The Rustlers

Previously:

“I figure the only reason you didn’t draw when you first saw me is because you thought you might be able to convince me to work for you. A wrong assumption.”

Kidd panicked and went for his guns, alas—again Boomer was quicker, “Don’t! I’d hate to kill my new employee. I’m taking over. You want to live?”

Season VI, Chapter 5 Coldwater Ranch, Episode 17:

Daisy could not believe what she’d just heard and seen, She knew the plan and her Alpha-Jack had just betrayed her—and their friends, “Cujo! I need you—now!”

After hour of hard riding the Cooper party found the Blackmon party, but not McLintock’s rustlers—which was disturbing. Susie immediately came up with a plan, “The Coopers, Larry, Doc Shouse, PepperCooper, Buttons and I will ride out to find McLintock’s men. Samuel here will be the round-up boss with the remaining wranglers. Where IS that damn bird?”

“You start looking for a bunch of cowboys, get going before you become dinner!”

“I’m here!”

“You start looking for a bunch of cowboys, get going before you become dinner!”

Samuel Carpenter was stunned by two things: that he was put in charge by this tall woman and he actually understood her conversation with a—pigeon! “I reckon they’ll hit us tonight when we reach the river crossin’, that’s what I’d do.”

Hours later, the dogs & Flutters found McLintock’s men in position overlooking the river crossing, and Flutters passed the information to Susie. Carpenter had four of his wranglers standing night-watch on the herd while the rest bedded down for the night.

Leaving their horses behind, Blackmon’s people quietly got into position behind the rustlers and just before dawn…

“Hello, fellas, nice morning for rustling!”

“Hello, fellas, nice morning for rustling!” Jay Cooper shouted. They were outnumbered by the rustlers twelve to five, but surprise is the great equalizer…They went for their guns, and Susie and Chris dropped two with two quick shots, and the rest quickly decided against drawing their guns and raised their hands.

“I am sorry, Daisy,” Cujo said, sadness in her voice, “This is a surprise to me as well, you must deal with this and stay by Alpha-Jack’s side and hope for the best.”

“Should I try to convince him he’s doing the wrong thing?”

“Should I try to convince him he’s doing the wrong thing?”

“You can try…”

To be Continued…