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RANGER WINDS, THE NEW BREED
By E. RICHARD WOMACK iUniverse, Inc.
Copyright © 2013 E. Richard Womack
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4759-8080-6
Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
It's been six months since Ranger Captain Laughlin McFarland's death and the last meeting atop Lookout Peak between the four Rangers, Boots Law, Tony Hardin, Ryder McCoy and Dusty McFarland. It was decided at this meeting that Dusty, Laughlin's son, would return to the Big Iron Ranch to care for his now widowed mother.
Additionally, Captain Ranger Ben Jones, Laughlin's replacement, set up a Ranger Station in Uvalde and, at Boots' request, sent him on to Abilene where Captain Jones contemplated opening another Ranger Station in the near future; more than likely, Boots, the most experienced of the four, would be named its Captain.
Ryder, who is in his thirties, is also a seasoned Ranger while Tony, the adopted son of Laughlin and 'brother' to Dusty, is only twenty-one years old. He and Dusty had become Rangers; Dusty on his eighteenth birthday and Tony on his nineteenth. All three were prodigies of Laughlin; having been personally trained in Ranger procedures and the use of weapons, especially handguns.
Laughlin was a legend and, until his death, remained the fastest gun in Texas. Ironically, Laughlin, who was unarmed and in his own home, had been slain by a shot in the back from an insane woman. Since Laughlin's death however, it was a known fact that Dusty now had the fastest gun, and then came Boots followed by Tony and Ryder; who were considered equally fast. On the other hand, Laughlin's replacement, Ben Jones, was a Ranger with little time in the saddle and was not known for his prowess with handguns or long-rifles but was well versed in law enforcement.
Having established a Ranger station in Uvalde and dispatching Boots on to Abilene, Captain Jones turned his attention to the local situation. Nathan Law, known as 'Shotgun', retired form the Rangers and became the fulltime deputy to Uvalde Sheriff, Roger Hudgins. Nathan has a peg leg and is getting along in years so the deputy's job is perfect for him. Nathan is also the father of Ranger Boots Law and Sterling Law. Sterling, recently elected Lt. Governor of Texas, had been one of Laughlin's best friends.
After sizing up the situation in Uvalde, Captain Jones dispatched Ryder and Tony to Fredericksburg to investigate recent stage holdups in the area. The stage, coming from Brady, had been robbed three times in the last two months. The holdups were taking place north of Fredericksburg, close to the small town of Cherry Springs.
The railroad had taken most of the business from the stage lines, but they were still necessary for travel in areas where there were no 'spurs' for railroad travel.
About twenty miles from Fredericksburg, as they road along at a slow walk, Tony barked, "You know Ryder, we're pretty fortunate; here we are sitting on two pretty good mounts. I remember when Laughlin gave you Rowdy and Ma' gave me Strawberry."
Ryder smiled and replied, "Yeah, Captain gave me Rowdy alright; you know, I'll never forget it. He was a great man." Then Ryder laughed and said, "I remember when that feller down in Eagle Pass shot your horse out from under you. Never forget how mad you were; first time I ever seen you lose it."
"Yeah; well now I've got Strawberry and he's a good horse."
As they continued to ride, Tony carefully brought up a subject he knew needed careful handling as he asked, "Hey partner, heard from Jeanette lately?"
"Yeah, we still write, and you know, when she came down to Fort Worth, she even made an effort to persuade me to go back to Chicago with her." Ryder paused for a moment, and then continued, "Hell, I almost did too; fact is, when her train left the damn depot, I rode along side it with every intention of jumping on board."
"Why didn't you?" asked Tony.
"Damned if I know. Something kept me from doing it; probably my love for Texas and the Rangers. Maybe one day I'll ride up there and look Chicago over." Ryder pointed at Tony and said, sternly, "One thing I know for sure, it's got the girl I love.........How about you Tony; you in love with that schoolmarm in Uvalde?"
