I tried to get Molly to ride with Marta and Charlie, but she wanted to ride with me, bless her heart.  It was very cold and the time of year in which we could get some heavy snow.  I wasn’t riding back the same direction we had come, so we made sure we had ample supplies when we reached Chama, using the horses I had brought along for Marta and Charlie as pack horses, I cut across country.
    There was one small village about a half day’s ride from Chama and then nothing until we arrived in Durango.  There was some forest we had to travel through, but not the high peaks of the Divide.  From time to time we found trails, but mostly I just headed across country.  It was something that I used to like to do; just get out and travel in God’s creation.  Now it seems like I ride on the rails most anywhere I have to go.
    The second night out Molly was tending to making supper.  I found a spot along the San Juan.  The river was running fairly swiftly for this time of year.  We crossed it just before dusk.  I like to cross rivers when I come to them; camp on the other side.  A person never knows what might happen during the night and the water might rise.
    After a supper of bacon and beans and a surprise.  Molly made some fry bread and inside she stuffed some apricots.  Nice little sweet treat on the trail.  We were sitting together, blankets thrown around us, listening to the sounds of the night.  A few yards away we could hear the rippling water of the San Juan as it coursed its way down to where it would meet the Piedra.
    “We haven’t done this in a long, long time,” she sighed she sipped on her coffee.
    “Too long,” I replied.  “We’re, well I’m gettin’ too civilized.  Guess that’s what a woman and her finery does to a man.”
    She tried to punch me with her elbow.  “Complaining?” she asked.
    “No, but at times I miss the olden days.”
    “The days without me,” she goaded.
    “Not really, but there is somethin’ ’bout bein’ out in the wilderness.  Somethin’ ’bout gettin’ away from all the junk that society brings to a town,” I said, and immediately following came the sound of a howl vibrating through the trees.
    Molly huddled closer to me.  “Wolves,” she muttered.
    “Nah, just coyotes,” I replied.  “Listen, you can tell the difference.  Remember the wolves back at the wreck, and now pay attention when these coyotes begin their cacophony.”
    For several minutes we sat there.  Just listening and enjoying each other’s company while drinking the hot black coffee.  I chuckled, while shaking my head.
    “What’s so funny?” she asked putting her cup down on a rock.
    “Funny how thoughts all of a sudden go through your head,” I said and she looked at me.  “For some reason I could hear the water of the San Juan and thought about the time I almost drowned on a trail drive up to Abilene.”
    “You never told me that,” she remarked.  
    “We were crossin the Cimarron.  It’s a strange river.  It’s either in flood stage or dry as a bone.  Well, it was floodin’ and we were crossin’.  Horse went down and I went under and to top it all off a steer gored my leg.  I thought for sure I was seein’ ol’ St. Pete at the pearly gates wavin’ me in, when my pard, Elias Butler pulled me out.”
    “Are you being serious with me?” she questioned, her eyes wide in fear.  “You’re not funning me?”
    “You’ve seen the scar on my leg.  I’m surprised yuh haven’t asked ’bout it,” I paused then continued.  “Truly, he saved my life, I thought I was a gonner that time.”  I laughed a little, “Funny thing is, Elias was scared to death of crossin’ rivers and here he was savin’ my life.  The good Lord was sure with me that time.”
    I stood up, “I’m goin’ to refill my cup.  You just sit there.”
    However, I didn’t go to the fire, but picked up the shotgun that was next to me.  I went up to the fire, set my cup on a rock next to it, and then peered out into the night.  If took a few moments for my eyes to adjust.  The night had just gotten quieter.
    “Miles?” Molly whispered.
    “Shhh, I was wonderin’ when they were goin’ to show up…”

We found Lucas in one of the corners, feeding a fire.  He was very intent on his work.  He would put in a log, then peer outside to the darkness.
    “Lucas,” I said to get his attention.  “You know, by looking into the fire, then looking into the dark you can’t see anything.  You are blind, so to speak.  If you really want to see what is going on out there move away from the fire.”
    Theo came over to me, “Miles, come with me,” he suggested.  “You won’t believe this.”
    I went away with him while Molly stayed with Lucas.  He took me where we had laid Clem Ebert.  “Miles,” whispered Theo, “he’s alive and asking for yuh.”
    “What?” I answered, looking at Theo with widened eyes.
    Looking down I saw Ebert motion with his finger for me to get closer.  “Sorry, Marshal,” he moaned.  “Wish I’d known yuh proper.  Thankee for keepin’ yur promise.  Will yuh shake my hand?”
