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Wizards, Whiskey and Wonderful Things - Concluded
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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2813669" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 94, “At the Lazy-S Ranch“, Saturday, March 18th, 1882, 5:00 P.M. </strong> </p><p></p><p>They eventually reach the north/south road that connects the Lazy S Ranch to the main road. Tricia estimates that they are around a mile north of the ranch and leads the group onward. As they near the ranch a man wearing a yellow rain slicker and carrying a shotgun greets them. Tricia recognizes him as Calvin Hardey, one of the ranch hands. "Afternoon, Calvin," says Trisha. "Great weather, huh?" </p><p></p><p>He replies, "Yeah, but odd for March, we usually don't get stuff like this until late summer." Calvin asks about Emery Shaw and the others who rode off with him. Trisha explains what happened at the battle, then gestures to Ruby. "She's hurt pretty bad," she says. "We need to get her into a bed, let her rest awhile." </p><p></p><p>Chester looks miserable in the rain. "Do you have a fire going? We've been riding for a while in this weather. I'd love to dry off." Calvin says, "Should be one going in the house. Emery wanted most of us to stand guard until he comes back. Don Colburn and my brother Henry are watching the Herd. Dick Murphy and Bob Graham are watching the house and barn. Paul Towle and Raphael Garcia should be inside with Miss Ellen". </p><p></p><p>He replies, "Thank you. Don't know if you remember us from a few months back. I'm Chester Martin. Nice to see you again." He shakes hands with Calvin. </p><p></p><p>Kate looked from one face to the next, seeing the same weariness as she knew was on her own. Stopping here was the right thing to do, but she desperately wanted to push on to Promise City. She was worried about what had happened this morning with Ringo. She wanted to see Ginnie was safe with her own eyes, to warn Sonoma about what was going on, and to give Dorita one less thing to worry about. </p><p></p><p>She shivered and sneezed, then leaned over to Jake. "You want to tuck Ruby inside or move on?" Flint says, "Bring her in, at least for a while. Her lips are blue again." Jake wearily nods in agreement. "Lets go in for a bit, then decide." </p><p></p><p>They arrive at the main house, a huge two-story wooden building with thirty rooms inside. Dick Murphy is on the porch guarding and helps them lift Ruby off of the horse. He assists Jake in carrying her inside. He and Bob Graham then take the horses over to the barn. Back inside, Raphael Garcia comes out from the kitchen where he has been preparing dinner and helps get Ruby some warm blankets to wrap over her near the burning fireplace. </p><p></p><p>Kate knelt down next to Ruby and felt her forehead. It was really too early to tell if she would be sick or not. Kate turned her head away and sneezed. The heat from the fireplace was too much after the chill that had settled into her bones. She sat down in a chair a few feet farther back and looked around, fighting her desire to sleep. </p><p></p><p>Ruby did not awaken during the ride to the ranch. Jake keeps his hand on her stomach to make sure her breathing continues to be normal... just in case. After a bit Ruby starts trying to cuddle with Jake and she begins making the soft little moaning noises she makes when sleeping comfortably, and Jake relaxes. </p><p></p><p>After setting Ruby down, Jake peels of his duster and hat. He stands by the fire for a few minutes before sitting back down next to Ruby. He tries to stay awake and watch her but quickly fails. He is sleeping when Ruby wakes up. Ruby barely moves as they move her from the horse to the house. </p><p></p><p>They place her by the fire and she warms up quickly. As she comes to she starts to feel some pain in her shoulder, but nothing like earlier. Now she just feels weak and tired. She feels Kate’s hand gently brush her forehead. She cracks open her eyes and watches her friends talk around her, all looking weary and haggard. Finally with a small smile she speaks, "You all look like crap." </p><p></p><p>Kate replies, "At least I look better than I feel. How are you feeling, Ruby? Any aches, beside in your shoulder?" "My whole body hurts." Ruby gingerly touches her shoulder. "Oooww. Are you hurt? Is everyone ok?" Ruby looks around the room, but her gaze sets upon the sleeping Jake. Kate says, "I'm alright, physically anyway. So is everyone else. You were the only..." Kate stopped and cleared her throat. "Do you want to spend the night here? It's warm, you can rest and