8 comments/  35094 views/  12 favorites

The Second Hundred Years Ch. 01

By: woodmanone



There is more than one genre that this tale would fit into. I chose novels and novellas because the real story is about people, their interaction with each other and their lives and times.

Thanks for taking the time to read my work. As usual constructive comments and emails are much appreciated and welcome. 



The Second Hundred Years Ch. 01



"What's a bride price?"

"When a brave wishes to marry a woman, he offers her father something of value. Usually a horse or a weapon," Chayton explained. His face showed his anger. "The only offer my father or Chante received was to be a.........." 

Jim didn't know the words that Chayton said. "What is that?"

He thought for a little and answered, "It means bed warmer. She would have all the duties of a wife but would not be married."

Jim felt an anger that he'd never had before. It's a damn shame that a fine young woman like Chante is being treated like that, he thought. He stood for a minute thinking about what Chayton had told him and decided to do something.

"Are y'all still camped on the other side of Red Mountain?" Chayton nodded. Jim talked for a few more minutes and said goodbye. He mounted Sampson and returned to his ranch without going into the trading post. 

It was two days later around noon when Jim rode into Iron Buffalo's camp. He had the totem that he'd been given by the Chief on a rawhide thong around his neck and he wore Chante's blanket over his shoulder. He was also leading two horses; a big strong buckskin and an Appaloosa. Across the buckskin's back, threaded together on a long rope, were over 30 cured pelts and furs. There was quite an up roar as he rode up to Iron Buffalo's teepee. 

Chante and her father come out of the lodge to see what was causing all the noise. If Iron Buffalo was surprised to see Jim, he hid it well. But Chante's surprise showed on her face. Jim nodded and smiled at Chante. She looked tired and sad but returned his smile. He returned his attention to her father.

Jim took a deep breath before speaking. This could go bad real quick, he thought. "Iron Buffalo I have come to ask for Chante as my wife. These two horses are offered as the bride price."

Even Iron Buffalo couldn't hide his surprise this time. Chante's eyes got big and Jim could see her face get red. Out of the corner of his eye, Jim saw Chayton standing beside the teepee with a big smile on his face. The Chief nodded and replied, "Come, we will talk of this."

Jim dismounted and followed Iron Buffalo, Chante, and Chayton into the teepee. Inside Iron Buffalo motioned for Jim to sit on one side of the fire pit; he and his children sat on the other side. "How did you learn of our custom?"

"A squirrel in the forest told me. It also told me that Chante was sad and unhappy," Jim answered. "I believe that I can take away her sadness and make her happy."

Iron Buffalo looked hard at the smiling Chayton. "That squirrel sometimes talks too much." Chayton nodded but didn't lose the smile. Turning to Chante he asked, "Is this what you wish daughter?"

Chante had her head down looking at the ground. When her father spoke to her she raised her head and looked into Jim's eyes. "Yes father, it would be a good thing," she replied.

Iron Buffalo sat looking at his daughter and the white man that had spoken for her. "Let us look at the horses you are offering," he said as he stood and left the teepee. He walked around the horses, running his hands over their legs and chest. "Fine horses," he said. He inspected the furs and asked, "Are these also part of the bride price?"

"No sir, those are the furs that Chante and Chayton had with them the day we meet at the trading post. In the uproar what with Chayton getting cut up, we took them with us to my lodge. We were all so happy that he survived and when you took him back to your camp they got left at my place. Just thought I'd return them."

Iron Buffalo took his daughter's hand and placed it in Jim's. "I accept the bride price. You will join me in the sweat lodge tonight and be married tomorrow. Then you can take your bride to your lodge."

That evening in the sweat lodge it was explained that the ritual would get rid of any bad spirits in Jim's body. The next morning, Spirit Healer performed the marriage ceremony. Jim wasn't paying that much attention to anyone other than Chante but he got a feeling that the medicine man wasn't very happy.

Jim and Chante left after the ceremony to return to the ranch.





The Second Hundred Years Ch. 02



This chapter will make more sense and keep you in the flow of the story if you read Chapter 1

Constructive comments and emails are requested and very much appreciated.

Thanks for taking the time to read and comment on my work.

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

I'm glad my traveling days are over at least for a while, Lewis Randal said to himself. It was 2007 and he was finally home; well as close to a home as he'd had the last three years. It had been a long, hard, and sometimes painful journey. His return home started in Iraq; his National Guard Unit had been activated and sent to "The Sandbox". 

He'd been living in St. Louis, not doing much with his life. Lewis had a good job in the financial and procurement department of a large manufacturing company; a very pretty though spoiled fiancée, and a full social calendar. But he was dissatisfied with his life. Lewis wanted to do something that mattered; he wanted to make a difference. So he joined the National Guard.

His unit was basically a transportation company. Lewis thought that if they activated it would be to provide transportation for tornado or flood victims or to help in other natural disasters. It wasn't the smartest thing he'd ever done. Three months after joining up, the unit was called up and deployed to Iraq. On his way out of the country, he shook his head at his faulty logic. Who needs transport more than soldiers and their supplies in a battle zone?

Lewis had been in Iraq for one year and could see the end of his deployment on the horizon. On a morning patrol the Humvee he and his squad were riding in was struck by an RPG. The explosion threw him and one other guardsman out of the back of the vehicle; none of the others made it. 

His buddy was wounded and Lewis put field dressings on his injuries. Bullets began to hit the ground around them so Lewis grabbed his friend and dragged him behind a rock wall. He tried to carry the man but found that his left leg wasn't working too well. He returned fire and held off the attackers; killing at least three of them in the first rush. 

Lewis noticed during a lull in the fighting that most of his left little finger was gone; he also had shrapnel in his left leg. That's why it doesn't work, he thought; because of the adrenalin rush the pain hadn't started yet. Lewis bandaged his wounds and continued firing. Another patrol arrived in about ten minutes and the two survivors were taken back to base. That's when the pain kicked in. Both Lewis and his buddy were stabilized and sent to the Landstuhl Medical Center in Germany. 

He was in Germany for better than two months. They operated on his leg and his finger and he had physical therapy after he healed a bit. While he was in therapy he received a Purple Heart, a Bronze star and a letter from Julie, his fiancée. 

She said she was sorry but she had met someone else while he was gone and was ending their engagement; she did return the ring he'd given to her. Julie also said she would always think of him fondly and hoped that they could be friends. 

Lewis took the letter and the ring and threw them into the hospital incinerator. He was angry; not so much because she'd broken up with him but because she did it while he was in the hospital. Typical he thought, it was all about her and she couldn't be bothered to do the right thing. 

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

Months later as he topped a tall hill, Lewis stopped his Harley and gazed down into the peaceful valley spread out below him. It ran northeast away from his position toward the mountains that formed a boundary and closed off one end of the valley. The morning sun was shining and made everything look bright and new. There's the ranch house, he thought. Just like I remembered it. 

There were times I thought I might never see Eagle's Nest again. The ranch had been named for the eagles that lived and nested in the tall rock buttes rising from the valley floor at the rear of the ranch house. Aside from the fact that I'd be dead, he said to himself with a chuckle, it'd be a shame if the ranch went to some damn developer after Grandpa passes on. Damn, it's good to be back. 

Even though Eagle's Nest wasn't a working cattle ranch anymore for the Randal's, it was still home to Lewis. Two of the adjoining ranches leased grazing rights from the family. The money from the leases covered taxes and some of the expenses of the ranch. William paid the rest out of his pension. Now Lewis could help using his medical disability payments.

Lewis put the Harley in gear and rode down the hill toward the ranch house. The original part of the building was built in the late 1880s, using three foot diameter logs that had been taken from the forest on the ranch. A large extension using smaller logs had been added on the rear sometime around 1955.

As he pulled up to the porch that wrapped around three sides of the house, Lewis' Grandfather stepped out to meet him. William Chayton Randal was visually striking and almost as tall as his grandson at 6 feet 1. Even at the age of 62 he stood tall with a slender work hardened build. He had dark hair with a streak of white over his right ear. His dark eyes and high cheek bones told of his Native American heritage. Lewis absent mindedly ran his hand over his own streak of white hair as he took off his helmet.

William was part Lakota Sioux from both of his grandparents. His grandmother was Chante, a full blood Lakota Sioux maiden. William's mother had been also been a full blood Lakota; his father was half Lakota. William always said he was more Lakota than white. His complexion was tanned and weatherworn; a combination of his genes and the years spent working outdoors. 

He crossed to the top step and looked down at Lewis. "Wondered when you'd come home. It's good to see you boy."

"Hi Grandpa," Lewis replied. "If you can put up with me, I'd like to stay and heal up for a while."

William's face showed his concern as he stepped down closer to Lewis. "Your leg still bothering you?" 

"Naw, it's pretty good. I got about 90 percent mobility; could have been a lot worse. Those doctors in Germany are really good. I sorta miss my little finger though," he said showing his Grandpa the stump. Lewis paused and added, "I think it's my mind and spirit that needs healing more than anything."

The older man looked at his grandson for a few seconds and put his hand on the boy's shoulder. "Stay as long as you need to son. Stay here from now on if you want." William took a second to wipe the moisture from the corner of his eyes. "I could use the company," he said smiling. "C'mon let's get your duffle to your room."

He grabbed Lewis's duffel from the back of the bike and walked into the house. Lewis looked around again, smiled, and followed his Grandpa. Some of the happiest times of his life at been spent at the ranch; he hoped he could regain those feelings again. 

That evening after supper sitting on the porch, Lewis told his Grandpa about his life in St. Louis, the reason he enlisted in the Guard, and his experiences in Iraq. He also told him about the 'Dear John' letter from his fiancée.

"Actually I think she did me a big favor by breaking up with me," Lewis said with a small sad smile. "I don't think we really loved each other. I think we were in intense like and lust but I don't think it was love."

"Really?" William responded.

"We worked for the same company, had the same friends, and had a good time partying together." Lewis paused for a minute. "You know when I was in Iraq I really didn't think that much about her; I just thought about getting back to Eagle's Nest."

"You may be right boy," William replied. "It don't sound much like love to me."

Lewis sat quietly for a few minutes staring across the valley as the sun set. "I'd like to stay a couple of months, maybe more, and figure out what to do with myself now. My old job doesn't hold a lot of interest for me."

"Well if you decide to leave, you'll have to decide what to do with the ranch," William told him.

"What do I have to do with it? The ranch is yours Grandpa."

William smiled and chuckled. "Ain't so boy. I gave the ranch to your Dad and Mom as a wedding present; all 1000 acres. I kept forty acres over by Indian Springs for myself. I'd planned to enlarge the line shack there into a cabin but your Mom talked me into staying here at the ranch house.

He stopped for a short time. "The day you graduated from college, your Dad had a new deed drawn up with you as the sole owner of Eagle's Nest. John didn't want to influence your decision about what to do with your life so he never told you. He was disappointed that you went to St. Louis instead of coming home. He and Ellie were killed in that auto accident right after you took that job."

William laughed at the shock on Lewis' face. "Center Corp development made an offer on the place three months ago. Somewhere around three million as I recall. I told him I didn't own the place and to stick his offer. Three million is a lot of money; I can understand if you want to sell the place." 

He saw the concern on the boys face and added, "Don't worry about me. If you sell out it will make my land over by the spring worth a lot more. I'll sell out too and move to San Antonio. Always did like it there."

Lewis sat for a few minutes. Damn, three million dollars, he thought. I could go anywhere and do anything with that kind of money. I'd split it with Grandpa but I'd still have 'go to hell' type money. Then he smiled at William.

"Grandpa, all I could think about in Iraq was getting home and seeing Eagle's Nest; especially after I was wounded. I don't think Dad, or you, or Great Grandpa John or Great Great Grandpa Jim would want the place to go to a developer. No sir, I think we'd better just keep it in the Randal family."

William nodded and smiled. "Hopin you'd see it that way boy."

The next morning Lewis saddled a horse and rode out. He went all the way to the lower end of the valley into the foothills of the mountains. As he rode, he remembered his childhood on the ranch. It's almost like the rest of the world doesn't exist, he thought. I couldn't stand to see all this with houses or a golf course built on it. 

"The eagles still nest up on the rim?" Lewis asked that evening. William nodded and Lewis said, "I think I'll ride up and see if I can spot a few early tomorrow morning."

"You can't ride a horse up there you know."

"I know Grandpa," Lewis replied. "But I saw a game trail on one of my rides that I can follow on foot and get higher up on the rim. Maybe I can get close enough to get some good pictures." After a few seconds Lewis said, "I might stay until dusk to catch their afternoon hunting. I'll take a radio and call you if I'm going to be late."

"You be careful in those mountains," William warned. "There was an earthquake around San Diego a couple of weeks ago and we felt the ground shaking all the way over here. There might be a lot of loose rock up there."

"Yes sir," Lewis replied with a smile. No matter how old I get I'll still be his grandson, he thought.

At first light Lewis was riding toward the rock buttes. He dismounted at the game trail and let the reins hang down. The horse was trained to ground tie and would stay put. Lewis got his backpack from behind his saddle and geared up for his climb. It was late September and sometimes winter set in early so he wore a backpack with a sort of survival kit. He had a poncho, a fire starting kit, first aid supplies, and one of the so called space blankets made of Mylar. In addition the pack carried a good supply of trail mix and beef jerky. 

Lewis also had a small digital camera in the pack. He started his hike just as the sun came up over the mountain lighting his way up the trail. About thirty minutes into his climb Lewis came to a tall rock wall. He stopped to rest for a minute thinking, my leg's holding up fine.

Lewis found a small fire ring at the base of the wall with what looked like petroglyphs carved into the rock. This was an important place at one time, he thought. Looking up he saw two or three eagles soaring overhead but they quickly went past the top of the rock wall so he couldn't get a good view or take a picture. Maybe if I get to the other side of the wall I can find a way up that will get me closer to their nest, he told himself. He followed the game trail around the wall and stopped. Across a narrow shallow canyon there was what looked like another rock wall that had fallen and revealed the entrance to a cave.

I've been up here several times when I was growing up and I've never seen that cave before, Lewis thought. The cave was too great a temptation to pass up so he made his way across the small canyon to get to the opening. The opening was about ten feet across and the roof of the cave had a crack that allowed the sun to light up the first 30 feet of the cavern. Lewis quickly crossed that 30 feet and peered further into the cave. Might run a long way back into the mountain, he thought. I need a light. 

Then he remembered his key ring. The ring only had two things on it; the key to his Harley and a small flashlight. The light was one of those that you could use to light up a key slot; it had been given to him by a girl he dated. He had kept the light and got rid of the girl sometime ago. He pulled the ring out of his pocket and as small as it was, the flashlight seemed very bright in the total darkness of the cave.

I'll just go another hundred feet or so, Lewis told himself. I can come back with a better light and explore if the cave goes on. He stepped farther into the cavern, following the path as it curved and opened into a large room. Lewis noticed that the cave was dry. It's not a living cave at least not this part he thought. If it was the walls and floor would be damp or even wet.

Off to one side of the big room he saw a small speck of light. What the hell? Lewis asked himself. There shouldn't be any light in here unless there's another opening to the top of the mountain. He played his light over the floor and stepped closer. There was a wall from floor to ceiling with a small opening near the top. That wall's man made Lewis thought. You can see that someone used mud as a mortar to hold the flat stones.

As Lewis stepped closer he saw a sort of thin smoke seeping out of the hole. He got close to the opening, peered in, and started coughing when he breathed in some of the smoke. Lewis stepped back and coughed to clear his lungs and catch his breath.

Holding his breath he looked through the opening again, leaning one hand against the wall. Lewis almost fell as part of the wall collapsed. A cloud of the smoke flowed out and then seemed to clear up a little. The opening was now almost man sized and Lewis was able to see behind the stacked stones. 

The wall had closed off a small room to the side of the bigger room. Lewis saw a very small, very bright and intense flame burning in a small cavity cut into the back wall of the room. The smoke wasn't as thick and he could now breathe without a problem so he stepped through the opening in the wall and moved closer to the flame. There was an oily substance at the bottom of the circular niche. The walls surrounding the niche were wet, sort of like they're sweating, Lewis thought. I wonder if that's what fuels the flame? 

He turned to look around the room and got a major shock. Lying against the rear wall of the room was a man's body lying on a bed of dried and crumpling pine boughs. Lewis stepped closer to the body to examine it. If I didn't know better I'd think he was sleeping, Lewis said to himself. He doesn't look he's been dead too long.

Lewis squatted down and took a closer look at the body. The man had long dark hair, a long beard and he really did look like he was sleeping. Lewis started to look for some identification in the pocket of the man's twill work pants but the pants almost fell apart as he touched them. He thought he felt a movement and shuddered; I hope I don't get into a bunch of bugs or maggots. Something made him look at the man's face. The man's eyes were open and he slowly turned his head toward Lewis.

Lewis jumped back and fell on his rear. This guy is alive. The man was trying to say something but all Lewis heard was a rasping croak. He took his canteen a put a few drops of water on the man's lips and into his mouth. The voice was still a rasping whisper but Lewis heard a questioning, "Spirit Healer?"

He gave the man a little more water. "No, my name is Lewis Randal, Mister," he replied. "You just take it easy, don't try to move. I'm going to call for help; I'll be right back."

The man closed his eyes and Lewis rushed out of the cave. He knew that the tall rock wall might interfere with the radio signal so he quickly crossed the canyon and walked around the tall butte.

"Lewis calling base...Lewis calling base. Are you there Grandpa?" There was no answer. He called again. "Grandpa, this is Lewis. Come in please."

"Hey Lewis. What's the matter? You get lonely and want someone to hold your hand."

"No sir. I found a man; he's almost dead. I need some help up here."

"Slow down son. What do you mean you found a man?"

Lewis quickly explained about the cave and how he found the man. "I thought he was dead but then he opened his eyes. I gave him a little water and came out to call you. We need a medic and someone to help get him back down the trail."

"I'll call Doc Samuels, he lives about five miles away," William said. "Either way I'll come up and meet you. What can I bring with me?"

"Bring some blankets; this guy's clothes are falling off him. And maybe more water or Gatorade or something. That's about all I can think of," Lewis replied. "Oh yeah, bring some kind of lanterns or flashlights," he quickly added.

"I'll be there within a couple of hours. Leave a marker to show the way to the cave. Base clear."

Before going back, Lewis left several piles of rock as markers to lead the way to the cave. He found some dry wood and took it with him. As he was building a fire the men opened his eyes again and tried to speak. Lewis went to him and gave him a little water. "Take it easy, help is on the way. We'll get you down the mountain and to a doctor."

It was almost two hours later when Lewis heard someone calling his name. "I'll be right back Mister," he told the man. He left the cave and saw his Grandpa, another man, and a woman making their way across the small canyon toward the cave. That must be the doctor, he thought. But who is the woman.

Lewis waved at the trio and waited for them to join him at the cave entrance. William handed Lewis a large flashlight and he carried an electric lantern. Lewis motioned for the others to follow him and led them to the side room. On the way William introduced him to Doc Samuels and his wife, Dotty.

Charley Samuels was about the same age as Lewis' grandfather; but where William was tall and trim Charley was short at 5 feet 7 and stocky. As they came to the top of the trail, Charley took off his hat and wiped his balding head. The only hair he had was a salt and pepper colored fringe around the sides of his head. He was a jovial type and it was easy to like him.

Dotty Samuels was almost the exact opposite of her husband. She was at least ten years younger than Charley and stood 5 feet 10 or so. Dotty was lean and shapely with her long dark hair worn in a pony tail down her back. Charley looked every day of his 63 years but Dotty could have passed for 40; maybe younger if she was all dressed up. They made an unlikely looking couple.

Arriving at the room Doc Samuels and his wife took the lantern, crossed to the mystery man, and began to examine him. Samuels took off the large backpack he was wearing and started taking medical supplies out of it. He made a quick exam and said something to Dotty. She grabbed a plastic bag and started an IV in the man's left arm. 




The Second Hundred Years Ch. 02



Dotty motioned William over to her. "Hold this bag about waist high while I help Charley," she ordered and went back to assisting the doctor. Doc Samuels handed her another bag and she piggy backed another IV line into the first one. She handed William the second bag to hold too.

Lewis took the big flashlight and arranged it so it added light for the doctor. He built the fire a little higher and then sat and waited. It was out of his hands now. He watched the group in the corner and heard the man mutter a name. Lewis didn't hear what he said but he saw his Grandpa stiffen and stare hard at the semi conscious man.

A few minutes later William called over to Lewis. "We need to make a stretcher to get him down the hill. See if you can find some poles; there's some rope in my backpack." 

Lewis hiked back down the hill several hundred feet to a grove of lodge pole pines. He cut and trimmed two sturdy poles about eight feet long. He also cut and trimmed two that were about thirty inches long. Back in the cave he wove the rope back and forth between the longer poles making a bed. Then he fastened the two shorter poles on each end between the longer ones. The rope would support the man and the short poles would keep the stretcher from collapsing toward each other. It took him about twenty minutes to form the stretcher.

