Tumbleweeds

[chuck j]

Don was in charge of getting the wagons and men ready to make the crossing . Wade wanted Don to take his reports to headquarters and bring back dispatches and any news of what happened at the canyon . Don would be over everyone and try to find five new ranch hands guaranteeing them three months work . They had to have a good horse and their own gear . Wade gave Don a list of supplies for Ed at the store and if the new order of barbed wire was there to bring it if there was room in the wagons . They discussed which horses to take as spare mounts and all the details . Greg and Carl could haul a lot in the big freight wagon .

Don asked Wade ...Wade would you request I be stationed here permanently ? I feel this is home for me but if you can't I'll understand . Wade smiled and said ...We think alike Don ! I already have a request in the papers you will deliver to Captain Tom . We all want you to be stationed here . I have also written a commendation for you for your taking charge and doing all you could with the East Texas Rangers . You did as good as anyone could have and it would have been a lot worse if you hadn't stepped up !
Wade told Don ...With Simon and Juan's families you will have seven children and their wives in your charge . Take no chances Don ! We are putting great faith and trust in your leadership . Don said ...I will take no chances Wade , I have thought much on it and it scares me to think something would happen to the women and children . But I go with good men Wade , that is my big comfort . Wade agreed .

[chuck j]

Wade asked Rosa to ask Cliff Jones to bring Ken's saddlebags to him . In a bit Cliff came in the cabin with the saddlebags . Wade said … I want to check his saddlebags to make sure there is nothing that would embarrass his family . Lets look together Cliff .
There was little in them but extra clothes , razor , toothbrush , an extra knife and small personal items . Ken had a small worn new testament . Wade gave the bags back to Cliff and handed him a letter . Wade asked ...Would you return his personal things to his wife Cliff ? Cliff said ...Yes but it's going to be hard Captain . Wade said ...I know Cliff but better from a friend than The Rangers just having them delivered . I wrote her a condolence letter being careful not to mention what happened here . I praise his time and history with the Rangers and talked of good friends that stayed with him until he passed to his Lord . That he was with friends .

Cliff shook Wade's hand and thanked him . Cliff's eyes were tearing up and Wade said ... Sit with me Cliff ..Lets talk brother . Wade got Cliff talking , Cliff was grieving over Ken's death and everything that had happened . He kept saying he should have stepped in and did something , he felt responsible . Wade counseled with Cliff a good while , Cliff was relieved much by the time they finished and prayed together .

[chuck j]

Much was happening . Willow Mae was moving in with Zeke . Katy was teaching Rosa to saddle the black mule and how to ride . Lucy was making food for the men for the crossing . Wagons and horses being readied , Willow Mae washing clothes for those leaving . Zeke and Wade talked to the Garcia's and decided to build a long cabin for all four families divided into four sections . It was a big undertaking ! They had to get roofs over everyone's head before cold weather ,


Zeke had Carlos and John mowing hay where he had mown hay east of the cabin . It was all new growth now and would be better hay than he had made . Joy was helping everyone . They all liked him , he was always smiling and wanted to help . Ed wouldn't stay still though the ladies raised heck with him over it . He sat in the shed cleaning his double rifle . He smiled thinking he had to take a little girl buffalo hunting .

[chuck j]

Claud was doing a lot better and so was Ray . Zeke had made Ray a cane to help his wounded leg . Ed took Claud and Ray to the horse pens . He pointed out the Comanche horse he had taken on the Lano and told Claud ...He's your's Claud . I rode him back and he is good and sound , I figure him to be a five year old . He's got a lot of bottom to him Claud .

Ed told Ray pointing to the two horses him and Joy had come by rescuing the East Texas Rangers . Ed said ...Take your pick of the two Ray . Ride em when you can and take one . We will give those sorry remounts that were sent from headquarters with the East Texas boys to replace the two horses they lost . They are good enough for them to get home .


Claud and Ray thanked Ed much and liked the choice of horses . Joy came up carrying Rosa on his back with her laughing . He set her on the top rail of the fence and they all teased her making her laugh .

[chuck j]

Later in the day Claud and Ray went to Wade , Claud said ...Ray and me been talkin Captain , We are leaving with the wagons to Eliasville . We are good enough to ride and that would get us off the prairie and on the main road home to West Texas . We want to go home Captain , you folks saved our lives by being here for us . Me and Ray know our families are worried to death about us and we just want to go home . The Rangers will give us leave time to recover .

Wade was worried and said ...I understand but we wanted you well to leave here . You both know your welcome here , your part of us now . The ladies are going to have a fit over you leaving and you know that ! Ray said ...The wagons will give us escort to the road Captain , we will take things easy going home . Claud will see me home before he goes home himself .

Wade told them ...You two have been an example to all here about working together and taking care of each other . I'll not stop you and we will help all we can . Claud said ...This ranch will receive much praise from us Wade , all of you are doing an amazing job here !

And it was settled , they would leave with the wagons .