eat." "I was the only what...?" Ruby is interrupted by the yelling from upstairs. </p><p></p><p>Tricia Shaw had gone upstairs looking for her sister Ellen. Those downstairs hears some yelling. Eventually both young women return. Not long after that the Shaw Ranch's carriage and wagon driver Paul Toole also descends the second floor staircase, looking a little disheveled. Kate says to Ruby, "Or maybe that problem has already been solved.” </p><p></p><p>Ruby tells Kate, I want to go home, but I can't ride. What does everyone else want to do?" Kate let out a deep breath and said, "I want to go home too. Miss Shaw, I don't suppose you called the carriage driver for us?" Ellen says, "Oh, are you in need of the carriage tonight? It is very poor weather to be going traveling." </p><p></p><p>Kate answers, "Quite poor, but I think we'd like to get home yet tonight. We don't really need a carriage, we can ride. I just wondered since your sister had planned on going into town with us. It would certainly be better for Ruby." Ruby uses her last bit of energy and slowly reaches her arm out for Jake. She pushes some wet hair off his face, "Jake, wake up..." </p><p></p><p>Jake startles and leaps to his feet and has his Colt half drawn before he stops. "Heh." He looks around the room and then back to Ruby, "You're looking better." "Thanks," Ruby tries to smile. "Come here," she says wearily. Jake sits next to her on the couch but Ruby doesn't have enough energy to move so far. "Jake, I want to go home, can we?" </p><p></p><p>Tricia and Ellen go off into a side room. More yelling follows. No complete sentences are heard but the name "Paul" is stated more than once. Kate sighed. She hadn't meant to start an argument between the sisters. It was obvious that Ellen and Paul had been "entertaining" one another upstairs, and Ellen didn't want to give up her father free time with her paramour. Kate didn't have enough left to care. A carriage was better for Ruby, and that was more important then Ellen Shaw's love life. </p><p></p><p>Before Chester heads inside, he takes Jeff aside. "Jeff, remember when I asked you if you had served in the Army? And you didn't want to talk about it. Well, it's time to tell your side of the story." </p><p></p><p>Jeff tells Chester, "It's a long story. Starts with my Great-Grandfather. He helped build the Erie Canal back in the 1820's. He settled down on a plot of land on the canal that he bought from the canal owners. Worked it for the rest of his life, using mules to haul boats and barges along the canal. My Grandfather and Father did the same. That's what they were still doing when I was born back in October 1853. Then in '58 we got swindled. Our land was stolen from us. But the thieves had the state politicians in their back pockets and threatened eviction. He tried to appeal to the Federal Government but they backed the thieves too. </p><p></p><p>We came out west then. My Grandfather didn't survive the journey west. He was healthy enough but his spirit was broken. Father blamed the politicians and developed a hatred for the Government. We settled in the area. When Arizona joined the Confederacy in '62 he was the first to join up. Was part of Sheord Hunter's troops. Fought here in Arizona and then moved on with Hunter to Texas. My father was with him at the battle of Brashier City, Louisiana in '64. That was a great Confederate Victory. They captured 1,300 Union prisoners, 11 heavy siege guns and over $ 2 million dollars worth of supplies. Only lost three men, but my father was one of them. </p><p></p><p>Not long after that Major General John Bankhead Magruder, who headed the Confederate States Military Department of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, send Sherod back to New Mexico and Arizona to recruit new forces. I signed up. I was only eleven, but had sprouted up early, being the same height and build that I am today. I lied and said I was eighteen. They knew I was younger than that but probably figured me for fifteen or sixteen. I was with Hunter's Brigade for the rest of the war." </p><p></p><p>Chester comments, "That was dreadfully risky. Why would you abandon your family at such a young age? Your mother must have worried sick." Jeff Mills says, "She'd died by then, I was on my own anyway. Sherod Hunter became like a second father to me. Always looked after me. In '65 hundreds of Secessionists were escaping from Union-controlled Territory to Mexico. Colonel Hunter took it upon himself to reorganize them into a coherent fighting force. He knew we needed to be taken seriously. </p><p></p><p>But Hunter's aims weren't to re-ignite the whole war, just to create a place