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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2746214" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 159, “Traveling in Style” , Sunday, January 22nd, 1882, 10:00 A.M.</strong></p><p></p><p>Chester wakes up and heads downstairs for breakfast. Dorita cooks up a nice breakfast for Chester. He then heads outside to a nice sunny day. A quick walk around town shows that the gunsmith's shop is closed this day. He continues to walk around town, recognizing several of the mounts in the corral at Drover's Livery as those belonging to Billy Comstock and his friends. He finds the group of six eating at a table in Drover's Hotel.</p><p></p><p>"Hi Bill. I heard Bill Cody found the beast. That's a shame." Chester adds in a low voice. "A little bird told me that he wasn't the one who killed it." Comstock says "Well, he had the body. Looks like he beat me again. Just as well I guess, I wanted the buffalo hunter title, the name 'Dragonstalker Bill' strikes me as a bit too fantastic." The other soldiers laugh at that comment. </p><p></p><p>Comstock tells Chester "This will be our last night in town. We'll head out back to our Fort in New Mexico tomorrow. You're welcome to join us tonight if you'd like." </p><p></p><p>Chester replies, "That'd be nice, Bill. I'd be glad to see you off. When and where should we meet?" Comstock says, “Doesn't matter to me, we've checked out several saloons. The Palace, Gay Lady and Lone Star all seem to have pretty good entertainment. The Comique did too but I've heard that singer left town." </p><p></p><p>Chester replies, "Well I recommend the Lone Star, of course. They have a new singer there, a Miss Townsend, who is quite nice. Plus I might be able to pull some strings and get our drinks cheaper. How's that sound?" Comstock says, "A capital idea, Chet. We'll see you around 8 o'clock." Chester replies, "I'll be there. Gentlemen, have a good lunch." </p><p></p><p>Across town, Ruby moaned as she slowly sat up in bed, rubbing her head. She was a stupid girl, thinking Jake wasn’t coming back and letting it upset her to the point of drinking a bottle of whiskey. Maybe he would come back, maybe he wouldn’t. Either way she would be fine, like she always was. She sighed and dragged her butt out of bed. She gathered all her stuff together and started getting dressed. As she did she noticed a note from Kate. She was probably off reading in Mr. Gonzales room. </p><p></p><p>She left the note unopened, finished getting dressed and made her way back to the Lone Star. She got there and walked in, still hoping Jake would just be there, but Mr. Hoover just shook his head at her as she looked at him eagerly. She shrugged and went upstairs to her room. She plopped down on the bed, prayed to any god that would listen to take away her headache, and opened Kate’s note. </p><p></p><p><em>Dearest Ruby, </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>I am sorry to leave you alone today, but I didn't want to wake you. I have gone to Tombstone to see about a proper monument for Tom's grave. It has long weighed on my mind, and I have been thinking about him a great deal over the last week. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>I doubt my business can be concluded in time to return today, so I plan to stay overnight in Tombstone and return tomorrow morning. Feel free to say in my room tonight if you want to be in the El Parador. Tell the others not to worry and I'll see all of you tomorrow evening. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Love, </em></p><p><em>Katherine</em></p><p></p><p>“Are you kidding me?” Ruby said out loud. Ruby rubbed her aching head and closed her eyes. Kate going off to Tombstone alone. Sure she had lived there alone for months, but then she hadn’t known who murdered her husband and had the Cowboy Gang to worry about. What Ruby really wanted to do was curl up in bed and hide under the blankets. Instead she got up again and changed into a dress she could ride in. She grabbed a hat, her water and made sure she had some extra bullets for her pistol. She made her way to her horse at the El Parador and took off to Tombstone, hoping to get there before Kate got into any real trouble.</p><p></p><p>The first part of Ruby's ride is uneventful. It is a sunny January day and the temperature soon rises to the mid-seventies. By noon she has reached the intersection in the road where it forks off to both Dos Cabezas and Tombstone. Little more than a day had passed since they had been at this very spot. She continues westward to Tombstone, riding for four more miles until she reaches the next fork in the road. </p><p></p><p>As she nears the next fork, the south branch running to the Lazy S Ranch she is reminded of two weeks earlier when the stage was forced to take a detour to that ranch. She notices a pair of horsemen on that road around a half-file south riding on the road in her direction, and believes that she recognizes them as the rancher Emery Shaw and one of his hired hands whose name escapes her. Ruby holds up her horse and waits for the men to get closer to her.