A Ranger's Christmas (Lone Star Ranger Book 4) by Griffin James J

Author:Griffin, James J. [Griffin, James J.]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Painted Pony Books
Published: 2014-11-30T05:00:00+00:00

3

Two days later, around mid-afternoon, they reached the outskirts of Saint Gall. The bustling community had sprung up around the Army’s Fort Stockton, and indeed many people, including the Texas Rangers, mistakenly referred to the town itself by that name.

One reason the town’s site had been chosen for a settlement was its proximity to Comanche Springs, one of the few large sources of dependable water in the area. The original settlers were mainly Irish, German, and Mexican immigrants from San Antonio. It served as a hub for the region, catering to ranchers, farmers, freighters, and buffalo hunters.*

“We’ll set up camp here,” Captain Quincy said. They had stopped alongside a stream which emanated from the springs. “Soon as we’re finished, you’ll all have permission to go into town. Not everyone at once, of course. I’ll draw names, which will set the order.”

“How long do you figure on stayin’ in town, Cap’n?” Lieutenant Bob asked.

“I’m not certain,” Quincy answered. “Probably two nights, mebbe three. I have to send a telegram to Headquarters to let them know we’ve arrived, and ask what our next orders will be. And tell them the gang which was raisin’ so much ruckus, includin’ murderin’ Nate’s family and killin’ so many of our pards, is finished. That means we have to wait for a reply, which might take a day. We have to resupply, of course. We also need to have permanent repairs made to the chuck wagon. In addition, I want to try and pick up a few new recruits. And I’d like to get George and Dan to a proper doctor, so he can examine them. Jim, too.”

“There’s no need for that, Cap’n,” Dan objected. “I’m doin’ just fine.”

“Me, too,” Jim added.

“The same goes for me,” George said. “I’ll be back on my feet and cookin’ for you boys again in no time.”

“Nonetheless, humor me,” Quincy answered. “Bob, I’ll need you to notify the town marshal we’re in town, and will be here for a few days. I’ll ride into town with you. I’d also like to notify the commander at Fort Stockton of our presence, and possibly to arrange a meeting with him.”

“Sure, Dave,” Lieutenant Bob answered.

“Good. Men, let’s set up camp,” Quincy ordered. “The faster that’s done, the faster y’all will get to town.”

****

Unlike the impression most Easterners had from reading dime novel stories about the West, the first thing most cowboys did when they reached town wasn’t to head straight for the saloons, gambling parlors, and dance halls. After weeks or months on the trail, the first thing they wanted to do was clean up. Drinking and gambling could wait a bit.

So, the first two stops most cowboys made were to the local Chinese laundry, or washerwoman’s, to drop off their trail-filthy clothes to be cleaned, then on to the local barbers or hotels, for shaves, trims, and baths. The Rangers, Nate and Hoot included, were no exceptions. The two young lawmen dropped off most of their clothes at a laundry run by a local widow, then went to the barber shop located inside the Fort Stockton Hotel.

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