for those who believed in State's rights to live. He through that President Johnson would be willing to concede The Arizona and New Mexico Territories to the Confederacy as long as we allowed the United States railroads to travel through them. That was the main reason for the Gadsten Purchase to begin with, to secure land for a railroad linking Texas to California. Colonel Hunter crossed back into the states in '66 for a secret meeting with representatives of President Johnson but nothing came of that meeting. </p><p></p><p>Then in '68 Grant was elected president and Hunter realized that Grant would never negotiate with him. Colonel Hunter disbanded the unit but kept in touch with each of us. Grant left office in '77 and Rutherford Hayes took office, a truly honest man if there ever was one.” Chester comments, “I've got a bone to pick with President Hayes, but on the whole he was an honest man.” </p><p></p><p>Jeff continues, “Hayes’s policies were for southern reconciliation. Hunter called us all back to Mexico and started negotiations again. But then silver and gold were discovered in the territories and the Government was less inclined to deal. That's when things got really difficult and I had a falling out with Colonel Hunter. I left Mexico and came back here again. The Government's been after me ever since, as has Sherod. Chet, I'm stuck in the middle of a damned tug of war and neither side will listen to me." </p><p></p><p>Back inside, Jake rubs his eyes. "Ya. We'll figure something out." He looks around for Tricia but doesn't see her. Quickly he hears her though. He follows the sound of the women's voices. Nanuet interjects, “"Well, I can't answer for how the rest of you feel but I got my rest last night and I am OK to continue on. Ruby seems to be doing OK so I don't have a problem with it if we want to keep going. Besides, I wouldn't want us to put a burden on these kind folks." Ruby says, "I'm just really tired and beat up, I want to go home. How bad am I anyway?" </p><p></p><p>Tricia heads out to the barn. She comes back a few minutes later and announces "I told them to hook up the coach. Paul, get your rain slicker, you're going to need it." Ellen starts to open her mouth to protest but one 'Shut up or I'll tell father' look from Tricia silences her. </p><p></p><p>Kate says, "Thank you, Miss Shaw. We appreciate the trouble you're taking for us." Kate turned to Ruby and said, "You'll be fine, and you just need some rest. It was an ugly wound, but you knew that. You'll be home in no time now and you can rest in your own bed." She pulled herself out of the chair, glad she hadn't let herself fall asleep. Once she did that, there would be no moving again for hours. "Come on Ruby, let's get you ready to go." </p><p></p><p>Ruby laughs to herself “She just has this motherly way about her“ . She's come very far from the women I met on the stage that day for sure. Ruby watched Kate look over all her friends, concerned about all of them. One of Kate's greatest strengths was the caring and love she had for others, sometimes foolishly naive and trusting but that is what made her who she was. </p><p></p><p>Ruby smiles up at Kate as she adjusts the blanket around her. Ruby reaches out her hand and grabs Kate's, although weakly. Looking her in the eyes she says softly, "Thank you, Katherine Kale." Ruby breaks her gaze on Kate and turns her head. "I'll be glad to be home." </p><p></p><p>"Where's Chester and Jeff?" Jake asks and then heads out to get everyone together. Outside Chester asks, "Why are they still after you? I mean you haven't taken up arms against the Union in years. And Hunter should be able to take no for an answer, right? Anyway, you need to tell Jake at least some of what you've told me." Jeff hesitates to answer and looks relieved when Jake comes over and interrupts them. </p><p></p><p>Jake says, "Chester, can you, Nanuet and Tricia figure out how we get back? Who rides horses, who's in the coach and whatever else is important. I'm tired, I can't think." Jake walks over to Jeff Mills while the plans are being made. He puts Jeff's old revolver in Jeff's hands in a way that others in the room wouldn't notice and blocks the view of the man putting it away. "Thanks. We need to talk sometime soon." Jake pats him on the shoulder and smiles before going back to help Ruby get ready to travel. </p><p></p><p>Bob Graham comes in soon and announces that the horse team is hooked up to the carriage. He tells the group "Your horses are as tired as you guys look. Better leave them here tonight, we can have somebody ride them into Promise City tomorrow for you." Flint announces that he's staying at the