Drama In My Life

"I sure did. Maybe you could fill me in on 'the old days'. You seem to be a lot more open about Emerson now."

"He was always very good looking, although he has gotten even better. We were thrown together a lot as kids. It is a small town. He always teased and picked on me for being part Spanish. I wanted to believe it was to get my attention, but his father was a very prejudiced man, of little accomplishment. Gradually, I began to feel he was quite serious about my heritage and that I wasn't as good as he was."

"When his mother and Miguel became engaged, years after his father had been killed in a fight in a cantina, I rubbed it in. I probably went too far. He accused 'my people' of doing anything to become American, as if we weren't already. It really stung me. Then he attacked Miguel in the dinning room of the hotel and was arrested. The marshal agreed to release him if he would go live with his uncle. I never got to talk to him before he left. I had hoped he would apologize for his comments, and I would have gladly done the same. He never wrote to me or anything."

"Now he is back. I'm afraid it looks like I pined for eight years, just waiting for the world traveler to return. He saw all kinds of places and people, including women, while I sat in Morgantown. Everyone will think I was a desperate woman, including Emerson. I'm afraid I could lose all pride when I am around him. Then I say and do mean spirited things to him to save my ego."

"Cathy, I don't know what to think or feel. I have a deep fear that this is going to cause pain and embarrassment for me. I don't want to go through that again."

Cathy had listened as Maria told her story. She had not realized how much Maria had been affected by Emerson and his departure. When Maria finished her confession, Cathy tried to comfort her.

"Maria, I didn't guess how deep this was. I can see exactly why you are afraid of your feelings. You must have been pretty miserable for a long time when he left. I always wondered why you were so cool to all the fellows that tried to get close to you over the years. I thought you were waiting for someone special. I never realized you already had met him and he was gone."

"You be careful, but give Emerson a chance. He seems to regret the things he said and did to you. He was incredible when Hogan tore your shirt! If you hadn't stopped him, he might have killed Hogan. My guess is the guy is head-over-heels in love with you, and always has been. Just take it slow and see if he proves himself to you. I'll help any way I can."

Maria had tears in her eyes when she faced Cathy. "You are the best friend I could ever have! I think I may need your help getting this straightened out. I am so confused. Thanks, Cathy."

Molly was giving Emerson motherly advice. "Emerson, you should marry one of those girls. They like you, and why isn't that a surprise? They are lovely and from good families."

"Mother, I know they are. The thing is, they may not feel I am. You are wonderful, of course. It's just that Dad wasn't everything he might have been. Will people hold that against me?"

"Emerson, your father was from a good family. He was spoiled as a child and lacked direction. He took the easy way out of everything. You aren't like that. I have seen the difference already. So have those girls. You should be proud. Look how you have turned out."

Emerson knew his mother was partial, but a compliment was always nice. "Thanks, Mother. I hope I can live up to expectations."

He then explained that he had to get back and help the others. Molly returned to her chores in the house. Going to his bunk, Emerson pulled out his war bag and removed a pair of holstered colts and put them on. Maria was correct in thinking things would get worse and he needed to be prepared. Emerson also realized that carrying a gun could require shooting someone, but others depended on him and he never was one to avoid responsibility.

The next few days were some of the longest and most satisfying Emerson had ever put in. They were in the saddle before sunup and didn't stop until full dark. Emerson had discussed the need for more riders to trail the herd and several of the ranchers had agreed to hire a few that always hung around town looking for work. On the morning of the fourth day, Emerson saw riders approaching as he worked with his crew.

Vern Jordan and Pat Casey rode close to Emerson and stopped their mounts. Pat Casey spoke, "Emerson, we can't get anybody to ride for us. It seems that Tom Taylor needed more hands and hired every available man in the area. I'm worried that we won't have enough to handle the size trail herd we'll be taking."

Jordan added, "Not only that but Joe Mauro, the only hand Pat had kept on, quit and went to work for Taylor. Bob is better and helping, and Cathy is doing a man's job so we'll be ready, but Pat is right about the drive. We're going to be a few men short, at least."

