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End of a Era Pt. 01

By: woodmanone



copyright February/2011

Please consider reading the Trilogy of "The Trail West, Winterborn, and The Gathering to better understand how those characters and events flow into this story. 

Constructive critiques, comments, and emails are very welcome and much appreciated.

If you like or even dislike the story; please take the time to let me know why.

Thank you for reading and commenting on my work. I hope you enjoy the story.

**********

Portland Oregon 1876

"State your name for the record please," Judge Reynolds ordered the prisoner. The Judge was about 60 with a great mane of gray hair. He was a tall, slender man dressed in a frock coat, a button on collared shirt and a string tie. The Judge had a frown on his face as he looked through his Prince Nez glasses at the man standing in front of his bench.

"Johnny Burrows sir," the shaggy looking man answered. He was dressed in buckskins and Indian moccasins that had seen better days. He kept putting his hand to his head and swayed back and forth.

Reynolds looked closer at the prisoner, noticing for the first time that his hands were shackled in front of him. "Marshal Sims, why is this man wearing shackles in my courtroom?"

"Your honor, he beat the hell, excuse me, heck out of two of my Deputies last night. I thought it best we keep him trussed up."

"Remove them at once," Judge Reynolds ordered.

As the Marshal released Burrows, Reynolds thought there's no doubt that he's a "mountain man". He's got to be 6'3 or 4; if he was shorter he'd be called stocky with those broad shoulders, big arms, and huge hands. His curly bearded face and scarred hands show the years of working outdoors. The judge continued his thought; he's part of a dying breed, damn shame too. 

The Judge had grown up reading and hearing stories about mountain men. Before he was Judge Reynolds he was Gerald Reynolds, a young boy that would light a candle after his parents went to bed, to read the dime novels about men like Jim Bridger and Daniel Boone. 

The mountain men were usually the first white men to see new parts of the country. Stories of their exploits and adventures in the wilderness and with the Indians kept the young boy awake many a night and gave him pleasant dreams of someday being a mountain man too. 

Clearly the Judge had a soft spot in his heart for this figure from history.

Judge Reynolds read the arrest warrant and saw no mention of the man's age. Burrows could be anywhere from 40 to 70 years old, Judge Reynolds told himself. 

"Are you alright Mr. Burrows?" 

"Yes sir, your Honor," the big man answered and then laughed. "A bit too much of who-hit-john last night."

"Who-hit-john?"

"Yes sir, you know, whiskey."

"Yes now I understand. Haven't heard it called that since I was a boy. What is your given name Mr. Burrows"

"It's Jonathan D Burrows sir. But I've been Johnny more years than Jonathan."

"What does the D stand for?"

"The D is for Daniel Judge. Back where I grew up every third or fourth man has Daniel in his name somewheres, so I don't use it much."

"And where were you raised?"

"I was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky. Everybody back thar names their boys after Daniel Boone."

"Is Portland your home now Mr. Burrows?"

"No sir, it taint. Don't rightly have a home. I just sorta move around as the wind blows me."

"And why did you 'blow' into Portland?'

"Well sir, I led a wagon train up here to the Willamette Valley. Back in '62 it was and I just never went back south," Burrows answered.

"And you've been here in Portland since then?"

"No sir; just got back to Portland last week."

"What have you been doing since the wagon train Mr. Burrows? Tell me the story and don't make me keep asking questions please"

"Well sir, after I got the wagon train here, I put together a grub stake and decided to take a ride," Johnny said and stopped. At the look from Judge Reynolds he continued. "Decided I wanted to see Washington and Mount Rainer. I stayed there for awhile and then went to Canada. Didn't like Canada, they talk funny up there. So I came back to Portland." 

"You said you just came back to Portland last week, how long was this ride?"

"Well, let me figure it out. I got the train here in the fall of '62, stayed around getting drunk until the summer of '63. That's when I left," Burrows replied. Looking up Judge Reynolds he asked, "What year is it now?"

"This is April 30, 1876 Mr. Burrows," Reynolds answered. He wasn't really surprised that a mountain man wouldn't know the date or year.

Burrows nodded and got a faraway look as he did the arithmetic. "Reckon I was gone for nigh on to 13 years Judge."

Reynolds paused for several seconds. Quite a ride, he thought. He read more of the Marshal's report. "Mr. Burrows, the arrest report says you were drunk and disorderly, incited a riot, and attacked two Deputy Marshals. Is that correct?"

"Well Judge...I don't know about that riot stuff and I didn't attack those Deputies; I was defending myself." Burrows saw the look on Reynolds face and added, "They tried to arrest me and I didn't want to be locked up, so I resisted them a bit."

"He resisted more than a bit Your Honor," the Marshal interrupted in an angry voice. "Tom's still over to the Doc's getting tended to and Bill won't be able to work for three or four days."

"Why did you refuse to go with the Deputies Mr. Burrows?" Reynolds seemed more curious than judgmental.

"I tolt you sir. They was gonna put me in jail and I didn't want to go." Johnny paused and added, "I tolt them to let me be and I'd leave but they wouldn't have none of it. Said I had to go to jail, so I resisted."

"I guess that tells me about the assault on the Deputies," Reynolds said. "What about this drunk and disorderly charge Mr. Burrows?"

"Well... I was drunk and I guess disorderly. But I haven't had a drink of real whiskey in over a year Judge. I was trying to make up for lost time and I guess I over did it a mite. So I guess that parts true."

"Alright. Then there's the charge of inciting a riot. Care to explain that?"

"It wasn't a riot, it was just a barroom fight is all. This big fellar named Swede said I looked and smelled like a horse that'd been rode hard and put away wet. So I told him it looked like he'd had a fire on his face and someone put it out with a pitch fork. That's when the fight started."

"Why did you say that to this man Swede Mr. Burrows?"

"He's got all these marks from the pox," Johnny answered with a grin. "Anyway we was havin a good time fightin when one of his friends hit me across the back with a chair. Made me mad, so I grabbed him and before long there was two other fellars jumped me."

"There was a lot of damage done to the saloon Mr. Burrows," Reynolds told him.

"Twernt me Judge. Those boys just kept throwing chairs and bottles and even a table or two. All I did was throwed them back."

Judge Reynolds was having a hard time trying to keep from laughing. Burrows is a man who thinks fighting four men at once is just a good time, he thought.

"Are this Swede or his cohorts in the courtroom? Can they or anyone else verify or disputed Mr. Burrows' account of the events at the saloon?"

"No, Your Honor," the Marshal replied. "When we got to the saloon, Burrows had his foot on the chest of a man lying on the floor and the other two he had in headlocks. Swede was sitting on the floor holding his nose. Those four took off as soon when we arrested Burrows here. Don't know where they are. The other customers took off when the fight started."

"What about the bartender? He didn't leave also, did he?"

"No sir. But he said he didn't see anything after Swede hit Burrows," the Marshal answered. "A bottle flew by his head and he ducked down behind the bar."

"Anyone else have anything to add?" Reynolds looked around the courtroom but no one spoke up. He thought for a minute still trying to keep a straight face.

"Mr. Burrows, in the absence of conflicting testimony or eye witnesses, this court finds you not guilty of inciting a riot. However the court does find you guilty of being drunk and disorderly and resisting two Deputies. Have you anything more to say before I sentence you?"

"No sir, I reckon you gotta do what you have to."

"Mr. Burrows, this court fines you... how much money do you have sir?"

Johnny reached into the draw string bag tied to his waist and pulled out a few coins. Counting them he replied, "Got about $20 here Judge."

"The fine for destruction of property is $5." Reynolds leaned forward and added, "Swede and the others aren't here to dispute you story but they're not here to pay a fine either, so it falls on you."

Leaning back Judge Reynolds continued, "The court further sentences you to 90 days in the city jail." Waiting a few seconds Reynolds added, "I will suspend the sentence with one stipulation sir."

Johnny had sort of slumped when he heard the 90 days; he was used to living outdoors and free. Johnny didn't know if he could take 90 days locked in a jail cell. Now he looked up at Reynolds with a little hope in his face.

"I will suspend the sentence if you will give me your word that you will leave Portland as soon as possible. Are we agreed Mr. Burrows."

Now Johnny was grinning. "Yes sir Judge. Time for me to get outta this big town and back to the mountains anyway."

"How long will you need to get ready to leave Mr. Burrows?"

"I'll need a day or two to get supplies and such for the trail." Johnny thought for a bit and said, "Reckon I can get gone in two days Judge."

"So ordered. Pay the bailiff, Court's adjourned." Reynolds stepped down from the bench, walked over to Johnny and shook his hand.

"Johnny I think you're probably the last of your kind. It'd be a damn shame if I heard you had to spend your last days in jail or the state prison. Be careful sir." Reynolds turned and left the courtroom.

Watching Judge Reynolds walk away Johnny shook his head and smiled. Nice fellar, he thought. Not many would have been as fair with me. Johnny turned to the Marshal. "No hard feelings Marshall. Hope your two boys are okay."

"No hard feelings hell, Burrows," the Marshal replied. "You said you'd be gone in two days, if you're here the evening of the third day I'll put you in jail as a public nuisance."

Johnny walked toward the door but stopped. "That puttin me in jail part didn't work out real good the last time, did it Marshal?" He stared at the man with the badge and left the courtroom. 

Just no pleasing some folks, he thought. Oh well, got things to get ready.

