Free Between Hell and Texas by Dusty Richards Page A

frequented.”
    â€œWho?” she asked, looking around as he helped her into the spring seat.
    He glanced back, but saw no sign of them. “Couple of their kin or in-laws. Denton was one’s name.”
    â€œYou sure that we should go to the dance?” she asked under her breath.
    He stepped up and took the reins. “We’re going.”
    That said, he drove home.
    The next days, the dance was on everyone’s mind and purpose. Reg and Heck unrolled the large shelter-tent sheet and made sure the mice had not eaten any holes in it. Rolled up, it required J.D. and the stable boy to help them load it into the wagon. The canvas was suspended on a main rope that was tied high up from tree to tree. Then with poles that made the side walls and the ropes off those poles stretch skin-tight on large stakes.
    Susie’s crew made desserts that would not spoil. A menu was listed and the items needed were written on paper for loading in the two wagons—one would not be big enough. Reg volunteered to guard the home place. May was also staying behind to take care of the house, baby, and Rocky. Both the kitchen helpers were remaining, as well.
    Chet wished he had at least a couple more ranch hands. The money outlay concerned him—their entire income rested on the five hundred steers headed north. If the brothers were successful, the ranch financially would be in good shape. In case of a total loss of them, he’d be at the bank borrowing money before another year would allow him to take cattle to Kansas. Lots rested on their success. Squatting in the shade, he watched Heck drive the Belgium mares around the large lot, walking behind them. He must have settled down under Reg and from being separated from his stepmother.
    Reg and J.D. were driving the big mule teams they used on cattle drives, so they didn’t act high all the way to the Warner schoolhouse and cemetery. They had taken the mules down the valley an hour earlier for a two-hour trip. Each team was hitched to a wagon. Reg and J.D. could do any chore on a ranch—Chet was lucky to have them.
    â€œI guess everyone is pleased we’re going,” Susie said, joining him to watch the boys drive the mares.
    â€œI imagine the Reynoldses won’t be.”
    She gave him a glare. “Nothing will please that bunch.”
    â€œI don’t aim to.” He rose and put his arms over the fence. At least he was about over most of his soreness.
    â€œWill Kathren be there Saturday night?”
    â€œI plan to ride over tomorrow and invite her.”
    â€œGood,” she said, pleased. “I better get back. Tell Heck it is lunchtime and to get washed up.” She shaded her eyes with her hand to look around. “Those big boys coming back?”
    â€œThey should be back here anytime.”
    â€œI’m glad you’re civil again.”
    He frowned at her, but she had already headed back to the house, holding her hem out of the dust. Maybe he needed to listen more. Nothing like his sister to line him up. Guessed it was her job.
    The two older ones drove in during lunch. From the sounds of their shouting at the mules, they must have had a race or two. Both soon were washing their hands on the porch and laughing as they came inside to eat.
    â€œSorry we’re late,” Reg apologized as they streamed in the back door.
    â€œThose mules snorty?” Heck asked.
    â€œThey’ll be fine by Saturday.”
    â€œYou didn’t use them plowing the corn ground?” Chet asked, wondering why they didn’t use the large turning-plow on iron wheels.
    â€œNo, they’re too fast for our Mexicans. They like oxen better.”
    â€œTake you forever to get to Kansas with oxen,” Heck said in disgust.
    Reg agreed. “I know. We seen them oxen-wagon outfits last year going to Kansas. Can’t hardly keep up with the herd.”
    â€œI have even seen some who used caritas ,” Chet added. “Those