Doc Samuels walked over to Lewis and looked at his work. "Almost as good as a gurney in the ER," he said with a smile. He offered his hand to Lewis and they shook.

"How long you been doctoring around here?" Lewis asked.

"I'm sorta retired now," he answered. "Worked in California for several years and we decided to retire here a little over two years ago. Dotty was my nurse and when I got ready to leave she said she was coming with me. We got married in Las Vegas on our way here. Best move I ever made," he added with a big grin.

"Retiring or getting married?" Lewis asked returning the grin.

"Either one or both, I guess."

Lewis turned back toward the unknown man and asked, "How's he doing?"

"Actually, he's not in too bad of shape. His vital signs are pretty good. He's come to a couple of times but every time he does his blood pressure shoots up. So I gave him a mild sedative to make him sleep. It will make it easier to get him down the mountain too. He is seriously dehydrated and malnourished though. Those two IVs should stabilize him and then we can move him." Doc Samuels paused. "Might be morning before we can carry him out."

"Just as well," Lewis replied. It's gonna get dark soon and I sure don't want to try the trail in the dark, especially carrying a man on a stretcher."

The next morning Doc Samuels examined his patient and said he was stable enough to travel. They managed to get the man into a sleeping bag and Lewis helped the doctor get him onto the stretcher. Then they began the long hike back down the mountain. Lewis handled one end of the stretcher with William and Doc Samuels taking turns on the other end. 

When they came to a rough or dangerous part of the trail, each of them including Dotty would take an end of a pole until they passed the rough spots. It had taken Lewis about forty minutes to get to the cave; burdened by their passenger it took almost two hours to get to the trail head. They did rest for a few minutes by the stand of pine while Lewis cut two more poles; these were about twelve feet long. Dotty carried the poles most of the way down.

William watched as Lewis cut the lodge poles. "What are those for?"

"You'll see," Lewis answered with a grin.

Thought so, Lewis said to himself and they came to the end of the trail. His horse was still tied where he had left him and there were two ATVs parked close by.

Lewis turned to William. "I figured you couldn't get your truck up here, so we'll make a travois to get our man back to the ranch. That's what the poles are for."

Samuels was puzzled. "What's a tra... whatever you called it?"

"It's like a horse drawn stretcher," Lewis replied. "I'll tie one end of the poles to each of my stirrups and run a support line over the horse's back across the front of my saddle. We'll use the rope to make a bed just like we did with the stretcher and put our friend here on it. Cover him with the sleeping bags and I'll drag him back to the house."

William chuckled. "Should've thought of that myself," he said. "I'm the one that's mostly Lakota." 

Lewis quickly had the travois finished and rigged to the horse. As they loaded the man onto the travois William said, "I'll take one of the ATVs and go get the pickup. I'll meet you out on the flat and we'll put him in the bed of the truck. It'll be faster and probably easier on this poor guy."

Both Lewis and Samuel nodded and William roared off like he was in a race. Doc and his wife rode beside Lewis as he and his horse started down into the flat land of the valley. They made a couple of stops so Doc Samuels could check on his patient. It was close to an hour before they saw William driving his truck toward them.

"How will we get him into the bed of the truck?" Samuels asked. "He's still weak and I don't want to move him around too much."

"I'll cut the ropes holding the travois to the horse. The four of us will each take the end of a pole and we'll just lift him and the travois into the truck," Lewis explained. "It'll be a lot easier than it was carrying him down the mountain."

Slowly William drove the truck back to the ranch house. Doc Samuels and Dotty rode in the bed of the pickup with the sleeping man. Lewis tied his horse to the rear bumper on a long lead and he rode the other ATV back. It took better than an hour to arrive in front of the house. They carried the travois into one of the first floor bedrooms. William and Lewis held the travois even with the bed and then the Samuels slid the man, sleeping bag and all, onto the bed.

Dotty and Samuels cut the man's clothing off. The jeans, Lindsay Woolsey shirt, the red long johns, and boots were rotting and threadbare. Dotty had Lewis bring a wash basin and a bucket of warm water and washed the man's face, hands, and feet. When she was finished bathing him, she combed his hair and beard into something less tangled and snarled. 

"When he's a little stronger I'll give him a sponge bath and cut his hair," Dotty explained. Looking at Charley she added, "He sure is thin. Don't look like he's had a decent meal in awhile."

Samuels checked the man's vitals again. "We'll leave the IVs running tonight; he'll be pretty well hydrated by morning. We'll try to get some broth down him, if he can take that we'll take out the IVs. Then we'll see if our mystery man regains consciousness."

"Y'all can have that next bedroom if you've a mind to spend the night," William offered. "Lewis and I can bunk upstairs."

The next morning before first light, Lewis was up and moving around. He put on a jacket and took a cup of coffee out onto the porch. As the sun started to rise William came out and joined him.

"Couldn't sleep?" William asked.

Lewis smiled at his grandfather. "Most nights are okay but once in a while I have a bad one. Like last night."

"Thinking about your tour in Iraq?"

"Yeah, I guess," Lewis replied. "But mostly I wonder why Jason and I got out of the Humvee and 5 others didn't make it. I mean why me?"

William was quiet for a minute or two. Turning to his grandson he asked, "Are you feeling guilty that you made it and they didn't? Maybe you need to talk to a doctor or therapist. You might be suffering from Post Traumatic Stress."

Lewis looked at William. He was surprised that his Grandpa knew the term and what it meant. "I'm thankful that I made it; I don't feel guilty. I just wish my squad had made it too." Pointing to the valley and mountains he said, "What I need is some time out here." He paused and added, "I'll be good to go in a few days. Don't worry Grandpa."

They sat quietly for several minutes and William went inside, returning with the coffee pot and refilled each of their cups. Setting the pot on a table William said, "I know why you joined the Guard and it was just bad luck that your unit got activated. Do you think we should be over there? The U.S. I mean."

Lewis hesitated and then replied, "Don't know Grandpa. That's above my pay grade. I do know we're doing some good things for the civilians. My unit helped get a power plant up and running. We provide some electric pumps to get water from a couple of wells. I saw a medical crew set up a hospital and treat women and children that needed help in spite of being shot at on a daily basis. Should we be there? I don't know but I'm proud of the job I did while I was there."

He stopped talking and again looked at the mountains in the distance. "Now I want to be proud of doing a good job here at Eagle's Nest." Turning to look at William he said, "I'm not going back to St. Louis, I'm home for good Grandpa."

Before William could respond, Charley Samuels joined them. "There's the coffee pot," he said. "Be right back." He returned with a cup and poured himself some coffee.

"How's your patient this morning?" William asked.

"Doing better. His blood pressure had stabilized," Samuels replied. "We'll try to get some clear broth down him so we can remove the IVs." Then we'll just have to wait and see."

Lewis asked, "He tell you who he is or how he got into that cave?"

"Not yet. He's having trouble talking but I think that'll pass once he starts getting fluids orally. At least I think so."

Lewis went inside to make another pot of coffee. Dotty was in the kitchen heating some chicken noodle soup in a pan. When it was warm she strained the noodles out, leaving just the broth. "Not exactly the breakfast of champions," she said to Lewis smiling. "But it's about all our patient can handle right now."

As he finished putting the coffee on Dotty asked, "Are you squeamish Lewis?" He shook his head no. "Will you help me this morning? We need to give him a haircut, a shave, and a bath. Not sure how he'll react if he comes too while I'm doing all that. But a person always feels better when they're clean; not to mention the health issues."

"He doesn't look strong enough to swat a fly," Lewis replied.

"Looks can be deceiving. I've seen meth heads that looked like a skeleton fight off two or three big orderlies." She smiled at Lewis and continued, "I don't think that's what we've got here but it won't hurt to have some help if he goes nuts on us."

Lewis nodded and followed her into the bedroom. Dotty's actions left no doubt that she was a head nurse. She quickly and efficiently gave the man a bath. Dotty turned to Lewis who standing beside the bed watching her. "Boxers or briefs?"

"Huh?" Lewis questioned.

"Do you wear boxers or briefs? 

Lewis answered with a red face, "Boxers."

"You're about the same size," she said pointing to the unconscious man. "Get one of your T shirts and some boxers to put on him."

Lewis left and quickly returned with the clothes. "Waking up in a strange place with people around that you don't know will be bad enough for him. Waking up naked would be even worse," Dotty explained. Lewis helped her give the man a bath and then helped dress him. As Lewis helped Dotty dress the man he noticed a scar on the front and back of his left shoulder. Looks like something went all the way through here, he thought. 

As they laid the man back onto the pillows he opened his eyes. The man jumped a little, tried to sit up and when he couldn't he looked wildly around the room. His eyes finally settled on Lewis and he seemed to relax.

"Welcome back," Dotty said gently. "Take it easy, we won't hurt you."

The man stared at her for a few seconds and tried to speak. The sound was guttural and rasping and didn't make any sense. He put his hand up to his throat; looking at Dotty and then Lewis he nodded.

"It's okay, you'll get your voice back," Dolly reassured him. "I'm Dotty Samuels and this is Lewis Randal. I'm a nurse and I'll take care of you. Lewis is the one that found you in the cave. Do you remember that?"

The man turned his head toward Lewis and nodded. "You sure look a lot better than when I found you," Lewis said with a smile. He stepped closer to the bed and picked up the man's right hand. "Don't know your name yet but it's good to meet you," he said as he gently shook the man's hand.

He smiled at Lewis and nodded. Charley and William swept into the bedroom after hearing Dotty and Lewis talking. "Oh I see our patient is awake," Charley said with approval.

The man on the bed tried to sit up again as his eyes regained the wild look from before. Dotty noticed his concern and turned to Charley and William.

"Why don't you two wait outside for a bit? Let him get used to the situation a little before we run too many people at him."

Turning back to her patient Dotty saw him make motions as if drinking. "You want some water?" He nodded and she helped him sit up a little holding a glass to his lips. "Just a little now, don't want you bringing it back up." He took a few small sips from the glass and laid back.

"Okay, what I'd like to do is give you a haircut," Dotty told the man. "Lewis will hold you up so I can get to the back. Will that be alright?"

The man nodded and slowly rubbed a hand over his beard. "You want a shave too, is that it?" He nodded and Dotty replied, "I guess we can do that, but if you get tired let me know and we'll finish later."

The man smiled and pulled at the beard. Dotty returned the smile. "After we get you cleaned up we'll get you something to eat and then you can rest."

Lewis and Dotty discussed the best way to put the man in a sitting position for the haircut. Lewis finally crawled behind the man and supported him so he was sitting up. The man's hair was very long with a white streak over one ear that stood out against the his dark, almost black, hair. Dotty made quick work of the haircut. "Not real stylish but at least it'll keep it out of your eyes," she said as she finished.

She trimmed the beard as close as possible with the scissors and then shaved him. Lewis gave her some aftershave when she finished. The man smiled when he smelled and felt the cooling liquid.

Dotty had Lewis bring the warm broth to her and spoon fed the man. Tasting the first spoonful, his eyes lit up and he nodded. "Like that do you?" Dotty said with a smile. She fed him about a dozen more spoonfuls and set the bowl on the nightstand. "We'll give you more later, after we see if your stomach can handle it"

Lewis looked closely at the man. Now that he's cleaned up and I can see his face, I think I know him or I've seen him before, Lewis thought. The man's eyes drooped and he went back to sleep.

Dotty and Lewis went out onto the porch and reported the progress of their patient to Charley and William. Charley went in to check the man's vital signs again. After Charley returned, William went to the kitchen to get the coffee pot. On the way past the bedroom he looked in on the man. Stepping closer to the bed, William had the same thought as Lewis. I know this guy from somewhere.

Just after midday the man woke again. Dotty went into the bedroom to check on him and to feed him some more broth. He seemed to be looking for someone as he stared at the door. "You looking for Lewis?" Dotty asked. He nodded and Dotty said, "Just a second." She left and shortly returned with Lewis following her. Lewis smiled at him and the man nodded back at Lewis. He seemed more comfortable with Lewis in the room.

As she finished feeding him, Dotty said, "I can't keep calling you patient or that guy so I'm going to give you a name; at least until you can tell us who you are." She smiled and looked at him for a few seconds. "I think I'll call you Rip, you know after Rip Van Winkle."

"Rip" coughed and cleared his throat. "Names Jim Randal," he said in a rasping whisper. "I need to use the outhouse."

Dotty chuckled, "Well it's nice to meet you Jim. You're in no shape to get up but we'll see what we can do."

Lewis was a little shocked hearing the name Jim Randal. To cover his surprise he said, "Grandpa still has the bedpan he had to use when he broke his leg last year. I'll get it"

He returned to the bedroom and handed Dotty the bedpan and a roll of toilet paper. Jim looked puzzled and confused so Dotty explained how to use the pan. "We'll leave you alone for a while and come back," she said. She and Lewis went into the kitchen.

"Well we know his name now," Dotty told Charley and William. "He says he's Jim Randal. Ain't that something, he's got the same last name as you two," she said looking at William and Lewis.

Lewis saw William's face turn a little pale. "You okay Grandpa?" He asked.

William nodded and stepped through the kitchen door onto the deck at the rear of the house. Lewis followed him. William leaned against the porch rail and looked up at the mountains. He seemed lost in thought. Lewis leaned back against the rail facing William.

"Something bothering you Grandpa?"

Smiling William replied, "Got an idea but it's crazy. Don't want to say anything about it just yet. Okay?"

Lewis returned the smile and nodded. "Can I ask a question though?" William nodded and Lewis asked, "What did that guy, I mean Jim, say to you back in the cave? He said something and you looked like you were going to jump out of your skin."

William frowned and then smiled again. "Let me get my head around this idea before I answer that."

Dotty took Charley and introduced him to Jim; explaining that he was a doctor. She came onto the back deck and said, "Jim managed to dribble a little on his shirt. You got another one he can wear Lewis?"

Lewis nodded and got another shirt for her. Dotty motioned both William and Lewis and they followed her into the bedroom. She introduced William to Jim and Lewis helped Dotty change his T shirt. When William saw the scar on Jim's shoulder his face turned pale again but he didn't say anything.

That afternoon Charley and William made the drive to the Samuel's place. They took care of the few animals that the Samuel's owned, got some more medical supplies, and returned to Eagle's Nest. Charley and Dotty had decided to stay over with the Randals until 'Jim' recovered a bit more. Then they'd take him to the hospital in Prescott about a hundred miles away.

Dotty fed Jim broth every two hours or so and he would go to sleep after eating. After feeding him around supper time she said, "That's all for today. You get some rest Jim. Tomorrow we'll see if we can feed you something a little more substantial. We're gonna turn in but if you need us ring this bell," she said, handed him a cow bell and laughed. "We could hear that all the way down into town."

That night after Charley and Dotty turned in, William stood in the doorway to Jim's room. He walked closer to the bed and stared at the man in bed. It can't be, William thought. But he knew he was right. Lewis came in and joined his Grandfather beside the bed.

"Okay, you gonna tell me what's got you spooked?" Lewis asked in a whisper.

"You feel like you know him?" William asked pointing to Jim. Lewis nodded and William said, "So do I. You know that word he said to me in the cave?

"Yeah, I heard him say something and then you got all spooky," Lewis answered.

"It wasn't just a word, it was a name," William said. "The name was Chante."

"That was great great grandmother's name," Lewis responded with surprise. How'd he know that?"

"Now you'll really think I'm crazy. I think that's Chante's husband, your great great Grandfather Jim," William replied.

William understood the shocked look on Lewis' face. "I wasn't sure until I saw that scar on his shoulder. It was caused by an arrow. Pa told me the story of how Jim got that scar when I was a boy; my grandmother Chante, had told him when he was young. And then there's that streak of white hair; quite a few of the men in our family have the same streak."




The Second Hundred Years Ch. 02



He motioned for Lewis to stay there and he went to the mantel over the fireplace and picked up a framed picture. William returned to the bedroom and handed Lewis the picture. "You know this picture?"

Lewis looked at the picture for probably the two hundredth time and nodded. "That's Great, Great, Grandpa Jim, his wife Chante, and their boy John," Lewis answered.

"Look at the man in the picture real close and then look at this man on the bed," William ordered.

Lewis turned on a small lamp on the night stand and studied the picture. Then he studied the man on the bed. He looked back and forth between the picture and the man. Finally he shook his head and puzzled, looked at William.

He took a deep breath and said, "I don't know how but I think you're right. That's my great, great, Grandpa Jim."

To Be Continued...



The Second Hundred Years Ch. 03



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

"You think he's who?" Charley Samuels asked. He'd heard what William had told him but he couldn't believe it. It was early morning and William had just told him what he thought about the man sleeping inside. 

"I know it sounds crazy, like some kind of science fiction story, but Lewis and I believe that Jim is my grandfather and Lewis' great, great, grandfather," William repeated.

Charley looked from William to Lewis and back again. They can't be serious, he thought. They're playing a joke on me.

"It isn't a joke Doc," Lewis said guessing what Charley was thinking. "C'mon lets go down to the barn. No need to let Jim hear about this; not just yet anyway."

William made a detour to the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of Jack Daniels and three coffee cups. When the three men got to the barn they found seats on some barrels and an old recliner. William poured each one of them about half a cup of whiskey.

"Don't normally drink during the week or this early in the day, but this is a special occasion," William said to Lewis and Charley. Raising his cup he said, "Salud." He took a huge drink and looked at the other two men.

"Reckon you're right Grandpa. If it isn't I don't think we'll ever find a better one." Lewis knocked back about half of his drink. Charley finished his drink, took the bottle from William and poured himself another.

"What makes you think Jim Randal is your Jim Randal?" Charley asked.

First William and then Lewis told him their reasoning. They told Charley about the whispered 'Chante' in the cave, the scar on Jim's shoulder, the white streak in his hair, and the picture. 

"What we're trying to say is that somehow, someway, that's our Jim Randal in the house," William finished. 

"We'll know better once he's strong enough to really talk to us," Lewis added. "He'll tell us about himself and we can ask him some questions." He paused looking, at the ground. "But I'll bet this ranch that he's just who we think he is"

"But how.....?" Charley began.

"You're the scientist Charley," William said. "Not us. I don't know how, but I'm sure that the Jim Randal we found in that cave is my grandfather."

"Now that you said something, I do notice a strong family resemblance," Charley offered. "Hell Lewis, you and Jim could almost be twins. You've both got the same coloring, build, and facial features. And he's got the same white streak in his hair that you do." 

The man who called himself Jim Randal had been with them for three days now. He seemed to be recovering from his ordeal. Jim would soon be strong enough to start paying attention to his surroundings and start to ask questions.

Charley was lost in thought for a few minutes and Lewis and William let him alone. Finally he looked at the Randals. "We'd better wait a day or two before we say anything to him. He's getting stronger but something like this could cause a heart attack in a healthy man."

The three men talked and debated about what could have caused a man to go into "suspended animation for a hundred and seventeen years", that's the term Charley used. Then come out the other side looking like he was 25 or so. They decided they didn't have enough information to even make a guess as to how that happened.

Lewis thought back to when and where he found Jim and remembered the smoke. "Doc, when I first looked into that room there was a kind of smoke coming out of the opening; I got a whiff and almost passed out. After I broke down more of the wall, the smoke seemed to disappear. Could that smoke have had something to do with it?"

Charley shrugged his shoulders. "Makes as much sense as anything else right now."

"That flame was another thing," Lewis added. "I've never seen a flame burning on rock without any kind of fuel source." After a few seconds he said, "I think I'll hike back up there tomorrow and look things over."

"Good idea, I'll go with you," Charley replied. "But we'll take the ATVs instead of horses won't we?"

Lewis had to smile. "Don't you like horses Charley?"

"I like em just fine; it's them that don't like me"

The next morning after a quick breakfast Charley and Lewis, mounted on the ATVs, rode toward the trail that led up to the cave. Lewis and Charley both had backpacks; Lewis's was a survival kit, Charles had some test equipment and a camera. They climbed up the steep trail for forty minutes and finally crossed the small canyon in front of the cave. This time Lewis had brought big flashlights so they could see their way.

Lewis led the way into the cave and to the room where he'd found Jim. The man made wall that had concealed the small room was totally collapsed, but the flame was still burning with a bright intensity. They stepped closer to the flame and looked at the rock that formed the niche. The rock still seemed wet and an oily liquid seeped toward the flame. Lewis noticed a spider web of small cracks running around the sides of the niche. He hadn't seen them the first time in the cave.

"I don't know what this is," Charley said. "It seems that the flame sort of melts this rock and the fluid feeds the flame." He rubbed some of the oil between his fingers, shaking his head. "It's like an eternal flame; as long as there is rock to melt the flame will continue burning. And there's the smoke you told me about," he said pointing to the wisps of vapor rising from the flame.