[chuck j]

Well as Wade predicted Willow Mae , Katy and Lucy had a fit over Claud and Ray leaving to go home . Claud told them so sat and listened to them . Joy was at the pens with Ray , Joy rode both horses and tried them out for Ray . They both chose the sorrel as the best horse and Joy adjusted the stirrups on an extra saddle for Ray putting new strings on it to tie things he took . Claud and Ray had lost their rifles when Claud's horse went down in the dark getting away from the Comanche . Wade gave them Henrys from the extra guns and plenty of cartridges .

Ed and Lucy would be married this evening , A big meal was being prepared for after the ceremony, food for the crossing and for Claud and Ray on their way home . Katy was washing all their clothes for the trip . The women were hard put to get everything done to help them all . They were really proud of the new cookstove , it had four burners and you could make four pans of cornbread in the oven at one time . It sped up the cooking and was so much easier !!

[chuck j]

They just had ham sandwiches with mustard sauce for lunch . A big meal was planned for after the wedding . Everyone was excited and looking forward to it ! Ed asked Wade , Zeke don and Joy to stand with him . Lucy asked Katy . Willow Mae and Rosa to stand with her .

At mid afternoon they shut down all work . Everyone bathed and put on their best clothes . Willow Mae and Katy readied Lucy's best church dress . They put up her hair and tended her , she was to do no more work today . Most everything was done and ready . Willow Mae gave her perfume and fussed over her . Katy ironed her clothes and talked to her to keep her occupied . Rosa fetched everything needed smiling wanting to see Ed and Lucy get married ! Excitement was building !


Ed put on the new pants and shirt that had been made for him . Wade asked if he was nervous . Ed said ...Would you be nervous if you were going to marry Lucy today ? Wade and Juan laughed till they cried . Juan said … You are a lucky man Ed ! Lucy will stand by you no matter what ! You chose well Ed ! Wade agreed completely ! Ed just shook his head yes .


Everyone went to the river except Lucy , Katy , Willow Mae and Rosa . They stood and talked congratulating Ed and happy . In a bit Lucy , Willow Mae , Katy and Rosa walked to the river . They were assembled , Ed with Zeke , Don and Joy at his side . Lucy walked and stood beside Ed , she held a small bouquet of blue prairie flowers . Everyone grew silent .

Wade said ...By the power vested in me and before our GOD we gather to join this man and woman in matrimony . If anyone should contest this marriage then speak now ! There was a pause and no one spoke .


Wade nodded to Lucy and said ;
"Will you Lucy have Ed to be your husband? Will you love him, comfort and keep him, and forsaking all others remain true to him, as long as you both shall live?"

Lucy said ...Yes !

Wade nodded to Ed and said …
"Will you Ed have Lucy to be your wife ? Will you love her, comfort and keep her , and forsaking all others remain true to her, as long as you both shall live?"

Ed said yes !


Wade smiled and said ...It is my great honor and privilege to pronounce you man and wife in the eyes of our Lord ! Ed ! Please kiss your bride brother ! We are so happy for you both !


Ed drew her to him and kissed her a long time . They all hollered and clapped ! Many tears were shed and they all shook hands with Ed and hugged Lucy ! This was a good thing ! Wade and Katy held one another , they were glad !

[chuck j]

They all sat and talked . Everything was good ! God was working in all their lives .They laughed and rejoiced ...Lucy Burnet and Ed Rawlins getting married ! Ed was awkward but tried to do what was normal and Lucy got silent which was not Lucy ! They both were hard pressed almost beyond their limits but sustained by the love of their friends ! They did well ! GOD was working still !

[chuck j]

They walked back to the cabin and ate . There was beans and rice with tortillas and rice . Beans and cornbread , with pecan pie . They ate well celebrating . They knew tomorrow might bring many things but today was a good day at the Black Mule Ranch .

[chuck j]

The celebration continued till dark . Everyone was having a good time with all you wanted to eat . At last Ed and Lucy said goodnight and thanked them all ! They left for Lucy's cabin . Ed and Lucy sat on the side of the bed talking about the evening . They were getting ready for tomorrow and all at once there was a storm of noise outside and people beating the side of the cabin with slats . People were banging on wash tubs and pots hollering .

Lucy said ...They are giving us a shivaree ! They ought to be ashamed of themselves ! Treating two poor old folks like this ...it's terrible ! Ed pulled her to him and said ...Let them have their fun today , they love us and just want to celebrate . They are giving us a memory . Lucy held Ed and they laughed . After about thirty minuets of making noise they could be heard running off laughing outside .

[chuck j]

The morning came . Katy had been up early making food , salt crackers , quick bread , cookies , jerky was bagged and lard buckets with dried meat and dumplings . The wagons were ready with water barrels filled . she could hear the men getting the teams harnessed and loading their bedrolls and gear .