ranch to help with the new cattle when they arrive the next day. Tricia replies "Good, it's going to be a crowded enough carriage as it is. Who wants to ride shotgun topside?" </p><p></p><p>Chester states, "Sure, Jake. Ruby should definitely be in the coach. It'll be bumpy, but it'll keep the rain off her. Kate doesn't look well either. You look like you're about to fall asleep on your feet, so in the coach you go. Don't want you falling off your horse." Chester smiles. "Minerva can make sure Ruby does well. I can ride ahead of the coach to scout out the path." </p><p></p><p>Kate says, "That sounds fine Chester, except why don't you just ride on the coach. As Mr. Graham said, the horses are tired." Chester replies, "Because there may still be cowboys out there. I don't want to get caught by surprise again. They won't be good hosts the next time." She says, "I don't have the energy to argue with you, Chester. Do it however you like." </p><p></p><p>Kate turns to the hand and says, "Thank you, Mr. Graham, you've been very kind." Once she was sure Ruby was settled Kate gathered her own things and got into the carriage. Nanuet says, "Not sure how many can fit on or in the coach, but I can ride or sit on top. The ladies should be the ones in the coach. How many does it seat?" </p><p></p><p>Before getting into the coach, Jake gathers up all his and Ruby's gear and weapons from their horses. He groans a bit under the weight. Ruby marvels at how gingerly everyone is treating her. They help her into the coach, a coach she is familiar with. At one point Jake is loading gear and they are alone. Ruby looks up at him, "Over there," she points, "Is the good stuff." Jake starts moving past her and she grabs his arm, "Jake, what happened? I don't remember that much. Everyone looks so... grim." </p><p></p><p>Jake smiles and drops his bundle in a loud clunk. People are climbing in and he squeezes in next to Ruby. "Lucky Jake Cook to be here in this nice warm coach with all these beautiful women." He leans in close to Ruby and whispers in her ear. "We thought we were going to lose you. You didn't listen when I said no hero stuff." Jake takes hold of her hand and leans back with his eyes close. </p><p></p><p>Ruby raises her eyebrows, "You did?" She looks at Jake who already has his eyes closed and another wave of exhaustion comes over her. She looks around the coach, her friends looking how she is feeling. Now was not the time to ask more questions. She leans into Jake and falls right asleep. </p><p></p><p>Minerva had fallen fast asleep as soon as she lay in front of the warm fire. She awakened to the shouting going on upstairs and prepared to journey back to Promise City. She gathered up her belongings called to Luna and crawled into the coach "I have got to rest before this sermon. Can't give the Vigilance Committee ‘what for’ if I can't stay awake" she thinks before resuming her nap. </p><p></p><p>Tricia has Raphael Garcia bring out a good-sized trunk which is fastened onto the top of the carriage. Jake, Kate, Minerva, Nanuet, Ruby and Tricia go inside. Jeff heads up top, being loaned a large rain slicker by Graham. Chester rides alongside. </p><p></p><p>The Concord Coach is quite lavish, with well cushioned seats covered with red velvet that matches the interior side of the window curtains, the outside of the curtains being a charcoal gray. The inside of the coach is paneled with mahogany wood. The interior is illuminated by a gas lantern suspended from the center of the ceiling. The coach also has a small liquor cabinet that is presently stocked with Scotch Whiskey, Gin and a bottle of Tequila with four glasses made of fine-cut crystal are attached to the cabinet. </p><p></p><p>Kate looked at the opulent coach, feeling very at home in such surroundings. "That seems quite a large trunk for one night, Miss Shaw. How long is the trip into Promise City from here?" Trisha shrugs and says, "It's only a couple of hours, Mrs. Kale. We should be there by mid-evening." She pauses, looking back at the house; Ellen is standing in the doorway, looking sullen and angry. "But I might be staying a while." Saying nothing else, Trisha gets on board. </p><p></p><p>Paul takes a back way rather than the main road to avoid the Cowboy Gang. The less traveled path is far more hilly and bumpier than the main road, and there is continuous thunder and lightening, but all of that is oblivious to most of those inside the carriage who sleep like babies. </p><p></p><p>Minerva sleeps for a while and awakens to see everyone sleeping peacefully around her. She pulls out a pencil and paper and works on touching up her sermon. She is still quite tired and a bit cranky and so is not very charitable in her remarks. She looks over what she has written and a wicked smile plays across her lips." Hmm a bit harsh but they DO have it coming to them." she thinks and reaches down to pour herself a small glass of tequila to ease her aching muscles, while she ponders what else she can say to make the committee squirm.