not be done away out west.

Well how long are you going to be here this timeGeneral, just a few days and theres something we needto talk about, whatever you say Al but right now if youdont get up to the house and say hello to the familythere will be hell to pay for you and us and you knowhow she can be when shes upset.

Back at the office they sat around talking and Al

said you know that there is no way that you could in

your wildest dreams be able to keep the peace here thisfar from the gold even if you would ride hard out youwould get to the trouble three weeks or more after it wasover, well you know John and I had came to that samethough a week or so ago.

O you did well what else did you two think about,well if there was maybe a few more forts up that waywith some good men standing by well there might be achance that we could save some lives not all of them but

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There will about fifty men assigned to each fort, Ithink that should be enough to start with, you see Imstill hoping that we will not have to get to deep in tothis although right now all the information that I havebeen getting just lets me know that we may have to beefup each fort just to keep our men alive you know betterthat I do just how the Indians will take this whole thing.

Well one thing about if we dont have to fight themat least there will be a starting of a town and a place ofsafety which is more than what is there now.

Now Al was tired of talking business and he justwanted to visit awhile to soon he would have to get backon that horse and go to traveling and right now he wasnot looking forward to that prospect, after all he wasalmost as old as John and Jim and they had been in thesaddle a lot more than he had over the past few years,he had been behind a desk and doing paper work tryingto set this whole thing and now it looked as thougheverything was to work out just like he had plan, maybe

it would save lives maybe not all he could do was hope.

John called Capt. Johnson in and told hem to getthe men ready for an overnight trip and with a smilesaid we will have company, tell the men that GeneralJones will be with us, now wait just a moment John thatis for me to say, Capt. tell the men that I will be cominga long, as Capt Johnson left Al looked at John and youold horse thief you know I wanted to go along and seejust how far their training had come along and it hasbeen a while since I was up in Bulls Valley.

Jim said well it hadnt been that long for me so if

you dont mind I still have a lot to do around here andbesides that will give John time to tell you some more

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lies about how I started trouble here and there when it

was really him.

As they left for the Valley Jim said remember Aldont believe a word he tells you it was him no me, morethan not it was both of you, you forget I know youboth.

As they arrived in the valley Al sat and lookedaround you know John this is still as nice as I rememberand I can see why old Bull wonted to run you out, hejust wasnt big enough, excuse me General, but I dontthink we have heard that story. No Ill bet you havent,you see I was laying on the ground just over there with abullet in me that Bull had put there and the Col. was upthere somewhere taking down the man that had put itthere. It must have been some times here when you firstcame in to the valley, Well it was but that was after wehad found the trail on up through the mountains andhad came back, This man Bull wonted the fort for his

own he was going to make a trading post out of it wellJim was a Captain then and in charge to the party and;I know Johnson General Lees wife was the map maker,yes and she loved this valley, well anyway John run Bullout of the fort and up here a short time later Bull hadshot one of our men and John and I came after him andhe jumped us from up there, thats when he got me and

John went up after him.Well John said there was a little more to the story

than that Johnson you see the General here had madeCaptain and was in charge of the fort at the time, me

well I was just a scout at the time, that fort down therewas the Generals first command and no one was going

to mess with it.

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Ill bet it would have been fun though, it was Johnsaid or least it was for me, now the General was overthere on the ground bleeding I dont know how muchfun it was for him.

More than you know, John more than you know, Istill think of those times now and then, we had a lot offun I guess about the hardest time was when the bearkilled that man on up the valley, that must be bad bearrock, Al looked at John and said bad bear rock, Johnsaid you remember the rock that we put his name on,the bit about he was put here after being killed by abear, well everyone just started calling it bad bear rock.

Several years would go by before they would changethe mane of that rock, but that is another story, Al andthe rest set in for a good nights sleep, they would have agood training event set up for the next morning, mostlyto show General Al everything they had learned.

Al was very impressed with the way the men did

their job they had learned well, it was good for it wouldnot be long before they would be doing the same thingfor real, this they did not know as of yet and he wasnot ready to tell them now they were so happy withthemselves and they would need all the confidence theycould come up with.

The next morning as they finished they breakfastand had their coffee each man was given his assignment,they were to go to a point collect something that wasleft there and return before noon to be able to pass thecourse.

Coffee done the men mounted their horses andheaded in the direction they were told, a few hourswent by before they started to return, reach man hadthe artical that he was to have as the young Captains

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watched their men do their jobs as taught each seemedto stand a little taller, John and Al could not keepfrom smiling for it had not been that many years sinceanother young captain had done the same thing and boydid he stand tall, John put his hand on Als shoulder andsaid I can remember that look cant you.

Al said John you know damn well I can and manthat is the best feeling in the world, you feel like youcould walk on water you know you cant but you surefeel like it, and it dont wear off over night, the onlything I was at a time and place where you got to feelthat way just about every day, I think it had a little todo with the men that trained me, Not really John said itwas more the man than anything else.

The men got their things together and headed backto the fort, as they moved down the valley John and Alwould point out different areas and tell different stories,some would make Als face red like the time he and oneof the others had went out on patrol and something

spooked their horses and before they knew it they werewalking in the fort and their horses had been there foran hour or so waiting on them,

Now John that has happened to everyone one tine

or another like the time you and Jim went in to town

to find out where the Indians were holding me and youdid not make it back until the next morning and it tookalmost a whole pot of coffee just to remember whereyou were and how you had got there, the bad part wasyou came in backwards on your horse and though he

had lost his head somewhere.

That must have been one of Jims stories because yesI did get drunk but my horse has never lost his head and

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Jim has been known to change a story once in a while tomake it sound a little better to him.

Al just laughed that much more because he knew hehad got to John in a big way it had been a long timesince he had out John in the circle and it felt good, Johnand Jim had been real good at getting him and now hewas on top.

As they arrived at the fort John was still silent and Alstill had the big smile on his face, Jim ask John Whatsthe matter John you look like you ate something thatwent down wrong with that Al buated out, Al said Igot him Jim and I got him good its the first time Ivegot him that good, Al went on to tell Jim what hadhappened and it was more than John could stand, Ivegot work to I cant stand around here all day and seesomeone I thought was my friends laugh at me like afool with that he turned and left that even made itbetter for Al and Jim.

As the men got their things taken care of and tooka welcome rest Al, John and Jim had a meeting, Al saidwell the worst has happened the people have alreadystarted heading for the Black Hills and it wont be longbefore all hell breaks loose and from the looks of it, itcould be more than we had though Capt. Andersonwill have to leave much earlier than we had hoped asa matter of fact he should be on his way right now, butthey had to get as much training as possible.

When do you want them to leave? in the next day ortwo Al said and that will put them there about the sametime that the first group of people get there, they wont

have a fort to live in but along with their patrols theywill have to build one with only about fifteen of twentymen its going to be hard but he will have to get it done.

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That also let the others know that they would betaking men straight to fight or as the General said tostop the fight if they could no one really wanted to takeanothers life if it could be helped and these young menwere no different.

They were head strong but smart and that was waythey had been picked to do this job, as Anderson leftthe fort there was a sadness that everyone could feel butpride was there also they had done a job and were proudof it.

John looked at Jim then said to Al I hope you arentplanning on me staying here all the time, there is noway that I can just set here day after day and watchthese young men go out and do my job, Well no as amatter of fact you and Jim will be turning this fort overto Capt. Johnson to run and it will be your home baseand you two will be my eyes and ears out here and whatyou say will be law a far as the Army goes.

The next day Al left for Washington and Jim called

for Capt. Johnson and told him that as of now the

fort was his and that this would be there home base,he was to set up all training and work close with theother Capts. and make sure they did not forget any ofthe training that the men would be needing the otherCapts. would do the training and report to him whenthey felt that their men were ready and then it would beup to him and him alone to sat ok gentlemen men takeyour men and go, he was also the one to order in newmen to be trained he would also from time to time have

to train new officers that would be taking the men out.

This was a bit job and it would take guts but Jim

knew that Johnson could do it and he also knew that

this would free him and John to do the job he knew

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that they would have to do which would also be timeconsuming along with exciting, John told Jim that hewanted to take about five men and train them just totravel with them and be apart of their inspection teamJim said that it would be a good idea and that way ifneed be they could use the men as replacement personalif a strong fight did brake out.

John did not look forward going into that countrywith just he and Jim with what he could see was comingup all buy themselves, he could still remember the fightdown on the Canadian and if that young man had notbeen very lucky with that shot they might still be therefighting.

With in a few days of Capt. Andersons departurethe next group of men arrived and they were meet byCapt. Harris and were told that the next few weekswould be the hardest that they had seen yet that theywould be able to track a breath of air over flat rock whenthey left this fort, then he asked if any of the men had

heard of John Wesley or Jim Lee with that all of therehand went up then Capt. Harris said well gentlemenfor the next few weeks those same men will keeping aneye on you, first you will have to please me then therewill be Capt. Johnson and if he thinks you are readyyou then will have to please Col. Wesley and then ifyou make it through all that you then will be looked atby General Lee so people I suggest that you lesson toeverything that you are told and take it to heart.

What you will be taught here will someday save yourlife you see I did not say may save it I said it will save itand if you do not think too much of it I dont either I

will help anyone that wants it but if you try and mess

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up forget it you will be on your own and gentlemen wewill put you in the ground somewhere along the way.

That little speech had a strong impact on the meneach one looked at the other hand wondered just whatthey had got in to and if they mould be around to enjoya line life.

Capt. Harris said I know what you are thinking wellone thing people that is what you are here for, you arehere so that we can help you stay alive when you leavehere, after all you are no good to yourself or us if youare died so be sure to lesson good and do everythingthat you are told.

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Capt Anderson came riding up to them and saidwelcome General Lee and Col. Wesley it sure is goodto see you, now that was what the man had said and itmade John wonder why was it so good to see them all atonce.

When they got back to where they had started the

fort they could see that the men had put up the wall

around it first been having trouble Capt. yes Sir just alittle, more with the gold hunters than with the Indians,it seems that they dont like us telling them where theycan go and where they cant the other night someonetook a shoot at us they werent trying to hit us just keepus awake of something.

Jim said to John well I think its about time thatthe people around here got to know us dont you Johnand John said with a big smile yes Sir I do, Capt. in themorning I wont you and six or seven of your young

men to be ready at sun up to go with the General andme on a little get to know trip, Capt. Anderson smiledand said yes Sir we will be ready, about sun up you say

The next morning as John and Jim came out of theirtent there they were all eight of them standing waitingfor them John said Capt. I thought I said six or seven,well Sir you did but the men drew straws and somehowthere ended up being eight short straws so to keep itfar I just let all eight go you dont mined do you Sir, nonot really, just so long as you dont cut your work forceto short, no way Sir why I heard tell that the men werepaying others to do their work for them you know the

ones that were to off today and rest, well the pay musthave been good because we ended up with eight.

John said now remember were not out to hurtanyone just let them know that we are here and that

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something was watching them, he dropped back andtold the men to keep a close watch but dont let on likethey knew that anything was wrong, just act normal butbe ready for anything, there it was the slight movementin the underbrush, he could not be sure if it was whiteman or Indian but it sure was there.

