Tougher Than The Rest Read online

  “I’m going to show Niall and Jamie how to inspect, load, and shoot this gun. I don’t want you two,” pointing to Drew and Will, “to stand any closer to us than right there.” He indicated a place about eight feet back, next to a rock. “Do you understand me?” The twins signaled their understanding by running the eight feet as ordered.

  “Boys, this gun is for protection. Not for fun, not to pick fights, and not to show off, but to defend yourself if you get in a bad situation. Got that so far?” Niall and Jamie nodded their understanding.

  Garner proceeded to spend the next three hours educating the boys about handling a gun. He repeated every instruction several times until the boys got it right. Niall was good, very good. But Jamie took to it as if he was born with a gun in his hand. It was instinctive. Garner had witnessed this uncanny aptitude before, and the insight didn’t thrill him. The boy would have to sort out his skill, and what to do with it, as he got older.

  They went through the entire process again after dinner. By suppertime, the marshal decided they’d progressed enough to take them to the gunsmith and negotiate a sale. Garner introduced the boys and explained what they needed. The gunsmith responded with an older, but clean, Colt revolver, and a couple boxes of shells. Within minutes Niall owned his first gun.

  ******

  The following morning Garner helped the boys load their gear and climb into the stage headed for Fort Smith.

  “You boys stay together and remember what I told you.”

  Jamie, Drew, and Will nodded at the marshal, but Niall lifted his hand to shake that of the one person who’d gone out of his way to help them. Educate them.

  “Thanks, Marshal Garner, for everything. We won’t forget you.” Niall’s voice broke as gratitude filled him. In just two days Niall had formed a bond with the man. He’d miss him.

  The marshal nodded, shaking the young man’s hand firmly before letting go. Then, in an instant, the driver smacked the reins, and they were gone.

  Unease plagued Garner at sending them off alone, but he’d done what he could. He’d taught them how to use the Colt, and talked the gunsmith into accepting almost nothing for the gun. The four MacLaren brothers had made it this far. He had to believe the rest of their journey would be safe, but the odds were against them. Nevertheless, Garner went back to the telegraph office to send a message to an old friend.

  Chapter Two

  Niall jumped off the stage in Antelope Springs. He surveyed their surroundings, searching for anyone who might be looking for four boys. It had been a long, dusty, uneventful trip, which was good and bad. Both Niall and Jamie had hoped to run into a little more action after Garner had taught them how to handle the pistol, but nothing. No Indians, no stage robbers. Just a broken down wagon abandoned along the side of the trail, and a few skeletons—cattle probably.

  “What now, Niall?” A small hand grabbed his and tugged before letting go.

  “Don’t know, Drew, except we’re all hungry. So the first thing is to get some food.” Niall smiled down at his two youngest brothers. Jamie had stayed by the stage to catch the two bags thrown to him by the driver. Not much, but at least they had some clothes, a small picture of their parents, and his Ma’s bible. They’d used one bag of money. The other remained full, and Niall realized it would have to last long enough for them to find their uncle.

  Niall turned in a circle again, but the fact was there wasn’t much to the small town. Antelope Springs was a tiny stop on the road with what appeared to be a small trading post, livery, and saloon. Maybe their uncle never received the telegrams. Maybe he just didn’t want them at his ranch.

  “You wouldn’t be Niall MacLaren, would you?” The stranger approached from the livery and headed straight for Niall.

  “Who’s asking?” Jamie spoke up before Niall could respond.

  “Got word from Marshal Trent Garner that four boys were traveling in this direction, possibly looking for Stuart MacLaren. Is that you?”

  “You’re a friend of Marshal Garner?” Niall was stunned. He couldn’t believe the marshal hadn’t mentioned he might know their uncle.

  The marshal’s an old friend of your uncle’s. The name MacLaren clicked with him and he thought you might be Stuart’s kin. Your uncle sent me to fetch the four of you. His ranch is to the south. I’m here to take you, if that’s still what you want.”

