Chapter 7

We had been on the trail for ten days and our routine was starting to settle in. Everyone was anxious to get to Colorado and most everyone was hitched up and ready to go just about the time the sun came up.

We’d seen no trouble but my life lately had not helped me become a trusting soul. I caught up to Jed as he scouted and asked to talk.

“Go ahead.”

“We got a good number of wagons and I’m pretty sure most will stand hitched if trouble comes. What bothers me is some of us ain’t as well heeled as others. The Finns got good weapons even if they aren’t familiar with them. Your original group could use an upgrade, and well, the Mennonites would be in a world of hurt with what they’re carrying right now. The fact is that we have to depend on each other and I’d hate to think while I was blazin’ away with a Winchester the guy beside me was using a single shot cap and ball rifle.”

Jed nodded. “I been thinkin’ along the same lines. I’m shore you got a suggestion or you wouldn’t be bringing it up.”

I grinned. Just before we were about to leave the deputy that kept me from trying to kill the jeweler accusing me of theft strolled up. “Walk with me. I got somethin’ to run by you.”

I was always respectful of the law so we headed towards the sheriff’s office. “I hear you buy just about anything if you can get a bargain. Ever consider buyin’ guns?”

I wasn’t about to tell him I had cases of brand new Colts and Winchesters but I did smile. “Guns are a big thing where I’m goin’. Why?”

By then we were in the office and he unlocked a back room. It was full to the rafters with weapons of all sorts. Winchesters, Henrys, a lot of single shot rifles of different calibers, and four buffalo rifles in 45/70. There were a lot of double and single barrel shotguns, and all kinds of pistols. Colts, Smith & Wessons, Remingtons, Griswalds, Starrs, a few Webleys, even an old Volcanic.

He grinned at the look on my face. “These mostly belonged to dead outlaws or men sent to prison. The locals used to buy them but they got to where they wouldn’t give us diddly. The Sheriff says he’ll make you a really good deal to take them off his hands. It’ll give the office money to run on and tweak the locals. Maybe they’ll pay a fairer price next time.”

I talked to the Sheriff and he was true to his word. I gave him less than half what they were worth and he seemed happy. I got all the ammunition, gunbelts, and other supplies as part of the deal. I remembered the last time and we loaded them late at night, away from prying eyes.

It took most of my ready cash but I still had some jewelry I’d kept in reserve, and I knew Herr Strausman would buy if I needed to sell. My thoughts came back to the present.

“I think I have a solution.” I told Jed about my weapons and he grinned.

“We wuz tryin’ to come up with a way to bring it up. Ain’t that many secrets on a wagon train and your driver talked. Now ever’body knows you got guns. What are you suggesting?”

I told him and he approved.

That night we held a Council meeting, men and women both, and Jed told them what I offered. No one objected.

The next day was Sunday and we had all voted that we wouldn’t travel on Sundays unless it was absolutely necessary. We took the time to rest and tend to the stock, mend gear, the women would wash clothes if they had water, and we always tried to look for a grove of trees for shade. There would be a service, conducted by Preacher Jeffires or one of the Mennonites or Finns. Everyone attended and then we’d socialize and share a big meal.

The girls and boys of sparkin’ age would get together, always under a watchful eye, and they’d flirt, even if they didn’t understand what the other was sayin’. The kids would pack up and play games and run until they collapsed wherever they happened to be. Eight men always stood guard, watching every point of the compass. Jed insisted and we all thought it was a good idea.

After the service Jed got everyone’s attention and told them about our plan. I would sell them weapons and if they couldn’t afford them I’d lend them until the end of the trail, but they had to buy the ammunition. The Mennonite men got a repeating rifle and a handgun, and a few of the others got uprgrades. I handed out thirty shotguns exclusively to women, figuring if we were attacked and it got up close and personal they would be a handy thing to have. Melanie had taught me that.

The council made everyone sign for their weapon or make a mark beside their name if they couldn’t write.