Chapter 40
Eyes That Do Not Cry Do Not See
The train ride back to Bosler was uneventful. Major Walcott and Tom Corlett sat in back of the car and watched the men cut up and carry on while drinking the whiskey that he and Tom provided. The men deserved it. The cattle drive had been one of the most successful drives they had in the past few years. They lost very few cattle and old I.P. Olive was very happy when he was told how many cattle were delivered to the Black Foot Reservation. The government check was the largest they had received in years.
“The Texas Kid seems to be stewing a bit up there, don’t he? Tom said, turning to Frank who was sitting next to him, sipping the last of his whiskey.
“Yep.” Walcott replied
Nobody seems to want to sit by ‘im. Probably afraid he may shoot ‘em.” Tom said.
“He’s just a bad one, Tom. Walcott replied. We’ll just have to be a bit more careful next spring when we take on wranglers. I ‘spect he’ll end up with the Hole In The Wall gang up in Chugwater. He seems to be a perfect fit for ‘em. Probably have to face him again too.”
Tom came back; “Just be careful Frank.”
Major Walcott just nodded his head. Putting his glass down, he pulled his hat over his eyes and drifted off to sleep.
They pulled into Bosler at first light and Tom and Frank were the first ones off the train.
Gavin McVey, Isom’s big cowhand, was there to meet them.
“Howdy, Major, how was the ride?”
“Pretty good, Gavin, how have things been back at the Circle L?”
“Everything’s been good, Major. Been hanging out with Isom in town the past week gathering volunteers to go after them Sioux that got Custer awhile back. Think you’ll be joinin’ us?”
“Damn, Gavin, we just got back from living in the saddle for the past few months. I don’t plan on goin’ anywhere. I have to take a quick trip up to Chugwater first though. Get my horse for me and that bay mustang stallion, Takodah. They are in the last car.”
“Get mine too, will ya’ Gavin” Tom Corlett chimed in.
“Yes sir,. Be right back.”
“What’re you doin’ Tom?” Walcott asked.
“Ridin’ with ya’ Frank, that’s what I’m doin. More ‘n likely the Kid will be headin’ up to Chugwater as well. Told ya’ I got your back, ‘member?”
“Yeah, I remember. Thanks Tom.”
It wasn’t long before all the horses were unloaded and Gavin was coming with Tom and Frank’s horses. He had tacked them up and they were ready to ride.
“Appreciate it Gavin. Tell Isom we’ll be back tomorrow evening sometime and I’ll bring him up to date on the drive then, if he hasn’t left to get them injuns.” the Major said.
I’ll do it, Major, but he’s been pretty busy in town signing up folks to run them Sioux outta the Wyoming Territory. We’ll be headin’ back to the Circle L in the morning and then we’ll be headin’ out to the Brule Reservation to take care of business.”
“You make sure the Texas Kid clears out his stuff and is gone before we get back tonight Gavin.” Walcott said.
“What happened?” Gavin asked.
“He ‘bout killed a boy a while back. I’ll fill Olive in on the details when I get back.”
He turned Bandit around and both he and Tom Corlett tipped their hat to Gavin and headed toward Chugwater with the mustang stallion trotting along Bandit’s side.
“So, what do you plan on doin’ with the boy Frank?” Tom inquired.
“Not quite sure, Tom. Reckon I’ll figure that out as I go along.”
“Reckon you will,” Tom replied.
They rode the rest of the way into Chugwater in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.
Riding up to Doc Wilson’s office they saw Enrico, sweeping the front steps. His face was badly scarred and he was wearing a black patch over the hole where his left eye used to be. He looked up as the two riders approached.
When he recognized Major Walcott, a big grin spread across his mocha colored face.
“Senor Major, bienvenido de regreso a, welcome back.”
“Thank you Enrico. Is the Doc and Miss Mildred in?”
“They are in the back. Come in, Senor Major. Should I get them?”
“Why don’t you do that Enrico. Tom, you coming?”
“I think I will go to the saloon down the street and have a whiskey before we head out. I’ll be back by the time you settle up with the Doc and are ready to ride.”
“Okay Tom. We won’t be long.”
Tom turned his horse and headed down the street as Frank took off his hat and followed Enrico into Doc Wilson’s parlor. Frank noticed that Enrico dragged his left leg behind him as he walked.
Doc Wilson strolled into the parlor followed by his wife Mildred. She was wearing what appeared to be the same blue calico dress and white apron she had on the last time he saw her. The Doc’s clothes’ looked to be the same as well, only now they were freshly pressed and cleaned.
“Howdy, Major. I see you made it back from your cattle drive. I hope it was pleasant for you.”
“It was, thanks Doc. I come to get the boy and settle up with you. He looks much better than he did when I left him here. I take it he can ride?”
“Oh, he can ride alright. That boy is amazing. He can do just about anything he puts his mind to. Mildred has been teaching him English and he speaks it better than I do.”
“Well, I’m glad to hear that Doc. I want to settle up with you, so how much do I owe.
“Oh no, Major, Mildred said, we couldn’t take any more money from you. Enrico has been a joy to have around. He has always been more than willing to please. He helps in the kitchen, in the stables and he helps my husband with the sick and lame animals.
So, no Major, you keep your money. Just promise us that you will take care of Enrico, okay?”
“I will, Mrs. Wilson, you can bet on it.”
She smiled and asked, “Will you stay for a cup of coffee and a piece of pie before you head back to Bosler?”
“Thank you ma’m, but I think we should be going if we want to make it back before night fall.”
Enrico had been standing in the back listening to their conversation. Frank turned and said; “You ready to ride, Enrico?”
“Si, Senor Major”
“Good, you’ll be riding that little bay stallion outside. Let’s go.”
Mildred’s eyes were brimming with tears as she gave Enrico a hug and napkin with a piece of apple pie wrapped in it.
Doc Wilson walked over to Enrico, grabbing his hand and patting him on the back, said, “We’ll miss you, young man. Come back to see, us won’t you?”
“Si, Medico Wilson, gracias.”