"Nope; now don't get me wrong, I like and respect her; just ain't ready to settle down. I like our present arrangement."
Realizing that neither one of them wished to discuss their own love life any further, Ryder queried, "You think old Dusty boy will be marrying Paulette any time soon?"
"Maybe and maybe not," answered Tony. "Not only does Dusty insist on a man and wife being equally yoked, with his pious background, she'll have to prove she's a believer or it won't happen."
"Yeah, you're probably right. When we get to Fredericksburg, a room, bath and a nice restaurant with some good German food and steins of beer is high on my list."
"And afterwards, we can visit the local saloon; the Germans sure 'nuff like to celebrate don't they," responded Tony.
"Yeah, they sure do and, since it's Saturday, I'll bet there's a street dance with lots of them pretty German girls." said Ryder as he added; "But first, we'll spend some time with Sheriff Hans Von Kruger. I understand he's an old timer.....should have some ideas about the stage holdups."
Tony nodded his agreement as the two men continued on to Fredericksburg in silence.
Arriving in town, they quickly found out that a lot of the Germans did not speak English; those that did referred to Fredericksburg as "German Town". It was quickly noted that the Germans were a little more sophisticated than what Tony and Ryder had experienced along the border.
Everything in the town was neat and well maintained. The buildings were built of limestone displaying a mosaic of beautiful stone work worthy of an Eastern Art Gallery.
Before checking in at the hotel, Ryder and Tony paid Sheriff Von Kruger a visit. As they entered the Sheriff's office, they were greeted by Hans. He was about sixty years old but appeared a might older. He had a firm handshake and was short but big boned. He was a strong looking man in his high top boots, blue britches, suspenders and blousy red shirt. He was bald on top with a silver ring of hair around the side of his head and a full, silver colored, beard. He had a red complexion, dark brown eyes and spoke excellent English as well as a local dialect of "Texas" German.
After the usual greetings, Von Kruger said, "You boys here after the stage robbers? We call 'em Ghost robbers; after striking about a mile from a stage stop, they simply vanish. Riding through the rocks, they leave no tracks; just disappear........like ghosts."
Ryder told Hans that, in the morning, he and Tony would be riding out to the site where the latest stage robbery took place. Having no further business, the Rangers headed for the hotel.
Once registered and assigned a room, Ryder said, "Partner, this looks like the work of someone in the area, small amounts of money stolen, no shooting or killing, then back to the farm or ranch."
"I agree" said Tony, "let's make ourselves known; you know, ask questions and see who gets nervous."
"Right," said Ryder. Then, with a sly smirk on his face, added, "Who knows, I might make a thinking Ranger out of you yet. You're showing signs of using your head for something besides a hat rack."
Tony laughed then barked, "Come on, let's get ready. I'm hungry and anxious to see all them German girls. Then, while I'm with the girls, maybe you could go down to the livery stable. Seen a bunch of old men out beside it pitching horseshoes, maybe they'll let you play."
Ryder threw his pillow striking Tony in the head and growled, "Young man, you'd better watch your smart aleck mouth or this old Ranger will start tracking tonight. Just remember, I'm the boss."
After bathing, shaving and getting into clean clothes, Ryder and Tony went to the restaurant to enjoy some good German food. They ordered baked pork chops, stewed red cabbage, German potato salad and two draft beers which were served in traditional large German Steins.
Halfway thru their meal a German fellow, who had been seated across the room with his family, got up and, as he was leaving, walked to the two Ranger's and said, "My name is Herbert Schmidt. I'm now a rancher here in Fredericksburg but twenty-five years ago I was a Ranger; gave it up to raise cattle."
After brief introductions, Herbert continued, "I reckon you boys are up here looking for them Ghost robbers."
"Yeah, that's right," said Ryder. "Can you give us any information that would help us out?"