Lucy and Willow Mae came in starting breakfast . They would have a big breakfast this morning sending the wagons to Eliasville . Juan and Simon loaded all the food they had made into the wagons . last second things were taken care of . Everyone was excited and trying to help . Wade was giving Don last second instructions and advice . Don had many papers for Ranger Headquarters , supply lists and letters to post .

Wade and Katy gathered everyone in the yard . Wade said ...Let us pray for all that go .
Lord be with all that leave us to better our situation here . Protect them Lord and guide them . Speed their journey and bring them back to us . Be with us and hear our prayers , help us seek you through your Holy Spirit to guide our lives , our words and actions to build one another . Thank you for all you have given Lord . Amen


There were many hugs , goodbyes and well wishing for those leaving .

Rosa wanted to go but Simon told her no , that their family was coming back and to be a good girl and help here . Wade , Joy with Carlos rode to the ford leading the wagons . They crossed the ford without any problems . They were on their way to Eliasville !

Wade , Carlos and Joy rode back to the ranch . After the wedding and all the work and getting the wagons off it seemed quiet with so many gone . Zeke , Wade , Tomas and Carlos were sawing and laying floor sills at the new cabins . The ground had been leveled and sills made and stacked . Cliff Jones walked up and told Wade ...We will leave in three days Wade . The men are rested enough but will let our horses recover a bit more . Till we leave we want to help you with the cabins . We know your shorthanded and need them built . We owe ya'll much for helping us out on the prairie Wade , it's small enough repayment .

Wade thanked him and said ...You will be put in charge going back Cliff . Your men all respect you and I don't see any trouble . Having the extra five Rangers helping sped up the cabins a lot !

[chuck j]

Cliff and the east Texas Rangers hurried the work . Most of them were tired of sitting . Two of them were good working with the logs and with Carlos , Tomas and Wade walls were going up fast . Carlos and Tomas started doing the floors , Katy came and started to plane boards . They had Lucy's extra harness, Joy with another Ranger were hauling logs in three at a time from downriver with two horse teams where they were cut and rowed . Rosa was carrying Nate and fetching tools and bringing water and sweet tea to everyone . She was excited her family was coming to live here !


Wade and Katy prepared for bed , Katy turned the wick down with the brass knob on the oil lamp and blew out the struggling flame left . They pulled the quilt up on them . Katy said ...My arms are so sore ! I'm not use to using the plane all day ! Wade smiled in the darkness and said … You wouldn't know it by what you got done today . I'm proud of you , I'm glad your my wife . You always do well Katy !

[chuck j]

It had been three days since Don and the others had left . The walls were a third up all around the three connecting cabins . A wall and door would be made connecting them inside , each would be two big rooms each . One cabin was floored , beams being made for the roof . There were still many boards ready but more were being made . Willow Mae , Katy and Lucy were making mattresses from the cattails , they had four finished and on beds in the bunkhouse .

The East Texas Rangers were leaving in the morning . Them and their horses rested they were eager to go home . The women were preparing food for them to take on their journey home . Tomorrow Carlos and Ramon would go to rake and row the hay ..it was cured . Zeke said he was going to hook up the three row go devil plow brought from Lucy's house and start plowing the cornfield and enlarge it .

[chuck j]

Wade was very satisfied with progress made considering so many of the ranch people were gone to Eliasville . The East Texas Rangers had really pushed things along helping with the cabins .

Wade was walking to the cabin and Ed was carrying a Henry rifle walking toward the river with Willow Mae . He went in the cabin and asked where Ed and Willow were headed . Katy smiled and said ...Willow asked Ed to teach her to shoot a rifle ! They all thought it was funny a man such as Ed Rawlins was teaching a seventy four year old woman to shoot guns . But who better ?


In a while they heard rifle and pistol fire from the river and smiled .

[chuck j]

It was the third day and the wagons rolled into Eliasville midevening . The weather had cooled and water had not been as much of a problem this trip . They had made good time hauling empty ! Don parked the wagons beside the Staley's store then sent Simon and Juan to their families . He went in the store as the others took care of the stock out back at the shed .


Don was remembered and warmly welcomed , the Staleys insisted all the Rangers and ranch hands stay with them . Mrs Staley went immediately to start preparing a big supper , she was excited ! Don posted all the letters given him and gave Ed the new supply list . Ed told Don their barbed wire had came and Don told him they would take it back with them . He told Ed they were moving the Garcia's families to the ranch . Ed said ...You folks are growing so fast !I don't see how your keeping up with it ! Don laughed and said ...It ain't easy Ed ! They are building cabins as we speak for the Garcia's ! There is a lot happening .

Don lined everyone out for the next day to load the barbed wire and supplies . To help Juan and Simon load their things . The freight wagon would haul the bulk of heavy items . He hoped there was an empty wagon for the families . He told Ed he needed to hire five good men ...NO troublemakers ! Ed said ...I must think and ask around ...I'll know something at supper .


Wade told him ...I go to check in at Ranger Headquarters in the morning . We want to get back as soon as possible .