</p><p></p><p>Shaw and the hand ride up. Emery tips his hat and says "Miss West, what on earth are you doing out here alone? It isn't safe for a woman to be riding by herself what with both the Cowboy Gang still causing trouble and now the new problem with the Apache." Ruby smiles at him. "Well, I have some very important business in Tombstone that just can't wait for the stage tomorrow. The ride has been uneventful so far, I'm sure I can manage the rest."</p><p></p><p>Emery says "Well, the stretch you've taken so far is the easiest. You still have another twenty-five or so miles to Tombstone, including the stretch through the south Dragoon Mountains. If you'd like we can ride back to my ranch, hook up a coach, and we'll take you there. I don't feel safe letting you head off alone." She replies, “Oh, Mr. Emery, you certainly are a gentleman, but I just can't let you go through all that trouble for me. I'm sure I'll be alright. But aren't you sweet?"</p><p></p><p>Shaw says "Well, will you at least let Abner here ride along with you? We were heading in Promise City for some errands just now, but he could just as easily take care of those in Tombstone for me. He could ride back here tomorrow alongside the stage. I'll feel much safer letting you go with an experienced gunman along."</p><p></p><p>Ruby smiles again at Shaw. Why was he so concerned about her? "Mr. Shaw, since you were going to take a trip today anyway, why don't you accompany me? I'll take you up on your offer for the coach, I'm not dressed for riding anyway. And then you and I can talk..."</p><p></p><p>He thanks her and they make a quick ride the three miles down the road to the Shaw ranch. Both of Emery's daughters, Tricia and Ellen also want to go to town on the shopping trip be he adamantly refuses, telling them that it is far too dangerous with the Apache all riled up and possibly on the warpath again. They protest that if it is safe for Ruby then it is safe enough for them, commenting that they are probably much better with using firearms than she is. </p><p></p><p>In addition to his driver Paul Towle, Shaw also brings along hired hands Donald Colburn, Tim Kilpin and Raphael Garcia. All four men take up positions on the buckboard and top of the stage, leaving Ruby and Emery to ride alone inside. Emery asks if she wants her horse to be hitched to the coach to ride with them or if she wants to leave it here to pick up when they return.</p><p></p><p>She says, “Please hitch the horse, I'm not sure how long I have to be in town." Ruby takes Emery's offered hand to get into the coach. She tries to fix her hair and wipe the dust off her. "You'll have to excuse me, Mr. Shaw, riding can leave one's appearance less than desirable."</p><p></p><p>Shaw gives instruction to his son Humphrey and top hand Abner Mingle on keeping the ranch safe until their return on Monday. The carriage departs. Two other ranch hands ride alongside for the first three miles until they reach the main road, and then turn back as the carriage turns west towards Tombstone. </p><p></p><p>Ruby admires the interior of the coach are realizes that Emery's late wife probably had something to do with it. The seats are well cushioned and 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. The label on the last bottle is in Spanish and the only word she recognizes is the brewery's location of Guadalajara, Mexico. Four glasses made of fine-cut crystal are attached to the cabinet.</p><p></p><p>Ruby let her hand caress the rich velvet seats. It had been a long time since she was surrounded by such luxury. "This coach is beyond beautiful and I am lucky to be able to spend my trip in here instead of out there. Mr. Shaw, how will I be able to thank you for your kindness in escorting me to Tombstone?”</p><p></p><p>He replies "Miss West, I assure you, had you ridden off alone I would have been fraught with worry until I knew that you were safe again. As you saw two weeks ago, I am concerned about people's safety in these parts. I have had my ranch here for over a decade and consider this to be the finest place in the United States. People feared this area when Cochise was on the warpath, killing humans indiscriminately. I have no intentions of seeing this land return to that type of fear and paranoia." </p><p></p><p>His face then turns slightly red when he adds "And it has been years since I've had the opportunity to spend some time alone with a beautiful young woman such as yourself." She answers, “You flatter me," Ruby blushed, "Especially being all disheveled like this. I truly appreciate you helping a girl in need, even when she doesn't think she needs it.”