"Try over in Harper. There's three brothers who inherited a ranch when there Pa', Jim Wright, died a couple of years ago. They're no count rotten boys who don't even try to ranch; figure it's too much work. They're lazy and drink all the time; but lately they seem to have money."
When Herbert hesitated, Ryder snorted, "Being lazy and having money don't make you no stage robber; there must be more to it than that."
"There is" replied Herbert, "a couple of weeks ago I made 'em an offer for the ranch. Didn't happen; they wanted more than it was worth. Said they didn't need to sell; said they had money. That struck me a might funny seeing as how, a short time ago, they owed everybody in Harper."
"We appreciate the information" said Ryder; "we'll be riding out that way tomorrow."
"Well, I got to be getting along now but, before I leave, let me thank yawl. You Rangers are doing a fine job; Texas is where it is because of the Rangers. Again, I thank you."
In the Ranger tradition, Ryder and Tony touched their hat brims as Herbert left the restaurant.
While he was walking away, Ryder looked at Tony and said, "Makes you feel good to know our efforts are appreciated."
"It sure does" remarked Tony, "you know there's nothing I enjoy more than Riding the Ranger Winds and being a Texas Ranger........... unless, of course, it's dancing with a pretty girl."
They both chuckled at Tony's last remark as they headed for a relaxing evening of dancing with the local lovelies before retiring for the night.
The next morning they were up early and riding toward Doss. The plan was to make their presence known in Doss, hang around for a day or two and then ride on to Harper.
It was late in the evening when the Rangers reached Lang's Mill; a beautiful grist mill sitting on the bank of Threadgill Creek.
Just pass the mill was a large spread, covering some 15,000 acres. It had been settled by the Welge family; German immigrants, who, after landing on the Texas coast near Corpus Christi, had walked over 250 miles to homestead the land. The Rangers rode up to the ranch house where they met the patriarch, Henry Welge and his family.
During an excellent meal consisting of German sausage, sauerkraut, potatoes au-gratin and homemade pumpernickel, Henry verified the story about the three brothers in Harper. After completing their supper, and some large steins of Bach, the Rangers expressed their appreciation for the hospitality they had been shown before retiring to the bunkhouse.
The next morning after Henry's wife prepared a surprisingly traditional Texas breakfast of bacon, eggs, southern grits and buttered toast, the Rangers mounted up and headed for the Wright brothers Ranch in Harper. As they neared the town, they were riding along Spring Creek when they discovered an old cemetery.
Suddenly, almost shouting, Tony said, "Look at that monument; I remember a story told to me by Uncle Bester about this grave. There are four men in it."
"What's the story?" asked Ryder; "why are there four men in the same grave?"
"Well," replied Tony, "the story goes that Colonel James Duff, of the Confederate Army, beat and hung four men because they wouldn't join the army. Their bodies were tossed into Spring Creek but the women folk and children buried them here and erected this granite monument as a reminder of the incident."
Ryder just shook his head while both men removed their hats as they rode past the cemetery.
Later they approached a ranch house which was occupied by a family named Hazelwood; their purpose was to seek directions to the Wright brothers. Mr. Hazelwood, the father, told the Rangers the Wright Ranch was now owned by J.W. Wright, the eldest and his twin brothers Johnny and Billy. They would find the ranch about five miles down Spring Creek on their way towards Harper.
They left the Hazelwood Ranch and headed down Spring Creek with their mounts at a canter until they spotted a ranch house. It had a run-down appearance with a crumbling rock fence behind it.
As they rode towards the house, Tony almost talking to himself, murmured, "Rock fences everywhere......why rock fences?"
Having overheard Tony, Ryder replied "Germans usually had large families and they put the children in the fields picking up rocks and loading them in wagons. Then they stacked the rocks, creating fences. After the rocks were cleared from the fields, they were plowed and crops were planted."
Tony nodded his understanding as the two men continued on.
