Go West Serial Novel – Page 3

Go West~Chapter 49

Go West Chapter

by DiVoran Lites

Chapter forty nine

Ellie

Leaving the horses at the bottom of the trail, Ellie and Lia hurried toward the waterfall. When they turned the corner, they were surprised to see two figures standing at the edge of the pond with their backs to them. The tall one wore a ratty looking stove-pipe hat with greasy black hair flowing over his shoulders. The other man, short and round was talking. The minute the men sensed Ellie’s and Lia’s presence they swung around. “Well, looky here,” said the short one. His voice was high-pitched and gleeful, with a touch of innocence in it. “Here they is. Can you believe our luck? Grab them before they get away.”

By the time Ellie and Lia realized the men meant to seize them, it was too late to escape. Both tried to fight them off, but Ellie ended up held fast by her wrist.

“Give me that one, too,” the tall man grabbed Lia away from the other man and held a wrist in each hand.

“Let go of me.” Lia struggled but couldn’t pull loose.

“Ha ha.” The tall man said. “Quite the feisty one, ain’t you? That should make Ma happy. She can beat up on somebody besides us.”

Remembering granddad’s folksy saying, you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar, Ellie counseled herself to relax and tap into the power of God that she had been experiencing lately. “May I inquire, sir, what you are going to do with us?” she said in a cool voice.

“This here bean-pole is my brother Furstus, and I’m Lastus.” The hairy man, who resembled a bear, smoothed his beard, grinned a wide grin, and made a bow. “He was the first born and I was the last born. That’s why Ma called us Furstus and Lastus. Do you get it? What we’re doing here is setting us up some brides. Mama needs help scraping deerskins, washing clothes, and cleaning the fireplace. She don’t want no help with cooking, but she is looking for some grandchildren and she expects me and Furstus to supply ‘em.”

“Get down there where we left them horses,” Furstus dragged both women stumbling along behind him as if he were a horse pulling a cart. He didn’t pause even when Lia almost fell. Ellie steadied her and made a shushing sound to quiet her. She figured that the less noise they made, the least annoyed their captors would be.

Summer reared once when she saw and smelled the interlopers. Ellie expected her to bolt, but when her hooves came down she stood quivering. “Hold on, girl, it’s okay,” Ellie said softly. Summer recognized her voice and stayed long enough for Ellie to mount. The mare held steady while Furstus tied Ellie’s wrists to the saddle-horn. Knowing men could sometimes be rough and rowdy, Ribbons stood still while Lastus tied Lia’s hands behind her and her feet together and threw her over Ribbon’s saddle. Ellie was startled into objecting. “Don’t do that to her. You’ll hurt her.” The heavy-set man frowned but the other one laughed.

As they rode uphill, Ellie recognized the terrain from former trips into the mountains. The caves she had seen from the shelf road could be approached in a round-about way and soon the women found themselves off the horses and sitting on the cold stone floor of a cavern.

“Take these ropes off immediately!” Lia demanded, her voice growing stronger as she began to speak Italian and release her ire.

“Let’s kill them and get it over with,” Furstus eyed the knife and licked his lips. He then gave a high-pitched laugh that seemed calibrated to terrify anyone within a five mile radius.

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Go West~Chapter 48

Go West

by DiVoran Lites

Chapter Forty Eight

Aldon

“When he heard that his old friend, Aldon, hadn’t eaten since supper the night before, the sheriff, Phil Oates, said, “Let’s get you some breakfast. I won’t ask you up to the apartment. Lily is feeding the kids, and company gets them too excited. Besides, today is wash day. Anyhow, she’d like to see you, but let’s give her a raincheck.” After they were seated in the hotel restaurant, and the waitress had taken their order, Aldon told his friend the reason for his visit.

“You could have caught them boys easy yourself, but I’m glad you came all the way down here for me,” Sheriff Oates replied.

“I want everything legal.” said Aldon.