"That's about what I figured the first time I saw it," Lewis replied.

"Let's get a sample of the rock and the fluid," Charley suggested. "I have a friend in the chemistry department at the college in Prescott. He can analyze them for us"

Charley dropped his backpack and started to dig into it. Lewis suddenly put his hand on Charley's shoulder. "You feel that?" He asked.

Lewis thought he'd felt a tremor run through the floor of the cave. Looking at the niche where the flame was he saw pieces of rock breaking off and falling to the floor. He saw a small crack appear at the base of the wall and expand toward the ceiling of the cave.

He grabbed Charley. "Let's get out of here. That wall is shifting and falling apart."

Charley could feel the shuddering of the rock in the floor now. He nodded and struggled to put his backpack on.

"Leave it, we need to go now," Lewis ordered as he pulled Charley toward the entrance to the cave.

Pieces of rock were falling from the roof as they ran to get out. They cleared the entrance and Charley stopped to look back into the cave. Lewis grabbed him and pulled him across the canyon to the tall rock butte. Just as they got to the rock wall the cave collapsed in on itself.

Charley stood staring at the collapsing mountain; Lewis pulled him behind the rock butte just as a cloud of smoke, dust, and small rocks rolled past them. After the cloud had cleared both men stepped out and stared across the canyon. All that was left of the entrance to the cave was a pile of crumbled rocks.

Over head the eagles took flight, soaring around and shrilly calling to each other complaining about the cave in.

"So much for using science to investigate that rock," Charley said. Turning to Lewis he said, "Thanks for pulling me out of there."

Lewis nodded and replied, "Dotty would have been really upset with me if I had left you. I don't want to face her when she's mad." 

Charley chuckled. "I know exactly what you mean. C'mon let's head back before the rest of the mountain falls down around us."

Ninety minutes later they pulled the ATVs into the barn and headed up to the house. "Find anything?" William asked as he greeted them.

Lewis explained about the cave in. "There's about a hundred tons of rock collapsed into that room. Reckon we'll never know what that rock was and how or if it kept Jim alive all those years."

"Yeah, and if Lewis hadn't pulled me out when the roof of the cave started coming down I'd be spending the next hundred years in there myself," Charley told William. Smiling at Lewis he added, "The boy is quite forceful when need be."

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

It was 4 A.M. when William heard Lewis stomping around out on the front porch. Boy's having another bad night I guess. I'll go down and sit with him for a bit. He quickly slipped on some clothes and went downstairs to join Lewis.

"Have another bad night son?" William asked as he came out onto the porch. His concern for his grandson showed on his face and in the tone of his voice.

"Oh, hi Grandpa. No, not really. In fact just the opposite," Lewis responded with a grin.

"How's that?"

"Well, I got to thinking about it," Lewis replied. "If our guest in there really is our kin, just think how exciting it is. I know you remember hearing about him from your mom and dad but he was gone long before I was born. And now I get to meet and talk with him. Jim knows things about our family's history from personal experience, not from a genealogy chart."

William sat for a minute thinking about his memories of "Grandpa Jim". He smiled and said, "From the stories I heard growing up, he surely did lead an exciting life. It'll be good to hear them from someone that was there."

They went to the kitchen and William started the coffee. Lewis and William talked for over an hour. Charley and then Dotty joined them.

William looked at Charley, pointed at Dotty and asked, "Have you told her yet?"

With an embarrassed smile on his face Charley replied, "Yeah, told her last night just after we went to bed." He shrugged his shoulders and added, "Never could keep anything from her. Dotty can always tell if I've got something on my mind."

"Charley said you think Jim is your relation and why you think so," Dotty said. "He also said you were going to ask him some questions to prove it. Is that right?"

"We can find out pretty quick if he's who think he is," William replied.

"Well Charley and I agree that you ought to take it easy. Let him get back some strength before he hit him with this...this....well miracle I guess." 

The four of them discussed the situation for another two hours before Dotty left to check on Jim. He was just waking up as she walked into his room. 

"Good morning Jim. How are you feeling today?"

"Morning Dotty. I feel some better. My head's been a little fuzzy but seems better now," Jim answered. It's like a fog or mist has been lifted from my mind, he thought. My eyes have been blurry but now they seem okay.

"Well let's see how you're doing," Dotty said as she began her normal morning exam. She reached over and turned on the light setting on the night stand.

Jim jumped a little when the light came on. He stared at the lamp and then looked around the room. Dotty saw his little twitch and the wildness that came back into his eyes.

"What's wrong Jim?"

Jim took a deep breath and made himself settle down; Dotty was taking care of him and he considered her a friend. She wouldn't let or cause anything bad to happen to him. 

"How'd you do that?" Jim asked.

"How'd I do what?"

"How did you get a light in here just by touching that thing next to the bed? I don't see a coal oil lamp."

All at once Dotty realized that if Jim was who Lewis thought he was that he wouldn't know anything about electric lights. I don't want to stress him out too much here, Dotty told herself.

She smiled at Jim. "Open your mouth so I can look at your throat," Dotty ordered quickly. She ignored his question and went on with the exam. "Oatmeal for breakfast?" She asked as she left the room.

Entering the kitchen Dotty went to her husband. Charley was standing with Lewis and William. "He's starting to ask questions." She told them about Jim's reaction to her turning on the light. "I don't think we're going to be able to keep as much from him as we wanted to"

"He's getting back to normal and he's starting to notice the things around him," Charley replied. Turning to William he said, "The stronger he gets the more he's going to want to know what happened. I don't think we can keep him in the dark much longer; just go easy when you talk to him."

"Let Lewis talk to him," Dotty suggested. "Jim seems to trust him. Remember how he looked for you the first few times he woke up? Maybe it's because you were the first one he saw when he regained consciousness in the cave. Anyway let Lewis answer his questions."

Lewis nodded and looked thoughtful. "I'll do what I can but I'm not real good at leading people on"

"Don't lead him on," Charley offered. "Tell him what he wants to know; but if he becomes agitated call us."

"I'm going to give him breakfast now," Dotty said. "Why don't you come with me?"

Lewis nodded again and picked up his bowl of oatmeal before he followed Dotty into Jim's room. Her look at him was a question. "If we're having breakfast together it will seem less like an inquisition; both ways," he told Dotty.

"Mornin Jim," Lewis greeted him. "Don't you look all bright eyed and bushy tailed."

"Yeah, I'm feeling better. I'm still a little weak but I'm getting stronger every day."

Dotty left them alone and they finished breakfast without talking. Charley came in and took Jim's blood pressure, check his heart sounds, and tested his reflexes. As he finished his exam Jim asked, "Can I use the privy. I feel like a baby using that pan thing. Beside I'd like to get out of bed for awhile."

Charley nodded. "I understand but you're still weak." He thought for a second or two and continued, "I've got a wheelchair over at my place that we can use to get you out of bed for a bit. Use the bedpan this morning and we'll get you up this afternoon." Jim nodded and Charley and Lewis left the room.

"I'll come back in ten minutes or so," Lewis told him. Jim would want some privacy. When Lewis came back the questions started.

Jim looked at Lewis and asked, "What happened? I mean how did I get here?"

"How much do you remember Jim?"

"It's sort of fuzzy but I seem to remember a cave or something. I remember looking up and seeing you and then I was in this room." 

"That's right, I found you unconscious. We got you down the mountain and here to the house," Lewis told Jim.

Jim was quiet for a minute. Then the questions that Lewis had been dreading started. "Where am I Lewis? What's going on? Where's my wife and son? What....."

Lewis interrupted him. "Take it easy Jim," he said holding up his hand. "Do you trust me?" Jim looked at Lewis and slowly nodded. "I'll answer all your questions but would you tell me how you got in that cave first."

Jim took a deep breath. "I was tricked by a Lakota medicine man called Spirit Healer. He told me that Iron Buffalo, he's the chief of the Lakota, wanted to adopt me into the tribe. Spirit Healer took me to the cave for the ceremony."

"That was quite an honor, to be adopted as a Lakota," Lewis said. "Why did this Iron Buffalo offer to adopt you?" He knew who Iron Buffalo was and his relationship to Jim. Lewis wanted to keep Jim talking, hoping to ease what was coming.

"Yeah, it is. Iron Buffalo is my wife's father. At first he didn't like me much, but we sorta grew on each other."

"So Spirit Healer tricked you?" How?"

"I had to smoke a sacred pipe as part of the ceremony. I'm guessin he put something in the tobacco because after a few puffs on that pipe I started gettin dizzy." Jim stopped and stared at the wall. "Next thing I know I woke up and saw you."

"When did this happen? I mean what year?" Lewis knew the answer; he'd heard and read the story in the family history. Lewis could see that Jim was upset and waited for him to calm down a little. If talking about how he got into that cave bothers him wait until he hears the rest of it, Lewis thought.

"It was the spring of '90."

"That was 1890, right?"

"Of course 1890," Jim replied with impatience. "Okay, that's how I got in that cave. Now answer my questions Lewis." His voice was stronger and demanding. 

"Okay I'll answer them but let me get something from the living room," Lewis said. At Jim's nod Lewis left the bedroom. He picked up a hand mirror, the family picture from the mantel, and rejoined Jim. By now Jim was sitting up on the side of the bed.

He looked up and smiled at Lewis. "First time I've been off my back since I got here."

"Here," Lewis said handing Jim the picture as he sat down. "You recognize these people?"

Jim had tears in his eyes as he looked at the picture. "That's me, my wife Chante, and our son John. It was taken about six months after John was born." He stopped and smiled. "There was a man at the trading post that had one of those...err...camera I think he called it. He said he was taking pictures of the country out west for a newspaper back east. I talked him into waiting while I went home and brought Chante and John back to the post so he could take that picture."

He stopped as he stared at the picture of his family. "Where's Chante and my son?"

"Bear with me a minute and I'll explain everything to you soon," Lewis replied. "Trust me Jim."

Jim nodded and Lewis handed him the hand mirror. "I know this sounds funny but I want you to look at yourself in that mirror. Most people really don't know how they look."

He took the mirror and studied his image. "I look real thin don't I?" Need a shave too."

"Now look at my face," Lewis requested.

Jim looked at Lewis and then back at his image in the mirror. He looked back and forth between the mirror and Lewis' face for over two minutes. "We could be brothers," Jim admitted.

"Yes we could. Let me tell you about finding you," Lewis suggested.

"Alright, but when you finish I want some answers," Jim agreed.

Lewis told Jim the story of finding him in the cave behind the wall. He explained about the flame and the smoke in the room. After several minutes Lewis came to the end of the story. 

"Now for the part that you're not going to believe, Jim." Lewis hesitated. "William and I think you are related to us."

"Related? How?"

"We think that you're William's grandfather and my great, great, grandfather." Jim's face showed his shock and surprise at Lewis' statement. Before he could speak Lewis continued.

"In the cave you woke up a second time and asked William about Chante. You've told me she is your wife but she is my great, great, grandmother. How would you know her name if you aren't our Jim Randal? You have a scar on your left shoulder that William was told about when he was a kid. His mom told him it was from an arrow."

Jim's eyes were opened wide and he was breathing as if he'd run a foot race. 

"And finally, there's that picture. You know about it, you even told me when and how it was taken." Lewis hesitated again. "That picture has been setting on the mantel for over a hundred years."

Charley came into the room pushing a wheelchair. He saw the tension between the two men and stopped. Jim took a deep breath and looked at Lewis with sad eyes.

"If what you say is true, then Chante is dead," Jim said. It was almost a question. 

"For a long time now," Lewis replied.

Jim sighed and tears fell down his face. "My son John?"

"He's gone too, but they both lived long and useful lives." Lewis watched Jim for a bit. "Let's take a break for a few minutes."

"You wanted to get out of bed and now we can get you up," Charley said. "Let's get you into this chair and take you out to get some fresh air." He was trying to relieve the tension that hung in the room like a cloud.

Lewis and Charley helped Jim get into the wheelchair. Charley pushed the chair, following Lewis out onto the front porch. Jim seemed to sit taller as he saw the valley stretching away to the mountains. William and Dotty joined them, looking to see how Jim was doing.

Charley pushed Jim to the edge of the porch and stepped back. Jim looked at the scenery for several minutes. Lewis leaned on the rail close to him. 

He looked up at Lewis and said, "Looks a lot like my ranch, Eagle's Nest." 




The Second Hundred Years Ch. 03



Everyone froze for a few seconds. William came over and set on the step at Jim's feet. "This is Eagle's Nest Jim, or maybe I should call you Granddad."

Jim smiled a little at the granddad. "Those twin buttes in the mountains sure look the same." He looked back down the valley and at the mountains for several minutes. The people watched him but kept quiet, letting him get a feel for the place and his situation.

"I think that's about enough for your first time up," Charley said. "Let's get you back to bed."

Lewis took the handles of the wheelchair and turned Jim back toward the house. Jim looked over the doorway. "Wait," he said. "That's my totem," he said pointing above the door.

"According to the story, Iron Buffalo gave you that totem to protect your 'lodge'," William said. It's said you put it over the doorway to honor the Lakota chief."

"Until this minute, I didn't know what to think about all this," Jim said. "I thought y'all might be loco." He smiled and added, "But now I believe it's so." Pointing to the totem he continued, "Y'all could have made up a lot of stuff but that totem is real. I guess I've come home again after all these years."

The scope of who he was and what had happened to him almost over whelmed Jim. He motioned for Lewis to turn him back toward the valley. Jim sat lost in thought and none of the others intruded. He took Lewis's hand, as if to steady himself, and continued to stare at the landscape for a few more minutes. Finally he shook himself, let go of Lewis' hand, and sighed.

"Guess I'm ready to go in now," Jim said. He almost smiled and added, "Don't do much good to think on something that I can't do anything about. Just have to accept it"

They helped Jim back into bed and Charley checked his blood pressure. Nodding at the results, he left the room. As Jim got settled, William stepped close. "Get some rest. After supper we can talk some more, if you like." Jim settled back on the bed and was asleep before William left the room.

In the kitchen the four people talked about the day's events. "His blood pressure is up a little but not dangerously so," Charley said. "I don't see a reason to stop talking to him."

William nodded. "I'll tell him about the family history after supper. Lewis you come with me."

Everyone gathered in Jim's room after supper. Charley suggested that he get into the wheelchair for a little more time out of bed. "The more you can sit up or move around, the sooner you'll get your strength back."

"So what happened after I disappeared?" Jim asked looking William.

"What I'm gonna tell you are the stories I heard growing up and what I remember from when I was a kid," William said. "Chante was almost frantic. Iron Buffalo and most of his braves came to look for you. No one could find any sign of you or where you'd gone."

William took a drink of his coffee. "Your brother, William, came back from California or wherever he'd been about two weeks after you disappeared. For the next thirty years or so he helped Chante run the ranch and protected it from land grabbers. Chante lived to be almost seventy; William passed away a few years before her. Your son John, who was my father, had been in charge of Eagle's Nest for several years. I was born here on the ranch."

"So my brother finally came home, did he? My father left the ranch to me and William but he didn't want to be a maid to a bunch of cows, as he called it," Jim explained. "He took off for points farther west and we only heard from him a few times after he left. The last letter I got was from California." Jim sat for a few minutes after William stopped talking. "I think I'd like to go back to bed," he said.

Lewis helped him back to bed and everyone left the room. It was over an hour before Jim went to sleep. Around midnight Lewis slipped back into Jim's room and curled up on the small sofa. I don't want him waking up all alone, Lewis thought.

It was after daylight when Lewis woke up. He sat up stiff and sore from sleeping on the small sofa.

"I thought you were gonna sleep all day," Jim teased.

Lewis smiled, "If I'd known you were waiting on me I'd got up sooner." He walked over and turned the lamp on.

"You never did tell me how you do that," Jim said.

How do you explain over a hundred years of technological advancement in a few words, Lewis asked himself? Lewis took a deep breath and began Jim's education. He thought for a few minutes before he answered.

"There's been a lot of things invented and found since you were put in that cave. I'll try to tell you how that lamp works, but you're gonna have to accept some things on faith. Okay?" Jim nodded and Lewis started his education.

He explained about energy, using a coal oil lamp as an example. "The lamp works on another type of energy called electricity. This energy runs through wires or cables and brings power for lights and a lot of other things to us.

"Where's this electricity come from?" Jim asked. "We get a flame from a coal oil lamp because we light it with a match."

"I can't explain all that goes on but we have machines that change other types of energy into electricity. These machines burn coal or oil and some other things to make electricity. The electricity is used to give us power for a lot of things." Lewis stopped and looked at Jim. "You understand any of this?"

"Some, but it seems like magic," Jim replied. Is there anything else that's come along before I...err....woke up?"

Lewis had to chuckle. "There's a whole world out there that will be new to you. Just take things easy and we'll try to explain things to you. Anything else you want to know right now?"

Jim smiled. "I'd still like to use the privy. Will you show me where it is?"

Now it was Lewis' turn to smile. "We use what's called a bathroom. Let's get you into the wheelchair and I'll explain how it works."

He rolled Jim down the hall into the downstairs bathroom and told him how things worked. Lewis showed him how to flush the toilet and wash his hands then left closing the door. A few minutes later he returned and pushed Jim back to the bedroom.

"Can you imagine that?" Jim asked. "No more stomping out to the privy in the cold and snow." Lewis had to smile at Jim's enthusiasm about the indoor plumbing. 

"Think I could eat breakfast with the rest of y'all this morning?"

"Let me check with Charley," Lewis replied. He left and quickly returned. "Charley says it'll be good for you to move around. C'mon, let's get you some clothes and go eat; breakfast's on the table." 

Lewis brought Jim some of his clothes to wear. They were about the same size although Jim still didn't weigh enough to fill them out. The shirt hung on Jim and the jeans wouldn't stay up without a belt to cinch them tight. Lewis had worried about boots and decided to bring Jim a pair of sneakers. It wouldn't make much difference if the clothes and shoes were too big; Jim wasn't going to be walking much anyway.

After dressing Jim, Lewis pushed the wheelchair into the kitchen and up to the table. After greeting everyone, Jim looked around the room. He saw a box attached to the ceiling that gave off a strong light. Jim sat open mouthed as he saw eggs and bacon cooked on a big flat topped box. Dotty opened another box that was taller and took an orange colored liquid and milk out of it. He was also surprised that they were both were cold. 

He watched as the others drank the orange liquid and tentatively took a small sip. "What is this stuff?" Jim asked, pleasantly surprised at the flavor.

"That's orange juice," William answered. "It comes from a fruit that's grown in a warmer part of the country." 

Watching Jim closely, Lewis said, "Eat Grandfather, just eat. We'll explain all this after breakfast." 

Dotty chuckled and grinned at Lewis. "It's so funny you calling Jim Grandfather," she said. "I mean you two look about the same age. I know, I know," she continued when Lewis started to speak. "Jim is really your relation but it's still strange."

After breakfast everyone, except Jim, pitched in and cleaned up. Jim was amazed at seeing water run when Dotty turned a handle. A box that you cook on, another one that keeps things cold, and water right in the house, Jim thought. Guess there's gonna be a lot of new things that I don't understand. They finished cleaning up and sat back at the table.

William poured Jim another cup of coffee. He'd been watching him all through breakfast and could see the surprise, wonder, and confusion on his face.

"Jim, Granddad, don't let all this bother you too much. I know it's all new and strange but all this is just things that make our lives easier." 

"Maybe the best way to deal with it is to accept it," Lewis suggested. "Not so much how as what."

"I don't understand Lewis."

"Well when you seen something new, ask what we use it for; not how it works or where it came from."

Jim thought for a few seconds smiled and said, "You mean 'eat Grandfather, just eat'." 

Lewis laughed then returned Jim's smile and nodded. Before Lewis could say anything, the telephone rang. Jim jumped at the sudden noise and looked to see where it was coming from. William hurried to pick up the phone.

"It's one of those 'eat just eat' things Grandfather," Lewis said as he put his hand on Jim's shoulder to calm him.

The phone call was for Charley. Another neighbor had cut his leg pretty bad and needed the doctor's help. "Well, it's about time we got home anyway," Charley said. "We can't stay with you two, I mean three, forever." He looked at Dotty and added, "We'll pack up and go tend to Ralph's leg and then go back home."

"You run along Honey," Dotty replied. "I'm going to stay with the Randals for another day or two. That's if they'll have me," she said turning to William and Lewis.

"Stay as long as you want or as long as Charley will let you," William responded. "You two are always welcome here."

Charley nodded and left to pack his things; Dotty went with him. William walked out onto the front porch with Lewis pushing Jim behind him. Charley and Dotty came out and he kissed her goodbye.

"I'll see you at home in a couple of days my girl," he said to his wife. She smiled and patted his shoulder.

"Don't be throwing a big party because I'm not home now," Dotty teased.

William joined Charley on the walk to the garage behind the house. "Charley, I'm askin you to keep quiet about Jim, at least for the time being. The last thing we need is a bunch of university types out here bothering him."