********************

First Johnny went to the livery stable to tend to his two horses. William was his riding animal; the horse was named for a young man that kept him from getting a beatin back when he first started out to be a mountain man. He'd been at a church social paying attention to a young lady. The man she came to the social with didn't care for Johnny's attention to her. 

He gathered three friends and braced Johnny, planning to beat him and run him off. William Kelly stepped in on Johnny's side and made the men back down. Damn, that was better than 30 years ago, back in '43, he thought. Johnny remembered fondly the man and his sweetheart, Molly that had befriended him.

Johnny's other horse was Buck; his pack animal. He'd picked up the animal before he started back from Washington. Buck was a big horse, probably too slow to be a good saddle pony, but he could carry almost twice what normal pack animals could. 

Making sure his horses were well fed and watered Johnny climbed the ladder to the hay loft where he'd been sleeping for the last week. Tomorrow I'll stock up on trail supplies, he told himself. He sorted through his meager possessions deciding what he wanted to take with him before getting some lunch. 

"Mr. Burrows are you here?" A voice called up to him. "I'd like to talk with you if I may."

Damn that sounds like a woman, Johnny thought. Peeking over the edge of the loft he saw a young woman of about 20 or so looking up at him.

"Mr. Burrows," the young lady introduced herself, "I'm a reporter for the Portland Gazette."

"A female reporter?" Johnny had never heard of such a thing.

"Yes sir. Could you come down and I'll explain why I want to talk to you."

Johnny came down the ladder and looked at the young woman. Pretty little thing, he thought. "I never heard tell of a female reporter Miss. Thought mostly men did that job."

"That's what most people think, Mr. Burrows. I plan to prove them wrong," the girl said heatedly. "I'm Margaret Anne Dempsey," she introduced herself reaching out to shake hands. 

She had a strong handshake and looked Burrows in the eye. Margaret was about 5' 4 with auburn hair and sparkling green eyes which told of her Irish heritage. She's a fine figure of a true Irish colleen, Johnny thought as he shook hands with her.

"My uncle owns the Gazette and he hired me to do stories about tea socials, flower shows, and debutant balls for the society page."

"That sounds like a fine thing Miss Dempsey."

"Call me Maggie please and I'll call you Johnny if I may," she replied. "It is a good job but I want to write about more important things. I want to report on real news items, about the things important to Portland and to Oregon."

Johnny smiled; he admired the spunk and intensity of the young woman. "Where'd you ever get such an idea?"

This time it was Maggie that smiled. "My father is something of a...a rebel I guess you'd say. He thinks that women should be treated equally with men. As I was growing up he instilled the same ideals in me."

Maggie stopped and chuckled. "He once told me if I'd been born a man I could have been a powerful force in state government. As it was I'd have to fight to be treated as something more than a second class citizen."

She looked at Johnny with fire in her eyes. "I won't be treated like a second class anything and my Daddy supports me. He even named me after two of history's first and finest women reporters; Anne Royall and Margaret Fuller."

"Never heared of them," Johnny admitted.

Maggie smiled again and continued, "Margaret joined the staff of the New York Times in 1844; she was their first female reporter. Anne Royall was the first female reporter to get an interview with a sitting President of the United States," Maggie explained.

"In1826 John Quincy Adams was bathing naked in the Potomac River and Mrs. Royall asked for an interview but President Adams declined. Anne sat on his clothes and wouldn't let him have them until he talked to her."

"I think I would've liked Anne Royall. Always did admire someone, man or woman, with spunk," laughed Johnny. "But what do you want with me, Missy?"

"My uncle said that if I could write something that would interest men as well as the women who usually read my work that he would print it," Maggie answered. "I was at your trial this morning and I thought a story about you and your life would be the way to write something more important than whose roses won the blue ribbon."

"Who wants to read about an old broken down mountain man?"

"I heard Judge Reynolds say you were the last of your kind and he's probably right. I think people would be fascinated to hear about the life and times of a real life mountain man," Maggie explained. "Look at all the books and stories written about Daniel Boone, Jim Bridger, and John 'Liver Eatin' Johnson."

"Well Missy, I wouldn't mind helping you but I've got to find some day work for a couple days to get a grub stake so's I can leave town like I promised the Judge. I just don't think I'll have the time."

"How much do you need, Johnny?"

"I reckon about $80 would see me through. I got about $50 after paying that fine so I need another $30 or so ."

"You told Judge Reynolds you only had $20," Maggie said with a smile.

"Yes 'em I did," Johnny answered with a grin. "I believe in tellin the truth but there's no need to be a fanatic about it." Then he laughed out loud. "I need the money more than that saloon owner does."

Maggie laughed with him. "I'll make you a bargain Johnny. We'll go this afternoon to get your supplies together and the Gazette will pay for it. Then you have dinner with me this evening so we can talk and you spend tomorrow talking with me too. What do you say?"

"You sure you're uncle will stake me?"

"Yes sir, I am. He pretty much thinks like my father. But even if the Gazette won't pay the freight, I will." 

"You got that kind of money Missy?"

"I'm not without resources Johnny. I give you my word; you'll get your traveling stake."

Johnny looked Maggie in the eye and could see that she meant what she'd promised. "Okay Missy, I'll bend your ear for the next day or so. Let's go put together my grub stake."

The rest of the afternoon Johnny and Maggie went around the town getting and doing the things he felt necessary to get ready for his long journey. He'd decided where he was headed just before Maggie came into the livery stable. They took his horses to the blacksmith to have them reshod. Next they went to the general store to pick up staples.

Salt, sugar and coffee were purchased. Johnny also selected, and Maggie paid for, about five pounds of beef jerky, a mixed bag of oats and corn for his horses, and some penny candy. "Sometimes you can't stop to eat and suckin on the candy will help you forget how hungry you are," Johnny explained. "Besides, it just tastes good," he added with a grin.

Before they left the general mercantile, Maggie handed Johnny a new wide brimmed hat, a couple of pair of sturdy work pants and four shirts. "Try this on," she ordered handling him the hat. "If you're going on a long trip you'll need a good hat and decent clothing. Those that you're wearing looks like they're about to fall apart."

The hat fit well so Johnny threw his old hat into a waste bin. "Add it to the bill," Maggie told the clerk.

"I'll meet you at the cafe just up the street from the livery at 5," Maggie told Johnny. "And Mr. Burrows, could you take a bath between now and then please? Mr. Swede was right; you do smell like a horse."

He nodded and she walked away. Johnny spent the rest of the afternoon stowing his supplies in the pack saddle panniers that he would load on Buck. Some things, such as ammunition for his Winchester 73 rifle and Colt Peacemaker handgun, he put in his saddle bags; they both used the same .44-40 cartridge. But the final thing he did before meeting Maggie was to take a bath. He stripped out back of the stable and washed in a horse trough.

********************

At 5, a clean and well dressed Johnny walked into the diner. Maggie was sitting with an older man at a table in the back of the room. She smiled and motioned for him to join them. As he got to the table the older man stood and offered his hand.

"I'm Sean Dempsey, Mr. Burrows. Maggie's father," the man introduced himself. "It's a real pleasure to meet you."

Johnny shook hands with Sean. "Johnny Burrows, Mr Dempsey. You've got quite a daughter there," he said pointing to Maggie.

"Don't I know it. Sometimes I think I've let her have her head a little too much after her mother passed away," Sean replied with a small laugh. "But then I think how interesting life is with her around and wouldn't want to change a thing."

"Daddy," Maggie protested blushing. "Johnny you almost look elegant in your new clothes."

"Don't know about that," he replied. "That lye soap pert near took my hide off. But this is the cleanest I've been in quite a spell."

"Sit down please Mr. Burrows. I came along as sort of a chaperone don't you know. In spite of her rebellious streak, young ladies just don't meet gentlemen alone for supper. Not even in these modern times."

"I understand sir," Johnny replied. Sean would make a fine protector for his daughter, he thought. He's near as big as me.


End of a Era Pt. 01



"No need to call me sir. My name's Sean and I'll call you Johnny. If that's alright with you."

The three ordered dinner and Maggie began her questions. When the food was brought to the table, Sean told Maggie to let the poor man eat before his food gets cold. After dinner Sean had a suggestion.

"I have some paper work that must be completed this evening and I can see that Maggie isn't half way done with her questions. May I suggest you come back to the house with us and stay the night. That way you and Maggie can talk until all hours."

"Thank you Sean. It'd sure beat sleeping on those hay bales."

"Let's get your horses and gear up to our stable and you two can talk as long as you want," Sean suggested.

Arriving at the Dempsey's Johnny put his horses in their stable and joined Maggie in the parlor. Two pots of coffee and several hours later Maggie called a halt.

"I've gotten a good start tonight Johnny but it's after midnight and I can hardly keep my eyes open. Let's continue after breakfast tomorrow."

Johnny nodded and Maggie showed him to his bedroom. Dang, ain't talked that much in two or three years combined, he thought and he went to bed.

He was up at first light and made his way to the kitchen; he thought he'd put on a pot of coffee for everyone. Johnny was surprised to see Sean sitting at the table with a cup of coffee in front of him.

"Coffee's on the stove, if you've a mind for some," Sean greeted him.

"Surprised to see you up this time of the morning," Johnny said as he refilled Sean's cup and poured one of his own.

"I spent a lot of years gettin up at daybreak when I was a lumberjack," Sean replied. "Never did get over the habit. He took a sip of the hot coffee and asked, "Did Maggie and you get a lot done last night? I know you two were still going at 10."

"Yes sir." Johnny smiled. "She sure asks a lot of questions, don't she? I think she knows what I had for breakfast every day for the last 40 years." He and Sean both laughed.