“We’ll arrest them, all right, but there’s no hurry. They’ll never leave the mountain, they don’t know anything else.” Sheriff Oates took his star from the breast pocket of his vest, breathed on it, and polished it with the linen napkin from the table. He pinned the sliver-plated symbol on his vest. “There’s a shiny target for the bad guys,” he said patting it.

“So let’s get going.” Aldon mopped the last of the egg yolk off his plate with a piece of toast and stuffed it into his mouth.

“Yeah. I’ll take my horse, Sagebrush. He’s used to me, and we make a pretty good team.”

When the train arrived they loaded Sagebrush in the stock car and then walked through to a passenger car for the journey. Once the train left, Aldon made his way to the caboose and stepped out into the open air of the caboose balcony. He tried not to think about Ellie, but it was no use. He went back inside and threw himself down in the seat opposite Oates.

“What’s got into you, ole buddy?” Aldon’s friend asked.

“Ah, nothing’.” Aldon gritted his teeth and jammed his fist into his other hand as if into a baseball glove. He started to tell Oates what was bothering him, but at the last second, he changed his mind. “Those boys have no business stealing our cattle.”

“That’s what outlaws are for. You wouldn’t want me out of a job, would you?” Oates grinned, Aldon didn’t. “Maybe we’ll get these ones. A couple weeks ago, the butcher at the grocery store sent his boy for me. Some rustlers had brought a couple of beeves down the alley to the back of the store and asked to get them cut up. I hurried over there with the kid, but the thieves had left the carcasses and lit out of there. I had to confiscate it ‘cause I didn’t want them coming back for it. It’s in the town freezer till I find out who it belongs to. Maybe it’s yours. We’ll find out. Sounds like this would be a good time to catch them and put them away until the circuit judge comes here.”

“How did you and Lily meet, anyhow?” Aldon asked. As they went through the gorge sheer cliffs loomed a thousand feet overhead, casting gloom down the track.

“What do you want to know that for.” Oates asked. When Aldon sat and stared without answering, Oates said, “You know we been married since I came back from the Great War?”

“That was me standing next to you at the wedding,” Aldon said in a sarcastic tone.

“What are you being so gol-durned cantankerous about?” Oates said. What’s a-matter with you, you ain’t yourself today.”

“Get on with telling me about your wife,” Aldon growled.”

“Okay, but settle down, man. I didn’t do anything to you… Lily worked at the hotel, and so I went to eating my meals there every day. It cost me, but it was worth it…tasted better than my own cooking too. We’d talk and I’d leave her a good tip. She was a looker. We got along fine and we both wanted the same kind of life, so we decided to get married. And that’s that. Why are you asking?”

“Did you love her? “ Aldon asked. “Was she one of them flapper girls?” Nervous, he scratched a mosquito bite through his shirt.

“She was just a ranch girl come to town to make her fortune. One of the Johnsons, you know that family that had the mostly white appaloosa?”

“I met a flapper from Chicago,” Aldon broke in. “She was pretty and smart and I thought we liked each other.”

“Then what happened?” asked Oates. “Quit scratchin’ and get to talking before you rub a whole in your shirt.”

DiVoran’s Promise Posters, Paintings from Go West as well as other art can be purchased as note cards and framable art

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Go West~Chapter 47

Go West

By DiVoran Lites

Chapter Forty Seven

Ellie

The day after the musicale, Ellie went to the kitchen to help Molly with breakfast. She had awakened late and missed coffee with Aldon.

“Where is Aldon?” she asked Molly, who was scrubbing the top of the Acme stove with great fervor.

“I haven’t seen him this morning. Chief is gone, so I suppose he’s gone, too.” Molly words came crisp and cut off.

“Maybe he’s gone for Sherriff Oates.” Ellie said.

“Why would he do that?” Molly went on working and did not turn to look at her. Ellie realized that the older woman was annoyed.

“Oh, he didn’t tell you?”

“There was no time for him to tell me anything. He took out of here right after the refreshments, last night.” Getting down on one knee, Molly applied her energy to something in the oven.