"He's in my care and is protected by patient confidentiality," Charley replied. "Besides I agree, the last thing he needs is a bunch of scientists pokin and proddin at him. Don't worry William." 

William returned to the porch and saw that Jim had moved to one of the rocking chairs on the porch. Jim smiled at him and said, "That thing makes me feel like I'm sick or something.

Charley pulled around the side of the house in his truck and honked as he drove away. Jim jumped again, sat up straighter in his chair and stared as the vehicle move into the valley. He turned toward Lewis and saw him nod. "Eat, just eat?"

Lewis smiled at Jim and said, "I'll explain later Grandfather."

Jim sat for a moment. "We're gonna have to do something about this Grandfather thing." 

"What do you mean?" Lewis asked.

"Well, William calls me Granddad once in a while, you call me Grandfather, and then you call William Grandpa. It's gettin confusing."

Lewis chuckled. "I can see where it might be."

"I have a suggestion," Jim offered. When the two looked at him he said, "Why do you both just call me Jim?" 

Looking at each other William and Lewis nodded. "Works for us," Lewis agreed.

"Now what was that thing Charley was in?" Jim shook his head remembering the noise and speed of whatever it was.

William started to explain and stopped. They'd hit that same wall again; how do you tell someone about a hundred years of technological advances. He looked at Lewis and sort of shook his head.

"That's called a truck," Lewis told Jim. "It's one of the things we use for transportation."

Jim listened and looked at Lewis; expecting more. Lewis looked back and had an idea.

"There's been a whole world of advancement since you went into that cave Jim. If we try to tell you about all of it we wouldn't have time for anything else. You'd spend all your time trying to understand and learn about all of it" Lewis paused looking to see how Jim was reacting.

"Maybe the best thing to do is just tell you what and how we use all this stuff that's new to you," Lewis continued. "After a bit you'll pick things up...and you won't be so confused. What do you think?"

As Lewis was talking, William had stepped back into the house. Now he came back onto the porch. "This is one thing you won't need us to explain to you," he said. He handed a rifle to Jim. "I guess you know what that is?"

He handled the rifle with a skill that had been honed over years of daily use. "It's a Winchester Model 73, .44-.40, with an adjustable Creedmoor sight," he replied with a big grin.

"Look it over carefully. Does it look familiar?"

Jim looked closer at the rifle. On the stock there was a gouge in the wood. He ran his hand over the scar and then looked at the butt plate. On the metal plate the initials J. R. stood out. 

"Is this my rifle?" Jim asked with emotion.

"Yep, it sure is," William replied. "You left it at the house when you rode off that day. It's been passed down in the Randal family from father to son. Maybe Lewis and I should give it back to the man that started that tradition."

Jim used the back of one hand to wipe a few tears away. "I fell when I was turkey huntin and put that gouge on the stock. I cussed myself as a fool for two or three days afterward," he said laughing.

"It still shoots as good as when you bought it," William said handing Jim a couple of shells. "Take a couple of shots at that white oak on the far side of the clearing, if you've a mind to. Try for that knot about half way up the trunk."

Jim quickly loaded the rifle. He pulled it his shoulder, took aim, and fired. He worked the lever action and fired a second time. Both shots hit dead center of the knot.

"Guess sleepin all those years didn't hurt my shootin none," Jim said with a smile.

Lewis returned his smile. "We promised Charley not to tire you out too much. Reckon you've had enough excitement this morning. Let's get you back to bed for a rest."

"Yeah, I'm a little tired. Help me back into the contraption will ya?"

This time William pushed the wheelchair to the bedroom and helped Jim get settled. "If you feel up to it, we'll take a little ride around the ranch this afternoon."

"I'd like that but I don't think I'm up to riding a horse just yet," Jim said.

William chuckled, "Won't have to, we'll take my truck; like the one Charley was in. All you have to do is sit there and enjoy the ride."

That afternoon with William driving, Jim on the passenger side and with Dotty sitting between them they took a short ride around the house and out into the valley for a mile or two. Lewis rode in the bed of the truck and talked to Jim through the sliding rear window.

"Sure beats bustin your rear on some ornery bronc," Jim said when they returned to the house.

Charley stopped by the next morning to see his patient. William said that he really wanted to see Dotty. Doc wasn't used to sleeping without her. He talked quietly to Dotty for a couple of minutes and turned to the three Randals.

"I have to go to a conference at the Medical Center in Prescott tomorrow; be there for two or three days. I'd like to draw some blood from you Jim and have some tests run," Charley said. Seeing the confusion on Jim's face he explained. "Now days doctors can use a little of your blood to see if everything is alright with you on the inside." Turning to William and Lewis he added, "We can do a DNA test at the same time.

"My blood?" Jim asked. "How big a cut you gonna make to get it"

Charley smiled, "I'll use what's called a syringe; no need to make a cut at all. It'll feel like you stuck yourself with a thorn; not really painful just a little uncomfortable"

"Our minds are pretty well made up about Jim," William said. "But I guess it wouldn't hurt to make sure."

Charley reached into his ever present doctor's bag, pulling out a syringe and a small glass vial. "Roll up your sleeve Jim," he ordered as he stepped closer. Before he could get to Jim, Dotty took the syringe and vial away from him.

"You always were heavy handed drawing blood," she said with a grin. "I'll do it; Jim won't have a sore arm then.

Dotty swabbed Jim's arm with a little alcohol and wiped it off with a piece of gauze. She explained to Jim what she was doing as she went along. Dotty deftly slip the needle into his arm and filled the vial. She put a small piece of gauze over the hole and taped it down.

"Is that it?" Jim asked. "I didn't hardly feel a thing."

"With all that hair on your arm, it'll hurt more when you take that tape off," Dotty told him with a smile.

"I think you're going to be okay Jim. Don't try to get better too fast; don't push yourself," Dotty said as she packed to leave with Charley. "If I have to come back because you over worked yourself, I'll tan your hide Mister." She hugged Jim and kissed his cheek, said goodbye to Lewis and William, and left with her husband.

"I'll get back to you with the results in a few days," Charley said as he walked to his truck.

"We're not as pretty as Dotty but I think we can take care of you now," William said.

For the next few mornings Jim started walking around the house with a walking stick to gain back his strength; William or Lewis was always by his side. He even walked out into the clearing in front of the house. Every afternoon they took a ride in the truck. Jim enjoyed seeing and sometime marveling at changes to "his" ranch that had taken place while he slept for a hundred years.

One morning Lewis took Jim for a ride using one of the ATVs that had a second seat. They rode toward the upper end of the valley and the mountains. Jim started looking around and asked Lewis to slow down.

"This is the way I came that morning to meet Spirit Healer," Jim said. "The trail up the mountain should be just over that rise yonder."

Lewis nodded and slowly drove to the trail head. He stopped and pointed up the trail. "The cave is just beyond the tall rock butt up there," he said to Jim.

"I remember," Jim replied. "I followed that damn medicine man all the way up the trail to the cave." He continued to look up the trail as if trying to actually see the cave entrance. "You say the cave collapsed in on itself?"

"Yeah, the cave in almost caught Charley and me."

"I'd like to go back to the house now, if it's okay with you," Jim told Lewis.

"Sure, we can go back. Are you okay?"

"Don't know," Jim replied. "I got a chill running down my back. Like someone just walked across my grave."

To Be Continued... 



The Second Hundred Years Ch. 04



Please read Chapters 1 to 3 they will help you understand the characters and how they got to this point in the story.

Your constructive comments and emails are welcome and appreciated.

Thanks for taking the time to read and follow this story. 

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

"The old trading post sure has changed since the last time I saw it," Jim said.

"Cole's Corner is more like a general store now," Lewis replied with a smile. "It doesn't do trading like it did back in your day. Cole does sell some Indian jewelry, weavings, and art work but now he pays the craftsmen for their work instead of trading goods like the old days."

Jim had spent the last two weeks regaining his strength. The wheelchair wasn't needed anymore; he could now walk around the ranch for up to an hour before tiring out. Jim was slowly putting on the weight he'd lost while unconscious in the cave. He'd gained almost 20 pounds since his awakening. However, this was his first trip off the ranch.

Doc Charley Samuels had returned from Prescott with the results of the blood test and the DNA test about ten days previously. The DNA proved something that William and Lewis already knew; Jim was their direct ancestor. 

"The blood work up turned up fairly normal," Charley told Jim, William, and Lewis. It showed that Jim's a little anemic but a good diet will take care of that." He paused for a few seconds. "The only thing that might be of concern is Jim's blood doesn't have some of the antibodies that a modern man's does. But as long as Jim isn't exposed to today's germs like the flu and a handful of others it shouldn't cause a problem."

Charley suggested that Jim get out of the house and get more exercise so Lewis had brought him to Cole's to get Jim some clothes. A man ought to have his own things to wear, Lewis thought. Jim needs his own shoes or boots among other things. Those sneakers I gave him are way too big and he has to shuffle as he walks. It is sorta funny watching him though, Lewis said to himself.

Jim smiled when he saw the denim pants. These were something he was familiar with; he'd worn them when he worked the ranch in his day. Lewis laid out several pairs of denim pants, shirts, socks, and all the other things a man needed. He offered to get Jim one of the new razors but he said he'd continue to use a straight razor. William had a straight razor passed down from his father and let Jim use that once he was strong enough to do his own shaving.

"I better call Grandpa, and see if there's anything we need at the house. It would be really dumb to have to come right back," Lewis said taking out his cell phone. As he was talking to William he saw Jim staring at him in surprise. "Here Jim, want to say hello to your grandson?"

Jim gingerly took the cell and held it up to his ear. "Hello, William?" He said in a very loud voice. Jim talked to William for about two minutes and handed the phone back to Lewis.

"You remember the telephone in the kitchen? Well this is the same thing but we can carry it around with us." Lewis chuckled and added, "You don't have to shout when you talk on it; people can hear you just like you were standing next to them."

Jim shook his head and smiled, "I don't think I'm ever gonna learn about all these new fangled contraptions."

"Don't worry about it Jim," Lewis consoled. "I was born while all this was going on and I haven't learned all of it yet."

As they left Cole's, Jim walked across the parking area. Looking back at the trading post and around at the mountains, he stopped. He had a smile on his face but Lewis could see that his eyes were tearing up.

"It was right here," Jim said softly. At Lewis' questioning look he continued, "It was right here, near as I can figure, that I met Chante." He paused and took a deep breath.

"Tell me about it Grandfather," Lewis requested. "Don't believe I've ever heard the story of how you met."

Jim smiled at the use of Grandfather. He stared off into the distance for a few seconds and began his story. "I'd come by the trading post on my way home to get some salt and sugar. Three down on their luck trappers were trying to steal some furs from Chante and her brother Chayton." He laughed out loud. 

"My god she was a hellion; fighting with one of the trappers tooth and nail. The other two was attacking Chayton. Before I could make up my mind on whether to help or not, the man fighting with Chante drew back his fist and hit her." Jim laughed again. "That sure made up my mind for me and I waded into the fight.

I chased those trappers off with my Winchester. Chayton had been cut bad and I talked Chante into taking him to Eagle's Nest." Turning to look at Lewis he said, "Chayton would have bled to death before Chante got him back to their camp. After we got him to the ranch, I tended to him and stopped the bleeding.

The next morning I went to find Iron Buffalo but he found me first. I brought him back to the ranch to see Chayton and then talked him into letting the boy stay with me for a bit until he could heal up; Chante stayed with him. She said it was because he didn't speak English, but I think it was so she could be close to me." Jim laughed and slapped his knee.

"At least that's what I always claimed. Anyway I met Chayton right here at the post about two months later. I asked about Chante. He told me she was of marrying age but none of the young bucks wanted to pay the bride price to marry her. He said they thought she'd been dishonored by staying at a white man's lodge while Chayton healed.

I couldn't get her out of my mind and decided this was a way to get close to her. I took two of my best horses and went to Iron Buffalo's camp. He'd given me that totem that's nailed over the ranch house door to protect me; so I strung it around my neck and rode into his camp like I owned the place."

Jim chuckled as he remembered that day. "I offered the two horses as a bride price for Chante. Iron Buffalo asked her if she wanted to marry me; I can still remember what she said." Jim paused and wiped his hand across his eyes. "She said, 'Yes father it would be a good thing'. We had the marriage ceremony the next day and I brought her home. A month later the circuit preacher married us the white man's way."

Lewis felt tears in his own eyes and he watched and listened to Jim tell his story. Lewis commented, "From what I've heard in the family stories she was a great lady."

Jim nodded, unable to speak. Finally clearing his throat he said, "Reckon we should get back to the ranch." The trip back was mostly silent. Each man was lost in thought, but thinking about the same thing; Chante.

After supper the three Randal men were sitting on the front porch. It was late October and winter had all but set in. "Won't be long before we can't sit out here at night," William said. "It'll start to get too cold to be out here for more than a few minutes."

"I remember," Jim replied.

"I keep forgettin this is your home."

"Jim told me the story of how he and Chante met when we were at Cole's today," Lewis explained to William. 

"I bet he told you that she stayed with Chayton because she wanted to be near him too," William said laughing.

"Well it were the truth," Jim responded with a big grin. After a bit Jim asked, "Would you tell me more about Chante and my boy and what happened after I...err...left?"

William nodded. "I told you that your brother came home and decided to stay on and help run Eagle's Nest. Iron Buffalo and your brother looked for you for six months before winter set in and stopped them." 

"Tell him about Iron Buffalo and Spirit Healer," Lewis suggested. 

"That's right, I forgot to tell you that part," William said to Jim. "Seems about two years after you disappeared, Spirit Healer was bragging to some of the young bucks about how he got revenge on the white man that had stolen Chante. Course no one wanted to remember how the tribe had treated her." 

William chuckled. "Anyway Spirit Healer was running his mouth and Iron Buffalo heard him. The Chief confronted Spirit Healer and asked what had happened to you. The medicine man told him that you were dead and buried in a sacred place. Iron Buffalo banished the shaman from the tribe. Spirit Healer didn't want to go but he was told to leave or die; he left that afternoon."

After taking a drink of coffee William continued. "Spirit Healer was never heard from again. But a little over a year later, two Lakota braves were following a deer trail down by the river and saw a small depression high up on the bank. 

When they looked in the cave they found the remains of a man dressed in buckskins. Lying next to him was the medicine bag that Spirit Healer always carried. The braves returned to camp and told Iron Buffalo what they'd found. Iron Buffalo nodded and with a grim smile on his face returned to his lodge."

"Serves the bastard right," Jim said in a soft voice. After a moment he asked, "What happened to Iron Buffalo?" 

"It was about five years later that he came by the ranch and said goodbye. Said he'd had enough of the white man telling him where he could live. Said he was going north where they couldn't find him; he and his band moved to Canada. Up around Moose Jaw."

"Sounds like something the old bull would do," Jim replied, smiling.

The next morning was cold with a light rain falling. Jim and Lewis walked down to the barn to check on the horses. William had installed a propane heater in the barn. He said he didn't ride much anymore but wanted his "friends" to be comfortable during the cold weather.

"You hurt your leg Lewis? Jim asked. "Noticed you been limping some this morning. You were limping last night too."

"My leg doesn't like the cold weather but it really doesn't like it cold and wet too," Lewis replied.

"You're a mite young to have rheumatism."

"It's not rheumatism Jim. I was wounded when I was in the Army. My leg got hit and I lost most of my little finger," Lewis told him as he held up the stump to show him. Jim stared at him for a minute, surprised to hear about the boy's military experience. 

"I noticed the finger but didn't think it was any of my business how you lost it," Jim revealed.

Lewis smiled and told him the whole story starting with his discontent with his life and joining the National Guard. He had to take a few minutes explaining what the National Guard was as Jim didn't understand the term.

"Sorta like a state militia," Jim said after hearing Lewis' explanation. 

Lewis nodded and continued, "I guess I didn't think it through before I joined the Guard," Lewis admitted with a sheepish grin. "Anyway I made it back in one piece; well almost." In a more serious voice he added, "A lot of men didn't make it back."

They returned to the house and the rest of the day was spent doing a few repairs. William and Jim worked on a saddle and Lewis watched and learned. The saddle would be Jim's if he decided to start riding horses again. 

"Got a few more questions, if you boys don't mind," Jim said. William and Lewis both nodded for him to go ahead.

"You said my boy took over running the ranch when he was about seventeen," Jim recalled. Again, both men nodded. "I know he got married or had a woman cause, you're here William." He smiled at William and continued, "Who'd he latch onto? Who was your mother William?"

William continued the story. "John was about eight when Iron Buffalo left, but every spring he and Chante would go stay with his grandfather for four or five weeks. Chante told him he needed to learn about his heritage and what it meant to be a Lakota. His Uncle William and Chante made sure he learned to read, write, and do arithmetic the rest of the year. John lived with the Lakota every summer until he turned seventeen. That's when he decided to take over running the ranch. His uncle stayed on and helped but John was the ramrod of the outfit."

"Sounds like my boy grew up in a hurry," Jim said

"He certainly did," William replied chuckling. "That last summer with Iron Buffalo, John earned his Lakota name. I can remember my father and Iron Buffalo telling me the story of how he earned his name." 

After ten seconds or so Jim requested, "Tell me the story please; Grandson."

William smiled at the term grandson. 'This ranch was already called Eagle's Nest so my father decided that for his manhood trial he would gather enough eagle feathers to make a war bonnet for Iron Buffalo. He made his way high up into those mountains near where we found you. John spent three days and nights up on that mountain, sneaking into the eagle's nest when they were gone hunting." William stopped for a bit, smiling at the memory.

"Well don't leave me sittin here with my mouth opened," Jim complained. "Tell me what happened."

"Like I said he'd sneak into the nests; he'd take some of the feathers shed by the eagles. But he needed six or so tail feathers to complete the war bonnet. One morning, just at first light, he jumped into one of the nests and grabbed eight tail feathers from the two birds in the nest."

"The eagles just let him pluck them like chickens?"

"Not exactly. The male attacked him and cut Dad's face with his talons. He had a cut across his forehead and on his right cheek. Dad carried the scars for the rest of his life; he was damn lucky he didn't lose an eye." Shaking his head in admiration William said, "Dad made the war bonnet and when he presented it to Iron Buffalo he was given his Lakota name. It was Ska Anunkasan."

"Know what it means?" Jim asked.

"Hahn." William replied in Lakota and then translated for Lewis. "Yes, in English it is White Eagle." 

"You speak Lakota then?" Jim asked.

"Hahn. My mother and father made sure I was taught Lakota ways; Chante helped too. And I spent several summers with Iron Buffalo and his band when I was a boy, just like my father. Iron Buffalo died when I was fifteen." William stopped for a bit and then continued his story. 

"Anyway, when John turned eighteen he rode north leading two horses. He was gone for a month and when he came back he brought a Lakota wife with him." William chuckled again. "Her name was Morning Star and she was as pretty as her name, even if she was my mother."

"Well, I'll be damn," Jim said and laughed. "I guess he followed in his father's footsteps."

"My father and Morning Star used to play together when he'd go visit Iron Buffalo every spring. That's how they met and as they got older they decided they wanted to marry. He did follow after you; he took those two horses as the bride price," William explained, mostly for Lewis' benefit. 

"My father was a half blood Lakota and my mother was a full blood Lakota. Guess that makes me about three quarters," William said with a big grin. "I always say I'm more Lakota than white."

William got a sad little smile on his face. "The ranchers around here built a one room school house over at Cole's Corner and hired Susan as the teacher. About a month later I was at the trading post one afternoon and met the new teacher. Susan was 18 and the prettiest thing I'd ever seen. I saw her several times over the next two or three months. I guess it was like you and Chante; I couldn't get her off my mind. About six months after we met, I asked her to marry me, I'd just turned 22."

He chuckled and continued, "The ranchers weren't real happy with me stealing their teacher. They had to find another one and convince her to come out here." William stared at the wall for several seconds. 

"Susan and I had a great life here at Eagle's Nest. We had a son and named him John Chayton, using my father's first name and my middle name. I lost her to cancer a little over four years ago. Our son and his wife Ellie brought us Lewis here, but they passed away in an accident several years ago." William paused, putting his hand on Lewis' shoulder. He sighed and added, "That's the family from you and Chante down to Lewis here." 

"And how about you Lewis, you got a gal? Are you gonna carry on the Randal name?" Jim asked with a big grin. Seeing the look that passed over Lewis' he regretted his questions. 

Lewis took a deep breath and then chuckled. "Well I thought I was but I guess she didn't see it that way."

"I'm sorry; I shouldn't have asked. Weren't none of my business," Jim said apologizing.

"No, it's okay. I was engaged but Julie, my fiancée, sent me a letter when I was in the hospital recovering from my wounds. She told me she'd met and fell in love with another guy while I was gone," William explained. "She never did understand why I joined the National Guard."