John called a halt to the group and said in a softvoice get down and get behind your horses as if youwas checking them as the men got down shots rang outthis time they were meant to hit two of the horses wentdown, hold your fire men we wont something to shotat not just trees, if you see anything make sure of yourshot and take it. If you get hit try not to yell that will letthem know that we are one short.

Just about then more firing and from the other sidethen John knew that it had to be Indians, because mostwhite men tried to stay together and fight I dont knowwhy I guess they think that there is more power as agroup where an Indian will try to make a circle around

you and have a better chance of getting you the onlything was they did not expect the men to get of theirhorses and use them for shelter that was not a normal

white man trick, this man had fought Indians before.None of the Indians knew who they were fighting

nor did they really care all they knew that they were

white man and he did not belong here, as the fight wenton John saw a chance to get at least two or three menout in to the woods to cover for them until they couldget the rest to cover this was something else the white

man was always to stay in a group and not fight fromthe trees like the Indian did, once the men had got tocover and was putting up one hell of a fight the Indians

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pulled out as if to say another day white man anotherday.

John went around to check his men and found thatonly one had been hit but not bad in fact he was notfor sure that he had even been hit, he said that he wasrunning so hard to get to the cover of the trees that hemay have run into a limb.

John could not keep from laughing along with theothers because there had been a time back in the valleywhen he had done the same thing and did not know ifhe had been shot of had run into something, well anyway the men had came through the fight real good andnone of them had tried to run they all done just whatthey were told and because of that they had all came outof the fight ok now he wanted to join back up with Jimto see how he made out, come to find out they had beenjumped also, and had came out as good as John had.

As they set around the fire and talked they could

not see why the Indians had jumped them, they haddone nothing toward them, that was one thing theywould have to try and find out, John said he couldnot understand why they would jump them they werebound to know that they were there to try and keep thewhite man out of the places that they did not belongmost of all places like their holy grounds.

There had to be a reason for it and they were tofind out in a few days, as the night went on most of theyoung men were not able to sleep very good that hadbeen the first fight out in the woods without the fortwalls to protect them, they were glad that they had came

through the fight as good as they did but all in all theywould rather be behind the walls when they were being

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burial, and saw a few word over them then lets get thehell out of here and back to the fort, we need to findout if there are any more missing.

As they got back to the fort the word got around fastever one that had had clothes missing gave a report toCapt Andreson by the time he got all the reports therewas five full uniforms still missing.

John said I think I know now what is going on, Ithink that someone has jumped some of the Indiansand in our uniforms to make it look like it was us, nowall we have to do is find them before the Indians doand make them pay for what they have done, what doyou mean Jim asked, well I dont mean give them to theIndians although that wouldnt be a bad idea, I mean wewill have to do something or we will never have peacewith them,

Jim said yea and it might be too late already all wecan do now is just try to protect the gold hunters the

best we can even though they started this trouble, Johnand Jim along with Capt. Anderson sat down that nightand made plans as how to go about their jobs.

Capt. Anderson said well we could move fasterwithout a large group of men say two or three andwith just there horse and guns that way they could getin and out fast just like the Indians and if they foundwhoever has the uniforms then they can bring them inon horseback, that a good idea Capt. we will try thattomorrow and see how it works, I dont wont the mento go too far out the first time, just a few miles to startthem as the Indians get use to seeing us checking the

white men maybe just maybe they will leave us aloneand let us do our job but tell the men the first sight of

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trouble to head for the fort and dont try to win any

medals.

On the first day things went ok but on the secondday the men were jumped by about fifteen or twentyyoung Indians and in a bad place to try to fight themthe only thing they could do was return to the fort andmake their report, John got out his map and said, everytime we have been jumped it has been in this area andnever anywhere else, dose that tell something Jim. Jimlooked at the map for a few seconds and there must be abig camp somewhere in that area and it must be right inthe middle of the gold field or the gold hunters wouldnot have hit the Indians and the Indians would not behitting back.

Jim said if we could catch just one Indian so wecould talk to him then let him go back and tell theothers that we not here to fight them and we were notthe ones that jumped them, maybe we could get on with

our job and help them.

About the time that they were ready to go look foran Indian to talk to a messenger from fort Jenkins camein with the man that brought it to them did not seemto happy about it but he had to deliver it as Jim readthe message his face turned red, John said I dont knowif I want to see it or not, take my word for it you dontat that he handed it to John as John read the messagehis face turned a little red, it read you are to assist thepeople that has moved to the area at all cost when Johnread the message he turned to Jim and said Jim I neverthought I would hear myself say this but I no longer

work for the Army as of right now I am a civilian andI no longer answer to the Army, I hope you understandold friend.

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That I do John and I know why you feel that away,just do me one favor will you, and what might that beJohn asked stick around for a while just in case I needsomeone to talk to, Ill tell you what Ill stick aroundbut dont look for me to lead you after the Indians.

Understood and friend believe me I wont, but youcan keep an eye on the gold hunters for me if you will,oh you can bet on that Ill be keeping a close eye onthem, why if one would stop I might run right in to himand if he gets out of control well poor thing he mightjust have an axadent one that he might have troubleliving through, I sure would hate for that to happenthese good people.

It was all Jim could do to keep from walking out thegate with John, as he left he turned and waved to Jimand the rest you could bet that he would not be too farjust in case Jim needed help, John had never left a friendof his out on a limb and he was not going to start now.

John spent the next few days moving around thedifferent camps to see if he could find out who hadtaken the other uniforms and when he did he and thegentleman would have a long hart to hart before he tookhim to Jim.

About the only thing that Jim could do now wascharge him with steeling Army goods but that wasenough to lock him up for a few months and preventhim from hunting any more gold for a while.

Jim had hoped that John would keep his ears tothe ground and that was just what John was doing,

John made a big show about leaving the Army andhow dumn he thought they were and all that way it gothim in with some of the wild ones and was sure to leadhim to the ones that had started all the trouble, as John

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moved around he made a name for being bad of course

any one that knew him or knew of him already knewthat.

One day John was setting at his camp having so

coffee when he had met came up and said hay John

wont to have a little fun John said what kind of fun wellI know this gent that has a few old Army uniforms andevery now and then we dress up like the Army and roust

some Indians, sure John said that sounds like fun forsure that way no one will look at us.

John went with the man about a mile down the riverto another camp where this big red headed man was andsaid hay Josh this here is John Wesley he got mad at theArmy and quit them, said they were a bunch of jackassesand has come over to our side of this whole thing he

said as soon as we can get the Army to run the Indiansout of here we will have all the gold for areselfs, thenwhen the gold is all gone we will have the land or wecan move on to the next gold find that is if we dont finemore gold somewhere else or get so rich that we dontneed more gold, the thing right now is just think of all

the fun we can with the Indians.John looked at the men with a smile on his face and

said you know it will be a lot of fun but one thing youhave to think about is the man that is here now knowsa lot more than some young Captain and he wont let

you get to carried away, yea we have heard about the oldman, that old man will grind you up and spit you out if

you cross him.John it sounds like you still thank a lot of the old

man its not that its just that I know him and knowwhat he will or can do, Later on that night John and

some of the men dressed up to make the raid, John had

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a bottle with him and was acting like he was real drunk,one of the men said looks like the old man cant hold hisliquored we better leave him here tonight.

After everyone left John got on his horse and road ashard as he could to the fort, when he got there he wentstraight to where Jim was staying, John told him whatwas going on, Jim was going to go after them right thenbut John said it wont do you any good to night in thefirst place they would have been there and gone by thetime you get there and you might run in to more thanyou are planning on, now if you will just leave it to me Iwill get the word to you as soon as I hear.

John got back on his horse and headed back to

camp and take up his place as the mad drunk, latter on

that night when the other men got back John was stilldrunk or at least they thought that he was, as they sataround talking and laughing John layed there and tried

to put ever thing to mine so that he could remember,the next day John got up with a real headache he surewished he had something to stop his head from hurtinglike it was, the other men just laughed at John and made

fun of him.John told them that he sure was sorry that he missed

the fun and if they ever go again he would stay sober,he sure would like to go to the next one if they do, theysaid dont worry old man we will let you know in timeto sober up and go.

John made it back to his camp and went to bed, heneeded the rest in a bad way after all he wasnt as youngas he had been and that made him think about what themen had said about Jim being the old man.

The next day some of the men showed up at the fortcrying to Jim that they had been jumped by Indians,

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Jim knew that none of these men had been in on the

raid so he lissoned to them and said that he would checkit out, latter when the Captain made his patrol they

were jumped this time they lost four men as they cameback into the fort the men were tired and mad not reallyat the Indians but at the men who had caused all thetrouble, and yet they were also mad with the Indians forthinking that they had a part in the attacks on their fortbut then again these people did know them from the

others and why were they to think any different of them

and as time was to go they would get to where they did

not thank any more of the Indians than the Indians did

of them and more fight would come,

John knew that they were fighting a loosing battle

and the only way any one would win would be to outfight the other and John did not see this happeningany time soon in fact if anyone was to win right now itwould be the Indians.

They got word that Captain Harris had his men atthe place where they were to build their fort and hadstarted as to get done as fast as they could, from all thereports they had got back at Fort Jenkins they knew thata lot more trouble was on the way and right now therewas not enough troopers to take care of the mess thathad been started and again most was caused by whatwas done back in Washington.

Almost like the word that had been given the plainsIndians about no hunting of any kind out there, whenwould these people learn that when they gave their wordthey were expected to live up to it, If an Indian gave youhis word he would die before he would change it and heexpected you to do the same.

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The bad thing about this whole mess was the peopleback East didnt think of the Indians as a people to themthey were just a dumb bunch of something that was inthere way of getting what they wanted, which was nottrue as a matter of fact the Indians had been here muchlonger that any of the families of any of the white manand more that likely would be here a lot longer thansome of them.

It seems that they did not learn a thing back East,why some of the hardest and longest fights were withthe Indians there and that was where you heard of thepathfinders of the 1700s and of the deads that they haddone, and the lands that they had settled, and most ofthe settling was done with the friendship of the Indians.

But you could not tell these people anything theyknew it all and Glory was the word now everythingcame from glory money land and death, mostly death,and there would be a lot of that before this was over.

As the sun came up Captain Johnson stepped out

on the porch and looked around it was almost time for

the new troops to come wondering out of their barracksand going to chow, they had received about sixty men inthis last bunch, and he knew that they had to get themtrained as fast as possible and get them on the way outto the others, thirty would go with Captain Bruster tothe new fort and Anderson would get fifteen and therest would go to Captain Harris.

As the men came out and headed for the chow

hall Bruster joined Johnson and they stepped back into the office to get a cup of coffee, as they were settingdrinking there coffee and talking about the days eventsthere was footsteps on the porch they both looked atthe door just as Ernestine came in good morning Miss

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can you fill me in on just what is going on you knowI said I would never fight the Indians, John said yourenot here to fight any one that you dont want to I needyour help finding out who is the one behind the killingof the Indians and why they are doing it I know part ofit is because of the gold but you know that the gold willrun out and then what I know that this is good land but

what.