Emerson listened to the ranchers then formed his reply. "I didn't realize to what extent Taylor would go to ruin the ranchers in this basin. What he did is low, but certainly legal. We will simply make the drive with the riders we have. It'll mean more work, and possibly poorer time, but it can be done. Again, I see no choice."

The three conferred, and then Casey and Jordan rode back to resume the preparations for the drive. Emerson saw the men look at the guns he now wore, but neither mentioned it. He was gloomier than he let on to his neighbors. This would be a difficult trip at best. Undermanned, it could be next to impossible.

Emerson decided to ride into town and see for himself what the atmosphere was. Riding over to Shorty, he explained his intentions.

"I noticed you started packing iron the other day, but only found out about that battle with Hogan yesterday, when I ran into Tom Gordon. You are kinda reluctant to talk about yourself and I appreciate that. It seems to me that we are all in this and should know what the situation is all the time. If Taylor has toughs throwing weight around, I should be prepared. That is my lecture for the day," and Shorty became silent.

"You have a good point. I didn't want everyone to worry, but you can't go around blind either. My mistake, Shorty," grinned Emerson. "It won't happen again."

"I'm glad that's settled." Shorty smiled back. This man was hard to dislike! "I'll ride in with you. We're about done and you seem to attract lightening and might need a man to side you."

Marshal Sam Cook had held his job for ten years. He knew he had lasted for two reasons. He didn't have much trouble to handle, and he was fair to everyone. He was on the far side of fifty and had hoped to finish his career in this town he had come to call his own.

He saw Emerson and Shorty ride in. He missed the fight with Hogan and Lang earlier in the week, but had heard plenty about it. Few western men would stand for a woman to be mistreated and Sam was no exception. He wondered if he could have handled the situation if he hadn't been out at Slick's listening to a story about some missing chickens. A few townspeople implied he had been lucky to be somewhere else, and to himself, he agreed.

He had held Emerson in his jail overnight, eight years ago. Some men held grudges over things like that. Would Emerson? Sam decided to take the direct route and met Emerson as he dismounted at the hotel.

"Emerson Trask, I'm Marshal Cook. You probably remember me. Last time you spent a night in this town you were my guest." Sam Cook stood on the walk and waited for Emerson's reaction.

"Marshal, it's good to see you! Sure I remember that night. You did me a good turn and I thank you for it. It could have been a lot worse. When I had time to think back on it, I realized you were really quite easy on me." Emerson smiled and extended his hand.

Sam Cook felt relief and wonder at the same time. "You're about the first person I ever had thank me for putting them in jail. I don't think I would relish trying to do it now." He took Emerson's hand and shook it.

"I heard about the job you did on Hogan and Lang. They got what they had coming, although there aren't many that could administer that lesson." The lawman continued, "Things are coming to a head around here and I'm asking you to avoid trouble if you can."

Emerson faced the marshal, "I never look for trouble, but I have found it pays to be ready for it. I heard Taylor has hired all available hands in the area. Is that true?"

"Yeah, that seems to be the case. He covers every angle and legally, so far. He's a pillar of the community," replied Cook with sarcasm.

"Shorty and I won't be very long. We have a lot to do. I thought we would look around and see if there are any riders we could hire. That shouldn't cause any trouble, so rest easy, marshal." Emerson then went to the hotel bar, with Shorty close behind.

Tom Taylor had been livid when he learned Hogan and Lang had been bested by Emerson Trask. Hogan had gone straight to the bunkhouse but Logan and Gately reported to the ranch house.

"How could you be so stupid? When Trask got the upper hand his position was strengthened. In effect, you helped him. That was the opposite of what you were supposed to accomplish. Can't you do anything right?" ranted Taylor at his gunmen.

"Don't push too hard, boss." Lang spoke softly, but something in his manner worried both Red and Taylor. "I took a man too lightly and I paid for it, but not like he'll pay. I take your money but never think you have the right to talk down to me!'