</p><p> </p><p>She comments, “And did I hear you say you weren't returning until Monday?" He replies, "It will be close to 3:00 PM by the time reach Tombstone, and then I have my purchases to make. We would not be able to return to the ranch until after nightfall, and with Geronimo's elves about I'd rather not risk it. Far better to return in the morning. Plus Tombstone has a very fine Grand Hotel and restaurant that I never seem to find the time to visit."</p><p></p><p>Ruby laughs. "And I can say that you DO have the finest ranch I have ever been to. Although I suppose I should be upset with you, I have been in Promise City for three weeks and you still haven't come and heard me sing.” He apologizes for the oversight of not making it into Promise City during the prior two weeks but adds "I was heading there when we met up on the road a short while ago but wouldn't have been able to hear you today either since you were going away." </p><p></p><p>She comments, So, why don't you tell me about your ranch, I am curious of how you were able to become so successful." He tells her of his history, coming to this land not long after the Gadsten Purchase. He speaks lovingly of his wife, son and daughters. He tells of his ranch being the 2nd largest in the county and 4th largest in the entire Arizona Territory, with an average of 300 head of cattle.</p><p></p><p>Ruby nods her head and acts very interested in his story. She comments on how lucky he is to have such a loving family and successful business and that everyone associated with him are also very lucky to have his generosity. He asks if she would like a drink as he reaches for the liquor cabinet and pours himself a glass of the Scotch. </p><p></p><p>He sips the drink and then speaks briefly of his wife's passing and how difficult it has been to raise two active and intelligent daughters without her. He says that he has put down strict rules so that none of the ranch hands will dare to get romantically involved with either, and that he has chased off a number of courters from Promise City, Dos Cabezas and Tombstone who he suspects were just after his money and ranch. He concludes by saying "They took quite a shine to that Heath Barkley boy, and he comes from money so wouldn't be seeking that from them. Maybe I should let them visit him in California some time. Well chaperoned of course."</p><p></p><p>Ruby continues to flirt with and charm Mr. Shaw, not really on purpose, more out of habit, although she does admit to herself that it can't hurt to have a rich rancher friend, especially one who is a lonely and handsome widower. He is on his third glass of Scotch before she takes her first, which she only drinks a small portion of. </p><p></p><p>The next twenty miles of the journey are uneventful. That changes however when they are going through the lower Dragoon mountains. Emery and Ruby hear movement on the roof above the. Shaw stands and opens up a small trapdoor in the roof, asking what is going on. Ranch hand Kiplin says "Apache, at least ten of them, the hill to the right." </p><p></p><p>Shaw lifts up the cushion of the coach seat that he had been sitting on, revealing a large cache of weapons beneath. He takes out a rifle of a model she has not seen before and loads it. Ruby tells his she is proficient in using weapons and he reaches in and hands her one identical to his. </p><p></p><p>The weapon is a bolt action repeater rifle with a twelve-cartridge magazine. It has a long barrel, the total length of the weapon exceeding four-feet, the barrel alone being nearly a yard long. It also weighs slightly over ten pounds. </p><p></p><p>He tells her "These are the best long-range rifles to ever come from Europe, the Swiss Vetterli 1881 Model. It's made by the Eidgenossische Waffenfabrik Company in Bern. Has an improved Schmidt set trigger. The Swiss Army uses them to protect their borders. You can accurately shoot nearly a mile with it." </p><p></p><p>He heads to the side of carriage and pulls out a number of wooden plugs, revealing slots to both shoot and sight through. He extends the far end of the barrel through the hole, having Ruby do the same. A deep rubbery substance coats the outer edge of the hole, allowing the shooter to rest the gun barrel against the carriage wall without it jumping and bouncing excessively with each shake of the vehicle. It also elevates much of the weapon's weight. </p><p></p><p>They ride past the hills and Ruby counts a total of fifteen mounted Apache warriors, all with full body paint and carrying Henry model repeating rifles. They make no attempt to hide but they also don't come any closer as the carriage continues westward. </p><p></p><p>Once they have gone by Emery and Ruby retake their seats, but still keep the rifles at the ready. He tells her "That dear lady is why I didn't want you traveling by yourself. Do you really think they would have let you ride by alone? There was a skirmish between the Army and the Apache up in the mountains a few days ago. I don't know if anyone was killed, but there were wounded on both sides. And now the Apache are making their