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him then go on to Harris fort and the rest would travelon from there to Andersons fort,

As the day went on John and Blue moved higherin to the mountains they wanted to make sure that ifsomeone was watching them or trying to track themthat they would have an essay trail to follow, after a fewdays they cut back and came in slow and easy as not tolet anyone know that they were there, Blue had enoughIndian in him that he could light your smoke for youand you would think that the trees did now John maynot be Indian but he could take the ashes off and youstill wouldnt know they made a god team.

It did not take them long to find out that the bosswas not here the men were taking their orders fromsomeone back east and the only way that they weregoing to find out who he was, was to get Jim and headback to where they could get a hold of Al let him knowwhat was happening and see if he could work from thatend.

Blue and John had made sure that the uniformsmade it back to the fort without anyone knowing it atfirst, then John got with Jim and he and Blue told Jimwhat they had found out and Jim said well it looks likewe had better head for the valley as fast as we can, thenJim looked at Blue and said Blue you dont know whatthis means to us and the Indians, we may not be able tostop a war but we will try to get the ones who started itand Blue I know how you feel about this whole thingand I hope that someday you and I dont meet of thefield of battle, Blue looked at the ground and said me toJim me to.

Jim and John said their goodbyes to Andersonand headed back to Fort Jenkins as hard as they could

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stopping with Harris just to rest for the night then onthey went, they passed Capt. Bruster about five days outfrom Fort Jenkins, he brought Bruster up on what wasgoing on up toward the hills and told them to be verycareful, that there was no telling what they might run

into at any time.

As they entered the Fort, Johnson met them with amessage from Al which read need to know how bad it isin the black hill the answer was simple bad! need yourhelp, the trouble starts there, the boss is someone bigand wants all the land.

and Al there is no way a hand full of men willbe able to stop the trouble there, I see a hell of a warcoming on one that will last for a while, sadness on bothsides and Im too old for that kind of trouble, send areplacement for me and John we will help as much aswe can but its to last for more time than we have. Thatshow bad it is.

Bill had been getting letters from Ernestine and heknew just how bad it was, he also knew that if his Dador his Uncle John backed off from anything that therewas to be real bad times, with that he told his familythat there may be hard times coming and to keep a closewatch when they were out and around he himself nowhad his own family and he did not want to see anythinghappen to any of them.

Bill had seen signs of Indians heading southwestwhich would be heading straight to where the black hillswere and if things were to blow up there then it would

not be to long until all hell would break here, By thistime Bill had about ten men working for him out onthe ranch and he told them to keep their eyes open andnot to go out alone at anytime, but always to travel in

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was brothing Jim it was the way the orders had camedown and there was not a thing that Al could do aboutit they had came from much higher than him, someonehad got to the President and convinced him that thiswas the thing to do.

Jim received the answer to his message with a notethat I know why you and John have quit and I cant saythat I blame you if John will remember I am sendingthat young blond haired Col. that he had met when hewas at Washington, he dont know as much as you twodo but he will do what the Army tells him to withoutblinking an eye.

When John read the message he looked at Jim andsaid well old horse we better get everyone ready for afight, he was the one I was telling you about that didntthink that there was any way that the Indians couldstand up a well trained troop and if he had to he couldrun the whole damn bunch plum out of the black hills

in a mounth.Jim shook his head and said damn, John said yea

youre so right, well Jim lets move are things out of theFort and make room for the new leader hell have a Jobon his hands when he gets here.

That night after Jim had told Captain Johnson thathe was in charge of the whole thing that he and Johnhad retired and there was a new man on the way totake over, Johnson said Jim I sure wish you were still incharge Ive heard about this new man hes good ok buthas a little too much pride in himself Jim said just do

one thing for me keep me informed as to what is goingon so that the people around here wont get caught withtheir pants down, sure Jim, how about John where will

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repeetors now where in the world would Indians gettheir hands on that type of gun most of the Army stilluses the old single shot.

Who ever in the hell in Washington is behind thisis sure making it a one way fight, John said Jim I reallydont like this much, it sure seems that they sent us toget real mad and just wipe the Indians out, you knowthat the Indians with those type of guns can keep thewar going for several years before the Army gets goodand fed up and sends in the big guns then it will be allover but the sanging.

As the days went by John and Jim could pick upmore and more signs, this was sad because all these yearsthe Indians had been good friends and they hated to seeanything come between them, but if one tribe went towar then all the rest would and that would mean thatno one would be safe.

John felt it more than the others because of the fact

that for years now the white man had been fighting thetribes down on the flats because of the white man andall the time they had been pointing there fingers at theIndians and said they started the trouble, who are theyto tell us that we cant come in here and kill their foodfor the skins to make money.

Well now it is really bad you could say that the shitsabout to fly and there no one to catch it but us and itwill more than likely hit us right in the face.

John and Jim was thanking about the time whenthey first built the fort in the valley and that winter

that the Indians could not find meat and John and Aland some of the others went out with their guns andbrought food in well it was for them as much as forthe Indians but still they gave them half of what they

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start, Jim and John had a big laugh out of that thenJohn said you know we should have thought of this inthe first place, the three of us could keep a lot betterwatch on this valley than just the two of us and also soif need be she could run messages back and forth fromme to you, thats right John and inbetween she wouldstill be keeping an eye on what was going on, what doyou think about that Miss Mountain woman.

Ernestine said well Mr. John Wesley what if I dontwont to, well then well just have to find someone elseJohn said with a big smile on his face and Jim said whatdid I tell you John, the fire of her Mother and the smartmouth of her Uncle.

John said shell do oh yes shell do, John told herthat they would head out at day break and he said nowyoung lady you know that if you see that you are goingto get in to trouble you get your butt back to the fort asfast as you can and let Johnson know what is going onthen find me and let me know, maybe we will be able

to help in some way from out in the woods, most of thetrouble if any will be where the trees come closer to thefort or the homes.

One thing I do wont you to keep deep in your mindis that everything that I taught you, well lets just say Iwas taught by the best and they are the ones that youwill be watching for so remember to stay on your toesat all times and dont trust anything it could be a trap orput there to mislead you.

The next morning Ernestine was ready and waitingfor John when he got up and came in to the kitchen, she

had coffee for both of them on the table, John smiledand said good morning young lady, are you ready for

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the day, Ive been ready for two hours I just had to waiton some sleepy head to get up.

John said Boy are we fired up then said lets notget to enterjectic or we might make a mistake and thatis something we dont wont to do, there is nothing inthe world that gives an Indian more pleasure that tosee someone get so carried away that they start making

mistakes.Ernestine sat quietly for a moment then said Uncle

John this is going to get real bad before it gets better is itnot? yes gal it is and it may be a long time before we canrelax and go on with our lives, why is this happening or

do you know?Your Dad and I came up with some of the reason

but we only think we know the rest, In that case wellyou tell me what you can about this whole mess, well

what we know is that they found gold up in the blackhills and everyone is making a run to get rich whatwe dont know is what will go on after the gold playsout someone high up is trying to push the Indians outaltogether so that when this is all over they will havethe land, we dont know who the leader is or why heis trying to get all the people in that area dead, all weknow is that about the time we had got to where wemight have been able to get things ok we got ordersto stop what we were doing and just protect the goldhunters and forget about the rights of the Indian, thatwas when He and I decided to give it up and try to do itour own way but since then things has got worse.

Damn Uncle John is a lot more than Me or anyonearound here had though, we just thought that it wasbecause of the gold and when that played out everythingwould get back to normal.

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Why is it that some people cant be happy unlessthey are causing trouble somewhere even death in mostcases, I dont know Gal but your right on one thingthere is going to be death and on both sides, oh thewhite man will win out but it will be after a long fightand a lot of good people put in the ground.

They finished their coffee and mounted up to headout then John said again remember Gal this is bad so ifyou see or hear anything get your butt back to the fort,I know you can handle yourself as good as most menand a lot better than most but this is no time to proveit, there is a lot more at stake than our pride.

Yes Sir and Uncle John you take care of yourself, Iveheard all the stories about some of the things that youdo like when you were down south, that was differentthat had to be,

As they went in different directions John could nothelp but worry about Ernestine but then again maybe

he should worry about who ever runs in to her Jim wasright when he said that she could out do most of themen in the valley or the whole west as far as that goes.

On up in the mountains John found a good place

and made a camp he kept it a cold camp then he went

out for a few rounds there they were again a few signsmostly just the signs of scouting parties.

John moved on around toward Bulls valley, there hesaw something that bothered him very much, there was

signs of a very large group and they were not of the localIndians, it was from a group of hideouts, and if theywere hungry they would make a raid on some of thegood people around here, John headed his horse back tothe fort as fast as he could to let Johnson know what hehad seen.

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John was relieved to see that Ernestine had got therebefore him but then again that meant that she has foundsomething to, what did you find Ernestine, more thanlikely the same thing that you did, I figure about thirtyor thirtyfive how about you Uncle John, yea me to andif its not the same ones that means about sixty or moreout there.

Johnson shook his head and said, thats not good Iwas really hoping that we would be forgot up here, butthen again they also know that this is where we do thetraining of the men that will be going out and fightingthem so it would be to their advantage to knock this fortoff the map and anyone around it which means that allthe people are just as much in danger as we are maybemore so they know thatthat is where we get are foodfrom.

Theyll start by hitting the out lying homes firsttrying to draw us out in to the open and the fort is notbig enough to bring everyone in for very long, so the

best way is to let everyone know what is going on andhave them set up some kind of warning system so thatthey can get to the fort and to safety that is if they areable to make it, we will be able to send out enoughtroopers to guard them on their way in we will set up agroup of about ten men and have five standby at nightand the other five standby during the day and that willbe all they will do that way they will be able to movefast.

O-yes one more thing I wont to move Jim to thefort, you know that he has a bad leg and a few bruisedribs and cant move very fast, sure Johnson said in fact

it would help me because if something came up that I

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knew nothing about then I could just ask Jim, he maynot like it but it will be for his and my own good.

John said well your right about one thing he wontlike it but hedo it just the same because he knows itright.

As Johnson went to pick up Jim and Jim Jr. and theirfamily to bring them to the fort, John and Ernestine wereon their way back out, they had just got Jim and familyin the wagon and was headed back to the fort whenErnestine came down the valley hell bent for leather withabout ten or eleven Indians right on her tail, the threemen that was with Johnson went to help her.

Just as the troopers got to Ernestine to help theystarted firing at that same time shots rang out from theside and they were taking their toll each and every oneof them the Indians turned and headed for the hill asfast as their horses would take them, Ernestine pulledher horse up and came along side the wagon.

Well gal just what in the hell did you do to makethem so mad, I dont know just found them I guess,they were up close to old bear rock up the valley, Itlooked like they were going to settle in for the night andI came a long,

John rode up to them and said what in the hell didyou do young lady, throw water on their camp fire, whyno John Wesley thats more like something that youwould do.

They went on to the fort where Jim could get

saddled in and John and the others had a meeting tosee if they could think of what to do next, John saidwe caught them by surprise this time but they will bewatching for us next time and we wont

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John told Johnson that he thought that from nowon that he should get two of his best men put them inskins and let one go with Ernestine and the other withhimself just in case something went wrong and theywere unable to get back to the fort then they could sendfor help, Johnson though that it was a good idea, theycould also warn the fort at the same time.