  “You know the marshal, too?” Jamie looked up at the man sent to help them.

  “Met him a time or two, but it’s your uncle who knows him. Going on ten years, I believe. And, of course, Gus, over there by the wagon.” The man pointed to a tall, wiry cowboy standing next to a couple of horses harnessed to a supply wagon. “He and Garner met just before Gus left the U.S. Marshals Service to work for your uncle. Garner passes through Fire Mountain sometimes on business. He always stops at the ranch to visit with Gus, your aunt, and your uncle. Good man.”

  The stranger extended his hand. “Pete Cantlin, and I assume you’re Niall.”

  Niall shook the man’s hand and nodded.

  “I needed to pick up a few horses your uncle bought from a rancher in Antelope Springs anyway, so your timing turned out perfect. I could use your help if you can ride. If not, the supply wagon has plenty of room for the four of you. Meet me at the livery in an hour.” He turned and walked away without a backward glance.

  ******

  Cantlin had been glad to see that the two oldest boys were experienced riders. He’d brought a couple of extra horses and gear, hoping the boys would be able to help him take the small herd south. He’d been surprised at how well they’d caught on. Niall selected the paint and Jamie the bay, and each had taken full responsibility for his horse.

  Two days later the boys stood on a hill overlooking a green valley with hundreds of cattle being driven by at least a dozen horsemen. Real cowboys. The boys had seen them before, but none made a more lasting impression than those on their uncle’s land, whooping and yelling to each other while moving their horses with ease to guide the errant strays back into the main herd.

  “Beautiful, isn’t it?” Cantlin came up behind them on his horse and leaned over the saddle horn as he surveyed the scene below.

  “Are we there, Niall?” Will jumped up and down, pointing to the valley below.

  “Is this Uncle Stuart’s?” Drew, the shyest of the four, asked. His question underscored how ready he was to finish the journey.

  “This is it boys. Your uncle is the one at the far right, riding the big roan.”

  All heads swiveled and the four stared at the man they’d traveled so far to meet—the man who would determine their future—the man who might turn them away.

  “Let’s go.” Cantlin turned his horse toward the valley floor and motioned the boys to follow.

  ******

  Stuart took off his hat and gazed up the hill as some riders and a wagon started to descend. The sun was sinking behind him, but he had no trouble making out two small figures riding with Gus in the wagon, and two larger figures riding alongside Pete. Cantlin stood out with his tall figure sitting straight on the black gelding. So the man did it, Stuart thought. He found my nephews.

  What the hell would he do with them? Fifteen years had passed since he’d seen the oldest, Niall. Stuart had left for the frontier just after Niall’s birth. Duncan and Elizabeth’s house just couldn’t handle the growing family and him. Duncan had begged his brother to stay, saying he’d enlarge the house. Stuart was adamant. Farming was Duncan’s dream, not his. The west and cattle ranching drew him. He left for his new life a few days later.

  And what a life it had become. Stuart met an older rancher, without heirs, who taught him ranching in return for taking care of the man during a long illness. Some might say it was luck, others that he’d tricked the old man, but he knew the truth. Working the ranch during the day and tending to Ike through his long illness had taken a tremendous toll on Stuart. He’d handled the hiring, firing, buying, and selling, as well as the occasional raids by Apache
s. Ike had believed in him, taught him the business, and, in the end, rewarded Stuart with the land. He’d grown the operation to at least twice its original size. His pride in the ranch was evident to anyone who met him.

  His one regret was not having boys of his own. Alicia was the love of his life, but after several years of trying, they both accepted the fact she’d never be able to have a child. Alicia believed the boys coming to their ranch to be a true gift from God. Stuart wasn’t so sure.

  ******

  “Pete.” Stuart called out as the group got within twenty feet.

  “Boss,” Cantlin said and nodded toward his companions. The appearance of the four boys and expressions on their faces told it all. Wonder, fear, hope—all exposed in varying degrees as they stared at their uncle.