    I reached out my hand to grasp his.  I just couldn’t believe he was alive, but then I’ve seen men who had been gut shot live several hours.  Maybe it was the cold that helped him stay longer.  
    Squeezing his hand, I admonished him, “Clem, not too late to make it right with the Lord.”
    He lifted his head, smiled and pulled my hand to his chest.  “I…”  He was smiling as he lost consciousness.  I held my hand there until he finally took his last breath.
    “If that don’t beat all,” uttered Theo.
    Standing up I continued to stare at Clem Ebert.  Then turned to Theo and said, “One thing for sure, Theo.  We don’t know the time or place any of us leavin’ this world.  I think Clem died proudly and in the arms of Jesus.”
    Theo sort of grunted, saying, “Yeah, ahh, maybe so…” and walked away.
    The next morning we received news that the rails were almost repaired and a train should be on the way to pick up the survivors.  There would be a doctor on the train.  Late afternoon we heard the whistle.  With that there came a shout from those in the tented area.  Those who were able in the passenger car came to the windows to look.  Finally, some of them smiled with hope.
    Everyone who was able stood out watching the train chug up to us.  Steam rolled out as it stopped.  Theo had to force the people to stay behind a restraining line.  “Get with your loved ones,” he commanded.  “If yur travelin’ single and aren’t hurt stand out of the way.”
    Two men came our way carrying black bags.  One I recognized from my short stay in Taos a while back.  He came our direction while the other doctor went into the baggage car.  Nodding at me, he stooped down to check on Marta.  She was conscious and had longer spells of being conscious the past few days.  He looked at her eyes, examined her head, and would hum to himself.  Then he prodded her and upon hitting one spot she yelped–again the hum.
    “Lots of pain?” he asked Marta.
    She tried to smile, “Only when I’m awake or try to move.”
    “Well, you do have a bad gash on your head and a concussion.  I need to get you to a place a little more private so I can see if you have any swelling or discoloring.”
    Standing he looked at me.  “Marshal, can you help me rig up a place in one of the cars to do an examination?”
    I went with him while Charlie stooped down to hold Marta’s hand.  Within minutes we had rigged up a place in the passenger car where examinations could be done.
    “Crazy lunatics!” the doctor muttered forcefully as we worked to put up a curtain.  “Blowing up a train for no apparent reason.”
    “Marta and Charlie were just returning from Santa Fe on their honeymoon,” I informed him.
    “Hmmm, some wedding gift,” he muttered again.  Then when we arrived back to where Marta was lying he gave some orders.  “I’ll be checking those who are severely wounded in that car,” he pointed.  “You two,” motioning to Charlie and me, “grab her, gently as possible and carry her inside.”
    Marta gasped as we picked her up.  It was hard to carry her up the steps into the car and then make the turn into the car.  I could see that Marta was gritting her teeth.
    We layed her down on one of the seats.  “Now if you gentlemen would be kind enough to leave.”  Charlie and I went and stood at the entrance stepping outside making sure the door was closed so more cold air wouldn’t enter the car.
    Twenty minutes later, the doctor stepped out and motioned for us to come in.  “I can’t be absolutely sure, but I don’t think there are any internal injuries.  Some broken ribs and a bad concussion for sure.  She should probably ride back to Taos.  Now, help get her back to the warmth of the fire.”
    After we got her situated by one of the fires Molly stooped down to stay with her.  Lucas, with tears in his eyes, looked at her.  I put my hand on his shoulder.  
    “Senor, Miles,” he said.  “Would it be all right if I ride with Marta and Charlie?”
    I slapped his shoulder a couple of times.  “Sure,” and reached into my pocket on my vest.  “Here, this is for helping with the horses and camp.  Buy yourself something good to eat.”
    He looked at the single-eagle I had placed in his hand.  “I didn’t work that hard,” then he looked down and swallowed hard.  “I was afraid of the wolves.”
    “Lucas, Charlie’s goin’ to need help with your sister.”
    He nodded.  Molly and I had already decided that we would take the horses back.  They had brought some supplies with the train:  coffee, bacon, some beans and we took some of that to pack so we could head home.  Molly said her goodbyes to Marta and we were standing by the horses.  
    “Send a telegram when you get to Taos,” I admonished Charlie.
    It was cold when we mounted.  Sitting in the saddle I looked around and a thought came to me so I mentioned it to Molly.  “Funny, how the wolves didn’t bother The horses.”