presence known." </p><p></p><p>Ruby realizes that Shaw had been right, she probably would not have been let go by a bunch of Apache. She puts hand on his arm and squeezes gently. "I guess I really owe you now. I don't know what I would have done. It was very foolish of me to think I could make the trip alone safely." She smiled genuinely at the man, for once again, she felt someone was looking out for her best interests, asking nothing in return. </p><p></p><p>They continue westward. When they are still ten miles east of Tombstone they see the Wells Fargo Stage heading towards them on its way back towards Promise City. The two vehicles stop for the drivers to talk to one another, with Shaw's men telling them of the Apache. Ruby notices that her friend Chuck Nevers is driving the stage today.</p><p></p><p>Ruby sticks her head out the window, "Chuck! I am so glad to see you! Was my friend Kate on the coach this morning? Did you see where she went when she got off?" Chuck yells back "Why hello Miss West. Yes, Mrs. Kale was on the stage. I dropped her off the same place as usual, right in front of the grand hotel. She had a round trip ticket but said that she wasn't planning to come back until tomorrow." </p><p></p><p>The two vehicles then drive off, each heading towards their own destination. The remainder of the trip to Tombstone is uneventful. His earlier estimate is correct in that it is around 3:00 PM when they arrive. Emery Shaw says he will drop off his bags at the Grand hotel and have his driver head over to the O.K. Corral to make arrangements to board his horses and stow his coach overnight. He asks Ruby where she would like to be dropped off.</p><p></p><p>She replies, "I will go with your driver to the OK Corral to stable my horse. I also have a feeling there is someone there I need to talk with. Again, I thank you for your kindness. Unless there is anything further I can do for you, I am not sure I'll see you again this trip."</p><p></p><p>Shaw says "Just getting you here safely is enough for me. Now I expect you to get back safely as well. Please ride back either with us in the morning or with the Wells Fargo Stage in the afternoon and not attempt it by yourself." She replies, "If my business is done I just might take you up on your offer for tomorrow morning. Hopefully it will be, I enjoyed talking with you. Thank you again," she says with a smile. Ruby gives Shaw a kiss on the cheek and turns on her heel to walk away. </p><p></p><p>One of his men helps him unload the bags at the grand hotel and the two go inside. The others ride on down the street to the O.K. Corral. They park the carriage out front and Chuck heads into the main barn and stable to talk to whoever is there about boarding the mounts. Ruby She makes her way inside the OK Corral, looking for whomever is available, but specifically Colby Tucker.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2746214, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 159, “Traveling in Style” , Sunday, January 22nd, 1882, 10:00 A.M.[/B] Chester wakes up and heads downstairs for breakfast. Dorita cooks up a nice breakfast for Chester. He then heads outside to a nice sunny day. A quick walk around town shows that the gunsmith's shop is closed this day. He continues to walk around town, recognizing several of the mounts in the corral at Drover's Livery as those belonging to Billy Comstock and his friends. He finds the group of six eating at a table in Drover's Hotel. "Hi Bill. I heard Bill Cody found the beast. That's a shame." Chester adds in a low voice. "A little bird told me that he wasn't the one who killed it." Comstock says "Well, he had the body. Looks like he beat me again. Just as well I guess, I wanted the buffalo hunter title, the name 'Dragonstalker Bill' strikes me as a bit too fantastic." The other soldiers laugh at that comment. Comstock tells Chester "This will be our last night in town. We'll head out back to our Fort in New Mexico tomorrow. You're welcome to join us tonight if you'd like." Chester replies, "That'd be nice, Bill. I'd be glad to see you off. When and where should we meet?" Comstock says, “Doesn't matter to me, we've checked out several saloons. The Palace, Gay Lady and Lone Star all seem to have pretty good entertainment. The Comique did too but I've heard that singer left town." Chester replies, "Well I recommend the Lone Star, of course. They have a new singer there, a Miss Townsend, who is quite nice. Plus I might be able to pull some strings and get our drinks cheaper. How's that sound?" Comstock says, "A capital idea, Chet. We'll see you around 8 o'clock." Chester replies, "I'll be there. Gentlemen, have a good lunch." Across town, Ruby moaned as she slowly sat up in bed, rubbing her head. She was a stupid girl, thinking Jake wasn’t coming back and letting it upset her to the point of drinking a bottle of whiskey. Maybe he would come back, maybe he wouldn’t. Either way she would be fine, like