“What’s wrong? Didn’t you sleep well?” Ellie asked.

“You’ll have to ask Aldon.” Molly got up and washed the rag in a bowl of ammonia. “It ain’t none of my business.”

“Molly, please. I can’t ask him anything if he’s not here.”

“We saw you last night.” Molly whirled to face Ellie, rested her fists on her hips with the rag hanging in her fist, glared.

“Yes?” Ellie took a deep breath to slow her racing heart, but she knew what Molly was getting at. She and Enrico had been seen.

“Me and Aldon saw you spooning with Enrico on the back porch.”

“Spooning? Ellie!” Grandmother came in through the swinging door. “How could you. Your mother and I taught you better.”

“You’re a real packet, Missy.” Molly, ignored Hester, and glared straight into Ellie’s eyes. “You and Enrico smooching on the porch.”

“I can only imagine what you saw.” Ellie conceded but I do know what you’re talking about.

“For your information, young lady, we don’t like such goings on in this house.” Molly’s mouth looked like a cinched up purse.

“Enrico…” Ellie paused searching for the right words. “…was trying something with me.”

“A likely story!” said Molly. “I’ve seen you two laughing and flirting.”

“What did you think you saw” Ellie motioned for her grandmother to come to her side and put her arm around the portly waist.

“I don’t think, I know what I saw,” Molly folded her arms over her chest still holding the rag, and ready for battle. “You were all cozy against the coats and…and… I can’t say any more.”

“You didn’t see what happened next.” Ellie’s lips felt dry. Please, Lord, help me explain without shocking them.

“Aldon saw it too, that’s probably why he took off without telling anyone where he was going.” Molly sniffed as if she smelled something bad.

“You should have watched a little longer.” Ellie said.

“So, you think I’m a nosy-parker, do you?”

“No, I think you’re a good woman trying to protect you family.” Ellie didn’t want to shock the two older women, but she didn’t know how to defend herself without telling the truth.

“He was forcing me against the coats. If you had watched for a few more seconds you would have seen me knee him,” said Ellie.

“You mean you kicked him where he lives?” Molly’s mouth opened and closed, her eyes grew large. After a short pause, a small, “ha,” escaped and she began to laugh in little bursts as if she were trying to hold back. “You didn’t want anything to do with him?”

“That’s what they taught us in the ambulance corps where we worked with all kinds of men.” Ellie smiled at Molly’s amusement.

“So the young whippersnapper finally got his comeuppance? Did you hurt him good?” Molly said relishing each word.

“I was looking for Aldon when Enrico grabbed me and shoved me against the coats.”

“I see,” Molly nodded slowly. Ellie knew Molly didn’t believe in saying sorry, but that was all right as long as they could remain friends.

“You ought to be ashamed of yourself for thinking my Ellie would spoon with anyone.” Now Grandmother Hester changed sides to defend her granddaughter.

“Yes, ma’am.” Molly patted Ellie’s shoulder thoughtfully. “I understand now.”

“You did nothing wrong, dear,” Grandmother said.

“I’m going up to the pond, and see if I can find him,” Ellie nodded. “Grandmother, will you ask Mother to help Molly cook breakfast?” Hester nodded and at the same time, Lia came into the kitchen.

“I’m going with you,” said Lia.

“No! Why?”

“Because I have to tell him something,” she said.

“I want to go alone.” Ellie said in a voice that she hoped would hold Lia off.

“I’m tired,” Grandmother said. “I’ll send your mother down.” She left the room walking slowly and Ellie saw in a flash that Grandmother was going to need some extra care in the years to come. When had she grown so old? Her hair was white, her face lined, and her shoulders stooped. I’ll have to think about all that later, she thought. Right now I’m going to find Aldon.

DiVoran’s Promise Posters, Paintings from Go West as well as other art can be purchased as note cards and framable art

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Go West~Chapter 46

Chapter 46 on Track

Go West

by DiVoran Lites

Chapter Forty Six

Aldon

When Aldon realized he was shivering, he thought he’d better get the quilt over his legs. He found the board Nancy used to cut food on and set himself up on the cot. In a few moments warmth crept into his body and he began writing his letter to God.