"We'll pretty well finish up my life story today. But we'll have to take some breaks," Johnny complained with a smile. "I'm not use to talkin that much."

Maggie joined them. "I'll fix some breakfast for us and then we can get started again," she said as she turned to the ice box.

"Yes 'em," Johnny said winking at Sean behind her back. "Anything you say Miss Dempsey."

She turned to face him, saw that he was teasing, and laughed. "Okay. Would it be alright if we continued after breakfast Mr. Burrows?"

"Yes 'em Missy. It would be my pleasure."

While Maggie fixed breakfast Johnny wrote a letter he wanted to mail before he left Portland. Though she was as curious as a cat, Maggie refrained from asking who he was writing to.

They talked, or rather Johnny talked and Maggie asked questions until midday. After lunch, Maggie suggested they take a short break. 

"Good, my voice could rest a spell," Johnny responded. "Think I'll ride over to the post office and mail that letter I writ this morning." 

He could see that Maggie wanted to ask who he was writing to but was too polite to bring it up. "It's to an old friend down San Diego, California way," Johnny told her holding up the letter. "He's about the only friend I got that's still kickin."

Johnny mailed his letter and stopped at a saloon for a quick beer; it was a different saloon than the one he'd been arrested in. Better get back fore Missy comes looking for me, he said to himself after one beer. 

When he got back to the Dempsey's, Maggie was sitting on the porch swing waiting, impatiently. "Well, let's get back to work," she said and motioned Johnny into the house. He smiled, put his horse away and followed her into the parlor.

They stopped around 5 for supper and then went back to work. Just after 8, Maggie stretched and put her notebook down.

"That brings us up to your fight in the saloon so I guess we're done Johnny."

"Just in time Missy. I need to leave tomorrow or the Marshal will try to put me in jail again," Johnny replied with an evil little grin. "He wouldn't get it done but I don't want the ruckus."

Sean came into the parlor to join them. He handed Johnny a glass almost full with an amber liquid. "That's pure old Kentuck sippin whiskey," he said in a put on southern drawl. "Reckon your mouth should be tuckered out by now. This will help you recover." Sean lifted his own glass in a toast to Johnny.

"Where you headed tomorrow?" Sean asked.

Johnny finished his whiskey and looked thoughtful. "You know I been up here for nie on to 14 year and I've never seen the Pacific Ocean. Reckon I'll ride over to Cape Meares and see it for myself."

"That a long way Johnny," Maggie offered.

"From what folks tell me it's about 50 mile or so. That's about a two day ride if I don't run into trouble or bad weather."

"You can make that ride in two days?" Maggie asked.

"Yes 'em. I won't take my pack animal, no need for that short of ride. So I'll make good time," Johnny replied.

"How long you plan to stay?"

"No more than a day or two. Got to get headed south pretty quick," Johnny answered. He could see a gleam in Maggie's eye and asked her, "Why?"

"That means you'll be back in Portland in five or six days," Maggie replied. "If you stop and see us," pointing to her father, "I'll have a copy of the story for you. You can read it on the trail."

"I was hopin to leave Buck here with you and pick him up on the way through. If that's okay with you Sean."

"That's fine Johnny. Besides Maggie would have my hide if she didn't get to show you her work."

********************

Seven days later, late in the afternoon, Johnny Burrows stopped his horse William in front of the Dempsey's house. Before he could dismount Maggie came running out to greet him.

"What took you so long?" She asked all excited. "I've been waiting for two days."

"Just this side of Cape Meares I ran into a fellar I knowed up in Washington and we had to visit for a spell," Johnny answered. He didn't want to tell her that he and his friend spent an evening trying to drink a whole jug of whiskey. Can't drink like I used to, he thought. Took me most of the next day to get over it.

"Well come into the house; you're just in time for supper. Clean up a bit and join Daddy and me in the dining room," Maggie ordered. "After supper I've got something to show you."

Sean stood as Johnny entered the dining room. "Welcome back, come sit and eat. You look like you could use a good meal."

"Thank ye Sean. I rather eat one of Maggie's home cooked meals a sight more than trail food."

As the three ate supper Johnny told them about his visit to the Pacific Ocean. At the end of his story of his trip he said, "Whole bunch of water, ain't it? Never seen such a sight before."

They spent a long time at supper talking. Later sitting on the front porch they had an after supper coffee while Sean and Johnny each smoked a cigar. 

"Where you going next Johnny?" Sean asked. "You're welcome to stay here with us as long as you care too."

"Oh please stay," Maggie added. 

"Thank ye Sean, that's right nice of you," Johnny responded. He leaned toward Maggie and said, "Can't stay Missy. I'd go plum loco living in a big town like this. Guess I spent too many years alone up in the mountains to like a bunch of people around all the time. Besides I'm overdue; I gave the judge my word to get out of here days ago."

He took a sip of his cooling coffee and smoked his cigar for a minute and thought about his destination. "A while back I got a letter from my friend Clint Hobart, he used to run wagon trains along the Santa Fe Trail, anyways he said a mutual friend, Josh Kelly, has a ranch over to Colorado. Thought I might drop by and see him. It's been, let's see....nigh on to 14 years since we saw each other. He was just a youngster, about your age Maggie, when I met him."

Johnny seemed lost in thought for a minute. "Member that fellar William I told you about?" At Maggie's nod he continued. "Back in Missouri it were, where he kept me from gettin a beatin. Well Josh is his son. I met the boy when he signed on with one of Hobart's wagon trains. Bout 18 years old he were. Rode with him for two days I did. Never met a youngster with such a good head on his shoulders. We became good friends in those two days."

"Where's Mr. Kelly's ranch Johnny?" Maggie always the inquisitive reporter asked. "Colorado's a big place."

"Clint said Josh had settled in the Chico Basin, near a town called Fountain. It's about a half days ride south of Colorado Springs," Johnny told them so they'd have an idea of where he was going.

"When you plan on heading out?" Sean asked, hoping Johnny might stay for a few more days. He enjoyed talking to the old mountain man.

"Reckon, I'll head out at first light," Johnny said smiling at Maggie's disappointed look. "Missy, I can't get there if I don't get started."

Johnny finished his coffee and cigar. "Better get some rest if I'm leaving at daybreak."

"Just a minute Johnny, I still have to give you my surprise," Maggie said. "I'll be right back."

Johnny looked at Sean as he smiled and shook his head. Maggie came bouncing back onto the porch.

Handing Johnny a newspaper she said, "My story about you was a big hit. See it starts on the front page and continues on page two." Maggie was almost jumping up and down in excitement.

"We had to print extra copies because people heard about the story from their friends and wanted to read it for themselves. You're a celebrity Johnny."

"All the more reason for me to get gone," Johnny replied. "Can't abide folks makin a fuss over me." He took Maggie's hand. "I'll read this at night on the trail. Thank you for your interest in an old man Missy."

Maggie threw her arms around Johnny and hugged him. "Thank you for giving me the chance to do a real story," she said with tears in her eyes. She turned and went back into the house.

"You've made quite an impression on her Johnny," Sean said and shook his hand. "Thank you, I haven't seen her this happy in years. Just so you know I hear that other papers out here in the west are picking up the story and printing it too."

Johnny shook his head and laughed. "Who'da thought that one little girl could reach so many people." Waving his hand Johnny went up to his room.

When he came downstairs the next morning, Johnny was surprised. He'd thought he's slip out before anyone got up. Instead Sean and Maggie were both waiting on him. Sean smiled and gave him a metal flask. "It's got some who-hit-john in it, for those cold nights on the trail."

Maggie handed him a bundle. "Some fried chicken and corn pone, at least your first night you won't have to eat trail food." She hugged him and teary eyed ran back upstairs.

Johnny, followed by Sean, stepped onto the porch. Johnny's horses, William was already saddled and Buck with his pack saddle waited for him. He thanked Sean with a nod, walked to William, and mounted.

"Won't say goodbye," Johnny said to Sean. "The Sioux always say 'some time again. Some time again, Sean."

Johnny turned his horse into the sun toward Colorado.

To be continued...



End of a Era Pt. 02



By Woodmanone copyright February/2011

Please consider reading the Trilogy of "The Trail West, Winterborn, and The Gathering to better understand how those characters and events flow into this story.

Reading Part 1 will set the stage for this continuation of the story.

Constructive comments and emails are very welcome and much appreciated.

If you like or even dislike the story send me an email with your critique.

Thank you for taking the time to read my tale and commenting. I hope you enjoy the story.

********************

Johnny made good time the first day on the trail. That evening when he camped, he changed clothes. The friend he'd met at the Pacific Ocean had an extra set of buckskins and a trade was made. Johnny gave him a skinning knife that he seldom used for the clothes. He'd waited until now to change because he didn't want to hurt Maggie's feelings by changing out of the work pants and shirt she'd gotten for him.

Those pants and shirts are fine around town or on a short trip but there's nothing as comfortable as a good set of buckskins, he thought. The buckskin pants were a little tight but they'd stretch with use. The shirt fit fine but Johnny cut off the fringe along the arms and across the chest and back. Damn fringe just gets in your way, he said to himself.

He continued to wear the western boots instead of moccasins. Moccasins were fine when he just rode along easy but he had better than 1200 miles to travel and there'd be some hard riding along the way. Johnny didn't want to figure his trip in miles but in the number of days it would take.