The next morning early Ernestine and one of theyoung troopers headed west up the valley and John andthe other went east back toward the main trail and Bullsvalley, Late that afternoon a messenger came to John andsaid that Captain Johnson wondered if there was someway they could check the telegraph wires, that they hada problem they were dead, John said well I dont knowtoo much about such things but Ill be glad to checkand the young man that had brought the message saidthats ok Sir I do and Captain Johnson wants me to gowith you.

Well lets get a move on I dont want to take all day

unless we have to by the way has anyone let Ernestineknow what is going on, yes Sir the Capt. sent amessenger to let her know the same time that he sentme here.

The young man with Ernestine went by the nameof Troy Martin and had been one of the best of the newyoung scouts, now the two that was with John wereCotten Stout and Mat Stevenson, Stevenson was theon that knew about the telegraph, as they rode a longchecking John kept a close watch out for trouble

They had rode for about two hours when Stevenson

said there it is they all looked up to see a large limblaying across the wires John was relieved to know thatit had been thatthat had happened and not caused

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by the Indians, after they got it fixed they headed backto the valley all at once John said take cover and the

men made it to the trees that was not far away with

John right on their tail, as they got to the trees Johnsaw a large group of Indians coming down the trail alsoheaded for the valley, John told Stevenson to wait thereuntil they had gone by and he and Cotten were going to

follow them and see what they were up to.

John and Cotten stayed far enough behind thatthey could not be seen, this was also good for Cottenbecause he was learning how to track first hand, whenthe Indians got even with Bulls valley they turned andheaded up toward the mountains at the back of thevalley, John believed that they were headed there toeither make camp or meet up with more of their people

John was right when they got all the way back to

where the valley made a sharp up turn they saddleddown and started to make camp, it looked as if theyplanned on staying for a while with all the provisionthat they brought, John and Cotten found a good placewhere they could watch and not be seen and layed backto wait.

As it happened they did not have to wait longbecause just before dark another large group rode infrom what seemed to be the west to John but he did notknow how they got passed the town of Leesvilla withoutany one seeing them, but somehow they did, or did theyhe heard a noises and found it to be Ernestine and Troy,

they had been ridding wide as not to bother the Indiansand had came across John and Cottens trail so theyfollowed it in hopes to join up with then, as they camein to where John was the first thing John asked was howin the hell did they get past the village? Ernestine said

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as the ones down on the flats and he really didnt wantto see if it was true he just wanted to get back and bewhere it was safe for a while, he had been out in thewoods for about a week now and was looking forwardto getting home, all he had to do now is get past these

Indians,

The first thing he had learned when he had got therewas that the Indians had been taught by the Frenchhow to take scalps and he did not want his to be one ofthem, soon the Indians moved on and he was able to getout of there and head home.

Frank was watching as he rode up and came out tomeet him Boy am I glad to see You Frank said, Billjust smiled and said same goes for you, Frank you hadbetter let the people know that there is a large group ofIndians about fifteen miles from here and they look alittle upset for some reason.

Ill bet they are they say that over on the other sideof the mountains that there is a man by the name ofCuster that is making sure that the Indians dont messwith the white man and hes making no bones aboutwhat he will do if the Indians dont do what he says andwell they dont hanker to that much,

And the last word that I got was that your Dad andUncle John was having a little trouble back in therevalley, the word is that its not more than they canhandle but a little stickie and that young Captain Harrishad got killed down on the flats witch made things evenmore bad.

Bill looked around and said well we had better getready are selfs because if these Indians dont head ondown to help their kin will we might just have alittletrouble are selfs, I hope that they head on out but then

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uneasy about the whole mess, Jim said John just what

do you think will come of all of this, John looked at Jim

and said well it could mean bad trouble and then againit might settle the whole thing down either way therewill still be more trouble because the only thing betweenthem and us is a whole lot of nothing.

The three of them talked till almost day light beforethey broke up the little meeting, they had decided thatthey had better stay on guard for a while to see just whatthe Indians had in mind and if it would have anythingto do with them, the next morning while John and Jimwere trying to get some sleep a man came and got bothof them and told them that Captain Johnson needed tosee them at once.

When John and Jim got to Johnsons office he wassetting there with a big smile on his face, well gentlemenwe can relax a little General Al and about two thousand

men are on their way here and should arrive any daythey will stay here for a few days to rest up resupply andmove on up north.

The Indians has not caused any more trouble,well its just as if they said see what we can do, anywayGeneral Al and his men are to see that there is no moretrouble out of any of them.

This was good news for everyone, they really didntwant to fight some of their old friends, John said wellwe can relax a little now but not to mush until Al getshere and takes control John got with Ernestine and told

her what was going on and told her that they wouldhave to keep watch until Al did get there and he wouldreinforce the fort then they could go back to living therelife just as they had before.

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John and Ernestine keep watch for about a weekuntil Al and his men did get there, John saw themcoming down the valley and went to meet them, notlong after John had joined up with Al Ernestine cameriding in Al looked at John funny and John said oh bythe way Al this is trooper Lee she has been watching theother end of the valley for me and doing a damn goodjob if I must say so myself.

Al said well how is things going there trooper Lee,with that he broke in to a big laugh and then said Iought to know if Jim was unable to go then one of hiskids would, it runs in the family, John said yea damnI guess, with a big smile you know how these Lees arealways right in the middle of everything.

Jim had got to where he could get around fair butwas still having trouble with his legs, when he took thefall it had do a little more to him than he had though, itmust have been when he hit his head but he wasnt sure.

John would come in at night and visit with himand eventho Jim could walk now he just wasnt gettingaround right, John was starting to get a little worriedabout him.

John had got a letter from Bill and they were nothaving anymore trouble there and Bill said that Blue hadstopped in and told him that most of all it was over andthat all the tribes had went back home and that they didnot wont to fight any more that they just wonted to beleft a lone to live the way they had since the beginningof time.

as the days went by Jim got worse he had got towhere he could not get around at all now and Johnknew that if he did not get better soon that he would

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As John traveled south he came across the old Santa

fe trail, he followed it for a while then cut out to the

Red River area or just a little south of there, to a town

called Carson City, that whole area was wide open and

good cattle country, it was just a little south of where thegovernment had made the Indians walk to from back

east which was now known as the trail of tears another

smart move by the government.

John thought about it for a while he could notunderstand how a people that was so good could justpick up a whole tribe of people that was so good couldjust pick up a whole tribe of people and make themmove, then he thought, yes I can see it if they wouldtry to make people move just because of gold they

sure would for land and after all most of the peoplenow did not look at the Indian as a real person, morelike something in there way of getting what ever theywonted.

He and Jim would at times set and talk about thingslike this for hours, at first Jim kind of understood, butlater on Jim had thought that it was wrong just as Johndid, but they were just two men and who were they tosay what the other so called people did.

As John got closer to the Red River out on theplains the grass got deeper and deeper so by the time he

got to the area around Carson City the grass was up tohis horses belly. John could see why this would be goodcattle country.

John arrived first at Tascosa a little town on theCanadian River a little west from that old trading postwas, then he headed east and there it was Carson City, anice little town setting right in the middle of the GreatPlains.

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John rode in to town a little before dark, got hima room at the local hotel, them went down to the barto get him something to eat and drink, there was justthe regular bunch in for their nightly drink, no real loudmouths, just a few men trying to relax after a hard dayswork.

John looked around and thought to himself nowthis could be what Ive been looking for all my life, justa nice little place to settle down, John had a few drinks agood meal of beans and went to bed, the next morninghe checked around to see if he could find out about anyland that might not be clamed that would suite him.

As he went around he heard men talk about a manthat had settled down in some valley just a little southof there, it seemed that he had found just the right spot,John was hoping that he himself would run across sucha place.

John also asked about cattle and one of the men said

Mr. there are all kinds of cattle out there to be had, mostof them are Mexican long horns that is if you can handlethem and they dont already have a brand on them, soJohn set off one day to check the land out he did notwant to try and settle on some one elses land, as hemoved from place to place looking far and wide he cameup on a little valley right out in the middle of nowhere,there was a good spring which gave off good clearrunning water, John looked around to see if anyone hadput up markers saying that this was their land, findingnone he set to work marking the land his, there was somuch land and no one there, then he thought about allthe people jammed to gather in other places.

John had set to building him a nice little cabin outof mud and grass mixed with a rock fire place to cook

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in, he put up some pens then went looking for somecattle, as he traveled around he found three or four niceplaces to fish, one day he was going through one of thesmaller valleys when he came upon about fifteen head oflong horns, he looked them over and found no brands

on them so he headed them toward home.

John put them in the big pen where there was plentyof grass and a small spring, they seemed relaxed so Johnset to making up a brand trying to think of a good onehe came up with the double J, in memory of a verygood friend.

After about two months he went back in to townand filed on the land which made it his by law, while hewas there he found three men that had just came in totown trying to find work and told them that they couldwork for him.

The next morning they set out for the ranch now

they were going to have to build a bunk house for themen, then John said can any of you cook, one of themen said that he had been a cook in the Army, Johnsaid well if you didnt kill anyone there maybe you wontkill us and all the men laughed, not unless I wont to hesaid with a smile.

So now John had him a ranch, some cowboys, and

a cook, what more could he wont, not much, all he had

to do now was build it up to where he wanted it.

After two years John had a very large ranch, aboutthree thousand head of cattle and twenty men workingfor him, they had had very little trouble out of the plainsIndians and had gave them little reason for any.

John was well likes by his men and by the other

ranchers in the area, they had seen how hard John had

worked and how much he had built but the big shock

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was on day when a young woman came in to townasking the where abouts of Mr, John Wesley they knewshe was too young to be his wife and no one had heardof him talk about having any kids, with wide eyes theytold her how to get out to the ranch.

John was setting on the porch having a cup of coffeewhen he saw the buck board coming down the trail, hehad no idea who was in it he just though it might beone of his friends from over in Carson City, as the buckboard pulled up in front of the house the young womanjumped out of it and started to give John what for, allthe men stood still with their mouth wide open justwho in the hell was this woman giving John so muchhell when John was able to get a word in edge wise hesaid now just a damn second Ernestine, why in the helldo you think I asked you to come out here in the firstplace, you know Im no spring chicken and I wantedsomeone to take over for me when and if I take the longtrip, thats another thing John Wesley you are not to evertalk about that again, you will only leave when I say you

can do you understand.

Oh buy the way men I want you to meet myniece Ernestine Lee from the blood of Mr. Jim Lee ofLees valley, Ernestine turned to smile at the men whenspoke up and said, Yes Sir. I already know her and stilldont want to be on the other end of a rifle from her,Ernestine looked at the man real close then it came toher why that was Troy Martin she smiled and said justdont dress like an Indian or try to slip up on me, helaughed and no way Ive seen you in action.