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2813669, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 94, “At the Lazy-S Ranch“, Saturday, March 18th, 1882, 5:00 P.M. [/B] They eventually reach the north/south road that connects the Lazy S Ranch to the main road. Tricia estimates that they are around a mile north of the ranch and leads the group onward. As they near the ranch a man wearing a yellow rain slicker and carrying a shotgun greets them. Tricia recognizes him as Calvin Hardey, one of the ranch hands. "Afternoon, Calvin," says Trisha. "Great weather, huh?" He replies, "Yeah, but odd for March, we usually don't get stuff like this until late summer." Calvin asks about Emery Shaw and the others who rode off with him. Trisha explains what happened at the battle, then gestures to Ruby. "She's hurt pretty bad," she says. "We need to get her into a bed, let her rest awhile." Chester looks miserable in the rain. "Do you have a fire going? We've been riding for a while in this weather. I'd love to dry off." Calvin says, "Should be one going in the house. Emery wanted most of us to stand guard until he comes back. Don Colburn and my brother Henry are watching the Herd. Dick Murphy and Bob Graham are watching the house and barn. Paul Towle and Raphael Garcia should be inside with Miss Ellen". He replies, "Thank you. Don't know if you remember us from a few months back. I'm Chester Martin. Nice to see you again." He shakes hands with Calvin. Kate looked from one face to the next, seeing the same weariness as she knew was on her own. Stopping here was the right thing to do, but she desperately wanted to push on to Promise City. She was worried about what had happened this morning with Ringo. She wanted to see Ginnie was safe with her own eyes, to warn Sonoma about what was going on, and to give Dorita one less thing to worry about. She shivered and sneezed, then leaned over to Jake. "You want to tuck Ruby inside or move on?" Flint says, "Bring her in, at least for a while. Her lips are blue again." Jake wearily nods in agreement. "Lets go in for a bit, then decide." They arrive at the main house, a huge two-story wooden building with thirty rooms inside. Dick Murphy is on the porch guarding and helps them lift Ruby off of the horse. He assists Jake in carrying her inside. He and Bob Graham then take the horses over to the barn. Back inside, Raphael Garcia comes out from the kitchen where he has been preparing dinner and helps get Ruby some warm blankets to wrap over her near the burning fireplace. Kate knelt down next to Ruby and felt her forehead. It was really too early to tell if she would be sick or not. Kate turned her head away and sneezed. The heat from the fireplace was too much after the chill that had settled into her bones. She sat down in a chair a few feet farther back and looked around, fighting her desire to sleep. Ruby did not awaken during the ride to the ranch. Jake keeps his hand on her stomach to make sure her breathing continues to be normal... just in case. After a bit Ruby starts trying to cuddle with Jake and she begins making the soft little moaning noises she makes when sleeping comfortably, and Jake relaxes. After setting Ruby down, Jake peels of his duster and hat. He stands by the fire for a few minutes before sitting back down next to Ruby. He tries to stay awake and watch her but quickly fails. He is sleeping when Ruby wakes up. Ruby barely moves as they move her from the horse to the house. They place her by the fire and she warms up quickly. As she comes to she starts to feel some pain in her shoulder, but nothing like earlier. Now she just feels weak and tired. She feels Kate’s hand gently brush her forehead. She cracks open her eyes and watches her friends talk around her, all looking weary and haggard. Finally with a small smile she speaks, "You all look like crap." Kate replies, "At least I look better than I feel. How are you feeling, Ruby? Any aches, beside in your shoulder?" "My whole body hurts." Ruby gingerly touches her shoulder. "Oooww. Are you hurt? Is everyone ok?" Ruby looks around the room, but her gaze sets upon the sleeping Jake. Kate says, "I'm alright, physically anyway. So is everyone else. You were the only..." Kate stopped and cleared her throat. "Do you want to spend the night