a fortune. Look at those lines. Have you ever seen a better put together horse?”
“He has great lines. Do you know his breeding?”
“Sure. He’s by Rocking Fellow out of Affectionately Mine and is a direct line of Top Deck. He’s going to be great at halter and conformation as well as performance. I hope to take him in halter next month in the Horse Show and Rodeo at St. Ignatius. I have about half a dozen that I’d like to make the show part of their training. I’m going to have to find some young people who are willing to learn how to care for horses and show them properly. I can’t afford to pay a large sum, but I’ll give free riding lessons and a nominal salary.”
“More power to you. I think you’re a woman of the future. Is there something I can do to help? And you won’t have to pay me. St. Ignatius? When did they start having shows and rodeos?”
“Not too long ago. They’re a surprisingly very modern city even though they are mostly on the Flathead Indian Reservation. I love going there to shop because it’s only seven miles from my house and I can usually find all I want or need. Otherwise, I go to Billings.”
“Okay Ginger, help me out here. I’ve been there, of course, but not in several years. What’s going on there?”
“Well, it is in Lake County and was established in about 1854 in Mission Valley by Jesuit Priests. The town was named after Saint Ignatius Loyola. In it was the first residence school for Native American children, the first hospital and the first saw mill. Indians and missionaries worked together to build the beautiful mission church which is a tourist attraction. Friar Joseph Carignano painted some gorgeous murals on the interior walls. They are worth a trip just to see them.”
“Is the population only Indian now?”
“The majority is. It’s about eighty per cent Indian with Salish, Kootenal and Flathead Indians. There are a lot of German speaking Amish farmers who make excellent neighbors. The horse show and rodeo is to earn money to support a retirement and nursing home for seniors. There is a Senior Citizens Community Center for social gatherings and meetings. Tim Ryan, the country singer, is a resident and Diane Sands in House of Representatives, was born there.”
“Fascinating,” he said with a grin. “No, seriously, that’s wonderful. So it’s a small but growing town. I understand.”
“Grandfather was active in the Cattlemen’s Association that met in St. Ignatius and everyone knew him and liked him.”
“I can believe that. He was a man worth knowing; honest, hard-working, reliable, and determined to make this a better place for everyone.”
“James, since you left, there have been some farmers trying the new organic farming. They even have a farmers’ market now. People come from all around to buy and sightsee.”
“I’m glad to hear that. This is a thriving community then.”
“Oh, yes. The Indians on the Flathead Reservation are much better off than those on other reservations because the soil is great for raising crops and feeding animals on the natural grasses. They are not poverty stricken as others are. There are lots of trout in the waters for food.’”
“So there’s plenty to eat and work to do.’
“That’s correct. A source of amusement for the tourists is the name of the county seat of Lake County. It’s named Poison after David Poison, one of the earlier settlers. There are more women than men, and the average income has been listed as thirty-four thousand a year. The Salish Kootenal College attracts a lot of people because of its great rating.”
“It seems as if the place as taken off into the wild blue yonder while I was away. I’m proud to be part of this community.”
“Me, too. Juanita’s mother actually raised me. Juanita and I grew up together even though she’s six years older. Her mother died three years ago and Juanita, thankfully, decided to stay on. Hank and the men have been my guardian angels and I’m so blessed to have all of them.”
“I know. I’m thankful, too, for your sake. Well, if I can’t help, I’ll go.”
Chapter Three
The following Friday, Ginger and Hank attended the bimonthly meeting of The Cattlemen’s Association at the north end of Third Avenue near Airport Road.
Alan Barker, owner of the Double B cattle ranch, had been elected president of the Association. He called the meeting to order and then welcomed everyone. He called attention to Ginger and gave her a warm welcome as representative of her beloved grandfather. Hank reminded them that she was now the only owner.
Alan then asked Lisa Swift, Secretary and Treasurer, to read the minutes of the last meeting. Ginger was shocked to hear of the number of cattle missing and mustangs stolen from various properties. She knew Lisa was the wife of Dave Swift and they owned the Circle S Guest Ranch (Dude Ranch). They had reported their guests being shot at while on trail rides through the mustang areas.
Belinda Mercer, wife of Sheriff Brandon Mercer, had reported that her husband had contacted the Reservation Police and the National Park Rangers for cooperation. It wasn’t just in their area. There were thieves in many surrounding states. Belinda assisted Lisa when necessary.
Barry Morton and his wife, Glenda, owners of the Rocking M, had expressed appreciation for the Sheriff and all the law officers. They pointed out that this was a large area and the officers could not cover everything at once. Ranchers would have to do their part and patrol their own property.
There were no corrections to the minutes, so Alan asked for new business.
Daniel Grey Wolfe stood with his arm and shoulder bandaged and his arm in a sling. He reported that during the week, some men had gotten bolder and came in closer to his house where his wife and children were. He and his men had fired at them only after the intruders opened fire on Daniel and his men. His horse had been shot dead and fell on him.
Roy Service, owner of the Elk Run Ranch, Vice President of the Association, suggested that everyone hire more hands and patrol better. Several talked at once stating they could not afford to hire more hands. Ginger sat quietly, knowing she couldn’t afford to hire more.
James stood, and was warmly welcomed. He said a list of ranchers, phone numbers, addresses, and how to get in touch should be distributed to everyone. Then if a rancher had trouble, the nearest neighbor could be called for help or alerted to trouble. His suggestion was approved and Lisa and Belinda promised to get that done as quickly as possible.
There was no more business, so the meeting was adjourned. There were refreshments for those who wanted to stay and socialize. It was difficult for the ranchers, and their families, to get together much, so they enjoyed this time together.
Ginger was pensive on the way home. Hank was quiet because he wanted to think. They could not afford to hire more hands and the men they now had were working overtime. The human body could stand just so much. What could be done?
Juanita had waited up anxiously for Ginger, wanting to hear about what had been discussed. She was heart sick knowing that Ginger didn’t have much ready cash. All ranchers had land, machinery and animals, but very little actual money. They would just have to keep praying and keep their minds on what was going on around them so that a law breaker could not sneak up on them.
