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"Reckon I'll talk to Sir Gerald and see what we can work out. He mentioned $12 a head, but that's a bit rich for my blood. It don't give me much leeway for a profit when I ship."
Motioning for Zach to follow him again, Billings rode down the rise to the creek that ran across that part of the ranch. Pulling up under some Cottonwoods, he dismounted. Zach did the same and led Gris to the stream and let him drink a little.
"Tell you what Zach, I like you and ifin you're serious about startin a herd, meet me here in the morning after breakfast," Billings suggested. "I can let you have up to 50 cattle for $8 a head. That'd give you the start of a good size herd and at a price that leaves you room for some profit."
"But Sir Gerald said..."
"Don't you worry about Astor; this is between you and me." He noticed Zach hesitating. "Look nobody gets hurt and everyone gets what they want. You get the start of a herd at a price you can stomach and I get a little fee for helping you."
"Sounds like rustling to me," Zach said. "Don't know if I want to get caught up in that."
"You don't have to. Me and a couple of my boys, Jim Dawson and Sam Colton, will meet you at that trail head we rode by earlier. You give me the money and take the cattle. Hell, I'll even give you a bill of sale and the boys will help you drive em to your spread. All you'll have to know is that you bought some cattle and got a bill of sale."
"Let me think on it until after supper," Zach replied. "If I'm a mind to take you up on your offer, I'll let you know how many head I can handle."
Billings nodded and mounted his horse. "See you after supper."
Zach watched him ride away toward the bunk house. "You'll see me after supper and then you have a lot to answer for," he said softly. Zach mounted and rode to the ranch house to report the day's happenings to Sir Gerald.
To Be Continued
- COMMENTS
dirtyoldbiman8 months agoGood story and plot, but, Mr. billings is far too stupid. He didnt even ask where Zack's ranch was before offering stolen cattle which is a hanging offense.
Anonymousover 2 years agoWhen the "offer" by the ranch boss to get the cattle to Zack, he shouldn't have said anything about talking to Astor. He gave himself away and it took away from the story.
Anonymousalmost 4 years agoHe shouldn't have given himself away to the range boss but should have just "gone along with him", then nailed his ass later!
Anonymousalmost 5 years agoIf he's trying to find out about the ranch boss stealing cattle, he's a piss poor actor!
deJay_13over 10 years agoI get enjoyment also from reading the comments.
The comment regarding "dinner" and "supper" was in error. The correct order is BREAKFAST, DINNER (the large midday meal) and SUPPER.
Great writing.
Thanks
de Jay
thunderfoot1959almost 11 years agoYou're a good writer. This is a nit-pick and perhaps an editing oversight.
"Anti-bellum" means "against the war." "Antebellum" means "before the war," and is often used to describe architecture as well as events in the American South prior to the Civil War (also referred to as the War Between the States, War for Southern Independence, or War of Northern Aggression <g>).
Sidney43almost 11 years agoLike the story, good characters and lots of action set in the old west. I did think the actions of the Commanchero's as written was a bit too bold, as they would more likely have tried to out flank them rather than a frontal assault. Likewise, the actions of the ranch boss offering cattle at a discount was just plain stupid given that Zach is staying in the main house and apparently a friend of the owner. Still, you are not writing a novel and the plot has to move forward, so minor issues for sure.
bruce22almost 11 years agoSir Gris sounds like a top horse and Lady Kathleen seems to be losing her airs of Lady. Like all Western heroes he won't press matters. She will have to take the iniative!
Billings is about the stupidest villain I have seen in years....
