Montana Madness: A Novel. Sioux Dallas

of their room. They had been so crowded at home and no way to keep anything of theirs private. This was pure bliss for them.

      Bozo and Corker, her Border Collies, came to her wagging tails so hard they looked as if the back half of the body was curving. They were loving dogs and good guard dogs for the house.

      Continuing to look out the kitchen window toward the barn, Ginger determined that she must take a couple of hands and ride up to the summer camp. She’d take a few of Juanita’s pies and some homemade bread to the working men staying up there.

      Ginger was pleased to have a letter from BLM giving her permission to place a brand on the mustangs. It would be a freeze brand on the left side of the neck. The first numbers would be the date they were branded and then a number assigned to the horse with a MP to show it was the Proudfoot Majestic Ranch. This would be registered with BLM.

      Inspectors had been good to look over horses brought in for sale for dog food. If they found a freeze brand, they notified BLM and the ranch where the horse had been. If the horse was stolen, there would be in investigation.

      If the rancher was selling them, he or she would have to face charges. It was surprising the small number of ranchers with a larcenous streak.

      Ginger was innocently naïve about trusting people in general. She was learning fast that she must view everyone in a slightly suspicious manner until she had checked them out.

      When she went out to the barn, she was greeted by Moose, a big man who had worked for her grandfather for years. He earned his name by his size. He was a gentle soul and loyal to the last breath. Moose stood a good six-five and weighed well over two hundred pounds. His mount was a big, rangy buckskin that was half Quarter horse and half draft horse. His mount, Cloud Walker, was a source of amusement to the hands. The horse had been raised and trained by Moose and was like a cuddly dog. He followed Moose around and kept his head over Moose’s shoulder when he stopped. He would lean and sigh as if he was so tired. Truthfully, Cloudy would follow anyone who had carrots or something that he liked to eat.

      * * * * *

      Frank and Ginger went together to visit Hank. He was bellowing at the nurses that he was not an invalid and could bathe himself. Ginger grinned at Frank and they went on in the room. Hank blustered about being treated like an infant, but he did settle down.

      They talked about what was going on in the county and Ginger told Hank of the many concerned calls she had received. Frank told him what men had been assigned to various duties and how they were covering the work.

      “But we don’t have enough hands to do all of that. It sounds as if the men are being worked to death and we can’t afford to hire more.” Hank was chomping at the bit to be up and back at work.

      “I have news for you big man,” Ginger said hugging him. “The doctor told me you could come home shortly if you behave yourself and rest a lot. You must cooperate with the staff here and do as they say. Please don’t allow yourself to get upset. It will only hinder your recovery.”

      “I’ll cooperate when they leave me alone. I’m going to have to plant my foot against some people to make them understand when I say No more!”

      He glared at the nurse in the room. She pretended like she hadn’t heard him and continued checking his IV and then quickly placed a thermometer in his mouth when he opened it again to voice his displeasure.

      “Leave that there unless you’d like to have it in your south end.”

      Ginger walked to the window and looked out so Hank could not see her grinning. She turned as the nurse left the room. “We need to discuss some things with you. After all, you are my foreman.”

      “Fire away. I know my buckaroo here is doing a good job though. I’ll be back soon and we’ll kick those cowardly night raiders.”

      Ginger had intended to tell him he would not be working, but wisely decided to wait until he came home. “You will be in a wheelchair for a while when you come home, so, I’m keeping you in my house until you’re able to plant that foot where you want it.”

      Hank started to protest, but Frank interrupted him. “Now boss, you know there’s no one in the bunkhouse to help you. Further more, they’ll all be gone most of the time. It won’t kill you to stay in the main house for a short time. It’ll make it easier on Ginger because she’ll have help. The two oldest Ming sisters live and work at the ranch now.”

      “What! You finally got Juanita to admit she needed help?”

      “She was happy to get the help. We’re feeding the men at the main house now. She’s doing more cooking, cleaning and everything that goes with it.”

      “Ginger, you’re an angel. No wonder everyone thinks so well of you.”

      “By the way. I had a call from an Amish farmer offering any help he could give. He explained that Grandfather had been a big help to him when it was needed and he wanted to return the favor.”

      “That’s great,” Hank gave a big yawn. “I don’t know why, but I seem to sleep the days away a--nd th n--igh--” He was asleep.

      “Good. They’re giving him something to keep him calm,” Frank observed.

      “They probably learned quickly that the best way to get along with Hank was to keep him sedated,” Ginger laughed. “Let’s go. No telling how long he’ll sleep.”

      They walked quietly out. Ginger suddenly came to an abrupt halt. “Oh, cheese it. I forgot to tell him that I’m going up to the summer camp.”

      “Maybe it’s good that you didn’t tell him. You know how he would explode. He doesn’t need to lay and fret about it when he’s healing. I’ll send two reliable men with you and you can take a radio in case you need to call for help.”

      “What would I do without you, Frank. Let’s get home. I have to make plans and pack necessary equipment.”

       Chapter Six

      Frank and Ginger attended a cattlemen’s association meeting to hear the latest developments. She reported that the BLM had given permission for the mustangs to be branded so they could keep track of them.

      The ranchers present were pleased with this report but realized that it would mean more paperwork and record keeping. Several ranchers told of having to chase people away from their property at night.

      James Deerhunter reported that his ranch, the Leaning Tree, had one attempted day raid. “I still think this is a gang with a strong leader. We’ll all probably be shocked to discover who all is involved when we break these hoodlums. Notice I said when, not if.”

      Alan thanked everyone for their comments and then added some of his own. “I hope all of you have recognized our guests and will make them welcome. We have some friends who are not cattle ranchers but have vowed to be helpful to us and do all they can to prevent criminals from getting the upper hand in our county. When I call your names please stand. Jacob Rittenhouse and his wife Katie; Amos Zook and his wife Rebecca; Samuel Boratraeger and his wife Sarah, Allen Kemp and his wife Annie and Fisher Yoder and his wife Mary. Let’s give them a warm welcome.”

      The crowd burst into welcome applause. As Allen dismissed them, they crowded around to welcome the Amish neighbors and invite them to have refreshments. Most of the ranchers knew the Amish farmers and liked them.

      Roy Service gave a loud whistle and apologized. He said that Ginger had not given a report on Hank and everyone was concerned. She gladly told them that he was improving and would be home probably in another week.

      She and Frank had decided not to tell that she would be going to summer camp as they were not sure if there was a spy among them. Frank didn’t want it known that she would be riding out on the trail even with two hands for help and protection.

      * * * * *