here? It's warm, you can rest and eat." "I was the only what...?" Ruby is interrupted by the yelling from upstairs. Tricia Shaw had gone upstairs looking for her sister Ellen. Those downstairs hears some yelling. Eventually both young women return. Not long after that the Shaw Ranch's carriage and wagon driver Paul Toole also descends the second floor staircase, looking a little disheveled. Kate says to Ruby, "Or maybe that problem has already been solved.” Ruby tells Kate, I want to go home, but I can't ride. What does everyone else want to do?" Kate let out a deep breath and said, "I want to go home too. Miss Shaw, I don't suppose you called the carriage driver for us?" Ellen says, "Oh, are you in need of the carriage tonight? It is very poor weather to be going traveling." Kate answers, "Quite poor, but I think we'd like to get home yet tonight. We don't really need a carriage, we can ride. I just wondered since your sister had planned on going into town with us. It would certainly be better for Ruby." Ruby uses her last bit of energy and slowly reaches her arm out for Jake. She pushes some wet hair off his face, "Jake, wake up..." Jake startles and leaps to his feet and has his Colt half drawn before he stops. "Heh." He looks around the room and then back to Ruby, "You're looking better." "Thanks," Ruby tries to smile. "Come here," she says wearily. Jake sits next to her on the couch but Ruby doesn't have enough energy to move so far. "Jake, I want to go home, can we?" Tricia and Ellen go off into a side room. More yelling follows. No complete sentences are heard but the name "Paul" is stated more than once. Kate sighed. She hadn't meant to start an argument between the sisters. It was obvious that Ellen and Paul had been "entertaining" one another upstairs, and Ellen didn't want to give up her father free time with her paramour. Kate didn't have enough left to care. A carriage was better for Ruby, and that was more important then Ellen Shaw's love life. Before Chester heads inside, he takes Jeff aside. "Jeff, remember when I asked you if you had served in the Army? And you didn't want to talk about it. Well, it's time to tell your side of the story." Jeff tells Chester, "It's a long story. Starts with my Great-Grandfather. He helped build the Erie Canal back in the 1820's. He settled down on a plot of land on the canal that he bought from the canal owners. Worked it for the rest of his life, using mules to haul boats and barges along the canal. My Grandfather and Father did the same. That's what they were still doing when I was born back in October 1853. Then in '58 we got swindled. Our land was stolen from us. But the thieves had the state politicians in their back pockets and threatened eviction. He tried to appeal to the Federal Government but they backed the thieves too. We came out west then. My Grandfather didn't survive the journey west. He was healthy enough but his spirit was broken. Father blamed the politicians and developed a hatred for the Government. We settled in the area. When Arizona joined the Confederacy in '62 he was the first to join up. Was part of Sheord Hunter's troops. Fought here in Arizona and then moved on with Hunter to Texas. My father was with him at the battle of Brashier City, Louisiana in '64. That was a great Confederate Victory. They captured 1,300 Union prisoners, 11 heavy siege guns and over $ 2 million dollars worth of supplies. Only lost three men, but my father was one of them. Not long after that Major General John Bankhead Magruder, who headed the Confederate States Military Department of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, send Sherod back to New Mexico and Arizona to recruit new forces. I signed up. I was only eleven, but had sprouted up early, being the same height and build that I am today. I lied and said I was eighteen. They knew I was younger than that but probably figured me for fifteen or sixteen. I was with Hunter's Brigade for the rest of the war." Chester comments, "That was dreadfully risky. Why would you abandon your family at such a young age? Your mother must have worried sick." Jeff Mills says, "She'd died by then, I was on my own anyway. Sherod Hunter became like a second father to me. Always looked after me. In '65 hundreds of Secessionists were escaping from Union-controlled Territory to Mexico. Colonel Hunter took it upon himself to reorganize them into a coherent fighting force. He knew we needed to be taken seriously. But Hunter's aims weren't to re-ignite the whole war, just to create a place for those who believed in State's rights to live. He through that President Johnson would be willing to concede The