Lewis was lost in thought for a moment looking down at the floor. "I guess I can understand her confusion. We both had really good jobs, making really good money. Why couldn't I be satisfied with our life she asked me when I joined the Guard?"

He looked up and continued, "I wanted to do something that had meaning, I wanted to do something more than just make and spend money. Maybe I wanted to help people. Whatever the reason, I felt like I needed to make a change"...... "Julie never understood that."

Lewis sighed, "So, yes I want to have a family and I want to raise them here at Eagle's Nest." He laughed, "All I have to do is find a woman that wants to live on a ranch."

The three men were quiet for a few minutes; Jim thinking of Chante, his son John, and how he'd become a man at an early age, William thinking of father, his wonderful childhood, his beloved Susan, and Lewis thinking of his parents and how glad he was to be home and with his family.

After several minutes William shook himself. "C'mon Jim, it's time to show you another one of those new fangled contraptions. The TV," he told Lewis.

They went into the living room and William turned on the television. "Jim this is a television, sometimes called a TV. John, my son not my father, used to call it a damn stupid babble box. He didn't care for it much. But it sometimes has some good entertainment on it and it's a good way to find out what's going on in the world and locally."

The TV came on and Jim almost jumped out of his chair. The sound and pictures coming out a big square thing hanging on the wall really surprised him. William and then Lewis explained how they used the television and what it could do for them. Neither man tried to explain the technology behind it.

For the rest of the winter their days consisted of a few chores, some small repairs, talking, and sometimes watching television. One evening there was a show on The History Channel that depicted a group of modern day people recreating the travels of a wagon train. Jim watched for about thirty minutes and started laughing.

"If people had done what that group did, they'd never have made it," Jim said. "They'd have all died on the trail or turned back." He went on to explain in detail what the creators of the show had wrong. William and Lewis were fascinated. Here was living history telling them how things had really been over a hundred years in the past.

After the first of the year, Jim started riding horses again. It took him that long to get back to his full strength. His weight was now a lean 170 pounds. Lewis taught Jim the fundamentals of driving their pick up but what he really liked were the ATVs. His first love was horses but he had a lot of fun on the ATVs.

Lewis, William, and Jim had just come back from a ride inspecting fences and were putting the horses away. Jim asked, "William do you know what happened to my horse, Sampson?" 

"Your brother rode him for six years or so and turned him over to John when he was ten," William replied. "John rode that horse until he had to put him out to pasture. I think Sampson lived to be about 30."

"He was a damn good horse," Jim said softly.

"Sampson was the one that let Chante know something had happened to you," William added. "He came back to the ranch the day after you disappeared. Chante came out of the house and he was standing at the corral gate wanting back into his stall. That's when she started looking for you." 




The Second Hundred Years Ch. 04



"Like I said, he was a damn good horse," Jim repeated. "You know when I went to claim Chante, Iron Buffalo tried to get me to give him Sampson instead of those other two horses. He was a good judge of horse flesh and knew what a fine animal Sampson was."

Jim laughed. "I guess I would have given him up to get Chante but it would have been a real tough decision."

Two weeks later they were watching TV and saw a show about a dude ranch in Colorado. It was a working cattle ranch but people paid to come and work like 'real' cowboys. The owner said they still raised and sold cattle but the income from the 'dudes' was substantial.

The next night as the three sat in front of the fire place, Jim was a little quiet. Staring into the fire Jim asked, "William why isn't the Eagle's Nest a cattle ranch anymore?"

"Well...After John and Ellie were killed in that car crash, I just didn't have the heart to keep it going. Lewis had his own life in St. Louis and I didn't want to bring a bunch of strangers in to work the place." William looked at Jim for a short moment and said, "Sometimes I wish I'd kept on raising cattle."

"Why don't we start it up again?" Jim asked, looking at William and Lewis. "I mean there's three of us now and even if we hired some help, it'd still be our place."

Lewis smiled; he had been wondering about making Eagle's Nest a real ranch again. "I'm willing if Grandpa, I mean William, is. But maybe not in the same way you're thinking."

"What are you talking about?" William asked.

"That show last night about the dude ranch in Colorado gave me the idea. We could do the same thing here at Eagle's Nest. Our weather is better than in the high country of Colorado so we could have a longer season and run more 'dudes' through the place."

"How do you figure?" William asked. Jim was interested too.

"We could split the herd and move half of them up into the high pasture in the spring," Lewis replied. Both men nodded and he continued, "At midsummer we could drive the other half of to the high country, so that's two trail drives. Then in the fall we could drive the whole herd back down to the valley." 

William and Jim nodded their understanding. "That fall drive would be a big drive and we could have more of the 'cowboy wannabes' on that one," Lewis smiled, proud of his idea. "We could have three sets of wanna be cowboys during our season instead of just one like that place in Colorado."

"You've been thinkin about this some," Jim said. Turning to William he said, "Sounds like a good idea to me."

"That part of the herd that spends the whole summer up in the north pastures will be fatter than the others. Those are the cattle we ship to market," Lewis suggested. Laughing he added, "We'll use the cattle to make money two ways."

"It's gonna take some money to get up and running," William said. "First we have to get cattle." He thought for a minute. "The ranchers around here usually cull their herds to keep from overgrazing the land. They normally do it in the spring so they don't have to feed the animals all summer. We can buy those culls at a reasonable price."

Jim had been listening as William and Lewis discussed the way to start their business. "Y'all are forgetting something," he told them. Both men turned toward Jim with a questioning look.

"Unless you plan to bed down the 'dudes' in the house here, you're gonna need someplace for them to sleep." Jim could see by the look on their faces that they hadn't thought of what to do with the people once they got there. "And if you don't want them sitting around the table in our kitchen and them being underfoot, you're gonna need someplace and some way to feed them."

"I don't think we can afford the expense of building a hotel for them," William said. Lewis nodded his head in agreement.

"You youngsters are thinkin about it all wrong. Those people want to play at being cowboys so let em sleep and eat like cowboys," Jim explained. "We'll build a bunk house that'll sleep about twenty or so in bunk beds; we can even put in one of those new fangled bathrooms. At one end of the bunkhouse we can attach a covered Ramada for cooking and eating. It won't have walls but the roof will protect the dudes from the rain."

"That'd be a cheaper way to go," William agreed. "But something like that would still be costly."

"Not if we did a lot of the rough work ourselves," Lewis suggested. "There's that big stand of Ponderosa Pine over near the creek. We could cut the trees to build a log cabin type bunkhouse and reduce our expenses."

"Have you ever built a log cabin?" Jim asked, not sure the boy knew how much work was involved.

"No I haven't, but you have Great, Great Grandfather," Lewis teased. "I heard the story of how you build the original part of this house and pretty much by yourself too."

Jim laughed. "Well, we could cut enough trees over the winter and start building in the spring. That is if the weather doesn't get too bad. We can work in a little snow and cold but rain would stop us from hauling the logs out. It shouldn't take more than 50 trees or so and with all three of us cuttin and felling trees we should be done in 10 to 12 days."

William grinned. "Shouldn't take us more than two or three days; depending on how far we have to go for the right size trees."

Jim looked at the aggravating grin on William's face. "How do you plan are doin the cuttin that fast? You gonna bring in a crew? I thought the idea was to cut back on spending money we don't have."

"I'll show you in the morning," William replied. "And no, I don't plan on bringing in anyone to help. He grinned again at Jim. "We got a good start on a plan tonight. Let's call it a night and start fresh tomorrow."

During breakfast the next morning, Jim tried two or three times to get William to explain his statement the previous night. 

"I'd still like to know how you plan to do all that cuttin in just a couple of days."

"I'll show you after breakfast Jim." The three finished breakfast and cleaned up the kitchen. "Grab a coat and follow me down to the barn," William suggest to Jim. Lewis tagged along with them but he already knew what William was going to show Jim.

They entered the barn and William led them over to a storage room under the loft. "Remember us telling you that a lot of things had been invented and made while you were sleeping?" William asked and when Jim nodded he continued. "Well this is one of those things."

He opened the door, went inside the store room, and returned carrying two 30 inch chainsaws. "These are called chainsaws Jim. With these we can cut a two or three foot diameter tree down in about 5 to 10 minutes."

Jim hefted one of the saws as William handed it to him. He fingered the cutting edges on the chain and moved it back and forth looking puzzled. "Don't see how these little sharp edges can cut better and faster than an axe or a buck saw."

William picked up the other saw. "This is going to be loud, you might want to put your hands over your ears," he explained. He pulled the cord and started the saw with a loud roar from the two stroke engine. Walking over to a stack of firewood he quickly cut through one of the bigger pieces. Then William shut the saw off.

Turning back to Jim he said, "See what I mean? This works pretty much like the truck and the ATVs; just on a smaller scale."

"We've got a small one that can be used to trim the branches off the downed trees," Lewis added. "Two of us can cut while the other one trims. Then we can hook up the truck to the logs and pull them over to the building site."

"That's almost unbelievable," Jim said. "It took me a full day to cut and trim two trees when I built this house."

"Got another surprise for you when we get the trees cut," William told him. "We'll rent a big saw and square up the logs. It won't leave cracks when we build the walls and we won't have to stuff them with mud and grass like you had to do."

"And just anybody can get these....chainsaws," Jim said.

"Anybody that can afford to buy em. I bought these when we added the kitchen, the den, and the back bedroom onto the rear of the house."

"Well I'll be damned," Jim remarked.

Lewis motioned to Jim and led him to a grove of trees near the barn. He gave Jim a quick but thorough lesson using the chainsaw; stressing the safe use of it.

That evening the three resumed their discussion on setting up a sort of dude ranch. The major problems were still the cost. Finally Lewis stepped in.

"We could get a loan using Eagle's Nest as collateral," he suggested. "Problem is it's going to take a couple of years before we're going to see any money coming back to us. William's pension and my disability check can cover us for a while but if we run into a rough patch the ranch could be at risk." He looked at William and Jim adding, "Maybe we ought to draw in our horns and start out slower."

William looked thoughtful for a minute. "Before we go off halved cocked, we should go to the bank in Prescott and see what the loan officer has to say. Maybe we won't have to risk the ranch or can set something up with a balloon payment in five years or so. We need more information before we make any decisions."

He turned to Jim, "It'll take us about two hours to get to Prescott. Then we'll have another hour or so with the banker and two hours back. Think you're strong enough to spend all day out gallivanting around?"

"I reckon so. Don't know anything about bankers so I can look around town or wait in the truck."

"Maybe so, but you've got good common sense and might think of something we miss. No, I'd rather all three of us meet with the loan officer. Besides, this place is as much yours as ours; maybe more," William replied. "But it might be a good idea not to mention your recent...err...nap Jim. "Tomorrow suit you both?" 

It was just after 10 AM when William pulled his truck into a parking place on Whiskey Row in Prescott. Jim had been bug eyed from the minute they'd came to the outskirts of the city. Lewis chuckled to himself; Jim's head had been moving back and forth looking at modern day Prescott. His neck is gonna be sore tomorrow.

William was driving his personal truck, a Ford 3/4 ton crew cab, as opposed to the ranch work truck that Jim had ridden in before. He and Jim rode in the front with Lewis in the rear seat. This allowed Jim plenty of room to look around as they made their way into Prescott.

"This is Prescott?" Jim asked. "It was a nice size town in my day but this is the biggest place I've ever seen."

The Randals walked around for about an hour visiting the shops lining Court House Plaza. Jim spent time reading a few of the historical plaques the city had erected. 

"They changed the courthouse," Jim said in surprise. "It was just built in '87. Why would they.....Oh, that was over a hundred years ago. I keep forgettin." 

As the three men walked around Court House square Jim saw Whiskey Row for the first time. "At least there's something I remember. They still call it Whiskey Row?"

William smiled. "Yep, it's still Whiskey Row. But it's not like it was back in your day. People drive in from far away just to say they had a drink or walked down Whiskey Row."

"In my day if a man went to Whiskey Row he was looking for a drink or a woman. Sometimes both," Jim said grinning. I think they...." Jim stopped talking and stared at the two young ladies walking down the sidewalk toward him. Then he looked around at some of the other women in the area.

Lewis looked at him with concern. "What's wrong Jim? Are you alright? Jim....Jim?"

He finally answered Lewis. "Yeah, I'm fine. I've never seen women dressed like that." Jim turned back to watch the girls walk away. The two young ladies were wearing skirts that were just above their knees and short sleeve blouses. 

"Sorta takes all the magic and mystery away when everything is right there in the open," Jim said shaking his head. "I don't know that I'd count that as an advance from my day."

William chuckled. "I understand Jim. The women in my day would have never shown their knees and their blouses were buttoned up to the neck. Now they'd be considered old fashioned."

"I'm surprised you haven't seen the way women dress on TV," Lewis said.

"The only things I've seen on the damn stupid babble box are what you call the History Channel and that Discovery thing. I never watch those news programs because I don't understand half of what they talk about."

At noon they had lunch at The Palace Saloon. It was one of the historical buildings on Whiskey Row. After lunch before going to the bank they stopped and bought Jim a Stetson; he'd been wearing one of Lewis's ball caps. As they walked to the bank they passed a ladies clothing store. In the window was a mannequin showing the latest in bikini styles. Jim stopped and stared again. He turned to William and then Lewis and then back to the store window.

"What the blazes is that?" He questioned. "I never saw anything like that even in my bedroom."

"That's what a lot of women wear swimming now days," William answered. "In fact that one has more cloth in it than some. Surely doesn't leave a lot to the imagination." 

Jim shook his head and looked at William and Lewis with a small mischievous grin. "If Chante had worn something like that, we'd never got out of the house. Lot of work would have been put off." William and Lewis laughed loud enough for people to turn and look at them.

"Guess it's time to get down to business," William said when he stopped laughing. "Our appointment with the bank's loan officer is a 1."

Arriving at the bank they were escorted into the office of Simon Rutledge. There was a name plate on the desk that gave his name and title. The title was "Vice President, Loan Department". Lewis smiled to himself. The man looks like a banker, he thought. 

Rutledge was about 45, short and rotund. He wore glasses and a three piece suit. William thought his smile of greeting was less than sincere. He didn't trust him. Jim just grinned.

"How may I help you Mr. Randal?" Rutledge asked still smiling. William turned to Lewis and motioned for him to talk for the Randals. 

"Mr. Rutledge we'd like to explore the possibility of obtaining a loan. We need to know the terms such as interest rates and repayment schedules."

"You have collateral?" Rutledge asked. Lewis nodded and the banker asked, "How much do you want to borrow and what will the money be used for?"

William and Lewis had discussed the amount they would need to get the dude ranch up and running. "I don't believe why we want the money is relevant Mr. Rutledge, considering our collateral. The amount is one hundred thousand."

Rutledge was a little put out with Lewis's admonishment concerning the end use of the money. "And what is this collateral?" He asked.

"We'd take a mortgage on our ranch; Eagle's Nest."

Looking at William Rutledge asked, "And you are the owner this ranch? There are no liens on the property?" 

William pointed to Lewis. "The boy is the owner of record and there isn't anything owed on the place."

The banker nodded and typed commands into a computer on his desk. "Let's see, your ranch is just over 1000 acres. I believe we could loan you that amount using the ranch as collateral."

"I'm sorry Mr. Rutledge; I didn't make my meaning clear," Lewis said. "We don't expect to take a mortgage on the entire ranch. I thought maybe a hundred acres or so would be sufficient."

Rutledge shook his head. "I don't believe a hundred acres would be acceptable to our board."

"Sir, Center Corp has made a standing offer of 3 million dollars for Eagle's Nest. I realize that the property probably isn't worth that much, at least from a bank's point of view. I also realize that Center Corp offered such a large amount trying to money whip us into selling. But I do think Eagle's Nest could be valued as high as 2.5 million."

"Well.....Possibly," Rutledge admitted. "But I don't think....."

Lewis interrupted the banker. "You can't expect us to put up a property worth that amount for a hundred thousand dollars. Based on the value suggested, one hundred acres is worth two hundred thousand. Twice the amount of the loan should be enough collateral."

Rutledge hemmed and hawed for a moment. Finally he said he would check with his board and give them a call. The three Randals left the bank less than optimistic. Walking back to the truck, Jim turned his head to look at several more women and the way they were dressed. Each time he'd smile and shake his head.

As they drove out of Prescott, Jim turned to look at Lewis in the back seat. "What did you think of that Rutledge fella?"

Lewis hesitated, smiled, and replied, "I think Mr. Rutledge was more interested in showing us country bumpkins how important he is than in helping us do business with the bank. The man didn't impress me too much."

Jim chuckled. "That's what I thought too," Jim confessed. "He was all puffed up with hisself until you put him in his place Lewis."

"You surely did put him in his place son," William added.

"You sounded like some highfalutin big shot," Jim said impressed with Lewis. "Never heard you talk like that."

"No need to with normal folk. It's just that with a pompous ass like Rutledge you have to cut em off at the knees." Lewis laughed. "It was fun to see his face fall when I told him we wouldn't be using the whole ranch for collateral."

The men laughed and talked about the things Jim had seen on his first trip to a big town. As they pulled off the main highway onto the secondary road that led to Eagle's Nest, Jim got serious.

"We may be goin about this dude and cattle ranch thing all wrong boys," he told them.

"What do you mean?" William asked.

"Well instead of doin all of our plans at once, maybe we should just start with a cattle ranch," Jim replied. "When we start makin a little money with the cattle, we can look at startin the dude part. That way we don't risk Eagle's Nest if we have a bad season."

William stopped the truck, turned in the seat to look at Jim. Glancing over his shoulder at Lewis he said, "Like I said, common sense. I said you'd see something we missed, now didn't I?"

"I just thought maybe we ought to tighten up that noose we're throwing out there," Jim replied smiling at William's compliment. 

"Let's get home and get supper," William suggested. "We can talk about revising our plan this evening."

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

The seasons were changing and spring was coming on. The nights were still a bit nippy but not the deep bone chilling cold of winter. The three Randals were now able to take their coffee out onto the porch and talk.

"I was figuring about 50 thousand for building expenses and another 50 thousand for cattle," William said. "We'll have to come up with money for horses if and when we start having paying guests. The dudes will need horses to play cowboy. Besides ATVs and trucks are fine but sometimes there's no better way to work cattle than using horses."

"Yeah, I'd like to see you try to rope a calf ridin one of the ATVs," Jim said laughing. "A calf would probably laugh hisself sick watchin you."

After the men stopped laughing, Lewis said, "I heard some men at Cole's Corner talking last week. They said a fella named Benson was wanting to get out of the cattle business. Said he wants to raise quarter horses."

Lewis looked at William and Jim. "I think we ought to go have a talk with this Benson. We just might get a herd and be able to ship some of them this fall."

"That'd be Josh Benson. He and his family moved in about three years ago" William told Lewis. "But what we use for a grubstake? I've only got about a thousand cash."

"I can add another two thousand," Lewis replied. "We may have to start out small and build the herd."




The Second Hundred Years Ch. 04



"Let's go see Josh tomorrow, his place is just the other end of the valley," William said. "Maybe we can work a deal with him."

They were getting ready to go to Josh Benson's ranch the next morning. As they stepped out onto the porch, a car, trailing a cloud of dust pulled up and stopped. The dust caught up with the car as it stopped and for a few seconds the Randals couldn't see the driver. As the dust cleared, a young woman stepped out of the car and walked toward them.

Looking up at the men on the porch she said, "Hello Lewis."

William and Jim were puzzled. Who was this woman? They looked at Lewis waiting for an introduction or an explanation. 

Lewis took a deep breath and frowned. "Grandpa, Jim this is Julie Adams. My ex fiancée."

To Be Continued



The Second Hundred Years Ch. 05



Please read Chapter 1 to 4. It will help to understand the characters and how they got to this point in the story.

Constructive comments and emails are welcome and appreciated.

Thanks for taking the time to read and follow this story. 

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

"Your ex fiancée?" William asked. He didn't need an answer; he'd heard Lewis the first time. But he did need a few seconds to adjust to the woman that had dumped his grandson being on the ranch. Remembering his manners he said, "Hello Miss Adams." 

Jim looked back and forth between Lewis and the girl. He realized that this was the woman that Lewis had briefly mentioned. Looking closer at the woman he decided he didn't like her looks. She looks flighty and like she'd need a lot of taking care of, he thought. 

Julie waited for Lewis to say something. Finally she said with a smile, "Well say something Lewis."

"Hello Julie," he responded. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Lewis," she scolded. "That's not very nice. Aren't you glad to see me?"

"Not really. How did you find me? And I repeat, what are you doing here?"

"I saw an article in the financial section of the paper that said that a Lewis Randal, owner of the Eagle's Nest ranch had turned down an offer from Center Corp to buy his place. I did some checking with a friend that works for the VA and found that this is where they mailed your checks. So I came to find you. Can we talk in private Lewis?"

