Read Online Jodi's Journey by Rita Hestand - Free Book Online Page B

Can't leave my wife and
kids here without protection. The Indians have been raiding some
settlements about here. Another reason I wanted to try to sell
these here cow ponies 'cause the way they been doin' about these
parts, they'd take them and I wouldn't have a dime to show for it.
So far, I've managed to hide them out, but I was getting worried
about it, to tell the truth.”
    Hunter nodded. “That's probably wise on your
part. How many cattle you got?”
    “About six hundred head.”
    Hunt speculated for a second. “They inspected
and road branded?”
    “Yes, sir, just finished up the other day.”
The rancher turned to his mount. “Now, if I can keep them Indians
from takin' them, I'll be all right,” he said, mounting and reining
in his horse.
    “Well look, Mr. Williams.” Hunt narrowed his
gaze on him. “I know we've only known each other shortly, but I can
see you would be in a bad predicament if the Indians got hold of
your cattle, and the chances are mighty strong for that to happen
if you don't take them up the trail. 'Cause that's what they are
mainly after. But I'll make you a proposition. Tell you what.” Hunt
eyed the man carefully, knowing he was talking to an honest man,
and hoping, like always, that his honesty spoke louder than his
words. “I'm short on cash right now and poor on horseflesh. But I
got a proposition for you that I think you'll take to.”
    “Go on, I'm listening.” Mr. Williams watched
him just as closely.
    “I'll take those cattle up to Abilene for
you. Figure we'll get anywhere from sixteen to twenty-five dollars
a head for them, maybe more if we're lucky. I'll bring your share
back as I come and we'll take the horses and the cattle off your
hands. What do you say?”
    The rancher eyed him seriously now. He
glanced over his shoulder so as to look the entire camp over.
Obviously, he approved of what he saw. None of the drovers were
idle and that spoke something for Hunt's outfit. “Do I have your
word on it?”
    Hunt nodded. “The name is Hunter Johnson from
Esser Crossing. You have my word, and I'll put it in writing for
you, if you like.”
    “No need for that as long as I have your
word. When might you be coming back?” the rancher inquired, his
voice lighting his words.
    “As soon as we sell them. Figure we'll be
back down here by July, no later than August. I'm not planning on
wintering them up there. Heard some lost a lot by not taking a
lower price and grazed them on the plains of Kansas as they went. I
don't aim to do that. Springs in Kansas can be mighty cold. Cattle
can freeze. I don't aim to lose any.” Hunt didn't bat an eye as he
studied the man. He could tell the man was just an honest rancher
trying to make ends meet. But this arrangement could help them both
and the rancher was smart enough to know it. It was all a matter of
trust now.
    “I'd be wanting a handshake from you.” The
rancher smiled, extending his hand.
    “You got it.” Hunter's smile widened in
hearty approval and he stuck out his hand. “We'll sort out the
details when we get back. I see no problems though since yours are
branded and counted. Oh, and this is my wife, Jodi,” he explained,
shaking the man's hand firmly and nodding.
    The rancher tipped his hat to her. “Ma'am,
and I thank you for what you are doin'.” His gaze lowered as his
voice deepened. “You see, my missus is expecting and I just
couldn't leave her right now. She's terrified of the Indians as is.
Her family…well…they were killed a couple of years ago by the
Comanche. She still hasn't got over that.”
    Jodi's smile didn't quite reach her lips, but
she nodded her understanding. “It's a good thing you are staying
with her.”
    “Well, I guess we better get started then.”
Hunt moved purposely to his horse.
    By noon the rancher's cattle had joined the
herd and Hunt pushed onward. It was a true lift to meet the man and
do business with him.
    “I don't believe you did that.” Jodi laughed
just before she took