Vern Jordan was there with Bob and Cathy. He spoke to Emerson. "These two are everything to me and the missus. They are old enough to be on their own, but as parents we worry. I know the sort of things that are in front of you. We made a few drives in Texas over the years. I want you to know you have my permission to spank either one of them as the need arises." Vern showed a smile, "I couldn't ask for a better crew for them to trail with, or a better boss. I know you will do your best."
Cathy hugged her father, then Bob shook his hand. Finally, Emerson shook his hand and looked into Jordan's eyes. He said nothing, but Vern Jordan knew he had received Emerson's commitment to all he could to keep Cathy and Bob safe.
Pedro was in charge of the chuck wagon and Pat Casey rode out front with him. Ernie Hooker and Miguel took point with Bob and Cathy behind in the swing. Tom rode flank behind Cathy while Tim Robinson did the same on the other side of the herd, behind Bob. Jack Robinson had charge of the remuda and Emerson, Maria, and Billy rode drag.
As dusk approached the herd had gone almost twelve miles and Emerson was satisfied. Everyone seemed to know their jobs and performed them well. Maria had held up well, although drag was the dustiest place she could have been. From time to time Emerson had seen her cut off steers trying to quit the herd. He found himself admiring her determination. She never questioned his orders when he began the drive.
Maria had been furious when Emerson told her to ride drag. It wasn't that she felt she shouldn't be expected to handle any riding chore. She just felt Emerson was trying to be rough on her personally. She was determined to do the best job possible and show him he couldn't break her.
It was a two hours into the drive when Billy drifted through the dust and close enough to talk to Maria. "I guess Emerson likes you," he smiled. "You started in the best place."
"I think the dust has gotten to you, Billy. This is the worst job on the drive! He's just trying to teach me humility." Maria was still angry.
"Well, I could be wrong, but usually we switch positions every day. That would mean we will only have half a day of this dust. Tomorrow, those riding drag will to it all day." Billy turned to chase a steer back into the group.
Pedro had dinner ready when Emerson, Maria, and Billy rode up to the camp fire. Pat, Miguel, and Ernie had already finished and were back out circling the herd. The rest were working on their meals.
"I never knew beans and biscuits could taste so good," Cathy spoke as she dished more onto her plate. "I hope I don't gain weight on this trip. If I do, Pedro, it will be your fault."
Pedro, who had not been thrilled being named cook, flashed a big grin. Emerson knew the man would respond to the praise of a pretty girl and enjoy his job a little more. Women did bring certain advantages with them, even on a trail drive.
Tom Gordon stood as he ate. "I hope that saddle gets softer tomorrow! I feel like I won't ever be able to sit again."
Everyone laughed at Tom's discomfort. Billy spoke up, "Tom, it'll get worse before it gets better, but in a couple of days you'll feel like you were born in the saddle."
Maria joined the conversation. "I realize a bath is out of the question, but is there someplace we can clean up a bit? I feel like I have half of New Mexico in my clothes."
"Pedro, every evening when you set up camp, would you stretch a tarp from the wagon out somehow so the ladies can have some privacy." Emerson smiled, "I suspect they are more concerned about those things than these cowboys. Water is our enemy, right men?"
"Actually, Emerson, I thought I'd jump in every stream and water hole we came across." Tom laughed, "I hope that doesn't mean I'm off the drive."
Emerson knew he had a good crew, if a little unusual, and enjoyed the minutes spent at the camp fire listening to the good humored banter. It was important to keep the morale up on a difficult undertaking and this group had the right balance of youth and experience. If he could stay on top of problems as they appeared, it could be a very successful drive.
Emerson gave out orders for night duty and the next morning. "There will be four shifts of three riders watching the herd every night. Every two hours we'll switch. That should give everyone time to sleep. Decide what shift you want and we will work it that way every night, unless something unforeseen happens."
"The riders will rotate positions on the drive every morning, except Pat will lead and I'll stay at drag for awhile. Breakfast should be done by daylight. Now decide your shifts." Emerson stood by the fire and listened to the various theories as to what shift was the best.
When it was over, Bob, Cathy, and Tom had the shift after Pat, Ernie, and Miguel. Pedro and the Robinsons were next with Maria, Billy and Emerson taking the last.