Arizona and New Mexico Territories to the Confederacy as long as we allowed the United States railroads to travel through them. That was the main reason for the Gadsten Purchase to begin with, to secure land for a railroad linking Texas to California. Colonel Hunter crossed back into the states in '66 for a secret meeting with representatives of President Johnson but nothing came of that meeting. Then in '68 Grant was elected president and Hunter realized that Grant would never negotiate with him. Colonel Hunter disbanded the unit but kept in touch with each of us. Grant left office in '77 and Rutherford Hayes took office, a truly honest man if there ever was one.” Chester comments, “I've got a bone to pick with President Hayes, but on the whole he was an honest man.” Jeff continues, “Hayes’s policies were for southern reconciliation. Hunter called us all back to Mexico and started negotiations again. But then silver and gold were discovered in the territories and the Government was less inclined to deal. That's when things got really difficult and I had a falling out with Colonel Hunter. I left Mexico and came back here again. The Government's been after me ever since, as has Sherod. Chet, I'm stuck in the middle of a damned tug of war and neither side will listen to me." Back inside, Jake rubs his eyes. "Ya. We'll figure something out." He looks around for Tricia but doesn't see her. Quickly he hears her though. He follows the sound of the women's voices. Nanuet interjects, “"Well, I can't answer for how the rest of you feel but I got my rest last night and I am OK to continue on. Ruby seems to be doing OK so I don't have a problem with it if we want to keep going. Besides, I wouldn't want us to put a burden on these kind folks." Ruby says, "I'm just really tired and beat up, I want to go home. How bad am I anyway?" Tricia heads out to the barn. She comes back a few minutes later and announces "I told them to hook up the coach. Paul, get your rain slicker, you're going to need it." Ellen starts to open her mouth to protest but one 'Shut up or I'll tell father' look from Tricia silences her. Kate says, "Thank you, Miss Shaw. We appreciate the trouble you're taking for us." Kate turned to Ruby and said, "You'll be fine, and you just need some rest. It was an ugly wound, but you knew that. You'll be home in no time now and you can rest in your own bed." She pulled herself out of the chair, glad she hadn't let herself fall asleep. Once she did that, there would be no moving again for hours. "Come on Ruby, let's get you ready to go." Ruby laughs to herself “She just has this motherly way about her“ . She's come very far from the women I met on the stage that day for sure. Ruby watched Kate look over all her friends, concerned about all of them. One of Kate's greatest strengths was the caring and love she had for others, sometimes foolishly naive and trusting but that is what made her who she was. Ruby smiles up at Kate as she adjusts the blanket around her. Ruby reaches out her hand and grabs Kate's, although weakly. Looking her in the eyes she says softly, "Thank you, Katherine Kale." Ruby breaks her gaze on Kate and turns her head. "I'll be glad to be home." "Where's Chester and Jeff?" Jake asks and then heads out to get everyone together. Outside Chester asks, "Why are they still after you? I mean you haven't taken up arms against the Union in years. And Hunter should be able to take no for an answer, right? Anyway, you need to tell Jake at least some of what you've told me." Jeff hesitates to answer and looks relieved when Jake comes over and interrupts them. Jake says, "Chester, can you, Nanuet and Tricia figure out how we get back? Who rides horses, who's in the coach and whatever else is important. I'm tired, I can't think." Jake walks over to Jeff Mills while the plans are being made. He puts Jeff's old revolver in Jeff's hands in a way that others in the room wouldn't notice and blocks the view of the man putting it away. "Thanks. We need to talk sometime soon." Jake pats him on the shoulder and smiles before going back to help Ruby get ready to travel. Bob Graham comes in soon and announces that the horse team is hooked up to the carriage. He tells the group "Your horses are as tired as you guys look. Better leave them here tonight, we can have somebody ride them into Promise City tomorrow for you." Flint announces that he's staying at the ranch to help with the new cattle when they arrive the next day. Tricia replies "Good, it's going to be a crowded enough carriage as it is. Who wants to ride shotgun topside?" Chester states, "Sure, Jake. Ruby should definitely be in the coach. It'll be