Taylor backed off, "I didn't mean anything by it, Lang. I'm just concerned about this situation and my plans. How and when do you expect to make him pay, as you put it?"

"I never saw anyone that could handle a gun like me, so I'll stay out of his reach and shoot the bastard!" Lang vowed. "This will be one job I'll enjoy."

Taylor smiled. "It seems to be a pretty basic plan. It won't come back to me. Everyone knows there is bad blood between you two. It will be two men settling a grudge. We can make it work. A few may suspect you were sent after Trask, but nothing can be proven. Have Red and Stan side you. They can be witnesses and take care of any outside interference while you take care of Trask. Just do it before the trail drive starts."

Lang had watched the road into town for several days. He was certain the Trask would show up eventually. His patience was finally rewarded. Along with Mosher and Red, he headed for the showdown he had promised himself.

Emerson drank a beer and asked the barkeep about riders. His response confirmed Sam Cook's remarks. Next, he and Shorty stopped at the mercantile, with the same results. There would be no hands available for the drive.

"We may as well head back to the ranch, Shorty. We're wasting time here." Emerson led the way out and turned toward the horses in front of the hotel. There he stopped.

Standing in the street in front of Emerson was Lang, a smile on his face. Red was along the hotel on the left and, off to the right was Stan Mosher. Emerson and Shorty were boxed in.

"If you're looking for jobs, keep looking." Emerson felt his nerves tighten as he spoke. "If you're looking for boot hill, start the ball!"

Lang was surprised. He expected fear. He always saw fear when he faced a man over guns. This man looked eager, ready to fight. He wore two guns tied down low and he stood still, watching Lang.

"This is between you and me, Trask. No man uses his fists on me and gets away with it. I'm here to kill you." Lang was bent at the waist staring at Emerson's hands.

"That's fine with me, Lang, but if Red and the weasel don't leave right now I'll have to consider them backing you." Emerson smiled back at Lang. "That means I'll shoot them as soon as I take care of you.".

It was a tight corner and Emerson wanted to create doubt. A man in a gunfight had to believe he would win. With any doubt, a man was more apt to hurry or miss. In this situation, Emerson knew he needed any advantage he could get.

"Boss," it was Shorty. "I never cottoned much for Red. I'll take care of him. I'm giving you the other two." He said it loud enough for Red to hear.

Emerson stood in the street facing Lang. "Give it up, Lang. It doesn't have to end like this." Even as he said it, Emerson knew it could end no other way. Lang pulled his gun.

Lang had confidence. When he started his draw he was looking at the button he would shoot on Trask's shirt. No one could give him a public beating and live! Then as his gun was leveling he saw the flash from Emerson's left gun and he was knocked backward, his own gun kicking up dirt in the street. As he tried to bring his gun back in line, Lang saw Emerson's right gun blossom flame. He sensed Mosher had been hit. To his right, Red was firing. Lang felt another blow and began to fall, again shooting into the ground. This wasn't possible. Could he have been beaten? That was his last thought.

Emerson knew he would have to depend on Shorty to take Red out of the action and concentrated on the remaining gunmen. He pulled both his guns, first shooting Lang and then firing his right gun into Mosher. Switching back to Lang he shot again, seeing blood stain the front of his shirt as Lang went down. Turning back to Mosher, he saw him laying on his back, the top of his head bloodied.

Emerson realized Shorty and Red were no longer shooting and turned his attention to Red. He was on his knees, bent over holding his stomach. As Emerson watched, Red collapsed on his face.

Turning to Shorty, Emerson saw him sitting on the ground, his left leg bloodied. "I guess it was a good thing I sided you today, Emerson. Three men might have been too much, even for you." Shorty was going into shock and bleeding badly. Men began to emerge from buildings along the street. Sam Cook was hurrying toward them as Emerson worked at stopping the bleeding in Shorty's leg. Someone volunteered to get the doctor.

"What in Hell happened here?" roared Cook with his gun drawn. "Who shot who? Trask, do you call this having no trouble?"