Maria then surprised Emerson and the others by declaring, " I'll ride drag for a few days. I don't want any favors by starting with a half day." She looked at Emerson. "I can hold up my end."
Billy Hatko laughed at Emerson's confused expression. "I suppose I can survive back there for a while, too. You have to wonder where she gets these ideas, don't you, Emerson?"
Emerson realized he didn't know everything that was going on, but was too tired to attempt to get to the bottom of it. He simply turned and prepared his bedroll.
It seemed like he had just closed his eyes when Pedro was shaking him awake. Emerson sat up and pulled his boots on. Billy was waking up nearby and Maria was standing by the fire, drinking coffee.
Emerson was amazed at how good Maria looked. She showed no effects of the previous day and the short night. "Maria, how can you look so good this time of morning?" Emerson asked before he was fully awake.
Showing surprise, Maria responded, "Well thank-you, Boss. I bet you say that to all the hands."
Emerson laughed and then looked over at Billy. "I definitely do not! Look at that creature over there. No matter how long we were at sea, he never looked very good."
The three soon were mounted and riding out to the herd. The Robinsons went in to catch a little more sleep while Maria, Billy and Emerson circled the cattle. Emerson found himself considering Maria as he rode. She always seemed to be at odds with him. How did she figure out he was cutting her a break with the drag yesterday? He had seen the quick resentment in her eyes when he first assigned her to it. He thought she may openly question him. Instead, she was determined to show she was as good or better than the next rider. He had to admire her spirit!
The day went much like the previous one, except it seemed much longer. Emerson occasionally rode beside Billy or Maria. Both of them were in good spirits and would talk and smile into the dust. Maria seemed to be friendly and Emerson found himself enjoying an unpleasant job.
Over the next few days, a gradual pattern developed. Emerson noticed that Tom would be near Cathy as they ate at the camp fire. Bob was always eager to please Emerson and constantly asked questions about various methods of fighting. Emerson tried to give some encouragement, but a trail drive allowed little opportunity to give Bob any detailed lessons.
Tom wore a colt, as did all the men, and occasionally asked Emerson about learning to draw it fast. "Tom, I hope you never have to use that gun on a man, but if you do, remember accuracy is more important than speed. Make your first shot count. I've heard a few stories of how a fast man was killed by a slower one that shot straight. The thing is keep your nerve. Concentrate on the job and don't think about anything else. That's about the best advice I can give you," Emerson finished.
The Robinsons did their work and were quiet men, keeping to themselves and the older men seemed to be comfortable with each other. Billy was fun for everyone and had no pattern at meal times. He spent a lot of time with Bob, especially after he explained how he had shown Emerson most of what Emerson knew. More than a few times Emerson watched Billy holding his fists up and gesturing to Bob to try to match Billy's movements. Emerson smiled as he thought how delighted Billy was to have someone that wanted to listen to him.
Maria was friendly enough and she and Emerson often would sit near each other while they ate. Emerson noticed that they developed a habit of glancing at each other when someone would make a wild statement or discuss a difficult situation. He realized he would look to see Maria's thoughts and she would do the same with him.
On the fourth night as Emerson rode to the camp fire Pat Casey was there to meet him. "Emerson, there is a water hole ahead about ten miles and I rode up and checked on it. We've been lucky so far and this is a big place with plenty of water. The problem is some poor Mexican has decided to live there and has a garden near the water. We'll never be able to keep the cattle from destroying it. They will be thirsty and we won't have much control of them when they smell the water. What do you want to do?" Pat was glad to let Emerson make the decision.
"Pat, I'll head out early and talk to him. No one plants a garden along the only water within a day's ride. I guess he thought no one would try this trail again. You bring the cattle as usual." Emerson was concerned but showed no sign of it.
"If you don't mind, Boss, I'll go with you." It was Maria. I deserve some time away from the wrong end of these cattle and this man may not speak English. As you are aware, I am part Spanish and can speak it fluently. I want to see how you handle this situation."
Emerson smiled and gave Billy, who was about to speak, a warning look. "I hadn't thought of that. Of course you should go with me. Billy, take care of things back there."