Johnny felt he had made a little over 30 miles the first day. His horses were fresh and the trail was mostly flat with a few areas of rolling hills. He knew he couldn't make that many miles every day, especially when he got into the mountains. If he didn't run into trouble and the weather didn't turn real bad he figured to reach Fountain in just over 50 days. And that's if I don't have to spend a lot of time looking for the right way, he thought. But if I take longer it don't really matter. Colorado still gonna be there for a while.

Colorado and Fountain were south by south east of Portland. Johnny didn't think he have much trouble finding the right trails. Even if I get it wrong a little, Colorado is a big place, he said. Don't think I'll miss the whole blamed territory.

He made almost 30 miles the second day; in country that was still mostly rolling hills. For the next few days I'll have these rolling hills and prairie, he told himself. As he settled into his camp at almost dusk he pulled the newspaper that Maggie had given him out of a saddlebag. There on the front page in a double wide column was his story. He settled down to do some reading.





End of a Era Pt. 02



As he got settled in for the night, Johnny thought about the news he heard when passing by Fort Bridger, Wyoming. According to the soldiers at the Fort, a combined force of Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho numbering almost 2000 strong all but wiped out the U. S. Seventh Cavalry. Five of the Seventh's companies were destroyed in the battle near the Little Big Horn River. The Seventh lost over 200 men.

The battle took place in June of '76, just about the time I got back from Washington, Johnny thought. Lucky I didn't run into a passel of Cheyenne or Lakota when I passed Fort Bridger. Don't know if I'd still be doing it but I'm glad I didn't sign on as an Army scout.

Johnny heard the story of Custer's actions and shook his head. He wasn't unsympathetic to the death of all those soldiers, in fact he felt bad about the enlisted men who had followed Custer and Reno. But Johnny had said several times that the breaking of treaties with the Indians was like poking a sleeping bear with a stick; one day the bear would wake up and poke back.

He banked his fire, covered himself with his bedroll, put his head on his saddle and went to sleep. Gotta cover a lot of ground tomorrow was his last thought.

As usual at first light Johnny was awake and getting on the trail. Think I got one more mountain range to get over before I come down to the lowlands near Fountain, he thought as he rode out that morning.

Johnny figured he had about 20 more days till the end of his journey. Maybe less if I can make some good time across this high chaparral, he thought. He pushed his horses and himself hard and covered close to 80 miles in the next two days; riding for 12 hours a day. In late afternoon of the third day Johnny was at the base of the last set of mountains; he stopped and rested the horses for the rest of that afternoon and the whole next day.

"You boys deserve a rest," he told William and Buck as he unsaddled them. William nodded his head up and down when the bridal came off as if to agree with his human. Getting his camp set up and eating an early supper, Johnny turned in. He needed some rest too.

The next morning after a breakfast of beef jerky and coffee Johnny first fed and watered his horses and then went hunting. He wanted something more than trail food for supper. Johnny came back to camp with two rabbit. He cooked them both that evening and would take one with him for supper the next night. After eating supper and building up his fire, he pulled out Maggie's article.

********************

The emigrants, led by Johnny Burrows, crossed the Snake River and began what was considered the hardest part of the journey. The desert landscape of this country would have been deadly without Johnny's guidance. Once again, the wagon master was very glad that he had secured the services of the experienced mountain man. Johnny was able to show and lead the wagon train to water holes that they would have by passed and missed. Without those water holes many of emigrants would have perished.

Johnny Burrows led the wagon train into Portland 4 months, 1 week, and 4 days after they started from Independence. It was one of the fastest and safest trips made on the Oregon Trail. Thanks to the experience and leadership of this man from the mountains only four lives and ten head of livestock were lost during the journey.

A big end of the trail party was thrown with Johnny as the guest of honor. His many friends and admirers among the emigrants sadly said goodbye to the man that had made their trek possible.

She's right, that desert crossing was bad and I did find a couple of water holes that they might have missed. But the reason the trip went so well was the way Bob ran the train. He knew what he was doing and I helped a bit.

Now there was a big party the day after we got to Portland. As bad as I felt the day after I must have had a damn good time; I really don't remember much of it.

Burrows wintered in Portland until spring of '63. Still a mountain man at heart, he decided he'd been in one place long enough. Saying goodbye to his friends, ignoring their wish that he stay, he began his trek to the Cascade Mountain Range in Washington. It was one of the few mountain ranges in the west that Burrows had never seen. Johnny particularly wanted to see Mt. Rainier first hand.

He was so taken with the natural beauty of the area that the journey would be of longer duration than he thought. He was gone from Portland for 13 years.

Apparently Johnny's empathy for the Indians of the west was still strong. Shortly after arriving in the area near Mt. Rainier, he met a small segment of the Snoqualmie Indian tribe. Burrows was able to communicate with the Indians using sign language. This small group had refused to move to the Tulalip Reservation as ordered by the U. S. government and Washington Territory in the Point Elliot Treaty in 1855.

Running Elk, the leader of the small band, told Johnny that living by the big water, Puget Sound, was not their way. The Snoqualmie were nomadic prior to the treaty and Running Elk and his people intended to continue their ancestral way; in spite of the soldiers that harassed them. Burrows, always a bit of rebel himself, admired their courage and convictions and decided to live with them for a while.

Living with the Snoqualmie, Johnny was in his element. He loved life in the wilderness and most happy living where most men hesitated to go. Running Elk was so impressed with Johnny that he offered his daughter, Raven Wing, to be Johnny's wife.

The young woman was comely and Johnny had lost his previous Indian wife years previously so he accepted. Raven became his wife and partner. Their partnership was a happy, loving one for 7 months. Raven was struck down in her prime by a pack of rabid wolves.

Heartbroken and beginning to feel his age, Johnny decided to leave his Snoqualmie friends and return to civilization. He returned to Portland where this reporter met him and learned of his amazing life.

Johnny has left Portland on another trek and adventure. I am happy that he still seeks new things after all these years but we in Portland are poorer for him leaving us.

This American icon, this trail blazer, this adventurer is to be admired and we should mourn the passing of a way of life. Johnny Burrows is the last of his kind, a real by God Mountain Man.

Margaret Anne Dempsey.

Dang Maggie makes me sound like a cross between Moses and the Messiah, Johnny chuckled to himself.

I did winter in Portland, mainly because I wanted to be around whiskey and have a real bed to sleep in for a while. And I did go to see the Cascades because I never had. And I sure did like the country, but the rest of that story is mostly the romantic notions of a young woman.

Running Elk and the Snoqualmie did refuse to go live on the reservation and I did hole up with them for a spell. Good people and easy to like and live with. They didn't care that I was white and all they expected of me was to carry my own weight. If you didn't hunt and work, you didn't eat.

He didn't give me Raven; he traded her to me for a real fine steel knife and a plug of chewing tobacco. But the only reason he did want to trade was that none of the bucks wanted her. Raven was about 30 I guess, a mite old to be a first time wife, and she'd had small pox as a child. Her face was scared with pock marks something fierce. Those bucks thought she was cursed by the white man and were afraid to have anything to do with her.

The reason I took her was about the same as with Morning Star. Except for her face she was a fine looking woman, standing tall for her people with shiny black hair. And I'd been alone in my bedroll for quite a spell. The morning after our wedding, I watched as she bathed in the stream near our teepee. She was naked in the morning sun with water glistening on her body. Damn those bucks sure are dumb, I thought.

Now she was torn up by a pack of wolves but she was already dead before they got to her. Raven had gone to gather some herbs and fell off a cliff trying to pick some peppermint. Don't know how she fell but she dropped over a hundred feet. We found her body two days later. Guess I just wasn't meant to be married.

Maybe I was heartbroken, don't know about that, but the joy had gone out of the Cascades for me. So I went back to Portland. I'd plan to leave the next day when I ran into those fellars in the saloon. Put me off leavin for a few days, it did. If it hadn't been for that Judge Reynolds I might still be beatin my head against the bars in the city jail about now.

Smiling, Johnny cut the article from the newspaper with his big knife. He folded it and carefully wrapped it in some waterproof buckskin to protect it, and put it away in a saddle bag. Like to keep that, he thought. It will make me feel close to Maggie and Sean. Johnny banked his fire and got some rest. Tomorrow he would start the last push to Fountain.

The next four days were more rough riding, from sunup until just before dusk. On the morning of the fifth day, he topped a small rise and saw the town of Fountain.

Not bad for a broken down old mountain man, he thought with a smile. Over 1200 miles and I hit it right square on the head the first time.

Now, first I need a saloon and a whiskey; then time to find out if Josh still lives here.

To Be Continued.



End of a Era Pt. 03



copyright February/2011

Please consider reading the Trilogy of "The Trail West, Winterborn, and The Gathering to better understand how those characters and events flow into this story. 

Reading Parts 1 & 2, will set the stage for this continuation of the story.

Constructive comments and emails are very welcome and much appreciated.

If you like or even dislike the story please send me an email with your critique.

Thank you for taking the time to read my tale and commenting. I hope you enjoy the story.

********************

Johnny Burrows pulled his horse to a stop in front of the Fountain City Livery Stable. Made good time we did, he said to himself; just 48 days from Portland to Fountain. Dismounting he patted William's neck and said, "Good job, old son. You brought me a long way." He stepped over to his pack horse Buck and repeated, "Good job, big fellar."

The stable master came out to join Johnny. "Stayin long Mister?"

"Don't rightly know yet," he replied. "I'd like these two pampered for a day or two anyways. Give em a bath, brush and curry em, and feed em a good mash please."