A couple hundred yards from the house, several hounds came running out from under the porch, barking and threatening. Then, when three men holding rifles stepped out onto the porch, one of them hollered out, "Hold it, stop right there. Don't come any closer."
Ryder and Tony reigned up as Ryder shouted, "We're Texas Rangers! We need to talk to ya."
The voice from the porch said, "How do we know you're Rangers?"
Ryder said, "Let us ride in and we'll show you our badges."
"Alright, but keep your hands away from them pistols."
As they rode into the yard the nervous man in the middle said, "Hold it, let's see them badges."
Ryder and Tony were still on their horses, only a short distance from the porch; the brothers had not asked them to step down. They held their badges up so they could be seen; then Ryder said, "I'm Ranger McCoy, this is Ranger Hardin."
The man replied, "I'm J.W. Wright, and these are my brothers, Johnny and Billy. What brings you here?"
Ryder answered "We're tracking some stage holdup men, lost their tracks about a mile down the creek. You boys wouldn't know anything about any stage holdups, would you?"
"You accusing us?" asked J.W, who was still pointing his rifle at Ryder.
"No, we're not accusing anybody of anything, but I would tell you to stop pointing that rifle at me."
After hearing what Ryder said, J.W. pondered for a moment, then lowered the rifle and said, "Go ahead, step down and come on up on the porch."
Slowly and carefully the Rangers stepped down; one at a time, covering each other as they dismounted.
"I'll have my wife, Betsy, fetch yawl some water." "Betsy," he called out and a girl around twenty years old came to the door. She was reasonably attractive and well built with long blond hair. Her clothes were quite old and displayed a life of poverty; the same as did the dress of the brothers. The house was also badly in need of repair and it was obvious the ranch was not being worked.
J.W. was maybe twenty-eight; he was tall and slim with long stringy hair and a stubble beard. He wore a flannel shirt with soiled britches held up by army suspenders topped off by an old worn out Stetson. The twins were approximately twenty-five. They were of average height and, like J.W., had long stringy hair. They were both wearing overalls with no shirt and a frown on their face that seemed natural and permanently ironed on.
J.W. introduced the Rangers to Betsy who displayed a big smile when she met Tony.
Tony smiled back and said, "Pleasure to meet you ma'am."
Betsy blushed, and then went inside to fetch drinks for the Rangers as Ryder said, "J.W., as I'm sure you know, the stage going to Fredericksburg has been held up several times lately." Ryder paused for a moment, to observe J.W.'s reaction, then continued, "we have reason to believe the bandits headed this way and are holed up somewhere in the area."
That's when Betsy came out of the house with dippers of water for the Rangers. As she handed Tony his dipper, she looked at him and said, "If you need more, just tell me." Then she gave Tony a lingering smile.
J.W.'s expression became strained when he saw Betsy paying a little too much attention to Tony. When he saw Ryder watching him, he quickly regained his composure and said, "Well Rangers, I wish we could help, but there ain't been nobody up here," then he looked sternly at Ryder and once again pressed the issue, "You ain't accusing us are you?"
Ryder glared at J.W. and replied, "Nope, but I am awfully curious how you boys survive. It's evident you ain't working the ranch."
J.W. growled, "Pa' left us some money. What we do is none of your business. Now if you don't mind, we've got things to do."
When Betsy reappeared on the porch, Ryder tipped his hat and said, "Ma'am, thank you for the water."
She nodded her head, turned her attention to Tony and said, "Goodbye Ranger Hardin, hope to see you again." J.W.'s face turned beet red; it was obvious he was furious at Betsy's shameless attention towards Tony.
The two Rangers mounted up and headed out as Tony barked, "Well partner, lay some words of wisdom on me."
"They're the holdup men alright" replied Ryder, "but we can't prove it yet."
(Continues...)
Excerpted from RANGER WINDS, THE NEW BREED by E. RICHARD WOMACK. Copyright © 2013 by E. Richard Womack. Excerpted by permission of iUniverse, Inc..
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