CHAPTER 32
In their letter, the survey company listed the many things that would cost more money.
Raids by hostile Indians
Too many rattlesnakes gathered in one area
Vigilantes stopping work and threatening workers
Harassment by people opposed to surveying
Mad bulls charging survey crews
Prairie fires
Tornados and bad storms
Long said, in his return letter, he accepted their terms and would meet them on the first day at the point where they would start. Long went to town and mailed that off. Next the mercantile. Mr. Garner, at the mercantile in Junction, told Long he had ten spools of smooth wire coming from a recommended supplier, and also apologized saying he had no idea people even made poor-quality wire. Long thanked him.
When he got home that afternoon, Jan and Carter were in his office waiting for him.
“Hi. What’s going on?”
“Juanita wants to move to San Antonio,” she said.
“Good news huh?”
“She expects us to move her there.”
“Rogers can do that and once off the ranch she can pay him not us.”
“She doesn’t know how much she will take along, but it will require three or four wagons,” Carter said.
“I will gladly hire them to have her off and gone. When she is gone, do you want to live up there?”
Jan shook her head. “That is not a warm house for me.”
“It must be for all the wood she burns up there.”
Carter agreed, almost grinning.
“That is not what I mean.”
“I know. But once she is gone we can do what we want to do with all those rooms.” He could still hardly believe it was that large.
“Let’s get this going. What do we have to do?” Carter asked.
“Get a date she will leave. Tell Rogers the plan, and she will be told if she wants him, she must pay him.”
“She is so afraid of a shadow she will keep him,” Carter said.
“My thoughts exactly. I’ll handle it in the morning.”
“How did your day go?” Jan asked.
“Like I expected it to go. I am pleased that Rob and Boone are running the two herds from here. I know they will get them there barring a big storm.”
“You were lucky to find them two,” Carter said.
“I put them in charge of another ranch and when they thanked me, they told me they could now afford to get married. Once I saw this place, I knew if I was ever going to get this ranch going right, I would need them here with me.”
“Damn good move. I’m tired. Good night, Long.” He chuckled and left them.
They went into the bedroom and climbed into their bed.
“Aren’t you excited?” she asked him under the covers.
“Yes. Two cattle drives smoothly out of here and Juanita leaving is a big load off me.”
“Did I sound too bossy, in front of Carter, telling you that I didn’t want that house?”
“No. I didn’t know if you’d changed your mind. This office is kinda shabby.”
“No, not if you’re here.”
That’s why he loved her so damn much.