she always was. She sighed and dragged her butt out of bed. She gathered all her stuff together and started getting dressed. As she did she noticed a note from Kate. She was probably off reading in Mr. Gonzales room. She left the note unopened, finished getting dressed and made her way back to the Lone Star. She got there and walked in, still hoping Jake would just be there, but Mr. Hoover just shook his head at her as she looked at him eagerly. She shrugged and went upstairs to her room. She plopped down on the bed, prayed to any god that would listen to take away her headache, and opened Kate’s note. [I]Dearest Ruby, I am sorry to leave you alone today, but I didn't want to wake you. I have gone to Tombstone to see about a proper monument for Tom's grave. It has long weighed on my mind, and I have been thinking about him a great deal over the last week. I doubt my business can be concluded in time to return today, so I plan to stay overnight in Tombstone and return tomorrow morning. Feel free to say in my room tonight if you want to be in the El Parador. Tell the others not to worry and I'll see all of you tomorrow evening. Love, Katherine[/I] “Are you kidding me?” Ruby said out loud. Ruby rubbed her aching head and closed her eyes. Kate going off to Tombstone alone. Sure she had lived there alone for months, but then she hadn’t known who murdered her husband and had the Cowboy Gang to worry about. What Ruby really wanted to do was curl up in bed and hide under the blankets. Instead she got up again and changed into a dress she could ride in. She grabbed a hat, her water and made sure she had some extra bullets for her pistol. She made her way to her horse at the El Parador and took off to Tombstone, hoping to get there before Kate got into any real trouble. The first part of Ruby's ride is uneventful. It is a sunny January day and the temperature soon rises to the mid-seventies. By noon she has reached the intersection in the road where it forks off to both Dos Cabezas and Tombstone. Little more than a day had passed since they had been at this very spot. She continues westward to Tombstone, riding for four more miles until she reaches the next fork in the road. As she nears the next fork, the south branch running to the Lazy S Ranch she is reminded of two weeks earlier when the stage was forced to take a detour to that ranch. She notices a pair of horsemen on that road around a half-file south riding on the road in her direction, and believes that she recognizes them as the rancher Emery Shaw and one of his hired hands whose name escapes her. Ruby holds up her horse and waits for the men to get closer to her. Shaw and the hand ride up. Emery tips his hat and says "Miss West, what on earth are you doing out here alone? It isn't safe for a woman to be riding by herself what with both the Cowboy Gang still causing trouble and now the new problem with the Apache." Ruby smiles at him. "Well, I have some very important business in Tombstone that just can't wait for the stage tomorrow. The ride has been uneventful so far, I'm sure I can manage the rest." Emery says "Well, the stretch you've taken so far is the easiest. You still have another twenty-five or so miles to Tombstone, including the stretch through the south Dragoon Mountains. If you'd like we can ride back to my ranch, hook up a coach, and we'll take you there. I don't feel safe letting you head off alone." She replies, “Oh, Mr. Emery, you certainly are a gentleman, but I just can't let you go through all that trouble for me. I'm sure I'll be alright. But aren't you sweet?" Shaw says "Well, will you at least let Abner here ride along with you? We were heading in Promise City for some errands just now, but he could just as easily take care of those in Tombstone for me. He could ride back here tomorrow alongside the stage. I'll feel much safer letting you go with an experienced gunman along." Ruby smiles again at Shaw. Why was he so concerned about her? "Mr. Shaw, since you were going to take a trip today anyway, why don't you accompany me? I'll take you up on your offer for the coach, I'm not dressed for riding anyway. And then you and I can talk..." He thanks her and they make a quick ride the three miles down the road to the Shaw ranch. Both of Emery's daughters, Tricia and Ellen also want to go to town on the shopping trip be he adamantly refuses, telling them that it is far too dangerous with the Apache all riled up and possibly on the warpath again. They protest that if it is safe for Ruby then it is safe enough for them, commenting that they are probably much better with using firearms than she is. In addition to his driver Paul Towle, Shaw also brings along hired hands Donald Colburn, Tim Kilpin and Raphael Garcia. All four men take up positions on the buckboard and top of the stage, leaving Ruby and Emery to ride alone inside. Emery asks if she wants her horse to be hitched to the coach to ride with them or if she wants to