The clerk from the mercantile spoke. "Sam, these two men were braced by Lang, Mosher, and Gately. They were boxed in but did some damned fast and straight shooting to get out of it. Lang opened it, but Trask pulled both his irons and drilled Lang and Mosher. Shorty here took one in the leg while he was accounting for Red. I'd say those three made a serious mistake in judgment," as he pointed to the three dead men.

The doctor made an appearance and went to work on Shorty. Soon the bleeding was stopped and he was taken to the hotel. Emerson stayed with Shorty until he was asleep, then questioned the old medic.

"It isn't as bad as it might have been," replied the doctor to Emerson's question. "He lost a lot of blood, but no bones were hit. He should be back on a horse in a week or two."

Emerson headed back to the ranch as soon as he determined Shorty would be well cared for. Rather than finding riders, he had lost another. As he rode, Emerson estimated the size herd the ranchers of the basin would throw together and the number of men available to trail them. He needed a few more riders to even get started. The question was, where could he find them on short notice.

Still a few miles from home, Emerson met Bob Jordan traveling toward town. "Bob, you look some better, but still not too good. How's it going?" Emerson enjoyed the younger Jordan's attitude.

"We are just about ready to start some prime stuff on the trail. Don't worry about us. Is the MM ready for the trip?" Bob's still swollen face showed a smile.

"Bob, there was some gunplay in town today and Shorty took one in the leg. He'll be all right but he won't be riding for awhile. I'm afraid we are a few men short to start the drive, but there isn't much we can do about it. I would appreciate it if you could get word to all the ranchers to have a rep at the hotel tomorrow around dusk. We need to finalize our plans."

"Who was in the gunfight?" asked Bob excitedly. "Did anyone else get hit? I notice you're wearing your Colts, Emerson. What happened?"

Emerson found himself giving Bob a brief recount of the day's events. "Make sure you get word to the other ranchers. Your place is in the center of things, so that's why I'm asking you." Emerson reminded Bob.

"Sure, Emerson. I'm on my way to see a girl in town and I'll stop at the other places on the way home." Bob was eager to spread word of this recent course of events to the others.

It was dusk when Bob trotted into the Casey yard. He found everyone, including Tom Gordon, eating dinner. Bob remembered the part Tom had played in his beating at the hands of Hogan and had little to do with him since.

"Come in, Bob!" It was Carmella greeting him. "Sit down and join us. You are looking colorful, but much better, from what I hear. It is nice to see you getting around."

"Thanks Mrs. Casey. I do have a bright mug, don't I?" Bob laughed. "I'm here to deliver a message and some news. Lang, Mosher, and Gately braced Emerson and Shorty in the street in front of the hotel today. Some men were killed."

A plate smashed on the floor, startling everyone. Maria had dropped it when Bob mentioned Emerson. She placed a hand on a chair to steady herself. Her face had turned very white. Once again Maria felt a tightness in her chest. Lang and Mosher were known gunmen and killers. She had tried to warn Emerson about the type of men he was dealing with. He had started wearing guns, Maria had heard, so he was fair game for these killers!

Now Pat and Carmella looked at her. Maria ignored their attention and asked, "Bob, did they shoot him?"

"Jack Seitz, the clerk at the mercantile saw the whole thing," continued Bob. He had told the story several times and felt he had found the most dramatic way. He went on, as if he never heard Maria's question. "Those three spread out and had Emerson and Shorty boxed in. Well, Emerson told them if they wanted jobs to forget it. If they were looking for boot hill, then start the ball!"

The group at the table was silent, fascinated, yet afraid of the finish to Bob's story. Lang, Mosher, and Gately were considered tough men! Maria held her breath and waited.

"Lang pulled his gun first and Emerson drilled him with his left hand gun! Mosher bought in and Emerson salted him down with his other gun! Then Lang tried to bring his weapon into play again and Emerson gave him another round. Meanwhile, Shorty and Red were shooting it out. Shorty finished him off, but took one in the leg and won't be able to ride for a week or two. Those three badmen of Taylor's died right there!"

The silence was a tangible thing as everyone envisioned the gun battle Bob had described. It was incredible! Maria was the first to speak. "Emerson wasn't hurt at all?"