Ernestine turned to John with a smile on her face

and said I though you said you had some good menwith that John broke in to a hard laugh as did the rest of

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the men, one of the men said well one thing you can tellshes kin to Mr. Wesley,

Troy had came to work for John not long after hehad got out of the Army which was a short time afterJohn had started his ranch and now he was forman, aftera few days John and Ernestine loaded up and went into Carson City for supplies, while they were there Johntook her around and let the people know just who shewas, as John introduced her around a lot of the peoplehad heard of her and her family and was glad that shehad taken John up on his invitation, she would be anassist to the whole country with her knowledge of theIndians and the fronter way and all.

You could tell that John was very proud of her andin fact all of Jims kids, Little Jim had made a goodbusiness out of what Jim and John had left him incharge of and if it had not been for that John would nothave had the money to start his ranch and keep it going.

Bill had made a mane for himself and had a bigbusiness going up his way and a large family to boot,now John had built a big spread down here in Texas andwas right up there with Goodnight and all the rest.

The only thing that they had to watch for now wasruslers and they would steal a cow just so they couldsay that they did, and down here in Texas that was ahanging offence, so needless to say no one wanted to getcaught.

After the people had all meet Ernestine, she andJohn headed back to the ranch, everyone seem to like

her very much and of course needless to say Troy thoughshe was the best, on that he agreed with John,

It was just about time to take the cattle to marketwhich was all the way up in Kansas and that would take

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a lot out of everyone going, it was not normal to take awoman along on such a trip as this but Ernestine was

not a normal woman, what I mean is she could do the

work right along with the rest of them and most of thetime the men would stop to rest before she did and forgood reason, she had been raised that way.

On the morning that they were to hit the trail she

was the first one up she would help the cook then she

would do her own work, John could not have had a son

that could handle his part as well as Ernestine and she

was just his niece.The first day out was rough with the cattle being

restless and all, it was hard to keep up with them and

one thing they did not wont to do was run all the fatoff of them, it was going to be a long hard trip and they

would lose a lot on the trip as it was.

The first night everyone was ready to hit the sack assoon as they came in to camp stopping to have a quickmeal a cup of coffee and bed time, John had Troy to setup nighthawk duty and out riders just to make sure thatsomeone did not help themselves to a hand full of Johns

cattle.

When the sun came up they were already on the

trail, as John would say, lets go people were burningday light, and they knew that there would be a goodpay check when they got to Kansas, so day in and dayout they moved the cattle on north as they traveledacross the Indian territory they lost a few head but not

that many, they knew that some of the cattle had not

wondered off but had been taken by the Indians, justenough to feed their people, they were not known tosteal just to be stealing,

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and said men in case you dont know it I just saved allyour lives, there is no way in this world that you wont

to mess with that man,

What I dont know for a fact Ive heard in stories,

why that man would tear your head off and spit down

your neck and then screw your head on backwards thenlaugh as you rode off setting wrong in your saddle, themen looked at him, yea but he only had ten or twelve

men with him, well as I was told him and three others

went down to Mexico took on a whole tribe of Indiansto save a friend of his then just rode out leaving theIndians a foot and running in to each other.

And that girl that was with him is more than likelyhis niece and she took care of one end of a valley while

he took care of the other during the Indians wars to savea whole valley full of people, no shes not one to messwith either.

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to keep coming this way and if it does itll get the townand everything else along the way, Bill said how longdo we have before it gets here now long the man saidit was only about a half a mile from the mill when I leftto let you know, has anyone tried to cut fire breaks oranything like that, no we didnt have time, all we coulddo was just run for help,

Bill told the young man to head for town and tellthe people to start cutting a fire break and get as muchwater as they can in case some of the homes catch onfire, what about your home, Bill said well we may haveto live out at the ranch for a while, its on the other sideof the river from here.

Bill got Lorrene and the kids in the wagon and

headed for town as fast as he could, he knew that they

would be needed there more than anywhere else andafter all he had helped build most of it and he did not

want to see it go up in smoke.

As he came in to town he saw and old friend waitingfor him it was Blue, Blue came up to the wagon and saidBill this is a bad one, well be lucky to make it throughthis and keep the town, the fire break was a good ideabut well need more by that I mean some way to getwater to the fire.

Bill though for a second and said did all the menget in to town? yea, good how long before the fire getshere, about eight to ten hours, why? well if we can getenough men together with some horses and plows and

shovels the plows can cut a trench around the townwide enough and the men can shovel the loss dirt outwe might just have time to make a water break aroundtown, it wont have to be over a foot or two deep andabout fifty or a hundred foot wide then we can flood it

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Bill and Blue and some of the others stood andwatched as the water came rushing in it seemed likehours but was really only a few seconds before the ditchwas full of water, Bill said now some of you men makesure that we have enough water in barrels in case someof the fire dose jump this break and gets to the houses.

Blue said after this is all over we could plug the holedown at the other end and dig this trench about ten footdeep and have some more places for boats to land, whyyou could have warehouses along each side andwellBill you know what I mean.

That I do Bill said I was just thinking the samething myself and that would take a lot of the traffic offof the town and let it stay like we wont it real nice.

Well that would all be nice that is if there is still atown standing when this is all over, and all the peoplewere going to do everything in their power to make itso, after all this was there town as much as anyones, and

they were just as proud as Bill or anyone.

As the fire grew closer it looked bigger that whatthey had hoped, Bill was getting worried and you couldtell so was Blue, they had both seen big fires before butthey were like holding a match up to this one.

Closer and closer it got until the heat from it wasso bad that you almost had to stand behind somethingto keep from getting to hot yourself, Bill had some ofthe women get some old blankets and cut a hole in themiddle of it just big enough for their head to fit thenthey soaked them down with water and that way they

were able to stay and watch and make sure that none ofthe fire flooted across or sparks flew over and landed onthe houses.

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The fire grew and grew fire was ever where but so farnot around any of the houses or anything on this side ofthe trench the trench so far was working and workinggood but the fire was not over and wouldnt be for quitesome time from the looks of it so the men split in togroups and while one bunch was watching the otherwould be sleeping.

Long about daylight the fire started to burn downlittle by little till the heat was not as bad as before it wasstill hot but not as hot as before, you could stand andwatch the coals smoke, while Bill stood there in wonderas to the power of God, for it had to have been thatwhich had saved the town that is the power of God anda lot of hard work from men like himself.

As Bill stood there Blue came up and well we madeit Bill we made it, yea, Bill said, Blue when it gets towhere we can get out that way we need to go check andmake sure the other people are ok I know there had tohave been some that couldnt make it in to town, sure

Blue said, it should be cool enough by tomorrow andIll hit the trail and see what I can see.

The next morning Bill was up early he walked tothe stable with Blue and talked while Blue was saddlinghis horse, now Blue dont you go out there and take anychances, I want to talk to you more about that trench,you know what we were talking about when the fire wasbaring down on us.

Blue grinned do you want me back or my strength,well a little of both, with that Bill busted out laughingas did Blue, Blue got on his horse and rode across the

trench as he got to the other side he looked back andsaid, well one thing for sure we will have to thing abouta bridge then disappeared of in to the smoke.

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Bill and Lorrene went around and told everyonehow good of a job they had done and said now justlike Ive always said you can do anything if you sticktogether and well we did and see here we are standingtalking about how big and how bad the fire was and thesmoke hasnt even cleared yet.

Blue was gone for two days when he returned witha long face, Bill theres not much left of the mill yourhome is gone and the real bad part is I found twofamilies that were unable to make it here or to safety, itwas bad, I put what I could find in the ground the bestthat I could.

Bill went with Blue to tell the others, they were sadthat they had lost people but happy at the same time forthey knew that it could have been them, the preachersaid lets all of us go to the church and say a few wordsfor the departed as I know they would if it had been anyone of us.

The next day Bill had Lorrene to stay in town andhe rode with Blue out to the mill and like Blue had saidthere wasnt much left, but it looked as though none ofthe saw blades had been hurt, so by that it would nottake long to get the mill back running and a lot of menback to work.

When they got to the house they did find mushbut the foundations and they could build on the samespots, Bill was thankful for that, also most of their cattlehad swam back across the river to where the ranch waslocated.

Bill and Blue arrived back at town and Bill toldLorrene what he had seen and it was just like Blue hadtold them, but they would be able to rebuild on thesame spot if she wanted to and that most of the land

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was in good condition in fact the fire had cleared away alot of the underbrush that they had not had time to do,

well now it was clear.

Like most fires it had done good for some and verybad for others, the bad for Bill and Lorrene was the lossof that home the good part was all the old keepsakeswere at the ranch and had not been hurt, all the thingsat the new home were new and could be replaced.

Bill, Lorrene and the kids went to the church withthe others and gave thanks, then Bill said, well first ofall people we will be needing to help the ones who losttheir homes in the fire to rebuild, then Blue and I havebeen talking about something that might be of interestto you all, as you know I own all the land around wherethe trench is will let me put it to you this way, we weretalking about digging the trench about ten foot deepand making a port of such around town for one thingit would be there in case of another fire and also there

would be more room to dock boats, any one that wantsto help will receive enough land to build a warehouseand enlarge their business.

Bill told the men to think about it and let himknow so that they could get started soon, then he andLorrene, the kids and Blue headed on out to the ranch,on the way Lorrene got to talking about the trenchand she said you know its too bad that it took a fireto put something like this in your mind it could havebeen done a long time ago and well theres alwaysafterthought.

Bill laughed and said Honey most everything thathas been thought of was afterthought and some ofthe best ideas came that way, well it is a way to repair

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something that went wrong and make sure it donthappen again.

With in a few day most everyone had contacted Billand said that they would help on the trench so within aweek they had started on helping the ones that had losttheir homes, once that was done they would start on thetrench.

After about six months they had rebuilt all the

homes and was all most done with the trench, in their

spare time the men would go to the land that they hadreceived and start making plans as to how their newbusiness would look, Bill had made out deeds to each

of them and was to present them to the men on the daythat the trench was open, they decided to call the trench

Blues port because Bill had said how Blue had brought

it to his mind and it had looked like a good idea at the

time.

Blue told Bill that he was full of shit but thanksanyway and now there would be something in this worldto remember him by even if it was a strip of water, Billsaid there one thing about it Blue its an important stripof water, and it is to do good for a lot of people.

With in a year the trench was completed with docksand everything, most of the warehouses were up andthere was a large bridges across the trench and because

he supplied the lumber and and the idea for the trenchthey called it the Lees bridge and it was big.

The mill had long been rebuilt and putting outmore lumber than before, by now there were peoplefrom up north buying lumber almost more than Billsmill could put out, He and Frank had become verycomfortable and he decided it was time to go backhome and see the folks, he had heard that his father was

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gone and that John and Ernestine were down in Texaswith a ranch which was going strong, and that little Jimand his family were keeping the family business going athigh speed.

As Bill headed out he was thinking that Leesvalley would not be the same without his mother orfather there and now John well John was always gonesomewhere so that would not be that different.

Things had really turned around the last ten years,why everyone though that Bill would turn bad and behung or shot or just disappear up high or something likethat and here he was a big business man coming hometo visit.

All the people back in the valley knew of Bill hardwork and of his family and were looking forward to hishome coming and one thing for sure he never forgot oldhabits the first thing that he put on before he left washis gun, for some reason he just never was able to travel

without it and years ago it at times was a good habit.