——————
This Day in the Texas Revolution:  James Fannin leaves Refugio with his troops and assumes command at the Presidio in Goliad.

There were two, maybe three wolves outside the make-shift tent.  Glancing around the camp I spotted a pile of wood, that made me feel some better as I didn’t figure the wolves would try and enter as long as I kept the fire going.  Problem is, there wasn’t enough fuel for the night.  It was cold and it was going to get colder.  There were two bedrolls, I could stay warm, but once the fire died down, plus the dead body of Ebert, well, it was an open invitation for those varmints.
    I could go out a blasting and probably get back to the train before darkness set in, but, as I looked at the body, I promised him, and I knew what those wolves would do.  They would tear it completely apart, gorging themselves upon the flesh and organs.
    My thoughts went back to Molly and the others at the train.  They would be expecting me.  Then the thought struck me, no, she wouldn’t come looking for me.  None of them should be out here with the cold and the hunger of the wolves.  They usually didn’t bother humans, and they shouldn’t be that hungry.  The winter hadn’t been hard as of yet.
    Then I heard another howl, and it wasn’t a wolf.  It was the snarling cackle of real evil, the Pale Rider.  It brought a grim smile from me.  This is the second time he has tried to get me with wolves.  The last time was about five years ago or so, time seems to pass by so quickly, up near Meeker when I was helping Juanita and her mother out.  It was a severe winter and we most barely made it.
    I saw a glimpse of fur where the canvas was tied down.  I fired, heard a yelp then the savage attack of the wolves on their wounded mate.  Reaching down I snatched the bandana off the neck of the dead man and rigged up a sling for the shotgun and slung it over my right shoulder.  Then checking my pistol I made sure I had six cartridges loaded.  Stooping I picked up the body, which was becoming stiff and slung it over my left shoulder.  
    Easing back the canvas, I looked to the left and saw the snarling animals tearing at the wounded wolf.  Then a snarl in front of me.  Something leapt at me.  I threw the body I was carrying at it and fell letting the wolf go over me.  He was tangled briefly with the body of Ebert while I struggled to get my pistol out.  My coat was in the way, so I pulled the shotgun off my shoulder and swung it as hard as I could, hitting the wolf along its jowls.  I thought that at least he wouldn’t be eating anything.  It gave enough time to fire one barrel from the Greener.  At that range the blast lifted the wolf up and managed him into mincemeat.
    Momentarily it scared the others away as well.  Laying the shotgun on the ground I reached for my burden sling him again over my shoulder then reached and picked up the Greener and started on my way.  It was dark now but I knew the way back to the train, plus I could see the glow of the fires they had made.  I just needed to watch my step; I surely didn’t want to twist and ankle or break a leg out here.
    I was sweating, but I wasn’t worried about that right now.  Normally, I wouldn’t rush like this and get a layer of sweat on my body with this severed cold, but I would soon be able to get by a fire.  Then I heard the sound of the wolves, it had changed.  They were now on my trail.  Only about a quarter mile away.  They would be upon me.  There was a small outcropping of rock.  Laying down the body, I blew on my hands then leveled the shotgun.
    There were still four of them I could see.  They had slowed, knowing that I had stopped.  As soon as I could see them I fired wanting to wound at least one of them hoping they would turn upon him as they did the others.  Cutting loose with the other barrel, I hit one.  I think I broke it leg and it yelped hobbling.  Only this time they didn’t turn on him; I could see them slowly moving on me.
    Dropping the Greener, I pulled my pistol and waited.  Then a shot, a yelp.  With that I fired, hitting another one.  Now there was confusion and they were turning on each other.
    “Miles!” came the shout.  It was Theo.
    “Over here,” I answered.  “I’m starting to move back.”
    “I can see your shape, just keep going straight back.  I’m coming with you.”
    Within minutes I was back with the refugees of the train.  Molly was standing by one of the fires looking out into the dark as my shape came into view.  “Are you hurt?” she asked softly, then, “Who’s that?”
    “This here was Clem Ebert.  He and his brother Silas were the ones that blew up the train and shot Charlie,” I said as I dropped Clem to the ground.
    I reached for Molly and gave her a big hug.  “Wolves,” I said with a heavy sigh.  “Lots of them.”
    Theo was there next to us.  “I don’t reckon they’ll bother us, but just in case we’ll keep the fires burnin’ hot and men posted with guns.”
    “Where’s Lucas?” I asked wanting him to know that he didn’t have to worry.