  So this man is our uncle, thought Niall as he inspected the man atop the large horse. Curly, reddish-brown hair, the color of red clay, peeked out from under his hat. His skin was coarse from long hours in the sun, but he sat ramrod straight, and stared at them with eyes the color of green moss. The same eyes as their Pa.

  Niall rode forward.

  “Uncle Stuart, I’m Niall, your nephew. Mr. Cantlin said you received the message from the marshal and are expecting us.”

  “That’s so, Niall. Also got the first telegram, the one sent before you left for St. Louis. Duncan always knew to send you here if anything happened. Sorry it came to this, but...” The childless rancher felt a lump in his throat. He had no idea how to respond to these boys even though he’d spent years owning a ranch populated by up to fifteen men between the ages of sixteen and sixty. Stuart cleared his throat. “Pete, take my place and finish up here. Gus and I will take the boys to meet their aunt.”

  “Sounds good, Boss,” Pete said and took off toward the other wranglers.

  Stuart turned his horse south, leaving the boys with no choice but to follow him to their new home and an uncertain future.

  ******

  The last part of their journey was short, perhaps a couple of miles at most, but Niall wasn’t thinking about the distance. His mind tried to sort out the response from their uncle. Were they welcome or an extra burden? What would their aunt think of them? Niall realized he had little time to worry the issue when he saw the big house appear around a bend.

  “Alicia. Come out and meet your nephews,” Uncle Stuart yelled while dismounting to climb the porch steps. “Niall, you and the other boys come on in to meet your Aunt Alicia. I know she’s anxious to see you.”

  “Yes, sir.” Niall motioned for his brothers to get moving.

  “Niall, what do you think?” Jamie had walked up beside his older brother.

  “I think we better get in the house quick,” Niall said while taking in the large two-story house. “Come on, Drew, Will. Let’s go.” He watched as the twins scrambled from the wagon and ran to his side. As a group, they walked up the steps and followed their uncle into the house.

  “Well, you must be Niall.” A short, slender woman with brown hair tied into a tight bun walked up and pulled him into a hug before he had a chance to respond. She stepped back and smiled at him. “I’m your Aunt Alicia, and we are so glad all of you are here. Now, introduce me to my other nephews.”

  In turn, Jamie, Drew, and Will received the same warm smile and hug. They felt intense relief by the welcome, and began to relax as they took in the spacious room.

  “Is this our home now, Aunt Alicia?” Will walked up to his aunt with a huge smile on his face.

  “Why, yes, Will, this is your home, for as long as you want it to be.” The knot she’d carried in her stomach all day began to lessen. She hadn’t realized until this moment how much she needed her nephews to like their new home. “For as long as all of you want it to be, this is your home,” she said again so all the boys understood.

  “I imagine the four of you must be hungry. Let’s get some food in you, then we’ll show you around.” Aunt Alicia ushered her nephews into the large dining room where Uncle Stuart already sat at the head of the table.

  “Thought you boys had decided to leave,” their uncle said in a gruff tone as the boys took their places at the table. The room went silent. Their uncle stared from one to another, his eyes settling on Niall. Damn, but he looks like his father did at that age, Stuart thought, but he pushed it aside. “Well, dig in. The food’s not going to jump on your plate by itself.” And with that, their new life at the MacLaren ranch in Fire Mountain began to unfold.

  Chapter Three

  Philadelphia 1878

  12 years later

  “Father, I’ll be fine. I know it’s a long trip, and you’re concerned, but I need to do this. Alone.” Kate loved her father. They had become very close since her mother had passed away several years before. Other than his work, she was his life, and he tended to direct it the way he directed his job.

  “Katherine, I will repeat myself. You’re not traveling to California alone. If I can’t go with you, we will find a suitable companion. You have never been farther west than Texas, and the territories are still wild. It’s not the place for a young lady to be traveling alone.” From his perspective, this discussion had ended and wasn’t negotiable.

