As they are talking both of them notice John Peters Sr. riding by the window with two of his ranch hands. Neither one of them says a word for a moment until he rides up the street.
Heather says, “I haven’t seen him in town for over six months. I wonder what is going on.”
“Don’t know, Heather, the only thing I know is that John Peters is always looking out for John Peters. Whatever he has in mind must be something he wants or wants done. He and that oldest son of his are two peas in a pod.”
“Maggie, thanks, and yes, I would like to be your friend. You’ve already made me feel a lot better. I think I should go over and see if Randy needs some help right now.”
“Go ahead, just remember we owe each other some time together and if you want down the road I could introduce you to Joan and Jessica.”
“That would be nice.”
Heather gets up from the table and runs across the street to their store.
Inside, Randy says, “Is Maggie all right?”
“Yes, she just saw me standing out front and invited me for coffee.”
“That’s neighborly of her. Did you see John Peters riding by?”
Monday, December 20, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Chapter Eight Viewing the Ranch
Mike goes off with his own assignment for the day. He will be working the southeast section of the ranch. Working a section means you check the herds grazing in the area, check water conditions, and check the fencing where there is fencing in case there is any need for repairs.
Joan is saddling up a roan mare who is around fifteen hands high. Tyler watches her and sees that she is very knowledgeable about handling horses.
Tyler gives Tequila a quick brushing and checks her hooves before putting her saddle blanket and saddle on her. Then he places her bit in her mouth and secures her head pieces. He and Joan mount up. Joan sits in a saddle like a man not sidesaddle. They ride out of the corral area and head north by northwest.
Riding side by side, Joan tells Tyler her plan is to show him the boundaries of their property and give him some insight to the size and condition of the cattle herd. Of course not all of the property is fenced in so there are occasional strays that wander on from neighboring lands and some of the Reynolds’ herd does likewise. His job in the future will be to gather those who are wandering and chase off those who don’t belong to them. His biggest responsibility will be to keep Scott appraised of what conditions are in every sector he rides.
“What conditions are you explicitly looking for, Joan?”
“Dad wants to know if you see an unusual amount of predator signs. We’ve lost a number of head to mountain lions in the past. If you spot those signs frequently, he will make a point in doing a hunt. A single lion can do a big number on a herd if left unchecked.
Joan is saddling up a roan mare who is around fifteen hands high. Tyler watches her and sees that she is very knowledgeable about handling horses.
Tyler gives Tequila a quick brushing and checks her hooves before putting her saddle blanket and saddle on her. Then he places her bit in her mouth and secures her head pieces. He and Joan mount up. Joan sits in a saddle like a man not sidesaddle. They ride out of the corral area and head north by northwest.
Riding side by side, Joan tells Tyler her plan is to show him the boundaries of their property and give him some insight to the size and condition of the cattle herd. Of course not all of the property is fenced in so there are occasional strays that wander on from neighboring lands and some of the Reynolds’ herd does likewise. His job in the future will be to gather those who are wandering and chase off those who don’t belong to them. His biggest responsibility will be to keep Scott appraised of what conditions are in every sector he rides.
“What conditions are you explicitly looking for, Joan?”
“Dad wants to know if you see an unusual amount of predator signs. We’ve lost a number of head to mountain lions in the past. If you spot those signs frequently, he will make a point in doing a hunt. A single lion can do a big number on a herd if left unchecked.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Chapter Seven Dinner at the S&R Ranch
As they eat, Scott, tells Mike about what happened in town and how Tyler happened to be hired.
With real concern on his face, Mike looks at Tyler and says, “The guy you just stood up to is the oldest son of the largest spread around here. He doesn’t like being put in his place. I would watch my back if I were you when he is around.”
“Thanks for the advice. I won’t go looking for any trouble with him; however, I won’t walk away from him either.”
Scott responds, “Tyler, what Mike just said is known by everyone around here. Unless you have a big need to go into town, I would rather you stay on the ranch property for a couple of weeks. Maybe, Johnny will cool his heels and go onto something else by then.”
“Dad’s right, Tyler. What you did was admirable. We only want to make sure that you don’t suffer having looked out for me.”
“I’m sure you have enough work to keep me busy for a couple of weeks and there really is no reason for me to go to town yet.”
Scott continues the conversation by asking Tyler to repeat what he saw at the Evan’s place.
After Tyler finishes, Joan says, “I don’t understand it. We haven’t had any trouble from the Indians for years. Why all of sudden do we have it now?”
Tyler interjects, “This may be a renegade raiding party and not a local tribe.”
“Why do you say that?” questions Mike looking surprised.
With real concern on his face, Mike looks at Tyler and says, “The guy you just stood up to is the oldest son of the largest spread around here. He doesn’t like being put in his place. I would watch my back if I were you when he is around.”
“Thanks for the advice. I won’t go looking for any trouble with him; however, I won’t walk away from him either.”
Scott responds, “Tyler, what Mike just said is known by everyone around here. Unless you have a big need to go into town, I would rather you stay on the ranch property for a couple of weeks. Maybe, Johnny will cool his heels and go onto something else by then.”
“Dad’s right, Tyler. What you did was admirable. We only want to make sure that you don’t suffer having looked out for me.”
“I’m sure you have enough work to keep me busy for a couple of weeks and there really is no reason for me to go to town yet.”
Scott continues the conversation by asking Tyler to repeat what he saw at the Evan’s place.
After Tyler finishes, Joan says, “I don’t understand it. We haven’t had any trouble from the Indians for years. Why all of sudden do we have it now?”
Tyler interjects, “This may be a renegade raiding party and not a local tribe.”
“Why do you say that?” questions Mike looking surprised.
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