It was someone that I had never seen before. I shoved the Greener in Myers stomach to get his undivided attention. “Who is he?” I asked.
He snickered as he answered. “He’s a man you don’t want to trifle with. That’s Thornton Hewell Hawkens.”
“Thornton Hewell Hawkens,” I thought. “Who in the world is that?”
“Listen Myers, if he is someone important, why in the world is he handing out with you? Most people don’t want anything to do with jailbirds,” I paused for a second as a groan came from the unconscious man. “Help me get him up on that bench.”
I pulled the shotgun out of Myers brisket and he stooped down to help pull Thornton Hewell Hawkens up on the bench in front of the saloon. He was coming out of his sleep as he put a hand up to where I thumped him.
“Just who is this Thornton fellow?” I asked.
That brought a snort from Myers. “Why, he’s one of the richest men in California. In California circles his bank rivals that of Sam Brannan and Wells Fargo.”
“And he is with you, why?” I further questioned.
He huffed a bit and then started to explain. “I know people here in Colorado. He’s interested in becoming a stockholder in some of the mining operations.”
“Does he know why you were in prison?”
“He does,” he remarked sharply. “He also knows that the charges were fraudulent, that I was charged because of my connection with Billington and his daughter, not because of any wrong-doing on my part.”
I eyed him over, then stood up, lifting the Greener a bit which caught his attention. “Is that so?” I answered. “What about your connection with Merker?”
He snorted out a laugh. “I know nothing of what Merker has been up to. I haven’t seen him since before I went to prison, nor have I heard from him,” then he laughed again. “I hear that he’s been giving you a fuss.”
“That’s what I want to stop. Has he contacted you since you’ve been out of prison?” I asked.
“Told you,” he snapped. “I haven’t seen him since I went to prison,” he hesitated, “nor do I care to!”
“How about since you’ve been out?”
There came a groan, and a muffled voice from Hawkens, “Merker? Where…”
“Sssh, sssh, you rest easy,” ordered Myers. “This is Marshal Forrest and he was just asking me some questions.”
He looked up and fell forward onto the boardwalk. A hollow thud sounded as he head hit the wooden planks. Then I heard a woman’s shriek. “Murder! Someone get the sheriff. There’s been a murder!”
I looked up into the scornful face of the woman on the train. “Did you kill him with that dreadful gun?”
“Get him back on the bench,” I ordered Myers. “I need to shut this woman up.”
“You going to thump her with that shotgun?” he snorted and began to pick up Hawkens.
“Ma’am,” I said reaching out to grab her arm.
“Help!” she screamed. “Help! I’m being molested! Help!”
I surely wanted to thump her alongside the head. Maybe it would knock some of the silliness out of her, but figured that it wouldn’t serve any purpose except to quiet her.
“Lula?” came a quiet voice. “Lula, what’s all the commotion?”
“Oh Thornton,” she squealed. “I thought you were dead. I thought that dreadful man shot you.”
The only thing that came to my mind was the name, “Lula?” When we were surrounded by half-drunk men coming out of the saloon. All I could do was sigh…
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Today in the Texas Revolution: Lead elements of the Mexican army arrive at San Patricio.
Author: Ira Paine
Echoes From the Campfire
By death and hell pursued in vain,
To Thee the ransomed seed shall come,
Shouting their heavenly Zion gain,
And pass through death triumphant home.”
–Charles Wesley
“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”
–Romans 5:10(NASB)
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I am sitting here, at my desk, staring at the computer. I’m trying to come up with the right words to put down, and with my limited vocabulary it isn’t easy. I’m thinking of the times that I have visited Arlington and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. When I stand there, I find myself unable to qualify my words as they are so inadequate. Humbleness, for sure; indebtedness to their sacrifice. Valor, the giving of their lives so that others may live. Perhaps the words of General MacArthur rumble deep in my soul: Duty–Honor–Country.
The thoughts are there, not just in the mind, but down in the soul. Most cannot comprehend unless they have worn the uniform, put their boots to a spit-shine, and folded the flag after it had been draped over a casket. Some shake and tremble, some cry as the shots ring out and “Taps” are played for the last time. Most cannot comprehend unless they have had the knock on the door, visited by a chaplain and a letter from the Department from which the person served.
“Alone and far removed from earthly care
The noble ruins of men lie buried here.
You were strong men, good men
Endowed with youth and much the will to live.
I hear no protest from the mute lips of the dead.
They rest: there is no more to give.
So long my comrades,
Sleep ye where you fell upon the field.
But tread softly please
March O’er my heart with ease.
March on and on,
But to God alone we kneel.”
–Audie Murphy
When I stand at the Tomb of the Unknown, or gaze at the crosses or bronze markers of any military cemetery the feeling of pride also begins to move within my being. I am grateful that I wore the uniform of an airman of our country. I count it a privilege to stand among men and women, so dedicated that they would give their last ounce of devotion. It is an honor to stand among the brave and the fallen.