The stable man said, "Be $3 for the first day and $1 a day after that."

Nodding his head Johnny flipped a $10 gold piece to the man. "That'll take care of a couple of days, I'll be back with more ifin it's needed. Show me the stalls you'll put em in." He followed the man into the big barn and unsaddled the two horses, storing his gear in one of the stalls. "Mister these two are about the only friends I got. Take good care of em," he said looking the man in the eyes." It was both a request and a warning.

As he walked down the main street toward the town proper, Johnny planned on where he would start looking for Josh. There are three places that you can find all the information about the people and the town, Johnny thought. Rumors and facts are found at the general store/post office, the barber shop, and the saloon. I don't need any supplies and don't have anything to mail; I don't want a haircut or shave; so I guess I'll go to the saloon.

Johnny walked into the saloon and smiled. It's like comin back home again, he thought. I've spent more hours than I can remember in a lot worse places than this. He walked to the bar and ordered a whiskey. 

As the bartender served his drink, Johnny said, "Name's Johnny Burrows. Lookin for a fellar that may live around here. Can you help me?" 

"I'm Sam. Why do you want to find this man?" The bartender asked.

"He's an old friend. Haven't seen him in nigh on to 14 years," Johnny replied.

Sam nodded and asked, "Who are you looking for Mister?"

"Fellar named Josh Kelly. He's supposed to have a ranch outside of town. Got a partner named McCall."

With a smile Sam said, "Josh and Red own the Chico Basin Cattle Company. They got another partner named Jerry Barnes." He smiled again and said, "Course their wives are the real bosses."

Johnny returned the smile. "Where might I find this ranch?"

"I can give you directions but Josh and Red usually stop in for a beer about this time every Saturday. Should be here anytime, if they follow habit."

Johnny's back was to the swinging doors but he saw them swing open in the mirror behind the bar. Two young men came through the doors and stepped to either side of the opening. He saw them look around the big room carefully before they started toward the bar.

As Josh and Red got to the bar, Johnny kept his head down until the youngsters ordered a drink.

"Reckon you'll serve anyone in here if you'll serve these shave tails," he said in a loud serious voice.

Josh and Red turned toward the rude man. Red started to respond to the man and his insult but Josh stopped him. Turning to his companion Josh asked, "I ever tell you about that old horse thief that thought he was a mountain man and tried to teach me how to track and such?" 

Johnny smiled, stood up from leaning on the bar and faced Josh.

Still talking to Red Josh continued, "This is that old bag of bones I was telling you about."

"Josh," Johnny said. The two friends looked at each other for a few seconds. Josh stepped over, shook hands with Johnny and put his other hand on his shoulder.

When they finished greeting each other, Red stepped over and offered his hand. "You'd be the famous Mountain Man, Johnny Burrows," he said. "Read about you. I'm Red McCall, Josh's partner."

"Clint Hobart told me about you and the other one, Jerry Barnes was it, when he wrote to me. Say's you and Josh was as close as brothers, he did. Guess that makes you my friend too. Johnny smiled at Red while shaking his hand. "Now what's this about y'all reading about me?"

"Piece in the paper, written by a lady over to Portland, says you're the last of the real by God Mountain Men," Red replied. "Never thought I'd meet someone famous like you," he teased.

Johnny looked puzzled and Josh said, "Seems you met a lady name of Margaret Anne Dempsey and told her your life story. She wrote a long article about you and it got printed in the Portland paper."

Nodding, Johnny said, "Maggie's a friend and she got her uncle to print that story. But how did you hear about it way over here?"

Red answered, "Seems some of the editors of other papers liked the story so much that they got permission to reprint it." Seeing the surprise on Johnny's face he added, "Half the newspapers in the west have run that article. Including our own Fountain Daily News." As an aside Red remarked, "Don't know why it's called the daily news; it don't come out but once a week." 

Johnny shook his head. "Never meant for that story to make such a fuss. I just tried to help a young lady with a lot of grit." 

He explained Maggie's desire to do stories about more important things than the society page type stories. "She reminded me of another youngster that had a lot goin against him but that wasn't willing to sit back and take it," Johnny said pointing to Josh as he spoke.

Red saw the look that passed between Josh and the mountain man. "Sam give us three of your best before these two get to blubbering," he ordered.

Sam got a bottle down from beside the mirror behind the bar. He had to wipe off some dust. "Don't get much call for this," he explained. "Too blamed expensive I guess." He poured three double shots and placed them in front of the men.

Johnny put a $20 gold piece on the bar but Sam pushed it back to him. "Reckon I can stand a drink to a real by God Mountain Man," he said with a smile. 

Nodding his thanks, Johnny asked, "You finally grow up enough to drink whiskey Josh? You used to just drink beer."

"Still do, but this is a special occasion." 

The three picked up the glasses and Josh raised his glass toward Johnny and made a toast. "To old friends."

"And to new ones," Johnny replied raising his glass toward Red. They threw the whiskey back and sat the empty glasses on the bar in one continuous movement. "Dang now you almost got me blubbering," Red remarked as he acknowledged the toast. "Sam give us two more and a beer for the little boy here," he ordered looking at Josh. "Reckon he's had his limit on whiskey."

The three friends sipped the second drink and talked back and forth. Josh told Red the story of meeting Johnny and how he'd taught Josh about the wild country out west. "Many times what he taught me helped save my hide."

"Well...didn't want no greenhorn's blood on my hands, don't you know," Johnny commented. Then more serious he continued, "You were a good learner Josh. Never too proud to learn or too stubborn to try something a different way than what you were used to. You always asked questions." With a big grin Johnny added, "That is when I wasn't talkin so much that you could get a word in."

"I always thought I was about the best there was at trackin," Red told Johnny. "But I found out I had a lot to learn when Josh and I partnered up. Now I know why."

"So boy...what happened to you after you left with Clint from Fort Smith?" Johnny asked wanting to know about his friends life.

Josh laughed and replied, "I was gonna ask you the same thing but I guess that newspaper story pretty much tells it all."

"Not by a long shot it don't," Johnny said. "Maggie's a good girl and has a gift with the written word but she exaggerated a mite in that story. Enough about me, tell me your story Josh."

Josh, with Red adding details now and then, told Johnny about the trail west with the wagon train to Santa Fe. Red added the story of how he and Josh met and how Josh vouched for him with the wagon master Hobart. 

"He was so grateful that he came all the way to Santa Fe with us," Josh said with a grin. "In fact in spite of me trying to get rid of him he followed me all the way to Colorado."

"More like I led and you followed," Red countered. "You'd never even found the territory much less Chico Basin without my guidance."

Josh laughed at Red's teasing. "Don't rightly know who led who but he were sure a help when we got here." They told of the addition of Jerry Barnes to their partnership and their travels to Fountain and the adventures along the way. 

"I thought you were just sittin out the war Josh, but you're still here," Johnny said.

"Well our plans sorta changed when we got to Fountain," he replied. Then he smiled and added, "We met Danni and Sarah our first day in town." Johnny looked puzzled. "Those are our wives Johnny."

"You got hitched?"

"Yes sir, both of us. We married sisters and we've both got kids and a real family," Josh answered. "In fact we're supposed to meet them at the café about now."

Johnny shook his head and smiled. "You look happier than a pig in slop Josh. Good for you and you too Red."

"We're gonna have a late lunch and start back to the ranch. Come meet our families," Red invited.

"I'm not hardly fit to meet womenfolk," Johnny protested. 

At Josh and Red's insistence he went with them to the café. As Johnny followed Josh into the café he saw a big table in the back. At the table were two young women and six children. 

Not hard to figure out whose kids are whose, Johnny thought. Those three have the same reddish blonde hair as Red. The other two boys are the spitin image of Josh and that little girl looks just like her momma.

The children looked up and saw their fathers come into the café. There was a stampede of six children running to greet them. Cries of "Papa" and "Daddy" rang out in the room. The few customers smiled and laughed at the children. Greeting their children Josh and Red finally got them calmed down and back at the table.

Josh took Johnny's arm and pulled him over to the table. "Danni, this is my friend Johnny Burrows. Johnny this is my wife Danni." Johnny nodded at the pretty young woman. "That other beauty there is Danni's sister Sarah and she owns this one here," Josh said pointing a thumb at Red.

"Please to meet cha both ladies," Johnny said pulling off his hat.

Danni stood holding a child on her left hip and stepped around Josh holding out her hand. "It's good to finally meet you Mr. Burrows. Josh never seems to tire of talking about you after that newspaper article. He's like a little boy telling tales," Danni said with a big smile teasing her husband.

Returning her handshake and her smile Johnny said, "Johnny'll do just fine Mrs. Kelly. Never was much for that mister stuff."

She nodded and replied, "And you must call me Danni, I feel like I know you already." Danni motioned for the children to come to her.

"Johnny these are our children," she said with William and Molly standing in front of her while she held the two year old Clint.

He turned to Josh with a grin and then turned back as Danni introduced the children.

"This is William, our oldest," she said. "He's nine but he'll be the man of the house one day." William stepped forward and offered his hand. 

Johnny said, "Pleased to meet you William. He solemnly shook hands with the youngster.

"Gee Mister, you smell funny," William said then ducked his head at Danni's call of William! 

"Well William, that'll happen when you spend two months on the trail," Johnny laughed.

"This is Molly, she's 7," Danni continued the introductions. 

Johnny bent over at the waist and smoothed Molly's hair. "You're about as pretty as a speckled pup," he said. Molly smiled and the room seemed to light up.