"That is the message part of my visit. I met up with him after the fight in town. He is concerned about having enough men for the drive and wants all the ranchers to have a rep at the hotel tomorrow at dusk. This is my last stop, and I'd say Emerson sure looked okay to me, but I'll tell him you were worried." Bob's discolored face broke into a big grin.

Carmella laughed as Maria turned red, but everyone began talking at once, so any response Maria could make was lost.

Tom Gordon remained silent, embarrassed at Bob's presence and obvious distaste for him. Tom realized that he took strange pleasure in the pain he felt. Maybe that would cause him to act with more courage in the future. It was ironic that the fear of embarrassment would make him braver.

Emerson Trask seemed to be up to every challenge. Tom felt jealousy as he considered how he must compare to Trask in Cathy's eyes. Cathy seemed to be taken by Emerson, and being a fair man, Tom decided she had reason to be.

Tom remembered how Cathy Jordan had looked at him that day in town and knew regret. He had come to recognize the fact that her opinion meant a great deal to him. He would do his best to see her before he left on the drive. She could be at the meeting in town and Tom decided to attend, as well.

Maria left the room, not wanting the others to see how unsettled she had become. Emerson had been in a gunfight and could have been killed. There was more than one way for him to break her heart. Dying was the surest. That thought was one Maria could not shake. His life was in danger, trying to help a community that had turned him away.

She had been worried about others being led blindly into trouble. Now it appeared that Emerson was going to be the focus of it, and that worried her even more.

The next day was to be the last one to gather the herds for the drive to Santa Fe. Maria was out early helping search for any steers that escaped the previous sweeps. She had found a couple and chased them to where the main herd was held.

After lunch, Maria had ridden out again for a last look. She found a huge steer grazing by a spring and started to haze him toward the herd, when he suddenly cut back to the spring and the cows still grazing there. As Maria's mare turned, it slipped and went down. Maria was thrown and landed hard. Dazed, she remained on the ground, waiting for the effects of the fall to ease.

Feeling better, she got to her feet and turned to look for her horse. It was then she saw a man riding a buckskin watching her. She was certain she had never seen the rider before.

He was a heavy man, and even mounted, Maria could tell he was not tall. His face had a reddish complexion and his hair was gray, although he appeared to be still in his thirties.

"Ma'am, I didn't want to frighten you, so I just sat here waiting for you to notice me. You must be Maria Casey. I am Bill Hatko, but most folks call me Billy." The mounted stranger tipped his hat displaying a shiny, bald head. Hair only covered the sides not protected by his hat.

"You are correct, I am Maria Casey, but I'm certain I never saw you before, Mr. Hatko. How do you know me?" Maria had sensed this odd looking man met her no harm.

"We have never met but I do feel like I know you. I recognized you from a description, one I thought was more imagination than truth. Now, I see it was extremely accurate." Billy Hatko had replaced his hat and offered Maria a wide grin.

"Sir, you seem to know more of me than I do of you. May I ask where I was so described to you?" Maria found her self warming to this friendly stranger.

"I think the first time was in the China Sea, although it might have been off the coast of Africa. Your name came up more than a few times over the past several years," Billy continued on, "and now I can see why."

"Excuse me. I was the topic of conversation in China? I don't know anyone there. I've hardly ever even heard of it. You must be confused," and Maria smiled to prevent it sounding like an insult.

"You may not know anyone there right now, Miss, but I can assure you I heard of you while I was sailing off the coast of China." As he spoke Billy saw understanding cross Maria's face.

"Is it possible, Billy, that you are an acquaintance of Emerson Trask's, a man who spent the past eight years at sea?" asked Maria.

"Emerson and I are more than acquaintances, as you call it. We sailed together and fought together. We owe each other our lives. I was the one who took the time to teach him how to fight with knives." Billy was beaming broadly as he finished.

"Did you also teach him to talk about ladies when they are not around to defend their honor?" Maria asked somewhat heatedly. "I can only imagine what horrible things that man spread about me to the four corners of the world!"