Bill was still a somewhat young man and he couldnot think of John being in his sixties but he was, butstill as wild as before and could still out do most men,now that was the way Bill though of John and Ernestineshe was a very young woman when he left oh she hadbeen smart and had helped draw up planes for Jamesvalley and with Katie had seen them through, but toreally be out on her own, no you couldnt say that, shewas taking care of John someone had to sense Katie wasno longer with us John would go a little wild ever oncein a while.

Bill had no way of knowing that most of the timeit was John or Troy that was keeping Ernestine outof trouble, she was Bill all over when it came to not

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walking around anything, why she would fight a buzzsaw and give it three buzzes head start.

As Bill and his family traveled across the land Billwould have a story to tell his children either abouthim or his Lorrene or Uncle John or Grandpaw Lee, itseemed as though the stories would never end then Billwould look around and the children would be soundasleep and Lorrene would just be setting there with a bigsmile on her face, for she knew all the stories and knewthem to be true, why Bill wouldnt tell anything that wasnot the truth, not Bill Lee heaven forbid why his fatherwould turn over in his grave, right.

Each day would bring them closer to the valley, evenBill was not ready for the amount that the valley hadgrown, and little over half of the buildings had Lees thisor Lees that, Bill told Lorrene well now you know whythey call it Lees valley as they pasted the fort Lorrenesaw the name Fort Jenkins on the front and looked atBill, Bill said yea they named the fort after my Mother

because she was the map maker that maped this wholearea along with Dad and Uncle John, the fort hadbecame quite large and was a very busy place, it was runby a Major Jack Johnson.

Bill told Lorrene that they would come back laterand see the Major and some of the others after they gotto look around and look they did Bill could not believehow the town had grown he told Lorrene that theywould get a room at the hotel then go up to the houseto see everyone but to his surprise the coach went righton past the hotel and right on up to the house whereeveryone was waiting.

As the coach pulled up to the house the local bandbroke in to for he a jolley good fellow and everyone

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stood there waving and it was all that Bill could do tokeep from crying, he did not expect anything like this,

what he did not know was that little Jim had keep

everyone up on what was going on up north.

To all the people in the valley Bill had become somekind of a hero, Bill spent the next two days catchingup on everything that had went on while he was gone,Bill could not believe some of the stories that he heard,Ernestine, John, Troy and Cotten why it looked likethings had really been popping around there.

Bill and Lorrene took the Kids and went to the fortto look around; as they arrived the guard at the frontsaid please Sir. state your name and business, with thatBill said Im Bill Lee and this is my family, we are hereto see Major Johnson, the young guards eyes got as bigas silver dollars, here in front of him was a real ledgon,yes Sir, Ill announce you, with that he yelled visitor

front gate for the Major, a man came running up, theyoung guard said this is Mr. Bill Lee to see the Major.

The other man said yes Sir this way please and asthey walked through the fort all the men stoppedwhatever they were doing and stood and looked at Bill,as they came up to the office Major Johnson met themon the pourch and said, Mr. Lee this is a real pleasurewill you please come in, Bill looked around and said didI do something wrong, Major Johnson smiled and saidno Sir, its not every day that they get to see a ledgon,

Bill said what ledgon, you Sir around here you are

somewhat of a ledgon, you know the trip down south toget General Al with John Wesley and your Dad, and allthe things you had done up north, well I just happen tobe at the right place at the right time, and the bit aboutdown south well most of that was Uncle John, yes Sir

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we know but you see we also know that while John wasmessing up the Indians you were the one that rode rightin to the middle of the camp and cut the General loose.

The Major also said and from what we have heardyou was the one that lead most of the people here tothe valley and help them get started, well as far as thebringing the people here well I just followed Johns trail.

Bill said well enough of that, Sir you have done agreat job on this fort, if Im not wrong its twice as big asit was, Yes Sir your right, Bill spoke up and said Majorwill you please just call me Bill that Sir bit makes mefeel real old, yes Sir I mean sure Bill if you dont mind.

Bill went on to ask more questions about the fortthen he ask if the fish were still biting in the creekbehind the fort, with that Major Johnson said like wild,and got a gleam in his eyes, Lorrene saw the gleam intheir eyes and she spoke up and said Bill if you dontmind I have some things I would like to do in town,

maybe if the Major dont care he could keep you aroundand out of my way for a while, it would be my pleasure.

With that Lorrene got up to leave and the Majorsaid if you dont care Miss Lee Ill sent one of mytroopers to drive for you, that would be nice Majornot nessacery but nice, any way Ive got some thingsthat I would like to take care of no problem Miss Lee,it would be a pleasure, with that Lorrene got up andleft, as soon as she was gone Bill looked at the Majorand you dont by any chance happen to have a poll ortwo do you Major, why yes Sir I just happen to have thesame two polls that your Dad and General Al used and

caught a mess.

Bill spent a good three hours setting out back withJack fishing until they had one hell of a mess of fish

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then Jack said Bill why dont you and the family comeback about eight and help me eat these fish, that soundslike a good idea, but Id better catch Lorrene before she

makes other plans.

Bill got up and he and Jack went back to the fortwhere he got him a horse and went after Lorrene to tellher about the dinner, when Bill caught up with her shejust looked at Bill with a grin and said what time doeshe want us there to help eat all them fish, Bill just shookhis head and said girl why is it that you know what Imgoing to say before I say it, I dont know she said luckyI guess.

The rest of the afternoon they just went aroundand talked to old friends and got reacquainted, Bill hadheard all the stories about how John and Cotten hadwatched one end of the valley and Ernestine and Troyhad been at the other, it was good to be home and tohear all the stories told over and over, some about him

and the rest about his family.

When Bill and Lorrene arrived at the fort that nightyou could feel the excitement in everyone, all the youngtroopers were trying to see this man that everyone hadheard of, the only thing that would be better would beto meet the Great John Wesley himself, but here wasa man that had traveled with and was kin, the Majormet them at the front gate and walked to his office withthem, Lorrene said Major, Bill said that you two hadvery good luck this afternoon, yes Miss. Lee we were reallucky and I hope you like the way our cook has preparedthe fish.

Lorrene said Major most anything will be goodwhen you dont have to fix it yourself, they arrived at theoffice and you could not believe the way the table was

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set, Lorrene just looked around and said WOW, I hopeits ok Jack said, OK, why Major I dont think I haveever seen a set up like this, it is marvelous, well thank

you Mrs. Lee, I hoped you would like it, like it whatsnot to like.

Bill set back in his chair and said Lorrene Im sorrybut I think this has been the best meal I have had in along time, I was thinking the same Bill Lee and dontworry about hurting my feelings Ive got to get thecooks receipt that was great.

By the way Major do you have any messages forJohn, Lorrene and have decided to take the kids anddrop in on John and Ernestine when we leave here, Yes Ido as a matter of fact, I do, that old horse thief said thathe would keep in touch with me and I havent heard aword from him in a long time, I thought that he mighthave broke his arm but they still have telegraphs, Billsmiled and said the wires could be down, for two years

come on now Bill then they both laughed.

Bill and Lorrene just walked back to the house, asthey walked a long they thought about all the thingsthat they both had went through the last few years, Billjust stopped and took Lorrene in his arms and gave hera big kiss, she said well Bill now just what was that for,well I guess it was just for putting up with me.

They got back to the house about midnight and saton the porch for a while longer and looked around atthe valley Lorrene said Bill I can see why you are all socrazy about this valley it is wonderful here.

The next morning they sat around the tabledrinking there coffee and talking, Bill said Lorrene andI decided it is about time for to leave, we have beenthinking about going down to Texas and seeing John

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and Ernestine for a while before we head back home,little Jim said so soon, man Ive just got through abouthalf of my lies and I know you havent even got startedgood yet, Bill said well your right Jim but you knowhow it is when you have a business.

And besides its been a long time since Ive seen

John.

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Chapter 18

TThe next morning found Bill, Lorrene, and the

kids on their way south to Texas, Bill or Lorrenehad not seen John since he and Jim had left Oregon andthe kids had never met their famous Great Uncle.

It had been a long time since Bill had been on these

flats why the last time was when he and the others went

south to get Al and that had been a fast trip down andback,

At the same time that Bill and his family were ontheir way to see John, John, Ernestine, Tory and therest were on their way home from Kansas, John and hisparty would arrive just days before Bill.

John had found that moving around waa a littleharder on him than it was but he still enjoyed it verymuch, He was one that would travel until his last daysand still enjoy it.

They had moved south until they crossed the oldSanta fe trail then followed it for a few days, while onthe trail they came across signs of Indians, these weresouthern plains Indians some of the hardest fightersthat anyone had known, they were the ones that hadattacked that small trading post down on the CanadianRiver and the post was only saved by that out standing

shot by that young hunter, they were bad news and notones to be messing with.

John and his group moved very careful and kept onwatch all the time, it had not been that long since they

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had that trouble up in the valley and they were not n nobig hurry to repeat none of that action, John had seenone small bunch off in the distance and he hoped that

they would stay there.

As John brought his people home they all felt goodabout the drive, John had made a good amount and thatwould be enough to keep the ranch going for some timewithout having to worry about money, and each of themen would have enough to start their own ranches ifthey wanted.

John had worked for the last few years just to bewhere he was now, he enjoyed the work he did not havetime to think too much about old friends or the loss ofthem, he never forgot but it was not as hard now andwith having Ernestine here it was like having a part ofJim or even Jane.

The day they rode back in to the ranch was a great

day they had done what everyone said could not bedone at this time of the year, that was make a drive thisclose to spring yet they had done it, maybe not so earlynext time but John was known to do things not so easyat least once.

Ernestine was glad to be home and she now looked

at the ranch as home which made John happy and most

of all made Troy very happy, he had come to be veryfond of Ernestine and would fight any man that said

different.Tory was almost like a son to John, he knew what

John was thinking most of the time and was alwaysthere to back John up if needed, but John being Johnwasnt very many times as John was not one that neededto be backed up.

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When the sun came up the next morning John wason the porch having his coffee, they had decided torid out and see how many head they had left to startanother heard, they knew that there would be enoughto have a large heard with the calves and all but Johnwonted to know how big and how many needed to bebranded and such,

At days end John had got real good news, why therewas still at least two hundred head along the river andback up in the breaks, this gave John still one of thebiggest heards in this part of the country.

John made plans to let everyone rest for a few daysthen start getting the heard back together and startbuilding again he was not one to set around too long,he had this idea that if you set around you would justget old and he knew that at his age he could not affordto let his body feel old.

John had almost finished his first cup of coffee when

Ernestine came out with her a cup and a refill for John,John looked up with a grin and said why thank you girlyou saved me a trip to the kitchen now I can relax alittle while longer with good company.

John had been thinking and then told Ernestine,I done something the first day you was here and nowI think it is time that I let you know just what it is,Ernestine looked at him with questions in her eyes, Johnsaid you remember the first day when we went to town,well I went down and had you put on the paper as halfowner of this ranch.

Ernestine sat dumbfounded and just looked at John

well what in the hell did you do that for John Wesley,

just what makes you think that I will spend the rest of

my life here on this ranch.