    Wolves began to howl…

I reckoned it was the blood that drew the wolves. They normally don’t fool around with men, but with the blood scent in the air they figure there are weak or dead folk around.  Winter time, and they’re just looking for an easy meal; kinda like a boarder waiting for his hash in one of them boarding houses.
    “Lucas, why don’t you go with Charlie and round up some buckets.  I’m goin’ for a meander in the woods,” I suggested to him as his eyes were still wide with fright every time one of those wolves would send up a howl.  From the sound there must be more than a half dozen.  He and Lucas headed on up to the car looking first there and then on to the caboose.
    “Theo, I’m goin’ straight out, and then veer to the right.  Did Charlie tell you his horse was shot?” I asked.
    He looked shocked.  “After the explosion?”
    “Right after the explosion and he made sure that Marta was alive, he came out of the car to survey the damage.  Someone took a shot at him,” I gazed around and pointed, “most likely from over in that bunch of rocks.  I’m goin’ there to take a look.”
    “Be careful; I’ll go check on those inside the canvased-off area.  See if they have enough fuel for the night; get some of the men to go out and gather,” he paused, then continued.  “It’s gonna be cold since the snow stopped.  Reckon it’ll get close to zero or below.”
    “Better make sure they go in twos and carry weapons; those wolves are gettin’ right friendly.  You might consider putting fires in four corners and the people inside them.  It’ll keep them warmer, but it will take a bunch of wood.  Also might keep the wolves at bay.”
    I moved slowly toward the rocks that was probably a little over fifty yards away.  I doubted if I would see any tracks since the snow, but a person never knows what might pop up.  Theo was right about one thing; it was cold.  I knew I could count on him; he was an old-timer who’d seen his share of troubles.
    Going to the rocks I tried to picture myself in a position to fire on the train.  I went to different places in the rocks.  I would get myself in position and try to imagine what happened.  There was one spot where a person had a clear view of the last door on the passenger car and the baggage car.  It made me think that he could have been the one to detonate the dynamite at this spot.  As I pulled myself up two unexpected things happened.  I looked down and there was a spent .44-40 cartridge and then I got a whiff of smoke.
    Following my inclinations I tried to figure on where the smoke might be coming from and headed off in that direction.  I walked careful and easy.  It was so cold that the snow was crunching under my feet.  I didn’t want to go too far, but when I picked up another nose-full I kept going.  I had walked maybe a half-mile and then I saw it, down in a little cleft between rocks was a fire.  I couldn’t see the flames as the rocks were covered with a canvas, but the glow was showing.  
    It was getting on toward dark, and I didn’t want to be out here in the dark, plus the fact that my toes were getting cold.  I waited and then I heard a howl off to my right and a commotion.  A man was running–chased by a wolf.  I watched him getting closer to the fire and then he stumbled and fell.  The wolf was upon him, tearing at him.  I was taking aim at the wolf when from the far side another joined in the fray.  He was screamed as the wolves were ripping at his flesh, trying to get at the soft underparts where the body organs lay.  
    I fired, hitting one of the wolves and it fell off whimpering.  The other wolf sorta jumped, but then went back after the man.  Then a shot came my direction from the campsite.  Turning my attention in that direction I unleased several shots, and heard a grunt.  Slowly I moved toward the fire; I heard nothing from the man who had been attacked, only the snarling of the wolf and ripping of flesh.
    “Comin’ in!” I hollered.  “Any movement and I’ll start shootin’ again.”  All I heard was a groan.
    As I entered the little canvas lean-to I saw a man laying on the ground, bleeding from where my bullet had found his stomach.  There was fear in his eyes.  “Don’t let those wolves have me, please.  I know I’m dyin’, but I don’t want to be torn apart.”
    “Start talkin’.  Got a name?”
    “Clem Ebert, the fella out there is my brother, Silas,” he moaned, in pain and in fear.  “They got him, didn’t they?”
    I nodded and said, “Yep, I tried to help, but you started shooting at me and made me take my attention from him.”
    His eyes widened.  “I killed my brother,” he started crying.  “You won’t leave me to the wolves?  You’ll bury me!”
    “I’ll stay until you’re dead.  Tough life, livin’ on this side of the law.  Tell me, Merker behind this?”
    “Yes,” he groaned.  “I’m thirsty.”
    “You better be makin’ your peace with the Almighty.”
    His eyes widened further, “Too late.”  He clutched at his stomach.
    “Never too late until your dead,” I urged.  Then came the sounds of the wolves, howling and I could hear them outside the canvas…