Susie came out with a glass of water. “Here you are, Mr. Winfield.”
“Thank you, dear.”
“You’re welcome, sir.” Susie curtsied and went back inside, closing the door behind her.
“Such a polite child and a credit to you.” He made a show of sipping from the glass.
“You were so kind to drop by, but I’m sure a busy man like you has many demands on your time. I have a lot of chores as well.”
He spread his arms wide. “If you’d sell this ranch to me, you’d have plenty of money to settle in town and have an easier life.”
“We covered that at my husband’s funeral, Mr. Winfield.”
He stepped forward. “Surely you can call me Elwood since we’re neighbors.”
“No, sir, I cannot. You may as well know that I have no intention of selling. As I told you before, Ike wanted Davie to have this ranch when he’s grown. We owe it to him to see that happens.”
“Mrs. Dunn, you’ve already lost most of your herd. How long do you think you can hold on as a woman alone?” He set the mostly full glass on the porch.
“I’m not alone—I have three children. The sheriff has promised to send anyone suitable who is looking for work to us.”
“I think you’re making a mistake—”
“I’ll make you a deal, Mr. Winfield.” She raised a hand to stop him his talking. “If I ever decide to sell, I’ll let you have first refusal.”
Anger flashed in his brown eyes before he smiled and dipped his head in a nod. “You’re a difficult woman. If that’s the best you can do, I’ll wait for your offer to sell.”
“Thank you for stopping by.” Charlotte stepped inside the house and closed the door and locked it.
She leaned against it until she heard him ride away. Susie came from the parlor. “He’s gone, Mama. Shall I get the glass?”
“I will, dear, and then we’ll get back to sewing.” She was shaking with anger and—she had to admit it—icy fear. As Mr. Winfield accused, she was a woman alone. Three children would be no defense against anyone who meant harm. Davie was a good shot but he didn’t have a gun with him.
She decided to remedy that immediately. She’d send his father’s pistol with him when Davie was away from the house. Susie could fire a gun, but she’d never shot at anything but a tin can or a rock. Perhaps it was time they each had some practice.
Dear Lord, help us.
Chapter Five
Bret had to admit Moose had taught him a lot in the few days they’d traveled together. In Millsap the other man had heard a place south of town was hiring. Bret figured he owed Moose a lot and paid him with a gold eagle.
Moose’s eyes liked to have bugged out of his head. “Are you plumb loco? You’d best keep that kind of coin out of sight or you’ll be paying someone to rob you, you hear? You pay for anything, use small change, see? You buy anything, bargain like you’re broke.”
Bret offered his hand to shake. “I sure appreciate all you’ve shown me. Good luck with the job.”
Moose shook his hand. “You be careful crossing the Brazos River. There’s quicksand in lots of places. Remember what I’ve said.”
Bret already missed Moose’s companionship. Bret wondered if he should have sold the tent in Millsap. He knew Moose thought he was foolish to have it. Perhaps he’d meet someone who could show him how to set up the thing.
He ought to quit second guessing his plans. If he hadn’t reached California by winter that shelter would come in mighty handy. Plus, if he wanted to stop a while on the way, the tent could serve as a temporary house.
Seemed to him he’d covered a lot of miles since Fort Worth and Tarrant County. He figured he was out of Parker County by now and tried to remember what the next one was called. When he got to a town, he’d find out.
In Mineral Wells he stopped at a bank and changed a gold eagle for small change. “A fellow gave me this because I shared my supper and breakfast with him.”
The teller laughed. “Wouldn’t mind having pockets full of these, but you sure can’t eat them.” He counted out twenty dollars in small bills and coins.”
Bret pulled out his wallet. “What county am I in now?”
“Palo Pinto and the county seat has the same name.”
He pocketed the change and put the bills in his wallet. “You know a good place to cross the Brazos River?”
“Yes, sir, stay on the road that runs in front of the bank and you’ll get to Oak Grove Crossing. There’s a ferry there.”
“Much obliged.” Bret tipped his hat and left the establishment. While he was in a town, he’d get a good meal. He sure wished Moose had stayed with him. Not only was he great company, he was a good cook.
Later, with his stomach full he found the countryside more interesting. Still, Bret was slightly disappointed. Traveling wasn’t as much fun or as exciting as he’d expected. He’d enjoyed himself more when Moose had been with him. Maybe when he got to a different type of landscape like he’d heard was west he’d appreciate the scenery more.
He rode slowly, leading his pack horse. From a bluff he saw what he thought must be the Brazos River. He recalled Moose’s warning and was glad he’d asked where to cross.
He attracted some odd looks from others at the ferry crossing. Recalling Moose’s warning about looking too green and prosperous, he was uncomfortable. After his journey in