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Well it would have been half your Dads but he hadto go and leave me right when life was really gettinginteresting so you took his place so to speak, and besidesyou have worked as hard as anyone and when I decideto go hunting or something you can run it just as goodas me or anyone else.

About that time Tory came walking up say John doyou have any more of that coffee, I sure could use some,that coffee down at the bunk house could jump out ofyour cup and I dont drink anything stronger than I am.

John was glad to see Troy, that meant that Ernestinewould get off his back, now she would have time tothink about what he had just told her, he knew shewasnt mad just upset at him for not telling he soonerso that she could get on to him then, now she was tostar struck over some young man by the name of TroyMartin.

It had been a long time coming for her even though

Troy had fell madly in love with her from the first timehe had seen her, after all she was a real looker with thatlong hair and all, and the funnest part of the wholething was that she did not even know how nice she

looked.It was almost more that John could do to keep from

laughing when he would see Troy follow her around likea little dog and whatever she needed or wonted he wasright there to make sure she got it.

John told Troy to go on out and start gathering

some of the stock and bringing them back so they couldbe branded, and after Troy had left John said girl youand I have to talk, ok Uncle John what do we need totalk about, John ducked his head and said girl you havesome one that is plum crazy about you and is too shy to

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say a word about it, and just who might that be, well ifyou dont know youre not as smart as I gave you creditof being.

She just kind of grinned and I hope youre talkingabout Troy girl you know damn well who Im talkingabout and well all I want to know is how do you feelabout him, about the same I hope because if not we gota real problem on our hands, her face turned a little redand she said well if its any of your business I do havestrong feelings for him, good John said at least you havea little horse since, and just what do you mean by thatJohn Wesley, well girl he a hard worker and knows whetsit takes to run a big place like this and most of all he ismadly in love with you and has been for a long time.

Ernestine though for a second well what about theranch why girl he dont even know about the ranch youand I are the only ones that know well and the bank andthey cant tell anyone unless you or I tell them to so youdont have to worry about that, girl its you he loves not

this ranch.Latter that afternoon Troy came up to the house and

told John that he had gathered a little over a hundred

head and the men were on their way to the main ranch

with them now and it would be a day or two before theygot there.

That night at supper Ernestine ask John do youreally think that Troy loves me, John just shook his head

and said girl I thought I knew you better than that thenhe grinned real big you know damn well he dose andyou love him but girl he is so shy that it will be up toyou to get him to say anything, so you will have to comeup with a plan.

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The next morning as they were having theircoffee they saw the stagecoach coming John looked atErnestine now that is funny what would that be doingout here, as it pulled up Johns eyes got real big, wellIll be damn, still the same old John I see Bill said as hegot out of the coach then turned to help Lorrene andthe kids just then Ernestin came out on the porch andyelled Bill well Ill be damn, Bill looked up and said wellone thing you can tell that she has been around you tolong John.

Ernestines face turned a little red then well damnit to hell Bill Lee just how am I to act to suddenlysee some one that you aint seen for several years thenboom there he is, with that she ran up and put her armsaround his neck and said but I still love you brother,then Bill turned and said Lorrene this wild young thinghere is my sister Ernestine and dont pay any attentionto anything she says, shes been around John to long he

effects some people that way,

Then he turned and said Ernestine this he is my

bunch first is Jimmy my son and Gale my daughter, kidsthis is your Aunt Ernestine my sister, the kids went up

to her and put their arms around her it made tears come

to her eyes, it was so good to see him and his family andit had been a long time.

John said come on in all of you come in this houseand relax, Bill what brings you way down here son, wellLorrene and decided if we were to ever see you again we

would have to and I got to thinking about all these longhorn cattle and was wondering what we would have ifwe took a few up and mixed them with them we haveup north.

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John sat and though for awhile and said with thestrength of these cattle and the fat of yours it wouldmore than likely turn out some good beef stock youknow with real good eating stock and beef that will bestrong for the winters and make it through the heat ofthe summer.

John said how many head would it take to getstarted, well I dont really know for sure but more thanlikely about seventy five to a hundred head, what I wasthinking was if we took some long horns from here upnorth and then bring the same amount back here andmex them with the long horns here you would come upwith the same strong beef here.

Bill tomorrow we will take a ride around and look

at some of the stock and see what you think, thats a

good idea John now enough business, how is thingsgoing with you down here I know how you like the high

country and this is about as flat as land can get, youforget young man I was raised not far from here and Iam at home just as much here as up high, now Ill admitthere not as many trees in fact a dog would have to carryhis own tree if he was traveling through here.

John introduced Bill and Lorrene to Troy and thenwhen John and Bill was by them selfs John told Billthat if Ernestine played her cards right that this youngman would be his brother in law but the way things wasgoing they would be real old before anything happened,Troy was so shy and Ernestine was so bull headedall they do is look at each other, that is unless she can

come up with some way to get him off his ass and saysomething, Bill said well if anyone can come up withsomething it would be Lorrene, she was able to get meto open up and ask her and you know how I was, thats

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a good idea Bill when you get a chance have a talk withher and tell how it is and see if there is anything that she

can do.

That night Bill and Lorrene were taking a walk,just looking around and Bill told her what was goingon, He said that he knew how his sister was and fromwhat John told him this young Troy was so shy that hewill go to his grave before he gets enough nerve to sayanything, Lorrene said Ill tell you what Ill get withErnestine while you men are out riding tomorrow andfind out just what she really wants and if she dose wontthis young man we might just be able to come up withsomething but if we do you men better go along withwhat ever we say.

The next morning the men got together and rodeout there was John, Bill, and Troy they headed down tothe far pens to look at some of the stock then they wentto ride on out and look at some of the other cattle that

was still down in the breaks as they rode out Bill said bythe way John you know that problem we were talkingabout last night, well it is already being taken care of asa matter of fact it is being taken care of as we speak.

John said well Im glad to hear that it had me a littleworried but if it is being taken care of I wont worryanymore now we can go on and see what we can comeup with, the more I think about this dill about the cattlethe more I like it, it would make the cattle both hereand there better cattle and produce more eating stock,and when you have better stock you get more money.

And one of these days we wont have to drive arestock all the way north to Kansas to sell them, right noware cattle are half their weight by the time we get themthere and that cuts are money almost in half.

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The three of them rode down through the breaksand around the river and back up toward the ranch, asthey rode along Bill told John that he was glad to seeeverything going so good for them, after the Indianwar he was not forsure just how things were going tobe, then he told John about the trench they had madearound the town because of the fire and how they haddug it deeper and made a place where they could dockmore boats and call it Blues port, John though that wasa good idea and then he ask how old Blue was doing.

Well Blue has became a big man up north andeveryone thinks a lot of Blue, while the Indian war wasgoing on Blue went up high so that he would not haveto fight either the white man or the Indian that way hecould just stay out of the whole thing John was gladto hear that because he knew how Blue felt about hisIndians friends and also about his white friends he wasone man that John would not have wanted to have hadto fight but as it was he had done the right thing, wellanyway John and Bill made sure that they were gone

long enough for Lorrene to have a talk with Ernestineand she found out that she was really crazy about Troybut did not want to be the one to say anything aboutgetting married she wonted that to come from Troy.

So Lorrene and Ernestine got their heads togetherand came up with a plan that Lorrene though might justwork, she told Ernestine that when she got a chance shewould get with Bill and tell him what they were goingto do and he could let John know so that they wouldnot be caught in the dark about the whole thing.

Bill told John that they could only stay a few days

but they wanted to get down there and see everyone and

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he wanted to talk to John about mixing the cattle andsee what John though about the idea.

John said he thought that it was a good idea and hecould get some men and drive some of his long hornsup there then drive some of Bills cattle down to Texasand see what they came up with, who knows they mightcome up with a heard that could with stand just aboutany kind of weather hot or cold and still have a goodamount of meat on their bodys.

John told Troy to have the men cut out a hundredhead of good long horns and get them ready to headthem north Troy said ok and turned and headed back tothe bunkhouse to tell the men.

John looked at Bill and said I hoped we gave thegirls enough time to get there talking over with and getsome plans made, you know in a way I feel bad aboutsetting Troy up like this its kind of like stabbing a manin the back but yet at the same time you know its the

best thing for him.

When they got back to the house the girls werewalking around with a big grin on their faces and rightoff John and Bill knew that something was up so theyjust set back with their cups of coffee and waited to seewhat was going to happen then Lorrene told Bill that itwas such a nice night that she would like to take a walk,well Bill new that she wanted to talk to him, as he gotup to go with Lorrene he looked at John and winked.

First she asked Bill what they had decided to doabout the cattle because that would have a big barring

on what they done so Bill told her that they were goingto take cattle up north then bring some back, Lorrenesaid good then we know just how we are going to workthis and with that she said we can go back now.

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When they got back to the house all three of themen were there having their coffee and Lorrene said ohby the way John Ernestine was just telling me that shewas planning on going back to Lees valley that she haddone all she could here and she thought it was time toget back home, John said well if that is what she wantsto do we will miss her but she is free to do whatever shewants.

Bill spoke up and said thats good Ernestine you willbe able to go most of the way with us and I;m sure thatthe fokes at home will be glad to see you and I dontknow of any thing holding you here, Troy set there likea little lost dog, he didnt know just what to say then allat once he stood up and said Miss Ernestine could wetake a walk threes some thing I would like to talk to youabout.

Ernestine stood up and said Troy Id love to go fora walk with you and as they left she looked at Lorreneand winked as if to say maybe and out the door they

went, Bill waited for a few seconds and said well it lookslike another one just bit the dust with that he and Johnbusted out laughing.

As they walked along Troy said Miss Ernestine youcant leave, not now, and just why not Troy, why cantI leave any time I wont well I didnt mean it like that, Imean I dont want you to leave now, well why Troy, boyyou are sure not going to make it easy on me are you,why I dont know what you mean, well I uh well youknow, no I dont know what are you trying to say, well Iuh I dont wont you to leave, I uh I want you to uh stayhere and well uh I would like very much for you to be

my wife, that is if you wont to that is, without a secondthough Ernestine said why Troy you devil I would love

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to be your wife, uh if you dont wont you will for sureyou will yes Sir I would love to and I though you wouldnever ask, well I was afraid to, I was sure you would turn

me down.

Troy gave her a big kiss and they held hands on theirway back to the house as they got closer Lorrene lookedout the window and said well gentlemen it looks like itworked there holding hands then John said you know Ialmost feel sorry for him, then John said to Bill it lookslike you are going to get a new brother in law.

As they came in to the house Troys face was a littlered and he started to say something when all at onceBill looked up and said Troy when are you going tomake an honest woman out of my sister, and with thatthey all broke in to a big laugh then Troy spoke up andsaid it looks like everyone knew but me, well old manyou better get use to it thats the way these woman areand man you are getting in to one of the wildest family

anywhere.

John and Bill got up and shook hands with Troy andsaid glad to have you in the family now we have a fewthings to tell you that you dont know, first of all haveyou two set a date yet and if you havent you need tosoon because Bill and his family do have to get back upnorth so that they will be ready when we get there andhave the other cattle ready for us to bring back.