  “Father, I grew up in Texas. Well, at least until I started finishing school. I understand better than most women what to expect.” Katherine sighed. This topic had been discussed many times. She knew her father understood her capabilities, but somehow his confidence in her never figured into their discussions about the future. “I’ve sent the school board my acceptance and need to be in California in two months to setup the schoolroom and order materials. How will I find a companion who can be ready to travel on short notice, not to mention someone you’ll accept?” Frustration surged through Kate, but in her heart, she accepted her father was doing what he thought best. Even though she considered herself a confident, self-assured adult, he saw her as his daughter and his responsibility.

  “I won’t discuss this issue further, Kate. Find a companion with acceptable references I can check. Only then can you go, and not before.” Her father walked to the door before turning.

  “Katherine, you know I’m proud of you and what you’ve accomplished. My love couldn’t be stronger. But since I cannot accompany you, I need you to do this my way so your journey has the best chance of ending well. Do this for me.”

  Kate had worked hard to obtain a teaching credential from the Normal School. She’d found a position in Philadelphia right away and had already taught a couple of years. Even though she’d spent the first part of her life in Texas, her father had expected her to continue to teach and live in the East. She found her desire to explore the other half of the country too strong. With the encouragement of the administrators at the Normal School, she’d applied several months ago for a new position in Los Angeles, a fast growing city in California. Weeks had gone by without any word, so Kate assumed the position had been filled. To her surprise and delight, an urgent message had arrived a week ago stating she’d been hired, and her traveling expenses would be repaid upon her arrival. It was early June. School started in late August. Not much time.

  ******

  “Aunt Alicia!” Will searched for his aunt in the barn, but no luck. All right, where else could she be? Not in the house, in her garden, or in the barn. Of course—up the hill at the small family plot.

  Will’s shouts penetrated Alicia’s thoughts. She rose to turn toward the house and her nephew. Will was already pounding up the hill to meet her. Each Sunday, Alicia spent time at Stuart’s grave, still trying to reconcile herself to her loss. The most important person in her life was no longer by her side. A freak accident during a cattle drive five years ago had taken him from her and the boys.

  But they were no longer boys. The twins, at nineteen, appeared alike, but the similarity ended on the outside. Both had dark, russet-brown hair, much like their uncle’s, that shone dark gold in the sun. Both stood tall at over six feet each, and possessed strong bodies and broad shoulders. Few p
eople could tell them apart until they spoke.

  Tireless and outspoken, Will loved the ranch to distraction. If he ever left it would be over someone’s dead body. Drew possessed a quiet nature. The peacemaker of the family, he loved to solve problems, and yearned for an education, which would take him away in little more than a year. Both could ride most men to ground, both understood the cattle business as well as their older brothers did, and both were smitten with the same girl.

  “The Jacobsons are heading over the rise and should be here soon. Need any help?” Will looked hopeful as Alicia tried to hide her smile. Will never volunteered to help in the house. Other than helping with meal cleanup and repairs, none of the boys volunteered unless she was gravely ill, which meant bedridden.

  “No, but thank you, Will. I have everything ready. Would you alert Drew while I check the food?”

  “Well,” Will hedged, “I thought I’d welcome them first, and find the others once the Jacobsons are settled in the house. Maybe I’ll take Mr. Jacobson out to visit the new mare.”

  Will was so transparent. He wanted first crack at talking to Emily Jacobson. At seventeen, Emily possessed a striking appearance with long, flowing, brown hair and soft, blue eyes. She came from a hard-working neighboring ranch family who’d welcomed the boys when they had arrived years ago. Alicia understood why both were smitten. Emily had a natural ability to put people at ease and a contagious laugh. Drew and Will hadn’t been too discreet in their competition for Emily’s attentions for years. To her credit, Emily had treated both equally, with no hint of which one she might favor, if either. But if Alicia had to bet, she’d pick Will as Emily’s eventual choice.

  “Sure, Will. Just tell the others soon so they can clean up.” Alicia moved past him to the back door and stepped into their sprawling ranch house.