"And this is Clint our youngest. He's two and sometimes I feel like he's twins," Danni said smiling. "He surely likes to get into things."

Johnny had never spent much time around children, other than the older ones in the Indian camps he'd lived in. He wasn't sure how to react to Clint. But he put his finger out to tickle the little one. Clint giggled and stuck both arms out wanting to go to Johnny.

"Bear," Clint proclaimed. He struggled and almost jumped to get into Johnny's arms. Once there he put his little arms around Johnny's neck and repeated, "Bear."

To cover the tears that came to his eyes, Johnny turned to Josh. "I knowed where the names William and Molly come from, but Clint?" 

Josh smiled and answered, "After Mr. Hobart. He was the one that started me on the trail west."

After a few minutes Red stepped over and said, "Like to introduce you to my brood if I might."

Johnny nodded and tried to hand Clint back to his mother. The boy would have none of it and hugged Johnny ever tighter. Johnny carried the boy with him as he stepped to the other side of the table.

"As you heard, this is my boss Sarah, she's Danni's sister," Red began. "The twins are John and Daniel, they just turned 11. And the little one in Sarah's arms is Elizabeth; she's one and a half."

"Pleased to meet you ma'am, boys," Johnny said. "There's no doubt whose brand the boys wear, with that hair and all."

"Please call me Sarah Johnny. I feel the same way about ma'am as you do about mister. Besides I've heard the stories too and feel like we're old acquaintances. 

"Mr.....I mean Johnny, you must join us for lunch," Danni invited. "If you don't I'm afraid I won't see my husband for the rest of the day. And we need to get back to the ranch by evening. Please sit here, I'll take Clint so you can eat."

Clint didn't want to leave his own personal 'bear'. "He ain't a bother Danni," Johnny told her. "You can leave him be for a spell."

All of the children were fascinated by the big man wearing the buckskins and crowded around as Johnny tried to eat with one hand. His other arm held Clint on his lap.

"Are you really a famous Mountain Man?" Young Daniel asked. He was the more outgoing of the twins just like his father.

Johnny wasn't sure which of Red's twins asked the question, they looked so much alike. "I don't rightly know about famous but I'm a mountain man sure enough."

"You ever seen any Indians? Did you live with them? How'd you stand the winters up in the mountains? Are Indian children like us? Johnny was besieged with questions by the three boys as he tried to eat.

William asked, "You ever killed a bear?" And before Johnny could answer the boy continued, "My Pa did, Uncle Red helped him. It was a big one too. Uncle Jerry's got the skin on his cabin wall."

"I was gonna wrestle him," Red kidded. "But Josh just had to show off and shoot him before I got close to the big dickens."

"Boys. Leave Mr. Burrows alone so he can eat," Danni ordered. The tone in her voice would brook no argument and the children went back to their chairs. "You'll have plenty of time to talk to Mr. Burrows. He'll be spending some time out at the ranch." She looked at Johnny with a smile but the tone in her voice left no room for disagreement.

Danni asked, "You will spend a few days with us, won't you Johnny? I'd consider it a favor or I might not see Josh at all while you're here."

"Please do Johnny," Sarah added. "If Josh spends all his time with you, Red will be right by his side. Sometimes you can't separate those two with a branding iron."

"Well, I wouldn't want to keep Josh or Red away from their families," Johnny replied. "So I reckon I can spend a few days at your ranch. Got no place I need to be anyway."

"Thank you Johnny," Danni said pleased that her husband's friend would spend some time with the family. "We'll finish lunch and leave for the ranch."

"Wait a minute Miss Danni," Johnny said with a laugh. "I'll stay in town tonight and come out to your place tomorrow. Probably be late mornin fore I get there." At Danni's look he added, "I ain't been in a town for two months.

Josh and Red chuckled and Danni laughed out loud. "I don't think it's the town you're interested in Johnny," she said. "I think it's the saloon you want to visit." Johnny looked surprised that Danni knew what he was thinking. "I've heard stories about you mountain men," she added still laughing.

"Maybe me and Josh ought to stay with Johnny," Red suggested. "Just so's he don't get lost tomorrow."

"You'll do no such thing Red McCall," Sarah said. "Johnny just came better than 1200 miles on his own. I think he can travel another 14 or so without your help."

"I'll go look in on my horses," Johnny said after lunch. "See y'all tomorrow." 

Josh and Red loaded their families into the big wagon, mounted their horses and left Fountain for their ranch. Johnny waved to them as they passed the livery stable. After making sure William and Buck had been bathed, groomed and well fed, he walked back toward town.

After the comment that William had made about his smell, Johnny decided since he was going to be around kids and womenfolk that maybe a bath was in order. He grabbed a pair of clean twill work pants and a shirt and went to the barber shop. There was a sign on the front of the building that said they had hot water baths available.

Johnny took a bath, got a haircut, and had his beard trimmed into something else than the tangled mess that it normally was. He thought about shaving it off but decided that it would just itch when it grew back and he knew he wouldn't shave much out on the trail. 

Johnny changed into his clean clothes but still wore his moccasins; they were more comfortable than the boots. He took his buckskins back to the stable. Now, let's just see if the saloon is as good as it looked, Johnny said to himself.

********************

In spite of the good time and the late hours he spent at the saloon, Johnny was up and saddling William and Buck at first light. Maybe I'm gettin smarter in my old age, Johnny thought. I enjoyed myself last night but didn't get too much of the whiskey and didn't get in no fights. He chuckled, didn't go to jail neither.

Following the directions Josh had given him, Johnny made good time getting to the ranch. Figure another two miles or so, Johnny thought as he made the turn east off the main trail. Then he heard a gunshot. He stopped his horse and listened and heard another shot.

That's no Winchester, he thought. Big rifle, like Sharps buffalo rifle. Johnny dismounted, dropping William's reins and Buck's lead rope. The horses were trained to ground tie and wouldn't move from that spot. He began sneaking through the trees to bring him closer to whoever was doing the shooting.

I'm as nosey as a cat and as careful as an old woman, he thought. But being nosey and careful has saved my scalp more than a few times. 

As he came out of the tree line on a small rise he saw two men hiding behind some rocks. About 600 yards in the distance Johnny saw a ranch house; must be Josh's place, he thought. One of the men firing a .52 caliber Sharps buffalo rifle at the house. The other man cackled like an old hen at every shot.

Johnny saw two men appear from each side of the house. Keeping under cover the two started to make their way toward the shooters. That'd be Josh and Red, Johnny said to himself. That there open pasture will bring them out into the clear. They won't make it, not with that big Sharps firing at them.




End of a Era Pt. 03



Slowly, taking care not to make any noise, Johnny got closer to the bushwhackers. Finally he was close enough for what he had planned. Stepping from behind the last tree, Johnny swung the butt of his Winchester and hit the man with the Sharps in the back of the head. His victim fell over and was motionless. The other man yelled and reached for the pistol on his hip. Before he even got his hand on the grip, Johnny swung the rifle around and pointed it at the man's head.

"Y'all go on a draw that Colt if you've a mind to die," Johnny said. The man slumped back against the big rock. "Now, real easy, draw that pistol with your left hand and toss it away." The man hesitated and Johnny pulled back the hammer on the Winchester. "Your choice Mister."

The man pulled the weapon with his left hand and threw it over the rock he'd been hiding behind. Johnny motioned with his rifle barrel and the man laid face down on the ground. 

"Put your hands behind you," Johnny ordered. He stepped over and put his foot on the back of the man's head. Turning his head down the slope of the hill he yelled, "Josh, Red, come on up. I got em treed."

Josh and Red climbed up the rise and walked around the rock to where the two men laid on the ground. The man that Johnny had hit was regaining consciousness; the other one sat up after the foot was taken off his neck. Johnny greeted his friends.

"I was gonna kill em but thought y'all might want to hear why they shot at you," Johnny told Josh.

Josh's face was a study in anger. Never saw the boy so riled up, Johnny thought. And Red's got a crazy gunfighter look in his eyes.

Red cocked his rifle and pointed it at the sitting man. "Red," Josh said sharply. "We need him alive to talk."

Releasing the hammer on the rifle Red remarked, "We got another one."

Johnny laughed; he liked the way Red thought. "Let's get this fellar on his feet and give him a fair chance Red." Turning to the bushwhacker Johnny continued, "Just you and him for it." He had no intention of letting Red kill the man; at least not until they got the information they wanted.

"Not me, I'm not pullin down on Red McCall," the man whined. "He'll kill me ifin I do."

"Why should I let you go?" Johnny asked. "Y'all seemed happy enough to try an kill Red and Josh." As he said this he stepped in front of Red. Red had a nasty evil grin on his face. Johnny had seen that type of grin before; just before someone got killed.

"No Mister, that ain't the way it was," the man answered as he circled to keep Johnny between him and Red. "We weren't trying to kill any one; we were just trying to scare em a bit."

"Why?" Josh asked, speaking up for the first time. He had the same look in his eyes as Red; it was called a death stare.

"Don't know. Man hired us to come out here and shoot at the house. He didn't' say nothing about no killing."

"Who was this man?" Josh asked. He'd taken over now. "Why did he hire you to scare us?"

Johnny thought how much the boy had grown. Josh wanted to find out the why, Red just thought about settling with the two men.

"All I know is his name is Jackson," was the answer. "We were at a saloon in Colorado Springs and he bought us a drink. Then he said he wanted to warn some people off and gave us both a $50 gold piece to shoot at your place over there." 