"We don't have anything to talk about Julie. You made that clear in your letter when you returned my ring."

"Please Lewis, I made a mistake." 

"What happened to the guy you fell in love with?"

"When you came home and then left right away, I realized that it is you that I love. Carl and I broke up because of the feelings I still have for you. I want for us to go back to the way it was; I want us to be together. Please forgive me."

Lewis looked at the woman he'd planned to marry and realized that he felt nothing for her. No love, no regret, no depression or anger at being dumped. He chuckled to himself and thought the only thing I feel is relief.

"Okay, I forgive you Julie." Julie smiled and stepped toward Lewis. He held up his hand to stop her. "I forgive you and actually I'm grateful to you. If you hadn't broken up with me, we would have made a terrible mistake."

"Mistake?"

"Yeah, we would have gotten married. That would have been a bad mistake because we don't love each other; not really."

"But Lewis... Julie began.

Lewis continued, "People in love would have written more than once a month while I was in Iraq. People in love would have made use of the email accounts available to us. I would have called at least a couple of times when I could have." He paused for a moment. "I missed my life while I was over there. You were a part of that life but thinking back on it, just a small part."

Julie was crying now, knowing that she and Lewis would never get back together. 

"Do you know when I realized that I didn't love you the way I should have?" Julie didn't answer and Lewis continued. "It was when we were caught in the fire fight. I wasn't thinking of not seeing you again; I was thinking that I wouldn't see this place, Eagles Nest again. If you weren't first in my heart, how could I be in love with you? And if you loved me you wouldn't have run around with Carl and fallen for him. Don't you see, neither of us really loves the other?"

William and Jim had gone to the far end of the porch, leaned against the rail, and watched the meeting between Julie and Lewis. Now Lewis gave them a small smile.

"Julie, I think you should go home and find someone that wants the same things you do. I don't anymore; I'm going to make my life here. Go home Julie."

She nodded and Lewis stepped to her giving her a hug. He walked her to her car and opened the door for her. "Have a good life Julie," Lewis said, turned his back, and went into the house. He didn't watch Julie drive away.

William and Jim waited a few minutes and then went to find Lewis. He was sitting at the kitchen table drinking a glass of orange juice. 

"You all right son?" William asked.

Lewis smiled and nodded. "Did you notice that she didn't start looking for me until she saw the story about me owning the ranch and Center Corp's offer? I bet the amount of the offer was in that story too. Julie likes me well enough and she thought she'd like to be the wife of a millionaire."

Jim nodded. "I didn't know about that offer but that's the way I read her too. Use to have a horse like that. That animal wouldn't eat hay; she had to have oats and corn. She didn't like to be ridden much and when you did ride her, she expected you to brush and curry her or she wouldn't let you saddle her the next time."

"How'd you cure her of those bad habits?" Lewis asked. William was interested too.

"I shot her," Jim replied with a straight face. Then he laughed out loud at the look on their faces.

"C'mon, let's go talk to Benson about some cattle," William suggested after he quit laughing.

They arrived at Josh Benson's ranch just before 11 AM. As they drove up to the front of the ranch house, a tall slender man came out to meet them. 

Josh Benson was about William's age and was even taller than Lewis. If he hadn't have been so tall you would call him stocky. Benson had broad shoulders and large work worn hands. His salt and pepper hair was worn in a long pony tail, hanging down between his shoulders.

William and Benson greeted each other and as they talked Lewis and Jim inspected him. Jim nudged Lewis and whispered, "The man's no fool. We'll work for everything we get from him."

Benson invited them into the house. Inside William made the introductions. "Josh, this is my grandson Lewis and our cousin Jim Randal." They'd decided to introduce Jim as a cousin; it seemed easier than trying to explain any other kinship. "Boys, this is Josh Benson."

"Howdy boys, grab a seat. I'll have my granddaughter bring us some coffee." He led them into what looked like his office. Benson went to the door and hollered back into the house. "Alyssa, bring some coffee to my office please." He sat down behind his desk.

"Alyssa is my son's girl. My boy, Edward and his wife Sally, doesn't like ranch life; he lives in Los Angeles. Said this place was uncivilized. Alyssa didn't agree with them and when she turned 18 she moved in with me. That was 4 years ago and I don't think you could run her off with a bullwhip. I lost my wife, Patty, a few years back and Alyssa sure has warmed the place up some."

A young lady came into the room carrying four coffee mugs by their handles and a coffee pot, putting them on a table. When Lewis saw her he stood up. She's about the prettiest thing I've ever seen he thought.

"Boys, this is my granddaughter Alyssa. Alyssa these men are our neighbors, the Randals." Benson pointed to each man as he said their names. "This is Jim, William, and his grandson Lewis."

Alyssa was tall at 5 feet 9, with a slender but sturdy build. Her long auburn hair was in a pony tail and hung down her back almost to her waist. She had a pixie like face with a few freckles across her nose and startling green eyes. 

Jim and William smiled and nodded at the girl. As Lewis stepped toward her to shake hands, he tripped and fell into her. He caught her in his arms before she went down and his face turned red with embarrassment. 

As Lewis sat Alyssa back on her feet, he apologized again and again.

She smiled and said, "Shaking hands won't be much fun after that." Alyssa tried to ease his embarrassment. "Let's try this again," she said extending her hand still smiling. "Hi, I'm Alyssa Benson and you must be Lewis Randal. Pleased to meet you."

The other three men in the room laughed and Lewis had to join in. He shook her hand and replied, "Thank you Miss Benson, it's nice to bump into you." 

Alyssa's smile got bigger and then she laughed. "Good come back Lewis, and it's Alyssa. Well I'll leave you men to your business." 

She turned to leave but William said, "Why don't you stay if it's alright with your grandfather? I need Lewis to pay attention to our talk; not wondering where you are or when he'll get to see you again." William, Jim, and Benson laughed again. Now it was Alyssa's face that turned red. She nodded and sat down next to her grandfather.

Josh stopped laughing and asked, "What can I do for you William?

William, assisted by Lewis and Jim, told Josh their plans for turning Eagle's Nest into a working cattle ranch. "Heard you wanted out of the cattle business and we thought we might be of help to each other. If the price is right, we'd like to buy your herd."

"You heard right. I, we," Josh said nodding toward Alyssa, "want to raise quarter horses; nothing big mind you. We figure to carry about 50 head at the most." 

Josh's herd consisted of 215 head of cattle and he wanted to sell them as a bunch. There were 114 cows, 46 calves under a year old, and 55 steers. "There are 32 steers and 80 cows that can be ready for market this fall. The spring price for cattle is about $650 a head and it's usually a bit higher in the fall. Even at the spring price, that's close to 80 thousand dollars for the lot," Benson said with a calculating look.

William nodded but it was Jim that replied, "That's if you graze them all summer and if nothing happens to the market between now and then."

Lewis hid his smile and thought to himself, Jim may be operating on skills learned over a hundred years ago but wheeling and dealing was always the same. For the next hour the two sides went back and forth negotiating a price for Josh's cattle. Lewis mostly listened and learned while Alyssa took notes.

Finally a compromise was found and a deal was made. Josh would take 85 thousand for the herd. The Randals would give him 55 thousand now and the balance when the cattle went to market in the fall. If the market fell below the spring price of $650 a head, the Randals would get another year to pay the balance.

"I'll just type up my notes," Alyssa said. "Then we can take the contract over to Cole's and have it notarized."

Josh gave a little laugh and William smiled. Lewis, William, and Jim shook hands with Josh who said, "This is all the notarizing needed Alyssa. We've given our word and that's good enough." He looked at her, a little sadly, and added, "You lived in L.A. too long honey."

He reached down into the bottom drawer of his desk and took out a bottle. "Know it's a mite early but we should drink to our deal," Josh said. "Good bourbon goes down easy no matter what the time of day."

On the way back to Eagle's Nest Lewis said, "Guess we better go back and see Rutledge tomorrow or the next day and arrange for the loan. We sure don't have 55 thousand lying around."

William nodded in agreement but Jim was quiet and thoughtful. As they stepped out of the truck and started into the house, Jim stopped them on the porch.

"I'd like to help, if you'll let me," he said. "Feel like I'm free loading around here."

Lewis and William looked surprised. "Grandfather, you're the reason this ranch is still here. Eagle's Nest belongs to you," Lewis said solemnly.

Jim smiled, "No, it's been passed down through the family and rightfully belongs to you." He waved away their arguments and laughed. "If this crazy thing hadn't happened, I'd be nothing but a memory; an important one but still just a memory."

His next question really surprised Lewis and William. "Is that the barn that I built?" He asked pointing to the building.

"Yeah," William answered not sure of why Jim was asking. "There's been a few new roofs put on and the plank siding has been replaced with newer type of siding but it's still the same basic barn that you built back in 1885."

"Been anything done with the insides?"

"No, some of the stalls have been replaced but nothing major's been done inside."

"I'd hoped you'd say that. C'mon boys, I've got a surprise for you," Jim said motioning for them to follow him to the barn.

He led them to a little space behind the last stall and the wall. "A lot of people wondered why I put this flagstone down as a floor; most barns had pounded dirt or even wood floors."

"Yeah, people have asked me about that floor," William said.

"I never took to the idea of wading through mud in my barn and a wood floor would rot out over time, so I used flagstone. Me and Chante spent most of one summer hauling the stone from over by the Bradshaw Mountains."

Jim picked up a pry bar and knelt down in the small space. He stuck the flat end of the pry bar at the edge of one of the stones and lifted it up. William and Lewis grabbed the stone and lifted it out of the way. Under the stone in a cavity was a metal strongbox.

"Got this box from a friend of mine that worked for the Wells Fargo Stage Line," Jim said. He lifted the box out and handed it to William. "Set the box on the work bench please and let's put this stone back. Might want to use this hidey hole again sometimes."

William hefted the box as he put it down on the bench. Whatever's in it has some weight, he thought. Jim and Lewis joined him in front of the strongbox.

"This is my share boys," Jim said with a smile. There was a rawhide drawstring bag with a silver concho on its side lying in the box. When he tried to lift it out, the bag crumbled and fell apart. 

"Guess it didn't hold up any better than my clothes," Jim observed. "It's what's inside it that matters though." He stepped aside so William and Lewis could see the contents of the strongbox. As they looked Jim said," I've got just over 85 ounces of gold in this box."

Lewis and William were more than surprised, they were stunned. "Where did you get this?" William asked.

"Every spring for about three years I would take a week or two and prospect in the Bradshaw's or around Lynx Creek and Groom Creek. The last year Chante went with me. Those creeks still around?" Lewis nodded. Jim continued his story. "I'd wait until just after the spring thaw and go prospecting for gold that the water had washed down." Pointing to the gold in the strong box he said, "That's what I found."

Jim ran his fingers through the gold nuggets and placer gold flakes in the box, remember the times he and Chante had spent together. "Never really had a chance to use any of it. Spirit Healer saw to that with his little ceremony up in the cave."

He sighed and took a deep breath. "The assay office in Prescott told me it was worth about $1600. I'd like for you two to use it to help get Eagle's Nest going again."

Lewis shook his head in disbelief. "Jim, gold prices have changed since your day", William said. "We're going to the bank tomorrow to see about that loan; we'll take the gold and stop by the assay office while we're in Prescott. If that's okay with you Jim?"

"Told ya, it belongs to the ranch now," he replied. "See y'all in the morning; it's been a long day for me."

William explained the schedule on the way into town. "The assay office opens at 9 and the bank at 10. Thought we could get some breakfast, go to the assay office, and then to the bank," William suggested. He looked at Jim and added, "After we get done at the bank we'll come back to the assayer and see how much your gold is worth."

Jim looked over his shoulder at Lewis and then turned and looked at William. "Am I gonna have to take a switch to you boys to make you understand?" He asked, only half kidding. "That gold belongs to all of us and to Eagle's Nest."

"Yes sir," both said together.

It was just after 9:00 when the Randals arrived in Prescott. They went to a little café for a late breakfast; well late for them. They'd finished breakfast by 9:30 and headed to the assay office. As they entered the office, William whispered, "We're in luck. Tom Casey's working this morning."

"Howdy Tom," William said as the man behind the counter looked up.

"Well how do William; haven't seen you for quite a spell. Been keeping out on the ranch have you?

"Yeah, I have to stay out there to keep the women off me. When they catch me in town I have a devil of a time gettin away from them," William replied with a grin.

"Sounds like what comes out of the south end of a north bound bull to me," Tom kidded back. Both men laughed and shook hands.

William turned to Lewis and Jim. "Tom was the range boss on Eagle's Nest for years, until I shut it down. After I quit ranchin he decided to stop actually workin for a living and became a government assayer."

"I know this rascal," Tom said to William pointing to Lewis. "That's your grandson, all grown up."

"Yes sir. I remember you Mr. Casey; you taught me how to hogtie a calf. Still got a scar on my shin from calves kicking me that day." Lewis smiled and shook hands with Casey.

"You're the spittin image of your Pa," Tom told him. "I would've sworn that was him walking in here today."

"This is our cousin Jim Randal," William told Casey. "He's been away for a while." Jim and Casey nodded at each other.

"You're running with a rough crowd in these two," Casey teased. Turning back to William he said, "I know y'all didn't come all the way into Prescott just to talk over old times. What can the U.S. Assay Office do for you?"

William put the strong box on the counter and opened it. "Jim here has been doing a little prospecting out west and we'd like to know how much this gold is worth."

Tom Casey looked into the box and saw several zip lock bags. William, Lewis, and Jim had put all the nuggets into the baggies and the placer gold and gold dust in others. Tom's eyes opened wide and he looked up at William.

"Ain't seen that much in one place in a long time," he said. "Found it out west you say?" He asked Jim.

"Thought we might leave it with you while we do some business at the bank," William told Tom. "A couple of hours give you enough time to do an assay?"

"Well...I'm not overwhelmed with work right now, so give me about 15 minutes and I can give you an answer."

William nodded and Tom got to work. As he worked, he and William talked and gossiped about the town and some of the people in it. About twenty minutes later Tom finished.

Tom looked down at his calculator and said, "Jim, you got 85.5 troy ounces here; at today's price that's $71,285.63. That about what you figured?" 

Jim's eyes got big and he sputtered for a second or two. William quickly spoke up. "Yeah, that's about what we figured." 

"Well your wrong," Tom said laughing at his joke. "Pure placer gold and gold nuggets will bring a higher price because there's no smelting or separation costs with pure gold. Then the placer nuggets have gemstone value. I think you can expect more than the $71,000."

William paused for a few seconds and asked, "How would Jim go about selling the gold?"

"Well since you're family Jim, I can handle that for you, if you like. I'll call a buyer and have him come to the office. Probably have a cashier's check for you in a week or so. That work for you?"

Jim found his voice. "That'd be a big help Mr. Casey, thank you."

Tom smiled. "Ain't no Mr. Casey here, I'm Tom."

"Give me a call out to the ranch when the check is ready," William said. "We'll come back to town to get it and buy you a steak dinner."

"I'll do it," Tom promised. "Never turn down a free meal, I always say.

Tom gave them a receipt for the gold and the Randals left the office. They went back to the truck and stood around for a minute. William was the first to break the silence.

"Can you imagine that? More then $71,000." He turned to Jim. "Guess you had more for a buy in than you thought."

Jim was still in shock and Lewis wasn't far behind him. Finally Lewis asked, "Is there any need to go to the bank now? We've got money for the cattle and we can use the first year's profit to build the bunkhouse for guests."




The Second Hundred Years Ch. 05



"Don't see the need," William replied. "I feel like celebrating. What'da you say boys?"

"You want to get a drink at 10:30 in the morning?" Lewis said looking at his watch.

"I was thinkin more like the ice cream parlor," William replied. Bit early for bourbon, don't you think? He turned to Jim. "C'mon 'cousin', we'll show you another technical advancement."

Before they could leave, a man in a large black SUV parked behind them. He got out of the vehicle and walked over to the Randals.

"Hello Mr. Randal," he said to William. "I don't know if you remember me; I'm Sid Collier representing Center Corp. I'd like to talk to you again about buying your ranch."

"I remember," William said in an unfriendly voice. "Told you before, that even if I wanted to sell I couldn't. Eagle's Nest doesn't belong to me."

"We...err...I thought you would contact the owner and let him know about our offer."

"Nope, didn't see any need to talk to him about it. He feels the same way I do," William responded.

"Research shows that a Lewis Randal, your grandson, actually owns the ranch. We've tried to contact him but we can't seem to find him. Would you be so kind as to tell us where we can reach him?"

William's face started to get red with anger. Before he could blow up at Collier, Lewis stepped in.

"I'm Lewis Randal, Collier. What do you want?"

"You are a hard man to find Mr. Randal. We've been trying to find you for several months." 

"Didn't know I had to check in with Center Corp. I'm askin again, what do you want?"

"I'm authorized to offer you 3.5 million dollars for your ranch." Collier looked expectantly at Lewis. He took some folder papers out of his inside suit pocket and started to step closer to Lewis.

"No need to get closer Mr. Collier," Lewis said with a grim smile. Collier didn't know it but it was the same look Lewis had when he was fighting off his attackers in Iraq.

William looked at his grandson's face and thought, you better back off Collier. I've seen that same look from his father and you won't like what comes afterward.

Collier saw the anger in Lewis' face and stopped. "But Mr. Randal, Lewis I just wanted to...."

"I know what you want and I'll repeat what my grandfather said, Eagle's Nest is not for sale," Lewis interrupted Collier. "What did my Grandpa tell you when you made your first offer?"

Collier paled and stuttered for a few seconds. "He told me or rather Center Corp to stick the offer where the.... Well, he was very adamant with his refusal." 

"I guess that about sums up our answer. One last time this ranch is not for sale; not for three million or ten million or thirty million. We don't need your money." Lewis paused as he stared Collier. "Now if you'll excuse us, we have an appointment at the ice cream parlor."

The three Randal men left Collier sputtering and walked a block to get some ice cream. Jim laughed at the way Lewis had handled Collier. 

Walking back to the truck, Jim was licking as fast as he could at his three scoop ice cream cone. He stopped for a few seconds and said, "Now this is one improvement that I really like."

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

It was ten days before Tom Casey called and Jim answered the phone. "This is Eagle's Nest, Jim Randal speaking. Who's this?" He spoke in a loud, almost shouting, voice. Jim had never got use to the idea that people could hear him just fine. "Hold on Tom, I'll get William," he yelled.

William picked up the phone and Tom told him the check would be ready that day. "I had it made out to Lewis, just like you asked."

Lewis had suggested that the check be made out to him, as the owner of Eagle's Nest. "We can do things with the ranch as a business and get a break on the taxes." After a few seconds he added, "No need to get Jim noticed on the grid."

"Grid?" Jim asked.

Lewis nodded and took several minutes to explain the term. "I don't think you want a bunch of people out here poking at you and asking a lot of questions."

"No, I surely don't. Might make me run back to that cave," he said with a small grin.

William told Tom they'd come to town late the next afternoon and for him to decide where he wanted to eat. The office closes at 5 PM; at 4:50 the Randals walked in. "Decide where you want to eat Tom?"

"Thought we might go to the Dry Gulch Steak House," he answered as he handed them a check for $103,082 . "They got the best steaks and BBQ in town. I figure the size of that check should get me a real fine meal and maybe a drink or two. Y'all go on outside and I'll finish lockin up."

The Randals stepped outside shocked at the amount of the check. Jim was the most affected; he kept looking at the check and shaking his head and looking back at the check. As they walked toward their truck they noticed a big black SUV parked next to them. "I think Center Corp is back," Lewis said.

A large man stepped out of the passenger side of the SUV. Lewis studied him as the stranger walked closer to the Randals. He has to be 6 feet 4 at least, Lewis thought. The man was dressed very nicely and he was smiling as he approached. The smile didn't reach his eyes.

"Mr. Randal, I'm Jake Sanders," he said to Lewis. He didn't offer to shake hands. "I work for Center Corp. Can we talk for a minute?"

"We've got nothing to talk about Mr. Sanders."

"Then listen while I talk Randal." All pretense of being friendly gone from his voice. "I suggest you take our last offer and save yourself a lot of trouble. We know you're going to apply for a loan from the bank to buy a herd of cattle from Josh Benson. We will see that the application is not approved."

Sanders stopped to see the reaction to his statement. Not seeing what he wanted he continued. "The only outside income you have is from leasing grazing rights. Benson won't need them when he raises horses. There goes half your income. We'll persuade Sims, that he doesn't need to graze on your land either. There goes the other half of your income."

Again Sanders didn't get the reaction he expected. "That means your only income will be from your pension," he said pointing to William, "and your disability checks. He pointed to Lewis. "As I said, I suggest you take the offer."

William had to grab Jim as he stepped toward Sanders. Lewis had a small grin on his face. Jim's from another time, Lewis thought. In his time if someone threatened or attacked you, steps were taken to protect yourself. Lewis stepped between Jim and Sanders.

