Last of a Breed

Part four - A Bit South o' Heaven1

Before leaving Surprise in a cloud of rising dust JW exchanged a hundred US dollars for Mexican pesos. With a ratio of seventeen to one it was enough to cover his expenses including pay outs to anyone with information leading to the capture of the Gentry boys.2

By mid-morning his bunch (himself, the dogs and the Gray) had traveled many hot and dusty miles south closing the distance between themselves and the Mexican line. Mulling it over in his mind JW reckoned they'd be there, in plenty of time, to noon up with the guards. 3

Coming on a sign indicating "three miles to Mexico" he reined in the Gray taking a break from the monotony of long hours in the saddle. Resting easy JW draped his left leg over the horn, relaxing while he wiped the sweat from his eyes with the remnants of an old red kerchief. Rolling a smoke he dismounted and checked the saddle. Squating on his haunches he whistled for the dogs. In a flash they appeared, tails wagging, eager for his attention. Stroking both their foreheads he smiled, and in a low whiskey growl uttered, "good doggies" then vigorously scratched their anxious behinds.4

Next time we run across a Vet, he thinks, I'll have the Doc clip their coats and give 'em a good bath. 5

Still a ways out JW made a mental note of the structures he could see in the distance, like illusions fading in and out of reality as tho' they were a mirage. The largest, he guessed, to be an administrative building used to conduct the borders business when citizens from both countries crossed over. To the east two family sized canvas tents flapped in the breeze. A third sat nearby, its sides rolled up, containing a large table where one could sit and eat. Apart from the rest stood a small shack easily located on a dark night by following your nose.6

Feigning a hint of surprise he said to the dogs trotting alongside the Gray, "hot damn boys we got us a outhouse."7

It was quite a different story on the Mexican side. Silhouetted against the background of a drab desert landscape stood a lone 'dobe hut minus a door. The remnants of a "lean to" butted up against its west wall. 8

Saddened by its impoverished appearance JW felt a twinge of sympathy for the Mexican guard, living more like a rat than a man. Drafted into a somewhat soltary existence with damn few comforts he could count on.9

None of my bidnez thought JW. 10

Mouthing an obscenity he gathered saliva and spit.11

Approachin the compound the three guards (two Gringos and a citizen soldier on the Mexican side)eyed him with caution. In the back a woman stirring a cooking pot, kept her eyes lowered, trying hard to notice his approach. In the shadow of a Saguaro cactus he could see two boys, with energy to spare, frolicking on broomstick ponies shouting and whooping it up like cowboys. 12

At the hitch rail JW dismounted and draped the reins loosely over the cross bar. Tense and achy from too many days in the saddle he rubbed his butt, for a moment, and yawned.13

Seeing the badge on JW's chest the approaching guard called out, "howdy ranger what brings ya to this dusty little bit o' heaven?" "By the way" he added "I'm Jake," extending his hand in friendship.14

"Been chasin' the Gentry boys more'n a month now and it looks as tho' I'll have to follow 'em into hell," replied JW. "Reckon I'll spend the night with you folks and head out agin come sunup."15

Jake pointed toward the Mexican side and said, "that skinny fella yonder's Pablo he'll fix yer papers 'fore ya cross."16

Eyeing the younger man JW waved remarking to Jake, "son that boy's skinny ain't he." "Looks about as narrow as a varicose vein across the rump." Still laughing Jake said, "foller me there's a place outback we kin sit and howdy in comfort." 17

Rounding the corner Jake pointed to the woman, still stirring the pot, and said, "this here's my wife Lottie. The two boys, hangin' on her skirts, are little Jake and Jasper." Winking at the freckle faced imps he said, "say hi ta the ranger boys." With that Lottie nodded hello and the boys, one an echo of the other, inquired, "them yer dogs mister."18

"Naw," said JW with a chuckle. "They picked up my scent awhile back and been trailin' me ever since."19

"Can we play with 'em mister," the boys queried a second time.20

"Sure thing, " replied JW.21

Spinning around they sped off twisting and turning like dust devils kicked up by the wind, the dogs yelping at their heels. Returning moments later, the two of them scrambling to catch the dogs, they roared into camp and came to a halt at Jakes feet nestling in the security of his arms.22

"Hey Blue," said Jake as a second guard approached from the direction of the comfort shack.23

"JW say hi ta Blue."24

"Howdy," said JW. "McQueens the last name."25

"Glad ta meetcha," replied Blue.26

Turning to Lottie Blue asked, "when's chow I'm starvin'?"27

"In five minutes," she shot back and said, "Jake honey set the table please."28

A voice, clear and sweet as honey with a hint of southern charm, sang out. "I can do that."29

"No Hildy it's too near yer time let Jake do it," Lottie replied.30

Not since Tuscon, and a jezebel named Socorro,had JW wanted another mans woman. Yet today, as he stared at the radiant glow of this youthful vixens face, a spark was kindled in his soul.31

In a place, where the punishing effects of the dry desert heat aged inhabitants well beyond their years JW was moved by her delicate beauty. Giddy and weak this rough and tumble ranger watched, in silence, as she swept across the space, that lay, between them. Stepping up to JW she smiled. 32

"I'm Hildy, Blues wife" she said, welcome to our humble hacienda Mr. McQueen we're always glad to have a fresh face at the table."33

"You'll join us for lunch won't you," she cooed.34

JW swallowed hard and nodded indicating he would.35

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