Chapter six

KATE AND JESSIE spent the rest of the afternoon wandering about the auction pens. Jessie pointed out her herd and explained some of their history to Kate.

"Our stock is pure Appaloosa - Plains Indian bred - with a little wild mustang thrown in to make 'em tough. My father was one of the first ranchers in this area. He was on his way to the Oregon territory with all the other fools looking for gold when my mother convinced him that land was where the real value lay, or so he told it." Jessie leaned a foot up on the rail and dangled her forearms over the top of the corral, watching one particularly frisky colt kick up his heels. "Back then the Indians and the settlers got along pretty well, before the Indians started getting crowded out of their land. They traded freely with the first settlers, including bartering their horses for supplies that the expeditions brought. My father found himself a couple of hands as crazy as him, and he started chasing down the wild horses to build our line. There were no reservations on the northern plains either. As long as he stayed clear of the Indian hunting grounds, there wasn't any problem." She frowned. "All the problems started when the damn Army started telling the Indians where they had to live."

Jessie looked quickly at Kate. "Sorry for the cussing, Kate."

Kate shook her head. "I won't faint from a word, Jessie."

Kate had heard of the 'Indian troubles', but until then it had seemed very much like the war with the South. Something that didn't really affect her. Suddenly, it seemed much more important. Questions tumbled out one after the other, and they didn't notice the sun starting to set until a brisk breeze caused Kate to shiver slightly and pull her shawl tightly about her.

Jessie looked up at the sky, amazed that she had lost track of time. That was something she never did. "Lord, Kate. It's 'most suppertime! You should be getting back."

Kate shook her head in protest. "Oh no! There's so much I want to know! Plus," she added impulsively, "I'm having too much fun!"

Jessie laughed, twirling her hat between her long, graceful fingers. "So am I, but won't your parents worry?"

Kate sighed. "Probably, despite the fact that I'm eighteen and quite capable of looking after myself."

"I expect you are," Jessie said seriously, "but this isn't Boston, Kate. Young women can't be out wandering after dark. I'll take you home."

"And I suppose you're quite safe?" Kate retorted, a storm threatening in her eyes. She would not have Jessie thinking of her as a child!

Jessie stared at her, confused by her sudden anger. "Kate," she said softly, "I'm not like you. There isn't a man in this town who would try to take advantage of me."

Kate blushed, understanding her meaning, and feeling foolish for not realizing that Jessie had only been thinking of her safety. It had nothing to do with her age, and much more to do with the gun on Jessie's thigh.

"I'm sorry," Kate said swiftly.

Jessie shook her head. "No need. Now let's get you home. Where is it?"

"At the other end of town, near the south fork."

Walking through town, they passed townspeople making their way home and cowboys lounging on the sidewalks. With Jessie striding confidently beside her, Kate realized that she had never felt so free, and yet so secure.

As they approached the gate in front of Kate's home, Jessie stopped. "I'll say goodnight now, Kate," Jessie said quietly.

"Come in for supper, please," Kate said suddenly, placing her hand on Jessie's arm. "It's the least I can do after you walked all this way."

Jessie looked away, uncomfortable. "No, thank you, Kate. I've got to check on the stock anyhow. You go on in."

Kate frowned slightly and faced Jessie squarely. "I had a wonderful time, Jessie. Thank you."

Jessie smiled, her eyes meeting Kate's. "No need to thank me for something I enjoyed more than anything I can recall in a long time."

It was Kate's turn to smile. She stood on the porch for long minutes until Jessie's retreating form blended into the night.