"I guess you don't know Emerson so well if you think he would say or do anything to stain a lady's reputation." Billy was very serious as he spoke. "The Emerson that left this basin may have had some character faults, but you should have noticed the one that returned is a gentleman. As for spreading things about you. He did. If having people in far away places think that the loveliest single example of womanhood lives in this part of New Mexico, upsets you, then you should be upset. It certainly has been spread around a great deal."

Maria couldn't doubt this man' sincerity. Still, it was difficult to believe. To conceal her surprise she changed the subject. " Could you help locate my mare? She seems to have wandered off."

It proved a simple matter for Billy to find the mare, which hadn't gone far. Once Maria was mounted she began asking Billy some of the questions in her mind.

"Emerson and I really don't get along very well. We had some very serious disagreements before he went to sea, and I am not prepared to forget them. What brings you to Morgantown? Are you looking for a riding job? Let's talk while we chase that stubborn steer back to the main herd, if you don't mind?"

"I left the ship in Galveston when Emerson left. I suppose I followed his lead and went back to the town in Texas where I spent some of my youth. I got there and discovered I knew almost no one. I had no family left and I got bored. I started thinking about Emerson and all the stories he told about Morgantown. You know what? This place seems more like a home to me than anywhere else does."

" When I rode into town this morning, it was like a homecoming. It sounds strange, but listening to Emerson describe the places and people made them all seem real. I knew Emerson thought he may have some problems here, so I drifted this way."

"I wasn't in Morgantown very long before I heard he was making quite an impact. He's the sort of man that is noticed where ever he goes. Remember, I've seen it in ports all over the world. Men want to be his friend and women adore him. I used to envy that, but I came to realize he is different and better than most. I'm content to be his friend and be part of his experience."

Maria surprised herself at how comfortable she quickly became with this man from the sea. His manner was polite and his stories interesting. He talked a great deal about Emerson and she listened, fascinated by the places and events the two men had shared. Maria discovered that this man was totally loyal to Emerson and valued that friendship above all else.

They chased the steer into the herd which had been combined with Jordans' the day before. As they parted ways with the brute, Tom Gordon rode up. Before he could speak Cathy Jordan galloped her pony to the gathered riders. Maria made the introductions.

"Cathy Jordan, meet Billy Hatko. Tom Gordon, Bill Hatko. He rode into my life a short while ago, but I feel like we're old friends. He sailed with Emerson for some time." Maria had determined to make this man, so close to Emerson, her friend. She genuinely enjoyed the man and a part of her thoughts told her he would make a valuable ally.

Cathy and Tom both showed their surprise. Cathy spoke, "You must know all about Emerson! Where did he learn to fight with fists and guns? Does he have many girlfriends? Are all you sailors so strong?"

Billy Hatko gave a hearty laugh. "Aren't you shy? I guess Emerson hasn't made much of an impression around here! Maria, remember what I was saying earlier about Emerson attracting attention?"

"I'll try to give you a little information on Emerson. While at sea, he would try to learn everything anyone could show him or tell him, and he was very quick to pick things up. We had a man we called the professor on the ship for a couple of years. He had a trunk full of books and Emerson read all of them, probably twice. They spent a great many evenings talking about people I never heard of, ones with Greek and English names. We sailed with several different men that were considered dangerous with various weapons. By the time the ship docked Emerson would be their master." Billy was enjoying his audience.

"A former professional boxer spent a couple of years working with Emerson. Emerson refined that skill with occasional practical application in various ports. Emerson also spent time with men of different nationalities, learning anything they could teach him. He was always well liked and men were flattered that he would be their student."

"He shot boxes of shells while we were on the open sea. The others couldn't understand his dedication to the use of the hand gun, at least not until they saw him in action."

"As for women, he was always noticed by the fairer sex, but avoided them for the most part. This always made him even more sought after. It's funny how that worked. The more shy he acted, the more interested the ladies would be. He never really involved himself much with women. Some of the crew said he suffered from a broken heart and didn't trust them. I don't know about that." Billy looked directly at Maria as he finished his sentence.