I get the same feeling in the stillness of a morning sometimes, especially around Easter when I think of the Savior who suffered and died for me. There is that rumbling deep in my soul when I think of His duty and how He performed it and faced the enemy of my soul, storming the gates of hell, to redeem me with His precious blood.
Memorial Day — let it be a time of celebration with family, but also, stop, look down at the fallen who have died to give you the freedom to celebrate. Then look up to the heavens, seek the One who died to give you the chance at eternal life and eternal celebration with Him.
“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”
–John 15:13 (NASB)
Coffee Percs
Sit down, coffee’s almost done. I’m brewin’ up some of that good ol’ camp coffee. Sure is goin’ to be a busy weekend for some. That’s fine and right, but hope the folk out there don’t forget the reason for the little holiday. Remember those who sacrificed for this country–those that gave so that we can celebrate this weekend.
Take time to remember the fallen pard. It should be a time of celebration, but it should also be a time of solemnity as we remember. As far as I know I only had two of my relatives die in service to their country. One was a distant cousin and I’d have to go look up his first name; he was one of the Fansons and he died at Normandy during D-Day. My Uncle James died in Vietnam back in 1966. I can remember coming home from school and seein’ the Pastor’s car in front of the house. Not a real strange sight, as he would make family visits. But as soon as I walked in the door I could sense somethin’ wasn’t right. My Uncle Bobby – wasn’t wounded, but he was a corpsman at Port Moresby and went insane. He spent much of his adult life in the state hospital.
So don’t take for granted their sacrifice while you’re enjoyin’ family. They didn’t complain; they had their duty and they went and did it. Something more people should consider. This should not be a day of hatred, but a day of remembrance.
Sorry, Pard, not my normal, entertainin’ self. What say I pour you another cup?
Live in the freedom that was purchased for you, but always remember. Just as we should never forget what Jesus did on the cross. He sacrificed His life so that we could be free from the bondage of sin. Live in the freedom that He purchased for you, but always remember.
Go ahead, and get on down the road. You be safe, y’hear? By the way, my new book is ready for purchase on Amazon: The Outlaws of Boulder Canyon. Grab yurself a copy, treat yurself to some fine readin’ and a good story. Don’t be in such a rush that yuh forget to check yur cinch. One of my old pards, fell and that’s what I’m a-thinkin’ he did.
Echoes From the Campfire
The entire ball of wax often seemed masked in a cacophonous, chilling cloak draped across the narrow shoulders of that insatiable, bony-fingered, skull-faced Thief of Souls.”
–J. Lee Butts (And Kill Them All)
“They are worthless, a work of mockery; In the time of their punishment they will perish.”
–Jeremiah 51:18 (NASB)
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Absolutely absurd! It is absurd that the gay lifestyle is being accepted as normal. Paul tells us that this is foolish and that they exchanged the truth of God for a lie. It is idiotic that there is a question about gender. That is totally foolish as there are only two genders–male and female God created them. It is also foolish to be confused; if that is the case, look to the author of confusion! It is morally depraved to even think that a mother would kill her own child, yet there are those out there to defend the right of them to do so. We are living in a moronic, absurd, bizarre world.
Now, I just read this last week: the state of Washington has given you another choice. It used to be that you could be buried or cremated upon death. Now you can become human compost. Just think of it–your Uncle Louis could be snuggling up to your tomato plants, and Aunt Agnes hugging the cucumbers. One supporter even made the statement, “Oh great, you can plant tomatoes in me.”
In all of the above, what has happened to the dignity of man? When you turn away from God anything is available. Man no longer has a source; he is only an animal, or a clod. Paul wrote, “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting.” (Romans 1:28, NKJV) Another version uses “depraved, worthless, reprobate” for a “debased mind.” In all of these cases you get the idea. These people have no moral guidelines or moral base.
Just ponder the following for a few minutes. “In our country, over 50% of children born to women under 30 years of age are born without fathers, and 64% of children under six are left alone for large portions of the day.” (Swanson) “The majority of households in America are now led by single women. Over 50% of children born to women under 30 years of age are illegitimate (this percentage is an increase from scarcely 5% in 1960, and 1% in the 1800s). Half of marriages now end in divorce.” (Swanson)
I used to wonder how the Antichrist would be able to take over. When I see the absurdity of American culture it is now apparent. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, “And for this reason God will send them a strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12, NKJV) Perhaps one of the saddest statements is when Paul, writing to the church at Rome speaks of those who “approve of those who practice them” [debased practices].
So next time, check your garden compost, Cousin Tom might be mixed in. Even more important, in this crazy, absurd world of unrighteousness heed the words of Paul, “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.” (2 Thessalonians 2:15, NKJV) I just listened to Ravi Zacharias and Francis Chan speak on the importance of making sure sermons are fully filled with the Word of God and not just enticing words.