The man's eyes got big as Red pulled his pistol. "Honest to God Mister, we weren't trying to kill nobody." "But it was $50 dollars gold, so we thought it was a good way to get money."

Red continued to stare at the man and handle his weapon. "I guess you're gonna kill me like you did Jess there," he said pointing to his partner lying on the ground.

"He ain't dead. I just knocked him in the head," Johnny said. As if to prove his words, Jess started to moan and reached up to grab his head.

Josh pulled Jess to his feet and using a tie down rope fastened his hands behind him. He did the same to the man that had been talking. They'd found out his name was Lenny. 

"Were you supposed to meet up with this Jackson after you got done here?"

"Not right away," Lenny answered. At Josh's look he continued, "We were supposed to go do the same thing over to a ranch called Winterborn. Owned by a fellar named Gallagher. Supposed to scare him too. But we weren't trying to kill no one."

Why would anyone go to the trouble of hiring someone to scare Red and me off, Josh asked himself? And why Dillon too?

"Let's hang him and get on with the day," Red suggested.

Johnny had to turn his back to hide his smile. He knew that Josh wouldn't hang the men in cold blood. Josh wouldn't hesitate to protect his family or himself but he won't kill helpless men, Johnny thought. But Red sure put the fear of God in em. Lenny and now Jess were pleading to not let Red kill them.

"Where were you supposed to meet Jackson when you got done scaring us?" Josh interrogated the men.

"We was gonna meet him on Friday evening at the Bird Cage Saloon," Jess answered.

"And you don't know his full name?" The two men shook their heads. "What does he look like?"

"Big man, bigger than you," Lenny replied pointing to Johnny. "Got long dark hair and a scar on the right side of his face running from his eye down to the corner of his mouth. Wears a fancy two gun rig. Real mean looking hombre."

"Let's get em on their horses and take em to the barn," Josh said. "We'll take em into town tomorrow morning and turn em over to the Sheriff." He paused for a few seconds and added, "I'll ride over to Dillon's place this afternoon and tell him what we've found out."

They tied the men in the barn and then walked back to the house. As the three men stepped onto the porch the children came outside, gathered around the old mountain man and started asking questions. Danni was standing next to Josh, holding young Clint. The youngster held out his arms to Johnny and said loudly, "BEAR."

Johnny smiled and took Clint into his arms. "How's my little cub doin?" He asked playing with the boy who put his arms around his personal bear and hugged him.

"You smell a lot better," young William said. "Are you gonna stay with us."

"Yes he is," Josh answered the question for Johnny. "He'd going to stay as long as he's a mind too." Turning to Johnny he added, "And I won't abide no argument."

"Reckon I'll be here a spell," Johnny told the boy. "Sides can't think of a better place to be rite now."

Sarah came to the door and said, "Morning Johnny. Foods on the table, y'all come and eat before it gets cold.

The whole Kelly and McCall clans trooped into the house for a late breakfast. It was over an hour later that Josh, Red, and Johnny went back out onto the porch. The ladies were cleaning up and Josh and Red had the children playing in front of the house to keep them out from under foot.

"After we turn those two over to the Sheriff in Fountain we'll make a trip to Colorado Springs and see if we can find this Jackson fellar," Josh said.

"Ain't never seen Colorado Springs," Johnny said. "Looking forward to it. Hear tell it sure is somethin."

"Mr. Burrows?" Red questioned.

"Name's Johnny Red, why the Mr. Burrows?

"Well sir, I'm gonna ask a favor of you. A big favor. Thought a little respect might help," Red replied.

Johnny smiled. "You'll get more out of me treating me like a friend Red."

"Yes sir, I'll remember that." Red hesitated for a few seconds and said, "I'm askin you to stay here with Sarah, Danni, and the kids. Look out for them you know. If this Jackson hired those two to scare us, when he finds out his two boys didn't do the job he might decide that shooting at our house isn't enough."

Johnny looked at Red. He ain't just a simple cowboy, Johnny thought. That's just a show he puts on.

"The ranch hands are all on the cattle drive so Sarah and Danni will be alone. With Josh, Dillon and me all in Colorado Springs, I'd feel better if you were here to look after things," Red explained. 

Johnny realized the trust Red and Josh were putting in him. Josh nodded his agreement to Red's suggestion. "Well...Never did care for big towns much," Johnny replied. "Ifin you've seen one you've seen them all I guess." Looking first Red and then Josh in the eye, he said, "I'm tired of ridin the trail and need to rest a spell. Maybe I'll just stay here with those two pretty gals of yourn and be spoiled for a bit."

Josh smiled. "Thanks Johnny. Now that's settled I think I ride over to Winterborn and talk to Dillon. See if he has any idea what this is all about."

"Who is this Dillon and what's Winterborn?" Johnny asked. "Ifin he's got a family maybe they should come over and stay with Danni and Sarah instead of being left at his ranch?"

Josh and Red both grinned. "They're welcome but they won't need much more protecting with Oso around," Josh said.

"Oso?" Johnny asked.

"Oso is Spanish for Bear you know," Josh explained. "That's what Roberto is called.

"Si," Johnny said. "Yo comprendo."

"Yes sir," Red replied. He chuckled and added, "Oso is bout the biggest one man I've ever seen. He's close to 6 and a half feet and must weigh over 300 pounds. 

"Oso, Roberto, moves like a big cat," Josh said. "He's as fast as a charging grizzly and just as mean when someone threatens his family.

Red suggested they go down to the corral while Josh saddled his horse. "I'll tell you the whole story."

When they got to the corral a big bay horse came to greet them. Josh walked over to the animal and scratched his ears. "Ready for a ride Diablo?"

"Is that the animal you was working with when I met you?" Johnny asked. Josh smiled and nodded. "Don't look much like a devil now, does he?" Looking closer at Diablo he added, "That's as fine an animal as I've ever seen."

Josh smiled again. "Yeah, he's something special. He's saved my hide more than once."

Turning to Red Johnny said, "Okay I'd like to hear the story of Winterborn and this fellar Dillon."

Red nodded. "Dillon Gallagher is a friend, a good friend. He and his family named their place Winterborn. It's some poem that Dillon likes. He likes to read poetry but don't let that fool you. He's about as much man as I've ever met."

"Reckon I never read any poetry myself," Johnny offered.

"Yes sir." Red continued his story. "Dillon's from Virginia; fought at First Manassas among other places." Quietly he said, "Dillon met my two brothers just before that battle." With a faraway look in his eyes Red added, "My brothers were killed during the fight and I got this bum leg."

Red sort of shook himself and came back to the present. "Anyway, when Lee surrendered Dillon just rode away; he refused to surrender. He went back home about three years later but wouldn't swear an oath to the Union. Said he'd already sworn one to the Confederacy and he figured a man was only good for one oath at a time.

"Dillon wandered around for a spell, even spent two years as a Deputy Marshall in Texas. He decided it was time to move on, left looking for a home I guess." Red looked at Johnny, smiled and said, "Sorta like you've been doing. Never staying in one place too long. Dillon ended up in Arizona, a town named Prescott. That's where he met his wife Elizabeth and her mother, brother, and adopted brother, Oso. Their name was Edwards.

"There was a big rancher named Cassidy who was trying to force the Edwards to sell their ranch to him. Word was that Cassidy had killed John Edwards to get the ranch. But he ran up against it when he met Eleanor Edwards. Dillon befriended the Edwards and made an enemy of Cassidy."

Red grinned, "Cassidy made a bad mistake crossing paths with Dillon and the Edwards. Dillon killed Cassidy's hired gun and then killed Cassidy. Almost got done in himself doing it, but Dillon recovered. They sold the ranch in Prescott and moved to the Chico Basin."

"Dillon met up with Red because he had known the brothers," Josh said. "He and Red sorta hit it off and we invited him out to our place." Now it was Josh that got quiet for a few seconds, looking into the past. "The morning that Dillon and Elizabeth rode out, five gun hands braced Red and me. They planned on killing us and then having their way with Sarah and Danni."

"Dillon sure did put a knot in their rope that morning; Elizabeth too," Red took over the story again. "When the smoke cleared there were five dead men on the ground." 

Johnny saw Red's eyes get that far stare for a second or two. Red continued, "Josh got one, Dillon got one, and Elizabeth got one with her rifle from over 75 yards away. I got the other two."

"Sounds like those boys picked the wrong folks to pick a fight with," Johnny said.

"Yes sir, they surely did," Red replied. He smiled and added, "But it could have got a mite interestin without Dillon and Elizabeth dealing themselves a hand. After that Dillon, Elizabeth, and the Edwards became almost an extension of our families." 

Josh had finish saddling Diablo. He led the big horse out of the corral and mounted. "Be back fore supper." He put Diablo at a lope and rode away. Johnny and Red went back to the house. "Would you like to see a map showing the Chico Basin Cattle Company?" Red asked.

Johnny nodded and Red led him into a small office off the kitchen. On the wall was a hand drawn map of the Chico Basin. Marked in red were the original two ranches that had been combined to make the CBC.

"Josh and I started working at the Lazy L for Nancy Larson," Red explained pointing to the map. "Her husband Tom had been sent to prison and died there. After a bit Josh, Jerry, and I bought the place." Pointing to another ranch outlined in red, "That's the Maggie M. It belongs to Dan and Maggie Maguire, Sarah and Danni's folks."

Red grinned. "Dan and Josh had the same idea about the same time. Why not combine the two places into one big ranch? That's how the Chico Basin Cattle Company came to be."