"We sailors work hard enough and usually become rugged, but Emerson is athletic. He is strong and fluid, like a jungle cat. I guess you've noticed." Billy nodded to Cathy. "How is it he never mentioned a girl as pretty as you? Are you new to Morgantown?"

"I think I'm going to like having you around! My family bought a ranch in the basin a few years back." Cathy added with pride, "We are from Texas originally."

Tom Gordon extended his hand. "My family is relatively new to the area. We run the bank in Morgantown. I hope you are going to sign up for this impending cattle drive. It will be quite an adventure."

"I'm sticking with Emerson from now on. He's a regular lightning rod for adventure and I might be able to help him out of some tight spots. I've done it before. I got the basic story on this drive while I was in town and rode out to join Emerson, so count me in." Billy shook Tom's hand as he spoke.

"Tom, I think it is grand that you would help on this drive. We are short handed and you will make a big difference." It was Cathy talking and Tom had trouble concealing his surprise and pleasure.

"I'll be sure to hold up my end from now on, Cathy. Thanks." With that Tom turned and rode back to the herd, fearing too much emotion was showing on his face.

Maria spoke to Billy, "It is great to hear you will go on this drive. You will be paid of course. If you want to see Emerson, why don't you help us for an hour or two, than you can escort Cathy and me to Morgantown. Emerson has called a pre-drive meeting for this evening. He will be so surprised to see you with us. That way we can listen to more of your fascinating stories."

"If I turned down that offer, I would be even dumber than I look!" Billy chuckled. "You have yourself a deal. I haven't run into many that want to hear my recollections."

Emerson made his way to town a bit early. He went to the hotel bar and bought a glass of beer and then went to the dinning room. Men were beginning to drift in. He sat where he could see them come through the dinning room door.

Maria walked in with Cathy and the room seemed to light up. Men of all ages, Emerson considered, always felt a little younger with attractive women in their presence. Emerson was stunned when he saw Billy Hatko stroll into the room and stand talking to Cathy and Maria. They acted like they were old friends!

Jumping to his feet, Emerson approached the trio. He tipped his hat to the two women and stared at Billy. "Ladies, it is always a pleasure to see you, but what sort of creature did you drag in? I haven't seen anything so repulsive since I left my uncle's ship!"

Billy grinned at Emerson and replied, "I've seen the time when you were glad to see this mug. These ladies seem to find my company pleasant enough. We spent the afternoon together and had a very nice time."

"I hope you weren't telling your stories. Ladies, this man is an exceptional liar and cannot be believed or trusted. I would strongly suggest you avoid him at all cost." With that Emerson grabbed Billy's hand and shook it.

"Is it possible that you don't want us to learn about your life the last eight years?" Cathy Jordan teased. "Billy told us about all your girlfriends and how you've broken hearts on several continents."

Emerson swung his attention back to Billy who was quick to respond, "Emerson, she's just riding you a little. I never talked about any girls!"

Maria found herself laughing with Cathy at Emerson's discomfort. "Billy, you assured Cathy there were no girls. Now it sounds like you simply forgot to mention them. Which is it?"

Emerson broke in, "It seems that we can get started with the business at hand. Billy, never discuss one woman with another. Let's get this thing going."

Emerson saw that all the participating ranches were represented and began to speak to them.

"I thank all of you for coming tonight. I'll try to keep this brief. Tomorrow, begin moving your herds toward the MM. We have a chute near where the road crosses Fisher's creek. We will work the cattle through it, branding each one with a T on the left side. Road brands make it more difficult for anyone to claim any of our head, or accuse us of taking theirs, as everyone here knows."

"I want an accurate tally made at the same time. We have to know how much stock each ranch is sending. Pat Casey, I'm asking you to take care of the tally."

"Next, I will be in charge. There will be no democracy. My orders will be followed, and I will enforce them. This is for the overall success of the drive. If I am not available, for whatever reason, Pat Casey will be in charge. Miguel will take over if both Pat and I cannot be reached."

