I hadn’t been able to pinpoint where they were, but I knew in my gut that sooner or later they would show up.  Clem had informed me that there were more men waiting to get me.
    “Hello the camp!” came a yell from the trees beyond my sight.  “Can we come in?”
    At least they were observing camp courtesy.  It would have been smarter for them to come blasting in.  “Sure come on in, but be sure I can see your hands.”
    Three men rode in, hands in sight like I ordered.  I was standing off to the back and off to one side of the fire.  I had my coat on and a blanket draped around me, my gun out of sight under the blanket.  I was holding the Greener in my left hand.
    “Cold night,” remarked one of the men.  “Mind if we dismount and warm ourselves?”
    “Go ahead,” I replied.  Only three, I just had the feeling there were at least four, maybe five.  I wasn’t comfortable in the situation, but it was what I had so I’d play it out.
    “Ahhh, coffee,” spoke up another in anticipation.  “Any left?”
    “Should be,” I uttered.  “You’ll need your own cup.”
    “Fine, fine, I’ll get it from my bag.”
    The other two men moved closer to the fire.  “Just be sure all you come back with is a cup,” I warned.
    Stooping down by the fire the man who spoke up first started in again.  “You don’t seem to be a very trusting soul.”
    “Nope.  Three men out in the cold, just wanderin’ about.  Reckon it just doesn’t look right, so you’re right, I’m not very trustin’.”
    The man had come back with his cup and handed it toward me.  “Mind pouring me a cup?”
    “Yep,” I said.  “Don’t see where your arm’s broke or any maimed fingers.”
    “Okay, no problem,” he said reaching for the coffeepot.
    “He’s not a very courteous man,” spoke up the one who had been speaking.  “In fact, he’s been quite rude.”
    “Good coffee,” said the man after taking a sip.
    “Mind if we stay the night in the camp?” asked the man as he put his hands over the fire to warm them.  I could see all their hands now with the flames flickering upward.  
    “Yep.”
    “That’s no way for a civilized person to treat his fellow man.”
    “Never been called ‘civilized,'” I replied.  “There’s plenty of country out there, plenty of wood available and as you don’t seem to like my company…”
    The lead man continued to talk.  “You’re worth quite a bit of money to us,” he stopped and glanced at Molly.  I didn’t know there would be a bonus in it for us.  Merker didn’t say anything about a woman.”
    He started to rise and I threw myself to ground, firing as I went down.  I felt the bullet graze the back of my neck.  My first bullet caught the man who was still stooped at the fire; the one who hadn’t said anything.  It hit him and he fell back against the man standing knocking him off balance.  My second shot caught the standing man along with my third.  Then I started crawling as fast as I could toward the darkness.  After I hovered down in the brush I glanced back and saw that Molly had shot the other man with the rifle she had with her.  I had to find that fourth man.
    The man that Molly shot was on the ground groaning.  “Ring, help me.”
    “Forrest!” came a voice from the darkness.  “Throw out your gun!  I have the woman in my gunsights!”
    I didn’t answer.  I was trying to get a bead on the voice.  
    “I won’t say it again!  I’ll shoot her!”
    I holstered my pistol and cocked both barrels on the shotgun.  Taking a deep breath, I sighed, stood up slowly then let out a howl like I’d heard those southern boys use during the war.  I charged toward the sound and let lose with both barrels…
————————
Today in the Texas Revolution:  Fannin attempts his relief march to the Alamo but turns back.  R.M. Williamson arrives in Gonzales to help organize Alamo relief forces there.

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…