"Never heard a ranch called a cattle company but I reckon it fits," Johnny offered.

"Our younger partner, Jerry Barnes, thought of the name," Red explained.

"Where is Jerry? I haven't met him yet."

"Jerry's the ram rod on the cattle drive," Red replied. "Should be back in a week or so. It'll be a while before we get fed lunch. Would you like to take a ride around the place?"

Red got a big black horse from the corral and threw a saddle on him while Johnny got a saddle on William. The animal tried to bite Red as he put the bridal's bit in the horse's mouth. "Dang you Jasper. If you bite me again I'm gonna beat you with a knotted plow line." Red smiled and slapped the horse on the nose. "Jasper's a mite contrary sometimes but he's a damn good horse. 

Johnny and Red took a couple of hours riding around the ranch. They returned just in time for lunch. After eating, Johnny played with the kids for a bit. With Clint sitting on his lap and Molly standing by his knee, Johnny told them some stories about his living with the Indians. When the little ones were put down for a nap, Johnny and Red rode out to the line shack at the lake.

"Had a dam and lake like this back in Amarillo," Red explained. "I thought it might be a good idea here too.

"Looks rite pretty," Johnny offered.

"It does that," Red agreed. "But it's more than just a pretty place. Backin up the stream gives us plenty of water for our herd." He pointed to the dam. "See how the water leaks through and flows over the top?" At Johnny's nod he continued, "That lets the creek run on downstream; the same as it did before. Josh says we're just borrowing the water for a spell."

Pointing to the two room cabin Johnny asked, "And the line shack?"

Red grinned. "Josh's idea. We round up the stock, drive them over here by the lake, and do the brandin. It takes two or three days sometimes. It's easier to keep them bunched near the water. Josh thought it was dumb for the hands to ride back and forth from the bunkhouse every day so we built this cabin for the boys to use."

Smiling and shaking his head Red added, "Josh is always thinkin of others, he is." After a few minutes looking at the cabin and the lake Johnny and Red mounted their horses. "C'mon, got another line shack to show you."

They rode to the far north east corner of the ranch. Riding around a rock butte rising from the valley floor they followed a trail up the backside of the high bluff. Reaching the summit Red pointed to another cabin. It was built back into the hillside with trees hiding it from the trail. The structure blended into the surrounding trees so well that it was hard to see.

"Strange place for a line shack," Johnny said. "Hard to get building supplies up here."

"Might be," Red replied and motioned Johnny to the edge of the butte and pointed. "But I think the view was worth the doin."

The CBC was spread out below them. Johnny could see the dam and cattle grazing near it. He could see the land for miles around.

"Man can see a far piece up here," Johnny agreed. Looking back at the cabin he added, "Good work."

"Yep we did a good job," Red agreed. Turning back and pointing he said, "But that's all God's own work." He paused for a few seconds. "You can see most all the way back to the house yonder."

"I see a smoke trail bout where the house should be," Johnny remarked.

"That'd be Danni and Sarah startin supper. Reckon we ought to get back," Red replied. Looking at Johnny with a grin he said, "Sarah gets riled ifin I'm late for supper."

Carefully guiding Jasper and William back down the trail onto the valley floor they rode back to the ranch house. They were unsaddling their horses as Josh returned for supper.

"It's all set," Josh said. "Dillon will meet us at the main trail into Fountain at first light and we'll take those men into the Sheriff. Stopping for a moment Josh's face had an angry look. "Then we'll ride on to Colorado Springs and find this Jackson." 

Early the next morning the two men were put on their horses with their hands tied to the saddle horns. Josh led one of the horses and Red had the other one. They had said their goodbyes to wives and the children earlier, but Danni, Sarah, and the whole pack of kids stood on the porch watching them as they got ready to leave.

"Just gonna be the three of you?" Johnny asked before they rode away. "Might be outgunned you know."

Red nodded and said, "Josh, Dillon and I've been out numbered before but never outgunned." Seeing the questioning look on Johnny's face Red added, "No brag just fact."

Johnny looked into Red's eyes and thought, don't doubt it. He turned to see Josh's reaction to Red's statement. His eyes had the same look as Red's. 

Josh nodded and he and Red began what would be a dangerous mission to Colorado Springs.

To be continued...



End of a Era Pt. 04



Please consider reading the Trilogy of "The Trail West, Winterborn, and The Gathering to better understand how those characters and events flow into this story.

Reading Parts 1 to 3 will set the stage for the conclusion of this story.

Constructive comments and emails are very welcome and much appreciated.

If you like or even dislike the story please send me an email with your critique.

Thank you for taking the time to read my tale and commenting. I hope you enjoy the story





End of a Era Pt. 04



The last man turned and dropped to one knee; both to steady his aim and to make himself a smaller target. He got off two shots before Johnny emptied his gun into the man. Johnny pulled William to a stop and looked over the three men to make sure they were dead.

"Don't pay to rile a mountain man," he said out loud.

Johnny rode to the hitching rail in front of the house and called out, "Danni, Sarah, its okay now. I got em. They can't bother you no more."

Danni and Sarah came out onto the porch. As they did a fourth man stepped around the near corner of the house and shot. Johnny staggered; the man turned toward the women and raised his rifle again.

Johnny roared his anger and charged his shooter. His scream was a cross between a Cheyenne death song and rebel yell. Johnny threw his empty pistol, striking the man in the side of the head. The gunman almost dropped his weapon and before he could recover Johnny was on him. The man lost his rifle in the struggle and tried to pull his pistol as Johnny beat on him with one hand. Johnny's left arm hung useless at his side.

Pushing the gunman back to the log wall of the house, Johnny pulled his 12 inch Bowie knife and pushed it into the man's middle just below the breastbone. The knife went through the man and pinned his body to the wall behind him. The outlaw gasped and slumped over. He was dead.

Johnny stepped back, swaying and fell to the ground. The last thing he remembered was Danni and Sarah kneeling by his side.





End of a Era Pt. 04



"We had come out onto the porch and the man turned his rifle on us." Pulling back from Red she asked, Remember how you told me that big grizzly just kept coming at you after you'd shot him?" Red nodded. "Well that's what Johnny was like, a big grizzly that refused to die."

"Johnny roared something awful and charged the man. His left arm was useless but he beat the man with his right." Danni hesitated remembering the fight. "He pulled that big knife of his and stuck the man so hard it pinned him to the wall. Then Johnny slumped to the ground."

"It was almost like now that the danger was past he could rest," Sarah said shaking her head.

Inside the house, Danni pointed to the closed door of the downstairs bedroom. Josh walked over to the door and started to turn the door knob.

"That'd better be you Josh," Johnny yelled from the other side of the door. "Ifin it ain't I'm gonna put a bunch of holes in you."

Josh smiled. "It's me and Red Johnny. Danni and Sarah would be a mite upset if you shot us." He slowly opened the door.

Leaning against the headboard, Johnny lowered his pistol when he saw his friend. Josh looked around and saw most of the children huddled in the back corner. But to either side of the door Daniel and William stood with rifles in their hands. Daniel had Johnny's Winchester and William carried the small caliber varmint rifle he used to hunt rabbits and squirrels. In front of the huddled children John faced the door holding Johnny's big Bowie knife.

Red looked through the doorway and said, "Man would have to be crazy to try and force his way in here."

The boys put down their rifles and knife and rushed to their fathers. The rest of the family entered the room and gathered up the children. The room was full of people laughing and talking, all at the same time. Finally Sarah shooed everyone out. Josh and Red stayed to talk to Johnny.

"You find that Jackson fellar?" Johnny asked. "Looks like he sent more than those first two."

"We found him," Red answered. "He won't be sending any more after us." Giving Johnny a grin he added, "Nor no one else either."

Josh told Johnny about meeting Jackson and the deadly results. Johnny nodded after Josh finished his story.

"Reckon Jackson got off easy," Johnny said. "Ifin I'd a got hold of him I would have scalped him and then tied him on a red ant hill."

Josh started to laugh and then realized that Johnny was dead serious. Not a man to get on the wrong side of, Josh thought.

After the confrontation with Jackson, Dillon made it his mission to make sure that Clay Allison wasn't elected.

Dillon's wife Elizabeth had an aunt who lived in Colorado Springs. Tillie Clark had a special spot in her heart for Dillon. Her husband Ted had been shot down during a bank robbery and it was Dillon that tracked the outlaw gang down and dealt with them. Aunt Tillie thought it was biblical justice that none of the bank robbers made it back for trial. Her exact words were, "An eye for an eye and I hope they rot in hell."

'Aunt Tillie" was one of the most influential women of the social register in Colorado Springs. She used her position and power to support Dillon's mission. Tillie told all the ladies of the social scene, the wives, mothers, and sisters about Clay Allison's background and history in Virginia. She also made sure they knew of his connection to Jackson and Jackson's attacks on the families of Dillon, Josh, and Red.

These wives, mothers, and sisters passed the information along to their husbands, sons, and brothers; who were some of the most influential men in the soon to be state of Colorado. They persuaded their men to pass the information on to their friends. The editor of the Colorado Springs newspaper as well as the editors of the two papers in Denver printed articles about Allison's history of abuses in Virginia and his promises to the killer Jackson. This word of mouth campaign and the newspaper stories all but destroyed Allison's support in Colorado Springs and Denver. It also hurt him greatly in the rest of the state.

Clay Allison never realized his dream of being governor. His political career was destroyed, at least in Colorado, by Dillon Gallagher and his friends.