leave it here to pick up when they return. She says, “Please hitch the horse, I'm not sure how long I have to be in town." Ruby takes Emery's offered hand to get into the coach. She tries to fix her hair and wipe the dust off her. "You'll have to excuse me, Mr. Shaw, riding can leave one's appearance less than desirable." Shaw gives instruction to his son Humphrey and top hand Abner Mingle on keeping the ranch safe until their return on Monday. The carriage departs. Two other ranch hands ride alongside for the first three miles until they reach the main road, and then turn back as the carriage turns west towards Tombstone. Ruby admires the interior of the coach are realizes that Emery's late wife probably had something to do with it. The seats are well cushioned and 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. The label on the last bottle is in Spanish and the only word she recognizes is the brewery's location of Guadalajara, Mexico. Four glasses made of fine-cut crystal are attached to the cabinet. Ruby let her hand caress the rich velvet seats. It had been a long time since she was surrounded by such luxury. "This coach is beyond beautiful and I am lucky to be able to spend my trip in here instead of out there. Mr. Shaw, how will I be able to thank you for your kindness in escorting me to Tombstone?” He replies "Miss West, I assure you, had you ridden off alone I would have been fraught with worry until I knew that you were safe again. As you saw two weeks ago, I am concerned about people's safety in these parts. I have had my ranch here for over a decade and consider this to be the finest place in the United States. People feared this area when Cochise was on the warpath, killing humans indiscriminately. I have no intentions of seeing this land return to that type of fear and paranoia." His face then turns slightly red when he adds "And it has been years since I've had the opportunity to spend some time alone with a beautiful young woman such as yourself." She answers, “You flatter me," Ruby blushed, "Especially being all disheveled like this. I truly appreciate you helping a girl in need, even when she doesn't think she needs it.” She comments, “And did I hear you say you weren't returning until Monday?" He replies, "It will be close to 3:00 PM by the time reach Tombstone, and then I have my purchases to make. We would not be able to return to the ranch until after nightfall, and with Geronimo's elves about I'd rather not risk it. Far better to return in the morning. Plus Tombstone has a very fine Grand Hotel and restaurant that I never seem to find the time to visit." Ruby laughs. "And I can say that you DO have the finest ranch I have ever been to. Although I suppose I should be upset with you, I have been in Promise City for three weeks and you still haven't come and heard me sing.” He apologizes for the oversight of not making it into Promise City during the prior two weeks but adds "I was heading there when we met up on the road a short while ago but wouldn't have been able to hear you today either since you were going away." She comments, So, why don't you tell me about your ranch, I am curious of how you were able to become so successful." He tells her of his history, coming to this land not long after the Gadsten Purchase. He speaks lovingly of his wife, son and daughters. He tells of his ranch being the 2nd largest in the county and 4th largest in the entire Arizona Territory, with an average of 300 head of cattle. Ruby nods her head and acts very interested in his story. She comments on how lucky he is to have such a loving family and successful business and that everyone associated with him are also very lucky to have his generosity. He asks if she would like a drink as he reaches for the liquor cabinet and pours himself a glass of the Scotch. He sips the drink and then speaks briefly of his wife's passing and how difficult it has been to raise two active and intelligent daughters without her. He says that he has put down strict rules so that none of the ranch hands will dare to get romantically involved with either, and that he has chased off a number of courters from Promise City, Dos Cabezas and Tombstone who he suspects were just after his money and ranch. He concludes by saying "They took quite a shine to that Heath Barkley boy, and he comes from money so wouldn't be seeking that from them. Maybe I should let them visit him in California some time. Well chaperoned of course." Ruby continues to flirt with and charm Mr. Shaw, not really on purpose, more out of habit, although she does admit to herself that it can't hurt to have a rich rancher friend, especially one who is a lonely and handsome widower. He is on his third glass of Scotch before she takes her first, which she only drinks a small portion of. The next twenty miles of the journey are uneventful. That changes however when they are going through the lower Dragoon mountains. Emery and Ruby hear movement on