"Mr. Sanders, I have a suggestion for you. Like my Grandfather said to the other flunky; take your offer and shove it. Eagle's Nest is not for sale." Lewis paused and seemed to gather himself. "I also suggest you move out of our way.....or I'll move you." Lewis locked eyes with Sanders for several seconds. Sanders returned Lewis' stare for a moment and went back to his SUV.

Jim laughed as the big man moved away. Turning to Lewis he said, "Damn boy, I thought you were gonna bust him one."

Lewis smiled at Jim. "Just between you and me, I was gonna bust him."

Tom Casey came out of his office and locked the door. When he turned around he saw the tension in his three friends. "What did I miss?"

The Randals laughed. "Nothing Tom, let's go grab a steak," William replied.

When the four men got to the Dry Gulch they had a drink at the bar. They had another when they were seated at their table. After the waitress took their order, William looked at Tom for several seconds. 

"Tom, have you ever thought of goin back to herding cattle?"

"Well...I've thought about it but there aren't that many ranches around here anymore and those that are still working ranches don't need a 52 year old range boss," Tom answered wistfully. He looked down at his drink and sighed. Raising his head he grinned and added, "I don't think I could be just a cowhand again." 

William smiled to himself. He hadn't talked to Lewis or Jim about what he wanted to do but he was sure they'd agree with him. "Tom, the boys and I are gonna turn Eagle's Nest back into a working cattle ranch. We'd like you to be our range boss."

Tom looked at William and then Lewis and Jim with a gleam in his eye. "Think I'd be interested in joining you."

"You better hear the rest before you say yes," William suggested. He went on to explain the idea of a dude ranch. "Part of your job would be to ride herd on the guests as well as the cattle. It'll be a week or so before we can get started, so talk to your wife and get back to us."

"You know I was gettin real tired of that damn office," Tom said with a big grin. "No need to talk to Helen, I'll take the job. Have to give two week's notice but then I'm yours." 

It was later after spending the better part of the evening eating, drinking, and celebrating with Tom Casey. Lewis had a couple of beers during the evening but mostly drank iced tea while watching two old friends and one new one, have a rip roaring good time. The group got a motel room close to the restaurant and slept until almost noon the next day. Tom had called his wife during the evening so she wouldn't worry about him.

The next morning, not so bright and early, the Randals took Tom back to his truck. He waved as he drove home to tell his Helen about the new job. The other three got into their own truck and drove away.

Lewis noticed that William was headed toward the bank. "Where we going?"

"Thought we'd close our account at Prescott National and start a new account at the Wells Fargo bank," William answered. "If Center Corp can influence actions at Prescott National, I don't think we want to do business with a bank that Center Corp controls. Suit you two?" 

Lewis nodded in agreement and Jim said, "Good, I didn't cotton to that Rutledge fella anyway."

William closed his personal account and the ranch's account too. The Randals drove to Wells Fargo Bank and opened a new business account using the check from the gold as the initial deposit. All three of them were listed as signees on the new account.  

"We need to see Josh tomorrow morning and get this show on the road," William said.

Early the next morning, William, Lewis, and Jim decided to ride horses to see Benson. As they saddled up, William said, "I think we should start this adventure on horseback."

Jim smiled as he saddled a horse. "Suits me just fine."

They rode to the Benson ranch house and Josh came out to greet them. Smiling at the Randals he called back into the house, "Alyssa bring some coffee. We've got visitors."

They all sat on the porch and after coffee was poured, Jim was the first to speak up. It surprised William and Lewis.

"Josh our deal is to pay you in two payments," Jim began. "We've managed to put the money together to make just one payment. I think we should get a better price since you won't have to wait five months or so for the money." Lewis and William had a hard time keeping smiles off their faces. 

Josh laughed; he wasn't surprised that Jim was still trying to deal. He'd seen that Jim was a hard case the last time they'd talked business. "What did you have in mind?"

Lewis had been staring at Alyssa from the moment she came outside. He wasn't interested in anything else right now. Jim noticed where Lewis' attention was; so did Josh.

"Alyssa why don't you take Lewis out to the south pasture and show him some of the cattle?" Josh suggested. "This discussion may get colorful before we're done."

Lewis smiled and went with Alyssa to help saddle her horse. As they rode away from the house Josh said, "She needs to spend some time with someone her own age. Won't hurt that it's a real man and not one of those jerks from L. A. He watched the two ride out for a few more seconds and turned back to Jim. "Now what's this about you wantin me to give up money?"

For the next hour William, Jim, and Josh wrangled back and forth on a reduction in the price for the cattle. They finally agreed that the price would be dropped 4 thousand dollars for a onetime payment. As they shook hands on the new deal, Alyssa and Lewis returned.

They were riding closer than when they left. Lewis said something to Alyssa as she dismounted. She laughed and punched him on the arm. They took Alyssa's horse to the corral, unsaddled him, and turned him into the corral. Josh smiled to himself at the two youngsters. Alyssa needs someone, he thought. 

"I hired Tom Casey back as our range boss; he'll be here in about two weeks," William said. "As soon as he shows up, we'll round up the herd and head them toward Eagle's Nest."

"No need to wait William," Josh said. "Alyssa and I can help with the round up and with the trail drive to your place. By the time Tom joins up you'll be ready to go"

"Thanks Josh. When can we start the round up?"

"Well...I don't think we can start until after lunch," he replied with a grin. "That suit y'all?"

William laughed and nodded, "Sounds good to me."

After lunch Alyssa and Josh saddled their horses, joined the Randals, and the round up began. They went to the south pasture and combed the area for cattle. The animals they found were put into a holding pen where they were counted and left overnight. The 'cowboys' would come back the next morning and drive them to the Benson's pasture that is closest to Eagle's Nest.

As they came back to the house Josh invited them to stay for supper. "I just thought of something else," he said. "Why not stable your horses here until the round up is finished? Alyssa can drive y'all back to your place after we eat; you can use your truck to come and go. You'll spend less time traveling and it'd be a mite easier on your horses."

Alyssa got their Ford crew cab truck from the garage and with Lewis in the front with her drove the Randals home. When they got to the ranch house, William and Jim said good night and went inside. Lewis leaned on the driver's door and talked to Alyssa for about 30 minutes before she left for home.

For the next week, including the weekend, the round up continued. Every morning before daylight William, Lewis, and Jim got up. They'd eat a quick breakfast and head for Josh Benson's place. Alyssa had taken to fixing a picnic type lunch for the wranglers so they didn't have to stop for long.

Lewis had never minded getting up early but he'd gotten out of the habit since coming back to Eagle's Nest. The first morning it was a little tough to get up and go to work; after that first day he looked forward to getting up. Lewis was honest with himself; it wasn't being up to see the beauty of the sunrise that motivated him. It was because he got to spend time with Alyssa. She was working her way into his heart without even trying.

One morning Alyssa wasn't there; Josh said she'd run into Prescott on business. William had to smile at Lewis when he heard she'd probably be gone all day; he seemed to deflate. For the rest of the day, every time a truck would pass on the nearby road Lewis would stop and listen to see if the truck pulled off the main road toward Josh's house. Just as they finished for the day and were taking care of their horses, Alyssa drove into the yard.

Lewis was beside the truck before she could come to a stop. He opened her door and as she got out she smiled at him. "I missed you today Ally," Lewis told her.

Alyssa could see the feelings in his eyes. She put her hand on the side of his face and gave him a sweet smile. Lewis completely forgot where he was and who else might be around. He took Alyssa's hand and pulled her to him. He looked into her eyes for a few seconds and kissed her. Alyssa pulled her hand out of his and put both arms around his neck, kissing him back.

William, Jim, and Josh watched the two young people. Josh and Jim smiled and chuckled. William turned to the others and said, "That boy's roped and hog tied and don't even know it yet."

As Lewis broke the kiss, he realized that they had an audience. His face got red when he saw the three men on the porch watching. Alyssa laughed and put her arm around his waist, pulling him toward the house. The men were grinning at the couple as they stepped onto the porch. Lewis faced Josh, waiting for him to say something and when he didn't Lewis spoke up.

"Mr. Benson, Josh, I'd like your permission to call on Alyssa sir."

Josh looked at him for several seconds, it seemed like forever to Lewis, and finally said, "Sort of an old fashion thing to do."

"Maybe it is. But from what I've heard it was good enough for my Grandpa there," he pointed to William. "And it was good enough for my father too. Reckon its good enough for me."

"What do you say Alyssa?" Josh asked. "Should I let this young fella come calling on you?"

"Grandpa, you're horrible. Quit teasing Lewis. You know as well as I do that you've been pushing us together for the last few days." Alyssa looked up at Lewis and said, "You're welcome anytime." The two looked at each other for a bit without talking.

"I hate to break this romantic moment up but we need to get home and get some rest," William said. "We still got cattle to round up." Turning to Lewis he added, "She'll still be here tomorrow boy."

Lewis blushed again, hugged Alyssa, and head for their truck. On the way home Lewis was quiet. "Are you sure about this Lewis?" William asked.

"Yes sir, I am," Lewis answered. He hesitated and then continued, "I almost got killed over there. It sure did change my prospective on things. I've grown up some since I got back to the ranch; I know what I want now."

Jim looked into the rear seat at Lewis. "Alyssa seems like a fine young woman, but maybe you're taking things a mite fast here Lewis. You haven't known her very long."

"How long did you know Chante?" Lewis asked, teasing Jim. 

"Reckon you're right," Jim admitted with a grin. Then in a more serious voice he said, "You know your own heart boy, best follow it"

Lewis didn't really get much sleep that night, and he was waiting in the kitchen for William and Jim early the next morning. "I thought you two were going to sleep all day," he said. "C'mon, we're burning daylight."

"Slow down boy," William said and laughed. "It's still dark outside."

Two days later the round up was completed. The Randals had 223 head to drive home; eight of the cows had dropped calves. The trail drive to Eagle's Nest took a little over a half a day. Lewis and Alyssa rode drag pushing the herd along. They could be closer together back there.

They left the cattle in the large pasture closest to the ranch house. Jim suggested they let the cattle settle down for a few days, brand them and then make a drive to the high pastures on the north end of Eagle's Nest. The brand was basically the same one Jim had used only now it was put on an ear tag instead of being burned into the hide. It was a triangle representing the mountains where the eagles lived but William had added the silhouette of an eagle at rest between the legs of the triangle.

"We should drive half the herd to the high country," Lewis told Jim and William. "The other half can join them in a couple of months. It'll give a chance to see if our plan for the dudes will work."

"Maybe we should only push 50 or so cattle up to the north pasture," William suggested. "It's been a long time since I herded cattle and Lewis you've never been on a drive." He smiled and pointed to Jim, "That's the only real cowhand of the bunch."

After the tagging, they started the drive following William's suggestion. They drove 55 head up the trail to the north pasture. Tom would join up with them before it was time to drive the rest of the herd north. It was about 20 miles to the high pastures and Jim said it would take them about a day and a half to make the drive north.

"We'll drive em a little faster goin to the grass but take it slower comin back with them," Jim told them.

"Why's that?" Lewis asked.

"If we drive too hard, the cattle lose weight and won't bring as much at market," Jim explained. Goin it don't make much difference. But once they get fattened up we don't want to burn the weight off them coming back. 




The Second Hundred Years Ch. 05



Jim smiled remembering cattle drives from over a hundred years ago. "Coming back, we'll stop at midday and let em graze and rest for a couple of hours. I figure it'll take the better part of 2, 2 and a half days to get em back down the mountain."

William and Lewis nodded their understanding. "It's a good thing we've got a real cowhand with us," William said.

The herd had been on the move for just over two hours when Jim stood in his stirrups looking back down the trail. "Rider comin," he yelled a warning to the others as he pulled his Winchester from the saddle scabbard. William and Lewis were riding swing on either side of the small herd, keeping them headed in the right direction. Jim rode drag and pushed the cattle along.

"Ain't any rustlers any more Jim," William said smiling. "I think you can put your rifle away."

Jim smiled sheepishly. "Old habits are hard to break sometimes."

"Besides that's Alyssa coming. Don't think Lewis would appreciate you shootin his girl." William gave a shrill whistle and got Lewis' attention. He waved for the boy to join him.

Lewis rode closer and William pointed back down the trail at the rider. "If I don't miss my guess, you've got company coming Lewis."

He looked behind the herd and spotted the rider. "That's Alyssa", Lewis said. His voice showed how happy he was to see her. Lewis put the spurs to his horse and went to meet her.

"What are you doing here?" Lewis asked Alyssa.

"There are only three of you and I thought you could use some help with the drive," she replied smiling. "Of course I thought you'd be driving more cattle than this." Lewis and Alyssa joined William and Jim. She explained that she was there to help. 

Jim smiled at her. "I'm glad you're here young lady."

Alyssa nodded and returned his smile. "Thank you."

"You two can ride drag together and I can get out of the dust. Have a good time," he added as he rode to the swing position at one side of the cattle and William rode to the other.

Alyssa looked at Lewis and they both started laughing. "I guess we've got our orders," Lewis said still chuckling. They moved into position at the rear of the herd.

The herd made better time than expected so Jim, who was acting as ramrod, decided that they'd push on to the valley where they would leave the cattle. As they entered the lower end of the valley, he and William kept the herd moving. He sent Lewis and Alyssa on ahead to make camp. It would be almost full dark by the time they finished the drive.

They didn't bother rigging the tarp they'd brought to sleep under. It was a clear night without a cloud in the sky so everyone decided to sleep under the stars. William and Jim spread their bedrolls on one side of the small campfire; Lewis and Alyssa were on the other side.

They ate and as they were bedding down William said, "No need for a night guard. The cattle are tired and will probably stay right where they are." Jim nodded his agreement and William added, "We'll start back at first light in the morning." 

The ride back to the ranch was much quicker since they weren't driving cattle; they got back about noon. Alyssa stayed for lunch and after eating helped with the clean up. Jim nodded in approval when she started washing the dishes. She's not above doing her share of the work, he thought.

Alyssa grabbed her coat and hat for the ride back home. She walked over to William, kissed him on the cheek, and did the same thing to Jim. "Thanks for letting me tag along, I learned a lot," she said.

Jim's smile spread across his whole face. "You're welcome anytime Miss Alyssa."

The three Randals went outside and mounted their horses. They rode a circuit around the cattle in the pasture close to the house. Returning to the corral, they took care of the horses and walked together back to the house.

Jim stopped on the porch and look back up the valley toward the far mountains. William and Lewis stopped at the door waiting for him. Jim nodded his head and turned toward them. 

"By God boys, we've got ourselves a cattle ranch." 

Tiredly he silently added...At least for as long as I'm here.

To Be Continued



The Second Hundred Years Ch. 06



 Chapter 6

   The Conclusion 

By Woodmanone   copyright November/2010

Please read Chapter 1 to 5 so you will be able to understand the characters and the events that have led to this point.

Constructive comments and emails are welcome and appreciated.

Thanks for taking the time to read my work. I hope you enjoy the story.





The Second Hundred Years Ch. 06



He and Jim will be a good match, Lewis said to himself. Neither one of them has a timid bone in their body. Jackson accepted payment for the horses, wished him luck, and headed back to his ranch. Lewis got an apple, cut it into pieces, and sat on the top rail of the corral and watched the horses for a few minutes. The black stopped his circling and stood about ten feet away, studying the human.

Lewis talked softly to the horse and after a couple of minutes the big horse stepped closer and stretched his neck out toward Lewis's outstretched hand. The horse snorted and gently took the offered piece of apple. As he moved away, Lewis got down into the corral and slowly moved toward the other two horses talking softly. He was able to feed them their share of apple and run his hands over their necks and ears.

Josh watched Lewis with the horses for a few minutes and walked over to the corral. That boy knows more about horses than he lets on, Josh thought. 

Alyssa led the filly; Josh led the buckskin, leaving Lewis to lead the black into the barn and into their stalls. Two of the horses went to the feed boxes in the back of their stalls; the black stuck his head back over the door and looked around with his ears perked up.

Josh and Alyssa stayed around for about an hour after the horses were delivered. Now all Lewis could do was wait for William and Jim to get home. I hope they don't stay overnight, Lewis thought. I can hardly wait to surprise them.

At dusk Lewis had given up on William and Jim getting home that evening. Headlights shining on the front of the house proved him wrong. Lewis quit pacing and sat down in a big easy chair. William, Jim, and Tom came into the house and greeted Lewis. He listened as they told him about meetings with two cattle buyers. 

Lewis caught Tom's eye and motioned for Tom to follow him outside. He explained about the horses and the surprise he had planned. Tom hustled down to the barn while Lewis went to get William and Jim. At his request they followed Lewis to the barn.

"If we're going to be cowboys Grandpa we need good horses," Lewis said. Tom led the buckskin and the sorrel out to the men and went back into the barn. "I bought these for us. You get your pick and I'll take the other one."

William was speechless and touched. He looked at Lewis for a few seconds and walked over to look at the horses. He took a deep breath and cleared his throat. "Think I'd like the sorrel. Thank you Lewis."

Jim watched William and smiled. Nice thing for the boy to do, he thought. 

"I didn't forget about you either Gran...Jim," Lewis continued. Tom returned, leading the big black. Lewis saw Jim's eye open wide and said, "This one's for you. Man of your experience should have his own horse."

Jim looked at the black and got tears in his eyes. The horse looked very much like his beloved Sampson. He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand and walked over to the horse. The black was prancing and tossing his head. Talking softly to the animal Jim reached out and stroked his forehead and scratched his ears. The black settled down and closed his eyes in contentment at the attention; all signs of wildness gone. The Randals spent several minutes looking at the new horses and then put them back in their stalls. 

Back at the house in the kitchen William was the first to speak up. "Thank you Lewis that was a fine thing to do."

Jim cleared his throat. "Thank you. That horse makes me feel at home. Thank you son."

Lewis was almost bursting with pride that he'd done something for the two men who meant so much to him. 

Late that night, actually the early morning, Lewis came out of his bedroom going to the kitchen for a drink of water. As he passed, He noticed that Jim wasn't in his room. Lewis went out to the porch thinking Jim was out there; he wasn't on the porch. Looking around Lewis saw a light on in the barn. Who can that be? 

Lewis walked down to the barn and peeked around the open door. He smiled when he saw who had the light on. Jim was sitting on a couple of hay bales in front of the black's stall and talking to the horse. The animal had his head hanging over the stall door and seemed to be listening to every word Jim said. Lewis stayed outside not wanting to interrupt Jim as he bonded with his horse.

"You and I are gonna get it done boy. We'll show em what a cowboy with a good horse can do, won't we?" Jim grinned at the horse and gave him a piece of apple. "Gotta have a name for you I can't keep calling you boy now can I? Let's see." Jim thought for a short period and said, "I've got it. I'll call you Joshua."

He stood and walked over to "Joshua". Rubbing the horse's nose he added, "Your spirit horse I called Sampson, a hero from the Bible. Joshua was another hero so I'll call you that." Jim continued to talk to "Joshua"; Lewis went back to the house.

For the next two weeks it was fun for Lewis to watch Jim train Joshua. As he watched Jim and Joshua working together one morning he said to himself for the fiftieth time, I done good. Jim had always had a layer of sadness but since Joshua came into his life he'd changed. He didn't spend as much time staring off into the distance and he seemed happier.

Lewis was pleased with his buckskin too. He named the horse, Casey, after the Guardsman that he'd pulled out of the destroyed Hummer. Casey was like a big dog, so anxious to please that it was almost comical. The horse was trained to neck rein and ground tie. The slightest touch of rein on his neck and Casey turned quickly. He was a bit big for cutting but he could run all day and still have something left at the end of the day. All and all, Lewis was very happy with Casey.

William felt the same about his sorrel filly; he called her Susie, after his wife. Tom said she was one of the best cutting horses he'd ever seen.





The Second Hundred Years Ch. 06



Things settled down after the uproar of the roundup and the wedding. One evening after supper, Helen and Tom were discussing where to look for a home in the area so they could be close to Eagle's Nest. Helen said she would take a couple of days next week and begin their search. She also said she would look for a part time job.

William, Lewis, and Jim had already talked about Tom and Helen's living arrangements among themselves. Lewis acted as spokesman and explained their idea to Tom and Helen. The Randals offered Helen the job as their housekeeper and cook; she'd been doing it anyway ever since she joined Tom at the ranch. Lewis also said they would renovate the bunkhouse and Tom and Helen could live there rent free.

Helen and Tom looked at each other and Tom said, "Sounds good to us."

William took over and suggested that when they got the dude ranch up and running, Helen could be the housekeeper and cook for that part of the operation too. She could travel with the herd on the drives in a chuck wagon and be the camp cook. Helen would be paid an extra salary when there were guests at the ranch. She could hire someone to help if needed but she'd be the ramrod. 

"Why don't you two talk it over tonight and let us know what you think in the morning?" Lewis suggested.