bumpy, but it'll keep the rain off her. Kate doesn't look well either. You look like you're about to fall asleep on your feet, so in the coach you go. Don't want you falling off your horse." Chester smiles. "Minerva can make sure Ruby does well. I can ride ahead of the coach to scout out the path." Kate says, "That sounds fine Chester, except why don't you just ride on the coach. As Mr. Graham said, the horses are tired." Chester replies, "Because there may still be cowboys out there. I don't want to get caught by surprise again. They won't be good hosts the next time." She says, "I don't have the energy to argue with you, Chester. Do it however you like." Kate turns to the hand and says, "Thank you, Mr. Graham, you've been very kind." Once she was sure Ruby was settled Kate gathered her own things and got into the carriage. Nanuet says, "Not sure how many can fit on or in the coach, but I can ride or sit on top. The ladies should be the ones in the coach. How many does it seat?" Before getting into the coach, Jake gathers up all his and Ruby's gear and weapons from their horses. He groans a bit under the weight. Ruby marvels at how gingerly everyone is treating her. They help her into the coach, a coach she is familiar with. At one point Jake is loading gear and they are alone. Ruby looks up at him, "Over there," she points, "Is the good stuff." Jake starts moving past her and she grabs his arm, "Jake, what happened? I don't remember that much. Everyone looks so... grim." Jake smiles and drops his bundle in a loud clunk. People are climbing in and he squeezes in next to Ruby. "Lucky Jake Cook to be here in this nice warm coach with all these beautiful women." He leans in close to Ruby and whispers in her ear. "We thought we were going to lose you. You didn't listen when I said no hero stuff." Jake takes hold of her hand and leans back with his eyes close. Ruby raises her eyebrows, "You did?" She looks at Jake who already has his eyes closed and another wave of exhaustion comes over her. She looks around the coach, her friends looking how she is feeling. Now was not the time to ask more questions. She leans into Jake and falls right asleep. Minerva had fallen fast asleep as soon as she lay in front of the warm fire. She awakened to the shouting going on upstairs and prepared to journey back to Promise City. She gathered up her belongings called to Luna and crawled into the coach "I have got to rest before this sermon. Can't give the Vigilance Committee ‘what for’ if I can't stay awake" she thinks before resuming her nap. Tricia has Raphael Garcia bring out a good-sized trunk which is fastened onto the top of the carriage. Jake, Kate, Minerva, Nanuet, Ruby and Tricia go inside. Jeff heads up top, being loaned a large rain slicker by Graham. Chester rides alongside. The Concord Coach is quite lavish, with well cushioned seats covered with red velvet that matches the interior side of the window curtains, the outside of the curtains being a charcoal gray. The inside of the coach is paneled with mahogany wood. The interior is illuminated by a gas lantern suspended from the center of the ceiling. The coach also has a small liquor cabinet that is presently stocked with Scotch Whiskey, Gin and a bottle of Tequila with four glasses made of fine-cut crystal are attached to the cabinet. Kate looked at the opulent coach, feeling very at home in such surroundings. "That seems quite a large trunk for one night, Miss Shaw. How long is the trip into Promise City from here?" Trisha shrugs and says, "It's only a couple of hours, Mrs. Kale. We should be there by mid-evening." She pauses, looking back at the house; Ellen is standing in the doorway, looking sullen and angry. "But I might be staying a while." Saying nothing else, Trisha gets on board. Paul takes a back way rather than the main road to avoid the Cowboy Gang. The less traveled path is far more hilly and bumpier than the main road, and there is continuous thunder and lightening, but all of that is oblivious to most of those inside the carriage who sleep like babies. Minerva sleeps for a while and awakens to see everyone sleeping peacefully around her. She pulls out a pencil and paper and works on touching up her sermon. She is still quite tired and a bit cranky and so is not very charitable in her remarks. She looks over what she has written and a wicked smile plays across her lips." Hmm a bit harsh but they DO have it coming to them." she thinks and reaches down to pour herself a small glass of tequila to ease her aching muscles, while she ponders what else she can say to make the committee squirm. [/QUOTE]
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