the roof above the. Shaw stands and opens up a small trapdoor in the roof, asking what is going on. Ranch hand Kiplin says "Apache, at least ten of them, the hill to the right." Shaw lifts up the cushion of the coach seat that he had been sitting on, revealing a large cache of weapons beneath. He takes out a rifle of a model she has not seen before and loads it. Ruby tells his she is proficient in using weapons and he reaches in and hands her one identical to his. The weapon is a bolt action repeater rifle with a twelve-cartridge magazine. It has a long barrel, the total length of the weapon exceeding four-feet, the barrel alone being nearly a yard long. It also weighs slightly over ten pounds. He tells her "These are the best long-range rifles to ever come from Europe, the Swiss Vetterli 1881 Model. It's made by the Eidgenossische Waffenfabrik Company in Bern. Has an improved Schmidt set trigger. The Swiss Army uses them to protect their borders. You can accurately shoot nearly a mile with it." He heads to the side of carriage and pulls out a number of wooden plugs, revealing slots to both shoot and sight through. He extends the far end of the barrel through the hole, having Ruby do the same. A deep rubbery substance coats the outer edge of the hole, allowing the shooter to rest the gun barrel against the carriage wall without it jumping and bouncing excessively with each shake of the vehicle. It also elevates much of the weapon's weight. They ride past the hills and Ruby counts a total of fifteen mounted Apache warriors, all with full body paint and carrying Henry model repeating rifles. They make no attempt to hide but they also don't come any closer as the carriage continues westward. Once they have gone by Emery and Ruby retake their seats, but still keep the rifles at the ready. He tells her "That dear lady is why I didn't want you traveling by yourself. Do you really think they would have let you ride by alone? There was a skirmish between the Army and the Apache up in the mountains a few days ago. I don't know if anyone was killed, but there were wounded on both sides. And now the Apache are making their presence known." Ruby realizes that Shaw had been right, she probably would not have been let go by a bunch of Apache. She puts hand on his arm and squeezes gently. "I guess I really owe you now. I don't know what I would have done. It was very foolish of me to think I could make the trip alone safely." She smiled genuinely at the man, for once again, she felt someone was looking out for her best interests, asking nothing in return. They continue westward. When they are still ten miles east of Tombstone they see the Wells Fargo Stage heading towards them on its way back towards Promise City. The two vehicles stop for the drivers to talk to one another, with Shaw's men telling them of the Apache. Ruby notices that her friend Chuck Nevers is driving the stage today. Ruby sticks her head out the window, "Chuck! I am so glad to see you! Was my friend Kate on the coach this morning? Did you see where she went when she got off?" Chuck yells back "Why hello Miss West. Yes, Mrs. Kale was on the stage. I dropped her off the same place as usual, right in front of the grand hotel. She had a round trip ticket but said that she wasn't planning to come back until tomorrow." The two vehicles then drive off, each heading towards their own destination. The remainder of the trip to Tombstone is uneventful. His earlier estimate is correct in that it is around 3:00 PM when they arrive. Emery Shaw says he will drop off his bags at the Grand hotel and have his driver head over to the O.K. Corral to make arrangements to board his horses and stow his coach overnight. He asks Ruby where she would like to be dropped off. She replies, "I will go with your driver to the OK Corral to stable my horse. I also have a feeling there is someone there I need to talk with. Again, I thank you for your kindness. Unless there is anything further I can do for you, I am not sure I'll see you again this trip." Shaw says "Just getting you here safely is enough for me. Now I expect you to get back safely as well. Please ride back either with us in the morning or with the Wells Fargo Stage in the afternoon and not attempt it by yourself." She replies, "If my business is done I just might take you up on your offer for tomorrow morning. Hopefully it will be, I enjoyed talking with you. Thank you again," she says with a smile. Ruby gives Shaw a kiss on the cheek and turns on her heel to walk away. One of his men helps him unload the bags at the grand hotel and the two go inside. The others ride on down the street to the O.K. Corral. They park the carriage out front and Chuck heads into the main barn and stable to talk to whoever is there about boarding the mounts. Ruby She makes her way inside the OK Corral, looking for whomever is available, but specifically Colby Tucker. [/QUOTE]
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