"This will begin tomorrow. I would now like to know how many are going and hear any comments or questions you have." Emerson waited knowing there would be many comments.

"I am concerned about leaving our ranches and families unprotected." It was Vern Jordan. "A few things have taken place around here to cause me to believe property and women aren't as safe as they should be. I know you're short a few men but I'd like a couple to stay behind so the rest of us can concentrate on our work without fear of what may be happening at home. I worry about my wife." All those present knew that Martha Jordan had not enjoyed the best of health the past year or so.

Emerson considered Jordan's point. He thought about his mother and sister and felt some of the concern Jordan had, but there were only so many men. "I see your point. Taylor has been pretty quiet lately, but that could change after we hit the trail. I count eleven men and that really isn't enough. If two stay back we will have a hard time driving the herd."

Cathy Jordan spoke, "Everyone talks about "men". Well, I can ride as good as most men and can do the work of one, so count me in."

No one had even considered taking a women and the surprise was apparent. Every man considered the advantages of another good rider and the dangers she would face.

"Before you say anything, I'll be going too. We don't fight as well, or as quickly as men, but I'd say we do everything else better." Maria Casey had stepped forward. "Cathy and I have an interest in the success of this trip."

Pat Casey voiced what others were thinking. "Emerson, they are top hands and that would free a couple of men to keep an eye on things around here. The problem is the danger they could face. I think we should let you make the call. The fact that we even consider it points to desperate situation we are all in."

The other men nodded in agreement, but Maria was not satisfied. "Why does Emerson make the decision? We can decide this together."

Emerson cut her off, "Maria, I make the decisions on this drive." He continued, "The two girls are a treasure this basin takes a lot of pride in. Women on the trail face dangers men don't. Beautiful women can be exposed to even more. Still, we are between a rock and a hard place. They are excellent hands. There can be no denying that, and they do have a direct interest in this. Women have worked and fought along side men since the beginning of time."

"It worries me, but they should be part of this. The only condition is that you both agree to take and follow my orders. Will you agree to that?" Emerson spoke directly to Cathy and Maria.

"Yes, sir," was Cathy's immediate response.

"Yes, in matters concerning the drive," was Maria's qualified response.

Emerson then added, "Pat or Vern can overrule anything I may tell you two. A parent's concern comes before anything else."

"So, who stays behind? With all due respect, I suggest Vern. He can ride around enough to keep an eye on things in the basin. I want Vern to stay for a couple of reasons. He already has two family members going and his wife can't be left alone, and he is the sort that will make the rest of us feel we are leaving our places in capable hands."

"As you know Sam Shaw's wife is expecting to deliver any day. I told him we would trail a couple hundred of his head for him, and I asked him to supply some horses. He agreed to that since he obviously can't go along. The other ranchers that agreed to join us are the Robinson brothers. Emerson gestured toward two men seated near the door. Now everyone can get some dinner and get home."

Maria and Cathy were excited. Cathy asked Maria, "What were you doing? Trying to talk us out of going? You shouldn't have complained about Emerson until you heard what he was going to say."

"I never thought he would allow it, Cathy. Maybe he just likes having you around. Now I have to figure out what clothes to take. This will be some trip!" Maria could not conceal her thrill at the prospect of the journey.

Tom Gordon walked over to where the girls stood. "I have to say you two are something! This isn't going to be a picnic. I've spent more time in a saddle the last several days than the entire rest of my life. If I can help you with anything, just ask."

Cathy gave Tom a smile, "Thanks, Tom, but we don't expect to be treated special. We are going to hold up our end."

Daylight saw cattle working toward the crossing at Fisher's Creek. Miguel and Emerson had a fire going and were ready to road brand the cattle as they went through the chute. Pat Casey was there to make the count. The MM cattle had been done as they were gathered, thereby simplifying the task at hand.

The Jordan and Casey combined herd was first. The animals were fat and easily handled, but it became a hot, grueling job. The entire project lasted all day and required a portion of the second. Around noon the trail herd was pointed north and the trek began.​