Troy looked at Bill and said Bill would you be thebest man, I know that John wants to be the one to giveher away and Bill said Troy Id love to that is if Ernestine

dont care, oh Bill I think that would be wonderful,then she asked Lorrene if she would stand up with herand Lorrene said that she would love to now all theyhad to do was set the date, Troys face turned red again

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and looked at Ernestine and said how about day aftertomorrow that would be fine she said and so the women

went off to the other room to make plans and John said

well I think this calls for a drink and he broke out abottle and poured drinks around the room.

The next day they sent the woman to town to getwhatever they thought that they would need and themen got together and started making more plans.

the next day seem to just jump out and there it was,

Tory could hardly stand up and Ernestine was like a

school girl running from one thing to another, Lorrenesaid Ernestine if you dont slow down youll be an oldwoman before you get married now just relax, she saidwhat a time to tell me to relax a day like today, girl weveall been through it, now just slow down.

The wedding was a nice one and everyone in thecountry came John and Bill walked around like theywere on air, for Bill to see his little sister get married wasalmost more that he could stand, and John well it waslike seeing one of his own kid get married even thoughhe and Katie never had kids all of Jims kids were like hisown.

After the wedding was over and every one had gonehome John and Bill were setting around talking aboutthe trip, John said that they would hit the trail in a dayor two because it would take them at least two or three

months to get the heard up to Bills,

As they were talking Troy and Ernestine came inand joined in the conversation, Troy ask John when theywere going to leave John looked at Troy real funny andsaid well young man I wasnt expecting you to go, withthat Ernestine said and why not after all we will havethe rest of are lifes together, and John said well being

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that half of this place dose belong to you two, Troy saidwait just a second what are you talking about? didnt

Ernestine tell you? tell me what Troy asked? well when

she first got here I made her half owner of the ranch.

Troy said Ernestine may own half of your placebut that dont mean that I do, well you see its like thisJohn said you are her husband and she is my kin whichmakes you my kin now, well weather you like it or notyou and Ernestine own half for this ranch and I dontwant to hear another word about it, and when John saidsomething like that and with the look that he gave Troyeveryone there knew that there better not be any moresaid about.

All Troy could say was well now that I know dontyou think I ought to earn my part or at least do mypart, with that John said well since you put it that wayI guess your right and Ill be glad to have you along,

Ernestine said what do you mean you dont you meanboth of you, John started to say now Ernesting but shesaid John Wesley everyone else here is afraid of you butIm not and dont you even swell up like a toad or Ill letsome air out of you, Bill grinned and said John I thankyou have been out matched, John just kind of grinnedand said you might be right Bill you just might be right.

The next morning Bill and his family left to gohome and the others started getting there things togetherfor the trip but this time would be a little different, ittook them three days to get ready and head the cattlenorth the days were long and hard, Troy seemed to try

and do everything even better that he had before andErnestine jumped in and helped the cook with all themeals.

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The trail was a lot better than John had rememberedit and they were making good time now that the Indianwars were over they could relax a little on that partbut there was still the danger of driving the cattle, thestorms, the stampedes

They had crossed the red river and was headingnorthwest when they saw this large black cloud, Johnstarted looking for a low spot, then he remembered thatnot too far from there was a nice big canyon so he hadthem head the cattle that way when they got there theyfound a good box canyon to put the cattle in where thewater would not or should not get to deep or too fast,then he told everyone to get off their horses and get aslow as they could and as close to the wall of the canyonand hang on to their horses.

It was not long before they heard the loudest roarany of them had ever heard John yelled stay down andhang on its fixing to blow so they did even the cattlestarted pushing up close to the wall, about that time

they could this long black cloud that looked like afunnel, there was only two or three of them that hadever seen one and they were all scared.

It did not last very long but it was loud after it hadpasted by John told everyone to stay where they wereand he would check sometimes they would swing backand get you, as John looked over the rem of the canyonhe said well it looks like were ok, then the new men askJohn just what in the hell was that, we call it a twisterand if you get caught in one it can kill you or break youup real bad, most of the time it will just kill you.

John told them that this was about the only place hehad ever seen one but he had almost got caught in oneone time and he knew people that had been, it can be

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real bad if youre out on the plains where theres no placeto hide, then he said did you see the cattle how they gotup close to the wall, they know what one of them things

can do to you.

Then the rain started and along with that came thehail and some of it was big John told them to get theretarps and make some shelter fast, they hooked them tothe wagon and pulled them out to where they could getunder them to keep the hail off of them.

Troy told Ernestine to get under the wagon and stay

there until he told her to come out then he went to help

the others made their shelter, he got back as fast as hecould and he and Ernestine rolled up in a blanket andstayed warm until the storm was over.

The most weird thing was after the storm when

everyone was standing around looking at the big hailon the ground was the nice clean smell that they couldsmell, the rain had cleared the air and it was nice, Johntold them that they had gone far enough for that dayand that the cattle would be hard to manage so he toldthem to go ahead and make camp for the night.

Ernestine started a fire and put some coffee on, sheknew that Troy and John and more than likely all therest would wont a cup after all this and it was not longbefore it was ready as the men sat around talking aboutwhat they had just seen one of the men said, you knowit looked just like a giant dust deval, yes but about a

hundred times more stronger and a lot more dangerous.

It was a while be for any of them got to sleep thatnight not only were they wet they could not get overwhat they had seen, then John got to telling them aboutthe time he saw one of them pick up a whole heard ofcattle and put them down ten miles away and not a

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hair out of place that is except for one or two that was

skinned and ready to cook.Then one or two of the other men that had seen a

twister before got to telling their stories, then Ernestinetold Troy you know the first lier dont stand a chance.

Day light came fast the next morning and they wereall up had their coffee and there meal and was readyto hit the trail, for the next few days they had goodweather, then came a thunder storm or two but most ofall they had good weather.

It took them three months to get to Bills ranch and

they were ready for a few days rest, they were not really

ready to head back but this time they had a little morehelp, Blue had decided to got back to Texas with Johnand the others and do a little hunting down there, John

was glad that he had came along it had been a long timesince John had been able to run with a real mountainman, well not since Jim and right now it was what Johnneeded, he was starting to get tender footed and couldsure stand to stay up high for a while and breath somemountain air, being around family was good but onlyfor so long.

It was getting to where making a trip like this well,it just wasnt what it was and except for the storms andsuch well it was just dull and with the plains Indianssettling down it was getting like a walk in the park so tospeak, John though that his time was gone, no more will

the mountain go around having fun like he did.

They moved the new heard along slowly and withnot much going on, these cattle did not have the firein them that the long horn did why you could get offyour horse and walk along with them and they would

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just look at you, boy John missed the high country moreever day.

Now Ernestine and Troy were all excited with theprospect of building a new type of cow and they couldsee what this would do for the cattle men back in Texasand how much it would help, but the only thing Johncould see was all the fun he had had when he firststarted the ranch was no longer there.

It took them four months to get the new heard backto Texas and settled in why they took to the country likethey had been born there and was glad to be home, Johnand Blue would take longer and longer rides each dayand sometime be gone for two or three days at a time,on day Ernestine told Troy that she did not think thatJohn would stay there on the ranch much longer, Troyask what makes you think that, and she said haventyou seen his eyes, all the time they are looking at themountains, Troy said Ernestine now thats dumb youcant even see the mountains from here and she said he

can, he sees them all the time and its getting worse.

She told Troy theres one thing that will happeneither John will take Blue and they will head for thehigh country or John will die and I dont think that hewill stay here long enough for that to happen, how longdo you give him Troy ask not long maybe four or fivemonths if that long, then I think he will just pack upand say Ill see you in a few weeks and we will be luckyif we see him in two or three years, thats the way he andDad would do, they say that they have to get to wherethey can get their heads straight and sometimes it takesa little longer than others.

Each night he and Blue would just set and look

toward the mountains and not say a word it was weird

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each one of them would know just what the other wasthinking and every once in a while they would look ateach other and grin as if they had just told a story.

One day John came in and said, you know I thinkBlue and I will go on a hunting trip for a few weeks,you know just to clear the dust from our heads and geta few things straight we will be back well in a week ormaybe two, until I get back I wont you two to run theranch just as if it all belong to you.

As John said that Ernestine just looked at Troy andsaid now what did I say and Troy just had a big grin onhis face then he said, you know John Ive noticed thatyou were getting a little slow, I just thought it might beold age, but you know your right it has been a long timesince you took some time off and had a good huntingtrip it would do you good and we would have to hearany more of them old stories from you or Blue, whysome of those stories must have been made up, John justlooked at Troy and said with a grin go to hell.

The next day John and Blue went in to town to geteverything that they needed for the trip and from thelooks of what they got you could tell that they weregoing to be gone for quite a while, John even got himand Blue one of them new Henrys and a whole case ofbullets I guess they plained on doing a lot of hunting,When John got back to the ranch he got Ernestine andTroy to gather and gave them a paper that said that theranch was theirs and before they could say anythingJohn said now when I get back we will have to get a newpaper that makes me a partner but being I dont knowhow long I will be gone I thought that this would be

best for all three of us that way I wont have to hurryback and cut my hunting trip short, then they were

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gone, just like before up in the valley, they were therethen they were gone, Ernestine stood there with tears inher eyes she knew that she may never see John again, itseemed like most of her life she was standing watchingJohn and her Dad leave to got someplace or the other.

John and Blue never looked back for they knewif they did they would never leave and right now theyneeded to get away from everyone` and everything andget up high, John sat back in his saddle and took a deepbreath and said you know Blue this has been a long timecoming now lets go see if there is anything left of ourlife out there.

Blue looked and said you know John I know of thislittle valley that no one has been to in a long time andI think it would do us both good to go and do sometraping.

As they moved along they kept a close watch forsigns for these were not the same Indians that Blue was

raised with and they loved to find some lone riders andreleave them of their horses and their hair.

They ran across a few signs and were going to stayclear of them but as luck would have if they ran smackdab in to a small hunting party and had to make arun for it, they made it to a area where they had somegood cover and made a fight of it, the fight went on forthe better part of the day and there was a time or twowhen John did not know if they were going to make itthrough the day,

As night came on John and Blue slipped out and

made another run for it only this time the Indians did

not follow, it was as if they just let them go which didnot make John or Blue mad, they rode the better part of

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the night just to make sure that they had put plenty ofroom between them and the Indians.

When the sun came up the next morning they hadput about fifteen miles between them and where thefight had taken place John pulled his horse up and askBlue, dont you think we can take a little rest now, Blueshook his head and said if we cant I fell sorry for thoseIndians because Im tired and I dont want to play withthem anymore, John busted out laughing and said if youwere playing I dont want to see you mad.

They made camp and got a few hours of sleep anda hot meal then they got back on their way John waswonting to see the mountains bad and it had been awhile since Blue had just took off and relaxed up high.

With in a few days they could see the mountainsalong the sky line and boy did they look good, they rodehard for the next two days until they were at the foothillsthen Blue looked at John and said you know what John

I sure could use your help with something and John saidoh yea AND WHAT IF I DONT WONT TO HELPYOU, THEN BLUE SAID WELL ILL JUST HAVETO GET SOME ONE THAT WILL, they laughed androde off in to the mountains.

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