appeared at her side; the older boy looked like his mother, the younger girl more like her father. Their eyes lit up when they saw the Gardner boys climb from the wagon. The older boy said something to his younger sister and they ran out to meet their cousins. The dog followed.
In minutes, the Cordells had welcomed the soaking-wet riders into their house, helped the Gardner boys shed theirwet slickers and guided them to stand in front of the stone fireplace. A fire warmed and brightened the main room. The Cordell children and the Gardner children began talking and laughing as if it were a summer picnic. Wagging its shaggy tail, the dog joined them, licking an occasional face or hand of the four. Strutting carefully, the yellow cat also joined the group, but chose to make himself comfortable near the fire. Andrew’s frog sprang from his hands as he tried to show his special friend.
Laughter filled the house as everyone tried to catch up with the springy animal. It was Rule who finally secured the pet and returned it to Andrew.
Everything in the house was clean and in its place. The curtains were freshly washed, still smelling lightly of soap. In the adjoining kitchen was a large table with Mexican designs carved into the heavy legs. Matching chairs stood silently around it. A tablecloth of simple blue finished the presentation.
Emmett introduced Rule to Ranger A. J. Bartlett, who greeted him warmly. Rule introduced his wife, Aleta, and son, Ian, and daughter, Rosie, then said, “And this is Texas the Second. We call him ‘Two’ for short.” He patted the dog’s head and left unsaid that the name was a tribute to the first “Texas,” a cur he found during the war. The dog’s death during a battle nearly unraveled him.
“Mr. Cordell, I am glad to make your acquaintance, sir,” Bartlett said, “and yours, Mrs. Cordell. But I must excuse myself and return to find my partner. John would’ve caught up with us…if he could. I fear…” He didn’t finish, not liking his words.
“Please call us Rule—and Aleta. What happened?”
Bartlett explained with Emmett joining in. Rule glanced at Aleta, who excused herself and left for the kitchen. Rule had heard of Lady Holt and knew Texas Ranger John Checkerby reputation. He said Comanche warriors called him Tuht-seena Maa Tatsinuupi , Wolf With Star, because he tracked them like a fierce wolf. He also knew Eleven Meade, Luke Dimitry and Tapan Moore, but not Sil Jaudon.
After listening, Rule said quietly, “Ranger Checker wouldn’t necessarily have followed your same route, A.J. He might have ridden in the other direction. To make sure they didn’t find you. He’ll catch up later. That would be savvy.”
“Well, he’s that. In spades,” Bartlett replied; his expression was one of a man who wanted to believe what he had just heard but couldn’t quite. His thinking tended toward the negative—and to worry. Almost the opposite of his Ranger partner. But this time, his concern seemed justified.
“There you go. Please eat first, and then I’ll ride with you…if you will allow me the honor, Ranger. We’ll find your friend, I’m sure,” Rule said. “You’ll need a fresh horse, too.”
“Thank you. You’re very kind. My horse thanks you, too.”
“I cain’t be askin’ ya to do this, Rule,” Emmett said. “I’ll be ridin’ back with A.J. This hyar’s my fight—an’ now his. Leastwise to find John.”
“It’s my fight, too. I’m going with you, Ranger Bartlett.” Rikor’s eyes were bright; his frown was keeping sleep from getting any closer.
Bartlett bit his lip. “I’d like that. Up to your pa, though.”
The young man was silent, looking at his father for approval.
The statement brought a clearing of Emmett’s throat. “Yas, son, I reckon ya’d better go with us. Yu’re already actin’ a warrior.” He shook his head and looked at Rule. “Don’ know what I was a-thinkin’, Rule. I may be bringin’ hell ri’t to your door.
In minutes, the Cordells had welcomed the soaking-wet riders into their house, helped the Gardner boys shed theirwet slickers and guided them to stand in front of the stone fireplace. A fire warmed and brightened the main room. The Cordell children and the Gardner children began talking and laughing as if it were a summer picnic. Wagging its shaggy tail, the dog joined them, licking an occasional face or hand of the four. Strutting carefully, the yellow cat also joined the group, but chose to make himself comfortable near the fire. Andrew’s frog sprang from his hands as he tried to show his special friend.
Laughter filled the house as everyone tried to catch up with the springy animal. It was Rule who finally secured the pet and returned it to Andrew.
Everything in the house was clean and in its place. The curtains were freshly washed, still smelling lightly of soap. In the adjoining kitchen was a large table with Mexican designs carved into the heavy legs. Matching chairs stood silently around it. A tablecloth of simple blue finished the presentation.
Emmett introduced Rule to Ranger A. J. Bartlett, who greeted him warmly. Rule introduced his wife, Aleta, and son, Ian, and daughter, Rosie, then said, “And this is Texas the Second. We call him ‘Two’ for short.” He patted the dog’s head and left unsaid that the name was a tribute to the first “Texas,” a cur he found during the war. The dog’s death during a battle nearly unraveled him.
“Mr. Cordell, I am glad to make your acquaintance, sir,” Bartlett said, “and yours, Mrs. Cordell. But I must excuse myself and return to find my partner. John would’ve caught up with us…if he could. I fear…” He didn’t finish, not liking his words.
“Please call us Rule—and Aleta. What happened?”
Bartlett explained with Emmett joining in. Rule glanced at Aleta, who excused herself and left for the kitchen. Rule had heard of Lady Holt and knew Texas Ranger John Checkerby reputation. He said Comanche warriors called him Tuht-seena Maa Tatsinuupi , Wolf With Star, because he tracked them like a fierce wolf. He also knew Eleven Meade, Luke Dimitry and Tapan Moore, but not Sil Jaudon.
After listening, Rule said quietly, “Ranger Checker wouldn’t necessarily have followed your same route, A.J. He might have ridden in the other direction. To make sure they didn’t find you. He’ll catch up later. That would be savvy.”
“Well, he’s that. In spades,” Bartlett replied; his expression was one of a man who wanted to believe what he had just heard but couldn’t quite. His thinking tended toward the negative—and to worry. Almost the opposite of his Ranger partner. But this time, his concern seemed justified.
“There you go. Please eat first, and then I’ll ride with you…if you will allow me the honor, Ranger. We’ll find your friend, I’m sure,” Rule said. “You’ll need a fresh horse, too.”
“Thank you. You’re very kind. My horse thanks you, too.”
“I cain’t be askin’ ya to do this, Rule,” Emmett said. “I’ll be ridin’ back with A.J. This hyar’s my fight—an’ now his. Leastwise to find John.”
“It’s my fight, too. I’m going with you, Ranger Bartlett.” Rikor’s eyes were bright; his frown was keeping sleep from getting any closer.
Bartlett bit his lip. “I’d like that. Up to your pa, though.”
The young man was silent, looking at his father for approval.
The statement brought a clearing of Emmett’s throat. “Yas, son, I reckon ya’d better go with us. Yu’re already actin’ a warrior.” He shook his head and looked at Rule. “Don’ know what I was a-thinkin’, Rule. I may be bringin’ hell ri’t to your door.
Similar Books