Helen glanced at Tom and smiled. "No need, I'll take the job." 

It took Tom, Helen, and William two weeks to fix up the bunkhouse; Jim and Lewis took care of the normal chores around the ranch. Alyssa split her time between helping both groups. When the renovation was finished, Tom and Helen held a house warming party for the family.

It was at this party that Alyssa told them about an idea she'd been kicking around since the round up. "You had your first paying guests during round up. I think you should start doing some advertising about your dude ranch."

"There's just one problem with what you said," William interrupted. "It's our dude ranch. You're part of the family Alyssa. So are Tom and Helen."

Alyssa walked over, hugged William, and said, "Thank you." 

As she returned to her chair, Jim spoke up. "What about me? I think you're part of the family too."

Alyssa grinned and hugged Jim. She sat down, Jim smiled and teased, "Mores' the pity for you little girl."

She turned to Lewis and asked, "I guess you want a hug too?"

Lewis smiled, looked her in the eye and replied, "Later darlin."

Alyssa blushed but she returned his smile. "Anyway," she continued. "I have an idea. You, I mean we, need to put ads in vacation magazines and other publications. But the best thing we can do is set up a website."

"How will we monitor the site?" Lewis asked. "The only access we have to the internet is dial up service and it's so slow I don't know if it will help."

"We could get satellite internet service; something like HughesNet or Wild Blue. That would give us the access we need," Alyssa explained. 

"A website?" Jim asked not understanding.

"I'll explain later if we get it and after it's all set up," Lewis told him. 

William listened to Alyssa and Lewis's ideas and understood that if the dude ranch was to prosper, they'd have to get the information out to the public. They couldn't depend on just word of mouth like the first couple that Helen had brought them. After a brief discussion concerning costs they decided to go ahead with Alyssa's plan.

Lewis knew something about computers, as did Alyssa so they went to Prescott and bought a powerhouse of a computer. Before she and Lewis even got the computer set up, Alyssa contacted HughesNet and within two weeks had the system up and running. They developed a website showing pictures of Eagle's Nest, the adventures the guest could have, pictures of the owner family and the "wranglers". They listed the dates and details of the three cattle drives available and contact information for the ranch.

Lewis suggested that they change the date of the next fall round up to Labor Day weekend. "A lot more people can take vacations over Labor day than they can in the middle of October. And sometimes the weather gets nasty at the end of September."

"What will we do with the cattle until it's time to ship them?" Alyssa asked Lewis.

He smiled, remembering that her granddad's ranch didn't have mountain pastures so they didn't move a herd back and forth. "Won't make a lot of difference Honey. We'll just let em graze in the valley. The grass is better down here that time of the year anyway."

William agreed. "We'll just ship two or three weeks later and still get the guests to come visit."

"Now all we have to do is sit back and wait for the onslaught of customers," Alyssa said. She added, "At least I hope so."

Lewis talked to Jim one evening after the web site was built. "C'mon Jim, I'll explain the computer and the internet to you."

For the next three hours Lewis showed Jim what a computer could do, where the internet could take you, and how you could keep in touch with people by email. Lewis showed and explained how the accounting software and Excel spreadsheets took the place of the handwritten records that Jim used to keep. He started to explain the technology behind the system but Jim's eyes sort of glazed over so Lewis went back to the what and not the how. The thing that impressed him the most was the Eagle's Nest web site. 

"That's our place," Jim said pointing to the monitor. "And that's me," he added when Lewis clicked on the pictures of the wranglers. "And you say people all over the country can see this?"

"All over the world Jim, all over the world," Lewis replied. "Anyone, any place that can get to a computer can look at our ranch, and at you." Jim just shook his head in wonderment. 

The group at breakfast had grown. In addition to Jim, William, and Lewis there was Alyssa, Tom, and Helen. Alyssa and Helen, with Lewis's help, cleaned the kitchen. As they were getting ready for the day's work, Jim spoke up.

"Reckon we ought to talk about building someplace for the dudes to sleep....and eat for that matter. Need to decide where we're gonna put it, how big, and if we can do all the work."

William smiled, grandfather may be from a different time but he knows how to get things going, he thought. "Jim's right, this is a good time to make plans and get started cutting trees."

For the next two hours they discussed, debated, and planned the bunkhouse. William and Tom had both worked in the construction business in the past and Jim had built the ranch house and barn. It was mid October and the weather would soon be getting colder. They hoped to have the building under roof before the rain, snow, and sub twenty degree temperatures hit them. 

Tom began work on the foundation while William, Lewis, and Jim cut the necessary trees. At the big grove of Ponderosa pine, they marked the trees to be cut. Jim watched and learned as Lewis cut the first tree. He explained to Jim that the technique was the same that Jim had used when he built the house and barn.

"You still cut a notch and then cut in from the other side just like you did with an axe and buck saw," Lewis told him. "We just do it faster and safer using a chainsaw."

Lewis watched as Jim cut his first tree with the "new fangled contraption" as Jim called it. He had to smile at Jim; every time Jim cut a tree and watched it fall he got a big grin on his face. Jim was having a ball.

By the fourth day they trees were cut, trimmed, and at the building site ready to use. Working seven to eight hours a day including the weekends, using the ATVs and a block and tackle they were able to get the walls up in less than a week. Another three days and the roof was completed. The day after the last cedar shake shingle was nailed on, the first winter storm rolled through the valley. They were able to continue work on the interior of the new bunkhouse. 

They were sitting at the kitchen table with a last cup of coffee after supper one evening when Tom brought up another problem.

"What are we gonna do about horses for the dudes? We've got enough for about four guests."

"I was thinkin the same thing," Jim added. "We're gonna need more horses if we fill up that bunk house."

"There's your three mounts," Tom continued pointing to William, Jim, and Lewis. "Don't think y'all wanna let some know nothing dude ride them. Alyssa's got her own cow pony and I brought two with me when I started work. Don't mind letting a dude ride Jenny; she's as gentle as a heel hound. That gives us four horses for guests, counting the three y'all had before."

"I'd hate to buy and take care of a bunch of horses with just the possibility of needing them," Lewis said. He looked at William and Jim. They looked as unsure as he felt.

"For smart people, you're not too swift sometime," Alyssa said chuckling. "Why don't you talk to Granddad about leasing horses on an as needed basis? He's got a string of work and stock animals that he'd probably let you have." Then added with a big grin she added, "If the price was right that is." 

"I've got one thing too," Helen said joining in the discussion. "How many guests do we need to cover the cost of having them? And what's the largest group we want to handle?"

Lewis gave a quick snort of a laugh. "I've got a MBA, I should have thought about that," he said to Helen with a smile. "It's a good thing we've got you and Tom to keep our heads on straight." 

He thought for a minute and continued. "There's no minimum number of guests we need to cover costs. We can make money with just one guest."

Helen gave him a puzzled look but William nodded his head. Now that he thought about it he knew what Lewis meant.

"We're already paying Tom and herding guests isn't much different than herding cattle; it's part of his job." Tom nodded in agreement.

"Don't make no never mind to me," Tom replied. "Cattle or dudes, I'll prod em where they need to be."

William and Jim smiled at the old range boss. Lewis went on by saying, "We'll pay you extra Helen when we have guests; they add to your duties and you should be compensated for the extra work. But our rates take your additional wages into consideration Helen, so our only expense will be food, horses plus some saddles and bridles and bits. It'll depend on the deal with Josh to see if we need to raise our prices to cover the cost of his horses and equipment."

Lewis stopped and looked at the group to make sure they understood his reasoning. "I'm inclined to think that about ten guests on a drive are as many as we can handle. That'll give each one of us two dudes to keep an eye on."

"I don't think we should raise our rates because we use Josh's horses," Lewis added. "If we absorb that expense we can keep our prices below most of the other guest ranches. We'll make up on volume what little extra expense we have."

Alyssa smiled in pride at her husband. Once Lewis gets his teeth set on a problem, he worries at it until it's solved, she thought. She could see that the others at the table agreed with Lewis's ideas.

The next morning Lewis rode his Harley to see Josh. It was a little cold but Lewis hadn't ridden the bike much of late and just plain wanted to. Josh came out onto his porch to greet him.

"That's a strange looking horse," he said with a grin. "Damn noisy one too."

Lewis returned the grin. "It works better on roads than a horse and can go farther quicker." He got off the bike and joined Josh on the porch.

Josh led him into the house and to the kitchen. Poured Lewis a cup of coffee after his cold ride and asked, "Not that I'm not glad to see you but what brings you to see a poor old man?"

"How are you doing with the horse ranch? I took your best hand," Lewis said.

"I'm doing fine. I'll hire a couple of college kids for the summer and I got two of my retired friends camping out with me and helping the rest of the time," Josh explained. "Horses don't require as much tendin as cattle anyway." 

"That's good. Wouldn't want you to work yourself too hard," Lewis teased. He hesitated and said, "Like to talk to you about leasing some stock horses when we have guests at Eagle's Nest."

Josh nodded and answered, "Reckon we can work something out. I've got about a dozen that I'd consider leasing to you. They're all good workin cattle and are real gentle. They won't go buckin off your dudes. How much are you willing to pay for my superior horses?"

Lewis laughed and the negotiations started. They both knew they'd come to an agreement but they enjoyed the 'horse trading'. An arrangement was made and they shook hands on the deal. Eagle's Nest would pay a daily fee for the use of the horses. The Randals would feed, water, and take care of the animals while they had them.

The only small bump in the road was the two days that Jim couldn't work. They had finished the walls but Jim wasn't up to helping with the roof. He said he didn't have much strength.

Looking around William quietly suggested, "Take a day off and rest." Then with a smile he added, "You're not a youngster any more Jim; you're over a hundred now."

While he rested he drew some sketches of the lodge pole beds he planned to build for the bunkhouse to save money. Jim took off for one day but was able to go back to work and help with the shingling. Alyssa and Helen took over the routine day to day chores of the ranch while the building was going on. Alyssa using the computer found good deals on bedding, linens, as well as kitchen equipment.

The bunkhouse was completed just before Christmas. The Randals and Tom and Helen made a final inspection to make sure everything was done. As they started back to the house, a truck pulled into the yard. Charley and Dotty Samuels got out. It was the first time that the Samuels had been back to Eagle's Nest since their visit to tend to Jim.

"Hello Doc," William greeted them. "Hi Dotty."

The Samuels greeted everyone and were introduced to Tom and Helen. "Understand we missed a wedding," Dotty said looking at Alyssa and Lewis. She hugged them both and said, "Congratulations."

Charley shook Lewis's hand and asked, "Am I too late to kiss the bride?" Alyssa laughed and kissed him on the cheek.

"Haven't seen you for a while," William said. "Where you been keeping yourselves?"

"Dotty was teaching a class in urgent care nursing out in California," Charley replied. "She couldn't stand to be away from me for the six months so I went with her."

"More like he wouldn't know what to do with himself without me to keep him on the straight and narrow," Dotty said with a big grin. 

Charley laughed along with everyone. Glancing at Tom, Helen, and Alyssa, he looked directly at Jim, turned and asked, "How've you been, William? You look tired, you been doing okay?" 

William realized that the question was really for and about Jim. "Been doing pretty good for my age," he replied. "Had to take it easy for a day or two. Guess I'm not as young as I used to be."

Dotty heard the exchange and saw the concerned look on her husband's face. "William why don't you give us a tour of the new bunkhouse?"

William nodded, "Sure be happy too." Turning to the rest of the group he said, "Helen could you set two more places for lunch please? I'll show off our work and we'll be right there."

He led Charley and Dotty back to the bunkhouse, telling them about how it was built. Inside he explained their plans for sleeping and eating arrangements.

"Good plan, nice place," Dotty said. "Now, what's wrong with Jim?"

Before William could answer Charley said, "He's aged some since we saw him. A few more lines on his face and a little gray starting to show in his hair." William shook his head and Charley continued, "You see him every day so you probably didn't notice the change."

"Of course that could be because of working outside," Dotty added. "But I don't think so. Something's going on with Jim."

William told them that Jim took several days off because he felt tired but other than that he seemed fine. 

"Well, if he has another episode like that call me," Charley directed. "I'll come over and check him over. Now let's go get some lunch."





The Second Hundred Years Ch. 06



The fall drive was the biggest as the whole herd would be brought down from the high pastures. They had over 300 head of cattle to bring back; it had been a very good season for calves. They also had the largest group of 'dudes' so far. Eagle's Nest had ten people visiting and reliving the old West. 

Two days after bringing the herd home, Eagle's Nest shipped 100 head of cattle to market. Between the profit from the cattle and the profit from the 'dudes', the ranch was in better shape financially than it had been for many years. They received $78,000 for the cattle and took in just over $67,000 from the guests at the ranch.

The big drive was over and Jerry went back to his home. One week after shipping, William and Tom had ridden out to inspect the fences along the southern border of the ranch. Alyssa and Helen had gone to Josh's place for a visit, leaving Jim and Lewis at the ranch house. 

Lewis had fixed lunch for them and went out to call Jim who was at the barn. Jim had said something about taking a ride after lunch. Lewis saw Jim's horse, Joshua, saddled and standing just outside of the barn door. That's strange; did Joshua get away from Jim? Lewis asked silently. He stepped off the porch and walked toward the barn. As Lewis got closer he saw Jim lying crumpled inside the doorway.

Joshua didn't move more than a step or two as Lewis rushed to Jim's side. The big horse was trained to ground tie; his master had put him there and by God he wasn't moving. Lewis knelt and examined Jim before rolling him onto his back.

Jim's eyes fluttered and opened. Lewis started to pick him up but Jim ordered, "Take the saddle off Joshua and put him in his stall." Lewis started to object but Jim interrupted. "Take care of my horse first son."

Lewis quickly did what Jim asked. Then he picked Jim up in his arms, struggled to his feet, and carried him to the house. Jim was burning up with fever as Lewis laid him on his bed and called Charley Samuels.

Dotty answered the phone. "Jim's collapsed Dotty," Lewis almost yelled. "He's running a high fever. Can Charley come over right away?"

"He's at Cole's Corner, I'll call him," Dotty promised. "In the mean time I'm on my way. Wet some towels and cool him down."

Lewis heard a car drive up as he was putting a third towel on Jim's forehead. Dotty rushed into Jim's bedroom, felt his cheek, and took charge.

"Get his clothes off and put wet towels all over him," she ordered. "We've got to get that fever down before he goes into convulsions." Following Dotty's orders, Lewis stripped Jim and began to try and cool him down. 

"How'd you get here so fast?" Lewis asked her.

"I drove my Jeep cross country; it would have taken too long following the road," Dotty replied. "Although I don't think the Jeep is going much of anywhere until I get it fixed." Lewis gave her a questioning look and she added, "I think I tore something off underneath. It was making a loud noise when I got here."

They continued to watch Jim, changing the towels to keep them cool. It was about 45 minutes before Charley arrived. He went into his doctor mode and examined Jim. 

"Good move Honey," he said to Dotty. "That's about all we can do right now."

Lewis heard another car slide to a stop outside. He went to the door to see who was there. Alyssa supported by Helen and her father slowly came into the house. Lewis immediately went to her.

"What's wrong?" He asked with concern and fear.

Helen smiled and answered. "It's okay Lewis. Alyssa felt it was time for the baby and insisted on coming home."

"Our son is going to be born at Eagle's Nest," Alyssa vowed. "It's his birthright."

"The baby might be a girl," Lewis said to Alyssa. "We didn't want to know the sex."

"It's a boy Lewis. I know it's a boy."

"I tried to get her to stay at my place," Josh said. "But she told us either we bring her home or she'd drive herself."

Helen and Lewis got Alyssa into the ground floor bedroom at the back of the house. Dotty came into the room as they helped her onto the bed.

"Lewis go boil some water please," Dotty asked. Lewis left, Dotty smiled at Alyssa and said, "We really don't need the water but it will keep him busy. We don't need Lewis underfoot right now."

Charley checked with Dotty and saw that she had everything under control with Alyssa. He went back to Jim's room. He rechecked his blood pressure, timed his pulse and listened to Jim's breathing. William stood by the bed and watched Charley with a worried frown on his face. Lewis didn't know what to do. He would look into Jim's room for a couple of minutes then go to Alyssa for a while and then go back to the kitchen to see if the water was boiling.

Charley started an IV and stepped out of the room, motioning for William to follow him. Lewis joined them.

"What's wrong with him Charley?" William asked. 

"Short of a complete blood work up and a lot of tests, I can't say for sure," Charley replied. "But I've got an idea. This is going to sound strange, but then again Jim even being here is strange." He saw the expectant look on William and Lewis's faces. 

"You know we thought that the smoke from that rock put Jim into a suspended animation right?" William and Lewis nodded. 

"But...." William started.

Charley interrupted him. "When I came back from California and saw Jim, I thought he looked like he'd aged five years in the six months I was gone. It's only been a few days since I saw him the last time and he looks at least five more years older; he has more gray in his hair and several more wrinkles on his face. I think whatever effect that smoke had on Jim has worn off."

"What can we do for him?" Lewis asked.

Sighing Charley said, "Nothing. His heart rate and pulse have slowed and his breathing is becoming labored." He paused for several seconds and continued, "Jim is dying of old age at an accelerated rate right in front of us and there's nothing we can do. Nothing except make him as comfortable as we can."

The three men stared at each other for more than a minute. Neither of them knowing what to say or how to react. Charley said, "The IV should help control the fever and I can give him meds to ease his pain. But that's about all we can do."

"How long?" William finally asked. Charley just shook his head. "Don't give him pain medicine if you can keep from it. Jim wouldn't like it."

"Lewis you need to get in here," Dotty said from the bedroom doorway.

He rushed to the other bedroom expecting the worse. What he got was the best.

Alyssa was leaning against the headboard propped up by pillows. Her hair was stringy with sweat, her face was flushed and she looked tired; but she also looked triumphant. In her arms she held their baby. She motioned for Lewis to come closer.

"Come meet your son Lewis," she said. As Lewis sat on the bed beside her, she proudly added, "Told you it was a boy."

Lewis smile with tears in his eyes. "Yes you did Ally, yes you did." She handed him the boy and he held his son for the first time. He waited until he could talk and asked, "What are we gonna name him?"

Alyssa smiled and put her hand gently on the baby's head. "The name you suggested when we found out I was pregnant should work just fine. Don't you think?"

The two new parents bonded with their son. Helen and Dotty smiled, wiped the tears away, and left the room.

After several minutes Alyssa asked, "What's going on with Jim? I heard Charley and Dotty talking just before the little one was born."

Lewis explained Jim's condition and what Charley thought. "I think he's right, I think Jim is dying."

The rest of the day and that night, Jim was unconscious or hallucinating. After Alyssa went to sleep, Lewis went into Jim's room and gave William a chance to rest and relax a little. 

Jim mumbled in his sleep and then said plainly and loud enough for Lewis to hear. "I'll see you soon Chante. You too Iron Buffalo. Boy do I have a lot to tell you." Then he drifted away again.

The next day Alyssa sat with Jim for about an hour. She wiped his forehead with a cool wet cloth and talked to him. Before she left she leaned over and kissed him. "Thank you Jim, I'm gonna miss you."

Charley and Dottie stayed over. Though there was nothing they could do for Jim, they couldn't leave. Everyone took turns sitting with him, just in case he woke and needed something.

It was around midnight when Jim came out of his delirium. He was alert for the first time since he'd fallen in the barn. Lewis was sleeping, slumped in an easy chair beside his bed. Jim smiled at the boy.

"There any water in this place?" He asked, waking Lewis.

Lewis was startled but quickly got him a drink. "I'll call Charley," Lewis said and headed for the door.

"No, let him sleep boy," Jim ordered. "I'm not gonna be around that much longer and he can't do nothing anyhow."

"But..."

"Don't argue with me son. I know my time is over; I can feel it in my bones." Jim took another drink of water. He smiled and said, "It's been a hell of a ride ain't it? Just sit and talk with me a spell."

Instead of sitting down, Lewis held up his hand. "Just a second, I'll be right back. Please don't leave yet." He left the room, almost at a run.

Lewis returned carrying something; Jim couldn't make out what it was. Walking over to the bed, Lewis sat next to Jim and unwrapped what he had in his arms.

"Grandfather, I want you to meet James Ambrose Randal. He's your great, great, great, grandson." He held the baby close to Jim.

Jim reached out to touch the baby's hand. James Ambrose grabbed his finger and held on. Jim was almost overcome by emotion. "You named him after me?"

Alyssa walked into the room and said, "Couldn't think of any other name that fit Grandfather. It's a proud name and he'll carry it well. Lewis and I will see to that."

"One life leaves, one life begins and life goes on," Jim said. "Chante will be pleased when I see her." He leaned back and said, "Think I'll rest for a bit."

Lewis turned and handed the baby to Alyssa. When he turned back Jim had gone to meet Chante.