Dear Heavenly Father,

The line-cabin is chilly, but I don’t mean to complain. I came away so fast after seeing Ellie and Enrico that I forgot my jacket, my bedroll, and my sidearm. When Molly took me to see what was going on between the two of them, she had my best interests at heart, but, Lord, I wish I’d never seen it. Sir, now that I have a chance to start thinking instead of only reacting, I know I’m as desperate as a misused bronc and as unseeing as a newborn kitten. I need your help.

As you know, heavenly father, we got a letter from Bill that told us he was heading home. I’m sure you know that he has a wife and that he has been married for almost a year. I wish I had known he’d be here to take care of the ranch, Nancy and Molly. I could have asked Ellie to marry me. I could have gone to California and got a job as wrangler with the movies. It’s all too late. Ellie will be gone. Joe and Dieter will marry, but I’ll be alone for the rest of my life. I should have told Ellie that I love her. I don’t care if she is a mehanician from back East, a flapper, or a society lady. She is smart, kind, loving, and wonderful, and I was a fool to miss my chance with her. Protect her, please, Lord, or Enrico Solano, will break her heart. She doesn’t deserve that. It helps to talk to you. I know you hear, and I know you will answer, thank you.

Now, as always when he was finished telling the Lord how he felt, and asking him for help, he began to feel his spirits lift. A different concern seeped into his mind. He recalled a pastor once quoting someone who said, “Do the next thing.” What was the next thing? Oh, yes, he had to deal with the rustlers. He sat with the pencil in his hand until he could think out a plan. Suddenly the whole story was clear. He jumped up and checked the cabin, then seeing again his letter, picked it up. He turned it over, and read Ellie’s list again. Knowing no one could see him, he lifted it and gently kissed the place where it said, Glacier Lilies. Then as he scanned his own writing, more peace flooded back into his soul. Folding the paper into a small packet, he snapped it into the breast pocket of his shirt where it would be safe. He could read it again if he started to slide into the quicksand of self-pity. He whispered another prayer to the only person in the cabin with him, the Holy Spirit.

He grabbed his hat, and ran out to Chief. He was so embarrassed to see that he had left him saddled and uncombed, that he promised him to ride gently and to dish out some extra oats when they got to town

As he rode he tried to put thoughts of Ellie out of his mind. One thing he did know, though: he still loved her. But I also know, Lord, that it won’t do any good to try to hang on to her, even in my mind. She has made her choice and I have to live with it.

His God assignment, as he saw it, became more urgent as he headed down the mountain. He must see Sheriff Oates to talk before someone from the round-up, probably Dieter, got on the party line and told the whole valley about the attack. Aldon knew the men who lived here, and knew they’d deal harshly with the young rustlers. They would, without thought or conscience, become outlaws to protect their livelihood.

He and Chief picked their way down the upper slopes and onto the road past the ranch. The sun had begun its slow ascent over the peaks but as he passed the ranch, he knew he didn’t want to wake anyone. Maybe Ellie was already in the kitchen, but he wasn’t ready to see her, so instead of stopping for an automobile, he urged Chief who was acting frisky to move past the ranch at a canter.

He rode through the sleeping town to the church where Quentin Rudd had recently risen from his bed. The pastor invited Aldon to stay for breakfast, but all he’d come for was to tell him where he’d be in case anyone was looking for him.

When he stopped at the Fitzgeralds, he asked Mr. Fitzgerald to take Chief to the livery, unsaddle him and comb him down. He walked the few blocks to the railroad station and boarded the train when it came. He slept a little. When the train pulled into the Artesia station, he got down. Soon he was on the main street of Artesia, leaning against the hitching post across the street from the Sheriff’s office, waiting for Oates to come down and unlock the door.

DiVoran’s Promise Posters, Paintings from Go West as well as other art can be purchased as note cards and framable art

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