Settling

Previously:

“I am grateful for your offer,” Bluster replied, “and will accept it. When this is over, Mr. Kidd, we can find a permanent replacement for you. Thank you so much.”

Mayor Bluster hired Kidd on the spot and swore him in—there were plenty of witnesses to make it official. McLintock shook his hand, “Marshal? Have you a place to stay?”

“I was about to head over to the hotel…”

“Nonsense! We have plenty of room at the ranch. That way, come morning you’ll have a twenty-man posse ready to go.”

“Thank you, sir. I believe I’ll take you up in that kind offer.”

Season VI, Chapter 4 Predators and Victims, Episode 13:

There was no suspicion what-so-ever among the locals that McLintock & Kidd were already associates; they’d done a perfect job of setting the town up for a takeover, but for one small detail—the mayor. Bluster would have to be replaced by one of their own—or bought out.

Marshal’s Camp & Triple Bar X Ranch

The Triple Bar-X Ranch was just west and a little north of Dreadwood along the east bank of South Fork of the White River (today the Little White River).

The Triple Bar-X Ranch

The Triple Bar-X Ranch itself consisted of a very large main house of log construction, directly behind was the bunkhouse and main barn. The ranch raised mustangs, popular with Dakota Territory cowboys. In the distance, if you look closely at the illustration, you may see the South Fork of the White River through the treeline. Although they paid top dollar for the spread, Kidd & McLintock figured the ranch alone would soon pay dividends far beyond its price. They might be correct.

The McIntyre party reunited at their new headquarters-campsite just west of Murdo and north of the White River. The camp was obscured from all sides by trees and was invisible from casual observation short of passing through the trees and brush surrounding it. There was a fresh water stream flowing nearby—most helpful for the daily consumption of coffee and keeping the brown ale cool.

The McIntyre party reunited at their new headquarters-campsite

Having sentient canines in their band proved essential, the dogs were quite happy to provide security for the camp by serving as sentries—sentries whose vision, hearing and olfactory senses were not easily fooled.

And so they settled in—and waited.

To Be Continued…